On with the show I always say! I am not particularly fond of this chapter, it has areas that just needed to get dealt with ya know? Not as exciting as I would like to show, but oh well.
I want to say thanks to the comments from inaaa999 and fictionlover87. Comments are very exciting for authors to read, as exciting as it is to see a new chapter posted on a favorite story! Badbutt, you been there too, I haven't forgotten bout you, but you seem to have gotten quiet as of late! Hope all is okay in your world!
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"Red wolf?" Kakashi raised a brow, but didn't want to give anything away.
"Hn," Utakata responded, resting his arms on his legs now as he stared into the flames. "He came through here, hmm...maybe a couple seasons ago now."
"Was there something-unique or different about this red wolf?" Kakashi prodded. Naruto's head looked between Kakashi and Utakata several times, his large ears poised forward, listening intensively, eyes round with curiosity.
Utakata sighed. He lifted his head and ran a hand through his long hair, his eyes looking looking bored. "Look, I've come across a lot of individuals making their way for whatever reason, but this wolf," he paused for a moment to take a deep breath. "I would have to say that this guy, he was border line feral." He clicked his tongue when Kakashi hummed out and nodded his head. "He didn't try anything wild per say, but I could tell if he was left to long, he would most likely end up complete wolf." Utakata just shrugged then before grabbing a stick to stir the hot coals of the fire.
Kakashi looked to Naruto, who responded with a whimper, laying his ears back slightly. Kakashi nodded at him. "Did he communicate with you?" Kakashi leaned forward slightly.
Utakata shook his head no. "Can't say I didn't try, though at times I wondered, when he looked at me, if he really was trying to respond." Utakata shook his head. "He didn't stick around long, few days maybe. I did follow him for a bit, to make sure he didn't head into any populated areas and cause trouble. After a while it was apparent he wasn't interested in hanging around. It was like he was running just to be free."
Kakashi was impressed with the response. It seemed that Utakata was becoming more interested in talking with them. A huff was heard from Naruto and some smacks of his lips. Kakashi knew that Naruto was getting impatient, wanting to know more, it was in his nature of course. Kakashi just gave a small smile. "Well Utakata, it sounds like you met Naruto's pack member and brother, and I will admit that I'm pleased to hear that he was alright...well a while back." Naruto then whimpered out.
"He's still around, that much I know," Utakata responded. Naruto barked suddenly, his tail thumped on the cave floor, causing dust to rise. Utakata scoffed out. "Stop that, you'll make it dusty in here and cause sneezing, yeesh." Naruto snorted out an irritated sound but stopped moving his tail. "He's not in this general area often, but he certainly has made his territory quite large. I'm surprised no other packs or creatures have caused a war because of it. But then, I wonder what has kept him here." Utakata cupped his chin, staring back into the fire.
==intermission==
The cries of an infant child broke through the tense stillness of the Uzumaki home. Sasuke turned his head slightly in the direction of the rooms from his position at the front living room window. His wolf released a howl of excitement and Sasuke allowed the corner of his lip to curl up slightly.
After Tsunade arrived, her and Sakura had been professional and firm about the plan to have the baby delivered by cesarean, and the much needed aftercare for the mother and child. With Nagato's information on Konan's history, Sakura and Tsunade wasted no time in getting ready. With Hinata and Kiba on the ready incase they were needed for an emergency, Kimimaro and Nagato holding up in the other bedroom, Sasuke stood gazing out across the front yard looking at practically nothing. He could feel the relief of the others in the home, but the cries of a child was just the beginning. Sasuke opted to sit on one of the big arm chairs as he waited for the two doctors to come out of the room with the news of how the surgery went.
It was over an hour before Tsunade came from the room, her hair looking frazzled, her face flushed somewhat, her hands tucked within a towel. She nodded when Sasuke looked up at her and then nodded her head in the direction of the kitchen while she walked towards it. Sasuke made to get up and follow her, not sure what to expect.
Kiba and Hinata were already at the kitchen table, cups of teas in their hand as Tsunade sat and Hinata placed a steamy hot tea in front of her. Sasuke took a seat at the table as well, shaking his hand declining an offered cup of tea from Hinata.
Tsunade took a few sips from the mug before releasing a long breath and tucking some stray strands of her long dirty blond hair behind her ear. "The surgery went well. Baby boy is strong, but will need to be monitored for a few days. Konan had some excessive bleeding, but thankfully we were prepared and were able to get it under control. Her blood pressure has begun to drop, which is good news, but she will not be out of the high risk zone for at least 48 hours." She drank some more tea before continuing on. "Sakura will need all of your help to ensure that infection does not set in with Konan and of course caring for baby boy." She gave them all a soft smile. "Are you all ready to take on this challenge for, most likely, the next month? Provided everything goes well with the omega's healing." Her golden eyes flickered to each of them.
"Hai Tsunade-sama," Kiba was the one to answer as he grabbed Hinata's hand. She shook her head in agreement as well. Sasuke gave a firm nod in response.
"Excellent." She sipped the rest of her tea. "I will be leaving a schedule, medications that need to be administered, and you all listen to Sakura's instruction. Konan should be waking in the next 24 hours should all go well." She moved to stand. "I am going to finish up and of course, if there are any concerns, call me." Tsunade turned to leave the kitchen. "Oh," she snapped her fingers and turned. "I'm sure Nagato is eager to meet his son. Someone please let him know that he can meet his son shortly. Sakura will bring him." Tsunade then left the kitchen. The three sat silently for a few moments, looking to where Tsunade had just stood.
"I'll go and-"
"I'll do it," Sasuke interrupted Hinata and stood up quickly.
"Oh, alright. Let me know if they need anything to eat or drink. I can make something up!" Hinata gave Sasuke a smile.
"Hn."
Sasuke knocked quietly on the door that was partially open, peeking in and saw that Kimimaro was laying beside Nagato, who was sitting up on the bed, his back against the wall. Nagato was looking over a magazine and stroking Kimimaro's hair slowly. It appeared that Kimimaro was sleeping, but Nagato glanced up at Sasuke and motioned with his head to come in.
Sasuke quietly made his way to a chair near the bed, sitting quietly. He glanced at Kimimaro, who still lay peacefully tucked beside Nagato. Sasuke felt a pang of irritation suddenly at the site and he frowned at the emotion, quickly shoving it to the side. "Sakura will be here with your son soon."
"How is she?" Nagato asked innocently enough but his eyes showed the worry behind the words.
"Sakura will talk to you about it I'm sure. She will hopefully wake in 24 hours, if all goes well." Sasuke nodded his head when Nagato relaxed his face, giving a sad frown.
Nagato continued to run his hand slowly down Kimimaro's hair, his tired eyes now staring down at the sleeping omega. Sasuke didn't know what else to say or do, so he decided to leave, standing and moving towards the door.
"Can you stay?" Nagato called out in a whisper. Sasuke stopped, turning to look over his shoulder. Nagato looked tired, his skin still dull in colour, his cheeks hollow and his eyes a dull purple. "J-just a bit, if you could." Nagato lifted his brows in request, his eyes round and pleading. "It would keep the waiting easier."
"I would suggest a bath," Sasuke noted out simply.
Nagato cracked a smile and snorted. "Perhaps your right young'un, don't want to meet my son smelling and looking like this. Konan would kick my ass for sure." He huffed out a chuckle before his smile turned into a frown of worry. "Do you think she's…" he trailed off, his eyes looking to Sasuke for an answer.
Sasuke didn't know what to say. How would he know, he's no doctor. Sasuke just kept an impassive look, his eyes flickered to the sleeping omega.
Nagato shook his head and sighed. "Yeah, I guess you wouldn't know eh?" He began to shuffle out from under Kimimaro. "Can you watch him while I get cleaned up?" Sasuke jumped up and helped Nagato move Kimimaro, then gave Nagato a hand up. Nagato braced himself on Sasuke's shoulder for a moment before shuffling to the washroom and closing the door. Within minutes Sasuke heard the water running into the tub so he turned and sat on the edge of the bed, watching the deep breaths of Kimimaro.
Several minutes later, Sakura came into the room, a small bundle of a blanket in her arms. She frowned when she looked about the room but smiled in understanding when Sasuke just nodded to the door of the washroom. She came to the bed, where Sasuke sat with a still sleeping Kimimaro, and adjusted the small bundle into one arm. With her free hand, she gentle took Kimimaro's wrist, feeling for his pulse for a few moments before releasing him.
"He must be so exhausted, poor little thing," Sakura whispered as she glanced at the sleeping omega. "I can't imagine what they went through. And where did they come from? Has he said anything?" she whispered, giving Sasuke a look. Sasuke just shook his head no. "Well, they have been through a lot, and it's only been a couple days, I suspect they will eventually say something." She peeked down into the bundle and smiled. "Did you want to see?" she asked him.
Sasuke stood quickly, not understanding why he did, but his wolf triggered something within him. His eyes watched Sakura's fingers loosen up the blanket and reveal what lay behind the blanketed bundle. His wolf released a host of emotions, while Saskue first saw a small button nose, then the light sparkled off the smooth dark skin of the baby cheeks. Sasuke inhaled deeply, seeing the soft eyelids that were closed, and wisps of eyelashes. Dainty light coloured eyebrows looked soft and Sasuke found himself wanting to touch the skin and hair of the tiny being. His body leaned even closer and Sasuke found the sweet innocent fresh smell coming from the bundle. His eyes fluttered while the scent washed through his senses, immediately triggering feelings that left him relaxed, excited, emotional to name a few. His wolf was wailing in happiness and Saskue just let the feelings flow through him.
"He's doing very well, and needs to bond with his parents. As soon as Nagato is finished, I'll get him to come with his son to sit with Konan. Their presence I'm certain will help her heal faster." Sakura hummed out while slightly rocking the child but allowing Sasuke to look on. "Would you like to hold him Sasuke? I should go do a quick exam of Nagato while he is in the bathroom." She smiled warmly at him.
Sasuke's eyes widened in sudden fear. Him? Hold an infant? Sasuke had really never had any experience with an infant. No one in his pack had any and his extended family had children yes, but he only met them when they were much older. "Umm," Sasuke was suddenly a loss for words.
"Just sit on the bed Sasuke, and cradle him close, but not to close, since Nagato and Konan still need to scent him. Just hold him on your lap, making sure not to drop him of course! But I certainly wouldn't think you would do that!" Sakura giggled slightly.
Sasuke stepped back from shock and the back of his knees ended up hitting the edge of the bed, causing him to unceremoniously sit. Eyes still wide with uncertainty that Sakura never paid attention to, she held out the small bundle, pushing the bundle gently into Sasuke's chest. Sasuke's arms automatically wrapped around the blanket and before he knew it, Sakura was standing up and heading to the bathroom door. Sasuke began to inwardly panic.
He went to call Sakura back, but she had already knocked on the door and Nagato allowed her access. She was closing the door and Sasuke looked dumbfounded at the now closed bathroom door. Gulping, he looked down at the bundle. The baby remained sleeping, but Sasuke could see the movement behind his eyelids and baby just happened to move his small pink lips. Sasuke's face softened and he felt warmness going all through his body. His wolf was practically vibrating and purring throughout his whole mentality and Sasuke smiled.
Gently moving his hand, Sasuke slid a finger through the soft feather light hair on the baby's head. The feel of the newborn's hair was like a breath that left Sasuke in awe at such a feeling. He then moved his finger to gently trace the baby's eyebrows and then across the velvety feeling on the baby's cheeks. Sasuke pressed gently on the baby's cheeks, feeling the continuous pulse of warmth and the softness of the skin, a sudden desire left him breathless and his heart fluttering quickly. Deep within him a heated sensation began to surface, but Sasuke didn't acknowledge it as his eyes widened and he drank in the site within his arms. His wolf shuttered strongly, heightening the sensation and Sasuke pulled the bundle closer to his face. Lost in the sight and innocent scent of the newborn pup, Sasuke lowered his head, closed his eyes and caressed his cheek against the baby's face. Baby released a soft sigh and Sasuke's wolf exploded with such heated emotions from the small gesture, Sasuke shivered involuntarily and opened his eyes. He jerked his head up suddenly, but gently and racked his brain on what just happened. His wolf flooded him with a sense of calm and warmth that he couldn't help but look down at the small bundle in his arms who was starting to wiggle awake. Sasuke suddenly was purring a calming sound and hugged the small bundle closer to his chest.
It felt like only moments later when Sakura and Nagato came back into the room. Nagato, smelling and looking much better, sat beside Sasuke, holding out his shaking hands. Sasuke glanced from Nagato to the baby, then back to Nagato again. He bit the inside of his cheek and nodded softly as he shifted the bundle over to Nagato. Tears began to fill Nagato's eyes as he took in the site of his son.
"Come, I will help you to take your son to Konan," Sakura whispered out, holding out her hand. Nagato sniffled and pulled his face into the bundle, whispering something that couldn't be heard. Sasuke watched quietly while Sakura and Nagato left the room, his eyes just watching the now closed door for several minutes.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Naruto woke to the sound of fire cracking and the smell of meat cooking. His stomach responded with a growl and he was pleased to find that nothing seemed to hurt on his body anymore. Stretching out, releasing a big yawn, a chuckled filled the cave.
"Feeling better sleepy head?"
Naruto looked at Kakashi and shook out his body while moving to stand on his four legs. He snorted out an agreement to the other before his nose started to twitch at the food.
"Breakfast is almost ready, can you shift?" Kakashi asked as he poked at the pan that was currently cooking the meat.
Naruto walked away from the fire, finding an area slightly away from the fire and Kakashi and began to shift. He winched slightly as his muscles and bones twitched and adjusted. When he was finished, he found his bag, retrieving some clothes. He hesitated with his shirt, bringing it up to his face, inhaling deeply. 'Sasuke,' he thought to himself sadly. He hadn't worn clothes for some time and the clothes still had the scent of his mate embedded in the fabric. His wolf howled out in sorrow and Naruto felt the sadness rip through his heart. God, how he missed him. The way his soft hair spiked out the back, the small smiles on his lips and the feel of the soft warmth of his skin under his fingers. He then felt the familiar sting of tears build up behind his eyes and he clenched the fabric tighter against his nose. He hiccuped slightly as he continued to breath in the scent, practically inhaling the shirt. He would eat if it would help the pain of being away from his mate. 'Was he doing okay? Was the pack looking after him? Was he safe?' The questions ran through his mind and he hoped to god that he would be home soon.
"Shouldn't be to much longer Naruto, we will be back soon." Kakashi gave him a smile while pulling away the pan from the fire.
Naruto sighed as he slipped on his clothes and moved to sit beside Kakashi. "We've never been apart this long before," he murmured, while grabbing at a piece of meat. "I-I just hope he's doing okay." Even though they had sent messages when they could, it didn't stop the emptiness that was within.
The two sat in silence as they ate.
"You're alright now I take it?" Utakata's voice filled the room when he walked in, sitting on the far side of the fire. "The sky is clear, no bad weather is expected, and even though your path has been covered in snow, it's still passable."
"Thank you for finding me Utakata, I don't know what would have happened if…" Naruto's eyes were soft and he gave a smile.
"Hn, lucky I was in the area." Utakata responded.
Naruto grinned. "And I'm so glad you knew what to do! Hell, of course i would have healed, but if you weren't there to set the bones straight, ugh! It's awful having to reset bones ya know!"
Utakata just nodded his head before he grabbed behind him and pulled out his flute. He pulled a rag from his bag and began to rub at the flute.
"Do you play?" Naruto's eyes widened at the flute.
Utakata hesitated his polishing for a moment, he never looked at Naruto but then shook his head before he started up again.
"Wah? That doesn't make sense, then why are you carrying it?" Naruto scratched the back of his neck, his face reflecting his confusion at the answer. He frowned when Utakata appeared to ignore him and continued to polish the flute. "Hmph! Rude!" Naruto grumbled out.
"Naruto," Kakashi growled out in a warning voice.
"But-But, Kakasheee," Naruto whined out. Kakashi just rolled his eyes and continued eating a piece of meat.
"Hmm, you are the alpha with your pack?" Utakata asked Naruto.
Naruto turned his head quickly back to Utakata before nodding, "Mhm. We are the Uzumaki pack. And our pack is filled with the most awesomeness of members," Naruto beamed.
"Then a pack leader should recognize when to respect others when they decide they don't want to express personal information," Utakata growled out.
"W-What the…" Naruto sputtered out, his brows now furrowed in irritation. "Cranky bastard! Have you heard of polite conversation to your guests?!"
"Hmph, so far I've only heard one thank you and then probing into my private life," Utakata shot back.
"Why you!" Naruto growled out suddenly, his eyes flaring up.
"NARUTO! Enough!" Kakashi barked out, his voice dripping with authority. Naruto glared at Kakashi but said no more, just releasing a disgruntled sounding huff and mumbling under his breath. Kakashi bowed his head to Utakata, "sorry Utakata, sometimes Naruto can get a little off topic and forget his manners." Naruto grumbled again from beside him.
Utakata held up his hand and nodded his head.
"Could you lead us in the right direction?" Kakashi asked, while going back to chewing his food.
"I will take you as far as I can," he responded, putting his flute back behind him, tucking it away. Naruto leaned slightly to see where exactly it went, since it just seemed to appear out of nowhere. "Finish up, you're going to need your strength." He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. Naruto just glared at the other man as he chewed at his meat.
Sometime later, the three had shifted into their wolf forms and sprinted over the snow, heading north. No one said anything as they kept up the pace for several hours until the mountain terrain and snow began to lesson more into rolling hills, cliffs and heavy forest. Utakata then slowed to a halt, his nose sniffing at the air and Naruto and Kakashi stopped at his flanks.
Giving the two a bark, Utakata led the way into the thick forest, zig zagging around trees for several miles until he came to a waterfall. Checking over his shoulder to see Kakashi and Naruto behind him, he followed a hidden trail that went behind the waterfall. A small opening in the rock, Utakata crawled into the opening for several meters until the tunnel opened up into a larger cave. Utakata stood, shook his fur out before shifting into human form. Naruto and Kakashi followed his lead and soon the three were setting up a small fire and cooking some food.
After the food was eaten, Naruto had laid down for a nap since he was still recovering from his injuries while Kakashi sat with Utakata. Kakashi was curious about the man. "You have amazing skills, I would appreciate it if you could join us in retrieving our friend."
Utakata snorted out. "I see no benefit in going further."
"Surely for at least an adventure? I know Naruto can seem brash, but he's a good wolf," Kakashi added.
"He is an immature alpha that needs more training," Utakata snorted out. "I'm surprised he has made it this far."
Kakashi chuckled nervously, "mah...I know he can seem that way, but his honour runs deep, he can be a powerful friend and ally." Kakashi shrugged, "who knows. You may find something useful on a trip like this. Questions answered perhaps?" Kakashi raised his brow, looking directly at Utakata, probing him with the conversation. Utakata raised his head slightly in surprise before ripping up a piece of meat and shoving it in his mouth. He frowned at Kakashi as he chewed. "You know, Naruto can be trusted and is an honourable alpha, pack leader, friend that I've known." Kakashi leaned forward slightly, giving Utakata a wink.
"Stop dancing around the question and just ask already," Utakata growled out.
Kakashi smiled and relaxed, glancing over at Naruto's sleeping form. "Mah, I was just curious, I mean no harm." He stretched out his arms over his head briefly. "Though, I was wondering where your loyalty lies." Kakashi tilted his head.
Utakata frowned and exhaled loudly. "My loyalty lies with myself...it's easier to deal with."
Kakashi nodded in response, not saying anything.
Utakata then ran a hand through his long brown hair. "I know you noticed some differences with me...but it would be best if you didn't know the details, because the less you know the safer it will be. For you and your friend."
Kakashi just smiled at the man. "Well, I can say that I am curious, but meh, I like to make my own choices and decisions on what is safe...and so far, I would like to say I'm a pretty good judge of character and you, my friend, I consider thus far an ally."
Utakata gulped at the comment, coughing slightly at the words the man just said to him. He pounded on his chest to clear his windpipe before looking back at Kakashi. Kakashi just smiled again and shrugged his shoulders.
Silence hung over the pair for some time while Naruto napped.
Kakashi was the first to break the lingering silence. "Well, let me say that I, for one, would appreciate your company on our journey. Your expertise and knowledge of the area would certainly benefit Naruto and myself, as well hopefully get the journey over quickly and have us headed home." Kakashi began to shake at Naruto's shoulder. "And I know for a fact that Naruto would appreciate it as well. But...since you have made your decision, that is alright. But Naruto and I should get moving." Kakashi shook Naruto's shoulder again and the blond began to stir.
"Hm… just five more minutes Sas…" the blond murmured out as he rolled over. Kakashi chuckled and gave him a slap on the shoulder. To hell with being gentle in waking the blond alpha. "Baka! What the-!" Naruto sat up quickly, his hands fisting his eyes as he rubbed the sleep out of them. His face turned red when he realized where he was. "O-Ohh! Sorry sorry," he smiled out sheepishly. "Time to go?" Naruto stretched his arms out and yawned.
"Mhm, let's try and get as far as we can for the rest of the day." Kakashi rose from his position. "Utakata, again, thank you very much for helping out Naruto here and going this extra distance to help us out." Kakashi extended his hand. Utakata slowly extended his own hand, Kakashi grasping it firmly, giving a firm shake and a smile.
"Oh yeah! Thanks Utakata! Damn, without you I don't know where I may have ended up!" Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, giving the other man a smile. "I hate to think what could have been if you weren't around! I owe ya one!" Naruto then held his hand out. Utakata grunted out a noise and then grabbed Naruto's hand. Naruto shook Utakata's hand with enthusiasm.
Utakata just watched the two wolves gather their belongings and talk between each other, their conversion consisting of how long to run, how far to get and just general travel talk. He studied them quietly while thoughts went through his head. He cleared his throat loudly and both the other wolves stopped talking to look at him. "I'll come along to help you find your friend," he whispered out. Part of him wondered why he would suggest such a thing, but then, there was something about these two characters...something that he wanted to embrace, but wasn't sure what that was...yet.
"Seriously!? That's so cool!" Naruto exclaimed, his smile beaming brightly in the small space. "You have NO idea what this means to me man, like seriously, it's like-like…" Naruto stammered along.
"On the condition that you listen to my direction while on the trail," Utakata cut Naruto off. "As you said, I know the area, I know what trails to take, what to avoid and can update you on any other packs, clans, and human settlements."
"Hell yah! No problem!" Naruto excitedly popped out. "Lead the way!"
"Hn," Utakata nodded as he got up and gathered up his things.
Kakashi nodded at Utakata his thanks, slapped Naruto on the shoulder and the trio made their way out of the cave.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Sasuke sat on the porch, cup of tea in his hand and a small bowl of vegetables. He was nibbling slowly on the veggies, while rocking himself slowly in the porch swing. He had a heavy crocheted blanket over his shoulders to keep the chill of the spring air off. It had been a couple hours since Nagato took his son to sit with Konan. Sakura noticed that Konan was responding as an omega should and suspected she would wake soon. Nagato shed tears as he talked to her and held their son close between them. Sasuke could only watch for a few moments, as he felt that he was intruding on something he shouldn't. He peeked in on Kimimaro who was still sleeping in Nagato's bed and Sasuke let him be. The small omega was most likely physically and mentally exhausted.
The door squeaked open and Sakura came out, her own mug in her hand, steaming slightly in the cooler air. She gave Sasuke a smile and sat near him, not saying a word and stared out across the yard.
"Where do you think they came from?" Sakura whispered out, her eyes still looking out towards the forest. "It's been going through my mind now for a bit. The note is obviously a clue, but who would they know to come here?" She snorted out a slight laugh. "I guess we will have to ask. I don't know why I'm so worried about it." She hummed a nameless tune while she sipped at her tea.
Sasuke continued to rock himself softly while listening to Sakura go on. He hadn't really thought about where they came from, honestly, it hadn't come to mind. He let out a sigh. 'Dobe...you better be safe,' he thought to himself. His wolf rubbed up against him, mentally of course, releasing comfort.
"How are you doing Sasuke?" Sakura turned her head to glance his way.
"Hn." Sasuke didn't glance back, he kept his hands cradling his cup and focused on the trees.
"I'm sure he's okay," she whispered then took a sip. "I've known Naruto a long time...when we were just young." She took a breath and looked out across the yard again where a few magpies had landed on the grass, pecking at the bugs flickering about. "He was always strong willed and determined, not to mention loud," she giggled out, a small smile played on her lips. "It almost seemed that nothing, almost nothing, would get him down. Ya know?" She quickly glanced at Sasuke again before taking a sip from her mug. She let out a breath. "Naruto was just always so proud too. Proud to be loud, proud to be blond, shit, he was proud of how many marshmallows he could shove into his mouth." She chuckled again, leaning back on the chair. Her face saddened suddenly. "And when his parents…" she trailed off, as if in thought.
Sasuke turned to her now, hearing the emotion in her voice as she talked. He watched her look at nothing across the yard and he felt...felt...what did he feel? She talked of Naruto, like she and him had this-this closeness… Sasuke brought his legs up, tucking his knees under his cheek, while he watched Sakura talk.
"It was the first time I had seen him so-so sad," Sakura breathed out and she ran a hand through her strawberry blond hair. "It was a difficult time then," she continued. "But...for a time, I almost thought his eyes would never be bright again." She put her cup down and hugged herself, rubbing her hands up and down her arms quickly when she shivered.
Sasuke was quiet, his mind thinking about what Naruto was going through at that time. He himself had not seen Naruto at a point of depression for as long as he'd known him. He almost felt jealous of Sakura, realizing she had seen more sides of Naruto than him. He frowned suddenly and looked away.
"Anyhow," she sat up straight. "I'm worried about you too Sasuke. Naruto wouldn't be too happy if we weren't making sure you were okay." She gave him a smile.
Sasuke didn't respond. What could he say? He was self trained to be an alpha, including in presenting himself towards others. His omega self screamed to be more expressive in his needs, his wants, his emotions, but Sasuke suppressed that feeling. He all but glanced at the beta and saw the hope in her eyes, waiting for him to speak. Still, he said nothing, looking as stoic as ever.
Her shoulders dropped in obvious disappointment and her eyes gave a sad look but she held the smile. "Okay then, well," she stood. "I'm going in. I'm hoping that I, or we, can ask our guests who told them about us." Sasuke watched the beta head inside, his thoughts now thinking about the wolves inside.
Sasuke moved inside a short while later, taking his dishes to the kitchen. Glancing at his phone, he headed for the stairs to retreat to his and Naruto's room. A nap was sounding appealing right about now. Stealing a peek down the hallway to the other rooms, he saw Kimimaro's head poking out from the room, hunched close to the door frame, as if he was peeking like a frightened church mouse, looking for the church cat and wondering if it was safe.
"Kimimaro?" Sasuke softly called out when he stopped.
Those sea green eyes were wide with concern and uncertainty when Kimimaro looked towards Sasuke. He didn't move, his hand was clenching the door frame tightly, as if he might fall over. Sasuke calmly moved towards Kimimaro, his eyes focused and steady. When he reached the timid omega, he put his hand over Kimimaro's and held it. He could feel the slight tremors and Sasuke's wolf began a calming purr.
"You woke up alone, I understand," Sasuke hummed out. "Come, I'll take you to them." He pulled on Kimimaro's hand and led him to the other room. When Kimimaro saw Nagato and he visibly relaxed. He smiled at Sasuke and then pulled him towards the mated pair, not letting go of his hand. "W-wait Kimi-" Sasuke called out as he stumbled behind Kimimaro.
"Niisan!" Kimimaro called out above a whisper, noticing that Konan was still not awake. "Is this?" he tried to peek into the bundle that was tucked next to Konan on the bed. He didn't get too close and he held Sasuke's hand tight.
"Come meet him," Nagato waved him over and moved the blanket to the side to show off the baby's face.
Sasuke stood and felt awkward at the tender moment between the pack mates, but Kimimaro had a firm grip on his hand. Not wanting to upset the timid omega, Sasuke kept quiet and let Kimimaro move him about as he looked at the newborn.
"Oh niisan, he is so small and precious!" Kimimaro breathed out quietly. "Has oneesan woke?"
Nagato sighed and shook his head no. "It will be soon, I'm sure, the doctor has said she is doing well."
"Sasuke did you see?" Kimimaro pulled Sasuke's arm that had Sasuke step up to stand beside him. Sasuke smiled down at the small bundle, seeing that the baby was sleeping deeply. His wolf fluttered at the site and filled Sasuke with a sense of pride.
Nagato nodded his head and hummed out. He glanced at Konan, who slept on, but her colour was beginning to look healthier. He watched as Kimimaro fussed and smiled at the new baby, whispering to Sasuke who didn't speak much, but nodded his head while Kimimaro talked. Nagato relaxed slightly, seeing his precious mate getting better, Kimimaro, his pack otouto beginning to glow again and of course, his son was born, healthy and in a safe environment with the Uzumaki pack. He pinched his lips in thought suddenly.
"Sasuke?" Nagato whispered. Sasuke looked at the older beta, indicating that he was waiting for Nagato to speak. "I want to thank you, and you're pack for helping us out here." Sasuke nodded. "Is the alpha here so we can thank your alpha personally?"
Sasuke's wolf released a sorrowful howl and Sasuke dropped his head, his hair covering his eyes and shook his head.
Nagato gasped. "Oh my-I didn't mean any disrespect, I-I am sorry," he stammered out quickly seeing the misery Sasuke immediately expressed. "We-I didn't know. It's just that I assumed the alpha was here since Kyuubi said to go to his pack brother-" he trailed off, giving Sasuke an apologetic look.
"Kyuubi?" Sakura's voice came into the room. "What about Kyuubi?" Her voice cracked slightly as she tried to keep herself calm. Sasuke looked up quickly at the mention of Kyuubi, sorrow overcome by surprise.
"He said we would be safe here," Nagato responded, sounding uncertain. He then explained what Kyuubi said.
~"Look, you can go here if it isn't safe to come back here." Kyuubi pulled out a folded up paper. "My alpha brother, the directions and his name are on that paper. All you have to do is go there and tell them I sent you, and you all would be safe." He slid the paper towards Nagato who nodded in understanding.~
"Oh my god, how could I be so-so-shit! Idiot!" Sakura slapped her forehead and left the room, mumbling under her breath. Sasuke, Nagato and Kimimaro all looked at the door, then at each other, confused on what just happened.
Sakura returned rather quickly. "Look, I'm an idiot for not seeing it right away!" She held up a folded piece of paper in her hand, waving it slightly when she came up to them. "This," she opened up the folded paper, "is the note Kyuubi left the night we discovered he left. And here is the note Nagato gave me before he passed out." She held them together and showed them. "The note Nagato had is in Kyuubi's handwriting!"
Three sets of eyes looked at the papers.
"Oh my god, I have to talk to the pack!" Sakura exclaimed as she fisted both papers suddenly. "But first, if you can Nagato, what can you tell me on what happened and about Kyuubi?" She lowered her voice to a softer tone.
==x00x00x00x00x00==
Beta rambles: well...I'm in mood today, not a great of a mood, but...life is life. And if any of you have heard that song, that is now going through my head! haha
As always, comments are appreciated.
Special hugs to kcisjohan who puts up with me practically every day :D