Naruto's POV
Suna was hot! It had been a while since Naruto had been and he totally forgot how it could be so hot its just plain uncomfortable, honestly it was night why was it so damned hot? Reaching the village gates the guard let him in. They were expecting him after all, whether he was early clearly didn't matter. He could feel Shukaku out in the desert to the East and made a note to go see him before leaving. Figuring Gaara would still be in his office thanks to his insomnia he headed straight for the Kazekage tower. Shaking his head with a small smile at seeing the light on he walked up the side of the building and knocked on the window ignoring the fact Gaara had already sensed him and was stood there. He grinned widely and tapped a little beat against the glass as he waited for Gaara to open the window.
"You're early" he stated stepping to the side as Naruto climbed in closing the window behind him.
"We need to talk" Naruto said Gaara gestured to his seat and Naruto smiled shaking his head and sitting on the chair opposite Gaara's.
"What is it?" He asked taking his seat
"Well, it's about the wedding" he said "simply put it can't happen, I won't let it"
"She told you" he nodded not seeming phased by it "I'm not pleased bu-"
"I am in love with him" Naruto blurted out causing Gaara to level him with a surprised look
"If thi-"
"Not a excuse for her. It's for him. For me" he took a deep breath "I broke down after the stag and it all tumbled out of me and Shikamaru in turn told me about the arrangement. How he only accepted because he thought I was straight and basically couldn't be bothered with the fight with his family over it, Gaara I am begging you do not make them do this. Don't fight it I really don't think I would handle it well"
"Why didn't you say anything to me?" He asked to his credit he didn't even seem annoyed about it
"I thought they wanted it!" He said desperately "I wasn't about to try and get between my sister and his happiness. I was willing to walk away, I planned to come here so I couldn't ruin anything"
Gaara sat back crossing his arms over his chest and hummed. Naruto waited, trying to be patient and was starting to regret sleeping with Shikamaru before getting this out of the way. He was too far in now and he wasn't about to sit back and have him taken from him. Gaara was looking at his neck and smirked slightly
"I see things have already progressed" he nodded and Naruto felt his entire face heat up.
"Yeah. Temari knows... she's already sent word to the other Kage. They likely will know by morning" he was getting nervous because Gaara was giving nothing away
"Our relationship is already better than its ever been, and when you become hokage it will solidify our bond. We don't really need to be connected to the Nara" Gaara shrugged and Naruto sat back against his chair as he relaxed at the Kazekage's words. Tears actually sprung to his eyes and Gaara sat up a little straighter at the possible onslaught of emotion. He was better but still was uncomfortable with others pain, because he didn't know how to comfort them.
"Thank you!" Naruto breathed
"You have more than earned the right to be selfish. The elders will understand that" his tone implied they really didn't have a choice. "And I am... Happy Temari won't be bound by this. I wasn't too pleased with the situation but she assured me she was okay with it if it helped the villages. And she liked Shikamaru as a person said it could have been worse"
Well she wasn't wrong there. Gaara pulled out two small glasses and a whiskey. Raising brow in surprise Gaara shrugged
"I'm not fan of sake" he explained and waited for Naruto to accept or decline. Naruto nodded and took the glass from Gaara
"I can't believe I almost lost him" he whispered and Gaara nodded
"It was him you talked about? All these years"
"Don't say it!" Naruto said through clenched teeth shaking his head pointing at his brother
"I thought it was Sasuke" the man said and Naruto clicked his tongue
"Why? Why is it always Sasuke?" He asked leaning back and taking a drink
"Well, you were a little obsessive" Gaara pointed out
"And the 'he's my brother' didn't make it clear to anyone?" He scoffed and Gaara let out a rare chuckle
"I personally thought it was your denial" he admitted "but I'm glad" he took a sip of his whiskey "that man never deserved your commitment. But I suppose neither did I"
"That's not true" Naruto frowned and the door burst open
"That's it Gaa-" Kankoro cut off his scolding and looked at Naruto confused. His brows came together and lips pursed
"Naruto?" He asked
"Hey Kan!" Naruto waved
"Aren't you a few weeks early?" He asked coming over and looking concerned at the alcohol
"I don't think you truly understand how fast I am" Naruto scoffed "but yes. I had to come talk to Gaara"
"Everything okay?" He asked and pointed at his own neck. Naruto blushed, honestly where had that need even come from. Kurama wouldn't even heal it so it was still red, and barely scabbed over. Shikamaru had a bite that's for sure.
"Our brother is in love" Gaara announced "so the wedding is off"
Kankoro's face scrunched up in disgust and he looked between his two brothers
"That's wrong! I know we aren't actually related but I do-"
"With Shikamaru" Naruto interrupted before Kankoro could even finish that sentence "jeez man!" He huffed downing his drink. Then Kankoro's jaw hit the floor.
"Wait! What?"
So Naruto explained and they sat drinking, laughing (well, him and Kankoro) and the catch up was like a weight had been lifted. He honestly hated they never saw more of each other but it warmed his heart when they did.
"I'm still in shock" Kankoro chuckled when the bottle was empty and they were getting up to head to the Kazekage's home. Then a sly grin came over his mouth causing Naruto to smile nervously
"What?" He asked.
"Who's bottom?" He asked with zero shame. Gaara shook his head but Naruto didn't miss the curious look in his eyes
"Who do you think it is?" He asked
"Well the bite would indicate you but that's not always the case, my first thought is Shikamaru, because he's so lazy"
Naruto laughed and shrugged unsure if Shikamaru would like any details being revealed. Knowing him the way he did he wouldn't have ever thought Shikamaru was so active. Honestly he was prepared to top if it meant he'd get to be with him.
"Maybe I'll tell you one day" Naruto teased as they entered the house. Heading straight to bed because he wanted to leave as soon as he could. He was nervous about what he was going to return home too.
Gaara had insisted he will deal with the elders, and to send Temari home when she was ready. It made Naruto sad to think she wouldn't be so close anymore but nodded and tightly hugged Gaara
"Thank you!" He sighed
"Of course" he replied before Naruto dissapeared him. He'd gone to catch up with Shukaku before heading home.
Reaching the gates the next morning he felt exhausted. His feet felt like lead and his body demanded energy or sleep to recuperate. But he wanted to see Shikamaru, to ease his mind that Gaara had taken the news just fine and didn't even seem all that bothered. He couldn't go to find him at home, Shikamaru asked he didn't come to the compound until he had got a assessment on their reaction to the news. Would they take it so badly? I mean sure I understand they would want a hier but he could easily get a surrogate, right? Groaning in frustration he entered the Hokage tower to go update Kakashi. He entered the office as the door was open
"Ah, you're back!" He sat back "and do we need to worry?" He asked
"Nah, Gaara didn't even bat an eye. Don't think he was too pleased about the whole situation anyway. Any word from the other Kage?"
"Just the Mizukage, her letter gave me the impression she was relieved to not have to attend another wedding"
Naruto chuckled and nodded the poor Mizukage was very sensitive about the fact she was still unwed.
"Have you heard anything from the Nara Elders?" He asked hoping that he'd at least get some news. Kakashi shook his head closing his eyes
"It's been quiet, and Shikamaru had come to work the last two days but didn't say anything"
That's didn't sound good, Naruto thought his anxiety spiking at the thought the Nara would try to force this, or for Shikamaru to just marry someone else, Temari would never now. Maybe if I made it public knowledge I'd be upset and wanted him to be free to choose who he wants would cause enough pressure on them to drop the matter? Naruto thought. Ever since the war people seem to be very concerned with his happiness and well being, people still stopped him in the streets to give him gifts, confess or thank him. He rarely got a chance to go Ichiraku's anymore because people swarmed him and he never got a chance to eat the food hot. Its probably why he spent so much time at the office he realised.
"It'll be fine" Kakashi assured him.
"We don't know that. If Shikaku was still here I doubt this would be happening at all and if so he'd fight it" Naruto said remembering the older Nara and his kindness, the way he encouraged Shikamaru to be his own person when they were kids. Not once did he give Naruto the look he had grown accustomed to growing up. When he had recovered from serious injuries and Shikamaru had turned up and spent too long there Shikaku came to collect him always giving Naruto a kind nod and wishing him well. He never really saw Yoshina, she made extra food for him sending it his way via Shikamaru so he didn't think disliked him. But that was completely different to accepting he was Kurama's vessel to accepting he date her son. Not because she was against that but more for what was expected of them. To lead, give a hier to continue leading the clan. He was starting to feel guilty for putting Shikamaru in this position. It felt like he was making him choose between him and his family. Sighing he fell into his chair and closed his eyes
"Don't start second guessing yourself" Kakashi said causing him to open one eye and look over
"Lord Kakashi!" Shizune called running into the office and Kakashi slouched forward and his head hit his desk. Naruto had to refrain from laughing. It had been three years and he still couldn't get Shizune to drop the 'Lord'
"What is it?" He sighed
"Word from Tomoe. The mission was a success but unforseen circumstances had caused Hori to be injured. They will not be able to leave and return to the village for a week"
"That's fine, request a brief report and a update on Hori's condition. Then inform Genma"
"Yes my Lord!" She bowed and turned leave to stop and look at Naruto
"Welcome home Naruto" she smiled "Yoshina Nara came here yesterday hoping to see you. She asked I give you this" she said pulling out a small letter from her sleeve then she rushed out the room. Looking at Kakashi who only shrugged Naruto opened the envelope.
Please inform me of your return. We need to talk
And that was all he needed to feel as if his empty stomach was about to heave until it fell out of his throat.
"Gone a bit pale there Naruto" Kakashi commented
"I've heard she can be scary when she wants to be" Naruto chuckled
"Naruto you defeated a goddess. Pretty sure Yoshina Nara is not a threat to you" Kakashi pointed out the smile heard in his voice
"I don't think jutsu is the answer for me this time" Naruto sighed and wrote a letter and sent it to Yoshina. He was not going to ignore the woman Shikamaru had spent his entire life complaining was the scariest woman he had ever dealt with.