Fading Scars

Hello all! Thank you so much for sticking with our story for so long! I know there have been some slow times with almost no updating. I’m going to miss checking here to see how many hits we’ve gotten and how many reviews have been written. Thanks bunches!

Following the epilogue will be a quick author’s note, but more about that after this final chapter.

Just as an aside, this epilogue was written much later than when we completed the last chapter. It’s more meant to be a final little smut fest than anything else, now that most of the plot is over. I’m sure no one minds too much \o/

***Warnings for some graphic material***

Thoughts in Italics


Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Epilogue:

Naruto put the last of his clothes away, feeling grateful that Hinata had managed to find time in her busy schedule to actually steal away his laundry and clean it for him. Everyone was being so kind...it made him feel horribly guilty, like he didn't deserve such care.

At least he could look forward to an easy night. Shikamaru was bringing dinner, and Neji and Sasuke were being allowed away from their duties to join them. Naruto hoped it would be relaxing, just a group of them. And really, even though he'd been separated from the other two for so long, he felt they understood each other more than ever. Feeling tired, he sat down on his bed for a moment, flopping back to stare at his ceiling as the open window sent a breeze in to play with his hair.

Shikamaru let himself in through the window, as he often did, a packaged dinner in each hand. "Hey, Naruto!" He hopped inside, and was followed by Sasuke and Neji, each with a dinner of their own. The original invitation had included more of them, but with Hinata and Gaara preparing for the wedding, and Lee called away for a quick mission with Guy, it was just going to be the four of them that evening.

Sasuke glanced around with interest as he and Neji set their bundles on the kitchen table. "Not a bad place," he complimented. "Naruto, you here?"

Sitting up, Naruto slipped out of his small bedroom, managing a smile for the group. He wanted to go right up to Shikamaru, touch him...just to be sure he was there, and they were okay. But he held back with some effort, just taking his meal from the other. "Hi guys."

Neji spotted the table and headed for that. "You must be doing pretty well, affording your own place like this."

Naruto shrugged. "It's not much, but thanks."

"He is top Jounin, isn't he?" Sasuke pointed out, taking a seat between Neji and Naruto. "He should have a nice place."

Shikamaru sat down on Naruto's other side. "What about you? You're escorts to the Prince now, you can't be too badly off yourself."

"Well yeah, but we live together anyway, so...." Sasuke paused, as if having given too much away, and then set on unwrapping his meal. "I guess it's nice."

"Makes some things easier," Neji replied, managing to be cooler about things than Sasuke--he had more practice in being discrete, after all. "It's rare that both of us end up injured or exhausted. We can watch out for each other."

Naruto considered that, unable to help glancing at Shikamaru. They...were like that, right? Sort of.... They had been, anyway....

Shikamaru met his gaze, faltering maybe a little beneath Naruto's questioning eyes. It still felt as if they had a lot of to talk about and reassure. "That's...good," he said finally, looking back to the pair. "That you look out for each other like that."

Sasuke frowned slightly. There was a strange energy in the room he thought might have been familiar. "We're all shinobi--we can stick together once in a while."

We're all being careful. Everyone is almost...shy. Neji chuckled, somehow amused by the whole situation. He opened up his meal and started on it. "Eat up, boys," he said lightly. "Before it gets cold."

Naruto did as suggested, brightening at the smell of his chicken ramen. With everyone distracted with the beginning of their meal, he was able to stretch a foot to the side, just barely touching Shikamaru's. "This looks great."

Shikamaru smiled a little, and hid it with a mouthful of ramen. But he did move his foot slightly against Naruto's in response. "At least it's nice to have some peace and quiet for a while," he added once his mouth was free.

Something's going on. Sasuke glanced between their hosts, though he tried not to stare. Naruto's really quiet…even for what happened. "We picked a good time to come," he remarked. "We'll even get to see the wedding." He elbowed Neji. "Bet you never thought you'd watch your cousin share vows with a Sand-nin, huh?"

"I certainly wouldn't have expected it," Neji admitted, gaze focused on his food. He suddenly felt like he had some insight as to what was happening. "Though, it seems that everyone is pairing up lately."

Naruto nearly choked on his meal, wondering how in the world Neji could tell his and Shikamaru's feet had been gently touching.

Shikamaru straightened, but when he saw Sasuke blush his own suspicions were confirmed. "Look who's talking," he retorted. "You're the ones living together." His lip curled slightly. "You know, I almost suspected something, even all those years ago."

"But--it's not...." Sasuke shifted in embarrassment, looking flustered. "So?" he shot back finally. "What about you?" he kicked Shikamaru and Naruto's touching feet under the table.

"What about us?" Naruto retorted, growing defensive of his lover. He glowered at Sasuke over his dinner.

"Calm down, all of you," Neji interrupted easily, setting down his chopsticks. He found it amusing how both Naruto and Sasuke were moving closer to their significant other protectively--it was touching. "We're all the same here, right?" Just to maybe calm things down, he caught Sasuke's chin, pulling his glare away from Naruto and brushing an innocent kiss to the boy's mouth.

Sasuke jumped, and squirmed a little, trying to keep an eye on the other two. He was still uncertain about such a display in front of other people. But they didn't look disgusted or even that surprised, and…he wasn't sure what to make of that.

Shikamaru pursed his lips. "I wouldn't say we're the same," he retorted, uncharacteristically bold. Naruto, I owe you so much. The least I can do is prove I'm serious. He turned Naruto to him, laying on a thick, possessive kiss.

Seeing the pair, Neji chuckled, especially watching the way Naruto at first resisted, then...relaxed. He touched Sasuke's hand, feeling suddenly accomplished.

Naruto hadn't been expecting such affection, but...it warmed him all through until he felt his throat might start to close. Shikamaru.... He leaned closer, melting beneath Shikamaru's firm lips, remembering how much he missed them.

Sasuke made a face, though he couldn't take his eyes off the pair. Man, they really do look like a couple. How…weird. "Okay, okay, you don't have to show off."

Shikamaru finally pulled back, though he kept a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "He started it," he retorted.

Neji shrugged, grinning smugly. "Let's finish our meals," he suggested, returning to his own bowl. "You can tell us how long you've been together."

Naruto leaned back, watching Shikamaru for a long moment before he was able to turn back to his meal. "I don't know...a year? Two?" God, he suddenly wanted to kiss his lover--it had been way too long.

"Something like that," Shikamaru affirmed. "Not much longer than Gaara and Hinata, really. And I think we know how long you two have been together."

Sasuke gulped down another mouthful of ramen. "We had a lot in common back then," he muttered by way of explanation.

"Still do," Neji said easily, not nearly as embarrassed as the others. "We fought through a lot to get here, you know." He chuckled. "Including you two."

"You should thank us then," Naruto retorted, regaining some of his brighter attitude. "If we hadn't chased you, you guys wouldn't be together."

"I don't know about that," Sasuke muttered. They'd grown closer ever since leaving Konoha, Naruto or no. But everyone else was already used to each other, and he struggled to do the same. "Oh well--I guess it all worked out in the end. Or something."

"You seem nervous," Shikamaru observed.

"I'm not," Sasuke insisted. The truth was...watching Naruto and Shikamaru kiss had stirred his stomach, the way they looked so tender with each other... He never would have imagined Naruto could look like that. "I'm just...used to hiding it, I guess."

"We all are," Neji pointed out simply. "Right?"

Naruto nodded his agreement, staying close to Shikamaru. Damnit, I'm glad they're here, but now I wish.... "Right. I guess we've had a lot of practice."

"Yeah…." Shikamaru straightened. "Now that that's settled, let's get back to this dinner before it gets cold." I know, Naruto. So let's just…get them fed, and out of here.

Naruto joined the others in getting to their meals, though it seemed obvious that all of them had their minds elsewhere. He couldn't help shifting anxiously, his foot brushing whatever he could plausibly reach of his lover. If he wasn't careful, things could get embarrassing....

By the time they were finished, none of them were talking much anymore. Sasuke knew it was probably best just to leave things at that, but there was still something on his mind, and he didn't want to stay up another night thinking about it. So when they were done, standing up to take care of the trash, he took the opportunity.

"Hey...Naruto?" Sasuke shifted. "Can I talk with you for a second?"

A little surprised, Naruto glanced at Shikamaru before taking both their trash and following. "Sure. You want, like, private or something?" he asked, nodding towards his bedroom door.

"If you don't mind," Sasuke replied. He gave Neji a look to let him know everything was all right. As Neji and Shikamaru helped clean up he moved to the bedroom.

Naruto trailed after, curious and maybe a little wary. He closed the door slightly behind them, hearing Shikamaru and Neji speaking quietly to each other. "So?"

"Naruto..." Sasuke straightened, turning to face Naruto properly. "I...want to apologize. To you."

He straightened, blinking. "Apologize?" He frowned warily. "For what?"

"For…." Sasuke shook his head. "For a lot, I guess. I know we never really got along back then. And now, looking back…." He shrugged. "Well, I regret it. Making things harder for you, and everyone…."

Naruto smiled, though it turned to a smirk a moment later. "Yeah, well, you were an asshole," he replied, giving the other a thunk on the shoulder. "But at least you managed to shape up a little."

Sasuke scowled, until he remembered what he'd just said. "And you were a hyper moron," he retorted. "But I guess you turned out okay, too." His lip twitched. "At least, Shikamaru seems to think so."

Naruto's expression brightened, though there was something almost shy in his eyes. "Yeah...." He chuckled. "He's pretty awesome." In more ways than one.

Sasuke couldn't help but laugh. "You suit each other, somehow," he remarked. "I didn't think Shikamaru could be that...well, aggressive." He blushed a little, embarrassed to be talking about it.

Blushing as well, Naruto suddenly...wanted to share. He couldn't tell any of the others about his relationship--Gaara and Lee were kind of baffled by it, after all. He grinned. "You haven't really seen anything," he teased. "Shikamaru's got an…energetic streak. Though I'm sure you and Neji are the same, right?"

Sasuke scratched his head. "Yeah, I guess so. You...could call it that." His curiosity jumped suddenly, and he wanted to know...but he couldn't just ask, could he? "Neji's even more energetic than me sometimes…."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Yeah? Are you the bottom?" he asked bluntly, laughing.

Sasuke flushed darkly, sputtering over his answer. "T-That's none of your business! I mean, we've tried it both ways, but usually, he's...well..." He shifted. "Yeah."

"Yeah?" Naruto shook his head. "I can't believe it. I mean, I can see how Neji would be, but I wouldn't have thought you would take it." It was fun, seeing Sasuke flush like that.

"It's not about that," Sasuke insisted, crossing his arms. "You should try it--I bet you'd take it better than me."

Naruto's grin was broad and unashamed. "Actually, I do. You can even ask Shikamaru." Feeling suddenly light, Naruto abruptly turned away, rushing into the other room and pouncing on his lover's back, nestling between his shoulders. "Are you cleaned up yet?"

Shikamaru grunted, stumbling a moment under Naruto's weight. I guess it couldn't have been too serious after all…. He glanced back to where Sasuke was emerging from the bedroom as well, red-faced. "Um, yeah. Just about."

Naruto hugged him tight, burying his nose in Shikamaru's long ponytail and breathing him in. I really did miss you.

Neji watched them with a smile, for a moment envying Shikamaru and his uninhibited lover. I wonder what they were talking about, though; Sasuke never gets that red. "Everything all right?" he asked.

"Fine," Sasuke said quickly, moving to Neji's side. He watched the other pair a moment, the way Naruto clung to his lover, and how easily Shikamaru accepted him. In a sudden fit of childishness he turned to Neji, tugging him into a firm kiss.

Shikamaru glanced up. Showing off? He gave Naruto a playful pinch to make sure he was watching.

Neji accepted, though his eyebrows perked a little curiously. He could feel both Shikamaru and Naruto watching him, and he wondered if...they weren't about to start something too daring. When the kiss ended, he slid his lips down towards Sasuke's ear. "Are you teasing them?" he asked softly.

Squirming, Naruto held Shikamaru tight as they watched the pair, and he shivered as he watched Neji bending towards Sasuke's neck. His own skin seemed to tingle, wanting Shikamaru to do that to him....

"Naruto was making fun of me," Sasuke replied, tilting his head slowly back in invitation. His eyes narrowed and slipped to the pair watching them. Being watched was making his face flush again. "He said he didn't think I could 'take it'."

Shikamaru gulped, leaning back slightly against Naruto. He hated to admit it, especially with his own lover there, but watching the handsome pair was beginning to make him anxious.

Is he suggesting...what I think he is? There certainly seemed to be a challenge in Naruto's gaze, but Neji wondered if his boldness extended that far. Still.... Smirking, he pulled Sasuke up against his hip, turning his head to see Shikamaru. "What are we supposed to do with these two, huh?"

Naruto's arms tightened around Shikamaru's ribs; it was almost too strange, watching Sasuke giving in like that. They looked so easy together, fit so comfortably....

Shikamaru shrugged. "They're a pain, that's for sure," he replied, trying to sound casual. "But if it's okay with Naruto, I don't mind if you stay..."

"Fine with me," Sasuke murmured, watching Naruto as he pressed against Neji's side. "I wouldn't mind seeing if what Naruto said about you is really true."

Shikamaru frowned. "About me...?"

Naruto squirmed. Why are we all talking? I want Shikamaru--I don't care if they.... He tilted his head up, nose nudging at his lover's ear. "Shikamaru? Are we...." We haven't done it since...before everything went wrong. Will it be okay?

Neji's eyes narrowed. Naruto.... Sometimes I think we shouldn't have left you behind. But if you had come with us.... He gave Sasuke's hip a squeeze, out of sight of the other two, before nudging him towards the bedroom. "Let's get out of the kitchen."

Shikamaru gulped. Looks like we're going to do it. "Yeah…." He crouched a little and looped his arms around Naruto, hefting him up. He started toward the bedroom. "But what did you tell him about me?"

Sasuke smirked, twisting to give Neji's throat a kiss as they followed. "You really up for this?"

"It's not like we'll get another chance, living in Hokage's place," Neji pointed out cheerfully. He glanced down at his lover. "I'm surprised you don't mind."

Naruto flushed at being lifted, hands on Shikamaru's shoulders to help keep him balanced. "That you get really...energetic," he admitted.

"Am I...?" Shikamaru knocked the door wider with his foot and dropped Naruto off on the bed. "Geez, this is going to be weird." He tried to make room for the others as Sasuke jumped on as well.

"Who cares? We're just...having fun." Sasuke dragged Neji onto the bed after him. "It might be kinda cool..."

"Yeah, well, just keep your ugly face over there," Naruto retorted, fingers curled tightly in Shikamaru's jacket as he watch the other pair on his bed.

Neji chuckled, kneeling on either side of Sasuke's hips. "Don't say that," he teased. We need to stop their talking--they might change their minds. Figuring there was nothing for it, he reached down to strongly massage Sasuke through his shorts. "He makes some incredible faces...."

Sasuke hissed, tensing as he arched up against Neji's hand. The added tension of being watched only made it that much more exciting. "Enough talk, okay? Fuck, it's been a while..."

That sentiment, at least, Shikamaru could understand. He pushed Naruto's thighs apart so he could settle between them, rubbing them together as he dipped his head for a firm kiss.

Naruto wriggled around a whine, still not all that sure about this, but.... It's been too long. So long.... His breath caught a little as he slowly wrapped his arms around Shikamaru's neck.

Neji chose to watch Sasuke for a bit, enjoying the way he twisted and groped as he began to grow hard beneath his fingers. Tipping his head, Neji sucked at the other's soft throat, his hand sliding deeper between his lover's legs to rub along his cleft as well. "It has been a while," he murmured.

"That's the problem," Sasuke groaned, "with traveling with royalty...." He tried to part his thighs further, his head tipping back. "Shit, that feels..." His hands clenched against Neji's elbows.

Shikamaru couldn't help but glance over at the sounds Sasuke was making. Damn, he really is a bottom. Blushing, he rocked against Naruto with greater enthusiasm. I can make Naruto squirm like that.

Neji caught the other watching, and he couldn't help feeling proud of Sasuke's "performance." He tipped his head to whisper his lips against the boy's ear. "It might feel even better," he murmured, "if you rolled over...."

Murmuring softly at the sudden increase in strength, Naruto curled tighter around his lover. "Come on," he whispered, suddenly wanting to just lose himself like they always had before. He just wanted to forget about the last weeks of anger and hurt and fear. He just wanted to have his lover back.

Shikamaru's eyes widened slightly. I'm here worrying about Neji and Sasuke, and Naruto...he's only here for me. He kissed Naruto deeply, with passion. It'll go back to how it used to be. We'll be fine again. He reached up to undo his hair, letting it spill over his shoulders, then reached for Naruto's clothing. "Let's get this off."

Sasuke wasn't paying attention to the others by now, too caught up in Neji's touch. As per his lover's suggestion he twisted onto his stomach with a quiet moan. He couldn't help rubbing against the mattress, trying to relieve some of his tension.

Neji pressed a thigh up between Sasuke's legs, giving him something to move against as his hands were busy on the various buckles and ties of the younger boy's clothing. It was a little disorientating to have the mattress shift and rock with the movements of the other couple. Soon enough, he was removing Sasuke's shirt, pressing little biting kisses to his exposed back.

Naruto's eyes widened a little as they were surrounded by Shikamaru's impressive mane of hair. He sank his fingers into it eagerly, holding him close for another kiss. I did miss you. "No more fighting," he whispered plaintively. "No more...."

Shikamaru sighed, feeling guilt creep again into the pit of his stomach. "No more," he agreed, tossing Naruto's coat away once it was free. "It's all right now, Naruto." He stripped away the top half of his own clothing so that when they met again for a kiss, their bare chests rubbed.

Sasuke's attention was drawn again when he heard the other speaking, and he glanced up. Naruto.... It was strange to see his old team mate looking so...sentimental. He groaned, stretching as Neji sought out sensitive patches of skin.

Naruto moaned softly, but he was distracted by the marks on Shikamaru's shoulder--scars, of teeth marks....

Seeing his momentary distraction, Neji quickly set about removing the rest of Sasuke's clothing. "Hey, Shikamaru." He started on his own clothing, pausing now and then to rub at his lover's back and hips--just to keep him warmed up. "You two keep anything here?"

"Huh?" Shikamaru pushed himself up slightly. "Oh, yeah--in the drawer." He leaned down, kissing Naruto's chest as he began to undo his pants. "Help yourself..."

Sasuke stretched, pushing anxiously at his own pants. "Sorry," he said with a smirk. "For messing up your bed."

"You can clean it," Naruto muttered, watching Shikamaru anxiously, still playing with his wild hair.

Neji laughed, pressing a moment against Sasuke, kissing his ear. "Back in a moment," he promised. Slipping a way, he moved to hunt up the promised polish, looking it over. "You know..." he said thoughtfully. "They have something in Stone that works better than this stuff."

"Then you can go back and get some," Shikamaru retorted, kissing down Naruto's body. He didn't hesitate when he came to the freshly imprinted curse seal, determined to show Naruto he really wasn't bothered by it anymore.

The gesture wasn't lost on him. Naruto groaned, his fingers tightening almost painfully against the other's scalp as he trembled. "Shikamaru...."

Now it was Neji that grew distracted as he made his way back to Sasuke. It was interesting to see another couple like this--especially Naruto. There was something desperate in everything he did, in how he moved and clutched so plaintively at Shikamaru; so different from him and Sasuke.... But that's fine. He leaned over his own lover, kissing the side of his neck. I like my Sasuke just fine.

Sasuke squirmed, trying to press back against Neji. It was starting to get hard to think, with so much going on and him already so hard. "Neji…."

If they wanted a show.... Shikamaru tugged Naruto's pants off, the sight of his obvious excitement making his own body grow tense. Without hesitating--he'd be too embarrassed otherwise--he fit his mouth over his lover and sucked hard.

The sound of Naruto's voice caused Neji to look over, startled by the sudden volume. His eyes narrowed. Showoff. Naruto did make an impressive sight.... Reaching around beneath Sasuke, he gave him a few light strokes. "They're trying to show us up," he murmured.

"They can try," Sasuke muttered, lifting his hips. He pushed himself up on his knees abruptly, tugging Neji up against his back and seeking a kiss.

Shikamaru didn't tease his lover for too long--when Naruto's breath began to catch he pulled back, and made quick work of his pants. "Are you guys done with that polish or not?"

Neji was already covering himself, growing anxious with Sasuke so willing and waiting for him. "Yeah--here." He tossed it over, rising up on his knees and running his hands down Sasuke's back. He didn't give him any warning, sliding easily into his warmth with a grateful sigh.

Naruto was breathing hard, pulling at Shikamaru's arms and barely able to see. "Come on--"

Sasuke groaned, leaning forward onto his hands and knees so he could better push back to meet his lover. It really had been a while but he adjusted quickly, his breath growing harsh.

Shikamaru shook his head as he slicked himself with the polish. I guess I wouldn't have believed it, if I wasn't seeing it. "I guess Sasuke takes it pretty well after all, huh?" he teased as he prepared Naruto as well, urging his knees up.

Naruto bent his knees, planting his feet firmly so he could push up against Shikamaru's hips. His gaze darted over briefly, widening to see Sasuke bent over and rocking with each of Neji's slow, firm thrusts. He groaned deeply and looked away.

We can do better, anyway. Shikamaru took his lover's hips, guiding them together in a firm thrust. He moaned thickly at the swell of heat he hadn't experienced in too long. Unwilling he fell into a steady rhythm not unlike the one already making Naruto's mattress creak.

"Neji...." Sasuke glanced to the side, and smirked breathlessly. "Shit... harder. " He murmured in encouragement.

Neji did as requested, his fingers cramping as they clutched at Sasuke's hips. God, he feels good. It had been a little over a week and a half since he'd been able to really touch his lover, and anxiously he worked to make up for the lost time.

Sweat broke out across Naruto's skin as he gripped Shikamaru's upper arms, bucking up to meet each of his firm thrusts. It was incredible, the long-missed sensations making it too difficult to think. He'd forgotten about Sasuke and Neji--at least for the moment--focused on the heated pulse in his hips and the burning pleasure within him.

Shikamaru groaned recklessly as he pumped against his lover, taken in by Naruto's enthusiasm and sincerity. This was how they were supposed to be. "Naruto...." He leaned forward, fumbling a kiss to Naruto's mouth as his movements grew desperate.

Sasuke shook his head, trying to brace himself so he could meet Neji hard, with even more passion. But Neji's earlier treatment had already worn him down, and with each delicious thrust his voice thickened with abandon. Finally it became too much, and he pushed back against Neji as he came.

Neji growled softly, lifting Sasuke's hips a little for a few more strong thrusts. He climaxed hard, forehead pressed between his lover's shoulder blades as he rode out the pleasure. Finally he slowed, panting but satisfied.

Groaning, Naruto suddenly grinned. "We can...last longer," he breathed. He would have offered more taunts then, but Shikamaru twisted his hips and sent his thoughts scattering away. It didn't take much more after that to finish him.

Shikamaru was the last to climax, his breath hard as he jerked and finally fell still, still buried in his lover. With a low sigh he pulled back to rest on his heels.

Sasuke by then had stretched out on his stomach, welcoming Neji's weight against his back. He folded his arms under his head. "Mmm...I guess you were right about him, Naruto."

Naruto hadn't let the other get too far, still trying to hold on to his arms, his waist with his legs. I don't want him to go yet. "Of course I was," he retorted, his head resting without strength against the mattress.

Neji settled on Sasuke's back, cheek on his shoulder in easy intimacy while a hand slowly stroked the other's hip. It had been fun, more than he would have expected. There was something comforting in seeing another pair as caring as Shikamaru and Naruto were. We were lucky. We were all lucky.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes, but when Naruto gave him a tug he stretched out over him obediently, resting his head against Naruto's chest. "It's not nice to tease," he muttered.

"It's all good, really," Sasuke chuckled, settling himself comfortably. He even closed his eyes for a moment to better enjoy Neji's gentle touches.

Neji would have been all too happy to just stay like this, but he knew it would probably be better that they leave. After a few more moments, he sat up a little. "We should go," he said simply, giving Sasuke's hip a little tap to urge him on. "We have an early morning tomorrow."

Naruto finally glanced over at the pair, partially buried in Shikamaru's wild hair. If they go, then we.... His fingers curled a little against his lover's back. "Thanks for bringing dinner."

"Yeah, sure." Sasuke rolled off the bed, stretching a moment before hunting up his clothes. "You two stay there--we'll show ourselves out," he laughed.

Shikamaru snorted, keeping close against Naruto as the two got dressed. "We'll see you around."

Naruto's arms were possessive as he watched the others get dressed. He felt like he was shivering a little on the inside. I want to know that we're okay--really okay.

Neji got the rest of his clothes on before Sasuke, pausing near the door to wait for his lover. "I'd suggest we get everyone else together for dinner, but I'm not sure I have that much energy."

"Save it for tomorrow," Shikamaru suggested. "Lee will be back then. We can give you a proper homecoming." He gave Naruto a little pinch. "Right?"

Nodding, Naruto's eyes narrowed a little. "We'll see you in the morning."

Neji chuckled. "Late in the morning," he amended, turning for the exit as Sasuke joined him. "Rest well, you two."

Naruto managed to raise a hand in a small wave, finally relaxing as the other pair began to leave.

"Take care," Sasuke called, giving the pair a smile before they finally left, closing the door behind him.

Shikamaru sighed once they were alone, relaxing further against Naruto's chest. "They could have at least stayed to change the sheets," he muttered.

Naruto gave a little wiggle. "Maybe it's good they didn't...?" He licked his lips, feeling uncertain now that the other's had left and the passion had faded.

Shikamaru pushed himself up by his arms a little. "Sit tight," he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "I'll get us something to clean up with."

He nodded. "Okay, Shikamaru." Once the other was off him, though, Naruto made a face at the mess they had made on the blanket and set to pulling it off.

Shikamaru padded into the bathroom, wetting a towel that he used to quickly wipe himself off with. He then wet a second, fresh one, to take back to Naruto. "Not exactly the kind of evening we had planned, was it?" he chuckled, only now starting to really feel embarrassed about it.

"Yeah, really." Accepting the towel, Naruto turned away a little to clean up. He was a little embarrassed by what they had done, but he was more concerned with Shikamaru at the moment.

Shikamaru climbed into the bed, stretching out on his back with a contented sigh. He was suddenly exhausted, and probably more than he should have been. "It wasn't so bad, though. I guess."

Naruto followed after a moment, and after hesitating briefly rolled on top of his lover, straddling him. He met Shikamaru's gaze with wide eyes. "Shikamaru."

Shikamaru blinked up at him. "You're not ready for another already, are you?" he asked, smiling a little. He was going to need a little longer than that.

"Well...." He squirmed, looking away. "It's not that, but...." He wasn't sure how to say everything he wanted to, how to get across...how tight his chest felt. Shikamaru trusted him, after all, and that was so precious to him, was so badly needed....

Shikamaru frowned slightly. "Naruto, it's okay now, all right?" He reached up, and though he couldn't reach Naruto's face he gave his arm a tug. "Stop making that face."

He sighed. "I know, just...." Reaching down, he brushed his fingers over the yet healing scar on Shikamaru's shoulder. Naruto sighed with regret. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry for what...he said."

"I know." Shikamaru gave him another tug, trying to get him down closer. "It wasn't your fault. You don't have to worry about it anymore."

It was still my fault, even if you say that. I was foolish. But it was in the past now, at least. He would just have to make up for it. Naruto bent down for a kiss. "Okay. I'll try." Slowly he smiled, settling close again Shikamaru's chest.

"Good." Shikamaru welcomed him close, wrapping Naruto up in his arms. "It's going to be okay, Naruto. We're going to be okay."

His smile grew. He's smart. If he says so...then we will be. Naruto abruptly kissed him again--hard this time, and deep. "I love you, you know," he said when he pulled back, tone light as if he might have been joking--might.

Shikamaru's smile softened, relaxing against Naruto's pillow. "Yeah," he replied. "Me, too."

Naruto brightened. "Yeah?" He settled with their faces close together, feeling...very warm at the moment. "You do?"

"Well...yeah. You know." Shikamaru blushed a little as he tried to draw the sheets over them. "I really do."

Chuckling, Naruto kissed him again. "Well, good." Slipping a little lower, he lay his head down on Shikamaru's chest. He closed his eyes. "When I wake up, I want you again," he informed the other boy, hugging him close. "Okay?"

Shikamaru snorted, but he was still smiling. "Yeah, okay," he agreed, closing his eyes. "When we wake up."

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The End!