Disclaimer: I own nothing

Warnings: Yaoi, Lemons (Later on though), Maybe Mpreg (BIG maybe I'll let you guys decide).

Review Answers For Chapter 4:

Dragon77: I never thought of that one! I'll see if I can somehow make it work.

Batman01: That's actually one of my ideas for the ending. I'm a sucker for tragic endings. I'm one of those "happy endings are so boring" people. I'm having a hard time deciding on a good or bad ending because I've written up both just to see. And I like them equally. I'll probably decide what's going to happen as the story continues but thank you so much for your suggestions!

random person: Kawii moment! Sorry, those two are just so flipping adorable!

Melyway: Why thank you! The beginning with Naruto and Sasuke was my favorite part!

Hannahneko: I think their baby is going to be adorable! Don't worry I've got this!

Ougley: Thank you, and your very welcome.

Haruka Uzumaki21: Thank you!

Rosebunse: Thank you, don't worry there will be happier times!

LouiseUchiha: I'm sorry but I can't tell you~

Kate-Rin-Rin-Rin: Naruto kissed Sasuke's forehead because he loves him, they have feeling for each other but haven't been able to say anything aloud yet. If that makes any sense. Sasuke explains why he is so different in this chapter. Yes I have decided to do the Mpreg, I think it'll be adorable.

Itsumolover: thank you! I can't wait either and I'm writing the story. I'll try to go easy on the fluff.

Confessions and Birthday Celebrations

It had been just over a month since Naruto had come home. Since he was still healing, and Tsunade was worried about his health he was not allowed to go out on long-termed missions. Much to his annoyance, to fill his time he either trained or spent time helping Sasuke with therapy.

Sasuke was doing great, he still couldn't walk very far but he was able at least move around. He wouldn't be able to be a shinobi every again, the results from tests showed his chakra reserves were extremely low. Naruto had a suspicion that low reserves were because of Orochimaru. He tried to talk to Sasuke about it but the raven almost always had panic attacks.

Sasuke had changed a lot. He was no longer the annoying man he had once been. He was polite and gentle instead, he was terrified of needles oddly enough, even though he had an IV in his arm. Naruto had figured out that he was only afraid when he either couldn't see them or didn't know there was one going to be given. He was still quiet but it was more of a thoughtful silence since he now talked when people spoken to him. The raven was still stubborn much to Naruto's annoyance.

Tsunade and the council had decided to allow the Uchiha to live with Naruto due to the face that Naruto was the only person to get Sasuke to do something.

Naruto jerked awake hearing his room's door open, he had been moved into a bigger apartment with two rooms, a bathroom, a full kitchen, and living room. The reason they had moved into the apartment instead of the Uchiha compound was, because the apartment was smaller and easier to move around it, plenty of things to use as support. Plus Sasuke had told him that he didn't want to live in the compound, it was too big and empty.

Hearing the familiar footsteps of the Uchiha he looked over and smiled tiredly since he never slept well due to nightmares. Reaching out he carefully took the pale hand that reached out in the darkness, he may able to see perfectly but he had learn that without the Sharingan Sasuke was practically blind in the dark. The smaller male crawled into the bed wiggling under the covers, Naruto chuckled wrapping the arm Sasuke had laid on around the thin waist and letting the cool body press into his warm one.

"Another nightmare?" He asked in a soft whisper. The raven nodded his head, pale hands gripping the fabric of the blonde's shirt. The taller male sighed softly resting his head against the other male's head gently. "I'll take them away, go to sleep alright?"

Naruto felt the male nod and listened as the breathes softened and become more relaxed. On the second night they had moved into the apartment Sasuke had fallen while trying to make his way to Naruto's room causing the blonde to think they were under attack. After cautiously turning on the light and walking silently into the hall he found the Uchiha on the floor trying to get up. Once he scooped the light, shaking male up the raven immediately tried to bury himself into the blonde. Realizing the death grip on his shirt wasn't about to loosen he turned into his room turned the light off and settled them into the bed. Ever since Sasuke always found his way into his bed. Naruto did not mind though he knew the smaller was relaxed and safe.

"Naru?..." The soft whispered voice was so delicate if it wasn't for his sensitive hearing he probably would have missed it. He smiled fondly at the nickname that Sasuke had given him one day after he heard Gaara call the blonde a similar nickname of 'Ruto'.

"Mm?.." Naruto didn't bother speaking as he opened his eye focusing on the smaller male.

"I...I love you..." He blinked startled, Sasuke said a lot of weird things in the middle of the night, especially in a half asleep daze. Naruto knew they both shared feelings for each other, he could tell from the faint blushes and body language from the raven, he thanked his Anbu training for being so well at it. It was the matter of confessing, every time one of them would try something would distract them. He smiled softly rubbing the male's back with his thumb.

"I love you too..." He whispered back smiling more when he heard the sharp intake of breath. The raven shifted pushing himself up to looking down at him with widened eyes, it was like he was trying to figure out if Naruto was really awake. In response Naruto just watched him calmly holding the gaze, never wavering or giving the smaller a reason to be suspicious of his response.

"R-really?" Sasuke choked out mismatched eyes watering slightly tears trickling down, some hitting the blonde's face. A least they were happy tears, he was fine with those, it was sad tears that were the problem, the blonde was never good at calming people down. Naruto smiled gently cupping the pale face and whipping away the tears with his thumb before pulling him down. Pushing their lips together softly he slid tans arms around the thin waist as pale arms wrapped around his neck. Their mouths moved slowly, the kiss was gentle filled with the emotions they had problems saying out loud, both of them having major social problems, actions spoke louder then words after all. Pulling away Sasuke pressed their foreheads together as his fingers played with the blonde hair on the back on Naruto's neck. "How long?"

"Since the day we first met as kids." Naruto mumbled pressing a kiss to the soft lips before pulling softly away, yup he immediately knew he was addicted. "And you?" Sasuke nodded blushing softly making the blonde laugh and poke one of the pink tinted cheeks.

"Same for me..." He whispered softly.

"I'm not letting you go." Naruto said firmly pulling the male closer and rolling over carefully causing the raven to blush even more at the shift in how they were laying. Now on their sides Sasuke was pressed gently to Naruto, the raven cuddled in tangling their legs together. "Mmm, you like to cuddle don't you...?" Naruto yawned softly burying his face into the silken strands of hair.

"Yup, and you're warm so I'm dubbing you my 'Human Heater'." Sasuke grinned evilly letting out a rather feminine squeak of embarrassment, much to the blonde's amusement he never thought the raven would make such a sound, as Naruto nipped at his shoulder before kissing it softly.

"Okay, then you're my 'Human Cooler'." He mumbled watching the now red faced male burrow under the covers. "I can still see you..."

"No I'm hiding!" Sasuke huffed squirming to get out of the sight that was watching him closely.

"You know I'm still trying to get used to this more vulnerable you..." Naruto mumbled scratching the back of his neck nervously.

"Is it bad?" Sasuke peeked out of the covers.

"No it's more...you..." Naruto admitted, "I like it...but why the sudden change in everything?"

"O-oh..." The raven mumbled softly moving out from his hiding place and settling so his head was resting comfortably on the broad shoulder of the blonde, his fingers tracing the wrinkles in the shirt. "well..I used to be more like this as a kid...but after the massacre I decided to put on a mask for people wouldn't think I was weak...I hated it really...Soon I was trapped in it, I couldn't remember how I used to act." The raven shuddered scooting closer as if trying to hide from bad memories that plagued his mind. His head buried into the shirt voice muffled in the thin cloth he took a shaky breath before continuing. "Before I knew it I was with Orochimaru...he..he had me knocked out and manipulated my dreams to think I was training but he was actually doing experiments..I don't even know what they were...I don't even know what he did to me while I was under the genjutsus...I didn't even detect them... that..that was the strange thing, even with my sharingan I couldn't sense anything...but I knew something was wrong...I was scared, I screamed and screamed but no one heard...The war...that was the worst...my body moved on it's own it was like I was watching through my eyes but I couldn't do anything...W-when I was finally knocked out and went into the coma I decided to throw away the mask...I don't want to be the person I acted like...I want to be myself...I don't want to hide anymore...but...I'm scared, what if he's not really dead? What if he comes back for me..?" Sasuke sobbed softly shaking violently, Naruto pulled him closer if possible rubbing his back and trying to calm him down.

"I'll protect you, no matter what I'll protect you.." Naruto whispered, slowly the male settled down after a few minutes and fell asleep. Naruto breathed a sigh of relief before he too slipped into a dreamless sleep.

Soft hands gently shook his shoulder, he jerked awake instantly growling in annoyance and tightening his gentle grip around the slim waist as he buried his face into the soft hair.

"Naruto I swear I'll throw you out the window, get up!" He jumped completely awake glaring up at Sakura who stood above them with her hands on her hips. He frowned disapprovingly and grumbling in annoyance. He almost regretted going her the third key to his apartment, Sasuke and he had the others, but it was just in cause he was gone on a mission and Sasuke locked himself out of the house. It had happened once before, he had gone to a meeting with the other Anbu captains, it was quite a laugh when he walked into the apartment to Sasuke and Sakura busy making dinner. Since the kitchen was large he stepped in to help after taking off his mask. He almost gave both of them heart attacks, he had to wash his uniform after because they had gotten into a flour throwing war. Sakura had managed to get them both to be in a picture with her ever present camera. Naruto had figured out that all of the females in their group of friends were now avid photographers, although he had yet to figure out why exactly much to his own annoyance. He also had yet to take a camera from any of them, they were so damn over protective of them, it was scary.

"What'd I do...?" He yawned out untangling himself from the raven carefully before placing the body pillow from the end of the bed in the sleeping raven's arms watching as he curled into it cuddling causing the blonde to chuckled lightly. Shaking his head he shooed Sakura out before shutting the door behind him, his expression turning serious. "I found out some information..."

"Alright, lets get to the Hokage Tower, she needs to speak to you anyway." Sakura nodded, Naruto slid into his room quickly changing into his uniform. Kissing the pale forehead he slipped out of the room and was in the Hokage's Office within a minute.

"Naruto, Sakura said you've found out something?" Naruto nodded telling her the little but important information he had found out from the Uchiha. Tsunade leaned back in her chair with a sigh. "I want you to watch over Sasuke. He's weak and wouldn't be able to defend for himself if needed." Tsunade mumbled thoughtfully. "But I suspect other villages might try to take him..."

"Got it, if I'm away I'll make sure a fox or toad stays with him at all times as well." The blonde reassured her gently.

"Fox?" The older blonde looked confused.

"Yes, I sealed a contract with Kuruma, I can summon foxes now." Naruto explained.

"Alright. Go home and rest up I have paper work.." Naruto nodded disappearing into the wind before landing outside his apartment. Opening the door he stepped into the living room smiling at the sight of the Uchiha cooking breakfast, looking over his shoulder to see what the male was cooking grinning when he saw eggs and bacon on separate skillets.

"It still surprises me you can cook.." He admired causing the male to jump having not noticed him before, his senses had been brought down a lot over the years he was asleep. Sasuke smiled softly looking up at him before going onto his tip toes to press a soft kiss to the scarred cheek.

"Morning to you too." The smaller male mumbled looking still half asleep meaning he had probably just woke up, watching as Naruto walk over to the coffee machine and pouring himself a cup. He had discovered the caffeinated drink one day on a mission a few years back. Now he couldn't wake up without it. Watching the milk and sugar blend into the black substance brought it up to his lips sipping at it carefully not wanting to burn himself, ignoring the disapproving stare he got from the other male, before the attention of the smaller was turned to the food. "It's going to stunt your growth..."

Naruto looked over at the cooking male with a blank stare, of course Sasuke's back was turned to him so his gaze was useless. Leaning back against the counter he rolled his eye with a sigh, the two of them argued about the coffee almost every morning. He was thankful the raven had yet to catch him smoking or find the pack and lighter that he kept hidden using a sealing jutsu that reacted to chakra inside his hip pouch which he always wore, he was almost positive the smaller would freak out just like Sakura and Tsunade had.

"Sasuke...I'm twenty-two...I'm not growing anymore...Neither are you.." He pointed out easily watching the raven glare and just smiled calmly."Not going to work on me, I'm immune to your glares now."

The Uchiha didn't say anything but a glance to the pale figure told him the smaller was pouting. He chuckled softly into the cup and set it down before pulling the plates they would need out of the cabinets. Setting them on the table he set his cup in front of his spot before helping Sasuke bring over the food ignoring the scowl he got and the protests. They ate in silence for the most part except the tapping of chopsticks of the plate.

"Where were you this morning?" Sasuke asked suddenly causing Naruto to look up, swallowing his food he smiled faintly.

"Tsunade called me in, she wanted to know how you were doing and let me know that I am to watch over and protect you if needed...She suspects there may be of ninja that will try to come after you now that you can't defend yourself as effectively as before..." He explained softly watching Sasuke nod his acceptance. "I'll introduce you to Tika after we get done eating..."

"Tika?" Sasuke asked looking confused.

"You'll see..." Naruto chuckled softly returning to his food.

After they had finished eating and cleaned the dishes Naruto helped Sasuke to the couch since the smaller male had reached him limit for now. Once he was situated Naruto bit his thumb pressing his hand onto the table in front of them. The signs and markings of the summoning jutsu that appeared were much different then the ones he used when he summoned toads.

"You already know most of the toad and I'm not too sure it you'd appreciate having one as company when I have to leave on missions..." Naruto explained as with a shift of wind a small black fox appeared out of the circle. A Konoha head band was around it's neck, furry ears twitched softly before it's eyes opened to reveal indigo orbs.

"Master, good evening you have summoned me?" A soft female voice filled their heads causing Sasuke to jump.

"Yes, Sasuke this is Tika. Tika, this is Sasuke Kuruma has informed you of the situation correct?" Naruto smiled softly letting the small fox jump onto the couch next to him.

"Yes, I am aware." The small fox dipped her head softly to the raven. "It is a pleasure to meet you Sasuke-sama, I am honored to be given the duty to watch over you."

"It..It's a pleasure to meet you too, Tika..." Sasuke bowed his head softly in respect, Naruto leaned back watching as the fox padded across his lap and curled into Sasuke's. The blonde let out a low whistle.

"Congrats you, Sasuke are the second human for Tika to trust..." Naruto smiled softly as the raven stroked the soft fur resting his head on Naruto's shoulder.

"I am glad...I have finally gotten to meet, Naruto-sama's Sodales." Naruto twitched glaring at the fox for he knew what the word meant, while Sasuke looked confused.

"Oh yes...Sakura invited us over for dinner tonight..." Naruto said suddenly cutting off Sasuke's attempt to ask what the word meant. "She says if we don't come she's going to hunt us down." He added shuddered when he remembered her saying so when they had bumped into each other while heading to the market earlier that week.

"You told me that the other day..." Sasuke pointed out softly as Naruto just shrugged.

"Hey, Sasuke..." The raven looked up at him expectantly. "Let's go out."

"Go out? Where?" The smaller male looked confused as Naruto chuckled shaking his head.

"No teme, like this." He mumbled tilting the male's chin up and pressing a soft kiss to the smooth lips smiling to himself when the smaller male kissed him back.

"Dope, you have a weird way of asking things. Besides I'm pretty sure I agreed to date you last night when I finally worked up the courage to confess." Sasuke huffed snuggling into the blonde's side. Naruto hmmed in response wrapping the arm that was already draped over the back of the couch around the raven.

"I was making sure it was official." Naruto chuckled softly as Sasuke rolled his eyes with a mutter of 'dope'. Naruto chuckled before kissing the side of the male's head. "Come on we have to head over soon."

"Hn...Do we have to?" Sasuke pouted softly standing picking up the half asleep Taki at the same time.

"Yes, I don't feel like getting thrown through a window...again..." Naruto muttered making sure the raven made it to his room before heading to his. He tugged off his standard Anbu shirt before changing into a black one with his clan's spiral on the shoulder, tying his Hitia-ate to his left arm to cover his Anbu tattoo he made sure his hip pouch was attached as well as his holster on his leg.

Walking back out to the living room he smiled faintly as Taki jumped lightly onto his shoulder nuzzling his scarred cheek softly. Reaching up he rubbed and scratched behind the velvet ears chuckling when the fox leaned into his gentle touch.

"Thank you, Taki..." He whispered softly.

"You saved my life many times, Naruto-sama, I am honored to be one of your summoning foxes. Thank you for letting my protect your Sodales." Taki replied licking his cheek softly.

"Mmm..." The blonde answered thoughtfully leaning against the back of the couch as he waited to the Uchiha to finding changing.

Sasuke walked out of his room looking around for a moment, spotting the pair he was looking for he smiled softly walking over. The smaller male had changed into a kimono like shirt that was pulled and tied all the way closed, it was black with dark blue assents on it in soft swirls and black pants. The raven had been wearing kimono like outfits since Sakura and Ino had dragged him on a shopping trip the day he was allowed out of the hospital. Of course, Naruto had been dragged along, he would have gone anyway, to be sure the girls didn't ware the poor male out too much. Sasuke had fallen asleep the moment the pair had gotten to their apartment on the couch. Naruto had offered to put the bags in the raven's room and came back around five minutes later to find him sleeping. The first week or so the smaller male had a bad habit of falling asleep in the places he had stopped to rest. One time Naruto had come back from getting groceries to Sasuke fast asleep in the bathroom. A moment he often teased the raven about.

"That's a new one." Naruto commented nodding his approval and trying not to stare too much. "I like it."

"T..thanks..." Sasuke mumbled plucking at the hem of his shirt fidgeting nervously.

"Lets go before she hunts us down." Naruto smiled letting Sasuke take Taki from him after they slid on their shoes and walked out the door.

After locking the door behind them the pair walked through the village market since it was on the way to Sakura and Sai's house. Naruto even though he appeared relaxed was coiled as if he was about to spring into attack at the slightest of bad moves towards them. The blonde blinked softly when a cold hand slid into his weaving their fingers together. Looking down at Sasuke who offered a soft smile, he relaxed slightly after that.

Knocking on the door of Sakura's home he just barely managed to hide a grin.

"Happy Birthday!" chorused as soon as Sasuke stepped into the room, the poor Uchiha almost jumped out of his skin. Naruto chuckled softly shutting the door behind them and sliding off his shoes. He pretended not to notice the glare that the raven was throwing at him as he slid his hands into his pocket whistling innocently, his shoulders jerking in quiet laughter.

"And you said you don't do childish things anymore!" Kiba howled in laughter from the couch.

"It wasn't childish at all, Kiba!" Sakura and Ino retorted punching the mutt over the head. Naruto smiled softly pulling Sasuke farther into the room before scooping up Himori from her high chair.

"Hey there, kiddo." He chuckled softly as the tiny hands pulled at his blonde locks. A bright light flashed to his right and he looked over to see Hinata holding a camera smiling brightly.

"Can...Can I hold her?" Sasuke asked quietly looked over to Sakura and Sai who nodded. Naruto handed over the little girl making sure Sasuke had a good handle on her before he let go. He chuckled softly as she gummed on his finger.

"I'm not your dinner Himori..." He melted as the little girl looked up at him with big emerald eyes. "Damn it...Between you and Sasuke I'm going to go soft with those freaking puppy eyes..." He winced as a well aimed punch hit his head from Sakura, luckily it wasn't infused with chakra.

"Language, I don't want my daughter cussing like you until she's a teenager." Sakura scolded him. Naruto laughed softly and nodded.

"How's your chest, Naruto?" Neji asked as he spilled at a cup of tea.

"All healed, just a scar now." The blonde replied taking the offered cups of tea for both he and Sasuke.

"Wait...who's the fox?" Kiba asked suddenly having just spotted Taki who had moved to Naruto's shoulder when Sasuke had taken Himori. The room went quiet as everyone finally noticed the little companion on the blonde's shoulder. The black fox curled her tail around Naruto's neck in prefect balance as she bowed her head in respect to the ninja.

"My name is Taki, I have been summoned and ordered be Naruto-sama to watch over, keep company and if needed protect Sasuke-sama." The little fox announced telepathically causing everyone to stare at her in shock.

"A..Amazing, she can talk..." Ino trotted over smiling softly. "Hello Taki, thank you from protecting Sasuke, he's a good friend of ours. I am Ino."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Ino-sama, I am honored to protect my master's Sodales." Naruto twitched softly glaring at the fox, who just looked up at him mischievously.

"I'm Kiba and this is Akumaru." The dog like male announced gesturing to the large dog at his feet.

"You can go say hi Taki if you want.." Naruto offered.

"I can see everyone better up here..." The fox replied and Naruto shrugged. "It is a pleasure to meet you Kiba-sama and Akumaru."

"Shino." The bug master mumbled from where he stood by the couch.

"Good evening, I am Hinata." The white eyed female waved.

"I'm Lee! Your youth shines brightly!" Lee announced.

"I am Tenten." The female muttered elbowing Lee in the side for his loudness.

"I'm Choji." The large male said munching on his chips.

"I'm Temari." The blonde female said watching the fox carefully.

"I am Sakura and this is Sai, although you have met us before. The little girl that Sasuke is holding is our daughter, Himori."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Shino-sama, Hinata-sama, Lee-sama, Tenten-sama, Choji-sama, Temari-sama, Sakura-sama, Sai-sama and Himori-sama." The little fox dipped her head to each. She looked over to Shikamaru and Neji. "It is good to see you are both doing well, Shikamaru-sama and Neji-sama."

"I trust you are also doing well, Taki?" Neji asked gently, the fox nodded in response.

"Can we eat yet? I'm starving!" Choji asked as his stomach rumbled loudly causing everyone to laugh.

They all looked up as Kakashi appeared in the window and slid it open as Iruka and Tsunade walked through the door.

"Kakashi, there is a door for a reason." Iruka scolded him as the silver-haired ninja rubbed the back of his neck smiling under his mask.

"Sorry, sorry, Ruka..." The taller male laughed softly before waving to the others. "Yo."

"Okay, now we can sit down and eat." Sakura smiled as she started bringing out the food with the help of Naruto and Sai. Sitting down they all ate dinner eating and talking happily. Naruto smiled calmly placing a small plate of food on the floor next to Akumaru who was currently eating his food. Taki jumped down to enjoy her meal.

Once everyone had eaten and the dishes cleaned the group sat on the couch to talk and pass their presents to Sasuke. Naruto zoned out for a bit watching the fox in his lap chew on a chicken bone from their meal. He blinked back into reality when Sasuke shook his shoulder before smiling and passing over his own present. Inside a small box was a necklace with the Uchiha fan on it he smiled softly watching Sasuke smile happily only to blink as the smaller male pulled him into a hard kiss in thanks. Of course it set of a series of flashes as the girls took pictures. Naruto shot a glare at them before helping the raven put on the necklace.

"Finally! We've been waiting forever!" Ino squealed happily giggling. Naruto and Sasuke both stared at her for a moment before looking at each other.

"She's having fangirl thoughts..." Sasuke mumbled before looked at the others "They all are."

"I vote we run...Before they do something...They appear to be frozen at the moment..." Naruto mumbled back watching them carefully. Both winced as the females proceeded to freak out their words becoming a mess of nonsense. Luckily they calmed down after a few minutes before Naruto and Sasuke left. After bidding everyone a good night the two walked home, Sasuke holding Tika while Naruto carried the gifts. They were silent enjoying the calm peaceful night around them. Naruto unlocked the door to their apartment letting Sasuke in first before he followed sliding off his shoes.

Later that night they were laying in Naruto's bed waiting for sleep to take them, Taki was curled up on the pillow on top corner of the bed. Sasuke gently kissed the blonde male causing the half asleep Naruto to open his eye to look up at him sleepily.

"Thank you for the best birthday I've ever had." Sasuke whispered rubbing their noses together softly before resting his head over the firmly beating heart of the blonde.

"Your welcome." Naruto smiled softly wrapping his arms loosely around the Uchiha before sleep took them gently.

Tika is very repectful and formal to everyone, which is why she calls anyone she deems worthy of Naruto's friendship "Sama".

Sodales means "Soulmates" in Latin which is why Naruto and the Foxes now it, they fluently speak the ancient language. I'm dubbing it the Foxes Language for this story.

Okay so do you guys want something good or bad to happen in the next chapter and what do you want to see?

Please, Please Review. Any and all flames, suggestions, and random comments of any kind are greatly appreciated.

(I strive to better my writing style, anything helps.)

Any ideas would be fantastic.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you liked it.