Fading Scars

This was written as a one-on-one RP, so the point of view of the story will change, usually with every paragraph. Scenes will also change abruptly and large periods of time will pass with little notice, though I’ll try to give some warning at the beginning of the chapter.

***Warnings for some graphic material***

Thoughts in Italics

Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Thirty-Three:

When Naruto and the others returned from their missions, they joined with Gaara for a celebratory ramen meal together in Naruto's new apartment--now that he was a jounin he'd been granted a slightly larger living space, and they gathered around the floor, drinking soda with their dinner. Gaara waited patiently for them to relate the tale of their missions, the ninjas they'd encountered and new tricks they'd picked up. And when they finally began to settle he picked the opportunity to share his news as well.

"I'm going to marry Hinata," he told them, awaiting approval. "In a year."

Naruto nearly spit out his soda in surprise, sitting up straight to stare at his friend. "What? What do you mean, you and Hinata?"

Lee grinned and clapped at the same time. "Gaara-san, that's amazing! And she said yes when you asked her?"

"Wait, hold on," Shikamaru interrupted, waving his chopsticks at them. "What the hell? When did this happen?"

"While you were gone," Gaara replied easily. "I asked her to marry me, and she said we couldn't, not for a year. But then she would."

Naruto scooted across the floor until he sat right beside Gaara, his gaze focused. "You and Hinata? You guys got together while we were gone?" His fingers curled around his knees. "What happened?"

"It's only been a few weeks," Shikamaru added. "You must move pretty fast."

"She brought me dinner one night, so I wouldn't be alone," Gaara explained, his expression tight and excited. "And then we ate together a lot. So I snuck into Hyuuga and kissed her on the roof. And then yesterday we swam in the creek and I said we should get married, because we love each other."

Naruto thought his eyes were about to pop out, listening to his friend. "You kissed her?" I never would have thought Hinata would be that quick, but...wow. "You guys have made out and stuff?"

"Sounds fishy," Shikamaru muttered, leaning back. I chased Naruto for a long time, damnit.

"Yeah, we've made out." Gaara paused to sip his soda. Naruto's happy for me. I'm glad. "A few times. I can't tell you everything because Lee says that isn't gentlemanly, but she let me touch her breasts."

Naruto and Lee's mouths dropped. "You did?" Naruto shook his head. "But...but girls never let guys do that! Not until, like, forever!"

Lee shook his head. "I thought Hinata-san was such a sweet girl, but...."

"It's because she loves me," Gaara assured them firmly. Saying it again drew the tremors back into his chest, and he had to pause to take a breath. "I love her. So that makes it okay."

Shikamaru shook his head disbelievingly. "Man. Can't leave you alone for a second, you know that? We step out for a while and you get engaged...."

Naruto finally got himself back together, and he suddenly let out a cheer. "Gaara, you're crazy!" He pounced, wrapping his arms happily around the boy's neck. "I can't believe you and Hinata are together! You're such a stud!"

Chuckling, Lee took a long drink. "We'll have to have another party for you then." He sobered a moment later, thinking....

Shikamaru glanced at him, catching on to what Lee must have been thinking. "You haven't told anyone yet, have you?" he asked carefully. "Her family...?"

"No, I wanted to tell you all first," Gaara said, smiling in embarrassment as he leaned into Naruto. "But Hinata doesn't want to tell her family yet anyway." He glanced away, but his eyes were firm. "So she can change them before we do it."

Lee's expression dropped, and he was relieved when Naruto leaned back with a bit of concern. "It's...not that easy, Gaara-san," he said slowly, not wanting to bring them down, but....

Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, you better not mention it to anyone else. Those Hyuuga's are really crazy--they could try to lock her up or something stupid like that."

Lock her-- "I won't let them do that!" Gaara raised his voice, growing tense. "If it has to be secret it'll be secret, but no one's going to touch her. I'll make sure of it."

Shikamaru winced a little. That…doesn't sound good. "Let's just concentrate on not telling them yet," he suggested evenly. "You have a lot of time, right? We'll figure something out by then."

Gaara snorted. "They're not touching her."

"Of course they're not," Naruto affirmed, nodding sharply. "She's one of our friends, and we'll help you protect her." He patted Gaara on the shoulder, eyes serious. "We'll all swear to keep it a secret, okay? You're both safe with us."

Gaara nodded back, relieved. Naruto will help.... He sagged abruptly against Naruto's shoulder, eyes closed as he smiled. "She loves me," he murmured. "I gotta...take care of her. Really."

Naruto grinned, setting his arm around the boy's shoulder. "Of course you do. We gotta take care of each other, especially our comrades and the ones we love." His fingers twitched faintly, and he almost wasn't able to keep his eyes from darting to Shikamaru. "We'll protect you both."

"Yeah. We will."

Shikamaru leaned back on his hands, edging his bowl away with his feet. I'm glad for him. But it's not going to be easy--we all know that. He frowned. In the end, it might even be a matter of keeping Gaara from hurting Hyuuga….

Shikamaru shook his head. "I brought some playing cards," he suggested lightly. "You guys in?"

Naruto cheered, grateful for his companion. He immediately urged them into several lively rounds, cheating badly and laughing the whole time.

Finally it grew late, and Lee begged himself away. Naruto saw him and Gaara to the door, giving the latter a huge hug. "I'm really happy for you," he said quietly, sincerely. "And her--she's lucky."

"Yeah." Gaara gave him a brief, but firm, hug back. "Thanks, Naruto." He pulled back, and with a nod to Shikamaru turned back toward his room.

Shikamaru sighed heavily once he and Naruto were alone. "Man. Can you believe that?" He took a step out of the door, not sure if Naruto would be inviting him to stay the night. "Of all things, eh?"

Naruto snagged his collar before he could get far, pulling him back inside and shutting the door firmly. "I'm glad. I think they might need each other." He grinned slyly. I think I need him, too.

Shikamaru tried not to smirk despite how pleased he was. "Yeah. If Gaara can finally get some ass, maybe he'll loosen up." He leaned back against the closed door easily. "What's up?"

Dancing closer, Naruto leaned up against Shikamaru's body. "We~ll...." His fingers curled strongly against the other's chest. "I have been gone for about three weeks," he reminded pointedly. "I thought maybe you'd want some ass."

Shikamaru lifted an eyebrow. "Yeah?" He's right, but.... He looped his thumbs in the lip of Naruto's pants to give him tug. "Aren't you tired?"

He snorted. "Who are you talking to?" he asked playfully. Without waiting for a reply, he lunged forward for a firm kiss. It's been too long--way too long. God, I'm horny.

Shikamaru didn't need any more convincing than that; he kissed Naruto back just as hungrily, leaning back so that the boy's weight was settled against him. "I missed you," he chuckled when his mouth was freed.

"Me too," he assured, feeling his chest tighten faintly at the words. I...really did. Naruto slid his arms down around his waist, backing away and pulling Shikamaru with him. "I missed you a who~le lot."

Shikamaru kissed him again, stalling their progress a moment--he was more eager than he'd imagined, and was already growing hard. I guess it's just Naruto. "You taste like ramen."

Giggling, Naruto let himself be distracted, much too interested in Shikamaru's tongue in his mouth. He sucked at it eagerly. I was dreaming of him...all the time.... A thick groan slipped between them as he tried to rub up against his lover.

Shikamaru smiled as he pulled back. "Horny, huh?" He reached down to give Naruto a squeeze through his pants. "Maybe we'd better find the bed."

"It's over there," he pointed, grinning. Without warning, Naruto hopped onto the other, wrapping his legs tightly around Shikamaru's hips.

"Hey--" Shikamaru staggered but held Naruto's weight, making a face as he drew them toward the bed. "You've put on weight," he accused, giving Naruto's ass a squeeze.

He snorted. "It's all muscle," he retorted, tilting his head to suck at Shikamaru's throat. "I want you," he hissed lowly, tightening his legs so that he rubbed against the other's groin. "I want you...."

Shikamaru shivered a little, blushing. He twisted to spill them both onto the bed. "I must really be something," he muttered, "if you're in my pants already." He rolled Naruto beneath him.

"Well, I missed you," Naruto replied bluntly. He settled easily into his familiar mattress, grinning as he was able to smell his lover in the blankets. His eyes widened in excitement. "Can we do it like this?" he asked, thrusting once against Shikamaru's hips. Usually he lies down and has me do the work, but…maybe this once....

Shikamaru blinked. "You wanna?" He leaned down to nibble at Naruto's cheek. "I was going to ask if you'd rather take me."

He shook his head. "Unless you really want to, but...." Naruto flushed, rubbing his thighs against Shikamaru's hips. "I want you," he insisted, bucking again. "I thought about you. A lot."

Shikamaru's breath hitched a little, sure that he'd felt his desire pulse. "All right." He shrugged stiffly and began to slide off Naruto's coat. "Doesn't matter to me how we do it…."

It does to me, but.... Naruto shifted to better assist Shikamaru's undressing of him, wanting to feel bare skin again. It was strange, how badly he wanted this, how desperate he was to have Shikamaru near him. He pawed at his lover's chest. "Slow...."

Shikamaru gave a short bark of laughter. "Sorry." He finished undressing them both as quickly as he could manage, uncaring of where the clothing fell. "In the usual place, right?" He rolled to the bed edge in search of their extra polish.

Giggling, Naruto nodded, trailing his hands over whatever he could reach of his partner. He finally grinned and took Shikamaru's length in his hand, stroking him playfully. I like it when he laughs--I never hear him laugh, except here....

Shikamaru stopped with his hand around the polish, distracted. "Mm…." He forced himself to return and uncap the jar. "It really has been a while…."

"Too long," he replied, watching Shikamaru excitedly. Naruto shifted back and forth, finally letting go to steal away the jar. "I'll take care of it," he assured, licking his lips as he scooped some of the polish onto his fingers. Watching Shikamaru's face, he took him again, slowly covering him.

Shikamaru's eyelids fluttered. "I'm not going to go easy on you," he murmured thickly, "if you keep that up." He licked his lips as he shifted unconsciously against Naruto's hand.

Naruto shivered faintly. I want to know how strong he is. "Good," he replied aloud. He sat up for a kiss, finally letting Shikamaru go to instead pull him between his legs. "Don't hold back," he hissed between them, wiping off his hand on the sheets before pawing at his lover's shoulders.

Shikamaru felt his mouth go dry as he leaned into Naruto. He didn't waste any time, but he did stay slow as he entered his partner. "Naruto…." God, he feels good. I did miss him.

He couldn't help a shudder of pain, but he'd expected it after so long apart, and he held in his voice. Naruto tried to relax, breathing slow and deep. But...so good. Shikamaru.... His hands trembled faintly against the other's chest before clenching around his upper arms.

Shikamaru felt Naruto shake beneath him, and he took a deep breath, remaining still so he could adjust. "You okay?" he murmured, moving just slightly against him.

"Yeah--" he breathed, after a moment pulling his legs higher. A low moan slipped from him when Shikamaru pushed into him again. "Aah...keep moving," he muttered, squirming. "Come on--"

Shikamaru licked his lips and braced his knees against the mattress, thrusting into Naruto again with greater strength. Go easy on him, it's been a while.... But his breath was coming fast, his pulse heavy as he developed a rhythm. "Shit…."

Naruto curled forward, moaning at his lover's strength. "More," he demanded, planting a foot against the bed to try and lift himself into Shikamaru's thrusts. The change made something fierce burn in his hips, and Naruto threw back his head in pleasure with a cry.

Shikamaru's eyes widened; he'd never seen Naruto quite like that, and without realizing he thrust hard into him. His fingers curled around Naruto's hips to draw them into each movement. "Shit...Naruto...!"

Three more thrusts finished him; he moaned loudly, uncaring of who might hear him as he climaxed, fingers digging into Shikamaru's arms. Oh God, that.... He shuddered. "Shi...kama...."

Shikamaru gasped as muscle tightened around him; he would have wanted to last longer, but with Naruto's lifted voice he let himself go, releasing into his lover. It wasn't one of their longer runs but he was suddenly exhausted, his body warm and content. With a quiet sigh he leaned back.

Naruto shivered as they separated, breathing hard from the brief exercise. That was.... He reached down, rubbing at his abdomen idly as if not believing it was his body. He was so close.... "S'kamaru..." he mumbled, blinking his eyes open, lips barely curling.

Shikamaru stretched his back as he sat on his heels, watching Naruto with a smile. He looks tired. He rubbed Naruto's knee. "Hey. You okay?"

He chuckled. "Yeah. You...." Naruto blushed, squirming. He felt so deep.... Sitting up, he barely winced at the soreness gradually seeping into his body. But he wanted a kiss, catching Shikamaru by the neck to pull him close enough for one.

Shikamaru returned the kiss softly, detecting something tender in Naruto's lips he hadn't expected. When he pulled back he stretched out alongside him. "It's good to be back."

Naruto settled close, fingers trailing in idle designs over Shikamaru's chest and arms. "Yeah...." That felt so good.... He rubbed his nose against Shikamaru's shoulder, feeling almost shy.

Shikamaru frowned, somewhat embarrassed, against the side of Naruto's head. "You okay?" he asked again. Naruto was acting...a little strange. "Or was it just that good?"

Chuckling, Naruto grinned and squirmed. "It was good," he replied, lifting his head to meet his gaze. "You…kinda hit something," he tried to explain, flushing and squirming in embarrassment. "It was really good."

"Hit something...?" Shikamaru blushed, glancing away. "That mean…I was doing it wrong, before?"

"Well, no, I guess," Naruto replied. "It still felt good, but this time...." Just thinking about it was bringing his energy back. I want to do it again.

I guess it is a little easier to move like that…. Shikamaru moved his hand up and down Naruto's side as he considered. There must be a lot of different ways to do it. "Then next time we can do it however you want," he said with a shrug.

Giggling, he stretched into Shikamaru's touch. "We'll have to do it a lot, to try a lot of different things." Naruto rolled suddenly on top of his lover, leaning in for a firm kiss.

Shikamaru returned it, but when Naruto leaned back he made a face. "What, now? Aren't you tired?"

"Yeah, but it felt really good...." He kissed Shikamaru again, a little less forcefully, and gradually began to relax. "Or...I guess I could just get cleaned up," he murmured.

Don't sound disappointed like that. Shikamaru drew him into another kiss. "Just...let me catch my breath a little."

Naruto grinned and nodded, sinking down to meld their bodies together as they kissed. I knew I could count on you, Shikamaru. He moved his hips, just slightly, hoping to help his lover along.

Shikamaru sighed. "Damn you and your stamina…." But he twisted his arms around Naruto's waist, kissing him slowly. "You wanna do it the same way?"

"Unless there's a way you want to," he replied, tilting his head. "If you're tired, I could always be on top again."

How can I ask him to do it that way, if he doesn't enjoy it as much? Shikamaru was still regaining his strength but he twisted, rolling Naruto beneath him once more. "This is fine." He lowered his head to nibble at Naruto's neck.

Pleased and excited, Naruto moaned softly and arched up against his lover. God, I'm so hard just thinking about it! He was trembling faintly, pawing at Shikamaru's back in encouragement. "Good...."

Shikamaru shivered as he felt Naruto arching up against him. It was good. Feeling in control.... He reached behind him to undo the tie on his hair so that it spilled sloppily around them. "I'm going to need a little freshening up," he murmured, pushing the polish bottle into Naruto's hand.

Yes.... Naruto eagerly took the can, blindly scooping some out and wrapping his fingers around his lover. He stroked him quickly in an attempt to help him along. "Mmm...I want you," he hissed against Shikamaru's cheek. "Hurry up...."

Shikamaru groaned, but was relieved when he finally felt himself responding to Naruto's hands and body. He licked his lips as he nuzzled Naruto's cheek. "Okay...okay, I'm ready."

Naruto quickly wiped off his hand, catching Shikamaru's shoulders and spreading his legs. Come on--I want you! He bucked up against his lover as if to pull him in, moaning plaintively.

"Geez, Naruto--" But Shikamaru couldn't complain; he slid into his lover once more with a low groan. I did miss him--I hope I can keep up for him.

Naruto sighed gratefully, pressing back into the mattress. "Yes...." It still hurt, but he was too focused on reaching that point he had felt before, and Naruto wordlessly tried to urge Shikamaru on.

Shikamaru took a deep breath, trying to remember what he might have done before that Naruto had liked so much. But it was impossible to think straight with so much heat coursing through him, and he could only trust his body as he began to move against Naruto in earnest.

Moaning, Naruto waited to get used to his lover's movements and size. But...where was it? That spot.... His lips trembled, but it wasn't enough, wasn't quite right. He started to feel frustrated, almost desperate, and finally Naruto planted his feet and pushed up against Shikamaru's hips. "Aah! God--" His head fell back, grinning breathlessly. There--right there!

Shikamaru gasped softly as Naruto pushed against him. Like that...? He curled his hand tightly around Naruto's hip, keeping him still so that he could thrust into him again at that same angle.

"Ah shit!" Naruto grabbed at Shikamaru's shoulders, trying to pull himself harder into each thrust. It was an awkward position with his hips lifted up off the mattress, but it was worth it--he couldn't stop groaning.

Shikamaru's own voice lifted--Naruto's excitement was affecting him as well, and he kept both hands tight on Naruto's hips as he added greater strength. Shit, he sounds so good…. He tried to move faster as his own low murmurs escaped him.

Naruto climaxed hard and suddenly, most of his back coming off the bed in his last thrusts. His voice choked off, mouth open soundlessly, shaking with his release. "Shit," he finally hissed as his hands slipped from Shikamaru's shoulder. "Shit...."

Shikamaru needed only one more hard thrust to finish him off, hissing with his release. "Naruto...." Breathing hard he pulled back and flopped onto his side. "Jeez…."

Laughing weakly, Naruto fell back, eyelids fluttering closed. "God, that...." He ran a hand through his hair and felt it stick back with sweat. That...was incredible. Naruto rubbed at his stomach with a tired grin.

Shikamaru smiled--Naruto really did sound happy. He stretched with a groan. "You have got to be tired now."

"Yeah.... And sticky." Rolling away, Naruto stumbled to his feet and staggered across to the bathroom. He paused at the door, leaning against it a moment before continuing. Man, he really did me good.

"Hey...?" Shikamaru sat up, still stretching. "Hey, I want to clean up, too." He chased Naruto--slowly--into the bathroom. "I'm surprised you can walk."

Naruto smiled lazily over his shoulder. "Just wait until tomorrow. You'll have to tell Tsunade that I won't be leaving my bed." He found himself a towel, wetting it in the sink and tossing it to his lover before digging up another.

Shikamaru cleaned himself, sighing in relief--it was always after the sex that seemed like such a bother. "Well, then maybe I won't, either," he replied.

"Won't what?" he asked, teasing. "Leave my bed?" Giggling, Naruto slipped closer to steal a kiss.

"Yeah." Shikamaru kissed him back and turned toward the sink for a glass of water. "We might need some new sheets, though."

"Well, I'll let you take care of that." Naruto turned away. "I gotta use the toilet." He came a lot, after all.

Shikamaru snorted. "Yeah, okay." He wandered back into the bedroom, hunting up fresh sheets to lie out. Staying in bed all day…might not be a bad idea.

Naruto returned a moment later, managing to gather enough energy to hop into bed. "Mmm…I'm tired," he reported, wiggling beneath the half-made sheets like some oversized puppy.

"Hey--I'm not done." Shikamaru prodded his lover around the bed until he'd finished, and then slipped gratefully beneath the covers as well. "There."

Once Shikamaru was settled, Naruto shifted closer and tucked himself up against his lover's side. He was feeling shy again, not wanting to be far from the other. I just...want to be with him. I missed him, almost every day. I wonder if this is....

Shikamaru rubbed lightly at his back. He's being quiet again. It's a little strange. He kissed Naruto's forehead. "You really are tired, huh?"

"Mmm…yeah." Naruto nuzzled his cheek briefly against Shikamaru's chest, draping his arm over the other's waist. "Is it okay? If I stay here...?"

"Yeah, sure." Shikamaru dug his knuckle playfully into Naruto's back. "It's your bed, after all." He tugged the sheets up around them.

He smiled, sighing happily. "Yes. It is, isn't it." Naruto kissed the bit of skin within his reach. "Maybe...you should stay over more often...."

Shikamaru lifted his gaze to the ceiling. "Yeah?" It wouldn't be so bad. "You want me to?"

"Yeah." Feeling a bit giddy, Naruto hugged himself close before settling. "Ah, but I'm tired now...."

"So sleep." Shikamaru relaxed with a deep sigh. "And maybe you'll be stronger later, so I can do you again."

Naruto grinned, turning his head beneath Shikamaru's arm. "I'll hold you to that," he muttered. If it means...you'll stay with me.

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