A.N: So I've been getting a lot of love in my reviews but, there has also been some hate. I had no intention of bringing Itachi and Naruto together so soon, but that's where I went with it. Instead of reviewing about how unrealistic it is to forgive him, why don't you wait and see if that's what she does. Sorry but, you know what they say about assuming. The pairing will be Itachi/Naruto, but not for a little while yet. On other news, one lovely reviewer pmd me about a mistake I hadn't noticed. About this mistake I'd like to say that I will fix it. So thank you for that, it was something that escaped my notice. Sorry for the long wait, I've been busy.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto, though I wish I did because damn is it weird now! This plot and any original characters I have made do belong to me though.
The Cursed Sharingan Chapter Twelve
last time...
"You're going to include me in all plans from now on. If you hide something from me again it's not going to be pretty Sasuke. I'm going to help take out the Akatsuki too, I want to go home. That's the only reason I'm agreeing to this" Naruto stated in a take-it-or-leave-it voice.
Sasuke nodded to all of her terms. 'Itachi won't be pleased with Naruto wanting to join the battle. I'm not surprised though. Naruto is hardly one to sit at home and let others fight her battles'.
"I am not pleased with this one bit Sasuke. There will be ground rules. We'll talk more tomorrow. I think you should leave now" she stated tiredly, turning her back and walking up the stairs.
Despite feeling upset at her dismissal Sasuke couldn't blame her. He knew asking Naruto this would hurt her deeply. Pushing his guilt aside, he steeled his resolve. This arrangement was best for everyone, Naruto included. With a poof, he disappeared.
When Sasuke got back to the hotel he immediately went to Itachi's room. Without knocking, he walked in to find Itachi polishing his kunai at the low table in the room.
Black eyes clashed and Sasuke's shoulders slumped, outwardly reflecting his feelings. The younger Uchiha threw himself onto his brother's immaculately made bed tiredly. Covering his face with his arm, Sasuke took a few moments to right himself and collect his thoughts.
Through the whole process Itachi waited patiently, thoroughly cleaning his weapons one by one. His patience was rewarded by Sasuke joining him at the table, taking the cushion across from him. Sasuke removed his own weapons and joined his brother in the process of weapon maintenance more for something to do. Finding the movements calming, Sasuke decided to break the silence.
"The talk with Naruto didn't go too well" he stated, his forehead crinkling with his frown.
Without looking up from his task, Itachi replied "I'm not surprised" he stated simply, without a change in expression.
Scowling, Sasuke straightened up and fixed his gaze on his elder brother. "Okay that's it. I think we've avoided this long enough. We are going to talk about what happened with Naruto" he stated seriously, gaze unwavering.
Itachi stiffened, straightening immediately and setting down the kunai he was polishing. "There is nothing to talk about" was the reply.
To anyone else Itachi would pull off the uncaring tone he was projecting, but Sasuke could easily spot his unease.
"How about the fact that you raped Naruto?" snapped Sasuke, regretting it immediately when his brother bodily flinched. Continuing quickly, he added "I just want an explanation Aniki. If I know what you were thinking then I can understand you. Naruto and I might not have the best relationship-and that is 100% my fault-but, I do want to know what I'm getting into by making you her room mate".
Itachi met his gaze once more, eyes sharp. "She agreed?" he asked quietly, shock visible on his face.
At Itachi's reaction Sasuke lost most of his anger. "Yeah, she understands my reasons but she is not happy with the situation or me. She has conditions too. I'm going there tomorrow to discuss them" he answered, looking tired at the prospect.
"I'll go with you" Itachi answered immediately making Sasuke wince.
"No I will go alone. I don't want to spook her. Once we iron out the details I will come get you. Hopefully we get it straightened out quickly. Plus I have amends to make. Not even sure how to go about that one..." Sasuke explained, looking contemplative. A frown briefly crossed his face before he regained the conversation trail. "Tell me" he stated seriously.
Itachi visibly braced himself before starting. "After Madara-or Tobi-captured Naruto and the extraction failed I assumed he would give up. I was aware that he met with Kabuto, but not the reasons for the meeting. He traded Kabuto a powerful jutsu for the jutsu he used on Naruto-kun" Itachi explained matter-of-factly.
Sasuke inwardly sighed as his brother treated it like a text book mission debriefing. "The jutsu that changed the Dobe into a girl?" he interrupted, leaning forward with interest. 'Naruto will flip when she finds out. She hates Kabuto...I really should have killed him'.
Itachi sent him a disapproving look. "Yes it was a kinjutsu used to permanently change one's sex. Not many know that there is more than one way to naturally extract a Bijuu. The first is death-which doesn't work on Naruto-kun's death reaper seal-the second is child birth. Obviously it is only possible with female Jinchuuriki and was used on Naruto-kun's own mother by Tobi" he continued, meeting Sasuke's solemn gaze.
"Tobi is the one who caused the Kyuubi attack that killed Naruto's parents and countless others. He is also the reason Kyuubi was sealed into Naruto. I was ordered to impregnate Naruto so that extraction would be possible in nine months. Had I refused I would have had to leave Akatsuki. They would have tried to kill me as well. You are aware of my reasons for staying with Akatsuki. I chose to follow my orders. It is not something that I regret. That may sound bad, but from those actions I have three children and I have made amends with you" Itachi explained carefully, his face softening at the end.
Sasuke softened internally as well. 'He wanted to stay there so I would find and kill him. It was all to atone for the massacre. It doesn't make it right though, even if I understand why he did it'. "Why you though? I mean why didn't Tobi do it himself? Or have some nameless civilian do it?" he asked curiously, cupping his chin in his hands.
Itachi hesitated. "I'm not sure I should answer that" he stated quietly, looking away from Sasuke.
Sasuke's relaxed pose shifted immediately. "What, why not?" he demanded, fixing his brother with an impatient look.
Knowing his little brother wouldn't relent, Itachi sighed. "The chakra collar prevented Naruto from using chakra externally, but did not prohibit the use of chakra internally. Tobi was aware of the possibility that Kyuubi would terminate any pregnancy. He chose me because of you Sasuke" Itachi answered sadly.
Sasuke froze, his face a mask of confusion. "Because...of...me?" he stated quietly, his brain racing to put the pieces together.
Itachi sighed. "He believed that Naruto would not terminate the pregnancy if the child was related to you" he clarified, making Sasuke's expression turn to ice.
"Did you?" the younger male asked intently. At Itachi's confused look he continued, "Did you believe Naruto wouldn't terminate the pregnancy...because of me?"
Itachi met Sasuke's dark eyes. He could sense more than anger in the teen's expression. The torture in Sasuke's eyes effectively silenced him. Itachi settled for a nod.
Without a word, Sasuke stood up and exited the hotel room.
Itachi's head met the table with a loud noise. He let out a loud sigh.
- - - -
The next morning was tense to say the least. Team taka plus one settled for breakfast together in Taka's room. The two Uchiha brothers were more silent and moody than usual and the rest were clueless as to why. Not to mention Sasuke's down right hostile attitude.
Sasuke finally broke the silence. "I'm going to see Naruto. While I'm gone Itachi is in charge" he stated and without another word he got up and left, food untouched. Three heads turned at once to face Itachi, making him sigh.
When Sasuke entered the house, he found Naruto in the living room. She was without Takeo for once and looked like she hadn't slept a wink.
He knew they had other things to discuss, but his conversation with Itachi had been playing on a loop in his mind all night. When she remained silent, he couldn't hold it in any longer. "Did you keep the babies because of me?" he asked straight-forwardly.
Naruto's face was a mask of shock, but she recovered quickly. "Why would you even ask that? Of course not. I just didn't want to kill children" she answered defensively, her arms curling around her stomach.
Sasuke grew more angry as she refused to meet his eyes. "Sure in a normal circumstance maybe, but when you were forcefully raped and the birth of said baby could lead to the destruction of the world and everyone you love? I know you Naruto!" he returned harshly, voice raising.
Naruto stood from the couch, not liking his towering position above her. Her own anger was rising to match his. "Really?! Then you would know that I consider you one of the ones I love!" she retorted loudly, crowding him with each word. "I always have" she added more quietly. The blonde took a step back and ran her hand through her hair in frustration. "When we became team seven do you remember? I remember every word you and Sakura-chan said, even Kakashi-sensei-not that he really said anything. One of your 'ambitions' were to restore your clan. How could I kill family of yours, when I know how desperately you have wanted family?" she asked, her voice breaking. She was crying openly at this point, making Sasuke's heart clench.
Without a word, the Uchiha pulled her into a tight hug. His heart filled with guilt about his mistreatment of Naruto. 'This Dobe...she is kind of amazing'. Not only that, but even though her words were aimed at him, he knew they were about her as well. "I'm sorry Dobe. It must have been so lonely. Those words I said at the Valley of End...I was wrong. I was so wrong. Not having a family is worst than losing one. You have one now though. You have the kids and I...even Itachi if you will let him" Sasuke stated, starting off sad and turning decisive at the end.
Naruto pulled out of his hug at the last statement. The blonde hastily wiped at her cheeks with the sleeve of her pajama shirt. Turning, Naruto took a seat on the couch once more, Sasuke joining her. "I don't know if I can do that Sasuke. I will try though, maybe we can be friends eventually" the blonde said hesitantly.
Sasuke recognized an olive branch when he saw one. "Thank you Dobe. You won't regret it" he responded confidently.
Naruto sighed. Leaning tiredly against the back of the couch, the Uzumaki fixed him with an expectant stare.
Sasuke adopted a similar position, feeling the aftermath of his sleepless night. "Okay so you mentioned terms" he asked, getting to the point.
Naruto frowned. "He can stay in the boys' room. I will let him be alone with the kids but after I trust him. Until then, I will keep my clones here while I train. If my clones disappear I WILL come charging back, rasengans blazing!" she stated fixing him with a serious look. When he nodded in understanding, she continued. "He's not a child so I will assume he can pick up after himself and that goes without saying. He can go into the village, but only if he is henged and I need to place a seal on him to hide his chakra-I should put one on you and Taka as well. Besides that I can't think of anything else at the moment, but if I do I will let you know" she finished decisively, nodding her head in satisfaction. The blonde looked t him expectantly, having said her piece.
"You can discuss the henge with him later, but what exactly is this seal?" the Uchiha male asked curiously.
Naruto pulled off her shirt without answering, making Sasuke's mind blank and his face burst into color. The blonde was wearing a light blue cotton bra and Sasuke's eyes drifted down without thought. He quickly pulled his eyes away, not knowing where to look. "Dobe!" he exclaimed belatedly, settling a fierce glare on her. The blonde laughed at his blush and turned, exposing her shoulder.
Sasuke's eyes traced the seal. "It's nice" he stated, thoughts still stilted from the scare he just got.
"That's what it looks like. It masks your chakra completely. Even if you use jutsu, you will still not be detected. It prevents you from being found with any techniques or sensing abilities. Keep in mind tracking abilities that involve sight, sound or smell are still usable. Kakashi-sensei could still track us with his nin dogs if he had a trail and Hinata-chan or Neji could still see our chakra if we were in range" she explained, turning to face him.
Despite being impressed, all Sasuke could focus on was- "Dobe please put your shirt on".
Naruto frowned slightly. "Jeez Sasuke, you've seen me naked and this bugs you? You're like my brother" she replied, pouting slightly. She did as told though, making Sasuke sigh in relief.
"Dobe I'm going to assume it's because you're an only child. Partial nudity is only okay between same-sex siblings after a certain age" he states slowly, like speaking with a small child.
Naruto scowls. "I know that. It's why Satomi has her own room" she retorts indignantly, puffing out her cheeks.
Sasuke gives her a blank look.
Naruto blushes slightly. "Right. I just don't really care about that with you because I know it's not like that" she states simply.
At her innocent look, Sasuke sighs. "Think of it this way. If I was with you in a room in just my underwear would it be okay?" he asks, raising a brow expectantly.
Naruto's nose wrinkles in confusion. "Yeah. I've seen you in your boxers a million times. Did you forget we shared a tent Teme?" she answers blithely.
"One we were kids and two you're a girl now Dobe. That changes things" Sasuke replied, rolling his eyes. "If I stripped to my underwear right now you wouldn't care?" he challenged.
Naruto shrugged her shoulders as if to say go ahead, face unchanging.
Sasuke felt a slight bit insulted at Naruto not seeing him as a guy, but shrugged it off. It was actually a good thing and she was only okay with it because she had no idea of society's view on it. Sighing in defeat, he went to talk again when a loud cry filled the room, from both the stairs and the baby monitor on the table.
Both teens went upstairs. Surprisingly, it was Takeo who cried. It seemed the tyke had woken up and when his mommy didn't come get him for their morning ritual he freaked out. Naruto attempted to calm him, while Sasuke juggled Naoto and Satomi, who were not happy about their rude awakening.
"Take-chan it's alright. Mommy's here. I'm sorry, I was talking with uncle Sasuke and lost track of time" she explained to the distraught child.
Naruto grew concerned as the sniffling kept on, rubbing his back and rocking him. "Shh. You're alright. I have you. Please calm down for mommy and we can have breakfast" she cooed, continuing her soothing motions. When Takeo finally stopped crying, they were the only two left in the room.
"Mommy no leave me" The little boy stated fiercely, not releasing his grip on her shirt. The effect was ruined by the tear tracks on his face, watery coal orbs and trembling lip. Her heart melted at the sight. Shoving her concern away, the blonde hugged him gently. Takeo took the chance to kiss her on the cheek and hug her tightly.
"Mommy will never leave you baby. Mommy was just downstairs. If you call for mommy next time I will hear you and come right away. You scared mommy, Nao-chan, Mi-chan and Sasuke-ji" she explained, kissing his forehead softly.
Takeo didn't say anything, but he nodded. The blonde decided breakfast was in order. When she finally got downstairs, Sasuke was in the living room with the kids, watching them play on a blanket. Naoto was playing with his dinosaur, he had generously let Satomi play with his snake. Sasuke tried to hide a toad doll he had, but Naruto spotted it.
Sending a smirk Sasuke's way, the blonde continued into the kitchen. She fetched some cheerios, cut up strawberries and the milk bottle that Sasuke had already laid out. Scooping it up, she headed back into the living room.
Collapsing on the couch, Naruto arranged her goodies and attempted to place Takeo down next to her. He didn't budge, so she decided to leave him there. She held the bowls in her hands and without a word he started to eat.
The blonde turned her attention to Sasuke. "I knew you would realize that toads are superior eventually" she stated pompously, smirking at him arrogantly.
Sasuke didn't react to the ribbing and continued to play with the kids. "You don't have training today?" he asked curiously, turning to face her.
Naruto frowned. "I actually did but, I told them I couldn't make it" she answered. When Sasuke went to reply he was interrupted by Takeo.
"Kiss" the little boy demanded, tilting his chin up to his mother.
Naruto let out a startled laugh. It was an awkward angle, but she kissed him lightly and turned back to see Sasuke observing them with an odd look. She was going to comment on it but it cleared quickly.
"I see. Well then I think we should officially get this sorted so you don't have to miss more training. I can go back and get the group. We can have lunch together, then Taka and I will leave before dinner" he stated decisively.
Naruto felt apprehension fill her. 'He means Itachi will stay here with me...'. "That's kind of soon Teme. The whole team? How will you reverse-summon back?" she asked evasively.
Sasuke was idly distracted as he noticed Takeo curling a long strand of Naruto's hair around his tiny hand and drinking his milk with the other. 'I know possessive when I see it. Uchiha possessiveness is 100 times worse'. "The sooner the better I explained how dire the situation is. Itachi will not hurt you or the kids Naruto I promise" he said, showing his seriousness by using her name. When Naruto nodded reluctantly, he continued. "We don't need to hold that position anymore. There aren't any leads on Akatsuki at the moment and with Zetsu's death there probably won't be for a while. I'm going to try and track Kabuto" he decided, looking thoughtful.
Naruto frowned. "I hate Kabuto as much as the next person, but why go after him so suddenly?" she questioned.
"Naruto that jutsu Tobi used on you, he got it from Kabuto in exchange for a powerful jutsu. I'm not sure what kind of jutsu but it doesn't sound good if Kabuto wanted it" Sasuke explained seriously.
"Sonnova-beetle!" Naruto cursed, mindful of listening ears with impressionable young minds. "Are you serious?! If you don't kill him I will" she snarled, calming down when Takeo started to tug on her hair. The blonde looked down at her child, meeting concerned coal orbs. "Mommy is okay Takeo" she reassured him, smiling slightly. Nevertheless, her eldest son shot Sasuke a glare.
'Uchiha death glare, my he learns young. The Uchiha is strong in this one' he thought, bringing a smirk to his face. While he did find Takeo's possessiveness of the Dobe concerning at first, it was quite funny now. Especially since Naruto had no idea what was going on. The Dobe sure was clueless. The doll that looked like her, being constantly glued to her side, freaking out when she got upset or left him alone were enough clues. It seemed the only ones he didn't mind sharing Naruto with were his siblings. These thoughts made him wonder how Takeo was with the other two. He wondered if the boy would grow possessive and protective over his younger siblings as well. His smirk grew as he thought of Takeo's reaction to Itachi and how bad it would be if his parent's got back together. He actually laughed out loud at that thought, making himself the subject of three curious Uchiha stares and one bewildered Uzumaki stare.
"You okay Teme? You haven't finally lost your mind have you?" Naruto joked, but there was real concern behind it that made him smile.
"Nope. I'm alright, just thought of something funny" he said blithely, smirking again.
The blonde rolled her eyes. "Well help me get the kids washed up and dressed from company. I'm going to start lunch and get ready" she ordered, standing up and collecting Takeo's empty bowls and bottle.
Naruto was forced to bathe Takeo with her since he refused to be bathed by Sasuke. After they were both washed, she dressed him in a white t-shirt with a large Uchiha fan on the back, a pair of black shorts and left his feet bare. She sat Takeo on the bed and fretted over what to wear while he played with his doll. 'Something similar to last time would be good right, but Itachi-no I don't care what he thinks AHHHH'. Gripping her damp locks, Naruto focused on her closet with determination. She picked out a white three-quarter sleeved shirt with the Uzumaki spiral on the back. She tucked it into a red skirt, slipped on a tiny pair of black shorts underneath, a black belt, her fishnet forearm guards and black ninja sandals. She clipped her kunai case onto her belt, donned her necklace and studied her reflection in the mirror. The blonde's gaze drifted longingly to her forehead protector. Scowling, she picked it up and tied it around her neck. Brushing her hair once more, she left it as it was. Grabbing Takeo, she went downstairs to find the rest of her family. 'My family' she thought, with a smile.
Sasuke had showered and changed as well, but his outfit was the same. Chest baring-white long sleeved top, with black pants and a belt. 'No creativity whatsoever and that Uchiha fan, so small. Maybe he does need my help'. Moving her eyes to her second son, Naruto scanned Naoto's outfit. The boy was dressed in a blue t-shirt with a large Uchiha fan on the back, and khaki shorts. He had a tiny pair of blue shinobi sandals on his feet that he was studying curiously. 'Add in white forearm protectors with blue edging and a duck butt hair-style he would look like a Sasuke-mini me' she thought fondly. "Where did you get the sandals?" she questioned, smiling at the older male.
"One of the villages we passed through traded with Kusa. They had shinobi stores. I have a pair for all three" he stated, pointing to Satomi. The only female Uchiha was decked out in a white t-shirt with ruffles on the sleeves, huge Uchiha fan proudly displayed on the back, red skirt and black shinobi sandals. Naruto let out a laugh. "It looks like we color coordinated Mi-chan. Good job Teme" she complimented, accepting the tiny pair of black shinobi sandals he handed her. She put them on Takeo easily then set him down next to Satomi. Naruto smiled at Takeo as he watched her quickly french braid Satomi's hair and tie it off.
"Okay looks like we are ready. I'll make lunch if you want to go back" she declared, moving towards the kitchen with her tiny shadow following. Hearing the tell tale poof of a reverse summons, she scrutinized the contents of her fridge critically, humming lightly. It was while she was making lunch that her gaze drifted over a cake mix box in the cupboard. 'Itachi likes sweets'. Biting her lip, Naruto decided to quickly put it together.
By the time lunch was finished Naruto's nerves had kicked in. She opted for distracting herself by arranging everything perfectly. Eventually she got so anxious that she forced herself to settle down with the kids in the living room. She was in the process of teaching Naoto to walk when they arrived, so she didn't immediately notice. Naruto had just let go of Naoto's hands and couldn't help but giggle as he wobbled and flailed. The second he started teetering though she caught him.
"Dobe he will never learn if he doesn't realize it hurts when he falls" Sasuke said nonchalantly, startling Naruto. The blonde stood up casually but fixed her gaze on him without looking around.
"That may be true, but I think it's a lesson that can wait" she replied, finally turning her gaze to the other guests. "Itachi, Suigetsu-kun, Juugo-kun, and you must be Karin. Nice to meet you, welcome to my home" she greeted, smiling politely. She scanned the illustrious fan-girl of Taka and smiled. The red hair reminded her of Gaara.
"Naruto" Juugo greeted with a nod.
"Naruto, it's always a pleasure seeing you. Change your mind yet?" Suigetsu asked with a wink.
Naruto laughed loudly at that.
A loud gasp drew her attention to Karin, who was staring at Naoto who had immediately crawled to Sasuke as fast as his little legs would allow and was now cradled in the Uchiha's arms. Takeo, her little boy had approached without her notice latching on to her leg. Smiling sweetly down at Takeo she scooped him up. She internally laughed her ass off as Karin's gaze darted from her and Takeo, to Sasuke and Naoto, and lastly Satomi-whom was making her way towards them on unsteady feet. The female tot took five shakey steps before falling over. Her descent was stopped by Juugo, who happened to be the closest. Naruto smiled appreciatively at the orange haired male.
Sasuke studied Itachi closely, before giving up. He handed Naoto to Itachi ignoring how Naruto stiffened and scooped up Satomi.
"Sasuke-sama it can't be true!" Karin wailed, breaking some of the tension. Suigetsu cracked up, the other three males frowned and Naruto's eyes widened. The blonde's jaw dropped when the other female rounded on her with fire in her eyes. "Sasuke-sama is mine you blonde harlot! I can't believe someone else has had Sasuke-sama's children. I'll kill you" she wailed.
Before anyone could say anything Itachi was in between the two, towering over Karin with his mangekyou swirling threateningly. "I suggest you back up" the Uchiha ordered in a calm voice, but the threat was undeniable even carrying a baby.
Every adult in the house was gaping at the situation, none more so than Naruto. Sasuke was the first to recover. "Karin I told you before. These children are my nephews and niece" he scolded, glaring at the red-head. "Naruto isn't a harlot and you are in her home, show some respect. Don't make me regret bringing you" he ordered harshly, making Karin visibly shrink back.
The bespectacled female turned to face Naruto. 'Then that means...' she deduced eyes trailing from Itachi to Naruto. "I'm sorry Naruto-san I was mistaken. Please accept my apologies" she stated dutifully, bowing slightly. 'You better not be after my Sasuke' she threatened internally.
Naruto smiled prettily. "Water under the bridge. We should have lunch before it gets cold" she answered, attempting to keep the peace. The blonde turned, stopping when Karin gasped loudly once more.
The crimson haired girl pushed up her glasses from where they had slipped slightly. "You're an Uzumaki?!" she asked loudly, disbelief clear on her face.
Naruto quirked an eye brow absentmindedly bouncing Takeo on her hip. She shot a glance at Sasuke for a clue on how to react but he was as unreadable as always. Mentally shrugging she figured she would go with the truth. "Hai. Uzumaki Naruto at your service. My mother was an Uzumaki" she answered, smiling proudly.
Karin eyed the forehead protector around the blonde's neck. "Your mother was Uzumaki Kushina? She was the clan heiress!" Karin exclaimed, eyeing Naruto speculatively.
Naruto laughed feeling a little embarrassed. "Yes she was until she was sent to Konoha, after that her younger sister became clan heiress. At least that's what I was told" Naruto explained, rubbing Takeo's back.
Karin nodded. "That's exactly how it happened. My mother was her younger sister" she stated, eyes glinting as she stared at the blonde.
Lunch proceeded in a semi organized mess after Karin dropped that bomb.
After the children were fed and settled down to play even Takeo, who mostly watched them through the play pen-effectively creeping out Suigetsu and Karin-the adults settled in various places around the living room.
"Do you know why my mother was sent to Konoha?" Naruto asked hesitantly.
Karin nodded. "Your mother's sacrifice is what restrengthened the alliance between Konoha and Uzushio. While they have always been close, relations suffered after the passing of Uzumaki Mito and the First Hokage. I can tell that that sacrifice has now become yours" she answered, eyes drifting down to Naruto's stomach.
The blonde cradled her stomach defensively. "My seal should block you from sensing that" Naruto stated making Karin smile.
"My abilities are different than the usual sensor. I can smell, taste and see chakra. Each chakra has a unique smell, taste and color. My own chakra has special healing properties as well. I can tell your chakra is bright and warm, but I also sense another dark presence" she stated shivering slightly.
Naruto accepted the answer, nodding thoughtfully and curiously studied the older girl.
"I was very small when Uzu was attacked. My parents got me out of the village and I ended up in an orphanage in Kuso" Karin stated sadly, answering the question she could tell was on Naruto's mind.
Naruto nodded. "My parents died the day I was born, my father sealed the Kyuubi in me" the blonde retorted, smiling sympathetically. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Itachi watching her and it made her nervous. 'He's paying too much attention to me. What's his angle?'.
While the two females chatted, the males drifted into their own conversations. Sasuke took the chance to play with his nephews and niece, Itachi following. Unfortunately, the second Takeo's feet touched the ground he made a beeline for Naruto without sparing either male a glance.
Sasuke stifled a chuckle making Itachi turn his gaze to him. After a bit of coaxing, Itachi was able to get Satomi to sit in his lap. The little girl coddled her doll and babbled nonsense at both the doll and her father. Despite how few of her words were decipherable, Itachi paid rapt attention. The ex-Anbu member was tenderly brushing Satomi's braid, gazing at her with a fond expression.
Unfortunately, the loving scene had Naruto's attention which was supposed to be on Karin. Her heart squeezed at the scene. 'I want my kids to have that, but can I let a rapist into my family?'. Finding her eyed drifting once more the blonde steeled her resolve. 'I will try, for them because they deserve the best'.
The blonde excused herself from Karin to talk to Juugo, the tall male had a freaked out expression on his face as Suigetsu described something enthusiastically. Naruto suppressed a smirk. Deciding to save the orange haired male, Naruto approached the two. "Juugo I have that thing we talked about last time. I'll show you" she said randomly, making the orange haired male look at her cluelessly. At her beckoning motion, he realized what was happening and followed her.
Both Itachi and Sasuke noticed this interaction for different reasons. Itachi's eyes stayed locked on the kitchen door way for a long moment before turning back to his daughter. Not a huge reaction, but a notable one where Itachi was concerned. As time passed by Itachi's looks grew more frequent. Sasuke was secretly amused but decided to put his brother out of his misery. "Dobe! We need to get going. We've stayed longer than planned" he informed the blonde, speaking loud enough that she'd hear him from the other room.
Naruto returned cradling Takeo, Juugo following her. The blonde pouted. "Do you have to? I doubt one day will make a difference in finding that beetle!" she whined, sending the younger Uchiha a begging look. Her eyes were huge and watery, lower lip stuck out in a pout and trembling. The effect was somewhat ruined by Takeo's solemn stare however.
Sasuke looked away quickly before his composure would break, eyebrow twitching slightly. Suigetsu and Karin watched the scene with disbelief. Juugo looked away covering his blush with his hand and Itachi stared in fascination. 'Cute' the two males thought in sync.
"It could Dobe. We're leaving. Taka wait outside I'll be there soon" he ordered, turning his expectant gaze to his team.
Suigetsu winked at Naruto. "Bye babe thanks for the grub" he flirted, kissing Naruto's hand and pulling her into a hug. No one noticed that Karin watched the whole scene with an odd look, but Sasuke definitely noticed the look on Itachi's face and had to turn away to hide his smirk.
Karin stepped up after, the cousins exchanging sad goodbyes and promising to keep in touch.
Last was Juugo, who awkwardly stepped up to the blonde. The exchanged gazes for a while before Naruto smiled sweetly. The blonde walked over to her end table and pulled out a scroll. "This scroll has a seal on it. Anything you write on it will be copied on to another that I have and vice versa. I'd like it if we could still talk" the blonde declared brightly. Her smile dimmed as he remained silent. "Unless you don't want to?" she added.
"No I really do. Thank you!" Juugo answered hastily, ripping the scroll out of her hand in his excitement. The nineteen year old blushed furiously at his actions.
Naruto grinned. "Good! So I'll talk to you soon" she stated assuredly, eying him expectantly.
Juugo nodded. "Goodbye Naruto" he said, gazing at her as if trying to sear her image into his brain.
"Byebye! See you soon okay" Naruto chirped back. The blonde stood on her tip toes to give the large male a hug, that in Itachi's opinion lasted far too long.
Thankfully the hug was interrupted by a rather insistent Takeo. The blonde scooped up her child who hugged her neck possessively and turned to the two Uchiha adults.
Sasuke was still analyzing his brother, but turned his attention to her. He quickly said his goodbyes to the kids. "I'll write to both of you. Don't kill each other" he deadpanned and with one last look at his brother, he departed.
Naruto met Itachi's gaze for a second before directing her attention to the kids. "I'm going to make dinner" she told him without looking at him. With that said, she turned into the kitchen.
Itachi settled down on the floor with Satomi and Naoto once more. Feeling a gaze on him, he looked up to find Takeo watching him. The little guy had a solemn gaze fixed on Itachi. Looking closely, Itachi realized that Takeo was staring at a blonde doll just behind him. The Uchiha male grabbed the doll and got up to bring it to his eldest child. Takeo accepted the doll and without a word disappeared into the kitchen.
Not long after that, Naruto came into the living room and scooped up Naoto. "Dinner's ready" she stated, her eyes darting to Satomi meaningfully.
The missing-nin understood easily. Picking up Satomi, Itachi followed Naruto. Naruto dished out the rice and the two settled in to eat. Takeo eating next to Naruto, the young mother feeding Naoto and Itachi feeding Satomi. After dinner Naruto quickly cleaned up, Itachi distracting their two youngest children.
Looking down, the blonde was greeted with Takeo's serious little face. He was clutching his doll and waiting patiently for her to finish. Seeing he had her attention, he lifted up his arms wanting to be picked up. Naruto smiled sweetly at him, scooping him up happily. She turned her attention to Itachi. "They need baths now. You can help if you want" she invited hesitantly. At seeing his nod, she started towards Naoto, but Itachi had already picked up their remaining children. Naruto debated following her usual routine and washing them in her bathroom or using the downstairs one. 'All their stuff is in my bathroom. Of course it will be there'. With that settled, she lead the way upstairs to her room. Nerves sky-rocketing, the blonde hugged Takeo closely.
The tension was broken by Satomi squealing happily. The little girl loved bath time the most. Her excitement made Naruto laugh. Setting down Takeo, the blonde started to undress him with a little of his help. She put the plug in the bath tub and made sure the water wasn't too hot or too cold. She turned and watched Itachi undress Satomi who jumped around eagerly, making it slightly difficult. Naruto bit her lip to hide her smile. The blonde decided to do him a favor and tackle undressing Naoto. The middle child was much too like herself as a child. He did not like baths and would fight tooth and nail until you finally got him in the bath, then proceed to splash around and cause a general mess of things. Predictably, the blonde had a mini battle with her rambunctious child but eventually managed to undress him. Satisfied, she placed Takeo and Naoto in the bath tub. She turned for Satomi and almost bumped into Itachi. He was standing closely behind her, holding out their daughter. At some point the Uchiha male had undone Satomi's braid. Naruto accepted the girl from him and lowered her into the tub.
Naruto took up a kneeling position in front of the tub and leaned over to add in some bubble bath. Itachi leaned against the wall, watching Naruto go about bath time. The blonde pushed her sleeves up, laughing at the look on Takeo's face when Naoto splashed some bubbles at him. Her eldest son looked at her as if to say 'what do I do?'. Giggling, the blonde gently cleaned the bubbles off of her sons face, smiling at the cute smile he gave her in return. A loud cry of no had her turning to Satomi and Naoto quickly. Her little troublemaker had splashed his sister as well getting water and soap in her eyes. Before Satomi could cry, Naruto was there cleaning her face with a dry towel. Smiling reassuringly at her daughter, Naruto brushed the wet ebony strands clinging to her tiny face away and turned to Naoto.
"Little man, you sure cause a stir for someone who hates baths" she chided, pulling him away from the other two. "That means you're first" she declared. She ignored his squeaks of protest while she washed his hair, laughing. She gave him a thorough wash and moved on to the next child. Once all three were squeaky clean and starting to prune. Naruto grabbed the three hooded towels hanging on the door. The first was a yellow duck that she wrapped around Naoto, drying him slightly and cuddling the shivering boy to her. She turned and met Itachi's gaze, holding the towel clad boy out to him. Next she lifted out Takeo, placing him on the towel on the floor. She dried him quickly with the black duck towel, lifting the hood over his wet hair and gently rubbing it. She wrapped up Satomi in a pink cat towel and carried her to the bedroom with Takeo following.
Once all three kids were on the bed, Naruto put on their baby oil and lotion. She went through the diaper process and brushed their hair, Itachi watching the whole thing intently. She grabbed some pajamas for each child and returned to the bed. Without a word, she passed Itachi Naoto's blue pajamas. She quickly pulled Satom's purple night gown on then Takeo's green pajamas. Her attention was drawn by Naoto's loud giggles as he tried to prevent Itachi from dressing him. "I'm going to take a shower I'll be back soon. They can stay here just make sure they don't fall off of the bed. I'll get their bottles on my way up" she informed him, grabbing her own pajamas and leaving the room.
Itachi was currently in a staring contest initiated by his eldest child, when Naruto returned dragging both Uchiha males attention to her. Itachi's eyes widened immediately. The seventeen year old was clad in a short orange night gown with thin spaghetti straps. Like a moth to a flame Itachi's eyes were immediately attracted to all of the tanned skin on display. Lucky for him, Naruto's vision was blocked by the towel as she rigorously dried her hair. The blonde was bent over slightly, displaying her clevage that was pressed together enticingly by her arms.
When she finally straightened, their eyes met. 'Was he staring at me?'. Clearing her throat nervously, Naruto handed him the bottles she brought up. She put her wet towel in the hamper and retrieved her brush. The blonde took a seat on the bed farthest from Itachi and set about brushing her long locks.
Itachi's eyes were once more drawn to her watching as a bead of water trailed down her neck and disappeared into her nightgown. Swallowing harshly, the Uchiha forced his attention to Takeo. The tyke had plopped himself in his mothers lap, watching intently as she brushed her hair. Finishing up, Naruto set her brush aside and gently stroked Takeo's hair as the child drank his milk. The little boy tilted his head back and closed his eyes peacefully. Satomi made her way towards her mother in a fast crawl, dragging her own bottle. She settled against Naruto's side and rested her head on her mom's stomach. Naoto went into a lazy army crawl not wanting to remove his bottle from his mouth and ended up on Naruto's other side, laying his head on her outstretched legs and watching her.
Itachi's throat closed up at the scene. He wanted nothing more than to be apart of it. His heart squeezed painfully in his chest. 'I will be' he vowed, settling for memorizing every detail with his sharingan. When all three babies were asleep, Naruto turned her attention to him. "I've got it from here. The boys' room is next door. You can stay in there" she stated quietly.
Nodding, Itachi got up and left the room. The elder Uchiha took a quick shower downstairs, changed and settled into his sons' room. 'This room is like Konoha' he thought wistfully. He laid down on the bed closest to the door and stared up at the ceiling. The missing nin tried to organize his thoughts and feelings. It had been one whirlwind after another since he stepped foot in Naruto's house. The confrontation with Karin had Itachi feeling protective, a level of protective that he hadn't felt since Sasuke was younger. Without a thought, he had stepped between Naruto and Karin. 'She was holding Takeo, it could have been out of the desire to protect my son' he reasoned, frowning in thought. 'I was also holding Naoto, if it was about my child's safety then I wouldn't have put him in front of an angry kunoichi' he added, frown deepening. "I wanted to protect Naruto" he said aloud, flinching slightly at the sound of his own voice, he sighed.
Moving on. Her interactions with Suigetsu and Jugo had riled him quite a bit. It wasn't exactly logical to get jealous over small things like that. Itachi knew he had no claim on Naruto and even less say in what she did. 'I should though, whoever she ends up with will be part of my children's lives' he mussed. Isn't that a nasty thought. 'I don't want any other man in any position to claim parental rights to them' he decided, eyes narrowing intensely.
Besides feeling protective there were a bunch of other emotions he had been feeling for Naruto that day. Respect when she remained civil with him despite their past. Interest as she talked with Karin. Wonder and adoration when he watched her with their children. It was obvious in every action how much Naruto loved the three toddlers. Desire when she returned from her shower. Oh did he ever feel desire. 'That was worse then my teenage years' he noted, lips tightening.
'and from that I can deduce what exactly?' he asked himself, processing slowly. 'I don't want her to be with anyone else, the thought makes me jealous' he admitted uncomfortably. 'I want to be with my family and I lust after Naruto. All these things point to one conclusion. I need to be with Naruto and my children as a real family' he concluded, eyes tightening at the corners.
'Is that even a possibility?' he wondered wistfully, turning over to sleep.
