Yawn... My schedule has changed at work, so my mind and body are trying to adjust...yawn.

Welcome to Friday and the next installment!

Thanks to those who continue to leave me a note telling me how much they have been enjoying the show!

*Remember the tags people, there is some heavy suggestive abuse happening in this chapter*

I figured there is a lot of you going wtf, to all right lets go, type of responses. heh

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Sasuke stood within his bedroom, peeking out the window at the vast yard outside. He could see the reporters hovered around the large iron gates, cameras at the ready, hoping to get a comment or picture from anyone that was inside.

When Naruto's limo pulled up to the Hyuuga mansion, he was thankful that the windows were darkly tinted, so the reporters couldn't see its occupants. He had quickly turned down the alpha's request to come into the home with him, but took the alpha's card with his personal phone number. He'd quickly slipped the small card into the bottom of his small jewellery box located in his closet, tucked high up and away from view. At this point, he didn't know if he would ever contact the blond alpha, his morals coming in full force and reminding him that he was betrothed to another and had a duty to uphold.

Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief when he found his cell phone, battery dead of course, on the bedside table. The alpha hadn't destroyed it as he feared. Plugging it in to get a charge, he decided to have a shower, change and then look into his projects to see what he could decipher from what had happened.

Sasuke stepped out of the bathroom after his shower, feeling more refreshed only to be slammed with an overwhelming, thick and intimidating scent that he was all too familiar with. Neji—

The alpha rose quickly from the edge of the bed, his eyes narrowed and his fangs bared in a growl. Sasuke stepped back, his omega riddled with fear at the sudden hostility emitting from the alpha. Neji grabbed Sasuke's neck, his other hand squeezing Sasuke's arm and pushed him back towards the wall.

"How dare you!" Neji spat out when he shoved Sasuke's body into the wall, causing the omega to whimper out from the blow.

Sasuke struggled to stand on his toes while the alpha continued to squeeze his neck tighter and attempted to lift his body up the wall. He wheezed in air, his mind beginning to panic at the sudden assault.

"You dare go slutting yourself out while everything is going to shit! You think you're all high and mighty, so you can just fucking leave? Did you have a good time, hm? While I was sitting here cleaning up this fucking mess!?" Neji roared and slammed Sasuke's head against the wall with each sentence.

Sasuke couldn't help but whimper out in desperation as he clawed at the alpha's hand, trying to get Neji to release his throat. He found himself on the floor, coughing out frantically, breathing heavily, when Neji had thrown him to the floor.

"Now get the fuck up and get dressed," Neji spat out and kicked Sasuke in the stomach. "You have a fucking statement to make to the press. Your father has sent one over for you to recite." Neji hissed through gritted teeth as he stormed out of the room, ensuring to slam the door behind him, making the walls rattle.

Sasuke laid on the floor, his body shaking uncontrollably from the sudden assault. This wasn't supposed to happen! Weak! Pathetic! He couldn't stop the sudden onslaught of tears that escaped his eyes. He really was trapped.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Naruto's eyes narrowed watching the news report on his laptop. It had been a few days since he dropped Sasuke off at the Hyuuga manor. Sasuke was scheduled for a news conference, giving his official statement regarding the scandal. His fingers twisted a pen about while waiting for the press conference to begin.

Sasuke appeared on the screen, dressed in a simple yet smart attire. Black slacks, simple white button up shirt, black suit jacket and tie. His hair was styled perfectly, but his bangs were lowered over his eyes when he stepped up to the podium. The slight breeze pushed his bangs across his forehead, the sun gleamed off his skin and Naruto could see that some colour had filled in the areas. 'At least it looks like he's on the path to recovery,' Naruto thought to himself. The alpha within pawed at his mentality, wanting to scoop the omega up that was seen upon the screen, wanting to pull the raven haired man into a protective den made only for them.

'Ladies and gentlemen, members of the press,' Sasuke began. His voice was cold, straight forward and professional.

'In light of the recent events that have been brought forward…'

'...indeed, I was the lead…'

'...will be following through with an audit to determine and provide the necessary evidence needed…'

Naruto listened intently, not missing any of the words nor the way the speech was delivered. When Sasuke was done, Neji had stepped up behind him and snaked a hand around the omega's waist, pulling the omega into his side harshly. Naruto could see the way Sasuke stiffened up from the gesture, Neji's possessive behaviour was obvious as he guided Sasuke away from the podium. The reporters shouted out questions, but the moderator informed the members that there would be no questions. Snarling to himself, he slammed the laptop closed when the conference was wrapped up.

"Something happen?" Gaara called out. He had just stepped into the room when Naruto slammed the laptop closed with a snarl.

"Fucking assholes." Naruto ran a hand through his hair and leaned back in his chair. The alpha's aura screamed with frustration throughout the room.

Gaara raised a brow in question.

"Sasuke just practically confessed to being in lead with the financial scandal on the fucking news," Naruto huffed out.

"That can create some difficulties," Gaara responded, smacking his lips together to make a tsking noise.

"Fucking Hyuuga," Naruto huffed out. "And what about the Uchiha's, what are they doing letting Sasuke do—" he waved his hands about. "This!" He slapped his hands on his face and dragged down his cheeks.

Gaara watched his long-time friend become frustrated. The blond was definitely agitated from the current situations that had developed, and Gaara had to admit, he'dd never seen this type of possessive behaviour in Naruto before and he was certain that the raven haired omega was the culprit.

Naruto quickly stood up, grabbing his cell phone and shoving it in his pocket. "Let's go, I need to arrange a meeting." He stepped around his desk and tilted his head towards the door, inviting his red haired friend along.

Gaara smirked at his friend, having a good idea what Naruto was planning. He tailed after the blond alpha, because he really didn't want to miss this.

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"Good job today darling," Neji purred out. He ran his fingers along Sasuke's thigh in the back of the car. "Soon this pesky little situation will be behind us, and we can move on with the ceremony details." Neji squeezed Sasuke's thigh tightly.

Sasuke continued to look out the car window, watching the scene go by. He felt nauseous and dizzy, after the whirlwind of a news conference. The whole thing was nothing but a mess of political mumbo jumbo to give the voters the impression that what was transpiring was really an elaborate mistake, with the omega to blame. It was always easier to blame the omega, considering society looked down their noses already at the weaker sex. It didn't help that his own father had handed Sasuke on a silver platter to the reporters, providing them with a fork and knife to devour him.

"Put together what you have planned for the ceremony so I can go over it with you. It is after all, your day, and I want to ensure nothing but the best for you," Neji purred out. "You want to look your best on our day hmm? I wouldn't doubt that our marriage will be the highlight of the year in the society pages." Neji kept stroking his fingers over Sasuke's thigh. "Your father has informed me to spare no expense!"

Sasuke snorted. His father's words still stung in his ears from the conversation while he was still at Naruto's.

'Sasuke? Where have you been? What has happened?.'

Fugaku's voice was stern and authoritative as ever through the phone.

'I–I've been—'

'No matter. I'm aware of the situation that has been going on with the Hyuuga.'

Sasuke's breath hitched at the words. Did his father know how Neji had been treating him? Would his father demand he come home, drop the Hyuuga agreement, did his father actually —

'Neji-kun mentioned you were quite ill.' There was a hint of concern in his voice.

Of course Neji would come up with an illness to explain Sasuke's absence. Sasuke felt a lump in his throat forming, a flood of emotions rising up, his omega practically crying out for the elder alpha. He wanted to tell his father — needed to tell someone— 'Tochan I—'

'I have prepared a statement for you and scheduled a press conference where you will address this. This little incident can be dismissed provided you continue your role as the responsible fiancé of the Hyuuga.'

Sasuke's heart sank.

'Fear not Sasuke, situations like these are not uncommon in the financial world and can be rectified with the proper evidence and statements to the public. I will ensure that this does not interrupt your engagement to the Hyuuga. Remember who you are Sasuke.'

'But tochan—this—I ca—" Sasuke's lips couldn't form the words he wanted to say.

'You will honour your role as an Uchiha.'

Sasuke bit the inside of his cheek. His father didn't give two shits about him, only the family name, family honour and money. He was alone in this, and had responsibilities to uphold as an Uchiha and being the perfect fiancé. He tightened his fists on his lap, keeping his eyes on the scenery that rolled by, holding back the tears that threatened to fall.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Sasuke found himself buried in his safe space. Behind piles of books, tucked into a corner at the massive library, reviewing various times in history, in his favourite books. It had been about a week since the press conference, Neji was still under observation at the home and Sasuke, feeling suppressed in the mansion, managed to slip out of the home to his favourite place. Because of his omega status, the media wasn't too interested in watching his every move, he was grateful for that. He still took caution when leaving though, having the driver manoeuvre through different turns and streets to ensure they weren't being followed. He took a deep breath, enjoying the comforting smells of the old worn pages and leather that hung in the air.

A movement beside him had Sasuke's heart practically push up into his throat. He pivoted quickly out of the chair, preparing himself for an attack or worse till the scent of the other hit him. The omega inside him purred loudly at the beaming smile that was presented to him.

"Tea?" the rich tone of the blond alpha flowed through Sasuke's ears like silk.

"U-Uzumaki-sama," Sasuke whispered through clenched teeth.

The blond had two travel mugs in his hand, the second of which he held out towards Sasuke. The heavenly rich scent floating up into his nostrils. Earl grey, his favourite….

"Thought you could use it. You like this flavour, ne?" The blonde held out the cup invitingly towards the omega, the smile not moving from his lips.

Sasuke just stared at the cup, not knowing what to do next. 'Stop being such an idiot,' he scolded himself. He moved his fingers towards the cup, grasping it carefully, his fingertips brushing the alpha's as he went. A sudden zing of excitement that vibrated through his arm and his omega purred even louder in his ears. "Umm…thank you, Uzumaki-sama," Sasuke managed to sputter out while taking the cup, hands retreating to his chest.

Naruto leaned back in his chair, still smiling, his blue eyes sparkling in the sunbeams that were breaching the library through the massive windows. He took a swig from his own travel mug, Sasuke watched the impressive adam's apple move up and down the alpha's thick neck, thoughts of other such things he'd noticed circling in his head.

Feeling the heat rise in his cheeks, Sasuke quickly looked down at the cup between his hands, his fingers fidgeting slightly with the warmth the cup provided. Neither said anything for a few moments. "Ah, what brings you here?" Sasuke finally spoke.

"Was in the neighbourhood. I recalled that you like it here, thought I would see if you were around today," Naruto responded. He scratched at this cheek slightly before leaning against the large wooden table, propping his head on his hand. "Seen ya there," he pointed to the table Sasuke had previously occupied, "thought you could use a drink and tah dah, here I am!" His arms flew out in a flamboyant manner before a 'SSHHH' warning was heard from the elderly librarian a few metres away. Naruto immediately shrank, his face twisting into an embarrassed manner at being scolded and Sasuke couldn't help but snort a laugh to himself at the sight. "Sorry, sorry," Naruto whispered to the elderly woman who only just scowled at him before turning back to her work. The blue eyed alpha gave a goofy grin to Sasuke.

"Hn," responded Sasuke, a fluttering started up again in his chest at the kind gesture of the alpha. He quickly took a sip of the hot liquid to hide behind the cup, hoping that his face was only warm because of the tea.

"So…what cha reading today?" Naruto whispered, leaning in closer to Sasuke, his eyes looking down at the large open book.

Sasuke absentmindedly inhaled the warm scent of the alpha, feeling immediately safe and protected, his omega radiating with excitement. "Well, this is…."

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Since that day, the pair met at the library several times a week. Naruto would often bring Sasuke a tea, or specialty coffee, sometimes even a bittersweet snack. He'd always be curious about what Sasuke was reading or researching that day. Sasuke had finally succumbed to texting Naruto, to let him know when he was going to be at the library. Only because Naruto had let it slip that he dropped by more often than none to 'just see if you were there'.

"And why would you want to do that?" Sasuke asked Naruto one morning while they were at the library, tucked away in the back corner, curious and slightly suspicious that the alpha was looking for him.

"It's what friends do, ne? Check in on each other. Visit. Go out for coffee." Naruto had shrugged with that carefree explanation of his, but he still had that ridiculously handsome smile on his face.

"Hn…I guess," Sasuke twiddled his fingers. He was at a loss of what to say. Honestly, he hadn't ever had a friend where they could just hang out. His way of life was always filled with education, lessons, appointments and business meetings.

Sasuke stood in his bedroom getting ready to go out to the library again and he could feel himself smiling as his fingers moved across the phone, sending a text off to Naruto letting him know he was leaving shortly.

Sasuke had found himself enjoying and looking forward to the playful banter between them, the blond being such a whiner when Sasuke would challenge him on whatever came up. Their texting interaction had become a daily occurrence, right up to when Naruto would wish him goodnight. His omega had been content at the continuous interaction and Sasuke admitted to himself that yes, he agreed with his omega.

"What has you smiling so much?"

Neji's voice had Sasuke's head snap up, his hands suddenly pulling the phone behind him to hide it. Neji raised a brow at the omega.

"What are you hiding back there?" Neji's voice was suspicious, taking a few strides towards Sasuke.

Sasuke's omega released a submissive scent suddenly, an instinctive habit when faced with a fearful situation. Neji's nostrils flared at the scent, the alpha releasing a pleased hum. "You startled me. I'm just texting — Itachi."

Neji smirked and crossed his arms. "And what does my future brother-in-law have to say? Bragging about his bastard little precious baby alpha?"

"DON'T CALL HIM THAT!" Sasuke spat out. Neji always belittled Itachi, and now it was his mate and cub. It infuriated Sasuke when the alpha would get all high and mighty, thinking he was more than Itachi.

Neji flicked his hand and rolled his eyes towards the snarling omega. "Oh whatever. As long as he stays on his side of the fence, I don't really care."

Sasuke snapped his lips tight. This attitude was not the norm of the Hyuuga, especially when Sasuke snapped back at him. He braced himself when the long haired alpha stepped before him and rubbed the back of his fingers down Sasuke's cheek. The alpha's eyes were hooded and Sasuke could see his pupils were largely dilated and almost bloodshot.

'I don't smell alcohol, what has he been taking?' Sasuke quickly trembled, the fear rising quickly. The alpha started releasing a thick pheromone scent along with a deep rumbling in his chest. The message was loud and clear, the alpha wanted the omega. Sasuke had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from gagging at the suffocating scent.

"Perhaps it's time for us to start our own little pack?" Neji's hand dropped to the front of Sasuke's abdomen. "Stop taking your suppressants sooner than later and I could fill you up with my cubs, over and over," Neji purred while his hand circled Sasuke's flat stomach. "Show your aniki just how strong and superior our cubs will be?" Neji licked at Sasuke's lips suggestively while his other hand cupped the back of Sasuke's neck. "We should get started…" Neji yanked Sasuke's lips and body to his own while pushing Sasuke back to the bed.

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Naruto sat at the library table with two cups set before him. The tapping of his short nails was continuous and he glanced at his phone for the hundredth time. He reread the messages from Sasuke over and over, to ensure that he didn't misread the content. The messages were the same, but what had the alpha unsettled was the three little dots that continuously rolled, indicating the sender was writing a message. But that message never came, and those three little dots continued to mock him, as if telling him there was a secret they would never tell.

Perhaps Sasuke didn't realise that he hit a letter key in the chat and then put his phone to sleep? Hell, Naruto knew that he did that all too often, only to hear about it hours later from his parents or Gaara. Naruto shook his head. No, even if Sasuke did that, he would still be here and Naruto would tease him about it.

Glancing at the time again, he noticed an hour had passed, slowly he got up and left the library, leaving the cups behind.

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Sasuke desperately clawed at the crumpled up sheets on the bed, trying to pull himself away. His omega flooded his mind with the need to—escape

"Nuh uh, not going to happen, my omega," the growl from the alpha roared out. Neji grabbed Sasuke's ankle, yanking him back towards him then grabbing a fistful of his hair. "I'm so not done yet. Don't you want my seed? We need pups, lots and lots of pups, I need to breed you full, don't you want that my darling omega?" Neji's voice was laced with heavy lust and panting heavily while he leaned his body over Sasuke's, pinning him to the bed.

"N-no, I'm tired, I need—need to—" Sasuke whispered out. The alpha had already taken him roughly, over and over. 'How is he able to continue going?' he cried to himself. Normally Neji would do his business and pass out, giving Sasuke relief. But this afternoon, he was different…

A punch to his head was the response to his plea. Sasuke immediately fell limp, succumbing to the alpha.

"You're mine," the alpha snarled. "And I want to see you fat with my pups!" Neji bit onto Sasuke's shoulder.

"AH!" Sasuke cried out at the painful bite. His hands immediately went to his neck, covering the area out of instinct.

"Maybe it's time for my mark, omega," Neji whispered into Sasuke's ear, licking at his lobe.

'No no no no…' Sasuke began to squirm trying to buck the alpha off. He was tossed onto his back and saw stars when Neji's hand belted across his cheek. Tears stung his eyes at the assault and he cried out again when the alpha thrust deeply into him once more. 'Let me die…' he whispered to his omega, pleading for death.

intermission~~

Naruto stood in the office, hands shoved in his pockets, glancing at the various books on the tall wooden shelves and portraits on the wall. Though his eyes had skimmed every single portrait, there was one that he continued to gaze at, taking in every brush stroke, small detail and colour. Though the Uzumaki and Uchiha were known to each other through their father's, the two families never spent close time together.

Naruto knew of the Uchiha brother's but never met them other than seeing them in passing at events. After all, the children of the two prominent clans were all busy getting educated and shipped off to exclusive schools all over the world. And the Uzumaki family business, well, it certainly wasn't the average office dwelling atmosphere.

Naruto's alpha grumbled deep within him, trying to tell Naruto something. 'Pity I didn't get to see Sasuke while we were growing up…' He thought as he continued to focus on the Uchiha family portrait on the wall.

"To what do I owe this pleasure, Uzumaki-sama?" The elder alpha's voice was deep and authoritative.

Naruto turned to see the broad shouldered alpha, his black hair lined with grey, deep wrinkles on his face that showed his age but he still looked intimidating with his tight lips and cold gaze.

"Thank you for meeting with me Uchiha-sama," Naruto bowed his head slightly. "I would like to run a business proposition by you."

The elder Uchiha raised a brow at this statement. Fugaku Uchiha was no fool, he knew the history and present business the Uzumaki's fared in. "I will admit that I'm curious as to what this proposition may be, Uzumaki-sama. So I'm willing to listen, but first, how's your father?" he asked while taking a seat behind his massive desk.

Naruto gave a nod of appreciation. His father and Fugaku were long time friends, like their parents before them. "Tochan is doing well, thank you. Although he and Kachan are currently bringing up the need for grandchildren on a regular basis to me," Naruto chuckled and scratched at the back of his neck. Fugaku chuckled along with him.

Naruto smoothed out his jacket while speaking and took a seat across from Fugaku's desk. "Our families have been friends for a long time," Naruto started. "And I am looking to expand economically and financially in a way that will likely assist both of our families, for generations to come."

Fugaku leaned back in his chair, bringing his palms together and tapping his fingertips. His lips were tight in thought and he was silent for a few moments. "A most noble request from such a fine handsome young alpha such as yourself," Fugaku started. "No doubt your father has shown you all his secrets and successes." Fugaku leaned forward to lace his fingers together on his desk.

Naruto took a few moments to explain the details of the plan to Fugaku, who listened intently and nodded and hummed several times in agreement. After it was said and done Naruto let the final piece of the plan be known.

"I wish to take on a mate, Uchiha-sama," Naruto blatantly said. His blue eyes narrowed and remained focused on the elder Uchiha alpha. "And to make the best of this proposition, having an Uchiha as my mate, will benefit both of our families to the fullest."

Fugaku's eyes widened slightly and his brows raised in unison at the words that spilled from the young alpha's mouth. He then snorted out a laugh and smirked. "Well, as impressive as your proposal is Uzumaki-sama, enough so that I would be willing to look more into it," he started. "But Itachi is already married and has a family. And I assume that you know that Sasuke has already been signed over to Hyuuga-san. I'm afraid I have no more heirs to offer." He leaned back in his chair with a low chuckle.

Naruto's alpha snarled inwardly at the comment. 'SIGNED OVER?!' The Uchiha hierarchy talked of his youngest son's betrothal like a fucking business deal. Naruto took a few deep breaths, pushing his fury down along with his alpha. He crossed his leg over the other, folded his fingers together and leaned back in the chair.

"Well Uchiha-sama, I have done my research while preparing this proposal and happened to come across some concerning information." Naruto then leaned forward a little. "I've noticed that you may have been in a bit of a financial crisis, and that the best way to rectify it was the dowry you received from the Hyuuga."

The elder Uchiha's body stiffened when he heard that bit of information.

'Got-cha.' Naruto felt his excitement rise at the sudden realisation from the other. Something he always enjoyed when he had the upper hand in his business dealings.

Naruto raised his palm to show he meant no harm. "Don't get me wrong Uchiha-san, I agree with how that business proposal went through. After all, I'm certain you didn't want to lose what your family has worked so hard on for several generations to get where you are today. I may have even done the same thing."

The Uchiha visibly slumped his shoulders slightly, but kept the stoic look on his face.

Naruto raised from the chair, pulling on his suit jacket down to smooth out the wrinkles, a subtle move to show that the meeting was over. "I will courier over the details of the proposal later for you to review." He stepped up to the desk offering out his hand. "After all that my family has done for yours in the past, I anticipate a response from you, let's say…within the week?" Naruto flashed a grin, his canines peeking out.

"I would hate to think that you are threatening me Uzumaki-sama," Fugaku growled. His voice was laced with apprehension.

Naruto snapped his hand back and chuckled. "Oh no Uchiha-sama, I wouldn't dream of threatening a long time family friend." Naruto dropped his voice at the statement and narrowed his eyes ever so slightly. "Just want to know if the Uzumaki can't help you out, ya know." He grinned at the elder alpha at the hidden message within his response.

The elder Uchiha alpha said nothing, his lips pinched tight in a frown, his black eyes giving a glare to the other.

A 'ting' went off in Naruto's pocket, indicating a message and Naruto stepped back from the Uchiha's desk. "Duty calls Uchiha-sama," Naruto called out while pulling out his phone. He quickly unlocked the phone and frowned. "Thank you for meeting with me," Naruto clipped out. "I'll see myself out." He shoved his phone back into his pocket, turning on his heel and didn't look back as he left.

Naruto quickly slipped into his car, pulling his phone out again. He looked at the message.

'sOtrr7yy'

Naruto squinted his eyes, thinking that the spelling was so bad that the autocorrect didn't catch it. He quickly hit the contact, telling his phone to dial.

"Head to the office," he told his driver while waiting for the phone to connect.

When the receiver picked up, Naruto didn't wait for a greeting. "Sasuke?" Silence on the other end. "Sasuke? This you?" Naruto didn't want to press, not wanting to make the omega feel embarrassed in case Sasuke forgot to let him know about not making it to the library.

"...s-s-sorry f-for…" the omega whispered out.

"Hey no problem," Naruto breathed out a sigh of relief. "We can just do this another—"

"Nn–oo, we—I can't….it better if we never—" Sasuke whispered into the phone.

"Wait wait, what are you saying Sasuke?" Naruto pushed the phone closer to his ear, his alpha was getting loud in his head, rushing about in irritation.

"I don't want to see you again—I have a–a responsibility, and–and a fiance…." Sasuke whispered. "Delete my number…"

Naruto heard the sound of rustling in the background, and Sasuke's voice sounded far from the phone along with the unmistakable sounds of Sasuke's whimper of fear.

"...n-no just w-wait ple—" The call dropped.

Naruto pulled the phone back, staring at the face of it.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

Next chapter out Tue Oct 25, 2022. Comments and such are always appreciated!