HOW YOU LOVE AND LOOSE AND LOVE AGAIN – CHAPTER 10

I've been a fool, thought Haruno Sakura as she viewed the hues and shades of her life. I should have guessed, Naruto and Sasuke always seemed closer than just friends. Recently they had grown apart and Sakura suspected their dual engagements were the reason. Naruto had suddenly left for a 2-year mission and she suspected that it had something to do with Sasuke. He's so good looking now, I sensed Sasuke looking at him strangely a couple of times but thought nothing of it. I merely assumed he was insecure about his brother getting married.

Sakura sighed as she answered the door. Naruto and Itachi were outside.
"We need to talk Sakura" Naruto said gravely.

She just stood aside as the duo entered. Naruto began explaining the details of his affair with the younger Uchiha.

" So you see, Sakura – he cheated on me with you. I assumed he'd be happier with you since you sincerely loved him. But I couldn't stand by and watch it all. That's exactly why I left – to give both of you a free rein. But," he continued. " I'm marrying Itachi now and I have no feelings for Sasuke. He already confronted me and I told him so."

"Why didn't he tell me before?" Sakura whispered.

"I don't know," Naruto admitted. "But Itachi knew and we've already spoken about it."

Sakura was silent as she mulled over things. She knew that none of it was Naruto's fault. He had even stepped out of his way for her by simply leaving. Yet, she felt a slight bit of resentment towards him. "Why must he love you so much and not me?" she murmured. "When I care for him so much?"

Naruto laughed bitterly. "Oh it's not as though he cares for me. Do you know that he had a lover in Sound before me? I was just a fuck-toy. He's just mad that I'm completely over any feelings I had for him."

Sakura's eyes widened. "He had someone in Sound?"

"Yes."

"He's been lying to me all along" she realized.

Naruto and Itachi looked at each other.

"What are you going to do, Sakura?" asked Naruto. "I know you're pregnant."

She gasped. "How do you know? I haven't told anybody."

"I can smell it on you". Naruto put a hand on her shoulder.

"I should just abort the baby." She said bitterly.

Itachi narrowed his eyes. "That, Sakura-san is not permitted. It is against clan rules."

Naruto looked at his fiancé. "I think she has a right to do what she wants Itachi."

"No, Naruto. Abortion is forbidden. It is not allowed in the Uchiha clan."

Naruto frowned. He didn't completely agree with his lover.

"Well, you and Sasuke should talk it out. Why don't you come home with us?" he asked.

Sakura nodded and the trio made their way home.

As they were walking, Itachi took his blonde aside.

"Naruto, I don't think we should interfere in their matters. In fact, I want you to keep silent. I don't care if otouto and Sakura-san are together or not, but the growing child should definitely not be harmed."

"Isn't that Sakura's decision, Itachi?" asked Naruto. "She's the one who's going to be providing for the child for the next 9 motnhs."

Itachi frowned. 'Just do as I say."

Naruto's eyes flashed. "You don't own me, Itachi. I have a mind of my own." He said angrily.

"Well, then use it." Itachi replied coolly. "A life shouldn't be cut off because of mere comfort and pleasure. An abortion is preposterous."

Naruto was quiet for a second and then sighed. "We don't need to argue because of their problems." He said. "But I still adhere to my opinion."

When they reached the house, an agitated Sasuke was waiting for them. As soon as he saw Sakura, he grabbed her and delivered a stinging blow across her face. Sakura reeled backwards, her eyes filling up with tears.

Naruto lunged forwards, ready to scream his innards out, but Itachi laid a warning hand on his arm.

"Otouto," he started. "That is no way to treat a pregnant woman. Especially one who is pregnant with your child."

"Shut up!" Sasuke screamed. "Don't lecture me on what I should or should not do. For 10 years of my life you were absent. You have no right."

"Urusai, Sasuke." Said Naruto in disgust. "Don't talk to him like that. This is a new low, even for you."

"You too, Naruto?" asked Sasuke in disbelief. " I don't want the child."

"You should not do that." Stated Itachi. "According to our clan laws.."

"Oh shut up, aniki." said Sasuke sarcastically. "Do you honestly want a pink haired freaky son?"

"How could you, Sasuke?" said Sakura tearfully. " After all I've done for you..."

"You've done nothing. I owe you nothing." Sasuke coldly replied.

"I still love you, you know." Sakura admitted. "We could make this work.

Sasuke looked at her coldly.

Itachi sighed. He put his hand around Naruto's waist and carried him bridal-style. "Both of you probably require some time to settle your differences," he stated smoothly as Sasuke and Sakura stared at him. Naruto just looked content. "But as the head of the clan and as your older brother, I advise you to not consider abortion as an alternative. We will be upstairs. You can tell us of whatever conclusion you come to whenever you see fit."

Sakura and the younger Uchiha looked on as Itachi carried Naruto up the stairs. Naruto had his arms around the elder Uchiha's shoulders and he suddenly raised his head to plant a kiss on his lips. It was a tender kiss, but there was quite a bit of tongue involved.

They look like they're in love, realized Sakura with a pang of envy.

Sasuke was silent as he came to the same shocking realization himself.

"Do you love each other?" he suddenly shouted across the mansion.

Itachi and Naruto suddenly came to a standstill as they looked at each other; then turned to look at Sasuke.

"Yes," Naruto suddenly admitted as he gazed into Itachi's eyes. "I think I love you Itachi."

Itachi gazed just as intently back. "Me too." He whispered. " Now, come."

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It was 5 days before the wedding. Preparations had been approaching feverish intensity. Naruto was busy getting his and his fiancés wedding clothes organized. After a lot of discussing, screaming and fighting, Sasuke and Sakura had decided to keep the baby but had put off getting married. Hence, to the consternation of their friends, there was only going to be one Uchiha wedding. Itachi had been disapproving of this, but Naruto argued that if they married now, it might not even last. Sakura had admitted to the two of them that she still loved the younger Uchiha, but if her love were not reciprocated she would just wait. It was a sad reality, loving a man who was incapable of love.

Naruto flushed when he recalled how things had been between him and Itachi. Their random make-out sessions that sometimes escalated to a lot more groping and grinding and maybe, blowjobs. There was a lot of physical attraction; but what made the prospect of getting married to Itachi more and more appealing was the accompanying mental attraction. Sure, there were disagreements; but Naruto and his fiancé had a respect for each other's opinions. They knew when to back off and not let the arguments turn into fights. After being alone for a very long time, it was ironic that both of them understood compromise. Living and loving together had almost been a joyride after being solitary. Naruto had even told Itachi he loved him; a fact he felt made him stronger instead of more vulnerable.

For all their intimacy; the duo hadn't gone all the way just yet. Naruto hadn't imagined Itachi to be a moral man but he was, astonishingly so. He had insisted they wait for the wedding night – a night Naruto looked at with both anticipation and trepidation.

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Sasuke sighed as he looked up at the night sky. He had finally come to terms with the fact that Naruto was marrying his brother. The dobe – who was not such a big dobe, after all; cared much more about Itachi than he ever did about him.