All the Small Things

Disclaimer: Not ours. Bummer.
Summary: Life in the ER is hectic. Lives hang in the balance, tempers rise and emotions abound. Dr. Uchiha and Dr. Uzumaki deal with the tensions at work every day. And then they go home and deal with their own relationship. SasuNaru
Written by: Phantomsnow and michelerene (ff)/ lexjamandme (aff)


All the small Things
Chapter 8

Naruto smiled when the alarm went off, the images of yesterday flashing through his mind. Sasuke taking care of him, sleeping, leaving their old home, resting, preparing their new home, napping, welcoming their children…

Naruto sat straight up, throwing his legs over the side of the bed before shoving his feet into his orange slippers and walking quickly down the hall. He pushed open the door soundlessly and leaned against the frame, the sliver of light illuminating the room’s small sleeping occupants. Naruto listened to their sweet breaths before closing the door again and heading toward the bathroom.

Standing in the shower, he took inventory on how he felt. He had the weird cloudy feeling one gets after sleeping away most of the day before, but beyond that he felt fine. He could definitely handle work. Turning off the shower, he stepped out, grabbing a towel as he headed to the bedroom, donning his green work scrubs and running lazy fingers through his damp blonde spikes. Some might call it messy, Naruto preferred the term ‘low maintenance’.

After getting himself ready, he headed to the kitchen, grabbing himself a breakfast muffin and filling two sippy cups with milk. He quickly made sure he had everything the twins would need throughout the day in their daycare bag, which resembled a small duffle bag in Naruto’s opinion, and headed into the twins’ room.

He walked over the Yoshi’s bed, pulling back the covers and lifting the boy into his arms. Next, he headed to Yuri’s bed and lifted her as well before he settled them all into the rocking chair. He whispered ‘good morning’ and nuzzled midnight black heads until sleepy blue eyes opened to meet his own. Yoshi stretched, his whole body straightening, before curling in again against Naruto’s warmth while Yuri toyed with the hair that curled around Naruto’s ear.

“Okay, chibis, it’s time to get dressed. Today you get to come to the hospital where Daddy and I work and play with the other children.”

Yuri shook her head and frowned, “I don’t want to be there long time…”

Naruto kissed her nose, “No, you won’t be. Not like before. You will only be there as long as Daddy and I are at work. Then we will all go home together. Sound good?”

The twins nodded and Naruto began tickling them, loving their little laughs and squirms as they got ready for their first day as a family.

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Naruto had checked three times to make sure he had everything. He had buckled in the twins, checking three times that they were secure. As he shut the door, making sure he had the child safety lock engaged… again, he wondered if parenthood was making him develop obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

He opened his door and climbed in the front seat. As he was shutting the door and pulling on his own seatbelt he looked at the steering wheel, a huge smile coming to his face.

Stuck to the middle of the wheel was a bright orange sticky note that simply said one word.

‘Dobe’.

Pulling it off, Naruto put the note into the chest pocket of his scrubs before whispering, “Love you too, bastard.”

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The twins did remarkably well when they finally made it to the third story daycare. The room was very similar to the playroom in pediatrics so they weren’t overwhelmed. Naruto promised to check on them throughout the day and that he would ask their daddy to as well.

After kissing them goodbye and making sure for the third time… OCD rears its ugly head… that the center had all their information correct, Naruto headed downstairs to find Sasuke. Naruto knew the teme was probably sleeping, having not seen him when he had come through the ER with the twins. All the doctors and nurses looked beat, so Naruto knew it had been a busy night.

Quietly pushing open the door to the staff sleeping quarters, Naruto walked to the only taken bed, finding his teme asleep. Naruto fell softly to his knees and looked the dark haired man over. He had worry lines across his face and his lips barely moved, soundless words trying to escape his dreams.

“Shhhh… S’uke. You’re okay,” Naruto whispered leaning in to kiss the furrowed brow. Sasuke looked so innocent and fragile. It must have been a hellacious night. Sasuke was lying on his side and Naruto pushed black locks away from his face and behind his ear. His fingers froze mid-caress when his eyes fell on the bite mark at the juncture between Sasuke’s neck and shoulder. Naruto leaned down, knowing that it wasn’t his bite. Naruto would never bite the teme that hard. It was supposed to be pleasurable. This bite was harsh, deep and painful. Pulling his shaking hand back, Naruto considered his options. Someone had touched Sasuke. Who? And did Sasuke like it? Did he want it? Naruto felt his breakfast muffin roll in his stomach and he pushed back from the bed, running to the connected bathroom before being sick. Doubt, angry and confusion only making the situation worse.

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Sasuke blinked open his eyes at the sound of someone being sick. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but then he made out his dobe on his knees in the dim lit bathroom. Oh god… he was worse, what was he doing here?

“Naruto?” Sasuke pushed himself out of bed, “Baby, I told you to stay home if you weren’t better. What are you doing here? How long have you been throwing up? Do you still have a fever?”

“Shut up, bastard!” Naruto hissed slumping against the wall, “I’m fine. Just fucking peachy.”

“Really, dumbass, because normally ‘peachy’ is not the adjective used to describe vomiting one’s lungs out in the toilet.” Sasuke said immediately on defense at Naruto’s tone. Just one minute ago he was ready to capture the blonde in his arms to kiss away his pain and now… now he wanted to knock his damn head off. Where did he get off treating him this way? Sasuke had just had a long, stressful and momentarily repulsive night…

“Just get out.” Naruto said pushing himself to standing, “I really don’t want to talk to you right now.”

“Then why the fuck did you wake me up?! What the hell is going on, Naruto?” Sasuke ran a hand over his tired face, “Did something happen this morning? With the twins? What?”

Naruto was bent over the sink washing out his mouth and shook his head before spitting, “The twins are fine.” Turning around he pushed passed the taller man, “I have to go to work.”

Sasuke grabbed him harshly by the arm, “What the FUCK is your problem?” He hissed into Naruto’s ear.

Naruto shook him off and locked his eyes with Sasuke’s, “Is there anything you would like to tell me, bastard?” Naruto’s voice was devoid of emotion.

Sasuke stepped back, straightening his shoulders and turning cold eyes on his sunshine, “Beyond you are pissing me off? No, I don’t think so.”

“Have a good day, Doctor.” Naruto clipped in reply, “I told the twins you would come visit them.” Before reaching the door, Naruto leaned against the wall. His head felt light and his stomach still twisted while his brain ran scenario after scenario aggravating both problems even more.

Sasuke watched the idiot lose momentum at the door, his face paling and his breaths coming in fast pants, “Naruto…” He said reaching out.

“Please, Sasuke. Just go. I need… to think. We’ll talk later.” Naruto closed his eyes, “Just go.”

“Fine.” Sasuke said calling on years of Uchiha-ness to push down his feelings and concern, making his voice cut like a knife through Naruto’s heart.

The door slammed and Naruto forced himself to standing. He had work to do.

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Sasuke immediately found the pests who were leaning against each other in the waiting room trying to catch a few minutes of sleep.

“Wake your asses up!” Sasuke hissed kicking Konohamaru’s leg causing the unstable pyramid they had going to crash, Moegi’s head bonking Udon’s and Udon’s elbow clocking Konohamaru in the eye.

“What the hell!” Konohamaru moaned, “I thought you were sleeping.”

“Not anymore.” Sasuke said, “Name four causes of respiratory distress and ways to alleviate without oxygen readily available.”

Three sets of eyes blinked rapidly, “Wha…”

“Bunnies, you are with me. Let’s go.” Sasuke’s head snapped around at the sound of Naruto’s voice but the blonde was already walking away, “I mean NOW, bunnies.”

Three white rabbits fell over themselves to follow their fearless leader. Sasuke just stood in the waiting room, willing down his headache and wishing he had taken last night off.

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Naruto entered an empty observation room, shutting the door behind his bunnies. He eyed all three of them silently until even Konohamaru was nervous.

“Brother?”

Naruto pulled his sleeve up and stalked toward Moegi who squeaked in surprise, “Bite my arm.”

“What?” She gushed looking toward Konohamaru and Udon for help.

“No,” Naruto shook his head, “You’re right. I don’t have nearly enough skin and…”

“Boss.” Konohamaru began, “Are you okay?”

Naruto started pacing, mumbling to himself, “I need something soft but that holds its shape… and I need a lot of it.” Suddenly he turned heading toward the supply cupboard, fishing around until he made a triumphant ‘ah ha!’ pulling out several soft plastic rectangular boards they used to brace broken wrists before x-raying them. He moved toward Moegi once again. “Bite it.”

She looked ready to question him when Naruto growled causing the pig tailed girl to grab the piece of plastic, biting down, creating perfect indentations in the plastic.

“Yes, perfect.” Naruto said examining the marks. “It wasn’t you,” He whispered and look up smiling, “Okay, bunnies. This morning I will be doing rounds by myself. You will have a different assignment today.”

The three nodded and Konohamaru tried to remember the last time he had seen his brother this serious, determined and scary. He hated it.

“I want you to take these,” He thrust several of the boards at each intern, “and get a bite mark from everyone working last night before they go home.”

“What? Naruto… really, what is this?” Konohamaru began, “Should I get Sasuke?”

Naruto grabbed the boy’s tie pulling him forward, “That wouldn’t be advisable, little brother.”

The dark haired intern nodded quickly and Naruto released him, straightening the tie, “Okay, I don’t care what you tell them. Say it’s an assignment to help you distinguish between human and animal bite marks. Tell them you’re entertaining a career change to dentistry. Tell them your leading resident made you do it on pain of death,” All three interns shivered at the tone, “I don’t care, whatever makes you happy, but in the end, I want your cotton tails back here in one hour, mission accomplished. Do you understand?”

The terrified bunnies nodded, wondering if Dr. Uchiha wasn’t so bad after all. As they reached the door, Naruto cleared his throat. They turned around and their breaths caught in their throats. Naruto had his head tilted down slightly so that his bangs and the shadows of the room covered his eyes. He voice was clear, cold and so quiet their strained their ears to hear.

“Dr. Uchiha is to know nothing of this. Now go.”

He didn’t have to ask twice.

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“FUCK!”

Several heads turned as Sasuke screamed that word. Several surprised, apprehensive, scared and horror filled nurses and doctors froze like rabbits caught in the harsh glare of oncoming headlights. Those who were smart fled the scene immediately, others like Doctor Lee, jovially and naively walked up to Sasuke, whose Antarctic glare did nothing to dissuade him from clasping his arm around the skittish and untouchable doctor. Someone should have warned the always chirpy man but the fear of being in the line of fire had them running away and giving pitying looks at the green clad man.

“Doctor Uchiha, what has happened to bring your youthful spirits down?” he asked, looking at Sasuke with a wide grin on his face.

Sasuke shrugged the man’s arm off, “I’ll thank you, Doctor Lee, to keep your hands to your…..” he trailed off suddenly, spying his three pests hiding behind the moving cart of an orderly. His eyes narrowed as three pairs of eyes came in direct contact with his own. The pests jumped back in fear and scurried like the little rodents they were. He made to followed them but Sakura’s urgent voice snapped him out of the sudden suspicion that his dobe was up to no good.

“Doctor Uchiha, three burn victims are coming in and two others are on their way! We need all available doctors and interns!” She said turning away calling all nurses to the station to prepare to assist the doctors.

Sasuke rubbed his face frustrated before nodding. He strode to the ambulance entrance waiting impatiently as two ambulances screeched to a sudden stop. He quickly ran to assist in transferring the victims out of the vehicles. All thoughts of Naruto and everything else that seemed to be going wrong that day vanished as the adrenaline pumped through his body.

“Stats?” he asked getting into his professional façade. The paramedic had the blackened patient in a respiratory mask.

“Thirty year old male. Third degree burns over left side. Respirations shallow.” Sasuke took the chart handed to him by the paramedic and quickly began flipping over the info as the paramedic continued.

“BP and pulse low, eighteen percent burns and smoke inhalation sever.” They hurried through the doors into ER, pushing their way through the sudden chaotic hospital. Several nurses and physician assistants rushed into the room to help him. This was something he could do, he thought as he quickly cut away the victims clothes, assessing the burns as they presented themselves. He couldn’t do much for the man but stabilize his vitals, make sure that he was breathing easier and then transfer him to the burn unit.

He heard Naruto shout out orders and spared a glance through the window. His dobe was being followed by their eager little pests. The sudden drop in the man’s BP had his concentration back on the victim. The man was severely dehydrated from the burns and was going into shock.

“Nurse, get an IV going now! Remember, right hand side.” he ordered. Naruto and their problems would just have to wait. But, didn’t they always?

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Three hours later, Sasuke found himself exhausted as the last of the burn victims were sent to the burn unit. Naruto’s bunnies, he noticed, were once again up to no good, having caught them several times arguing with nurses and other staff members in hushed tones about teeth marks. He was about to go confront them when he saw his dobe heading towards the ER exit. He turned to follow him instead, catching up to him just as he exited the ER.

“I want you to tell me NOW, what the hell is going on with you!” he demanded holding Naruto tightly by his forearm. Naruto glared up at him, trying to wrench himself free.

“This is neither the time nor the place, Doctor!” he hissed blue eyes flashing fire. Sasuke was taken back. His dobe was more than angry he was furious. He took a calming breath, knowing that when dealing with Naruto, patience wasn’t just a virtue, it was a lifesaving weapon.

“Dobe, tell me?” he said softly looking down into those angry blue eyes with almost pleading ones of his own.

Naruto shook his head taking several steps back and shaking himself free from Sasuke’s grasp. “Tell you? Tell you! Don’t you have something to tell me!” he stated furiously in low tones, aware that many people were looking at them curiously.

Sasuke ran a frustrated hand through his hair, “No! I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, his own anger bubbling to the surface. His heart pounded as Naruto’s anger seemed to melt into hurt, betrayal and pain.

“Really, Sasuke, I thought I could trust you… that you loved me,” he whispered his sad, blue eyes lowering to the ground.

Sasuke reached out for him, his finger tips grazing Naruto’s arm but the smaller male jerked away from him in disgust. There was fear running through Sasuke now, Naruto had never refused his touch.

“Naruto, I...” his eyes widened as the sound of an oncoming car at a fast pace approached them. He quickly tackled Naruto, getting them out of the way of a wildly swerving car as it drove right over where they had been standing. He had cradled Naruto’s head with his arms in a completely instinctual reaction to protect the idiot. Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief as Naruto cursed underneath him but quickly got up and pulled Naruto up as well. He rushed to the car and found a woman draped over the wheel, passed out.

“Naruto, come help me get her out!” he snapped trying the door but finding it lock. “It’s locked!”

He went around the passenger side to try the door, Naruto trying the other doors as well, but with no luck. They had a possibly injured women, unconscious in the car, without knowing how severed was her injuries were and it was frustrating as hell that they couldn’t get her out.

Then, suddenly, Gaara was there with a long metal tube, he raised it high in the air and brought it down into the passenger’s window. The glass shattered and they moved quickly unlocking the door before Sasuke climbed inside checking her pulse at the neck.

“Get someone out here with a stretcher, neck brace and Naruto, call the OB down to the ER. We have a pregnant woman here.”

Naruto hurried into the ER, yelling out orders and grabbing the intercom phone to page the OB to the ER.

Gaara handed Sasuke a neck brace and then opened the driver’s door to transfer her onto the stretcher. Sasuke noticed the medical alert bracelet, taking her hand to read it. He cursed.

“She’s a diabetic! Let’s get her into a room fast!”

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By the time she had regained consciousness, the woman had been connected to all manner of machines and tubes, monitoring her and her unborn child. They had her name and Sakura had already contacted her husband from the identification they found in her car.

Privately, Sasuke was happy that they wouldn’t need to ask the woman her history since the moment that she awakened, she had been in hysterics. Taue-san was 32 weeks along and all signs, from the monitors, personal history and symptoms thus far, pointed to the young woman developing preeclampsia.

“We need OB!” Sasuke said to nobody and everybody at once.

“Yes, Doctor,” Naruto said not looking up from the baby monitor and his notes, “I don’t know about everyone else, but I heard you the first four times and told you the first three times that they said they were coming.”

“And yet, they aren’t here,” Sasuke snapped. He cursed himself when Naruto’s shoulders tensed and finally the shorter man’s eyes met his.

“I know, Doctor.” Naruto said and Sasuke immediately felt himself calm down, the ocean blue eyes acting like a cool balm against his ragged nerves and sharp temper… just like they always had and always would.

Sasuke nodded and turned to the wide eyed woman on the bed. “Please,” she begged, “What is happening? Is the baby okay? Where is Waki?”

“Complications have arisen making your blood pressure raise to a level that is unsafe for you. In these situations, the only way to lower your BP is to deliver that baby immediately.”

Her scared brown eyes searched around the room like she was trying to find a friendly face or maybe a way to wake up from her nightmare, “What? But, it isn’t time?” Her eyes met clear blue and Sasuke wasn’t surprised when she began addressing Naruto over himself, “Will the baby be…”

Naruto handed his clip board to one of the nurses and approached the panicking woman, “My name is Dr. Uzumaki. I am the pediatrician on staff in the ER.” She nodded wordlessly, “I have been monitoring your baby while Dr. Uchiha has been doing the same for you. Preeclampsia happens for no understood reason, so it is nothing that you did or did not do. The only way to save you is to end this pregnancy,” Her frightened brown eyes watered, “But, you are 32 weeks along and although the baby will be small, there is a good chance of survival.”

“Can’t she just stay in a little longer, I don’t understand…”

Naruto shook his head, “Right now, Taue-san, we are more concerned about you. You will die if we don’t take the baby.”

At that moment Chouji pushed into the door followed by a pale, frazzled looking man, “Orie! Oh my god, are you okay?” He frantically looked at the people in the room with him, coming to his wife’s side and pulling her small hand towards his mouth to kiss it, “I saw the car… What happened?”

Before Sasuke or Naruto could tell the husband anything, the young woman slumped back onto the bed and loud alerts echoed through the room.

“Damn it,” Sasuke said and felt Naruto come to his side, watching the woman’s BP skyrocket and the baby’s heartbeat plummet before their eyes.

Naruto leaned toward the dark haired doctor, lowering his voice so that no one could hear but for the dark haired man, “You have to do it,” Naruto said, “OB isn’t here and she is going to die and take the baby with her. I’ll help and as soon as the baby is out, I will take over the baby’s care and you save her.”

Sasuke closed his eyes. This was not his field of expertise. Yes, he knew how to do it, but there was an entire floor of the hospital designed for these situations. No one would suggest he opened someone’s head if the brain surgeon didn’t arrive on time.

He felt a gentle touch to his hand, “You can do it.” Blue eyes met his and for a moment Sasuke forgot all about the fact that Naruto wasn’t talking to him and that when he did, he was being a prick, he forgot about sneaky little bunnies hiding behind linen charts and he forgot about his Uchiha pride. Instead, he remembered that he and Naruto were partners, in everything, always there to take the lead or give a push.

Never taking his eyes from Naruto’s, Sasuke said, “Okay, let’s do this. Sakura, please take Taue-san outside and explain the situation. The rest of you help prep for an emergency c-section. You two,” he pointed to two waiting nurses, “Call someone down from Neonatal and then assist Dr. Uzumaki in his preparations.” He took a deep, frustrated breath, “Chouji, you go up to OB and drag someone down here by their goddamn balls if you have too.”

People started moving in all directions until a new voice filled the room, “Uchiha, you always were rash and impatient.”

Naruto and Sasuke turned slowly to the voice only to be met by smirking light velvet eyes.

“Neji?” Naruto said in surprise and Sasuke felt what he could only assume was his heart free falling to his feet.

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Regardless of the fact that Sasuke was a stupid, dumbass, prickly shit bastard, Naruto couldn’t help but feel better working at his side, even when they didn’t say anything. They had always been this way though. Fighting like cats and dogs but as soon as the heat was on, they worked flawlessly together, anticipating concerns, feelings and weakness, making up for the slack of the other and relying on one another to get the job done.

Naruto knew Sasuke didn’t want to do the c-section, but he was more than capable and with OB being a bunch of lazy ass bas…

“Uchiha, you always were rash and impatient.”

Naruto turned, knowing the voice but not believing it until his eyes fell on the tall, light eyed man. “Neji?” The man stood cockily in the doorway, his hands in his lab coat while he smirked at Sasuke. Having efficiently pissed off the Uchiha, he shifted his eyes towards Naruto, smirking for an entirely different reason. Naruto swallowed thickly and turned toward Sasuke. His bastard had paled, fists clinched at his sides. Naruto felt his heart constrict, he needed to touch the bastard, to let him know it was okay but as he moved forward, Sasuke turned his head and Naruto saw the bite mark.

Bastard. Fuck him.

“Excuse me… doctors?” Chouji said and suddenly all three of them returned for the Land of Jilted Lovers and Jealously Island and heard the commotion around them.

“I have it now, Doctor,” Neji said stepping into the room, pushing Sasuke aside and grabbing the woman’s chart. “Oh, and it’s lovely seeing you again. Now that I’m Chief Resident in OB, I’m hoping to see a whole lot more of,” Neji’s eyes looked over Sasuke’s shoulder and connected with Naruto’s, “you.”

Sasuke wanted to kill him. No, it was more of a need, like a base human instinct to destroy the only man that Naruto had ever considered over him. He stepped forward threateningly when he felt a warm pressure on his arm.

“Come on, Doctor,” It was Naruto, his hand holding him back, calming him down.

Sasuke nodded, “Hn.”

“Oh, no, Doctor Uzumaki, I’m going to need you to stay until Neonatal gets here. Run along, Uchiha.”

Naruto’s arm tightened briefly on his arm and Sasuke saw the conflict race around his eyes, “Of course, Dr. Hyuuga.” Without so much as a glance at Sasuke, Naruto turned and reentered the room, the door closing gently behind him.

Sasuke stalked towards the elevators, intent on dragging someone from Neonatal down the stairs using any… and he meant ANY… means necessary.

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As soon as the door closed behind him, Naruto turned on his doctor mode, not allowing Neji to get a word in edgewise. He didn’t have time for this. Yes, he was angry at Sasuke but, honestly, he knew there had to be an explanation to the mark. Sasuke couldn’t have wanted it. He and Sasuke were too… close. Sasuke couldn’t possibly want more… could he? What made him angry was the jerk didn’t just come out and tell him. Why was he trying to hide the obvious?

“Naruto!”

The blonde blinked and realized a small body was being placed in his arms. He quickly turned and placed the baby on the warming table, noting her color and respirations, both of which were abysmal at best. He worked quickly, calmly giving orders that the nurses reacted to as though he was screaming. The small infant took her first shallow breath as the Neonatal doctors and nurses arrived.

Scanning the baby, the doctor smiled at Naruto, “Good work, Doctor. Ever considered a change in locat…”

“No. But thanks.” Naruto smiled down at the baby. She wasn’t out of the woods by a long shot, but for now she had taken her first breath. Hopefully one of many.

Naruto peeled off his latex gloves and made towards the door, “Naruto.” He turned to see Neji looking at him from the table. “Wait for me outside.”

Naruto stared for a moment before shaking his head, “I don’t think that’s a very good idea right now, Doctor. But, we will definitely get together soon.”

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Sasuke was in the locker room. Thank god the ER was slow. Thank god, thank god, thank god…

What the fuck was Neji doing here? Last they had heard, he was in Suna. Sasuke let his head fall back against the locker harshly. He was so tired and pissed and… scared.

He hit the locker again. Why was Naruto angry? What happened? What did Sasuke do? Right now, at this moment, with that man in their hospital, Sasuke would do anything… fucking anything… for Naruto to touch him, reassure him that Sasuke was the one he had chosen, that Sasuke was the one that he wanted. He had been such an asshole when they were in college. He had forced Naruto to look for someone else and Neji had pounced like a starving hyena. It was all his fault.

“Teme, stop doing that. You’re hurting the locker.”

Sasuke was up in a second. “Dobe?”

“Teme.”

Sasuke growled, “Okay, enough. Fucking tell me what I did… I have no idea why you are so…” Naruto closed the space between them lifting his hand. For a moment, Sasuke thought the idiot was going to hit him but instead he reached up and pressed harshly at the junction between his shoulder and his neck. Sasuke hissed at the sharp pain and jerked away from Naruto’s grip. He brought his hand up, to rub away the pain when he felt the indentations. He turned toward the locker room mirror and if he were any less of an Uchiha, his mouth would have dropped open.

“Do you have an idea now, bastard?” Naruto asked a sneer settling onto his face.

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It felt like ice water cascading down his spine and Sasuke couldn’t stop the shiver that racked his body. Sasuke watched Naruto’s eyes reflecting in the mirror. His dobe was mad and hurt, but not totally closed off. He wanted an explanation. He wanted hope.

“It’s like you didn’t even know it was there, bastard. If someone bit me, I’d certainly remember.” Naruto ran a hand through blonde hair, “I remember every time you have, you jerk.”

“Do you remember when Neji did as well?”

Naruto stumbled back like he had been slapped and Sasuke immediately turned from the mirror.

“Dobe, I didn’t…”

“Fuck you,” Naruto said holding his hand up to stop Sasuke from coming closer. Naruto was taking deep breaths like he couldn’t get enough air and his hand came to fall on his stomach like he was willing it to calm down, willing himself to calm down.

“Naruto, I shouldn’t have…” Sasuke tried again stepping forward. Those blue eyes no longer held hope that Sasuke could fix this for them. No, instead of just explaining, he had to make it about something else. Apparently, assigning blame at inappropriate times was okay just so long as the great Uchiha didn’t have to explain himself or heaven forbid, look weak, or apologize.

“Sasuke,” Naruto said his voice barely above a whisper, “I know what you’re doing… it wouldn’t be the first time and because I need to know about,” he pointed weakly at Sasuke’s neck, “I’m going to play your little game.” Naruto’s blue eyes met and held Sasuke’s while narrowing dangerously, “But, if you ever… EVER… bring up Neji again in such a manner…. I already confessed my ‘sins’ six damn years ago. Would you like me to remind you why Neji was even in the picture to begin with?”

Sasuke’s jaw clinched and he gave a jerky shake of his head… no one wanted to remember the biggest mistake of their life… a mistake that had almost cost him the brilliant man standing before him. Sadly, Sasuke thought, he had several of those ‘mistakes’ under his belt.

“I had no idea that Neji had transferred here. I was and am just as surprised and probably pissed off as you are.” Naruto sighed but anger crossed his face once more and he stalked toward Sasuke pushing him aggressively against the lockers, “And to answer your question… no, I don’t remember Neji ever marking me because I never let anyone but you!” Naruto hit the taller man in the chest, “Now tell me! Tell me who did this, did you like it? Did you want…”

Suddenly, Sasuke grabbed Naruto’s wrists and twisted so that their positions were switched, Naruto pushed up against the locker with his wrists held in one of Sasuke’s hands above his head.

“What are you…” Naruto stuttered but stopped when Sasuke looked into his eyes, the pain, uncertainty and humiliation swirling like a storm in his bastard’s normally cool, calm eyes. Naruto felt his stomach turn once again. Oh god…

“I was tired. The ER had been slammed and I finally got a break. I just needed something to eat and I was walking down the hallway, thinking about lying in bed with you. Thinking about how beautiful you are with the twins…” Sasuke closed his eyes and when they opened they were empty, “Before I knew what happened, I was just like this,” Sasuke jerked Naruto’s wrists away from the lockers before slamming them back once more, pressing his whole body against the smaller man’s. Naruto hissed, in pain and in building anger… “He was on me in a second, his tongue on my neck and my face. I struggled, of course I fucking struggled, but I was pinned. I made to kick him in his fucking shriveled nuts when he bit me… hard.” Sasuke took several deep breaths, “Then there was a noise down the hallway and I yanked away while he was distracted.”

Naruto sighed and pulled gently at his wrists but Sasuke refused to let go. The dark haired man was looking right at him, but Naruto knew he wasn’t in this room. He was…

“Hey,” Naruto whispered leaning his head forward and nuzzling the side of Sasuke’s face, “Hey, look at me,” Nothing. “Please, S’uke, look at me.” Black eyes blinked and Naruto smiled tenderly.

“I didn’t mean to hide it from you. I would have told you tonight. I had forgotten… or maybe I was trying not to remember. I’d never keep this from you, baby…” Sasuke’s released the blonde’s wrists and Naruto’s arms immediately circled him as Sasuke let his head fall against Naruto’s shoulder, “Never… not after last time.”

Naruto tensed slightly at the reminder but forced the memory down and instead he murmured sweetly into Sasuke’s ears and rubbed gentle circles into his back.

“It’s okay, S’uke,” Naruto said and slid down to the floor with Sasuke still in his arms, “I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I should have asked. I trust you. I was so mad, but not because I thought you were cheating on me. No, I was angry because I couldn’t understand why you didn’t tell me. I understand now… I’d try to forget too.”

Sasuke didn’t say anything and Naruto’s listened to his soft breaths until Sasuke whispered, “I felt so… weak. Useless. Alone.”

Naruto’s grip tightened around his bastard, the strongest man he knew. He was the first person that Naruto ran to when he was falling apart and needed someone to hold him up. Sasuke should never be made to feel small, dirty and worthless. Naruto understood those feelings all too well and they were not meant for Sasuke Uchiha.

“You are never alone because you will always have me,” Naruto said and then stood slowly helping Sasuke to his feet. Sasuke took a breath and nodded. Naruto smiled, recognizing Sasuke’s control falling back into place. He would be okay. “Come on, bastard. The ER is slow. You take a nap and I’ll cover and then we’ll have lunch with the twins.”

Naruto turned and started walking out before Sasuke grabbed his arm once more and turned him around. Naruto moaned as Sasuke’s lips met his own and he wrapped his arms around Sasuke’s neck, running his fingers through soft, midnight spikes. “I’d sleep better if you were with me, dobe.” A quiver ran through Naruto’s body as Sasuke whispered in his ear.

Naruto chuckled recognizing the look that consumed Sasuke’s black eyes, “No… you wouldn’t ‘sleep’ and I wouldn’t be able to walk later either, bastard.”

Sasuke held Naruto’s smiling cheeks and leaned in once more to plunder his sweet, willing and thank god, forgiving dobe’s mouth.

“S’uke,” Naruto panted, “I love you. Now… Go. To. Sleep.” Naruto gave a feeble shove and Sasuke backed off.

“I won’t be denied forever, Uzumaki.” Sasuke said as he headed toward their sleeping quarters.

“I never said you would be, Uchiha.” Naruto chuckled after the retreating man and then headed out of the locker rooms. As soon as the doors closed, his face was devoid of emotion and set in an angry scowl.

The mystery had been solved. The file opened. Orochimaru… in the hallway… with his creepy reptilian mouth.

Naruto nearly punched the elevator button to the OR.

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The elevator doors opened and Obito and Kakashi stumbled out knocking Naruto to the floor.

“What the hell?!” He snapped before seeing the sheepish face of Obito and the blank face of Kakashi. Although anyone could see the smug look swirling in his gray eyes.

“Sparky?” Kakashi said, watching Naruto fight to hide all the turmoil in his eyes, donning a ridiculously forced smile.

“Sasuke is sleeping and I’m headed upstairs. I should only be a moment. There is some ‘thing’ I have to take care of in OR,” Naruto growled the word ‘thing’ and the smile slipped from Obito’s face, his features taking on the serious face he wore when confronting a hostile witness.

“Is something wrong, Naruto?” Obito asked reaching out a hand to touch Naruto’s shoulder.

Naruto stepped into the elevator, his smile, if possible, becoming ever more fake, “Actually, Mr. Uchiha, as my lawyer, you might want to hang around.”

The doors slid shut before either Obito or Kakashi could stop them, “Well,” Obito said turning analyzing eyes onto Kakashi, “That’s not good.”

“Fuck.” Kakashi bit out and began pushing the elevator button repeatedly.

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Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief. He and Orochimaru had been in surgery for the last five hours. It seemed never ending and all he wanted to do was head upstairs and ‘bother’ a certain high strung, well endowed blonde.

“Jiraiya,” Orochimaru said, his voice soft like it always was when he wanted to humiliate, hurt or mock someone. So, like it was all of the time. “That intern of yours is pathetic. For a moment, I thought the moron was going to cry. But then, every intern you have ever had has been mediocre at best, haven’t they?” The bastard was smiling creepily, his long black hair pulled under his black surgeon’s cap as he washed his hands in the large sink.

“Orochimaru, he is fine. Stay away…”

The doors to the scrub room were flung open and Naruto stalked towards the pale man who had grabbed a towel and was leisurely drying his arms and hands.

“Oh, if it isn’t Doctor Uzuma…” The taller man’s head snapped to the side having connected harshly with Naruto’s fist.

“Shit!” Jiraiya said, “Kid! What the hell are you…”

Naruto swung again but this time Orochimaru was waiting for him and caught his fist, not letting go as the shorter man growled. Orochimaru pushed Naruto against the wall and yanked his wrists over his head.

Naruto chuckled darkly, “This must be a favorite position for you, asshole. What are you going to do now? Bite me?” Naruto kicked his leg out knocking the surgeon to the floor and immediately straddling the man’s waist, fisting his hands in the front off the older man’s scrubs lifted his upper body up before slamming it to the floor. “You couldn’t just stay away could you, you sick prick. I won’t let it go this time. I don’t care how fucking good you are!”

“Oh, little Naru,” Orochimaru hissed, “He does make interesting noises doesn’t he?”

“Why you fucking…” Naruto yelled and made to punch the smirking snake bastard only to be pulled off by Jiraiya and Kakashi.

“Uzumaki, that is enough!” Kakashi yelled as Naruto struggled wildly in his arms.

“I’d pack your goddamn bags, ‘Doctor’,” Naruto spat, “Because I won’t stop until you’re fired and it won’t just be me and Sasuke complaining… it will be everyone. You are gone!”

Orochimaru sat up, his lips pulled up into a mocking smile, “So much fire, Uzumaki… I find it ‘delightful’.” Naruto nearly gagged and Jiraiya stepped forward and punched Orochimaru in the face before the pale man could say anything else.

“What happened, Naruto?” Jiraiya said walking towards the blonde as Naruto jerked out of Kakashi’s grasp.

Naruto glared and winced when he stretched his hand, “I think we are all tired of covering our asses… it stops now.” Naruto straightened his jacket and ran a hand through his hair, “If you’ll excuse me, I need to find my lawyer and talk with the old hag before doing my job.”

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Taking a nap would have been a good idea if five very loud interns hadn’t walk into the locker room and started whining about their respective assigned doctors. Sasuke stayed very still in the other room, hoping that they wouldn’t realize that he was there and leave. But, soon Sasuke realize that the only break god would ever give him was putting Naruto in his path. He lay on the small bed provided by the hospital for the doctors and listen at the conversation of the pests, old and new.

“Man, I don’t know what got stuck up my bro’s ass but he was sure acting weird today!” Konohamaru grumbled. Sasuke nodded silently in the dark and smiled when he remembered they were okay again.

Moegi nodded in agreement, “He was almost scarier than Doctor Uchiha,” Moegi said in a dreamy voice.

“Nobody is scarier than Doctor Uchiha!” Karin shuddered, remembering her own experience with the doctor.

Suigetsu nodded in agreement, “When I heard how hard it was to get passed Doctor Uchiha, I study double time. But, come on, Karin, admit it… he is good!”

The three new interns watched Karin as she shrugged in defeat. “Yes, that is true. If it wasn’t for Doctor Uchiha, I would have been drop long ago, he pushed and bullied me into applying myself.”

“But what about Doctor Sabaku?” Udon asked curiously, something that the other two wanted to know.

“His good but there’s not the quality of caring for us and our careers, that despite his bad attitude and harsh treatment, I feel Doctor Uchiha has,” Suigetsu nodded in agreement with Karin.

“Enough talking about the doctors, let’s go eat!” Konohamaru shouted, making Karin and Moegi giggle.

Sasuke’s lips twisted into a smile. It was always nice to hear that he actually got through to the little incompetent pests. He couldn’t wait to taunt Gaara about how he was the better teacher. Would it be considered out of character for him if he stuck out his tongue at the red head and sang ‘Nanananana’ as he bragged? Hmm, they would probably call Shikamaru just to make sure he didn’t suddenly go crazy and start shooting someone. He laughed silently at himself, the dobe would have understood, he was sure of it. Naruto always got him. His stomach growled and he frowned. The dobe should have been back by now. Sasuke got up covering a yawn with the back of his hand as he left the room to go look for Naruto.

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God, he decided, really hated him. He must have done something really bad in a past life because the last person, in the world, that he wanted to run into had been Neji and, just his luck, he was the first person the dark haired man ran into.

“Ahh, Uchiha, still scaring away interns, nurses and lovers, I see,” the pompous ass said, his lips curving into a smile. Sasuke’s mouth thinned into a straight line as he debated whether to punch the asshole in his smug face or ignore him. Knowing Naruto wouldn’t like it if he punched Neji, he stepped around the doctor with a cool nod. But Neji, it seemed, was not to be ignored.

“I was looking for Dr. Uzumaki. Have you seen him?”

Sasuke froze, anger, hate and jealousy running amuck inside of him. He slowly turned toward the man whose face invoked in Sasuke such murderous feelings. He really hated the cocky ass, who once dated his Naruto while he had still been in denial of where his heart lay. But that was neither here nor there… he would have hated him anyway. Really.

“Why would you want to speak with Doctor Uzumaki?” he asked grinding his teeth to keep himself for kicking the ass’s ass.

Neji gave Sasuke a knowing smirk, making Sasuke bristle with anger. “I simply want to catch up and talk about old times.” He said, emphasizing the words ‘old times’ just to get Sasuke riled up even more. Neji was aware how much those two loved each other but couldn’t help but feel a little bit cheated. After all, he was the one who had been Naruto’s friend first. He was the one that had fallen in love with cheerful blonde first. Sasuke had been an intrusion in their perfectly good time, if he hadn’t come along, then Naruto would have been his and not the raven’s lover.

He clearly remembered the first time those two met. He had invited a reluctant Naruto to a party hoping that maybe he would be able to finally confess his feeling for the blonde but it wasn’t to be. The blond, after one drink, had gotten intoxicated and stumbled onto the raven’s lap, spilling his drink and stealing the raven’s heart in one clumsy action. It had been love at first sight for both of them. Of course, Uchiha tried to fight it but nobody can fight against the force that was Naruto.

He was jerked out of his memories when Sasuke growled. “I’m going to go get my dobe and we are going to have lunch with our children. Whatever you think you had with him is in the past!” he stalked away.

Well, that went well, Neji thought, smiling at the curious eyes of the ER staff.

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Naruto slammed the door open, Obito right behind him and Tsunade, who was in the middle of budgets and reviews, looked up with an angry expression on her face. Obito gave her an apologetic look but Naruto just ignored her. He slapped his hands palm down on her desk, thrusting his face at her, pushing important papers aside and invading her space.

Tsunade sighed, “Is there a reason that you have come into my office unannounced, Doctor?” she asked in a world wary tone.

“Oh, there is a good reason for this visit! I want Doctor Sannin gone and I’m here to make sure that it gets done!” his eyes were determined as he struggled to control his raging emotions.

“Doctor…” Tsunade shook her blonde head, “Naruto, what is wrong?” she asked suddenly more concerned than angry.

Obito decided to interfere, “What my client is saying is we are here to inform you that we will be filing a formal complaint against Doctor Sannin for sexual harassment,” he flashed Tsunade a pleasant smile that did not quite reach his eyes. Naruto had explained what had happened with Sasuke and the ‘snake bastard’, as Naruto was fond of calling him. Obito was just as infuriated as Naruto; he could understand his anger… if anything like that happened to Kakashi he would have to maim and kill someone.

“What?” Tsunade eyes seemed to glaze over. “Did he touch you? Did he dare lay a hand on you?” she demanded standing up and coming around to hug Naruto who laid his tired head on her large bosom.

“No, he touched my bastard. He put his hands on something that doesn’t belong to him and put his lips in places that should only be touched by ME!” he pushed himself off Tsunade and started to pace the room.

Tsunade was not a great fan of Sasuke’s but Naruto had a special place in her heart. She had been his doctor when Asuma had brought him in after his foster parents were killed.

“Will Sasuke agree to a formal complaint?” she asked. Konoha County would suffer the loss of Orochimaru’s surgical skill but Naruto took precedence… the end.

“I’ll make him! I won’t let this happened to him!” Naruto looked at Obito with pleading eyes. Obito gave him a small smile of encouragement.

“Okay, I will call in Doctor Sannin and have him suspended for the formal investigation,” Tsunade walked back to her desk and sat down before she uttered a heavy sigh. “Naruto, I have to know if this is the real thing. If Sasuke wasn’t… I mean if he didn’t want the attention,” she remembered not long ago a similar complaint that didn’t go nowhere because Sasuke had ‘agreed’ to that particular incident.

Naruto flinched but nodded in understanding, “No, he didn’t want the attention and Granny,” Blue eyes met concerned brown, “He wasn’t the only one.” Tsunade nodded and Naruto nodded sadly, “And now, if you’ll excuse me. I’m meeting him for lunch with our children,” Tsunade nodded and Naruto left the office fierce anger in each step he took out of the room.

Obito sat down, “Well, I’m going to give it to you straight, Doctor. Doctor Sannin will be suspended without pay and please be sure to tell him that a restraining order will be put on him immediately. He won’t come within fifty feet of both Naruto and Sasuke.”
Tsuande nodded looking at the Uchiha with a grim look. Sometimes, she wished she wasn’t the director and was just a plain doctor again.

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Sasuke made his way to the daycare center, hoping that Naruto would be there already. He’d search the ER and couldn’t imagine anywhere else that the dobe would be. He gave the young care giver a tentative smile as she blushed and stuttered her way into a greeting.

“Hi, is Dr. Uzumaki here?” he asked signing his name in the visitor’s log. She shook her head.

“No, Doctor, but the children have their coats on and are ready to go out for lunch,” her eyes twinkled with a dreamy expression as she talked.

Sasuke gave her an annoyed look before walking to the door that would opened up into the daycare center. He smiled as two dark hair children made their way towards him. Kneeling to the floor on one knee, he opened his arms wide to receive them.

“Oh, what a great welcome!” he huffed holding them tight against his chest. He kissed their head, loving fresh baby smell of both his children.

“Where’s Mommy?” Yoshi asked bouncing out of his arms to look behind Sasuke. Yuri pecked Sasuke on the cheek and went to stand beside her twin silently asking the same question with her eyes.

“Mommy, will be here soon, so why don’t we sit and you can tell me all about your day?” Sasuke took a hold of them and walked towards the small table that was unoccupied by small bodies.

“So, what did you do today?” he asked smiling. Yoshi eagerly started talking about his day while Yuri patiently waited for her turn.

“We played hideseek, painted a prurty picture and played house!” Yoshi excitedly babbled on. Sasuke kept an interested expression on his face loving the way his son held his hand and leaned on him as he spoke. It reminded him so much of his dobe and a fierce pride invaded his heart. He felt lighter, better, like all his worries flew out the door in the presence of his two children.

“And what about you Yuri darling, did you have fun?” he asked as Yoshi finished. Yuri nodded smiling. “Yes, Daddy, I did but I want some yumyum, now” she rubbed her stomach her tone demanding.
“As soon as Mommy gets here,” Sasuke said trying to keep the worry out of his voice.

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Naruto tried to compose himself as he left Tsunade’s office. He strode to the elevator and pushed the button to take him to the next floor down where the child care center was located. The doors opened and he stepped inside only to find Neji in the same elevator with him.

“Fancy meeting you here,” Neji drawled and Naruto almost groaned out loud but instead gave Neji a small smile.

“Hey, Neji, how have you been?” he asked politely as he silently prayed for the ride to be over.

“Good, Naruto, but I could have been better if you would have been by my side,” Neji turned fully to look him and suddenly took hold of Naruto. He brought the blond close to him. “Naruto, you’re the reason I took this job, you’re the reason I’m here,” he said in a low tone.

Naruto looked at him with sad eyes and gently shook Neji’s arms off. “I’m sorry, Neji. I always regretted using you to make Sasuke’s jealous, I was stupid and young, but I never felt anything like that for you and I never will,” at this moment he felt like a woman but damn it, he was not going to let anything or anyone come between him and his little corner of paradise where Sasuke and the twins existed and were waiting for him.

The doors open and with a last wave goodbye, Naruto rushed towards the center, feeling the need to hug his children and take comfort in Sasuke’s arms. There had always been a little guilt where Neji was concerned but he couldn’t let that ruin what he had with Sasuke. He wanted his little corner of heaven and nothing else.

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Kakashi followed a ranting Obito through the hallways of the administration floor.

“Can you believe that? I mean really? That bastard pushed Sasuke against a wall and licked…” Obito shuttered visibly, “licked his face. EWWWW! Who the hell does that? I fucking love you but if you just started to randomly lick my face, I’d kick you in the balls and then wash… a lot.”

Kakashi hummed behind him and considered the day’s events. Naruto had made a bold move. Admittedly, one that was necessary, but still…

“And then Sasuke doesn’t report him?! What? This is not the eighteen hundreds. I believe that everyone has set through at least one sexual harassment class…” Obito pressed the elevator button to take them to the ER and Kakashi’s office. “Naruto says that snake has ‘made advances’ on him as well.” The dark haired man had held up quotation mark fingers before running his hand through his hair, “I know that KCH doesn’t have an excess in funding but having a sexual predator on staff can’t be worth it.”

Kakashi nodded again, loosening his tie while Obito took a big breath before continuing, “And Sasuke?! He’s a damn Uchiha!! He could be pouring money into the place. If not him, then his parents.” His eyes darkened at the thought of his ‘dear’ uncle and aunt, “I don’t know if you realize this, K, but Uchihas do have money to spare. I’m sure it’s about Naruto not wanting Sasuke to do it. Lord knows that Uchihas, especially Sasuke’s parents, don’t do anything without making someone pay and he wanted to spare Sasuke that… but, shit, I’ll fucking pay for a new surgeon if it keeps Orochimaru and his reptilian self away from Sasuke and Naruto…”

“Obito.”

“It kind of makes you wonder who else that man has touched,” Obito talked over him.

“Obito.”

“I’m going to have to ask every damn person in this place. I highly doubt that it is just those two. I wonder who else is afraid to be alone in a dark hallway at night or who wonders if the bathroom is really empty before they go in. Who else has had to choose between their job and…”

“UCHIHA!” Kakashi said and turned Obito around, “Me.”

Obito’s dark head tilted to the side in confusion before his black eyes turned cold, “What did you just say?”

“I knew about Sasuke and Naruto because the three of us have been watching each other’s backs for…”

Obito shoved Kakashi into the wall and Kakashi thought for an instant that the dark haired man seemed to loom over him. “Did he hurt you?” Obito’s lips barely moved but the words seem to echo loudly inside Kakashi’s head.

“Obito…”

“I gather, Dr. Hatake, that he has touched you in some fashion and now, I would like for you to tell me if the asshole hurt you.”

“No more than he did Sasuke.” Kakashi said and realized in that moment why Obito Uchiha was feared in the courtroom.

Obito blinked his eyes, but none of the usual warmth swirled in the dark depths, “I see.” And then his lips were on Kakashi’s, pressing his body further into the wall with his own, forcing his warm tongue inside to taste, punish, caress, Kakashi couldn’t be sure.

As fast as he was there, Obito pulled away, “For Sasuke and Naruto, I would have simply made him disappear. For you…” The elevator doors opened and Obito strolled out like it was just another ride, another make out session, another day…

“I’ll destroy him.”

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Naruto was nearly to the daycare when his bunnies shoved him into a closet.

“Hey, guys… can I help you?” Naruto asked into the dark and tried to ignore the fact that he was tightly sandwich between the carrier monkey and his little brother.

“We have them.” Moegi whispered from the side and Naruto turned to look in the direction she must be standing.

“Them?” Naruto said and then shuddered when Udon sniffled in his face, “There’s a Kleenex in my jacket pocket. Please… please use it.” He felt someone reach into his pocket and then heard the echoing blow, “Turn your head! Oh dear god… what the hell is this?!”

Konohamaru leaned his chin against Naruto’s shoulder, “Big brother, did you stop growing in Junior High?”

“I’m about two seconds away from kicking your punk ass to Grandpa’s house and then telling him that it was YOU that painted his shed with the words…”

The younger man immediately stood up straight and Naruto smiled into the hand that covered his mouth.

“We have the bite marks from everyone who was on night shift last night save Dr. Sannin, who was sent home early for some reason.”

Naruto blinked and then paled when the memory of this morning’s actions assaulted him. Obviously he was upset and hadn’t been thinking clearly, but this… well, this was crazy.

“Don’t be angry. We tried to get done in the hour you gave us, but there were a lot of people and an amazing amount of questions. And then, when we got done, we couldn’t find you and then we went to lunch because well, I just thought you might want us standing and then…”

“Stop,” Naruto said with a sigh, “It’s fine. Thank you all for listening and doing what I asked. I was tired and I have been very sick and I just got carried away this morning.” Naruto ran a hand through his hair, “Lunch is on me next time, okay?” He heard faint shuffling and assumed they were all nodding. “Okay, look, you all go home. You’ve been here all night and all morning. I’ll talk to Kakashi.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Moegi and Udon said and pushed open the door causing Naruto to blink as the light filled the closet. He stiffened when he felt arms wrap around him pulling him into a hug.

“I’m glad you’re back, big brother. Is this something I need to talk to Grandpa about?” Konohamaru said softly.

“No, I took care of it and I’ll call Grandpa tonight. I am really sorry for the way that I acted this morning. It was wrong of me to take advan…”

“Shut up. You are just as capable of kicking our asses as Uchiha is. We should all know that.”

Naruto chuckled and gave Konohamaru one more hug before pulling back. “Go home, kid. This weekend Sasuke and I will be at Grandpa’s with the twins. They are going to love you.”

“Awesome, Naruto!” The younger man said, “See you then.” And he disappeared around the corner. Naruto turned in the opposite direction and headed toward the daycare.

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“Hey, everybody!” Naruto said when he saw Sasuke standing with their children outside the doors. “Sorry I’m late.” He bent down and nuzzled the twins’ heads before kissing them each noisily, eliciting giggles from Yoshi and a smile from Yuri. Looking up at Sasuke, he smiled, “I let the bunnies go home. They had a hard morning,” He pushed on at Sasuke’s raised eyebrow, “That I will tell you about when you can humiliate me to the fullest of your extent in the comfort of our own home.”

“That good, dobe?” Sasuke asked handing Naruto his coat and scarf.

“Sadly, yes.” Naruto said adjusting the twins’ coats, scarves and hats before turning his sights on Sasuke’s scarf. When the tan hand brushed briefly against a pale cheek, Sasuke nuzzled the hand causing Naruto’s eyes to widen before Sasuke leaned down and stole a tender kiss.

“Are you ready, dobe?”

“Ah,” Naruto blushed and felt little mittened hands take his own, “Yes, teme.”

“Yay! Let’s goooooooooo!” Yoshi said pulling Naruto and his sister along behind while Sasuke smiled, putting his hand in his pockets and followed.

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Yoshi and Yuri were chasing leaves in the nearby park as Sasuke and Naruto looked on. Sasuke had an arm wrapped around Naruto trying to block the wind and keep his idiot warm. Whether the idiot wanted to admit it or not, Sasuke knew he wasn’t one hundred percent.

“Five more minutes!” Naruto called out and two toddlers waved frantically before rushing after a perched bird.

“Sasuke,” Naruto said leaning heavily into the taller man’s side, “I talked to Tsunade today. Orochimaru has been suspended.”

Sasuke stiffened but didn’t release his hold on the blonde. “What did you do?”

“He hurt you!” Naruto hissed, “He held you against a wall against your will!”

“Dobe,” Sasuke said, his voice calm, “What did you do?”

“I confronted him and then reported him to Tsunade with Obito behind me.” Naruto said and closed his eyes. God, he was tired. He knew they needed to talk about this but he also knew they had been through this many times before without ever taking such an aggressive step.

“Confronted?” Sasuke asked staring at the twins.

Naruto mumbled and Sasuke looked down at him before pulling his chin up forcing the blonde to meet his eyes, “I’m sorry, what was that?”

“I hit him.” Naruto said and closed his eyes, “Tsunade suspended him and Obito is taking him to court on sexual harassment charges… if you will agree to testify.”

“Naruto, you know that the hospital can’t afford to lose him. Fuck, we have been over this.”

“What if it was Konohamaru? What if you don’t get away next time?” Naruto asked imploringly and then seeing that none of that was causing any reaction in Sasuke’s eyes he whispered, “What if it were ‘me’ next time?”

Sasuke growled and pulled Naruto into his chest, pressing the blonde head firmly under his chin, “That was low, dobe.” Naruto nodded, eyes closed, breathing in the scent of the man he loved, “But you made your point.”

“Thank you, Sasuke,” Naruto breathed, “I love you.”

Sasuke smiled as the twins ran towards them and glommed onto Naruto’s legs singing about hugs and butterflies, “Hn. Dobe.”

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Upon entering the ER, Sasuke and Naruto received word from Tsunade that they were to go home and start their weekend early. She explained she wanted them out of the way until Orochimaru was cleared from the premises.

After gathering their things and signing the twins out for the rest of the day, the small family headed home. They ordered pizza on the way and were able to meet the young delivery boy at the door. Heading inside, Sasuke made a salad while Naruto washed the twins up for dinner.

While he was cutting up the lettuce and tomatoes, lots of tomatoes, he listened while Naruto made monster noises and the twins squealed in delight. His hands stilling, Sasuke thought about this new development. Three days ago, Naruto and Sasuke would have come home and Naruto would have headed into change, maybe grabbing a quick shower, while Sasuke made their salad in silence. Having finished his shower, Naruto would have come out, pilfering a mushroom from the salad bowl before setting the table. They would have talked, but thinking back on it, compared to the beautiful noises filling their house tonight, all the past nights had been quiet, nearly silent.

Did he like this better? How… odd? When had he ever preferred noise over peace unless the noise came from his dobe and typically, they were wearing much less…

“Hey, Daddy? You okay?” Yoshi whined pulling on Sasuke’s scrub shirt.

“Yes, Yoshi. I’m fine. Where’s Yuri and Mama?”

Yoshi’s small shoulders shrugged while he tried to look onto the counter, standing on tip toes and pulling his body up with his arms. Sasuke wiped his hands and picked the toddler up. “Yuri is helping Mama look boo-ti-full.”

“I see.” And Sasuke did. Naruto had walked into the kitchen holding Yuri in his arms. The blonde still wore his scrubs but now had a rather ridiculous pink boa around his neck and his golden spikes were, if possible, even more rambunctious. Yuri also had a boa, although hers was purple, with long white gloves and a sparkling tiara.

“Teme,” Naruto said a smile, “I think we are ready for our dinner party.”

Sasuke nodded and strolled toward his dobe and daughter, “My, don’t the two of you look… lovely.” Sasuke brushed a chaste kiss on Yuri’s cheek before leaning in to nibble the side of Naruto’s neck just above the string of feathers. Smirking, he whispered, “I do like this, dobe.” Naruto blushed and squirmed away, a scandalized look crossing his face. Sasuke imagined all the ways he could turn that prudish look into wanton want… oh, the possibilities. Stepping back, he looked at Yoshi, “I do believe Yoshi and I are underdressed for the occasion. Why don’t the two of you set the table and Yoshi and I will be right back.”

Naruto chuckled and nodded, “Hurry… I’m starving.”

Moments later, Yuri and Naruto were sitting at the table, Naruto cutting up slices of pizza, when Sasuke and Yoshi came out from the bedroom. Both were wearing ties loosely around their necks and Naruto had to stop himself from laughing out loud when he noticed that Yoshi could kick his out of the way while he walked.

“Well, Yoshi, you look very handsome!” Naruto said, standing to swing the little monkey into his seat. After making sure he was comfortable, Naruto turned to Sasuke, running his fingers up and down the dark blue tie before tugging it gently, bringing Sasuke’s chest against his own.

“Oh… the possibilities.” Naruto purred and Sasuke swore pizza night had never been so perfect.

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Kinye flipped the phone shut and looked at his four younger brothers who were curiously looking back at him. He took a deep breath and sat down at the head of the conference table.

“That was Obito,” he said with a sigh. Obito, ironically, had been the subject of the last hour’s conversation. None of the brothers approved of little Obito getting back together with Kakashi. They had been in the process of deciding whether they would interfere with the relationship or let it go on. The last time he had been with Kakashi, it had damaged their little brother and they didn’t like to see the light of their lives so sad.

“Oh, what happened?” Aguri, the second oldest brother, asked as he impatiently tapped his fingers on the table waiting for an answer.

“He wants us to help him bring down Orochimaru Sannin. Something about showing him not to mess with Uchiha property.”

“WHAT!” Came a chorus of replies.

To say that it was surprising that their sweet, childlike little brother wanted to crush anyone was, well, in a word… astonishing. Obito was normally the one that held them back when it came time for some knee breaking actions. They were Uchihas, those things happened, but the five of them always tried to hide it from their baby brother.

“So what did this Sannin do?” Bin asked his dark brown eyes curious.

“Well, apparently, the asshole has been harassing both Sasuke and his should-be-husband, plus, Obito just found out that Kakashi has been on the receiving end of some unwanted attention.”

They all nodded. They didn’t like Kakashi because of all the hurt he had caused Obito, but they understood the need Obito had to defend and mark his territory. Kakashi was Uchiha property as far as they were concerned and add Sasuke, their favorite cousin (they feared Itachi), and his cute, loveable Naruto, and Orochimaru Sannin had just started a war.

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