WARNING: Contains up-to-date manga spoilers - and probably throughout the whole story.

Thanks for the reviews.

RickaZcurser - Heh heh, well…Thought it'd go well with him, ne? Besides I had to end it will something memorable. ;-)

lazeee an demented - Yeah Kiba can be a jerk or an idiot but he'll always make you laugh. As for Jiraiya, I know I spelt it wrong…after I posted the chapter. I've saved the official spelling into my word document now so I can't go wrong again. Yay. And with what Sasuke-bastards done, you're right, he doesn't deserve Naru-chan, but in the end it's Naruto(or should I say the genius behind Naruto)'s choice. Besides, in a weird kinda way I still enjoy SasuNaru fics.

Sugar Crazed Duckie - Thanks for thinking so on the last line and thanks for reviewing so often. You make me feel like I deserve em, heh. Anyway, there should be many turning points and scenes which will make you question if he cares or not. It's your interpretation until it ends, I'm afraid.

NTMF - Wow thanks a whole bunch. I've heard MPregs get a lot of bad reviews but I don't think I've made it too farfetched because I haven't gotten any negative ones…yet, fortunately. As for Sasuke, I hope he does too. I've made him the complete opposite of what you usually read about him, ne?

Hakuluver104 - Yay! Haku! Anyway, I'm glad I didn't screw this chapter up. It was supposed to be more of a lighter mood and not as depressing. 'Cause lets face it; even us troubled, dark or as people say 'Emos' have good points at times and people who occasionally care and such. Thanks for the support.

SoSickOfNyQuil - Oh sorry if I made it sound that way but I didn't take it as an insult. I am regularly told I'm evil. I even have people wanting to kill me, but I'm even more happy that you say I can write bad characters. I guess experiences with those kinds of people really helped, ne? Lol. I feel like the last sentence of your review is a banner. There are two ways I could take this story and I have yet to be confident in which to pick. As for hurting Naru…this is angst…I don't want to, but Sasuke's a bastard and I promise he won't forever be in pain.

Gothic Kacie - I know. But he's a funny character, ne? You actually made me crack a smile with this, congrats. Eventually the reality that Naruto's the first to have rug rats might sink in, though…or not?

Muchacha - Lol sorry. But EVERYONE doesn't know. And do you really think Sasuke deserves to know? There will be more internal debates Naruto has, as to whether he should tell him or not. But, as with the inevitable, he will know of the Kits sooner or later. The Sharingan is a dead give-away if he doesn't know before. Don't wana give anything away though.

deadly-grace - Mine is far too tainted for my own good, heh. But yes, your questions have cryptic answers. My story is supposed to make you question and rethink your own conclusions on those. You will see in the chapter following this one what I mean. It will be complicated. As for Asuma, I'm sorry to say that he is. I won't go into much detail in the story as its not the main focus, but there is reference and will be in future chapters, also. I didn't mind your comment, either, basically, I was feeling pleased with having two reviews - well now three, and to review still shows interest in the story. Sometimes it's hard to review because you don't have any questions or opinions, even if you like the story. And thanks for the hug: I'm 18 but gladly receive. ;-) Hugs with meaning ran out far from that my memory can pinpoint.

Kouen-Koji - Thank you, I hope it was completely original and never used before. ;-) Addicting in a good way, I take it? When I'm addicted to a story, it pops up at the most inconvenient of times. I'm glad it isn't dull or predictable.

Stalker-san - Wow, two since the last. I think I attract Sakura-haters. And I've been called evil. Lol. I'm glad Kiba at least took some of the edge off. ;-) Hey - never guess who my best friend got for her character test?…And it's not Kiba. (Pinky, pinky, pinky!) Anywho, there will be more ItaNaru! Yay!

magikphoenix - Wow thanks a whole bouquet. Lol. And here a grin appears - you know how hard that is to do? Well according to family, etc. That was one huge ego boost and I think I'm feeling kinda high now. Heh. It's like saying you succeeded in finding a needle in a haystack; being the needle here is really elating.

NARUTO

With a team that accepted him, whilst knowing a part of him far from 'normal', yet still standing by him in the same way they had previously; Naruto's apprehension would more often than not, drift away. He could be oddly satisfied and content. With Sasuke and Sakura, he'd felt the need to constantly prove himself, as to be worthy; to constantly strive for recognition; to continuously worry that one wrong word would send them away.

In team eight, he found, the bars weren't held so high and far from reach of belonging. Where once there was a quiet, weird girl, too resigned and shy to offer a noticeable greeting; there was now a quiet but forward teenager, demanding attention in subtle and cleaver ways, confident, yet apologetic. Hinata's stuttering and mumbling died away the longer a person was around her. She still blushed, but she didn't back down and fade away. Naruto supposed first meetings were her downfall. Or maybe nervousness had her stuttering upon the first 'Team Eight' training day; what with her knowing, beforehand, of Naruto's circumstances.

Hinata often walked with Neji to training. She would smile as he left, making him smile in return. Naruto wasn't sure how their bond had strengthened whilst in his absence, but he could tell it was strong. He had spent a lot of his life observing people. They had, after all, survived a lot…like him Sasuke, he sighed. But, he could tell now. Now that he knew what to look for. Now that he wasn't blinded by hope and need. How Hinata's eyes would light as Neji approached. How Neji would guide her lower back. How every action had a meaning and as soon as one came near the other, their eyes met in recognition before they would continue with their tasks. Almost like instinct.

'They aren't dating', Kiba had said, one day when he saw Naruto looking. It was almost like a passing informant, lazy and uninterested. He could have passed for Shikamaru had the voice not been so distinctive. Almost, because Naruto could tell he didn't understand it either. Hinata had said Neji was training her; informing her of chakra patterns and distinctive points that can define or hinder a person, as well as traditional Hyuuga spars. It only made further sense Hinata would tell Neji of his condition from the mission, and that, on his part, Neji would have taught her to see pregnancy in chakra. A conclusion would be easily pieced together.

Naruto had no doubt that their relationship would progress - Kiba was already planning something. Oh, yes. Kiba…After the two-whole-seconds of shock, he'd laughed his ass off. Teased him of symptoms he was to get. Mocked his genes that were to be passed on. Much was done and said that only made Naruto the butt end of jokes. Many of him being ' Uke', some him being fatter than Chouji, whilst others joked of his inability in the raising of such children. Naruto had never longed for the normalcy of such words before. It meant acceptance - for everything he was.

Naruto had needed to do a lot to achieve it the first time around; but, as he thought, he wondered if he was declared as part of a 'pack' that Kiba had self-proclaimed. Sort of like a once you're in, there's no out, kind of way. He was even on more good terms with Neji - that Naruto never would have expected. Now he thought about it, he found it strange that even though he used to run from the academy with Kiba, there was no real friendship at that point. In any view, he was a tag-along; yet now he was wanted. Although from time to time, 'dobe' was called to him, it was just a tease now; like a joke, it was never serious, never meaningful. What his whole existence used to be, became so small in what he'd become to them.

Kurenai, to Naruto, was more of a stranger. Out of Jounin sensei of his year, she was the least accepting of him. He knew it in her eyes, the first time. There was hesitation when she looked at him. There was no hate, but a clear display of awareness. Incidents after Sasuke left bought her to see him as Naruto. Just Naruto. She decided the Kyuubi was not going to suddenly appear at any little thing. After she learnt of his pregnancy, the bond of understanding and familiarity grew. She, too, had a child with an absent father. Hers was a lot more honourable than his was though. He'd laughed at 'Uncle Shikamaru' when he'd heard it, but he'd be damned if his kids weren't calling her 'Aunt Kurenai'. The support really meant something.

After one and a half months, questions of the 'father', although initially infrequent, had stopped. Those who knew were close, as a factor, and could see how the question was one to be mainly avoided. That was usually when Kiba's jibes came in, forcing him to think elsewhere. A third of the way through, he was bigger, but went unnoticed with his 'I-was-way-too-big-for-you-in-the-first-place' jumpsuit. He figured people had guessed the 'father' anyway, although they probably had their doubts. If the real 'father' was nearly married to someone else, then every other option should have doubts, also.

Kakashi and Iruka visited quite often. Iruka fussed and scolded. He scolded because of Itachi and his 'irrational' decision, while the fussing was for obvious reasons. Though, fortunately, not overly so. It would be weird for Iruka to act like a woman all of a sudden. Naruto was surprised to find Kakashi hesitant in some things. Whilst asking over training and discussing his team may be relatively normal, what to do with a pregnant…person wasn't. Mostly, he took to prying information. In the end, Naruto figured, he could have been stood with him and Itachi and known just as much.

Kakashi had said that Sakura asked after him. That even Sasuke seemed somewhat concerned.

"You really should come up with some excuse I can tell her." He lazily drawled only two weeks after Naruto's discontinuation of team seven.. She had visited him twice and once with Sasuke. She must have dragged him, he reasoned. He'd avoided them easily enough. Windows had become good friends. "Pregnant women are so emotional."

Iruka was cooking a dinner for the three in Kakashi's kitchen. For some reason, they had stopped there today instead of his or Iruka's. It was rare.

"Well at least I can say I sympathise with her there. Just tell her I died or something." He sighed.

"Are you really so quick to disregard them? After all I taught you of teamwork?"

"I'm sorry Kakashi-sensei…but there's no other way I can keep this a secret. From the start it's been about keeping secrets…" He mumbled. "To be honest…I like training with Kiba and Hinata. They just accept me. If I do something wrong - shit happens. But with Sakura and…"

"Aa. I can understand. Especially as you and Sasuke have such a complicated and depressing relationship. I just thought Sakura deserved to know something."

"Hmmm…you're right Kakashi, but I don't know what to tell her. If she somehow knew they were Sasuke's…she'd be hurt. Even if we were together first, betrayal will settle itself somewhere; and betrayal, it hurts the most."

"She won't feel betrayed Naruto-"

"She will." Naruto interrupted, his emotions becoming high and the hysteria showing in his voice. "She'll feel like I knew she liked him and slept with him anyway. O-Or that I never told her we were together, like I couldn't trust her or something. She'll feel guilt that she took him away from me, too, if her good heart isn't clouded with the Teme's delusions. But, most of all; what she's always wanted since forever will be false. Her happiness will falter. He chose her in the end, didn't he? She never has to know. Besides…Sasuke said straight to her face…that there was no me and him…His betrayal will hurt her most…"

"Naruto…sometimes, you show caring too good for the world we created." The serious tone showed Kakashi's sincerity.

"Heh. I've heard something similar before…" A smile ghosted over his lips.

As it turned out, Kakashi had constructed a somewhat believable lie. No cats or long roads, no old ladies or superstitions - for the most part. One part was obviously Kakashi's idea, but Naruto supposed Iruka had eventually thought of something. Sakura was carrying the daughter of his babies father. It just didn't feel normal. He didn't want to feel hate toward her, so he didn't want to see her. In the end it was not her fault; wasn't to her he should lay blame. But it was she who was chosen over him, despite the lack of control she possessed over the situation. He who was cast aside, again, like trash. It hurt.

He had learned from Shino the sex of Sakura's child. She'd had an exam. Apparently, the Uchiha wasn't too pleased at the discovery. Shino didn't say much, but in the quiet, almost resigned way he spoke of the two around Naruto; the way he informed of the news as he faced away, told him he knew. And although he and Naruto were only acquaintances, the finality of his tone told he would not speak of it, other than need to know people, at need to know times - as a proper Shinobi should. However, the message of 'your business' was clear.

He saw Shino often, actually; and it was also from him that he learned of Kakashi's constructed excuse. He'd have guessed eventually, as the visits stopped and Sakura only came two more times - to which he never opened the door and often fled to the next apartment over. It was Shino's team mates Naruto was training with, after all, so appearances of him were expected. Worked through the differences, this team was close, unlike his - so very far apart. Instead of betrayal, neglect and doubt at the base, here there was trust, encouragement and understanding. His team…should never have passed.

"Uzumaki." He'd addressed. "Your excuse…it was not your best lie…"

"Eh? What excuse?"

"…You're undergoing physical changes that you are embarrassed to be seen with. As your condition progresses, the more self conscious and isolated you wish to remain, whilst the violence to others increases."

"I'm not embarrassed! I'm protecting everyone! It's best that way."

"Most of which is true, however…Do they not know of your transfer?"

"It's not my fault you damn jerk! And they better not fucking know." Kurenai's team usually trained in the forest and often changed locations - if ever the pair would come looking for him with them, it would be much more difficult than with anyone else, who had a set training ground.

"…The Uchiha was not convinced. He then said old people were going to spirit you away from evil weasels and your pet fox wanted to eat Sasuke's liver…He still wasn't convinced."

Naruto could only think that Kakashi should have stuck with cats instead of foxes and weasels. All Kakashi's excuses would do is confuse a person into defeat, but he resigned that anything was better than 'Naruto's pregnant and doesn't want to see you.' At least how he was pregnant was simple enough, even if it did make him a 'freak'. A rare genetic quirk that made him have incomplete organs from both sexes that were restored by Kyuubi's healing powers. And apparently they weren't, even now, fully complete. No one questioned the genetics they could pass the Kyuubi's part onto, also.

The excuse was given four days after his and Kakashi's little 'heart to heart'; the sex of Sakura's child was given two days ago, Naruto mused as he entered the shower. It had been two months since he'd seen either of his old team mates. At five months he was told he had to stop training and only proceed with light exercises; at seven to move in with Iruka. Not only because of the pregnancy, but because of Itachi, he'd been told. That means, at three and a half months, he had only one and half with Kiba, Hinata and Kurenai. Besides, he was sure Shino wanted to rejoin team eight because of his consistency in being there whenever he could.

With his mind elsewhere and chakra faltering in one of those brief instances, he didn't sense the approaching chakra.

NARUTO

Hope it didn't confuse you too much. Basically, Naruto, from the start of the chapter, is musing back on what has happened since he joined Team Eight and the end is where it's caught up to 'now time'. If you want the order it all happened, then:

Observations of NejiHina; Kakashi's 'Heart to Heart'; Kakashi's lie; Kiba says NejiHina aren't an item; Questions stop of father; Sakura's baby's sex; Someone's approach…Guesses, people?

When I wrote this, I didn't know about Kurenai being pregnant but it really fits now doesn't it? Lets say it's about a year after the current manga that this all began, ne? I'm not good with times - maybe I should have said this at the start. Heh. Whoops. I know it's been a long time, or something, but my internet crashed, God Damn It! As I write this I'm about 250 stories behind in upload watch!