Disclaimer:I do not own Naruto or its characters. if I did he will be female.
CHAPTER TWO: Meeting little Minato
Noriko blinked; she was too stunned to do anything more than that. She was overjoyed, thrilled, at the thought of her nephew being alive and well. But she had no idea how both Itachi Uchiha and herself could be the baby's guardians, one living in Konoha, the other in Suna.
Obviously Itachi couldn't either. "Of course it's impossible," he said abruptly, placing his briefcase on her dining table. '" have some documents here," he unlocked the lock. "Legal documents, drawn up by my lawyers, relieving you of all moral and legal obligation to Minato."
Noriko stood up slowly, feeling the anger burning up from within her. Just who did this man think he was! He came here and told her that her beloved sister was dead but that the child she had been expecting was alive. And now he calmly suggested she relinquish all rights to that child. The man was insane!
"No," she told him bluntly.
He raised dark brows, halting in the removal of the official-looking papers from his briefcase. "No?"
"Certainly not!" Her blue eyes sparkled in challenge, her tall slender body as taut as a ripcord in her fury. "Minato is my nephew, and if my sister wanted me to be his guardian then that's what I intend being."
"He has two guardians," Itachi reminded her. "You and I."
"So Narumi made a mistake," Noriko snapped. "Nobody's perfect!"
"I don't believe insults are going to help the delicacy of this situation," he told her quietly.
"Neither is your insensitivity," she glared at him. "My sister has just died," weakness washed over her in waves, "and now you calmly suggest I reject her son from my life—my own nephew, my parents' only grandson!" Her voice rose shrilly.
"My nephew too, my mother's only grandson," he pointed out dryly.
"But not her only grandchild! And when you have a 'The same applies to you in regard to your own parents."
She gave an impatient sigh at the way this man had an answer for everything. "Giving up my guardianship of Mina is not- '
"Minato," he substituted firmly.
"Mina is for short"
"He was named Mina, let's stick to that, shall we?" he said abruptly.
"I'm sure Narumi meant it to be shortened to Mina, like my father," she insisted stubbornly.
"But Nsrumi isn't here "
"You bastard!" Noriko choked raggedly. "You cold blooded, unfeeling bastard! You" she sank slowly to the floor as blackness overcame her.
She woke up to find herself stretched full length on the corner unit sofa, her head propped up by several cushions, the darkly intent face of Itachi-kun Uchiha bent over her. She snatched her hand away self consciously as she realised it was held between long tapered fingers, the fingers of the other hand lightly tapping against her pale cheek.
Itachi moved back instantly and sat back on his heels. She sat up awkwardly, moving back and away from him. "I'm sorry," she said abruptly.
He nodded distantly. "I've been expecting something like it ever since I arrived and found the press harassing you."
"How clever of you!" Her voice was brittle.
Itachi stood up, very dark and forbidding in Noriko's openly bright apartment, dwarfing it. "You were at cracking point. I doubt you've slept all night. I had no idea of the added worry of your father's illness."
Noriko swung her legs to the ground and stood up, feeling at less of a disadvantage, her own height being considerable, although Itachi still topped her by a head. She swayed slightly as she stood, not as recovered as she thought she was, although her back was straight, her gaze steady as she faced him across the room.
"I was waiting for your call that is what stopped me from sleeping." Her words were defensive because of the weakness she had shown by fainting in that way. "You didn't have to come all the way to Suna, you could have explained everything over the telephone and saved yourself the trouble of flying out here. I could have told you no just as easily that way," she added hardly.
His mouth tightened. "You won't even look at the papers I brought with me?"
"'No."
"Even though you know Minato will be better off with us in Konoha?"
"And who is us?" she derided scornfully. "You and your mother? A bitter and resentful widow and an unfeeling man?"
Icy black eyes raked over her with cool disdain. "Or a fun-loving young actress with no morals?" he rasped.
"You mean me?" she gasped. "Where did you get that impression, Mr Uchiha?"
"Narumi was very proud of your first televised role," he drawled. "We were all made to watch your undoubted talent as Kaguya Ōtsutsuki."
That was what she had thought. "Talent is the right word, Mr Uchiha," she taunted. "I was acting a part—I thought you were intelligent enough to realise that."
"Maybe I am," he nodded. "But I have no reason to believe Minato would be happier with you than with us. You must work very hard, very long hours. I doubt you would have a lot of time to bring up a young child."
She dismissed the wisdom of his words. Narumi had wanted her to have a part in bringing up Mina, and that was what she was going to do. "I have a plane to catch, Mr Uchiha," she told him briskly. "I have to get to the airport"
He closed his briefcase with a decisive click. "I'll come with you."
"That won't be necessary."
"It's very necessary," he told her grimly. "I have a seat on that plane too."
"Oh." Her eyes were narrowed. 'm"You didn't intend staying long. Or were you so sure of what you thought my answer would be that you just expected to come here, have me sign those documents, and then return home?" Her eyes took on a dangerous sheen as she saw by the tightening of his mouth that that was exactly what he had thought. "Narumi wasn't happy with your family, Mr Uchiha," she told him frostily. "I'm beginning to understand why."
"Indeed?" he bit out grimly.
"Yes!"
"And I'm beginning to see that you're as uncompromising as your sister was. Oh yes, we knew of Narumi's unhappiness," he mocked her gasp of surprise. "She made no secret of the fact. But I think I should point out once again that Narumi gave her son two guardians; she didn't cut the Uchihas out of Minato's life as if she hated us."
Noriko wondered if this man had a habit of always being right; if he did it was an annoying habit! "Instead of arguing I suggest we get to the airport—I wouldn't want to miss the plane. I'll just go into my bedroom and call my mother at the hospital. She's been as anxious as I have."
If Itachi was affected by her deliberate move to shame him he didn't show it, sitting down he sat back to close his eyes with a weary sigh.
Guilt instantly washed over her. This man might seem like a cold robot to her, but his brother had just died, and he had just spent all those hours on a plane; he must be exhausted. "Can I get you some coffee?" she offered huskily. "Or something to eat?"
His eyes flickered open, showing no sign of the tiredness she suspected. "Tea?" he queried hopefully.
Noriko smiled, and the tension instantly eased between them. "I have tea," she nodded. "It's a habit I picked up when I went to Konoha for the wedding. Milk, sugar?"
"Thanks," he nodded.
Her mother came to the telephone straight away once she had been paged, and it was the hardest thing in the world to tell her that Narumi really was dead; her mother finally broke down now that she knew there was no hope of ever seeing her eider daughter again. Noriko broke down and cried with her, offering no resistance as Itachi came in and took over, too overcome by grief herself now that her shock was passing to talk coherently.
"Your mother is overjoyed by her grandson's existence," Itachi rang off to assure her. "She hopes she and your father can go to Konoha to see him soon. In the meantime, I don't think you're in any condition to fly to Konoha. Maybe it would be better-"
"'m coming with you," she told him determinedly. "I want to sec Mina-to, and also I have to—to attend Narumi's funeral. Someone from the family should be there." She went to the bathroom and washed her face in cold water. "I take it the funeral will be in Konoha."
"As soon as—Yes," he substituted abruptly. '"Eventually."
Her spine stiffened at the addition of the last word. "I understand," she said heavily. "I'm ready to leave now."
"'Are you sure- "
"I'm very sure" Her expression was stubborn.
"Your work?"
"Will just have to wait," she told him. "I intend coming with you, Mr Uchiha—make no mistake about that."
"Then perhaps you'd better call me Itachi,' he derided. "I don't intend calling you Miss Namikaze for the next twelve hours or so.'"
"Noriko," she supplied abruptly.
"I know that," he nodded. "Narumi spoke of you often."
"Feel up to braving the media again?" he saif distantly. "I doubt if they've left yet. Especially if news of survivors has filtered through."
Completely in control of herself now, Noriko was able to move determinedly at Itachi's side as they made their way downstairs to get into the cab that he had ordered to wait for them ten minutes ago as she cried. Itachi ignored the questions thrown at them; his expression was distant, his hold on Noriko''s arm unbreakable, despite the pushing and jostling going on about them.
"The airport," he instructed the cab driver arrogantly, pushing Noriko in the car ahead of him.
She wasn't used to being dominated in this way. She had been brought up to be independent, to stand up for herself; Itachi Uchiha was obviously used to being dominant with the women in his life.
Noriko studied him curiously on the drive to the airport. There could be no doubting that he was very attractive, and yet Narumi had never mentioned him having a woman in his life. But he certainly didn't like men! His gaze had been critical of her, but it had definitely been male in its intent. No doubt there were women from time to time, just nothing serious.
"Is Minato at your home?" Itachi shook his head.
"He's being kept in hospital for a few days. It's a standard thing for new babies," he added at her worried frown.
"He really is very well, Noriko. Perfectly healthy, even if he is eight weeks premature"
"Thank God!" she shuddered.
"Yes,"he agreed curtly.
All was chaos at the airport; the members of the media who had been outside her home had obviously called their colleagues, for a dozen or so reporters were continuing the harassment. Noriko wasn't in the least surprised when Itachi secured a private lounge for them, and strode off to deal with their seats himself.
"Everything is organised," Itachi came back to assure her. We'll be boarding in a few minutes."
It came as a surprise to her when she was shown into the first class section of the plane, to the seat next to Itachi.
"I already had a scat reserved for you," he told her at her questioning look.
Her eyes widened. "You knew I would be coming with you?"
"I told you, Narumi talked of you a lot, I was able to assess what your reaction would be."
"But you flew over here yourself anyway."
"It was worth a try," he shrugged.
"Never," she shook her head firmly. "I'll never give Minato up."
Itachi sighed. "I suggest we save any further talk of the baby until a less emotional time."
It didn't surprise her when he fell asleep shortly after take-off, and she remained quietly at his side, guessing that he needed the rest. And if the truth were known she needed a little time to herself, to think quietly, to realise that she and the man at her side had sole responsibility for a tiny baby who would never know his real parents, who would be denied a mother's love. Noriko vowed on that long flight that she would be the mother to Minato that Narumi had intended her to be—no matter what the Uchihas said or did!
Itachi had left his car parked at the airport, and with the ease with which she was coming to expect from him he saw them through Customs and into the car, driving them to the Uchiha house.
" Minato-- "
"I'll drive you to see him tomorrow," Itachi interrupted abruptly. "I believe we may be able to bring him home then"
Noriko couldn't help the sudden rush of colour in her cheeks. It sounded curiously intimate for the two of them to be bringing home a baby. Obviously Itachi thought so too.
"A nanny will be engaged for him," he added.
"No!"
"It's the best way "
"It may be your best way, Itachi,' she scorned, ignoring the tiredness still about his eyes, the fact that he must be feeling exhausted, knowing only that if she gave in to him over this then she would be continually doing so, "but I happen to believe Minato needs a mother's love, not the impersonality of a transient nanny."
"A mother's love is something we can't give him!" he rasped.
"I can," Noriko told him heatedly, her eyes flashing deeply blue. "I intend adopting him as my own son."
onyx eyes snapped with anger. "That might be a little difficult," he ground out.
She eyed him warily. "Why?"
"Both guardians have to agree to any plans involving Minato," he pointed out grimly.
She stiffened, turning in the leather seat to look at him, aware that he looked very weary, lines of strain beside his eyes and mouth, the latter a taut line of aggression. "And you won't agree to my adopting Minato?" she asked softly.
"No."
"Why?"
"I don't believe it would be in his best interests."
"Don't talk down to me, Itachi Uchiha!" she snapped, " just say what you mean. You don't think a "fun-loving young actress with no morals"is a suitable mother for him, that's it, isn't it?"
He sighed heavily. "I wish I'd never made that remark. I suppose I'm to have it thrown up at me periodically during our association?"
"That won't be for long! I'm returning to Suna as soon as possible."
"Without Minato."
"With him"
"No," he shook his head. "Not unless I agree. And I don't. Don't you think this is a little soon to start arguing about Minato's future?"
"With you I have a feeling it's never too soon to start arguing!"
His mouth quirked. "You're the only one who does argue with me,"he drawled.
"Really?" She asked with a smile.
"Really," he nodded.
"That's incredible."
"Yes."
"And that's arrogant!"
"No,"he said with a smile. " It's quite exhilarating, actually."
Now why on earth should she blush like a schoolgirl at the thought of Itachi finding something about her exhilarating? Maybe it was because he was a challenge, the original ice man. But she wasn't here to find him a challenge, she was here to get Minato and return home. And she mould do it.
She needed all her self confidence to enter the Uchiha house with him a short time later; she was wary about meeting Mikoto Uchiha again. They hadn't exactly taken to each other when they met two years ago, and she had no reason to think the other woman would be any more kindly disposed towards her. The opposite if she also believed in the part of Kaguya being Noriko's own nature!
On arrival, Mikoto looked at Noriko not surprised to see her, but not welcoming her either.
"Miss Namikaze,' the other woman greeted regally.
"Mrs Uchiha," Noriko returned as frostily.
"Are your parents well?" Noriko's eyes widened. What was wrong with this family? This woman's son and daughter-in-law had been tragically killed and she was asking innocuous questions about Noriko's family! These people were emotionless. She need look no farther than Mikoto Uchiha for her son's lack of emotion; these people obviously didn't know the meaning of the word love.
"Could I please go to my room?" she asked jerkily. 'm"I'm feeling—tired, after the journey."
Mikoto Uchiha instantly rang for Kenji, instructing him to take Noriko up to the 'lemon' room. "We'll talk later," Itachi told her softly as she walked pan him to follow Kenji upstairs.
She turned to smile at him, beginning to feel as if he was the only stability in a suddenly shaky world- "You look tired," she told him huskily. "Why don't you rest too?"
black eyes widened—and then narrowed, almost as if he suspected her motives. "Not yet,"he answered abruptly. "I have things to do."
"But soon, hum?" she prompted.
"Perhaps," he nodded distantly. "Go with Kenji." She felt suitably dismissed, regretting the politeness of her concern. This man obviously didn't need anyone's sympathy for anything!
Morgan sat silently at Itachi's side as they drove to the hospital to pick up Minato, she was so nervous that her palms felt damp. It was ridiculous to feel so nervous about seeing a baby for the first time, but she couldn't help it. Babies were something she had no experience of, especially ones as young as Minato. She didn't even know how to hold him—something Mikoto Uchiha had taken great pains to point out to her.
He was beautiful! There was no other way to describe the tiny peaches and cream bundle wrapped in the white blanket. Tears filled her eyes as the nurse wheeled him out to them in his tiny crib, sleeping peacefully after his mid morning feed.
"He's beautiful," she breathed softly, her eyes wide with wonder 'Itachi . . .! She looked at him glowingly.
His expression softened. "Why don't you dress him while I have a word with the doctor?"
She swallowed hard. She thought herself a pretty gutsy lady, but this tiny baby terrified her. "I'll try." She moistened her lips nervously, taking the box of expensive baby clothes that were part of a delivery made to the house early this morning. It seemed that the Uchiha money could even get those sort of things delivered.
The nurse showed her into a private room, and between the two of them—with a lot of help from the nurse! —they managed to dress Minato in the all-in-one blue suit. He was so incredibly like Narumi, with fiery-red hair and deep blue eyes, that Noriko felt fresh tears well up in her eves.
"Go ahead and cry," the nurse encouraged gently. "It's always like this when a mother gets to take a premature baby home."
Noriko blinked up at the young girl. "Oh, but '
"He's so much like you," the nurse cooed at him gently. "And I think he has your husband's jaw even now. He's going to be a strong-minded little boy."
Noriko smiled at this young girl's misconception. Somehow the other girl had the impression that she and Itachi were Minato's parents. How angry he would be if he knew!
"I''ve been on holiday for a couple of weeks," the girl unwittingly explained her mistake, "so I missed Minato's arrival into the world, but I can see he's done »ery well for a premature baby." She helped Noriko put on the little woollen cap over Minato's red curls. "He has your colouring, you know," she smiled.
"Probably a temper to go with it," Noriko joined in the laughter.
"Here's your husband now." The girl moved to the door, smiling shyly up at Itachi as he stood in the doorway.
"Ready, darling?" he asked huskily.
She nodded slowly, too stunned to answer him with words, and followed him out into the corridor.
"Good luck!" the young nurse beamed at them.
Itachi gave her an abrupt nod, including a silver-haired woman in a blue uniform in that departing nod as they passed the office. "Thank you—for everything," he murmured softly to the woman.
Noriko allowed him to help her into the back of the dark Mercedes, still holding Minato firmly in her arms, looking down in awe at his sleeping face.
She looked up at Itachi as he settled her more comfortably. "Why"
"Wait until we're on our way," he rasped softly, closing the door with a soft click so that he didn't disturb the baby nestling against her.
Noriko had never experienced anything like the maternal love that flowed out of her for Minato. It was a curiously choking feeling to know that he was totally dependent on her—on her and Itachi. Itachi had already made it clear that he intended taking a very strong part in Minato's life, and she already knew him well enough to know he meant every word.
He spoke suddenly, interrupting her thoughts. "As the media aren't yet aware of Minato's existence,'" he told her abruptly. "I intend keeping it that way for as long as possible. That's why the deception at the hospital."
"Deception?' she frowned.
"Minato was registered as our child."
"Ours?" she gasped.
He nodded. "That's right."
"You have a hell of a nerve "
"Ssh, you'll wake up the baby," he mocked her anger. "And I'm sure you have no idea what to do if that happens." He eyed her mockingly in the driving mirror. "No comeback?"
"None," she shrugged. "But I bet you don't know either," she said with satisfaction.
"Wrong," he returned smugly.
Her eyes widened. "Wrong?"
He nodded. "I have it all written down. Compliments of the Ward Sister."
"That's cheating!"
"Common sense," he corrected. "I even have a bottle incase he wants feeding."
"Too clever by half,' she mumbled.
"Damn, damn, damn." he muttered as they entered the long driveway to the house, and slowed the car down.
"What is it?" Noriko sat forward concernedly, Minato still—thank goodness!—fast asleep in her arms.
"I hope you feel up to facing the press again," he ground out. "Why the hell didn't my mother ring the police and have them thrown off my land!" he bit out grimly as he halted the car and was instantly surrounded by obvious members of the press, tape-recorders and cameras at the ready. "There's going to be no keeping Minato's existence a secret now," he turned to mutter. "Just stay at my side, Noriko, and don't say a word!"
What did he take her for! He treated her as if she was some sort of brainless idiot, not a woman of twenty-three. Who did--
"And calm down," he taunted at the flash in her blue eyes. "You don't want them to think you hate me, do you?" he mocked before swinging out of the car to walk round to open the door for her, ignoring the questions being thrown at him as if he didn't hear them.
"Is this your nephew, Mr Uchiha?" The jostling became more intense as Noriko stepped out of the car with Minato in her arms.
"The son of Narumi Namikaze and your brother Sasuke?' they persisted as Itachi guided her towards the house.
"Is this Noriko Namikaze, sir?" another tried politeness.
"Of course it is," another man said eagerly. "Don't you watch her in Power Trap?" His tone implied appreciation of the character she played. "It's been rumoured that you and Miss Namikaze are the baby's guardians," the man followed them as they walked up the steps to the house. "Do you have any comment to make about that, Mr Uchiha?"
Again Itachi ignored the question, although Noriko could see by the tightening of his mouth that he was angry such information had become public knowledge.
"Does this mean that, in the best tradition of romances, the two of you will be marrying?" the man persisted.
Noriko knew she had blanched, and she could see that Itachi had stiffened at such a suggestion. She and Itachi marry? Never!
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