Whatever It Takes

Chapter Fifty Six

The bed felt so nice and comfortable that Sasuke found himself not wanting to get up. Rolling over, he turned to bury his face into Itachi's chest, taking a deep breath of his husband. Itachi smelled so delicious- but then when didn't the man smell so good? Sasuke could drown himself in his scent, and the warmth that it caused to tingle down every inch of his body. Sasuke suspired as he found himself moving his body against Itachi's, gently rocking into him, enjoying how their warm skin rubbed against each other.

Itachi let out a small groan, his arms moving around Sasuke's waist to pull him in closer. That was when Sasuke knew that he was awake and found himself wanting to be even bolder with the movements of his body. Itachi didn't stop him, he nibbled on his neck, gifting him with small kisses over his shoulder and jaw line.

"Is it time to get up?" Itachi asked, still sounding very sleepy.

Sasuke licked his lips, his fingers curling around Itachi's sweats, "No," he easily lied, "it's not even morning yet," murmuring he made to press his hips more insistently against Itachi. He had no idea what time it was, but he was sure that he was not ready to leave the bed. His stomach on the other hand had other ideas as it let out a rumble.

"Really, I think its morning," Itachi chuckled against his ear, one of his hands sneaking to squeeze Sasuke's behind. His fingers kneaded that wonderfully soft behind teasingly brushing against his husband's needy hole. His hands took a moment to stop Sasuke's movements, trying his best to keep him still.

Sasuke pouted, opening his eyes to meet them with Itachi's. He blushed lightly when he noted that Itachi was intently looking at him, "I don't want to get up yet, I want to cuddle."

Itachi reached his hand for Sasuke's pocking erection, "You keep lying to me Otouto, I think that you want to do more than cuddle." He said as he gently squeezed the hard organ.

"I don't lie nii-san, cuddling doesn't just have to be one thing you know," Sasuke explained, his head turned a bit in defiance, but that didn't stop his body from responding to his husbands touch. His hips started to slowly rotate in and out of Itachi's hand. Sasuke didn't hold back, vocally expressing the pleasure that Itachi was causing him.

"Okay, explain to me what cuddling means to you," Itachi said, moving his hand from Sasuke's cock to his rounded belly, splaying his fingers comfortably over it. He smiled when he felt their baby kick against his hand, thinking that it was strange how the baby was just as active as Sasuke. Sasuke turned back to Itachi, his arms going around his shoulders to pull his face closer to his. He brushed their lips together, his fingers tugging gently at Itachi's hair.

"Oh shut up and just kiss me," he knew he was going to be getting what he wanted. There was no way that Itachi was going to be denying him anything. And true to that thought, Itachi didn't hesitate in kissing him, moving to lay him back into the soft bed sheets. Itachi cradled one hand under his lower back while the other one pulled the covers of their bed over their heads, hiding them from the early morning glow.

Sasuke gasped as he felt the head of Itachi's cock near his entrance, already brushing against him, teasing him. He tightened his arms around Itachi and moved his legs so he could properly accommodate the man. Sasuke silently whimpered against Itachi's lips that didn't seem to relent, stealing the oxygen right out of his lungs.

He had to breathe through his nose hard as Itachi's tongue invaded his mouth. He could easily turn his head to break the kiss, but he was too stubborn for that. His tongue instead pushed against Itachi's, urging him to do more!

Itachi delighted at the very moment that Sasuke started to move those sinful hips of his again, rotating them against him, begging him to take him. He enjoyed the feel of that skin, the way it heated up under his touch, as they hid under the covers- their scent prevailing over their senses.

"Itachi!" Sasuke gasped, throwing his head back as Itachi finally penetrated him. The motion was fast and fluid, making his very soul cry out with the pure pleasure that met his spine. It tingled all the way down to the tips of his fingers and toes, his legs tightened around Itachi's waist, as he arched, his hips moving to meet those powerful thrusts.

The stars shooting behind his eyes as Itachi hit his very core had Sasuke chanting Itachi's name right into the heavens. Itachi was all he could feel, and Itachi was all that he knew. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as he got lost to the feeling of being filled so wonderfully, fast and hard.

Both of them came before they could warn each other, spilling onto and inside of each other. Itachi had to be careful not to collapse on Sasuke, mindful that their child was still growing in his belly. That same belly that growled once more in hunger, reminding Itachi that they needed to get up and start the day.

Itachi breathlessly chuckled, "We need to get you some breakfast,"

Sasuke sighed, still catching his breath. "I'm not hungry," He muttered. He wanted more, but knew that Itachi would prioritize breakfast over sex.

"You hear that baby, your papa says that he's not hungry," Itachi said to Sasuke's belly, leaning in the plant a few kisses over it. Sasuke groaned when his belly growled demandingly once more, almost as if agreeing with Itachi. The audacity, how dare his baby agree with his daddy. "Papa, I think baby is hungry," Itachi teased, still lavishing kisses over Sasuke's navel.

"Itachi," Sasuke laughed and rolled slightly away from Itachi.

Itachi ran his fingers over Sasuke's back, letting him calm down from their tussle, and finally pulled the covers off of them. The two took a deep breath of the cold air, before Sasuke found himself moving close to Itachi once again. It was freezing. Just because the floors were heated, didn't mean that the cold air didn't linger in this large house. Sasuke moved to pull the covers back over them when Itachi stopped him, kissing him to distract him.

Sasuke complained lightly as Itachi picked him up and walked them into the bathroom. It wasn't until Sasuke was under the warm spray of the shower that he dedicated his attention in getting one more round out of Itachi. Itachi pretended not to notice, his fingers brushing Sasuke's nipples and smirked when he saw his husband flinch away.

"That's sensitive," Sasuke murmured, but didn't stop Itachi from teasing his nipples.

"Because you're producing milk," Itachi said. Sasuke sighed, running his own fingers on his nipples. They had ached a bit in the beginning, but he knew this was going to happen so he wasn't that surprised. Naruto had explained it to him and why he had decided that he didn't want to feed Nakoru like that. Sasuke wasn't sure yet what he wanted to do, but Kimimaro had suggested it would be more beneficial if his child did breastfeed. Sasuke still hadn't decided. Strangely, what did surprised him was how sensitive they felt when it was Itachi the one that was touching them.

It made him want Itachi to touch, but at the same time not.

Sasuke took the shampoo bottle from Itachi when he was done taking some for himself. He washed his hair, his thoughts already moving onto how to get Itachi to give him what he wanted. The shampoo being rinsed off by the water that was so freely caressing Itachi's skin making him feel jealous. He found himself moving in close to lick a line down Itachi's throat, his lips brushing his.

Itachi leaned in to kiss him, gasping into Sasuke's mouth when his hand grasped his cock. It was like his body was at his command and he became hard in no time under Sasuke's sure strokes. He could no longer deny Sasuke when he felt his cock slide against his.

"You're insatiable," Itachi hissed right into his throat as he pressed him against the shower wall. Sasuke sobbed lightly, needy for those kisses and touch.

"It's your fault, it's because I'm carrying your baby," Sasuke hissed right back, eagerly moving against Itachi once more. The hand on his hip kept him from fully bouncing out of control, as Itachi had to remind him to be careful with his pregnant body. It really was hard when everything was that he wanted.

"Does that mean you'll cut me off when you're not pregnant anymore," Itachi teased, the head of his cock already pushing into Sasuke's hole. Still so soft, wet, warm, from their previous round- so welcoming to his intrusion. Itachi easily filled Sasuke, relishing at the way he wrapped so tightly around him, sucking him in so good it shook his very soul. His movements remained slow and deliberate, taking his time with him as he screwed himself deeper with each thrust.

He savored the feel of his Sasuke so tight around him, so perfect in his arms. His gentle scent and the sweet sounds of his moans next to his ear—melting him as all he wanted was to please and give him more.

His life, his everything, his Sasuke.

"I don't know, maybe, you do it so well Itachi, I don't know," Sasuke breathed, already not that focused on the conversation that they were having and more on the pleasure Itachi was causing him. From the very start, Sasuke found that he had no complaints about how Itachi made love to him. Itachi had always made sure that he felt pleasure and little to no pain. At first maybe the fear of pain had been there, but so had Itachi…now it was like his body hungered to be filled.

It was not so much that it was sex, but the fact that it was the joining of their bodies, the connection that completed them into one being. Being wrapped around Itachi, in his arms, was definitely his favorite. He hated being separated from him, not that life permitted such a thing. But the moments that they could have for themselves, that Sasuke could steal, he wanted to be like this, connected to the person that he was in love with.

His heart, his soul, his Itachi.

Opening his eyes as he reached his completion, Sasuke found himself wanting to see Itachi's face as he came undone. Itachi was so gorgeous, his expressions so clear and easy to understand while he was in the throws of passion with him. Itachi's eyes opened to meet his, and they smiled warmly in the way that left him blushing and wanting to hide his face.

"I love you Itachi," Sasuke murmured instead, willing himself to keep that eye contact.

Itachi leaned in brush a kiss over his lips, "I love you too, Sasuke."


Sasuke was still stuffing his face when Itachi kissed his cheek and told him that he had to get to work. Sasuke smiled at him and went back to finishing his meal when Suigetsu entered the dining room. Sasuke watched as Suigetsu sat down a few seats away from him and dramatically would sigh every now and then, to the point that it started to annoy him. "Okay, what's your problem," Sasuke finally asked, shooting him a glare.

"Nothing," Suigetsu said, sitting up straight. His eyes anywhere but on Sasuke.

Sasuke grumbled in annoyance, "You're acting like something is bothering you. Now tell me what it is before I decide that you've lived here long enough."

"What is up with you pregnant people just wanting to murder everyone!" Suigetsu suddenly snapped the rage clear on his face. "I'm so sick and tired of being blamed for shit I haven't even done!"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Suigetsu…"

"IM SORRY!" The white haired man suddenly screamed, Sasuke shook his head, deciding to ignore Suigetsu as he went back to finishing his food. Suigetsu quickly noticed that he had lost Sasuke's attention and decided to come clean with what was bothering him. "Karin and I have been fighting. I just can't ever do anything right by her. She's been such a bitch lately," Suigetsu said, tugging at his hair in his despair. "I can never do anything right by her!"

"That's your problem, you got her pregnant," Sasuke easily dismissed.

"I know! But I just want to know what to do so that she doesn't hate me so much," Suigetsu pouted, turning begging eyes to his friend, lord, and person he trusted, "how is it that you don't snap at Itachi?"

Sasuke shrugged, "He doesn't annoy me."

Suigetsu crossed his arms, "Come to think of it, you hardly snap at anyone really. You actually get along with the staff nowadays." He sighed, running his fingers over his forehead, "Have you seen how Karin yelled at Anko because she tried to explain to her how to use that washer thingy majingy that you and Itachi brought?"

"What did Anko do about that?" Sasuke asked.

"Anko didn't say anything, she simply took Karin's clothes and put them in the washer herself." Suigetsu shrugged, "Then she walked away before Karin yelled at her and guess who she yelled at? ME!" Suigetsu looked like he was about to lose his mind.

"I really don't see what the problem is, you got her pregnant," Sasuke said.

Suigetsu groaned, "You're so mean and useless Sasuke, all I want is to find a way to get her not to hate me so much. I thought maybe you'd have an idea since she is your cousin."

"What are you, a little girl or something? Why are you asking me, you should be asking her what she wants to do," Sasuke sat back against his chair. He hissed a bit as his body relaxed and some of the tension on his belly released. He probably ate too much though.

"Because she won't talk to me, maybe you could ask her?" Suigetsu looked so hopeful. Sasuke laughed.

"Yeah, right."

"I'm being serious!" Suigetsu cried. "I need help figuring out how to get on Karin's good side, help me Sasuke!" The white haired man wailed as he begged Sasuke. Sasuke looked away from Suigetsu warily, how was he supposed to know what would make Karin happy?

"Um, excuse me, Lord Sasuke," Both men looked towards the entrance of the the dining room and blinked when they saw the shy Yakumo standing by the door. She was actually half hiding behind it, blushing as the attention turned to her. She had walked in to hear that Suigetsu was asking for help with Karin, and she now wanted to help. "Uh, I have an idea as to what Suigetsu could do in order to make Miss Karin happy."

Suigetsu perked up at that, "Really! Anything that would help will be great!"

Yakumo smiled, feeling a bit more confidant as she walked out from beside the door and into the dining room, "Well there is this winter festival that is held every year, and usually it helps couples bond with each other. I think that going outside will also do Miss Karin good as she will be able to feel free and not so cooked up and trapped inside. I think part of her sadness is that she thinks that her life is over now, but I don't think she should be feeling like that."

"That sounds like a good idea," Sasuke said.

"Uh…but what if she doesn't want to go out and snaps at me?" Suigetsu asked, scared that he will only get yelled at.

"Uh, you could show her some of the flyers and broachers and ask her what she thinks and let her decide if she wants to go or not. You need to be gentle with her," Yakumo pulled out said flyers and broachers to show them to Suigetsu. Sasuke took a look at them as well, interested in going there with Itachi. Sasuke had only ever heard of festivals, he had never been to one.

Sasuke considered it for only a moment, before he yawned and decided he wanted to take a nap instead. A lot of it sounded really exhausting and troublesome to tell the truth. It probably wouldn't be worth going.

"Okay, I'll try and see what she says," Suigetsu said, feeling hopeful. He then stood up and went to find Karin. Yakumo watched him go before turning to smile at Sasuke.

"My lord, the ladies and I were hoping that we could go to the festival as well?" She asked, her eyes shining with hope.

"Yeah sure," Sasuke agreed. With that Yakumo bowed as she thanked him and went to let the ladies know that they were free to go. Sasuke stood up and decided that it was time to find Itachi and take that nap.


Later that same day, Sasuke was sitting at the table in the kitchen munching on a tomato and reading a book when Suigetsu found him again. The white haired man walked back and forth, looking like he was about to say something but then snapping his mouth closed once more. Sasuke was easily getting irritated and Suigetsu quickly noticed this time, talking before Sasuke could say something. "So I told Karin about the festival and she seemed reluctant, obviously she wanted to go, but she was being so difficult about it. I uh…might have told her that you were coming and she agreed. She said as long as you went that she would go too!"

"Is that why you look so guilty?" Sasuke asked, snapping his book closed. He was already irritated with Suigetsu.

"Well, I know it was wrong of me to say that you would be coming when you haven't said whether you would or not…I mean it would be such a romantic date for you and Itachi" Suigetsu brought his hands together, pleading with Sasuke now.

"Why don't you try telling Itachi what you did, huh," Sasuke hissed.

"We both know that Itachi would only ever do whatever it is that you want Sasuke," Suigetsu hissed right back.

"Do you even hear yourself?" Sasuke asked.

"Fuck," Suigetsu pulled at his hair as he realized that he was doing something that would go against what Sasuke would want. Itachi would have his head for going against his beloved Sasuke. Sasuke sighed as he watched his friend panic.

"Look, I'm not in the mood to really leave the house for some festival," Sasuke started to say while rubbing at his belly.

"I get it I know how you feel. But I need help Sasuke. Karin is driving everyone crazy even herself, and I just want to help her," Suigetsu cut in, once more pleading with Sasuke.

Sasuke sighed heavily before saying, "Fine," with that he went back to reading, "what day did you have in mind to go?" he asked.

"If you guys are all going why don't we go as a group!" Kurenai cut in this time. She had been on the other side of the kitchen cooking dinner for herself, when Suigetsu came in. She just couldn't help but listen in on their conversation. "The ladies and I are all planning to go tomorrow in the late afternoon, they say that they will have fireworks later on and it will be closing the festival."

"That sounds like a good idea," Suigetsu cheered, and turned to Sasuke for his input. Sasuke scowled while crossing his arms.

"Sure, whatever, I'll let Itachi know," he said.

"Thank you Sasuke!" Suigetsu said before he rushed away to find Karin once more. Kurenai chuckled lightly.

"It's really nice of you to do this for Suigetsu, he and Karin have been fighting a lot and I don't think that is good for her pregnancy," Kurenai softly said, once more concentrating on the food she was currently cooking.

"Oh, I didn't do it for him, I did it so Itachi and I can have a romantic date together," Sasuke huffed indignantly, causing Kurenai to laugh.

"It was still nice of you," she insisted. Sasuke shrugged and continued reading his book and munching on his tomato. Yakumo soon joined Kurenai as the two of them looked over the menu that Deidara and Sasori had set up for that evening's dinner. Sasuke stood up to help Itachi when he came in and started on their dinner.

Itachi tried to tell him several times to sit down and let him take care of everything but soon enough gave in to Sasuke. Their lords cooking together had everyone glancing at them with smiles on their faces. The sight of them was strangely adorable, and funny all at the same time.

Sasuke waited until he and Itachi were snuggled in bed to tell him about the festival. "are you sure you want to go?" Itachi asked, his hand rubbing Sasuke's belly. He enjoyed feeling their baby kick anytime that he could. But right now that they were going to bed the baby seemed to be calming down, probably listening to the two of them talk.

"It's fine, I've been getting lazy to be honest," Sasuke murmured, feeling sleepy with how Itachi was working his magic on him. Sasuke could feel that their baby agreed. He was glad that Itachi also had a calming effect on their baby.

"You're pregnant and it's draining you, I don't think you're getting lazy," Itachi shook his head, "If anything I think you have way too much energy for someone as pregnant as you." Itachi had a headache when he heard from Kimimaro what Sasuke had been up to.

"What are you talking about, all I did was nap in your office all day," Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Sasuke did you forget about what we did, you didn't just nap," Itachi pocked his forehead. "On top of that you thought it would be a good idea to wash and change our baby's nursery."

"What? That was us just cuddling," Sasuke couldn't keep a straight face as he chuckled when Itachi gave him a look of disbelief. "Okay I get it, I've been active in other ways. This will be fine, so long as we walk slowly and you're there." Sasuke offered Itachi a small smile. Itachi caressed his cheek.

"Okay, but no trying to run or jump off of something," Itachi said. Sasuke nodded, pressing into him.

"Yes daddy," Sasuke purred. Itachi blushed lightly. That did not just do something to him.

"Time for bed now," Itachi patted Sasuke's head as he giggled into his chest. Sasuke pressed a kiss to Itachi's chest.

"Night 'Tachi."

"Good night Sasuke," Itachi pressed a kiss to the crown of his head, and rubbed his back softly as he allowed Sasuke to sleep half on top of him. It was getting harder for Sasuke to find a comfortable sleeping position, but he seemed to manage. So long as he was using him as a pillow.


The next day, late in the afternoon, Itachi found himself listening to Kurenai as she explained what to expect at the festival. She and Anko were riding with them while Yakumo was riding with Karin and Suigetsu in the second carriage. Juugo was driving the first alongside Kimimaro. Asuma was driving the other one with a curious Jin who sat very still next to him.

"What is this here?" Itachi asked when he saw that there was a marked off gray area on the map that Kurenai had given him. When he had asked her to explain the lay out he had not expected her to give him a full map of the area.

"That will be the shopping district. There you can buy souvenirs or other little things. They have a line of restaurants there if you'd like to try one!" Kurenai happily explained. "It's just marked off like that because it's outside of the park itself."

"I see," Itachi said.

"Hey Kurenai, why don't you sneak off with Asuma for a bit and see if you can confess your feelings to him," Anko suddenly said, a mischievous grin on her face. Kurenai's face exploded red.

"What, no shut up!" She hissed.

"You have a thing for Asuma?" Sasuke asked, perplexed. Kurenai was such a sweet and nice person, why would she like Asuma of all people. "He's a bit obtuse when it comes to relationships."

"She thinks he's adorable my Lord, you should see how she loses herself gazing at him," Anko fluttered her eyelashes.

"Anko!" Kurenai screeched, begging her to shut up.

"Come to think of, if it's not too rude Lord Sasuke, how did you confess to Lord Itachi…or was it Lord Itachi that confessed to you?" Anko asked eager to hear the story of how her lords came to be.

"I confessed to Itachi, I had to convince him." Sasuke said causing Itachi to turn to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Sasuke I was a servant in the palace and you were a prince. There were consequences," Itachi reminded him.

"Lord Sasuke is a prince?" Both women looked at Sasuke with more awe now.

"I'm not. I mean I am but Itachi is exaggerating, he wasn't even a servant he was just pretending," Sasuke huffed.

"Somehow I feel like the story of how you two came to be is complicated," Kurenai muttered.

"It's not that complicated," Sasuke said, "I would have run off and hunted Itachi down if he didn't keep his promise to me."

The women looked at Sasuke with shinning eyes, "Lord Sasuke is so assertive, always going for what he wants. There is no doubt that you trapped Lord Itachi."

"That's right, he has no choice but to be here," Sasuke nodded in agreement.

Itachi reached for Sasuke's hand, intertwining their fingers together and bringing them close to his chest, "If I recall correctly, It is I that trapped you with no choice but to be my husband, Sasuke," Itachi darkly muttered into his ear causing Sasuke to softly gasp and blush, turning away from him.

The women went silent, they also found themselves hotly blushing and thinking that Lord Itachi was a bit much. Either way, their hearts fluttered at the thought that their lords had come such a long way to be with each other.

Soon enough, they had reached their destination. The park where the festival would be held was large and nearly in the center of the city. Itachi had to stop Sasuke from jumping off of the carriage carelessly. With the carriages parked and the horses placed into the nearby stables, everyone started to walk around, looking at everything in excitement. Jin really wanted to get on the rides, tugging at Juugo and Kimimaro to go with him. The two called that they would meet them back at the stables when the fireworks were over.

Sasuke found himself wanting to get on some of the rides too, silently asking Itachi if he could. Itachi had to tell him no, and tried to distract him instead with playing a few of the games they had around. Sasuke took to a few with a bit of sadism coming out, specifically in those games that required you to shoot something down. The women were more than happy to play a few games themselves, happy when they won a few.

At some point they lost track of Asuma which disappointed Kurenai a bit. She seemed to be having a hard time getting his attention. Of course Asuma just had to be too busy looking everywhere else for a potential partner that he was missing out on the one infront of him.

Sasuke and Itachi passed a few booths that were selling food and decided to try some. Karin and Suigetsu had been arguing with each other all the time so far, but Karin seemed to calm down at the smell of food. She followed beside Sasuke, eager to try some. She kept pointing at anything that caught her attention and asking Sasuke if he would like to try it too. Sasuke proved to be much to picky but Karin went ahead and tugged him to what called to her.

Suigetsu was sad, he thought that this would help him get along with Karin, but it seemed that it was not the case. If anything, it felt like it had made her hate him even more.

"Don't you think maybe you're trying too hard to bond with her when that is not what she wants?" Itachi said as they followed behind their pregnant partners. He had noted how down the white haired man was and decided he would help him.

"What do you mean?"

"Karin doesn't want a relationship. I think that just showing her that you are there in case she needs something for the pregnancy will be enough for her." Itachi explained. Suigetsu paused.

"I know that, and she knows that, we aren't in a relationship I just…" Suigetsu paused. What is that he wanted and what is it that he was doing?

"Karin wants to just feel normal. I think the pregnancy itself is already hard on her and her body is changing, that the last thing she wants is to have to deal with you." Itachi said.

Suigetsu realized that there was a small ache in his chest at that. "I guess I had been projecting some sort of relationship towards her. I just wanted to belong beside her as at least something. I…" Suigetsu sighed. He had been acting like this was a relationship and that Karin and he should be doing things like Itachi and Sasuke were. Deep inside he realized that he envied what they had, because he wanted that with someone…

That was not the case here. Karin would call for him if she needed him, she had said as much. A part of him had wanted to belong, he was going to be a dad but that was it. Where else did that leave him as a person? He was nothing else to no one.

Would being a father be enough…

"It's not that you're unwanted Suigetsu, I have no real idea as to what happened between you and Kisame, but I believe you realize what has happened between you and Karin. The two of you made decisions and it lead to what you have now. But that's not the end. You will find love in time. You just have to be patient."

"I guess a part of me is still not over Kisame, I keep thinking that he and I were meant to be, but if that were true, would things really have ended like they did?" Suigetsu asked, because he didn't have the answer. Itachi looked like a guy who always had an answer. That was why he felt disappointment when Itachi shrugged.

"I don't know." Itachi patted Suigetsu on his shoulder, "Life is not guaranteed in happiness, just suffering. We all know it, have known it at some point in our lives and that is why we have to cherish those moments of happiness. We create those moments of happiness even in our suffering, because that is what life is," Itachi said. "For now you feel one way, and in time, you'll feel another, but it's what you decide to do and work towards that will determine if you will be happy or not."

Suigetsu took a moment to mull the words over in his head. Itachi was strangely once again right. It wasn't that Itachi had all the answers or knew things better than he did. It was just about what you chose to do with what you had. Choices were there always for you to make them. Right now, Suigetsu could continue to wallow in his pain over losing someone he had hoped was more, or he could work on being a great father. He wanted that, he wanted to be the best dad ever! Determination suddenly filled him. It wasn't going to be easy but life never was.

"Thank you Itachi," he said, a smile coming over his face.

"No problem," Itachi said, returning the smile.

"Let's try the food here!" Karin called, waving her hand happily. She reached the booth where a group of women seemed to be frying up a few foods, they looked like doughnuts. Karin hummed in happiness when the buttery sugary treat hit her tongue.

Sasuke took his when Itachi handed it to him, taking a tentative bite, He normally didn't like sweets, but once more he found that this tasted divine and continued to scarf down the rest. Itachi bought him a few more when he asked for them.

Suigetsu bought one for himself too, and complained that it was too sugary. Itachi chuckled. He had a dangerous sweet tooth and frankly thought it wasn't sweet enough. He also really liked tasting that sugar off Sasuke's lips, but that was something he would keep to himself.

Itachi scanned the area around them, making sure to keep on alert as he set his hand over Sasuke's lower back and keeping him close. His eyes caught sight of what he was sure was Danzo, Homura, and Koharu working in one of the booths. They seemed to be struggling and had a few angry constumers already. They had to have gone somewhere, and it seemed they were forced to work now. Sasuke turned to ask Itachi something and noticed that he was looking off to the side intently. He followed his gaze and frowned when he spotted Danzo and his minions.

"We should avoid going that way," Sasuke said.

"Yes," Itachi agreed.

That was when Kurenai, Anko, and Yakumo joined them and started to rattle off what the best place to watch the fireworks was. They headed to that area as a group. The women huddled and giggled together, bringing Karin into their circle as they prepared to watch the fireworks. A large picnic blanket had been set up for them to sit comfortably.

Suigetsu kept back, simply watching that Karin remained happy and safe. Now that he wasn't crowding her or trying to talk to her, she seemed happier. It made him sigh with relief that she was still able to smile and enjoy herself.

Sasuke shivered lightly and Itachi pulled him closer to himself, pecking a kiss to his cheek. "Do you want another sweater?" he asked, rubbing his back gently.

Sasuke shook his head, "I'm fine," but even as he said that, he snuggled closer to Itachi. Itachi smiled at him, running his fingers through Sasuke's hair. The two of them turned their heads when the first pop of light hit the sky. The shimmering lights danced into the shape of a flower before it slowly fell and faded away. It was followed by two more colorful pops, bright, one large and one small. Three followed, and then two, all in a pattern littering the sky until there were several of them going off like shinning stars.

Sasuke found himself gazing at them with amazement.

Just as the last firework went off, snow started to fall, thin flakes of white that twinkled in the night sky and caused the people to gasp and murmur in joy. Even though it snowed in Sharingan, there were several days that had gone by that there had been no snow. The snow was usually no problem and was melted off paths, but this was the first snow after several days.

"They say that if it snows after the festival it means that you will be in love for the rest of your life!" A lady said off in the distance, she was pulling a guy along with her, her smiling face red from the cold. "You have to kiss me and make sure that you'll love me for always," The man was blushing a hard red, but still leaned in to kiss her. Several other people murmured about that, some even saying that she was making it up. Others were wishing that they had someone that they could share a kiss with and love forever.

Sasuke turned to Itachi, looking at him expectantly.

Itachi didn't really think that Sasuke would believe such a thing, but for him, he leaned in and dropped a kiss on his lips. Their group suddenly cheered for them, causing both to blush. They had realized a bit too late that they had been watching to see if Itachi would kiss Sasuke.

"We should call it a night," Kurenai said when more snow started to fall, "We don't want to get caught up in a snowstorm." All of them agreed with her and they packed up to leave. They met up with Juugo, Kimimaro, and Jin as they were walking towards the carriage.

"Did you two have a nice date?" Yakumo asked.

"Yes," Jin happily answered for both Juugo and Kimimaro who blushed.

"We had a nice date," Kimimaro agreed with a smile of his own.

"Has anyone seen Asuma?" Itachi asked when they were all ready to get going. Sasuke yawned, shivering lightly as the air just seemed to keep getting colder the later it got. Everyone shook their head, saying that they had not seen him. That was when Asuma rushed over to them, calling out apologies for being late. He knew that staying out too late was not good for either pregnant person.

"Alright, let's get going," Asuma called.

Everyone found themselves smiling and silently watching as the snow kept falling. Sasuke remained snuggled next to Itachi, shivering every now and then.

When they got home, Itachi made sure that Sasuke got a warm shower and dressed warmly. For once Sasuke was too tired to actually want to do anything else than actually cuddle and sleep. Itachi pulled out two more blankets as he settled into bed next to Sasuke.

"Did you have fun today?" he asked.

Sasuke grinned, "Yes, I get to keep your love with me forever," Sasuke murmured, nuzzling into Itachi's chest.

"I thought that we promised that when we got married." Itachi said, reaching to rub Sasuke's belly.

"Yes, but the snow Gods said that it was now even after death," Sasuke proclaimed.

Itachi chuckled at that. "I'm happy about that."

"Good."

With that Sasuke yawned and let sleep take over. Itachi stayed up a bit longer, his hand resting on Sasuke's belly as he felt his and their baby's energy. Strong and healthy, both his husband and child were doing just fine.


Before they knew it, the last month of the year was upon them.

The snow outside was thick and violent, leaving no room for anyone to go out. Not that anyone there had anywhere else that they wanted to be. Sasuke was in the living room, where the fire was set to high in the fireplace, and it kept him warm as he kept a blanket around himself while he read. He was softly reading a book to his belly.

Karin on the other hand was running Suigetsu ragged. She kept demanding things from him, now more comfortable in asking things of him. Suigetsu found himself running back and forth to do anything and everything that she asked.

"I think you are going to break him," Sasuke said as he flipped the page.

"Just keep reading to the babies Sasuke," Karin said.

"I'm reading to mine, not yours," Sasuke scowled at her.

"Well, it's nice enough that mine is listening as well," Karin grinned. Sasuke shook his head, and continued on. When the story was over Karin opened her eyes to look at him. "Did Itachi buy you that book?"

"He bought it for the baby, but yeah," Sasuke said, gently running his hands over his belly, and pulled the blanket closer, hiding within it.

"It was nice," Karin said and then added, "I've noticed that he has been working extra hard lately."

"We're anticipating for when I will give birth," Sasuke said softly, "He's just being cautious."

"Is he going to get you anything for Christmas?" Karin asked.

"I don't know," Sasuke said. Not that he really needed anything, when Itachi already gave him everything and more. "You're asking a lot of weird things, what's really on your mind?" Sasuke asked.

"Well, I guess I do feel a bit bad that I force Suigetsu to do things for me, I was thinking of getting him something," she reluctantly admitted.

"I think Suigetsu will be happy as long as you don't yell or cry," Sasuke only said this because he had heard Suigetsu say it himself.

"That's not enough,"

"Well, maybe when the weather gets better you could get him something."

"That'll be too late, you don't think it will stop snowing soon?" Karin asked, glancing out the window.

"It might, or it might not, I don't control it. But maybe you could make him something?" Sasuke offered.

"I'm already making this damn baby," Karin took a deep breath, "Sorry, yeah I could make him something nice." She muttered, looking off to the side. The last thing she wanted was to snap at Sasuke. He had already been nice enough to let her stay here with him and Itachi. She was more than grateful to Sasuke.

"Don't force yourself,"

"What are you giving Itachi?" Karin asked deciding not to argue with Sasuke.

"Me," Sasuke answered confidently.

"Really Sasuke," Karin looked at him with disappointment. "You should put more effort into getting him something nice after everything that he does for you."

Sasuke frowned, "What's wrong with giving him me?"

"He already has you," Karin huffed.

Sasuke sighed. "Fine, I don't know either."

Karin pouted, but got to thinking about what she could give to Suigetsu.


A few days later, when the weather was better, Sasuke and Karin went out to present hunt. Sasuke bought a few things for Itachi and their baby. Karin bought Suigetsu a sword that was said to be cursed when Sasuke mentioned that Suigetsu liked them. When they got back she kept bugging Sasuke about what he had gotten for Itachi.

Sasuke admitted that he got a standard present, some clothing, a necklace with a simple silver pedant, two frames, one that would be for when their baby was born and the other one to frame a sexy picture of Sasuke. "You're too obsessed with Itachi having you," Karin hissed.

"Hey you asked."

"Anyways," Karin rolled her eyes, "Here," she said.

Sasuke blinked, not having expecting a present from her. He opened it up to see a a beanie. "Thank you Karin, but I didn't get you anything," Sasuke said.

"You already did, you gave me a place for me and my baby to stay. I just got this as a way to say, Thank you," She smiled. Sasuke smiled as well.

"You didn't have to,"

"I know."


It was Christmas day, Itachi and Sasuke were sharing breakfast in bed and opening each other's presents. Itachi loved his presents of course. Sasuke had received a few clothes, and jewelry from Itachi, but sat in amazement when Itachi gave him a diamond switchblade. Sasuke launched himself at Itachi, thanking him for his gift.

"Wait, are you sure you liked mine?" Sasuke asked.

"Of course," Itachi said, "I have to ask though, when did you get your hands on the camara?" Itachi asked.

"Well you said you wanted to invest into the new technology and I wanted to try a few before we decided on what to invest on…" Sasuke blushed lightly. "That computer and printer thing you bought really do come in handy."

"I thought maybe a television would be something that you'd be more curious about," Itachi honestly said. It was what his staff was asking about anyways. The computer and printer were definitely nice.

"Eh, not that interested in that," Sasuke said.

"I don't blame you, I think the computer has a future," Itachi said, he was still admiring the image of his lovely husband. Sasuke pouted.

"Hey, I'm better than the image though right?" Sasuke demanded, suddenly feeling jealous of his picture.

"Yes," Itachi chuckled, and set the image aside to pull Sasuke close to him and kissed him. Sasuke made the mental note to get rid of the picture, he didn't want Itachi looking at anything or anyone but him.


Dear cousin,

No, I mean, hey bastard! How could you not write to me and tell me where you would be! I've been worried about you, you know. It was sad that this year we had to spend Christmas apart. I miss you dearly, even though you are a meanie!

Anyways, Karin let me know where to find you. I still have no idea how she even found you in the first place, mom said something about it being in a woman's nature to be able to track men down. I'm glad that she did!

I am writing to let you know that you should come to visit, or mom and dad are going to go down there. At least write them a letter or something. This is the only warning that you will get. I expect a reply as well! I want to know how you and Itachi are doing. Me and Kyuubi are doing awesome just so you know. We are soon planning to return to Nine Tails, let me just tell you mom and dad will be even more pressed to hear from you when that time comes.

Nakoru is also getting so big! You should see him now. He is starting to roll over on his own, Tsunade says that he will start crawling soon, but that it will still take some time. I can't wait for it. Kyuubi said he bet that he will be walking soon. Tsunade doesn't agree, but I don't really care as long as my son is happy.

But please write back bastard, I expect to hear from you.

Love your favorite, most best cousin, Naruto. Believe it!

Sasuke yawned, "Naruto says that they are all doing well," Sasuke said to Itachi who was going through a few documents. Itachi smiled.

"That's nice to hear. Are you going to write back to him?" Itachi asked.

"Yeah, the last thing I need is all of them coming down here before I've even given birth," Sasuke said as he reached for paper and a pen. "What am I supposed to say to them anyways?"

"Well, you could tell them that you conquered your own palace and took over, and now you have servants that you get to terrorize and do all your evil biddings," Itachi joked. Sasuke snorted, shaking his head.

"Not funny niisan," Sasuke tapped his pen over the paper and thought about what he wanted to say. "Dear idiot," he started.

"You could be nicer Sasuke," Itachi chuckled.

"I eat too much sugar and have been too nice lately, I need this," Sasuke huffed.

"You hear that baby, your papa thinks that he gives you too much sugar," Itachi said to Sasuke's belly.

Sasuke clicked his tongue, "Your daddy is about to get cut off from his sugar in take," Sasuke said to his belly. Both he and Itachi shared a glare with each other, before he sighed and scribbled out the word idiot and replaced it with cousin. "There, I'm being nice." He said. Itachi shook his head.

"You could have used another piece of paper"

"Shush, Itachi, I'm getting my creative side out here." Sasuke said, scribbling down a few words. "Besides that would be a waste of good paper," he added.

Itachi glanced over to see what he was writing, "Sasuke, you did not slay a dragon named Danzo, do you have to worry them so much to think we have dragons here?"

"It's an expression Itachi, I guess dragon is too nice, I should put slimy swamp monster instead." He scribbled out his whole last sentence and rewrote it with the proper description.

"Alright, I'll let you do as you please." Itachi said, going back to his documents.

Sasuke chuckled softly, his mind already finding what else he wanted to say. "And Itachi lets me get away with everything and anything that I want. He is the best husband ever." Sasuke said aloud as he wrote it down.

"Oh that is defiantly going to have them running down here to make sure that you are not getting out of control," Itachi shook his head in disbelief.

"You're right," Sasuke said, and then read aloud as he continued to write. "I am doing just fine. You don't need to come and check on us, Itachi and I will go visit you…eventually," He finished off the letter with a few nice words to his aunt and uncle, letting them know sincerely that he was doing well and that Itachi was taking care of him. He also let them know that Karin was here with him and that she will be having a baby and that they were taking care of her. He then signed off on the letter and placed it in an envelope. Sasuke had to ask Itachi to write down the address, seeing as he couldn't really understand the chicken scratch Naruto had scribbled in the front.

"Could we pack a few things for them?" Sasuke asked as he sealed the letter.

"What did you have in mind?" Itachi asked.

"Not much, a necklace for my aunt and one for Tsunade, and a watch for my uncle. For Naruto and Kyuubi I was thinking I can send them each a shirt or something and for Nakoru one of those marshmallow stuffed teddy bear that you got for our baby,"

"Alright, we can go out to purchase it and pack it up at the post office to have it be sent over," Itachi said.

Sasuke smiled, "Okay, let's do that early tomorrow. Right now I want lunch." Just as he said that his stomach grumbled almost as if agreeing with him. Sasuke smiled down at his belly when he felt his baby kick, gently caressing it.

"Alright, lunch it is." Itachi set away his documents, moving to help Sasuke stand up before he got up too fast.

With that, the end of the year had come, and gone, bringing with it the New Year.


I promise the story will get to the anticipated part next I just wanted them to have more moments together before the birth,,,lol

Yes, next chapter is the birth. :)