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Chapter 14: Tense Meetings

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"Papa!"

"Dad!"

Naruto smiled widely as his sons greeted him at the door. He had been trying to collect his temper while Sasuke fetched his sons from his tiny home. He remotely dispelled his clones as soon as Sasuke left for his sons, not wanting a repeat of the scuffle that nearly led to the total annihilation of the Uchiha compound.

His sons hugged his leg as they arrived excitedly, and in response, his tails protectively curled around them.

He gave an appreciative look towards Sasuke who returned the look with a soft smile as he too protectively followed behind the two boys.

"Papa!" Sarada's voice came from the inside as she greeted her father. Sasuke gave her a soft head poke before Sarada took a peek at the court yard. Did Naruto-san did all that? She wondered. And briefly, a deep admiration started to plant itself in her chest.

She knew that the rumors about the village's Jinchuuriki were not overrated. It had been whispered across her peers how one man have single-handedly stopped a war between Amegakure and Konohagakure by simply delving straight into the nest of the Akatsuki, the current council that ruled the elusive village.

At that time, the Akatsuki have been fast gaining fame for their exploits, being seen as some sort of organization for justice, reforming rogue ninja into instruments and weapons to protect the weak and vulnerable. So when the Akatsuki decided to declare war upon Konoha, it had been a demoralizing time for the village.

The Akatsuki reasoned how Konoha's caste system is an oppressive affront to their grand mission of world peace and justice. Sarada thought it odd how Naruto-san was able to stop them then, but she'll figure it out for later.

For now, she decided that she's lucky to have both her papa and Naruto-san standing within the Uchiha grounds. And when she saw just what Naruto-san is capable, she resolved to be just as powerful as he is. Maybe she'll gain her father's approval once she does.

"Ano… Naruto-san!" Sarada looked up at Naruto, who promptly looked at her with a kind and warm expression. "Welcome to the Uchiha residence!" Naruto, who always had a soft spot for children patted her head.

"I'm glad you're doing alright Sarada! You were very brave back then. I still haven't thank you for rescuing me that day." Naruto's praise earned a blush from the Uchiha's only girl.

"You're too kind Naruto-san. I didn't really do anything." Sarada looked down, but Naruto chuckled and gave her a reassuring look.

"Don't say that. The fact that you came is enough. You're a brave girl, Sarada. Don't you underestimate yourself."

Sarada smiled and nodded enthusiastically. Sasuke meanwhile looked on, a strange warmth spreading from his chest as he observed the interaction as his children were together under his omega's loving gaze.

"Oh Sasuke-kun! We're back! Sarada and I were-" Naruto stiffened at the voice, but quickly recovered himself as Sakura entered the room only to pause when she saw Naruto, an untold threatening look in her eyes directed at Naruto as if silently asking, "What happened to your promise?"

"I didn't expect you to be here Naruto. Quite a riot you've brought upon our humble peaceful home." Sakura looked at the omega coldly, who shrank under her gaze.

Sasuke was about to say something when Itachi coughed.

"Haruno-san, Naruto-kun and his family are guest for tonight. Now come, father and mother's waiting at the dining room. I'm sure we're all hungry."

Sakura dropped her stare and proceeded to enter the reception room for the Uchiha, looking on in envy as Sasuke ignored her and guided his omega, to his seat, in between them he carefully sat his sons Menma and Boruto. Sasuke then sat himself beside his son Menma; to his right, at the center of the long table sat the Uchiha patriarch himself, Fugaku. Beside Naruto, Itachi quietly took his seat just beside the Uchiha matriarch Mikoto at the far center while Sakura and Sarada sat on the other side of the long table, with that side looking strangely empty. Mikoto held a warm welcoming smile to Naruto and his children.

"Welcome Naruto-kun! It's been so long since we heard about you. And you were so kind to finally let me meet my grandchildren. Aren't they so precious! Menma-kun, Boruto-kun, you look so much like your dad!" Mikoto exclaimed as she gawked at her grandchildren.

Menma returned her smile while Boruto shyly cowered at Naruto's arms whose tails curled reassuringly around them.

"Thank you for having us, Mikoto-san, Fugaku-san." Naruto began, not wanting to be rude.

"Nonsense! Call me mother, dear. You feel so stiff. Isn't he, anata?" Mikoto turned to her husband who have been studying Naruto silently. The Uchiha patriarch said nothing as he eyed the omega cautiously, before he finally spoke.

"It would have been much more reassuring have it been under different circumstances Naruto-kun. That was quite a display back then. Do you mind giving us an explanation perhaps?" Naruto stiffened, aware that Fugaku was referring to his violent entrance in the Uchiha residence.

The scrutinizing gaze invited a wave of memories within Naruto, and he looked down uncomfortably as a memory of rasengan meeting chidori in front of amazed Boruto and Menma came to him that made him facepalm internally. His clone have been one of the main reason why he charged in guns blazing into the Uchiha compound after all and he was still feeling guilty at the destruction he wrought.

Sometimes, he regrets making his clones so independent. There are a lot of times where this can come in handy, letting him perform missions that would not be possible alone but there are also times where his clones can be too arrogant and will accept right about any challenge thrown at them. Naruto accepted this flaw and this is why when doing missions, he always sent in three man teams of clones as opposed to a singular clone, just so they can balance each other.

Naruto was so used to his clone summoning backup whenever there's trouble that he didn't really know why the clone he left to babysit Menma and Boruto didn't summon more clones. Naruto accepted that maybe this particular clone was just too arrogant and overconfident than usual, spurred by the safe feeling of being within the village's walls. Still, he can't help but feel guilty at the damage he caused and the unnecessary and avoidable chain of events that have ensued had he only left more than one clone.

"Oh hush dear. Naruto-kun's a guest here, I won't have an interrogation on my dinner table." Mikoto interrupted.

"Ahh just as I thought things can get any livelier. Kaasan. Tousan." Shisui entered the room to greet the matriarch and patriarch, a warm smile on his face as he looked at Itachi warmly who nodded back. "Itachi." Shisui isn't exactly part of their family, but he have been very close to Itachi and Sasuke since their childhood days and is considered a part of their inner circle. He considers Fugaku and Mikoto as parental figures and have taken to calling both as mom and dad. As if on cue, Sasuke's face brightened as he saw the older male sauntered through the room.

"Ahh Sasuke. Have you been doing alright?"

"Shisui-san!" Sasuke glared as Shisui leaned his elbow on Naruto's shoulder. "And this must be the elusive Naruto-kun. You were so strong back there. Sasuke's so lucky to have an omega like you." Sasuke glared as he nudged at Shisui's arm.

"As much as I'm happy to see you Shisui-san, but could you let go of him please!"

"Oh don't be like that Sasuke." Shisui rested his other elbow on Sasuke's shoulder, a playful smile on his face as the younger male scowled at him; but Sasuke's displeasure was merely half-hearted, obviously pleased to see the man who have been such a big part of his childhood. "If I didn't know any better, I'd take you as my own, Naruto-kun." Naruto at this point have a faint blush from the attention, not expecting the older Uchiha to be so forward.

"You know Sasuke wouldn't like that Shisui. How about you take a seat." Itachi faced Shisui and pointed to an empty chair opposite him.

"Tch. As stiff as ever. You need to lighten up Itachi! It's a family dinner after all. Don't worry Naruto-kun, I'm an omega like you, it wouldn't have worked out between us anyway." He playfully winked causing Naruto's blush to deepen before he followed Itachi's offer and went to his seat.

Sakura watched the interaction with envious eyes, not liking the attention that Naruto's receiving from the three Uchiha males.

"We thought you were gone Shisui-san." Sasuke looked at the man intently, but the older male just waved his untold query. "Well I'm here now. And what did I tell you before Sasuke?"

"Don't talk business at the dinner table." Shisui chuckled as he started grabbing his food. "That's right. Now let's eat up. I'm starving."

"As nice as that sentiment sounds, I do like to talk business at the dinner table." Fugaku began, his tone icy, but most importantly, his eyes were directed to Sasuke, who quickly realized what his father is getting at.

"Someone didn't consult the family before approving a very important change. And forgive me if I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request NOT to discuss business at the dinner table, Shisui."Fugaku stiffly said as Shisui sighed and ate in silence. The Uchiha patriarch looked on seriously at Sasuke, who have been busy giving Naruto, Boruto and Menma their food.

"There's no need to sugar-coat it father. I know what you're getting at." Sasuke turned to his father. "But my decision will stand." Sasuke's eyes returned his father's look, his eyes filled with resolve and certainty.

"Listen here, Sasuke."

"No you listen!" Sasuke promptly stood up as he slammed his hands at the table, surprising everyone at the table as he looked at his father. "All my life you disapproved of what I do. We all know just how wrong the caste system is. Not everyone was in favor of it in the first place! Shisui-san is an omega, and he's one of the most powerful Uchiha I have the pleasure of meeting. We have excluded so many strong and powerful fighters from service just because they're born omega, don't you think it's wrong? Don't you think it's strange? I'm sure you've seen what MY omega is capable of. In fact, I'm taking him as my personal guard because no one in this family can measure up to his strength and power. And I won't let you deny him or Shisui-san, or any other omega the opportunity to serve this village anymore. This prejudice ends now. It is not only meaningless, but it limited the Uchiha's power for years, and all because you listened to some shoddy Science all those years ago. Well I'm the Hokage now, and I won't stand for it anymore. I won't back down on this father."

Itachi and Shisui looked on at their little brother with pride. Both Uchiha have always doted on Sasuke since his youth and they're proud to see the timid and spoiled boy grow up with the guts and courage to defy their father. Itachi and Shisui have always disagreed with the way that Fugaku is leading the Uchiha, and even when Itachi was leading the village as Hokage, he had to gain their father's approval with every policy.

"You forget your place, boy." Fugaku retorted, as his eyes met with Sasuke's.

But Sasuke remained defiant, his mouth slowly curled upwards in a confident smirk.

"No father. I don't think so. I'm the Hokage. That's my place. Wasn't it you who placed me there? Perhaps it's you who forget just where I am."

Itachi, looked on, even more amused, he had never expected Sasuke to be this defiant but even more importantly, he was proud that his little brother have done what he could not- stand up to their father. So just this once, Itachi decided that he'll back Sasuke up.

"I believe Sasuke's correct, Father. I am totally in agreement. That system is long past its prime." It was Shisui's turn to be surprised. Itachi have never went against his father's wishes before. Even when they both plotted to end the coup, Itachi has somehow convinced Shisui not to interfere.

"Not you too, Itachi." Fugaku deflated in his seat as his eyes met the disapproving look of his wife, although she's more annoyed that her lovely dinner is being ruined with the issues of politics than anything.

"How about we'll talk about this after we have eaten okay?" Shisui suggested. Seeing that most of the family was against him, Fugaku finally relented. He sighed and eased back into his seat.

"Fine. It's rude to have a guest and argue like this anyway."

Mikoto seemed to have brightened up as she heard this and soon, the atmosphere of the dinner have turned a bit lighter. The conversation has shifted to the kids and the family, and soon, it's as if the confrontation never took place as the Uchiha family was formally introduced to the Uzumaki family.

Through it all, one was silent, feeling ignored and dejected as she looked on the entire proceedings with jealous green eyes.

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Naruto and Sasuke were out in the courtyard after excusing themselves after the tense family discussion, well it's more like Sasuke excusing himself from the discussion and ushering his omega outside. And aside from the momentary confrontation with his father, the meal have been satisfying.

Naruto was more docile than usual, however, still ashamed at the chaos he caused earlier. The omega was unaware how the alpha was slowly closing the distance between them as they gazed up at the moonlight that bathed the Uchiha compound in its ethereal glow.

Naruto's eyes were fixed on the attendants fixing up the main courtyard which looked as if a tornado has just went through it. Although to allay his guilt, he sent a few clones to help, much to the astonishment of the Uchiha members who found their presence incredibly useful. For every one of Naruto's clone, their strength is equivalent to five men. One was even carrying a wooden pillar beam by himself, all the while dragging a fallen tree behind him, a feat that would have required at least three or even four men to accomplish.

"Rough night, eh?"

Sasuke broke the ice as he leaned his head on his omega's shoulders. Naruto surprisingly, didn't protest this, his eyes more fixed on Boruto, Menma and Sarada on the distant as they interacted with some of the Shin Uchiha clones. It looked as if they're training weirdly enough, under the supervision of Shisui.

"Naruto?"

Naruto was briefly shaken out of his reverie as he turned to the alpha beside him. Strangely enough, he leaned into the other male's touch, and his tail drew them closer together.

"That was scary."

Sasuke chuckled. "Well, you were more scary than my father, Naruto."

Naruto looked downward, obviously still feeling the degree of guilt at the hell fire he unleashed upon the Uchiha compound.

"Hey… dobe…Naruto" Sasuke's voice turned softer as he snaked one arm around his omega's waist. "You've got nothing to feel guilty about, love."

"I'm sorry Sasuke. I sure did complicate your life huh?" Naruto's voice was small, his ears flat against his head as he turned to his alpha. "I don't want to come between you and your family. Even the village-" Naruto's voice trailed as his voice shook.

Sasuke finally understood why the omega have been so silent since dinner time. With fire in his eyes, Sasuke pulled Naruto towards him and looked at his face lovingly.

"You have nothing to be sorry about Naruto. If anything, it's me who should be sorry. I wasn't there for you all those years ago. If anything, it's ME who complicated your life. I shouldn't have left you alone. I shouldn't have waited too long to stand up to my father." Sasuke caught Naruto's hands and placed it under his shirt, over his heart; inviting a blush on the omega's face as he felt Sasuke's firm and sturdy pecs.

"This heart beats for you alone and you alone. No one else will stand in the way this time. And I'll face whomever dares come between you and me. The village, the family, everyone else comes second to you. Is that clear?"

"It's just that, I never wanted to be a burden Sasuke. I…"

Sasuke drew the omega into a tight hug before releasing him. "You are not a burden Naruto. Whatever weight you carry is mine to carry. Your hate, your love, your problems, lean them unto me. I am your alpha. And I will shoulder everything if it means I get to have you beside me. Let loose everything unto me. Give all to me and I will accept it without question. You are my other half, the missing piece to my heart, the other side of my soul. Please don't shut me out this time." Sasuke smiled at him this time. The alpha gave no time for the omega to protest, he boldly drew their lips closer, before finally, he leaned into the omega for a searing hot kiss that caused Naruto's eyes to widened, before closing as hot tears leaked from them.

The way that his alpha is tenderly holding him right now and the alpha's words combined with the emotional strain that he have been carrying for the day and throughout the years all assaulted Naruto at once, and he sobbed into the kiss, overwhelmed by it all. He's no longer resisting, finally letting it all out, spurred by his alpha's confession.

"You are MINE Naruto. Please tell me I'm yours as well." Naruto drew one shaky breath before finally finding the courage, the courage to let go of the hate within his heart; the courage to embrace what he feels for his alpha; the courage to face tomorrow and let go of the past.

"Yes Sasuke, You're MINE and always has been. My heart has always been yours right from the start."

Happy with his omega's confession, Sasuke held his omega under the moonlit sky and whispered loving words into his ears.

But more importantly, three words ring louder than anything.

"Thank you, Naruto."

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Itachi smiled as he heard his brother and his mate finally reconcile. He was on his way to help Shisui with the kids when he heard a rather intimate conversation between his little brother and his omega. Curiosity got the better of him and he listened in behind the thin walls that separated him from the two and what he heard warmed his heart.

Well done little brother. I'm proud of you.

Itachi finally joined in with Shisui and the kids. The Uchiha family just got a little bit bigger.

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It was not just Itachi who have witnessed this tender moment however. Under the cover of darkness, angry, jealous eyes watched as the two lovers held each other, illuminated under the moonlight above that cast the two in an almost ethereal and magical light.

Her hands were balled into tight fists. One thought keeps running in her mind.

How could you betray me like this Naruto?

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AN: That actually took a bit longer to write. This is the first time I had to write to many characters in one scene so I hope it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. As always, feel free to tell me what you like or don't like about it. Thank you for reading and thank you so much for all your encouragement and support as I write this fanfic.