SHOUT OUT TIME! Thanks to those who took the time to review!

Flo - thanks for the apology, but it wasn't you that was leaving rude comments! Someone else, who doesn't have the courage to leave a name after their comment, was pretty certain that this obviously wasn't the fic for them! But Flo, many thanks for your kind words, and I am pleased to see you are enjoying the fic!

KillerOrca - howdy there reader! Pleased that you are dropping in and leaving a note, to tell me how this fic makes your feels come out! thanks much!

KitsuneJen - never one to disappoint! You have always been in my corner! Bless ya!

Guest - don't be shy, leave a name and I'll be able to single you out with my kudos :) But thanks for reading!

So on with the show eh and welcome to Tuesday! Enjoy this chapter!

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The invading light coming through his eyelids was the first thing Sasuke clearly noticed. 'Who the fuck opened the drapes,' he thought with a growl on his lips and whimpered as pain shot through his head when he tried to move. He then remained still while his consciousness slowly came into focus, the pain subsiding slightly and Sasuke then recalled what had been happening. Hazy memories surfaced. He recalled being in an unknown place, there were flowers, and pain. But his omega, soothed him the best he could through the painful darkness he had lingered in.

'That day, the news, the charities, and…and…' Moments in time flickered through his mind. His anger when finding out about the money, the charities and Neji's wrath. The rest of his memories were darkened, but the emotions were still lingering and Sasuke's omega whined out from within him and released a soothing feeling through him. He recalled becoming so angry that he confronted Neji head on, letting him know exactly how Sasuke felt about him. The blows that he received from the alpha was the last thing he recalled. Sasuke didn't need to guess what happened next when Neji unleashed his anger on Sasuke that day.

Still not knowing where he was, Sasuke kept his eyes closed and allowed all the scents around him to fill his nose after noticing he could breathe without the hindrance of the bandages. A warm thick scent filled him that his omega seemed to enjoy - since it began to purr loudly when Sasuke noticed it. The scent filled his very being with feelings of security, warmth, and protection. It felt familiar somehow, but Sasuke couldn't put his finger on it. Though the one scent was not hostile, Sasuke was still on edge not knowing where he was.

Another scent soon caught his attention, 'flowers' he thought. Fresh, vibrant and calming like the garden back at his mansion.

A whisper of someone moving about the room had Sasuke's heart rate quicken and he remained still, trying to calm his nerves so he could listen and reach out for a scent. His omega did not appear to panic when he picked it up, so Sasuke took that as a good sign.

The person in the room walked heavy and slow, and Sasuke could hear the person approaching closer to his bed. Though his omega wasn't worried, Sasuke's heart was still pounding in fear at the unknown presence.

The sounds of someone sitting, pages of a book being flipped, then a long breath was released before the person cleared his throat.

"Now where did we leave off, ah yes, page 74," the deep voice resonated smoothly through Sasuke's ears, immediately calming him. He now recognized the voice and the scent of the alpha. 'Naruto?' Sasuke continued to feign sleep while the alpha began to quietly speak. 'Wha-what is he doing?' Sasuke was now curious as to why Naruto was reading something and to who? Was it meant to be for him? Did he know that the book he was reading was one of his favourites?

What Sasuke hadn't expected was how the alpha's deep voice and soft scent would immediately lull him. As the alpha continued to read, Sasuke found he couldn't focus on what the words were, but the heaviness of his consciousness couldn't be beat and Sasuke didn't want to fight it. He allowed the thick sea of the alpha's voice and scent to envelope him into a warm embrace unlike any he'd felt before and soon he was drifting back off to sleep again.

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Sasuke woke again later, noticing the coolness that surrounded him. He can tell it was night, call it instincts or something, he just knew. His consciousness came to him a little quicker this time, he knew he was still in the place that was unknown, but his heart didn't jump to sudden fear as it had the last time. His omega was still content, releasing a soothing emotion to ease his awakening. While he slowly woke, Sasuke suddenly smelt a familiar scent. A scent that was familiar and kind and Sasuke whimpered through the aching pain in his body to open his eyes.

"Master." The voice was soft, a bear whisper but Sasuke knew it all too well. He could feel the familiar bite of pain behind his eyes and a lump in his throat began to form. He turned his head slightly towards the voice.

"Ino…" he called out is a raspy whisper.

A warm soft pair of hands grasped his own hand, and Sasuke could hear her crying.

"Oh master, you're awake," she whispered out in a choked cry. "I was so—so worried," she hiccuped.

Sasuke could feel her fingers stroking his hand now. "Shh shh," she hushed. "Don't cry master, you're safe." She reached with her fingers and gently brushed away the lone tear that fell from Sasuke's eye.

He could barely make out the young beta's form, the liquid forming in his eyes causing a watery screen. But the lump in his throat choked him and he felt a sob escape his lips while Ino, dear sweet Ino, her warm fingers traced his cheeks smoothing away the tears that fell. He tried his best to form words, but his throat felt like it was on fire.

"Shh, don't try to talk yet. Here, have some water." She said quickly, grabbing a cup and bending the straw to Sasuke's lips. "Drink slowly now, you've been asleep for a long time."

Her voice was soothing, her scent felt safe and familiar, and Sasuke stayed where he was, taking small sips, relishing in the comfort she offered while relaxing in the utmost trust he had for the beta woman. The pair don't say anything for some time and Sasuke doesn't care. He was feeling warm and safe in the beta's presence, and secretly wished it would all stay just like this forever before he was pulled back into the darkness of sleep again.

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Sasuke woke to the sun breaching through his eyelids, but the pain in his muscles and head was much less than it was before. The scents in the room were now more familiar to him. Ino, the unfamiliar room, flowers and Naruto.

Sasuke still didn't know where he was, but he wasn't stupid. Naruto must have brought him somewhere, since his strong heady scent was always around him. His omega was also always content and purring when he woke, feeling like he was wrapped up like a cocoon in Naruto's welcoming and protective scent.

He cracked his eyes open, and yes, it was morning this time, the sun having barely risen for the day and there was nobody with him. Allowing his eyes to focus, he slowly moved his eyes around the room, following the ceiling and the walls. He dared to move his neck, and was pleased to find that the pain was minimal and manageable.

Taking the risk, he adjusts his arms, his legs and lastly his shoulders, all to find that the discomfort was less than it had been. Dragging his fingers up the front of his chest, he found some tightly wound bandages covering his ribs. He continued to move his hands up and gently dragged his fingers around his face and frowned. There were bandages around the top of his head and scabs along with some swelling still around his eyes and lips, and he had to wonder how dreadful he really looked.

The door opened quietly and Sasuke could see Ino coming in, a stack of towels in her hand. Her eyes were wide open and she beamed a comforting smile when she saw Sasuke watching her. Placing the towels down on a table, she quickly came to his side, grasping his hand gently in hers, her soft smile and eyes putting Sasuke at ease. She helped him sit up and went to get him some breakfast. When she returned, she sat beside him and helped Sasuke eat.

As he ate, she spoke to him in a hushed tone, "Uzumaki-sama brought you here," she started, knowing Sasuke wouldn't know where he was or if it was safe. "It's one of his family's summer homes."

"How do you know this?" Sasuke asked after a sip of soup.

Ino let out a long sigh, leaning back against her chair. "I just know, and if you could just trust me and not ask?" She raised her brows in a silent plea.

Sasuke nodded and looked away. He knew that knowing too much of things could cause trouble, for anyone, no matter where you stood in the hierarchy of things.

"What happened?" Sasuke gently asked instead, rubbing his temple. "I–I don't remember much other than…Neji, and the scandal on the news…" he drifted off, looking at nothing.

Ino explained slowly and gently the events. How Naruto's men were just outside Neji's place when they heard the commotion. How Sasuke was in serious medical distress and that he needed immediate medical attention or else he might not have made it.

Ino shed a few tears at this confession and Sasuke had to console her for a bit.

She went on to talk about Neji being arrested, being placed under house arrest until the trial started and the situation being a huge scandal in the political field, but definitely not the first time a political figure had tried to scam the public or a charity. She went on to tell him about how the families involved had been trying to keep the embarrassment out of the spotlight, but that the media had been having a field day digging up more and more scandalous information that had all once upon a time been hidden in the shadows.

Sasuke kept quiet during the information exchange, slowly nibbling at the various soft foods that Ino had brought to him. He didn't ask any questions throughout her explanation, just took in the information and tried to process it all. Silently he worried about the charities he was in charge of. 'Would he be blamed? Would he have to stand trial? Surely the media would have a field day with the knowledge that an omega was in charge. Would Neji try to place all the blame on him? What would happen if…'

"Privacy please."

A new voice broke through the room and Ino quickly stood up and bowed to the visitor. She did not say anything more, instead grabbing the empty dishes. She gave Sasuke a warm smile before she quickly and quietly was on her way out the door.

Sasuke glanced at the newcomer, not recognizing her but her scent screamed powerful alpha, but somehow at the same time had a soothing scent to it as well. Sasuke's omega did not quiver inwardly at the new alpha and Sasuke trusted his omega that this person was safe.

"Well little one, it's nice to see you awake," the busty golden blond woman spoke. Her voice was etched with authority. She was wearing a white doctor's coat and held a clipboard in her hand that she was reading quickly from before looking up at him again. "I'm going to be doing an exam to see how you're healing, okay?" The woman asked Sasuke, her voice was calm and soft, but authoritative in a way that asked him for permission but also told him that it would happen either way. Preferring to avoid further harm, Sasuke nodded his head.

"My name is Tsunade." she said gently as she sat by him and began to lightly touch him, making further small talk about herself while slowly making her way around Sasuke's head, neck, arms, torso and finally legs. She would often ask Sasuke if this or that was okay, hurt or not, how does this feel, etc. in between everything else while Sasuke quietly answered everything as asked.

"I need to examine your sexual areas, okay Sasuke-kun," she said when she finished examining his visible injuries.

Sasuke's eyes instantly widened and his fingers unconsciously grasped the blanket on the bed, holding it tightly in place.

Tsunade's eyes softened as did the features on her face. "I'm a doctor Sasuke-kun, I have a strong suspicion of what has been happening between you and your intended partner and I'd like to make sure you are okay."

Sasuke's face heated up and he dropped his head to hide his face, knowing he was blushing.

"No need to feel ashamed Sasuke-kun. You are the victim here. It's your right to feel healthy and safe," Tsunade spoke softly to him, waiting for Sasuke to respond if and when he was ready.

Sasuke's hands trembled slightly as he released the blanket, nodding his head and lying down on the bed, looking away from the alpha in shame.

Tsunade could feel the waves of fear emanating off the omega and her heart went out to the other. She hated how omega's were treated even this day in age and in her line of work she had treated dozens, if not hundreds, of injured omega's that were the victims of alpha abuse. Both physically and mentally. Doing what she could, she released a calming scent before setting to work on Sasuke.

Sasuke was surprised to find it was over within a matter of minutes before Tsunade began to speak.

"You're healing nicely, but I want you to ensure that you engage in zero sexual activity until I give it the final okay with another examination in a month. Can you do that for me, Sasuke-kun?" Tsunade spoke with her face turned away from the overly embarrassed omega, putting away items in her bag. "And do you remember what happened?"

Tsunade sat on the far end of the bed when she was done, placing her hand on Sasuke's foot gently that was tucked beneath the blankets. She watched as the small omega fingered at the seam on the blanket, waiting to see if he would talk.

"If you like, I'll tell you what I know from my end, from a doctor's perspective?" she offered softly. She was pleased when Sasuke gave a slight nod but still not meeting her eyes. She let out a soft sigh and crossed her arms. "You were found unconscious, having received several blows to your body. There was damage to your head, which worried me that you may have some serious trauma and damage internally to your brain, but thankfully it was minor. Your nose was broken, but healed quickly. Several of your ribs cracked, one was broken that was putting pressure on your lung. That's why you have severe bruises around your torso. Thankfully your broken rib did not puncture any major organs, but the cracked ribs need time to heal so there will be no running marathons or heavy lifting weights for the next month at least." She gave a small chuckle, trying to get a positive reaction out of the omega or at least have him to relax more around her. "You received internal bleeding, which thankfully, we were able to get under control thanks to Gaara-kun who acted swiftly and brought you straight to me."

Sasuke raised his eyes then. "Gaara?" he asked in barely a whisper.

"A very old and long time friend of Naruto's. You may have seen him. Teal green eyes, flaming red hair, impressive alpha that can scare the shit out of almost everyone and everything he looks at or comes into contact with," she snorted.

Sasuke did remember. The intimidating aura that came from the redheaded alpha that came out of Neji's office. 'So he wasn't on Neji's payroll at all…' Somehow knowing that made Sasuke feel a little better.

"You're sexual areas, I can see that you have recieved several injuries to the area, both recent and…. not." She tilted her head at him, as if expecting the omega to speak. He did not, of course and Tsunade continued. "I've healed you to the best of my ability in the two weeks you've been resting here.. After your examination today, I deem you to be about halfway to being physically healed to the point that I'd be happy with," she informed. 'Metally though, that's a different story,' she hummed to herself. "And that is my professional diagnosis of your physical status."

Sasuke remained silent but appeared slightly more relaxed than when they had started.

"Did you want to hear my personal opinion?" She asked softly and when Sasuke just shrugged, still not looking at her, she chewed her bottom lip for a moment in thought. "What I saw was a criminal act done by a bull headed, spoiled, immature, whining and weak alpha with a superiority complex. And let's not forget trying to find unhealthy ways to make himself feel bigger, because obviously he's wanting to compensate for something." Tsunade snorted at this, expressing her annoyance.

Sasuke flinched at this comment before really letting himself allow the words to sink into his subconscious. His lip twitched slightly into a smile in the corner and Tsunade noticed, be it subtly.

"Well, that's my two opinions." She lifted herself off the bed. "I can assure you that my brat of a grandson often feels the same way I do in that regard."

Sasuke now lifted his head, raising his eyes at the golden eyed alpha. 'Grandson?'

She winked at the omega. "Now don't let him scare you, inside he's a big old softy and a spoiled brat, but even more than that, he spoils and protects those that he loves." She laughed.

"Not fair talking about me when I'm not here to defend myself," a smooth low-pitched alpha voice floated into the room.

Sasuke clicked his head to see Naruto entering through the door. He wore a grin that Sasuke swore brightened up the whole room, causing him to squint. When those blue orbs looked at him, the tenderness that radiated from them had fluttering feelings going through Sasuke's stomach. He couldn't stop the heat rising in his cheeks and he quickly turned to look away. He could feel his omega pouncing about in his mind excitedly.

"Stop scaring my patient brat," Tsunade barked out, but there was no sting in her voice. She grabbed her bag and moved towards the blond alpha. Naruto stopped before her when she poked a manicured nail into his chest.

"Ow baachan," Naruto whined, feigning pain as he rubbed at the spot on his chest.

"Oh knock it off brat," she barked out again but then ruffled his hair playfully. Naruto chuckled deeply at the affection. "I'm done here. Don't forget to call your mom with an update. Dinner next week too before I fly out. And I expect my favourite from you for dinner!" she called out while walking away, her heels clicking softly on the floor. "Remember what I said Sasuke-kun, see you in a month. Or get brat here to call me if you feel anything off." She didn't look back while closing the door behind her.

Naruto gave a sheepish grin while rubbing at the back of his neck, looking embarrassed at the interaction that just occured. Sasuke compared the look to that of a child being caught with his hand in a cookie jar, which was far from the previous interactions he had with the strong and impressive alpha.

Naruto then moved to stand straight, his eyes not leaving the omega that laid upon the bed, sitting up and awake. The bruises and swelling had gone down considerably and the bandages around the raven's head had been removed. The smooth brushed marble skin that Sasuke had was beginning to glow again, like the moon when it was full and Naruto felt his alpha begin to vibrate with excitement from a single glance. The blond could see the light dusting of red on one of Sasuke's cheeks, and he knew that the omega was blushing once more. 'Cute' he thought.

"May I come sit beside you?" Naruto asked politely to the other.

Sasuke froze. Being asked for consent was not something he was used to, not anymore…

The alpha stood where he was while he waited for the omega's response. He cupped his fingers around an object in his hands and rocked on his heels. He could sense the omega's uncertainty of the situation, and he breathed out a mental sigh of relief when Sasuke gave a small but encouraging nod.

Naruto sat elegantly in the chair that was near the head of the bed, adjusting himself to get comfy. The omega didn't watch him as he did so, the dark coal eyes were focused instead on the bed spread covering him, his fingers brushing and picking at imaginary pieces of fluff. Sasuke's omega purred with delight at the large alpha near him and Sasuke himself could feel the fluttering in his chest again just from the blond alpha's presence.

"Umm, while you were sleeping…" Naruto started. "I've been reading to you, and umm—" Naruto lifted the book up in front of his face, showing Sasuke the title. He didn't know if Sasuke looked but he hoped so. "Umm, it's not the first one I've read to you, but this one's called A Brief History of Japan and it, umm…" Naruto's hands quivered slightly, "this book covers more than 1500 years of Japanese history with clarity, simplicity, and has no shortage of passion." Naruto then dropped the book to his lap and was grinning, loudly.

Sasuke looked over and just stared into that smile, his lips parted slightly and then his eyes glanced down to the book in Naruto's lap. Focusing intensely, he surveyed the book's cover, then glanced back up to the grinning alpha. "You certainly are good at reading the back glossary, now tell me what it's really about," he snorted, with a hint of mirth.

Naruto inwardly danced at the retort from the omega. 'There's that smart wit I met some time ago,' he thought. He grinned a goofy smile and scratched the back of his head again. "Ah, well, I know you like this kinda stuff, so I thought you might like to read it? But—of course, you're the expert on this stuff, so I hope this isn't something you have read already? Or you know, you don't have to keep it—"

"You always ramble this much?" Sasuke couldn't help himself. He suddenly blushed again and turned his face, horrified that his mouth wouldn't shut up in the presence of this alpha.

Naruto chuckled. "Well, only when I'm around you, it would seem." He waggled his brows at the blushing omega. His alpha purred loudly as the omega near him began to respond positively to the alpha's playful advances. "I'll continue reading if you like?"

Sasuke couldn't help but smile shyly and nod his head.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Naruto held out his arm, balancing Sasuke as he took steps around the room. It had been a week since Sasuke had fully woken up and Naruto hadn't missed a single day in coming to see the raven haired omega. Everyday Naruto brought fresh flowers, read from a book he brought with him and after some coaxing, even brought some books that Sasuke himself requested.

"Do you feel strong enough to go for a walk out of the room today? The gardens are in full bloom and I think you may like them," Naruto asked gently while the two walked over to the window.

"Is that where you get the flowers from everyday?" Sasuke asked, glancing at the fresh flowers by his bed.

"Mhm, we have several different gardens growing all kinds of flowers.. But I don't want to push you, so we'll only go if you feel up to it. I don't want you to overstrain yourself too much while you're still healing."

"I'm not some weak princess, you know!" Sasuke retorted with a pout, turning slightly away from the alpha as he tried to hide how pleased he was that someone was caring enough to take his well-being into account.

Naruto grinned at the small pout the omega doned, even though he could no longer see the others' face.

Over the past week since Sasuke had woken up, the pair had spent as much time together as Naruto's job would permit. In that time Naruto had read to the raven as he laid in bed or ate his meals, receiving a small smile here and there that would send his heart soaring and make him feel like a highschooler all over again every time it happened. They'd get into small debates about history and culture, and each time it happened the alpha would get a brief glimpse at the brilliant, witty and curiously rugged demur of the omega that drew him in to begin with.

With each conversation they had and the more time they spent together, the more the omega let his guard down around the alpha. He was slowly coming out of his shell and acting like how Naruto thought he should. Even knowing his work status and what he did behind closed doors, Sasuke would sometimes playfully banter with him or shut down any sort of flirting the alpha threw his way. Somehow it was this sort of thing that only made the blond alpha want him more.

Naruto soon found himself obsessed with finding out how the real Sasuke acted. He wanted to see how fierce he could become, but also loved seeing how easy he was to blush at a simple compliment or teasing. He wanted to know the omega's secret passions and aspirations in life. He wanted to watch as he came out of his shell and learnt to trust again, even if it was just him. But most of all, Naruto wanted to know if Sasuke wanted him too.

It wasn't easy to get past Sasuke's hard shell, showing the omega that the alpha was trustworthy, but Naruto felt it was absolutely worth it.

Looking down at the omega slightly turned away from him, a devilish smile appeared on his face, "If you get tired at any time, I can and am more than willing to carry you if you so desired me to," Naruto teased, wrapping his arms more securely around the lilith raven omega's waist. A smack on his arm was the answer he received, it had Naruto's rich laughter echo throughout the small room.

Some time later, the pair were sitting on a concrete bench, situated near a small fountain in the middle of the massive garden, giving Sasuke some time to rest. The birds were singing all around them, the bubbling of the small fountain adding to the serene ambiance to the atmosphere and the gentle scent of many varieties of flowers filled the air.

Naruto glanced several times to his side, watching as the raven basked in the sun, its beams highlighting the omega's fine skin, making it almost glow like he was otherworldly.

"Stop staring," Sasuke huffed, sounding annoyed while crossing his arms. Naruto knew better though than to believe that he was really upset that he was being watched.

"Your hair has the most beautiful highlights in the sun, I can't help it," Naruto purred out. Seeing a small tremor that was quickly masked, the alpha scooted a little closer to the omega. "Are you warm enough?"

"Hn," Sasuke hummed and continued to stare out across the vast area of colourful flowers. He didn't move when he felt the alpha shift closer to him. Instead he allowed the omega within him to enjoy the presence of the blond alpha, who had steadily provided Sasuke with the kindness, generosity and patience he'd always desired. Not to mention the ongoing aura of fierce protection, warmth and near absolute devotion he felt from the alpha whenever he was around. His omega was incredibly satisfied with the continuous affection he received from the alpha and Sasuke was beginning to wonder if this was what it felt like to be with an intended mate that actually cared. Naruto had not done a thing to make Sasuke feel uncomfortable while he healed, and now – maybe now was the time he could —

"How–" he started but bit his lip to stop himself, not wanting to be rejected if he continued.

Naruto leaned forward slightly to look at Sasuke's face, who wouldn't look at him, instead the raven cast his eyes downwards, his fingers grasping at the fabric on his pants, turning his knuckles white. The omega looked as if he was struggling to say something. "Sas–" Naruto whispered, not wanting to touch the omega without his permission. "You don't have to say anything you're not ready to yet, okay?" The alpha purred, allowing a comforting scent to circle around them, and was pleased to feel when the omega responded positively. Sasuke nodded his head weakly after a moment and nothing more was said.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Sasuke pulled out the newspaper that Ino had brought him at his request. Though he hadn't seen or heard the news since that fateful day, he shuddered slightly at the memory and possibilities of what was going on, but he felt he was ready to satisfy his curiosity on what may have been transpiring in his absence.

He felt some guilt, like he had abandoned the charities he was in charge of, though Naruto offered comforting encouragement, informing him that they were being looked after by reliable organisations, ensuring that they didn't suffer from the financial crisis at the hand of the Hyuuga alpha.

Opening the paper, he flipped to the business section and quickly reviewed the news articles there, skimming through each article until he found what he was looking for. His eyes followed his finger as it traced each line across the newspaper, taking in every word printed on its pages.

'With the financial records of each company in question being confiscated and reviewed by an independent party, officials have brought more names forward that authorities will be bringing in for questioning. The Hyuuga heir has given an official statement yesterday that it was in fact his fiancé, the youngest Uchiha heir, that was directly in charge of the financial responsibilities for the handful of charities that Hyuuga's company supported.'

Without reading any further, Sasuke crumpled the paper tightly within his fists and hurled it across the room. 'Of course his fiancé would point the fingers and cameras at him. Anything to save his cowardly ass,' he growled to himself. He would need to come out sooner rather than later and give his own statement on the work he was doing, and—and what would his father say? There was no way his father hadn't been keeping up with all the financial reports, business news, and other company scandals flowing around the media.

Sasuke could already imagine the frown and sheer disappointment on his father's face directed at him. Would his father listen to his side of the story or would he stand behind Neji, an alpha like himself and continue to support the merger of their companies? And what's more, had his father even noticed Sasuke's sudden disappearance? Did his family even question his cowardly fiancé about Sasuke's hand in this scandal?

Taking several deep breaths, he disciplined himself to start thinking smartly. He was an educated omega, from a well known, old blood family and was proud to be the Uchiha he was. He would do the honourable thing, step into the media's light and ensure that his name and family name wasn't dragged through the mud. He would show Neji just who he was dealing with. Closing his eyes briefly he started to plan. He would need to contact his father first to see what he knew.

When Ino returned later, Sasuke asked her about getting him a phone. No doubt his own phone was still either at the Hyuuga summer house or Neji had confiscated it if he hadn't already destroyed it. Thankfully Ino had her own phone with her and handed it to Sasuke with a warm smile. He graciously returned a small smile of his own and she left the room to give Sasuke some privacy.

Naruto walked down the hallway of his summer home, his hands in his pockets, and humming a nameless tune. He saw Ino making her way towards him and he nodded his greeting with a smile. "How is he feeling this morning?" he cooed and stopped to talk to the platinum haired beta.

Ino's expression instantly went guarded and that concerned Naruto greatly, it appeared she was considering her next words carefully before she spoke. She eventually settled on a sad frown, her fingers nervously twitching where they were clasped in front of her and she was no longer able to look Naruto directly in the eyes.

"Ino…" Naruto pressured softly, raising a brow.

Ino gnawed her bottom lip briefly before looking up, her pupils focusing on the alpha before her. "Master read the paper and—and with everything that's been going on, he wanted to use a phone." She pinched her lips together then looked to the floor.

Naruto placed a hand on Ino's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "He isn't a prisoner here Ino." He gave her a soft smile.

"B-but with the situations, the c-charities, Hyuuga-sama, I–I…." Ino shook her head as she tried to find the words.

"Thank you for being such a good and kind friend to him, Ino. I appreciate it as I am sure he does as well," Naruto's voice rumbled low and smooth. "I'll see him and let you know if he needs anything immediately." When Ino nodded her head and wiped a single tear from her eye, he gave her one more squeeze on the shoulder and continued down the hallway.

Naruto knocked on the heavy wooden door before turning the knob. "Sasuke? It's me. Are you —" He stopped in the doorway, noticing the raven haired omega slipping into a jacket by the bed. The omega looked determined, his expression was tight, lips in a frown and Naruto swore he could see Sasuke's nostrils flaring slightly. "Is something wrong?" Naruto asked while clicking the door closed quietly behind him. He took several steps towards Sasuke but did not get too close, not wanting to spook the omega.

Sasuke finished slipping the jacket over his shoulders. "I need to go," he said, running his fingers down the collar of his jacket, his eyes not meeting the alpha.

"Go? But you're still healing—and baachan still needs too… there is no rush, I can–" Naruto belittled himself as the words he was trying to say wouldn't come out smoothly. The alpha was suddenly in a panic at the thought of the omega trying to leave.

"I thank you for all you have done Naruto, but—I need to get back, and–and…" Sasuke's voice trailed off, looking away from the blond alpha.

Naruto stepped closer to the omega, his fingers reaching out, his alpha feeling the apprehension rising from the omega, but stopped when Sasuke visibly flinched away. Pulling back his hand, Naruto willed his inner alpha back to its confinement, forcing it to calm down. "Is there something I can–"

"It's fine!" Sasuke snapped. "I am thankful Uzumaki-sama," Sasuke hissed out but saw the sudden flash of hurt in Naruto's eyes from the honorific. "But, but I need to get back to my responsibilities, that is–what's expected of me." He then looked up to meet the alpha eye to eye, seeing the concern etched on the alpha's face. Clenching his teeth, he held out Ino's phone to the other.

Naruto flicked his eyes down to the outstretched hand, furrowing his eyebrows for a moment. He then quickly grasped at the phone but grabbed Sasuke's hand at the same time, giving him a tug so the omega was pulled into his chest. Naruto wrapped his arms around the omega and dipped his nose into Sasuke's neck. "Stay," was all he whispered into Sasuke's skin.

Sasuke's body went rigid. He could feel the alpha tremble slightly as he held him and Sasuke didn't know what to say to the softly whispered plea. His omega purred with excitement as the alpha held him close, closer than they have been in the whole time they've spent together. It felt nice, safe, but–he was an engaged omega to another. The morals of the situation mentally slapped him in the face, his father's recent words rising to the forefront of his mind.

'You will honour your role as an Uchiha…'

Sasuke slipped his hands up to Naruto's chest, and gently pushed the alpha away. Stepping back, he took a breath and shook his head when he knew those crystal blue eyes were looking down on him. "Thank you, again, but…"

Naruto watched the omega struggle with his emotions, the slight trembling in his form and he thought about what could have had the omega's behaviour suddenly become so guarded all over again. They had come so far in these last couple of weeks. The layers of thick walls slowly were being peeled away, the omega becoming brighter and brighter with each passing day. And now —

Taking a deep breath, Naruto willed himself to calm down and think logically. "Let me help you." His statement was definitive though inviting. Naruto didn't want to come off as controlling towards the omega. The strong omega had already been through enough. "You deserve the best Sas, don't let anyone ever tell you differently." Not wanting to push the omega through any more emotional trauma, Naruto quickly added, "let me at least take you where you need to go." Sasuke gave him a suspicious look while Naruto just gave him a smile in return. "I want to ensure you make it to where you need to go, safely, honestly!" He held his palms up in innocence before grasping at Sasuke's hands gently. His inner alpha purred when the omega didn't pull his hands from the alpha's grasp. "Please accept such a humble request since you want to leave?"

Sasuke held his eyes at the soft pleading blue eyes. His mind was a flurry of emotions as a result of the alpha's pleading behaviour. The emotions that flooded him were pleasant but confusing, having never been faced with an alpha that screamed power and intimidation, but appeared so delicate and compassionate, maybe even weak. His omega was practically rolling about like a cat on catnip, he trusted his instincts and nodded his head to the passionate request.

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Next chapter up Fri Oct 21, 2022