Forbidden Fruit

AN: Thanks for waiting, the reviews, and to see that I was welcomed back warmly. We're getting closer to the end.

I've been avoiding it, as we're coming to a close. Less than ten, really. Hope you all enjoyed, even have a clearer beginning, that will be revealed a few chapters before the end. XD

Warning: Same as before.

Disclaimer: Do we really need to repeat, go back and look at all the others.

Summary: Same as the disclaimer, you should know what's happening by now. So let's get it on.

"talking"

"Kyuubi"

'thoughts'

"flashbacks"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Breathe." The voice was in his ear, when he returned, he couldn't do it all on his own. The pain came back, becoming fully aware of his surrounding. He couldn't help the shedded tears from his previous encounter with the girl he once knew as Imaru Rin.

As the sorrow from the moment mixed in his heart with the new emotions of pain as he screamed at the contraction that he felt. Naruto didn't think that he'd make it out this time, there was no way he'd live. The blonde was sure that he'd die and this time for real.

Chapter 29: Kodou (Heartbeat)

"Well, look at who finally decided to show up." The male spoke, enflamed hair trailing behind him in the wind. It looked as if, the mouse had fell for the trap. But the trio knew better than to underestimate the dark-haired male standing in front of them. If anything, the male came to them presenting himself as an honored guest in thier game.

"Let's settle this, once and for all. Katsuragi Kaito." The look that flashed in those usual stoic onyx eyes, made thier bodies shiver. Now, it seemed like they could really fight, the way they once were all taught.

"To the death then?" The question was rhetorical, as all knew that it was the only life they knew. Smiling politely, Sai bowed in front of the siblings. Reflecting on old days, when he once had his brother by his side.

"To the death." With those words spoken, each took a stance.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Walking as fast as he could with the body he carried delicately in his arms, an angry scowl appeared on the usual pale stoic face of the raven-haired male. Sasuke could hear arguing, as he approached from the hall, where he was sure he could find the two.

Pressing open the door with complete urgency, it became clearer what the two were talking about. The subject currently laying unconcious in his arms.

"You're not there for him!" The silver-haired male yelled out towards the man, waiting for some kind of response, wanting for the dark-haired man to show some kind of emotion besides annoyance. "Naruto needs you."

"What concern is it of yours, Kabuto?" Orochimaru asked, his snake like eyes gleaming with lust for blood. The feelings being invoked by the man standing in front him, irritated him to no end.

"As his assigned physician, it is my concern. You placed me over the care of his health, and I'm telling you, he needs you. I know you can feel it, too!"

"What I feel is of no one's con-" His words stopped as he seen the male entering the room, his brow coated with sweat as if he finished with an intense workout. In the raven-haired teen's arm, laid the blonde-haired teen. "What happened? Orochimaru quickly turned the conversation on to the matter at hand.

Sasuke inhaled deeply, not paying any mind to the scolding voice of the man. "I don't know, he just passed out." Sasuke handed him over to Kabuto, who in turn looked him over. Sasuke just stared, ignoring it all.

Naruto, his Naruto was pregnant by someone. Someone else, possible someone in the room. Turning to walk away, he ignored it all. Closing his eyes to see, then disappearing to his room to brood over it all.

Still, laying in his bed, he allowed his thoughst to trail over it. The look of complete relief that came over the face that was blushing as if mortified that he found out. Of course, he noticed it before they met again. He just didn't know how to process it.

Now, hearing the muffled sounds of voices in ears, a battle between the self now and the one of the past, he covered them. Trying to escape from the whispers.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wiping the blood from his chin, he had to try again. If only to see those words come true. But in a world as cold, he knew that it was only wishful thinking. His fate was sealed a long time ago.

"You dont have to explain anything, we'll keep those three all to ourselves. Just come with us, I'm sure Naruto would like to see you finally free."

As his body went through another tree, a voice rung in his ears, pulling him back from his fall. The male had to rethink his strategy. Pulling out another piece of parchment, he had to try again as he curefully with haste drew more. Sai had to find a way to restain the younger two of the group of teen shinobi.

If he died, then this would not be the place.

He'd live to see his freedom, if only for a moment. To see a smile on the blonde's face congradulating him on finally breaking the final mark of being Danzou's lap dog.

"What's the matter, can't fight anymore?" The male he once knew as Kaito from younger days questioned. Wiping sweat from his brow, moving his mint-like hair from his gaze.

Still, Sai stood up on his feet. Moving out of the way as the blade of an kurasugami almost made contact with his skin. The double blades spinning around, almost out of control but being marked with such grace.

Placing his short egded sword back in front of him, he immediately dropped a sutra to the ground, unrolling it and placing a blood seal. It was the only thing needed, as it activated giving him more than what he needed.

Now, he could go up against his opponent with leisure time on his hands. Even if it wasn't enough time in his head, as the creatures came to life, aiding him in the battle for his life.

Hazel green eyes wouldn't let the dark-haired male escape so easily. Now, that he was finally releasing his full arsenal. It seemed that Sai was desparate, but as he stopped another swing the male thought otherwise.

"To answer your question from earlier, Katsuragi." Sai finally had grip, watching as all of his ink-made friends took control of the battlefield. They were keeping the other two occupied, leaving it even just for him to play. "I can still fight!" The dark-haired male yelled out, his onyx eyes casting a hint of mirth in them.

Those grayish green eyes finally understanding what the male was trying and successfully accomplished.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Stopping abruptly, the male sniffed around more. Not believing the scents that filtered into his nose. Looking towards his companion, it was confirmed as they both took a stance alerting the rest with thier actions.

Everyone stopped, staring at the pair now as Shikamau, Kiba, and Akamaru stayed where they were, as if waiting for someone.

Taking a step forward, Neji activated his byakugan. Catching the enemy as they approached, his body stiffened visibly making the other's who didn't know what it was to become tense.

"What is it?" Temari asked, looking between the males that all stood in place.

The question made only one move from the group, an irritated look coming to play across his countenance. Walking away, Neji didn't say anything as he passed the toad senin. Jiraiya knew all along what was going on, and who was coming.

"It's nothing." Jiraiya finally answered the female's question as he too started to walk away. "Looks like were setting up camp here tonight." It was the only announcement he made as he vanished into the foilage of the forest trees.

The others stood watching and waiting as finally a head popped out of their hiding place. A small smile now graced the canine like male as he watched the two females approaching. "Hinata." It was whispered by Kiba as he was glad to see her. For a moment, he thought the Hyuuga girl would never recover.

Behind her stood the blonde, her feautures changing from a solemn look to a smile. "Ino." He could about laugh, but as he seen the pink-haired female show. Her cyrstal eyes staring at the ground, he could see she was mustering her strength to be brave.

"Sakura, you recovered?" It was asked as Choji came forth with Rock Lee following in suit. She smiled slightly at them, not really expecting them to be so welcoming.

"You have nerve showing your face here." It was empty of emotions, the only exception, hate.

Narrowing her eyes, she returned his comment with a glare. That's what she thought would happen. Neji knew more than anyone here, and was great at covering it up. But when it came to her, he couldn't fool her. He seemed to know what she was there for, her purpose. But, he couldn't figure out her motives completely.

"You allowed him to escape. I'll be damned, if you think I'll just sit by idly and let it happen again." The male spoke, his dark brown hair trailing in the flow of the wind.

"You've got me all wrong then, Hyuuga." The pink-haired konoichi spoke, making it clear as to her true purpose. "I'm only here to make admends. To pay for my mistake of listening and promising him that I'd keep quiet. I will help you recover him." Her light crystal green eyes burned with determination, something that have been seen at times coming from the young female.

Still, Neji didn't trust it, and opted to keep his eye on her. Staring at his cousin, he too was glad to see her finally come back to her senses. Hinata's help would be appreciated along the way.

"Sakura's telling the truth, I swear it." The female spoke, her dark bangs moving to uncover her eyes in the wind. Taking that as answer enough, the eldest Hyuuga backed off.

"Naruto doesn't belong there, we're all here to get him back." Ino finally spoke her peace, and sighed deeply when she seen the male finally turn to walk away.

Heading in the same direction the group followed, happy to be accompanied by the females. Combing through trees they finally found Jiraiya sitting in a clearing. Leaning back against a tree, he took out his favored long pipe.

The fire burned bright in the middle, not too far from where they would have to lay. Smiling up at the female, the white-haired male only inhaled, and watched as the sun decided to start its decent from the sky to hide between trees.

"Glad you could join us. It seems you know what we're doing, as I recieved a letter from Tsunade. I'm as happy as she is that you've finally woken from you coma." He said exhaling as he pressed more into the tree.

His eyes trailed, as they landed on the male Hyuuga, sitting upon a branch. They locked stares, both keeping in mind to watch the once trusted female. They needed to see her intentions, and wanted them to become clear.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Feeling the exhaust settle in, the pale teen laid back. It was the only thing he could do as tears slid from the corner of his eyes. His breathing started to slow as everything started to play like a movie around him.

Letting out another scream of pain, he pushed with dare life. Trying his best to help himself and his body do what it wanted. But to no avail it was failing, leaving him only exhausted as he could feel the pain once more twisting him from the inside.

A hand being placed on his brow made him look up, he was starting to lose focus on the real world once more. "Hold on, you're almost there." The man he knew and loved whispered in his ear, taking a hold of his hand, but he couldn't repsond.

Fading into the black, he failed to hear and see anything else that was going on around him. Even as a small sting in the background was made known, his eyes just stared at the ceiling as he tried to keep track of his breathing.

Counting. He was counting in his head. All the way from five-hundred, but even that felt like it wasn't him.

The pregnant teen stayed still, not remembering when he closed his eyes letting the darkness that clouded the corner of his eyes in.

On the outside the two males were panicing. Orochimaru stared at the face of the male, already eighteen hours in, and Naruto was starting to lose the fight. Now, all or their lives were trully at risk. If they didn't get the twins out, there was no doubt that they'd die. But, if they did then Naruto could possibly pass as well. Deciding on the best method, Orochimaru called Kabuto to attention.

"Prep him. We're going to have to do a ceserian section. It's our only option, if we want to get them all out alive."

Nodding his head, the silver-haired male followed direct orders to a cue as he inserted what was neccesary for a spinal tap, just to have eyes open. Sitting up and away from the long syringe, Naruto's feautures changed as he finally pushed. Looking for any signs of success, the dark-haired male breathed with a sigh. "Never mind it. I see crowing, just give him something to ease the pain." Kabuto nodded his compliance, sitting down the one that was about to be used, and loaded another with drugs as he stared at Naruto's face. His breathing picked up, as he pushed again, only trying to lay down afterwards.

Getting behind him, Orochimaru wouldn't allow his comfort as he encouraged him to push. Staring up once more at the man, Naruto did as he was told, relaxing only against those arms and pale chest of the man he loved.

Breathing in deeply, a hiss of pain was made known as he batted away the tears. Again, he pushed for dare life, even as he couldn't recall when blood first started to escape, something inside him burned with an undefining power. Calling him, telling him to push, and he did.

For them, for Orochimaru, for his friends, for Sasuke, for his life.

Letting out a shrill battle cry, he was relieved as he could hear Kabuto speaking. Soon after, a cry could be heard filling the infarmary walls.

"You did great, Naruto." Orochimaru whispered once more into his ears, kissing the side of his face as he left the teen momentarily to check on the new born. "She's fine." It was said with relief as Kabuto placed the baby down, cleaning her body off, and preparing to warp her in a warm blanket.

Naruto stared from where he laid, tears of relief coating his face mixing in with the sweat that poured profusely. But, the moment didn't last as he felt another calling, and again with a cry he pushed harder. Already he could feel the next babies head crowning, and with a small grunt pushed again as he fell back. Staring once more, contently at the ceiling as Orochimaru was once again by his side, he noted as Kabuto checked the next infant, doing the same thing. "He's fine."

"You did it, Naruto." It was whispered in his ear, and he smiled.

"I love you." Naruto spoke as he felt his job done, eyes as blue as the deepest oceans closing, as he could only hear that his babies were safe. After that he didn't hear the world around him, he needed to sleep, wanted to rest.

"You have to stay awake, you have to stay awake!" It was the only command he became aware of, but he wanted to ignore it.

"I dun wanna." He finally spoke, wanting to slip into the darkness completely and never return from sleep. Even as he felt a hand tightly constraining his own, he didn't bother to respond. Naruto just wanted rest. What was so wrong with closing your eyes? The blonde thought as he wanted to turn over, but found he couldn't.

There was something being yelled at him, but he couldn't make it out in his muddled mind. Listening in more intently, he could only make out a few words. "Please..." Naruto didn't understand, but another word kept popping up, being forced into his head, "Love..."

Peeking open his eyes a little, he could see the snake-like man in front of his face, something warm hitting his own. It was a liquid, a very hot one at that, and he felt like swatting it away so he could turn over and rest.

His vision was blurry, but as he could see the man yelling down at him, his eyes opened a little more. "Please, Naruto. You can't...asleep! I...you!"

Was those tears?

The pale blonde thought, asking himself. 'No, Orochimaru never cries.' Naruto told himself, as he watched the mouth of the man yelling something at him again. "Love you!"

'Tears?' His vision started to come back into focus, the man he loved was crying. 'Shit, he's actually crying?' The blonde asked himself, this time listening more intently as to what was being said.

"Please! You have to stay awake, don't fall asleep!" Orochimaru was yelling desperately out to the boy now, afraid that he would lose him, and this time for real. Recalling the last time he seen the male this way, brought tears to his eyes. He couldn't let this happen, he refused to lose a loved one again.

Ever since he was a child, he decided to cut off feelings from that time ago when he loved someone. But only lost them in the end. "Please! Naruto, I love you!" He admitted not caring that anyone else was in the room.

Smiling gently, Naruto could make out the words, making his muddled mind more clearer. It's what he wanted to hear all along from the man. Something inside him glowed, warming him as he just stared up the dark-haired man. The father to his children, his actually first true love.

Memories on when they first met played through his head, he decided from that time that he'd never let the man go.

Naruto promised himself that he would find away to make Orochimaru his, but he never anticipated the whole pregnancy, and running away with him part. But now, here he was lying on some type of table. Again with lights hurting his eyes and the man he loved staring down at him as he smiled at hearing the words he always wanted to hear in return.

"Please, Naruto. I love you!" Closing his eyes momentarily, he could tell he scared the man as he finally opened them again at feeling the grip that tightened around his shoulders loosen.

"I love you, too." It was raspy coming from his throat as he allowed the tears to escape. None of sorrow, but pure joy. "I love you, too." Orochimaru's hand was placed on his cheek brushing away tears from the pale teen's face. A smile showing itself as he nuzzled his nose against his own and kissed those soft lips. It was all he could do in that moment as he was happy to regain his Naruto. He promised that he'd never let the teen go, never again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Staring at the scene in front of him as he started on the healing process, the medic-nin smiled inwardly. This was an awkward moment to him, he never heard the man use such words before. All the years he's been with him, never did he think he'd say them.

Nevermind that he too loved the man, and tried his damndest to get him to say those words. It never happened for him in that way. Sure, he could tell Orochimaru loved him as well, in some simblance. But, it wasn't the same as the love he held for the male who was finally allowed to fall asleep. Albeit jealous, all he could do was smile inwardly while helping the male who still looked sickly pale to stop losing blood and regain his strength for his body to heal itself.

"Three days, he'll be up just like before." Until then, Kabuto's eyes traveled over to the newly born infants laying in thier makeshift craddles. Covered in warmth, awaiting the love of thier mother when he'd wake. For now, it looked like they were Orochimaru's and his own responsiblity.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sitting up abruptly, the male lost consious of his breath. The tingling in his arms came back strong enough to wake him from his sleep. The rotting stench started to clear, making way for a peppermint scent to whaff in through the open air. The pain from before started to ease itself, and he felt that he could use his arms again. As the feeling returned to his fingers, moving them awkwardly, a questioned look came across his face.

"What?" It was the only thing spoken by the male as he turned to face his partner. The apprehension to grasp what was happening, or what just happened failing to process through his mind. He wanted to know what could have caused it.

The curse of the females being lifted, and his lungs clearing as he started to some how feel better and healthier. As if, his strength from younger days were granted back to him, and his ailment vanquished away.

"Your arms." Kisame commented, unsure at what he was seeing. In all his years of living, he never thought he'd see something like this. Here, Uchiha was healing his whole body. The arms that were once rotting away recovering, as the dead flesh fell giving way for new skin. "How?"

The question went unanswered as Itachi couldn't figure it out either. "I don't know." He responeded back, thinking to the female that once placed the curse on him, only for it to be removed.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The air moved about him, he didn't feel when his body fell to the ground. His dark eyes peering into empty space, as he stared at his hand that lay in front of his face. He could hear distinct sounds of foot steps. The blood that poured from his side felt hot in comparison with the cold that started to fill his sense. Along side him, leaning against a tree, he could see the male he fought with. He laid pressed against it, unmoving as his breathing was erratic.

To see his freedom, he repeated in his head as he seen the other teen's bodies laying on either side, far from his own. Tears momentarily came to his eyes, as the vision of his brother flased in his head. A smile could be seen on the boys face, even as he too dropped dead. Only one was allowed to make it out alive. Sai just regretted that it was him.

Closing his eyes, he could feel himself turning over as he finally found the strength to stand. Once more, unbalanced, he opened his eyes to stare at the trio. All three lad where ever their bodies decided to fall, bleeding just like him.

Walking off into the direction he was sure the team last headed into he stopped as he could hear the coughing of the male who pressed his body back against the tree trunk."Where do you think you're going, Sai?"

In return, onyx eyes turned to stare back at the male holding his wounded side, he smiled. "To freedom." It was the only thing said as the male turned and started to walk away. In the background he could hear laughter now, as the mint-haired male just stayed where he was unmoving letting the dark-haired male escape.

Katsuragi took in the scenery, thinking back on the words, he decided that they needed to find a different path. The memories from the years before the two joined him filtered in his mind. Bringing back the days of his youth. "To freedom." He spoke, moving from the tree to gather his little brother's and sister's bodies. Laying them across his legs, he paid no mind to the tears that fell from his eye and rolled down his cheeks. Once more he pressed his back against the tree, petting thier heads as he let out a brief wail. Closing his eyes, he fell asleep.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A/N: That was the long awaited chapter. I'm not satisfied with it, but it was hard to put into words. Every time I wrote, I ended up deleting things, or changing them, or rearranging them completely. Still, this is it for this one. Now, to finish the next one and to keep you all from waiting any further than needed, lest you hate me.

Thanks to all who stayed by my side. Thanks to all who reviewed. Thanks to all who encouraged me to re-read and re-vise. I've gone through and finally cleared up the mess. Minor errors in the last two chapters, but I will fix them eventually.

To those who hate Sakura: I promise there's a reason why she's still alive.

To those who love or hate Rin Imaru: If you went back to reread the previous chapter you would see that she's finally gone. There is no more her, she's dead.

That's all I have to write right now. Looking forward to your thoughts and reviews on the change of events. For those who waited to see if Orochimaru would finally confess or fall in love with Naruto. Well, here you have it. This chapter being proof that he did, as he was afraid of losing Naruto once more. Death makes people do strange things, its scary and can make them finally confess how they feel. So, yeah that's my explanation on why he came out with it.

Enough with my babbling. I leave it to you as I currently work on the next four chapters. It will take a while, but I promise to update soon. For my sake, and for ALL OF YOUR SAKES. XD