When Naruto awoke in the bed, he found himself curled up on the side nearest the wall, no one else even in the room. The lights were off and the blinds drawn, so he couldn't exactly tell what time it was other than... day? It did smell good, though. Like someone was making pancakes or waffles. He must've been really tired not to have noticed both Sasuke and Nezumi slipping out of bed. Rolling toward the middle, Naruto stared up at the ceiling with his hands resting on his stomach, fingers laced together, and knuckles feeling kind of raw. Absently, he wondered if those guys were both in jail, or maybe that one guy was still in the hospital. He wasn't exactly sure how it worked. Then he began to wonder more about Nezumi. He knew how to fight and he didn't seem to have one single place that he stayed in for a long period of time. In fact, he didn't know much about him at all, really. He even started to feel bad that Nezumi had spent the entire night putting up with his and Sasuke's drama without so much as a complaint.

It was weird what happened when you were in a relationship. Like with Shion, one of their issues was a certain level of codependency that made both of them act like idiots sometimes. With Sasuke, they were extremely close, but they also did things independent of each other. Sasuke had work and his work friends. Naruto had the same. It was true that they spent a lot of time together and they both got kind of grumpy and broody when they were apart from one another. How many times had he and Sasuke spoken over the phone while Naruto was away for work or on some trip with Kiba only for him to feel guilty for leaving Sasuke alone? That didn't happen all the time, but it happened.

Were they one of those couples then that really only cared about preserving their bubble? He and Sasuke always had someone to lean on during good and shitty times, but who did Nezumi have? Since he got the feeling that Nezumi cared for Shion, he just couldn't understand why he would voluntarily want to be apart from him. If Nezumi wasn't ready to settle down, then okay. But saying that Shion would be better off without him? Was that true? Was it excuses? Was it any of his business? Well, no, it wasn't, and he didn't know Shion or the circumstances, but he also didn't think Nezumi would be attracted to an asshole.

"Hmph."

He rolled onto his stomach, now on Nezumi's side of the bed where it smelled like his shampoo. Was he happy, though? Was he happy wandering around by himself, from city to city? Could Naruto be happy doing something like that? The more he thought about it, he'd been in serious relationships practically since the start of college. He liked being in relationships, though. He liked having someone to care for... was that strange? Was it because his mom died at a young age like Shion used to tell him? Was it the same for Sasuke? Although instead of seeking out that stability, he always ran away from it?

Naruto sighed as he buried his face in the pillow. He'd had strange dreams all night, although the details were starting to fade. He remembered some violent ones and then ones about people from his past. Not anyone special, just random kids he'd gone to high school or junior high with that he hadn't seen in years. He'd even had one dream where Sasuke and Nezumi were dressed up in women's clothes -

Oh. He'd forgotten about that one. Yeah, that was awkward.

As he was lying there, head full of so many thoughts it felt like it was going to explode, there came a light knock on the door before it opened.

"Are you awake finally?" Sasuke came in, shutting the door behind him. He stood next to the bed, staring down at Naruto.

"What time is it?"

"It's almost 11."

"God, it's that late?" He moaned.

"I tried waking you earlier, but you wouldn't even respond to me shaking you." Sasuke sat on the edge of the bed and brushed his hair to the side, tucking it behind an ear.

"Sorry. I'll get up if you're ready to go."

"It's okay." Sasuke ran a finger across Naruto's eyebrow. "No rush. Are you feeling any better?"

"Me?" He scoffed. "What about you? I can't see it very well, but that's gotta be bruised." He gestured at Sasuke's bandage.

"It's fine. And what about these?" Sasuke picked up one of Naruto's hands. "They're red. We should've put something on them last night."

Naruto drew his hand away. "They're fine. Where's Nezumi?"

"Oh, you mean your other boyfriend?" Sasuke smirked. "He's making you silver dollar pancakes. I even suggested he put some chocolate chips in a few."

"You did?" Naruto smiled widely.

"Don't smile at me like that," said Sasuke. "He's the one doing all the work."

"Yeah, but since I can't kiss him, I might as well kiss you." He grabbed the front of Sasuke's shirt (he was actually dressed in his jeans from yesterday but what apparently must've been a sweater of Nezumi's), and pulled him on top of his body.

Sasuke fell with a grunt as Naruto threw his arms around him.

"You slept okay then?" Sasuke asked, his voice tender as he searched Naruto's face.

"Mm. Obviously. How about you?"

"I woke up early, but Nezumi was awake before me. I found him in the living room going over lines for another play."

"Oh, yeah? That's cool. He didn't mention he was doin' somethin' different. I thought he was still in that play for a while?"

"He is. I don't think he'll be staying in Chicago much longer after Medea's run ends."

"Oh."

Sasuke shifted between his legs and fingered some of Naruto's hair. "You sound disappointed."

He shrugged. "I dunno. I just thought... he's someone you and I both like, and - "

Sasuke's eyebrows went up. "And?"

"Thought we'd get to see him again. Is that weird?"

"No. It's not weird." Sasuke brushed his lips across Naruto's cheek. "In fact, I gave him my business card."

Naruto grabbed his shoulder and pushed him up. "You what?" He was grinning. "Are you serious?"

"I don't know how to feel about you being so excited about this."

"It's cool!" He shook Sasuke. "Are you gonna be his agent or somethin'?"

"I don't know if it'll be me given he won't be in the area long, but I intend to help him out if he's interested."

"Ah." Naruto put his arms around him again, and Sasuke lay on top of him, though he buried his face in Naruto's neck. "By the way. Last night, before all that shit went down... didn't you say you had somethin' you wanted to talk about?"

"We don't have to talk about it right now," Sasuke breathed. "I'm too comfortable."

"Stingy," he mumbled, stroking Sasuke's back. "I'll drive, okay?"

"You hate driving around Chicago, and you hate driving my car."

"I know," Naruto said, smiling. "But I think you should chill out and rest."

"I don't know if I'm capable of doing that while you're at the wheel."

"Oh shut up," he replied. "I'm not that bad!"

Naruto started humming when they remained quiet for a while, simply snuggling a bit. He liked feeling Sasuke's warm breath against his skin.

"What are you humming?" Sasuke murmured.

"Your mom's vagina."

Suddenly, Sasuke barked out a laugh that set Naruto to laughing, too.

"God, I can't believe you laughed at that," said Naruto.

"I can't believe I did either. I suppose I was expecting something else."

"Guess I'm still No. 1 at surprisin' you, huh?"

"That's for sure. You're..." Sasuke lifted his head and raised himself to his elbows. "Incredibly unpredictable, but," he touched the bruised spot on Naruto's cheek, "I like that about you. Even if it involves you insulting my dead mother."

"What else do you like about me?" He grinned.

"I'm not going to answer that," said Sasuke.

"Why? Because it'd take you all day?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Come on. Since you didn't eat last night, I want to make sure you eat some breakfast."

"Mm. I wanna change first, and... can you send Nezumi in maybe?"

"You need Nezumi in here to help you change clothes?"

"Hey, you were the one who encouraged him to join us in bed." He waggled his eyebrows.

"Please. You were practically begging for it." Sasuke did get up, though. He sat on the edge of the mattress, pulling the covers off of him.

"What was it you said?" Naruto rolled onto his side and rested his head on his hand. He gave his boyfriend's sweater a tug as they gazed at one another. "You wanted me to experience the pleasure two men could give me?"

"It was all very hypothetical, I assure you."

"Uh huh. Was that your gay pride shinin' through? An all-male threesome would be better than two guys and one girl, eh?"

"Better for me, yes," Sasuke replied. "The idea of having sex with a woman - no thanks."

"Don't knock it 'til you've tried it." Slowly, he sat up and shifted around until he was behind Sasuke. He put a chin on his shoulder and hugged him about the waist. "So." Naruto hummed at him affectionately. "Did you think of any names for our kids yet?"

"I suppose there are some family names I wouldn't mind putting to use."

"Seriously?" He squeezed him tighter. "I was just kiddin', but you've really thought of names?"

"I think there's still a lot of time left before we seriously think about... children. Don't you?"

"True," said Naruto. "Like, y'know. We'd have to talk about... where we wanna have them, or how to have 'em. I guess I should say, where to raise them?"

Sasuke turned slightly, placing a hand on his thigh. "What do you mean?"

"Well." He leaned back on his arms. "I never thought we'd stay in Joliet forever. I wouldn't do that to you."

"Hm."

"What's that look? I thought you'd be kinda happy about movin' away from here. Or, you wanna stay in Chicago? That's okay, too - Mmph."

Sasuke had cut him off after pushing him down on the bed, crawling on top, and kissing him hard. He took Naruto's wrists and pinned them to the mattress as they continued to kiss.

After a minute or two, they broke for air.

"What was that for?" He asked.

"Would you really be willing to move somewhere else?"

"Well, yeah. I was ready to move with you to Seattle, after all. In fact, I always wondered if you'd wanna move back there to be closer to your brother."

"What about your dad?" Sasuke asked. "And Kiba and Ino?"

"I mean, they're bound to get married and have kids and all that. I'd like to stay by dad, but he'd understand. I mean, I wanna be within a few hours flight from him if possible."

Sasuke's expression momentarily darkened.

"Is there somethin' I should know?" He asked, holding onto his upper arm. "You said somethin' around New Year's. I remember. Is there news about work?"

"Not... officially. But. I don't really want to talk about it just yet. It's... maybe when it becomes more serious."

Naruto frowned. "Where would they want you to go?"

Sasuke averted his gaze.

"Sasuke." Naruto touched the side of his cheek and forced his boyfriend to look at him. "Where?"

Sasuke eyed him with what he could only surmise as guilt.

"New York?" Naruto asked, figuring that was a place Sasuke didn't think he'd want to move to.

"...Europe."

"Europe?" He started to scoot up in the bed, forcing Sasuke to have to move, too. Naruto was leaning back on his hands, his knees drawn up while Sasuke sat next to him, cross-legged and obviously expecting him to have something to say about this.

"I didn't want to mention it," said Sasuke, "Because it's only moved slightly beyond rumors."

"Just tell me. It's weird if I think you're keepin' stuff from me on purpose."

Sasuke sighed. "This is why I didn't want to bring it up. I've only heard whispers of it, but the agency is going to open a branch in Berlin, and they might consider making me, well. Partner. Or, lead director anyway. They want me to start it up since I have a fair amount of contacts in Europe already and they like the way I've run things in Chicago."

"...Jeez. I... I dunno what to say. I mean. That's great for you. I'm happy for you."

"But?" Sasuke asked. "I know it's not what you imagined, and it would be a lot to ask of you."

"I... need to think about it some, I guess. I wanna go where you go, I've always thought that way - "

"We don't have to think about it now." Sasuke put a hand on Naruto's knee. "I thought we'd wait to have a real discussion about it when I knew more. I wanted to talk about it, though, because somehow even Nezumi had heard about it."

"What? It must be more serious than you're sayin' if he knew about it, right?"

"I honestly haven't even had a personal conversation with any of the higher-ups about this yet."

"Okay." He nodded, still a bit dumbfounded. "Thanks for tellin' me, I guess."

"Maybe I should have told you sooner."

"No, I..." He let out a breath and smiled at Sasuke. "It's... it could be exciting? Right? Yay... Berlin. 'Cause I took all those years of German in high school."

Sasuke sighed. "Sorry. I should've mentioned it."

"Nah. There'd be no reason to if you didn't know what was goin' on. It's not a bad idea. I guess it just depends on how soon."

"Maybe next fall?"

Naruto felt an odd pang in his chest, but not really the good kind. He wanted to be happy for Sasuke because this was a huge deal, and he was happy. But he also couldn't stop thinking about his dad. What if something happened to him while they were abroad?

"H-how long do you think we'd be over there?" Naruto asked.

"I don't know. I can't imagine it'd be more than a few years. Possibly even less than that. A year or two. I'm sure they'd like to start bringing in more local agents once it's up and running. I wouldn't want to stay there forever."

"No?"

Sasuke looked as though he had something more to say about it as he started to reach for him, but then there was a knock at the door and Nezumi popped his head in.

"It's dark in here," he said to them. "Sorry to interrupt, but breakfast is ready, your majesty." Nezumi gave a slight bow.

"Ah, sure." Naruto plastered on a smile. "I hear you made mini pancakes. I love those."

"I figured that someone who acts like a kid would want to eat breakfast like a kid. Though it was Sasuke who mentioned you like chocolate chips in them, too."

"I do," he said.

"Your boyfriend seems to know you pretty well." Nezumi had his hair up in his usual loose bun, but today he was wearing jeans and a tighter, black long-sleeve shirt.

It struck Naruto that he looked every bit the professional actor. He was good looking, well-poised, and incredibly outgoing.

"I'll head out first," said Sasuke. "I think Naruto wanted to borrow something to wear, too, maybe?"

"Of course," said Nezumi. "I'd be happy to have something of mine on Naruto."

"Heh." Naruto rubbed the back of his head, watching as Sasuke got out of bed and left the two of them alone.

Nezumi flipped on the light. "Not that I can't see in the dark, but this way you won't trip and fall all over yourself while you change."

Naruto slid off of the bed and stretched. "So, what are your plans for today?"

"Well, I'll probably drop in on Sophie. I still have her cell phone, and I suppose a decent friend would want to make sure she wasn't completely traumatized."

"Ah, yeah. I hope she's doin' alright. Tell her sorry that we... yeah. That's rough for a woman, I'm sure."

"It's rough for anybody," said Nezumi.

"True."

"Hm. So what do you want to wear? Are you going to wear your jeans from yesterday, or do you need pants, too? Maybe so. You did look like you had blood on them."

"Er. Did I? Yeah, then. If you don't mind. Y'know, you could always come down to Joliet again. And bring your Ducati. I'll be happy to fix it for you, especially since we owe you so much."

Nezumi put a hand on his hip. "You don't owe me anything. But I'm not opposed to payin' you a visit. Maybe we could go to that bar again?"

Naruto chuckled. "Sure. I'd like that. Say, um. Sasuke says you knew about... the job in Berlin or whatever?"

"Ah, he told you?" Nezumi folded his arms behind his head, which caused his sweater to ride up.

"Yeah. I always thought we'd move, but it's a lot further than I expected."

"I dunno. I think it sounds pretty excitin'. How many people get to say they lived in Europe?"

"Yeah." He chuckled nervously. "I know. I think about my dad and stuff, but I suppose we can't stay here forever."

"I'm sure your dad wouldn't want you to be stuck in Joliet. Maybe he's only staying here because you're here, too. Ever think about that?"

Well, no. He hadn't actually.

"I guess not. I... maybe. He used to talk about movin' shortly after mom died, but nothin' ever came of it since I threw such a fit about it."

"You really are spoiled," said Nezumi.

"I know. Dad spoiled me. Sasuke spoils me. You spoil me."

Nezumi shrugged. "Nothin' wrong with spoilin' people who deserve it."

"What makes you think I deserve it?"

The other man smirked. "Just a guess."

"You're always so calm about everything," Naruto said to him. "Do you always have the right answers? Are you always this confident?"

"Mostly." Nezumi crossed his arms. "When you've lived as long as I have."

Naruto snorted. "We're about the same age."

"What would you like to wear?" Nezumi abruptly changed the subject and went to his closet, where he started handling a few different items.

Naruto went over to help, not that he could offer much assistance, although he did spot this one particular kind of purple-ish colored sweater that didn't fit in with the rest of Nezumi's wardrobe.

"What's this?" He asked, smiling as he pulled it out to show Nezumi.

Nezumi looked at the sweater and then at him. "It's nothin'. Somethin' I picked up in a thrift store when I was bored." He immediately pushed it back in with all of the other sweaters and coats crammed inside the smaller walk-in closet.

Naruto had to wonder what that reaction was about, but he didn't want to pry. Vaguely, he wondered if it belonged to someone else...

"That's not Shion's is it?" He couldn't help but ask.

"You sure are nosy, Naruto."

"Fine. I won't bug you. I'm just really curious about him. I don't suppose I'll ever get to meet him?"

"Who knows," said Nezumi, finally picking out a blueish-gray sweater for him. "Stranger things have happened in this world."

"Hey," said Naruto, as they were holding the sweater between them. "If... if you come to visit us before you leave, would you mind if maybe... you'd share your story with me?"

"My story?" Nezumi asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Yeah. Just... everything about you. I wanna know more if you'll tell me. You said that to me last night. That you wanted to talk, find out who I am. Well, I wanna do the same. I wanna know why you carry a knife and have ugly purple sweaters in your closet, why you like acting, and what made you choose a red Ducati."

"Are you... coming onto me?" Nezumi gave the sweater a tug, which brought them a half-step closer.

"Not like that, but yeah... if Sasuke's alright with it. Maybe just you and me. Then again, he may wanna chaperone."

"Heh." Nezumi smiled at him, and it was very warm and genuine. "I'd like that. If anything, you and I can work on the bike together. Maybe I can find a way to get it down there in the next few weeks. When I have another day off."

"Sure. Or, I can always drive up with one of our trailers. You're only an hour away, after all."

"Alright. Guess I'll have to get your number then."

Naruto smiled. "Yeah. Guess so. Plus, I hear Sasuke gave you his business card."

"Indeed he did. I hope you won't mind if he and I have a business lunch next week. If he's not too busy."

"Nah. I don't mind. He said he'd be happy to help you out any way he can."

Nezumi suddenly reached out and grabbed a piece of his hair. "Too bad you're with a guy that I... just can't seem to hate no matter how hard I try."

"Yeah. Sasuke's a good guy. He really grows on you, doesn't he?"

"That he does." Nezumi nodded. "Here. Take your sweater. All my jeans are in that dresser. They should be about your size. If they're too big, take a belt."

"I doubt they'll be too big, but thanks."

Since they were standing there, and he basically owed Nezumi for lots and lots of things after last night, including Sasuke's safety, he pulled Nezumi into a hug.

Nezumi was slow to react. "What's this?"

"Thank you," he said, pressing his hands into the other man's back. "For everything. I really want us to be friends if possible. Good friends, I mean."

Nezumi finally put his arms around Naruto's waist. "You're gettin' awfully sentimental on me, Naruto."

"I don't care. I'm a sentimental kinda guy. Please let us know if you need anything at all, or y'just wanna hang out. You're always welcome in Joliet."

"I should say the same," said Nezumi, drawing away first. "If you ever get into any trouble again, you know where I am."

"For now," said Naruto.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow?"

"It is, yeah." Naruto smiled crookedly. "It is sad. I dunno why. Don't... don't just disappear on us, alright?"

"I'll stay as long as I'm able." He put his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Hurry up and change, alright? I don't want my pancakes gettin' cold before you try them. Maybe my awesome cooking will woo you away from Sasuke."

"They say the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach, don't they?"

"Exactly. Now. I'll leave you to your privacy."

Naruto walked out of the closet with him, watching as Nezumi went out the door and shut it behind him. He was about to start changing his clothes, but he ended up sneaking back into the closet in order to find the ugly sweater with the weird Charlie Brown design.

"Yeesh. Is there someone out there who'd really wear this?" He asked, shaking his head.

If it was Shion's, then that guy'd have to be pretty damn interesting.

Snickering, Naruto hurried to the bedroom and quickly changed into a pair of jeans and Nezumi's sweater. He also stole some navy socks. Then, after a quick pitstop to use the bathroom, he finally made his way to the kitchen where a plentiful feast of tiny pancakes and a full bottle of maple syrup awaited him.

It was the early afternoon, and Sasuke had dragged Naruto into their bathroom. While he rummaged through the drawers to find what he was looking for, Naruto sat on the edge of the tub, relatively subdued.

"I'm fine," Naruto protested for the fifth time since Sasuke'd suggested treating his scratches.

Despite his current grumblings, Naruto hadn't complained once while driving them from Nezumi's place to their apartment. He'd even driven within 10 of the speed limit. Sasuke wasn't a slow driver, but Naruto had a lead foot and a serious case of road rage even at the best of times. This time, however, he'd been thoughtful and quiet. Sasuke even managed to sneak in a nap. Finally, while rifling through the cabinet under the sink, he found the medical kit, which included a small tube of Neosporin that he could use on Naruto's knuckles.

"Here," he said, squeezing some onto his finger. "Put your hands out."

Naruto sighed, but he did as Sasuke told him. Gently, Sasuke rubbed it into his skin.

"There, that should remove some of the redness. Do they hurt?" He held one of Naruto's hands in both of his, experimentally tugging at and flexing his fingers to see if maybe he'd broken anything.

"I'm really okay." Naruto got to his feet. "Hey, Ollie."

Ollie was standing in the doorway, watching them. He probably wasn't happy that they'd left him alone last night. As soon as Naruto spoke to him, the cat ran away again.

"He's as moody as you are," Naruto murmured.

"Me?" Sasuke scoffed but decided to bite his tongue. "So, what do you want to do now?"

"I dunno. Just stayin' in is cool with me. How exactly do we break it to our family and friends that you were the victim of an armed robbery?"

"I don't want to think about it," he answered, scratching the back of his head. "Itachi will be annoying, and I don't like the idea of worrying your father. He's not going to be happy about your part in it, you realize? I'd prefer not to mention it if possible."

"Why? He's gonna ask me where I was when it happened anyway. It's not like it'll surprise him, but yeah, maybe we could leave the whole beatdown thing out. Although I guess if we get called to court, that'll come up. What a pain."

"It may not even come to that." He grabbed Naruto's hand and led him into the bedroom. "Although, I suppose it might give you a chance to see Nezumi again." Sasuke gave him a push that sent him bouncing on top of the bed.

Sasuke flopped down beside him, folding his arms under his head. He became amused while watching Naruto inch closer and closer until he'd buried his face in Sasuke's shoulder and thrown an arm across his chest like a warm-blooded octopus.

"You smell like him," Naruto mumbled.

Sasuke flicked him. "I'm your boyfriend. Not him. Stop sniffing me and thinking of him."

"I can't help it! How often do you and I find someone we both like, and we bonded and stuff after all that. We're like soldiers in the same platoon. There are some things you just don't forget, y'know?"

"I see." Sasuke rubbed his head for him. "You're being sentimental. As usual."

"That's what he said!"

"Shh." He continued massaging Naruto's head until his boyfriend seemed to calm.

"Hey," said Naruto. "What are some of the family names you like?"

"For boys or girls?" He asked.

"Both. Um. Start with girls."

"Girls, hm? My mom had a very interesting cousin named Emiko, but I like my great-grandmother's name."

"What was her name? I don't think you've ever mentioned her before."

"Sayuri."

"Oh, that's pretty. I like that. Does it mean anything in particular?"

Sasuke drew in a deep breath. "Small lily."

Naruto started to laugh.

"What's so funny?" Sasuke nudged him.

"Didn't I say one time we should name her Lily, take her to Japan, and everyone would call her Riri."

"Oh God. You really are racist. Fine, you choose the names."

"No." Naruto leaned up on his elbow, staring at him with affection. "I like Sayuri. I like both of those. I kinda like that the first two letters in her name would be the same as yours."

"What makes you think we'll need girl names? Didn't Sophie tell you you'd have a boy who'd look like you? Will you name him something dumb, like Naruto Jr.?"

"Ha!" Naruto slapped his chest playfully. "Like I'd do somethin' as lame as that. Why don't I just give him a name that sounds like mine but change one letter."

"That would be lame," said Sasuke as he touched Naruto's blue sweater and then pressed his palm flat against it, watching his fingers at first before looking up at him again.

"I'd think of somethin' way more original than that, don't worry." Naruto smiled at him and, very slowly, leaned in to kiss him on the lips.

Sasuke slid an arm around his waist, pulling Naruto closer until his boyfriend was lying on top of him. Naruto threaded fingers through his hair while they kissed. Already feeling that warm pull gathering in his stomach, Sasuke snuck both of his hands under his sweater, dragging his palms up and down Naruto's back.

When Naruto started to kiss along the side of his neck, Sasuke let out another long sigh.

"What did I do in other lives to end up with you in this one?" He asked.

Naruto stopped what he was doing to stare at him, evidently surprised. "I don't think I've ever heard you say anything like that before."

"Why? I'm Asian. Didn't you tell me that I'm supposed to believe in reincarnation and past lives?"

"Hm. Did Sophie have that much of an effect on you?"

"Hardly." Sasuke sneered. "I think she won't be going around telling everyone the first thing that pops into her head anymore."

"Harsh, Sasuke. Jeez." Even though Naruto rolled off and flipped onto his back, he reached for Sasuke's hand. "Why'd you go out with her anyway? Like, why not stay inside the apartment?"

"She said something that got my attention is all."

"Something like what?"

Sasuke glanced at him. "Just... something about my past I'd prefer to forget."

"Hmm? I'm curious."

"Curious about something I'd rather forget than talk about?"

"Well, obviously yeah, but I'm not gonna dig either."

"Good. There are some things you don't need to know, Naruto."

"That's a pretty shitty thing to say." Naruto was up on his elbow again, glaring at him. "It's not often there are secrets between us."

"Okay," he said. "Tell me about the best sex you've ever had with someone who wasn't me."

Naruto's eyes narrowed. "That's dumb."

"There are things we don't share because we want to protect the other person's feelings. It's the same thing, and also... I genuinely don't want to talk about it. Okay?"

"Alright." Naruto studied him another few seconds but solemnly seemed to accept what he was saying. He let go of Sasuke's hand.

Sasuke stared at it, where their fingers used to be joined. He felt suddenly melancholy looking at it. Was it wrong to keep such a memory from Naruto? One that he was ashamed of and didn't feel good about. Besides, he didn't want Naruto's pity. Maybe somewhere down the road, he might tell him, but, in his eyes, it wasn't necessary and had no bearing on the person he was today.

"Naruto..." He glanced at his boyfriend, who was sitting cross-legged and looking in a different direction, a slight frown present on his face. Sasuke reached for his hand again and held it tight enough that Naruto couldn't pull away.

Naruto glanced at their hands first and then at him. Sasuke shifted onto his side, placing their hands on Naruto's knee.

"What?" Naruto asked, an eyebrow raised at him.

"Do you... love me?"

The reply was immediate. "Of course I love you."

"Only me?"

Naruto cracked a crooked grin. "Duh."

"You won't be leaving me for any good-looking, silver-eyed actors then?"

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Is this the concussion talking?"

Sasuke snickered, gazing at him softly.

"What's with that look, huh?" Naruto grabbed a piece of his hair and gave it a tug. "What do you want?"

"You."

Naruto hummed first before cupping Sasuke's cheek, and then he was pushing him down onto the bed.

"You want me to show you how much I love you?" Naruto asked in a low voice.

Sasuke nodded, placing a hand at his boyfriend's hip. "I want to feel it."

"Now we're talkin'," Naruto purred. "But you're not allowed to get any for two days. Since you were sassin' me in front of other people."

"I'll let you punish me in a different way for that," he murmured, wanting a kiss.

Naruto brushed his hair out of his eyes, searching him before moving in for a long, gentle kiss that caused Sasuke's heart to race faster. It was still so interesting how Naruto's touch made him crave things he hadn't really before they met. He'd always had this need to be in charge, but with Naruto it was different. He liked that feel of giving up control as Naruto took over and just let him feel it.

Next thing he knew, Naruto was helping him slip his sweater off, mindful of the bandage still covering the cut at his temple. He sank into the pillows as Naruto's mouth and tongue traveled down his chest and stomach. Quick and nimble fingers unsnapped his jeans and pulled down the zipper and snuck underneath the waistband.

"No underwear, huh?" Naruto breathed against his neck and wrapped fingers around him.

"Why, did you borrow some of his to wear?"

"Of course not," Naruto said next to his ear. "I didn't think you'd like me wearin' some other guy's underwear."

"No, I can't say I would."

Naruto started to stroke him. "Are we really gonna talk about Nezumi while I do this to you?"

"If that's what gets you off," he said, rocking into Naruto's hand. "I'm always open to anything you want to try."

"Pervert." Naruto latched onto his neck as his hand continued moving over Sasuke. "I did invite him down here, y'know. Maybe you two can use your lunch date to figure out the details for this sex photoshoot you wanna do so badly."

"You know it's not like that. It'll be... artistic."

"Sure." He nibbled at Sasuke's jaw. "I'm also willin' to try whatever you want. So long as it's just me and you... and a guy with a camera, I guess."

"Hn." He grabbed the collar of Naruto's sweater. "Kiss me, idiot."

"I'll kiss you when I feel like." Naruto let go of him, but started to move lower down his body, laying kisses to his stomach and thighs before he was enveloped in that familiar warmth.

Burying his fingers in Naruto's hair, he began to feel overwhelmed and knew that he wouldn't, as usual, be lasting very long. Something about Naruto always did this to him. He filled up those places inside Sasuke that had been empty for so long but had always craved something more.

If anyone was capable of causing this in him, it would always be Naruto. This man who was his constant, who always made things exciting, and who managed to get Sasuke to see things in ways he never had before.

Whatever the future had in store for them - kids, Europe... even marriage - it was as Naruto said earlier. He only ever saw Naruto in his thoughts of the future. Though he was sometimes afraid to wish for it, to hope for it, it's that part of him - the boy who'd grown up in a loving home with two very loving parents - that had always wanted something like this.

Naruto made him feel like he deserved that kind of future even when Sasuke wasn't confident.

He wanted it so badly that each time they were together like this, he felt the fear and rapture rolling into him as one.

"Sasuke," Naruto murmured nuzzling him. "Try to last longer than a few minutes, alright? I can already tell you're gettin' close."

Sasuke flicked him in the forehead. "Less talking, more sucking, Uzumaki."

"Is this us tryin' to make a baby?" He smirked as he kissed the side of Sasuke's penis.

"You and I need to have a talk about the birds and the bees after you finish."

"Goodie. No one ever gave me a proper one of those," Naruto replied sarcastically. "Just for that, I'm gonna make you come hard, asshole."

"Thank God," Sasuke said, letting his head fall back onto the pillow again. "Anything to get you to shut up."

Naruto snorted, grabbed hold of him, and slid him back into his mouth, sucking on him and doing that thing he did when -

"Jesus," he said, covering his eyes as his hips started lifting on their own.

Naruto chuckled, which only stimulated him even more.

A whole 30 seconds later, it was all over with a very smug-looking Naruto crawling up the length of his body. He kissed Sasuke on the cheek.

"I suppose if we're gonna move to Berlin that leaves us plenty of time to join the mile-high club."

Sasuke pulled him into a hug, his exposed bits pressing up against the lower half of Naruto's body.

"At least let me tuck you in first," Naruto whispered, kissing at his neck and collarbone.

"I wouldn't bother."

"No?" Naruto glanced at him as he flicked one of Sasuke's nipples. "More?"

"More. You," he said. "On me."

"Yeah?" Naruto's eyes flashed. "How we doin' it?"

"Slow."

"Mm. I see." Naruto nodded. "I was hopin' you'd say that. I like this. I get to make you come over and over tonight."

"I'll let you," he said, touching the side of Naruto's face, his thumb tracing those nearly invisible scars.

"You'll let me have you?" Naruto leaned into his touch, smiling tenderly at him.

Sasuke smiled back. "Always."

"'Til death do us part?"

He took hold of Naruto's chin with his thumb and forefinger, leaning in for a kiss. "'Til death do us part."