Three for one, and one for all

A/N: Sasu/Haku/Naru, Ita/Neji/Sai/Naru or something like this.

...

Naruto was staring into the dark sky, barely noticing small bright stars that shone like jewels due to the absence of clouds. He heavily sighed. What had become of his life?...

Uzumaki Naruto was a beautiful young man, of 22 years. He had a lithe short body, which he was teased and bullied for all the time - he didn't even reach 5'3"(1)! His skin was of light bronze; a mop of wild blond hair adored his head, while the lower layers reached past his shoulders - akin to a surfer style; three thin, stark white scars stood out on each tanned cheek, reminding of whiskers; slightly slanted bright blue eyes always sparkled with emotions. Even his friends enjoyed teasing him about his appearance. That only angered the blonde. Couldn't they see that he was already so insecure and self-conscious of his looks and height, that every time someone mentioned it, it hurt? They were his friends, but they didn't understand him. They didn't try to see his feelings. They thought he was always happy. But no one can be happy all the time. They simply didn't care much about him. That was why Naruto had no idea where to go when he left his boyfriend.

Ah, yes, the boyfriend. Uchiha Sasuke, 24, a young genius businessman, a real beauty: short bluish-black shiny hair, dark slanted eyes that almost never smiled, aristocratic facial features, skin as white as marble and a perfect, toned body of high stature. They met at school eight years ago and started dating when the blonde turned 16. Two years later when Naruto became of legal age, both boys moved in together and everything was alright for some time. At least, as good as it could be between the two young men. They did so many things together, went through so much, but not even once uttered Sasuke the three words his lover desperately wanted to hear. Despite that, there were even talks about marriage in the nearest future. At that point of time, the young Uzumaki was happy, hoping that the long awaited 'I love you' was not far away.

As time progressed, the relationship became dull: Sasuke was deep in his paperwork and whatnot, and Naruto had University to attend. Nights in the big comfy bed became cold and lonely. Then half a year ago Sasuke came up to his lover with a strange proposition: if the relationship was wilting, why not try bring some action into it, some spice, try something new? From the Uchiha's lips it sounded so easy: 'Let's try threesome. I'll find us a partner.' Before Naruto could even respond, his lover left him standing alone.

The third party was brought to their house the next day and was called Haku. At first Naruto couldn't take his eyes off the guy, that looked more like a girl in boy's clothing. Haku was a year older than the blonde and was gorgeous: a little shorter than Sasuke with waist long coffee-colored hair, big brown eyes, pink thin lips, slender elegant body. The new man seemed kind, gentle, open, intelligent, pliant and much more. It was then that Naruto, when watching two very beautiful men, for the first time in his life, felt like a frog. The feeling made him only hesitant when it came time to undress for bed. Haku, just like Sasuke, had no blemishes, scars or marks on the sinfully perfect pale body. It made Naruto automatically remember all the defects he had: facial scars, the big ugly scar in the middle of his chest, the big black swirling tattoo around his navel to cover smaller areas of damaged skin - all of them reminders of the younger horrible days. Hearing Haku speak in a breathless tone, while the man was preparing him: 'such a pretty little thing', 'you have beautiful eyes, Naruto', 'tattoo? how sexy...' - all these words felt like a mockery when coming out of the brunette's mouth.

That night both Sasuke and Haku fucked him by turns. It was hard, fast and perhaps good for a one-night stand. But there weren't any feelings involved when it was the Uchiha's turn. It was a simple fuck. When the blonde nearly passed out from exhaustion, he discretely watched his lover and Haku, their intertwined bodies, moving slowly, sensually but passionately all the same. It was almost like watching two people making...love...the sight nearly broke Uzumaki's heart right then and there.

What Naruto thought to be a one-time thing turned into regular visits from Haku. A month later Sasuke told the young man to simply move in, at the same time forgetting to ask his real lover's opinion. From then on things started getting only worse. The long-haired brunette was working during the daytime, and with the Uchiha at nights. Since Naruto was an official lover, he slept in the same bed with Sasuke, like they got used to years ago. But sometimes, the blonde woke up in the middle of the night only to find his beloved missing and his side of the bed cold. Two-three times a week all three of them gathered in the main bedroom, did the deed and slept together. It usually ended with Haku in the middle, back turned to Naruto. From time to time the blond would hear the sounds of wet kisses during these nights.

And so Naruto watched from the sidelines for five months his lover forging a bond with another man. Every time the blonde saw the two gorgeous beings near each other, his watery eyes confirmed that those two were perfect together. He felt like a third wheel; like the two were so high above him that it was out of his reach. Naruto didn't even remember the last time Sasuke kissed him, held him. He felt so small, cold, lonely, useless, betrayed, abandoned and hurt. Sometimes he had a feeling that he became invisible. Sasuke and Haku simply didn't see him anymore. A few words here and there, otherwise nothing. His friends, sensing the pain and immense sadness radiating from the blonde, distanced themselves from him, not wanting to get caught in his problems - they had their own troubles to deal with. Were they even his real friends to begin with?

Today, when he came home, the house was silent and the lights were out: either there was no one at home, or they were in on of the bedrooms. Slowly, Naruto dragged his tired legs towards the main bedroom in hopes that it was free. Alas, luck was never on his side. The door was partially opened, artificial light streaming through the crack. The blonde intended to turn around and go find some other things to do, but soft moans and groans caught his attention. He should have gone to another room, but his legs wouldn't move as if they were full of lead. He could discern creaks of the bed, slapping of sweaty skin, breathless moans. All the little energy he had, left him and Naruto softly leaned onto a wall. Tears were gathering in his hurt blue eyes, but he refused to let them fall. No, he would nev-...

"Ah, Haku...mm love you..."

"Oh Sasukeee...haah, I love you too...aaaah so much..mmm so good, love.."

The words tore Naruto's heart apart, especially Sasuke's confession, and it hurt so much that he wanted to scream, cry his lungs out until there was nothing left. Finally, his body started to move, taking him to the front door, out of the house and leading further away from the perfect couple.

...

Uchiha Itachi felt content with his life at the moment. It could have, of course, been better, but the evening was very pleasurable and relaxing. He sat in the middle of a large comfy couch, his two lovers occupying both sides. Hyuuga Neji, sat to the right, his head gently resting on Itachi's strong shoulder. Sai, took over the left side of the couch, leaning on the armrest, legs laying on top of Uchiha's knees. All three of them relaxed after a trying working day.

"Itachi..."

"Hmm?"

"When was the last time you talked to Naruto?"

"Almost a month ago. Why?"

"Well, with the way things are progressing we will never get him. Did he say anything about Sasuke?"

"He only said that everything is alright between them. But I doubt it."

"Oh?"

"Mhm. You saw how he is when he is happy. When I talked to him, he was rather calm and sounded sad."

"I know it may sound rude to you, since Sasuke is your brother, but I hope he makes some big mistake soon."

"I agree with Neji, Itachi. Your brother is a dick and Naruto is better off with us."

"Hn. As much as I love my little brother, he is foolish. It has been a long time since they moved in together, so I am sure something will happen soon."

While Neji sighed and nuzzled Uchiha's neck, Itachi let his hands gently massage pale feet that rested on his knees.

"That better be really soon, because that little tease makes me lose sleep. And then I wake up and remember that there is someone else who's fucking him...it's just ugh...so very frustrating."

"Sai, you are incredibly crude for an artist."

"Well, princess, I don't need to be all mannerly and polite. I'm a painter, my job is to do art. Everything else is the manager's responsibility."

Suddenly Itachi's cell phone went off. While their lover answered the phone, Neji and Sai exchanged looks. It was definitely Naruto calling: Itachi had a special ringtone for him.

"Hello, Naruto. ... What happened? ... Are you alright? ... Hn, if you say so. ... Of course, don't worry about it. Do you want me to meet you? ... I'll see you later."

The Uchiha turned to his curious lovers with a satisfied smirk, that made him look darker, more dangerous, menacing and supreme. The two lovers on the couch shuddered at the feeling.

"Start opening Champagne, my beloveds. Sasuke screwed up."

...

Naruto was sitting in the armchair across from the long sofa occupied by Itachi, Sai and Neji. The blonde watched the three curiously, trying to figure out what was going on. He knew Itachi pretty well, since he and Sasuke spent some time at the mansion with the older man. The other two he met briefly about ten times since he had known the Uchihas. But he was aware of the basic details of their biography.

The older of the trio was Itachi, being 27. He was simply sin incarnate. Sometimes when Naruto thought about what kind of character to associate the elder Uchiha with, he'd go with a Lord vampire: he was dark, incredibly sexy, seductive and just oozed power. People didn't even have the time to think before they were captivated by his dark charms and lost their selves in the pleasurable torture. He could and would take anything he wanted by force, but most of the time people did what he wanted without him lifting a finger. His silky mid-shoulder-blade length pitch black hair was always tucked into a low ponytail when in public; skin was even paler than Sasuke's, just a shade from looking unhealthy; beautifully slanted eyes, framed by thick long lashes, singling out captivating black orbs with a slight red tinge to them; the height was nothing to laugh at either - slightly over 190cm and if Naruto stood beside him, he wouldn't even reach his shoulders. Itachi was usually cold towards everyone but the people he cared about, which was very few. For some odd reason, Naruto couldn't even begin to imagine why, the elder Uchiha brother was very nice and lenient towards him.

Hyuuga Neji was a year younger than Itachi, and was a beauty out of this world. Even though he wasn't as dark as the Uchiha, he wasn't a prince on a white horse either. Still, he most certainly reminded the young Uzumaki of a noble, mannerly, sensual, flawless dark prince, that would first sweep you off your feet with a kind and courteous facade and then slowly devour your body and soul. His waist long dark-chocolate hair was as smooth as silk; skin a tone darker than Itachi's; eyes of pale, almost white, lilac with no visible pupils whatsoever, which suited the man incredibly well. Both the Hyuuga and Sai were only half a head shorter than the Uchiha, making them stand proud and tall.

Sai was of the same age as Neji. Naruto's impression of him was a humanized panther: he was all sleek, agile, smooth, his movements flawless and graceful, black eyes always discreetly following every movement made by the people around. Short smooth black hair and pale white skin were finishing the needed look. He was like a wild cat - first finding his prey, then following it, waiting for a perfect moment to strike and, finally, capturing it, taking from it everything he wanted. Like a panther, he was a perfection to look at, but dangerous if you didn't manage to earn his complete trust.

Though Naruto was pretty sure that Itachi was the most dangerous and cunning of the three of them. The blonde watched the men and couldn't help but space out. Sasuke and Haku didn't even stood a chance against these men. The trio was so high up above everyone else, that Naruto had a suspicion that they truly weren't human - they were just too good to be mere human beings. There was also a feeling of being insignificant before them. To Naruto everything about himself seemed so horrible right now, not worth of their attention. He felt even smaller before them than back at home with Sasuke and Haku. Like a chicken, a bird that would not even in a million years fly, longing for the sky from day to day. Or he could say those three were so otherworldly that it hurt to look at that perfection. Then something struck him and the Uzumaki was almost ready to cry hot tears of frustration, sadness and incredible pain.

"Um...Itachi?"

"Yes?"

"Are you...ugh well, are you three together?"

Itachi chuckled, while Neji gave the blonde a small smile. Sai was sketching something in his notepad, giving Naruto sly looks from time to time.

"Indeed, all of us are lovers. Does it bother you?"

Naruto fidgeted in his seat, trying to shrink and disappear from this planet in his misery.

"Actually, no, it doesn't. It just reminds me of something."

"Oh please do tell, Naruto. Also I would love to hear what happened between you and Sasuke."

The blonde smiled weakly, his tanned face paling a shade or two.

"You see..."

...

"...so you lived with some unknown creep for 5 months?"

Naruto only nodded to Sai's question. He wasn't really comfortable telling them the whole thing, but he felt like he owed it to Itachi and his lovers for interrupting their free time.

"Naruto, why didn't you tell me? He is my little brother, I could have done something."

"Sure, the bastard is your brother, but he is...err, was my lover and we had our own life. So it was my problem. Besides, I doubt it would have changed anything. I wanted to do something right for once in my life."

"Naruto," Itachi's voice had a warning undertone to it. "don't you dare blame yourself for the failing of this relationship. Sasuke, the foolish little brother he is, thought he found someone better suited for him and that does not necessarily mean better than you. You tried your best to make it work out, trust me, I know. I saw you both stumble through it all, trying to find a common ground fitting both of you. Sasuke is greedy, you have to know that by now. But this is an Uchiha trait, as well as being overly possessive. I am even more greedy than my brother and my possessiveness knows no boundaries. But unlike my oututo there are only a few things I want and when I get them I would never let them go. I take care of what is mine, I claim it and mark it. Be it a person or not."

"You forgot to mention that you're better at everything you do than the dick you call your brother."

"Sai, stop being so crude in front of Naruto!"

The blonde cracked a smile at this, his blue eyes brightening a little.

"It's ok, Neji. Besides, it's not like I don't swear myself."

"You do?"

Naruto looked strangely at the Hyuuga and answered slowly.

"Well, yes. It's a normal occurrence. You have to be a saint not to cuss."

Finally, Sai looked up from his work to look at the Uzumaki.

"How old are you, Thumbelina?"

Naruto bristled, his cheeks coloring red in embarrassment and anger.

"Don't call me that, you prick! I'm a man dammit! And I'm 22."

The artist turned to the pale-eyed man.

"See, he's crude too. So stop complaining already." He, then, switched his attention back to the blonde. "Alright, I'll call you fairy then."

"Huh? Why?"

"As an artist I think you look like one: shiny blonde hair, bright blue eyes, tanned skin and such a delicate body. You definitely fit a description of a fairy."

Naruto didn't know how to feel about his new nickname: humiliated, concerned or honored. Itachi interrupted what he called in his mind 'bonding time with a future lover'.

"It is already late. Naruto, I assume you won't go home. Even if that was what you planned, I won't let you suffer more at the hands of my foolish little brother. You can stay in the guest room - it will be yours from now on. So feel comfortable to do whatever you like. We will get your things tomorrow."

The blonde's shoulders sagged a little. He knew he would feel uncomfortable in the same house with the three gorgeous men, but at the moment it was better than going back. He would stay, at least until he found a new place.

"Thank you."

The Uchiha nodded, pleased with not getting an unneeded confrontation. For him it was easy: he decided to let Naruto stay and the blonde would do so, whether he liked it or not. It was for the best for al of them.

"Neji, love, can you show him to his room and help him get comfortable?"

"Of course."

The Hyuuga smiled kindly at the youngest man and beckoned him to follow. When the two went up the stairs, Sai turned his gleaming dark eyes to his lover.

"Finally. I was getting impatient. He's such a small delicate boy, that I'm almost afraid to touch him. Not to mention that he is beyond beautiful. Your moron of a brother is blind."

Itachi smirked.

"He looks delicate, but for such a size this body of his holds some amazing strength and stamina. Don't underestimate him. Many made this mistake and payed dearly. But I agree, the word beautiful does not even come close to describing him. Sasuke being blind only played in our hands, hasn't it? So we will have to thank him."

The shorter of the two watched a dark smirk blossom on the Uchiha's face. Sai chuckled.

"Somehow I have a feeling that it won't be pleasant for the shit-head."

"Oh no, it won't."

"You sent Neji up with Naruto to get them closer?"

"He has the same feelings for Naruto as we do, but he needs more time than you to fully open up and lose his cold facade. Because of that people tend to remain distant from him. Though I believe it will not be a problem with Naruto."

"Ah true, true. Let's go to bed, my dark and sexy seme. We have a very interesting day tomorrow."

...

Days flew by as Naruto started living with Itachi and his lovers. The three men were never overly affectionate in front of him, so he didn't feel as hurt as he thought he would be. But it was by no means easy to be among the three gorgeous men every day. He dearly hoped that he would manage being in the mansion for a couple of months before the end of his last year at the University. Then he could find a job and a new place to live. The scholarship he got was not enough to cover the rent of a small apartment. Itachi, Sai and Neji were very kind to him and understanding. But still he couldn't bear to spend much time with them. No matter how good they were to Naruto, he felt like an outsider, invading their privacy. The three of them were lovers and he was stealing the small amount of time they could spend together due to their work. The blonde felt he was being a burden to them. And this feeling did nothing to improve his mood.

The day when Itachi, Sai and him went to pack his things at Sasuke's place was not pleasant either. Naruto's former lover wasn't all too sad about the blonde leaving him, but he was furious that it was his elder brother who took the blonde in. In the younger Uchiha's eyes Naruto was his property and losing it to his brother was the worst thing that could ever happen. There were also the words that Sasuke whispered into the blonde's ear before their parting.

'Warming your way into another bed, I see. But I doubt he will even look at you, he already has two men that are more or less equal to him. Compared to them you're less than nothing. I know you'll crawl back to me on your knees and beg to take you back. Good luck in trying to mooch off Itachi, you little whore.'

That night after hearing such 'kind' words Naruto cried himself to sleep, while no one was there to share his pain and wipe away his tears. Questions constantly plagued his mind, bothering him, making him restless. Had Sasuke ever loved him? If not, then why had he spent so many years on him? Had there been someone else besides him all the time? Was he viewed just as property? A toy to play with? Those questions tore his mind and what was left of his heart apart, making him lose sleep. The limitless amount of energy he was known for almost dwindled to nothing. He was so used to being with Sasuke...six years of his life he spent with the man he loved dearly and selflessly. The young Uchiha was his everything: his friend, his lover, his past, present and future, his saviour from the hell that was his childhood. But now everything turned to dust, leaving him empty-handed, a mere shell of a person he was before.

As Naruto stood just in the underwear before the full-body mirror and traced the scars his body carried, memories of his younger days, before Sasuke, surfaced. He never knew who his parents were, he spent his whole life before his 18th birthday in the orphanage. The workers there always called him a bastard child and their negative feelings towards him mirrored in the rest of the children. There were beatings, cruel tortures. Naruto got his first scars on his cheeks when he was only 6. They said it was a birthday present: six lines for six years. A few years later they slashed his stomach with knives, blaming him for being born alive, but taking the life of his mother. A large scar on his chest appeared later and almost killed him if not for the nurse that was passing by the alley he lay bleeding in by a chance. They said he didn't deserve a heart for making his father lose his mind and burn the house with the rest of his family at night so no one could get out alive. Many people in the city knew about him and hated him. But no single person spoke about his parents, the topic being a taboo.

Only when he came to live with Sasuke did he get the tattoo to cover up the scars on his belly. And it was Sasuke who thought of it and gave him money to get the job done. It swirled around his navel, covered half of his lower torso and went lower under the underwear. The young Uchiha also suggested making a tattoo to hide the scar on his chest, but Naruto refused to let any needles near his heart. That was a place Sasuke refused to touch in all those six years.

Naruto remembered seeing Itachi shirtless a couple of times: the pale skin smooth and blemish-free. Sasuke and Haku were perfect too. He was sure that Neji and Sai bore no scars, at least physical, also. The blonde heard once a story of an ugly duckling, but unlike him, the duckling turned into a graceful swan. The young Uzumaki wondered if, perhaps, he should apply for a job in another city or even country to get some resemblance of life. There would be no Sasuke to haunt him, no people to hate him without knowing him. He could start anew, find better friends and, hopefully, a lover. There was no place for him in his house with three beautiful men. He presence here would only ruin their reputation and private life. He didn't need Sasuke to tell him, that he was nothing compared to them,he knew that by himself.

...

Itachi lay between his lovers in their huge bed, all of them fully sated and relaxed. Fully coming from his high, Neji sat up to look at Sai and the Uchiha.

"I think you noticed that Naruto seems listless. It has been over two months since he broke up with Sasuke, but he only looks worse than before. He has no energy, no life in his eyes, nothing. I tried talking to him, but he never tells what is bothering him. There is something weighting down his mind but he refuses to open up. I honestly, don't know what to do."

Sai turned serious too, which was rare.

"Same here, he's exchanging jokes with me, but it's like he's hollow. I wonder what your shit for a brother did to him. He also keeps his distance from us, trying to spend as much time as possible alone."

Neji nodded and watched as Itachi's face darkened in worry.

"Since you are working the most of us you don't get to spend much time with him. But we tried flirting with him and it looks like he is not even remotely attracted to us!"

"What the princess said is true. And I'll be damned if it's even possible! You know I'm not of the sensitive type, but it hurt's even me to see our fairy in such state."

"Yes. Itachi, I think he trusts you more than anyone right now and it is time for you to take action. Now we only have to hope that he, at least, finds us attractive."

"Neji, Sai, I will take an early leave from office tomorrow, make sure all of you are at home by 4. As I think the problem is not that he is not attracted to us, but that he wants to give us as much space as possible. He thinks that he is bothering us. So tomorrow I will talk to him, before he does something stupid like finding another place to live."

...

On the way to the mansion from the University Naruto wondered why did Neji tell him to come home before 4 o'clock. It wasn't like he had any plans, since his friends put so much distance between him and them, that he couldn't call them friends anymore, just mere acquaintances. Perhaps he would get himself a pet, probably a cat, when he moves out. When the blonde changed to the more comfortable clothes and went down to the living room, he was surprised to see Itachi sitting on the couch, looking at him. It was incredibly rare when the man came home so early. But what surprised him even more that Sai and Neji were occupying armchairs on both sides of the huge rest-seat. Itachi pat a place next to him.

"Naruto, come here, I want to talk to you."

Oh, were they finally tired of him and wanted him to leave? He knew from the start that it was inevitable, but he had yet to find a place to live. The blonde sat next to Itachi and decided if he reassured them before the start of an unpleasant conversation.

"Um, don't worry guys, give me a week and I'll find an apartment so you won't be bothered anymore."

Naruto tried to smile cheerfully, but it was only a miserable shadow of his usual bright smile. With one swift movement the Uchiha turned his blazing eyes on the youngest man, pinning him to the seat. The dark orbs were so intense that for a few moments Naruto forgot how to breathe.

"Naruto, you are not leaving this house."

The blonde had to blink a few times to fully comprehend the meaning of the words.

"Huh? But..."

"What I mean is we want you to live together with us."

Naruto shook his head.

"Itachi, I'm grateful for everything you've done for me, but I don't want to intrude. You three have your own life, which I'm not a part of. I'll only be in the way."

The Uchiha feeling that it was the famous stubborn side of the blonde that they were facing at the moment, steeled his expression and spoke in a commanding tone.

"Naruto, I am not asking wether you want to live here or not. I am saying that you are going to live in this house."

The blonde was at loss of words - he never faced this cold Itachi in his true Uchiha glory. He was undoubtedly many times scarier than Sasuke. Naruto was used to deal with the former lover, when he went into the Uchiha mode. But Itachi was never like this towards him. Why did he want Naruto to live with them? Didn't he understand that he'd be in the way, cause problems? He'd also be hurting all the time, seeing them three together and happy. But he couldn't say anything. The look Itachi was giving him and the ice cold tone made his insides twist and wrap around themselves.

Sai and Neji were watching the scene silently, both wondering if commanding the little blonde was the right thing to do. But it was Itachi's job to sort out the situation. He was the dominant man in the house and in the relationship; he met Naruto first; he fell in love with him first; he gathered them all together; he protected their relationship the most.

Seeing as Naruto quieted down, the Uchiha softened once more.

"Naruto, I don't want to use such tone with you, but if you are going to be difficult it is my only option. Now, please, listen to me. None of us wants you to leave this house. I don't think you will be happy living all alone, with no one to rely on, to trust to, to help you. All of us are here for you, we care for you. We want you to be happy, but happy with us."

Naruto was on the verge of tears. Of course he wanted to be happy and he cherished these men, he liked them. But it would only hurt all of them. Everything that was bottled inside of him for such a long time was ready to come out at any moment. Because of the warm and kind words, because it was Itachi saying them - the man he trusted the most. He always trusted him even more than Sasuke. It just came to the blonde naturally, like he felt he could rely on this person. He was overflowing with emotions and the dam was about to break. When he spoke his voice was weak and trembling.

"But Itachi, I can't! I just...can't..."

The oldest man took the shaking bronze hands into his, stroking the backside of small palms with his thumbs.

"Tell me, Naruto, why can't you? Hm? You've known me for eight years, you know you can tell me and I'll listen, I'll be there for you. I was there when you needed support the most, wasn't I? Trust me once again now. Naruto, please..."

Two lovers watched from the sides in a daze at the side of Itachi they had never seen before. He was so soft, so caring. He spoke to Naruto as if he was afraid to break him into pieces so small that they would be swiped by the wind in a second like dust.

For Naruto there existed only Itachi now and his hands that were so gentle and soothing. His low voice was so inviting, caring and warm, that he couldn't take it anymore. The dam broke and tears fell from his eyes. He wouldn't be able to stop them even if he wanted. His cries muffled the words, but didn't stop them.

"I...I can't because I don't want to harm your relationship! If I stay here, not only this, but everything...your lives, reputation...everything...for housing me...they'll hate you too! They...th-they will try to harm you...and it'll b-be my fault! I can't do that t-to you! A-and I don't belong here t-too! I'm nothing...j-just a bastard child that everyone hates! I don't w-want any more scars! T-they'll abuse m-me again for staining you! T-they said I don't d-deserve to live...t-that I shouldn't have a h-heart...because my parents d-died and it was all my f-fault! And I have n-nothing to g-give you! And it h-hurts just being near you...hic...I'm b-broken and scarred...and I'm s-so down below you...all of you...and Sasuke and Haku...S-Sasuke he t-thinks so too! He told me that and...and he wanted me to cover t-the scars b-because they are so ugly and should n-never be seen...'Tachi it h-hurts so much! I'm broken i-inside and outside...I..I can't..."

Itachi grabbed Naruto, moved him on his lap and hugged him tightly to his chest. He had never thought that the small blonde he loved so much was hurting so badly all this time. His heart clenched as he listened to the muffled sobs. Neji and Sai were speechless. It was obvious that someone, including Sasuke, tried their best to break the young boy. It was a wonder that he was able to smile so brightly and cover his pain. Both men ached to just go and soothe Naruto, make him forget about pain and all the insecurities. From what they heard, beside the pain of being abused and hated he felt also insecure about his body, his looks, state of mind...about everything.

Some time passed and the blonde finally calmed down. Itachi moved him slightly further from his chest to look at the tear-stained face. One large hand gently wiped away the tears, while dark eyes locked on teary cerulean.

"Feeling better?"

Naruto only nodded, not able to speak yet. The Uchiha softly kissed him on the forehead.

"You know, Naruto, for the longest of time I've been waiting for you and Sasuke to break up."

Seeing confusion swimming in the depth of blue, Itachi leaned in and pecked the young man on the slightly red from all crying nose.

"Mhm. I fell in love with you when you were only 16 and my little brother brought you to our place. But you had eyes only for Sasuke, so I let it be and hoped he would make you happy. Though now I see that I overestimated him. He is foolish and he will pay for what he has done. But we'll talk about this later. Those two..." Itachi nodded at his two lovers who by now sat together on the edge of the couch, eyes burning with anticipation. "...love you too. The three of us were planning Sasuke's demise for some time now to have you all for ourselves."

Naruto took the three men in with bewildered eyes. They all loved him? Was that even possible? Two big warm, gentle hands took his face and turned it back to look at the Uchiha. The dark gaze was soft, but determined.

"Now, Naruto. I ask you to trust me one last time. Give us you heart, body and soul for the keeping. Stay here, with us, and let us love you and take care of you. You have nothing to be afraid of - we'll protect you with everything we have, and you know it is a lot."

"'Tachi, is it even possible to love three persons at the same time?"

The Uchiha smirked.

"You tell us."

With that Itachi kissed Naruto fully on the lips. The blonde felt like he was melting inside. All his pain and insecurities were washed away with one kiss. When the two parted Naruto smiled brightly.

"I can't say I love you to all three of you yet, but when time comes I'll say to all of you together. Right now i can say I like all of you and if you promise to put me back together from the broken mess I am, then I think everything will be alright."

"Good. Now, welcome your other lovers."

Before Naruto could say anything, Sai and Neji pounced on the couple. They were so emotionally wound up, that they no longer had any control over themselves. Only one sound escaped the blonde as he was pressed between three men.

"Urk!"

After much kissing from all the sides, Sai leaned back and smirked.

"Fairy, the only thing you can be afraid of is too much love. You think you can handle that?"

Naruto's boyish nature resurfaced full force and he gave a challenging smirk in response.

"Oh I think I can. You think you three have enough stamina to handle me?"

It was the first time the blonde saw Neji smirk so darkly. It looked strange a bit, but it confirmed Naruto's thoughts about the man: he wasn't all white and fluffy. Not at all.

"Hmm, trust me, we'll do out best. ALL. NIGHT. LONG."

Naruto shivered at first, but couldn't contain happy laughter that was bubbling inside. So he let it all out - the most happy and honest sound that ever left his lips in his life.

As Itachi watched his little beloved laugh so brightly, he swore to himself that Sasuke would never come close to Naruto as long as he lived and those who abused him won't live long enough to die of old age. And when he's done with them, he'd be finally content with his life.

"By the way, Naruto. You'll have to think of a place where you want to have your next tattoo."

"Huh?" Wide blue eyes blinked at Itachi.

"If you remember I am overly possessive and mark everything and everyone that belongs to me. Sai and Neji have their own marks already. Now it's your turn."

"Wh-wha-what?"

Sai smirked.

"Don't tell me you didn't know what you were getting in, my little fairy."

Neji nodded all too pleased with the events of the day.

"Don't worry, beautiful, we'll kiss it better."

"THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M WORRIED ABOUT!"

Listening to his lovers bickering, Uchiha Itachi smiled softly. Life was getting better and better. With Naruto joining them every day would be bright.