A Rose is Still a Rose

You guys are so fucking awesome. I thought this story didn't have it. I was really just going to let it go because I thought the first chapter was horrible. Everyone who gave a review, I love you all. It means a lot that I'm not the only one that enjoys this story. Someone even asked me could I add more drawled out words. Awesome day, I swear.

Naruto opened his eyes, by adaption, at seven AM. Takeda was a light sleeper and had always been, so Naruto got used to getting up really early really quickly.

The blond walked to his bathroom only to wash his face and brush his teeth. Three weeks they had lived in Konoha now and the man genuinely liked it.

Karin Uzumaki did some research with him and the two found out that they were cousins. He chuckled and left the bathroom. Ever since then, the girl would barge into their home at unsuspecting moments.

He didn't really mind; Takeda liked her, and Kiba really liked her. In the time they had been there, Naruto found out that Karin was the best friend of Sasuke Uchiha, the pregnant man who obviously hated the world.

Could Naruto blame him for his attitude? Not only had he been in an abusive relationship for Kami knows how long, but he had also been knocked up and left by the same man.

No matter how many times he had been degraded stepping into that diner, he still wanted to help the Uchiha. His personality was wonderful to him and he had to pride himself; He may be the only one in town besides Karin and the other Uchihas who wasn't put off by the scowling face and menacing pretty eyes.

Naruto was absolutely sure that he wasn't looking for a relationship; he had to take care of Takeda obviously. But that didn't stop him from gaining an interesting friend.

Kiba was an animal lie himself, always prideful and believing himself.

Kisame was the player as well as the hustler. He and Naruto shared a desire to go places.

But, Sasuke….he was one of a kind. Sure he was the average asshole, but deep down, Naruto saw through the mask. He even got stories from Karin.

Thinking of Sasuke made the young father recall the incident. When he found out that Sasuke had been in an abusive relationship, he tried his best not to show his anger.

Sasuke may have acted cold, but for a single moment, his usually cold obsidian eyes had become fearful, afraid of a hand.

If he ever met the fucker, Naruto could kill him; or close, he considered. Still, Naruto was past those days. Those days where he really hurt people for those he loved.


Naruto hugged his only female friend close to his chest as she cried her heart out. He looked toward Kiba and Kisame, who just shook their heads.

"Hinata-hime, you want to tell me what happened?"

The girl had run all the way over to his house, frightened as hell. Her lip was bloody. That was ten minutes before and she was still sobbing.

Hinata looked up, the tears hardly affecting the hue of her hueless eyes. "I was at the gas station and some guys...they kept messing with me. I kept telling them to leave me alone, but they just kept calling me a freak and.."

The fifteen year old never finished her sentence as sobs took the words. It was fine, however. Naruto heard enough. He knew which guys hung out at the station.

He kissed his surrogate sister's forehead and moved back. "Kiba, clean her lip, and have her get some rest. Kisame and I will be right back."

Kiba nodded and gave Naruto an 'I know what's happening' look. The blond followed his blue friend out to the garage. He threw Kisame his father's crowbar and grabbed a wooden bat for himself.

He whistled and Kyūbi came running out the house. "You ready boy?" Naruto questioned, rubbing the dog's chin. The orange hound growled. He always got fierce just as Naruto did, almost like they shared the same mind. "I know...I'm pissed too."

"We'll walk" Kisame spoke up, deciding to intimidate the boys more. "I want to chase someone."

Naruto was never one to lose his temper. Neither were Kiba or Kisame; but when one of them were messed with, they got protective; seething even. Hinata was theirs to protect and if anyone ever touched her-.

"There they are." Kisame spoke up. They were so angry, they hadn't even noticed their speed had increased. Naruto watched the three unknown boys. One with blond hair was speaking as the others laughed.

"We got that bitch. Her and her whole family are fucking freaks anyway. Won't be coming back here anytime soon."

Naruto grabbed the bat with both hands and his own team advanced. "Hey! You like messing with people?"

The boys, who looked no older than twenty, looked at him, their eyebrows raised. "Who the fuck ar-"

"Get the one in the black pants, Kyūbi." The dog barked at Naruto's command and ran forward, tackling one of the boys with his large body.

The other boys moved back in horror and then looked at Naruto and Kisame, who were still advancing. "Dude, what the fu-"

He never finished….because Naruto's bat already touched his face. The blond leader fell to the ground as Kisame swatted the crowbar at his leg.

Naruto began hitting the third boy with the back until he stopped trying to crawl away. He grabbed the boy's head and watched his bloody face.

"That girl that you were fucking with...she's like a little sister to me. If you ever in your useless life, mess with her or any of my friends, I'll kill you. The name's Naruto. Ask about me."


Naruto himself shuddered at the way he reacted as a child; a dumb teenager. That had been the last time it happened and it had been for Hinata.

Naruto got the feeling that if he met Sasuke's nameless ex, he would do worse than his prior memories conceived. And that scared him. Was he that protective of a stranger? Someone he just met?

"Ow!" He screamed and grabbed his foot. By being so engrossed in his thoughts, Naruto had no time to notice Takeda's toy firetruck planted on the floor. "Fuck" he hissed out quietly, just incase the child was awake.

Grabbing the truck and staring at it as if it were the most evil object in the world, Naruto tiptoed inside his son's room.

The boy was asleep on his stomach, his dark locks all over the place. Kyūbi lay at the end of the bed. Naruto smiled and, sitting the fire truck on the boy's dresser, kissed the child's forehead, lifted the sleeping dog and left the room.

The Akita Inu looked up at him as he walked down the steps. Naruto assumed the dog never growled when he was picked up because he knew it was Naruto lifting him. The blond was the only person actually able to lift his long time dog with no problem.

"You knooow you're only allowed in my room or the dog house. Takeda has horrible allergies." the man whispered, kissing his dog's head lightly. He sat him down on the kitchen floor.

"Hold on." Naruto pulled out Kyūbi's food and poured it into his large bowl, where it was happily eaten.

"Okay, what shall I make Takeda?" The blond asked himself. "Ah."

The blond retrieved his ingredients from the cabinets for a nice breakfast: Soybean Natto, white rice, Miso soup, pickled cucumber, four rolled egg omelettes, and grilled salmon.

Naruto hummed happily as he cooked, occasionally checking on his dog to make sure he was getting all his nutrients for the day.

As he set the table, Kiba walked in. "Yes!" The dog man yelled. "You cook the best. I swear you're the only man who can cook and still look manly."

Naruto raised a brow. "Don't flatter me. You're lucky one of us knows how to cook." He stated as he checked the salmon on the small indoor grill palette.

"Of course it had to be you, N." Kiba stated, making everyone's plates.

Naruto's jaw chose to hang down at that moment and he couldn't reply. Three years prior, the doctor had told him when such a thing happened, he shouldn't touch it; he was advised not to try holding it up since it would only make his condition worse.

The doctor informed the best way to get through the situation was to try biting a few times; although his jaw wouldn't move the first few times, it would snap back in place not too much later.

Kiba waited patiently as he did just that. Eventually, Naruto's tan jaw came up and his teeth connected. He bit air a few times and the Inuzuka smiled.

Naruto was lucky to have friends like he did. Those who accepted him for who he was.

"Hooow so?" He questioned.

"Well because you have Takeda. It's your job now to cook for someone; for Takeda. If you didn't know how to cook, the kid would be eating ramen everyday."

Naruto laughed. Although he loved the stuff, he always wanted Takeda to eat a bit healthier than he used to himself.

Kiba sat down and waited until the salmon was done. "Your cousin called this morning, Karin. She asked if we wanted to attend the beach with her today."

Naruto nodded. "Are you going?"

"If I get to see her in a swimsuit, hell yeah. But, she's bringing her friends and I need mine. I don't really want to to feel left out."

"I'll go since I'm off. Does Kisame have work today?" Naruto questioned. The shark man had recently gotten a job as a shark trainer at Konoha's aquarium. He was good at what he did too. The best and only.

"No." They were quiet for a moment. "You know Sasuke is going."

Naruto turned off the grill and stared at his friend, unsure of how to feel about this claim. "So?"

Kiba rolled his eyes. "So..this could be your chance to speak with him, get to know him better. You did say he was hot."

"He is beautiful." Naruto stated. "But, I only ever see him at the diner or around town. To be honest, I don't think he tolerates me."

"That guy doesn't tolerate the world." Kiba exclaimed and Naruto actually laughed. It seemed true enough.

"Still, we don't know each other and plus he's pregnant."

Kiba raised a brow. "You had no problem with that three years ago."

"Hinata was my friend and only that. She grew up with me, I barely know Sasuke's birthday, and you know the circumstances of the past."

"Fine" Kiba whined. "Are you still coming?"

"Yeah, but I need to wash Kyūbi and paint the rest of Takeda's tub first." Naruto placed a piece of salmon inf everyone's dish. "I'll beee back. I'm going to wake everyone else."

Naruto pet Kyūbi's head. "Eat fast beast, I'll need to wash you up." The dog barked in understanding.

Naruto turned down the left hallway to Kisame's room. "Hey, Kis, breakfast is ready!"

Shuffling could be heard from the other side and Kisame came out sporting the same thing Naruto had on: solely grey sweatpants, except Naruto's were orange.

"Morning, man."

Kisame lifted his chin. "We're going to the beach today? I heard since the kitchen is right below me. Is Itachi going?"

Naruto turned down the large hallway. "Yeah. We'll head out when I'm done with what I have to do here."

"Thank goodness. I didn't finish the last wall of the dog house out back. That'll take an hour."

"We have….time." The blond twitched out. When he got to Takeda's door, it was opened quietly and softly.

"Bub?" He singsonged. He stopped pushing the door; Takeda wasn't on his bed anymore. However, five pillows created a trail from it to the indoor castle that he put up for the boy a week ago.

The wooden, painted green, object didn't look like a castle; more of a treehouse in the top corner of his room, with a ladder going up.

The door was opened wider and Takeda peaked out the window of his castle. "King tou-san! The dragons have attacked the fortwess. There is lava everywhere."

Naruto mocked shock. "So all I need to do is hop on these rocks to the castle, Prince Takeda? Will I be safe then?"

Takeda nodded and Naruto stepped foot on the first pillow, making a mental note to put their cases in the washer later.

"I'm almost there, prince."

"Tread on carefully, King Naruto." Takeda spoke softly.

When Naruto was finally to his son's castle, he had been tall enough to hang on the edge of the door.

"Oh no, prince. I'm slipping."

Takeda gasped and put his hand forward. "Grab my-nooo!"

Naruto had already fell softly onto the floor. He pretended to be dead as he heard the small footsteps coming down the ladder.

"Good news, daddy: The royal elders said that you were invicbubble." Naruto held in a small chuckle at his three year old's use of words.

"Daddy?"

"Gotcha!" The yelled, grabbing his son and tickling him.

"No!...daddy...I think breakfast is ready." The pale eyed boy stated in a fit of giggles.

Naruto chuckled and picked up the child. "I think you're right, son. Let's go."

As he walked from the room and down the steps, Takeda rested his head on his father's tan chest and touched a mark above Naruto's right nipple. "Daddy, what does this say?"

"It says 'he who loves the vase also loves what is inside.' That is an African proverb that explains true beauty in its simplest form."

Takeda tilted his head in confusion and Naruto chuckled. "I'll tell you when you get older."

"Okay. What does that say?" The boy asked again, touching the skin belonging to Naruto's ab.

"Hinata" The man stated softly.

"Oh" The blond breathed a sigh of relief. Takeda was just a child and had never asked about Hinata when he saw her on pictures or when Naruto said her name. He wasn't sure that he was even ready to tell his son the full story of his conceivement.

They made it to the kitchen and Takeda was place in a seat. "Good morning, uncle Kiba and uncle Kisame. Thank you both for waiting on us."

Kiba ruffled the boy's hair as Kisame spoke. "Wouldn't do it without ya, kid. Or your great dad who cooked all of this."

Naruto smiled as he sat down. Instantly, they all began eating. Akamaru stood by the table as Kiba let the dog nibble on his salmon.

"That's why Akamaru stopped growing." Naruto explained, disapprovingly. "I gave Kyū no extra things and look at him. Isn't that right?"

The orange dog roared as he walked in and laid down. Kiba grumbled and began eating his own food.

"Daddy?"

"Yeah, bub?"

Takeda was frowning and leaning over his food, his long hair in his way. "I can't see my food."

"Hold on." Naruto reached into his pocket, pulling out a hair holder. Takeda's hair was placed in a back ponytail. "There you go."

"Thank you."

Kisame raised a brow. "You keep hair ties on you?"

"Just incase his hair is irritating him. I'm not getting it cut until he gets a bit older. Even then, it'll only need to be trimmed."

The food was eaten silently, everyone occasionally praising Naruto on his skills. When done, Kiba called dishes and Kisame said he would take Takeda a bath to save Naruto energy.

"Thanks guys" The blond smiled. "It really means a lot that you guys are sticking with me and all."

Kiba and Kisame waved him off, but this was a big deal for Naruto. Having his dreams dumped in his face, dropping out of college, and tackling jobs as well as Takeda made him tired, but never alone. His friends, no matter how idiotic or sadistic they seemed, were friends of one kind.

The kind of people who said good things behind your back and bad things to your face. Hard times reveal true friends, he thought. The man couldn't let it pass.

"I'm serious guys. The past three years have been as weary assss they've been wonderful. I'm glad you're both my truest friends." He was getting teary eyed, so the blond blinked a few times to stop them. "You guys are great, even though you suck."

Kiba laughed and put the dishes in the sink as Kisame lifted Takeda. "You suck too man."

Naruto smiled. They were men so he knew the translation of that statement. 'We love you too, man.' He walked upstairs. "Beast!"

On cue, Kyūbi came running up the steps, passing Naruto and running into his own personal bathroom.

He stared at the dog after turning on the bath water. "You love getting cleaned, don't you?" The Akita Inu twirled around his legs and barked happily. "Good. I like cleaning you."

Naruto stopped the water and helped Kyūbi into the tub, grabbing the sponge brush. As he brushed the dog's fur, it gave the father time to understand his mutt.

Kyūbi had been there always. Like Takeda, the blond had been a more advanced child. "You too, Ky." The dog stared at him. "Thanks for sticking with me all these years too."

The dog licked Naruto's face. "Yeah, boy. You were here all the time."


A small child of blond hair and sky kissed eyes walked through the outskirts of Konohagakure. The boy was supposed to be in the orphanage by this time; where the sun touched the ground, but still gave small light to the world.

But, the three year old assumed no one cared that much to retrieve him. He was alone.

The boy turned down an alleyway, which was the quickest way back to his 'home.' As he stood tall through the alleyway, the boy was stopped by a rumble in a dumpster.

He stared to the right. Another rumble. "Hello?" He whispered. No one said a thing, so the boy walked closer.

The rumbling grew louder. The blond child was unable to reach the top of the dumpster, thus he grabbed a box. When he opened the lid, a gasp escaped his mouth.

Laying down on some old newspapers was a very small puppy. He looked at the boy teary eyed.

"Wow" The child exclaimed. He grabbed the puppy with one arm. "My names Naruto!" The boy told the pup.

The boy hopped down and held the dog in the air. "You must be all alone." Blue eyes shined with happy tears and the dog was hugged close. "Don't worry." He stated softly. "So am I.

I'll take good care of you." The dog snuggled closer to Naruto. "You look like a fox. I think I'll call you Kyūbi."

NSNS

When Naruto and his new friend made it back to the orphanage, a woman with blond hair stood in the doorway with the organization's headmaster, who seemed to be attempting to persuade the woman.

"Tsunade-sama, I can assure if you just wa-"

"I can't...I appreciate you showing me the kids. I just don't think any of them are for me. I apologize for wasting so much time."

Before the headmaster spoke again, his head snapped toward Naruto's direction. "Naruto-kun, why were you out so late? Where did you go?"

Naruto smiled and moved forward. "I made my first ever friend, headmaster. Now, the other kids will let me have my bread."

The headmaster sighed. "Just get inside, Naruto. I'm talking now."

Naruto looked at the woman. "Hi miss." He stated shyly.

The woman smiled and crouched down. "Hello, Naruto. My name is Tsunade Senju."

"Oh. This is my dog Kyūbi. I just found him in the dumpster. Do you want to pet him?"

Tsunade nodded and touched the dog. "Aww. He's so sweet."

Naruto looked at her. "I like your jewelry in the middle of your forehead. I won't ask to have it though. The kids say that when I ask for stuff, no one will like me. You like me, don't you?"

The woman looked to the headmaster and nodded. She ruffled Naruto's hair softly. "I like you just fine, bubba."


Naruto smiled and grabbed his dog's towel. Everyone was here for him. "You smeell wonderful, beast."

When the dog was dried off as much as he could, Naruto sent him outside to shake more and then he would brush his fur. In the meantime, it was time to finish painting Takeda's tub.

The blond walked out of Kyūbi's bathroom, where he found his son dressed in his swimming trunks. "You look very nice, bub. Where's uncle Kisame and uncle Kiba?"

"Thank you. Uncle Kiba is in the shower and uncle Kisame went to finish the dog house. Can I go play in my castle until it's time to go, daddy?" The child asked.

Naruto nodded and went to his own room to get the monitor. The small device helped Naruto work around the house while making sure Takeda was safe as well.

When he walked the bathroom his son mostly used, the blond grabbed the paint from a shelf and contemplated on his work.

The blond had many talents and skills; combat, language, and more recently, drawing. On the side of the tub, was a large wave that seemed to be coming from the object. A whale was higher up and flipped as if he just jumped from the water.

Naruto decided that he would paint the tub as well to look more like the ocean. With his skill, it would only take an hour. Then they would all be ready to go.


Sasuke smiled down at his stomach as he woke up. "We're only four months along, but you can't wait to get out, can you?"

A small lump appeared in his stomach and he touched where it hit. "I know." He whispered. There was a knock on his door and his mood instantly changed to dull. "Yes?"

Itachi came in. "You're finally awake, otout-"

"Move it, mister." A girl interrupted. Itachi was yanked from behind and Sasuke's door was kicked open. Karin walked in with a strong smile. "Good news, we're going to the beach."

"Um...I have an appointment today." Sasuke explained, eyebrows raised at where his brother was thrown.

On cue, Itachi walked in rubbing his head. "We know. It's at five and we can leave then. Kami, Karin, the stairs are right there."

Karin smiled sheepishly and sat next to her best friend. Her hand touched his stomach. "How's my nephew coming along?"

Sasuke's mouth twitched. "Just fine. Who's going to the beach?"

"Oh you know….me, you, Itachi, Kisame, kiba….and Naruto." The last name was whispered, but the pregnant man still heard it.

He shook his head. "I'm not going." He did not like being around that blond father. He only received good energy around him; that was a bad thing. Naruto Uzumaki was not his cup of tea.

Karin frowned. "He's a great person and he's my cousin."

"Fine" Sasuke snapped. "I'll go...for you. That doesn't mean, I'm enjoying it." And Karin cheered.

"Then get dressed." Karin stood. "Since you woke up so late, we leave immediately after you and the baby have breakfast." With that, his brother and friend walked out.

Sasuke sighed and looked down at his stomach. "We just can't get away from this guy, can we? With his dumb niceness and nice face. It won't be long until he changes on us too."

There wasn't a kick this time and Sasuke assumed the infant said 'deal with it.'

Another sigh. "I guess I have to." Today would be a long day.


"Are we meeting them here?" Sasuke asked, with a scowl on his face. The scowl was either because of all the happy humans at the beach or the fact that he wore a long see through gown to cover his baby bump.

It wasn't that people discriminated because of his condition; it was rare, but it happened. It was because they would always ask about the child's father and dumb shit like that.

Karin let out a "yup" as she pushed their large beach umbrella into the sand. Itachi was giddy and looking everywhere.

After a moment, Sasuke had to hold his brother's arm. "You look nice, dammit. Kisame will die of lust when he sees you."

Itachi nodded and wiped his forehead.

"Akamaru slow down!"

The Uchiha brother's looked to see Kiba's large dog running toward Mimi and Kisame chasing him. "He looks so hot." The older Uchiha whispered.

Kiba walked ahead. "So does Kiba." Karin whispered. "But where's my cousin?"

Another bark, or roar could be hear and everyone looked to see the blond's Akita Inu carrying Takeda on his back.

"Hi, Aunt Karin!" the boy yelled. Behind him was Naruto, his stomach, tattoos, and v-line on full display. He looked fucking good. And Sasuke hated that.

Everyone on the beach stared for longer than ten seconds. It was like the young father was the sun himself. Naruto Uzumaki was a man who should be arrogant. But he was so humble. And Sasuke hated that even more.

When the man finally reached them, he smiled at Sasuke. "Hi. Haven't seen you in a while, Sasuke."

"Hn" He wouldn't give this idiot the satisfaction of a conversation. Everyone began speaking in their own circle and Sasuke laid down on his towel to get some rest.

An hour passed of just relaxing before a shadow blocked his sunlight. Naruto was smiling at him and When Sasuke frowned, he sat next to him. "You shouldn't wear that gown thingy. Flaunt your pregnancy, yoouu know?"

Sasuke grunted. "I'm fine how I am."

"You are fine, but you'll look even better without the robe." Sasuke looked to his left now. The blond was smiling at him.

"Fine if you'd just shut up." Sasuke stood and removed the gown, showing off his pale baby bump. He sat back down. "You happy?" He snarled.

Naruto was smiling, watching his son build a sand castle. "Happy, not satisfied. Are you getting in the water today?"

"I'm pregnant, dumbass. I don't want to strain myself or my child."

"You can get on my shoulders." The blond suggested. Sasuke frowned. "You won't be heavy, don't worry."

That was the last of his concerns. "Stop trying to interact with me." Sasuke stated less harshly. I'm an ass to you.

Naruto laughed. "You seem at conflict with yourself. Weell...will you?"

"No. I'm staying here." The raven mumbled. The conversation ended there...at least he assumed it did.

"It's a beautiful morning!

Ooh!"

Obsidian eyes widened as Naruto began singing and everyone looked at them. "Stop that, dumb fuck." He hissed.

Naruto shook his head. "Not until you hop on my shoulders, beautiful." He whispered. "I think I'll take a walk outside! And you smile!"

"Okay, Okay." Naruto crouched on his elbows and knees. Sasuke shyly put his legs on either side of the tan shoulders, still subconscious about his weight.

"Are you on?" A dark brow was raised. Was this guy that dumb? Sasuke was on his shoulders.

"Yes, stupid."

The Uzumaki stood with no problem, almost gracefully. "Are you sure? Man you're so light. If you didn't have only shorts on, I would think you just had a weightless balloon under your shirt."

Sasuke smiled and he was so happy the blond couldn't see it. Hidan had always called him fat and never called him beautiful, not even when they first met. "Whatever. Are you going to take me in the water or what? I'm doing this for Karin."

Naruto nodded and called his son. As they walked toward the beach, Sasuke could feel the stared of other occupants of the beach. And they weren't because of his stomach; no...these stares were jealous.

"Hey, everyone." Naruto called. "Sasuke, get them."

Without thinking, Sasuke splashed Karin and Kisame with some water. Kisame growled. "Seems like I have to get my own warrior. Come on, nephew."

The shark man grabbed Takeda and sat the boy on his shoulder. Not so long after, everyone splashed water at anything that came in their path.

It was the most fun Sasuke had in years.

When Takeda's feet became pruny, Naruto decided that they should just take a walk and collect seashells.

"Would you mind coming along Sasuke? The others seem to like the water, and I don't want the fun to stop for you." Naruto questioned.

Of course, Sasuke begrudgingly accepted. "Only because I don't want to hear your horrible singing."

Naruto laughed and helped Takeda clean his shell bucket. "You got it, bub?"

"Un-hung, daddy."

The father whistled. "Beast?" Kyūbi came running and they began walking, Takeda further from the water, Naruto and Sasuke closer.

They walked in a comfortable silence until Sasuke himself spoke. "I apologize for the other day...three weeks ago. I was being an ass because of someone else. I took it out on you."

Naruto smiled down at him. "It's alright. I'm assuming the pink haired girl is the skinny bitch that asshole left you for?"

Sasuke nodded. He liked Naruto's pet names for the people he despised.

"You shouldn't feel bad about giving old rusty toys to the less fortunate."

Sasuke smiled and looked down. "It's not that. I don't care about Hidan, my ex, anymore. I stopped loving him once he started hitting me. That was four years ago. It's just...that girl, Sakura, she was my friend...way before we all met Hidan."


Sasuke drove silently to his boyfriend's of five years house. They had gotten into a huge fight the day before, resulting in Sasuke getting kicked out with a busted knee cap and black eye. He was driving with one fucking eye.

Itachi, his parents, Karin, and Sakura told him not to go there. But he needed his clothing...and as sick as it sounded, he wanted to make up with Hidan; tell the 29 year old that everything was going to be okay. He was desperate and he felt he was the only one who understood Hidan.

Pulling up at the man's house, he barely noticed the hot pink car parked in the driveway; his head was down as he limped to the door.

After ringing the doorbell, he waited for a moment. Hidan opened the door and leaned against it. "You're back."

Sasuke kept his head down. "I just came to get my things."

"I already packed them." The older male stated, moving out of the way for the raven. "I'm not helping in carrying them out."

Sasuke walked past his boyfriend. When the door was closed, he spun and wrapped his arms around the other's waist, hiding his ace in the chest. "I'm sorry I'm such a bother."

For a moment, a really long moment, they stayed like that. Sasuke was going to think Hidan loved him under all the torment, especially when the older man hugged him back and kissed his head. "You're not...I love y-"

Before the older man finished what would have probably changed their lives, someone walked down the stairs. Sasuke looked from the woman's pretty legs to her pink bun on the top of her head.

He pushed away from Hidan gently to stare at his second best friend. "How long?"

"A few months after you guys started dating." That was only a few months into a five year relationship. "It just happen-"

"Is that why..?" Sasuke cut his ex-friend off as he stared at a...was that a guilty Hidan? "Is that why you started beating me? Why you killed him or her?"

The man shook his head, "I-"

Sasuke cut him off too and went to grab his bag. "It's okay. I understand. She's skinnier. She's funnier. She's prettier. Don't worry. I wouldn't choose me either."

He looked up at Hidan and a tear escaped the single eye that still worked temporarily. "I guess this is goodbye. It wasn't fun."

If Sasuke looked clearly, or if his eye wasn't so blurred, he would have saw that Hidan teared up too. "I-"

Sakura opened up the door and looked at Sasuke steamingly. "I think you should go." She stated softly.

When the Uchiha left, a scowl marred his face. One that would shape into it. The worst part about it is that Hidan's part in this scandal didn't hurt his heart. Just his feelings. He supposed he didn't have one anymore.


"And that's what happened" Sasuke mumbled. "Two weeks after that, I found out I was pregnant with this little guy or girl. Hidan never once treated me with respect. Only when we first met, he called me pretty and asked me out."

Naruto looked at him. "What do you mean Hidan killed him or her?"

Sasuke looked to Takeda. "You know, I would have had a kid Takeda's age or close. I was twenty one the first time I got pregnant. Hidan smiled a bit when he found out. Two days later, he punched me in the stomach and knocked me out.

When I woke up, there was blood….you know...where the baby came in. I had a miscarriage."

He was pulled into a hug then. Before he could tell the blond he didn't need his pity, Naruto spoke in a whisper. "It's alright to cry."

And Sasuke did. Into Naruto's bare chest...he really needed that let out. That was the first time he had seen the girl in three months, but where was Hidan? Were they still together? It didn't matter now. What mattered was how safe he felt in this single moment.

When Sasuke stopped, he moved back and wiped his tears. "We should head back. I have an appointment in thirty minutes."

Sasuke walked ahead as Naruto called his son and dog. When the blond stood next to him, he spoke up. "After that day, I let go of my heart."

"Why?" The taller man questioned.

"Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?" the raven countered.

"You have one. I see it. If you didn't you would have gotten rid of your child. You wouldn't have cried."

"Hn"

The conversation ended there. When they got back, Kisame and Itachi were engrossed in a conversation and Kiba and Karin were in the water, splashing one another.

Sasuke felt guilty about ruining their moments just because he had to go. "If you don't want them to stop their fun, I can take you to the hospital." Naruto suggested.

The Uchiha thought for a moment. He didn't really. Plus his doctor was an old pervert. "Sure." He mumbled.

"Takeda-bub, do you mind taking Sasuke to the truck? I need to get our things."

The child grabbed the pregnant's man hand. "Come on, mister. I'll show you because you didn't eat you baby."


Naruto's home was closer, so Sasuke borrowed an orange t-shirt from him and black slacks from Naruto, both of which were too big for him.

Soon, they were all redressed, in the truck, and ready to go. The hospital wasn't so far, so it would only take them a few minutes.

The drive was silent until Takeda, who had been staring out the window, straight out asked "Daddy, in the olden days, was everything black and white?"

Sasuke snorted at Naruto's frowning face. "Bub, I'm not sure, I was never that old."

Takeda's pale eyes widened. "Daddy?" The child asked in a shocked whisper.

"Hm?"

"When are you going to die?" The boy questioned, genuinely confused. He just didn't understand the concept.

"I don't know, bub. Hopefullyy not for a long time." They rounded a corner, and the hospital appeared in view.

"Oh. When you die, I want a new daddy." The boy stated solemnly. So maybe he did understand the concept.

"You...what?" Naruto spazzed out.

"I love you, but I need a parent. I'm not allowed to touch the stove since I'm not old enough."

The Uchiha couldn't hold it. A laugh escaped his mouth before he could cover it. And then another. Soon, Sasuke was gasping for air and trying to stop laughing.

Naruto chuckled and parked. "We're here." He was the only one to step out. The pick up truck was too tall for Sasuke and Takeda to get out of.

Coming around, Naruto opened Takeda's door and sat him on the ground. "Don't move, bub. T-this is a parking ssspace."

The child nodded as Kyūbi jumped out of the back. When Naruto opened the door for Sasuke, the man held a monotone gaze.

The blond only chuckled and grabbed Sasuke's hand. Sasuke wrapped an arm around Naruto's neck. It happened twice today already and both times, Sasuke didn't look at Naruto.

However, this time the taller man stumbled back a bit and Sasuke clutched his neck tighter. They stared at one another.

For. A. Very. Fucking. Long. Time.

That's what it felt like. It had gotten to the point where Sasuke relaxed and almost laid his face on Naruto's chest. Naruto's eyelids had closed three fourths of the way. They seemed hazy then.

"Daddy?" Takeda called.

Naruto still didn't look away, obviously stuck in the daze. "Yeaaah, bub?"

"That man nurse is staring at us."

Sasuke was the first to turn his head and Naruto let him go gently, almost hesitantly.

The man nurse Takeda spoke of was Orochimaru, Sasuke's personal doctor...at least until he had the child. No matter how much of a creep he was, the older man was an expert in the 'bodies within bodies' field.

"That's my doctor." Sasuke spoke in a whisper. "Careful, he's a bit of a creep."

"He looks like Marilyn Manson." Naruto stated, actually serious.

Sasuke snorted and walked ahead to the man. "Good evening, Orochimaru-san." he spoke in his now emotionless voice.

"Sasuke, I was beginning to think you wouldn't come." His snake eyes roamed Takeda. "And who is this?"

Naruto pulled his son behind his leg. "He's my son." the words were dangerous and Orochimaru, looked away from the boy.

"You must be Naruto Uzumaki. Don't worry. I'm good friend's with your surrogate father. He speaks about you a lot. I'm Orochimaru; Sasuke's doctor."

Naruto shook his hand and an awkward silence ensued: With Naruto frowning at Orochimaru, and Takeda hiding behind his father's leg.

"Let's get this over with." Sasuke stated, Orochimaru walking into the hospital before everyone.

"I don't like the man nurse, daddy." He heard Takeda whisper. "He hissed at me."

Naruto frowned. "Me neither. I got you, bub."

When they walked into the room, Orochimaru was quickly getting his equipment ready. "You can just lie down on the bed, Sasuke and roll your shirt up."

The raven did as told, smiling a bit at the astonished look Takeda held. The doctor came forward and began applying gel to the pale stomach. "This'll only take five minutes as it is a quick checkup."

When the gel was applied, Everyone besides Takeda who was still awwed by the baby bump, turned to look at the screen.

"I imagine you've been through this before, Naruto-kun."

Sasuke stared at the man who stared intently at the screen. "Yes actually. I think you should pay attention to these appointments. They're the most beautiful points of pregnancy since you get to see the child develop into something the host created. Striking."

The man had unconsciously slipped a finger through his son's dark locks and Sasuke actually smiled, looking back at the screen before the blond caught him.

"Seems like you did your research."

"Experience and books." Naruto commented. Takeda stood up and walked to Sasuke.

"Can I?"

Sasuke smiled and nodded. The young Uzumaki placed a finger on his large belly and instantly, his finger was kicked. "Wow. Daddy, did you see that?"

Naruto smiled. "I sure did."


"You can keep those clothes if you want." Naruto suggested as he helped Sasuke up his steps. Takeda had fallen asleep in the truck and the dog was keeping watch for a brief second.

"I will." The smaller man mumbled. "They're comfy." They stopped at the door.

Naruto smiled at him. "It's been nice talking to you...I mean actually talking. For what it's worth, I think you're absolutely beautiful….inside and out."

Sasuke looked toward the ground. "Thank you. For what it's worth, You're not really a dumbass….dumbass."

Naruto laughed. "Well, I should go. You have a good sleep." Before he knew it, Sasuke was pulled into a hug.

He stood frozen as Naruto walked to his truck. "You should get inside...I'm nooot leaving until I know you're safe."

Sasuke nodded and unlocked his door, waved to Naruto, and slipped inside.

The door was leaned against again, but this time Sasuke had to calm down his happy nerves.

He wouldn't wear his now imprisoned heart on his sleeve like he used to. He wouldn't be that dumb kid that fell too fast, crashed too hard, forgived too easily, and cared too much.

He'd take it slow.

Later that night after dinner, Naruto went to make sure his son was safe and alive. Though, while he walked, he had stopped and grinned to the point where his jaw really hurt.

He had been thinking about Sasuke, his newfound friend. How he held him...how stoic yet loving he was. Those those were dismissed as the blond touched his skin, where a beating organ lay under.

"Look heart, stop getting involved in everything. Your only job is to pump blood. That's it." He whispered, scolding the organ that seemed to have a mind of its own.

He walked into Takeda's room to find the boy's legs were hanging from his bed. Walking over and fixing the child, Naruto sat on the bed and kissed the pale forehead. He remembered the words the child spoke this same morning.

Tread on carefully, King Naruto.

Although it was a mere children's game, the events of today made him realize how unconsciously philosophical his son was. As an adult, this message was translated into 'fall slowly.'

Naruto smiled and kissed the boy's forehead again. "I promise I will, my little prince."

"Daddy swears on it."

And there is the third chapter. The chapter's title explains how beautiful Sasuke still is even though he's been through so much pain. It's a song by Aretha Franklin.

Naruto seemed a bit violent and protective as a teen, didn't he?

Can you guys believe that Hidan broke Sas's kneecap? He also seemed a bit more guilty, like he love Sasuke. No? Alright then.

And how cute is that; Naruto taking his little one's advice. "Tread on carefully, King Naruto."

Uh, talk about this Sakura. I say this because she's completely different in my other narusasu fics.

We still didn't find out about Naruto's jaw. I kind of dropped a few hints. It'll actually be revealed soon, but not too soon. I want you guys to keep guessing.

I hope the flashbacks were okay. My favorite was of Naruto meeting Kyūbi. There was a picture I saw and I had to add it in.

Well, you guys know what I need for motivation: Reviews! Tell me what you think. :)