A filler chapter! Sorry I've been busy lately, but I think I've finally figured out how I'm going to end this. I have quite a few ideas, but they just need some polishing and fine tunning. I had to cut out a lot of OCs I was going to put in and chuck out ideas that weren't going to work, but it's okay. This new path will be a lot better and easier to write in the long run. So I think that we're almost to the end once everything is finalized. But I'm sure you'd rather be reading right now rather than listen to me jabbering along. That's okay though cause I'm kinda distracted myself! So read and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Twilight or Naruto. They belong to Stephenie Meyer and Masashi Kishimoto. I merely own the OCs
Warnings: Slash/yaoi (malexmale pairings), mentions of M-Preg (male pregnancy), AU, violence, angst, LEMON, etc.
Pairings: Edward/Naruto, Jacob/Gaara, Carlisle/Esme, Jasper/Alice, Marcus/?, Bella/Edward (one-sided), Sage/Naruto (one-sided), and Felix/Gaara (one-sided)
Chapter VII
Illusions of Peace
Liquid topaz eyes, sharp and vibrant, gazed upon the erotic and lewd display before him. Pale lips parted to release unneeded breath, taking in the stretch of tan skin that glistened with sweat. The beads of salty fluid rolled down the expanse of a taunt back, caressing muscles and scars alike while cold hands gripped wide spread hips.
Allowing his own hips to piston forward, Edward smirked as his delicious mate let out a muffled moan, his face buried in his pillow to prevent noise. Golden hair swayed and rippled with their movements while a tail brushed against the vampire's chest and neck as if enticing him to do more. Huffing, Edward grunted as he shifted his angle thrusting directly into Naruto's prostate nearly sending the blond smashing into the headboard. A scream was muffled this time.
Leaning forward, Edward kissed and licked along his husband's back before reaching his neck where he sank his fangs into the flesh, tasting the spice of his blood. Naruto grunted and hissed as he bit and tore through a pillow, feathers spilling onto the sheets. But Edward ignored them in favor of driving hard and deep into the delicious heat that encased him. He could hear his golden fox's heart racing, pumping the very blood he was drinking. Naruto suddenly gasped and moaned, hips quivering as white seed spilled onto the deep blue sheets under them. Edward snarled as he pulled away from his neck, his hips moving quicker before finally stilling as he released, fangs barred as they glistened with blood. Both remained in place as they tried to catch their breath, afterglow slowly trickling away.
"Mmm, Edward, move," Naruto grumbled his limbs stiff and sore from being in the same position. Licking his lips in amusement, Edward gently pulled out of the blond demon and carefully unrolled the condom while Naruto moved onto his back. He stared up at the bronze haired vampire, blue eyes glassy with lingering pleasure.
"Have to admit, a rather nice way to wake up," Naruto purred.
"Glad I could please you," Edward replied as he stood to throw the condom away. Glancing at the clock on their nightstand, Naruto frowned when he realized it was only eight. Grumbling, he muttered, "Although I could have used more sleep."
"It was you who decided to stay up last night and watch all three Chronicles of Riddick movies. You have no one to blame but yourself my sun," Edward commented as he moved to sit on the bed uncaring of his nude state. Huffing, Naruto pouted, "That series is awesome! If Riddick were real, I would totally rape him. Vin Diesel is pretty hot."
Growling, Edward leered at his mate with dark eyes, "Should I be worried or jealous?"
Grinning, Naruto teased, "Naw, I've got you and that's good enough for me. No one could take your place in my life." Smirking, Edward took Naruto's hand and kissed the ring on it, his eyes smoldering with love and devotion.
"Good because you're mine and I don't share. You're my mate, my husband and partner for all eternity."
Naruto merely grinned. After all, it didn't sound like a bad idea. He certainly did want to spend the rest of his days with Edward and maybe have a few more kids. After all, the twins were growing fast and probably wouldn't be as dependent on them in the next few years. It was amazing really, both Lauren and Devon appearing two years old yet they were only over two months old. Naruto estimated that within a year, they would look twelve as it seemed for every month they lived, they aged a year. A vampire influence most likely since while demon children aged rapidly within a period of twelve months, none aged as quickly as the Cullen twins. Demon children developed only enough physically and mentally within the first year as insurance in order to boost their survival rate.
"More children would be nice Naruto, but perhaps now would not be the best time," Edward advised, scanning over his mate's thoughts. Raising an eyebrow, the blond snorted, "I know that Edward. Just thinking that when all of this is over and the twins are older, we could try for another. I'm sure they wouldn't mind a younger sibling to spoil."
"They're already spoiled themselves considering our family," Edward hummed as he reached out to run his hand over a flat, tan stomach. Goose bumps rose along the flesh much to the vampire's amusement, adding softly, "I myself wouldn't mind all that much. You were breath taking when you were pregnant, your stomach swollen with our children. Everything about you glowed and you were positively alluring. I had to fight desperately to reign in my lust at that time lest I lock us in our room and never allow you to leave the bed."
Naruto blushed, but chuckled. It was a rather arousing image, but his body was too tired to show interest and he merely settled for purring as Edward continued to pet his stomach and hips. But as the hour drew later, they realized they would have to clean up and change before Devon and Lauren awoke for the day. Plus they had plans and things to do as well.
"Should probably shower," Naruto yawned as he moved to sit up, frowning as he picked off dried flecks of semen from his thighs. Sliding off the bed, he made his way to the bathroom while Edward was quick to gather the sheets as they needed washing and the destroyed pillow that needed to be replaced. He quickly set them aside before pulling out a clean set, making the bed within seconds.
Making a brief stop at the closet, Edward picked out clothing for the day. For him he chose a simple dark green shirt with black slacks and for Naruto he selected dark grey jeans with a deep blue shirt with an orange spiral on the back. Pleased with his choices, he stepped into the bathroom where Naruto had already turned on the shower and was gathering their towels. Setting the clothes onto the counter, the vampire quickly gathered up his mate and ignoring the yelp of protest, rushed into the shower.
Nearly two weeks had passed since their move into their new home and each day was spent indulging in activities or planning their next move. Naruto often found himself hunched over a table full of maps and notes as he discussed and eliminated ideas with Jasper, Gaara and Marcus. The former Volturi leader was a great asset due to his knowledge of Aro and the Guards. Jasper's input was also taken seriously for the vampire had been a former General during the Civil War era and the Vampire Wars as well. He was just as knowledgeable about battle tactics as Naruto and Gaara themselves were. It was welcomed and certainly helped to have another strategic mind to supply ideas.
There were also family meetings held every other day at the main Cullen house as they brain stormed on what steps and measures to take to ensure their safety. It was where Jasper, Naruto, Gaara and Marcus would present ideas to be voted on. Yet despite the seriousness of the situation, their ever growing family still made time to enjoy themselves while they could. Emmett and Jacob were quick to bond over sports and video games while Naruto spent a few hours talking with Marcus in an attempt to make up for lost time. Devon especially seemed quite taken with the older vampire much to Edward's annoyance. It was rather amusing how overprotective his mate was, but Naruto knew there wasn't anything they could do. Bonds between destined mates were tricky things and to tamper or hinder them in any way made for dire consequences.
"Don't think about it, not now," Edward growled as he finished changing. Rolling his eyes, Naruto brushed his hair as he chided gently, "Edward, we've been over this. There's nothing we can do about the bond. Fate chose Marcus to care for Devon and I'm rather grateful for that. Marcus will make an excellent mate and our son will be well loved. He'll never be without want and Marcus will protect him with his life."
"I know that," he grumbled before sighing, "It's just… Devon's not even a year yet and already he has a mate."
Blue eyes softened as Naruto set his brush down and hugged the vampire. Nuzzling his chest he murmured, "It'll be some time before Devon will even begin to think about such things. For now, Devon merely sees Marcus as his playmate and someone to protect him which is fine with Marcus. Their bond is still young, still growing and strengthening much like ours was when we first met. And in time it will become more, they will become more. But until then, their relationship will be nothing more than an innocent connection."
Edward nodded holding the blond close. He understood, he truly did for all mates went through the process. But it still bothered him knowing that already his son wouldn't need him as much anymore. As if sensing what he was thinking, Naruto kissed his cheek, "Our children will always need us Edward. But like all parents, we eventually have to let them go and explore the world as independent adults. It'll be hard, but I'm sure that we'll be proud too. All we can do now is provide everything we can and guide them, prepare them for the future."
"How did you become so wise my golden fox?" Edward inquired feeling a familiar tail wrap around his waist.
Naruto grinned, "I've lived a long time Edward and while I didn't have parents, I had a few adults who were pretty close to parents. Believe me if they saw me now, they'd be just as surprised. Who knew that someone who was dead last in his class could become so awesome?"
Snorting Edward shook his head, "I'm sure they're proud of you. And I wouldn't say you were dead last… merely a late bloomer. Iruka and the others knew from the moment they saw you that you would be someone who would shape the world."
"Well I can't exactly shape the world on an empty stomach. So lets head down to the kitchen before my stomach decides to cave in on itself," Naruto chirped as he detached himself from Edward and quickly headed out of the bathroom. Smirking, the bronze haired vampire followed making sure to gather the sheets to take to the laundry room.
While Edward was busy setting the wash, Naruto poked around the kitchen to decide what to make to eat. It would have to be enough for him and the children considering they would probably wake up soon themselves. Finding waffle mix, the blond grinned widely before pulling it out and gathering the necessary ingredients as well as the waffle iron. Following the instructions, he mixed the batter while the iron heated up. When he finished he sprayed the hot surface with cooking spray to ensure that the waffles wouldn't stick before pouring a small amount of batter. Closing it, Naruto timed it carefully as he gathered plates along with silverware and glasses. He sensed Edward walk into the kitchen and immediately move to the fridge to collect strawberries, syrup, butter and milk.
"What are the plans for today?" the bronze haired vampire inquired as he set his items onto the counter.
"Well we need to go hunting again. I'm feeling a bit peckish for some meat and the kids need more practice when it comes to tracking their food so that's definitely on the top of our list," Naruto explained. Edward nodded in understanding knowing it was time to set out for food although he wasn't quite as hungry as the rest of his family. But it was still a good idea.
"Anything else?"
Naruto paused a moment as he placed the waffle onto a plate before spraying the griddle again and pouring more batter. Slathering butter onto the fresh waffle he replied, "I think Gaara and I are done with my concealment charms for the family. We were able to finish tinkering with them last night and tested them out to make sure they worked."
Edward stilled glancing at his mate, "Are you positive?"
"Yeah, we worked out all the kinks so they function as they were meant to."
"I guess we'll see when we arrive to the main house. If Alice is barely containing her glee and humming some sort of annoying song in her head then I'll know that it worked," Edward jested while Naruto snickered at the thought of his sister. He supposed he couldn't stun her with his completed work since the vision would pertain to the Cullens themselves. It would be a miracle if the pixie-like vampire managed to keep her mouth shut and not spill the surprise to the rest of the family.
The rapid succession of footsteps moving along the hall upstairs drew their attention. They listened with amusement as they heard their children stop at the stairs before carefully making their way down no doubt having woken up to the sound of the laundry going and the smell of breakfast cooking. Naruto focused on the waffles while Edward turned to the kitchen entrance, crouching when Devon and Lauren appeared.
"Waffles!" they cheered in union.
Laughing, Edward held open his arms, "Good morning my little stars."
"Morning daddy!" Lauren chirped quickly hugging her father. Devon climbed onto the bronze haired vampire's back hugging him as well, "We're having waffles! I love waffles!"
"Yes Devon we know. That's why your mother is making waffles for you," Edward replied before carefully untangling his children from him. Straightening himself, he ordered gently, "Now why don't you two sit down and wait while I get you some milk okay?"
"Yes sir!"
Shaking his head, Edward walked to the cupboards near the fridge pulling out small glasses along with a larger glass for Naruto. Said blond was currently setting out plates in front of the twins along with the condiments that Edward had gathered earlier. After making sure they didn't fight over the syrup (which usually ended with one of them spilling some) and cutting their strawberries, he allowed them to eat just as Edward placed their glasses on the table.
"Now what do you say when someone gives you something?" Edward tested having been going over manners with them as of late.
"Thank you mommy, thank you daddy," they replied.
"You're welcome, now eat and don't make a mess. If you do, we'll put you in a corner for time out," Naruto warned. The twins nodded as they carefully ate. Smiling with pride, Naruto moved to walk back to the waffle iron raising an eyebrow when Edward beat him to it, already making a batch for him. Sighing in fond exasperation, he said, "I'm not invalid you know. I can make my own breakfast."
"I'm aware of that, but I do like to spoil you. Especially since you've been working hard the last few days," Edward explained. Knowing that his husband was equally as stubborn as him, Naruto just rolled his eyes and walked back to the table to take a seat. It was days like these that he realized there was no point in arguing and that it was a waste of energy. So Naruto just sat back and allowed the vampire to make him breakfast. Really, Naruto thought perhaps he should look at it as a positive thing rather than negative.
"Yes, Edward is really my personal servant who does whatever I ask and I don't have to pay him," he thought smugly. Growling the vampire hissed, "I can here you!" Naruto grinned wider and snickered. Oh yes, he definitely liked his new image for his mate not caring if it pissed said mate off a bit. Revenge!
x-x-x-x-x
The occupants of the main Cullen house found themselves going about their usual business as they normally did. Jasper, Jacob and Emmett were currently engaged in a racing game in the living room while Gaara, Marcus and Carlisle occupied themselves in the small den; Gaara was occupied with reading while Marcus and Carlisle quietly talked. Esme tended to her garden in the backyard with Alice's help while Rosalie painted her nails. Yet despite their various occupations, they clearly heard the sound of the Volvo pulling into the drive, the engine cutting after a moment. There was movement, footsteps leading to the door before it was firmly, but softly knocked on. Carlisle immediately answered smiling warmly at his sons and grand children.
"Grandpa!" they chirped quickly hugging him.
"Morning Carlisle," Edward greeted. Naruto beamed, "Ohayo otou-san!"
"Good morning Edward, Naruto and of course good morning to my favorite grandchildren," Carlisle greeted back as he carefully picked up the twins. The twins giggled as Lauren beamed, "Silly grandpa, we're your only grandchildren."
"She has you there dear," Esme cooed as she walked into the house dusting herself free of dirt.
"I suppose you're right."
"You're happy about something," Jasper interrupted his gaze fixated on Naruto, "And you feel… proud also. Did something happen?"
Naruto grinned before glancing at Gaara who merely gave him an amused look. Jacob cast a fleeting look between his friend and intended curious as to what they seemed pleased over. The rest of the Cullens and Marcus were pondering the same thing as they took in the exchange between the two demons. Edward rolled his eyes in exasperation while Alice beamed widely making it obvious that she knew something.
"Well," Naruto drawled, "I might have something to show you that I think you'll all enjoy greatly."
"Oh, what exactly is this surprise Naruto? Don't keep us in suspense," Marcus inquired raising an eyebrow. He was secretly charmed by his friend's antics as were the rest of the Cullens. But they were still inquisitive as well and whether they admitted to it or not, the suspense was killing them. Naruto only ever had his infamous grin when he knew a truly good secret or was hiding something diabolical. The last time they had seen it was the last time the blond pulled a prank on Emmett that somehow left the large vampire tied up in a tree, naked and covered in honey with feathers. He was still having trouble living it down and it certainly made for interesting blackmail.
Grinning wider, Naruto chirped, "I finished my little project with some help from Gaara."
The small group around the room stilled and as if to prove his point, Naruto skipped over to Gaara who had already pulled out a small wooden box while everyone's attention was on the blond. Thanking his brother, Naruto turned and presented it to his family carefully opening the lid. Resting upon a bed of white velvet were six black silk wristbands and four delicate silver necklaces. All of them held the crest of the Cullen household on them.
"It's… you really… oh Naruto you really finished them? And they truly work?" Esme gasped her hands over her mouth as her eyes watered slightly. It was obvious she was overwhelmed as were the rest of the vampires as they stared in various degrees of astonishment and perhaps disbelief at the box. They didn't dare to reach out and touch the items as if fearing they would disappear like smoke.
"Yeah they really do work. And there's one for each of you, even made one for you Marcus since you're practically family now. It took a while just because Gaara and I wanted to test to make sure they truly worked before we told you," Naruto explained confidently.
"Thank you Naruto," Marcus nodded in gratitude.
"Are you sure there won't be any side effects?" Emmett questioned appearing uncertain. Jasper also seemed to have his doubts while the rest of the family looked anxious with the exception of Alice. She was bouncing on the balls of her feet unable to contain herself any longer as she grinned like a loon. Naruto sent a smug smirk to his mate who merely shook his head having never really doubted him. The blond demon was certainly stubborn enough to accomplish anything once he set his mind to it.
"Let me! Let me!" Alice chirped scurrying over.
Naruto laughed, "Okay, hold on."
He plucked one of the necklaces from its case, the Cullen crest gleaming and swaying as he handed it over. The rest of the coven watched in anticipation as Alice delicately fastened the clasp and smiled as she waited. Luckily the effect was instant. Golden eyes melted into a soft brown while pale, ivory skin fleshed out and gained a faint peach color. She was still pale, but no longer white as her cheeks and lips took on a faint rose hue. Her beauty also remained as well, but it was the normal splendor of a woman and not the unearthly allure of a vampire. The honest shock on the Cullens' features expressed their disbelief. Alice rushed to the nearest mirror and squealed with glee over her appearance while Naruto and Gaara gave out the rest of the charms.
And just like with Alice the rest of the vampires changed; Rosalie, Jasper, Esme and Carlisle gained blue eyes; Emmett's became brown as well and finally Edward and Marcus' eyes turned green. Jacob grinned widely, "Wow it really worked! Now you can blend in with the humans even better!"
"It truly is amazing," Marcus commented as he looked himself over apparently still trying to grasp the image before him.
"Thank you Gaara, Naruto… you don't realize how much this means to us," Carlisle murmured still clearly in awe.
"This is awesome!" Emmett crowed. Rosalie and Esme immediately hugged the pair much to Naruto's amusement and Gaara's discomfort. Lauren and Devon cheered as they ran around the living room reflecting their family's happiness, both of them wearing the charms as well to hide their ears and tails. Gaara had been the one to suggest making a pair for the twins as well as a failsafe until they mastered maintaining their own illusions. Naruto beamed widely, "Glad you all approve."
"Yes I'm pleased that they worked," Gaara added.
"How long do they last?" Jasper questioned.
Naruto hummed, "They should last a week at the most. Then Gaara or myself would have to "recharge" them so to speak. But if you only wore them out in public and took them off when you're home, they'll last longer." Jasper nodded in understanding realizing the logic behind the statement.
A sudden gasp from Alice had everyone focusing on her. She was frozen near the mirror gazing into nothing. Concerned for his wife, Jasper immediately moved to her side and held her close, trying to sooth the waves of confusion and fear that came off of her. Edward was focusing hard on his sister his own bewilderment and dread visible on his face which just put the rest of the family on alert.
"What is it Alice?"Rosalie asked anxious for her sister and what she saw.
"I can't… I can't see them anymore," she whispered.
"Who? Who can't you see?" Jacob questioned urgently sensing something was wrong.
Worrying her bottom lip in a very human fashion, she whimpered, "I can't see the Volturi anymore. Their futures… their paths… they've just completely disappeared!" There was a sharp inhalation of breath from all of them as they stared incredulously at the pixie-like vampire as she tugged at the sleeves of her shirt.
"I don't know… it's like one moment they were there and the next they're gone. It's not just Aro or even Caius hiding their thoughts, it's the whole Volturi that disappeared and I have no idea why. This usually doesn't happen with other vampires or humans, only with shifters and…," she trailed off her doe brown eyes widening. Naruto released a choked gasp of air while Gaara growled softly. The tension became worse as slowly they began to piece the picture together and all they could feel was utter trepidation.
"No… oh please no," Esme moaned, her hands covering her mouth.
"It's highly doubtful that the Volturi would seek the aid of shifters in their vendetta especially as Caius passionately hates them and true werewolves. So it only leaves demons… and the one particular demon that seems to be haunting your footsteps Naruto," Marcus concluded.
"Sage," Edward growled his eyes darkening.
"You don't seriously think that they would actually work with that psycho do you?" Emmett gaped. Gaara frowned, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Aro is on a mission to destroy us and since Sage's goals coincide with his own, he'll take all the help he can get."
"Which makes any plans we've drawn up useless for we don't know what to predict when it comes to Sage. He's a wild card," Carlisle murmured solemnly. Naruto stared at the wall for a moment trying to absorb the newest and most unwelcomed information before glancing at the twins. Lauren was cradled in Jasper's arms while Devon patted Alice's cheeks and kissed her forehead as if trying to sooth her. Gritting his teeth, Naruto turned and stormed toward the dining room where most of their plans and maps had been stored. Shoving everything aside, Naruto plucked up some fresh paper and unfurled a world map rather than just a map of the country. He felt Gaara stand next to him, "You intend to contact them then?"
"I don't have a choice. We need major back up plans and if worse comes to worse, we need sanctuary. The shrine is the best place to go as it's guarded by priests and priestesses not to mention Takashi is still watching over it for me," Naruto explained.
Gaara hummed, "Yes if we fell back to there, Sage would have a difficult time following. The shrine is also protected by sacred ground that turns away those of ill intent."
"What are you two talking about?" Jacob finally asked confused by the conversation as were the rest of the vampires. Glancing at the shifter, the red haired demon replied, "Many years ago there used to be shrines that were built in what is now present day Japan as offerings to the Biju in return for protection and prosperity. But due to war most of the shrines were destroyed with the exception of the Temple of Fire."
"My temple," Naruto clarified, "The Temple of Fire was built for the Kyuubi no Kitsune, me and it's well guarded by a family of devout priests and priestesses who hold supernatural gifts. Not to mention one of my long time friends, a wolf demon by the name of Takashi, lives there maintaining it for me. If there was a safe place for us, that would be the place."
"So we're going to Japan then?" Alice whispered.
"Maybe, I only mentioned it as a fall back spot for us to retreat to should we feel the need. We still have the barrier which is protecting us so we're still safe. But considering that Sage is unpredictable when it comes to his attacks, it would be best to prepare ourselves should we be forced to leave the country. Jasper, you should probably get a hold of that lawyer you know in New York and have him forge the proper passports and paperwork for us," Naruto explained glancing at his brother. Jasper nodded in agreement before disappearing into the sitting room to make the call.
Running his fingers through his hair, Emmett sighed, "Just one fucking thing after another."
"No shit," Jacob agreed and considering the circumstances, Esme didn't have the heart to reprimand them.
Wow... kinda shorter on here, but oh well. So yes, the Cullens and Marcus can now blend in with the humans! Yay for them. And it seems like things are getting more intense now that Alice is blind to the Volturi. What's gonna happen? Can't tell you, but I will let you know that the next chapter is going to focus mainly on Gaara and Jacob. Seems the shifter feels it's time to reveal the truth to our favorite sand demon. Wonder how he'll take it?
Anyway, remember that reviews are always appreciated! Thanks!
~Seth
PS! There's a poll on my profile page that I want you all to check out! I would really appreciate it if you did! Thanks very much!
