Naruto woke up feeling warm and heavy. He remembered coming to his parents house, he remembered Kakashi turning up. Oh. He lifted his head and saw Kakashi's masked face, he was against his shoulder. He looked down to see a different book.

"Good morning" Kakashi greeted and Naruto sat up rubbing his eyes feeling more like a child than he had in a long time.

"You didn't move all night?" Naruto asked as the older man stood and stretched out

"You looked like you needed the sleep. And I figured you weren't ready for any of the beds" he shrugged

"No. Definetely not" Naruto admitted but felt bad for Kakashi, that can't have been comfortable.

"I'm happy you could still fall asleep on me though" Kakashi said smoothly which had Naruto looking surprised, he knew Kakashi cared, but to think being stuck in one place all night for a brat who ran off and left him in the dark, made him happy?

"Really?" He asked forcing in doubt

"Yeah, it stopped kind of abruptly for me, and you seem so... independent I worried you didn't need me anymore" he said "which I'm sure you don't but it was still a good feeling" he smiled and Naruto saw his eye crinkle. He wanted to tell him he missed him, that he made him feel safe and loved and he did need him but with his path only leading to the fight Kurama he didn't think it'd be fair.

Then plan to return to them Kurama grumbled. But he still couldn't do it.

He smiled up to Kakashi and decided to tell him what he believed

"I never stopped needing my old man" he said and decided not to watch for the reaction, mostly scared that would offend him. He stood up and stretched himself feeling stiff from sleeping sat up. The sun was up and it felt like late morning. He'd have to face Shikamaru today and he was looking forward to it but also dreading it. He'd be angry there was no doubt. But he wanted to warn him to stay on guard with the foundation and Danzo. There was no guarantee his threat worked

"Kakashi"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful around Danzo. He made a not so veiled threat. Pretty sure I got my point across but..."

Kakashi nodded

"I understand" he nodded "are you leaving again?"

"Not today, I plan to try and help with the code Jiyraiya left. But I was in the middle of some serious training, I will have to go back"

"Make sure you come say bye before you go" Kakashi said

"You're letting me go now?" He asked with a smirk and Kakashi rolled his eye

"You can do the flying raijin. We couldn't stop you if we wanted to and you know it"

Naruto laughed and nodded

"I promise to come find you before I go, where is the Intel building?"

"It's the large building down the road to the Hokage tower, right next to the monument"

"Thanks... I'll see you later"

He travelled over the village. Hopefully they could get an answer soon the more information Naruto had the easier it'll be to defeat the Pain. Going over the message it made no sense, likely a key or something. He honestly wasn't sure how well he would do with trying to help but he would do his best. Shikamaru was the smarted person he knew and he didn't doubt he would crack it.

He landed on the roof and could already sense him in the building. Jumping to the back of the building he walked along the windows stopping when he saw Shikamaru and a woman with glasses in the room. Books were on every wall, floor to ceiling, covering the tables and Naruto had never seen so many.

"Any luck?" He asked leaning on the window sill. Shikamaru tensed and looked up locking eyes with Naruto and he couldn't look away, he saw the anger, the hurt, the frustration the Nara had built up toward Naruto "hoping to lend a hand" he said swallowing down his nerves.

"And you are?" The woman asked

"Call me Hattori" he nodded and she looked to Shikamaru waiting for some sort of confirmation

"He knew Jiyraiya" Shikamaru sighed finally letting Naruto go. He blinked and looked at the floor trying to calm himself down. His palms were actually sweating!

This is rediculous

This is attraction Kurama laughed and Naruto wanted to punch him. Regardless of the fact it'd only be the equivalent of a flick for the obnoxious beast.

At least I'm not pretending to not know what I want

Naruto growled out loud and froze when he'd realised he had done that out loud and now had questioning looks from the two ninja in the building. Kurama snickered and Naruto had to resist the urge to glare. He vaulted into the room and kept his distance.

"So, have you had any luck?" He asked and the woman shook her head

"We have been at it all night, and Lady Hokage didn't have any ideas. Neither did Kakashi. If you think you can help, take a look" Shikamaru said rubbing the back of his neck

"You've been here all night?" Naruto asked "both of you?"

"Yeah"

"I am Shiho" the woman bowed slightly

"You have no theories so far?" Naruto asked

"We tried mission logs, dates and nothing made sense that way. Not sure what the numbers mean" Shiho said and Naruto frowned because that made no sense

"What?" Shikamaru asked taking hold of his arm. Naruto smirked at him, because of course he notices Naruto thought something was wrong.

"It's just... well that's a Katakana letter" Naruto said pointing at the first mark. "I'm no code breaker so I knew I wouldn't be able to figure this out alone"

"Katakana?" Shikamaru asked stepping forward looking at it "that's a nine"

"No, he had me read manuscripts, and one had this in a bunch. Honestly I can't believe Kakashi likes them so much" Naruto rolled his eyes.

Shiho bolted from the desk and pulled out multiple books and files. Naruto left her to it and watched Shikamaru. He was looking at the picture of the code and he picked up the pen flipping it in his fingers and Naruto found he couldn't look away as he watched his fingers move the pen with such precision and it didn't even falter.

He must be good with his hands

Don't you hope so Kurama teased and Naruto felt his face heat up

That was not what I meant!!

"So it was a habit then" Shikamaru said drawing it out himself.

"Samples of his handwriting does show it often" Shiho said holding a page up "Hattori are you alright? You've gone red" she asked concerned.

"Oh, I'm fine!" He laughed awkwardly and rolled up his sleeves "just a little warm!"

Kurama was laughing hysterically at his expense. He didn't like this new side of him he pouted.

"Do you know which book it was?" Shikamaru asked

"His newest one I think" Naruto said

"This one?" Came Kakashi's voice holding up the book he was reading this morning

"Do you just follow people so you show up at the perfect time or is it just coincidence?" Naruto asked folding his arms

"Coincidence" he said eye wide trying to show innocence that Naruto didn't believe for a second.

"It's likely page number or line" Shiho said "Kakashi please open the book to page 31"

Granted Naruto hadn't been around Kakashi much but he was certain that the man had never looked so flustered as he did the moment Shiho told him to read the first line. She got impatient and took the book from him writing things down and nobody dared to interrupt her or ask questions. She seemed pretty in the zone.

"Right, I think I've got it" she nodded once, satisfied.

'The real one is not among them'

"What the hell does that mean?" Naruto asked

"No idea" Shikamaru said

"We better relay this to Lord Fukusaku right away" Kakashi said

"May I come along with you guys too?" Shiho asked Shikamaru blushing slightly

"Please do Shiho" Shikamaru said and the girl practically lit up. She likes him, Naruto realised

Yet you can't realise you-

Shut up!

Fukusaku was already at the office when they arrived. And he didnt even acknowledge Naruto and he appreciated it. Sakura and Sasuke were there too

"Hattori gave a tip that helped us crack it" Shiho said gesturing to him "and honestly without it we may never have figured it out"

"Thank you Hattori" Tsunade said casually and Naruto only bowed. Maybe another alias would have been best, he thought if Kiki and Hosokawa mentioned him questions would be raised theybsaid they wouldn't but no pressure. It was just habit to give that name first.

"It was like they came back from the dead" Fukusaku said "it's too unclear for me to give you an answer"

"What about the autopsy and interrogation?" Kakashi asked

Interrogation? Naruto thought

"It'll be about a week. Shizune is heading the autopsy so that'll be quicker than usual. The man Jiyraiya sent us is proving difficult. But Ibuki and Inoichi are working together on this. I have no doubt we will have answers soon" Tsunade said

"So there's nothing more we can do?" Naruto asked

"Not for the moment" Sakura said

"Am I the only one confused?" Sasuke said glaring at Naruto.

"It's fine Sasuke" Tsunade said and he stood down.

Naruto wondered if maybe it was best to let him and Sakura know the truth. They were clearly trusted by Kakashi and Tsunade.

"Thank you Shiho" Tsunade said dismissively and the woman left promptly. "Thank you for everything Lord Fukusaku, I will send word on out updates" she said and he dissapeared.

"Who is Hattori?" Sasuke asked

"Me" Naruto answered

"I thought you were called Naruto"

"I am, but being on the run most my life I went by other names"

"Are we going to get and explanation?" Sasuke demanded and Sakura elbowed him in the ribs

"I am also wanting to know My Lady. Its just a bit strange" she said more politely and Tsunade looked to Naruto to Kakashi.

"I think they could handle it" Kakashi said and the room looked at Naruto.

"Would it be beneficial for them to know?"

"Honestly it would be" Kakashi said "they're my team and I don't like that they're worried. We don't work well when there is tension like this, especially if you're going to be dropping in and out"

Naruto nodded

"Alright then"

"What's your real name?" Sasuke asked

"Naruto Uzumaki"

"And you... lived here?" Sakura asked

"Born here and lived here until I was five"

"Why did you move?" She asked pinching the Uchiha's arm before he spoke. Naruto clenched his fists and jumped slightly when Shikamaru's hand softly wrapped around his wrist. His fingers opening Naruto's fist to weave their fingers together. He smiled slightly at the instant comfort it provided.

"I was an orphan, and I was attacked often, almost died a few times. So I ran away" he said and both of their faces fell in horror

"The boy you were told about when you became chunin" Tsunade said and pointed at him briefly "this is him"

"We thought you died" Sasuke said

"Yeah, I get that a lot" he said

"Then why are you here? I don't see you eagerly wanting to come back after all you suffered" Sasuke said and Naruto smirked at him. He likes this guy, to the point, no nonsense

"I'm not threat to your village. I have no interest in pay back, its not my style" he shrugged

"Did you lie?" He asked "About... being him?"

Naruto looked to Kakashi who nodded once

"Yes"

"Why?" He asked through clenched teeth

"Because... I know what happened and you family is yours... I didn't want to tell you about what they were to me"

"Which was?"

Again he looked to Kakashi who nodded and to Tsunade who also nodded

"Itachi was one of my personal ANBU watchers. He and another looked after me when they were off mission. I found out about Itachi the day I ran... and I met your mum that day too, because I heard she was a really close friend of my mums. She wanted to adopt me when my parents died and I wanted to thank her, and tell her I would be okay"

"Kushina" Sasuke whispered and Naruto snapped his eyes up to the Uchiha. He wasn't the only one

"What?"

"I told you she cried about you a lot, but she also apologised to Kushina. Saying she failed her and you, you were gone and probably dead"

Naruto bowed his head as the guilt overcame him.

"So we were almost brothers huh?" He asked and Naruto nodded "I don't have the best record with brothers" he said calmly "but you meant a lot to my mum. I'll try to trust you" he nodded Naruto smiled and nodded. That's all he could ask for. But he didnt want anymore connections, he didn't want more people to care about when he hadn't even accepted he was going to live. But he couldn't deny it to Sasuke. He'd lost enough and now Naruto was a connection to his mother.

"I'm happy for them to know the rest, I understand if they... become wary again" he told Tsunade who only nodded

"What will you do now?"

"I was hoping to talk to Shikamaru when he is done working. Then I got to get back to my training"

"And Pain?" She asked

"I'll come back in a week. But if he comes for me before that, well, then I'll know"

She didn't look convinced but she nodded.

Kakashi cleared his throat and tapped his arm.

"You're all dismissed" Tsunade ordered "Shikamaru you have worked all night you're done for the day"

Everyone scattered and Naruto summoned a clone hiding it in the shadow of the ledge outside the window. That was clearly a sign.

-

He left with Shimamaru and it wasn't until they were in a forest that he had realised they were still holding hands and instantly he became hyper aware of the hand, the way his hand tingled. He loosened his fingers but Shikamaru only tightened his hold making it known he had no intention of letting go

"Everytime I let you go you dissapear" he said

"I'll say goodbye this time. I had to leave quickly"

"After avoiding me" he said almost annoyed. Naruto had nothing to say to that so he only looked to the floor and let Shikamaru lead the way. Then suddenly he was against a tree with Shikamaru holding him in place by his shoulder, still not releasing his hand

"I want an explanation too" he said his eyes holding Naruto in place. This man would never need shadow possession on me, he thought his heart pounding as his mouth went dry.

"I freaked out. My plans have gone up in smoke, things came to light... I needed space" he said hoping a vague answer would do. "And then an old man tried to use Inoichi and your dad to lock me up somewhere so I left"

Shikamaru groaned putting his head on Naruto's shoulder

"What a drag" he muttered and Naruto was staring at him wide eyed freezing every muscle he had so not to freak out. Shikamaru dragged him down to sit and pulled out his hair and Naruto watched as it cascaded down his shoulders. It was longer than it looked and he was amazed. Shikamaru had his eyes closed as he brushed his fingers through the black locks. Before he knew what he was doing Naruto had his hands in the hair his fingertips grazing Shikamaru's scalp. He became too distracted by how soft it was between his fingers and he was sure Shikamaru had thick hair because it stuck up so well but it was thin, it reminded him of silk. He put the ends between his finger and thumb rolling it between them. Then he blinked and looked up Shikamaru sat there frozen, eyes wide and watching Naruto. He was hovering over Naruto noses almost touching. Naruto tried to let go but his hand wouldn't listen. His heart was in his throat and his traitorous hand trailed back up the hair to cup the back of Shikamaru's neck.

"Naruto?" He asked softly his voice thick with... something he couldn't place but it had Naruto straightening his back like he was standing to attention. Naruto licked his dry lips and Shikamaru's eyes zeroed in on it. Leaning down as Naruto strained his neck and had no choice but to wait for the Nara. His other hand became free and it wasted no time clutching to the other man's shirt. He realised why his hand was free when he felt the heat of Shikamaru's hand on the side of his neck before he felt his lips on his... it was a chaste kiss, hesitant. For all of five seconds before they both dove into deepening the kiss. All of Naruto's senses left him as he pulled himself onto Sikamaru's lap trying to get as close as possible. The kiss was desperate, and full of so much heat Naruto felt like he was burning up. He couldn't breath, and he didn't want to if it meant losing Shikamaru's touch. He didn't need to breath. Hands were on his waist pulling him closer and when Naruto felt both their erections against each other he hummed in pleasure while Shikamaru let out a moan that felt like it resonated in Naruto's chest. What was happening? Sure Naruto had kissed people before even done quiet a bit of foreplay but never had he felt so desperate. He'd never felt so good. They pulled away gasping for air and Naruto felt like the more air he took in the more his senses returned. He put his head on Shimamaru's chest, hiding and hoping to not get lost in the lust again. He wasn't sure he'd stop or ask Shikamaru to stop. There was no denying it. He was in love with him. His feelings, the connection they had, he refused to let him go. And now here he was straddling the man after the most mind blowing kiss he had ever had. They'd never brought that reaction out of him, and he knew deep down why.

"I'm... sorry" He panted his palm flat on his chest

"Don't be" Shikamaru answered and moved his hand up his back trailing the heat with them. His head moved with Shikamaru's chest and he didn't know what to do now. He didn't want to look at him but he really didn't want to get off him either. He wrapped his arms around Shikamarus neck and hugged him "You're confused" Shikamaru finally said and hugged Naruto back

"No" Naruto said softly "in denial" he corrected "or at least I was trying to be"

"Why?"

"Because its not fair. I am a mess, I have a unstable future and I didn't want to make you feel more for me than you already do"

"Too late for that" Shikamaru said casually and Naruto had to look up narrowly missing headbutting him in the chin.

"What?" He asked and the man didn't even seem phased.

"You came home, to the place you feared just to see me do my exams. Then the first thing you did was look for me at the first sign of trouble. You saved the village even though it almost killed you. Outright admitting it was for me and Kakashi. You saved Asuma, only accepted to come home if I what I did wasn't brought to the attention of the Hokage. How was my childhood crush not going to become more?" He smirked down at him. Naruto heard once the Nara never lose feelings for people they care for. Friends, family, lovers. He believed it now. So Shikamaru was doomed from the beginning, he thought

"That's just not fair to you"

"As long as you're alive I'll be fine" and that is where it hurt, because he almost wasn't going to be three and a half months ago. Tears actually came to his eyes and he couldn't stop them. Oh god. He wiped them away and shook his head

"I'm sorry" He apologised again

"Why?" Shikamaru asked wiping away his tears and Naruto couldn't do it. He had already failed at not doing anything until Pain was dealt with. He had stopped his training. Screw the short term goals. So he took a deep breath and told Shikamaru the details he left out almost Eleven years ago.

He saw the devastation on his face, the horror that he had helped him leave to basically kill himself. That he wanted to free Kurama knowing that he wanted revenge. That he had gotten him to promise to not hurt Shikamaru and his family when the time came. He was essentially swapping his life for theirs. He told him how Kurama had backed out and now he didn't know what to do. Shikamaru held him tighter and shook his head.