Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective author. The original characters and plot are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. No copyright infringement is intended.

'It really is boiling today' Naruto realized as he licked another drop of ice cream from his tanned hand. He was on his way to the Hokage tower when he had passed a stall selling ice cream and, well, this is Naruto Uzumaki we're talking about; he just couldn't resist. But now he was wishing he had as the sticky substance continuously dripped onto him. The white iced cream had also made him notice just how hot it was though…it wasn't rare for Konoha to have nice weather, it just wasn't usually to this extent. The blond swore he could see the dirt road beneath him smoke as the dust was evaporated under the immense heat of the sun.

He paid it no mind though as he turned his attention back to the matters at hand…his ice cream. He was licking desperately at it to save melting droplets crawling over his fingers again. He didn't get far however as someone's voice rang to him from a short distance behind; Kiba.

"Hey, Mate! How's it going…Mr. Hokage?!" the dog lover bellowed as he reached the jinchuuriki. Naruto smiled brightly at his best friend; since Sasuke was now his lover, Naruto no longer classified him as a best friend – it was true that he was still his closest friend, but the blond had decided he needed someone actually labeled as his best friend – and over the years as Kiba and Naruto had been paired together on missions and such they had become very good friends, so Naruto though it was only fair that Kiba took the title.

"Kiba! Not bad thanks, you? Haven't seen you in a while. Where've you been? Oh! And how's lover girl?" the blond replied as the smile faded and his trademark Uzumaki grin took its place.

"What are you talking about Naruto? I saw you yesterday you dolt," the Inuzuka replied chuckling slightly at his friend's antics, "She's fine…great really, we're great. I really gotta thank you again for helping me out with her! What would I do without you? But remember Naruto, not everyone can know, If word got round to her family then I'd be murdered, she is the Hyuuga heir after all."

Yup, Kiba and Hinata…bet you would never have guessed that one. Naruto had indeed helped the boy get the opal eyes heiress…in fact it was mostly all due to Naruto that the Hyuuga had even looked at Kiba in any way other than a friend. You see, Hinata had always had a mad hot crush on Naruto. And although the blond had lived up to his obliviousness by not having the slightest clue about it…everyone else knew perfectly well of Hinata's feelings. Kiba included; and it was driving the dog lover mad with jealousy.

Kiba had arrived at Sakura's door one night and had suddenly thrown all his – rather strong and confusing - feelings onto her. The brunette didn't want to end up hating Naruto just because the girl he, himself loved happened to be in love with the blond; that wouldn't be fair. But Kiba knew it would end up that way, and he had grown quite close to the boy so didn't want to destroy that bond. He just couldn't control the jealousy. Sakura had tried to calm – the extremely stressed out – Kiba down…and had succeeded in dong so long enough to get him out of her house.

She had immediately done what Kiba should have done in the first place; she had gone to Naruto. She had told him how Kiba felt and Naruto had almost broken into tears. He had never realized that Hinata looked at him that way and didn't want any hassle to come of the situation. Of course, Naruto being Naruto had gone to Hinata and spoken to her up front…

A fifteen-year-old Hinata had sat at her usual spot at the park. It was just past eight at night, the time she usually arrived. She always came here to think; think about life, think about family, think about love, think about future. She knew she had little to look forward to in her life. Little to expect for her love life. Even less to expect from her family. As for her future she simply did not know. But never the less she always came here at nights…to the little park near the edge of town. However something else had been in store for her that night.

She heard a rustle to the side of the bench she was sat on. There was a hedge, it was small and looked miss placed for it was the only one there. A small rabbit bounced happily from the leaves of the bush and hopped towards her before scurrying off behind another hedge at the opposite side of the small park. As she tore her eyes away from where the rabbit had been, she spotted something she had never expected; Naruto Uzumaki was standing in front of the empty seat next to her and gave her a look as if asking her permission to sit.

The Hyuuga didn't know what to do and she already felt her face heat up. She cursed her stupid embarrassment, why couldn't she just smile and talk to him. She was never like this with anyone else. Her thoughts had taken her away from her surroundings for a moment and she gazed dreamily at Naruto – who was now sitting next to her on the cold wooden bench. He could see it now, how completely obvious her infatuation really was. It didn't matter though, even if he had had feelings for the opal eyed beauty sitting in front of him – which he didn't – there was no way he would have became her boyfriend, not after knowing that Kiba's feelings were so strong; he couldn't do that to a friend; he couldn't hurt anyone that way.

"Hinata, I know." Naruto spoke bluntly, trying his hardest not to get the girls hopes up. Trying even harder to make sure she didn't faint. Hinata visually paled as the words left his mouth – her blush vanishing completely - she could have questioned 'know what?' but she wasn't stupid…she knew what he was talking about – that he had finally figured it out or someone had finally told him. She felt scarred, mostly of rejection. But she also felt relief; she could finally stop holding her breath hoping that the boy in front of her would love her. If he did then they would most likely become a couple, and if he didn't she would be heartbroken, but had no doubt in her mind that she would get over it. She could finally stop agonizing over this blond.

"Hinata, I know…I know you like me. I found out earlier today. I…don't quite know how to say this. I just couldn't picture us together…we don't fit, and we don't know each other well enough. I'm sorry." Naruto looked into her eyes and face to gauge the reaction, to see if his words had really hurt her; he hoped they hadn't been too hard on her; he really did like the girl. She was so kind and sweet and never meant harm to anyone. Though all he could see was that she palled further. Truthfully he had never seen her true skin colour; she always wore a blush when he saw her, at least now he knew why.

Hinata's heart had plummeted a million miles at his words. She knew he wanted to let her down gently, but there really was no way to let her down gently, not when it was by him. All her hopes, her dreams, her desires had just come crashing down. She just couldn't take it. Letting everything go; she fell forwards, only stopping when she felt the soft fabric of the blond's jumper. She let the tears roll her down face. She didn't care now. It was over, it was all over. She might have thought – told her self – before that she would get over this, but right now she thought she was dying.

Naruto felt her trembling and he also felt the dampness growing on his shoulder. He could practically feel her heart breaking. This needed to be done though. He knew he couldn't have her struggling with the pain of not knowing how he felt – he had been forced to live with that pain everyday before Sasuke had left – and he could feel her relief even if she could not. He wrapped his arms round her body and pulled her closer into his embrace, burying his head in her raven hair. He held her for some time – perhaps 5 minutes, perhaps 5 hours – rocking her gently back and forth in attempts to comfort her. After a while she broke away, light sniffling sounds erupted from her – still shaking – figure. Naruto waited, waited for her to stop crying. And she did.

"Naruto-kun…Th-thank you." She smiled sweetly at him. She felt so ashamed at herself for letting him see how upset she was…she felt like a fool.

"Don't thank me Hinata-chan. I'm here for you, I always will be. And so are all your other friends…there are others out there that love you. You're a great person Hinata-chan, never believe anything else. And to top that you're an amazing Shinobi," Hinata had stopped crying completely now and allowed a slight chuckle to radiate from her dainty form as she heard his words; they were so sincere, "not to mention that you're really beautiful – and I'm not just saying that to make you feel better." Hinata's head shot up at that last comment, she wanted to ask him why he wouldn't return her feelings if he though she was beautiful, but found her shyness still got in the way of asking such bold questions. It seemed she didn't need to though, for Naruto answered her question a moment later anyway.

"I know you're probably wondering if there was another reason why I can't return your feelings. Since I gave such a lame excuse earlier I might as well tell you the truth…I'm already in love with someone. On top of that, I'm friends with someone who loves you. As stupid as it must sound to you now, I know I'm not the one who is supposed to be with you; he is. I can't tell you who he is but I know you will find him; you'll fall in love with him. You guys will be happy together. I know it!" He finished his long and emotional speech with a wide grin and Hinata laughed, she just laughed. It was so strange that the one person who had just hurt her so badly moments ago had completely cheered her up already.

"Oh, Naruto-kun. You're so special." Was what she had said. Naruto just continued to grin sheepishly at her. "But, I believe I know who you are in love with." Hinata spoke fluently - for the first time to the blond – and smiled brightly. Naruto however, clearly stiffened at the comment. How the hell would she know!? The next comment though, kept Naruto's head from blowing up in embarrassment.

"Its Sakura-chan isn't it?" 'Oh thank god she doesn't know' was the only thought running through his head, but still he couldn't lie to her. So he told her truthfully that it wasn't; she was just someone who he held close to him. The two sat at the bench for over an hour, talking about one random topic to another. By the time they were finished, both were in insanely good moods, and both were insanely tired. So they parted ways…a new bond of friendship growing strong.

It had taken exactly 9 days for Kiba and Hinata to get together. It had all been because of Naruto, of course. Hinata never found out who he loved; not until some time later that is.

"Of course I know Kiba! You guys have kept it secret for what…3 years?! I'm not going to tell a soul. Promise!" the blond replied to his friend as the two continued to walk through the streets towards the Hokage tower. The scorching sun causing ripples of sweat to run down their skin.

"Anyways...How's lover boy?" Kiba chimed as he wiped the sweat gathering on his brow with an equally perspiring arm.

"Pfft, the usual; stoic, moody bastard hehe. Yeh he's good."

"I thought so. Say, How do you fancy coming for a week camping?"

"Oh. My. God. Kiba! You can't be serious! That would totally be the best ever! I've been dying for a break! But there is no way Baa-chan would allow it."

"Hmm, you sure about that?" Kiba asked whilst giving his friend a knowing smile. Naruto's brows furrowed in confusion; was he missing something?

"What do you mean Kiba?"

"I already talked to her, she said that it would be good for you to take some time to yourself. 'It will help you realize that letting your mind breathe is good,'" the Inuzuka spoke in a mocking tone obviously meant to resemble the current Hokage "well that's what she said anyways. She stopped Sasuke's missions for a week too. We're leaving tomorrow afternoon, if you want to come that is."

"If! If I want to come!? Of course I'm coming! Meet you at the gates at say, oneish? Ooooh! Who else is coming?"

"Yeh sure, one is fine. Erm…lets see, there's you and Sasuke, me and Hinata, Sakura and Lee are coming too, um, Neji, Ino, oh yeh! And Iruka and Kakashi have to come to 'keep things in order'" Kiba mimicked Tsunade's voice again.

The two had just reached the tower and quickly stepped into a shaded area - which was barely there - next to the entrance, though it didn't help much to cool them.

"It sounds like loads of fun Kiba. I'll make sure we're there! See you tomorrow then!" Naruto said as he stepped further towards the door.

"Yeh see you Naruto." Kiba said as he grudgingly stepped back into the sunlight and down the street. Naruto suddenly remembered something…ice cream. Looking down at where the thing had been in his hand was only a floppy piece of…well, what used to be the cone, but was now something gooey and clingy as it had plastered itself to his hand. The actually ice cream was gone completely; leaving sticky lines all over his fingers and hand. He groaned in disgust at the mess and shook his hand lividly to rid him of the substance. Once the blond was happy he had gotten as much of the food off as he could, Naruto stepped inside the building.

Naruto wore a rather confused look as he weaved his way through the corridors of the tower…'where the hell is baa-chan? She's always in her office, hmm strange. Aha! Sakura-chan!' The blond approached his friend hastily and the pink haired kunoichi beamed with happiness as soon as she saw him. She was sat on a small brown couch in a little waiting area of sorts…though the girl wasn't waiting for anything; she had most likely just taken a seat to rest on for a while. Naruto immediately plonked down beside her.

"Naruto!" She gushed enthusiastically, though her voice was dripping with tiredness; probably due to the now rather large bump on her abdomen "What're you doing here? I thought you'd be with Tsunade-sama." Yes Sakura is pregnant…shocker right? It is to none other than Rock-lee - not so surprising since he is her boyfriend – and though they haven't been dating for an extremely large amount of time; just a little longer than Naruto and Sasuke, they both decided that they should keep the baby. Lee even proposed to her, they don't know when they will hold the wedding though; most likely after the baby is born. And so sits Sakura with a 7 month old bump – very noticeable – and with quite a surprised look on her face at seeing Naruto at this time of day. The whole day-to-day activities for team seven had become overly organized and each day passed much like the previous had. It was great; everyone was happy with the way they led their lives and there was constantly an all round peaceful environment. This being said, Naruto usually found himself sat in front of Tsunade at this time of day and it usually wasn't until after seeing her for a couple of hours that he took some time to go and talk to Sakura.

"Well, I actually wanted to ask about her. I can't find the old woman anywhere! She wasn't in her office so I though I'd come see you until she turns up." The jinchuuriki replied with a smile on his face.

"Oh ok Naruto. Maybe she had to be somewhere. Hokage stuff you know. You'll have to do things like that - meetings and such - when you're Hokage."

"Yes, yes I know that Sakura. I really don't mind that much though. I'm getting to be where I always wanted to be!"

"You sure are Naruto. Everything has turned out awesome now hasn't it?" Naruto smiled at her words…"yeh, I guess it has." Sakura looked about to say something when she paused suddenly and placed a hand on her stomach.

"What is it?" Naruto asked, afraid his friend was in pain.

"It's kicking." She replied simply and Naruto's eyes threatened to pop out of his skull.

"Wow Sakura-chan! What does it feel like?" he said joyfully. She didn't say anything, she just took hold of his hand and placed it where hers had previously been.

"Can you feel it Naruto?" she asked and turned to look at him. The blond wasn't looking at her any more; his eyes were fixed on her bloated tummy. He could feel it - the little movements causing small prods to reach his palm – and his smile broadened. 'Wow. Just underneath my hand there's a baby…a living baby, one that I'll be able to hold when it's born. I wonder if Sakura-chan will let me hold it. I wanna be like its uncle too…or something.' The kicking had stopped and Naruto took his hand away. The blond looked up and his cerulean orbs were met with Sakura's emerald ones. He smiled at her, he was so happy when his friends were happy…he relished in the joy of others.

"I felt it Sakura-chan. That's amazing. I'm so pleased for you and-"

"Naruto! There you are, hurry up and get to my office." The strict voice of the Hokage bellowed down the hall. Sakura giggled and ushered Naruto away – so that Tsunade wouldn't bite his head off - telling him that she would see him later.

"Sasuke, I'm home." Naruto mumbled - not expecting a reply - as he entered the house and began shuffling through the halls, intent on getting to one place; the living room. It was what he always did when he got home…he'd sit in the luxurious room, watching television – an item most people in this part of Japan didn't have – and wait patiently for his lover to arrive home. There were times when Sasuke got home first, though it was rare and usually only before he had long missions. A small smirk appeared on Naruto's face as he flung himself onto the couch – it was cream, lavishly soft and comfortable, it was extremely big and turned so that it was a semi circle – he picked up the remote which was lying next to him and turned on the contraption. Sasuke wouldn't have any more missions for a week…tomorrow they would go camping, Naruto couldn't wait. He was overly exited already.

The blond watched as the images flickered over the screen, causing a glow to spread through the room. He turned the sound down and let his eyelids drop. He was the most tired he had been in a long time. Today Tsunade had made him do some practices; they were all about mind skills, so he was forced to use Kyuubi frequently to help him stay focused.

Naruto has been able to speak with Kyuubi for about three years now – her voice had come to him when he was upset over meeting Sasuke again…Sasuke had tried to kill him a second time – and he was now used to hearing her. Yes, Kyuubi is female…well she's technically a hermaphrodite (both male and female). While in her fox form she is male; thus being why she has always been presumed a male. Though she herself much prefers to be female and only uses her male form and voice when she wants to be threatening…since it always seems to work better. Her female form does not vary much from a human's; she has a woman's body, just with some extra features…nine tails, fox ears, claws, fangs…that sort of features. Naruto doesn't see her much though, since she rarely pulls him inside her cage. But he does hear her voice and she always seems to be there for him when he needs help physically or emotionally. She hates to see her 'kit' - as she calls him – hurt.

Another tear drop made its way down his face. It was night now and Sasuke had finished his work long ago. Yet he had chosen to wonder around the Uchiha district…he needed time to think. He knew he should have children before he turned 20 and he was nearly nineteen already, considering he had to take into account the pregnancy period – nine months - he really didn't have much time left. So he had been thinking about when he was going to have to throw away his happiness for his goal. He had made a decision. Tomorrow…he would buy a house for Naruto and then try to let him down gently. Though he was aware of how much pain it would cause his blond, since it was ripping the raven apart too.

'My feelings don't matter…what I want isn't important…I have to do this for the family…I need to revive my clan…it doesn't matter what I want…I need to do this…I don't have a choice.'

Tonight he would probably stay awake; watching his lover dream…it would be the last time he'd ever get to see that. Sasuke felt more streams paint their way down his pale face. He wasn't crying…Uchihas don't cry. But he couldn't stop the warm droplets from pouring down his face. It was the same with his heart; he couldn't stop the pain from restricting his breathing every time he thought about never being with Naruto again. All he wanted was to be with Naruto…if only everything else in the world could disappear…if only Naruto had been born a girl. Then again if Naruto had been a woman, Sasuke doubted he would have fallen for the idiot. Because he loved the blond for who he was, every single part of the boy he adored.

This had to be done. He had to ignore his heart for now. Perhaps in time he would grow to love the woman he chose. Maybe he will fall in love with her. But in truth he knew it wasn't going to happen. He knew he would never love like he loved now. Hell, he'd probably never stop loving Naruto.

Sasuke stopped abruptly…looking up at his home he sighed. Wiping the sticky tear streaks from his face, he climbed the steps and entered his warm home. He slowly made his way through the house, he knew where Naruto would be - he was always there when Sasuke returned – waiting for him. The television had been left on and the room was bathed in a blue haze, the channel the box had been on had finished for the night and had left a blue picture telling the viewer what time it would start again.

Sasuke looked down at the curled up blond on his couch. He smiled to himself and slowly edged his way between the boy and the back of the chair. Once he was settled he lifted his hand and removed Naruto's headband – the jinchuuriki had forgotten to do so when he came in – Sasuke always thought Naruto looked better without the band on. Bringing his face closer to his lovers, he gently placed a chaste kiss on the tanned nose. Naruto fidgeted a little before his large azure eyes opened. They were greeted with watery coal black orbs.

"Sasuke," Naruto said slowly "are you ok?" Sasuke just nodded his head before pulling the blond closer to him and kissing him passionately. When they separated, a thin tear had cascaded its way down Sasuke's cheek and it didn't go unnoticed by Naruto.

"Sasuke, I know there's something wrong. You're crying."

"I'm not." The raven's voice betrayed his feelings as it sounded broken and shaky. "Yes, you are Sasuke, I can see it. Tell me what's wrong, please." God he hated this. Naruto hated when Sasuke would do this. He was doing it more and more recently. Some nights he would come in late and had obviously been crying, but when Naruto had asked him what was wrong he would always deny being upset; as if his Uchihaness forbid him to show any emotions even now.

"Naruto," he spoke quietly, barely a whisper...he was almost breathing the words "please, Naruto. Let me make love to you?"

Naruto sighed; this was something that happened a lot as well. Sasuke would never ask that otherwise; only on those nights that Sasuke returned home upset. Naruto didn't like it; it made him worry about their relationship. But then nothing ever happened…the next day everything was always fine. But it didn't mean that one of these days it wouldn't be fine. The next day Sasuke would leave him for sure. Those thoughts made Naruto want to cry and scream and hit things. He never did though. And tonight would be no different.

"No Sasuke, I'm really tired tonight. Baa-chan had me working on some mind techniques and I'm too knackered. Tomorrow night though, I promise." He said with a smile. Sasuke looked away from Naruto, his words cut deep…'tomorrow night' but there wouldn't be a tomorrow night. Sasuke felt more tears leak from his already red eyes. Something clicked in Naruto's head as soon as Sasuke's eyes had left his…

…Camping.

"Sasuke! I almost forgot, we're going camping tomorrow! Kiba told me today…you don't have missions because Baa-chan cancelled them for a week. So we have to go Sasuke. Please!?" Sasuke's eyes darted straight back to Naruto's, the blonde's face was beaming with joy. 'A week. That means that I'll have another week with Naruto. What is one more week going to do huh? Nothing. Yes, we have to go camping. It would be a really nice thing to do before we go our separate ways.' The last Uchiha schooled his appearance to hide his happiness. He put on a small frown and began complaining about how he didn't like going to things like that, about how he didn't like socializing and that they should spend the week together – alone - instead. He knew Naruto would have none of it. Which he didn't, he nagged all the way until they reached the bedroom. Sasuke gave in just as the two lay down.

He wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and smiled at the blond. A true smile - not a smirk – the type the he only showed to his lover. Naruto was the only one who could make him smile like that; the only one who could make him truly happy. Sasuke loved him more than anything else he had ever known.

"I love you, Naruto."

"Love you too."

Yay! The second chapter is finished hehe. I hope you guys like the story. I plan on making a sequel already…a few actually. Tell me what you think. The next chapter will be day one of camping. Reviews are really appreciated… Xx..xX