I have really slowed down on my stories due to some personal issues. I haven't been able to really focus and I know I'm super behind on Turning Point but i'll get back to it soon! Promise. This had mostly been written out already so I'm uploading it now and will try to get the next (possibly the last chapter, or second to last I'm not sure yet) done as soon as I can. Thank you for all the likes and reviews it has made me really happy to know people like the story! It is always a good day when I see the reviews.

Thank You All!

He'd been back for a little under a week, the Nara's had invited him to their home, Itachi and Sasuke had invited him to theirs. Inoichi had agreed to personally work on adjusting his trauma responses. He had outright offered to wipe away the memories that started them but he had refused. They had participated in the connection he had with Shikamaru and the people he cared most for and he didn't want to risk that. So they were going to work through it bit by bit, hopefully "find" the memory that started it. The hope was if they could resolve or remove that one the rest would go. But basic therapy was going to go along side it. He was warned it was going to be hard and that he would likely be too shaken up to be around people. Inoichi had advised he stay where he felt safest. Which was the Nara compound or his parents house. So he had decided to jump back and fourth, he wasn't comfortable staying at the house too much. The "Konaha Eleven" had embraced him wholeheartedly and he felt something in his chest he didn't quite understand, he recognised the lump in his throat, the feeling of happiness he tried to deny but there was something else, and he couldn't place it. The third night he and Shikamaru had gone on their first official date, in the village centre before his treatment would keep him from there. Then that had been interrupted by said Konaha Eleven. It was Hinata who had picked up on what was happening as she had blushed and apologised softly. Lee had put himself between Naruto and Shikamaru completely oblivious to the glares from the men. Naruto couldn't say he didn't enjoy the welcome. They had been careful not to touch him, not to get into his space too much, except Lee. Shikamaru had been quiet the whole night, barely talking and Naruto realised he had never actually seen him with his friends. It wasn't until he told Lee to move and put his head on Naruto's shoulder the others had realised and Shikamaru had been a bit more sociable. The date was ruined so they had decided to stay and Naruto had learnt more about the others. Sasuke sat with Sakura and didn't have much input either. By the end of the night he had come to realise the four smartest guys were the quietest. He'd learnt that Lee and Tenten too were orphans, that Hinata, Kiba, and Shino like Shikamaru's team were heirs to their Clans but Kiba was second unlike his teammates. He'd learnt that Sakura hadn't even come from a clan, her parents were civilians and he couldn't help feel proud of her. And felt a little dissapointed Kakashi and Tsunade didn't have faith in her to be the Hokage. She had also told him that the seal she had learnt was in fact an Uzumaki jutsu and hoped he would be okay with her holding such knowledge. The way the table had stilled and the look of warning he got from Sasuke was surprising. He had straightened up and moved closer to her in a somewhat protective manner. He wasn't even sure if the others had noticed. But he only smiled at her as his hand came to the pendant of shadows around his neck.

"Seeing as Tsunade's grandmother was the one to teach it her, an Uzumaki she has the right to entrust it to someone" he shrugged and she looked surprised but still saddened

"But you're the last..."

"From what I've been told we're scattered about. If I'm the authority on it I have no problems with you having it. You saved my life, and thousands of others. If that doesn't make you worthy I'm not sure what would"

She had teared up and Sasuke had smirked as he sat back once more

"Will you learn?" Ino asked softly and he shrugged

"Not sure. I haven't really thought that far ahead with my heritage"

"So it'll just be lost with Sakura?" Choji asked and Naruto smiled looking at Sakura and Sasuke

"I don't know, if it ends how I'm predicting, maybe Sakura's kids could learn"

Sakura blushed while Sasuke kicked his shin under the table. Everyone had laughed and the conversations had moved to lighter topics. It was a good welcome to the village, he couldn't lie.

-

He was sat in his livingroom floor looking at the box with the letter on top of it. The heirlooms his mother had told him about, he had been trying to open them for the last two days and he wished he had the strength to do it. He'd put it off for a month now and with the last session turning him into a reclusive, he figured opening his heirlooms would help distract him. Which it had, but only by his hesitation to actually do it.

"Ah, you found them" Came the soft and clearly sympathetic voice of Kakashi

"She... I mean I spoke to her and she told me"

"Spoke?" Kakashi asked coming to sit next to him

"When... when I was training with Bee, Mum and Dad appeared. Dad said he had put his and Mum's Chakra into the seal. She told me where to get these before she..." he trailed off and Kakashi nodded "do you know what I should expect?"

"I know she put some scrolls away for you, but that's about it. I imagine the letter was a precaution. The birth was always going to be risky, even without Obito's interference" he scowled at the box as he spoke and Naruto nodded looking back to the box.

"Want me to leave?" Kakashi asked

"Why? You're practically my Dad and you loved her too. I wouldn't want to open it with anyone else" he said and the look on Kakashi's face stabbed him in his heart "he thinks so too ya know. Told me"

"What?" He asked weakly and Naruto smiled

"Dad, he said he couldn't imagine anyone better to take his place. And he was right" he looked away to let Kakashi work through that, to take it in and he sighed picking up the letter with a shakey hand. If he was honest he was glad Kakashi was here, he didn't think he could do this alone.

Naruto,

If you are one day reading this I am truly sorry. I know you're life would be filled with many trials and tribulations. Especially since I know you will be the one to take on my burden. You're Father seems to think nothing will go wrong and I'm being dramatic writing this out but I want to make sure you know. I have no doubt he would tell you everything but... I need to tell you in my own words. You were not planned at all, a complete surprise. I mean we had planned for children, of course but you were a little ahead of schedule. When the doctor told me my world froze, the absolute joy was something I didn't think was possible. It lasted three whole days before the fear. The fox was furious and made many many threats. I was assured he couldn't actually hurt you but I wasn't completely sure. But you grew, day by day and my biggest wish is I get to see you, watch you grow and guide you through this life. But, it is very possible I won't get that chance, that the fox will break free and take my life with him. If that is the case I want you to know, the seal your Father has made is the strongest I have ever seen, and it cannot hurt you no matter what it says.

Being your Mum will always be the best choice I ever made, no matter how short a time I get to spend with you. And I know you'll have the best big brother watching over you, I have no doubt he is in your life when you read this. My darling son Kakashi, I hope he tells you stories, that he and your Father have each other to get through the grief. I'm so sorry I failed you, I'm so sorry I left you without a mother but you are here and for that I can't regret anything. You'll be the most important man one day, I feel it. And I hope you get to shine your light on the world. I can't explain it, but ever since you've been with me I've felt this hope, this... warmth within me that the world will change when you're here. Though Mikoto says that's just motherhood. You'll make your own family as you grow, and I hope you choose wisely, and remember who is truly important no matter how far you go.

I love you, never think I couldn't

Love Mum

His eyes were blurred from the tears but he pressed on. There was two more envelopes and Naruto frowned at the blank one but smiled softly at the second one. Holding it out to Kakashi seeing his brows raise in surprise at seeing his own name. Giving him a moment alone Naruto opened the second one.

In the box is a number of scrolls of Uzumaki jutsu and seals, some of your Fathers. Honestly he should have been an Uzumaki he is a genius. There is also a scroll for my Summoning animal Tako (on the nose I know), he is expecting you and I hope you one day meet him. He is playful so do not worry if he lifts you up. He can stay out of water for Thirty minutes so do not worry about water. There is also storage sealed items I want you to have.

Love Mum

He looked to Kakashi who was reading his letter and Naruto could feel his grief radiating off him. He gave him a moment, he was probably feeling as emotional as Naruto. He didn't need the letter to know how much she loved him, he'd known from the day he spoke with her. He had no doubt how much from her actions on the night he was born.

After hearing Kakashi clear his throat Naruto leant against the man and sighed

"She knows how to punch you in the chest huh?" Naruto asked his voice croaky from the emotion

"That she does" Kakashi forced out his voice only betraying him a little bit.

"Is it weird she expected you to be my brother instead I see you as a dad of sorts?" He asked smiling and Kakashi had put his arm over Naruto's shoulder

"Nah... only natural I suppose" he sniffed and Naruto smiled leaning his cheek against Kakashi's shoulder. He thought about what she had written and wondered if she meant making a family with a wife and children... or the family he had made with his loved ones?

"You think we make our own families? In the people we choose to be friends with? Not just... with a partner, I mean"

"I did" Kakashi nodded "your parents, my team. Gai and especially you"

Naruto tensed at the mention of Gai. He still couldn't erase the guilt of letting him die, because that is what he had done. But the words assured Naruto, he had his family in Kakashi, in Itachi and Sasuke, in Gaara. A smile came to his lips as Shikamaru flashed through his mind a sense of warmth and ease washing over him. Home. He hadn't understood the big deal about it, the way everyone just had to have one. He had never felt that feeling and he was just fine. Or so he had thought. But now... the love in this house, the warmth from Kakashi, the love from Shikamaru and the acceptance of his friends... well he supposed he understood just a little why people craved for a place to belong. To return to knowing that you're wanted and needed. He just didn't understand why it was that Suna never felt that way because Gaara was all those things too.

-

Itachi was smiling down at him as he had hold of little Mirai and Naruto couldn't help but roll his eyes. She was cute, and had absolutely stolen his heart. Nohime had taken to asking Kurenai if she can help with almost all things related to baby. Shikamaru had been made godfather of Mirai and that had meant Naruto had seen lots of her.

"You suit this" Itachi said and lightly brushed his finger over her cheek

"You're one to talk" Naruto smirked up at the elder Uchiha "kids seem to really like you"

"Well, I look forward to the day I get a niece or nephew" he smiled turning his one lone eye to Sasuke who was sat on a tree who practically hissed at him.

"Well, if he ever gets out of his own ass and admits-"

"I'll Bury you, dobe" Sasuke said flatly and Naruto snickered as he focused back on the young Mirai. It had been six months since he had returned and the sessions with Inoichi had done wonders, well only in the last two months. He felt lighter and able to socialise more which he could tell pleased Shikamaru. Which for one of the most unsociable people he knew he thought was hilarious. Those who he trusted Naruto found he enjoyed company, he enjoyed talking and laughing with others. He didn't see it coming, hitting him so hard he had halted on his way out of Ino's house one day as he realised... he didn't want to go. Shikamaru had been concerned before Naruto explained. The way his boyfriends eyes softened, the smile had almost melted Naruto into a puddle right there.

"You're a social butterfly aren't you?" He had asked before groaning in mock annoyance. Naruto had never been accused of being a social being before and hadn't really known what to say to that. Now they were in the Uchiha Compound at the head house celebrating Kurenai and Asuma's Anniversary. Which wasn't actually for another month but Shikamaru had twisted Naruto's arm to get them situated in the village hidden in the clouds, so they wouldn't be here to celebrate properly. It was more for Kurenai than Asuma but Asuma had come to Shikamaru for help on the matter. She loved the place but had never been able to go and enjoy it.

"It really is too much" Kuranai tried to refuse again and Naruto rolled his eyes. It wasn't really, Gyuki had handled everything all he did was reach out and ask if it was possible.

"Surprised you didn't just go yourself. Its literally called the hidden cloud" Asuma teased placing his hand on Shikamaru's shoulder. Naruto snorted and bent his head to hide his grin in Mirai's hair and she giggled in response.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and shrugged off the teasing before reaching over and taking Mirai from his arms. Before he could complain he sensed Kiba coming in quick and then he was pinned to the floor by Akamaru with a audible 'oof' coming from him. Mirai squealed in delight hands reaching for the big furball while Naruto tried and failed to dodge the giant tongue assaulting him.

"Alright, alright Akamaru!" He yelled and pushed the dog back. Kiba jumped off laughing his ass off and turned to Kurenai

"Hi Kurenai sensei" he smiled and ruffled Mirai's hair. Naruto glared at the Ninja knowing full well he did that on purpose. He couldn't be angry at Akamaru though. Hinata was there and helped him to his feet

"Sorry Naruto" she apologised and Naruto couldn't even believe how someone as sweet and kind as Hinata saw anything in someone as boisterous and dim-witted as Kiba Inuzuka.

"Not your fault your boyfriend is an idiot" he chuckled ignoring Kiba's growl.

"Toddler present!" Snapped a familiar voice with a sharp clap. Everyone turned to see Sakura and Ino walk in. Naruto would have wondered about the excessive amount of bags if he didn't see Sasuke tense ever so slightly in the tree behind the two girls. He looked to Itachi who returned his smile

"Sakura, Ino, welcome" Itachi said softly taking Sakura's bags from her and guiding her to the table in the garden where all the presents were being piled up.

Little by little more people showed up until the Uchiha mansion was almost bursting with people and children alike. Itachi had little time to host on account of all the children swarming him. Naruto had moved off to the side after a while, too many people, much more than his now beloved Konaha 11 and though he was better-much better- he was starting to get tense and his heart was racing. All signs he was getting anxious and that never ended well.

"He'd have made a wonderful father" Came Kakashi's voice as he landed next to Naruto

"You say that as if he still can't" Naruto scoffed and Kakashi hummed thoughtfully

"I suppose to him it feels that way" he nodded and Naruto almost asked what he had meant by that. But the look in Kakashi's eye told him he wouldn't get an answer

"So, I know it's a party but..." Kakashi trailed off and Naruto sighed shaking his head

"They can't wait?" He asked and Kakashi shrugged

"Impatient leeches, what can we do?" He shrugged "besides, I am curious too" he tilted his head to Naruto. Naruto sighed watching his new friends, watching Shikamaru with his sensei and goddaughter. He was glad he had saved him, he couldn't imagine being with Shikamaru and watching Mirai grow up knowing he could have saved her father. He had contributed to saving these people, twice. And he was glad for it. But was he prepared to put his life on the line for them everyday, to wear their mark? His hand came over his tattoo and lightly scratched it as he thought about what had made him agree. He looked to Itachi, the one who sacrificed more than anyone to protect this place, he looked to the stone face mountain, his Father who had made a very big sacrifice for them too. It all came down to the love they had for the people around them. He certainly loved Gaara, and being there to protect him (no matter how little he needed that protection) was a big reason he said yes to the ANBU job. Naruto didn't understand why they wanted him. The world was at peace, the nations working together as one for the first time in the history of Shinobi. Sure they argued it was because he was there but Naruto didn't think so. The allied forces had bonded together, some of the shinobi melding together. He found it hard to believe it was just his doing. Multiple shinobi left their villages to follow another to theirs. Karui was the first to jump to mind, he wasn't sure how or when it happened but... her and Choji had gotten close and it seemed as if she would be moving to the leaf soon if it kept up.

There were still uses for Ninja, there would always be bad people in the world after all. But for village to village warfare, well... it was unnecessary. At least for now. He frowned because he was a realist. He didn't think it would last forever, people were just too greedy, too easy to let their fears take over and it only took one person to put the seed of doubt in. So he'd thought about where he would want to be if that happened. The idea of being between Gaara and the village unsettled him. But he didn't think that would ever happen. Tsunade and the elders had asked him to make a decision. About becoming a shinobi or not. He'd improved considerably and they had hopes he'd take the headband and prepare to take the hat if the time came.

"I don't like being backed into a corner, Kakashi" he said reminding him of the Elders attempts to make him agree. Attempts that were futile. Because they knew they had no power to kick him out the village, he was a resident by blood and he'd broken no laws.

"Tsunade and me have no intention of taking their side, nor the council for that matter" he assured Naruto who nodded.

"Yeah, I know" he sighed and finally looked into his Father figures eye. Nothing really mattered to Naruto but the people he loved. And slowly he was loving his home, the place not just his people. He didn't want to regret doing nothing than regretting making a choice. He'd talked it over with Shikamaru already, and he had said he would support Naruto no matter what he chose. He put his hand to the stud in his ear twisting it around as his eyes searched for Shikamaru again

"I'll take the headband" he announced, finally saying the words out loud. He wasn't sure why he ever thought he would refuse. Kakashi hummed as Shikammaru lifted his head looking for Naruto and stopped when his eyes locked with Naruto's. He looked between Naruto and Kakashi before smirking at Naruto and looking back to Choji who had said something to catch his attention.

"And the hat?" Kakashi asked softly

Naruto looked up to him and shrugged

"That I'll need more time on. Which we have so I don't think I need to answer now. Besides-" he cut off

"Yeah, I know" Kakashi nodded as they both set their eyes on the younger Uchiha, sat next to Sakura and Lee looking rather annoyed by the green clad ninja. "Though I'm not sure he would accept it anyway" Kakashi declared

"Really?" Naruto asked

"Uchiha's don't seem to like the spotlight" Kakashi said "I've know three real well, and only one seemed to be ready to have the spotlight. I figure from that and what I've heard... most are like that"

"So there really isn't anyone else?" Naruto asked his tone skeptical

"Tori!" Called Nohime colliding with his legs

"Hey" he smiled down to her "What's up?" He asked

"Is Itachi really your brother?" She asked jumping up and down in excitement and Naruto smirked down at her

"Who told you that?" He asked and she beamed up at him before pointing to Sasuke who immediately looked away causing Sakura and Itachi both to laugh at him

"Yeah"

"Like Azai and the others are mine or like you and me?" She asked tilting her head to the side curiously

"Like us" he admitted kneeling down "like you guys... they took me in too" he chuckled and she beamed before running back yelling about her new 'big brother Tachi' causing the whole courtyard to laugh. Hosokawa had watched the scene lovingly and Naruto felt his heart tug for her.

"Your Mother would be very happy to see this" Kakashi said as Naruto stood up again

"Yeah" he agreed before leaning against Kakashi "Our family is pretty amazing"

The kids had all gone home along with the majority of the guests, and someone had brought alcohol. So Sasuke had lit up the fire pit and the Konaha Eleven, Kakashi, Itachi, Asuma, Iruka, Genna, two men called Izumo and Kotetsu and Kiki were left. He sat with Shikamaru his back slouched against his chest

"You okay?" Naruto asked

"Yeah. It's been fun, I've liked seeing you with people"

"It's getting easier" Naruto agreed "Inoichi really is talented" he smiled

"Well he isn't the head of the clan and interrogation department for nothing" Ino said smiling widely

"Butt out Ino" Shikamaru smirked not looking from Naruto

"Just because your daydreaming about Naruto, doesn't mean he can't talk to us" she quipped and Naruto laughed as Shikamaru raised his brow. Naruto shook his head and looked to the group around the fire feeling very thankful for his life. He never thought he'd get this, or even enjoy it. His smile grew as the wave of happiness washed over him. He was thankful for each and every one of them, some more than others... but he wanted to stay and see what else he had missed. And he knew he wanted to protect them as much as they did each other. He tugged on Shikamaru's hand looking up to him smiling softly

"What?" He asked

"Did I ever thank you?" Naruto asked his smile not wavering

"For what?" Shikamaru asked confused as Naruto weaved their fingers together. A warmth settled in his chest at the reality that he had everything he never thought he would. That his life had completely flipped to the opposite of what he had. And he truly believed it was because the man against him had looked passed the fear and hatred that had shrouded him as a child and instead, loved him. He wasn't sure he would ever have seen the love that Kakashi and Itachi had for him had Shikamaru not walked into his life. Had he not graced him with light he hadn't even suspected existed for him.

"For always loving me" he whispered not even caring how cringy it looked or sounded "I don't know where I'd be now if you hadn't been there that night" he shrugged and Shikamaru tightened his hold on his hand

"Me either" he said quietly it was almost a whisper before leaning down to place a kiss on his lips. Naruto smiled against them before lifting up to press against them harder before pulling away. The conversation had gone quiet causing them to frown and then look up to see everyone grinning at them. Naruto chuckled nervously before clearing his throat which seemed to have everyone back to their own conversations.

"So... I told Kakashi I'll accept the job, guess soon we will be colleagues" he smirked up "never slept with my superior before" he teased and the look that dawned over his boyfriends face was enough to send the heat to his core.

"There's always a first for everything" he smirked his voice low and Naruto felt a nervous laugh building in his chest. Clearing his throat he pressed his lips together to nod

"Can't wait"

"Ah, I bet" Shikamaru grinned moving Naruto's hair from over his eyes

"Ugh get a room Dobe!" Sasuke called

"Get laid, teme!" He countered "maybe you won't be such a grumpy dick"

The group laughed while Sasuke leveled him with a smug look

"Who says I haven't?" He deadpanned and caused Itachi to spit up his drink as well as Sakura to screech before hitting him upside the head. Kiba looked down right shocked.

"Wait! So your not asexual?" He blurted Naruto noted the blush crawling up the pink kunoichi's face and the half shrug Sasuke gave, clearly he thought it was worth it.

"Oh god finally!" Naruto groaned "I could tell from day bloody one!" He laughed raising his glass "congrats guys"

He caught the bottle coming at him grinning at the now entirely red faced Sakura.

"You know, you have no place to talk" Tenten said raising her brow at Naruto

"I have no idea what you're talking about" Naruto feigned with the biggest grin on his face.