Chiyuki speaking, babies speaking, naruto speaking to them telepathically.

Naruto made sure to thank them all for coming and planning the party as well as for the gifts and then he retired for the night. His mind drifted briefly to Sasuke, wishing things had been different and he was sharing this moment with him, but he forced those thoughts away and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning...

Naruto woke up but didn't feel nauseous for a change. He waddled to the bathroom and after a quick shower, got dressed and went downstairs. He made breakfast and was eating by the time Kakashi and Iruka came down.

"Good morning," he said to them with a small smile.

They returned his greeting and after fussing over him , Iruka finally settled down to eat.

"So how close are you and Lord Hyuga?" asked Kakashi nosily.

Iruka bopped him on the head but looked over at Naruto curiously as well.

"We're just friends that's all. He's been teaching me about tea ceremonies and stuff and I've been teaching him about herbs. Hinata often joins us for those lessons of course." Naruto said dismissively.

"Still."Kakashi persisted. "The Hyugas aren't normally so generous to anybody. He must really like you ." he said with a perverted grin.

Iruka hit him again and Naruto rolled his eyes.

"Kakashi, I haven't looked at a man in that way in a while. Besides look at me, I'm a fat belly with feet." he said pouting a bit.

Kakashi knowing better than to agree with the blonde by now, shook his head. "No you're beautiful Naruto. People would kill to look as good as you while pregnant." he said.

Naruto smiled happily and continued eating after thanking him for the complement. Kakashi had made the mistake a few months ago of calling him fat and Naruto had been in tears. Iruka had gotten mad and he hadn't gotten any for a whole week. Tsunade found out and gave him d-rank missions for a month. He definitely didn't want to go threw that again.

Breakfast ended and the rest of the morning went by smoothly for Naruto as he went to the office and worked all morning. He decided to have lunch outdoors on the head of his father and with the ANBU's help, teleported there. He sat down alone with his six bowls of hot ramen that an anbu had gone to get for him just the way he liked it these days, with mustard and other weird ingredients floating in it. As he ate, he thought about his life and all that had happened with Sasuke. As he finished the last bowl of Ramen, he felt the strange urge to sing. He emptied the bowl and put it down, then he began rubbing his swollen abdomen as had become his habit these days and began to sing.

Even if I hold you,

With all my loneliness,

we still cant be one.

The only thing that we can deeply,

Feel besides kindness is pain,

We don't dream anymore,

Hesitating, as we hold hands,

We start walking,

Towards the cruel dawn,

I'm sure real words are,

Somewhere in the real world,

They hide in our silent nights,

They still do.

The song was sad and told of his deep loneliness and longing for a loving mate. It told of him being disillusioned by the true nature of his former lover. His heart had been broken by Sasuke for years now and although the pain had become bearable as time went by, it hadn't lessened or seized to exist.

Just then he felt a few hard kicks and gasped. He had gotten used to being kicked by his babies , but this time it was different. It had felt as if all nine of his babies had kicked him all at once.

"Don't be sad anymore mother, it hurts us." said a voice.

Naruto's eyes widened in shock as he looked down at his stomach.

"Uh Chiyuki , was that you?" he asked hesitantly although he knew it wasn't.

Chiyuki laughed in the back of his mind. "You know it wasn't kit. We demons can talk to our young as soon as they are able to understand. Its part of how we know if something is wrong so that we can hurry to protect them. It will be the same way when they're born. But tell no one of this okay? This will be their own little life line to us. That way if someone tries to harm them when they're born, we'll know." she told him.

"Okay Chiyuki and thanks." he said then. "Kits, can you hear me?" he asked telepathically.

"Yes mommy we can." said a gently voice.

Naruto could tell that it was one of the girls.

"I'm so happy kits." Naruto sent to them. "I love you all so much."

"We love you too mommy so don't be sad." said another girl.

"Boys are you okay too?" Naruto asked, since he hadn't heard any on them speak yet.

"Hn." said one.

"We're fine mommy." said one.

"Sing another song mommy."said another.

"Sing a song for us mom." said one of the girls.

"Alright kits. I'll sing this song just for you." said Naruto, then he began to sing.

I was so happy when you smiled,

your smile breaks threw the clouds of grey,

far from the sunny days that lie in sleep.

waiting with patience for the spring,

when the flowers will ,

bloom renewed again,

knowing there's more,

beyond the pain of today.

Although the scars of yesterday remains,

you can go on living as much as your heart believes.

You cant be born again,

although you can change,

lets stay together always.

"That was pretty mommy." said one of the girls.

"Yeah mommy I liked it." said another.

"Hn." said a boy.

"Uh why are you guys calling me mom?" Naruto asked.

"Cuz your our mommy silly." said one of the girls.

Naruto rolled his eyes and thought about protesting but he didnt want to upset his babies. Besides, he figured it was a small price to pay to finally have someone who truly loved him.

"Okay kits, its fine." Naruto said. "Now lets get back to running the village."

Naruto went back to work. He smiled as he thought about his secret and could here them actually bickering the way he and sasuke used to .

Over the next few weeks he worked and prepared for the babies. Every night after work, right before going to bed , he was sing that song, just for them. He had also come to realize that for unborn babies, they sure had a lot to say and even Chiyuki couldn't wait for them be born . They were driving her crazy with their constant bickering .

As the due date got closer, Chiyuki made a birth canal for the babies and Tsunade was pleased by that. Unfortunately for Naruto, it would be a completely Natural birth since Chiyuki had flatly refused to allow any substance in his body that could harm them. She didn't trust the humans and Naruto wholeheartedly agreed with her on the no substance thing. He didn't want his mind muddled as it could be dangerous for his kits , knowing the type of bastards the elders were. Naruto had allowed Chiyuki to take over briefly in order to talk to Tsunade and the two of them had almost come to blows over it. In the end Chiyuki won much to everyone's amusement. The fox really was overprotective of her 'kit'.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

meanwhile with Sasuke...

Sasuke stood in the middle of the room covered in Orochimaru and Kabuto's blood. Orochimaru had grown weak and had tried to possess his body as planned, but Sasuke who had never had any intention of letting that happen , had fought and killed them both. He turned and saw Suigetsu, Karin and Jugo standing their waiting for him. He had decided to make them his minions weeks ago after what Kabuto had said that day since he knew they would be useful in finding his brother.

"Are the other's taken care of?" he asked them.

"Yes oh great leader." Suigetsu said sarcastically.

"Then lets go. We have a little stop to make before we go after my brother."Sasuke said. "Suigetsu, we are going to get Zabuza Momochi's sword for you."

The others nodded and they left after washing off all the blood and getting their things.

"Can you feel that Itachi?" Sasuke thought viciously. "That's me coming for your head."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

in Konoha...

A week later...

Two ninjas hurried to the Hokage tower and into the office before Naruto and Tsunade.

"What is it?" asked Tsunade , as impatient as always.

"It-its Orochimaru Tsunade-sama." gasped out one ninja. "We have reason to believe that he along with Kabuto has been killed by Uchiha Sasuke." he told her.

"What !"she yelled in shock. "Are you sure?"

The two ninjas nodded. "There are rumors floating around near Otogakure about it." said one.

"But since we were on a mission we couldn't find out for sure." said the other.

"Understood." said naruto. "Good job guys and thank you. You may go."

The ninjas nodded and left and Naruto turned to Tsunade. "I think we should send Sai, Kakashi, Shikamaru and Rock lee to find out." he told her.

She nodded in agreement. "Shizune get in here!" she yelled.

Shizune hurried in with the pig in her hands.

"Get Sakura, Kakashi, Shikamaru, Sai and Rock lee in here immediately." she ordered.

"Yes Tsunade-sama." Shizune said , already hurrying out the door.

The she turned to Naruto. "Naruto are you ok?" she asked, worried that the mention of Sasuke might have upset him.

Naruto nodded. "Yes baachan I'm fine so stop worrying already. Although I wish I could go to too. Why don't you take the rest of the day off, I'll handle things here ." he told her.

Tsunade immediately began to protest. "But what about you ?" she asked still concerned.

"I told you I'm fine. Now go mourn your friend in peace." Naruto said. "I have a feeling he really is dead and I know that deep down in your heart you still cared for him." he told her.

Tsunade noddle as a single tear fell. He hugged her for a second and then allowed her to leave.

The ninjas that had been sent for gathered in the office before Naruto. He sighed and began to speak.

"This is an a-ranked mission. We have reason to believe that Sasuke may have killed Orochimaru and Kabuto.. I'm sending you guys to Oto to confirm it. There is no mission scroll since we just learned of it a few minutes ago but I'm sure you'll be fine without it. You are to return here as soon as you complete your mission, no detours. Sakura , I know that you may want to chase after Sasuke but now is not the time. If he is still there then feel free to try and bring him back but if not, return here. The village needs you." Naruto told them. "Any questions?"

"No sir." they answered.

"Good ." said Naruto. "Then move out as soon as you get your things."

"Hai ." they said and hurried out.

"Shizune!" yelled Naruto and the Kunoichi hurried in.

"Yes Naruto -sama?" she said.

"Since Sakura is on a mission. I'll need you to fill in for her alright?" he said.

She nodded . "understood." then she handed him his new set of paperwork.

"Thanks Shizune-nee." Naruto said. "Since I gave Tsunade Baachan the rest of the day off, I'll be stay a bit later than usual to finish up. Have someone inform lord Hyuga that I'll be there a bit later than usual tonight and please have someone pick me up lunch." he told her.

She nodded again and left. Things had become much easier for her with Naruto there. For one thing the paperwork didn't pile up anymore and he helped to keep Tsunade away from gambling and Sake with his projects. She also didn't have to order desks everyday anymore.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

later that evening...

Naruto hurried to the Hyuga estate and was brought in to see Hiashi and the Hyuga sisters.

"I apologize for the delay. I received some urgent news." he said after greeting them.

"Its all right Naruto, we understand." Hiashi said.

Over the last few months they had become close friends as unbelievable as it sounds. Since they were both leaders, they understood each other on a different level.

"Hinata-chan, I sent Sakura on a mission today so if you need help with anything just come directly to me or Tsunade. Shizune will also be filling in while she's away." Naruto told her and she nodded.

They talked a bit more and Naruto stayed for dinner as was the norm these days. Then Naruto and Hiashi went for a walk alone in the garden as usual. They walked for a few minutes until Naruto stopped and rubbed his lower back.

"Are you alright?"asked Hiashi concerned.

Naruto nodded. "Yes, just a bit of a back ache that's all. Its been happening a lot lately, but that's cuz of the added weight." he said apologetically.

Just then the babies started to kick him since they were currently fighting and he doubled over a bit.

"Naruto what is it?" Hiashi said. "Do you need me to get help?"

Naruto shook his head and reached for Hiashi's hand. He placed it on his stomach where he was currently being kicked and smiled. Hiashi's eyes widened and he ran his hand over Naruto's swollen abdomen. He had forgotten how it was when a woman was pregnant, or in this case a man. Naruto looked up at the lord and their eyes connected. Naruto's eyes widened and his mouth parted in a silent gasp. It was then that Hiashi realized why he found Naruto so interesting, he was attracted to him. This had never happened to him with a man before and he wondered if it was due to his self imposed celibacy after his wife's death.

With his hands still resting on Naruto's abdomen, he leaned down and captured the startled blonde's lips. He caressed the blonde's lips with his tongue, silently asking his permission to be let in. Naruto allowed it with a moan. Hiashi explored the contours of the younger man's mouth in delight. It had been so long since he had touched someone this way. Hiashi broke the kiss and looked down at the extremely pregnant and blushing blonde.

"Why did you kiss me Hiashi?" Naruto asked softly.

"I don't know." said Hiashi. "I was caught up in the moment I guess." he told him, knowing that the blonde was emotionally vulnerable at the moment. He also needed some time to figure things out for himself on his end as well.

Naruto nodded. "Okay. Shall we finish our walk?" he asked as if nothing had happened.

Hiashi nodded and they walked on and acted as if the kiss hadn't happened at all. Then they said goodbye and Naruto went home.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

He slowly walked home and up into the house. Iruka greeted him since he had been waiting for him. Naruto returned his greeting and they sat down in the sitting room.

"How are you feeling Naruto?" Iruka asked worriedly.

"I'm fine tousan, just a little tired that's all." Naruto replied. "Sorry for sending kakashi away but he was the best man for the job."

Iruka nodded. "Don't worry about it, its your job. Now go straight up to bed. You need all the rest you can get." he said.

Naruto nodded and smiled. "Thanks tousan, I really couldn't do all this without your help." he said.

Iruka flushed with pleasure then sent him off to bed.

Naruto went upstairs and took a shower. He went to lay down on his bed and tried to get in a comfortable position.

"So the traitor has betrayed Orochimaru has he?" he thought. "Well what could you expect from a traitor." he sang to his babies and fell off to sleep.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A week and a half later , he had the confirmation he needed. He also received information from the squad that Tsunade had created to track down and kill Akatsuki members. He knew that wherever Itachi was, that was were Sasuke would eventually appear.

Almost three weeks later...

Naruto stood up and felt like pacing. Then he began to tidy up the office, filing away papers, sorting scrolls etc. he was alone in the office at the moment and as soon as Shizune walked in , she realized what he was doing. He was 'nesting'. It was something that most mothers did right before delivery time. He turned to speak to her then doubled over in pain as his water broke.

"Shizune ...hospital." He wheezed out as his first contraction hit.

Tbc.

Authors note: hello. Thank you for reading and please review. The first song you saw if from loveless and it's the ending theme song. Its in Japanese and is called 'Michiyuki' by yuki Kajiura. The second song is from fruits baskets and is called 'for fruits baskets' by Ritsuko Okaraki. Thanks again for reading