Title: Unspoken bonds

Author: Agni

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Summary: According to Lord Alfred Tennyson, "'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Is it really?

Pairing: Itachi/Naruto.

Warning: AU. Yaoi. M-Rated. (Which means that there is a lemon in this chapter.)

Author's note: Again, there is character death and angst. Most people are likely to get confused and I am loath to say this but for the sake of the story, I must. This is a reincarnation story. Each shot shows the different incarnations of Itachi and Naruto. This one is the first incarnation. This is where it all began.

This particular chapter is dedicated to one of my favorite authors Imperial Mint. Please do enjoy.

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Where it all began…

Happiness and true companionship will elude them. Their souls will touch once before he sacrifices his blood for the one who is his mate. Tied forever because of that one deed of selfless love, they will transcend all boundaries, never to love another, never to be the same.

Kuromichi and Yukimura

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Silvery blue eyes gleamed with glee as a young demon stood in a crowd of people, a bamboo flute on his lips, producing a mischievous, playful tone. Even surrounded by the most beautiful demons ever to grace the lands, he was ethereal.

Prince Naruto of the Royal Yukimura clan was a sight to behold. He was the son of the King's true mate and therefore, a prince that everyone seemed to coddle and love. It helped that he was stunning with his pale, snow colored hair and his glimmering blue eyes contrasted his warm, childish yet confident personality.

Itachi, despite his misgivings, had accompanied his family to the Royal Princess Nadeshiko's mating ceremony. He had not expected to find the event even remotely entertaining until the Prince made an appearance.

If the Princess was praised to be beauty of heavenly proportions then, Itachi felt that the Prince's allure was beyond definition. Itachi's reaction to the Prince was keen. He could feel the stirring within him, the need to get close, the need to possess. It would take little effort on his part to tread through the crowd surrounding the talented prince and steal him away.

Ebony eyes gleamed as he observed Naruto's movements. He watched as those entrancing blue eyes closed and the youthful body moved to the rhythm of the music.

So captivating…

There was a soft chuckle and he glanced out was the corner of his eye at the woman who accompanied him. "Shouko?"

Dark grey eyes looked at him slyly and he just knew that she was concealing a smirk that was inherent in their family behind that beautiful fan of hers. "Someone caught your eye, aniue?" she asked softly but there was no mistaking the hint of humor in her voice.

He narrowed his eyes at her, "Hn."

She chuckled softly, her eyes dancing over to the prince that had captivated her older brother's attention. "So lively…" she whispered before glancing at him, "So unlike you, my dear aniue." Her eyes went to Naruto once gain, "And so beautiful." She whispered breathily, "I just might keep this one for myself."

"Such shamelessness." Itachi murmured, his dark eyes amused, "Are you so confident in your allure that you think you will capture the Prince of our kingdom, imouto?"

She smiled at him, her red lips curling slightly at the corners. Itachi wondered if there was even a single man alive who could resist his sister. Her dark, bewitching beauty had certainly captivated many a men and if it were not for his protective nature, she would have been well settled by now.

"Will you let me, aniue?"

Itachi chuckled, his sister knew him too well. He turned his head a little to look at the prince once again. He brought his hands to his lips in an attempt to conceal the predatory smirk that graced his features. The prince must have felt something because those blue eyes glanced around absently before sharpening when they focused on him. "I am afraid, Shouko," he whispered, keeping his eyes locked with that piercing sapphire gaze, "that this one is mine to claim."

Shouko stilled, looking at her older brother with narrowed eyes, "Yours to claim?" she asked with a frown before turning towards him and looking at his eyes as he gazed at the prince. Her lips parted in surprise, "Mate… aniue, you finally found your mate?"

Itachi inclined his head gracefully, looking at her with a barely perceptible smile. "I am not certain as of yet." He murmured, "It will take time to discern if my instincts are correct, nevertheless…"

She looked at Naruto who was now pointedly looking away from her brother and chuckled, "Chichi-ue and haha-ue will be delighted." She said, "You, however, have a long road to tread."

Itachi raised a brow.

She smiled at him slyly, "There have been rumors."

"Rumors." He reiterated dryly.

She nodded, "Prince Naruto is known to be just as stubborn and temperamental as he is strong and beautiful. Moreover," she smirked, "He is also known to snub everyone who wishes to court him, be it male or female."

Itachi glanced at the prince, "How unusual." He murmured thoughtfully, "Correct me if I am wrong, Shouko but his scent indicates that he is already into the fourth year of being an adult demon." She nodded, "It also indicates that he has survived the biannual mating cycle for three years without a lover."

"That is remarkable self control from a young man." Shouko murmured, "Especially for one who is in his privileged position. I do not doubt that his father could procure numerous concubines for him."

Itachi kept his eyes on Naruto. This time, he was making no effort to conceal his interest. He could see the prince twitch and glare at him from the corner of his eyes and a slow, sensual smirk formed on his lips. 'So this the legendary temper that Shouko speaks of?' He thought to himself, his eyes hooded as he met that piercing glare head on.

Shouko chuckled, "Never let it be said that Kuromichi Itachi backs down from a challenge."

"Yes." Itachi purred, his eyes glinting darkly, "Let the little one assume he can escape." He whispered, "Let him assume that a glare from those exquisite eyes is enough to intimidate me."

He glanced at his smirking sister, "I shall take great pleasure in proving him wrong."

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"Is Princess Nadeshiko well?" Itachi asked his father-in-law impassively as he scanned their surroundings. The rebels were being pushed back slowly but he was well aware that the danger was still present.

King Yukimura Ryouichi shook his head, looking solemn as he looked down at the scroll spread out in front of him. "She lost her pup." He whispered sadly, "I worry that that is one loss she may never recover from."

Itachi frowned slightly before looking at Naruto, who was asleep on the futon in a corner. His mate impressed and worried him. When the rebellion started, he had taken charge immediately, working with his father to cope with the sudden, unexpected attack. Looking at him now, it was hard to recall the immaculate beauty that he had first seen during Nadeshiko's mating ceremony. At that time, he had viewed his mate and seen a young demon just stepping into adulthood. His instinct to protect the younger demon had been strong.

It was still strong.

A hand fell on his shoulder and he looked at his king in question. "I understand your sentiments, Itachi-kun." He whispered, "But Naruto has been trained to be a warrior and a ruler. He will not abandon his people in the time of crisis." He leaned down, caressing his young son's pale cheek with a sad smile, "My pup is very courageous and selfless and despite how he acts, he can be very wise when time calls for it."

"Forgive me, Yukimura-sama." He said as he sat down beside his mate, watching those exhausted features with a slight frown, "I do not appreciate their timing." He glanced at the bandaged wounds on Naruto's shoulders and chest. "Nor do I appreciate them harming my mate."

Ryouichi shook his head, "I did say that I understood." He sighed, "I will go check on the others. I suggest you take some rest as well, Itachi-kun." Itachi nodded, his eyes intent on his mate and Ryouichi smiled grimly before walking out of the room.

When the door closed, Itachi sighed softly, removing his armor and all other unnecessary adornments before sliding onto the futon. He carefully maneuvered Naruto so that his mate was comfortable in his embrace and pressed his lips against the younger demon's temple.

"Your scent is tainted with worry, saiai." His mate whispered tiredly and Itachi looked on as those sleepy eyes opened, "Everything will be alright."

"I did not mean to wake you." Itachi murmured, combing his fingers through Naruto's hair.

The prince sighed, "Always so morbid. Have you so little trust in my abilities?" He placed his head on Itachi's chest, "One would assume that you consider me to be an incompetent prince."

"Never." Itachi said with unusual amount of affection in his voice. Seeing his mate injured just a few days after their mating ceremony had taken place was unsettling to him. His instincts were raging. He had failed in his duty as a mate when he could not protect Naruto. "I have never met anyone more worthy."

"Good." Naruto said with a smile, "Now will you rest?" he asked, pressing feathery kisses along Itachi's jaw, "I can see that you are tired."

Itachi's arm tightened about him as he turned to take his mate's lips in kiss. Naruto hummed appreciatively, closing his eyes while Itachi carefully ran his hand up and down his back. The older demon was all too aware of his injuries. "I cannot afford to let my guard down, Naruto." Itachi stated, "You are already injured."

Naruto cupped his face, looking at him seriously, "You mustn't blame yourself. I am aware that you consider it your duty to protect me." His eyes softened, "It must be painful to see me like this, we have just recently mated and your instincts must be very uncontrollable at the moment." Naruto looked troubled, "I do not know how to reassure you…"

Itachi chuckled lightly at his young mate, "I assure you that I can manage these instincts well." He caressed Naruto's cheek, "And feeling guilty is inevitable, I am afraid."

Naruto sighed, "It cannot be helped." He relaxed against Itachi, "Do you know how aneue is fairing?"

Itachi frowned, "I am afraid that the stress of the abrupt attack from the rebels affected her." He hushed Naruto soothingly when he tensed in his arms, "She went into labor early and lost the child."

"Kami-sama…" Naruto's whispered, closing his eyes in remorse, "Such innocence lost because of a single man's greed."

Itachi simply nodded, the loss was regrettable. Nadeshiko had been very much looking forward to being a mother, glowing happily during the course of her pregnancy while her mate looked upon her proudly.

"And what of your side of our family?" Naruto asked softly. "I hope everyone is alright? Have they arrived yet?"

Itachi nodded, "Yes. They have settled in another one of these secure room of the castle." He informed, "Shouko was anxious to meet you once she heard that you were injured." He smiled faintly, "She has grown very fond of you, I am afraid."

Naruto grinned, flashing his fangs at his mate, "I am very fond of her as well. I have never met such a… unique woman." Itachi chuckled, "I mean that as a compliment, of course."

"Of course." Itachi replied smoothly, his eyes glinting in humor. "Morning will be upon us soon, my precious one." He said as he looked down Naruto, "We must rest while we can."

Naruto's expression soured a little but he nodded, resting his head against Itachi's chest as sleep beckoned him.

Itachi observed him for a while before submitting to his own exhaustion.

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"You are so audacious." Naruto hissed, his eyes spitting fire as Itachi pinned him against a wall, "How dare you take such liberties!"

Itachi leaned forward, "Courting a warrior is a battle, Naruto-sama." He whispered against the prince's ear, "Maidens may be swayed by flowers and jewels but warriors require something much more potent." He smirked, "Warriors must be challenged and won over as one would win a battle."

Naruto glared at him, "Then this is a battle you will never win!"

Itachi chuckled, brushing his lips against the sensitive skin of Naruto's neck and smiling slyly when the younger demon shivered in his arms. "I always win my battles." He assured, "And that beautiful blush on your cheeks tells me that I am likely to win this one as well."

"I will not submit to you." Naruto hissed, "I will not submit to anyone."

Itachi kissed the corner of Naruto's lips, "Who said anything about submission?" he asked softly, "If anything, it is I who have submitted to you, my prince." He whispered, "I have let my heart be vulnerable to you and you can do with it as you please. Is that not the ultimate submission?"

Naruto stilled, looking at Itachi wide-eyed. "Your allure is maddening to me. Your scent is so pure that something carnal in me aches to taint it with my own." He leaned back a little, knowing that he had Naruto's attention. "The Prince of the Yukimura clan… an ice demon…" he whispered, combing his fingers through Naruto's snow-white hair, "And yet you stir such a raging fire within me."

Naruto bit his lip, his pale cheeks now warm with a bright blush as he turned his head away. "You speak so boldly." He whispered helplessly. "One would think the heir of the legendary Kuromichi clan would be more reserved."

Itachi chuckled, releasing Naruto's pinned arms and stepping away. The fire in his veins was already ebbing and the familiar sense of calm started to overtake him once again. "Yes. Under normal circumstances."

Icy blue eyes peered at him shyly, "Are these circumstances not normal?"

"Hardly." Itachi admitted, "I do not go on pursuing anyone who catches my interest with such passion, Naruto-sama." Intense ebony eyes looked into pale blue, "I will not admit defeat until you willing place your hand in mine."

Then Itachi was gone.

Naruto slid down the wall, landing dazedly on his knees as he looked at the spot Itachi had previously occupied. His blue eyes were hooded as he licked his lips nervously.

He did not want to admit it but Itachi frightened him. The possessiveness and passion in his eyes made Naruto feel helpless and utterly vulnerable.

He did not know what to do.

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"Are you certain?" Shouko asked softly, looking over Naruto with concern. He was donning on his armor with a grim look on his face. His bandages were still visible and his eyes still revealed his bone-deep exhaustion. He had been leading his men and fighting for over a week now and it was apparent. The worry, the sadness, the anger was draining him.

She looked over to her older brother who was in the process of sheathing his sword. "Aniue, can you not reason with him?"

Itachi looked at her impassively, "Are you asking me to stop him from doing his duty, Shouko?"

"I am asking you to protect your mate, aniue!" She snapped, "I am asking you to see to it that he does not act hastily or foolishly."

"You will silence yourself." A voice commanded her, deep and full of authority. The temperature in their war room dropped several degrees as Naruto leveled his icy gaze on her, "As my mate's sister, you enjoy a privileged position, Shouko-san. However, that does not mean that you have the right to criticize me." He looked down at her impassively, "And even if Itachi is my mate, he is still my subject. He still must follow my orders. The only person who can override my orders is my father."

Shouko looked at Itachi who simply bowed his head a bit, "He is correct."

She scowled at him and then glanced at Naruto who simply walked out of the room, his stride purposeful and eyes determined.

Shouko turned back to her brother, reaching forward to cup his face so she could look into his eyes. "This is bothering you."

Itachi inclined his head gracefully, "He is my mate, imouto. It is natural for me to be bothered." His voice was smooth, betraying nothing but his eyes swirling with emotions that were too intense to describe in words. "He is not being reckless, he is not being foolish and he is not being unreasonable, he is a leader and a prince fighting for his people, I must understand that."

"There are others who can do that for him. He is the only heir! Is his safety not the priority?" Shouko asked, trying to get her older brother to understand reason. She had grown fond of her brother-in-law and to lose him would pain her greatly. It was an option that she did not even wish to consider.

Itachi held himself taut, looking at her coolly, "You are asking me to rebel against my mate, Shouko."

"You are the elder." She whispered, "At this initial stage of your mating, it is always the elder of the couple who is more dominant. You are wiser and more experienced and you have courted him. If you insist, he will obey, you know that."

"He will also resent me." He answered, "I will lose his respect and admiration. I will insult him by using my unspoken authority to prevent him from performing his duty." He looked at her keenly, "I am aware that I am the elder. I am aware that at this stage of our relationship, he instinctively looks at me for direction, however," he narrowed his eyes, "It is only with regards to our relationship, Shouko. As he rightly stated, I may be is mate but I am still under his command as he is my prince. I refuse to insult him as you wish for me to do."

"But aniue…"

"Shouko." He interrupted her sharply, "As his mate, it is my duty to show my support to him. If I, of all people, question his actions, he could lose respectability amongst his other subordinates."

"You must not care for him much if you are more concerned about his respectably than his life." Shouko hissed unreasonably. She knew that she had lost the argument but hers heart was that of a woman who was looking out for both her brothers. The very thought of anything happening to either of them was…

However, she believed in her brother's strength in ways that she did not believe in the Prince's. She had seen Itachi in battles, she had been the majesty and the power of his movements, she had seen enemies cower and bend under the wrath of his sword.

Naruto, her charming, smiling, bright-eyed Naruto, was not made for such cruelty. He was a creature to be treasured and coddled. His shy, innocent smiles along with those dazzling grins of mischief were things to be protected. He was meant for beauty, for art and life. He was meant to play his little flute and amaze others with his music, he was meant to charm and mesmerize everyone.

He was not meant to be stained with blood.

"You will watch your tongue when you speak to me, sister." Itachi voice was calm, it betrayed absolutely nothing but his eyes were piercing. "I have little patience for your immature tantrums."

She hissed like a stung cat and glared at him. "To label my concern for your welfare and the welfare of your mate as a mere tantrum…" she whispered, "You must think so little of me, Itachi."

His eyes snapped towards her sharply. "I have never received such disrespect from you." He whispered, his voice low but dangerous, "You accuse me to not caring for Naruto, you accuse me of being an incompetent mate and then you dare to address me with my given name?" he narrowed his eyes; "I am your older brother and expect to be treated as such."

She turned away from him, her expression tight and there was a sigh. "Every night he comes into our bed with new wounds." His voice was a whisper but the concealed anguish in it was obvious to her. "With every death he witnesses, more innocence fades from his eyes." She turned to look at him, her eyes soft with understanding, "I courted him for a year, Shouko and had him in my arms for only a day before the rebels attacked. I hunger for him." Shouko flushed at his candid words, "Deep within me, there is a voice telling me to take Naruto away from this situation and keep him safe because the thought of losing him is unbearable. However, I cannot do that."

"Aniue…"

"What must I do, Shouko?" He asked softly, leaning against the wall and looking blankly at the ceiling, "The only protection I can offer him is to be by his side and pray that I react fast enough to ensure that he does not get fatally injured." He looked at her, "That is all I can do."

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"You are good." Itachi stated, making certain to keep his voice a touch condescending. He dodged another skillful strike with a faint smirk that he knew that temperamental prince would misinterpret. "Although, I must wonder if that sword is too long for you."

Icy blue eyes narrowed at him and he was forced to dodge another swift and skillful strike. Itachi enjoyed seeing Naruto angry. Much to his dismay, Naruto had slowly started to adjust to his personality and his seduction. He could brush of Itachi's advances with impressive calmness, however, when the older demon got him angry, he would lose all sense of that princely poise.

Those eyes were brilliant when they were burning with emotion.

"It is a sword of my choosing and the one I am most comfortable with. You have no right to question my choices." Naruto whispered dangerously before twisting his wrist expertly, his long nodachi met the strike of Itachi's katana at almost blinding speeds. Itachi had not been lying. Naruto was very skilled with an almost unwieldy blade.

Naruto's nodachi was an impressive looking sword. The mere sight of it would serve to intimidate most ignorant people. However, no matter how intimidating it was, it was a two-handed sword and while it provided a descent offense, it wasn't as good at defense.

However, a skilled swordsman wasn't someone who altered himself according to the demands of his sword but the one who molded his sword to serve him.

Naruto did just that. Somehow, after watching the prince fight using the sword for only a few moments, Itachi couldn't imagine anything but that nodachi in Naruto's hands. Itachi turned serious out of respect for Naruto's skills. It wouldn't do for the prince to think that Itachi did not acknowledge his strength.

The prince was young, his experience when it came to real battle was next to none and some of his moves were textbook stances that Itachi could read very easily. However, it was apparent to the older demon that the prince was coming up with his own style. His speed was something that not even Itachi, for all his experience, could track. That speed, accompanied by the dangerous length of the nodachi, did make Naruto a very strong opponent.

For the next hour or so, Itachi sparred with Naruto seriously, his narrowed, calculating eyes watching his opponents every move. "Very good, my prince." Itachi murmured, executing a swift somersault to escape a deadly strike, "You are a natural, obviously." He whispered and his praise was genuine.

Naruto relaxed a bit, fighting him with less hostility and more concentration.

He improved sharply from that moment on and Itachi found himself enjoying the spar in ways he had not anticipated. As he analyzed the prince, he realized that the young Yukimura heir was really the prodigy he was known to be. As time passed, he adjusted to Itachi style, correcting his mistakes and stances in an instant and generally improving at speeds that Itachi had never witnessed before.

How thrilling…

However, he wasn't known to be a genius was nothing.

Naruto cursed and Itachi's lips curled at the corners as he moved swiftly, wrapping his arm around Naruto slender frame and placing his sword delicately on his vulnerable neck.

"You have foresight." Itachi whispered against Naruto's ear. "The ability to see things moments before they happen."

The prince shivered as Itachi's breath caressed his ear. "Yes." Naruto admitted freely, "But sometimes it is more of a hindrance than an advantage."

"Hmm." Itachi murmured, his hand slowly sliding down Naruto's arm and removing the nodachi from his grasp. With both their swords on the ground, he wrapped his arms around Naruto and gently nuzzled his neck. "That is because you have not mastered that ability."

Naruto arched a brow, giving up all hope to convince Itachi that he wasn't supposed to touch him so intimately. He had tried before but the older demon refused to listen. "And how would you know that Kuromichi-san?"

Itachi lips curled into a smirk at the deliberate formality, "There have been people in your clan who have had the same ability before." He murmured leisurely, "They all grew to be great rulers."

Naruto simply hummed in response, squirming slightly to escape Itachi's grasp. The older demon smirked slyly before spinning the prince about in his arms, his fingers sinking into the silky white hair to keep Naruto in place.

Those beautiful eyes were glaring once again. He chuckled lightly and kept his arm wrapped around the prince loosely. "Why so defensive, Naruto-sama?" Itachi swayed gently, as though dancing to some unheard music and whispered softly in Naruto's ear, "Do you find me lacking somewhere? Why do you fight me so strongly?"

The prince closed his eyes, unknowingly captivated by the gently murmur of Itachi's voice and the almost hypnotic swaying. "No." he whispered in reply, "I do not find you lacking."

Itachi hummed, kissing along Naruto's jaw softly, "Why this reticence then?"

Naruto opened his eyes, looking beyond Itachi's shoulder blankly. Why was he so reticent? "I wonder over your sincerity."

Itachi raised his brow at him, "Do you?" He asked thoughtfully, "Is there is a reason for that? Do my actions cause doubt, Naruto-sama."

The prince turned away for a moment, his blue eyes hooded, "It is less about your actions than about my own experience." There was a hint of bitter mockery in his voice, "Being the prince's mate does come along with several privileges, after all."

"Ah." Itachi said softly, pulling away a little to give the prince some space. "What can I do to convince you of my sincerity." He looked at Naruto in the eye.

Naruto sighed, "It is not you who must convince me of your sincerity, Kuromichi-san, it is I who must convince myself." He returned Itachi's piercing gaze. "The fault lies in me."

Itachi reached out and cupped Naruto's face, holding those beautiful blue eyes captive, "You are faultless." He whispered, his thumb caressing Naruto's cheek, "And I am patient." He leaned forward, smiling a little when those blue eyes closed at their intimacy. Naruto was more affected by Itachi than he let on. "You are my mate." He confessed softly, "If you are troubled then I am troubled as well."

Naruto opened his eyes and Itachi smile transformed into a smirk, "I must leave." He whispered before pulling Naruto to him harshly, taking possession of those tempting lips in a deep, unrestrained kiss.

There was a soft whisper of his name. The only protest that the younger demon could offer as Itachi swept him into his embrace.

Itachi knew that eventually Naruto would be his.

They were mates after all.

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"Their numbers seemed to have increased." Naruto whispered to Itachi, "I do not understand… how could have accumulated such a large army of fighters?" he asked softly as he recalled their enemy's army, "They are outnumbering us by a fair number."

Itachi nodded, "However, most of them seem to be demons of weaker stature and blood." He replied, his intense black eyes narrowing, "We are far more skilled, Naruto."

The prince shook his head, "I fear that skill will not be enough." Blue eyes glittered in pain, "Itachi… how can they have gathered so much support? Have father and I… has there been any fault in us? Are we unjust? Are we mistreating them in some manner?"

Itachi pulled Naruto against him, pressing his lips against his forehead, "Look in front of you, my precious one." He whispered, "These demons are mindless drones. They are for sale to the highest bidder, immoral, vicious, and living only for the thirst of blood and flesh."

"You mustn't say such things." Naruto whispered but Itachi chuckled dryly.

The older demon glanced at the dark night, wondering what the next day would bring. "Forgive me." He replied, "However, I am not a creature of patience or benevolence. I cannot escape the anger that burns within me as well as you do." Naruto looked up at him, "If I could forever shield you from the desolation of war, I would do it in a heart-beat. To see your innocent eyes exposed to such bloodshed and pure greed is something I cannot bare."

"Itachi…"

He pressed his lips against the delicate skin of Naruto's neck, "It was just a week ago when I held you in my arms for the first time… I was gifted with such beauty and innocence that day… I was entrusted with someone so uncorrupted and untouched that my biggest fear had been that I would taint you somehow. That I was so irrevocably stained by the sins of this world that I wasn't deserving of you." He narrowed his eyes, "How much I would prefer to simply take you away. I fear for your life. I see them leering at you, just waiting for the chance to harm you because they know that if you are harmed, it would affect everyone on our side greatly."

Naruto sighed softly, "You mustn't agonize over such things. This is just a hurdle that we must overcome. We have a beautiful life ahead of us…" the Prince smiled at his mate, "Once this war is over, we can truly celebrate our union in peace."

Itachi looked at his mate slyly, sitting on the futon and pulling Naruto onto his lap. "What a lovely choice of words, Naruto." He murmured, brushing his lips against the prince's cheek. "Even in chaos, one can find serenity. Amidst war, we will indulge in a moment of love." Itachi murmured, slowly removing Naruto's nemaki.

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Naruto was silent. Pensively silent. Any other day, he would have been a lively entity to watch, especially in the company of Itachi, who he seemed to despise very much.

That day, however, the Prince ignored his suitor, barely glancing at the handsome face that haunted his thoughts day and night. His eyes were blank, his face was expressionless, and this unnerved his parents as well as Itachi.

Naruto was someone who always had something to say. He was always the center of attention with his lively eyes and welcoming smile. To see him so silent and stoic was not something they could easily dismiss.

The King frowned, "Now, now, my child. Is this how you treat your guests?"

Icy blue eyes gazed at the older demon, a brow arched in question.

The King simply leaned forward and smiled affectionately, "You are quite stubborn and refuse to acknowledge Itachi-kun as your mate. However, I have no such qualms about facing the truth." He smirked at his son's narrowed eyes, "I would like to develop a good relationship with my new son. I ask you not to ignore our pleasant company."

Naruto scowled at him while Itachi chuckled. "You are too kind, Yukimura-sama." The dark haired demon said before he reached forward to take Naruto's hand, kissing the sensitive skin on the inside of his wrist, "And Naruto-sama simply needs some more time." He whispered against the pale, delicate skin, "After all, something so precious must be earned."

It was a treasure to watch those pale cheeks blush, to see those beautiful blue eyes dance away shyly. The younger demon stood suddenly, bowing hastily to his father and leaving the room in a blur of white.

The King chuckled at Itachi's slight frown and leaned back in his seat. "He is thinking, Itachi-kun. Worry not, he will return to his usual active self soon."

Itachi looked at the king with a raised brow, "I do not understand it."

The King smiled in amusement, "Naruto is a stubborn, prideful creature, Itachi-kun. He takes his duties as the prince and heir more seriously than needed. Everything he does is controlled by that notion. It is always on his mind that he is a prince and all his actions affect the welfare of his kingdom." He looked at the crackling fire that kept the room warm, thoughtfully, "You unsettle him. No one has ever unsettled him, caused him to lose his poise and control with such ease as you do. He has little understanding of his own emotions. He is frightened of them. You do not fit into his carefully drawn plans for he has never envisioned that he would have a mate." There was a small, amused smile, "Such things never crossed his mind. For being a young man at the prime of his youth, his mind is surprisingly uncorrupted by his baser instincts."

Itachi looked away, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I should think…" the king murmured with a sly smile, "That a more experienced and passionate demon could introduce him to that world that lingers in the darkness of the night." Itachi glanced at the king sharply, "Perhaps, his mate would bewitch him under the light of the full moon, in the gardens filled with the scent of scarlet roses in full bloom."

Itachi chuckled and stood, bowing to the king. "By your leave, Yukimura-sama. Your majesty has given me a very important and delicate task to perform, after all." He stood when the King waved his hand dismissively before looking at his superior in the eye, "Your trust in me is much appreciated, my lord." He whispered, "I shall cherish it and I give you my word that I will treasure Naruto and protect him with every last bit of strength in my being."

Yukimura nodded with a smile. "Of course, you would. I would expect nothing less from my most trusted general, Itachi-kun."

The dark haired demon nodded and immediately set about to find his mate.

It wasn't long before he came upon an entrancing vision. 'How apt were the King's words.' He thought to himself as he watched Naruto glow underneath the light of the full moon. 'Amongst scarlet roses and underneath the light of the glorious moon.'

"What is it that you find so fascinating about me?" Naruto asked softly, still gazing at the night sky, his pale features glowing.

"Shall I list each and every one of your lovely attributes for you?" Itachi asked in return, stepping forward to capture the prince's hand. An amused smile crossed his lips, "It would take me days to complete my task."

Exquisite blue eyes glanced at him, "Those are very pretty words."

"And they come from the bottom of my heart, let me assure you." He whispered, pulling the prince to him, his fingers caressing the pale skin of Naruto's cheek gently. "Your anger is absent."

Naruto sighed, for the first time willingly leaning against Itachi, "My anger has subsided. I have come to the conclusion that a person that can court me relentlessly for a year, gain favor from not only my father but my mothers, who rarely agree on a matter, as well as my sister warrants some consideration."

Itachi's lips twitched in amusement, "Oh, while I am very pleased with those facts, I would rather gain your favor since you are my intended."

Naruto turned away quickly but a glance from those exquisite eyes told Itachi everything he needed to know. If he hesitated to act upon his feelings and instincts now, he would have to wait for another such opportunity to arise and Itachi did not trust his good fortune for to let the night pass.

He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Naruto and pulling him back against his chest. "Would you allow me a moment of conceit?" whispered softly against Naruto's ear, smiling at the delicate shiver that assaulted the prince's body. "Can I be vain enough to assume that I have finally gained your favor?"

Naruto swallowed, his voice slightly hoarse as he replied, "Your patience seems limitless, Itachi." He whispered, the other demon's given name lingering sweetly in the air, "I cannot fight you or…" he paused, leaning back against the strong body behind him, "Or the feelings within me. I can no longer deny you your right." He looked up at the sky with a small smile, "I am yours."

Itachi stilled for a moment before his arms tightened possessively around the younger demon. "And you accuse me of speaking pretty words." He whispered with feeling, coercing Naruto to turn in his arms, "I ask you, in all gravity, is my affection returned? Or have you simply resigned yourself to the fact that I am your mate and therefore we must unite?"

Naruto's lips twitched into a slight smirk. "You, of all people, must know how obstinate I can be." He raised his hand to caress Itachi's cheek tentatively, "You mean so much to me that I cannot describe in words." He whispered softly, "I fear I do not possess enough eloquence for it. But this feeling," Blue eyes smiled at him, "This feeling is so beautiful, Itachi that I never want to let it go. To be your mate," those eyes danced away, "To be your mate would be the highest honor I can ever possess."

"So be it." Itachi whispered

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The mating ceremony tried every bit of Itachi's patience. The union between the Prince and the courageous General was by no means a small affair and people traveled great many miles to witness it. It was a widely accepted and celebrated match for no one could find any fault in Itachi.

Cheers resonated throughout the throne room as Itachi walked into it, his fangs bared and his eyes a swirling crimson. He could barely perceive the eyes of all the castle servants and guards that had been invited to his mating ceremony. Anticipation ran through his veins as he looked down at the squirming bundle in his arms.

He has finally caught his mate.

The mating ritual was an exotic experience for Itachi. The priest had performed a preliminary bonding ceremony between him and Naruto before the youngest prince grinned at him mischievously and shot towards the forest.

Itachi had been standing there, in front of the shrine, stunned, when the King had laughingly informed him that he was supposed to hunt his mate down and catch him before they were allowed to mate.

The experience was thrilling.

Chasing Naruto throughout the forest was strangely arousing. Watching his little mate escape his clutches by a hair's breadth was breathtakingly seductive. Naruto's playful laughter and shining eyes teased him to such an extent that when he finally caught the younger demon, he was aching with desire.

Now he had his mate. He looked about; his eyes still red and his mind barely comprehending the presence of other demons. The priest who was standing by the shrine smiled serenely at him. "Now, you may mark him." The old demon said in a low, gravely voice and Itachi smirked sharply.

His eyes were gleaming in a rather predatory manner as he grasped Naruto's hair and pulled his head back, forcing the younger demon to bare his neck to him. He chuckled huskily as Naruto's light gasp before he sank his teeth into the deliciously, unmarked skin of Naruto's neck.

A loud roar of approval rose from the audience that nearly drowned out Naruto's whisper of his name. However, Itachi heard his clearly and smirked, calling his power to the surface and marking the young demon in his arms as his mate.

Naruto reciprocated, leaning forward and marking Itachi as well, prompting another wave of cheers as their youki merged and grew.

The two new mates separated, Naruto looking up into Itachi's eyes with a stunning smile. He caught Itachi's hand and pulled him forward, leading him out of the throne room to somewhere more private as the others enjoyed the feast the cooks in the castle had tirelessly prepared.

"Itachi…"

The whisper of his name laced with desire brought a smirk to his lips. His eyes gleamed as he grasped the wrist of his new mate and pulled him forward after they reached Naruto's room, "I am going to punish you for my torment, dearest Naruto." He whispered in the prince's ear with a small, mischievous smile. He brushed his lips against Naruto's soft cheek, his eyes gleaming as the young demon in his arms shivered in desire.

"Punish?" Naruto asked breathlessly as Itachi trailed whisper-like kisses down his neck. He raised a trembling hand, combing his fingers through the older demon's silky hair.

"Indeed." Itachi murmured, "I will punish you for the year long torment that you forced me to endure."

There was a soft chuckle and Naruto yelped as he was thrown onto the futon unexpectedly. "Itachi!" he exclaimed, his eyes flashing in irritation to which the older demon simply responded with a smirk. Naruto glared at him but melted when those warm eyes smiled at him. He reached forward and pulled Itachi down for a kiss, laughing when his mate nipped at his ear instead.

"Not so fast, my precious one." Itachi whispered, his voice a seductive purr, "For a year I have indulged your whims and fancies. For a year, I allowed you to lead me along, following you about like a helpless child, so in love with you but not permitted to touch." Naruto shivered as Itachi pressed sensual kisses against the soft skin of his throat, "I will have my fill tonight." He whispered in Naruto's ear, his hand slipping into Naruto's haori to caresses the firm flesh of his chest, "You will dance at my command tonight, Naruto. You will obey me, you will submit to me."

The Prince gasped as sly fingers found his nipple. "You have the gift of music on these beautiful lips of yours." Itachi whispered, his fingers tracing Naruto's mouth, "Often I have been envious of your flute. This night, you will sing for me. That music will be more beautiful than any other sound in this world and only I shall have the privilege of hearing it."

"Itachi…"

"Hmm." Itachi purred, undressing both of them with impatience. "These garments, though beautiful, are very cumbersome."

Naruto chuckled, reaching forward to comb his fingers through his mate's hair. "You are so eager. Calm yourself." He whispered affectionately. He sat up, his hands slowly moving down Itachi's chest, feeling the embroidered silk underneath his fingers. "It was a fine evening." He said softly as he recalled their mating ceremony.

Itachi hummed in agreement, his lips brushing soft kisses against the sensitive skin of Naruto's throat. Naruto smiled as his hands moved skillfully to untie the knots of Itachi's clothing. "Your sister seemed especially pleased… I saw several men glancing at her lovely smile."

Itachi narrowed his eyes, "Yes." He murmured, "As though they are worthy of gazing upon her."

Naruto brushed the heavy silk off Itachi's shoulders and his palm came to rest on the warm skin of his chest. "I felt the same with aneue." Naruto whispered as he leaned forward to press a soft kiss against Itachi's throat, smiling a little saucily as his mate swallowed and breathed his name softly.

"What is it that you said about punishing me, General?"

Itachi caught hold of the hand resting on his chest, bringing it up to bestow a heartbreakingly tender kiss on the inside of his wrist, "What can I do when you hold the power to disarm me with a simple kiss?"

Naruto's eyes glittered as he pulled Itachi towards him, "You speak as though you do not possess the same power, saiai." He whispered.

Itachi hummed softly as he worked to remove every piece of clothing that remained on their bodies. His eyes gleamed darkly in the dim light of oil lamps as he slowly caressed the newly revealed skin. He leaned forward, placing himself between Naruto's legs before taking his mate's lips in a deep, sensual kiss.

Naruto moaned softly, his hand traveling down Itachi's muscled back and caressing the flawless skin. The older demon shuddered at the touch, pressing light, brief kisses against the skin of his neck. "How are we supposed to do this?" Naruto asked breathlessly and Itachi stilled, his hands freezing in their place as his eyes snapped to look at his mate's face.

The older demon visible swallowed, cupping Naruto's chin. "Pardon?" he asked, his voice soft, almost breathless.

Naruto opened his eyes, frowning in confusion at Itachi's sudden stillness. "Is there something wrong?"

Itachi paused, raising his hand to caress Naruto's cheek, "Your question… it implies that you do not know…" he looked into Naruto's eyes seriously, "Are you completely unaware of what happens in the mating bed?"

Naruto flushed and looked away, "It is not as though such a subject is discussed openly in conversations. I am not a soldier; I am not privy to the candid talks that happen in taverns." He glanced at Itachi with a faint scowl, "I am sorry to disappoint."

"Kami-sama…" Itachi whispered hoarsely before gathering his mate in a fierce embrace. He captured Naruto's lips in a deep, fiery and possessive kiss that left the younger demon trembling in his arms. "Disappoint?" he asked, his fingers clenching in Naruto's silvery hair, "Iie, saiai. You have no understanding of how your words have affected me." He whispered kissing Naruto once again.

Naruto arched against Itachi with a moan, responding to the lustful kiss with fervor. The older demon rolled onto his back and sat up, his hand blindly moving towards a bowl of scented oil that sat beside their futon. "Shall I explain to you?" Itachi asked, his voice carrying a hint of dark sensuality that Naruto had never encountered, "Shall I explain in detail so that your innocent mind is corrupted by my words?"

The younger demon swallowed as he looked into his mate's dark eyes. Sharp fangs teased his nipple and he felt a thrill of danger running down his spine. He had unlocked something within his mate, a raw, feral quality that he had never seen in the usually composed demon. "Answer me, Naruto." Itachi commanded softly, his fangs digging into Naruto's shoulder, drawing a sharp cry from him.

"Yes."

"Hmm." The older demon purred. "I shall indulge you." He murmured, his oil drenched fingers trailing down Naruto's back. "There is much pleasure is mating." He whispered in his mate's ear, licking the appendage sensually, "So much pleasure, especially when it occurs between two demons in love. You love me, do you not, saiai?" he asked huskily, smirking when Naruto shuddered in his arms.

"Very much…" Naruto whispered, combing his fingers through Itachi's hair.

The dark demon captured Naruto's wandering hand and guided down his chest. "Have you ever felt this?" he asked hoarsely as he forced Naruto's fingers to form a fist around his arousal. "Have you ever felt a keen desire that caused your body to react like this?" he asked as Naruto's flushed face pressed against his neck. When his mate nodded, he smirked, "You felt this when you thought of me?"

Naruto jerked in his embrace, looking at him with wide eyes and for Itachi, that was answer enough. He leaned forward, his eyes hooded as he licked his lips to moisten them. "That pleases me." He murmured, tightening his arms around Naruto while his sly fingers dipped between the globes of Naruto's behind to caress a hidden treasure.

The younger demon stiffened in his arms, looking baffled while his body instinctively reacted to the intimate touch. "Itachi…?"

Wordlessly, Itachi pressed on, the tip of his finger entering the orifice carefully. "Close you eyes, my precious one." He whispered hypnotically into Naruto's ear, "Feel the effect of my actions." His slick finger pressed on, "This is where I shall possess you, Naruto." He purred, "You will accept me and I shall posses you and we shall be mates in the truest sense."

Naruto bit his lip, shivering with faint desire yet confused by the awkward invasion of his body.

He tensed abruptly at the first sting, squirming when two fingers, instead of one slipped into his body. He swallowed, the fine hairs on his body standing on end as he buried his face into Itachi's neck, his arms wrapped tightly around his mate. "Hush now." Itachi murmured as Naruto whispered his name, "Relax." He whispered, "Breathe slowly, love."

Itachi took Naruto's hand and dipped it into the bowl of oil along with his before guiding the hand towards his arousal.

"Naruto…" he breathed, his lips pressed against the sensitive skin on his mate's skin as those slender, faintly callused fingers coated his erection with oil. Feeling Itachi's tremble at his touch just as helplessly as he had trembled for Itachi boosted his confidence. He pressed faint kisses against Itachi's shoulder, shuddering at the feeling of those fingers moving within his body.

They met each other in a kiss, groaning when Itachi's tongue caressed Naruto's lips before delving into his mouth. Naruto's nails dug into the tense muscles of Itachi's shoulder as his hips moved slightly in response to the thrust of Itachi's fingers.

The older demon tore his lips away from his mate's, stilling Naruto's hand with a groan, "Enough." He whispered in a strangled gasp, "I will be completely undone if you continue." He confessed before moving abruptly, rolling Naruto onto his back as he settled himself between his legs once again. "Brace yourself." He warned hoarsely before pressing in.

Naruto let out a faint cry and arched feebly as Itachi slipped into his body. The experience was indescribable. He felt almost too full. A startling mixture of pain and intense pleasure disoriented him and he clutched onto Itachi desperately.

Itachi leaned forward with a hiss, his eyes holding Naruto's captive, "This is mating." He whispered before pulling out and thrusting forward slowly, his gaze never leaving Naruto's flushed face. "No joining of two souls can be more intimate than this is, saiai." He whispered, his eyes gleaming as Naruto tossed his head back, glorious in his abandon.

Naruto let out a gasping moan, his fingers feebly clutching onto the sheets as Itachi leaned forward. He brought Naruto's legs onto his shoulders and thrusting in with almost savage passion.

Naruto bit his lip viciously, groaning at the metallic smell of blood hit the air. He felt so wild, everything felt unrestrained and otherworldly. Itachi's gleaming eyes, his swollen lips and ruffled hair spoke of absolute abandon. His breath came in fast gasps as the speed and desperation of their movements increased. The heat of his body increased even as the air around them cooled to a startling degree. His power was slipping out of his control.

Shadows darkened as Itachi's youki rose to match his. The lights flickered and the moon itself seemed to have gone into hiding. Amidst absolute darkness and numbing cold, their bodies glowed, entwined and covered in sweat.

Naruto whispered pleas in Itachi's ear, gasping with every thrust of Itachi's hips. He sank deeper and deeper into the world of passion with Itachi as his guide. It was almost painful, the intense pleasure that assaulted them. It had both of them moving helplessly in an instinctual rhythm, neither of them capable of controlling their feelings.

A teardrop froze on Naruto's cheek, gleaming like a diamond on the pale skin. Itachi leaned forward, his lips closing upon the frigid fragment and he listened to Naruto choking sobs as he arched and tossed his head from side to side in passion.

"Naruto…" he groaned, "saiai…"

Naruto surged forward, grasping Itachi's face and pulling him into a desperate kiss. Their tongue caressed each other, her mouths sucking and making love just as their bodies did. Naruto and Itachi trembled, their eyes glazed and skin flushed.

Itachi's long fingers closed upon Naruto's arousal and it took only that one faint touch before Naruto tore himself away from his mate's lips and cried out in release. His entire body quaked and shook with pleasure, his nails digging into the pale skin of Itachi's shoulder, leaving behind bloody crescent shaped wounds.

Itachi instantly latched onto Naruto's neck and suckled forcefully on the skin. Naruto's body tightened like a vice around him, testing his limits, pushing him towards the edge. He couldn't do anything as his teeth sank into Naruto's flesh, his hips thrusting widely.

"Itachi…" Naruto called out hoarsely and the older demon stiffened, his body moving jerkily.

There was a loud growl and Itachi tossed his head back, his hips snapping forward while Naruto gasped, feeling the warmth of Itachi's release feeling him completely.

Itachi's head dropped, his eyes focusing on Naruto's face, watching in fascination as those frozen tears on his mate's face slowly melted away. He reached forward, cupping Naruto's cheek, kissing him tenderly before pressing his nose against the marked skin of Naruto's throat.

He sank tiredly unto Naruto's body, groaning softly when Naruto's warm arms came up to wrap around him. Both of them had to focus to pull their youki back, allowing light to pierce the darkness and the warmth of the fire to chase away the cold.

Suddenly, Itachi shivered and Naruto looked down at him in concern. "Itachi?"

The older demon took a deep breath through his nose, his lips curling into a languid, sensual smirk. "My scent…" he whispered huskily, "has stained yours forever."

He looked up at his Naruto. "I have captured you… forever."

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Naruto spun on his heel, waving his hand forcefully in one direction. Instantly a shield of thick, impenetrable ice formed around a small group of demons, effectively saving them from the enemy's arrows.

"Naruto! Don't waste your energy! They can defend themselves." His father commanded as he killed another demon with a slash of his sword. Naruto nodded, wordlessly heeding the order as he caught his opponent's sword with his, stoically ignoring the sneering face.

"The baby prince thinks he can defeat us!" The demon in front of him mocked.

Naruto simply arched a brow before vanishing from sight and appearing behind the demon. His sword was already running through his opponent when he registered that the prince had disappeared from his sight. "When one is fighting, it is best not to open one's mouth and gloat." He whispered to himself before turning to engage another opponent.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Itachi gracefully moving through the enemy, killing demons with skill and ease that was rarely ever seen. He smiled faintly, despite his situation as concentrated on his opponent.

Every battle was turning out to be the same. Naruto would think that things were in their favor when suddenly the numbers of their enemy would increase. It bothered Naruto more than he admitted to his mate and father. There was something definitely amiss. He had the feeling that an outside party was involved.

How else would they be able to gather so many soldiers for their cause?

It was not long before the enemy faction started showing signs of losing once again. Naruto kept a keen eye on them, noting an unusual sense of desperation amongst them. He had a feeling that if they won tonight, their enemy would not be able to recover from it.

He knew that a cornered animal was much more dangerous than a free one.

Almost instinctively, he made his way towards Itachi. It was best if they stayed together. The situation was about to get dangerous.

Just as that thought entered his mind, there was a rain of burning arrows. Naruto grimaced, quickly placing himself behind his mate, his hands spread out to encase them in a globe of pure ice.

Itachi let out a breath, the utter coldness of Naruto's power hardly affecting him while others that surrounded them shivered. The Prince moved in a blur, his sword barely visible as it cut through their enemies. "There is danger afoot, Itachi. Be careful. They are becoming desperate."

"I can see that." Itachi answered, his eyes calmly scanning their opponents, watching their restlessness. "This is not a battle they can afford to lose."

"Watch your back." Naruto warned before collapsing the globe that protected them. Itachi only gave a small nod before engaging his opponent once again. Both of them made a conscious effort to stay within the sight of each other.

Almost absently, in a gesture of instinctive protectiveness, Naruto reached out, grabbing Itachi's arm and pulling him away just as a long and sharp spear landed where his mate had once stood. He turned around, grunting as he blocked another strike from his opponent. "Keep your eyes open, Itachi." He hissed, "There are many who are still hid-"

There was a wet gurgle.

Itachi spun around, his face ashen as he felt it. The pain assaulted him almost as soon as it assaulted Naruto. With wide eyes, he caught his mate before he could fall, a sword sticking out of his chest that was obviously meant for Itachi. The weapon would have hit Itachi had Naruto not spun them around at the last moment. "Naruto…"

It seemed as though the entire world had frozen when Naruto opened his pained eyes to stare at him. Everyone had stilled, both enemies and allies looking at the fallen form of the prince in shock and disbelief.

Itachi's hands trembled as he carefully removed the sword from the wound, wincing when Naruto let out a pained gasp. The entire world started moving then, an enemy coming up behind the dazed Itachi to kill him while he was distracted by his mate's injuries.

Naruto's eyes widened before he waved a trembling hand, gasping with the effort of drawing his power to the surface. A barrier of ice surrounded them with only his desire to protect Itachi powering it. His breath started coming in short, hurried gasps and Itachi reached forward with a trembling hand to press against his wound. "Naruto… saiai, drop the barrier." He whispered but Naruto shook his head, "Don't do this…" his voice was quivered with pain, "Drop the barrier, focus your youki on the wound… heal it." He pressed has palm against the wound, watching helpless as the blood didn't stop, as his flowed at speeds that made his breath catch in his throat. "Naruto… please." He reached forward and pressed soft, desperate kisses on his mate's face, "Please…"

"I… c-can't." Naruto whispered feebly, "t-he wound is to-oh…" he let out a moan of pain when Itachi pressed harder, trying to stop the blood.

"Naruto… don't do this to me." Itachi whispered desperately, "My heart, my soul, don't do this… try, please."

Naruto's eyes looked beyond Itachi, watching four enemy demons assaulting the barrier. He knew that his mate was in no condition to fight. He could see both his and Itachi's fathers trying to make their way towards them but knew that until they did, he couldn't release the barrier. Silently, his eyes met Itachi's and he shook his head, bringing his hand up to cup Itachi's face and pulling him down. His mind was clouded in worry even as he struggled to breathe. If he died now, Itachi would soon follow. Their bond was too intense, too strong to let Itachi live without slipping into insanity.

He pressed a soft kiss against Itachi's forehead and gathered enough strength to whisper a prayer that also doubled as a spell.

"With my soul's desire to guard and my love's power to protect, I grant you that which I have owned since birth." Naruto gasped as he felt the effect of the spell, "With the sacrifice of my blood, I bestow upon you eternal protection. Let no one touch my beloved with the intention to harm. Let no one possess the power to bring my soul-mate to his knees. With the sacrifice of my life-"

"No!" Naruto held Itachi in his place with his remained strength, knowing that the older demon wouldn't dare to forcefully stop him. "Naruto, stop!"

"With the sacrifice of my life, let him be granted invulnerability. Let my gifts be his, let my blood's power grant him control of all that is cold. Let my love's potency cast this spell on his soul."

Naruto raised his hand and pressed his bloodied fingertips to his forehead with a feeble smile, "I protect thee."

Itachi reacted instantly when Naruto's arms weakened around him, not caring about the blood that lingered on his forehead or the crimson droplets that tickled down into his eyes, causing them to sting. He clutched Naruto's face between his hands, his eyes narrowed and fierce, "Don't you dare." He hissed, "Naruto… no, no! You cannot do this, my precious one. You cannot do this to me…" He whispered, his lips against his mate's watching as those brilliant eyes started to dull. "No…"

"Saiai…"

Itachi stared at Naruto, his intense black eyes clouded with gut-wrenching pain, watching as those almost blue lips parted in a last, loving smile. "I protect thee."

The roar of pain that followed affected everyone, allies and enemy alike. They were all demons. None of them was capable of ignoring the sheer agony that a person experience when they lost their mate.

Many slapped their hands onto their ears as the roar turned into a hollow, keening cry, a morbid song that echoed throughout the silent battlefield, bringing remorse to every heart.

"Naruto…"

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It was a vision of beauty that Itachi was certain he would never forget. He watched as the first rays of the morning sun caressed his new mate's fine silver hair. Even though he knew that Naruto was his to touch, he hesitated, unwilling to break the beautiful stillness of the moment.

Therefore, he observed silently as those hooded blue eyes gazed out of the open shoji doors. He was content with just lying there with Naruto cradled in his embrace. It was their first morning together as mates and neither one of them was willing to do anything but relax.

Slowly, the older demon ran his fingers down Naruto's naked back, marveling at the smooth, pale skin. His lips twitched as Naruto turned a little and pressed soft kisses on the pale skin of his chest. There was silent affection in Naruto's actions. A loving tenderness in his touches as his fingers drew small, indescribable patterns on his arm. He watched as those glorious eyes turned toward him, hazy with pleasure and sleep but beautiful all the same.

"You look thoughtful." Naruto murmured, breaking the silence with his soft voice.

Itachi dipped his head, his nose buried into his mate's hair. "Merely contemplating my fortune."

Naruto chuckled, "Again with those pretty words."

Itachi's lips curled into a satisfied smirk. "A pretty mate deserves pretty words." Those silvery blue eyes flashed in anger, the pale skin turning rosy and Itachi chuckled, "Of course, pretty is too small a word to describe your numerous gifts."

Naruto shot him an amused look despite his irritation, "If I didn't know better, I would have said that you are a poet, Itachi."

"Well…" Itachi murmured as he rolled Naruto onto his back, smirking down at his mate, "Your presence is certainly an inspiration. With you as my muse, I can certainly be a poet."

Naruto tsked and waved a finger at him in mock reprimand. "Flattery is hardly necessary." Naruto said with a smile.

Looking down at those laughing blue eyes, Itachi couldn't deny that he was the most fortunate man on earth. As he leaned down to steal his mate's lips in a kiss, he smiled. They were tied to each other with the most potent bonds. It was bliss to know that Naruto was his for eternity. That their souls were bound together for eternity.

There was nothing but happiness ahead of them. Itachi could picture in his mind that even a century from now, they would share the same regard for each other, that their love would be just as potent and their bond stronger, growing with understanding and familiarity. There would be children of course. Perfect, beautiful children since nothing that Naruto would create could ever be imperfect.

He hummed softly as he sank into his mate, feeling the fire burning in his veins once again. Naruto's glorious eyes smiled up at him and Itachi was lost.

He was looking forward to their forever.