Standard disclaimer and warning apply.

I apologize for making you wait guys. Enjoy!

Chapter 82: Revelation

Sasuke had never been as pale before as when he heard Naruto's confession even when he was bathed in the moonlight. His blood just dissipated from his veins or had frozen just like his mind when he heard about it.

"W-what do you mean?" he stuttered. He was shaking and it wasn't because of the evening breeze. It was more than that. It was the inevitability and loss that was hanging heavily between them.

Naruto looked away unable to stand the fear etched on those obsidian eyes. No, he couldn't do it He couldn't tell Sasuke. A hand cupped his chin and steered his face back to look at his love.

"No more, Naruto," he whispered softly. "I have enough of your leaving me in the dark. Tell me." He coaxed some more before the blonde finally gave in.

"I'm human, Sasuke. No matter what I did, I'm human and could only hold out against the strain of the power of the demon I'm housing for a limit of time. The strain was evident during my training under Jiraiya. The more I used Kyuubi's power, the more my body is strained. That's why Jiraiya saw it fit to train me so I won't harness Kyuubi's power all the time."

"But it didn't work as Jiraiya expected."

"No… it helped. It did. But there were times when I have to channel his powers but what really did me in…" He paused. How should he tell Sasuke about this knowing the man would be crushed?

"Yes?" He squeezed Naruto's hand as a way to coax him to continue.

"What really strained me most were my pregnancies."

That was another bomb… another unseen attack and it left him empty, cold and disabled. Everything had turned ugly and meaningless at the same time meaningful.

"I know the risk-"

"Then you should have told me," Sasuke interrupted in a quiet harshness. "I would have settled for adoption." He watched as Naruto shook his head.

"Adoption is fine but… I wanted a child of our own. I wanted to see little Narutos and little Sasukes running around the house and the compound and I'm sure you feel that way, no?"

"I did," the man replied honestly. "But I would be contented-"

"My so-called womb is chakra-produced. Three layers of chakra were what it was made of. The innermost was my own chakra for the fetus to feed on and for its protection so as not to be killed by Kyuubi's chakra which took up the two layers but some of his chakra had seeped into causing our children to have some of his abilities and traits. Despite that, they were safe."

"But you aren't. Your organs were exposed to Kyuubi's chakra for a long time. And-"

"That was the reason why Miki was premature. My body couldn't take it anymore. Kyuubi warned me that I could only have three and there won't be twins," the blonde continued, rudely cutting his husband off again. "The maximum was three but I was greedy, Sasuke. I wanted more. I wanted to fill the manor with our children. Hell, if I could, I wanted to crowd the compound with our children." At this, Naruto chuckled but Sasuke didn't join him…. couldn't. He was still grappling with the truth and the information that continued to flow from the blonde's mouth. "Begrudgingly, Kyuubi gave in and I got pregnant with Kisho. Then, unforeseen complications arose."

Sasuke was very familiar with the complications. That was the time when Kyuubi became more powerful putting Naruto and Kisho in danger. He, however, didn't know how much the blonde was in danger until now.

"Honestly, there were a lot of times when I could get pregnant if Kyuubi would let me but he wouldn't no matter how much I beg," Naruto confessed.

"Was this the reason you were grouchy after your talks with him?" Sasuke asked and watched as his wife nodded, embarrassed.

"He said if I get pregnant I won't live long to give birth." He saw pain fleeting in those black orbs and thought his husband was disappointed in him. He choked out a sob and clutched Sasuke's shirt. "I'm sorry that I can't give you another child."

"Dobe," Sasuke said in a voice strained with guilt and love. "Don't apologize. You already did a lot of things for me. They're more than enough. Forget about the fifth child. I want you to live. I need you to live." He didn't know if his wife heard him because he immediately continued.

"As I grow older, my system started showing strains; started showing the consequences of my greediness. Kyuubi tried to heal them but it only gotten worse."

Unable to stop himself, Sasuke moved closer to Naruto, seeking warmth and assurance and to convince himself that the blonde was still there alive and breathing.

"What signs, dobe?"

"Pain, Sasuke. Pain that make me close to fainting; pain that makes my vision white and pain that makes me vomit with specks of blood."

Sasuke felt guilty. At that time, when Naruto was vomiting, he thought his wife was pregnant when in fact he was already suffering.

"I went to Tsunade. But she couldn't cure it. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't cure it. She was no god. Even if she could cure it, as long as Kyuubi is inside me, her efforts would be for naught." He could still remember the desperate look Tsunade sported when she had realized during one of his scheduled check-up how Naruto's condition turned for a worse after just three months. "So the only thing she could do is give me high dosage of pain reliever; use her chakra as a balm to the wounds and protect my still undamaged organs."

"Was that the reason behind your research?"

"Yeah and also because I wanted to give Kyuubi his freedom after all the good things he's done for me."

Sasuke's heart clenched painfully. He finally understood and he felt bad for being angry at Naruto at that time when the latter was trying to keep himself alive. But it turned out, that both ways meant death to his blonde and he couldn't stop himself from shedding tears.

"Why are you crying?" Naruto asked, wiping the tears cascading beautifully.

"Because you won't cry."

"Don't worry, bastard. I won't leave you as long as you need me. Even if I'll be confined to bed or even if I'll be in coma, I'd stay. It's a promise."

Sasuke hugged Naruto tight, not wanting to let go… never wanting to let go. "How long, Naruto? How long is your remaining time?"

"I don't know," he answered against pale skin. "Tsunade said she couldn't predict it because it's getting worse. But I won't die tomorrow or next month or the next three months. That much I can assure you."

But it wasn't an assurance at all. It only made Sasuke scared of what tomorrow would bring and of everything. Their time was running short, that much Sasuke was aware and he found himself lost on how to spend it.

"I'm so sorry, dobe. I love you. I really love you."

"I know. That's why I'll stay. If you can cheat death, then I can too." He had to cheat death even if its noose was already around his neck, slowly tightening.

Please, I don't want to leave yet. Come for me when I no longer have anything in this world. Please, Death. It's too early. Let me stay longer… let me love longer.

The two sat on the park until early morning when Naruto had to go his check-up.

Tsunade looked up, surprised to find, Sasuke tagging along with his wife and they were holding each other's hand.

"Morning, Tsunade-baachan."

"So I take it, he knows?"

Sasuke nodded.

Naruto grabbed the lab gown and excused himself to change, leaving his husband and his doctor.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Sasuke asked.

"I wished I could but Naruto was against the idea because he didn't want you to worry unnecessarily. He made me promise and I prefer to keep it from you rather than him keeping me in the dark. I can't have that."

Sasuke nodded, accepting the explanation. "I know Naruto and Kyuubi have a link that serves as a channel between their chakra. If we cut that, what are the chances of my wife being saved?"

"None." That shocked the man. Didn't Naruto say that if he wasn't exposed to the demon's chakra, then his condition wouldn't get worse?

"The link between Naruto and Kyuubi was established the first moment the blonde use the latter's power. And it deepened and strengthened with every of their encounter until they exist symbiotically. Kyuubi is Naruto's death and survival. It's complicated actually and I still don't understand how it came to be like this. I'm sorry, Sasuke," Tsunade. She was still saddened that she couldn't save her one of her precious persons. It had always been like that. First, it was her brother then her lover and now Naruto.

The man could see how Tsunade blamed herself so he assured that it wasn't her fault.

"I'm ready now."

The two looked at Naruto and Tsunade nodded. Sasuke followed them to the examination room even though he would see anything. He could only listen to Tsunade's observation. But it was okay. As long as he was fully aware of his wife's condition, then it was okay.

When it was over, Sasuke walked Naruto to his office.

"Dobe, one time I asked Sakura for your medical files but how come your current condition isn't shown?" Sasuke asked.

"The complete documents are in another drawer. Sakura will know when she becomes my doctor."

"You hid your secret well."

Naruto grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"I'll pick you up tonight," Sasuke told him before dipping his head to give the blonde the kiss he expected.

"I'll see you tonight then," was the breathless reply.

Death, don't take my wife away from me.

-SasuNaru is love-

When Sasuke arrived home, he realized how emotionally and mentally tired he was. He decided to take a nap so his eyes could rest. He buried his nose into Naruto's pillow, drowning with his scent and missing him already.

Let me find the strength... give me the strength for Naruto's sake.

When he woke up it was already late afternoon and laughter fleeted from the backyard. He walked to the window to find Akemi, Yuuzuki and the latter's children playing.

Yuuzuki... Akemi...Miki... Kisho.

All of them had a part of Naruto's lifespan. They were the blonde's investments. And watching them made his heart tighten in a painful sweetness. But he couldn't blame them. If there was someone it was him. Hadn't he learned a long time ago that there was a price for everything and happiness demanded a very high price? He knew but he had forgotten it when he learned that his wife could sire a child. The sweetness of the news had rushed through him, sweeping away everything. In addition, at that time, he was young, intoxicated with and eager in pounding the sun-kissed body anywhere and anytime that he didn't give a damn about any other consequence other than having Naruto swell with his child. He looked at his hands- hands that brought indescribable pleasure to Naruto while tying death's noose around his neck. He looked at his reflection then frowned.

Murderer.

-SasuNaru is love-

Sasuke took the longest route to the Hokage tower, not wanting to see the victim of his stupidity very soon at the same time keeping the promise he made. He passed by his clan's graveyard and his feet halted. He watched as the sunlight cast long shadows on the ground of the gravestones where it spilled over. He looked at the horizon and then at the dying sun.

The dying sun…

He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms and leaving marks. He wasn't sure if he was actually referring to the burning disk or to Naruto. A sob left past his lips as he felt a black hole appearing within him just the thought about his blonde disappearing behind mountains and never to rise again to bring warmth.

When Naruto had told him of his condition, numbness surrounded him slowly keeping emotions at bay while his brain functioned perfectly to understand the whole situation. The numbness still remained within him, keeping him hovering above the waters of emotions until now. Somehow, it had disappeared and he was falling… falling into that pool. Weak, he fell to his knees and continued crying. He let everything out- frustration, desperation, helplessness and weakness, knowing that when he faced the blonde, he had to be strong.

-SasuNaru is love-

Naruto scowled when past six, Sasuke still hadn't arrived to come and pick him up. Weren't they too old to stood up one another? Or had the bastard forgotten? No, that would be impossible. Sasuke never forgot appointments especially if it had something to do with him.

When the clock strike seven, Naruto growled and left the office. He couldn't wait for Sasuke anymore.

Conveniently, Naruto's feet took him to the longest route too and noticed the lone figure sitting against one gravestone, face buried against arms folded on top of drawn up legs. The figure was so familiar that he walked forward.

"You stood me up," he stated calmly.

Sasuke tensed and looked up to stare at Naruto's smiling face.

Ne, dobe, how can you still smile? How can you still laugh when you're days are already numbered?

"You're crying," Naruto mumbled seeing how puffy and red his husband's eyes were. He kneeled down, cupped his face and licked the tears. "You shouldn't exhaust your eyes too much. It's no longer good for you."

Sasuke laid one hand against his wife's chest. The feelings Naruto stirred within him… they were now mixed with slight bitterness that they had become so foreign to him. He'd bargain anything… offer everything… just so he could keep Naruto. He wouldn't mind going blind at this instant if it meant longer lifespan for the blonde. He gazed at his face and thumbed his bottom lip. "I don't want to lose you."

"You won't lose me."

"In the end, I'm still your killer," Sasuke mumbled ever softly as he pulled Naruto into a fierce embrace. It was like they were at the Valley of the End fighting to end everything except that this time, he had unknowingly became the murderer of his dear friend… his rival… his love.

The other man looked surprised. "Is that how you see yourself, Sasuke? My killer?"

"I'm the one who impregnated you. I pushed you closer to your end."

"You fucking idiot!" Naruto hissed while hitting his head. "Was that the reason why you stood me up? The reason why you're here tonight, brooding?" When no answer came, he hissed continued. "Fine then! Think that way. But I'll also think I'm the one who caused your blindness."

Sasuke tensed. "I told you. It's a curse of my clan."

"And I told you that it is the fate of a jinchuuriki. Whether I get pregnant or not, I'd still die due to the strain," he snapped in reply. "You have nothing to do with this just as I have nothing to do with your blindness so…" he trailed off as he pressed his lips against pale neck. "So don't blame yourself. I don't want you to."

Even if Naruto didn't mention it, both of them were aware that their remaining time shouldn't be spent arguing and blaming themselves of things that were inevitable.

"Dobe?"

"Hm?"

"Why do you smile?" he asked between light kisses on Naruto's face.

"Why do you cry, Sasuke?"

"Because you won't."

"Then there goes your answer."

The dark-haired man tugged one earlobe before whispering, "don't get smart with me, dobe."

The blonde leaned back and looked at Sasuke's face, dark orbs swimming with unshed tears. He smiled before closing the gap between their lips.

Please, Death, don't come yet.

-SasuNaru is love-

"Sasuke," came the breathless plead that hang around the tensed atmosphere joining with other sounds that were like aphrodisiac.

"Hm?" the man answered between languid flicks of his tongue against heated skin. He groaned when muscles clamped around his half-erect manhood. Strangely, their conditions made them want to touch, to hold and to taste each other sweetly and delightfully. It didn't matter how many times they reached their peak because it still wasn't enough. Their bodies were insatiable and so were their hearts and that feeling gave them strength to continue… to drown into each other… with each other

Naruto moaned appreciatively as the man above him started moving. He could feel Sasuke hardening with each thrust and he moved against him… accepting the thrust… encouraging it even. He smiled at the face hovering above him. He took a deep breath as pale fingers traced his face again. The gesture wasn't erotic but it was intimate and gentle.

"You're beautiful," Sasuke whispered suddenly, memorizing the features of the tanned visage. Naruto blushed at the sincerity and simplicity of the compliment. It was because of those that the words pierced through the thick clouds of pleasure surrounding his brain. He cupped both cheeks to whisper back the words resounding within him with the same sincerity and simplicity.

"I love you."

He pulled Sasuke down for a gentle kiss – complete opposite of the frantic movement of their hips. After what was like an eternity, they broke apart and he posed a question in the dimness.

"If the world ends tomorrow, what will you do today?"

His breath hitched as the dark-haired man silently repeated the question against his throat.

"Make love to you all day long," was the quick but serious reply. "You?"

"Get back at everyone for what they did to me through pranks then come home to make love to you also." Then in a husky whisper against smirking lips, he added, "in every position imaginable."

"Then I wish that two days from now, the world ends."

The blonde gave a chuckle which extended into a moan. He splayed a hand against Sasuke's back, pulling him close to brush their chests together.

"I love you," he murmured again, loving how the vein on Sasuke's neck throbbed in response. He continued clinging onto Sasuke as they rocked against each other. No words were exchange between them further as they focused on savoring each other's warmth and presence.

And together they spread their wings and soared… Higher and higher.

To dizzying heights…

-SasuNaru is love-

Utter and grave silence…

That was what hovered above the dining table as Naruto announced to his family his other secret and explained his situation the next morning. Everybody seemed to freeze and fell quiet for few seconds before activities resumed.

Yuuzuki's chopsticks fell to the floor and cluttered. But he couldn't pick it up afraid that if he bend down, his insides would spill on the ground. He never felt the cold dread he was feeling until now. It was very different and uncomfortable as if frosty hands were gripping everything in him turning them in glaciers.

Kakashi had a blank look on his face, unable to sort all the information into something logical and meaningful. He couldn't even put on the indifferent mask he perfected because everything just seemed to mix into everything and nothing.

Akemi resumed his chewing suddenly tasting sand. Unable to stand it, he just swallowed it into one quiet gulp and reached for his glass. His hands trembled and even if he wanted to stop them from doing so, he couldn't. Mentally, he was screaming for anyone to tell him it was a lie and shouting at himself to wake up from the nightmare that was so real. He gulped the water down, the sound echoing in the gripping silence that settled within him, feeling him with emptiness. And he continued gulping his water, unable to stop… not wanting to stop. It was the only way to fight the tears that were now stinging his eyes.

Miki bit her lip. It didn't matter to her that she had drawn blood a few seconds ago. First, it was their otousan going blind and now their chichiue weakening. When did problems start sliding like avalanche? She could feel her head throbbing with something she couldn't identify. She rubbed her arms with her hands as she found herself ridiculous shivering. Why did she feel like she was being abandoned? Why did she feel like seeing herself standing alone in a dreary scene? She closed her eyes, letting tears feel heedlessly, already tired of holding them back. She had no strength to hold them back.

Iruka stared at Naruto. At that moment, he just wanted to throw himself to his boy and held him tight but here he was, seconds or minutes maybe, still rooted to his seat, still blindly looking through watery eyes. Naruto had told them that he wasn't going to die anytime soon but it was already there- the mark of Death slowly appearing. When he and Kakashi had first received the invitation for breakfast, they didn't think about the reason behind it. They got invited too often that it became as natural as breathing so he even his spouse never expected such sudden announcement. Iruka admitted that he was lost among the swirl of emotions and logic.

Kisho had came home not only because he was scheduled to come that morning but also to receive his new mask as a proof that he had been promoted from professional to expert. And he expected to have fun and even have a good spar with his three close friends and his siblings and if he was cunning enough, he could drew a challenge from either his parents. For all his strength and power, he didn't see anything like this coming to him and it attacked him where it hurts the most – his heart. He felt like he was standing alone in an abandoned and infertile land with a dry wind howling behind him, blowing whatever dried leaves splayed on the crack ground. He tried to laugh it off as a joke but he couldn't bring himself to laugh or crack a smile. The news about their otousan going blind soon had sapped his strength but the news of their other parent's condition had sucked him dry.

Everybody was buried with their own thoughts and breakfast ended in a dead silence. Yuuzuki went back to his house. Miki, Kakashi and Iruka went home acting nothing was wrong. They had promised Naruto that no one would know… no one but them… for now.

"I wonder if I could have announced it gentler to them." Naruto asked as he and Sasuke moved about changing their clothes and getting ready for work.

"I don't think there's any gentler way. I think that was the gentlest way," Sasuke putting on his shirt.

Naruto broke the news to everyone in the same manner he did with Sasuke except that it was less detailed. He didn't mention the reason of the acceleration of his condition not wanting to have them blame themselves just as Sasuke did. But their reaction or lack thereof had worried Naruto. Their reactions weren't what he expected. He guessed that few of them would be ranting; Iruka would be scolding him while the rest would be questioning him angrily.

Sasuke slapped his tanned hands away noticing Naruto buttoning his shirt wrong. The blonde let him while he reached up to arrange dark hair.

"I wonder if they understand that I won't die soon or that they won't wake up to find me cold and pale," the blonde said.

"They will after the initial shock."

"I guess so." He stood on his toes to land a light kiss. "See you tonight, bastard."

-SasuNaru is love-

"Water," Yuuzuki as he slid into a seat the moment he came home. He was glad his kids were still in their rooms as he wasn't in the mood or in the right state of his mind to explain in a way kids understand. Was there such a way? Even he himself couldn't completely understand. Something like a fog kept him from grasping understanding.

"What happened?" Yukina asked as she served the glass of water.

"Not now. It's hard to explain," he replied. Too hard.

-SasuNaru is love-

"You've been spacing out," Chie commented. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Akemi lied. He had given his word not to tell a single soul and he intended to keep that way. Pretension was the key. "I'm just tired. My latest mission had drained me more than I thought."

"We can cancel our date today so you can rest," she offered.

"It's okay. I want to spend time with you." And with that he took her hand into his.

-SasuNaru is love-

Iruka just let himself be guided to their apartment by his spouse. When he was asked if he was okay when they entered their home, he nodded automatically. Of course, the moment Kakashi left him at the hallway he surprised the jounin by leaning against his back.

Instead of reassuring him with words, Kakashi turned around and held him as he cried. That was the only comfort he could give at that moment.

-SasuNaru is love-

Shigure scowled and dispersed his jutsu as he slashed Kisho's shirt once more. "Are you going easy on me?" he asked in annoyance. He knew his friend could dodge it and yet he didn't.

Kisho rubbed his nape sheepishly. "Of course not. That won't be appropriate."

"Damn right!"

The younger boy skipped from one foot to another on the same ground for few times; smirked then disappeared in sight.

-SasuNaru is love-

"How was the breakfast with them?" Shouhei asked as Miki stepped into their bedroom.

"As usual and everybody's fine," Miki replied casually. She couldn't tell Shouhei at that moment. Sharing the news would rip the surreal-like veil that surrounded it. Miki wanted to cling to that illusion until she could find the courage to face it and the strength to accept it.

"You don't look fine."

The blonde laughed. "I ate too much."

And before the conversation could go farther, their child demanded their attention when she wailed. Inwardly, she smiled in relief.

-SasuNaru is love-

A poorly stifled groan and the tightening grip of the hand holding his alerted and made Sasuke ripped his blindfold.

"Dobe!" he uttered in worry as he saw Naruto doubling over before falling to the ground. "Hey Naruto!" He gripped his upper arms not knowing what to do. He told himself not to panic because it won't do them any good. "Naruto!"

That worried voice finally filtered through the pain and pulled Naruto from the edge of oblivion. He focused on that voice and opened his eyes. "Sasuke," he said between gritted teeth. "It's just an attack. I'm okay. Just give me time," he reassured seeing the worry on pale features. He gripped Sasuke's shirt and pulled him to him. If he focused on Sasuke's presence then perhaps the intensity of the pain would decrease, he thought.

If anyone would walked on that alley they would see Sasuke hunkering and between his legs was Naruto sitting on the ground while leaning against his spouse.

"I'll be okay," the blonde whispered.

"I know," Sasuke whispered back as he wrapped his arms around the other man. But that won't stop me from worrying.

TBC

Next epsidoe would be nothing but fun as Kisho tried to matchmake.