In this installment, Daisuke asks Naruto a lot of tough questions and a visit is made. Naruto and Sasuke share their stories and they take Daisuke somewhere fun. Gaara gets a date with Neji, and a threat to their happiness rises. And last but not least, weekend plans are made for the family and their loved ones. Thank you to all of you who are enjoying this story. You all are so awesome and I hope you continue to enjoy!
Chapter Ten
"Naru-chan, do you like otou-san?" Daisuke asked as he ate a cookie swinging his little jean clad legs back and forth in the chair.
Naruto spit his drink all over the counter and his face flamed. "Daisuke, why are you asking me this?" he asked grabbing a nearby cloth to clean up the mess while avoiding the little boy's eyes lest he saw the truth there.
Daisuke chewed his lower lip before answering. "Never mind," he said sadly. He didn't know how to ask Naruto to be his mother but he wanted to. He had seen his father kiss Naruto many times and he thought it would be great if the sunny blond loved his father since Naruto was Daisuke's idea of a perfect mother. He protected him, cooked for him, taught him things, spoiled him rotten, and he had a great family that did the same thing. "Do you think 'Ruka-chan will be Koyuki and Fuyuki's okaa-san?" he asked instead.
"Daisuke, 'Ruka-chan is a man, he can't be their okaa-san," Naruto explained.
"He can't be their okaa-san just because he's a boy?" Daisuke asked with tears in his eyes.
"To be someone's okaa-san, you have to be a woman," Naruto explained patiently.
"Why?" Daisuke asked. He was confused, Naruto acted exactly like mothers on TV act and he is a man. "Is it bad to have a boy as an okaa-san?"
"No, it's not bad, it's just people aren't used to a man being called okaa-san," Naruto said. He wished this conversation never happened. Daisuke looked devastated.
"Who says it's anyone else's business what happens in a family and what they call each other?" Sasuke asked from the doorway. "I thought you were the type to not give a damn what other people think or stick to societal norms," he said.
"I don't," Naruto began, "but I don't want Daisuke to be affected by what I think."
Sasuke snorted and his dark eyes narrowed. "Daisuke is an Uchiha and we don't give a damn about what other people think, we always get what we want, and we don't apologize for anything," he said. "If Daisuke wants to call broccoli okaa-san people will just have to like it."
"Otou-san," Daisuke whispered lovingly.
Sasuke looked at his child sitting in the overlarge chair eating cookies in his jeans and tee shirt. He had changed so much since meeting Naruto and his family. He was no longer a somber and quiet shell, but was a happy four year old instead. His black eyes shone with laughter and his perpetual ivory skin glowed. He was still unnaturally clean and well behaved, but Sasuke chalked that up to luck. He put his hand on Daisuke's head, "Ready to go?" he asked.
Daisuke nodded and slid off of his chair. He looked over his shoulder at Naruto, "Will you come too?" he asked.
"Where?" Naruto asked as he watched father and son.
"Okaa-san's grave. We're going to put new flowers on it. Please come," Daisuke asked.
"I don't know, honey. That seems like something private for you and your father," Naruto said.
Sasuke saw the unhappy look on his son's face and scowled at the blond. "If Daisuke wants you to come, then there's no problem," he said. He waited at the bakery door for Naruto and Daisuke. They drove to the graveyard and got out and Sasuke led the way to the grave with the two following him. Daisuke cleaned the dead leaves and debris off of his mother's monument and took the old flowers out of the holder. He went to throw them away while his father watched.
"I didn't mean to hurt him. I just thought you would be uncomfortable," he said as he watched Sasuke's profile. When Sasuke didn't say anything, he stood closer and said gently, "Tell me about her."
Sasuke looked into his eyes for a moment before turning back to watch Daisuke. "She was my childhood friend and Neji's cousin. I married her because Neji informed me that her otou-san was marrying her off to a deviant investor to improve his company. Hinata was too gentle to survive someone like that so I stepped in and married her, getting her pregnant so he couldn't annul the marriage and marry her off to his investor. We loved each other as friends, not lovers and getting her pregnant was awkward, to say the least," he chuckled lowly.
"Hinata was so happy when she found out she was pregnant with Daisuke. She was such a kind gentle soul and she passed that on to him." He cleared his throat and his eyes took on a hard edge. "We found out too late that there were complications, she had end stage leukemia. The doctor wanted her to abort Daisuke and start treatment, but Hinata fought for our child's life. She said she was going to die anyway and this was the one thing she could give me for being her friend and protecting her from her otou-san. She died after Daisuke was born and I killed her," he finished in a rough voice.
Tears streamed down Naruto's cheeks as he listened. He cried the tears that Sasuke was unable to shed. "She sounds like a wonderful, strong woman," he cried. His breath hitched and he put his hands together and bowed his head. "Thank you Hinata-sama for such a wonderful little boy," he said thickly.
Daisuke came back and knelt in front of the monument and put his flowers into the holder. Sasuke watched as the blond stood behind his son with his head bowed and hands clasped praying for a woman he never knew. Naruto was the complete opposite of Hinata. She had been dark and pale where as Naruto was sunny and light, she looked like she always had a foot in the next world and he was full of life, she was quiet and took abuse without complaint and he was loud and gave as much as he got, but as much as they were opposites their spirits were the same. He never would have expected to be interested in anyone like Naruto. Truthfully, since Hinata's death, or maybe even before, he had never really been interested in anyone and he certainly had never been attracted to anyone like he was to Naruto. He watched as Daisuke pulled at Naruto's pant leg and the blond knelt and picked him up.
Daisuke rubbed the tears from Naruto's cheeks and hugged his neck. "Okaa-san would like you," he declared.
Naruto tried to hold back his tears, "Why do you say that?"
"Because you love me," Daisuke said simply.
Naruto's eyes widened and he looked into the child's deep black eyes and saw a wisdom that belied his age. "You're right, Daisuke. I do love you," he tenderly kissed the child's forehead saying another quiet thanks to Hinata again for such a wonderful child. He quietly carried the little raven as they followed Sasuke back to the car.
Daisuke was falling asleep in the back seat when he spoke again, "Naru-chan," he yawned widely showing his tonsils. "Will you be my okaa-san?" he asked as he fought off Mr. Sandman.
Naruto looked at Sasuke who waited for his answer, breath held. "Are you sure you want a boy for your okaa-san?" he stalled trying to get something from Sasuke's blank profile.
"I want Naru-chan," Daisuke said.
"I'll be your okaa-san as long as you want me," he said as he smoothed a hand down Daisuke's side missing Sasuke's one sided smirk. Daisuke smiled and settled into the seat and closed his eyes.
Sasuke drove past the bakery. "You just passed the bakery," Naruto said needlessly. He knew Sasuke was aware he passed it; he just wanted a little info as to why. Sasuke remained silent as he continued to drive. "Where are you taking me?" he asked.
"Scared?" Sasuke asked quietly.
"Why would I be, teme? I could kick your ass twice before you hit the ground!" he boasted. Sasuke raised a dark brow at this but he remained silent. "Really, teme, where are we going?" he asked nervously. Technically he was alone with Sasuke since Daisuke was sleeping in the back. No family to protect him, no witnesses.
Sasuke glanced over at the blond. "Don't worry, dobe, I'm not going to hurt you so wipe that 'he's going to do away with me/damsel in distress' look off your face," he smirked. When Naruto's eyes narrowed he said, "That's better. I thought since I told you something personal, you owed me something personal too."
"What do you mean by personal?" Naruto asked as he braced his back against the door.
"What do you think I mean by personal?" he asked seductively. When Naruto's eyes widened and face darkened with outrage, Sasuke chuckled, "Relax, dobe. When I fuck you, it won't be in front of my sleeping son in a cramped car. I want to enjoy every minute of it."
"Teme…" Naruto's voice husky with rage, "What makes you think you'll ever have me?"
"I don't think it dobe, I know it. Today you owe me a personal story like I told you. Tell me how you got the scars on your face," he said.
"I don't like to talk about that," Naruto said quietly.
"You think I liked telling you about Hinata?" he asked just as quietly.
Naruto looked at him thoughtfully. Sasuke had trusted him with such a painful story. "You didn't kill her, you know. Her love for you and Daisuke was stronger than the love she had for herself."
"Hn," Sasuke grunted. "Tell me."
Naruto took a deep breath and steadied himself for the story ahead. "When I was just a year old Deidara and my parents were killed in a car crash and we were sent to live with a distant cousin of our mother. Kyuubi and his wife Naomi couldn't have children and Kyuubi was happy when we came to live with them. Iruka nii-chan was adopted by too and we were happy for a while until Naomi started cheating on him, and he caught her after a few years.
"He tied me, Iruka, and Deidara to chairs and started with me. He made this thing with sharp knives, three on each side. He wanted to scar her face and he tried it out on me. Every time I turned my head, it cut deeper into my face." He reached up and fingered a long thin scar. "He kept telling us how women were evil and he would save us from them all. After he took the thing off of my head, he pushed me down and stabbed me in the stomach. It was pretty shallow luckily and he made a spiral shaped cut in my abdomen. I tattooed over it to cover it, it's so jagged and ugly.
"When he was going to stab me in the chest, Iruka nii-san had gotten free and covered my body with his. He was stabbed in the back saving my life. A neighbor had heard me and Deidara screaming and called the cops. When Kyuubi heard the sirens, he took off leaving us all for dead. We spent a month in the hospital with doctors and psychiatrists who let us know Kyuubi had killed Naomi and himself in her lover's house. After that we went to the orphanage where we met Kankuro, Temari, and Gaara. Six months later, we were adopted and raised by okaa-san."
Sasuke had pulled off of the road in the middle of Naruto's story and parked the car but his hands continued to grip the wheel tightly. He watched as the beautiful bright oceanic eyes dulled and took on a lifeless appearance. The loud obnoxious cheerful voice was as dull and lifeless as his eyes. Sasuke wanted to stop him, but he doubted the blond had any idea he was even sitting next to him. He doubted that Naruto knew they were even on the same planet. He reached out to touch his dobe, but he flinched away with unfocused eyes. As he neared the end of his story and mentioned his okaa-san, Sasuke saw the light return to his eyes. He reached over and brushed a stray lock of hair out of Naruto's eyes.
Naruto blinked and looked at Sasuke. The raven had a sad look in his eyes as he brushed the hair from his forehead. He knew Sasuke was uncomfortable with mushy emotions but he was still trying to comfort him. He gave a half-hearted smile. "Are you trying to comfort me, teme?"
Sasuke snorted, "As if, dobe." He leaned forward and caught Naruto's lips in a gentle kiss startling him. He caressed the full top lip with his before taking the lower lip between his. The kiss wasn't one of the rushed heated affairs they were used to, it was sweet tender and deeper than anything they had shared up to now. Sasuke took his time savoring the texture of his dobe's lips as he plundered them. Naruto moved to deepen the kiss, but Sasuke refused to rush. He licked and nipped the full lips feeling Naruto's breath mingling with his.
Naruto growled in frustration as he reached for Sasuke. He tried to deepen the kiss, but Sasuke stopped him. He felt lips slide over his as they asserted their ownership causing him to give in. He relaxed as Sasuke continued to dominate the kiss. He mimicked Sasuke's movements drawing a ragged breath from the raven. He wanted to pull Sasuke to him and mold their bodies together but the close confines of the car prohibited their movements. He whimpered in frustration and gripped Sasuke's shoulders.
Sasuke heard the whimper and nearly lost control. He pulled back from Naruto and took a deep breath. He refused to go any further, but the passion simmering in the bright blue eyes was undermining his determination. If he didn't move away now, he'd end up taking him right now in spite of being in a car on the side of the road with his son in the back seat and he would enjoy it thoroughly. "We should go away together," he said in a husky voice.
"Where?" Naruto asked in a dazed voice.
"Do you ski?" he asked.
"No, but I snowboard."
"I should have known," Sasuke said raising a sardonic brow. "Would you like to go to France with me? There's a ski resort there in the Three Valleys region. I think you'd like it. You do have a passport, right?"
Naruto nodded numbly. "We all have had a passport since Gaara and I were five, but Sasuke you don't have to take me to France for a date. We could just go to the movies or something."
"It gives me an excuse to have you to myself for three whole days uninterrupted," he said as he went to work on Naruto's resistance by nibbling his neck and lips again.
"How do you know we won't fight the whole time, or if we find out we don't like each other," Naruto said before he moaned as Sasuke licked his neck.
Sasuke cupped Naruto's erection and smirked against his mouth. "I don't think liking each other's going to be a problem and I don't know about you, but make up sex is hot."
Naruto thrust his hips and took Sasuke's lips in a harsh kiss as his eyes glittered like jewels, "I wouldn't know anything about it. The sex I've had with women was always sweet and gentle"
"I'm not a fucking woman and I'm not going to treat you like one either," Sasuke growled and reasserted his dominance over Naruto. He was about to show Naruto just how much he belonged to him and not some woman when Daisuke stirred in the back seat. The adults sprang apart breathing hard and bodies straining.
Daisuke rubbed his eyes and yawned loudly causing Naruto to laugh. "Where are we?" he asked as he stretched.
Naruto looked around desperately trying to find an explanation as to why they were sitting in an unmoving car for no good reason. He saw a Ferris wheel off in the distance and patted his pants pocket and nodded happily. "We're going there and we were waiting until you wake up," he said to the child.
Daisuke stood up in the car seat and looked at the carnival just up ahead. He began to jump up and down as his eyes shone with excitement. "Can we go, otou-san, please?" he begged.
Sasuke looked at the carnival dubiously. "Oh sure we can go. Substandard death machines, terrible food, and rigged games here we come," he said sarcastically.
"Yes!" Daisuke said as he sat back in the seat and buckled his seatbelt.
Naruto ignored Sasuke's dark look and smiled warmly at Daisuke. When he did finally look at Sasuke he said, "I'm paying today, teme so whatever I say goes!"
"Does that mean that when we go to France whatever I say goes?" he purred.
Naruto shivered at Sasuke's words, "We'll go Dutch if I decide to go," Naruto said. He turned back to Daisuke who was bouncing in his seat ignoring them completely as the carnival came closer and closer. "Excited?"
"Yep, I've never been to one of these before," Daisuke said as he watched the giant swing ride circle around. "Can we go on that okaa-san, please?" he asked
"We have to see what the measurement requirements are," Naruto said. He laughed as he watched the little boy bounce. He turned to Sasuke who was looking at him with unreadable eyes. "What?" he asked.
Sasuke shook his head as he parked his car. His BMW 7 series stood out among all of the other cars making Naruto a little uncomfortable. He grabbed Daisuke's hand when the little boy got out of the car and ran to him and Sasuke. "Come on," Daisuke said as he pulled them along causing Sasuke to smile at his demanding tone.
For the next two hours, Sasuke watched as his son and his dobe ran from ride to ride. Daisuke had been too small to ride in the swings, but luckily, there was a smaller version further in. They went on a rickety looking roller coaster or two together before they dragged Sasuke to the Ferris wheel and merry go round and demanded he ride with them. Every ride had a camera mounted on them that took pictures at certain points. Naruto bought two sets each at each ride and gave one to Daisuke as a keepsake and kept the other set for himself. When they walked away, Sasuke would buy two more sets, one for his mother and one for his empty desk at work.
Naruto tried every game of chance that was offered but lost more times than he won. In the end, Sasuke stepped in and played before the blond went flat broke. His breath caught when he saw the happiness in Naruto's eyes when he took a large stuffed teddy bear Sasuke had just won and gave it to Daisuke. "We could have just bought one that's better quality," Sasuke grumbled.
Naruto laughed and caught Sasuke's hand in his. He knew Sasuke was hiding behind his stoic façade. "Teme," Naruto said softly as he laced their fingers together.
Daisuke jumped up and down like a Chihuahua on crack when he saw the face painting booth and begged Naruto to get his face painted. Naruto looked like he was going to drag Sasuke along too, but he caught the sick look on his face as the raven imagined the torture he would endure from his older brother and let go of his hand. He got his face painted like a fox and Daisuke got his face painted like a panda because it reminded him of his Gaara-chan. The operator at the booth took pictures of them and Naruto forked over the cash and took Daisuke to grab a funnel cake.
Sasuke held the pictures he paid for in his hands running a fingertip over the images. Daisuke's little panda face had a large smile and was holding up his fingers in a peace sign and Naruto was holding his fingers behind Daisuke's head in bunny ears as his mischievous fox face grinned. He put the pictures with the others as he caught up with them.
After three hours at the carnival, Sasuke was beyond ready to leave. He carried three large stuffed bears, two large stuffed monkeys, a bunny, four bags of cotton candy, and two goldfish. Naruto carried Daisuke who had fallen asleep again, three balloons, a large stuffed panda bear, and two bags of cotton candy as they left. Sasuke popped his trunk and stuffed the bears, monkeys, bunny, and balloons in while Naruto put Daisuke in the back seat along with everything else besides a bag of cotton candy and goldfish. He climbed into the front seat and breathed a sigh of relief.
Naruto opened the cotton candy with one hand and popped some of it in his mouth humming with pleasure as it melted. When Sasuke climbed into the car, he offered him some. "No thanks, I don't like sweets," Sasuke said as he started up the car.
Naruto popped the sugar in his mouth and leaned over to capture Sasuke's lips. He licked the fuller lower lip and when Sasuke opened his mouth, Naruto pushed his tongue inside to brush against Sasuke's, sharing his treat. Sasuke sucked on Naruto's tongue as it darted in and out of his mouth. When Naruto sat back in his seat, he smiled brightly at Sasuke, "Thanks for going today."
"Hn," Sasuke grunted and started the car thinking maybe he did like sweets after all. After they had reached cruising speed, Naruto took Sasuke by the hand and settled into his seat and closed his eyes. He looked over at his dobe admiring his still painted face as it loosened in sleep. His features were exquisite causing Sasuke's loins to tighten. He thought back on the story Naruto had told him and was horrified by it. He couldn't understand how someone could hurt such an angel.
Naruto's grip on his hand slackened and he turned in his seat, "Sasuke," he murmured as a gentle smile lit his face, "Handsome Sasuke."
Sasuke smirked at the blond and squeezed his hand earning him a breathy sigh. He pulled into the driveway of the mansion and took all of the things out of the trunk and dumped Daisuke's treasures in the foyer for the maid to put in his room before handing over the goldfish to the butler who held it out between two fingers as he took the bag to the kitchen and plopped the two fish in a bowl.
Sasuke went back to the car and pulled Daisuke into his arms and moved to Naruto's door. He nudged Daisuke and told him to kiss okaa-san before taking him into the house and carried him to bed not bothering to wash the face paint off. After tucking in his son, he went back to the car and drove his dobe back to the bakery.
When they arrived, Sasuke parked and ran a hand down Naruto's arm. "Wake up sleeping dobe, we're here."
Naruto's eyes fluttered open and he rubbed them smudging his face paint. "Where are we now?" he asked.
"The bakery," Sasuke replied. "You were out as soon as we got in the car, so I dropped Daisuke and his stuff off at home and brought you here."
"Oh," Naruto yawned. He started to get out of the car, but Sasuke stopped him. "Whaz wrong?" he asked.
"You never gave me your answer about France. Will you go?" he asked.
As the sleep cleared from Naruto's mind, he remembered their conversation. He was afraid to say yes, but a larger part of him wanted to be hundreds of miles away alone with Sasuke surrounded by people they didn't know in a little French town for three whole days. He blushed, "I'll tell Iruka nii-chan and Temari tonight and then we'll make plans," Naruto promised. He opened his door and stepped out onto the curb, "By the way, you have face paint around your lips and the tip of your nose. I'll see you in class later, ja."
Sasuke pulled the mirror around and saw the paint on his face before he gave a low chuckle. He pulled out a face wipe and cleaned it off before heading to the photo shop for frames for his, Daisuke's and his mother's pictures.
"What happened to you?" Iruka asked as he laughed. "I thought you said you guys were going to the carnival, not an emo fest."
"Is it smeared that bad?" he asked as he looked in the mirror. His fox face had been destroyed. He laughed too and headed to the back to clean up. "By the way, nii-chan Sasuke wants to take me away to France for a three day weekend. Do you mind if I go?"
"First Deidara, and now you; what am I going to do with you boys," Iruka joked. "It's fine, Naruto just be back in time for family Sunday okay."
"Yes, nii-chan," Naruto said smiling. He remembered the promise their family made to one another on Sunday. He was going to have to tell Sasuke about it tonight. He helped Iruka for the next hour before they closed up the shop and went to the studio.
xooxoxoxoxooxxoxxxoxooxooxox oxoxooxxoxxooxoxoxoxxooxoxox ooxoxooxoxooxxooxoxxoxooxxox ooxo
Gaara drove Neji's car back to the hotel. It had been raining for the past two days and Neji insisted Gaara keep the car until he was able to ride his bike home. Naruto had called saying he and Sasuke were taking Daisuke to the carnival after they had paid their respects at the cemetery, Iruka and Deidara were at the bakery, Temari and Ino went shopping after Temari's afternoon class, and Kankuro was building a playground area around the swing set after Fuyuki tripped and slammed into a rock. He was laying down foam rubber bedding and putting up a teeter totter.
As he drove to the hotel, he dreaded finishing the painting. He wanted to draw it out longer to spend more time with Neji, but he was anxious that Neji would find out why he was dragging his feet to finish. He pulled into the garage and put the seat and mirrors back in the original position. After locking the door, he headed for the lobby.
"Gaara-san," the hotel manager greeted him. "I have your step ladder and cloths ready for you."
Gaara gave the man a blank look. He turned his eyes to his painting. He didn't realize that Cupid looked so much like Neji and Psyche had red hair and green eyes. He wanted to take paint thinner and douse the painting before anyone else noticed the secret desires he put out in plain sight.
The manager sneaked up to Gaara and whispered, "I apologize for the other day, Gaara-san. I realize now that I should have asked permission before actually touching you. I know you like to tease me."
Gaara glared at the man as though he lost his mind, "Excuse me?"
"It won't happen again. I'll wait until you're ready to give yourself to me," he said as he breathed in Gaara's minty scent, his hands hovered over his shoulders.
"Shouldn't you be at the desk?" Neji asked his voice cold.
The hotel manager gave Gaara a look of longing before moving back to the desk. Neji's gaze hardened as he watched him go. When he looked back to Gaara he saw that he was shaking with rage. His jade eyes were narrow and his fists were clenched at his sides. He stepped into Gaara's line of sight and put his hands on his shoulders causing his wild eyes to turn to him. "Gaara, listen to me. Calm down." He slid his hands down Gaara's arms and took his fists in his hands. "Look at me, Gaara. Let's go for a walk okay?" He pulled Gaara out of the hotel as the manager watched them leave glaring.
Neji gripped Gaara's elbow and walked. He lured Gaara into a restaurant two streets away and requested a private table. When they were seated a busty waitress leaned against their table focusing on Neji only as she took their order. Neji ordered all of Gaara's favorite foods and drink before dismissing the waitress and turning to Gaara.
"She looked like she wanted to offer you a little more 'service'," Gaara observed.
"You must be feeling better to be noticing nonsense," Neji said lightly, "Are you okay now?"
"Yeah," Gaara said as he drank his water. He noticed Neji had ordered it exactly like he liked it with a lemon wedge and three cubes of ice. It seemed that Neji knew exactly what he liked and always paid attention to his needs.
"You want to tell me about it?" he asked.
"He's a disturbing asshole," Gaara supplied. He sipped his drink and refused to meet Neji's violet gaze.
"Just do me a favor and don't be alone with him ever." Neji sat back as the waitress put their meals on the table.
"Don't worry, I never will."
They ate in silence just as they always did. Now that Gaara was calm, he noticed how Neji's presence affected him again. He recalled the soothing hands that slid down his arms and clasped his hands and his heart rate increased. He began to feel butterflies in his stomach and he no longer wanted food. "Gaara are you okay?" Neji asked as he pushed his plate away.
Gaara nodded. Neji motioned the waitress forward and paid their bill. As they left the restaurant, Neji took Gaara's hand in his and laced their fingers together, "Instead of finishing the painting today, why don't we go to the museum? They have a great medieval exhibit going on."
Gaara looked at their linked fingers and nodded silently feeling light headed at the contact. The museum was a block away from the restaurant so they walked. He let Neji hold his hand as they toured through the museum. He pointed with his free hand explaining the artistic technique and circumstance behind every painting.
"Gaara did you and your brothers go to college?" Neji asked.
"Yes. Okaa-san always encouraged us to expand our minds and keep our bodies healthy. She was ninety-eight when she passed away. I have a double major in humanities and art and a minor in literature. I love mythology; it's what I use most in my art. How about you? Did you go to college," Gaara asked flippantly.
Neji raised his eyebrow and smirked. "Yeah, I majored in business and economics. I always liked humanities and literature, but oji-san saw no application for them so I was unable to take them."
"Then allow me to be your Scheherazade," Gaara said. He and Neji went continued through the museum. They asked each other numerous questions about their likes, dislikes, dreams, and favorite things. They left the museum after a couple of hours and walked aimlessly around town.
"Do you like children?" Neji asked.
"I like Daisuke, Fuyuki, Koyuki, and the twins. I wouldn't mind adopting a few kids like okaa-san did me. She saved mine and my brother's lives and I would like to do that for someone else."
Neji nodded, "I want children too. I was going to look into surrogacy, but I wouldn't mind adopting. There are so many children out there that need loving parents."
"Are you proposing?" Gaara asked playfully.
"Would you accept?" Neji countered as he pulled Gaara to a stop.
"I don't know," Gaara answered truthfully.
Neji cupped Gaara's cheek and brushed his lower lip with his thumb as Gaara's eyes slid closed. Neji could hear his breathing become labored and his skin flush. He lightly brushed his lips over Gaara's cheek as his hand moved to feel the rapid pulse thumping in his neck. "May I kiss you?" Neji asked as he smoothed his cheek along his.
"Yes," Gaara said breathily. His breath caught as Neji's lips settled over his. He felt the smooth texture as they slid over his mouth. Neji took his time as he plundered Gaara's mouth with his own. He cupped his hand behind Gaara's neck and tilted his head as his thumb caressed his side of his neck.
Gaara tilted his head and opened his mouth slightly allowing Neji's tongue entry. He gasped as Neji's tongue pilfered his essence leaving him shaking and wanting more. He wound his arms around back and pulled him closer tasting Neji fully as his heart thundered in his ears and breathing became impossible. He clutched at Neji's jacket as he became light headed and his heart pounded. Neither paid attention to the passersby as they stood in the middle of the street clinging to one another not realizing they were across the street in front of Neji's hotel.
The hotel manager looked out the glass doors of the hotel at the lovers across the street. Soon he would be able to hold his Gaara-san like that. He narrowed his eyes as he noticed the clothes on the smaller male looked exactly the same as his rouge beauty and the clothes on the larger man looked like Hyuga's. He walked to the glass doors and his heart plummeted to the ground and his blood ran cold. There in the middle of the street acting like a whore was his beauty. His hands clenched as blood spurted from the open wounds caused by his nails. 'He'll pay for this,' he thought as he bit the inside of his cheek tasting the coppery fluid as it filled his mouth. 'I'll make him pay.'
Gaara pulled away for air and laid his cheek against Neji's collar bone. His breathing was ragged and labored as he gulped in large amounts of air. "That was my first kiss," he said shyly.
Neji smiled gently, "I'm glad you gave it to me." He rubbed soothing circles on Gaara's back.
"Hmm," Gaara closed his eyes and enjoyed the caress. He opened his eyes and saw the manager standing in the doorway before he pulled away from Neji's embrace. He shivered at the hatred in the man's eyes. He faced Neji again, "Promise me you won't be alone with that hotel manager either. I don't trust him."
Neji kissed the inside of Gaara's wrist tracing the veins with his tongue. "I promise," he said as Gaara shuddered. It was almost three in the afternoon and Gaara wanted to finish the painting before he left. He held Neji's hand as they crossed the street and walked into the building. Neji stood at the front desk after dismissing the manager for lunch. The man smiled tightly and walked out the front door.
At five in the afternoon, all but a few touches remained. Gaara stood back as he added a touch here, a shadow there before smiling fully at Neji. "I'm done," he said.
Neji had watched the progress of the painting and thought it was breathtaking before, but now that it was finished, he wanted to have the section of wall removed and hung in his room. The painting was four feet tall and two and a half feet wide with the figures of Cupid and Psyche painted on a black background. Psyche stood on Cupid's left side slightly in front of him her red head bowed as Cupid's hands curved around her shoulders. Psyche's flowing sheer dress was green and her hair was twisted in intricate braids her face was breathtakingly beautiful. Cupid's loin cloth draped low on his hips and his bow and quiver of arrows were carelessly slung over his shoulder. The painting made one think they had caught the mythological beings in a tender intimate moment.
"Beautiful," Neji breathed. He looked into Gaara's eyes, "Absolutely beautiful. I want you to do another for me on canvas."
Gaara's lips twitched, "We'll haggle about my payment later." He glided his hands over Neji's arm subtly since his employees were around.
Neji wasn't as reluctant to show his affection. He cupped Gaara's cheek and smoothed his thumb across his full lower lip. "Your bargaining position is strong," he joked.
Gaara put his hand over Neji's. "I have to get going. I've got class tonight and my partner may dump me if I'm late, there are a lot of lovely ladies signing up now," he said.
"Your partner would never dance with anyone but you."
"I've heard it was good for his business if he could dance with his guests. Besides I don't care if he dances with other people, I just don't want him kissing anyone else."
"Why would he ever want to kiss anyone else?" Neji breathed as he leaned in.
"Oh barf, get a room, you're in a hotel for Kami's sake," Deidara said as he entered the lobby.
Neji groaned and clenched his teeth so hard they might have broken if not for his excellent dental practices. He had forgotten the pastries he had ordered for the guests.
"Nice work, Gaara. Now I know you weren't just down here indulging in sinful delights with Neji-kun since you were coming here day and night," Dei purred. This was too much fun. No one in their family has ever had the opportunity to tease Gaara about a relationship and he gets to be the first to do it.
Gaara ignored his brother and moved away from Neji. After cleaning up and taking more jibes from Deidara which he ignored, Gaara moved to Neji's side. "I'll see you in class tonight." He hesitated again to initiate contact.
Neji leaned down and gave him a light kiss on his lips. "Until tonight," he murmured.
Gaara went to the garage to get his bike as Deidara followed him. "You sure you're gonna be able to ride that thing with a hard on?" he asked
Gaara stuffed his helmet on his head, cranked his engine, and flipped his brother off before pulling out of the driveway. Deidara's laughter followed him "Good for you, otouto," he said proudly.
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Itachi stood in the corner of the dance studio as he watched Deidara move among the couples tweaking their frame or correcting foot placement. He was only there tonight because Sasuke informed him the hellion was going to be there. He growled as Deidara pulled some silly twat into his arms and spun her around the dance floor showing her the steps of the samba. He became livid when he stepped into the arms of a man to show him where to put his hands on his partner. It irked him that others touched what was his so freely. He watched as Deidara danced around with another twat, his blond termagant moving his hips in a circular motion. His legs carried him gracefully around the floor and his hair swayed brushing along the top of his ass in a tantalizing way making Itachi want to scoop him up and find the nearest bed. His cock hardened just by watching him.
"You're scaring the straights," Sasuke said as he moved to his brother's side. His scowl matched Itachi's though as he watched his dobe guide a handsy woman with short black hair. He stepped forward when she slid her hands to cup Naruto's ass but the wily blond wiggled out of her grasp and moved away.
"You're not doing so badly yourself," Itachi observed never taking his eyes off of his blond.
"Where are you taking him?" Sasuke asked.
"Our island off of Fiji, I arranged for the house to be opened, the utilities to be turned on, and the boat and Jet Ski brought in from the shop."
"You're spoiling him in other words."
"Hn. What about you and your little blond, where are you taking him?"
"Skiing in France, I'm taking him to our chateau in Three Valleys."
"Talk about spoiling your shrew," Itachi said causing Sasuke to raise a brow in warning.
Naruto saw the ravens in the corner as he passed another couple. Smiling he made his way over to the brothers. "Hey, teme-poo," Sasuke's other eyebrow rose to meet its twin at the nickname, "about our trip, I can go, but I need to be back before Sunday morning for family Sunday."
"Family Sunday?" the ravens echoed.
"Yeah, it's something we've been doing since we were kids. No matter what we have going on during the week, Sundays are always for the family to come together. Lately, we've extended family Sundays to include lovers as well," Naruto blushed.
"So I have to have you home Saturday night which means I only get you to myself for two days? Not even a full two days. Unacceptable if I have to bring you back a day early, we should leave a day early," Sasuke argued while Itachi nodded.
"Such a brat," Iruka joked. "Of course you can leave a day early I knew you would want to. Also you guys, Daisuke, and the twins are invited to the house next Sunday if you'd like to come. Mikoto-san and Fugaku-san are joining us too." He looked at Itachi, "If you'd like you can come to the house on Saturday night and stay. I'm sure Dei and Naruto wouldn't mind," he said as he walked away.
Itachi raised his brow at the dark skinned man and nodded his acknowledgement. He glanced at Deidara who blushed brightly and his cock twitched painfully. He pulled out his phone and texted his property manager to let him know the change in arrival. He sent a dark look of desire in his golden hellion's direction enjoying his blushes.
"Stare at him anymore and his clothes will disintegrate," Sasuke quipped causing Itachi to give him an Uchiha death glare. "You really don't think that will stop me do you?" he asked as he gave a death glare of his own.
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After dance class most of the students were escorted out of the studio by Iruka and his family. Mikoto and Fugaku made excuses to leave and the raven brothers felt a wave of nausea threaten to choke them as they saw the desire in their father's eyes.
Kakashi and his children were sitting on the couch waiting for Iruka to be done with escorting the other students out. Iruka approached and hugged the kids to him. "How would you guys like to come to the house and stay with us this weekend?" he asked.
Fuyuki's eyes widened, "You mean sleep over?"
"Yeah, we can set up a tent in the backyard and roast marshmallows," Iruka said as he smoothed his gravity defying hair.
"Just the two of us?" Koyuki asked.
"Your father too if he'd like to come; there will be others, but the more the merrier," he said as he looked into Kakashi's eyes.
Kakashi knew what a big step this was for Iruka, hell it was a big step for him too but he wanted it. "We'll be there," he promised as the kids cheered.
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Daisuke and the twins were joined by their fathers, Naruto and Deidara as they argued. "Otou-san, it's not fair Daisuke got to go somewhere fun and we didn't" Kei said.
"But I shared all of the things with you," Daisuke said as his little lip trembled. Naruto picked him up and stroked his head.
"We wanted to go too," Kai said.
"It isn't Daisuke's fault, it was mine. I wanted to go to the carnival," Naruto said. "And he was very nice to share all of his things with you. You boys should decide on a place you want to go with your otou-san."
"But Daisuke said you're his okaa-san too and it's not fair because we don't have one," Kei cried as Kai hugged him and wailed too.
"C'mon you guys, you'll get an okaa-san someday too," Deidara said as he smirked at Itachi.
"We want you to be our okaa-san since Naru-chan is Daisuke's okaa-san. 'Ruka-chan is Fuyuki and Koyuki's okaa-san and we'll be the only ones without an okaa-san," Kai cried.
Itachi smirked at the horror stricken look on Deidara's face. "You heard them, Dei-chan you have to be their okaa-san," he said silkily relishing the look on his face.
"Then I don't suppose I'll have to go on this interview weekend getaway will I," Deidara snarled.
"Oh yes you do, but it will be for another position. Many different positions," Itachi said darkly watching Deidara quiver. "And we'll be leaving on a Wednesday instead of Thursday since I have to have you back for family Sunday. I've already had to push it back another two weeks and I'm not waiting any longer." Deidara glared at him before walking away. Itachi put a hand on each of his boy's heads. "He's crazy about me," he said.
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Shikamaru and Temari were making plans for another date on the weekend. "We could go star gazing again if you want to," Shikamaru said.
"Or we could go to your house and I can cook you a nice dinner and we can watch old Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire movies and cuddle together all night long," Temari countered as she kissed the shell of his ear.
"That sounds great too," Shikamaru said as his hands roamed over her. "I can't wait," he said as he kissed Temari passionately.
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Gaara pulled away from Neji breathless. "Would you like to come to the house Saturday and stay the night for family Sunday?" he asked. "We'll probably be stuck with the kids, but I think it'll be fun."
Neji rubbed his hand in gentle circles on Gaara's back and smiled, "I would like that," he said. He pulled Gaara into another kiss.
Ino watched as Neji kissed the petit redhead for all he was worth. "You still want me over this weekend too?" she asked.
"Of course," Kankuro said as he nuzzled her neck. "We'll just have to be quiet since there'll be a full house."
"You're so hot when you're being sneaky," she said as she licked a fresh hicky she had just put on him.
They all reluctantly said good night and went to their houses after Iruka locked the doors and last kissed and touches were exchanged.
On a time wise note, Itachi has to push his date back an additional two weeks from the time he first set the date making the date four weeks and three days in the future so it will still be a month away when Itachi and the boys attend family Sunday. Welcome new followers Kyba and Country Hick 29 and thank you new favoritors (is that even a word?) lupin 181 and willowwisp6. And thank you to JustCallMeMoMo, crzyanimemom, boredomeisbliss, crownymars, and deepsapphiresoul for reviewing the last chapter. I promise to keep posting until I run out of ideas. I'm so happy you guys are enjoying the story so far. Thanks for reading! Now review! Jade;)