For Better Or Worse

Disclaimer – I don’t own Naruto nor am I making any money off these writings.

Warning – Boyxboy relationships, foul language, ooc characters and basically anything more you can think of. Be prepared for anything.

Beta’d – Not beta’d yet so please forgive any mistakes.

AN – Hah, not four months between updates this time. This time, Naruto moves in to the mansion and Aiko gets to come home. Thank you so much for all your kind reviews, it’s what keeps me going. Now without further ado…


Please enjoy!

For Better Or Worse

“Blah” =speech

“Blah” =thoughts

Chapter 5.


“Iruka would you please stop with the deep sighs and your eye rolling, you have made your opinion more than clear.” Naruto snapped as he stuffed clothes into the blue duffel bag that was placed on the bed of Iruka’s guestroom. The blond turned around to look at his uncle who was standing in the doorway watching his nephew back with a forlorn look on his face.


“I just want to know if you have thought this through.” Iruka said as he ran a hand through his soft chocolate brown hair that was down from its usual ponytail. “I mean only days ago Sasuke betrayed you, I held you as you cried and now you’re moving back in with him. I don’t think you’re making the wisest choice here, I care about you and I don’t want to see you get hurt anymore than you already have.”


Naruto paused from folding a green sweater and turned to Iruka, his irritation slowly fading as he heard the honest concern in his uncle’s voice. He needed to make the older man understand. “This is not about Sasuke and I’m not moving back in with him, well not really anyway. You should have seen Itachi, he’s a wreck and I don’t know what I or Sasuke can do to make things better for him other than be there to help and give him time. And this small precious baby girl…When I went to see her at the hospital she hadn’t been held since being born, I cannot not help after holding that small human being in my arms. She’s innocent and deserves to be loved, if I can help her then I damned well will. Please Ruka; this is something I need to do. Sasuke and I are over but the Uchiha’s are still a part of my family and right now we’re all hurting.”


Iruka looked over at his pleading nephew and wondered when the ditsy child he used to know had grown into the man he saw before him. The brunet crossed the distance between them and wrapped Naruto in a tight hug. “You are too kind for your own good, I do understand why you’re doing this and you’ll have my support every step of the way. You can always call me, day or night if you need any help or if you just feel like talking.” Iruka took the now crumpled sweater from Naruto’s hands and refolded it neatly before placing it in the duffel bag. “Just be sure to not let anyone in that manor take advantage of your kindness.”


“Yes Ruka…You know I’m not quite as stupid as you might think.” Naruto replied and Iruka looked horrified at his statement.


“I don’t think you’re stupid at all! I’m just protective of my family that’s all.”


Naruto smiled at his sputtering uncle and hugged him again. “I know and I do appreciate it. So when is Asuma coming over?” The blond asked in an attempt to steer the conversation away from himself and his decision to help the Uchiha’s.


Iruka blushed lightly at the mentioning of his lover’s name and Naruto couldn’t help but find that adorable. He wanted a love like that too and up until last weekend he actually thought that he had that. Naruto knew that Iruka and Asuma’s relationship was far from perfect but the love and the devotion the two men had for each other despite all their obstacles was worth envying. Naruto cocked his head as he waited for Iruka’s answer.


“He should be here any minute now,” Iruka said, his blush deepening. “Are you sure you don’t want us to drive you to the Uchiha’s with your stuff before you go to the hospital to pick up the baby?”


“Yeah I’m sure. Kiba has promised to drive me to the mansion and then I guess I’ll be going with Itachi and Sasuke to pick up Ai-Chan.” Naruto replied as he closed the zipper on his bag and placed it on the floor. “Is it alright that I leave most of my stuff here, this living situation at the mansion is just temporary after all. As soon as aunt Mikoto, Fugaku and my parents make it home I’m out of there.”


“Of course you can keep your things here, you’re welcome to stay as long as you want, you know that.”


Both men startled when they heard a key in the lock and a slow dazzling smile spread over Iruka’s face as he hurried down to greet his love. Naruto watched his uncle hurry down the stairs in amusement but again he felt that little twinge of jealousy to have a love like that. After a quick glance at his wrist watch, Naruto fished out his cell phone from the pocket of his denims and called Kiba. The dog-lover was running late.


“Where are you?” Naruto said the second Inuzuka answered his phone.


“Relax, will you,” Kiba replied in an easygoing voice. “We’re coming down your street now so go get ready.”


Naruto quirked a blond eyebrow. “We?” He asked.


“Yeah, me, Sai and…you remember cute polo shirt guy from the club? Shino is with me today, you don’t mind do you?”


To be honest Naruto didn’t remember much from the club besides seeing Sasuke with his tongue down Gaara’s throat but if Kiba had found someone that made him happy after the breakup with Ino than the blond was all for it. “Of course I don’t mind, I just didn’t realize it took three people to drive me to the Uchiha’s.” Naruto said as he grabbed his bag and jogged down the stairs, phone clutched between neck and ear. The blond walked into the living room and waved goodbye to his uncle who waved back from his seat on Asuma’s lap and then Naruto made his way to the front door.


“Think of us as your reinforcement,” Kiba said at the same time as Naruto saw the Inuzuka’s old beat up Saab come huffing down the street. “Besides I want to see if the bastard’s nose still swollen from the punch I threw at him.” Kiba cackled.


Naruto rolled his eyes and snapped his phone shut as he walked towards the car, if this was Kiba’s mood then it would be a long drive.


oo—oo—oo


Sasuke looked at his watch for what felt like the millionth time as he estimated how much time he had before Naruto got there. Of course Sasuke felt horrible for all that had happened but he still couldn’t help but think that this would be the perfect opportunity to win his blond back. Sasuke’s world was empty and black without Naruto in it and Sasuke would do anything to get him back, even take advantage of this sad situation.


The younger Uchiha had been up all night watching over Itachi, his older brother was a mess and it hurt Sasuke to see his usually controlled and poised brother like that. Right now Itachi had locked himself inside his home office with a bottle of whiskey and Sasuke had no idea how to reach him. He understood that Itachi was grieving but this total breakdown seemed to have more behind it than that and the fact that he wouldn’t even look at his daughter had Sasuke puzzled. Sasuke couldn’t wait for Naruto to get there since he was the only one so far who had gotten Itachi to speak at all, even if it was just nonsense about being death but at least he had said something else besides shouting that he wanted to be left alone.


For now Sasuke had left Itachi alone with his booze, he’d made sure that there was nothing in the office that Itachi could hurt himself with. Sasuke truly did love his brother but it was so frustrating that Itachi wouldn’t even talk to him, Sasuke was hurting too and he’d hoped that he and Itachi could lean on each other but it didn’t look like that would happen. When he’d seen Naruto at the hospital all he’d wanted to do was to step into the blonds’ warm, safe arms and cry his eyes out but he himself had seen to it that that wasn’t possible anymore. He still couldn’t believe that he’d betrayed Naruto but Gaara had been like a drug in his system, and every time he was with the redhead he’d sworn that it was the last but he still couldn’t help himself from going back again and again.


Sasuke shook his head to get rid of the depressive thoughts and continued on with his mission. He knew that Naruto found the rooms of the mansion dark and dreary so he’d taken it upon himself to redo the room Naruto would stay in. The navy blue bedcover had been switched to one that was bright orange, the curtains were changed from dark blue velvet to white linen and Sasuke had dragged a red wingback chair into the room and placed it in front of the fireplace. The hardwood floor was covered by a striped, home-woven carpet in blues and greens. Sasuke wanted Naruto to feel at home, to be comfortable while he was here. He wanted Naruto to be comfortable enough to never want to leave.


After another impatient glance at his watch Sasuke looked around the now brightened room before running a hand through his inky locks, winching slightly as his arm graced his bruised face and he cursed the dog-lover under his breath. He knew that he’d deserved that punch and more but did Kiba really have to go for the face? With one last look around Naruto’s room Sasuke stepped out of it and closed the door behind him. He both longed for and dreaded to see Naruto again, Sasuke knew that having the blond so close by and not being allowed to kiss or touch him would be torture but he would certainly do everything in his power to earn the right to call Naruto his again while the blond was here. Sasuke didn’t care if he had to play dirty, he needed the blond and he would get him back.


As the younger Uchiha walked towards the sitting room to wait there he heard the sound of tires on the gravel covered road that led up to the house. Goose-bumps broke out on his skin in anticipation as he walked to the entrance to greet Naruto.


Sasuke opened the front door and shied away a bit as he was suddenly face to face with Kiba. The wild brunette looked at Sasuke’s nose in satisfaction before glaring at the raven and walking right past him without sparing him a word. The next one through the door was Sai, the black haired man was quieter and more somber than Sasuke had ever seen him and although he touched Sasuke’s shoulder comfortingly he didn’t say anything either as he walked by him carrying Naruto’s bag. Sasuke’s eyes were glued to Naruto as he struggled up the stairs carrying some weird looking large basket.


“What’s this Dobe, planning a picnic?” Sasuke asked with raised eyebrows.


“Bite me bastard, it’s a bassinette for Ai-chan. I slept in this when I was a baby,” Naruto said as he stroked the bassinette lovingly. “I went home and got it, mom saves everything and I thought Aiko might need it.”


Sasuke felt a warm feeling in his chest as he heard the Naruto’s honest response, and the fact that he had gone out of his way to find this bassinette thing and bring it here showed how much he cared. ‘My blond has always been caring to a fault.’ Sasuke thought and cringed when he remembered that Naruto wasn’t his anymore. “You do realize that Aiko will have a whole nursery filled with all the things she could possibly need don’t you?”


Naruto glared at Sasuke and hugged the bassinette protectively. “Yes I’m sure she’ll have the best that money can buy but this has been used, it’s loved and I still think that Ai-chan will need that now.” He said stubbornly as he walked past Sasuke and placed the worn bassinette with its faded green fabric lining on a low table in the entrance hall. “Will I be sleeping in my usual room?” Naruto asked as he turned to watch Sasuke intently.


Sasuke was about to close the front door when he saw another person still left in Kiba’s car. “Who’s that?” He asked and nodded towards Kiba’s brown Saab.


“That’s Shino, he’s here with Kiba. He doesn’t talk much but he seems nice, he wanted to wait in the car. Now about the room.” Naruto tapped his sneaker clad foot against the black and white marble floor; he was clearly in a hurry to get away from being alone with Sasuke.


“Yes you have your usual room and I have no doubt that Sai and Kiba are in it already.” Sasuke said and watched how Naruto hurried away from him before he’d even finished the sentence. Seeing Naruto so distant towards him hurt more than he liked to admit.


Naruto stared at the brightly colored room with wide eyes and slack jaw. He’d always felt like someone unworthy in the dark stuffy rooms but this…This felt happy and homely and even though he resented Sasuke he still got a warm feeling in his stomach at the thought of Sasuke taking the time to change his room into something he would be able to feel at home in.


“Will you be alright here with the Uchiha’s?” Kiba asked, he was eager to get back to Shino but he wanted to make sure Naruto was okay first.


“Yeah I’ll be fine, you two should go. I’m sure you’re eager to get back to Kakashi too now that he’s finally back.” Naruto smiled at his two best friends, a couple of years ago he would have never believed that he would become such good friends with Sai but now the artist was one of his most precious people. Both Kiba and Sai gave the blond a hug before they left, again glaring at Sasuke as they passed him on their way out. Naruto unpacked his bag quickly and then went to find Sasuke. They were expected at the hospital shortly.


“Thank you for the room.” Naruto looked down at his own feet as he spoke and avoided eye contact with the raven.


Sasuke’s cold eyes grew warm and a small smile graced his lips. “You’re very welcome.”


oo—oo—oo


Naruto cooed at Aiko as she sat in the newly purchased car seat in the backseat of the black SUV Sasuke was driving. Naruto was also in the backseat to watch over the little princess. “You’re going home, yes you are,” He caressed Aiko’s head covered in a thin pink cap. “No more nasty hospital for you, no siree.” The blond smiled at the baby who watched him with unfocused dark eyes.


Sasuke looked at the blond in the rear view mirror as he listened to Naruto’s babble. How could the blond be so comfortable around the baby? People that small scared the shit out of Sasuke and he was afraid of even touching Aiko, what if he broke her?


The trip to the hospital had been without drama and Aiko had been released into their care without questions. Naruto couldn’t help but wonder if things would have gone as smoothly if Sasuke as well as Aiko’s last name hadn’t been Uchiha. The blond had been disappointed that Itachi didn’t come with them to get his daughter. Naruto had barged into Itachi’s study, poured out what little whiskey that was left in the bottle and had pleaded, threatened and tried to bribe the elder Uchiha to come with them but he’d still refused with his head in his hands muttering about death.


If Itachi didn’t snap out of this soon Naruto would slap him. He understood Itachi’s pain but the man had a beautiful baby girl that needed her daddy and Naruto would make him see that.


Sasuke parked right in front of the main entrance and Naruto gingerly unbuckled Aiko and picked her up. The tiny body tensed as they got out of the car and into the sunlight, Naruto rocked her gently and shielded her from the sharp light as they walked inside. “Look princess, this is your home…Your very own castle.” Naruto whispered against her soft ear. Sasuke held the door open as Naruto carried the baby inside. “Welcome home Ai-chan.”


When they had finished unpacking and organizing all of Aiko’s things it was about time to make dinner. They headed to the kitchen which was one of the few rooms in the mansion that Naruto really liked. It was big and efficient but still warm and homely. The countertops were glistening granite and the appliances stainless steel. The cupboards as well as the large table in the middle of the room was made of oak and the brown wood made Naruto think of his childhood and all the meals he’d shared with Sasuke here. It made him sad to think about the fact that that era of his life was over now.


Sasuke and Naruto prepared the meal in ease and it was a bit scary to Naruto how well they still could read each other and compliment one and other, both knew what the other wanted before they even had a chance to voice their request. Aiko was soundly asleep in the bassinette which Naruto had placed in a corner of the kitchen so that he could keep an eye on her; he didn’t feel safe letting her out of his sight.


Both men made an effort to be civil and pleasant with each other as they buzzed around the kitchen. Naruto had forgotten how easy Sasuke was to talk to and how amusing the raven’s sharp tongue could be when it wasn’t directed at you. He realized that they hadn’t talked like this for a long time, way before Naruto discovered the Uchiha’s side activities and he also realized that this was one of the things he missed most about Sasuke. The closeness and knowing that you had someone to talk to and who actually listened, no matter how small and insignificant the subject might be.


The dinner was pleasant and the food tasty. When they were finished and had cleared away any mess they’d made, Naruto took a plate up to Itachi who ignored his presence completely. Naruto sighed as he left the distraught Uchiha alone with his thoughts. Tomorrow he would bring Aiko to him and make him meet his daughter. Naruto was certain that when Itachi finally saw her things would turn around. The blond walked back to the kitchen and grabbed Ai-Chan’s bassinette, he’d decided that since it was the first night here for both Aiko and himself he would keep her in his own room for the night. He was terrified that something would happen to the baby if he left her alone, even for a little while.


The blond said goodnight to Sasuke who was loading the last of the dishes into the dishwasher and gave the raven a real, honest bright smile before he left. Tonight had been a good night and it had given Naruto hope that he and Sasuke might at least become friends again eventually.


oo—oo—oo


Naruto was woken in the middle of the night by a cranky Aiko, a quick glance at the watch showed that it was two thirty am and he realized that the baby was probably hungry. He cooed at her and picked her up to go to the kitchen and get her bottle ready. As he got ready to leave he heard a sound coming from Sasuke’s room and he figured that either the raven was in the mood for a midnight snack or Ai-Chan had woken him too. Naruto actually looked forward to seeing Sasuke again; maybe they could continue their talk while he fed Ai-Chan.


Naruto opened his door quietly and walked down the hallway, carrying Aiko against his shoulder. As he came to the bend in the corridor he heard Sasuke’s door open and got ready to greet the Uchiha.


To the blonds surprise it wasn’t Sasuke that stepped out of his room, to go for a snack or look in on him and Ai-Chan. Naruto had no problem recognizing the person that did step out by the person’s deep red hair that seemed to glow in the dim lighting. It was Gaara…


AN - Another chapter down. What was Gaara doing in Sasuke’s room in the middle of the night and what will this mean for our boys? Will Itachi accept Aiko when Naruto brings her to meet her father? Please let me know what you think. Thank you for reading and please review.