(A/N) Hey, all! How are you? I'm good, and ready to bring you all the next installment of our exciting Kits! Saga! What's going to happen next? Well, no spoilers, so you'll just have to pay attention! Now, I can't promise anything, but I'm going to try to put in some nice yaoi lovin', so...Keep on the look out for it, alright?

Kits!

Pairings: Seriously, do I have to say this in every chapter? The only definite ones are: Kyuubi/Naru/Sasu/Gaa(when he gets here)/Shukaku(when he gets here, we'll know it...), Shino/OC, Kaka/Iru

Warnings:

Discription: Another month passes by, and several things happen, including a certain mating ceremony, and one very anticipated fight...

Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto, we'd be seeing a whole lot more than just two jinchuuriiki, we would meet all of them in like...ten episodes. So, obviously, I don't own it.

Kits! -

Shino: 14

Shino was lucky his parents hadn't discovered the strange insect first, or even one of his clan. He was suprised by it really. It was such an accident, discovering it. He had been practising with his Kikaichuu (The chakra-eating bugs in his system) and they had informed him of a strange, unknown lifeform.

Following his insects to it, he was surprised to see what appeared to be a faerie from the mideival legends. It rather looked like a tiny, androgynous, butterfy-winged human with very long, tilted ears. Its little chest moved up and down, as it drew breath, steadily, easily, as if it were asleep. It was strange, and Shino had a VERY hard time suppressing the urge to poke it, as his teammate Kiba would have.

He also had to suppress the urge to give out a Hinata-like squeal when it moved, sitting up and blinking its large, pupil-less, liquid, crimson-purple eyes. It gasped, showing small, gentle fangs. Standing, gracefully, it flitted its wings, making sure they were in working order. Finding that the peacock-like designed, brittle things were fine, it turned its curious eyes back to Shino, antennae twitching, trying to figure out what this large creature that looks only nominally like its Creator-Master does.

"What are you?" Shino asked, almost to himself, not expecting to get an answer from the strange little being. It tilted its head, before flitting into the air, smiling, and bowing, just as it had done the first time it saw its Creator-Master.

"What are you?" It asked, unable to answer the question. It would have to ask the Creator-Master what it was before it could answer this creature.

Shino raised an eyebrow behind dark glasses, wondering if the creature was just a mimic. Well, one way to find out.

"I am a human being. A ninja, to be exact. Who are you?"

Smiling, as it filed away the information for later questions to the Creator-Master, it answered, "I was given the name Aurora by my Creator-Master. I was but a simple butterfly, until the Draught of Life was poured onto me, giving me Life, and Soul." The creature adored this story. It had asked its maker a thousand times how it had been made, finding wonder in the story, and happiness in that its Master smiled in joy when he told the story.

Shino frowned then, and the little creature recognised that look. Its Creator-Master had that look often when he was thinking about something that troubled him. It often would fly in front of him then, to distract him from such horrible thoughts. After all, what troubled its Creator must be world-shattering.

Flittering in front of this giant, much the same as it did for its Master, it hoped to distract Shino from his thoughts. Shino was wondering what gender this little thing was. Aurora...He had never heard that kind of name before, but it seemed it would be a female name. This creature seemed neither male nor female...Perhaps a better suited name?

Looking at the little thing, he held out his hand, sure it would land. It did, and sat, watching him.

"I will give you a name, and I'd like to see if your master would like it better. And will you give him a message for me?"

The little thing smiled, nodding, and began to memorise what Shino said.

"Your name will be...Hidari. Left, it suits you. You favor your left wing. Now, take him this message for me: I, Shino Aburame, would like to know who you are, to create such a magnificent insect. Please contact me again, using this little one. He will know where to come to give me your response. That's all in the message. When he's replied, come back here with it, please?"

The newly named Hidari smiled, nodding, before flitting off quickly into the forest, dissapearing. The sudden departure made Shino wonder just a tiny bit if he had imagined the whole thing. Surely this was something out of a fairy tale, nothing that could happen in real life.

Racing back, thoughtfully, to his family's compound, Shino concentrated on the much larger problem. It seemed almost as if the creatures of legend were inhabiting their everyday reality now, what with that Fox-Woman hanging around Kakashi of late.

Yes, he knew, through her disguise, that she was oen of the kitsune. His Kikaichu could smell the demonic chakra all around her, and writhed, wanting to taste it, every time he got near her. She must have sensed it as well, because she avoided him now.

But she didn't avoid his teammates. It seemed as though she had made friends with all of the Rookie seven, as well as Gai's team. She had insinuated herself upon his village, and he felt a shivver of fear, wondering what this woman's inentions were. He sensed no good intentions on her, just as he sensed malice, ill-will, and some deep, gouging grudge that threatened to eat her alive.

The Aburame was no fortune-teller, he couldn't see the future, but even he could clearly see that things were changing in Konoha. And NOT for the better.

KITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITS

Naruto: 13

Pregnancy: 4 months along (second trimester)

Kyuubi: Older than the mountains

Sasuke: 14 (Going on fifty six...)

Tsubasa: 34 (Kitsune live a lot longer than us, so they take longer to mature properly.)

Any other characters: Figure it out, or ask in a review.

(By the way, I've gotten questions on why the ages seem to change every chapter. This is simply because the author sucks at remembering the age, or to look it up. So, I'm sorry if I've confused you all. -Otaku)

The day that Hidari reappeared to its Creator-Master was the very same day that had been dreaded by all in the Kyuubi household. Few knew what this day would entail, but all were soon alerted. The household was awoken bright and early, something not even the reigning monarch was used to, but dealt with.

The entire house had been scrubbed spotless for the last several days, and now looked even more like some fairy-tale castle built in some misty land far away from the borders of reality. Not that that impression was far off, considering the manner of creatures that had made it. It was unreal, and if Naruto hadn't been dressed in robes that made him seem almost as unreal as the castle itself, he wouldn't have beleived it for one minute.

Placing a hand to the gentle bulge of his stomach, his child showing through already, he smiled, the strange aqua-and-green spider's-silk kimono and hakama sliding against his skin. His long, silky blonde hair was left free, framing his face in shoulder length spikes. His blue eyes shone, as ever, in a healthy tanned face.

His hand moved upwards, to the small, white bag nestled against his chest. Inside were two of the most precious things in the world. They were going to be his bond to Sasuke and Kyuubi. He had snuck out with Tohru and Haku to go get them. Haku had picked out something similar to give to Zabuza, and they had all laughed at the mental image of what Zabuza would do with it.

Naruto was nervous, but also on the lookout. He was waiting for the perfect opportunity to give the precious gifts. Turning his head, slightly, he caught a glimpse of the other "prince of the palace".

Sasuke stood, his midnight eyes locked on his book, his frame supported in a dark blue and black version of Naruto's outfit. His hair had grown longer as well, now he was forced to wear it back, lest it get in his way. He hated the look, for it reminded him of Itachi everytime he looked in the mirror, but he looked as elegant and refined as ever, yet seemed a little as if he was out of place.

Each of them stood on opposite sides of their mate, Kyuubi no Kitsune. Resplendant in a fire-colored kimono and hakama, as well as a white jacket over it, signifying his station, he stood tall and proud. His nine tails were displayed prominently, and he looked every inch the ruler he was, and his consorts looked equally regal.

It took the servants breath away, but few had time to gawk. They were in their places, and the great wooden doors were thrown wide, welcoming in a guest that all were anxious to see leave. There stood Arashi, the three-tailed boar.

His grin showed off his tusks, as he moved through the hall, taking in the splendor and oppulance with which he was greeted. His coarse grown hair spiked, and his beady eyes moved over the ruler and his two companions. His tails flashed quickly in and out of his robes, just as splendid as those of the nine-tails. His whole countenance made Naruto wish to shudder in revulsion, for he reminded him far too much of the men in his old village, but he did not, lest he show this beast fear.

Sasuke looked up from his book, sparing the other lord a glance, a glare, and then returning to his book. The Boar bristled at this insolence, but restrained himself, lest he be...rude.

"Welcome to my home, Lord Arashi. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Kyuubi's voice resounded through the hall, all the servants and the retainers of the boar-lord turning to watch the conversation.

"Nothing more than simple curiousity, my old friend. I had heard that after thirteen long years, the great nine-tails, the Lord of the Kitsune has come home, and with souveneirs, as well. Are these your mates then? These human children?"

Kyuubi raged inside, but he knew he must play this cool. Naruto was raging as well, and if he was to keep the upper hand in this, he must make sure that the dear blond one stayed silent.

"Yes, Lord Arashi, they are my mates, as the rumors have no doubt told you. May I introduce to you, Lord Uchiha Sasuke, my consort, and advisor, and Lord Uzumaki Naruto, my second consort, and the bearer of my kit."

Raising a spindly eyebrow at the fox, Arashi continued their verbal banter, bowing mockingly to the two newly introduced Lords. "An honor to meet them. However, I must mention, I see, nor smell, no mating mark upon either of them. Are they not marked then?" The snide remark was greeted by a gentle indent in Kyuubi's brow, indicating he had hit a soft spot.

But it was Sasuke who spoke up, with all the air of a weff-bred royal, "Begging your pardon, my Lords, but my lord Kyuubi has been hard at work righting the chaos that ensued during his long absense. We do wish to be marked as Lord Kyuubi's mates, but the welfare of our people comes first."

It was amazing the effect of those words. Arashi watched as the foxes around him grew smiles, and the entire atmosphere became one of gentle awe and adoration. The fox-people loved these human princes! What was going on here! It was as if, with just one statement, all the pent up rage that had been in the room was gone! He didn't miss the look of utter surprise and pride that Kyuubi sent to Sasuke.

Neither did Naruto. Biting his coral lips, he did not want to be outdone, yet unsure if he would be as well accepted. Pulling in a large breath, Naruto moved forward, smiling softly, as he used to do for Inari and Tsubasa, and as he seemed to be finding himself doing increasingly.

Opening his arms to encompass and welcome all the people in the hall, he said, "Now, now, everyone, lets let these two lords talk in peace." Turning to Kyuubi with a grace he wasn't sure he even had, he bowed, and smiled, "My Lord, perhaps you and Lord Arashi could adjourn to your reception room? If at all possible, I'd like to feed and entertain all of our guests. I can bring food up for the two of you, if you'd like, my lords?" Here, as if on cue, he turned to look at the Boar King, smiling that gentle mother's smile.

The lord wouldn't beleive it. Neither of the three lords in the room could beleive it. It was as if...As if Naruto had been possessed or something... Sasuke watched in awe, as the guests, including Arashi's retainers cheered at the thought of a feast. Arashi looked around, angry and confused that he had lost his edge so easily! He had been one upped by a human BRAT!

Kyuubi was shaking. His eyes were wide, and he was finding it increasingly hard to breath. For just a moment...Just a moment, he hadn't seen Naruto, but a smiling, soft beauty that he hadn't seen since...since her death. He shuddered, as he tried so hard to keep from thinking she was back. This was Naruto! Brash, rough, crass Naruto! Konoha's number one knuckle-head ninja! This wasn't that beautiful, strong, and gentle she-fox he had so long ago mated.

Sasuke noticed the strange reaction Kyuubi was having, looking almost as if he had seen a ghost. Then the raven-haired boy realised. He had, in essence, seen the ghost of his dead mate. Sasuke and Naruto had effectively done exactly what she would have done; defuse the scene and then set up a better scenario. He frowned, wondering if perhaps this was a coincidence, or if, just maybe, Kyuubi had chosen them for the simple reason that Sasuke and Naruto combined basically WERE his fallen mate.

Growling, Arashi suddenly felt very much ignored. Stomping hard enough to send cracks rippling through the floor, many of the guests let out strangled shreiks, moving away from the growling, scowling Boar-Lord.

"I am not here to attend some...state dinner! I am here to challenge the Kyuubi to be sure that he still has the strength to be on the council of the Tailed Beasts!" The demon-lord roared, his tusks making him a fearsome sight indeed.

Naruto frowned, his own innate arrogance answering the call, as well as a bit of hormonal-ness.

"Now you look here, you over grown pig! I will NOT have that kind of violence in my home! You can fight Kyuubi all you want, and by the way, he'll wipe the floor with your ass, but you're not doing it tonight, so just cool your jets, jackass!"

Again, it was as if cold water was thrown on the situation. The crowd began laughing and cheering, the foxes and the boars all sharing in the wonder of such a fiery "queen". However, there was one person that was utterly incenced.

Arashi couldn't stand it! What the hell right did this little...little whore! have to tell him to cool down! And the insult to his strength! Sneering, he stepped forward, up the stairs, dwarfing the little blonde by several feet, causing the blue eyed ninja to frown and narrow his eyes.

"Alright, if you are so sure, little queen, then perhaps you will place a wager on it?" He sneered the title, making sure Naruto felt every inch of the insult.

And the blonde did. He growled low, snapping, "Yeah! I'll take any bet you've got, pig-brain!"

Twitching at the further insult, the Boar-king smiled, "If I win, you must formally apologise to me for every insult you have thrown here tonight, as well as sustain twelve lashes. If I lose, then..."

"Then you will sustain the lashes instead, and send a gift, every month, to Lord Naruto for the span of his life." Sasuke interrupted, smirking. He, too, was sure that Kyuubi would wipe the floor with this jackass. Naruto looked to the raven in surprise. He hadn't expected Sasuke to step in.

"That's enough! There will be no talk of lashes or bets! Arashi, if you want your fight, you will get it tommorrow, though I see no point in it. Do NOT threaten my mates." Kyuubi growled, bringing order. Said lord just grinned.

"Ah, but my lord, it wouldn't be interesting, if your little queen did not participate somehow. Surely you do not doubt your own abilities so much that you would not permit this little wager." A trap well baited, for now Naruto had turned that straight-forward stare onto the fox-lord, daring him to go against the blonde's will.

Groaning inwardly, Kyuubi had to aquiesce, lest he have an angry Naruto on his hands. Stress was bad for the kit, as well as bad for his own sanity. Gloating to himself, Arashi grinned, shaking hands with the blonde carrier, sealing their bet.

Sasuke decided that the time for dramatics was just about over, so, taking a page from Naruto's book, he stepped forward, his calm voice carrying, and announced, "Now, let us celebrate. It has been a long, and tiresome journey for our boar tribe friends. Let them rest, and rejoice in the company of the fox-city."

Suddenly energised, the kitsune moved quickly, preparing everything for their guests. After all, their Prince had such faith that they would awe the boars, then they must make sure his faith was not felled.

KITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITS

The banquet went well, even Arashi had to admit that. The two 'Princes' of the fox kingdom made excellent hosts, the blonde friendly and loud, and the raven-haired one quiet and listening. They made a wonderful team. Arashi would have killed to gain those two as mates. He had to admit it, he was extremely jealous of the ancient fox.

But since when was that news? He'd always been jealous of the fool. He didn't know how good he had it! Sesayo agreed with him, and the Snake Lord had never lied to Arashi. They were the best of friends.

The Boar King was given the best guest suite in the mansion, and slept like a baby. He adored the house, and it fueled his rage, that that twit of a red-head had gotten to be the Nine-Tailed, that his people had gotten this realm, rather than his own. The Boars deserved it so much more.

Standing in the clearing the next morning, surrounded by the gossiping, gaggling people of both Kitsunegakure, and his retainers, that rage came to a head, as he was confronted by the Fox King.

Kyuubi had chosen this feild, as close to a stadium as the demonic races knew, for its openness. A clearing the size of twelve football feilds, surrounded by dense forests, in which many levels of denizens may watch. Many types of terrain rounded the feild, sparse trees scattered through, a lake, this clearing was perfect for their battle.

Stepping forward, the two referees stood, side by side. A boarling, and a kitling, both young, but both old enough to know when someone cheats. The two had spent the night bonding, becoming friends, so that it could be ensured neither would be swayed one way or the other. Standing in the center, under the smiles of the two Princes, and the stares of their combined peoples, the two began the ritual.

"It was decided through deliberation that this would be a two part battle. In the first part, the two competetors will show their proficiency with their human bodies, battling while wearing their human skins." The young vixen intoned, trying to act important, while also staving off giggles. Looking to the boar child, she cued him.

Continuing where she left off, he began, "The second part of the battle will take place whenever one of the two contestants shifts into their beast forms. Then, it will be a battle between the two beast lords. The first one down for a count of ten, with no signs of getting up, will be the loser."

Stepping to the side, the two referees, one raising their right arm, the other their left, waited for the two combatants to enter the feild.

Kyuubi was respledant in his fire red kimono and hakama, two short knives in his hands. His long, red hair was pulled back from his face, resting in a high ponytail, to keep it out of the way. He had a look of determination in his blood red eyes, and one of regal power over his fine features.

Arashi, though clearly not as beautiful, was just as regal in earth toned kimono and hakama. His sleeves were tied out of the way, and he weilded a large axe, swinging it to and fro with ease. His muscular body was set in a very heavy stance, and his handsome, rugged face was sneering, his tusks shining in the light.

Hefting the huge axe, resting it on his shoulder, Arashi looked pointedly at his opponent. The redhead narrowed his eyes, unsure what the boar was thinking. Suddenly, Arashi launched at Kyuubi, with far more speed than the fox had anticipated. The crimson-eyed male had little time to dodge out of the way, pulling a flip that would make the best human gymnast weep for the grace of it.

The ground cracked under the force of the titanic blow, debris shot everywhere, Kyuubi sought to use the cover to his advantage, darting to Arashi, and snapping a dagger towards his throat. The huge male dodged to the left, his cheek split, just as Kyuubi landed where the boar-lord had just been standing, retreiving his dagger from the ground.

"Well now, Arashi, surely you can see I'm not rusty?" Kyuubi sneered. Furiously, the boar wiped off the blood, growling. The crowd cheered as the two clashed again, Kyuubi dodging over the enormous axe, but unable to land a hit.

"Get him, Kyuu! You can do it!" Naruto called over the din, his grin on full force. He knew his Kyuubi would win.

Kyuubi jumped back into the forray, his speed a massive advantage over the heavy handed boar. Arashi swung high, low, trying to score a hit, but failing. The male growled, lunging left, just as Kyuubi dodged to the left, scoring a long gash on Kyuubi's shoulder.

Jumping back, the demon surveyed the damage. Growling himself, Kyuubi ran into a problem. HE could heal it, but would that attract attention to Naruto? Kyuubi masked the pain, unwilling to take the chance yet, laughing. The same laugh taht sent shivvers down his subject's spines. It was the very same laugh that said he enjoyed his own pain as much as his enemy's. Naruto was reminded of the laughs of his tormentors, and shuddered. Kyuubi was too into the fight to notice.

A few more exchanges between the two fighters, and Kyuubi was dripping blood. HE was injured, as was his opponent. The boar lord was frustrated. Kyuubi refused to use his yokai! Damn it, Arashi knew Kyuubi could fight better than this! Well, fine. Time to up the ante then...

Suddenly, grotesquely, the man began changing. Drawing out the genjutsu for the benefit of the two "queens", his bones crunched, shifted. His internal organs lengthened, switching places. His teeth jutted out of his jaw, which was enlarging, just like his body. Soon, he was huge, bigger than the Hokage tower. Thick, brown bristle-like fur covered his body, and with a great squeal, he was the single largest boar Sasuke had ever seen.

Kyuubi growled to himself. He didn't want to do this, but...He had no choice. It was in the rules. Hoping to the high ones that Naruto wouldn't suffer any ill effects from it, he reached deep within the boy, feeling the seal give, bending away from his advances as he pulled on his own yokai. Using it, he added to the clone's mass, forcing his body, much quicker, into that of his giant shape. Kyuubi was once again that giant spirit fox that the villagers of Konoha feared.

And that was what shot through Naruto and Sasuke just how much of a threat that boar really was. Kyuubi was enormous, but Arashi overshadowed him by several stories. Had he thought even one person would have paid attention, Naruto would have yelled out, "Cheat!" But...As it was, everyone was too worked up.

Sasuke however was mulling over something completely different. How in the world would the neighboring human villages miss this?! Those beasts were a beacon, a huge, tempting sign that said, "Look at me, I'm over here, with a bunch of my tasty, tiny friends!" Sasuke had to resist the urge to run, staying instead to cheer on the giant fox that was his mate.

From then on, the battle became savage, vicious. Kyuubi launched himself into it with an untamed fervor, like he was hunting and going to eat the boar-king. A flash of teeth, a clash of titanic sides, and blood spewed the ground just feet from the two princes. They couldn't tell who it belonged to, as the two titanic creatures continued their tussle.

Kyuubi could. It was his own. The huge tusks on his opponent had scored on his flank, sinking deep, and then ripping through muscle and sinew. He couldn't move near as well now...The boar was coming around for another charge. Arashi could feel it. He was going to win!

Scoring again, he sent the red fox-king flying, his tusks ripping into his soft belly. Arashi squealed happily, dancing around the fallen fox, sure that this was his victory, his win. He knew it!

Just then, the fox popped up again, and...everything went black...

Kyuubi had launched himself into the belly of the beast, driving all the air out quickly, knocking the boar out, and technically winning. He had won, but at what cost? The bleeding was making him woozy. He wasn't sure if he could survive a wound so deep. His legs gave out, all four, and he ended up falling onto the dirt.

Avoice called through the darkness, sharp, worried.

"Kyuubi!" Suddenly, there were hands, gently scrubbing through his bloody, dirty fur, and they felt so good...and a face, pressed desperately close to his muzzle. He could hear the sobs, the aching, wailing sound.

"Kyuubi, come on! Wake up! You have to go back to your human form! We can't heal you if you don't!" The voice was anxious, but near calm, as if they were used to tradgedy, and were forcing themselves to think rationally.

Did he? Did he really have to go back to that humanoid form, so small, and weak? Couldn't he just die in dignity? A throb, deep in his heart told him, no. No he couldn't die, because no matter the agony, the seal inside Naruto's navel would keep him alive, and it prefered to keep him in pain, as well.

He knew he wasn't really dying. The bunshin was in pain, and near dying, but he couldn't allow that. He had to stay in that shape. lf he dissapeared in front of everyone, Naruto would be forfeit. They would kill him. He'd never want that.

KITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITSKITS

Naruto was terrified. How, how was it possible?! Kyuubi looked small and pitiful, ensconced in the huge bed in his chambers. Servants were coming and going every hour, bringing various herbs and salves, and such, while the elder foxes tried to work healing on the Lord. But it wasn't working! Naruto could feel the life force in the bunshin fading. He didn't know what would happen if Kyuubi kept his tenacious hold on the bunshin when it faded...

"Naruto-dono!" A voice cried out from the doorway, and Tsubasa ran towards his little lord. Naruto welcomed the boy, holding him, as he tried to stay calm, to think of what he could do. Tsubasa had never seen the blonde like this. He was always so warm, and nice. Now...Now he was shaking, and tears were swimming in his sea-blue eyes. It was as if the world was going to end if Kyuubi-sama didn't make it.

Sasuke couldn't watch. He stood in the hallway, listening to the bustle in the room. He knew Kyuubi wouldn't die. He couldn't. So long as the seal was intact, he couldn't die unless Naruto did. So Kyuubi couldn't die, not like his mother and father. Not like everyone else.

Right?

Tsubasa watched, as the tension in the castle built for three days. Kyuubi continued to lay, near death, in his gigantic bed. Because of the danger to their lord, his teachers had allowed him to stay with the distraught shinobi. He was close at hand, watching, as Naruto stayed on Kyuubi's bed with him, talking to him, telling him to come back, to stop being a wimp. He watched as Sasuke glanced into the room a thousand times a day, hoping for some change, but unable to stand staying around, waiting for it.

Was this what love meant? Being in constant fear that your loved one would die? Wishing so badly, that you could take their place, as he had heard Naruto say over and over?

When he had asked his mother what love was, she had smiled, and said, "You'll understand when you're grown." Did he understand now? If this was what love was, was it really something he wanted?

But then he remembered all the good times. All the laughter between Naruto-dono and Kyuubi-dono. All the mock-brawls between Sasuke-sama and Naruto-dono. Was that what love was? Fun? Joy? Happiness? or was it sorrow? Decay? and Torment?

He...didn't know...He didn't know if he wanted to know.

He entered upon one scene however, that proved that maybe...just maybe, it was worth all the pain. That love was quite worth it.

He had been sent to retreive some things from Naruto's room, so that he could remain with Kyuubi, should the lord wake. Upon arriving back at the red-heads quarters, he heard a joyous shout. Running to find out what was going on, he found Naruto weeping, hugging the prone body of Kyuubi.

"Kyuu! Oh, god! Don't you EVER scare me like that again, you stupid, arrogant fox!" Naruto was yelling, tears of joy streaming down his face, along the whisker-marks. Said fox was laughing, presumably at the boy's worry, holding on tightly to the little shinobi. There was a light in Kyuubi's eyes, one of joy, and sorrow at the same time, as he looked at Naruto.

Sasuke hurried in, calling, "I just heard, is he really awake?"

Kyuubi looked over the mop of blonde hair attached to his chest, and grinned at the raven-haired male. "Yeah, seems I am!" He laughed. Sasuke was stoic, but as he turned away, you could see just a hint of his releif under the curtain of his long hair. He stood by the bed, watching Naruto and Kyuubi chat about all that had happened in the last three days.

"So, Arashi really left?" Kyuubi said, utterly astonished.

"Yup. He wasn't nearly as badly hurt as you, but his pride was totalled. You beat him, Kyuubi, and thanks to you, I'll be getting a present from that big boar every month from now on! But...He skipped out on the whipping, though..." The blonde pouted, even as Kyuubi roared with laughter. It was good to be alive. It was good to have his little mates there for him.

After the mandatory checks, all the other foxes left the three alone, and once they were gone, Naruto broke down. He hid behind his sleeve, sitting by Kyuubi's side on the utterly enormous bed, crying the tears he hadn't been able to while Kyuubi was asleep. He really let lose, crying his heart out, and trying to appologise for it!

Kyuubi smiled gently, stroking the blonde's hair, "Naru-chan, come on now. It's not like I died, or anything!" That earned him a whack on the chest, to which he winced. He tried again, "Come on, Naruto, I'm here, and I'm alive. You don't have to hide your tears from me, I know you're crying anyway!"

"Yeah, we could hear it all the way down the hall." Sasuke teased.

"Shut up, teme!" Naruto grouched, drying his tears. He smiled, a radiant smile, just like the sun coming out from behind a curtain of rainclouds. Leaning forward, he placed a gentle, sweet kiss on Kyuubi's lips. It was just one, and a soft one, but it was there. Kyuubi felt a burst of emotion in his chest, a fountain of thoughts that burst from it (No, no perverted ones...Jeeze...-Otaku).

"I meant it, Fox. Don't you ever leave me that worried again. After all, we're mates...Right?" Naruto said, pulling the treasure from his breast, the small white pouch containing the objects of his love. Pulling them out, he nestled them in the palm of his hands, one each. "Or you, Sasuke! I don't want to have to worry about you either!" He said, a stubborn pout on his lips.

Kyuubi and Sasuke both were awed by the gifts. Sitting in the palm extended to Sasuke was a silver ring, with ornate, delicately carved waves coalescing around the band and a bright turquoise stone in the center. In the palm extended to Kyuubi, was a matching earring, another, equal, blue stone dangling from the hoop of it.

In tandem, the two males took their intended gifts, as Naruto smiled on them, like some benevolent god. Kyuubi had no words, and for once, Sasuke was sputtering, unable to form any. Naruto giggled a little, the solemn, sweet atmosphere utterly broken.

"Well, now, Naru-chan! This is a little sudden, don't you think? I mean...Jeeze..." Kyuubi joked, only to be hit upside the head again.

"I...I have nothing in return to give you, Naruto. You should know that." Sasuke said, turning his back. His hand clutched at the ring, hoping...Maybe, maybe, Naruto would let him keep it?

"I know, Sasuke. But, until we can get back into Konoha, and you can get to your precious clan district, I figure I can wait." Naruto said, brushing it off. He caught a glimpse of the utter surprise in Sasuke's eyes. "What? You expected me to take back my proposal, just cause you can't reciprocate with your clan's symbol? Please! Like I'm that shallow!" (Wow, Naruto knows a big word! -Otaku)

Both Sasuke and Kyuubi looked on in utter surprise, but for very different reasons. Sasuke, because Naruto was being much more understanding than he had thought, and Kyuubi because he had no idea what they meant by Sasuke's clan symbol. Ah well, he was sure he'd get an explanation sometime. However, for now, he had a really nice scene in front of him...

Sasuke had stepped forward, embracing the little Kyuubi container, kissing him fervently, a smile on his face like no one had seen since his brother had destroyed his family. Naruto was utterly shocked, totally void of any reaction. He had never expected this kind of reaction to his gifts...

"Alright, then, if we're going to do this, then I had better do it properly...Come here, you two." Kyuubi said, something indiscernable in his voice. The two glanced at each other, before coming close enough to touch Kyuubi. Sasuke even sacreficed his pride and crawled up onto the bed, so that he could sit next to Kyuubi on the opposite side of Naruto.

Kyuubi pulled them both close, in a one armed hug on both, wincing a bit as they accidentally landed on his poor wounded stomach. But he bore down on the pain. Looking into their bright, questioning eyes, he, if but for a second, questioned if it was the right thing to do. To bind these boys to him forever. Would they regret it later? Or...

But that passed, and he said, softly, "This will probably hurt. What I'm going to do, is bite you, and inject each of you with a special type of yokai. The scar it leaves will be the mating mark that will prove to all of demon kind that we are mated." Here he paused, and then an explosive grin appeared on his face, "Normally, this would happen in the middle of mind-blowing sex, but hey, what can you do?" For which, he received two bonks on the head, one each from a fuming

Naruto and an embarassed Sasuke.

"Now...Just hold still..." he said, after they had calmed down, pulling first Sasuke closer. His reasoning on this choice was, if Naruto saw exactly what was going to happen to him, he wouldn't freak out over it. Pulling the dark-haired boy into an embrace, he first, slowly, kissed the boy into submission. Even Sasuke had to admit that it was a MUCH better kiss than his first.

Then, while the avenger was dazed, Kyuubi nipped and nibbled his way down Sasuke's throat, coaxing his way across the porcelain skin, causing shivvers to erupt from both Sasuke and Naruto's body. Slowly, he reached the point where he would place the mating mark, the junction of Sasuke's neck and shoulder. Kissing softly there, he then, quickly, bit down, hard, with his sharp canines, drawing out blood and a deep, painful groan from the boy beneath him. But, like the ninja he was, Sasuke didn't flinch, or balk. He accepted the pain.

Then, Naruto was next. Kyuubi went through much the same ritual, but found that as soon as he came to the spot where he was to bite, Naruto would tense up, and that was no good...So, kicking slowly back up the neck, he nibbled a bit on the blonde's ear, to stave off any tensing, and then, suddenly, bit down, just as hard on the junction, forming the mating mark.

"HEY!!" Naruto cried out, undignified at being tricked so. However, strangely, the pain was soothing, like something that a mother would give to a child to help it sleep. It was...addicting. Naruto felt strangely disturbed that he had even thought that, but couldn't help nagging doubts...

"There, now. You two are claimed. We'll never have to worry about jackasses like Arashi saying that you aren't marked, ever again." Kyuubi grinned, pulling his new mates in close. They were stiff, but soon, the two, first the blonde, then the raven, settled, and curled in towards him. He felt near complete, with his two lifemate's within arms reach. Content, he heard the slow winding down, as the two boys, long exhausted from worry, slept. It wasn't the deep sleep a commoner can get, but rather the healthy, gaurded sleep that shinobi train to acheive, and cannot override.

They slept well that night, all three of them, all together, for the first night of their "marriage". It was restoring, and priceless for the two who had long since lost any feeling of family outside present company.

End Chapter

Otaku: Hey! And, there it was, the much anticipated chapter eleven! I hope it was worth the wait, I worked on it with all my might!

Itachi: I only got a casual mention...

Otaku: Yes, well, I can't really do anything with you just yet...I'm sorry...

Sasuke: -Glares at Itachi-

Naruto: FINALLY!!!

Thanks, and now, we must part. See you next time! -Bows-