HOW YOU LOVE AND LOSE AND LOVE AGAIN

CHAPTER 8

The atmosphere at the dinner table was a tense one. Naruto's rage was palpable and so was Sasuke's. Itachi appeared to be the only calm one, though he had a storm brewing on the inside as well.

The food was delicious as usual, but it appeared that none of the 3 had any appetite. Itachi casually brushed his hand across his fiancée's and at this, Naruto blushed. Out of the corner of his eye, Itachi noticed Sasuke had tensed up as well. You shouldn't be worried otouto; you had your hands all over Sakura-san sometimes thought Itachi with a dash of anger. He gently took Naruto's soft hand and wrapped it in his much larger one. "Is something wrong, Naruto-kun?" he asked. Studying his fiancées' slender and delicate fingers he continued. "You look distraught and you haven't eaten anything" smiling privately to himself when he saw just how red Naruto's face was.

"I..umm…well Itachi-san" Naruto mumbled. He looked into the elder Uchiha's eyes and was touched by the concern he saw in them. " I'm just not too hungry."

Itachi was somehow miffed that Naruto had passed it off but he maintained his impassive countenance and released his fiancée's hand. Was he blushing because he minded me holding his hand or because he liked it, he asked himself. "What about you otouto?" he asked Sasuke who was now glaring at him angrily. "I'm not hungry either" Sasuke spit out. Itachi raised an eyebrow, but he was raging inside. Otouto is making such a big deal when I touch what is mine? he thought incredulously. There is a limit to stupidity.

After eating dinner, Naruto took his and Itachi's plates to the sink and started to wash them.

"Dobe, take mine too" called Sasuke annoyed. He was angry with Itachi for touching Naruto and Naruto for letting him. "Do it yourself. " replied Naruto coolly.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Why won't you do it?"

"Because I have no obligation to." Naruto answered, looking at him. Sasuke fumed.

Itachi quietly exited the room and made his way upstairs. Funny, he thought, how his feelings towards Naruto had changed over a week. First there was apathy, then a slight attraction and now concern? It was a novel experience for the stoic Uchiha. He latched his door and took up a scroll to read. A few minutes later, there was a knock. Itachi opened the door to find Naruto in the landing.

"May I come in, Itachi-san?" he asked politely. Itachi opened the door and beckoned him in.

"Itachi-san" asked Naruto hesitatingly. " If I tell you something I hate about your own brother, will you believe me?"

"Depends on what it is, Naruto-kun".

Naruto took a deep breadth and narrated the tale of how Sasuke had approached him and what he wanted. In the end, he looked at the Uchiha pleadingly. Itachi remained dispassionate, though he was very much enjoying himself.

"Are you sure you have not feelings for otouto? For if you do, he is quite right. You shouldn't get married to me in that case. The contract does state that, you know." Itachi stated this quite casually but his heart was beating quite fast. What if Naruto genuinely had no feelings towards him?

Blue eyes flashed. "Itachi-san I have already told you once and I reiterate. I have no more romantic inclinations or feelings towards Uchiha Sasuke. I swear this on my dead father."

"Prove it."

"What? How?" asked Naruto confused.

"Prove to me that you have no feelings for my brother, Naruto-kun. And you can do this by kissing me" stated Itachi.

Naruto gasped. Itachi waited emotionlessly. "Well?" he asked.

The blonde moved closer to his fiancé till their faces were mere inches apart. He looked into onyx eyes that stared back just as intently. Naruto then shyly tilted his head up and gently pressed his lips against Itachi's.

It was magic, Itachi thought as he felt petal soft lips rubbing against his. Suddenly the pair of lips separated from and blue eyes looked into him – eyes that were full of coy curiosity. Itachi gasped as Naruto nibbled on his lower lip. Naruto took the opportunity to insert his tongue into the Uchiha's mouth. He explored his fiancé's cavern, running his tongue across the top, bottom and grazing the teeth. His tongue then met the Uchiha's own and both of their tongues danced sinuously. After a few minutes, Naruto broke apart, panting.

The two stared at each other. The kiss had been a passionate and heart-felt one that sucked the very life out of Itachi. This was a new feeling to him and he couldn't wait to re-experience it.

"More" whispered the Uchiha huskily and pulled his fiancée towards him.

This time Itachi took the lead. He wrapped his hands across Naruto's slim waist as his lips met the others. Naruto's hands held onto the Uchihas shoulders as their tongues clashed once more; the Uchiha dominating this time. Itachi explored every nock and cranny, every corner and crevice of that exquisite mouth. Naruto tastes like strawberries concluded the still logical part of him. And something more. In a strange way, he tastes of spring and freshness. A taste I can never grow out of. When Naruto tried to pull away, he understood that his fiancée had run out of air and broke the kiss. The blonde blushed when he realized that their arms were still wrapped around each other and Itachi just stared, his mind working overtime to fully process every spice and flavor; every texture and detail of the kiss. He ran his hands across his fiancée's face, admiring the flawless peach skin. Naruto smiled shyly at Itachi. "Do I prove my case?" he asked

"Yes." He was answered just as softly.

He sighed and then leaned against his fiancé. He tucked his head into Itachi's neck and ran his arms along the Uchiha's well built back and shoulders. He purred in contentment as Itachi tightened his arms around his waist and pulled him onto his lap. They lay in silence for about 5 minutes, before Naruto shyly titled his head once more. He gently locked his lips with the Uchiha's and whispered "Oyasuumi." Naruto then snuggled tighter into his fiancé's arms and dropped off to sleep.

Itachi was wonderstruck. For the first time in his life, an odd feeling of peace and contentment came over him; which was amplified every time he glanced at the angel in his arms. He was afraid to breathe, fearing that Naruto might wake. After silently observing his blonde for a few minutes, he arranged the both of them in a more comfortable position and pulled the blankets over them. He fell asleep before he knew it.

It was around 6 when the Uchiha got up…almost 2 hours later than his usual time. He frowned, before feeling something moving against him. He raised his hand to feel the velvety strands of blonde hair and was surprised at how soft they were. He continued running his hands gently through them when he noticed a pair of bleary blue eyes looking at him. Naruto blushed when he realized how close they were.

"Do you always blush so much Naruto?" asked the man opposite him.

Naruto made a face and childishly stuck his tongue out. "Hey, you didn't call me Naruto-kun!" he exclaimed.

"We don't need to use honorifics when we know each other more."

"So I can just call you Itachi?"

"I don't see why not," said Itachi amused. "And by the way, I was also present last night, when you and otouto were yelling at each other."

Naruto grew pale at this. "You were there? Oh no…wait why didn't you tell me?" he demanded pouting.

"I am telling you now."

"Humph"

They lay in silence for a few more minutes, before getting up to shower.

"So are you going to be sleeping with me from now on Naruto-kun?" asked a secretly delighted Uchiha

"Yes, you are marrying me, Itachi!" replied a red faced Uzumaki

"Well shift your belongings then. And we're meeting the Hokage today to go over wedding plans."

Naruto nodded. He went over to his own room and decided to take a quick shower before preparing breakfast. Last night was ……nice, he thought to himself. Itachi made me feel so good….

He met a passive Sasuke at the table. Sakura had already gotten breakfast started, but both of them appeared to be in a bad mood. Breakfast was a short and uncomfortable affair after which both the couples went over to Tsunade's office. The Godaime greeted them with an amused smile. It was decided that the elder Uchiha and Naruto would get married first; and Sakura and Sasuke would follow 6 months later.

"Are both of you O.K you seem to be in a bad mood Sakura," asked Naruto when they exited the office.

The pink haired girl smiled wanly. "Its nothing Naruto. Sasuke and I just had a minor disagreement."

"Both of you many continue to the house, Sakura-san," Itachi suddenly added. "Naruto and I will follow you later."

Itachi took his fiancée's had in his and led the both of them down a different path. Sakura sighed wistfully as she looked at the duo. They made a fine picture. Sasuke was staring at them as they left, his jaw set firmly. I wonder what his problem is, thought Sakura crossly. "I'm going home Sasuke-kun. Are you coming."?

"Later," he replied absent-mindedly. He decided to follow his brother and Naruto as they walked by a road that was lined with cherry blossom trees.

"Foolish otouto." whispered Itachi.

Naruto looked at his fiancé mischievously. Itachi looked back at him warily. "Lets give him a show, shall we?" asked the blonde.

Without waiting for an answer, Naruto suddenly stopped walking. He turned to face Itachi and put his arms on the Uchiha's shoulders. He then leaned upwards and joined their lips. Itachi didn't want to take advantage of their situation, but the feel of Naruto's lips on his dispelled any arguments. He complied and thrust his tongue into Naruto's mouth. He put his arms around Naruto and drew his blonde closer to him. They kissed hungrily, ensconced in each other's arms. Itachi could feel heat gathering in his body and pooling up in his groin. He instinctively thrust his hips against Naruto's. Naruto moaned into the kiss and thrust back. They continued grinding against each other and kissing, till Itachi decided it was better they stopped before he came. He reluctantly broke off the kiss. Naruto looked disappointed but understood. They continued walking down the path, this time hand in hand.

Itachi grew annoyed when Sasuke persisted in following them. He suddenly halted. "Come out otouto," he commanded.

Sasuke came out with trembling with anger. Itachi raised a perfect eyebrow. "Why so angry otouto?" he asked blandly.

"You know damn well why, Itachi" was the angry reply.

"No, I do not. I know that you slept with MY fiancée and stopped doing so when you became interested in Sakura-san. I know that he cares for you no more and that you are financed yourself. I do not understand the reason for your present unrest."

"The only reason I broke up with him was that he's male and cannot bear children. It was for the good of the clan."

"Exactly. So now for the honor of the clan, I am to marry him. Kindly trouble us no more."

"Don't you understand Itachi?" Sasuke replied angrily. "I don't care for the clan anymore. They always favored you more anyway.

"Shut up Sasuke." Hissed a blonde haired shinobi, eyes flashing with anger. " You know something? I CAN actually bear children. The Kyuubi in me makes it possible for me to do so. But I never told you. Do you know why? Because I didn't care enough for you. If I did, then I might have mentioned it when you left for Sakura. But I didn't. Because I never actually loved you. I just accepted you. Get that through your thick head."

Sasuke stood shocked. "You…can bear children?" he asked incredulously.

Naruto sighed. "Yes" he answered. "It is because all demons are androgynous. Kyuubi can create a womb of chakra and I can get impregnated. I'm sorry I didn't mention this before Itachi."

"Then…why didn't you when we were together?"

"First of all…we were never together. Secondly, Kyuubi never liked you" said Naruto simply.

"Leave otouto and do not bother us." ordered Itachi.

With a look that spoke of hurt and hate, Sasuke left.

"I'm sorry, Itachi.I should have mentioned it earlier. It just slipped off my mind" apologized Naruto.

"Don't worry this time. But such details are important. Do not forget to mention significant facts like these." Itachi looked at his fiancée wonderingly. "I didn't think I would be able to have children of my own."

Naruto flushed. "Yea well…. you get a man and a woman I guess" he joked.

Itachi gave the barest indication of a smile. He then told Naruto to close his eyes, and transported them somewhere. When Naruto opened his eyes, he stood staring at the sight before him. It was a beautiful lake, with waters so clear, that the pebbles at its bottom could be seen. Flowers of all kinds and colours grew at its banks and birds and butterflies flitted merrily. It was one of the prettiest places Naruto had laid eyes on.

"I used to come here whenever I was tired or angry." Stated Itachi silently.

"Thank you for showing me" Naruto replied, hugging the Uchiha. Unused to such shows of affection, Itachi returned the hug, albeit stiffly. "You know, you are so different from Sasuke."

Itachi snorted in amusement. "And how are we different, Naruto? Enlighten me?"

Naruto looked at his fiancé with a tender smile. "You're a whole lot nicer and easier to talk to. I've known Sasuke for so long, yet all we do is insult each other. I've never had a decent conversation with him. Talking to you, on the other hand is a pleasure. And then, your hair is longer and silkier. I can run my fingers through it forever. Your eyes are different too. His have a tinge of gray in them, yet yours are fully and wholly black. You're taller and stronger. You take better care of me. You taste like mint and he tastes like apples. And then, finally, I respect you lots more."

Itachi looked at his fiancées beautiful blue eyes and pulled him into his arms. They kissed hungrily, tongues engaged in a battle of dominance that Itachi won. As he explored Naruto's mouth, the Uchiha ground his hips against his fiancées. Itachi could feel himself hardening; and every time he rubbed his groin against his blonde's a fission of pleasure coursed through him. They continued rubbing against each other; crotch against crotch – their thrusts becoming faster and more urgent. Itachi couldn't take it any more. He grabbed his blonde by the hips and pounded into him forcefully. Naruto's moans only goaded him on and with a final thrust; they both came in their pants.

Itachi looked at his blonde. Face flushed, Lips slightly open and eyes shining; he made a breathtaking picture. The Uchiha felt a burst of possessiveness. "From now on, you are mine. My property." he whispered. "No one else should are touch you."

"Possessive, aren't we?" teased Naruto. "I…liked that" he added shyly.

"I liked it too…" replied Itachi lazily kissing his fiancée.

He then picked up Naruto and walked towards the Uchiha mansion. When they entered, they were greeted with looks of surprise.

"Aren't the 2 of you getting along well?" asked a leering Kakashi.

"None of your business sempai" replied Itachi coolly. "What are you doing here if I may ask?"

"So rude, Uchiha!" Kakashi pouted. "The 5 of us just thought to pay your soon to be wife a visit" he continued, gesturing at Neji, Shikamaru, Kiba, Gaara and Ino. "I guess he's doing very nice, you carrying him and all."

"Kawaii" shrieked Sakura.

Naruto blushed.

"He'll be right down after we shower," said Itachi politely.

"Showering together are we?"

Itachi glared at Kakashi, his Mangekyou Sharingan activated. Everyone gulped at stayed silent.

"He's even scarier than Gaara," muttered Ino shivering. "But so handsome. The two of them look really nice together."

"It looks like they're getting along quite well," mused Neji. "This being an arranged marriage and all…"

"Naruto looked happy," added Shikamaru.

"Who wouldn't? I mean, he's in Uchiha Itachi's arms! Not that I would mind being in Naruto's arms." Said Ino.

Naruto came down freshly showered and mentioned that Itachi was up reading. He then made them some lunch and they were amazed at what a good cook he was. As Rookies and Kakashi made their way home, they agreed that their fears for the couple were unfounded. However, they had also observed Sakura's slightly down attitude and Ino resolved to talk to her.