You guys were so awesome i decided to update way too early...again. heheh.

Special thanks to InjuUchiha for reading and reviewing even through my old story, EvilChinchilla for your support, and Everyone Else for your amazing, comprehensive reviews!

Driving to the Beach

Dad: I know this officer who tags people around here; i think his name's Wood.

Sister: (while driving and giggling) Officer Wood? Really? What's his first name?

Dad: 'R' somthing. It started with an 'R'...

Me: 'Randy'? Like, 'Officer Randy Wood'? *gigglesnort

a moment in my family life.

enjoy.

12Of Fighting Love and Windy Messages


The barren trees flew past in a whir of dark matte color, stark against the almost constant white glisten of the forest floor. The tall boy slowed to a walk, trying to enjoy his few free moments to think and worry by himself. The raven sighed, pushing back inky locks from his pensive forehead, trying to calm down enough to think straight. They'd been fighting almost every day, over the smallest things. He couldn't even get up by himself now, although he tried every time.

Sasuke huffed, breathing in the chill winter air with a refreshed attitude. They just needed some time to work things out. That was it; because this was love. Real love. Your boyfriend and best friend gets pregnant again and you stick through it kind of love. The four lettered word sent a few shivers down the boy's spine. But it was real nonetheless.

Resting against a tree for a moment, the tall Uchiha clenched his fists; this was getting harder to deal with though, the worry that plagued him and made him irritable. That was the main reason he snapped at Naruto nowadays, the nine-month mark was coming up fast and there was still no sign of readiness by the children. It could become very dangerous very fast, people can't build up a defense for internal organs and even with Kyuubi's healing power, if the children decided one day to just stretch harder than usual something could easily become irreparably damaged. They all even had to take lessons now, given by Sakura and assisted by Hinata where they learned exactly what to do should something go horribly wrong.

A bird cawed in the distance, its sound melancholy and low with a base of hidden ache. Not a minute after the first, dozens of caws suddenly erupted from the once noiseless forest, the heart-rending utterances chiming across miles of seemingly deserted woods. Sasuke tensed, alert on full. There was nothing natural about the chorus. After a moment, he decided to keep walking. He could take whatever came through easily.

Black eyes closed for a second, trying to let the natural peace from the outside world in, trying to release the accumulated tension from his shoulders. When obsidian eyes opened once again, there was a small figure standing almost ten feet away. Teal eyes were reddened with silent, streaming tears the raven-haired boy didn't bother to wipe away; Sasuke felt a tremble down his spine. When had the boy gotten there? There had been no sign of him, and he'd been on full alert!

"I found you." The whisper was directed at the ground at first, then the little boy almost mechanically turned his face upwards to shoot rays of hellfire through Sasuke's body. Or at least that was what it felt like as the boy's incriminating gaze pierced him straight through.

"It's too late!" He was screaming, finally wiping at the fat tears that roiled like angered salty waves down the boy's cherubic face. "I've been searching for days, I just finally found you, and it's already too late!"

Sasuke fought the urge to take a step back as the boy stormed up to him in a whirl, feet never making a sound against the snowy heaps.

"What are you talking about? Why were you looking for me?" The boy's delicate, sculpted features darkened.

"You- It's your fault. He's going to die and it's all your fault! You, you- you're the worst family ever! How can you just let him die?!"

"I don't even know who you are." The boy only gasped in overwhelming sobs, curling up on the snowy ground, face buried in little knees. Blue-black ravens swooped in to land near the boy, as if to share his grief.

"My daddy's always been looking out for you." He seemed to have calmed down; the Uchiha let out a small breath as the boy spoke up.

"He-he's practically given his whole life to you. But now…" Watery teal eyes looked up at him and Sasuke only stared down heartlessly, not letting any emotion pass through his features.

"You're from Konohagakure, so you must know about the war with Kumogakure. It's almost completely your fault. They were just looking for an excuse and your crimes while part of Akatsuki was it. Now they want you; no, they want your eyes." The boy grimaced and glared suddenly.

"So now my daddy's going right now to sacrifice himself so you can live. Again."

What did he mean about again? Was this what Tsunade had been refusing to tell them? Sasuke looked to the floor, then sank to his knees to keep listening, motioning for the boy to go on. Even if every sentence the boy said felt riddled with accusations.

"What do you have to do with any of this? Why didn't you father come and talk to me?"

"Like I said; I'm inconspicuous. Neither of my parents could come talk to you, you'd either start fighting or something else. Something worse. I'm just like a messenger, because you're too stupid to figure out these things yourself."

Sasuke blinked. He couldn't think of anyone who liked him enough to… other than Naruto. But that wasn't possible.

"None of this is my problem. If Kumogakure comes here, or to the village where my family is at, or if they are involved with my mission then it is; but other than that what your father does with his life is none of my concern."

Sasuke got up, readying to walk away. A quiet, rough voice behind him made him pause.

"Do you know who my father is, Uchiha Sasuke?"

The raven-haired boy turned slowly.

"His name is Uchiha Itachi. Your big brother."

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"Um…S-Sakura, could you, ah…" Naruto winced back a groan as he tried to sit up, attempting to push himself off the couch, rolling to the side and then off; nothing worked without pain from squeezing his huge stomach stopping him.

Naruto had never been fat. Not once in his life; just didn't have the resources or the conviction. But this… the boy relaxed and just waited until the pink-haired girl came up from the kitchen, exhausted after a nearly ten minute long battle with the triplets. They simply refused to budge for their poor, suffering father. Well, technically a mother, but who bothers with technicalities anyways?

The blonde grimaced at his friend and doctor's beaming smile as she neared him. She'd been great at the beginning; he'd loved her special attention. But now it was getting pathetic.

Before, her kindness was optional; he could refuse a hand to help him up or the occasional leg massage when they went numb if he wanted. Now it was mandatory. His legs would burn like crazy and he couldn't reach around his huge, almost mutilated stomach to rub them, he couldn't even get up by himself. Sasuke had to roll him out of bed each morning.

All and all, it was getting ridiculous.

"Need some help there, Naruto?" He tried a smile as her bright face peeked up around his belly while he lay back.

"Uh," He gave up. "Yeah, I really do." He wasn't made for this. This was why men should never have babies. The blonde rubbed his eyes. It was hard to sleep, too. But then he smiled a bit. Sasuke had given him a body pillow; he giggled. The raven had probably just gotten tired of Naruto bear-hugging him all night.

"How nice, you're in such a good mood, Naruto!" The girl smiled, his hand still resting comfortably in hers as she led him outdoors.

"Meh. I guess." He grinned back at her. He could still look on the bright side, past the huge belly, right? Especially with Sakura doting on his every need. Hinata, too; she was just a bit shy. Even Kiba had stopped making fun of him so much after the small boy had gotten really mad and almost broke his arm.

Good times.

Only Sasuke hadn't fallen to it. If anything, he was more irritable than ever. Naruto sighed as the warm sun cut past the freezing day, heating his many layers. He couldn't fit into his training clothes anymore, or even his normal everyday clothes. Basically he just walked around in old, really loose sweatpants and lately, lots of sweaters and socks. He had too much pride for slippers though; no matter how cold he got. The boy pulled on the long sleeve of his striped undershirt to cover his cold hands as he waited for Sakura to get the hot chocolate.

Sasuke left a lot. He would go on long walks or just disappear for half the day, usually without a word. The first time it happened Naruto was almost seven months in and he nearly had a breakdown, storming out of the house then proceeding to beat the living shit out of the raven until he had to hold him down with force. Fists first, words later.

"My, you're looking pensive." Naruto glanced up at the girl, two steaming mugs in her hands as she set one down in front of Naruto.

"Yeah, a bit. Did, um…did Sasuke say where he was going this time?" Huge azure eyes couldn't hide the worry and Sakura took his hand warmly across the table, soothing cream touch and emerald eyes warming away a little of his icy concern.

"No, just that he'd be gone for a while. Don't worry, Naruto, he's just trying to get used to the situation. He'll be back soon." The boy looked down, taking a sip of his drink.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Stupid bastard, I don't even know why I care anymore." He huffed and she giggled. But it wasn't a joke, although Naruto smiled and went along like it was. Didn't Sasuke say he was going to change? Wait, no…a thin blush spread contagiously across scarred cheeks. No, he hadn't waited for Sasuke to answer. They'd just done it.

His thoughts flew from worry as they found a more interesting trail. They hadn't been able to do it in a while…It was too hard with Naruto's newly found belly. Maybe that's why he was so distant?

Blonde brows furrowed, no…that couldn't be it, could it?

No, Sasuke wasn't that heartless.

"So, Sakura, how's life been going?" Naruto tried smiling at the girl. She smiled back.

"Naruto, that's so generic it's almost insulting. What's on your mind?" Damn, didn't bite. The girl tried not to look obviously concerned, nonchalantly sipping the life-giving heat from her cup.

Naruto blushed slightly, ashamed of himself. He was such a girl.

"I-I was just thinking you'd probably be a much better partner than Sasuke." He looked at wide green eyes and smirked. "I mean, at least you're here." Then she giggled.

"Oh, please, Naruto, your flattery's lovely but I think you're just mad Sasuke's not here."

"Exactly; he's never around" the boy mumbled, more ashamed than ever for actually saying his dependency out loud. He'd never depended on anyone his entire life; why should this be any different? Why did it hurt so much every time Sasuke left?

"Oh!" Pink hair swirled as the girl got up in excitement. "I've got an idea!"

Blue eyes just looked up in surprise as the girl grinned and helped him up, one hand in his and the other wrapped to support his back.

"Let's do something for him, for when he gets back!" Naruto almost groaned. He didn't want to do something nice for the bastard, he wanted to prank him…or kick his ass again. Although kicking anyone was getting harder each day as he couldn't see his legs anymore.

"What?" The girl pulled his hand excitedly as he waddled into the warm house.

"Let's make a special dinner! Oh and umm…let's see, we can make his favorites!"

Sakura barged into the kitchen, immediately pulling out supplies and shoving clanging pots and pans onto the tiny stove.

"Naruto, call Hinata for me, will you? She's the best cook."

The blonde yawned sleepily, ready for a nap but unwilling to miss out on the cook fest. He grinned slyly; there would probably be tasting involved.

"Sure, where is she?"

"Uh, I think she's upstairs with Kiba. Just call her; you shouldn't be going up stairs in your condition."

Naruto rolled his eyes. 'Condition'? Please. Firmly gripping the handle, blonde brows furrowed in determination. He would conquer these damn stairs, and they'd be begging for mercy by the time he was done. With a huff, the boy lifted his first foot to the stair, then the second, on and on until about the tenth step, where he simply had to take a break or else something would break, presumably his water.

Haha, pregnancy joke. The small boy grinned and heaved up the last two steps, feeling dizzy but accomplished as he walked a few steps, then had to stop again as blackness took over his vision. It was probably just a blackout, like when he got up too fast; the boy rested heavily against the wooden wall. His knees gave and he was out cold.

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There was ice in his head.

No, that was wrong, there was ice on his head, and it was starting to burn. Naruto groaned as he reverted to consciousness, lifting a hand to inspect the reason for the ringing in his skull and grimacing when he found the sticky, raised, incredibly painful spot.

"Look- I think he's coming around." The voice was deep, slightly familiar, and a bubble of hope built up in his throat. Sasuke…? Blue eyes flicked open impatiently, then he groaned again as wild brunette hair came into view. The hope-bubble popped in an acidic burst, leaving bile rising in the blonde's esophagus. He swallowed as to not show the burning, shameful evidence of hope defeated.

"What happened?" His voice was still a croak, almost hard to understand. Cool green eyes peered into view; Sakura was angry.

"You idiot! I told you not to go up the stairs and you still do it! If you'd fallen just a few feet backwards you would've killed yourself and your babies! What if you'd landed wrong, huh?" The girl looked at him again, anger evaporating as quickly as it came, replaced by a soothing concern.

"You have to be more careful with yourself, alright? If something starts to make you feel uncomfortable, just stop, it's not a contest." The small boy nodded slowly, taking the girl's supporting hand as she helped him up. A little shock ran up the boy's spine as large, warm hands that were obviously not female supported from the back, only to be disappointed as Kiba spoke from behind him.

"You gave me a freaking heart attack, you know that? Just heard a big 'bam' and then you on the floor, knocked out with blood in your hair. Not cool, man." Naruto chuckled despite his aching head.

"Sorry, man." For a moment they all struggled as Naruto heaved to get up, even with three pairs of hands pushing and pulling and he was at last back on his feet, dizzy for a few seconds but then feeling fine.

Sasuke didn't show up; Naruto tried not to feel sad or angry about it.

In the end, Naruto just sat on the counter in the very corner of the wide kitchen, near the stove where it was warm, watching as the girls laughed and cooked, sucking on a red lollipop and trying to control his mounting obstinacy towards a certain raven-haired lover. Checking his nails nonchalantly as he waited for the first taste-test to come his way, the boy caught sight of something. It was old now and very worn; but it was still there nonetheless.

Naruto smiled a bit; he couldn't believe he'd forgotten about it for so long. The promise. The little black rubber office ring. It was still there, and- Naruto lifted off a piece of the rubber carefully- he had a tan line now. He grinned to himself, not noticing as the girls stopped laughing to watch him giggle obliviously.

When it was time to go to sleep, and Sasuke had still not shown up, Naruto slept in Sakura's room, too upset to sleep alone. As he hugged his pillow a cool hand reached out to grab his comfortingly; Naruto mentally punched himself when his heart skipped a beat, it was small and smooth.

"Don't worry, Naruto. I'm sure he'll be here by morning." The boy buried his face in the covers, refusing to answer past the horrific lump that had caught in his throat. He would curse Sasuke out in the morning; if, that is, he came back.

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Naruto awoke cold. Not just a little cold, but dead-of-winter-with-the-heater-off cold. He shivered, smiling a bit when his breath crystallized into steam. Sakura had left already, leaving him to his own devices to get up. He rolled, he heaved, he strained, Naruto lay back, defeated for a second before opening his legs wide in Indian style and pushing himself up with the last of his strength. He smiled a bit brighter. Now that he was sitting up, things would be a lot easier.

Grabbing a blanket to throw around his shoulders for warms against the invading cold Naruto looked around for something to prop himself up.

And he froze. And he glared.

There was a sleeping figure near the doorway, a blanket tenderly placed around his shoulders, looking like he'd just spent the night worrying. Naruto bit his lip, scooting forward silently until he was face-to-face with his fitfully sleeping lover.

Leaning in close, their breathes mingling as the raven let out a sigh, Naruto raise his hand slowly, then fisted it and brought it crashing down punishingly into the pale boy's face, knocking his head hard against the back wall.

Black eyes slit open to glare fire at the blonde, who just stared repugnantly.

"Looked like you were having a nightmare." Naruto managed to get his rough voice out despite the pending rage. What a wake up.

Sasuke only glared.

"What the hell, Naruto?"

The blonde settled himself backwards as much as possible, remembering what Sakura had said about being comfortable and trying to lift some of the pressure from his stomach.

"I should be asking you that! What the hell, teme?" Blue eyes gleamed in the soft morning light, the light reflected in them anything but soft. "What happened? You're always disappearing, but this time for a whole fucking day and night!"

Sasuke only 'tched' and Naruto lost it, pulling back to try to punch the bastard again, only to have his hand caught by a large, warm ivory one. Naruto reddened, blue eyes thinning to narrow blue slivers. Scooting back a foot, the blonde took Sasuke's left hand and shoved it in the boy's face, otherwise he'd probably never remember.

Grunting, the boy slid himself to the doorway, gripping it hard to try and pull himself up, only to slide back down when the pressure became too much. He tried again and again, feeling hot tears hit the back of his eyes as frustration ate at the last of his dignity and he decided to just scoot himself away until he could call someone to help him up.

He just needed to get away, and quick, before- long ivory arms wrapped around him, picking the boy up almost effortlessly to stand him on slightly swollen feet. When they didn't let go immediately and Naruto felt the tears start to well over, he pushed at the boy, though only half-heartedly.

"Are you really so opposed to me helping you?" the satin voice hit Naruto's ears like a thunderstorm and he pulled away roughly, turning icy eyes on black.

"I wouldn't be, if you were ever there to help." And bracing himself with the last shred of dignity he had, the boy turned sharply and waddled away, hiding his weak sniffles as best he could.

Damn, he hated those hormones, even more when Sasuke didn't come running after him.

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It was nighttime already. Naruto's been ignoring/avoiding Sasuke all day, and he was exhausted. Both mentally and physically; he hadn't had the chance to nap. But, the boy grinned, dinner was right around the corner.

Sighing and looking longingly towards the kitchen, the blonde decided to look for his favorite pink-haired medic; hopefully she would have some pity on the hugely pregnant boy and give him a snack…

Naruto shuffled into the kitchen, then finding it empty, he searched the rooms; all dark. Something ominous shivered up the boy's spine as he threw on his coat and checked the courtyard. Everywhere he looked seemed empty of life. Another shiver crawled its way slimily up his spine and the boy headed for the stairwell.

He could do it this time, he was sure. One tan hand wrapped firmly to the railing, leaning back as to not put too much pressure on his stomach, Naruto heaved himself up the first step. Very uncomfortable. Bracing for the next mountain, a flash of black graced his vision, warm arms wrapped around his waist, another swinging up his legs up slightly to not knock the stairs as they flew up the stairs before the blonde had a chance to give the 'protest' punch he'd thought of.

Naruto felt motion sick by the time he was put down, in the center of a dim, locked room lit only by a few hanging lamps. Dinner was spread beautifully on the low table; Naruto gaped as Sasuke wandered towards him.

"What is this? Why'd you kidnap me?!" The blonde stood in the middle of the room, trying to be angry but too tired.

Black eyes gleamed in the lamplight as the raven crossed the room to hug him tightly; Naruto tried pushing him off, but couldn't find the strength.

"I'm not forgiving you over a little dinner, you know." The tall boy only nuzzled his neck, sighing tiredly and tightening his arms.

"Mm." After a moment Naruto shifted on painfully swollen feet and Sasuke seemed to come back to life, taking the boy's hand and helping him sit, although the help was only taken grudgingly. When Sasuke sat, Naruto tried to take back his hand to have it stuck fast, gripped gently but tightly by ivory fingers.

"Tell me what the hell's going on now teme." The boy's voice was acidic like his mood.

Sasuke didn't seem to notice, he was absorbed in trying to act normal. But there was something weighing heavily on his mind. Naruto took a bite, munching thoughtfully, blue eyes peering over to black.

What the hell was he doing, trying to make things easier on that bastard?

Naruto's inner grudge punched himself, but he made a slight sound of satisfaction and dove in for another big mouthful. Perceptive black eyes glinted and Sasuke got the message, eating his own meal quietly. After a few minutes, the boy's legs had gone numb and he tried to be inconspicuous as he rubbed them.

"So is this it? All you could think of to make up for being completely absent for like, two months of your kids growth?" Naruto's voice drawled, but he felt a real pang.

"No." Sasuke's satiny voice was low and quiet as they finished, he sat next to the blonde, easing him to lie back with a strong hand. Naruto shivered when he felt the boy's hot breath in his ear.

"Your legs are numb, aren't they?" Red lips brushed his cheek and Naruto fought against his better judgment about the wild fluttering in his chest.

Ivory fingers brushed his thighs, gently at first but then kneading as they worked blood back into the boy's limbs and Naruto relaxed under the firm touch, loving the sensation of life returning to his legs. When he finished, leaving Naruto fully relaxed and smiling blissfully Sasuke leant in for a slow, chaste kiss before looking at him again, then moving to the boy's swollen, aching feet wordlessly.

Naruto blushed as he held back giggles when the tall boy tickled his feet accidentally while rubbing them; was the Uchiha Sasuke seriously rubbing his feet?! Naruto blushed harder when a laugh escaped him and he gave a little kick instinctively.

"Sorry."

Sasuke didn't say anything, just kept rubbing his feet until both ankles looked a normal size and they stopped aching.

"No, I'm sorry." The raven leant around the boy's protruding stomach to bring their faces close; Naruto could get a better reading on the emotions that passed through deep ink pools. Red lips brushed his as hot breath tickled peachy pink and Naruto quieted a gasp.

"Please forgive me?" Cool fingertips brushed blonde hair back and Naruto shivered.

"That's not fair, Sasuke." Questioning eyes smoldered blackly in the dimness and Naruto caught his breath and his fitful resolve.

"You can't just expect me to forgive you so quickly by seducing me a bit. This was a big offense." Naruto felt himself being pulled closer despite the words, hating himself for giving in so quickly. Sasuke pulled back a little and the blonde let his head back to the floor, feeling disappointed in spite of himself. Then black eyes were on deep indigo again and Sasuke compromised.

"What if I'm your pillow tonight?" Naruto thought a moment, taking in the feel of Sasuke's body heat and acting like he was mulling it over.

"For a week."

"Deal."

Naruto grinned, hugging his new pillow. Sasuke carried them back downstairs where they got ready for bed, Naruto ashamed but on his tiptoes with excitement. It was awfully cold, and it'd be nice to have a self-heating pillow…

The boy curled under the cold covers, soon joined by his favorite pillow ever, reveling in the warmth as he buried his head in the boy's broad chest, shivering as cool hands brushed his shirt up to caress his distended stomach lovingly, large hands soothing the stretched skin tenderly as the boy planted a rosy kiss on a tan forehead and Naruto sighed. Just have to look on the bright side and any conflict will evaporate.

Just before sleep overtook him, Naruto turned his face towards his sleepy lover.

"Hey, about before, what's wrong? There's something on your mind."

"Its…nothing." The low whisper came through the moonlight as Naruto glared.

"I thought we were over this?" He heard the defeated sigh above him and hid a smile.

"Can we discuss it in the morning?" Naruto yawned, opening his eyes just in time to watch his yawn become contagious and Sasuke yawned as well. He chuckled into the boy's warm neck before facing him again, his hand covering an ivory one on his stomach under the covers.

"Fine. But you have to give me your word."

"I promise. Now go to sleep."

"Mm. Goodnight."

Sasuke leant down to press their lips in a soft, butterfly producing kiss that made Naruto slightly dizzy as he smiled happily.

"Goodnight."

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Outside in the courtyard, pink hair blew in a frosty wind as the girl released the hawk into the starry night sky. The accident today had issued a complete check up, in which she had found something out. The rate of growth was increasing, meaning the nine month point could come any day. Pink hair blocked green-eyed vision and the girl turned back inside. She was prepared, but very nervous. This procedure had never before been attempted.

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Tsunade brushed back blonde hair in frustration. She was the Hokage, damn it, why didn't she have more information about the damn situation?! Kumogakure was out for blood, not waiting for Konoha to agree and send them their victim but deploying their own search squads to find the Uchiha themselves. What could she do? Either sacrifice the boy and the secret, or pull the entire village into war.

She couldn't very well put the safety and well being of all the citizens at risk, but she shouldn't give in to terrorism, either. The woman sighed. What to do, what to do… and she needed to send a back-up squad to watch the cottage, to make sure the enemy hadn't found the spot yet. Naruto has been pregnant for a while now, any big disturbances could cause the children to shift, and that could kill him. Tsunade reached into her cabinet. She'd been looking for her liquid support every night nowadays; damn brats and their never-ending problems, they were turning her into a drunk.

Something tapped at her window and the Hokage let the bird in, opening it's cartridge to reveal a code; one she deciphered quickly and chugged the entire bottle of varnish. Apparently, signs of foreign movement had been found by the anbu planted near the cottage. This was found before the two days it took for the hawk to travel. She would have to send a squad immediately.

And so the wheels begin to turn.

Tsunade dropped the bottle, laying her head in her hands in the universal sign of an incoming migraine. The weeks from hell begin now.


(AN) hey all. So i know this chapter had a lot of little parts to it, you know the scenes separated by those annoying dots? Yeah. I'll work on making it less choppy. I'm just too tired to fix it right now.

Thank you so much for all your support and love with this story! It's very greatly appreceated and you are all amazing!

please continue to review and tell me what you think!

Love.

Bright Eyed