The Demilitarized Zone

Disclaimer: Not mine. Bummer.
Summary: Itachi Uchiha has always had a sadistic streak when it came to his little brother. Now the perfect opportunity has presented itself and he just can’t let it go by. He does love him after all. (SasuNaru)

Author’s Note: I don’t feel like this chapter has much progression… at least not plot wise, but it does have some Sasuke and Naruto goodness, although not enough to open up my lemonade stand, but soon. And, the chapter does set up nicely for things to start happening quickly next time, this time, plot wise and yummy, tangy beverage wise.
Thank you all so much for the beautiful reviews. They make me warm and snuggy… thanks.


The Demilitarized Zone
Chapter 10

Sasuke idly thought that he should have realized this was coming because really, the dumbass was taking it all a little too well. He shifted his face to the side avoiding the blonde’s fist before reaching up and yanking back on Naruto’s sweater, sending the idiot crashing to the floor. Naruto scrambled onto his hands and knees and leap forward like a lion, knocking Sasuke back again with a whoosh of released air.

“Damn it! Get off of me!” Sasuke hissed before once again bucking his hips. He didn’t see Naruto’s flailing fist before it connected with his left eye and before he could stop it, his own hand fisted, connecting harshly to the side of Naruto’s head. Naruto immediately fell backwards and lay unmoving on the carpet.

“Shit. Shit. Shit. Dobe?” Sasuke said and crawled towards the prone idiot. Unfocused, blue eyes stared up at the ceiling. Sasuke winched when he saw blood trickling from Naruto’s nose. He must have gotten in another punch at some point. A bruise was already starting to form on the side of Naruto’s left eye, spreading toward his temple. “Oh shit. Naruto?”

Blue eyes slowly shifted and Sasuke watched as the pupils dilated trying to focus on his face. “What is…” Naruto began at a whisper so quiet Sasuke leaned down, pulling Naruto into his arms gently so that he could hear him.

“I didn’t hear you, Naruto.” Sasuke said concern and fear nearly choking his words.

“What is your mother going to think, bastard?! You are an abusive fiancé!” Naruto screamed and pushed out of Sasuke’s arms violently.

Sasuke sat in silence for a moment, taking a relieved breath. Naruto was okay. He hadn’t hurt him.

Yet.

Sasuke’s eyes glinted like cold steel before grabbing Naruto’s shirt and yanking the man forward. “What the hell was that, dobe?! Why did you attack me? And just now… I was worr… never mind. Fuck!” Dropping his hold, Sasuke ran a hand through his hair. Suddenly, the front section of the newspaper was thrust into his face. Yanking it out of the blonde’s hand, Sasuke held it at an acceptable distance as he read the headline and scanned the pictures.

Black eyes clashed with blue.

“Hit me again, dobe… harder.”

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Fugaku Uchiha, like most privileged children, went to college after spending the summer months touring Europe. Of course, his destinations were also the home of some branch of his father’s company, so it put a whole new definition to ‘working vacation’.

Fugaku chose to stay on campus for his freshman year. He told his father and mother it was so he could have the whole college experience but the truth was he just didn’t want to live at home. As he was moving in his last box… okay, watching their butler move in his last box, he swore to himself that his children, whenever he had any, wouldn’t choose dorm life over staying at home. Oh, the promises we make in the naivety of youth.

He had just laid back on his bed when the door to his room burst open.

“And this, you bastard, is why I am staying on campus!”

Fugaku saw a tall, blond young man snap his phone shut before he turned and threw it across the room. Fugaku caught it, one handed, before it pelted him between the eyes.

“Oh shit! I’m sorry. How mature, right?” The blond said rubbing the back of his neck, “Parents, you know? Fathers especially. Are you okay?”

Fugaku nodded his head, standing and handing the phone back to the blond. Taking the phone, the blond extended his hand.

“Minato Namikaze. You must be my new roommate.”

Taking the offered hand, the dark haired young man nodded, “Fugaku Uchiha.”

“Ah… Uchiha. Then you must understand the ‘parent’ problem.”

Fugaku smirked, “Yes, yes, I do.”

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Naruto sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “I’m not going to hit you. It’s not your… well, yes. Yes, it is your fault but I can kind of understand if I suspend all disbelief and forget everything I know about you and the typical Uchiha.”

“Why, thank you, dumbass.” Sasuke pushed himself off the floor and strolled to the bathroom looking at his eye in the mirror. “If my mother says anything, ‘love’,” the word nearly dripped sarcasm, “I’m telling her you hit me first.” He threw a tissue at Naruto who stepped up to the mirror.

“Whatever, bastard. Like anyone’s going to believe that. You’re all big and brute-y and I’m all…”

“Girly?” Sasuke asked pulling his shirt over his head.

“Ah… yeah…” Naruto licked his lips, his blue eyes glazed over as they raked Sasuke’s chest up and down. Sasuke stifled the moan that threatened to escape him as lust danced in Naruto’s eyes.

Naruto’s eyes blinked back into focus as Sasuke pulled the black sweater over his head. “What? Girly? What the hell are you talking about, teme?!”

“Come on, idiot. We have to go now if you want to stop at the hospital on the way to my parents.”

At the mention of the hospital all playfulness, annoyance and the gorgeous underlying want vanished from his dobe’s eyes. In that moment, Sasuke felt that if the persons responsible for Naruto’s pain were in front of him, he would have killed them without hesitation.

He stepped forward and tenderly took Naruto’s face in his hands, “Naruto,” Blue eyes met his own and Sasuke leaned his forehead against Naruto’s, “You are not alone.”

Naruto nodded and rested his cheek against Sasuke’s hand for the slightest moment before pulling away, “I know,” he whispered.

Sasuke nodded and walked toward the front door.

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Once again, Sasuke found himself sitting in front of the hospital with a quiet dobe and a screaming mind. He felt like he was in Bazarro Land. Everything was the exact opposite of the way it had always been.

“You know, I hate hospitals. Do you think that anyone likes them?” Naruto asked finally reaching to unbuckle his seatbelt.

Sasuke followed his lead and got out of the car, “I would imagine that people coming to see their newborn babies are happy.” Sasuke answered siding up to Naruto.

“No, I’d love the baby. Not the hospital.” Naruto chuckled, “But I think we have both established that babies in my future are looking slim. How do your parents feel about that? In fact, bastard,” Naruto came to a stop placing a hand on Sasuke’s arm to stop him as well, “What should I be expecting during brunch today?”

“Hn.” Sasuke shrugged. How could he tell the dobe that he had no bloody idea since everything he had ever known kept changing?

“Come on… are they going to freak out? They must know you are gay, but how do they feel about the no little Sasuke Juniors? Have you brought someone home before? Oh my god… YOU don’t have a boyfriend do you?” Naruto eyes narrowed at the thought, but it didn’t stop him from continuing, “How should I act? Is there something I should or should not say or do? Will they like me?”

“Take a breath, dumbass.” Sasuke hissed and started pulling Naruto down the hallway. “I don’t think they will ‘freak out’,” his tone was condescending, “Sasuke Juniors??” The dark head shook, “Let’s just say it’s not keeping them up at night. Yes, I have brought someone home before. No, dobe, I do not have a boyfriend.” Inside Sasuke smirked, the jealousy did not go unnoticed or unappreciated, “Just act like yourself and try not to say or do anything stupid… wait, that just doesn’t seem possible, does it?” Naruto mumbled ‘bastard’, “And does it matter if they like you? Dobe, we are not really engaged… remember?” Sasuke didn’t understand why the words burned coming out of his mouth.

Naruto halted once more, but fortunately they were outside of his parents’ room, “Right…” Naruto nodded his head but his face held no emotion. Suddenly a smile stretched across his face, “Of course, I remember, teme. And thank god for that, right? How horrible would it be if we were together for the rest of our lives?”

The silence that followed the question hurt both of them because the only thing either of them could think was ‘If it is so horrible a thought, why does it feel… right?’ but Naruto sighed, “Okay, I’ll just be a minute and then we can go clear this shit up.”

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Fugaku and Minato became best friends faster than either of them thought possible. They shared nearly all the same classes since both knew exactly what they would be doing after college and it included running the family business, all other options… well, there were no other options.

The summer between their freshman and sophomore years, they toured each other factories, much to their fathers’ satisfaction. Oh the joy of having sons that were interested in the inner workings of their inheritance. What neither man knew was that nine times out of ten, both boys were hung over as hell from the night before and stumbled through the entire tour.

They decided to room together again their sophomore year. It was right before Christmas when Fugaku came into the room and shook Minato awake at two in the morning.

“Wha? Is there fire? Blood? What the fuck, Fugaku?” Minato mumbled trying to bury himself back into his warm blankets.

“Min… listen to me. I had a date tonight with the girl I’m going to marry. Isn’t that important enough to wake your tan ass up for??” Fugaku said ripping the pillow from under the blond’s head.

“Marry? Fugaku, are you insane? Did you take something? You’re not even twenty yet. Wake me up in a few years.”

“Asshole, her name is Mikoto. She is fucking beautiful.”

“So, do her and stop this nonsense about marriage. Oh, and let me sleep.” Minato rolled over, using his arms to replace his missing pillow.

“It’s like you’re not even listening. We went to dinner and I wasn’t bored once. Not once. You’re my best friend and I get bored of you in…”

“For someone who just woke up said best friend you sure have some nerve.”

Fugaku rolled his eyes, “We went for a walk, we held hands and we talked the whole time. It was awesome. We are having breakfast in the morning.”

“It IS the morning.” Minato whined.

“Min, when I kissed her goodnight… it was… god, I don’t know what it was, but I’m going to have it for the rest of my life.”

Minato finally set up. He glared at the pillow in his friend’s hands and grabbed it back violently. Placing it against the wall, he leaned back and really looked at his roommate. The man’s black eyes shone like polished black pearls.

“Oh man… you’re really serious.”

“Yes, Minato, I’m really serious. She is amazing. I want you to meet her. Come to breakfast with us, okay.”

“Of course.” Minato leaned over and gave his friend a quick hug, “And I can assume I’ll be the best man, yeah?”

Fugaku walked toward his dresser, pulling his shirt over his head before fishing out his sleeping pants, “We’ll see how you act tomorrow.”

“Bastard!” Minato yelled. Fugaku smirked and flopped back against his mattress. Thinking about his night, the dark haired boy smiled childishly in the dark.

“Careful, Fu… You’re Uchiha is slipping.”

“Asshole.”

As they both slipped into dreamland, Minato chuckles could be heard in the darkness.

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“You know, Sasuke, we have to get out of the car at some point.”

“Hn.”

“I can see someone pulling back the curtains. Holy hell, is that your mother? She’s hot.”

“Excuse me?” Sasuke said coming out of whatever trance he had been in at seeing his parents’ house looming in front of him, “That is my mother and you are gay!”

Naruto nodded absently, “You look a lot like her. Well, at least from here… twenty feet away… and in your damn car, bastard.”

Sasuke shook his head as if not believing he was having this conversation when a smirk crossed his face, “So, what you’re really saying is you think I’m hot?”

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“Mikoto, staring out the window isn’t going to get them here any faster,” Fugaku said sipping his coffee while reading about his son’s engagement. He wondered how the media had gotten a hold of the news. He had only found out about this startling turn of events yesterday and Sasuke had seemed… off. Less like Sasuke the man, the Uchiha and more like Sasuke the child, one of his little princes.

“That’s just it, Fu. They are here and I’m fairly certain that Naruto just attacked Sasuke.”

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Naruto huffed while Sasuke rang the doorbell. He was more than a little startled when the door was flung open to reveal a tall, black haired woman who could only be Sasuke’s mother. He was extraordinarily surprised when he was pulled into the woman’s arms.

“Oh my god,” She whispered, “You look just like him, don’t you?” Naruto didn’t have time to answer before she pulled back, smiling at him, “This must be Naruto.”

“I should hope so, Mother.” Someone drawled and Naruto looked up to see Itachi stroll into the room. “Accosting strangers is so unlike you.”

“Oh, it’s you.” Naruto said sadly, but the smile on his face gave away the lie of his words. “How is hell treating you?”

“I’ve missed you too, Minion. Can we eat now?” Naruto nodded enthusiastically but stopped when Mikoto’s pale hand reached up and brushed the bruise against the side of his face.

“Sasuke…” her voice held a command, warning and question, all at once.

Sasuke looked at his mother and blanched, her black eyes had narrowed and turned cold. Suddenly, before he could stop it, his mouth opened, “He hit me first!” To his undying horror he had even pointed his finger childishly at the dobe. He bit his tongue in case it decided to stick itself out just to drive the final nail into this, his coffin of humiliation.

Three sets of midnight eyes widened with shock. When had they ever heard Sasuke ‘tattle’.

Naruto thought that maybe the Uchihas were stuck because no one moved. They just stared at Sasuke who, Naruto could tell, was mentally clicking his heels together mumbling about anywhere BUT home.

“Ah, everybody?” Naruto began and found himself the attention of four sets of black eyes. Was it possible to be sucked into four black holes simultaneously? “He’s right. I did hit him first.” No one spoke or even blinked, Naruto swallowed nervously and continued, “Well, you see, I was surprised when I saw the announcement this morning on the front page of the newspaper because it is important that you all know that it was all a big mis…”

“Oh, so you enjoyed my little engagement gift?” Itachi said flatly although Sasuke and Naruto could see the barely restrained wicked humor swirling in the Devil’s demon eyes.

“Excuse me?” Sasuke said coldly.

“You did it?” Naruto growled, “I’ll kill you…” Naruto continued calmly as his fists clinched but just as he was about to jump his second Uchiha of the day… that has to be a record… Itachi was on the floor cradling his jaw.

“Fuck!” Sasuke said shaking his hand, wincing a little at the pain.

“Teme!” Naruto was at his side in a second, “Are you okay?”

Sasuke blinked. ‘Oh god, what have I done?!’ His parents were going to have him committed but he turned and looked down into clear, blue eyes swirling with concern and… something else… and he didn’t know what possessed him but he smiled and took Naruto’s hand in his own. “Hn. Dobe.”

Naruto stepped closer, “Bastard,” he whispered, “That was so… hot.” Sasuke leaned down to take those smirking lips in his…

“Sasuke!” Both men realized they weren’t alone and turned toward the commanding voice of Fugaku Uchiha. Itachi had pulled himself up and he smirked as his father closed in on Sasuke. Naruto almost hit him just to wipe that look off his evil ass face.

“Why did you just hit your brother? Your engagement would have been picked up by the media eventually. Better to have it come from our own camp.” Sasuke nodded.

“Yes, sir, but we came here today to explain that this is all a big mis…”

“Brunch is served, Madame.”

“Oh, yes. Come along, we can finished this later.” Mikoto said and Fugaku stared at Sasuke one more time, noticing the young man hadn’t released Uzumaki’s hand before he nodded taking Mikoto’s arm, leading them into the dining room.

Sasuke and Naruto hung back a little, “That went…” Naruto tilted his head, “Odd.”

Sasuke squeezed his hand before using his free one to tip Naruto’s head up, “Hn.”

“We have to tell them soon, teme. Maybe I should just yell it out. I don’t need them to like me.”

Sasuke shook his head, “No, dobe, we’ll tell them together.”

Naruto watched Sasuke black eyes close up as he thought about confronting his family to tell them the truth, “Hey, Sasuke.” Naruto said and those midnight eyes fell on his, “You have nothing to be ashamed of. You did it with the best of intentions, I know that. I was hurting and you made it better. Fuck them if they can’t take a joke, right?”

Sasuke let out a breath, nodding. Naruto was caring, funny and smart. Why hadn’t Sasuke noticed before? Or had he and not cared?

“I’d do it again, Naruto.” Sasuke said and leaned in to tenderly nuzzle the side of Naruto’s face, unable to stop himself and yet not caring one bit.

“I know, bastard. Thank you.” Naruto responded and followed up with a moan when Sasuke’s teeth found purchase on his earlobe, sucking lightly on the sensitive piece of skin. “Oh god… thank you.”

Sasuke smirked and pulled back to attack Naruto’s pouting lips…

“Minions! We are waiting!”

“Itachi!” Sasuke’s mother reprimanded from the dining room.

“What? Naruto calls me the devil.”

“When did my two sons become tattle tales… is this your influence, Uzumaki?” Fugaku’s deep voice reached them in the hall.

Naruto failed to force down a whimper when Sasuke pulled back. Stupid bastard and his damn almost kiss…

Sasuke’s lips were on his so fast and so hard that Naruto gasp, his hands reaching up to grab Sasuke’s shoulders as Sasuke’s strong arms wrapped around his middle, pulling him close. Sasuke took the startled gasp as an open invitation and plunged his tongue into the dobe’s mouth. His tongue met Naruto’s and they swirled around each other until Naruto swore he was getting dizzy. Before he knew it, Sasuke’s hands were in his hair and they gripped tightly before yanking Naruto’s head back.

“Breakfast.” Sasuke panted, his face flushed and Naruto almost blacked out.

“Ah huh.” Naruto said and tried to step closer, running his hands up the soft black sweater that covered a smooth, muscular chest Naruto knew had been burned into his retinas earlier this morning.

Sasuke smirked down at the blonde before him, in those expressive blue eyes only one emotion swirled… want. And dear god, Sasuke would have given anything at the moment to give the dobe what he so obviously wanted but they were in… “My parents’ house. Parents and asshole brother in next room.”

Naruto forcefully stepped away, nearly falling backwards, “Yes, of course.” Naruto blushed before running a hand down one of his pant legs, “This is so embarrassing.”

“Come on, dobe.” And Sasuke lead the way into the dining room.

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Two years later, at the beginning of their senior year, Fugaku and Mikoto were still dating. Minato had to admit that he was a little jealous of Fugaku at his unbelievably good luck of finding such a wonderful girl. It wasn’t uncommon for the three of them to hang out on the weekends, watching movies, studying or just enjoying each other’s company.

One rainy Friday afternoon Mikoto came over, like she always did, but that day she brought a transfer student by the name of Kushina Uzumaki. She had long red hair, an easy smile and an even easier laugh. She was intelligent and funny. Fugaku and Mikoto loved her.

Minato… well, he couldn’t stand her.

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“Come on! No… I won’t do it. I’ll go with you and Mikoto, you know I love you guys, but I will not go if SHE is going.” Minato said without looking up from the computer screen.

“My god, Min… what the hell did she ever do to you?” Fugaku asked from across the room where he was sitting on the bed, arms wrapped around Mikoto.

“Nothing… everything… she just rubs me wrong.”

The dark haired couple nodded but exchanged glances that said they just did not understand.

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Naruto walked slowly into the room and looked around while everyone was taking their seats. He saw three open place settings, one next to Sasuke and two across the table. Naruto wondered briefly who they were expecting when he was pushed roughly from behind. He caught himself in time to see two black mops fly around him and stop.

“Who is this, Father?” a girl of about six asked as her eyes narrowed. A younger boy that Naruto guessed was around four simply stared at him. Naruto’s blue eyes sought out Sasuke and he could see the panic clouding black eyes even from across the room as the teme mouthed ‘Devil’s spawn’.

“This is Naruto, Uncle Sasuke’s fiancé.” Itachi said smirking at Naruto’s reaction to his children. Sasuke mentally groaned. Now he was lying to his niece and nephew as well. Shit.

“Hn.” The girl said and turned away taking her seat at the table. The boy continued to stare as though he didn’t notice anything else but Naruto in the room. Naruto looked down and smiled as the boy blinked owlishly up at him. Naruto nervously ran a hand through his hair, “Are you hungry?”

“You are beautiful,” the boy said in what he must have considered a whisper but everyone in the room heard.

“Oh well, thank you,” Naruto blushed when he saw Mikoto cover her mouth to hold in the giggle and Itachi and his father’s raised eyebrows. The little boy’s sister rolled her huge black eyes, shaking her head and well, he just refused to look at Sasuke all together.

“I am Naoki Chee-ha.” A small hand was shoved at Naruto’s middle. The blonde bent onto his knees and shook the offered hand.

“Hello, Naoki, my name is Naruto Uzumaki.”

“Can I ‘scort you to breakfast?”

Naruto nodded and found his hand clasp in a small, pale one as he was dragged… escorted… to the table. When they reached the table, the small boy walked directly to his uncle.

“Uncle ‘Sake, you are in my place.”

Sasuke smirked, “No, I don’t think so. You sit next to your father and sister.”

“Not anymore.” Small black eyes formed the perfect Uchiha glare, “Now I sit next to Naru.” The youngest Uchiha couldn’t stop the smile that split his chibi face just from saying the name.

“That’s enough, Naoki.” Itachi said, “Come sit. We are waiting to eat.”

Naoki glared harshly at his smirking uncle before turning soft, black eyes toward Naruto and noisily kissing his hand. Naruto blushed and almost burst out laughing when a growl escaped his stoic teme.

The boy walked around the table and Naruto took his own seat. As he placed his napkin in his lap he felt a pale hand take his and Sasuke’s thumb rubbed away the toddler’s possessive mark. “Bastard.” Naruto whispered head bent so that only Sasuke could hear. The hand tightened briefly before the warmth left all together.

Brunch was a quiet affair. There was so much to be said, discussed and explained but none of it appropriate at the table or in front of small children. One of those small children had to be reminded constantly to eat instead of staring and winking at the object of his fascination. Finally, the plates were cleared and the chibis were told to go upstairs for their lessons. Naoki ran around the table and flung himself into Naruto’s arms, “Promise you won’t leave without saying goodbye!” the boy demanded.

“Oh, okay, I promise.” Naruto said and smiled when a wet kiss was pushed noisily against his cheek. “I love you.” Dark eyes fell on his uncle, “More than him!”

Naruto chuckled, setting the boy on the floor and Sasuke felt his heart stutter when something akin to sadness flash across blue eyes, “That is a distinct possibility. Now, run along.”

Sasuke gripped the arms of his chair to stop himself from dragging Naruto out of the room and showing the idiot just how much he lo…

What?

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It was snowing. Minato couldn’t believe it but there were big, fat flakes drifting toward the ground to join an accumulation of at least six inches. No one was used to these driving conditions and even though he was a hot blooded male, he wasn’t stupid and he loved his car too damn much to go more than a snail’s pace.

It was due to this that he was able to see a single person standing in the middle of the park. What the hell are they doing? An arm came up and pulled off a dark blue hood, releasing red curls like a waterfall down the person’s… well, obviously a woman’s… back. Minato cringed, he’d know those damn curls anywhere.

What the hell are you doing, Kushina? Minato didn’t realize he had stopped the car until someone honked. He quietly moved forward, stopping on the side of the street so that he could continue watching what the idiot girl was doing.

She swung her arms wide and twirled in space and just when Minato was going to scoff at her childish antics before driving off, she fell backwards and didn’t get up. Minato sat up in his seat trying to see her in the field but he couldn’t make her out. Get up… get up… you’ll freeze, you idiot. Still nothing.

Minato swore and pushed open his door before slamming it shut. He cursed some more as he tromped across the snow covered field and when he finally reached the red head he swore again. “What the fucking hell do you think you’re doing?!”

Kushina screamed and opened her eyes, “What the hell… MINATO! What the hell are you doing? Jesus.” She sat up and groaned, “You killed it. Thank you very much!”

Minato looked around for something that he might have killed, “What? I didn’t kill anything.” He growled.

“Ah, yes, dumbass, you did. My angel. Look at it.” Kushina got to her feet and shook her head sadly at the indentation in the snow, “I think she would have been one of my best.”

Minato blinked. And then blinked again. And then because his brain just wouldn’t… couldn’t wrap itself around the present conversation, he blinked once more. He turned and looked down at the woman next to him. Her red curls were slightly weighed down by the damp and the snow and her pale cheeks were pink from the cold. Tiny drops of moisture clung to her eyelashes and Minato was captivated.

“Hey, are you okay? Minato? It’s alright, I was just joking…”

Minato’s gloved hands came to rest on either side of her head and he allowed his thumb to tenderly remove the crystal droplets of water from her lashes.

“Wha…” And then Minato gently pressed his lips against hers. Auburn lashes slid closed and she leaned into his warm chest. He moaned at the feeling of her mitten clad fingers trailing up his chest and around his neck and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.

Kushina smiled into the kiss… apparently her snow angel was just fine… she got her wish after all.

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“Fugaku, wake your pale ass up!” Minato yelled before their apartment door had even shut.

“Die, Namikaze.” Came the barked reply from the Uchiha’s room.

“Not today, my grouchy best friend. Today, I kissed the girl I’m going to marry.”

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“Naruto, honey, we were so upset to hear about Kakashi and Iruka.” Mikoto began once the children had left the room and everyone was seated.

Naruto nodded, not sure what you were supposed to say… thank you? At least they’re not dead?

“Thank you. The doctors were happy that they made it through the night. The first night is always the worst when someone enters a comatose state. We visited them this morning before coming over.”

Mikoto smiled, “Naruto, did you know that we knew your parents?”

Sasuke didn’t miss Naruto’s cringe and didn’t believe for a minute that the rest of his family hadn’t either.

“Minato and Kushina?” Naruto asked.

“Of course, son,” Fugaku began, “They are your parents.”

Naruto smiled and Sasuke frowned, “Yes, of course, sir. I heard Gai-sensei talk about how you were all friends or mentors in college. Da… umm… Kakashi told me that my father and you were good friends.”

“Yes, your father and Fugaku were the best of friends. They were each other’s best man.” Mikoto smiled, “And your mother and I were close as well.”

Naruto felt bile rise in his throat and he had no idea why… They were his parents. They loved him. They didn’t want to leave him. “That is nice.”

“Dobe.” Sasuke said and Naruto’s eyes snapped toward him, “Are you okay?”

“Teme!” Naruto said, still forcing that damn smile, “Of course. Isn’t it nice that our p-parents knew each other?”

Sasuke turned toward his mother and father, ignoring his brother who he knew was listening to every word and cataloging every reaction. He would have to seek him out later. “Naruto considers his Dad and Papa his parents.”

“Bastard, please…”

“They are hurting you, dumbass,” Sasuke hissed, “Let’s move on.”

“Of course, I am sorry, Naruto.” Mikoto said, “I didn’t mean to down play the role that Kakashi and Iruka hold in your life.”

“Really, it is okay.” Naruto glared at Sasuke, “I know they loved me. Kakashi and Iruka have told me my whole life… it’s just difficult when I don’t remember having them in the first place, that’s all.”

“Completely understandable,” Fugaku said, “So, tell me, boys, when is the date? This engagement happened rather quickly.”

Sasuke and Naruto both nodded, “Yes, Father, and that is something that we would like to…”

“Sir, please forgive my interruption, but you have an emergency call.” Fugaku face grew dark and he looked at Naruto intently before standing, “Excuse me for a moment.”

Sasuke let out a pent up breath… was nothing every going to be simple again?

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“Mr. Uchiha, you have a call on line one, sir. They say it is an emergency.”

Fugaku put down the picture of his family, his newborn son looked so much like his mother…

“Yes, of course, put it through.” When the light blinked red, Fugaku picked up the extension, “Fugaku Uchiha.”

“Yes, sir, this is Officer Itou. There has been an accident, sir.” Images of his wife and two sons flashed through his mind and he found himself unable to answer. Fortunately the officer continued, “Minato Namikaze and his family were in a fatal head-on collision. Kushina Uzumaki died at the scene. Mr. Namikaze and his son were brought to the hospital and Mr. Namikaze is demanding to see you before going into surgery. The doctors request your presence immediately.”

Fugaku was an Uchiha through and through, but even he couldn’t stop the emotion that leaked into his voice, “Tell him that I will be right there.”

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Fugaku entered the hospital and was immediately met by the doctor. They walked quickly toward Minato’s room while the doctor filled him in on his best friend’s condition.

“His BP isn’t stabilizing. We think there is an internal bleed. We don’t have anything more than educational guesses on where the bleeds are located. The surgery will be exploratory and it needs to happen as quickly as possible.”

“And Naruto?” Fugaku bit out and wondered when they were ever going to get to the room.

“Shaken badly, severe cuts on his face, breathing upon admittance was labored but regulated with the introduction of oxygen. He should be fine.”

The black haired man nodded and the doctor pointed to a door. “Mr. Namikaze is in there. Please, Mr. Uchiha, make it quick.”

“Yes, of course.” Fugaku said before pushing in the handle and opening the door. His breath caught in his throat. Minato Namikaze lay out on a hospital bed with an oxygen mask covering his face. His eyes were closed but the dark haired man could see tears streaming from his eyes.

“Minato.”

Blue eyes opened and although sadness nearly drowned every other emotion present, Fugaku knew Minato was relieved to see him. The man motioned toward his mask and Fugaku shook his head.

“No, you need that to breathe. I’m here now, so you are going into surgery. We will talk when you come out.”

Minato’s eyes glared and he struggled to remove the mask himself causing Uchiha to walk forward and push his arms down.

“Only for a moment and then please, Min, please…” He removed the mask and received a brilliant smile.

“Careful, Fu,” Minato rasp out, “You’re Uchiha is slipping.”

Fugaku held the mask back over his friends face, “Asshole.”

Minato turned his head aside, away from the mask, “She is dead, Fu.” Tears began again, “I held her while she died and my son c-cried in the backseat. I c-couldn’t even comfort him…” His breathing became harsher and Fugaku held the mask back.

“I know. I know and Naruto is okay. He’s waiting for you. You will be strong for each other.” Fugaku was horrified to realize he was blinking back tears.

“You know what to do, if I don’t…”

“You will.” Fugaku’s voice was harsh.

“If I don’t, Fu, you have to help Kakashi. He is so young…”

“You know Mikoto and I love Kakashi and Naruto like they were our own. You have nothing to worry about but getting better.”

“I know. Kiss Mikoto and the little princes for me and… thank you, Uchiha.” Minato smiled and seemed to relax.

“You’re wel…”

Machines blared to life and all hell broke loose. Twenty minutes later Minato Namikaze, Fugaku Uchiha’s best friend, died.

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“I didn’t know you had children, Lou.” Naruto said smiling at Itachi’s crafty nickname.

“They are Uchihas.”

“Well, yes, I figured.” Naruto retorted.

“What he means to say, Naruto, is that because of who we are, we try to keep the children out of the lime light for their own safety. There are bad people out there who would…” Suddenly her black eyes widened and she put her hand over her mouth, “Oh my god…” She whispered.

Naruto smiled kindly and felt Sasuke take his hand once more, “Yes, there are. Please, don’t worry about it, Mikoto, please.”

Itachi cool eyes watched the interaction and when his little brother’s cold, narrowed eyes met his, he knew they were going to need to talk… soon.

“So, I know Naoki. He’s around four? How about the little girl?” Naruto asked trying to change the subject to something more comfortable.

“Iyo is six.” Itachi said and almost returned the relieved smile that Naruto sent him, “I must say, little brother, it seems that Naoki is going to try and take your ‘beautiful’ Naru away.”

Sasuke nodded to the unspoken conversation and then smirked, “He can certainly try. There is no better rival than another Chee-ha.”

Naruto and Mikoto laughed and the tension left the room. That is until Fugaku walked in.

He sat down across from Naruto, “Son, there was another attempt on Ka- your parents lives.” Mikoto gasp and Sasuke’s mouth threw in its two cents with a spit out ‘fuck’. Naruto just blinked, “But they are okay?”

“Yes, the guards stopped them. I am having them moved someone more secure, if that is alright with you.”

Naruto stood and started pacing, “Yes, that is fine,” He stopped turning on the older man, “What else? I know there is something else.”

“You’re apartment was broken into and,” Black eyes turned to his youngest son, “Someone wired a bomb in your apartment, set to explode when you opened the door.”

“What?” Naruto said, “Why? That doesn’t make sense…”

“I am your fiancé, dobe. It makes perfect sense. Whoever this is has tried to take out your parents and now your fiancé. They want you alone.” Sasuke said while running a hand through his hair.

“But you’re not…”

“It was the announcement.” Itachi said standing. The other four occupants in the room turned to look at him, his words were ice and his face was unreadable and all the scarier for it. “If you’ll excuse me. Sasuke, you will find me later.”

And with that he was gone.

“For now, you are both to stay here. As soon as Kakashi and Iruka are safe, I’ll find a way to get you to them, Naruto. But, for now, it is too dangerous. For both of you.”

“Who is doing this?” Naruto spat, “What the fuck do they want? Money? What could I have done to them that they would hurt everyone I care about and lo…” he glanced at Sasuke before looking away, “… love?”

“Naruto, I don’t have an answer to that, but I do believe that it is connected to what happened before,” Naruto nodded, it was the only possibility that made sense.

“But, he is dead.” Naruto’s voice was so small and Sasuke was out of his seat and at his side in a second, rubbing a hand onto the dobe’s back.

“Yes, I know.” Fugaku bit out but Naruto knew he wasn’t angry at him, just at the situation. He could understand that, “I am helping the police in any way that I can. We will find out who is behind this and stop them. I promise.”

The room fell into silence before Mikoto stood up, “Sasuke, why don’t you and Naruto go upstairs. You can show Naruto where he will be sleeping and maybe more of the house.”

Sasuke nodded and pushed Naruto gently out of the room.

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“Hello.”

“It’s me. I need your… talents.”

“Of course. How may I be of assistance to you?”

Itachi growled into the phone, “Someone tried to kill MY little brother and is after one of MY minions. I want their head, Kisame, and I want it now.”

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Sasuke pushed open a door on the third floor to reveal a bright room furnished in white and light blue, “This is where my mother thinks you will be sleeping.” He backed out and shut the door.

“What, teme?” Naruto tilted his head in confusion only to find himself yanked two doors down, “This is where you will actually be sleeping.” The blonde found himself shoved into a midnight blue room with dark wood accents.

“This is my room.” Sasuke said and turned Naruto around to face him, swooping in to take Naruto’s pouting lips in his own, “You will not be alone. You will not leave my side.” Sasuke commanded between licks and nips.

“Possessive bastard.” Naruto moaned when he felt Sasuke’s hand dip below his waist band and rub his covered erection.

The blonde tried to get control of his breathing, “Sasuke… S’uke, wait!” Naruto backed away, “I’m sorry.”

“For what? It can’t be for not letting me touch you because quite honestly, that’s not an option at this point. I am going to touch you,” Sasuke stalked toward a wide eyed Naruto, “Whether you want me to or not.”

Pale hands wound into golden silk before Naruto’s head was tilted to the side and Sasuke’s head dipped to suck harshly on Naruto’s pulse point, “But, you want me to, don’t you, dobe?”

“Yes, yes, yes…” Naruto sighed but then remembering himself pushed the taller man away once more, “You are making it difficult for me to think, teme.” Naruto panted and Sasuke smirked.

“So, don’t think.”

“No, stay there!” Naruto backed into a desk, “How can I not think?! Did you hear what your father said? Someone is trying to kill you because of me.”

“No, dumbass,” Sasuke said while slowly pulling his sweater over his head watching Naruto’s eyes closely. The idiot was trying so hard to focus, “Someone is trying to kill me because they are fucking stupid and have no idea what they have bit off taking on the Uchihas and one of their own.”

Naruto tried to think, the bastard’s explanation didn’t make a lot of sense, he wasn’t an Uchiha, it was because of him, but now he could feel the warmth of Sasuke’s chest through his own sweater and hear Sasuke’s breathing in his ear.

“Welcome to the fold, Naruto.” His voice was like silk and when Sasuke’s tongue traced the shell of his ear…

Naruto stopped thinking.

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“Mr. Uchiha. You have an urgent call from Kakashi Hatake.” His secretary said, sticking her head into his meeting. Fugaku contemplated for a moment as he looked at the expectant faces around the table.

Kakashi would never call if it wasn’t something important. Fugaku had moved his family to Konoha not long after the custody hearing and had kept close tabs on the small family, but left them to themselves. Minato would have wanted that, for Kakashi to raise the boy as his own, without the constant reminders of the past.

Standing, he bowed to the room, “If you’ll excuse me, this is important.”

Entering his own office, the dark haired man sat in his seat and picked up the phone.

“Fugaku Uchiha.”

“Naruto is gone. Someone took him from school.”

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