Thicker than Blood
Chapter 3- The strands that bind us
Naruto pouted watching Iruka comb his hair. He knew he had to look special, but still! He wasn't a girl. Why'd he have to get all prettied up to find a mate? Wasn't it all about him? Shouldn't HIS suitors be the ones to go through these meticulous rituals? The sea demon yanked the blonde locks. "Stop making up your face." He scolded, his mouth full of pins. It took a lot to smooth the unruly hair. The blonde always insisted on never putting a brush to it and always turned it into a nest while playing in the forest.
"Itai! Okay, I'll stop!" Naruto yipped.
Iruka gave a satisfied smile before going back to the task at hand. It took a lot, but he finally had the sunshine locks cleared. Next he applied some of his own special serum helping them lay flat. Fluffing bright orange fox ears and pinning Naruto's hair out of his face the brunette smiled. Now the finishing touch. With great care he placed the beautiful pin in fair tresses.
"Okay look up."
Naruto dragged his blue eyes from the floor before perking at the mirror. He looked- different.
Iruka had slaved over his hair for two and a half hours and now his unruly sunshine mop was finally behaving itself. He skipped two haircuts to get it to this length. Ticking his chin like it did his father before him.
The brunette had tacked the soft locks back twirling it around the dragon lily pin, taking his time with nimble practiced hands. Carefully tucking the crimson edge against Naruto's skull. Choking back tears the fox smiled.
"I looked like a girl." He rebuked. Though his expression was nothing more than pure joy.
"Like a feminine boy not a masculine girl." The brunette laughed. The blonde pouted fox ears flicking to emphasis his point. Chuckling Iruka pressed a kiss above the blonde's eye.
"Uhg! What's up with you and Papa today?"
Iruka smiled brightly. "Your parents would be proud of you."
Wide Azure eyes swam with curiosity, happiness and a little sorrow. "… The two of them- would have been just as bad wouldn't they?" he laughed. Slender arms wrapped around the other demon pressing into his chest. Crying over something as silly as having his hair done. What was he? A sap?
"Let's go get your robes on okay?"
"Okay."
The two walked in a comfortable silence down the beautiful halls. Kurama had rebuilt the Uzumaki district grander than before. A huge compound with a massive court yard accented with Sakura trees. Amazing breath taking Koi ponds and mediation gardens. Every wall in the main house was adorned with paintings from famous demons throughout history, Treasures from his grandfather's collection. The wood was the finest in all the land polished to perfection with the most diligence. For as long as he could remember his grandfather taught him things. Showed him how to grab his destiny with both hands. How to be strong and care for others.
The Uzumaki's who returned home were all lively and excited, though their clan was thriving. This day was the true starting point towards their bright Future.
Naruto walked in and made his way forward before bowing. Back turned to the door Kurama focused on the rich material in his hands, his messy crimson hair pushed out of his face haphazardly. This papa was different than usual, others called this side of him Kyuubi. A powerful demon who out lived his own life significantly. One of the few Kitsune that made it to all nine tails. Beside him, a man with gold and black hair was assisting in finishing the robes. Iruka made them himself using the finest of materials. This time with blessing Kurama was sowing his own hairs into the fabric a tradition for parents to protect their maturing kittling.
"Your mom wore these." Kurama finally spoke. His voice was muddled with strain as he focused on his task. "I've placed over nine thousand strands of hair into these garbs. Chakra lines full of demonic energy to keep my kin safe."
'If only she wore it that night'
The room grew silent only the sound of steady stitch work heard. Finished, the two demons stood and checking the robes like a precious treasure. For Kurama this day came far faster than he imagined. Even after living as long as he did- he still allowed himself to be unprepared for this moment. Shukaku turned first leaving Kurama to himself.
"We'll look at you brat hair all done up like you're going to prayer."
The shorter blonde puffed his cheeks out. "Not in your temple I'm not."
Shukaku let out a cheerful heckle placing his hands on his hip. "Still a non-believer I see."
Naruto scoffed at the Tanuki trying to fight back his smile. Shukaku was like an uncle to him. The blonde demon was strong and wise, but much like his Papa a true prankster at heart! Naruto took in his form for the first time in a while. The fact that he came all the way from the sand for his suitor parade was endearing.
Shukaku was a demon shorter than Kurama. With fine, sandy spiked locks that cascaded down his shoulders. The bottom half of his hair deep black bringing out the gloss of the gold. His skin was deep and tanned from the dessert sun and his eyes piercing and observant. Much like most Tanuki's his Irises were a deep purple that bled into intricate tattoos on his forehead and the side of his face. The markings made their way down his neck and arms, though Naruto never saw the demon nude he was sure they were probably on his legs as well.
Shukaku gave a large smile pump lips twisting wickedly. "Got a good turn out so far. Lots of gifts lucky you" He teased.
Naruto's breathe quickened. He wasn't allowed to go outside today so he hadn't got to see any of the arriving Suitors. "Gaara's here as well- scoping out for potential mates. He said he'll join you in your booth when everything is about to start."
The fox kit jumped at that. "Gaara's here! I thought he'd be home getting ready for his own!"
"He pushed it back so that he could attend yours. Who knows maybe he'll find one in Konoha."
Naruto pouted. "I wish he had told me- I would have loved to combine them…"
Shukaku let out a hearty laugh. "That's why he didn't!"
The soft sound of a needle tapping the table drew 3 pairs of eyes to Kurama. Very carefully he spread out the clothe saying a soft prayer. Was it enough? To keep his child safe? The red head bit his bottom lip fighting the doubt that stirred in his heart. No matter what he did he couldn't quell the alarms in his soul. He hasn't felt this way in such a long time.
Since the day Kushina-
Steeling his resolve he turned his attention to the small prince. "Naruto." He soothed. His kittling looked absolutely stunning. Sleek flaxen locks pulled back framing his cherub like face, strategic strands free to bring one's gaze to his striking azure eyes, and an extravagant Red, White and Gold pin to keep everything in order.
"Great job Iruka." Kurama praised his sharp red eyes never once leaving the blonde. This was the beginning of everything but the end for so much. His Kit would be growing up and leading their race into success as he himself faded into the background. Maybe things would stay similar to the way they were now, or maybe they would turn out disastrous.
He stared at the little kit who grew into a man so quickly before his eyes he felt like he was getting whiplash.
"Step forward."
Naruto took two large steps forward keeping his head raised to stare into his grandfather's eyes. His fingers and toes tingled with excitement. His senses kicking into overdrive. The mating season was approaching and he could taste it in the air. That wasn't all though. He could also sense the crushing responsibility that was about to be put on his shoulders. It was heavy and suffocating stealing his carefree life style right from under him.
"Remove your robes."
The blonde did as he was told taking his bathrobe off, he felt no embarrassment.
"The robes I put onto you tonight were crafted with the hands of those who loved you more than anyone else in this world. Your mother's Kimono, My sash and your fathers cover. Sown by the hands of your caretaker Iruka, and infused with hairs from myself, your mother, Father, Iruka, Gaara, Shukaku and each and every one of your friends and family. These robes signify your coming of age and your responsibility to protect those who wish to protect you."
Kurama, Shukaku and Iruka helped the blonde dress with extraordinary finesse. Each layer wrapped perfectly not one frayed edge, no incorrect measurements. With the tying of the last article they stepped aside to allow to kit to look at himself. His breath hitched. The robes were crimson red with a black and red sash. His father's jacket which had been resized by Iruka fit well a rich black cover to protect him from the chill night. He stepped into the black wooden sandals he was to wear and chocked back a sob. His eyes wandered to the pin. He looked amazing.
He turned to the three and bowed.
"Thank you- The three of you thank you so much. "
Iruka blushed happily and Kurama nodded his head.
"Tch and I haven't even given you my gift yet." Shukaku mumbled nervously. He scratched his cheek and walked over to the dresser. He picked up a small heavy black box before bringing it over to the Kitsune. Naruto carefully took off the long slender lid and his breath hitched.
"It's a matching set." The older blonde explained sheepishly. "Yours Is Red Gold and Black and Gaara's is Gold Black and Red."
Slender fingers lifted the fan delicately. It was well crafted, Shukaku probably made it himself. The wood polished demon oak and the paper strong and durable fashioned from its leaves. Along edge gold designs wove elegantly before bleeding onto the red fan as a fiery Kitsune.
Naruto threw his arms around his obnoxious uncle and smothered him in a hug. "I love it." He barked firmly. "It's perfect."
The three exchanged glances before heading towards the door. Now everything would begin. The Suitor Parade, The festival and the Wedding of Naruto Uzumaki.
A/N: I was working on this chapter for a while, I felt it as too short but couldn't get it much longer. The next Chapter will be in Sasuke's point of view and we'll learn about the Uchiha's! Thank you for all the fantastic reviews and all the positive response. I wouldn't be able to write if it wasn't for you guy. You're awesome.
