The Right Choice

WARNING: This Chapter is sexually explicit.

This story is completely finished. I am just going through and doing some final proofreading, but I will be uploading at least once daily. There are over ten chapters and the story is a little over 45,000 words. I've never actually posted a story of mine before, and I'm a little nervous so be kind. If there's a lot of bad feedback from this one I probably won't post any more of my stories in the future, but no matter what I will have this one posted in completion hopefully by the end of next week. I hope you enjoy it, I usually write for my own pleasure, but this one I enjoyed so much I thought it might be nice to share. Please let me know if you like it, I am hoping for at least ten good reviews once I finish. I know it's a high goal considering most people are lurkers (me included), but I would appreciate knowing that at least a few people enjoyed it. Thanks, and enjoy!

WARNING: Naruto is in several other pairings before he gets to Shino. The story works through a failed relationship and a comfort relationship before we get there so don't freak out when Naruto doesn't jump straight into Shino's arms. It will happen, but like the description said this is the story of their struggle to come together so just wait for it.


Chapter 6

Naruto took his time getting undressed in the changing room. There were quite a few men around and he recognized several of them including Genma and Raido who appeared to be coming in from a soak. He was glad he’d had enough forethought to henge before he came in otherwise it would be all over the village by tomorrow morning that he’d been seen at the onsen at an indecent hour. He made his way through to the steaming water with only a towel wrapped around his waist. There were men of all ages and types, even a few younger than Naruto himself.

He took his towel off and waded into the steaming pool letting a relaxed sigh escape his lips. Several sets of eyes turned toward him, but he didn’t show interest so they went back to what ever they’d been doing. That was when he saw him. At the far end of the bath under a low rock formation that extended out over the water forming a pseudo grotto was a very attractive man who looked to be in his early thirties leaning casually back against the side of the bath. Though Naruto couldn’t see his eyes he knew that the man was scanning the area with sharp eyes that wouldn’t miss anything, and as he suspected the man noticed his attention right away.

Even if the hair and skin hadn’t been a dead giveaway Naruto would have known this man was Aburame from the glasses alone. He looked a bit like Shibi, but he wasn’t nearly as angular, and he was paler like Shino. The man bowed his head slowly in invitation, and Naruto felt his heart speed up for a moment. This was his chance to relieve all that tension over Shino without risking their friendship. He swam over the sit beside the older man and noticed that he was wearing a wedding band on his ring finger. This was even better. He wouldn’t cause problems for Naruto if he figured anything out because he probably wouldn’t want to shame his marriage.

Naruto leaned back and propped his elbows up on the edge of the pool while making not so sly glances at the man next to him. They still hadn’t spoken, and Naruto was amused at how much this clan had in common with each other. Naruto decided to dive right in.

“You married?” The man turned slightly and held up his hand. “What do you think,” was the dry reply. Naruto nodded in acknowledgement, and went on, “You just here to look, or do you plan on touching?” The man smirked, but didn’t look at him; his eyes were scanning the other men in the bath. “I hadn’t planned on doing more than look…” He turned toward Naruto then and leered at him. “That is until you showed up.”

Naruto was hard in an instant, and he was grateful for the cloudy water as well as the shade of the rocks. The man turned his eyes back to the others in the bath having been satisfied with the effect of his words. Naruto reigned in his control as best he could otherwise the henge would fade, and that would be bad. “So what is it about me that changed your mind?” Naruto was proud of himself; he’d kept his voice steady and casual.

The man next to him chuckled low in his chest and it was a very sexy sound. “I find that most people can’t look past what I am to see me. When you looked you saw me. I like your interest.”

Naruto felt the blush move up his chest slowly to his face. Why did all the Aburames do this to him? It was a good thing that the water was hot; blushing wasn’t as noticeable when you’re already a bit flushed from the heat. “We could get a room?” Naruto meant for it to be a statement, but it came out as a question. It didn’t seem to matter though.

“What’s wrong with right here? Not an exhibitionist?” The smirk was small but it was there. This man was playing with him. “It’s not that, I was just hoping for more than a quick grope.” Naruto felt a smooth hand run across his thigh under the water, and his stomach tightened. “Are you sure? A hand job in the bath, I’ve heard, can be fun.” The hand slid up a fraction and Naruto leaned into it, encouraging more.

“I’m sure it is, but like I said, I was hoping for more. Something that requires a room, preferably one with a bed.” Naruto felt the hand slip away from his thigh and panicked rushed through him. The man stood and reached over Naruto to get his towel. He was leaving, and Naruto had to fight not to cry out in frustration.

“Are you coming?” The man asked over his shoulder as he made his way out and wrapped the towel around his waist. Naruto was up and moving to catch up instantly. His erection had waned enough with his disappointment that he could get his towel on without embarrassing himself, and they were soon dressed and making their way to the reception desk. Naruto stood back and watched as the very attractive man paid for a room for the night. His coat was slung over one arm casually and his hair was still wet making him look clean and sexy.

Naruto followed him down the corridor to the room that matched the number on the key and walked in as the man opened it. It was a simple room with a large zen bed against the wall and not much else. The man was watching him as he leaned against the door and suddenly Naruto felt self-conscious. “You can drop the henge if you like, I’m sure it will fade soon anyway.”

Naruto wasn’t sure that was a good idea. He wasn’t sure any of this was a good idea. “You’ll know me if I do.” Naruto didn’t look at the man for a reaction.

“Do we know each other?” He asked. Naruto shook his head. “I’m just hard to miss most of the time.”

“Are you hideous or something?” The man questioned as he pushed away from the door and dropped his coat and the key on a low table.

“No… at least I don’t think so. I’m just noticeable.”

The man moved closer to Naruto and lifted his chin to make Naruto look at him. “Now I’m intrigued. I promise I won’t run away if you show me.”

Naruto needed something in return for his trust. “Show me your eyes first.” The man looked more serious now, and Naruto thought he might refuse, but he slowly lifted his hand to the glasses, and slid them off. The room was dark enough that he didn’t squint, but it was too dark to see exactly what color they were. All Naruto could make out distinctly was the pupil which was a small oval in the center of those piercing eyes.

When Naruto dropped the henge he expected to be kicked out immediately, but the man just looked at him questioningly with one eyebrow raised. “Naruto Uzumaki. I would have thought you’d be saving this for Shino.”

Naruto jerked away with barely controlled violence. That wasn’t what he wanted to hear right now.

“I wasn’t judging, I just thought that the two of you were an item.”

Naruto looked at him sternly. “Who told you that?”

The man shrugged lightly feigning nonchalance. “It’s been around the clan for a couple of weeks now. It’s just a rumor, but with the two of you being together so often it just feeds the fire. Are you not together?”

Naruto was overwhelmed. People thought they were together. He hoped that the rumor didn’t make it back around to Shino otherwise their time together might be threatened. “I want to be, but to him I’m just a friend.”

“Is that why you picked me?”

Naruto nodded. He didn’t want to have this conversation right now. He didn’t know what he wanted, but he didn’t want to talk about Shino. “I just wanted to know what it would be like. You’re married so you’ll never say anything. At least I hope you won’t. I just wanted to pretend.”

“Do you love him?” Naruto smiled a little thinking about that. “I don’t know.”

The man pulled Naruto to him and held him close, running his hands comfortingly over Naruto’s back. The boy was stunning and he could see why Shino was so taken with him, but he had never been the kind of man to take advantage. He tried to pull away, but Naruto’s hold tightened on him. “Please…I just want to know what its like. Just once.”

The man sighed, yielding. The boy would never be convinced that Shino was his for the taking. “My name is Shinchin. You may call me Shin if you like.” He said quietly into Naruto’s hair. He would make it good for him, and he prayed that neither Shino nor Shibi ever found out. He pulled back slightly and leaned in to kiss trembling lips. He hadn’t been with anyone in a very long time. He would let himself enjoy it too.

Naruto met him half way and the kiss turned fierce in seconds. Cloths were shed quickly, and they maneuvered to the bed where Shin pushed Naruto to his back. Naruto was eager, and the night was young. Shin wasn’t going to last and he knew that Naruto was probably feeling the same so he prepared him quickly and flipped him onto his stomach. The oil he used was meant for pleasuring one’s self in the bath, but it would work for this just as well. Naruto was squirming in the most attractive manner under Shin and he felt his cock jerk in his hand dangerously as he smoothed the oil on. It would be fast, but Shin would will himself to last long enough to make it good. If things went well he’d have another go in an hour or so.

Naruto felt so empty when those long fingers left him. He had been so close, but he’d gained his wits enough after being flipped that he was glad he hadn’t come. He didn’t want to miss out on what was turning out to be an amazing fuck by finishing too fast. His hands gripped the pillow in front of him, and the body above him shift a little and he felt excitement course through him. The cock on this man was merely average, but it didn’t matter. He was gagging for it.

As he felt the head glide into place he tried to push back, but strong hands held his hips in place with full body weight trapping Naruto to the bed. He pulled the pillow to his face and bit down hard to keep from screaming in frustration. Then he felt it. He was being opened as the head slowly made its way past the tight entrance and after that the slide was smooth and steady. He wanted it hard and fast, but Shin just kept the progress slow and easy.

It had been so long since Naruto had felt a cock moving inside him that he wasn’t surprised at the sudden sharp pain as he was pierced. It passed quickly as he felt hips flush against his and his muscles relaxed. His own neglected erection was throbbing underneath him, but he ignored it. Shin relaxed a bit, laying his body against Naruto’s back. The breath on Naruto’s shoulder made gooseflesh rise across his skin. They were both panting a little at that point, and Naruto felt the odd impatience from not moving. He whined into the pillow. His body wanted to fuck, it wanted to be rocked and pounded into the bed beneath him. He tried to shift but Shin’s grip tightened on him painfully.

“Don’t move… Just give me a second.” He panted. The stomach muscles against Naruto’s back loosened a bit then, and suddenly the cock within him started to retreat. It was nearly all the way out when the arms holding him tightened and his concentration shattered as a hard thrust drove in. The cry that ripped from Naruto was impassioned and it set Shin on fire. He reigned in his control and slowed his pace just enough that he wouldn’t come, and lifted his weight so that Naruto could move.

They found a rhythm together. Shin kissed and licked tanned shoulders as he pistoned into the blazing body beneath him. It was hot and their sweat slick skin slid together in perfect synchronized waves. The sounds were nothing more than the slide of skin on skin and their panting breath.

Shin had thought it would end quickly, but god it was just too good for him to let it be over. He whispered disjointed words into Naruto’s ear and heard a mewl muffled by the pillow that Naruto had buried his face in. Shin braced himself on one elbow; his arm slid under Naruto’s chest and held a shoulder with a firm grip to pull Naruto against him more tightly. He slid the other hand between Naruto and the bed to grasp his cock. Naruto bucked hard as those hot fingers gripped him and pulled. Then it was over. He was coming violently across the sheets and the grip on Shin’s cock tightened, he thrust a few more times before he let himself come too.

Naruto let out a keening “Shin…” as he started to come down. Shin felt another pulse of ecstasy race through him, and then Naruto finished with “o…” as his body relaxed into the bed, and Shin remembered who he was with, and why he was lucky enough experience this amazing feeling with the young man beneath him. He’d never felt anything like this before, and for an instant he was incredibly envious of Shino Aburame.

Long moments later they were clean of the worst of the mess, and Shin was spooned against Naruto’s back under the covers, their bodies touching in as many places as they could. Naruto had missed this part. He felt warm and safe, and that was so rare for him that he just took it in, reveling in the moment. He was so grateful that Shin was such a generous lover. He’d imagined a far more impersonal fuck when he’d entered the onsen.

They slipped in and out of sleep as several hours passed. It was well past midnight when Naruto woke to a hand sliding over his abdomen, tantalizing his senses, but not sending them into a frenzy. He squirmed a little and pushed back against Shin and grinned when he felt the firm erection slide against him. The arm around him tightened, and he felt hot breath waft across his neck. The urgency was missing this time though, and Naruto swore he’d keep a better hold on reality this time. He’d felt Shin’s reaction to his slip and had immediately felt horrendously guilty over it.

The man was still so much of a mystery to him. He wanted to know more so he decided to push his luck and ask. “Why are you here with me?”

Shin came fully awake then. He hadn’t expected Naruto to want conversation but it seemed fitting. “I haven’t been with anyone for a long time. My daughter is usually on missions with her team so I’m alone most of the time. I come to the baths when it gets to quiet.”

Naruto tried to turn to face him, but Shin held him tight. The position was very satisfying so he didn’t push. “I thought you were married.”

Shin’s grip tightened painfully for a brief moment, and Naruto was worried that he’d said something wrong. “She died on a mission three years ago. I never did anything like this while she was alive. We weren’t in love, but we were good together. Our parents put pressure on us to marry young. The village was still suffering from the attack by the Kyuubi, and the village needed children. That was what they told us anyway. She knew I was gay, but she convinced me that the children would make it worth it. She was right. My daughter is the most amazing part of my life. I miss her when she’s gone, but I promised myself a long time ago that I would never pressure her like my parents did me.

“I was in love with a boy in my class, but being an Aburame made people look at us like we were freaks. He led me on for ages. He was on a different team after we graduated, but we saw each other often. When I was sixteen he took me to his bed. He didn’t prepare me. He didn’t even touch me all that much, he just used me. I was raw, and broken by the time he was done with me, and then he told me to leave so he could sleep, and had the nerve to say I was a good fuck. He did so much damage to my body, but it didn’t even compare to the damage done to my heart. He never spoke to me again after that night, and I became completely withdrawn. Suddenly all the things that I had thought I wanted were gone. Sex had no appeal and love... To me it just meant pain and degradation.

“When I moved into the singles house she was there. We became tentative friends and my parents thought it was more than it was. After a while I just wanted them to leave me be so we agreed to the arranged marriage. She went into it with her eyes open. I always regretted not being able to love her the way she deserved, but we were happy together.

“When I made jounin the Hokage sent me on a six month recon mission that turned into a seventeen month ordeal. I became lovers with one of my team mates over that time, and for the first time I understood what sex was supposed to be like. I fell for him, but we were both married and we were from different clans so when the mission ended so did the affair. Tsure never knew, and I felt so guilty about it after I came back that I never did it again. I couldn’t betray the person that had given me so much. I had loved her for a long time, but after that I came to respect her and the sacrifices she made to be with me. She was an amazing woman. When she died a part of me died with her.

“Coming home to an empty house is something I’ve never been very good at handling. When Tsuka graduated from the academy she stayed gone on missions most of the time, and my missions never seemed to last long enough to keep me occupied so I come here. I’ve never been good at dealing with people so mostly I just watch. This is the first time for me to do something like this.”

Naruto was overwhelmed with how much Shin had revealed to him. He knew that the Aburame’s were private people so to know so much about one of them in such a short span of time was truly a gift.

“Thank you for trusting me enough to let me know you.”

Shin didn’t say anything but he held Naruto close to him saying thank you in his own way. He’d decided earlier that he wouldn’t sleep tonight. He was going to memorize every moment. The memory of this night would be cherished for the rest of his life, and though it would only be this night he would never regret letting himself feel this way.

“Shino is a lucky man. I hope that you will find a way to be together. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. We all have. I know you don’t see it, but I think he’s in love with you. I don’t think he’d bring you around so much if he wasn’t. You are the only outsider to spend so much time in the complex for a very long time so we can’t help but watch. You aren’t afraid or disgusted by us, and it’s a novelty we aren’t accustomed to.

“Why is it that you don’t see us the way others seem to?”

Naruto turned to look at Shin and this time he let him. Naruto leaned close for a soft slow kiss, and then explained. “I’ve been feared and hated my whole life for something I can’t control, something that’s a part of me. I could never be so hypocritical as to judge you like that. Honestly, I don’t see what’s so bad about it. You don’t bring them out all the time and chase after people with them. I grew up with Shino and I never saw even one of his kikaichu until the chunin exams. It’s just not that big of a deal.”

Shin smiled. Naruto completely missed the reason that people disliked them. It wasn’t that they controlled the kikaichu or even that they used them; it was that they were human hives and the kikaichu lived inside them that bothered most people. He couldn’t say that he really wanted to discuss it any more though so he changed the subject.

Shin kissed Naruto until his toes curled. They held each other close and enjoyed the closeness of another person. Shin didn’t want to let things get going just yet though so he decided to try and convince Naruto that Shino would need validation that his feelings were returned before he pursued anything between them.

“I want you to flirt with Shino next time you see him. You should spend as much time with him as you can, and if that doesn’t work then you should just drag him off somewhere alone and show him what you want.”

Naruto was staring at him like he was crazy. “I can’t do that. I can’t risk what we have for something that will ruin us if he rejects me. I don’t want to loose him.”

Shin ran his fingers through messy blond hair and smiled a small reassuring smile. “I’m old enough to know what I’m talking about Naruto. I knew the second you looked at me what you wanted, and I know what Shino wants when he looks at you. Just promise me you’ll try, and soon. If you don’t he’ll burry himself deeper in isolation, and he’ll end up like me. Wishing he’d had the balls to stand up for what he wanted instead of settling. I could never regret my daughter, but I will always regret not allowing myself to find a real lover, and not someone who was just in the right place at the right time. Fifteen years from now he could be the one going to the baths looking for something he’d never find only to watch other’s who have it waste it on doubt and fear.

“If I thought I could make you forget him I’d steal you away from here and make love to you until you couldn’t live without me for even a moment. I have never envied anyone before, but I envy Shino for having you. But that’s not what I want. I don’t want to be a substitute. I want to be the one. I know I’ll never find it, but you have, so for me, please, don’t let this chance pass you by.”

Naruto could see the pain in Shin’s eyes and he wanted to make it better. He could care for this man, he hand no doubt, but Shin was right. It would just be a substitution for Shino. Naruto already had too much invested in him to move on without trying. He would take the risk. He’d do it for Shin, and even more so for himself.

The kiss he gave Shin was full of gratitude, but it turned passionate in moments. This man wanted him in a way that spoke of years of loneliness and pain. His body seemed to gravitate toward Naruto and he couldn’t refuse the offer, he didn’t even want to. He felt more intimate in the last few hours than he ever had with Gaara. This was what love making was supposed to be like. Neither he nor Gaara had understood that while they were together, but he hoped that with Ikaru he would learn.

Naruto found himself being lifted to straddle Shin and their bodies were responding to each other in a way that could no longer be ignored. This time he silently promised that it would be real. He would look into Shin’s eyes, and he would let them have this moment. They made love for a long time. It was a beautiful pleasure filled with tender movements that ignited a slow burning fire leaving them panting and exhausted.

In the morning they talked more, and Naruto did promise to do what Shin had asked. They parted ways knowing that this would never happen again, but the memory would hold them close forever, and Naruto made a promise to himself that if things didn’t work out with Shino, Shin would be the first person he’d go to when he was ready to try again.


All the information for this fiction was either taken from actual episodes, manga, or one of several Naruto information sites. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on any of the info I use, I'm trying to stay in line with the actual story as I can. Thanks.