All The King's Men

This title refers to the darklings created by Haruto. Sorry for it being a day late. I was so busy trying to fix the next chapter that I lost track of time. Uh.

Naruto sat quietly by the pond where he and Sasuke had met. He felt odd on this day. After all, it was only a few hours ago that they had won the war.

The villagers were celebrating the end of the war and the end of Haruto, but Naruto sat here in his silence, thinking of the things he'd seen during the war.

It couldn't be missed. Haruto was once a good man. But the light, not the delicate darkness, had consumed him. He was alone and Naruto must have made him even more alone.

He must have made him feel betrayed. Angry that his last family had went against his way.

Naruto had killed countless people . And only now was it beginning to hurt.

"That's because he isn't inside you." Someone spoke.

Sasuke swiftly sat down next to him and the blond felt envy. Sasuke wore his one arm like he did everything else the first time, with advancement. He knew that the Uchiha chose not to have his arm for the sole purpose of maintaining his purity.

Naruto had lost his purity a long time ago and was still getting used to having his great great uncle's DNA upon his own blank limb.

"That thing...that once tried to kill you, you're not consumed by its hate anymore. And that's why it hurts."

Naruto placed his hands over his eyes. All those people he had killed. Those men and women he'd finished off.

It wasn't until Sasuke pulled him close that he realized he was sobbing.

"Haruto. He wanted help. Just like Kaguya...She was stuck inside something and we helped her. That's how Haruto was. Only difference was, we killed him."

Sasuke sighed softly, rubbing his hand through the blond's hair. "Kaguya was in something physical."

"Yes, but we should have saw Haruto's eyes. How much pain had we gone through, Sasuke, you and I, just to ignore someone else's?"

"Maybe he was happy for you to kill him. He did say finally. To die by his own blood's hand."

Naruto wiped his face. "It hurts. Everything hurts. Not physically, but it hurts. I saved countless people and couldn't save him from his hate."

"I don't think he wanted to be saved. He may have wanted to take it with him. Not everyone can conquer their hate over night."

Naruto stared over to the other side of the pond. Staring into the abyss once again. "I can't either."

Sasuke laid his head on the blond's shoulder. 'Do you still have visions? The ones where you kill people?"

The Namikaze nodded. "Here is my thanks to all the monsters that didn't kill me. You've simply made me stranger."

"It'll take time, dobe. Of course it hurts now, war didn't end yesterday. And if your own war doesn't end tomorrow, I'll be helping you every step of the way."

"My true ride of die." Naruto mumbled. He placed his forehead against Sasuke's.

"Why do you say that all the time?"

"Pein told me you were. It was only after becoming blind, I saw that. Kind of ironic, I know. But, I saw that no matter what I did, you would keep me close."

They were quiet for a moment, both teens holding some form of intimate staring contest with one another.

Naruto sighed. "I'm sorry when I hurt you. And nothing was ever your fault, Sasuke. You only retaliated when I hurt you. I hurt you so much. With Kakashi, when I left, the way I treated you and tried to pin you against Gaara. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Sasuke smiled. "You're quite alright, dobe."

Naruto smiled. "I love you. Chi, I'm not sure if I died during the war and this is all a dream. I wanted you. I wanted you so long. Way before the death of my clan. And now, in that tent, you were there. You love me back and I'm so fucking happy. I've always wanted you, needed you in fact. You loving me feels surreal, so if I died by Haruto's hands, maybe he's my God."

The raven opened his mouth to speak, but Naruto raised his hand.

"I saw your face when we hit Haruto head on." It was a whisper and Naruto wondered if enjoying someone else's death was Sasuke's first sin. "You were so happy. So happy that I'd live past what they made for me. You love me to death, don't you?"

Sasuke only closed his eyes with a smirk.

Naruto smiled his signature flashy grin. "Then I won't die on you."

"It's not everyday you find someone who puts up with your bullshit." Sasuke mumbled, recalling all the times he and Naruto had hurt each other, more on the blond's side than anything.

Naruto hummed and yelped softly as Sasuke grabbed him by the collar, yanking him close. "Tem-"

"So don't you dare fucking lose me."

The silence that overtook them was neither unbearable or cheerful. But it got them pass the breaking point as it sloped into every crack and crater of that pond.

Naruto nodded, his breaths going back to work. "Did I tell you how much I love you?"

Sasuke kissed him softly. "You've told me a lot since that night. Is that why?"

"Damn, you caught on quick. I want you. Everything entirely Sasuke Uchiha."

"Then I should go." The joke came out in a timid whisper, the inciteful violence of love they committed.

Naruto grabbed Sasuke's leg in a soft manner. "You can stay, but the clothes have to go."

The Uchiha laughed softly and scooted closer. He looked so fucking happy and Naruto absolutely loved this side of him. "Really?"

A soft kiss on his cheek. A string of soft kisses leading to his mouth. "The pond is a pretty place, eh? A nice view for us-"

"Naruto. Sasuke."

Sasuke's growled as Sakura and Karin skipped over to them.

The blond scratched his head, oddly embarrassed that he and Sasuke were nearly removing their clothes. "Hey, girls. What brings you here?"

Sakura smiled. "Now that Kakashi-sensei is hokage, he requested to have lunch with team seven."

"Why are you here?" Naruto asked his cousin.

Sakura blushed deeply and spoke for Karin. "Karin always follows me around."

Naruto wiggled his eyebrows in an odd manner and winced as the green-eyed girl's fist connected with his jaw. "Just get to ichiraku's, baka."

As they left, Naruto waved slowly. "Bye, guys. We'll be there in ten minutes."

"Hn."

It had taken longer than ten minutes, however. An hour, at most.

The team said nothing as Naruto and Sasuke sat down with them. Their hair was a mess and dirt scratches scattered the back of Naruto's cloak.

"We had a fight." The Uchiha stated in monotone, calming himself down.

Naruto passed him a foxy grin and he looked down with a blush.

The sixth hokage ordered four bowls to start and looked down. "It must have been a rough fight. Meh, I always knew Naruto could get the better of Sasuke."

"What?" the Uchiha glared in a dark manner.

"You're limping. He isn't."

The laugh that Sakura let loose had been one filled with an ever present joy. It was only because of Teuchi's raised brow when Sasuke grabbed for Kakashi, Naruto pulled him back, yelling something about hokages and respect.

"Those boys are my boys." She mumbled.

When their small fight settled down, Ayame delivered their food. They ate silently and Naruto kept turning to look at Sasuke every once in awhile.

Sakura smiled. "He's not going away, you know?"

Naruto looked to her, his face stuffed. "Huh?"

Green eyes rolled. "You keep staring at Sasuke."

It remained quiet for a moment and the girl laughed.

"I don't know how I didn't notice before. Now that I look and remember, I don't know how the villagers didn't notice before either."

Naruto still stared in confusion.

"Idiot." the girl mumbled. "It's the gossip of the day, maybe the week, maybe the century. The two saviours fall in love. Some say it happened during the war, others say as you grew up together."

Naruto looked down then. Having been the reincarnation of Hiraki and having killed Haruto, the blond was able to glimpse her life, once restricted by fear.

"No, Sakura-chan. It happened way before that."

A five year old Hikari laughed as she ran away from her father's grasp.

A sigh escaped Hagoromo. "Hikari-love. Please refrain from running. You'll hurt yourself."

It had taken the girl years to grow although she was still so young. Although she was older than her brothers, they matured better and seemed older than she.

Ashura laughed as he ran behind Hikari. "Don't listen to the old man, little sister. Run!"

The little girl's giggling ceased as she ran into her other brother. She looked up at Indra's mighty gaze and hard scowl. Immune, a smile erupted on her face. "Sorry, big brother."

Instead of scowling harder, Indra's mouth twitched and he flicked her forehead. "You're quite alright, pint-size."

At that moment, Ashura, and his own energy, collided with his siblings and all three crashed in a heap.

While Hikari and Ashura laughed lightly, Indra frowned. "You idiots." He mumbled.

With another carefree laugh, Hikari jumped upon him and hugged his waist tight. "I love you guys."

Ashura smiled. "And we love you."

Indra said nothing.

"And you love me too, right, Indra-brother?"

Indra sighed in annoyance. "Yes, you pruny idiot."

Hikari smiled. "And we'll always be together, right?"

Indra stared at her for a moment until he eventually submitted to her innocence. He crossed his arms. "Hn."

Sakura smiled at the memory and Kakashi hummed.

"Hikari showed me that. It's not that I think Sasuke is a reincarnation of Indra Uchiha. I know. It's different now. Hikari and Indra were never romantically involved, but they had a deep relationship just as Hikari and Ashura had. Sasuke and I made it stronger."

"Nothing is official, idiot." Sasuke mumbled. It was in his mind, but he didn't want everyone knowing their business.

Naruto smirked. "Alright then. I'll marry Ino."

Sasuke's killing intent grew slightly, but then it dimmed. A light not needed. "Sure." he muttered. It had been filled with sarcasm and arrogance. Naruto saw it. Sasuke knew Naruto saw it. The Uchiha obviously had it instilled in his mind that his idiot was Sasuke-sexual.

Naruto scoffed. 'You're so arrogant about things, teme."

"Only things I have wrapped around my finger."

Naruto shook his head and began eating as Kakashi smiled. "Meh, you two."

"Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi tensed slightly. "You don't need to call me sensei anymore, Naruto. It sounds odd since you just helped in saving the world."

The Namikaze stared awkwardly. "I've called you it all my time in knowing you, though."

Kakashi sighed. "Fine."

"How are things going? How'd you become hokage with this baby in your stomach? Is Gai-sensei okay with that?"

"I won't be hokage long. Especially with this child. I'm planning on giving my title to you, Naruto. If all of you pass this test today."

It wasn't until Sasuke pushed him that Naruto breathed again. "You want me to be hokage?"

The man's eye crinkled, the way it always did when he smiled brightly. "Of course. Over the years, you've shown an experienced amount of leadership and strength. You've kept your head sane and hopefully you'll pass this test later."

"My father...he'd be so proud. I told him I'd be the greatest kage the world had ever seen."

Sakura smirked. "We'd all be proud, baka."

The Namikaze ordered another bowl as he pushed his finished one away. As he turned to look at Sasuke, there were a few giggles behind them.

"Oh Chi, he just stared at him."

"Did you see the look in his eyes?"

"He's so in love."

The blond turned, finding three teen girls staring at he and Sasuke. "Uh..hi." he mumbled, slightly embarrassed.

The girls began murmuring amongst themselves. "He wants to keep his Sasuke-kun all to himself."

One girl waved. "Hi, Naruto-sama!"

The blond waved back as they ran away, giggling.

"This is so weird. In all our time growing up, did you ever think we would be the gossip of the village, teme?"

"I'm sure we've always been. Too bad we aren't official. Now, anyone can court me." The Uchiha mumbled.

Silence.

Sakura cringed away from Naruto's dark aura and Sasuke facepalmed himself.

"Not unless they want to die by a God's hand."

"You're so arrogant about some things, dobe."

Naruto smirked. "Only fingers I'm wrapped around."

The two quietly laughed amongst themselves and Sakura's head crashed into the table. Sasuke, in his own affectionate way, reached over and messed up her hair a bit.

"Uhhhh. Guys, stop treating me like a third wheel."

Kakashi smiled. "You three always treat me like a fourth wheel."

"Kakashi-sensei." Naruto mumbled. "That makes no sense."

They all laughed lightly.

"I hope we pass this test..whatever it is." Sakura mumbled as she, Sasuke, and Naruto walked with stacks of papers to the hokage tower for Kakashi.

"What's the point of taking a test." Sasuke scoffed. He looked from Sakura to Naruto. "Does he know who we are?"

"No need to be arrogant, Sasuke."

Naruto smiled at the Uchiha's confidence. "He's actually right. No team has advanced as well as team seven has. We've all got powers of the legendary sannin and we were key components in the war. Sure Hinata is a jounin now, but her team isn't. Sure Shikamaru is a jounin, but his team isn't. We're a team, but look where we are together."

Sakura shrugged after thinking. "I guess that is true." Then she growled. "Why do we have to carry Kakashi's papers? He's hokage."

The Namikaze looked toward the Hokage monument with a smile as they had shaped half of the Hatake-Maito's face. "I don't want Kakashi-sensei to strain himself."

"I saw you during the war. You must really care about Kakashi and Gai's marriage."

Naruto nodded. "Kakashi-sensei lost a lot of people during his lifetime, one of them being my father. I know Kakashi needs Gai. And losing Gai wouldn't help him or the baby."

Naruto smirked with confidence. "When I'm hokage, no child will grow up without its parents. No child will die when I'm hokage. That goes for every village too. My mother always said for the children. I didn't know how important that was until I began to embrace my memories. Children are the kings and queens. That's what Chi once told me."

Before the blond spoke further, he was grabbed. The hand appeared from nowhere and tightened on his wrist, pale knuckled, strong. The blond looked at Sasuke as he was yanked backward.

The Uchiha sighed in utter relief as the spot where his dobe had been standing ripped into flames, but Naruto's wrist was still in his grasp and that was fine.

Sakura smirked as the Raikage and Killer B jumped before them. "So you must be our test."

Naruto and Sasuke remained in the room as Sakura left with her jounin rank in mind.

They'd done well, and Naruto never wanted to be rude, but he and Naruto had done even better than Sakura.

"Did we not do well?" He asked instantly at the unbearable click of the door.

Kakashi shook his head. "You didn't."

Naruto pointed. "That's a lie, sensei. We worked harder than anyone, Sasuke and I. We won the war. And if I didn't do well, Sasuke sure as hell did."

Sasuke nodded. "Hn."

Kakashi stared at his fiery students for a moment. "No you didn't do well...you did better. Which is why just being jounin isn't what you two are capable of."

Naruto's eyebrows raised. "What do you mean, sensei?"

Kakashi sighed. After all these years, Naruto was still oblivious. "I mean...I'm requesting that you two become ANBU for Konoha. And not just the normal ANBU."

"Captains?" The Uchiha wondered aloud.

Kakashi shook his head. "No. This section of ANBU is new. You two will be the first ever of this section and for now the only participants."

"What do we have to do?"

"How'd you like to be ANBU Hunter-nin?"

Sasuke mused. "Hunter-nin are only in Kiri. Are we being sent there?"

At this, Naruto shook his head. "I'm not ready to leave yet. Gaara's graduation is tomorrow and I want my family to see Nekoda."

Kakashi closed his book then. "This is new for us. You usually work in the dark. And these missions are higher than ANBU because they are all effects of the war. And no, I'm not sending you to Kiri."

The door clicked and Tsunade walked in with Sake in her hand. "Have they agreed."

"Not yet."

"Hunter-nin." the Namikaze spoke. "What kind of missions?"

Kakashi handed Sasuke a folder and sighed at his mistake. As the Uchiha read the contents, Naruto hovered behind him, very close.

Thus, by the way Sasuke laughed and inched away, Naruto's breath tickled his neck.

They continued reading, but Naruto inched even closer and breathed more deeply.

Kakashi watched in utter amusement as Sasuke turned to stare at the Namikaze. They laughed quietly together, and to his own surprise, Sasuke leaned up and kissed him first.

"Hey." the sixth called blunty. They were stuck in their own world. When they were done kissing, Naruto crashed their foreheads softly. The words he began to murmur were unheard to anyone, but Sasuke, as his obsidian eyes were closed and his mouth was curved.

"Hey." That's when they moved away and looked to Kakashi and Tsunade. "Now that you're done, I can explain further. Mei sent a report to us this week. There are remnants of Haruto scouting and interfering with life. Kiri needs help and the best people to take down 400 darklings in a night are the two 17 year olds that took down the darkling's creator."

"When do we go?" Naruto asked.

"Tomorrow night." The hokage informed them. "Your outfits will be standard ANBU uniforms, but your mask will match the cloaks you receive."

The Hatake reached behind him and pulled out two cloaks, both black in color. The only difference between them was the yellow inside Naruto's cloak and the purple within Sasuke's.

Their mask were identical too, Naruto yellow and Sasuke purple. The Uchiha smirked. "They're alright."

"Then it's settled, you two. Report here tomorrow around six before nightfall."

While Sasuke bowed respectively, Naruto walked to the door and turned with his bright smile. He waved to Kakashi. "Bye, Kakashi-sensei. Goodluck with the baby."

Sasuke shook his head. "I'm sorry."

"Naruto's fine. It's better this way. It'll help me remember who I am."

Sasuke nodded and left quickly after Naruto.

"Crazy kids." Tsunade mumbled when she watched Sasuke's eager face.

Kakashi smiled brightly at the door. They'd forgotten their uniforms and jounin vests. "Meh, just crazy for eachother."

Naruto waved at the happy Uchiha as he and Sasuke walked through to manor, heading to the main house.

"Everyone's still as happy as ever." He noted to Sasuke as a few children passed them.

"Hn. Whatever you'd like to call it."

"This was a home to me...when I wasn't so loved. I was happy that I was loved here."

They walked in silence up the steps. Before Naruto knocked, Sasuke walked in. "We're home!" he yelled to no one in particular.

"The disrespect is real, teme."

As Sasuke removed his sandals, The left side of his faint red lip tugged upwards creating a sinister smirk on his god like face; casting a spell of lust to the blue eyes that dared to look his way. "You love it."

Naruto inhaled and nodded sharply. He couldn't lie to himself. Sasuke's arrogance and feisty dominance over things came with him. And Naruto loved him. "You're right, I love it."

At this moment, Itachi walked in with Neko in his arms. The little girl had been busy touching his face, trying for his attention.

"Say hi, uncle Sasuke. Say hi, uncle Naruto."

Nekoda's head turned sharply toward Sasuke. He playfully stuck his tongue out and the little girl laughed.

"Is that, the little clan heir?" The jinchuuriki asked after a moment. Itachi turned Neko toward him. Instantly she reached her hands out.

Naruto picked her up and kissed her cheek. "Hi, little-pein." she giggled and puckered her lips. Naruto beamed with joy. "Now they're seriously going to scrutinize both the Uchiha and Namikaze."

Itachi turned his head in confusion.

"The elders won't like this." Naruto began, smiling at Neko's puckered lips. "All Namikaze and Uchiha heirs have been either rookie of the year or a prodigy. Neko's too smart for a one year old. Isn't that right, Neko?"

He leaned forward and kissed the child, making her laugh.

"A rookie of the year." Naruto mused.

Itachi smiled as Naruto handed the child to Sasuke. It was odd seeing him cradle the child with one arm, but the raven made it work.

Naruto blushed as Neko kissed the other teen and Sasuke blew a raspberry on her cheek. He looked flawless with the child and the blond felt kiddish for thinking of Sasuke being wonderful with children of his own.

"You're blushing." Itachi mused, standing next to him. Both boys watched Sasuke in his own small world with Neko.

Naruto's lips uncurled and he felt like a heavy Sakura, blushing and staring at Sasuke. "I wasn't. I just-"

"You're thinking about having a family with my little, brother." Itachi whispered. "That's fine. I'd hate if it were someone else."

They went back to watching Sasuke for a moment. The Uchiha was listening and replying to the gibberish that left the orange haired child's lips.

"As an older brother, Naruto, I have to say this. Sasuke is and always had been very important to me. I love him. If you hurt him, I'll kill you."

Naruto deflated slightly. It slightly hurt to hear Itachi say something like that because the older Uchiha knew him so well.

"But, of course. I love you too. So if he hurts you, I'll have to kill him."

Without looking, Itachi placed his finger upon the Namikaze's forehead.

Naruto smiled and threw an arm around the man's neck. "Aww, Itachi-nii. You love me? I love you too."

Itachi sighed and the blond laughed. It was only then Sasuke looked back toward them. In a lighter mood, the Uchiha feigned accusation. "Aniki. Trying to steal my boyfriend. Shame."

Naruto gaped. "We're a thing, teme?"

"Hn. I don't like repeating myself."

Naruto laughed and ran over to them. He kissed the Uchiha's forehead. "Did you hear that, Neko? You're uncles are a thing."

"Abbaabbaaaa."

He wiped the drool from her mouth. "Baby, you're too young to understand. Just know that you're uncles are a thing."

Saying it again made Naruto freeze. Then his head twisted. Then his face twisted. "Your uncles are a thing."

Sasuke facepalmed himself before the Namikaze began.

"If Pein and Itachi had a child, that technically made Sasuke and I brothers and...oh. Neko don't look to your sinful uncles for advice, follow uncle Gaara. He's perfect and I'm just a fuc-"

Sasuke punched Naruto away before he continued. "Dobe..don't say things like that in front of her."

Naruto only smiled as Neko laid her head on Sasuke's shoulders. "Sorry, teme."

Itachi grabbed his bag. "We should probably get going now. Gaara should be on his way home and Neko's getting sleepy. Mother and father went shopping, but they should be making their way to the Namikaze manor."

"Yes." Naruto cheered quietly. He followed the Uchiha out the door. "Neko's going to see the other side of the family."

Sasuke coughed slightly as they went down to the Namikaze burial room. This was the place that five coffins lay and before them, five chairs.

"Why does it look so clean?" The raven asked his lover.

Naruto opened his scroll. "I come down here all the time and dust their coffins. They're made of pure gold like the chairs."

"How are you going to summon Hashirama and Tobirama if their coffins aren't here?"

Naruto smirked and laughed. "Oh we don't need to be near their coffins or bodies. I just wanted to kiss you."

Sasuke giggled and inched closer. "Just my thought. Powerful men do think alike." Naruto grabbed the other teen's wrist softly and drew him in.

"Did I ever tell you how much I just wanted to-"

"Now I suspected my brother, because yeah, he's an animal. But I never took you for a perve, Sasuke-nii."

They turned to find Gaara, standing with his long robe and giant sand gourd.

Sasuke smirked and flicked the twelve year old's head. "This rookie of the year status has gotten you arrogant."

Gaara smiled at Sasuke and the Uchiha smiled back, used to the boy's antics. "Are we going to summon them, aniki? Neko is killing me."

Naruto laid his scroll on the ground. "Not my fault she loves you."

"The soul summon technique has only been used by three people since its creation. It includes the signs yak, tiger, and five difficult Uzumaki seals."

The blond breathed deeply and thought of those he would summon for a few hours. Minato, Kushina, Pein, Deidara, Nagato, Tobirama, and Hashirama. It was a lot of work, but Naruto always believed in himself.

He quickly performed the signs and slapped his hands upon the scroll. "Soul Summon!"

The bodies that formed in the chair formed quickly. Two bodies we already standing. Naruto remained staring as they all manifested themselves.

Kushina was the first to say something. She looked straight at Naruto and gasped, her eyes filling with dripping tears.

Kushina once said to Mikoto and Tsume Inuzuka 'my kids accuse me of having a favorite child, which is ridiculous because I don't like any of them.' And while it was a lie because she spoiled them rotten and always attempted to kill Minato if their lives were in danger, there was always a moment when Naruto loved how he and his mother didn't need to say out loud who her favorite child was.

"Make sure my babies stay warm." She mumbled as she buttoned Deidara's coat tighter.

Minato sighed softly, staring at his wife with a loving look in his eyes. "Kushina, it's summer and it's just a camping trip. They'll be fine. Don't you think the coats are a bit extra?"

She glared at him. "No. Pein, put that scarf on."

The heir nodded and did as his mother commanded.

Nagato walked right up to his mother in glea, ready to be strapped for the cool summer nights. She smiled and kissed his head. "Aww, my babies. I sure wish Naruto could go with you."

Minato frowned. "I do too. It would have been his first camping trip. How'd he get sick?"

Kushina sighed. "Being outside without a coat at night too. He's only four, he'll have time to go on some trips with you boys."

Deidara smiled. "You're happy, kaa-san. Because Naruto can stay and you won't be all alone."

She giggled and waved her hand. "Oh, stop you."

Deidara mimicked her and she smiled. "So adorable." She mumbled. "Well get on then. I made sure you have everything you need."

She went and kissed her boys heads. When she got to Minato, however, the man grabbed her chin and kissed her mouth softly. "I'm not your boy." He mumbled.

She laughed and pushed away. "Love you all."

A series of 'love you' and they were leaving.

"Minato." She called.

He looked back. "Yes, dear."

"If my babies come back with a scratch, I'll scratch some years off your lifespan. Got it?"

"Got it." He repeated. "I love you."

She only nodded with a smiled and the door was closed. Walking into the kitchen, the woman began preparing soup.

She walked upstairs quietly and peeked into Naruto's room.

The little boy looked slightly pale as he poked his tiny head from the covers. "Mommy?"

Her heart melted and she walked in, sitting on his bed and hugging him. "Hi, baby."

"Meh. I'm sick."

"I don't care. I'll be sick with you."

Despite his bad cough, Naruto laughed and hugged his mother back. "Hey, mom."

"Hm?"

"Can we make cookies today while dad and the others are out camping?"

"Yes. We can make all sorts of sweets. Let's get washed up first, okay?"

She let the boy hop onto her back.

NSNS

When Kushina brought Naruto downstairs, she didn't expect for the stove to be raised in flames.

Quickly putting Naruto back, the woman used water style jutsu to eliminate the threat.

"Now we can't use the stove to bake."

Kushina glared with her hands on her hips at the small four year old. "Are you insinuating that this is my fault?"

Naruto pouted. "Yes, kaa-san."

"Hey!"

"Well it's not my fault."

Kushina stuck her tongue out and the blond did the same.

After that, they both began to laugh at one another.

Deidara, Pein, and Nagato showed their strengths to Minato all the time. And while Naruto looked most like him, he was a mommy's boy. Kushina loved how she could see herself in Naruto everyday. He had her eyes and chin. And he loved her. She was always proud of them, but Naruto was her thing. Naruto was her.

Having seen Naruto, Minato hugged his sobbing wife close with a small smile. "It's okay."

She choked on her spit and covered her red face. "It's not." She whispered.

"What's wrong?" Minato asked quietly and Naruto fought the urge to go and hug the woman.

"He's so beautiful." She murmured softly in between sobs.

Naruto smiled. "Kaa-san. I'm surprised. You didn't even hug me."

The woman stood and stared directly at Naruto, wiping her face. "Do I have to? I've watched you and Gaara every single day of your lives."

With a simple nod, and his mother had thrown herself upon him. She looked up, finding Gaara.

"Gaara. My little rookie of the year. I know I wasn't in your life so much, but I want you to know that I enjoyed every moment of being with you."

Gaara nodded and hugged his mother close. "I know." He whispered.

They all laughed and Tobirama spoke next. "I assume I'm here to meet my great great great granddaughter. And my grandson's lover."

Sasuke blushed deeply and nodded, leading everyone upstairs.

Mikoto and Fugaku had already been there.

Naruto knew that Itachi had already felt Pein's presence as soon as they reached the upper living room. He saw the Uchiha gasp softly and turn around.

Pein only smiled with his eyes closed at Neko's own gaped face. As if she already knew who he was. She continued to stare at him, rendered speechless. As if she couldn't believe he looked just like her. "Hi, beautiful." he stated.

At his voice, the little girl showed her her gums and smiled, grabbing the air for him to grab her.

Pein's calm demeanor melted as he went to sick next to Itachi. The man was carefully handed his child and she instantly began touching his stomach and arms.

"She's so hyper." Pein mumbled.

Itachi nodded. "She always is. So different from you and me."

Pein shook his head. "It think she's nurtured. You've had my otouto around her too much."

Itachi laughed lightly as the two began to interact with Nekoda.

Naruto smiled as Nagato ruffled his hair. "I guess we have to wait our turn."

Tobirama smirked as he and Hashirama went to speak with Gaara. "You'll officially be rookie of the year tomorrow. I hope the will of fire burns through you."

The blond watched as Mikoto and Fugaku reunited with his own parents.

Sasuke smiled softly. "Even if it can't be for long, I already love it."

Naruto looked at him. "Me too."

Naruto watched in simple bliss as Gaara was given his headband by Iruka.

"Congratulations, Gaara Namikaze. You are now named rookie of the year. Don't think this is over. The village will expect great things from you."

Gaara nodded and turned to smile at Naruto, who stood in the back of the classroom.

Iruka had asked him to stay for Gaara, but the older teen felt weird, having all the other students stare at him in awe.

He felt like an exhibit. But for Gaara, the blond would do anything.

He wiped his face when Gaara turned to him and gave him a thumbs up. He returned the favor and watched the twelve year old sit next to his teammates, Hanabi Hyuuga and Daisuke Uchiha.

Iruka began again. "Congratulations again to all of you. Your families are all waiting outside."

With this, the other ran outside while Gaara ran back to his older brother. "Did you see me, aniki?"

Naruto smirked and squeezed the boy's nose. "Yes. You were amazing."

"You think so."

"I know so. Now, let's go see the others. I'm sure everyone wants to congratulate you before I leave for my mission."

When they walked out, the main Uchiha, Karin, and Sakura cheered loudly. "Rookie of the year, everyone. That's my cousin."

Gaara blushed as Neko squealed for him. He picked her up and Sasuke flicked his forehead."You didn't have to bring the whole village, big brother."

Naruto smirked. "You wanted me here, didn't you?"

Itachi giggled. "Yes, Gaara. You can't do anything great without us for the rest of your life. You're stuck with us."

Sasuke stood next to Naruto as everyone went on to congratulate Gaara. He bumped shoulders with the Namikaze. "Another prodigy from the Namikaze clan, eh."

Naruto nodded. "Another. There'll be more too."

"Are you saying you're thinking about having kids. With what woman?" Sasuke glared.

Naruto did not look at the Uchiha to see if he were serious or not. So the words that left his mouth next were good excuses as to why the Uchiha needed to work on his anger.

"Yes. It is a woman. And she's more beautiful and talented than you."

There were few gasps when Naruto was knocked into the academy wall by a mighty punch. They were used to it by then.

Naruto glared as he stood. "You know I was kidding."

Sasuke feigned innocence. "What are you talking about? Kidding about what?"

Naruto growled and punched his fist, instantly going into his kurama link mode. "You better run, Uchiha."

Sasuke smirked and looked up. "It is time for our mission, isn't it?"

And he disappeared, with Naruto right on his tail.

They ended up in the hokage's office and Naruto shrieked. The image they came across wasn't unbearing, but it was still odd.

Kakashi had been sitting across Gai's lap as they spoke in quiet whispers to one another. Gai was busy rubbing his husband's stomach and Kakashi soon planted his face in the man's chest.

"Of course." He mumbled.

"Kakashi-sensei." Naruto whined.

Kakashi turned with an odd gaze. 'It's okay for you and Sasuke to show your love, but not your sensei? Wonderful."

The man stood as Naruto snickered and Gai gave him a thumbs up.

"Hn. Childish, dobe." Sasuke muttered, rubbing the bruise on his arm.

Kakashi pulled out their ANBU hunter-nin outfits, cloaks, and masks along with the mission details.

"You two will be going to Kirigakure to eliminate the remnants of the darklings, the ironic creatures of Haruto Namikaze. Mei should let you in."

They called them ironic because they were. They shimmered in bright lighting, and were supposed to represent purity and beauty. But their claws were razors, their skin oozing and dripping with black blood dried up from their death. They were different. An unmistakable mockery of light and dark. It made them wonder why darkness had such an evil connotation when light killed.

Naruto nodded as Sasuke helped him strap his mask. "I'm going to teleport us there. We'll rest on five miles from the sight."

Kakashi nodded. "Be careful, you two. And pay attention."

Naruto grabbed hold of the Uchiha's single arm. "Prophecy Sage Art: Single Movement Technique."

They sank in quickly.

Mei was already standing at the gates, her hands on her hips. "Took you two long enough. Now come on. I have to show you their camp."

Naruto nodded in delight as Sasuke followed him.

He laughed as he heard the Uchiha mumble under his breath. "You better not be eager to see the Mizukage."

Naruto smirked and stopped for the Uchiha to walked in front of him. "Just to make you jealous. You know I like when you show your ass." He stated in pure sarcasm.

Sasuke said nothing as he kept walking, following Mei with his eyes closed.

To the Namikaze's utter shock, Sasuke quickly and flawlessly moved his cloak to the side, taking Naruto's words in a literal sense. And just as the image had come, it left just as quickly.

Naruto caught a glimpse of the raven's small butt and smiled. His laugh was loud as they continued on. Itachi would be so proud that he brought out this crazy side of Sasuke.

"Hn. Perv."

"Are you asleep?" came a soft murmur.

Night had fallen and the teens had set up camp within the trees, five miles from where the advanced darklings were camping.

Naruto remained sitting against a tree, his eyes closed. "No I'm practicing how to die."

A slight laugh and then a sudden weight upon Naruto's lap. He didn't open his eyes; only began running his hands through Sasuke's silky hair.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while.

"Naruto?"

"Yes, love?"

"Uh...do you..do you remember the darklings? Do you remember how they were before Haruto killed them?"

Naruto tensed and his blue eye and Ichibi eye opened sharply. "How'd you know? How'd you know I got Haruto's memories too?"

"Sometimes, your eyes become a sad hue, like whatever you were doing reminded you of what he did. Then it goes away. But, I know you so well, I guess."

In spite of himself, the prophecy child smiled softly. "It hurts to have both their memories. It's hard to distinguish from bad and good. And yet, they're only memories and I can defeat them."

Another silence.

"They were like us." He mumbled, referring to the darklings. "They were human. Just not when Haruto killed them and brought them back to life."

He watched the dark woman from Kumo as her husband and son left to collect firewood.

Haruto smiled darkly as the woman crouched to remove fish from her basket. He scent was aroaming and the monster knew this was the closest he'd ever get to the God Chi.

Her death was quick as he jumped out of the trees, and before her family returned, he's already dragged her away to his hideout.

She was beautiful. The monster inhaled by her dead face.

He kissed her broad nose and dark brow...and then bit it. In order for the jutsu to work, he ate the beauty from her face, chewing the flesh sharply. He grabbed his created wings and flipped her limp body, beginning to thread them onto her back.

When he played God once again, she would be his. He looked back at the sleeping monsters in his cave, all glimmered in gold light. They would all be his.

When he had been done, the man moved back. "Recreation."

He whispered, hoping for the power he knew he'd get. Like all his victims, the woman arose with a sharp inhale of breath, a signal that her death had been surprising.

Haruto smiled and moved the mirror he had closer to her. She weeped at her appearance. "My face." She whispered and gasped at her groggily voice. "It's gone."

Haruto smiled. "This is you now. You are with us now."

The woman looked at him. Recognizing him. Recognizing his monstrosity. "My family…" She began with a small sob.

Haruto shook his head. "You should be happy you aren't wretched anymore."

"How can I be happy? You killed me and made me a monster. I'm a piece of your army and I left my family."

"Monsters aren't unhappy once they let go of the dark world. They have the thrill of the kill, the satisfaction of consuming their prey. They have no second voice, no positive force to bother them, asking them to be good. They have a peace of mind poor humans do not. They don't feel empathy for their victims, or guilt for keeping what's theirs. What's yours is yours, right? You don't want to share.

Greed is good, power is might and might is right. You know it makes sense. Now shut the door, block out the darkness. Close the windows and paint them black. The darkness is your friend. I'm your friend. You can be strong alone, no need for "family."

That was all an illusion anyway, they never cared, did they? No, it is the darkness that is your ally. Dark is truth, dark is honest. It is love that is the lie, it isn't even there my pretty. Come, let me show you how to survive in more than comfort. I will bring you opulence you haven't even dreamed of."

"He killed thousand of people and he made an army."

Naruto was shaken by the flashback, but sighed in content as Sasuke's feet wrestled with his. "You're so weird. But you're my kind of weird."

Sasuke leaned to the side and up to stare. "You're weird too."

They laughed quietly.

"Sasuke?"

"Hn?"

"You won't leave me, right?"

The reply was instant. "Never. If I tried, I'd just be sad. I'd think about you too much and kill anyone you marry."

The Uchiha had turned fully now, straddling Naruto and holding his single hand against the tree behind the blond's head.

The blond laughed and reached his hand out. They stared at one another intensely. "You love me?" he asked.

"You know the answer."

Naruto leaned up and steadied his lover. "It think this one arm on you….it takes nothing away from you. You're still beautiful...inside and out."

"You think I am." Sasuke smiled softly.

"I love you don't I? I know so."

They kissed for a moment.

"I also like this fetish I have going on." Naruto mused, removing Sasuke's shirt and staring at the half limb.

Sasuke sighed. "You truly are an animal. What's with you making love in nature?"

"That's us."

Sasuke sighed and looked to the sky as Naruto trailed his mouth along his his pale neck and shoulders, soft kisses filled with love.

"Only tonight. Next time, you'll have to take me on a date to get me, Namikaze."

Naruto nodded. "I'm willing and able." He leaned in for more kisses, but Sasuke stopped him with a soft laugh.

He stared at the Uchiha's face until he stopped laughing. "What, dobe?"

Naruto remained staring. "Nothing...you're just...you're just so damn beautiful."

Guys, I hope you like it. I love this relationship that Sasuke and Naruto have because it's a lot different from those I've written before. They tease, play, fight, and love.