Good morning readers! What a lovely treat, I snagged an overtime shift that was after midnight, therefore I can post this chapter pretty much at the beginning of Friday... I think many of you are at least an hour ahead of me or behind me, but either way, what bliss to thrust this chapter out there.
Many thanks to those exciting comments, they make me grin! I am kissing Fortress feet as this lovely author continues to review each chapter with due diligence to ensure its perfect before posting.
Anyhow, on with show. I wont mention anymore about chapters and I'll stop rambling... I need my coffee
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Naruto eyed the elder Uchiha, the manila folder still hovering just in front of him. Naruto studied the elderly man's face, taking in any slight movement and change in scent. He raised a brow at Fugaku, before reaching out to gently grasp the folder. The elder's face and body posture gave nothing away, and for a moment, just a moment, Naruto was impressed. It would appear the elder had done very well indeed, masking and suppressing any emotions or scents that would likely give him away.
"This is indeed surprising Uchiha-sama," Naruto responded curtly, while handing the folder back to Gaara without breaking any eye contact with the elder alpha. Gaara quickly slipped the folder from Naruto's grasp and tucked it under his arm.
Fugaku took a step back and held his arm out, palm up towards the door. "Walk with me Uzumaki-sama, I insist." He didn't wait for an answer when he turned towards the office door at a slow pace. When he had opened the door, he turned to look at Naruto who was still sitting on the black chair. "We won't go far, just to the gardens. Your company can of course join us, but I can assure you, you will be fine."
"Hn," Naruto grunted when he rose from the chair in a single elegant fluid motion. "Gaara, I'll be back," he barked out the order.
Gaara eyed the two men as they left the room, huffing as he ignored the order and followed, keeping a distance from the two alpha's.
Fugaku was silent as he led the blond yakuza leader into the garden. Flower beds of all colours and species, releasing a host of different scents that filled the area. Naruto glanced at the various flowers, but kept his guard up. Although he knew Gaara was close by, his alpha remained on high alert while Naruto had yet to figure out just what Fugaku was planning. The man seemed to be watching the ground where he walked, but Naruto could see his eyes were not entirely focused on the scene around him. It appeared Fugaku had a lot on his mind and was almost lost in it as he walked, his feet knowing where to take him.
The pair eventually came to a gazebo, located in the heart of the garden, surrounded by lush foliage, including vines that encased the gazebo itself, spotted with white flowers. Naruto silently admired the scene, musing to himself about the age of the structure for it to be so covered, yet well maintained.
"Sasuke always loved coming into the gardens," Fugaku started while stepping up into the gazebo. "His mother and I would always know this was where we would find him, usually when he was avoiding his duties." Fugaku chuckled while he stared out across the various gardens, his eyes giving a far away look.
Naruto stood several feet away, his hands shoved in his pockets as he watched the elder Uchiha, waiting to see what the old man was planning.
Fugaku took a deep breath before sitting on a bench and resting his elbows on his knees, in a very casual gesture that suggested ease with the situation. His eyes sought out the blond alpha before glancing at the other bench, a subtle invite for the yakuza to sit.
Naruto nodded and stepped over to the bench, sitting in a fluid motion and with near perfect grace before turning to look at the elder alpha expectantly.
"I wanted to explain, as I am certain you are wondering why I refused your proposal," Fugaku began. He pinched his lips momentarily before sitting up and leaning back on the bench with a deep sigh, he didn't meet Naruto's eyes. "I wasn't aware of the situation that was happening at the Hyuuga household you see." He slid one of his hands through his hair. "And it pains me to think that Sasuke was—he was so set on following through protocol and traditions, that he wouldn't come to me, to let me know, of what barbaric bullshit he was going through." He let out a long drawn out pained sigh.
Naruto continued to observe the elder alpha, sensing his sadness and guilt.
Tired black orbs looked to Naruto, searching the blond alpha's face. "I'm to blame for this," he whispered. "And to think, because I was so blinded by my business ventures and what this marriage could bring, I almost lost both my sons!" Fugaku hissed his frustrations between clenched teeth. He then shook his head.
Naruto waited, while the elder alpha sorted out his feelings and calmed down. He seemed to be at war with himself and Naruto wouldn't interfere as the elder needed to go through his emotions and guilt on his own.
A few moments passed and Fugaku looked back at Naruto with weary eyes. "I wish to thank you Uzumaki-sama, for all that you have done," he whispered. "For my sons, for the Uchiha." He inhaled deeply, his shoulders raising up with the force of the breath. Resting his hands on his knees, "and I need you to understand that I cannot allow Sasuke to go through something like this again. I will not sign him off like a piece of property, for a price, for a contract, for anything ever again! Therefore, I will not accept your proposal if betrothal to my son is part of the bargain."
Naruto crossed a leg slowly, keeping his focus on the elder Uchiha. He frowned slightly at Fugaku's words, thinking carefully and keeping a stoic face while the alpha Uchiha watched him. He brought his thumb and pointer finger to his chin, stroking his skin lightly and he bit the corner of his bottom lip.
Fugaku mentally gasped when Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly towards him. The elder couldn't read the young yakuza, and he had to admit to himself he was slightly nervous about the alpha's reaction when he informed the Uzumaki that he was declining the proposition. Everyone knew that saying no to a yakuza was just not done, if you wanted to keep your life that is. Keeping his eyes on the blond, holding his gaze steady to signify that he was not intimidated by the youngster, he clasped his hands together tightly in wait.
Naruto leaned forward slightly, dropping his chin just a bit, his blue orbs darkening while they focused on the elder alpha. "We have much to discuss, Uchiha-sama," Naruto purred out while flashing his canines at the other.
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Sasuke watched through the car window as the Uchiha estate came into view. He had made his decision to return quickly, ignoring Naruto's note. The raven could no longer ignore his responsibilities, the morals of his clan were too deeply embedded within his self consciousness, thus, he had Itachi take him back to the Uchiha manor the next morning. He would meet with his father, discuss the next steps regarding the upcoming nuptials of the bonding ceremony with Neji. His omega whined in retaliation, but Sasuke quickly quelled the feeling, shoving them deep down into his heart and locking them away.
As soon as the vehicle stopped, Sasuke found himself moving swiftly from the car and into the house. He was eager to get to the safety of his room, to prepare himself for the discussions still to come about his future, and life. Ignoring his brother's call, he slipped through the front door and headed straight up to his old room.
Itachi stepped into the front foyer and sighed. He needed to talk to their father first, to discuss the best way to inform Sasuke of the news of Neji. He wasn't sure how Sasuke would take this information. Would he be relieved? Upset? He didn't know. Itachi quickly made his way to his father's study. It was better to get this settled as soon as possible before Sasuke saw anything in the media.
It had been thirty minutes since their arrival before Sasuke was called to attend his father's office. Sasuke gnawed on his bottom lip, trying to find some solace in the situation that he had accepted as being a responsible Uchiha heir. He had made peace with his decision, though his omega had thrashed at his mental barrier mentally for dismissing the blond yakuza alpha from his life. But Sasuke knew that moving forward, past the previous situations, was the right thing to do.
Entering his father's office, after hearing his father's deep voice call through the door, he was surprised to find his aniki also present. His brother was sitting calmly upon one of the high backed black leather chairs, a cup of tea in his hand. As usual, his face gave nothing away, looking stoic and professional as always.
"Sasuke, come son, sit, we have much to discuss," Fugaku called out from behind his desk.
Swallowing thickly, Sasuke took a seat next to his aniki. He kept his features as apathetic as possible, like he had been trained, and nodded a greeting to both elder alphas.
"We have something to share with you otouto," Itachi spoke first, catching Sasuke's eyes when his otouto looked over at him. Itachi glanced briefly at their father, who gave a small nod of approval. Adjusting his sitting position slightly, Itachi leaned forward, placing his tea cup on the side table before clasping his hands together. "Neji Hyuuga was found murdered." Itachi said bluntly, his face devoid of emotions as always.
Sasuke felt his eyes widen slightly at his aniki's words before looking over at his father for confirmation. His father nodded slightly, indicating that what Itachi had said was true. Sasuke found himself suddenly dizzy with all the sudden onslaught of emotions, so much so that he dropped his head into his palm to try to stop the pain that was starting to build in his head. Closing his eyes, he took several deep breaths, desperately trying to fathom what he'd just learned. 'Dead? When? How? What does this mean for me? And what about–'
"I understand this may come as a shock to you Sasuke, but there is much to discuss," Fugaku's voice broke the heavy silence.
Sasuke suppressed the emotional hurricane brewing within him, shoving it all to the back of his mind before lifting his head, allowing the numbness to fill him. His aniki looked upon him with concern but his father still had the same hard cold eyes he always had. The look of business comes first, Sasuke knew all too well.
"Hn," Sasuke managed to push out from his lips.
"We have taken care of the media. Naturally you will have to give a statement to the press at a later date, but due to the condition you were found in, you are not a suspect at all son," Fugaku spoke firmly, his teeth clenched recalling when he was informed of the serious situation that Sasuke was found in.
Sasuke continued to hold his fathers gaze, watching the slight change in his demeanour. When Fugaku's eyes met his, he inwardly gasped at the soft gentle black orbs that stared back.
With a fluid swift movement, Fugaku raised himself from his office chair and moved around his desk, standing before his youngest son. Sasuke blinked in surprise at his father's sudden movement, and was again shocked into silence when his father gathered him into his arms. The small raven omega was frozen in his spot. He couldn't recall the last time his father had ever been so–so affectionate, towards him.
"I'm sorry son."
The whispered deep voice of Fugaku flowed through Sasuke's ear, the warm embrace of his alpha father, the familiar thick nurturing scent of his family filled his senses and Sasuke felt the familiar sting behind his eyes for the first time since his mother's passing. The omega responded to the familiar embrace of family with a purr and an emotional wave of security filled him.
Bit by bit, Sasuke allowed himself to relax into the embrace. A host of emotions rushing through him that had him feeling like a youngster again, the feelings of no responsibilities, freedom to rush about, the feeling of home.
Fugaku pulled back after several minutes and Sasuke felt drunk on the emotional onslaught and scents of security and love, so much so that he was glad his father was holding on to his shoulders at that moment. His omega was purring loudly in his ears, embracing the relaxed atmosphere and wanting nothing more than to wrap himself up in it.
"I never would have allowed such an arrangement had I known what Neji was like Sasuke," Fugaku murmured, shaking his head.
Sasuke found himself dizzy again with the declaration, something he never thought he would ever hear from his father's lips.
"I apologise to otouto," Itachi spoke, making Sasuke turn his head towards him. "If I had not been so blind and deeply buried in my own affairs, then–" His words trailed off.
Sasuke stepped back, the back of his knees hitting the chair he'd stood from and he promptly sat back down. His head was spinning still, the declarations from his tochan and aniki still difficult to process along with the feelings it all brought. All this time, he thought, no, he was certain that his father knew what was happening. Thinking that he was expected to endure what he was handed, all because of his second gender and the status it brought to the family.
"That being said, I wanted to present a new situation that has been brought to my attention Sasuke," Fugaku proclaimed as he stepped back. He had a slight smile when Sasuke whipped his head up, glancing between him and Itachi. "Now I want to assure you first," Fugaku began to speak before turning around and heading back to his desk. "That your brother and I have already made our statements regarding the Hyuuga situation to the police. They are aware of the state you were in, with the help of the doctor's report, therefore, the police will not be requesting a statement from you." Fugaku sat back down on his large office chair and leaned his arms onto the wooden top of his desk. He folded his hands together and squared his shoulders. "A proposal has been presented to myself by an alpha that desires to court you." He hesitated for a moment, watching Sasuke's reaction. Sasuke said nothing but —
"Father, you can't be serious!" Itachi barked out suddenly, surprising both Sasuke and Fugaku. "To even consider putting Sasuke through that ag—"
"Enough," Fugaku held his hand and growled at Itachi. "Sasuke still has a responsibility to the clan and—"
"Absurd!" Itachi stood, cutting off Fugaku's words. "I will not stand for this!" Itachi was now shouting and growling at his father.
"I am the head of this household," Fugaku snarled back, his threatening scent filling up the area. "This proposal I believe will best serve Sasuke for his future, as well as enrich the clan, and I will not be disobeyed nor insulted regarding my decisions!" The elder Uchiha alpha's scent was thick, nearly choking the very air in the room.
Itachi stepped forward, challenging his father's authority, as he stood between Sasuke and Fugaku's desk. "I will not allow you to disregard Sasuke's emotional and physical wellbeing!" His own alpha challenged his elder, pushing his own threatening scent into the room.
Fugaku stood swiftly, his hands slamming down hard onto the face of the desk. "You will not dare challenge me in this house, Itachi," Fugaku warned. His lips curled up, showing off his canines to his eldest son.
"I will accept," Sasuke's whisper slipped through the heavy alpha filled fighting scents of the room, startling the two alphas.
Itachi turned quickly, his eyes red with rage, "what!" he shouted in disbelief.
Sasuke kept his head down, his omega submitting immediately to the two powerful alphas in the room. His omega's mentality was loud and clear in his head, 'obey your clan alpha'.
Itachi quickly kneeled before Sasuke, placing his fingers softly on his knee. "Sasuke, no, you don't—shouldn't have to do this! Not again! Not after— not so soon," Itachi pleaded. His alpha pushed out a calming scent, trying to embrace the omega with it. Itachi flinched slightly when his otouto's omega pushed his alpha back in fear.
Sasuke refused to look up, his omega's submission heavy on his emotions. The two alpha males, clan members, still had so much power, how could he resist? He loved his family dearly, he could not fathom disobeying his father, he needed to accept.
"It is settled then," Fugaku spoke slowly but clearly. Itachi turned and glared at him in response, a deep growl rumbling from his chest expressing his disagreement. Fugaku ignored him. "You must be still very exhausted Sasuke, so please, get some rest. The courtship will not start until you feel you are ready. I don't want you to rush into this," he explained.
Itachi snorted a grunt of disgust towards his father before standing to face Fugaku again. "...don't want you to rush?" Itachi mocked his father's words. "That's rich advice, considering you're just eager to sell Sasuke off, again! Even after the bullshit he just went through!" Itachi slammed his fists into the desk, his eyes flaring red and his alpha growling in disgust.
"Enough niisan," Sasuke snapped in retort. His legs quivered as he stood, but he was determined to make his point. His omega slammed against his mental walls, demanding he submit, but Sasuke found the strength to squash it down. Itachi didn't turn to look at him, but Sasuke could see his shoulders shaking, as he suppressed his anger. "I am an Uchiha, and will fulfil my duties as such. I have made my decision." Sasuke's voice was firm, though he clenched his teeth tight to keep his voice steady. He side stepped Itachi so he could see his father's eyes, and then he bowed deeply. "I accept your decision, thank you tochan." He kept his submission status steady until his father released him.
"Hn," Fugaku grunted out his approval.
Hearing that sound, Sasuke slowly stood straight, looked at his aniki's back before turning on his heel.
"Sasuke–" Itachi whispered.
Sasuke stopped at the door, his hand hovering over the door handle at his brother's request.
"You don't have to do this…"
Sasuke said nothing in response to his brother's plea before turning the handle and slipping out of the room.
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Sasuke didn't see his brother again after that final meeting. From his understanding Itachi left the Uchiha family home shortly afterwards. Going back to his own mate and pup, back to his work, back to his life.
It had been a week since the meeting with his tochan, and during that time, Sasuke spent it sleeping and doing light physical activity to bring his lost strength back. The forced mating that Neji had inflicted upon him had left his body weak and Sasuke hated feeling that way. His sleep was still haunted with nightmares that had him waking covered in sweat and shaking with fear, but he was determined to fight the trauma and come out stronger.
Tonight was the night that his new betrothed was set to appear. Sasuke refused to ask who it was, determined to follow through with his duty as an Uchiha omega. He was indeed thankful for his father's understanding and taking into consideration his previous experience with the Hyuuga, but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't surprised that his father had already arranged another arranged marriage so quickly. Deep down he knew and felt that he was nothing but a bargaining chip for other clans, but it wouldn't stop him from performing the duty expected of him.
Pushing the thoughts aside, he let out a long sigh as he began to get himself dressed for the apparent courting that was going to start tonight. He'd already picked out suitable attire and he'd rehearsed several topics of interest that he knew high social standing alpha's enjoyed to talk about. All he needed to do now was impress this alpha and seal the deal for his father.
Several hours later, Sasuke sat ready and waiting in one of the many lavish sitting rooms, his fingers stroking a tall glass filled with amber liquid. The ice cubes clinked against each other with each movement he made, but Sasuke didn't hear them, instead he continued to stare at the patterns etched into the room's rug.
The knock on the door had his breath hitch in surprise, but he quickly righted himself, taking a large gulp of his drink before putting it down on the table to his right. He stood, straightened his jacket and shirt before giving permission for the person to open the door.
Fugaku entered the room, alone, and stood at the opened door, nodding his head appreciatively towards Sasuke. "He has arrived," was all he said before moving away from the open door.
Sasuke held his breath, but quickly released it, disciplining himself to remain stoic and refined like the born and bred, proud Uchiha that he was. But his heart began to race with sudden fear of the unknown. Flashes of his previous commitment flickered through his mind, the memories of the induced trauma overwhelming him and suddenly he couldn't breath. He grabbed at his shirt, his fist squeezing tightly into it as he tried to take a breath that wouldn't come. He couldn't inhale a breath, his lungs refusing to expand and he began to panic!
'No…no, this can't be happening!' Sasuke knew this panic attack was gaining strength as fear continued to flood his mind with visions of the past. Flashes of the abuse continued to riddle his thoughts, the feeling of not being able to breath was becoming too much. He felt himself fall to his knees.
"Sasuke!"
He heard the muffled deep alpha voice call out, it was so far away, yet so familiar. But the pounding pain wouldn't stop in his chest, his lungs refused to allow him a breath. He felt himself fall forward, his one hand reaching out and trying to catch his fall, the shadows of darkness creeping into his vision.
A powerful soothing scent suddenly surrounded him and his omega howled loudly in his head along with the echoes of his pounding heart, as it struggled to get oxygen. But the scent, the feeling, was all too familiar to Sasuke and his omega began to vibrate with excitement even as he struggled to breath.
Without him realising it, strong arms had embraced him, encircling him in their protective hold so he didn't collapse to the floor, but instead had him kneeling upon the carpet below him. His chest was still struggling for breath, the pain was overwhelming from lack of oxygen, but it began to subside, ever so slowly as the scent of the alpha holding him, filled him.
"Slow breaths Sasuke, don't force it. Can you hear my voice?"
Sasuke wheezed in each breath, wincing from the pain that came with it being near forced. But the deep alpha voice was soothing, creating a cooling effect in his chest as did the pheromones that invaded his senses. With each word that the alpha spoke, Sasuke continued to listen. His heartbeat was still pounding in his head, creating a pain between his eyes, but the voice continued to soothe him, his omega purring loudly now, washing him over with a soothing and comforting feeling.
The darkness in the corners of his eyes still threatened to overtake his vision but his chest began to open more, Sasuke struggled to grab more of his consciousness and focus on the words still being spoken to him.
"There you go, breathe with me, you can do it, you're alright, you're safe," the deep voice kept purring out sweet nothings, soothing him softly with it while the scent wrapped around him like a warm blanket.
A warm hand was stroking Sasuke's back, but surprisingly Sasuke found it comforting. He allowed the touch on his body while the voice continued to sooth him, embrace him inwardly and out, and soon he found himself struggling to open his eyes.
He could see the pattern of the carpet beneath him through his blurred vision, but a pair of knees was now present, kneeling before him. Still pushing his body to take slow even breaths, Sasuke lifted his chin to look upon the alpha that was kneeling before him and held him in an embrace. The concern etched upon the alpha's face was all too familiar and the omega inhaled the all too familiar scent.
A bright crystal blue sea swallowed him suddenly before the initial shock slammed into him. "N-Naruto?" Sasuke managed to waver out before the darkness overtook him.
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Next chapter posted Tuesday Nov 15!