A/N: Thank you very much for the reviews, and I hope that you are satisfied with my replies!

Now I'm updating this on a Saturday... The very same day I'm leaving my home. I'll be back, but I suggest you read the note on my profile. (Check out the poll while you're at it, if you have the energy!) I hope you understand.

Some encouraging lines would be appreciated, in which you are free to tell me whatever you feel like. (Side note: the reviews have lessened since I started the third POV. Is it that bad?)

State of Shock

Remains

Thoughts of the day before yesterday were still itching in her mind. She wasn't able to shake them away, especially not now when her son kept her up the entire night and she had to work during the day.

It seemed that Naruto and Sasuke had already forgotten about it. She had seen them together by the Hokage Tower, where they had parted. She had seen the hesitation in Sasuke's body as he raised his hand awkwardly to bid his goodbye to his secret lover.

Naruto had simply grinned, giving the Uchiha a two-fingered salute before heading towards Kiba's new apartment. Sasuke had stood there for a few seconds, staring after the blonde. Then, when she made her presence known by walking closer, he simply entered the tower.

She almost ran after him, following him up to the room in which she knew the Hokage would be, handing out missions and taking in mission reports. She entered the room, only to find it crowded, as usually.

There were a few of the new genin teams with their mentors, looking disappointed as they were given another D-ranked mission. Another team was standing in the corner, looking dull and annoyed with the mission they had received.

"No, damn it!"

Sakura flinched at the loud volume, looking over at her leader. Tsunade was standing up, leaning over the table and almost pushing her big chest in the ninja's face. Her cheeks were flushed – from anger or alcohol, Sakura didn't know.

"There aren't any better missions! Accept it and be glad that I gave you a mission at all!" The Hokage sat down promptly, ignoring the embarrassed chuunin that left the room. Sakura glanced at Shizune, who looked slightly irritated.

She tried to ignore the rumble and talking in the room, her green eyes throwing looks over the other shinobi in order to locate Sasuke. She spotted him almost immediately, since he wasn't trying to hide.

He was staring back at her, his dark eyes narrowed in a glare. She tried to glare back, but found herself squinting instead. She watched as he climbed up at the window sill, glare still in place. No one noticed as he jumped back, disappearing from her visage.

"Damn him," she whispered to herself as she sneaked towards the window. Making sure she was invisible, she jumped out of the tower. She landed clumsily on the ground, not being used to things like this anymore. She was up on her feet and following Sasuke in a matter of seconds, though.

He walked slowly, hands in pockets and practically dragging his feet behind him in a gracious act of laziness. She reached up with him in no time, walking next to him in silence for a while. There were a lot of children running around on the streets of Konoha, seeing as school was over and the summer was here.

"I know you've seen us before."

Sakura flinched upon hearing Sasuke's voice. She had almost forgotten how bored and dead it was. Sasuke didn't talk much, and she had barely met him since their shared night. That was when they had last talked. She guessed that he didn't talk to anyone but the Ibiki-san during their ANBU training, if even then.

She blushed, finally recognising what he had said. "Yes," she agreed weakly. She refused to look at him, even as they stopped by a shadowed alley. He took a few steps back, leaning against the wall as a few boys ran by. She leaned on the wall in front of him.

She felt ridiculous under his stare. He probably thought that she was pathetic – having lost all her fitness and beauty as their child was born. There was even a spot of dirt on her outfit. She closed her eyes, sighing and admitting defeat to herself.

"Sasuke," she spoke up. She knew that he was listening intently, but also that he was ready to leave if the conversation became uncomfortable. "I have no problem with the fact that you and Naruto are together. I think it's great that you've found someone that you respect and love, really."

There was silence, and Sakura slowly opened her emerald eyes to look at her one-time lover. Sasuke was staring right at her, urging her to keep going and keep it short.

"I'm also glad that Naruto has someone that will take care of him now, during his... I don't know. What do you call it, Sasuke?" Sakura could practically taste the venom that had laced the words on her own tongue. "How about the word 'condition'? That's good. Let's keep that."

She ignored his impassive face, showing that he wasn't impressed or irritated.

"Care to tell me what's up with Naruto, so I can tell Tsunade-sama? I plan on making things right, you see."

Sasuke snorted, taking a step closer. "Listen to me, Sakura. I know that Sai and Kakashi are already digging in our personal life, trying to find out what is wrong with Naruto. And I would like to tell you this, so you can pass it on to them."

Sakura nodded, her ears becoming hot from embarrassment. It was true that Sai and Kakashi were digging in Naruto's and Sasuke's personal life – because they cared. And it was also true that they had asked her to dig a little on her own, seeing as they thought that she would have better luck.

Sakura knew that Kakashi had been the first one to know about Sasuke and Naruto, and she knew that Sai had seen them too. It was Sakura's, Sai's and Kakashi's little secret.

"Nothing is wrong with Naruto."

She flinched again. Sasuke's voice was neutral, bored. She looked him over in any signs of illness or weariness. Not a sign could be spotted, as Sasuke stood proud and tall over her with an impassive face.

"I know that all of you have seen me and Naruto. I don't care. Kiba, Ino, Shikamaru and Hinata are not important to me. Kakashi, you and Sai aren't my problem."

Sakura blinked. Hinata? Ino? Shikamaru and Kiba? She closed her mouth, which had opened sometime during Sasuke's small speech. His smirk told her that he was amused by her ignorance. Sakura's cheeks turned scarlet, wondering if everyone knew but simply hadn't bothered to tell her.

"Sakura..."

He took a step closer, standing dangerously close. She pressed herself against the wall, refusing to let him touch her in any way possible. He raised his hand, moving it with the palm close to her cheek, a light caress.

"Don't judge me from what you hear from others."

His voice was still distant and dead, but he sounded softer, more careful. As if he was asking her and not ordering her.

When his pale hand was gone and he was walking away from her, she nodded slowly.

"I won't," she promised.

UAUAUA

Hinata knocked on the door once more, harder this time. When it almost flew up in her face, she let out a squeak. Her cheeks were immediately tainted with red and her pale eyes grew bigger. She looked down on the floor, twiddling her fingers.

Afraid that her knocking had been disturbingly harsh, she stuttered out an apology to the brown-haired man in front of her. Kiba snorted, waving it off before he walked back inside, sure that she would let herself in.

She did, closing the door softly after herself. She spent a lot of time with Naruto and Kiba here during the mornings when they didn't have any missions. Sometimes, Shino even joined them. Mostly, it was just her with Kiba and Naruto, though.

It would surprise many that she managed to be alone with two guys – one of them being Naruto – without fainting. If asked, she would actually admit that it went perfectly fine. The blushes and stuttering were there, but Kiba didn't seem to care and Naruto seemed to have all the time in the world to listen.

She walked between high piles of boxes, almost tripping on a bowl of water. Frowning slightly, she finally reached the living room. It wasn't big, by any means, but they all fit perfectly fine. Kiba's sofa was clear from boxes, but Naruto was sitting there.

She bit the tip of her tongue, walking up to the blonde and sitting next to him. Naruto gave her a big smile, which she answered with one of her smaller ones.

"So!" Kiba jumped into the room, a smile on his face. "I didn't have any tea, but I found this!"

He handed them big, blue coffee mugs, filled with an orange liquid. Naruto gave Kiba a questioning look, which was responded with a sharp glare from Kiba.

"I didn't have anything else! It's orange juice!" Kiba rolled his eyes, sitting in front of the blonde boy on the coffee table. Hinata discreetly inched closer, which went unnoticed by both men. "So," Kiba started again. "How's life going, Hinata?"

Hinata blinked in surprise, not used to Kiba's full attention whenever Naruto was in the same room.

"It's o-okay," she confirmed. When both Kiba and Naruto gave her looks to elaborate, she cleared her throat quietly. "I'm l-leaving for a mission tomorrow, with Neji-san a-and TenTen-san."

Naruto gave her a thumb up, silently wishing her good luck and at the same time assuring her that it would go perfectly well. As always, she looked down to hide her blush.

UAUAUA

"Do you remember when I told you about Itachi's innocence?"

Sasuke lay down next to his lover on the floor. He had no idea why Naruto was lying on his back on the floor in the middle of the living room, but he didn't care. He stretched his arms a little spreading them out over the floor and almost hitting Naruto with his hand.

The blonde scooted a little closer, leaning his head on Sasuke's arm. They both closed their eyes, and Sasuke continued.

"I want others to know, too."

Sasuke didn't open his eyes to make sure that Naruto hadn't fallen asleep or that the blonde was listening. He knew that Naruto had taken a nap after his visit at Kiba's – but then again, Naruto had a bad habit of being tired during the day, since Sasuke wore him out during the night.

"And..."

It was now or never. Sasuke moved his arm so that Naruto was pulled closer. Blonde hair was tickling his cheek, and he opened his eyes to stare at the ceiling. He inhaled deeply through his nose.

"And I want others to know about us."

He felt Naruto tense, and he forced himself to remain impassive. The blonde sat up, straddling Sasuke there on the floor. He put his hands on Sasuke's chest, massaging slightly on the hard muscles. He shook his head, but then leaned down to capture Sasuke's lips with his own.

Naruto gasped in surprise, however, when the Uchiha pushed him off. He landed on his butt and sent Sasuke a glare when he rose. Sasuke towered over Naruto, the corners of his mouth pointing down in displeasure.

"People already know, Naruto." Sasuke smirked, but no amusement reached his eyes. "Sai, Sakura, Kakashi. Even Kiba and Hinata." Sasuke didn't bother to tell him about Ino and Shikamaru. The look on Naruto's face – panicked, shocked – didn't surprise Sasuke at all.

The blonde didn't know that they had been discovered plenty of times. Naruto didn't know that Sakura came to watch them have sex now and then, because she was a pathetic ex-ninja.

"What?" Sasuke snarled, reaching down and gripping Naruto's wrist. He pulled, and Naruto followed, being pulled up on his feet. "Why were you so nervous about them knowing?"

Sasuke let go of Naruto's wrist, letting it fall limply to the side. He reached up, taking Naruto's chin with his index finger and thumb, forcing the blonde to look at him. His smirk grew when Naruto only stared into his eyes.

"Were you afraid that they wouldn't accept us?" Sasuke caressed Naruto's lip with his thumb. "You're probably dying to scream 'why would they? Why would they accept me being with that traitor?'"

Naruto took a step back.

"But you know what, Naruto?" Sasuke smirk had turned into an open, but minimal grin. It made him look disturbing, which in turn made Naruto feel uneasy – because never before had Sasuke been so beautiful. "Do you know why they accept you? The only reason they accept you..."

Naruto didn't want to hear anymore.

"...is your face." Sasuke's grin disappeared, leaving the impassive expression that he always wore.

Sasuke gripped Naruto's shoulders, forcing them both down on the floor again. He straddled Naruto in the way Naruto had straddled him minutes ago. Naruto gasped in surprise, his reflexes saving him from hitting his head on the floor.

"If I broke your nose..." Sasuke trailed his index finger over Naruto's perfect nose, ignoring the glare that was sent his way. "If I raked my nails against your skin..." Sasuke carefully, shallowly scraped his short nails over Naruto's already scarred cheek. "If I dug out your eyes..." Sasuke let a thumb travel over Naruto's eyebrow, dangerously close to one of his eyes.

Sasuke cupped Naruto's cheeks, leaning down. His voice was loud when he came so close, Naruto discovered.

"If I marred your face... How many do you think would still love you?" When Naruto didn't answer, Sasuke let out a frustrated growl, in the same way Naruto had used to do. "None! Because all you are is a pretty face."

Naruto narrowed his eyes, not believing Sasuke fully, even if the doubting thoughts slowly crept out from their shadowed corners in his mind. He wanted to curse and yell, show Sasuke that he was more than 'a pretty face.'

"But I love you." Sasuke's voice was once against calm and bored. "I love you for who you are."

With a smirk, Sasuke pressed his lips against Naruto's. Naruto closed his eyes, wondering how Sasuke once again could have made all this about himself.

UAUAUA

"Ne... Naruto? Why the glum face? You miss Hinata that much?" Kiba let out a chuckle, which sound dry and false even to his own ears. He sighed in defeat when all Naruto did was glancing out through the window, the gloomy look still plastered on his normally handsome features.

Kiba slumped back on the sofa, looking at Naruto, who was curled up on the window sill. The sun was hiding behind thick, dark clouds and the rain was pouring down to match Naruto's foul mood. Kiba was starting to feel a little low himself, by watching his best friend looking so down.

He slid down a little, putting his strong arm on the back of the sofa. "Come here, Naruto." He was on the verge to add 'tell me about it,' but managed to keep it inside. Usually, Hinata would help him when Naruto was in one of his episodes and visited anyway.

Though, right now, Kiba doubted that it was the lack of food that had the blonde so grumpy. He watched as Naruto jumped off the sill, walking over and sitting down close to the brunette. Kiba bit his tongue when Naruto leaned his head against Kiba's shoulder. If he just moved a little, he would have his arm wrapped around the blonde's shoulders.

Why he even thought about that, he didn't know.

They sat there in silence; Kiba wondering what it could possibly be that troubled his best friend. The small contact of Naruto's head against Kiba's shoulder was soothing. It had Kiba take deeper breaths, as he didn't want to disturb Naruto, who had closed his eyes and was relaxing fully.

For a few seconds, Kiba had actually thought that it was Hinata's absence that had Naruto so glum. For a few seconds, that was. He had almost immediately realised that that wasn't the case. Maybe it was someone whom had died on a mission that Naruto knew.

Nah. Kiba shook his head to himself. If someone died, he would have known too. Any friend of Naruto was a friend of Kiba's.

Except for Sasuke.

The Uchiha would never be a friend of Kiba's. He was far too... Kiba jerked a little, making Naruto open one of his eyes to look at him. Kiba let out a rough chuckle in apology for the rude awakening. His grin faded away, however, when the words started to fly out of his mouth.

"Ne, Naruto, is it Sasuke that's bothering you?"

Naruto opened both eyes, staring at Kiba. The Inuzuka nodded slowly, understanding that he was completely right. He took a deep breath before continuing. He had no idea what the consequences were going to be after this, but he didn't care. Since when had he cared?

"I heard that you and Sasuke were... doing... things."

Smooth. Really smooth. So smooth in fact, that Naruto glared at him before standing up to leave. Kiba sat completely still, not daring to breathe until he heard the front door slam closed. Kiba groaned, throwing his head back.

He knew that everything was Sasuke's fault. Somehow.

UAUAUA

"Kakashi!"

Hatake Kakashi froze, his eyes widening in horror. Just my luck. He blinked, closing his book and turning. Upon seeing the woman who had called for him, he hid the porno in his pocket. He gave a strained chuckle.

"Kurenai... How lovely."

The woman didn't seem to notice his sarcasm, and smiled widely at him. Her child didn't seem to be anywhere nearby – much to Kakashi's relief. He had just been over at Sakura's while his ex-student worked. He had no intentions of babysitting again any time soon.

"How are Sakura doing?"

He looked her over once, noticing that her dark hair was glowing grey in the sunshine. He bit his lip, refraining from pointing it out. He guessed that she wouldn't be happy to hear about her grey strands.

"How about Naruto and Sasuke, then?"

Her voice was hesitant, even as she tried to sound nonchalant. He arched an eyebrow at her question, wondering what she had heard. She seemed to understand that he wasn't going to say anything, so she sighed in defeat.

"Kiba's older sister has a loose tongue," Kurenai explained. Kakashi nodded slowly. "She said that your students are... having an affair?"

He almost giggled at that. An affair. It sounded too adult for Naruto and Sasuke. They were mere boys. Boys with needs and too much love to give. He decided that nothing was going to escape his mouth about that subject – just like with Sakura.

He didn't want to share. They were his students. His kids.

"Maa... Kurenai shouldn't believe what others are saying."

Kurenai nodded slowly, a meek blush tinting her cheeks as she looked away. "That's what I thought. Naruto is straight, and Sasuke is... Well, he is too proud to have an affair. What would they gain on keeping it silent anyway?"

Kakashi almost groaned aloud. Now she had planted even more questions in his head.

UAUAUA

Sasuke bit his lower lip, standing on his knees as he straddled the lean blonde under him. His pale, big hands reached down to slip in under the green shirt that Naruto was wearing. Naruto didn't give him any recognition, but Sasuke knew that Naruto was going to be all happy and horny in a matter of minutes.

He suppressed a dark moan when Naruto suddenly got up on all fours, pressing his ass against Sasuke's hard groin. Not really understanding Naruto change of interest, he pushed back against the tempting ass.

He put his hands on Naruto's hips, bringing the blonde closer. The bed under them creaked as Sasuke shifted his knee to spread his legs a little wider. Naruto moved with him in his movements, and Sasuke tried to figure out why the blonde was so compliant with him all of a sudden.

Naruto smiled, closing his eyes and going with the flow. This was great. Now he could make Sasuke forget about confessions for another day.

To Be Continued