A month had passed and Naruto had come to a decision. One that was made easier when an idea came into his head and he hoped it would work. Not that he was all too thrilled by the idea either if he was honest. But it was a step, and worth it. Plus, even if it wasn't a possibility he had Tsunade's offer. He lay on his bedroom floor staring at the plain brown ceiling, his arms outstretched either side of him. He had thought about Gaara's advice, he had even braved asking Temari and she was brutal but honest. Kankoro wasn't so much help but that wasn't surprising, he wasn't great at the whole advice thing. There was a knock on his door pulling him from his procrastination to go tell Gaara what he had planned.

"Come in!" He called not looking from the ceiling. The door opened and a throat was cleared

"Sorry to intrude" came a soft somewhat familiar voice. Naruto frowned and turned surprised to see the blonde leaf kunoichi.

"Ino" he greeted sitting up "everything okay?" He asked trying not to immediately think something happened to Shikamaru

"Oh, yes. Nothing to worry about. Tsunade sent me with some paperwork for the Kazekage. I had asked if you were here and well..." she gestured smiling softly "I was hoping I could talk to you?"

He gestured for her to come in and sat on his bed. She came in sitting on the other side of the bed and placed her hands on her lap.

"Fire away" he encouraged

"It's not my place, and I apologise in advance. But just what the hell are you doing?" She asked sharply as she leveled him with a steely gaze. Naruto blinked at the one-eighty of her attitude

"Eh?" He blurted

"Very articulate" Kurama trased

"I have a grumpier than usual teammate with a heavy dose of sadness and I know it is your doing. You are jumping back and fourth not giving him a real answer and it is not fair" she explained standing up to put her hands on her hips "and I won't stand for one of my best friend being played. Even from the guy who saved the world, and my Father" she sighed and bowed her head before taking a deep breath. Regret clear, he smiled at her "that being said, I know you care about him and I know you're hesitation is to make sure you're making the right choice so I will forgive you now. But it has been long enough, you need to come back and make a decision"

He was only a little surprised, Shikamaru had told him how Ino was, that she didn't understand boundaries, but she always meant well. No matter how annoying and tiring it was, Shikamaru couldn't be mad about it.

"I know" Naruto said "but I also need to be safe. One bad reaction and I could hurt not only a civilian but someone I care about. Shikamaru understands that. And he won't be happy you've come here to push it" he smirked at her and almost laughed at the worry that flooded her features "my next stop was actually your Father" Naruto admitted and her face went slack with surprise

"My dad? Why?" She asked confused

"Well... my problem is trauma, right? All mental, can't he help? Gaara once asked me if I knew how the Leaf had such good mental stability in their ninja. Obviously I didn't really know but then I learnt about the Yamanaka and well" he shrugged and she sat smiling softly

"Dad's more... breaking into minds for information. All offensive really" she admitted chewing her lip "but my clan do work with the more unstable ninja and civilians alike. Dad will know because he is the head and I am learning" she looked at him with intense sympathy that it made him a little uncomfortable.

"So it's possible?" He asked

"We can help of course. But it takes time and you have to be patient, open and trust us" she told him and his nose scrunched up at the idea

"No offense but I don't want your clan-"

"Like I said, Dad may not be able to, he has his own roles in the village"

Naruto sighed and looked back to the ceiling. "It's no use if someone who caused my trauma works with me. It'll only hurt both of us more"

"My clan attacked you?" She asked quietly eyes wide and Naruto sighed and rubbed his eye

"Not just yours, don't feel so bad" he groaned standing up "but I don't ever remember your Dad, I saw him once with Shikaku as he came to the compound, and he smiled at me like I was a person so I assume he never had the same bias. Could be wrong though" he frowned trying to remember if he had that right. It was a long time ago. But if they were like Shikamaru, Ino and Choji he was sure he had the right guy.

"Wait, so you're coming back to the village?" She asked as she realised what he was implying. He had to bite his cheek so not to smile at her.

"I'm pretty sure I'm going back" he nodded and the biggest grin he had ever seen on an adult that wasn't Jiyraiya spread across her face and Naruto couldn't help but smile too "it's not that great" he shrugged

"He's going to be so happy. He won't show it though. That man has the most bored face I have ever seen" she grumbled "and he may look like he doesn't care but he does"

"I know" Naruto smiled "I know him" he reassured her, it didn't surprised him she had never seen him as open as he had been with him. And she grinned at him and began to bounce on her feet.

"You really don't care he's so lazy? That he won't talk? Or he would rather watch clouds than spend time with you? How often he says Troublesome? How he is just a know it all? Like more times than not you don't even have to tell him why you're there, it's annoying and I nee-"

"Ino, breathe" Naruto interrupted holding his hand up and smirking at her "none of my hesitation is over Shikamaru. If I wasn't worried about hurting him I'd have jumped him months ago" he shrugged and the girl turned red smiling shyly "you don't need to worry. Like I said, I just want to make sure I can stay before commiting"

"Good" she nodded and stood back up "I will be heading back home, will you join me?" She asked

"Sure. Let me go say goodbye to Gaara" he pushed himself up and smirked at her "we can skip the trip across the desert" Her face fell as clear hesitation came over her face "What?"

"I don't want to. If I throw up I'll never recover. Dad told me it was-"

"It won't be that bad. A little nauseous but that's it. I was low on chkara and it was a big distance" he shrugged

"I'd rather the sand" she said her tone unconvincing Naruto laughed as he left.

-

He stood at the gate suddenly very nervous. Sure he knew he wouldn't be rejected they'd been open enough for that. But, well he's never asked someone to be his boyfriend before, or asked to be someone's boyfriend? He wasn't sure which way it worked. He had stopped into the Hokage tower with Ino to let Tsunade know he was here, hopefully to stay. She was uncomfortably (for him) happy about the news, she had agreed to let him tell Kakashi and Itachi, Itachi was out of the village so he would have to wait. But he couldn't wait any longer, so he had asked if Shikamaru was still helping with the recovery. She smiled knowingly and informed him the village was practically stabilised now and Shikamaru had the next few days off. So he'd come to the Nara head house, standing before the gate where his nerves got the better of him. He couldn't help it, he had strung him along for months. What if he'd changed his mind? The doubts creeped in regardless of the fact he knew it was ridiculous.

"You know, if I didn't know better I'd say you didn't want to see me"

Naruto couldn't even control the smile, even if he wanted to. He couldn't help the increase of his heart, or the way his stomach felt like it flipped over. He looked up to see Shikamaru crouched lazily on the gate

"Well, duh" Naruto mocked the joke dying in his throat as he took in him. His hair was in a messy bun loose strands falling down his face, his chunin vest was gone and only a jacket left open revealing his mesh top underneath. It was so casual and damn he looked good "Oh I absolutely want to see you" he smiled making a very obvious show of checking him out, Shikamaru tutted and feigned disappointment

"Are you objectifying me, Uzumaki?" He asked jumping down to land in front of him

"I wouldn't dare" Naruto denied sarcastically

"Of course not"

Naruto shook his head to say no, but the big smile on his face was making it hard to believe

"Are you coming in?" Shikamaru asked seriously and Naruto looked up to him, kind of glad he was shorter. He felt so settled, his nerves had dissapeared, his doubts vanished. He took Shikamaru's hand and weaved their hands together smiling to him

"Definitely"

"You didn't seem so sure a minute ago" Shikamaru said as he lead the way into the house.

"Doubt is a strong opponent" Naruto shrugged

"What were you doubting?"

"My decision" he stated and Shikamaru stopped as he was closing the front door. He didn't move for a moment before closing the door and turning to Naruto. The fear in his eyes was evident and it made Naruto feel bad, his throat felt tight so he forced himself to smile. Hoping it looked reassuring but he didn't feel like it was. He gestured his head into the house and Shikamaru lead the way up the stairs, and into his room. Naruto felt Yoshino in the kitchen but his dad wasn't home. He sat on the bed as Shikamaru stood looking down at him. He was tense and clearly filled with his own doubts.

"Sit down, you're making me anxious" Naruto teased lightly and pulled him closer where he just got on his knees to be level with Naruto's chest.

"You're making me anxious" he said leaning his head on Naruto's chest. Naruto smiled putting his hand on the back of the Nara's head, his fingers playing with the ends sticking out of the messy bun. He wasn't sure how to say it. Asking to be his boyfriend seemed too childish. Saying he was staying seemed too casual. His face heated up as the wording came to him because it was just too damn cheesey, he was glad Shikamaru couldn't see his face right now. But the man was getting more ridged underneath his hands and he could see the tension in his neck.

"I'm ready to come home" he whispered flattening his hand on the back of his neck and the twitch of the muscle almost made him jump "if you still want that" he added leaning back as Shikamaru's head snapped up to look at him. His eyes were guarded, slowly reading him before he shook his head sighing heavily. Which caused Naruto's heart to sink. He couldn't blame him, he of course had waited long enough and if he decided that he'd done enough, Naruto wasn't going to take that personally. Shikamaru moved quickly, and Naruto was only glad he had complete trust in the man, and that they were here. Because he may have reacted badly in public. Before he could dwell on it he was flat on the bed with Shikamaru over him. His lips took Naruto's and Naruto didn't waste any time returning the kiss. It was full of heat and clearly desperate. Both boys holding onto each other tightly before they had to come up for air.

"Took your time" Shikamaru panted looking at Naruto with a small smile "are you sure?" He asked and Naruto put his hand to Shikamaru's face

"I'm sure I want to be with you. And I'm not so angry anymore, if I work at it I think I can get over the fear" he explained "I don't want to wait anymore, and it might be selfish because it's possible I won't recover but..." he trailed off.

"I don't care" Shikamaru said evenly "if you would have let me I'd have left with you" he announced and Naruto laughed out a breathy laugh shaking his head. Because he would never let that happen, he knew how important the village was to him, his family, friends, all of it. Naruto wasn't sure Shikamaru could live with abandoning it, even for him.

"Never gonna happen" Naruto stated "this is your home. I'm pretty sure you're mine, so I'm gonna work for it. I'm going to find a way to stay no matter what"

His face heated up again at the cheesiness of it but he didn't care. Shikamaru bent down to kiss him again, lingering for a moment before pulling back

"I love you" he said quietly leaning on his right elbow, his left hand running down to Naruto's hip "a little waiting would never change that. Stop doubting I want you too" his voice was smooth and there was clear emotion in it as his thumb tucked under the hem of Naruto's shirt. The spot felt like it was tingling as Naruto's lungs felt too full, that breathlessness you get from falling from somewhere high was there. Was this why they called it 'falling' in love? His heart was steady but pounding hard. So he smiled awkwardly preparing to talk but Shikamaru leant in close causing his mind to go blank.

"I prefer the blonde" he said his voice deeper than usual and Naruto wasn't sure who initiated the kiss. They were tangled up as the heat of the kiss increased, he didn't care that Yoshino was in the house, he didn't care the door was ajar. Before he could really get his bearings he had lost his jacket and mesh vest, Shikamaru had lost his and his own mesh top. He had planned to tell him then go tell Kakashi and Itachi, then go speak to Inoichi, but this was better. And he didn't care they had talked about going slow if they became official. He felt himself getting hard and a groan came from both of them when Shikamaru pushed his own against Naruto. Naruto shouldn't even be surprised they went straight to this. They'd been holding back for months. They were both clearly done waiting now a decision was made. Naruto pushed his hips up, meeting Shikamaru and he sighed into Shikamaru's mouth as the pleasure shot through him, it felt so good to finally feel him this way. A scream quickly muffled erupted into the room

"Sorry!" Yoshino gasped the door slamming shut before the men could even face the door. Naruto was sat up, leaning on his elbows, Shikamaru twisted toward his door

"Guess I should have closed that completely" he said calmly and Naruto rolled his eyes

"I thought you were a genius. Why wouldn't you think about your mum coming up?" Naruto teased feeling a little breathless and frustrated they were interrupted

"You didn't know she was here?" He asked raising his brow, challenging Naruto knowing full well he would have known too. Naruto pressed his lips together trying not to laugh.

"Point taken" he choked out trying not to laugh out loud. Shikamaru groaned and climbed off Naruto, to his dismay. Frowning Naruto lay back on the bed

"I didn't mean to go so fast" Shikamaru said

"I don't mind" Naruto admitted "a little frustrated with the interruption if I'm honest" It was no secret Naruto was a virgin, and Shikamaru had made a point in a talk one day he wasn't in any rush, Naruto wasn't even sure if he was or not. Guess I washed thought "No rush huh?" Naruto laughed and was rewarded with his jacket in his face. He laughed underneath the fabric before pulling it off not sure if he was happy to see the mesh top hugging Shikamaru's torso or disappointed. He cheerfully got off the bed to stand in front of him. Looking up at him smiling mischievously before lifting up on his feet a little to peck his lips "You're not alone. I am most definitely in a rush too" he quipped before putting on his jacket to run out the room. He figured he owed Yoshino an apology for the sight of her son on top of another guy, obviously about to get intimate. Not that he was shy, he was basically a ninja. If he learnt one thing hearing the reports in Gaara's office, being shy about your body wasn't good. There were times where you'd share a lake to wash up, have no place to change. And Naruto had never been around people at that age to care. All the Sand siblings had walked into his room while he was naked, it took for Matsuri getting really worked up for him to wait to be covered before opening the door.

Though until now the thought of going all the way with Shikamaru had made him a little nervous. Yoshino was in the kitchen, flitting back and fourth doing nothing in particular. He cleared his throat and she whirled to face him smiling tightly

"I'm sorry" Naruto apologised which clearly surprised her. She shook her head about to speak "I got a little carried away. I only planned to come speak to him and well" he shrugged

"We got swept up in the moment" Shikamaru finished taking his hand she looked between them for a full thirty seconds. Whatever she was looking for he assumed she saw it. Because she broke into a huge grin.

"Are you-?" She cut off and Shikamaru muttered his usual Troublesome and Naruto laughed

"I'm here to stay" Naruto nodded and immediately tensed at her squeal of joy as she jumped up and down a little.

"I'm going to hug you!" She announced and waited a second for him to process it before she took each man in each arm "I'm so so happy for you!" She let them go and Naruto couldn't help the smile as a warmth of affection washed over him. He was glad for her being Shikamaru's mother, she hadn't even batted and eye at the concept of them being together. And the fact she had kept her hands on their shoulders he couldn't help but think his Mum was right. Yoshino Nara was going to embrace him even more than she had. Naruto relaxed under her hand and he didn't miss the way her eyes lit up as she felt the change.

"Dinner! Tonight" she announced "I will go shopping and we are celebrating, dinner is at Seven"

Naruto chuckled and nodded

"Yes ma'am" he looked to Shikamaru "Come on, I got some errands to run. I'll explain everything on the way?"

"Sure" he nodded letting Naruto lead the way back to the front door. He considered teasing him a bit more but thought better of it.

Head out the gutter, Naruto. You got serious shit to deal with he thought before teleporting to Kakashi's place. If he was there great, if not it was close to the Yamanaka compound so he could go there first.