The Bad Boy and the Baby

Calamus I hope this chappie is better…please let me know! And thank you for the ultra-awesome advice!

Author notes in this chappie are important. Please read through!!

A/N: hey this is to clear something up. Itachi is really nice to Sasuke here because in this story they have a nice brotherly relationship. Itachi did not murder the clan… as to who did and such like; you guys will have to wait for the rest of the chapters for that. Of course Itachi is still stoic and genius-like (he’s glaring from the corner over there. He doesn’t like it when I make him nice) but that’s Uchiha for you. Sasuke has his own issues for certain important reasons. You’ll realize why Sasuke is an avenger and not Itachi before long ok? So just hang with me.

Clarification: About Arashi not caring more about his son’s refusal to marry the Uchiha. Well, in this timeline… arranged marriages were totally the norm. Arashi’s marriage with Sakiko was arranged as well… and it turned out well. You’ll find out more about that this chappie! So they don’t think it’s going to be too bad. That’s how it was in Japan and in India. I’m living in India now and this is what is happening to all my relatives, though my parents say I can marry whom I choose. Hough things are changing here, it’s still ok, and to wait for your parents o get you married to someone since they can make a good choice.

Sasuke’s character guide: Ok coming to Sasuke’s character here. This is to help you understand him through out this chapter…for those who need it. In this story Sasuke is going to be a bit OOC. Firstly his past is pretty different from the manga one. Secondly he’s being going through a bit of an identity crisis, since he met Naruto. Sasuke has something like a split personality here. One persona is him being the way he used to be before his clan’s massacre, the nicer side, though it’s toned down a lot since then. It’s the normal ninja man, who wants to love and have a family, such like. This is usually overshadowed by the darkness in him. He’s an avenger or he sees himself as one. It’s his other persona. This part of him never lets him accept things or love anyone, even when pushed aside; it tends to come back…stronger than before. He’s on this relentless quest to find someone (this’ll be out in the later chapters…) and can’t stop until he does. Pure and simple obsession. You’ll be meeting both sides…he can’t choose and I can’t make him choose…plus you won’t like this alter-ego very much. So the Sasuke you’ll see is going to be switching from broody and distant, to nice, caring and pervy. Sorry about it, but you’ll have to see how it goes.

This is a story about a marriage evolving into a happy one. So it won’t be happy right off the bat… they’re going to have problems…after all Sasuke’s not perfectly sane!! But there will be a happy ending ok?

Chapter 4: Changing Sasuke

For Naruto, Tuesday came all too fast. After that chaste kiss the other day, Sasuke had almost avoided physical contact with him all the time. The lunch they’d had at his home had been very formal. Yeah Sasuke had been nice to his family, but he’d just received clipped answers. And they were getting engaged at nine in the morning tomorrow….and that was about four hours away.

Naruto sighed. Ok, he did care for Sasuke. He cared a lot. But caring was not love… given the right kind of time and situation…and effort, it could turn into love. But Sasuke was like a pendulum…sometimes he was stoic and distant…other times he was silent, sweet and caring- not to mention perverted! Naruto couldn’t make up his mind about the man’s character at all…he couldn’t get who and what Sasuke was.

Come to think of it, Naruto himself couldn’t figure out his feelings for Sasuke. Coming back to the point that he cared, apart from which he wasn’t sure of anything else. And even though in a moment of giddy-headedness and because Sasuke was being so sweet he’d said he’d give it a try, he didn’t feel like right now. Forget the fact that he was going to be engaged whether he liked it or not, it didn’t feel right…he needed to get to know Sasuke better. He knew what he was going through were just crush symptoms…he could list them all; fluttery feelings when he saw Sasuke, hurt ones at being ignored, curiosity about Sasuke’s life, blushing when their eyes met and then the stupid warmth he felt when Sasuke was around. Naruto wasn’t stupid, the same thing had happened when he’d crushed on Taki the hot springs guy that his grandpa loved teasing him about. So it wasn’t love. For some reason, love meant everything to Naruto. He’d grown hoping that he would fall in love, get married, have children…when he was young it was a girl he’d fantasized about, then it was a guy. But it was definitely wasn’t someone like Sasuke. He couldn’t believe he’d be giving up his virginity to someone like Sasuke… someone who wouldn’t care for it or about it. He knew that Sasuke and Itachi were eager to have children; they needed to rebuild their clan after all. And even if Sasuke’s children did take up the Uzumaki name, they’d still be Uchiha’s too.

Naruto headed to the dining room to get some dinner. His grandma had made all the things Naruto liked, it was her way of telling him she cared and that things would be all right. And as he took his seat at the table, Naruto fervently wished that things would be all right and that he wouldn’t just be a baby machine to Sasuke.

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Who am I? Sasuke asked himself. Now that the time had come for the engagement to actually happen, he was really nervous. Why did I agree to this? I care about Naruto, but is it only because I think he would be a good person to have my kids? The Uzumaki family line is very strong after all…my children will be some of the strongest ninja in Konoha. But is that really why I’d marry?

But that was only his conscience… the gang leader, forbidden scroll trader and avenger in him piped up, once his conscience finished talking. I need someone strong and able to carry and bear my children. That’s all the Uzumaki boy is to me. I am an avenger, I need to meet my goal and to fall for the boy or begin to depend on him, will bring me down, he’ll only be a burden. It’s enough that I care about what happens to him. If he marries me, he’ll be a part of my family and I will care for him…it’s enough. Marriages don’t need love... as long as we care enough about each other to keep each other from danger. I’ll never fall in love with him. If I love, then I’ll have to trust and if I trust I’ll lose a part of myself to him!

Sasuke sat up. It was time to get dressed. “This is what my family chose for me. I care and that’s enough.” He refused to think about the warm fuzzy feelings that looking at Naruto gave him. Uchiha Sasuke didn’t crush on anyone…he knew he’d been giving into his feelings (he just thought of them as hormones) a little too much. Whenever he was around the blond, it unsettled him, he couldn’t be the person he used to be and he couldn’t get used to the person he feared the blond would make of him. Now was the time to choose and he chose the avenger. If he let his guard down, Itachi would know… and Itachi would stop him.

There was a knock on his door and Itachi poked his head in carrying a tray of onigiri for his breakfast. “Hey, its time to get dressed. Are you sure this is ok with you?”

Sasuke nodded. “I can’t get out of it anyway. I care about Naruto.” He went to get his kimono out. Behind him Itachi stared at him for a moment before attempting to give out more brotherly advice.

“Sometimes caring isn’t enough, otouto…are you sure about this, maybe Kakashi and I can still find some loophole in the contract.” Itachi’s brows had furrowed and a hint of concern was present in his eyes.

Sasuke wondered why his brother was being so persistent. “I’m fine, Itachi. I wouldn’t have agreed to this otherwise.” Well I’m not but it’s not your business. Sasuke finished pulling on his kimono. He let his brother help him with it as he continued. “I care for Naruto…. If you haven’t noticed I don’t care for anyone to easily. I’m sure we can manage…”

That’s not what marriage is about…but Itachi kept it to himself and finished tying the kimono. Then he went out, leaving Sasuke to finish up by himself. I just hope you know what you’re doing otouto…

Inside Sasuke did his hair, his brother’s words going on over and over in his head. He wished they would stop…. It seemed like he was getting a headache. “It’s enough that I care, dammit!”

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They faced each other. Sasuke and Itachi stood up, and bowed, presenting their gifts to the Uzumaki’s. The gifts consisted of numerous things…sake, money, beautiful red silk material (since Itachi remembered that Naruto had been wearing red the day they had met with the family), a set of Shuriken engraved with the Uzumaki-Uchiha crest as well as a naginata engraved with the same. A Shinto priest from the Capital city of the fire country presided over the ceremony, he asked Yondaime to step up with Naruto to accept the gifts. The Yondaime and Naruto bowed and accept the gifts with murmurs of thanks, before settling down again, waiting for the priest to indicate that they should offer their gifts. When the priest did so, Yondaime and Naruto stood up, bowing while they presented their gifts. These were beautiful blue silk cloth, sake, money and a katana with a beautiful moon-rise hilt. The gifts had to be of the same value and the katana’s value was that of the shuriken and naginata combined. The Uchiha’s rose to accept them and then sat down again.

The engagement ceremony was almost done; the only thing that was left was for the rings to be exchanged and the date of the marriage to be set. The Shinto priest looked at them somberly. “You may exchange your rings, only if you are completely sure that you want each other as your mate for the rest of your lives.” He stressed on the rest of your lives, making sure the two boys heard it clearly. Everyone held their breaths.

Black eyes met Blue and Naruto understood; he had to make the first move here. “Yes, I’m sure.” He murmured softly, but it seemed like his voice echoed through the pin drop silence. He lifted the delicate looking thin silver band and glanced at Sasuke, a slight blush covering his cheeks waiting for the raven to offer his hand. Seeing the pale hand stretched out towards him, he took it with his own, slipping the ring on with trembling fingers, fighting the urge to bite his lip in doubt. Then Sasuke gave his own acquiescence and took the proffered hand, locking his eyes with Naruto’s, he slipped on the silver ring as he read the doubt and slight fear in the other’s eyes. Everyone exhaled, some in relief and some in chagrin.

Naruto’s friends weren’t looking to happy with the whole thing, a look Shikamaru directed at Sasuke, told the raven he was going to have to meet the whole bunch later on…they were sure to question him and his motives. He looked at his new fiancée and found that Naruto was looking at someone in happy surprise. Sasuke turned to see Gaara, who smiled a bit at Naruto, a questioning gaze was directed his way, by his only friend. Sasuke nodded, conveying that they would talk later.

The Yondaime cleared his throat, garnering everyone’s attention. “The council, priest and I have decided that the Uzumaki-Uchiha marriage will take place in three weeks time on the twentieth of September. All are invited and your invitations will be sent out in due time. You may now congratulate the couple!”

At once they were surrounded by the family and friends, congratulating them, patting them on their backs. Naruto hardly noticed this, he was now scared, he hadn’t expected the wedding to be three weeks away. He tried to see if Sasuke was feeling the same doubt, but the raven was stoic as usual, accepting the congratulations very graciously, but no smile was present on the face. Then everyone was given some sweets and sake, after which they left, the couple and their families for lunch. Lunch was to be served at the Uchiha mansion, so everyone migrated there. Sasuke looked resplendent in his silver kimono…but again he didn’t give Naruto much attention. The blond was feeling angry now and hurt, but he put on a blinding smile. He didn’t want his father or grandparents to know.

“Our Naruto looks so grown up! That pale orange suits you kid!” Tsunade smiled and ruffled his hair. Naruto smiled back.

“Yeah, just goes to show how old you must be getting. You’ll need a walking stick next baa-chan!”

Tsunade’s smile slipped off her face, but Itachi led her away before she could murder her grandson. Since she was placed next to Jiraiya at the far end of the table she couldn’t even reach him. Lunch passed pretty well, Arashi and Jiraiya getting really drunk and having to be placed in one of the bedrooms after they keeled over. Though Naruto felt like rushing to his granny and talking to her about his doubts, he held it in. they were all so happy, he couldn’t bring himself to disappoint them. And well, it was Sasuke…how bad could it be?

They found themselves alone, after Tsunade had led Itachi off to teach him some healing jutsu’s and Arashi and Jiraiya were still wasted. The couple headed to the sitting room, lounging bout, waiting for the rest to come and get them. Naruto hated the silence as usual. “So it’s finally done…”

Sasuke looked up. “Yes. You have doubts dobe?”

“Of course I have doubts! You…you’re just being so…so distant and cold. Is this how it’s going to be all through our marriage? I don’t like it, one minute you’re ignoring me and the next minute you’re being sweet. Decide whether you want to ignore me or not. I’m feeling uneasy…” Naruto blurted.

Sasuke blinked, his only sign of surprise. Then he smirked. “It will be comfortable, dobe. I’ll make sure you have everything you need. We’ll go on a few missions together, we’ll be…friends…like you want us to be, then we’ll have children. I expect children, dobe… so we’ll have to be friends with benefits. We care about each other. What else is there?”

Naruto grimaced and then stood up. “I hope you’ll excuse me Uchiha-san, I need to go meet Kazekage-sama now. I did promise him that I’d say hello.” Remembering his manners Naruto smiled and offered though he didn’t want to. “Would you like to join me?”

Did I offend him? He honestly can’t expect anything from me can he? He didn’t take that kiss as a sign did he? Now he’s shut himself off…I’m not supposed to care…my goal…that’s all I have to think about. Naruto’s all ready mine…just think of the goal Sasuke! I WILL NOT FALL FOR HIM. Sasuke stood, dusting off his kimono. “Yes, I might join you. But, dobe, don’t you want to change first? I mean you are looking nice and all, but it’s going to be really uncomfortable…”

Naruto nodded and disappeared into his room. “I’ll send other clothes Uchiha-san. Please wait here.”

Sasuke watched him go with a sigh…Itachi suddenly entered the room and locked it. Turning around he looked seriously at Sasuke. “Listen I want to have a talk with you.” Sasuke nodded and the brother’s sat down, making themselves comfortable.

“I’m sorry, but I heard your talk with Naruto. You’re doing this wrong Sasuke. I don’t what your goal…I know you have one, you’re acting like you did when you were five and wanted to buy those custom made kunai…but you aren’t close it, yet. You’re getting married for God’s sake! Stop treating this like a mission! You have no idea about Naruto's past and you’re not even making an effort. You’re acting like he’s a new toy you’ve got…he’s a person, Sasuke…another human being. He needs love and happiness, deserves it more than most people…the least you could do is try to give him that!” Itachi frowned; he hadn’t talked this much at a stretch in a long time.

“I know you like him…I can see that you like and if you let yourself you’ll love him. Stop trying to deny it, or one day it’ll be too late. You can still achieve your goal. It doesn’t have to be your goal or your love…it can be both. When you find what you’re searching for, you can just tell Naruto and go for it. He won’t stand in your way!” Itachi stopped now…he’d said everything he wanted to and if the way Sasuke was looking at him was any indicator, his little brother was truly astonished. Itachi smiled a real smile and ruffled Sasuke’s head. “Think on it.”

He left and there was a knock on the door. The Izumo appeared, with the clothes that Naruto had sent. They were a little larger than Naruto's size and Sasuke wondered who they’d belonged to. It was a simple white T-shirt with a red spider on it and blue jeans. He changed and then went to meet Naruto at the foot of the stairs. The blond stood their dressed in an orange hoodie and blue jeans.

Sasuke couldn’t help but think about what Itachi had said when he looked at the sadness on the blond’s face…he looked resigned to it. Sasuke had this strange feeling…it hurt a bit. He reached a hand out to ruffle the blond’s hair, like Itachi had done…he didn’t know much about comforting gestures…so he had to copy the ones his brother used on him.

“Hey, dobe…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so careless about this. If you have doubts let’s take things a little slowly ok? Get to know each other first…properly.” Sasuke said, trying to sound a bit softer than his normal ‘I don’t give shit’ tone.

Naruto's face brightened at once; there was a glow in his eyes, making them seem a brighter blue than usual and a very light flush stained his cheeks when he smiled up at Sasuke. Sasuke wondered why he wasn’t blinded by that beaming smile…realizing he wanted to see that genuine hundred watt smile again.

“Thanks Sasuke…I’d like that. It’s…nice to know you care.” The blond said shyly. Sasuke resisted the urge to give him another kiss, for not yelling or getting mad. A lot of people did that when he apologized…they tried to draw it out and that pissed him off.

They walked down to the guest house where Gaara was staying. It was like a mini hotel with beautiful baths and lots of land to spar or ride in. the Kazekage was standing in the porch at the back, gazing at the sun which was setting…it looked like it was setting into the lake. He turned around when he heard footsteps and fell as Naruto glomped him. The blond sat on his middle and smiled down at him in happiness.

Sasuke watched him, Naruto looked so pure and sweet, smiling at Gaara like a little kid getting candy. It contrasted with the look he’d sported at the foot of the stairs and what Itachi had told him about the boy’s past. No one with a horrible past could look this happy.

“Hey Gaara! I missed you! It’s been ages! How have you been huh? You’re looking really hot!” the blond blabbered happily; completely oblivious to the look Sasuke was giving him.

A part of Sasuke was smiling at how kiddish his fiancé could be, while another part was growling that Naruto was his and that he should go pull him off Gaara right now. Gaara noticed the two warring emotions on Sasuke’s face and hastened to stand up, letting Naruto slide to the floor. “Naruto…I met you last month, while you spent a day at Suna, remember. It hasn’t been that long. Whereas, I haven’t seen Uchiha in two years. Hello Uchiha!”

Sasuke nodded. “Sabaku…where have you been all this while, eh? Forgot about me the moment I left, didn’t you?”

“Quite the contrary. But first I was too busy to visit and then when I did have time…both times, you’re fiancé here visited and I had to entertain him.” Gaara reached over and tweaked Naruto's nose. The blond frowned and glared at him, rubbing his nose.

Sasuke took a seat on one of the cane chairs. “So…how do you guys know each other?”

Gaara glanced at Naruto…a meaningful glance. Naruto's gaze shifted to the ground a tiny bit, before shifting back to Gaara’s. He gave a little nod. Sasuke noticed every single muscle of the blond’s stood out with tension, though the blond was trying to mask it by keeping his face blank, eyes staring only at Gaara.

“Well, Uchiha…Naruto is like me. We’re both jinchuuriki, so his grandparents brought him to Suna to see if I’d help him train. We were both in the same boat…that’s how I became Kazekage. Naruto's influence you could call it. He’s wanted to be Hokage for really long.” Gaara informed him, also taking a seat. “Naruto hosts Kyuubi.”

Sasuke’s eyes widened. Kyuubi was the demon fox that had attacked Konoha. He’d heard the legend that Sandaime and Yondaime had fought it; to seal it into a boy…the Sandaime had lost his life in doing so. He hadn’t known that it was Naruto who was the host. No wonder he was able to reproduce…was that what his past was about? He looked up to see Naruto staring at him searchingly. The blond’s eyes had darkened, a hint of fear in them… and once more there was resignation to whatever may come.

Then Sasuke realized that the blond was waiting for him to react…Naruto was scared about being spurned by him. He took a deep breath and held out a hand to Naruto, glad that only Gaara was there to watch them. Naruto hesitated looking at the hand, before coming forwards and grasping his. Sasuke yanked him onto his lap.

“So I’m marrying a jinchuuriki…how fun! I’d always wanted to have someone really different as my wife…my luck must be in.” Sasuke smirked. He hoped it would work…though somewhere he wished that Itachi had never spoken to him…this trying to make an effort thing was so tiring; he seemed to be noticing every one of Naruto's expressions.

“What do you man wife, you bastard”

“You’re the one having the kids….I meant just that…wife.” Sasuke’s smirked deepened, causing the blond’s eyes to grow wide. This led to a small tantrum which involved Naruto trying to beat Sasuke with a table and Gaara having to step in. the blond huffed and went home, though he’d given Sasuke a grateful look and a small smile before he did so.

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He’d finished his talk with Gaara. The red head hadn’t asked too many questions. Now he was heading home, when suddenly he found people blocking his way. Sasuke frowned, turning his glare up two notches when he saw who they were.

Shikamaru wasn’t fazed by the ice daggers shooting out of the Uchiha’s glare. He mentally dodged each one of them as he looked at Sasuke. “We need to talk Uchiha.” The rest of he gang crowded closer, heir looks daring Sasuke to try anything.

Sasuke just shrugged. “Lead the way…and make it quick, I need to get some sleep instead of waste my time with you guys.”

They went to pub close by. It was amusing to an extent…they all glared at Sasuke and he glared back. The glaring match continued as did the battle of fiery gazes with icy ones. Finally, Kiba spoke up, getting tired of glaring.

“Look, we just want to know. What do you want with Naruto? You’ve never been interested in marriage…are you doing this because it’s been forced on you?”

Sasuke sighed. “I’m going to say this once, so listen. I don’t like repeating myself. I really care about Naruto…I think he’s the perfect person for me to marry. I don’t claim to love him…yet. I’m sick of the way you’ve been acting all week, so please, do me a favour and lay off. This is our marriage and our problem…I don’t care how worried you are…stay out of it.” His eyes glinted in the dark.

They stared at him some more and then finally, Hinata got up and left. Neji, ever vigilant about his cousin, left too. Then Kiba, followed by Ino and Chouji. Sakura and Lee disappeared, leaving just Shikamaru. The genius stretched. “Good, we cleared that up. This is so troublesome. Better get some sleep Uchiha…you look dreadful.” And then he was gone too.

Sasuke realized they left the bill of heir sake for him to pay and cursed. Pulling out his cash, he stunned everyone around him with his aura of death. It was really late when he got home and he was thankful for his bed. He Uchiha was asleep in minutes, dreams of one gorgeous blond with a thousand watt smile, flicking in and out of his conscience.

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A/N: ok, this is done too! Yay! Now I’m going to go write my pych practical recoding. Feel like doing something neat. Ja ne! please review like you did for the last chapter. Did you see? I did work loads faster…so here’s the formula.

More reviews Faster Updates.

Itachi: Ok, get to bed, Einstein…I’m sleepy. Turn the lights off will you.

Taka Einstein rushes to bed and jumps in next to Itachi. I have to go…he gets sooo mad if I spend too much time talking to you! Ja ne!

Taka