AUTHORS NOTE: Long chapter is long, ca. 6000 words. I also want to thank you all again for all your comments and feedback. It means a lot to me.I especially want to thank lolcari, who hoped that Naruto would melt some of Sasuke's ice and make him human. I liked this comment so I have worked it into the story. I'm also happy people seem to like Itachi because I'm having a lot fun writing him. Anyway, happy reading!

ACT FOUTEEN

Sasuke finally snapped inwardly. Fuck pride! He had let Naruto go once, which had proved to be a mistake, and he would be damned before he let it happen again.

He stepped out of the car. "Naruto, wait!"

The blonde had reached the porch in front of the house. He stopped there and turned around when he heard his name being called. He set his bag down on the ground by his feet before he spoke. "What is it?"

They stood in front of each other and Sasuke swallowed uneasily. "I made a mistake when I broke up with you, didn't I?"

"Yeah, you did," the Uzumaki answered severely.

"I'm sorry," the Uchiha apologized earnestly.

The blonde hadn't expected that, but just an apology couldn't wash away the bitterness. He released a skeptic huff. "It's a little late for apologies, don't you think?"

"No, it's never too late."

Naruto sighed and looked confused. He could sense that there was another meaning behind the words. "Sasuke, what are you trying to say?"

There was no reason to beat around the bush. Black eyes bored into azure ones, conveying sincerity. If this was going to work, he had to be open and honest. "I want to try again," the Uchiha clarified.

Blue eyes widened in surprise. "Have you lost your mind?"

The dark-haired man shook his head. "No, I have found it."

"Do you have any idea of much you hurt me?" the Uzumaki demanded.

"No, I don't," Sasuke acknowledged. He knew he had hurt his ex deeply, but his understanding could never reach further than that. He couldn't read minds after all, no one could, and so saying 'yes' would be irrational. "I realize I hurt you, but I take back what I said back then. I was wrong and made a mistake."

The blonde knew it must have taken a lot for the Uchiha to admit that, but it was far from enough. "Why do you want me back now after all this time?"

"I miss you," the pale man replied, voice serious.

Naruto grunted in mistrust. "You have got to be kidding me."

Sasuke stood his ground determinedly. "I am. I miss your smile, your laughter, your voice, your touch – everything about you."

"That's your problem. You made a choice, Sasuke, and now you have face the consequences," the blonde said strictly and glared.

"Naruto, I made that choice based on false beliefs. I was young and foolish. You have made me realize how stupid I was to ever break up with you, and you have proved just how retarded my reasons were as well," the Uchiha explained while he inwardly fought his increasing anxiety.

A doubtful look crossed the tanned face. He had assumed the dark-haired man saw him as the same person he was seven years ago, but the Uchiha had confessed his error. It wasn't so easy though.

"I worked too damn hard to move on. You can't just waltz back into my life like this," the blonde hissed furiously.

"I know, but I'm serious, Naruto. Give me a chance to prove it," the Uchiha pleaded.

The blonde studied the pale man sternly. "Do you really mean what you said?"

"Yes, I do. Look at you. You're a successful architect and as gorgeous as ever. I should have believed in you." Sasuke snorted in self-disgust and sifted his gaze away temporarily, talking to himself at this point. "And to think I called you an idiot."

It meant a lot for the Uzumaki to hear all of that from the person who had made him feel so inadequate with a few simple words, but it didn't erase the pain it had brought. "I hope this is not just a bunch of fancy words, Sasuke," he said warningly.

Sasuke had really screwed up spectacularly, hadn't he? The entire truth must be told and there was no reason to hold back, he decided. He looked into those sapphire orbs so there would be no doubt he was genuine.

"It's not. I loved you then and I concluded I still do. I tried to convince myself we weren't right together, but I've been lying to myself. I love you and I want to try again," the Uchiha admitted.

The blonde stared in surprise. Sasuke, the most prideful person he knew, had completely forsaken his self-importance and spoken from the heart. During the conversation, he had witnessed the facade collapse to reveal the good side of the Uchiha, word for word. He could tell it was not lies, but how do you respond to something like that in a situation like this? The words had bared something crucial and Naruto didn't really know what to say and hung his head in contemplation and ran a hand through his hair.

Sasuke had no intention of giving up and took advantage of the situation when Naruto had his guard down. He took a gentle hold of the blonde's collar and carefully dragged him into a soft kiss. He pored every emotion possible into it as he massaged those warm, soft and familiar lips with his own. He was pleasantly surprised when Naruto kissed him back for a few glorious seconds.

Yes, the Uzumaki kissed back, momentarily swept away. A lot of emotions came rushing back to him the instant their lips connected, reminding him of the deep love they had shared and for a moment he was transported back in time. Then he regained his senses and pushed Sasuke away firmly.

"You are not doing this to me!" he exclaimed angrily.

"Naruto, look me in the eyes and tell me you don't feel anything for me anymore," the Uchiha urged gently.

Naruto met his eyes for a long moment until he eventually sighed. "I can't do that," he had to confess. Emotions were not always logical. Despite what had happened in the past, he couldn't deny that the spark between them had resurrected old feelings, and he couldn't ignore the way Sasuke had opened up to him.

Sasuke nodded. "And where does that lead us?" he asked cautiously

The blonde pursed his lips in thought. He couldn't overlook that he had been treated badly. "Give me a good reason, Sasuke. Why should I take you back?"

That was a perfectly legitimate question and the dark-haired man privately commended his former boyfriend for asking it. Despite all the hardships he had gone through, Naruto had never given up, and it had made him strong.

"I know I'm an asshole, but you brought out the best in me, and you still do. With you by my side, I can be a better person, if you would allow it. Please?" the Uchiha asked and took a step forward, reaching out for the Uzumaki.

Still uncertain, Naruto took a step back, shaking his head. "You should go."

"I won't let you go again," the Uchiha stated firmly.

The blonde exhaled in resignation, knowing the other could be as stubborn and determined as he was himself. He rubbed his face with a hand. All the admissions had thrown him for a loop, but he couldn't say yes or no, not now. It would take careful consideration before he could make up his mind. "I'll think about it, okay? That's all I can offer you."

Sasuke let out a breath of relief. "Thank you."

"Yeah, whatever. Now get out of here. I need to think and you're messing with my head. I'll let you know when I have an answer," Naruto muttered. He hoisted his bag onto his shoulder and turned towards the door. He unlocked it and disappeared inside.

Sasuke stood where he was for a moment, just breathing. He couldn't remember the last time he had spoken so much. It felt like he had completely emptied his brain, making him feel lightheaded and weak all over. His hands were trembling. In the middle of it all, he was also happy over the fact that the Uzumaki would think about getting back together. It was better than nothing.

ACT FIFTEEN

"I'm proud of you, little brother," Itachi announced from the other end of the couch that the brothers where occupying in the living room at Uchiha Manor the following evening. Their parents had gone out together after their family dinner, leaving the two young men with the opportunity for some brotherly bonding.

Sasuke snorted and took a drink from his beer bottle.

"What did you tell him exactly?"

Sasuke made a face, still feeling emotionally exhausted. "I told him about all the secrets that were buried in my dark soul. I'm sure I made every dead Uchiha turn over in their graves," he said sarcastically.

Itachi laughed. "Well, perhaps it will be worth it in the end."

The younger Uchiha nodded determinedly. "He's worth it, because something good might come out of it if I'm lucky."

"You just have to keep struggling to win him over."

"I will," Sasuke assured. "He's worth fighting for."

"It's amazing what a miracle worker blondie is. He's the only one who can truly melt that icy heart of yours," Itachi mused.

"Thanks for the compliment," Sasuke grumbled. "You always make me feel warm and fuzzy."

"That's what older brothers are for, little one," Itachi retorted and made a salute with his beer bottle.

ACT SIXTEEN

Sasuke had been settled in at his new job for a month and he sat by his desk in his office. The only sounds were that of his typing on the keyboard and the humming of the computer. Everyone else had gone home hours ago, which wasn't strange considering it was close to 21:00 on a Friday evening.

His ambitious intentions were interrupted again and again as his thoughts kept drifting.

He still hadn't heard anything from Naruto, nor had they run into each other. The days were long as he waited, waited and waited. He wasn't the type to give up, but it was getting increasingly difficult to not fear that he had already lost the Uzumaki. He didn't want to pressure the other either so he forced himself to endure.

His family was getting worried because he spent more time at work than anywhere else. It was his way of coping with his anxiousness and Sasuke himself saw it as an opportunity. Not only did it enable him to distract himself from his reflections, but also it was better being at the office and doing something useful rather than going home to an empty apartment and a cold bed.

The stillness around him was broken when his phone was ringing. The caller ID said Itachi so he instantly cancelled the call. His brother probably wanted to convince him into going home and Sasuke didn't feel like it.

He turned his chair around and leaned back, stretching his stiff muscles a bit as he observed the city through the huge window. He rubbed his eyes tiredly and sighed.

His attention was refocused by a soft knock on his door. He assumed it was his brother or one of his parents, wanting to drag him home. He turned around, preparing to request to be left alone, but he was shocked by what he saw.

Naruto was leaning against the doorway casually, looking a mildly amused over the fact that he had caught the Uchiha off guard.

"Hey, bastard. This is where you're hiding, huh?" he remarked.

Sasuke blinked, not entirely able to believe that he was seeing straight. "Naruto, what are you doing here?"

"Itachi and your parents told me where you were. I should have expected it. You've always been a workaholic," the blonde said and rolled his eyes.

Sasuke was still in slight shock. "How did you get in?" Indeed, the main entrance should be locked after hours.

Naruto held up a key and smiled mischievously. "You parents lent me a key. I went to their place to see if you were there." He put away the item in his pocket again.

The dark-haired man nodded in understanding, finally calm once again. "I see." He stood up, rounded the desk and leaned against it.

The blonde entered the room further and took a look around interestedly. "How do you like your new job?"

"It's a good working place and my colleagues are nice," the Uchiha informed.

"Any interesting murderers you're trying to nail?" the Uzumaki asked playfully.

Sasuke groaned heavily when thinking about his current assignment. "No, I'm working with a financial crime at the moment."

The blonde snorted. "Boring!"

Sasuke chuckled slightly. "I agree."

There was a silence in the room and there was a tension slowly building up as the seconds ticked by. Sasuke could feel Naruto preparing to say something, something important. Had the Uzumaki made his choice now? What if it was a refusal?

"I've been thinking about what you said, Sasuke."

The young lawyer swallowed and steeled himself. He had really put himself out there with his confessions a month ago. The possibility of rejection made him uneasy. "Yeah?"

Naruto took a deep breath. "I'm not saying yes, but I'm not saying no either."

A burst of hope rose inside of Sasuke. "Really?"

"It's been seven years. You have changed. I have changed. I think we should hang out, get to know each other again. We'll take it from there," the blonde stated reasonably.

Naruto had been watching the dark-haired man before he had knocked. He had decided to find the Uchiha because he was not a person who feared to take a risk. Besides, Sasuke wasn't a bastard all the time, and seeing his former boyfriend's misery had strengthened his conviction. The man could be a stoic asshole, but he wasn't emotionless.

"That sounds like a realistic plan to me," the Uchiha said and he allowed his lips to tilt upwards in a subdued manner.

Sasuke was relieved. This was good. He could work with this. Taking it slow and being careful was also a wise move.

"Okay, good. So do you want to go out for dinner? Because sitting here and working on a Friday evening is just pathetic," the Uzumaki said, instantly lightening the mood with his cheerfulness.

The lawyer didn't hesitate to accept. "Count me in."

ACT SEVENTEEN

They walked together to a small and cozy restaurant, making a bit of small-talk along the way. The blonde still appeared to be a bit guarded, but everything was out in the open now, so he was more accessible than during their road-trip. Sasuke had come to terms with his feelings and was determined to do his best to make things work.

"I'm glad you came," the Uchiha said finally when they were seated at a table for two and had made their orders.

Naruto smiled hesitantly, detecting that Sasuke was making an effort. "Yeah, me too. Spending time with you makes me think of the good old days."

The phrase made Sasuke remember something. "Speaking of good old days," he said as he pulled out a stripe of four photos from his pocket. "Remember this?"

Naruto took the photos and studied the snapshots they had made at a festival one time. He grinned. "I didn't know you kept these."

Sasuke lifted an eyebrow. They had both received a set each. "You didn't?"

The blonde scratched his neck awkwardly with his free hand. "They may have disappeared when I went a little crazy after our break-up. I didn't get rid of them, but they vanished somewhere in the mess I created."

The dark-haired man felt guilty, and rightfully so, knowing he had caused Naruto's anger and sadness. However, this wasn't the time to reminisce about bad things. It was time to look forward so he chuckled upon hearing about the Uzumaki's antics. No doubt his companion was overdramatizing to ease up the atmosphere.

"Really now?"

The blonde nodded and looked amused. "Yepp."

Sasuke went thoughtful for a moment, watching Naruto study the photos nostalgically. "You can keep them."

Blue eyes met dark ones. "Really?"

"Yeah, and maybe one day we can make new ones," the Uchiha said with a good-humored smirk.

The blonde laughed and put the pictures in his pocket. Their conversation was interrupted momentarily when their waitress came with their food.

"How is Itachi?" the Uzumaki asked as he dug in. The older Uchiha had been sort of a friend back in the day and they hadn't seen each other in a long time now.

Sasuke snorted. "Still the same old bastard."

"Just like someone else I know," the Uzumaki said teasingly.

Sasuke shook his head in amusement. It had been exhausting, but also relieving, to share his thoughts with Naruto a month ago. The air had been cleansed somehow in the process, making the present easy-going atmosphere possible. "We found out that Itachi's wife is pregnant last week," he enlightened.

Naruto beamed. "That's great."

The dark-haired man was busy chewing, but he nodded in agreement. He was happy for his brother.

The blonde hummed thoughtfully. "You know what this means, don't you?"

"What?"

A familiar shit-eating grin spread over the sun-kissed face. "You're going to be an uncle, meaning it will be your duty to baby-sit."

Sasuke paused in the middle of bringing food to his mouth as a result of his companion's statement. He hadn't thought about that before. Now, he didn't really have anything against kids per se, but he wasn't used to them.

Naruto laughed out loud at the look of horror that crossed the pale face. "I'm sure you'll do fine," he soothed. "You're an Uchiha and all that, aren't you?"

Sasuke smiled tentatively. "Yes, and practice makes perfect, right?"

"That's what they say," the Uzumaki provided and dipped his head in agreement. "Practice would be good. You want kids of your own some day, don't you?"

"Sort of."

Naruto frowned in puzzlement. "What does that mean?"

The pale man pursed his lips briefly before he spoke. "I was thinking we could adopt when we're ready."

A blonde eyebrow rose in question. "We?"

Sasuke smirked good-naturedly. "Yes, that's what I said. You know, as in you and me."

Naruo lifted his eyebrow higher. "You're assuming things now."

Sasuke shrugged and his smug expression widened. "I'm an Uchiha, and as such I always get what I want by default," he said mischievously.

Naruto eventually chuckled. "Man, you're as bigheaded as ever."

Sasuke wasn't acting conceding, but rather his demeanor displayed playful confidence, something Naruto suspected was a genetic trait in the Uchiha Clan.

"I have you to keep me in check though, don't I?"

"We'll see," the Uzumaki answered, serious now. "It's not going to be easy. I hope you're aware of that."

"I am," the dark-haired man assured. "I know it will take time, but I want to try and see how this turns out. That way, I won't have to spend the rest of my life wondering."

"Good," Naruto said. "Tell, me, what made you think of adoption?" he asked now, feeling done with the serious climate.

"You," the Uchiha answered.

Naruto blinked. "Me?"

"Yeah, you never got adopted and grew up at the orphanage. Your only parental figure was our school's student counselor, Iruka. I remember that there would always be many kids there whenever I would visit you. It's better giving one of them a home instead of bringing a new kid into the world through a surrogate mother or something," the pale man reasoned.

The blonde stared in amazement before laughing a bit. "Maybe you're not as bad as you seem after all. I'm impressed."

Sasuke looked mildly self-satisfied. "Of course you are."

Naruto shook his head. "I don't get why you're acting like an ass so often. If you acted nice, people might actually come to like you."

"I only want one person to like me at the moment," the Uchiha said and looked across the table meaningfully.

"I know," the Uzumaki acknowledged softly.

They paused their conversation temporarily, eating in silence and waiting for a new subject to come up. It was Sasuke who spoke first.

"How is Iruka, by the way?"

The blonde smiled when he thought about his father figure. "He's fine. He's still working at our old school. I don't think he'll ever leave."

"He doesn't have a reason to. The job suits him perfectly," Sasuke commented.

"I think so to," the Uzumaki said.

"And how did you get into architecture?"

"It turns out I have a talent for drawing, and I could never have become a paper pusher. I can't sit still all day, but as an architect I work with my hands a lot and be creative," the blonde explained.

Sasuke's lips curved upwards agreeably. "It fits you."

The rest of the evening was filled with good food and pleasant conversation. There were some awkward moments, but the two gradually warmed up to each other again.

ACT EIGHTEEN

Naruto had invited Shikamaru, Kiba and Gaara for the evening. His living room was filled with games and movies. The group was currently sitting in a circle on Naruto's living room floor, munching on a huge pizza. He had been seeing Sasuke regularly and spoken with him over the phone repeatedly for the past two months.

"So how is it going with Sasuke?" the dog-lover in the gathering asked.

"It's going well. He really must love me like he says, because he's really trying," the blonde mused.

"Do you trust him?" Gaara wanted to know.

"Yeah," Naruto answered. "Sasuke isn't the type to say such things unless he doesn't mean them. You guys should have heard him the night he dropped me off after that road-trip."

"I second that, actually. Sasuke is pretty straight-forward," Shikamaru said from where he was positioned on his back, studying the ceiling lazily.

"Does he treat you well?" Kiba probed.

"He's been on his best behavior so far," the blonde said.

"Good, just tell me if he screws up. I will send Akamaru on him," the brunette promised and scratched his beloved pet behind an ear. The huge dog beside his master barked in agreement.

"Or we could just cut his balls off with a slow and rusty knife," the read-head suggested with a ferocious leer.

Naruto laughed. "I appreciate that you guys have my back, but I can handle Sasuke."

"Yeah, if there's anyone who can handle Sasuke, it would be you. You always understood him when no one else could," Shikamaru concurred in his trademark lazy drawl of a voice.

Naruto smirked. "Yepp, I own that pale ass."

"Even in the bedroom?" the low voice of Gaara inquired teasingly.

The blonde stuck out his tongue "For your information, we're not at that point yet, but when we were together before I didn't let him top me all the time. Fair is fair, and Sasuke understood that too."

"Now that's some juicy piece of information," the Inuzuka said smugly and rubbed his hands together as he thought of all the possibilities for mischievousness.

"There are more important things to talk about than who's fucking who," Shikamaru interjected around a yawn. "Do you love him, Naruto?"

The blonde nodded. "He was an important person in my life, so he always had a special place in my heart. It's just a matter of reacquainting myself with those feelings."

"You always been good at judging people so I guess we'll have to trust your judgment. You'll always have us regardless of what happens," Gaara commented.

Naruto grinned widely and raised his beer bottle. "Let's toast to friendship."

ACT NINETEEN

Sasuke was walking around in his living room lighting a few candles. A rose, a bottle of wine and two glasses adorned the coffee table. He cursed as the tremor in his hand made it difficult to light the last candle properly.

He was nervous because Naruto was coming over, bringing take-out and a movie. It had been about three months since the Uzumaki had visited him at the office. The blonde hadn't been easy on him. Sasuke had been forced to work hard since then. They had gotten to know each other again and reformed their friendship at first. The two them had spoken on the phone nearly every day and met up as often as possible. Progressively, the blonde had allowed more and more displays of affection. Sasuke was allowed to touch him and kiss him freely him by now. They hadn't been intimate yet though. Most of the time they had gone out and done something together, so when Naruto suggested they stay in to eat take-out and watch a movie, Sasuke suspected that tonight could be the big night.

He finally won the battle against the stupid candle and put the lighter away. He scanned the room once more to make sure everything was perfect. He had made it look nice without going overboard. Satisfied, he moved towards the kitchen so he could drink some water to relieve his dry throat.

He halted in his steps when there was a knock on his door. He took a deep breath before walking over and opening it. Naruto was standing outside, casually dressed in jeans and t-shirt, just like Sasuke was.

The blonde grinned casually. "Hey."

Sasuke grabbed the collar and hauled the sexy being into a heated kiss and Naruto happily reciprocated. "Hi," the Uchiha said when they broke apart.

The visitor chuckled. "Are you going to let me in or are you going to molest me while the neighbors are watching?"

Sasuke smirked and stepped aside, granting his guest entrance. He took the bag Naruto had in his hands and went in to the kitchen, unpacking the contents. He could hear the blonde following him a few seconds later.

"I like what you have done with the place," the Uzumaki commented with amusement while he looked over the setting and leaned against a counter in the kitchen.

Sasuke shrugged. He quickly placed the food containers and the movie on the counter before putting away the bag in a drawer. "I just thought I would make the place look nice for your visit. I cleaned the place earlier today and it looks nice with candles and I bought some wine and-" he said in a rush.

Naruto interrupted him with a soft chuckle. "Sasuke . . . are you rambling?"

Dark eyes glared and the owner crossed his arms over his chest defensively. "No."

Naruto grabbed Sasuke's hand. "Come here," he ordered and pulled the other into a brief and sweet kiss.

"I like it," the Uzumaki reassured.

"You better," the Uchiha muttered.

The blonde snickered quietly. "Let's eat. I'm starving."

ACT TWENTY

After dinner they watched the movie together. When the credits started rolling, Sasuke got up to turn the television set off. He put on some music instead and refilled their wine glasses. They sat opposite each other on the couch in the living room, sipping their wine while they talked calmly and listened to the tunes that were playing.

Naruto set his glass aside after a while. "I brought something that might interest you," he said as he stood up and moved towards the hall.

Sasuke waited without complaint and when the Uzumaki returned, two objects were thrown at him. A tube of lube and a package of condoms landed in his lap. He looked up and saw Naruto leaning against the doorway, grinning seductively. His eyes twinkled with amusement at the startled expression on the pale face.

"Surprised?"

"Yes and no," Sasuke admitted. He had had his suspicions, but he had not been a hundred percent sure. He had decided he would let Naruto take the initiative.

Naruto lifted an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're not interested."

"Don't be stupid," the Uchiha snorted. He had been waiting for this moment. "I didn't want to pressure you. That's all."

Naruto laughed quietly. "You're not. My invitation is pretty obvious. Now are you coming or are you going to just sit there?"

Without further ado, Sasuke smirked and jumped his boyfriend. They kissed and groped wildly as they stumbled their way to the bedroom. Both of them lost their shirts along the way. The duo landed in a heap of tangled limbs on the bed, a pale body beneath a tanned one.

Sasuke thought it felt wonderful to have those hands on him again. The hands were warm and the touches tender. Naruto caressed him everywhere in a way only he could and continued to kiss him passionately. Sasuke let himself enjoy it for a moment before he rolled them and reversed their positions.

Naruto didn't take that without a fight. He copied Sasuke's movement, putting the Uchiha under him once more.

Sasuke moved them back to their previous position again.

The blonde separated his lips from the Uchiha's. "I'm topping."

"No, I am."

"Come on, you know you missed it," the Uzumaki coaxed playfully, nibbling a milky ear.

Sasuke leaned down to molest the tanned throat. "Really?"

Naruto rolled them over again. "Yes, so how about I remind you?" he said smugly.

The dark-haired man considered for a moment and then decided it didn't really matter in the end. It was Naruto, and he actually had missed being touched by those bronzed hands, not to mention that the view of the blonde moving above him was arousing.

"All right, but next time your ass is mine."

The blonde chuckled. "Deal."

Naruto started working on getting Sasuke's pants off. He unbuckled the belt, pulled down the zipper and tugged at the pants and underwear. When they were low enough, Sasuke squirmed out of the garments and kicked them down to the floor.

Sasuke wasted no time in getting Naruto's jeans off. The dark-blue material joined his on the floor, as well as a pair of orange underwear.

Naruto stretched out over Sasuke and they started a session of frantic kissing and groping while pressing their bodies tightly together.

However, the Uchiha wanted to prove his appreciation of the blonde. He guided the Uzumaki onto his back. Naruto looked suspicious for a moment before he caught on when the pale man started massaging his shoulders.

As the pale man was positioned over his boyfriend, he had to take a long and good look at the gorgeous being. He had Naruto, his Naruto, naked in his bed again after all these years.

"See something you like?" the Uzumaki asked playfully upon noticing the stare.

Sasuke smirked. "Definitely."

"I approve of that answer," Naruto said and rewarded his partner with a kiss.

After the kiss, Sasuke massaged the muscled legs one by one, starting from the foot and working his way up. He then repeated the process with the firm arms, from hand to shoulder. He spent a long time on this and left no part unattended, watching the blonde become boneless from relaxation.

Sasuke assaulted that inviting neck again and left a line of kisses down to the nipples. He sucked one nub and massaged the other while listening to Naruto's sounds of appreciation. A look downwards showed just how much the blonde was enjoying the attention.

Sasuke moved further south and took Naruto into his mouth, making the blonde moan hoarsely and bury his hands in dark hair. The dark-haired man performed patiently; listening to every noise Naruto made and let that guide him. Sasuke kept going for a while, but he wanted them to finish together tonight, so he released Naruto.

The blonde pounced and pinned his lover beneath him and his lips tilted upwards predatorily. "My turn!"

He kneaded the creamy thighs and worked his way towards the Uchiha's middle-area. A groan reached his ears as he started stroking what he found there gently. After a while he leaned down to take his partner into his mouth so he could return the favor. Encouraged by the sounds Sasuke was making, Naruto kept going. It wasn't long before he felt hands in his hair and pleasuring the Uchiha continued to fuel his own arousal.

When he decided it was time to move onwards, he looked around. None of them remembered bringing the lube and condoms, but the items were lying next to a pile of clothes innocently. Naruto reached for them and put them close to him. He grabbed the tube and squeezed out some clear gel on his hand and brought it to the Uchiha's opening.

The touch was soft like an angel's breath and Sasuke let out a soft pleasured sigh at the stimulation. He was relaxed, enabling the preparation to go smoothly and painlessly. Naruto's mouth returned to his arousal while he was patiently being prepared and the dual stimulation drove him crazy.

Sasuke let Naruto know when he was ready, whereupon the blonde prepared for the main event by rolling on a condom and coating himself with lube.

Naruto had Sasuke on his back and he felt the Uchiha's arms around his neck. Blue eyes locked with dark ones as the penetration began. Sasuke tensed a little as it stung and burned slightly, but Naruto took it slow in an unhurried manner until they were fully connected.

Being inside his lover made the blonde's senses swim in ecstasy. "You feel so good, Sasuke," he mumbled affectionately.

"I missed this," the Uchiha admitted.

"Let's make up for some lost time then," the Uzumaki commented breathlessly.

The dark-haired man managed a smirk. "Good idea."

They gradually moved faster and faster. They had come a long way and learned a lot since their first time. It wasn't difficult to find their old rhythm once more.

Sasuke was getting dizzy from the pleasure. He forced himself to focus despite his clouded mind. He noted that the Uzumaki didn't seem to be much better off than he was. He used this to his advantage and rolled them over without breaking their connection.

The blonde blinked as his surroundings suddenly shifted. He saw the Uchiha sitting on top of him, grinning with satisfaction.

"I want to have some fun too."

Naruto didn't mind, because looking at the Uchiha while the pale man rode him was freaking sexy. "Show me."

Sasuke supported himself with his hands on the caramel chest under him and started moving. Their moans and sounds of protest from the bed resonated through the bedroom and the couple moved faster and faster.

They shouted each other's names during climax and then the duo stilled in order to catch their breath and exchanged smiles.

Sasuke lifted himself of his lover and lay down on his back. He reached for the package of tissues and wiped himself off. Naruto left the bed for the bathroom momentarily to dispose of the condom and clean up the mess on his skin.

Naruto instantly joined his lover beneath the covers as soon as he exited the bathroom. He moved close to the other's body and used the creamy chest as a pillow. He felt fingers in his hair as he drifted off to sleep.

ACT TWENTY-ONE

Sasuke woke up because the nightly chill had filled the room. Naruto had also moved further away from him in his sleep. The blonde lay on his side, facing the Uchiha.

Sasuke straightened up and pulled the tanned body closer. Naruto automatically curled up against him. Sasuke wrapped his arms around the Uzumaki's frame and nuzzled his lover's neck.

"One day, when we're both ready, I will put a ring on your finger. You'll be officially mine forever then," he whispered.

AUTHORS NOTE: Done! I know some of you didn't like the idea of Naruto and Sasuke getting back together, but I refuse to write an unhappy ending like that, because there's enough crap in the real world as it is. I hope you all liked it anyway and fond the process reasonable. I'm happy with the story, but I have read your comments and I might revisit this story in the future to improve it and implement some of your ideas and suggestions. XD

Thanks for reading!