Old Friends

~~~~~~~~~Chap. 11

ANBU surrounded the Uchiha compound, but that didn't bother Sasuke. No, what bothered
him was that he had to share his home with Itachi. He didn't mind the Dobe and his
daughter so much, but he couldn't stand the way his brother hovered over the blond
like he was made of delicate crystal. Naruto was not fragile, as Sasuke could attest
to from all their sparring matches in the past. Yes, Naruto had been ill, but he was
over that now, wasn't he? Neither one had said what Tsunade-sama's diagnosis was, and
that also irritated the young raven. His one joy in the situation was his niece.

True, she wasn't a true Uchiha, but you'd never know from her coloring. And she had
eyes just like the Dobe's, a clear cerulean blue. She was talking now, calling Naruto
'Toto' and himself 'Jiji'. Her name for Itachi was 'Tousa'. She had many more words
at her disposal and could make her needs known. Right now, she was tugging on
Sasuke's pants, trying to get his attention.

"Jiji, pay me." Translation: Play with me.

Unable to watch Itachi and Naruto being so lovey-dovey another minute, Sasuke picked
Fushigi up and went outside. He took her to the ornamental garden that his mother had
once planted, and that he had had Ino restore, and turned the child loose to explore.
He kept a close eye on her as there were a few ponds in the garden, a couple with koi.
She chased butterflies and picked flowers. When she tired of this, she came back to
his side.

"How would you like to go to the village with me?" Sasuke asked the little girl.
With an enthusiastic nod of her head, he picked her up and off they went.

Many of the villagers stopped them to compliment Sasuke on the beautiful child. Some
whispered loudly in his hearing that he should be starting a family of his own soon.
He ignored the hints. He wasn't interested in any of the women in this village. Only
one person had ever caught his interest, and he was with Itachi. The thought soured
his mood.

"Sasuke-kun!"

He cringed; he knew who was running up behind him, and he didn't want to talk to her
at the moment, if ever.

"Sasuke-kun! Oh, you have the baby! Can I hold her? Isn't she adorable? That dark
hair and blue eyes like Naruto's?" She took the baby from the raven.

"Hn. What do you want, Sakura? We're busy." Sasuke was beginning to regret his
impulsiveness in coming into the main part of the village. If it wasn't the
villagers, then it was his annoying teammate. Why couldn't people just leave him
alone?

"Oh. Tsunade-sama wants to see you. You and your brother both, actually. Where is
he?" she asked, looking around as if he were hiding nearby.

Sasuke scowled. What did that old woman want with him now? AND his brother? He told
Sakura to tell the Hokage that they would be there as soon as he fetched Itachi.
Taking Fushigi from the kunoichi's arms, he quickly headed home.

~~~~~~

"Uchihas Sasuke and Itachi, I've asked you here because word has reached us that the
Akatsuki is on the move again. They were spotted along the border between Grass and
Fire countries five days ago, and moving in a south-easterly direction. We think they
are heading for Konoha. Kakashi and ANBU Black Ops have been warned to keep a close
eye out for anything suspicious. If they're wearing their cloaks, the Akatsuki is to
be attacked on sight. I'm charging the two of you with guarding Naruto, with your
lives if need be. We cannot allow them to get their hands on the last jinchuuriki.
We must not let them get Yondaime's son. I've grown rather fond of the loud-mouthed
baka."

The two stoic nins stared at the Godaime in shock. Did she just say Naruto was the
Yondaime's SON?! How could that be? Naruto was an orphan; he had no clue who his
parents were. If this were true, why had no one ever told the blond? Why did the
villagers revere the father yet revile the son? A million questions flooded their
minds, none of which had to do with the Akatsuki.

Tsunade frowned at them. What was their malfunction? Thinking over what she had
said, it dawned on her. Eyes widening, she gasped. Then she narrowed her eyes,
saying, "Naruto doesn't know. It's not the right time, and you are to keep it to
yourselves. Do I make myself clear? Until now, there were only three people alive
who knew the truth, and now the two of you."

Sasuke wasn't satisfied. "Why can't he know?! He deserves to be told! He should
have been told a long time ago. I can't believe you people! How could you let him go
around thinking he was nothing, a nobody?!" Sasuke was just getting into his rant
when Itachi stopped him.

"It was because of the Yondaime, wasn't it? If his enemies knew he had a son, they
might have tried to kill him in retribution. Am I right?"

Sighing, Tsunade gave him a weary look. "That's part of it. If the villagers knew
who he was, they may have treated him even worse. For patricide."

Understanding dawned in the young men's eyes, and they promised not to tell the teen.
At least, not yet. Both swore, however, that before another year ended, Naruto would
know the truth. They left the Hokage's office with heavy hearts, and a determination
to see that Naruto was never again treated badly. They would make sure of that.

~~~~~~

After the Uchihas left, Naruto got bored. Fushigi was whiny, but if he put her down
for a nap now, it would throw her off schedule. So packing some supplies, he took her
to visit his former sensei. He had not seen Iruka since he'd been back, and even
though he knew the teacher knew he was back, Iruka hadn't been to visit him. He
didn't know if Iruka hated him for leaving, and that worried him. Iruka had been like
a father, and Naruto wanted him to meet his pseudo-granddaughter. Whispers followed
him, but he ignored them and smiled brightly at his little girl. He hoped she
wouldn't be tainted by him. Arriving at the chuunin's door, he hesitated. What if he
wasn't home? What if he slammed the door in his face? He couldn't bear that. Sighing in defeat, Naruto turned to leave, when the door opened suddenly.

"Naruto!" He was enveloped in a warm embrace, and all his fears evaporated. Iruka
still cared! "Come in! Let me look at you. You've grown. And who is this!? Don't
tell me you got married!"

Naruto blushed. How was he supposed to tell his father-figure he was gay? And that
his lover was Uchiha Itachi, notorious S-ranked criminal? He swallowed hard and
followed the man into the house.

While Iruka made them tea, he chatted on about all the doings in the village that the
blond had missed. Apparently, after Naruto left, Ero-Sennin had taken Sasuke away to
train. Sakura had become a medic-nin under the tutelage of Tsunade, who was the
Hokage, and one of the Legendary Sannin. Asuma had been killed by members of the
Akatsuki, who in turn were disposed of by Nara Shikamaru, Kakashi, Yamato (who Naruto
had yet to meet), and Sasuke. Sasuke had spent time learning to further his Chidori,
and had honed it into a powerful weapon. Sakura and others were there, but weren't
much help at the time. Kurenai, leader of Team 8, was pregnant and due any day now.
Asuma was the father. Konohamaru was a genin under Ebisu, doing the same kind of
missions Team 7 had done.

Naruto listened quietly. It was good to be here, the sound of Iruka's voice bringing
back pleasant memories of the times they had spent together. When the chuunin paused
for breath, Naruto interrupted. "Eh, Iruka-sensei? I have some news, too. First,
I'd like to introduce my daughter, Fushigi. Her mother was a stranger who died right
after giving birth. I was wondering...Would you mind if I called you Otou-san? You
were always like a father, and..." He trailed off, blushing madly. When he received
no response, he glanced up at the silent teacher. Astonished to see tears streaming
down the man's cheeks, he hurriedly set Fushigi down and rushed to Iruka. "Gomen,
Iruka-sensei! I didn't mean to upset you."

Iruka waved the boy off. "I'm not upset; I'm happy that you would think of me that
way. I would be proud if you called me that." He went on, giving a blinding smile,
"That makes me this delightful creature's grandfather, ne?" Iruka picked up Fushigi,
who had walked over to them, and tickled her under her chin. She let out a squeal of
laughter and wriggled in his arms.

Sheepishly looking up at Iruka through long yellow bangs, Naruto began, "Um...That
isn't all. I mean...Fushigi isn't the only one." Iruka glanced at him questioningly.
"Well, what I'm trying to say..."

"Just spit it out already, Naruto. It can't be that bad."

In a rush, the blond practically yelled, "I'm pregnant!"

Iruka froze, the child in his arms all but forgotten. "What?! How?! You can't be
serious! But...That's not possible! Is it?" Iruka staggered over to the table and
sat down heavily.

Sitting down as well, Naruto tried to explain as best he could. According to Tsunade,
the demon fox seemed to have decided that Naruto was old enough to mate and bear
young. Since, as a male, he didn't have the necessary 'equipment' to have children,
the fox had made a womb out of its own chakra, and was supporting the pregnancy. "She
said when the time comes to have it, I'll have to have surgery, unless the fox changes
that also. Stupid fox."

Iruka stayed silent while Fushigi played with the pockets of his vest. After a while,
he grinned up at the blond. "So, I'm going to have TWO grandchildren. I'm so happy
for you." He paused, then, "But who is the father?"

"WHAT?! I am, of course. What kind of question is that?!" Naruto demanded, pouting.
"I'm not a girl, you know."

Laughing, Iruka tried to clarify. "I mean, if you are the one who's pregnant, who got
you that way?"

Naruto's face fell. Now was the real trial; Iruka was going to be mad. He seemed to
have accepted that the boy was gay, but would he accept his choice of partner as
easily? "About that...Well..."

The chuunin smirked, thinking he knew the answer. "Don't tell me it's Sasuke."

"What? Of course not. The teme is just a friend. No, it's his brother. Itachi."

Iruka face faulted. He couldn't believe his ears. Naruto had fallen for his
kidnapper? How had this happened?? Fushigi climbed out of his lap without him
noticing. He just stared at the blond in shock. A crash followed by a loud wail
snapped him back to his senses.

He and Naruto bolted from their seats and rushed to the living room. Fushigi was
standing amidst shards from a broken vase, covered in water, a flower clutched in her
hand. Blood ran from a cut on her leg where a piece of glass had struck her. Naruto
picked her up, and Iruka ran to get broom, dustpan and a towel to clean the mess.

By the time Iruka was done, Naruto had finished cleaning and bandaging the cut. he
assured the chuunin it was shallow and would heal in no time at all. Iruka got a cup
of milk and some cookies and set them in front of the tearful child. The tears dried
up immediately.

While Fushigi happily munched on cookies, Iruka took his seat. "Naruto, Itachi is a
criminal. He kidnapped you; he killed his clan. This doesn't make any sense."

"I'm sorry, Iruka-Tousan. He's always been my friend, since I was real little, and
now we're lovers. He didn't kidnap me; I went willingly. As for his clan, the Hokage
now knows the truth, and so does Sasuke. He's been forgiven, pardoned. Until he has
proven himself, though, he has to have an ANBU guard. If they can forgive him, can't
you?" Naruto gave Iruka his best puppy eyes that he could manage.

Iruka broke; if this is what Naruto wanted, then he would be happy for him. "I have
to meet the father of my future grandson. I'm not going to let you be with just
anybody, you know. We have standards." The last was said with such a straight face
that Naruto was shocked at the apparent snobbery. That is, until Iruka burst out
laughing. "Just kidding. But I do want to meet him, make sure he treats you right.
Is that okay with you?"

Now it was Naruto's turn to grin. "Of course, Iruka-Tousan. How would like to come
for dinner tomorrow? I do have to let Sasuke and Itachi know you'll be joining us."

"That'll be fine. I'd better send you back home now. It's getting late and will be
dark soon. Any trouble with the villagers?" Iruka watched as the blue eyes darkened,
but the smile widened. He knew things hadn't changed for the boy, and it angered him.
Naruto was still able to put up that mask. "Tell you what. Why don't I walk with
you? Maybe I can meet him tonight so it won't be so awkward tomorrow, ne?"

A genuine smile graced Naruto's face. "I'd like that. Then I can tell you what I've
been doing the last few years." He helped clean the dishes, and grabbed his pack.
Iruka carried Fushigi, and the three set off for the Uchiha district.

~~~~~~

The three made it to the Uchiha district without incident. This was due largely in
part to Iruka glaring at the villagers as they passed, daring them to say, or try,
anything.

Sasuke met them at the door. "Where were you?" he demanded. "We've been worried
sick! Itachi is out with ANBU searching for you right now! Don't you know how to
write a note? You're in no condition to defend yourself right now, with having just
gotten over an illness. You really are a baka!"

"Um...Why is Itachi and the ANBU looking for me? I just went to visit Iruka-Tousan."

Sasuke blinked at the name, then answered. "Usuratonkachi, you know he can't go out
without them. How else was he supposed to look for you?"

"But I just went...Wait! Why would I have to defend myself, and from who?"

Sasuke realized his faux pas and covered it neatly. "Baka, in case the villagers
started anything with you, of course!"

That seemed to be good enough for Naruto, but Iruka gave the Uchiha a look that
promised they were going to have a talk soon. Iruka bid them all a good evening and
left.

When Itachi returned, he grabbed the blond in a fierce hug. Pushing him to arms'
length, he gave the teen a good shaking. "Don't scare us like that! We had no idea
what happened to you! If you have to leave, leave a note, telling us where you went.
I need to know where you are at all times!"

Naruto smiled at his lover. "Kuso. Possessive much? I still don't see what all the
fuss is about. I'm fine."

Sasuke shared a glance with Itachi. Gazing intently into the blond's eyes, Itachi
said, "Just do as we ask. Alright, Naruto?" Nodding his head, Naruto agreed, still
bemused by their behavior.

~~~~~~

That night, Tsunade was roused from sleep by a distressed Shizune. Akatsuki had been
spotted a few miles outside the gates to the village. The team of ANBU who engaged
them had been decimated. Tsunade rushed to her office and called for an emergency
council meeting. All ANBU and jounin were to be summoned. Her last orders were to
bring the Uchiha household to the tower, and see to it that Naruto and the baby were
placed under guard, while the Uchiha brothers were to be brought to her. With that,
Shizune was dismissed to carry out her leader's orders.

*********
A/N: sry didn't answer reviews last chapter. Couldn't sleep and the plot bunnies started spinning again.

Mitsuko: How'd you like Itachi's OOC behavior this time?
claire: thank you
deedubya: Glad you liked it. How's this for fast update? Probably be a few days before the next is posted.
spriggan_d: yeah, just a bit
KawaiiKoneko89: here;s another for you. hope you like as much
Mistress_Tsukiko: Happy you liked
Anon: Thanks!