For the Love of His Son

Disclaimer: Not mine. Bummer.
Summary: Lord Sasuke Uchiha believes that he has lost something precious to him and struggles to convince himself everyday that it didn‘t exist. What will he do when a blond haired peasant arrives at his doorstep claiming he has something the Uchiha “misplaced.” (SasuNaru)


Author’s Note: Allow me to share a funny epiphany I had after posting Chapter 10. I’ve read many, many fanfic stories… I’m sure you all understand. And as a reader, cliffies are hell. I get that. But as a writer… my god, they are freakin’ addicting! I actually plan my chapters to end at pivotal moments just so that I can end them and maliciously smirk before posting them. Sadistic… probably. Fun and therapeutic (for me)… hell yes. Now, I’ve ended on some fun notes… Sakura’s dead, oh my god! Orochimaru and the Wonder Weasel know and are coming, damn! Near death of our fave blond, sure… But let me tell you! After the response from the last chapter I must say… Note to self! Never leave a marriage proposal as a cliff hanger. I swear I can smell the torches of the angry mob from here…


WARNING: Citrus fruits involved. It is conceivable you could make an entire citrus fruit salad… I’ll bring the Cool Whip. You have been warned.

For the Love of His Son
Chapter 11


Naruto looked up, eyes shining. He shifted so that he sat on his knees level to Sasuke. He knew, that after this moment, his heart and breathing would never, ever be the same. And, if the smile on his face were any indication, he wouldn’t care either.


Sasuke let out a tentative breath. Naruto was smiling. That was a good sign… right? His inner three year old peaked out from between the chibi fingers that covered his eyes.


“Dobe?” Sasuke whispered, gently squeezing the hand he still held.


“Teme,” Naruto breathed, “Tell me… tell me it’s okay to be selfish.”


“Naruto, I don’t under…”


“I have never done anything just for myself. I want to say yes to you. Hell, Sasuke, I want to scream it and then show you how going this ‘slowly’ is ‘quickly’ driving me insane.”


Sasuke smirked at the blond’s blush and Naruto rewarded him with one of ‘those’ smiles. The smiles that made Sasuke’s inner three year old dance around like Tinkerbell while singing “I Feel Pretty” at the top of his wee, little lungs.


“Teme.” A gentle squeeze of his hand brought Sasuke’s attention back to clear, blue eyes, “That’s what I want to do, but we both know things aren’t that simple and me staying here with you puts you, Ryuu and everyone in this castle at risk.”


Naruto lifted his hand before Sasuke could interrupt. “I know that Orochimaru and Itachi would still know about Ryuu and that they will still be a threat, but if I left, I could pull their attention away if only for a little while. I could, perhaps, save my precious people.”


“And what about my precious person? Who will save him?” Sasuke asked. There was no anger in his voice. Naruto had said ‘yes’. Now Sasuke just needed to convince him to stand by it. “Dobe, I won’t let you go. I don’t need your permission to be selfish. I want you with me. I guarantee Ryuu wants you. Selfishness comes with the Uchiha name. Nothing will stop an Uchiha from doing or getting what he wants.” Sasuke leaned forward, gently kissing Naruto’s forehead and whispered, “Let me make you an Uchiha and you can be as selfish as you want to be.”


Sasuke captured soft lips, nibbling at the plump bottom lip to gain access to the warm mouth of his dobe. “Marry me.” It was no longer a request. Sasuke was back in the Uchiha box and he’d drag Naruto in kicking and screaming if he had to.


“Sasuke,” Naruto whimpered between achingly sweet kisses, “There are so many forces against this… us.”


“Dobe, then I will fight each and every one of them off. And as you’ve yelled many times before, you’ll be right there by my side whether I want you there or not. Stubbornness is just a step away from selfishness.” Sasuke smiled, “See, you’re already halfway up to Uchiha standards.” Sasuke sucked Naruto’s tender earlobe, “I’ve never been so proud.”


“T-Teme!” Naruto squirmed, defenses falling to the lord’s talented tongue.


“Naruto, marry me. Together there’s nothing we can’t overcome. Trust me. Love me. Marry me.”


Black eyes stared into sky blue eyes swirling with indecision and not just a tad of need, “God, Naruto… please.”


“Sasuke, stop.” Naruto reached up, tenderly cupping Sasuke’s pale cheek, “Yes… yes, of course I’ll marry you. As if I could ever answer any other way because...” Naruto’s smile was blindingly beautiful, “Because I love you.”


Sasuke jerked forward, twisting both hands into blond spikes, he pulled the dobe’s surprised face toward his own. The dark haired lord proceeded to eagerly ravage the boy’s lips and mouth. He smirked when he noticed he was receiving as well as he was giving.


“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“I love you, love you, love you.”
“Mine.” Smirk.
“No… mine.” Bright smile.


Whispered, breathless words of love, humble gratitude and happiness filled the library.


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The next morning, around a crowded breakfast table, Sasuke and Naruto told the castle occupants, as well as Jiraiya and Tsunade, the good news. Through the choruses of delight, congratulations and good hearted teasing, the Hokage cleared her throat.


“You’d better start planning,” Tsunade said, standing up, “You don’t have much time.”


Naruto paled, squeezing Sasuke’s hand under the table. What did she mean? Would she try and force Naruto to come with her? Sasuke gave a reassuring squeeze in return and addressed the smirking blonde Hokage.


“What do you mean, Hokage-sama?”


“Well, no one will be officiating over my Naruto’s wedding but myself and I have to leave at week’s end. So, either follow me home, wait god knows how long until I return or get married within the next five days.”


“Teme.” Naruto whispered, horrified at the prospect of ‘god knows how long’.


Sasuke stared at the Hokage, black aura coming off him in waves. Given the chance he’d marry Naruto today, at the breakfast table, but to have her dictate to him his choices, like he was a trapped rat, didn’t sit well with the lord.


Chocolate eyes met his aura of doom and raised him an ‘I own you’ smirk. Turning to Naruto, he saw blue eyes full of adoration and excitement.


Sasuke folded. “Five days it is then.”


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The next several days saw Naruto organizing their wedding with the help of the entire castle and many of the villagers as well.


Hinata and Ino took it upon themselves to find appropriate attire for Naruto to wear. Naruto’s only stipulations were that they fit and not make him look like a girl. He chose to ignore the giggles and whispers of ‘but, you are.’ After several visits from the tailor for fittings, the girls kicked Naruto out and explained to the frightened looking man what they wanted. No one saw when Tsunade snuck in to help the girls decide.


In the kitchen, Chouji was ecstatic to find that many of the villagers volunteered to help with the preparation. A menu was decided on and plans were made to ensure that there would be enough food for everyone. Naruto’s only request was that there be ramen. Honestly, it was the first thing Chouji wrote on his list.


Except for the castle and village occupants, the only outside guests invited were Gaara and his siblings. Sasuke wasn’t sure if Temari and Kankuro would be able to make the journey in such a short time, but if Gaara received the invitation soon, he might be able to make the journey in the five allotted days.


And so it was that Jiraiya took Naruto aside and showed him the scroll that would allow him to summon and utilize the toads of the Toad Kingdom. Naruto traced his finger over his father’s signature, slowly feeling his throat constrict.


“He could do it too?” Naruto whispered.


“Yes, and he would be so proud to know that you are following in his footsteps, brat.” Jiraiya patted Naruto’s back, “Now, let’s get your name on there and send one of those annoying brothers you enjoy so much off to tell the Sand kid to come to your wedding.”


Naruto smiled, bit his thumb and wrote his name with childlike flourish.


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Later, Sasuke would find himself with an arm full of babbling dobe. Apparently, Naruto was beside himself with happiness and excitement because today, when he had signed a contract with the Toad Kingdom, he had signed, Naruto Uchiha.


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The thought of ‘their wedding’ made Naruto absolutely giddy and Sasuke pulling him into every dark corner and closet to ‘show’ Naruto how excited he was, made the blond boy positively glow.


Naruto found himself eagerly anticipating his wedding night. Yes, he still had underlying concerns, but they didn’t concern any fear towards what Sasuke would do to him. He knew the young lord would be gentle, go slowly, stop if needed. The worries that kept Naruto awake at night were more about his own reaction than anything Sasuke might do. What if Naruto froze up? Sasuke didn’t deserve a rigid, scared husband. And suppose he didn’t freak out, but instead, having no idea how this was supposed to go, but having a VERY good idea about how it wasn’t, was unable to make it good for Sasuke. Naruto thought is was deeply ironic that he could have so much ‘experience’ and still have no idea what he was doing.


And just when Naruto thought he might drown in his fears and worries, Sasuke would come along, pulling Naruto into the pantry, the sword shed or an empty room and show him how much he needed him, how much he loved him, how much Naruto pleased him.


Yes, Naruto was looking forward to his wedding night.


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The night before the wedding, Sasuke and Naruto stood in the nursery saying goodnight to Ryuu. Naruto had been smiling all day and although Sasuke, being an Uchiha after all, wasn’t smiling, everyone knew, just by how he looked at Naruto, that he couldn’t be any happier.


“Goodnight, little dragon. Sleep well, tomorrow is a big day.” Naruto whispered, running a gentle hand through the baby’s unruly, midnight spikes. “I love you,” Looking up when Sasuke cleared his throat, Naruto beamed, “Oh, I mean, WE love you.” Little Ryuu cooed in delight and closed his eyes to sleep.


Quietly, Sasuke pushed Naruto out of the nursery. In the hall, Naruto turned toward his room like he did every night. He wasn’t surprised when Sasuke followed him.


He was surprised, however, when Sasuke grabbed his shoulder, turning him around and pushing him back against his door. Before he could open his mouth, Sasuke had both his wrists held gently over his head and had attached himself to Naruto’s neck.


“Sasuke?” Naruto breathed, tilting his head to give the lord more access to torture him sweetly.


“Naruto,” Sasuke whispered, giving the tan neck one last tender bite before looking into his dobe’s brilliant blue eyes, “Let me come in tonight.”


“Teme… we are getting married tomorrow! You can come in every night for the rest of our lives. Just one more night…” His sentence was cut off by aggressive lips meeting his own willing ones. A lust filled moan escaped from the lord’s mouth.


“Let me come in, dobe.” Sasuke commanded again, taking a tan earlobe between his teeth and gently pulling.


“S’uke!” Naruto said as his hips, free from Naruto’s own will, pushed against Sasuke’s, causing the dark haired lord to moan again.


“Let.” Kiss. “Me.” Suck. “Come.” Lick. “In.” Sasuke smirked at Naruto who had his eyes closed, but was nodding his head up and down quickly.


“Alright then.” Sasuke trailed his hand from Naruto’s chest, down to his waist and around his hips. Hearing Naruto’s breathy moan, Sasuke pulled the door latch and pushed them both inside.


Sasuke moved them slowly toward the bed without ever taking his lips off of some part of Naruto’s face and neck. Naruto didn’t know what to do with his hands. He wanted to touch every single part of Sasuke, at once, forever if he could. In the end, realizing he didn’t have nearly enough hands, he wrapped his arms around Sasuke’s neck and pulled to dark haired man’s head down for a heated kiss.


Upon reaching the bed, Sasuke gently lay his dobe back against the soft quilt and pillows. Crawling onto the bed, Sasuke straddled Naruto’s slim hips and continued where he had left off.


“Sasuke…” Naruto said, gently pushing against Sasuke’s chest.


Sasuke immediately stopped, sitting up to look down into needy, worried eyes. “Dobe, do you trust me?”


Naruto looked into the midnight black eyes that always took his breath away and nodded, “Yes, of course I do.”


“Tonight, Naruto,” Sasuke leaned down again, elbows on either side of Naruto’s blond head, noses almost touching, “Tonight I want you to know what if feels like to have someone touch you because they love you. Because they need you. Because you are my everything. Tonight is about you, love, let me touch you.”


Naruto reached up a hand to run through Sasuke’s black silk tresses and nodded, small, but sure smile beaming up at the lord.


Sasuke moaned, gently thrusting his hips against Naruto’s, “I love you.”


Sitting up, once again, Sasuke ran his hand across Naruto’s whiskered cheeks and down his clothed chest. At reaching the shirt hem, Sasuke fingered it, while looking to Naruto for permission. At the gentle intake of air and nod of Naruto’s head, Sasuke pushed his hands under the shirt, feeling Naruto’s taunt skin against his callous hands. He pushed the shirt up, up, up, until he pulled it off Naruto’s head.


Sasuke smiled before trailing soft kisses from the blond’s throat down to the waist band of his pants. Again, Sasuke stopped, looking into miniature blue sky’s for permission.


“God, Sasuke, yes… yes… yes… yes…”


Sasuke smirked and slowly undid the tie holding the pants onto tan hips. As soon as the tie was free, Sasuke pulled the pants down, along with white undergarments, until his dobe lay before him in all his tan and perfect glory.


Sasuke’s inner three year old passed out from blood loss.


“What?” Naruto whispered, trying to scoot away from the staring lord.


Sasuke blinked and smiled. A smile as pure as freshly fallen snow, “You are so beautiful… so fucking beautiful.”


Sasuke’s smiled turned to a hungry smirk when he realized that the dobe’s blushes covered his whole body.


“Teme!” Naruto growled and grabbed Sasuke’s neck, dragging him into a fiery kiss. When the need for air became insistent, Sasuke trailed kisses once again down flushed, tan skin. Following blond wisps of hair downward, Sasuke stopped when he reached his destination, looking into Naruto’s eyes.


“Dobe,” Sasuke trailed his hands feather soft against Naruto’s inner thighs, “I’m going to taste you now. I can’t wait… you’re going to be so good, but I need you to be okay with this? Will you let me?” Sasuke asked, hand coming up to gently rub a thumb against Naruto’s leaking shaft.


“Ah! Sasuke…” Naruto smiled, eyes watery but determined, “Please, I want ‘you’ to touch me… to taste me. I want ‘you’.”


“Dobe…” And then Sasuke leaned down and took Naruto’s straining member into his mouth.


“Oh god, oh god, oh god…”


Naruto had never felt anything like this before. The heat was amazing, Sasuke’s tongue… his wicked, wicked tongue, ran up the underneath of Naruto’s penis and then teased the slit at the top before looping downward again. Naruto wanted nothing more than to thrust upward in the warmth, to get more of the feeling, but he remember all to well the choking and the pain associated with that, so he held as still as possible.


Feeling the blond tense up, Sasuke pulled his mouth off with a quiet ‘pop’ and looked at his dobe. The blond’s eyes were tightly closed and his fists held the quilt in a death grip. His body was like a board, almost like he was scared to move… why? And then it hit Sasuke.


“Dobe.” Sasuke whispered, placing a gentle hand on Naruto’s cheek, “Let me worry about me. You just enjoy it. Feel it. Move like you want to. You can’t hurt me.”


Naruto opened his eyes, released a pitiful whimper of need and nodded.


Sasuke leaned down again, taking Naruto whole into his mouth. Naruto screamed, grabbing for anything, finally finding purchase in Sasuke’s black hair and fisting it to keep himself grounded.


Sasuke sucked and nibbled up and down the tan shaft, gently holding Naruto’s now thrusting hips. The grip Naruto had on his hair hurt, but the beautiful moans and purrs coming from the blond boy made it worth it.


Finally Naruto’s breaths turned to quick, swallow pants. Sasuke attacked with renewed vigor.


“S’uke! Teme! I’m, I’m cu…” Naruto tried to pull Sasuke’s head up, but the young lord would have nothing to do with it. When Naruto came, he saw nothing but white while screaming some lust garbled form of Sasuke’s name.


Sasuke’s swallowed everything his dobe had and licked his lips. He moved slowly up toward Naruto’s head, wrapping his arms around the tan boy, pulling him against his chest.


“Dobe?” He whispered, using one hand to rub gentle circles against a tan shoulder while the other covered them with a soft blanket.


“Sasuke… oh god.” Naruto said, nuzzling into Sasuke’s shirt covered chest. “That was… Thank you, that was… so amazing!” Naruto looked up at Sasuke with sedated blue eyes filled with love.


“It will always be like this, Naruto. Always.” Sasuke whispered into blond hair.


“Then, I for one, am looking forward to tomorrow, bastard, and everyday afterward.” Naruto mumbled, closing his eyes as sleep pulled at him. “…love you.”


“I love you too, dobe.”


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The following day dawned bright. Sasuke had left sometime during the night or early morning and Naruto woke up slowly, alone. Rolling onto his back, Naruto thought about what he had to look forward to today. He released a content sigh, stretching. Realizing he wasn’t wearing any clothes, his thoughts immediately replayed the night before in tantalizing detail. He couldn’t have stopped the blush or satisfied moan even if he’d tried.


Sasuke had made him feel things he had never felt before. Naruto couldn’t help thinking that the past four months had been nothing but the best damn dream he had ever had and that at any moment he would wake up alone and in pain in his dreary room at Orochimaru’s castle.


Sitting up, Naruto threw his legs over the side of the bed and wrapped the sheets around his exposed body. Almost childishly, he reached a hand over and held it above his arm prepared to pinch the exposed skin. He shook his head when he noticed that his hand was shaking. Just do it! Naruto pinched his forearm… hard.


“Ouch!”


“So, do you feel as stupid as you just looked, kit?” The damn fox didn’t even attempt to cover up his laughing.


“Yes, you furry ass, I do.” Naruto snipped as he stood and gathered his clothes. “At any moment you could have stopped my insecure ramblings and told me I wasn’t dreaming.”


“I suppose, but where’s the fun in that?”


“You are about two seconds away from me not talking to you anymore.” Naruto had finished dressing and made his way into the hall and headed toward the nursery.


“Oh, you don’t mean that. Today’s the big day! Shouldn’t you be all sunshine and roses.”


Naruto stopped and leaned his head against the nursery door, “Kyuubi, what if it’s too good to be true? What if I get everything I ever wanted and it’s taken away from me? I don’t think I could go on without Sasuke and Ryuu… not anymore.”


“Kit,” Kyuubi growled, “You’re doing it again… getting all emotional with a demon previously bent on human annihilation.”


“Well, who else can I get all ‘emotional’ with if not my inner demon!”


“Naruto, you aren’t dreaming. I can’t guarantee that things won’t be taken from you, but I can tell you, as someone speaking from experience, to live the moments you have. You never know when a blond haired, snot nosed brat will come up and seal you in another, smaller, blond haired, snot nosed brat…”


“….”


“Okay, disregard the blond brat thing, you little blond brat!… but you understand what I’m getting at.”


“Yes, I do. Thank you, Kyuubi. Every once in awhile, you do seem ancient and wise.” Naruto didn’t try to hide the disbelief in his tone.


Naruto entered the nursery to the sound of Kyuubi’s annoyed grumbling in his mind.


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Naruto and Ryuu sat on the bridge over looking the clear, blue pond in the garden. He had skipped breakfast completely, slipping into the kitchen to grab Ryuu’s bottle before heading outside.


Autumn had arrived and the gentle breeze left Naruto feeling chilled, but not enough to move indoors. He had bundled Ryuu up and as long as the boy seemed happy, Naruto could sit here and mentally prepare for the biggest day of his life.


“There you are, brat.”


Turning, Naruto saw Jiraiya and the Hokage strolling into the garden toward the bridge.


“Hello.” Naruto smiled. He had wanted to be alone, but his time with Jiraiya and Tsunade was coming to an end and he would miss them greatly.


“Everyone missed you at breakfast. I would imagine that most everyone knows exactly where you are, but are giving you some time to yourself. I, however, have no problem with interrupting.” Tsunade said as took a seat beside Naruto.


“Is there something I can do for you, Granny?”


“Brat!” Tsunade said, hitting Naruto upside the head.


“Baby!” Naruto screamed.


“Idiot… we have been over this. Hold. Him. Tighter. Or keep your mouth shut.”


“Grow old gracefully and stop hitting people!”


Jiraiya plopped down between the two blonds. “Okay children, this is a new feeling for me, being the peace maker instead of the trouble maker, but come on now.”


“Fine,” Naruto muttered, “Stupid old hag.”


“SO!” Jiraiya hollered, stopping Tsunade from bouncing on the blond boy, “I’ve decided to stay here. Tsunade will head back tomorrow as planned.”


“What? Is that safe? Granny, will you be okay?” Naruto’s concern touched the Hokage’s heart, even as she ground her teeth at the ‘granny’ comment.


“I am one of the legendary Sannin… a knight before all else, not to mention the little thing about me being the HOKAGE!”


“Jeeze… for such old people you two sure do get worked up easily.” Naruto mumbled, “I only mention it because I worry so about your health.”


“BRAT!” The two Sannin yelled causing Ryuu to start and look around. Naruto thought it was funny the little boy already had the Uchiha Death Glare down.


“Okay, okay… I’m very happy to know that you are staying, Jiraiya. You don’t have to, but if Granny is going to be okay, then the more the merrier, I always say.”


Tsunade looked at the blond boy. He still seemed so small. Was he really or was she still seeing him as a five year old? Maybe both.


“Naruto,” Blue eyes met brown, “Is this what you want? Are you happy?”


Naruto laughed out loud, once again earning a dark, chibi sized glare. “Yes, how could I not be happy? I’m finally loved. You have no idea… I never, ever even imagined that this would happen to me. I have a family here,” Naruto cast a tender looked at the now cooing chibi, “Friends here. I feel safe, needed… everything I never felt before. And I have Sasuke.” Naruto shrugged, sending the two Sannin a brilliant smile that lit up blue orbs, “Yeah, I have Sasuke.”


“Of course you do, dobe.”


Three pairs of eyes flew to the intruder. Sasuke strolled toward them with his hands in his pockets.


“For three such powerful people, you would think it wouldn’t be so easy to ‘sneak’ up on you.”


Jiraiya and Tsunade looked offended, but Naruto just smiled wide, “Good morning, teme.” He whispered, standing up slowly to meet Sasuke.


“Morning, Naruto. I missed you at breakfast.” Sasuke wrapped strong arms around his blond dobe and nuzzled his son’s black crown.


“Okay… so, brat, we’ll just be going now. You should think about getting ready soon.”


“Uh huh.” Naruto responded, not having heard anything the white haired man had said. He was too busy staring into the black eyes of the man he loved and would be marrying in just a few short hours. Did anything, anything at all, really matter but that?


“Dobe.” Sasuke smirked and leaned down to claim the ready and willing lips of his soon to be husband.


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Several hours later found the courtyard of the Uchiha castle filled with villagers, knights and other wedding guests. The stairs leading to the main doors had been decorated tastefully with white flowers and translucent, flowing ribbons.


Gaara stood on the bottom step with Shikamaru and Kiba. He had made it to the castle barely an hour before. Although he didn’t show it now, the kitchen maid swore she saw him smile after he had talked to Naruto in his waiting room. No one could confirm or deny the statement.


Kakashi, Iruka and Jiraiya stood across from the three young men, while Tsunade stood on the top step in her green Hokage robes. Hinata stood one step below Tsunade holding a giggling Ryuu, who was looking quite dapper in his miniature Uchiha garb, a dark blue smock with tiny Uchiha symbols lining the hems.


The crowd split as Lord Sasuke Uchiha made his way through the mass of eager guests and toward his position, two steps below the Hokage. He wore the traditional Uchiha wedding attire. The dark blue kimono, with Uchiha clan symbol on the back and black flames licking the hems, fit perfectly across his broad shoulders. He walked, head held high, nodding to his knights and the men standing at the bottom step, before stopping near Tsunade.


Silently, all heads turned, awaiting the arrival of the other groom. Soft gasps were heard at the back of the crowd.


Sasuke’s inner three year old squirmed, rubbing his sweaty palms against his kimono, jumping from one foot to the other. ‘Where is he! Where is he!’


Naruto walked slowly into view. He wore a cream colored kimono, orange and red flames racing across the hems near his slipper clad feet and delicate wrists. As he walked forward, more mutters could be heard as the guests were able to make out a fiery fox stretched over the blond boy’s back. He looked straight ahead, hands clenching and unclenching at his sides. He concentrated on not tripping, making it to the steps, smiling at his friends and finally, oh god, finally, locking eyes with Sasuke. Naruto’s breath caught in his throat, but he had never been so happy not to breathe.


Sasuke held out a pale hand and Naruto eagerly took it, taking his position next to the lord and in front of the Hokage. Naruto smiled brightly at Sasuke and the crowd gasped again when their stoic lord returned the smile tenfold.


“I love you, dobe.” Sasuke whispered, his eyes sparkling with happiness, like the midnight sky scattered with stars.


Naruto blushed, squeezed the lord’s hand and nodded, “Teme, I love you too. Let’s get married, yeah?”


“That’s what we are here for, brat.” Tsunade whispered to the two young men, then raising her voice she addressed the excited courtyard.


“We are gathered here today to witness the union and love of these two men. Sasuke, if you will repeat after me.”


Sasuke nodded, his grip on Naruto’s hand tightening slightly.


“I will marry this man.”


Sasuke looked into blue eyes, “I will marry this man.”


“Regardless of sickness or health,”


“Regardless of sickness or health,”


“I will love him.”


“I will love him.” Sasuke turned so that he could hold both of Naruto’s hands.


“Respect him.”


“Respect him.” Naruto smiled at Sasuke’s smirk.


“Console him.”


“Console him.” Sasuke reached up to gently catch a stray tear running down a whiskered cheek.


“Help him.”


“Help him.” Sasuke’s thumb rubbed tender circles on the back of trembling tan hands.


“Until death.”


“Until death.” The hold on Naruto’s hand became almost painful.


“Protecting fidelity.”


“Protecting fidelity.” Sasuke once again locked eyes with Naruto.


“I swear.”


“I swear.” Naruto breath caught again at the searing intensity in Sasuke’s eyes.


“Amen.”


“Amen.”


Naruto struggled to hold in his happy sob. Tsunade cleared her throat and turned to Naruto.


“Naruto,” She waited for teary blue eyes to connect with her own, “Please, repeat after me.”


Naruto faithfully repeated every word, never taking his eyes off Sasuke. The words were simple, but the meaning and emotion behind them could be felt throughout the Uchiha courtyard by the two young men and every man, woman and child present.


Tsunade nodded and then turned to Sasuke once more.


“Sasuke, will you marry this man and become his partner? Will you in peaceful times and during sickness, love this person, respect this person, comfort this person, help this person, until death, do you promise to fulfill these roles you will take on as his husband?”


“Yes, I promise.” Sasuke said, slipping a simple, gold band onto his dobe’s finger.


“And Naruto, will you marry this man and become his partner? Will you in peaceful times and during sickness, love this person, respect this person, comfort this person, help this person, until death, do you promise to fulfill these roles you will take on as his husband?”


“Yes, I promise.” Naruto said, slipping a platinum band onto Sasuke’s pale finger.


Once the ring was on, Sasuke interlaced their fingers together, staring deeply into Naruto’s eyes.


“You may kiss.” Tsunade said. Sasuke didn’t need any more of an invitation.


The kiss was appropriate and chaste and Naruto wondered how it could possibly feel like so much more than any of their previous kisses. He felt Sasuke reach up, taking his cheeks into pale hands, tilting his head slightly to the side. He smiled when he felt Sasuke’s tongue tentatively run along the seam of his mouth. Opening his mouth, he welcomed the tongue in and almost laughed out loud at the cat calls coming from the crowd.


Pulling his head back, he gave into temptation and Naruto’s musical laughter was heard across the yard. “Teme! There are people here!” He said in mock exasperation.


“Hn.” Sasuke said, pulling Naruto down the steps and into the waiting crowd. He paused when he felt Naruto stop. Turning back he saw that Naruto was looking down at the steps, fidgeting with the hem of his robes.


“Dobe?” He whispered stepping closer. Before he could say another thing he had an arm full of blond haired dobe.


“I love you! I love you! I love you!” Naruto whispered against his neck.


Sasuke couldn’t stop the brilliant smile that graced his face. “Oh, god, Naruto…” Sasuke swept his new husband off his feet. His inner three year old relishing in the giggle he received. Sasuke nuzzled blond, silken spikes and whispered, “I love you too.”


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That night, after the exquisite dinner, congratulations from the guests and overall celebration, Sasuke finally dragged his new husband up the stairs toward his… no their, bedroom.


There was a distinct possibility that they would have been there by now if Sasuke didn’t stop every fifth step to push Naruto against a wall or if Naruto didn’t stop every third step to do the same to Sasuke.


“Damn it, teme… I just want… ahhh… to make it… oh god, down… to our room!”


“And all this time I thought you wanted to do this,” Sasuke rubbed an eager palm against the bulge under Naruto’s kimono, “slllowllly.”

“Ah… fuck… f-fuck you.” Naruto moaned.


“Hn. In such a hurry…” Sasuke grabbed the boy’s hand and all but ran the rest of the way to their bedroom.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


After securing the door, Sasuke turned slowly to look at his new husband. The cream robes were beautiful, making his dobe look like a fallen angel. He walked forward, slowly circling the blond, touching the delicate fabric.


“These… are nice.” Sasuke muttered from behind Naruto, sending shivers up the blond’s back.


“Tsunade explained to the tailor what my father’s…” Naruto moaned as Sasuke attached himself to the side of his neck.


“Continue, Naruto. I am so very interested.” Sasuke whispered.


“Teme… um… my father’s wedding kimono. She told the tailor what my father’s wedding kimono looked like and he… oh, hell and damn…”


“Focus, dobe.”


“You can kiss my…” Naruto screamed at the ‘gentle’ bite he received.


“All in good time, love. Finish the story of this glorious garment so I rip it off your body and step on it as I throw you on the bed…”


“Oh well, in that case, bastard, she did something. It was great. The end.”


“Finally.” Sasuke pulled the cream fabric off Naruto’s shoulder, kissing the exposed flesh. “I love a happy ending.” The rest of the kimono fell to the floor with a gentle ‘whoosh’.


Sasuke’s deep, lust filled eyes took in the bronze skin. Licking his lips, the lord dropped to his knees, placing his cheek against Naruto’s stomach.


“Naruto?” Sasuke whispered. Naruto looked down, running hands through midnight spikes. He started when he felt Sasuke tremble.


“Sasuke? Hey, are you okay?” Naruto slid to his knees, wrapping his arms around the shaking lord. “Sasuke, please…” Naruto pushed away black tresses and kissed the pale forehead and midnight eyelashes.


“Naruto, you are my family now.” Sasuke whispered, rubbing a hand down the bare chest in front of him, “Don’t leave me… I couldn’t bare it.”


“Never, Sasuke, never on my own free will. I promise.” Naruto shifted so that he was looking into Sasuke’s endlessly black eyes, “Just like I promise to love you forever, need you forever, want you forever… starting,” Naruto stole a fiery kiss from the lord, happy at the eager response he received, “Tonight.”


Sasuke growled, scooped his dobe up and true to his promise, stepped on Naruto’s wedding robes as he made his way to the bed.


Once he lay Naruto out, Sasuke stood up at the side of the bed. Locking eyes with the blond, he calmly untied his own robe, letting gravity pull it seductively to the floor. Naruto felt his breath hitch in his throat.


“Oh, Sasuke,” he purred, leaning up to rest on his elbows, taking the pale lord in, “You are so… so beautiful.”


“I could and have said the same thing about you, dobe.” Sasuke crawled onto the bed and gently straddled the beautiful blond he had just married. “Naruto… what do you want me to do first?”


Naruto looked startled. He didn’t know. Should he know? Sasuke smirked at the confused panic that flashed in sapphire eyes.


“Shhh… it’s not a hard questioned, dobe. Would you like me to kiss you… on the lips?” Sasuke leaned down taking rose colored lips into a tender kiss that pulled mewls from the whiskered boy. “Or perhaps, somewhere lower?” Sasuke trailed wet, hot kisses from Naruto’s temple down past his neck, sucking gently on his sensitive earlobe before attacking his lithe neck and tan collarbone. Naruto’s hips bucked in response, causing both men to hiss at the feeling.


“Oh, but wait… maybe, you would like me to touch you.” Naruto closed his eyes and whimpered. “Naruto!” Sasuke snapped, Naruto immediately opened his eyes. “I want to see you watching how much I love you. I want to see you watch me touch you and taste you. I want you to watch me wanting you. Do you understand? Keep your eyes open.”


Naruto nodded, to caught up in the feeling of Sasuke and his words to speak for himself.


“Now, where was I?” Sasuke’s pale hands trailed down Naruto’s chest, pausing for a moment at dusty colored nipples. Long fingers twisted and tweaked the nubs before Sasuke brought his mouth down to ‘sooth’ the now irritated skin.


“AHH… S’uke… so good!”


“And it’s only the beginning.”


Sasuke continued to kiss and lick down passed Naruto’s throbbing erection and he slowly massaged, kissed and nibbled Naruto’s inner thighs.


“Bastard…” Naruto breathed, “I need… I want… I need…”


“What Naruto? Tell me what you need, what you want.”


“I need… more… I need more! Please!”


Sasuke pulled his body up until his lips were once more attached to his dobe’s. After their tongue’s warred for dominance, much to Sasuke’s delight, Sasuke pulled away, resting his forehead against Naruto’s while he waited for the boy’s breathing to even out.


“Dobe?” Sasuke whispered, “Do you know what is going to happen next?”


“Yes.” Naruto said, eyes looking anywhere but at Sasuke’s face.


“Look at me.” Sasuke commanded, “Don’t hide, not now. Not from me.”


“Okay, Sasuke.” Blue eyes met black and stayed there.


“Naruto, I want to make love to you now. I want to make you writher beneath me while I make you moan and scream my name in pure, passion filled bliss.”


“Yes, Sasuke… yes.” Naruto nodded, fighting the urge to shut his eyes against the intensity he saw in black pools.


“I have to touch you in ways that might feel uncomfortable or unpleasant, but in the end will make things… me… fit better. It will make it better for you. If it hurts too much or you want to stop, for any reason, just say so.”


“O-okay.” Naruto nodded, anxiety and excitement making him shake.


“Promise, dobe. Promise to tell me. I will not have you afraid of me or the things we do together.”


“I promise… please Sasuke… more now. No more talking.” Naruto wrapped trembling arms around his husband and attacked the pales man’s neck, leaving his own ‘mark’ on pale skin.


“Of course, dobe.”


Sasuke reached toward the bedside table and removed a small bottle of oil. Seeing Naruto’s questioning gaze, he smiled, “It will make things easier.”


Naruto nodded and then gasped when the lord’s dark head dropped to lick his penis before taking the dripping head in his mouth.


Virtually blinded by the feeling of Sasuke’s tongue wrapped around him, Naruto almost didn’t notice the foreign intrusion… almost.


“AH… Sasuke!” Naruto said, panic creeping throughout his voice.


“Shhhh… I have to stretch you… so I won’t hurt you later. Trust me?”


Naruto nodded, blue eyes wide. He couldn’t help thinking that no one had done ‘that’ before.


“I love you, Naruto.” Sasuke said before kissing Naruto’s tan cheeks, watery blue eyes and beautiful mouth. While he had the boy distracted, another pale finger slipped into the tight hole, scissoring and turning.


“Sasuke!” Naruto screamed again, eyes snapping open, staring in wonder at his dark haired husband, “What was that?”


“Hn. What did it feel like?” Sasuke asked, smirking against the blond’s tan neck.


“Good… ah… like that!” Sasuke proceeded to abuse the dobe’s prostate, hitting it again and again while adding a third and final finger.


Soon, Naruto was riding the fingers, grasping onto Sasuke shoulders, trying to get the fingers to move deeper, harder, faster.


Just when Naruto’s breathing started to come in the breathy pants that signaled the boy’s end was in sight, Sasuke removed his fingers.


“What!? Sasuke!” Naruto yelled, writhing beneath Sasuke. He glared up at the smirking lord, fully prepared to kill the man just to have those fingers back.


“Wait, dobe… there’s so much more.”


Sasuke picked up the oil bottle again and coated his own straining erection. He was startled when a tan hand stilled his own before he could finish. Looking up, he saw that Naruto was sitting up in front of him.


“May I? Is it okay… if I do that?” Naruto whispered, never taking blue eyes of Sasuke’s hand around his hard shaft.


Sasuke moaned, “Yes… yes, Naruto, it’s okay.” Sasuke handed the blond the oil and watched as shaking hands poured the oil out, rubbing it gently to warm it, before slowly reaching for Sasuke’s eager erection. Tenderly, Naruto worked his slippery hands up and down, covering it completely, mesmerized by the action.


Sasuke hissed at the feeling. His hands gripped Naruto’s shoulders while he tried not to come from the feeling and the look on Naruto’s face alone.


“Fuck, dobe. You need to stop now.”


Naruto immediately removed his hands, his look questioning.


“I want to be in you when I cum.” Sasuke leaned forward, offering Naruto a cloth to wipe his hands. “Do you understand, dobe? What you were doing felt so damn good, but I want more.”


Naruto nodded, laying back as a brilliant smile crossed his face, “I’m told, Uchiha’s always get what they want.”


Sasuke adjusted himself over the tan body waiting for him, “Yes, yes ‘we’ do.”

Sasuke place himself at Naruto entrance and once again paused to make sure that Naruto was ready. Sasuke felt his heart skip at the hooded look and slight nod Naruto gave him. His husband was stunning… absolutely stunning.


Sasuke nodded and gently pushed into his dobe. Naruto’s mouth opened wide, though no sound came out and his eyes squeezed shut. Sasuke leaned down threading the fingers on both of their hands together near Naruto’s head.


“Are you okay, dobe… I’m sorry. It will get better, I promise.” Sasuke said, gently squeezing their fingers together. The lord’s eyes widened when he heard a whispered, “More.”


Sasuke slowly pushed into until he was fully engulfed in his blond dobe. Naruto whimpered, a lone tear trailed down his cheek.


“Naruto.” Blue eyes met black.


“That… hurt, but not like befor…” Naruto said, pained smile in place. “But, it feels a little better now… maybe, you could move… okay.”


Sasuke kissed golden locks, “Okay.”


And then he began to move, slowly in and out. Sasuke couldn’t believe the feeling. He had never imagined that anything could feel this good. Naruto was perfect… so hot, so tight…


“Ahhh…” Naruto moaned. Sasuke stilled. “No, do it again, hit that place again… please.” The blond said, his grip tightening on their still intertwined fingers.


“Like this?” A sharp thrust that hit the boy’s prostate dead on.


“Yes!… yes, god, yes. AGAIN!” Naruto said, blue eyes showing the statement was a command, not a request.


Sasuke smirked, “You’ve been an Uchiha for four hours and look at you now.” Three more fast, hard thrusts punctuated the sentence.


“Bastard,” Naruto panted, “Stop. Fucking. Talking.”


Sasuke did as he was told. They rocked together, Sasuke setting the pace with Naruto meeting him thrust for thrust. Feeling his end nearing, Sasuke reached between them, wrapping pale fingers around Naruto’s neglected member.


“Holy shit!” Naruto yelled at the new sensation.


“Dobe.” Sasuke breathed and continued to pound into the blond while using his hand to bring Naruto to completion.


“Oh…oh… oh… oh…” Naruto panted, “So close…”


“Naruto, cum for me,” Sasuke said against damp, blond locks, “I love you.”


“I love you too…. SASUKE!!” And Naruto split himself between their two bodies.


Sasuke was but a moment behind, the imagine and feel of Naruto coming pushing him over the edge.


“God, Naruto… GOD!”


Sasuke wrapped himself around the panting blond, lazily using the discarded cloth to clean up the best he could before pulling a blanket over their naked, sedated forms.


“Sasuke?” Naruto asked from the warmth of Sasuke’s strong arms.


“Hn.”


“I can’t thank you enough for loving me. For showing me what it can feel like. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I will forever be grateful. I love you.”


“Dobe… you don’t have to thank me. I love you. We were meant to be. And I’m glad,” Sasuke said, chastely kissing his husband.


Naruto nodded. “I’m glad it was you.”


“Me too. Close your eyes, dobe.”


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


The next day Tsunade left to return to Fire Country’s capital, the Leaf Village. She assured Naruto many times that she would be fine and that she would visit very soon. Jiraiya, Naruto and Sasuke saw her to the gate and although Jiraiya and Sasuke were more than ready to head in, they both stood with Naruto as he watched until he couldn’t see her anymore.


Naruto turned sad eyes toward Jiraiya, “I’m glad that you are staying, old man. Now that I’ve found you, I feel like a have a family.”


Sasuke snorted. “Dobe.”


“Okay, like I have parents or grandparents… as well as,” Naruto turned and smiled at the young lord, “One super attractive, breath stealing, dark and handsome husband.”


Sasuke smirked, “And…”


Naruto rolled his eyes, “Yeah, yeah… and he’s very good in bed.”


Jiraiya choked and Sasuke rolled his eyes, “Dobe! I was referring to your SON!”


Naruto smiled and ran ahead. Throwing a hand up in the air he yelled, “Yeah, and him too!”


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


For the next several weeks, Naruto’s life once again fell into a pattern, however this time, he was ‘lord’, okay, maybe lady, of the castle. (Don’t tell Naruto… Kiba is still talking two or three octaves above normal.)


He still spent the mornings with Ryuu, who was growing in leaps and bounds. The chibi had finally become mobile. It wasn’t a crawl since he didn’t use both arms and both legs. Instead, the youngest Uchiha preferred to “wounded soldier” his way around. He used one arm, bent at the elbow to drag the rest of his small body wherever he needed to go. Everyone was surprised at just how fast the black haired baby could be. One minute little Ryuu would be at Naruto’s feet and the next he would be down the hall peeking his black haired mop into his father’s study. Sasuke could only assume this behavior came from the boy’s mother… Again, not something that should readily be shared with the Lady…no, LORD, of the castle.


Naruto still helped out in the kitchen. Chouji had tried to explain to the blond haired boy that he no longer needed to ‘work’ for his ramen, but Naruto insisted that he help. He told Chouji that he enjoyed his time in the kitchen, that it made him feel useful and helped him stay in touch with the people of the castle, but in the end, it was the big, blue puppy dog eyes that made Chouji shake his head and point to the dirty dishes.


Gaara stayed a week after the wedding. As a result, Naruto spent much of his time in the courtyard training and sparring with the other knights and the Sand Lord. The first spar between the blond and the red head was brilliant beyond words. Sand, clones and chakra flew everywhere. It was also after that first fight that Sasuke decided he didn’t need to be present for anymore of Naruto’s fights. It was better for his health… mental health, that is.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


“What the hell is going on here!” Sasuke screamed.


Naruto was encased in sand and the courtyard looked like a natural disaster had hit it. Trees were uprooted and hills of sand dotted the area that had, just that morning, been quite flat. Knights stood lazily around while Gaara smirked and Naruto turned an interesting shade of blue.


Kiba and Kakashi looked over at their raging lord, but it was Jiraiya who answered.


“Sasuke… I was told you were a genius? I must have heard that wrong. Odd, that.”


“Why are you all just standing here?! Gaara is trying to kill my dobe!”


“Oh, come on, teme, do you really think I would be so stupid as to get trapped like that… again.”


Sasuke jumped at voice from above. Looking up, he saw Naruto sitting calmly in the tree above his head, legs swinging. At that moment, the ‘Naruto’ caught in the sand turned into a chamber pot and exploded over Gaara and the nearby knights.


Disgusted shouts were heard, but couldn’t block out the ominous tones of a pissed off Gaara, “Why you little bastard!” The normally stoic, emotionless, ice price himself screamed before sand shot out over Sasuke’s head to grab the laughing Naruto.


Sasuke watched as Naruto was lifted up by the leg and swung back towards Gaara.


“Oh, come on, Gaara.” Giggle. “It was only water… I swear.” Hysterical snort. “Only water.”


“Naruto.” The stoic lord was back.


“No! Noooo! That tickles… stop it. Put me down. I’m sorrrrrrry!”


Sasuke turned around and walked away. It was better that way.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

In the weeks since the wedding, Naruto also got to know the villagers better. Daily he would meet with different land owners, shop keepers and other villages to discuss their concerns, complaints and suggestions.


Sasuke was (internally) ecstatic about Naruto taking over this aspect of the castle management. He loathed listening to pitiful complaints. It’s not that he didn’t care, but damn it, he just didn’t care.


Naruto on the other hand adored the job. He thrived on human interaction and people naturally warmed up to him. A problem that would have taken Sasuke an entire day to smooth out between two villagers, took his blond dobe half an hour and the two villagers would practically be holding hands as they left.


Villagers and castle staff sought out their new lord for all number of things, but mostly just to be near him, to be his friend and to offer their help if he needed anything, anything at all. Sasuke had been right. Naruto, in the right environment, was the sun and everyone needed him to grow.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Another thing that changed after they were married was that Sasuke no longer needed to hunt for his dobe. That’s right… the hunter had somehow become the hunted.


Naruto would attack Sasuke in his study, in the hallways, in the bathtub (oh! the memories…) or anywhere that struck the boy’s fancy. Sometimes Naruto would be aggressive, pushing the dark haired lord against walls and leaving his mark on him before carrying on with his previous business. Other times Naruto would purr and mewl until Sasuke found a flat surface, sometimes horizontal, sometimes not, to take the blond haired boy against. It was not unheard of in the Uchiha castle to see the two lords stumble out of closets or into the dining room looking like they had just gotten out of bed… because, perhaps, they had.


All in all, Sasuke would say that he was very, very satisfied with his life.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Sasuke and Naruto were sitting together on the carpet in front of the library fire when Naruto sat up, eyes glazed over, in a way that Sasuke had learned was a clone memory returning.


Blinking blue eyes, Naruto looked into the fire and released a held breath, “They are coming.”


“Are you sure?” Sasuke said, pulling his husband against his chest, to offer his warmth and comfort.


“Yes, I won’t be able to watch them closely… if they get too close the clones ‘poof’ away and I don’t want to risk one of them being caught.” Naruto raised an eyebrow at his husband, waiting for the inevitable blowup.


He was surprised, then, when Sasuke just held him closer, rubbing his face in Naruto’s hair.


“I think that’s a good idea. Are they bringing many knights with them?”


Naruto blinked, “Ahhh…”


“Dobe, you made yourself very clear on numerous occasions. You can take care of yourself. Yes, I’m worried. God… am I worried, but you know what you are doing and I trust you.” Sasuke kissed the blond crown of his dobe, “Now, answer the question.”


“I love you,” Naruto whispered, throat closing, but he shook his head and smiled, “Actually, not as many as you would think. Orochimaru, Itachi and twenty armed knights. They seem powerful, but not inordinately so. I’m keeping some clones near Orochimaru’s castle to make sure more don’t follow.”


“Okay. I’m trusting you and I need you to promise me something in return.”


“Is it naughty? Please let it be something naughty?” Naruto said, looking up to the heavens in mock prayer.


“I’m still being serious here, dobe.” Sasuke said.


Naruto nodded, but Sasuke heard him grumble ‘me too’.


“I don’t want you to leave the castle until this is over. I want two knights with you at all times. The same goes for Ryuu.”


“Sasuke, you know that I…”


“Naruto… please.” Midnight black eyes implored sky blue.


“Of course. I promise.” Naruto dared anyone to say ‘no’ to those eyes.


“Thank you. I’ll talk to the other knights and we’ll send out border guards to hopefully give us more information or at least warning. Until then, we wait. ”


Naruto snuggled in the broad chest of his husband. “Good plan.” Naruto run a lazy hand down Sasuke’s chest and against his thigh, “Hmmm… so is the naughty thing still out?”


“Naruto! I swear, I created a monster with you.”


“Shouldn’t have been so damn good!” Naruto whined.


“Hn.”


“Actually, bastard, I’m tired. Instead of the ‘naughty’ I’ll take you just laying with me while I take a nap.” Naruto shifted to get more comfortable.


“Dobe, it’s ten o’clock in the morning… you really shouldn’t be tired. Didn’t you take a nap yesterday as well?”


“Again… YOU shouldn’t be that good! So, I’m tired. I’ve been a little more ‘active’ at night than usual. Now shhhh.”


“I suppose you’re right. I’ll just have to be a little more gentle with my ‘delicate flower’.”


Naruto tiredly opened his eyes, “Call me that again, bastard and we’ll see who is ‘delicate’.”


Sasuke smirked, but Naruto was already asleep.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Sasuke stood outside the bathroom listening to Naruto get sick… again.


“S’uke??” Came a weak moan.


Sasuke opened the door and walked up to the boy, picking him up and taking him to their bed.


“Dobe.”


“Sasuke, I need you to run down to the kitchen, right now, and tell Chouji to stop making ra… to stop making that stuff I like to eat. I can smell it from here. It’s….”


Naruto ran back into the bathroom. When he was through, Sasuke heard the boy rise his mouth and open the door. Leaning against the frame he continued, “It’s horrible!”


“You don’t want ra…” He was cut off by a tan mouth slapping against his mouth. Pulling it off, he said, “You don’t want to eat that stuff you like?”


“No… but mostly, I don’t want to smell it. Run along. Tell him. Now!”

“I will, but Naruto, I want you to go see Hinata.”


“I feel fine.” Naruto said, smiling. Although, it just didn’t look as convincing when the normally tan skin was chalk white.


“Hn. You’ve been tired for the past week and a half and have been sick the last three days.”


“But it gets better, teme!”


“Oh my god! Be a man, dobe. She won’t even touch you. You stand there, she looks, everything’s fine and you just have an overprotective husband… no news there!”


“Whoa… Sasuke? Is that you?”


“Dobe, shut up. I’ll tell Chouji, you see Hinata. Come find me afterwards.”


Naruto threw his arms around Sasuke before he could get away, “I love you, you possessive bastard.” Naruto whispered into Sasuke’s ear.


Sasuke took Naruto’s lips into a fast paced, aggressive kiss, “I love you too, you stubborn idiot.”


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


“Ah… well.” Hinata stood staring at Naruto. It wouldn’t have been that big of an issue, but she had been staring for the last ten minutes saying things like, ‘oh my’ and ‘that’s odd’ and ‘oh dear’.


“What?” Naruto snapped.


“Oh my…” Hinata started at the growl Naruto sent her direction. “Oh, I’m sorry, Naruto. It’s just that this is… well…”


“Don’t start that again! Just spit it out. Am I dying? You could say ‘Naruto, you are dying, sorry’. Am I sick? You could say ‘Naruto, you are sick, but we can fix you.’ See? Not too hard.”


“O-okay. You are pregnant. I could say ‘Naruto, you are having a baby!’ Honestly, you’re right that wasn’t too hard.” She looked up beaming.


But Naruto lay on the floor, having passed out after the first four words of the sentence.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Naruto stood in front of a seemingly empty cage.


“Look, you damn furry parasite, I know you’re in there. Get your multiple tailed ass out here. I have things I’d like to ‘discuss’, if you don’t mind!”


“So you know then? I find it interesting that humans have survived as long as they have” Naruto rolled his eyes, here we go… AGAIN, “Really, you are so monumentally stupid and don’t even know what goes on in your own bodies, much less anything else.”


“Yeah, yeah, yeah… says the all-powerful demon locked in an apparently pregnant MAN!”


“Getting upset isn’t good for the baby, kit.”


“FUCK YOU!” Naruto shook the bars, “Tell me how this happened! Is this some fucked up way you’ve concocted to escape. I’m finally happy. Someone finally loves me, despite YOU and this happens. How the hell am I going to explain this!” Naruto pointed wildly at his abdomen.


“I would think the Uchiha would be happy to have another little Uchiha running around. Last time I checked, they were down a few…”


“Kyuubi… please,” Naruto slid to the floor, leaning against the bars, “Please, just tell me how this happened. What it means? Help me to understand so, that when I’m alone again, it will all make sense.”


Kyuubi’s tails slid through the bars to wrap around his shivering, crying kit. “It isn’t me, kit, not really. It’s you.”


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Sasuke sat at his desk, staring at papers, thinking about Naruto. The dobe hadn’t come to find him yet and although it hadn’t been that long, he was worried about him. He didn’t like to see his husband sick. And what if it was more? What if the boy was dying?


Sasuke stood up, walking to the window. No, he wasn’t even going to think it. He would wait and worry when there was something to worry about.


Riiiight. Sasuke’s inner three year old slapped his forehead and yelled about a river in Egypt.


“Hey, teme.”


Sasuke turned around so fast he almost lost his balance. Naruto stood in the doorway looking a little pale, but otherwise okay. Well, if you didn’t count the fact that he wasn’t smiling.


“Dobe.” A dark eyebrow raised in question.


“Well, I spoke to Hinata and then to Kyuubi.”


“Why the fox?”


“Listen, I need you to sit down.” Naruto said, coming into the room, twisting his fingers together nervously.

“I’m starting to get seriously upset, Naruto.” Sasuke said, although his voice gave away no emotion at all.


Naruto nodded, “I know. Just, please, sit.”


Sasuke walked back to his desk and took a seat in the high backed chair. Leaning forward with his elbows on the desk, he put his chin on his folded hands. Naruto would have laughed at the ‘classic’ Uchiha pose had he not felt like throwing up.


“I am sitting.” Sasuke ground out.


“Yes, teme, I see that. Okay, first… I’m not dying! Whew, isn’t that a relief!”


“Seriously upset…”


“Yeah… Sasuke, before I go on,” Dark growl from the sitting lord, “I need to recommend we reinstate ‘impossible’ back into our vocabulary.”


Sasuke’s inner three year exploded, leaving wee little organs and entrails scattered across Sasuke’s brain.


“WHAT THE HELL, NARUTO!”


“I’M PREGANT, YOU FUCKING BASTARD!”


And then, like on the proverbial Seventh Day, there was silence.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


After screaming at Sasuke, Naruto ran around the desk and threw himself on the lord. Straddling his waist, Naruto wrapped his arms around the broad chest and pressed his face into Sasuke’s shirt, letting the lord’s warmth and scent calm him for as long as Sasuke would allow.


“I know. I know it’s hard to believe…”


“Impossible.”


“Yes! Impossible. There is no other way to describe it, is there? But Sasuke, it’s the truth. I swear it is. I would never hurt you like this. You can ask Hinata. Or, I’ll let Kyuubi out briefly and you can talk to him.”


“No! Absolutely not.” Sasuke choked out.


“Sasuke…” Naruto sat up and looked into his husband’s face. A single tear ran down Sasuke’s cheek and the lord seemed unable to look away from Naruto’s stomach.


“I believe y-you.” Sasuke said taking a huge breath and meeting Naruto’s eyes. “I’ve know you long enough to believe everything you say, but dobe, I need to understand. Help me understand how this… b-baby is possible.”


“I can, Sasuke,” Naruto whispered taking the lord’s cheeks in his hands and gently touching their foreheads together. “I love you and if at the end of my explanation, it’s too much ‘impossible’ for you to handle, I’ll leave and you’ll never have to see me or the baby again, but I won’t kill the baby, not for anything. It did nothing wrong.”


Sasuke found himself reliving the time Sakura had came into his study, screaming about killing his son and hating him. And here, cuddled into his lap, was his beloved dobe whispering about his love and how their baby would live if it was the last thing he did. The irony wasn’t lost on the lord.


“Naruto. You really are an idiot, aren’t you?”


“Yeah…” Naruto mumbled into Sasuke’s shirt, then the words made connection to his brain, “What??”


“I love you. I love everything about you. I won’t let you leave me. Why would you even think that? You are having my baby. Our baby.” Sasuke gave in and wiped away the tears gathering in his eyes, “Why would I ever let all my dreams walk away from me?”


Naruto broke down, tears streaming down his face, his entire body shaking in Sasuke’s lap.


“I thought, I thought would be hate me. Just one more way I’m different, abnormal… a monster.”


“Naruto! I won’t allow anyone to talk that way about you, including a misguided dobe such as yourself.” Sasuke demanded, pulling the dobe’s chin up until their eyes met. “I love you. And I already love the second child that you will have given me.” Sasuke brought their lips together tenderly, while gently rubbing Naruto’s flat stomach.


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Sasuke held onto Naruto until both of them had calmed down. Sasuke knew he was probably still in shock. He doubted he would be out of shock until he held this new ‘impossible miracle’ in his arms. The thought made his heart flutter. Looking down at the boy nestled in his arms, he realized that all of his childhood dreams were coming true because of a this beautiful boy who loved his son enough to save his life and return him to Sasuke. And now, he was giving Sasuke another dream… another impossible dream.


“Dobe,” Sasuke said, nudging the blond gently, “Can you tell me more now?”


“Hmmm, yes.” Naruto childishly rubbed his eyes with his fists, “I guess we know why I was so tired.”


Sasuke smiled, “Yeah, I guess we do.”


“After Hinata told me, I passed out,” He looked at Sasuke, daring him to counter the terminology. Sasuke just raised his hands, innocently. “Anyway, while I was otherwise disposed, I had a little chat with my furry parasite. I was… aggressive. I accused him of using this as an attempt to escape. I mean, let’s face it… it’s not like this opportunity had presented itself in the last eighteen years. He calmed me down and told me that although the baby couldn’t happen without him, it wasn’t happening because of him.”


“Okay, what does that mean?” Sasuke asked. He was glad that Naruto had addressed the ‘escape plan’. The last thing he needed was a demon child. According to Kiba, he already had Ryuu.


“Well, teme, it turns out that it is my chakra supporting the baby. Kyuubi figures that subconsciously I wanted to have a baby and so my chakra made that possible.”


“Then why haven’t other men had babies. I’m sure, others in our situation would have wished they could have a child. Why doesn’t their chakra support a baby?”


“Well, that’s where Kyuubi comes in. Almost ALL of my chakra is surrounding the baby, helping it grow and keeping it viable. If not for Kyuubi supplementing my main systems, I would be dead.”


“What?” The question was low and dark.


“Now, don’t get upset. Other men couldn’t do it because they could never give enough chakra to keep both themselves and the baby alive.”


“Yes, but didn’t you tell us that using the demon’s chakra was bad for your body? What will nine months do?”


“Well, yes, that is true. However, because I am… different.” The pained looked crossed blue eyes once more.


“No, not because you are different, dobe. Because you are Naruto.”


Naruto smiled, “Yeah, because I am Naruto, I have more useable personal chakra than most to begin with. Kyuubi says that most of it is surrounding the baby, but what’s left over is shielding the areas where Kyuubi’s chakra is concentrating at. Like a thin protective internal shield. It isn’t wise for me to use chakra until the baby is born. Any chakra I call up will be his and even with the shield, over usage could be harmful. Understand?”


“Do you?” Sasuke asked, refusing to blink dumbly. Yes, he understood perfectly, but who in their right mind would have imagined him ever needing to!


“Well… sorta. The bottom line is the baby is all you and me and none of him. His chakra will have never touched the baby and my chakra is making sure that having Kyuubi ‘support’ me this long won’t result in any long term damage of my body.”


“Long term damage? Is there any short term?” Sasuke asked, eyebrow raised as the blond squirmed in his lap.


“It is possible that I might take on some of his traits… red eyes occasionally. Maybe more pronounced ‘whiskers’.” Naruto shrugged, “On the bright side, since I’m not a girl and the baby is being supported on chakra alone, no mood swings! That’s good, right?”


“God, dobe,” Sasuke said, dragging the blond’s head down to his chest, “You might not have mood swings, but for the next nine months, I’m going to be all over the place.”


Naruto laughed softly against his chest, “I’ll still love you and tell you how beautiful you are, okay.”


“Thank you, dobe.” And they both knew the words were meant for so much more than his support of Sasuke’s mood swings.


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Later that night, Sasuke tucked his dobe into bed. They decided to wait to share their news. They both agreed they needed a little more time to adjust before trying to help everyone else to understand.


“Teme.” Naruto said, grasping Sasuke’s hand as he stood to leave the room.


“Hn.”


“Could we talk for just a minute?” Naruto fidgeted with the quilt stitches.


Sasuke’s smiled. His husband was stunning. Beautiful, cute, powerful, intelligent… stunning.


“Of course, dobe.”


Naruto looked up with watery eyes, Sasuke immediately pulled the blond into his arms. “Hey… what’s up? I thought no mood swings.”


“Bastard.” Naruto sniffed. Then looking straight into Sasuke’s eyes, Naruto whispered, “I’m scared.”


“Naruto.”


“Sasuke, you weren’t there… when Sakura. So much blood. She was screaming and her body was shaking from the exertion and pain and she… and she died. I don’t want to leave you.”


“Naruto,” Sasuke held him tighter, rubbing comforting circles onto the blond’s back. “Sakura should have had doctors. I know that you tried your best, but she refused any help from you. Itachi was a fool. Sakura was a fool. Your situation will be nothing like that, I promise. Hinata will be here. Come to think of it, after we tell Tsunade, I can’t imagine her not being here. But, dobe, the biggest difference between you and her is that she didn’t have me.” Sasuke tipped up Naruto’s chin, “And you will always have me.”


“Sasuke, thank you for loving me.”


“Always, always, always.” Sasuke nuzzled the blond mop of his dobe and didn’t leave until the boy fell into a restful sleep.


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Leaving the room, Sasuke saw Shino and Neji stationed outside.


“I’ll be in my study. He should stay asleep for the rest of the night.”


“We will be right here.” Neji said, nodding to the lord.


“Thank you.” Sasuke stopped, but didn’t turn around, “You have no idea what he means to me.”


Leaving two shocked knights behind, Sasuke returned to his study.


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Later that night, Naruto disappeared from the castle. Sightings of Itachi Uchiha began pouring in the next morning.


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