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Chapter 3: Alpha Unchained

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He's mine

Sasuke looked down upon Boruto, his student, appearing crestfallen and small just outside the gigantic doors to the Hokage's office. The thought played on Sasuke's mind. He needs to claim this boy as his. His. And his alone. For someone who have lost everything even his own brother by his own hands, the drive to hold on to what's his will always gnaw upon the alpha's mind. The fear of losing something just when he'll loosen his grip for one second is an all too real feeling that continues to claw at the back of his mind, eating through his very thoughts inviting the need to hold on to everything that he loves.

For this child is his and Naruto's. This child have been born out of that fateful night that he finally had his omega within his grasp, but was cruelly snatched away by fate, by a cruel universe that just wouldn't allow Sasuke to hold on to those that he loves. Now at long last, he finally have the means; the path have been opened as the universe that longed conspired against him dangled what he have longed for since childhood; and Sasuke shall take it without reservation, without remorse, without care, with no guilt. He have been waiting for far too long for this chance, to build what's rightfully his.

He have been starved of the affection that should have been his. He have been away from his omega, his omega who was pregnant, and who bore his child, the same child that's now standing before him.

Unlike Sakura and Sarada who were nothing more than a product of fleeting fancies, both Boruto and Naruto have and will always be the alpha's greatest wish; the family he always wanted; a family that he and his omega has created. And he won't let anyone stand in his way this time, not when the chance has opened up to him; not when his omega have finally submitted to him.

Looking down at Boruto's confused sharingan eyes triggered an indescribable giddiness from deep within Sasuke's chest, spreading across through him in waves that ripples. Just as he have claimed his omega. He must claim the product of their seed. Years of dancing around Naruto have all led to this moment, to this one rare chance and Sasuke will not waste it.

Nevertheless, although, he knows he have to exercise even more patience and restraint, there's no better time than now to stake his claim. He have waited all those years without telling Naruto, his omega, what he really felt and it all led to the omega slipping right through his fingers, beyond his grasp. Thus the time for waiting is long over. He have been away from his omega and their fruit for far too long that Sasuke honestly couldn't believe how he lasted this long. He will finally throw away his deepest regrets and pursue the chance that was given to him.

"Sasuke-san?" came the small and uncertain voice, it's so unlike the usually confident and headstrong one that his son possess. At that thought Sasuke paused. Yes. His son. His, and his omega's son. This boy is his. Mine, mine, mine! And he'll do everything in his power to finally hold the privilege of being this boy's father, something that have been cruelly ripped, robbed and stolen from him all those years.

Sasuke smiled warmly at his son. He can't believe that for all those years he actually have a son from his omega, and he can call him his. The alpha knows that he have to be gentler, in order not to scare his boy away, coaxing him slowly to come to his side. He knows he already commands a certain degree of respect from the boy, but he felt the need to go even further; to show that he, the alpha, can be the caring and nurturing father figure that his son really needs. Not a teacher, not a master, not a sensei. But a father.

"Naruto is tired right now Boruto. How about we give your poor dad a chance to rest?" Sasuke patted Boruto's head, the soft golden locks reminding him instantly of his omega; reminding him that this boy is definitely his and his omega's.

"But Sasuke-san…" Boruto almost whined, not understanding why he can't talk to his dad. And Sasuke can sympathize with that too. But considering the state he left his omega in, he also knows that having his son in that room, especially when his alpha pheromones are too thick in the air, is something that might upset the delicate preparation that he made to ensure that for once he'll get what he wanted.

He have spent far too long running already, of pining after a family that's beyond his reach. Sasuke must allow his omega all some space to stew in his own thoughts for a while, without anyone disturbing him; to wallow in the alpha's scent and all-encompassing pheromones. And so he needs to draw away Boruto for now. He needs Boruto to come to his side.

"Your touchan wishes to be left alone. You should get some rest."

Boruto contemplates for a while before he opens his mouth. "So you're really my parent, Sasuke-san? I'm really of Uchiha blood?" Questioning eyes meet Sasuke's resolute ones. And the alpha's smile grew wider after each question, his chest swelling with each question in pride and happiness. Boruto is his. And it fills the alpha with such pride to call this boy his own, even more so now that this boy is seriously considering him as his parent, his father.

"Yes Boruto. You're my son. Mine and Naruto." He saw his son's eyes widened, his breathing hitched for a bit before steadying as he tried to take in the revelation. "I'm sorry, Boruto. If I had only known earlier…"

"Then my mom…"

"Is not really your mom. You're mine and Naruto." Boruto drew in shaky breaths, everything he knew about his life is just a lie. He can't believe it. Have he been lied to all this time? Why? All his life he envied his sister for having activated her Byakugan at such an early age. So the real reason why he really can't activate the Byakugan was because he's not of Hyuuga blood?

"But why? Why aren't I told of this? Why did touchan have to hide it from me?

"I'm sure Naruto has his reasons Boruto. But one thing's for sure, your eyes tell me that you're mine. Don't you feel it Boruto? Why we're so much closer together? Why you want to spend more time with me than you want to with your mom? When have you even trained with your mom, Boruto?" Boruto seemed to mull over these facts. It's true, though. Most of what he learned about the Hyuuga's techniques were either from his Hanabi-neechan or grandfather and even times with them were awkward and doesn't really feel right for him, even as his grandfather tried so hard to be so close to him. He just feels like he doesn't belong.

It's very rare that Hinata have trained him, doting more on Himawari. Boruto have chalked it up to him being the eldest and Hima being the younger; it have been drilled into him after all to be a good older brother, to protect his sister. But his time with Sasuke-san is different. Sasuke-san wanted nothing more but for him to improve, to be a better shinobi. Their time together have always been warm, even more so than his time with his touchan and kaasan.

"What will I call you now?"

"You can still call me Sasuke-san, if you like. But I'd be happier if my own son will call me papa." Sasuke knelt down to meet his son at eye level, his hands gently resting on top of the young shinobi's shoulders.

"Listen Boruto. I know this is a lot to take in all at once. But will you give me a chance to be a father for you? All the time we spent together… I know there's a reason why we're drawn together. Will you give me that chance? I haven't known you growing up but…"

Boruto shook his head. In hindsight Sasuke-san have been more of a father to him than his stupid old man anyway. He can understand it now, it all makes sense now; how his adoration for Sasuke-san is beyond that of a teacher and a pupil. The time they spend together in training are more intimate than the time he spent at him with his mother or touchan.

"I guess… I guess I can understand it now."

"What do you mean?" Sasuke urged, curious as to what's on his son's mind.

"When we train together, I feel happier when you acknowledge my progress. I haven't really thought about it until now, to be honest." Sasuke stood up and held Boruto's hand.

"So you're okay with me being your father?"

A small smile tugged at the corner of Boruto's lips. "It explains a lot why I feel so much more comfortable around you Sasuke-san. Is it really okay to call you papa? What about Sarada?"

"Your touchan and I will handle that part Boruto. But for now, just go home and take some rest. I think it's best if you don't tell Hinata about what we learned today for now."

"Why?"

"Because your touchan will handle that part too. He will talk to your mother. But for now I trust you enough to be patient. Can you do that Boruto?"

"Yes papa. And how about touchan?" Boruto inquired, asking if they should leave his father in his office.

"Hokage-sama have something to take care of in his office. Cut him slack for me?"

"Okay."

"Good. Now let me walk you home."

"I can make it by myself papa." Sasuke raised an eyebrow. He know that the preteen is independent, less clingy than Sarada, at least. And he as the loving father will naturally give him that, the freedom and independence that Boruto wants. Antagonizing his child now won't serve his purposes.

"Of course, Boruto. Be careful on your way home."

"Tsk. I'm always careful."

"Of course you are. Now run along now. And don't forget the training schedule for tomorrow." The mention of training seemed to have put Boruto at ease, his eyes shining with delight, almost forgetting the startling revelation that have nearly upturned his life mere moments ago. He can finally understand it now just why he constantly seeks out Sasuke-san more, how he looks forward to every training, every chance to be closer to Sasuke-san. And he can't wait for tomorrow.

As Sasuke stared at the retreating back of his son, his eyes hardened once more. He have one more task to complete before he can finally start building his new family.

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"What are you saying Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke looked at the woman in front of him coldly. After seeing his son off, Sasuke went straight at home and greeted his daughter. After they have eaten their dinner and Sakura have just placed the last remaining dishes by the dish rack, Sasuke wasted no time in making his intentions known.

"I said I want a divorce Sakura."

Sakura couldn't believe it. She stared at the man sitting across her in utter disbelief, confusion written all over her face. She can't understand what went wrong. Wasn't she a devoted wife to him? She who dutifully waits for him alone while he fulfills his shinobi duties beyond the confines of the village walls? She who have been patient and accepted even the most minimum signs of affection from him? Wasn't he understanding? Isn't she a patient and subservient wife to him?

"I don't understand Sasuke-kun. Why?" Her eyes searched for answers as they settled on the man's face, that face that never failed to captivates her even in their academy days.

"I never said I love you didn't I? Surely, you want to divorce me, too, right? You don't love me Sakura. It's time for you to realize that."

Sakura's eyes widened as her eyes met Sasuke's sharingan red which glowed a bit brighter for a second before returning to its usual shade of deep crimson. The man had his fingers interlaced as he rested his elbow on the dining table, his face more serious than usual as he looked up to her.

Then suddenly it hit her. The man is definitely serious. Of course, how can she be so stupid? Sasuke is rarely home. He never showed her any real affections aside from the head pokes and occasional friendly hugs. The only real time they had sex was when they had Sarada. And even that didn't feel anything special. It was not a particularly exciting time. Sasuke didn't take the time to be slow and to pleasure her. He was gone the moment they were finished.

In fact, she wonders why she's even in love with the man. Sure she have spent long years pining after him, since their childhood days but slowly, it dawned upon her that she never really know Sasuke. She never really connected with him on a more meaningful level even when they were gennin. In fact, she have given up on him long before Naruto had and a deep part of her have come to a realization that maybe what she had was just nothing but childhood infatuation.

She only agreed to the man's marriage proposal simply because of a childish dream. When Sasuke proposed there was no romantic declaration of love, there was no tender moments between them. In fact, it was a purely business transaction of two people signing a contract that binds them to each other. There was no grand wedding like Naruto and Hinata or her other friends; nor massive celebrations that marked the most anticipated milestone in any woman's life.

Yes, she can see that now. Sasuke have never been home for long anyway. And in the long nights that she spent up pining over him, she have never really been thinking about the man's well-being, nor have she thought about whether or not he can come to pay her a visit.

Sakura have long accepted that what they have was simply platonic. And yet, why did she even agree to marry this man in the first place anyway? They rarely have dates, and even in their genin days the man was more annoyed with her than anything. There is no emotional attraction nor bond that pulled her towards him.

Even after they're married, they never really did anything special, like any other couples would. They don't hold hands in public; they don't kiss and hug and even celebrate their anniversaries. In fact, Sakura haven't even received a single letter or message from him during his travels away from the village.

When Sasuke took off to investigate the enigma that is Kaguya and her plans, his absence really held no impact on her. She did not lament his leaving nor regret not kissing and holding him for longer and it all makes sense.

Indeed, she didn't love the man before him. So what? Not all marriages are meant to last anyway. Sasuke is the only man who showed a slightest brief of interest in her and it had been pretty clear right from the start that their relationship was just there to bear him a suitable Uchiha heir.

The more that Sakura thought about it, the more that divorce sounds like a an appealing next step and here, Sasuke is offering it to her freely, her way out without a fuzz. After all why should she stay with a man who don't love her and she doesn't love back? She shouldn't have subjected themselves into this boring, unromantic relationship that they have.

In fact, she'd even go as far as to concluding that there's no relationship. There's no courtship that led to them being boyfriends and girlfriends. Sasuke just showed up one day asking her to marry her. There was not flowers or grand romantic gestures like the fairy tales she dreamed of nor the heart-melting proposal that she read about in books.

And she only agreed because they have been teammates, she is more comfortable with a man that she knew right from the get go. But maybe it's time for Sakura to follow her heart for once. Maybe it's time she listens to what her heart truly says. This relationship is loveless, hopeless. They don't love each other so why stay?

It was purely contractual. She is there to provide him an heir and she have finished this obligation to this man. She can finally be free. She can finally begin living for herself again, rather than helping fulfill this man's dreams of reviving his clan. Sakura contemplated for a bit and could never even recall a single "I love you" from this man."

And when she thought about she doesn't love him either. He tried to kill her before, this man abandoned the village. She can't believe she once tried to betrayed the Hidden Leaf for his sake as well. She have been living under Sasuke's shadow for far too long.

It's time for Sakura to find her true self, to liberate herself from this oppressive marriage that offers no real relief to the dull aching in her chest and the longing in her soul; a loveless relationship that does not excite, have never satisfied. She can no longer allow herself to be stuck in this passionless life, this drab, banal existence of being constantly left behind.

She have suffered under this marriage for long enough. It is time for her to think about her own liberation, her freedom; and pursue her own happiness. Find a man that truly loves her and someone whom she can love, she can feel excited about.

Taking a deep breath, she smiled at the man before her.

"You're right Sasuke-kun I don't love you. I once liked you, but now that I think about I don't love you like that. It's for the best that we go our separate ways."

Sakura took a seat before the man and met his midnight black eyes, her eyes resolute and full of fire. It's time for Sakura to think about Sakura, not about Sasuke and his dreams.

"Let's get divorced Sasuke-kun. You're more like a brother to me anyway. I don't even know why I let you talk me into this marriage."

Sakura stood up and made her way upstairs without waiting for the man's response. It didn't occur to her why the man had his sharingan in its mangekyo form before but this decision just feels so right. She never feels so free in her life.

Sasuke's lips curled into a satisfied smirk as he looked at his wife's retreating back. He won't be able to use this technique for ten more years, but it was definitely worth it. Anything for his beloved omega.

Soon, very soon, Sasuke will have Naruto in his grasp once more and he's never letting go again. It's his omega's turn to unchain himself and come to Sasuke. His fingers tightened against each other in anticipation.

Hurry up Naruto and divorce Hinata so we can finally be together.

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A/N: That's a wrap. Tell me what you don't like about it or what you like about it. Until next time. By the way I have come across a SasuNaru fanfic by OddlyEnded in ffnet called A Place to Call Home. It definitely deserves more love than it have. Just a recommendation if you want something else to read as well.