"Um," Naruto says as they pass through a wide field of rice. It's the first time he's seen such a vast amount of space. It's relaxing, too, seeing all the greenery and the clear blue sky. "Where are we going?"

"Oh right," says Sasuke, "I haven't told you. We'll drop by my workplace first,"

"Okay," Naruto looks over again to the beautiful planes and the forested mountains on the horizon.

Wait. Workplace? Danna-sama is a military officer?

He gasps as he turns back to Sasuke, panic etched on his face. "Your workplace? The Imperial Army's Headquarters? Is it alright for a civilian like me to visit?"

Sasuke almost wants to laugh at Naruto's panic. But he won't. It's rude to mock. "No need to make that face. We're not going to the headquarters since not all officers and personnel work at there. The platoon I lead, which specializes in supernatural abilities, work in a separate facility from the headquarters. So there's no need to be nervous. We'll only leave the car there,"

"I see," Naruto breathes a sigh of relief.

Cars are becoming more popular but there aren't a lot of places to park them. It makes sense to drop by Sasuke's workplace first, since they have space for cars.

When they arrive to Sasuke's workplace, a grand gate opens for him and an officer salutes as he confirms Sasuke's identity and rank.

Sasuke parks, gets off the car, and assists Naruto out of the passenger seat. Naruto blushes when Sasuke offers his hand for him to hold onto as he hops off the car.

Sasuke's hands are warm, Naruto discovers, and wants to keep holding them.

And Sasuke discovers Naruto's hands are cold. He wants to warm them.

"Thank you," Naruto says when he's safe and firmly on the ground.

"Oh, if it isn't the commander!"

Sasuke turns around and sees his colleague.

"Sarutobi," says Sasuke in lieu of greeting.

"Aren't you supposed to be on your day off today?" Sarutobi asks as he approaches his superior.

"Yes. I'm only here to park the car,"

"I see, I see," he nods, then notices Sasuke is not alone. "And who might you be?" Sarutobi takes a step closer to him.

Naruto senses this man is an alpha and steps back. He feels like any alpha who isn't Sasuke is a threat.

Sasuke holds his arm up to get in between the officer and Naruto. "My companion and he's none of your business,"

"Well, whatever!" he still has a smile on his face despite having been hissed at by his superior. "Please come back to work tomorrow refreshed, commander!"

"Of course. Now go back to your post," Sasuke resists the urge to glare at his subordinate.

"Bye!" he waves casually. "Yeah, yeah, yessir!"

Naruto bows as the officer leaves.

"That was Sarutobi Konohamaru. He's a subordinate, and my close aide, I suppose," Sasuke says, "Well, then, let's go,"

It's a five-minute walk, give or take, and then they're in the town, where it's busy. There's a sea of people, walking about doing their daily tasks, some are loud in their selling, some are going in and out of shops, and some are meeting friends and colleagues.

"Is there anywhere you'd like to visit?" Sasuke asks, and Naruto looks up at him. "Do you want to buy anything? Or something you'd like?"

"Oh, no, nothing I can think of," Naruto shakes his head. He thought he'd only be here accompanying Sasuke as he went about his errands and hadn't thought that Sasuke would ask him if he wanted anything. Besides, he doesn't have any money to buy anything. The purse he carries, something Iruka-san left him, is for show. All that's in it is a handkerchief.

"Hm,"

Danna-sama… is smiling? A little? Naruto feels like there's sparkle in his own eyes. Sasuke is so handsome. It makes his heart pound.

"In that case, will you go shopping with me?"

That shakes Naruto out of his own thoughts. "Hai,"

He stays close to Sasuke as they make their way through the busy streets. It's scary to think he might be swept off by the crowd, and he's too shy to hold onto Sasuke's arm (is that even proper?).

Sasuke must have noticed his unease and kept him close with a hand on his back, guiding him to their destination. And maybe…also warn others not to come near them, especially the alphas that Sasuke notices lingering when they pass. No. He's not announcing the omega as his. He can't help but glare at anyone who tries to get near them, even the shopkeepers.

Naruto hasn't really paid much attention to the wares being peddled when he crossed the town on his way to the Uchiha home. There are so many sights and sounds, he feels like he may drown in it. There are so many things.

Sasuke watches Naruto closely. He walks slowly, letting Naruto look and inspect whatever it is that catches his interest, but not once did Naruto turn to him after seeing something interesting, and ask him to buy it.

"Are you having fun?" Sasuke asks as they walk off from the last shop.

Naruto gasps. "I'm sorry!" he's supposed to be Sasuke's companion! He shouldn't be getting carried away and distracted by all the bright colors, loud sounds, and wares! He hasn't embarrassed Sasuke, has he?

"Nothing to be worried about," Sasuke says, "Just enjoy yourself. What's why we're out, aren't we?" he pats the omega's head, feeling the soft blond hair. Before Naruto could argue, Sasuke continues. "It's okay. You won't cause me trouble. I'm the one who asked you to out with me. Alright?"

Naruto leans into the warm touch. "Hai,"

"But be careful not to wander off when looking around,"

"Yes. I'll be careful,"

"Yoroshii." Good.

Naruto stays even closer to him as they walk. Sasuke isn't cruel or heartless. He's been nothing but kind to Naruto. He's warm, thoughtful, and considerate. Where had all these rumors come from? These people are awful, thinking of his Danna-sama that way.

If only Naruto had something about him that would make him a good match for him. If he had just one thing, he would definitely stay by Sasuke's side.

"Here we are," Sasuke announces when they arrive at an establishment.

Naruto notes the extensive size of the building they enter. MITARASHI GOFUKU STORE. (1)

"The Uchicha family has been supporting this store for a long time," Sasuke tells him as they enter.

A beta woman comes to greet them. She bows. "Irasshaimase, Uchiha-sama." Welcome, Lord Uchiha.

"It's good to see you, Mitarashi-san," Sasuke gives her nod to acknowledge her, unlike her deep bow to show Sasuke and his rank respect. "We'll be in your care today,"

How extraordinary, the respect Sasuke's presence commands from everybody.

"I have prepared a range of meticulously selected items for you as per your request, Uchiha-sama. If you please follow me inside," she says, then turns to Naruto. "Please feel free to browse the store,"

"Danna-sama," Naruto calls him before the storeowner leads him further back into the store. "I'll be looking around the store while waiting for you,"

"Alright," says Sasuke, "If you like anything, tell me and we'll get it before we leave," he then follows Mitarashi into the closed room.

Naruto looks at the pretty kimonos that come in all colors and fabrics. He'd never ask Sasuke to buy anything for him. Looking at the wares, he can tell these are all high quality, and thus, expensive. He can't ask something of Sasuke when he'll be sent away soon.

Mitarashi chuckles. "Is it finally time for the Uchiha family's Bocchan?"

Sasuke sighs. "It's not what you think,"

"Oh, but there's no need to be shy!" Sasuke thinks she's thinking way too much into this. "Isn't this the first time you've brought an omega along?"

He doesn't want this conversation to go any further. "Did you find anything that might suit him?"

"Ah, here we go," she offers him a sample of fabrics. "Dark colors with bright embroidery, or pale colors with dark embroidery will suit him well,"

Sasuke studies the textures, running fingers over the soft materials. "Hm, yes," he hums. It's nearing the end of summer, so during this season light fabrics with light colors are suitable. "Yes, these are good,"

"These," says Mitarashi, setting aside the pale pink fabric with embroidered cherry blossoms. "These will be out of fashion by the time we're done, Uchiha-sama. Will that be alright?"

"Yes. Continue with the cherry blossom fabric,"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. He can wear it next spring,"

Next spring! It almost escapes Mitarashi's lips. Oh, my. My, my, my. Uchiha-sama must be serious about this omega.

He looks around the room, where many of the more expensive fabrics are on display. "What about those?" he asks of some pieces that draw his attention.

"Ah, yes. Wonderful choices, Uchiha-sama," she says, "If we start now, they may be in fashion when it's ready,"

It's a gorgeous shade of the orange osmanthus, an autumn flower, embroidered with a brighter shade of the said flower. It's a pale but stunning color that catches Sasuke's eye. Beside it, a white silk kimono, embroidered with red spider lilies. Yes. These will look good on him.

He pictures Naruto wearing them. The kimono complimenting his skin and his long hair decorated with fresh flowers, with light rouge on his lips, smiling, calling for him. "Danna-sama,"

Sasuke catches himself and attempts to clear his head. What is he doing? He shouldn't be thinking about Naruto like that. He'd be disgusted if he found out Sasuke fantasized about him like this. And this isn't anything special. There is no meaning behind this!

"And please also make several with these," Sasuke gestures to the lighter fabrics for everyday wear. "I want everything embroidered with the family crest,"

"Certainly," Mitarashi nods. The crest! How interesting. The crest is only embroidered on the clothes of the members of the Uchiha family! She must make this extra special for Uchiha-sama and his omega. She can't wait to work on them! "It would be our pleasure," she sets aside the fabrics Sasuke has chosen then brings out a wooden box. "Will you be taking this home today?"

"Yes," Sasuke takes the offered box and peeks at the contents. Yes. He'll like this.

"Excellent!" she says, happy with her sale. "Uchiha-sama,"

"Yes?"

Suddenly Mitarashi is looming over him. "Listen to me well. You must never that waka-sama go!" (2)

Sasuke stares at her. "…wh-what?"

"He is a gem in the rough! A jewel that needs polishing! His hair, skin, face, all have promise! The things you bought today are just the start. With some polishing, he will possess beauty that rivals your own! Starting today, you must continue to nourish him with your love and lavish him with your wealth. That way…"

Sasuke almost doesn't want to ask. "…that way?"

"The joys of dressing up a beautiful omega will awaken within you, and then you'll come back to patronize our store again and again!" she grins at him.

Sasuke gives a resigned sigh. So those were her intentions all along. He will be swindled from his money by this woman, and he will probably let her do it, because…because Naruto deserves every kimono and accessory in this store.

Wait, what? Why would he think that? Sasuke shakes his head and the thoughts away. This can't be…love? Love can't have anything to do with it. Can it?

When Sasuke exits the private viewing room, he sees Naruto staring up at a display. It's the white silk kimono with red spider lilies, the same one in the private viewing room.

"Okaa-sama…"

"Do you like that?" Sasuke asks him.

"Danna-sama," says Naruto, overcome with sadness. "I was just looking. I remember my mother wearing the same thing. I saw it and was reminded of him…"

Then it's a good thing Sasuke asked Mitarashi to make Naruto one. He hopes the omega will cherish the kimonos Sasuke is about to gift him. "I see. Well, did you see anything you like?"

"Oh, I'm good," Naruto pulls himself together, pushes aside the heaviness in his heart, and thinks of all the fun he had and about to have today. "It was fun looking at so many beautiful clothes,"

Sasuke knows he made the right call when he didn't tell him the purpose of the visit to this store. If he had told him, Naruto would be too full of apologies, too guilty for receiving. Naruto would never ask for anything for himself, always refuses, even when offered.

"We look forward to your next visit," Mitarashi says as they exit the store. How lovely. The Uchiha-sama and his bride.

It's not hard to see why many people are drawn to Sasuke. Even a walk through town, he attracts so much attention. He's probably a nobleman, aside from belonging to a prominent family, an exceptionally good looking, powerful young man. His long hair, dark, full, and shiny. Every move he makes is elegant and poised. He is dressed well in exquisite clothing, in dark colors decorated with this family's crest. Everyone knows who the Uchiha are. Who he is.

Sasuke brought Naruto to a restaurant that specializes in desserts. Naruto is enjoying himself except…they're being stared at. He's not sure if they're staring at Sasuke, or staring at him, wondering why an ugly omega with, damaged hair and scarred cheeks like him is doing with a lord like Sasuke.

Forgive him, for he is only a companion for today's errands.

And then Naruto sees what a good mood Sasuke is in, and everything else doesn't matter anymore. Sasuke always looks so serious, so seeing him with a light and open expression, fills Naruto's heart with joy.

"Do you like it?" Sasuke asks after Naruto has had a spoonful or two of the lemon cheesecake he chose for him. Naruto didn't seem like he knew what to pick, and Sasuke asked for green tea.

"Yes," Naruto nods. It's a texture he's not sure he's had before, but the richness of the cake is cut by the tartness of the lemon and made indulgent by the sweetness of the sugar. Naruto would come back for it over and over if he could.

"You don't look like you like it,"

"Oh, but I like it very much,"

"You never really smile, do you?"

"I'm sorry,"

"No, this isn't an attack on your character. I'm simply…" Sasuke chooses his next words carefully. "Curious. I would like to see you smile,"

"Danna-sama is…quite odd," Naruto says without thinking. Then gasps when he realizes what he just said. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean that!" he lowers his head.

Sasuke was generous enough to invite him along for his errands, to town, where he'd seen so many things for the first time, and yet he had the gall to insult the head of the family. He felt horrible. Had Sakura been in his place, she wouldn't have made a mistake. She's awful, but she's clever and nobody would find fault with her.

"Look at me,"

Naruto is scared to but does anyway and lifts his head.

"I'm not mad. Please don't be afraid of me. We're getting married," Sasuke sets the teacup down. Everything is going so well. Sasuke would be an idiot if he doesn't try to make it work. After all, where else would he find a bride who's not plotting to drain him of his wealth? Or care for him the way Naruto has done? "I would like it if we were more open with one another. I like it when you're honest with me, just as you were just now. No need to apologize,"

They're… getting married? Did Naruto hear right?

Naruto was given so much today. New experiences, new sights, new feelings. How nice, to just enjoy tea and desserts with his Danna-sama like this. Sasuke wants honesty from him, instead of his never-ending litany of apologies. He's so happy he doesn't know how to contain it. But Sasuke doesn't know that he's cursed, marked by the nine-tailed demon fox. That he's never had an education nor a gift. That he's a bastard.

If he really cared for Sasuke, he'd tell him the truth, even if Sasuke resents him for it. He should confess about being ill-suited to be his mate and wife. But Naruto wants to stay by Sasuke's side a little bit longer. Whatever punishment waits for him later, he'll take it.

So please, Nine-Tailed Fox…

"I understand. I will strive to be more open and honest with you,"

Let me have this. Even for a little while longer.

"Good. I'm glad,"

Then I'll tell him the truth.

Sasuke brings Naruto around few more shops, then to a bookstore, to find out if he likes anything. Naruto doesn't ask as expected, but Sasuke gathers a few books he'd like to read in his spare time, and took some magazines he thought the omega might be interested in. Naruto also enjoyed their stroll through a garden, admiring the flowers and soaking up the sun as the summer ends.

Back home, to help Naruto relax after that tiring day, he prepares the furo for him, then leaves a wooden box right outside his room. Even a reserved omega like him will have no choice but to accept a gift left by his door. He wants to know how Naruto will react, so he waits up, makes himself tea, and waits in the receiving area.

He doesn't have to wait long; his tea hasn't even gone warm, when foot steps come down the hall, and the door slides open.

"Danna-sama!" it's Naruto, in his sleeping yukata, hair down and slightly damp, and cheeks pink from the furo's heat, holding the wooden box Sasuke left at his door.

He doesn't have herbs on him, and his scent is filling Sasuke's nose, urging him to touch the omega.

"This…"

Sasuke sips his tea, hoping the bitterness will clog his nose and calm the beastly urges. "It's yours,"

Naruto sits next to him by the tea table, then again looks in the box. It's a fancy wooden comb, with fine carvings at the top. "Did you leave this outside my room, Danna-sama?"

"Mm," Sasuke hums, neither confirming nor denying the question, too flustered to say anything else. Naruto is right beside him, and for the first time, without herbs to dull his scent. It's taking all his strength and will not to reach out and touch him.

"I can't accept something so expensive,"

Sasuke sees…his guilt? Shame? Which is it? "You don't need to worry," the quality of the comb will reflect the condition of the person's hair and might help in improving Naruto's. He knew Naruto needed one long before today, when he touched his hair for the first time. Even though the bright blond hair was soft, it was rough and needed care.

"So…was it really you?" Naruto asks.

Sasuke knew it's a practical gift and that Naruto would use it. But an alpha giving an omega a comb is already equivalent to a marriage proposal. To offer the mating bite. He ended up leaving the gift at the door to avoid any misunderstandings.

"Just use it as you would any other comb," Sasuke says, hoping Naruto would drop it. Because who else would leave it there?

"Hai," Naruto closes the box, "I'll use it with great care,"

"Good," Sasuke takes another sip of the tea. He will never admit to hiding behind a teacup to hide his bashfulness.

What is this feeling? A feeling of elated motivation. Is it excitement? Maybe joy? Affection?

"Thank you very much, Danna-sama," says Naruto. He feels so light and free. And loved.

He's about to reply, but Sasuke is taken aback by the sight.

Naruto is smiling.

He wanted to see it earlier today, and now that he's seen it and its brightness is like the sunflowers in the garden and the sun itself today, he wants to keep that smile on Naruto's face.

At lunch the next day, Sasuke receives a report from his investigator. He flips open the folder, surprised to see Naruto's name stricken and a different name written down in ink.

春野 ナルト HARUNO NARUTO

うずまき UZUMAKI

Uzumaki? Uzumaki Naruto? That's his real name?

19, omega. Born in October. A bastard child Haruno had with a male omega servant who died when Naruto was five years old. Naruto then became a servant himself the moment his mother passed but was never given any wages, never let out of the estate, except when he came to the Uchiha house as the offered bride.

His half-sister had the gift of strength and fast healing and seems like Naruto was abused. With high-ranking families, bastards are often thrown out or given away to avoid gossip and maintain the reputation, but since he was a servant's child, he was allowed to stay, provided he was out of sight. But with gifted families, there is preferential treatment to gifted children.

So this is the horrible truth of the Haruno family house. These are the dark secrets come to light.

Naruto was largely ignored by his father, and let his mate and daughter abuse him while he looked the other way, and the servants did nothing. He was made to serve, like his mother. A slave never properly fed making him frail and thin. He had no formal education at all which is surprising because he can speak so well.

His father's mate, Haruno Mebuki, also caused the scars on his cheeks as punishment. Who would purposefully wound a child as punishment? What could a child have possibly done to deserve such cruelty? And the rumors that he's a cursed child of the nine-tailed fox, they say. The only curse placed on him is his family.

This is why Naruto doesn't smile. Years of abuse since he was a child. And Sasuke too inadvertently had been harsh to him during his first few days. But he had enough of a heart to regret his actions then, even if he didn't know the circumstances of Naruto's birth and life.

Uzumaki Naruto is a bastard, not an acknowledged Haruno child as Sasuke was led to believe when they offered Naruto to him as a bride. He's cursed by a demon fox. He has no gift, not the strength nor healing the Haruno family is known for.

Naruto must think this engagement will not go through to marriage because of the shortcomings and circumstances out of his control and never his fault. It's probably also why Naruto refuses and has trouble accepting Sasuke's gifts and kindness, thinking he'll be chased out one day.

Sasuke sighs. This is troubling news.

He sees the clock and it seems like he stayed late today. He's greeted by subordinates as he emerges from his office, waving them at ease when they bow as he walks by.

Sasuke's noticed he's been ending his days earlier since Naruto came to him. He feels relieved and at peace when he sees him welcome him home, and he enjoys the time they spend together eating. This is a change he never thought he'd see in himself. He's never found it easy to deal with other people. He hates his gaudy mother, and all the people who eyed him like he was prey. Even servants dared look at him like meat. He'd had enough and chose to live in a simple home and brought Juugo with him to see to his needs.

He's always been polite, but he's done being polite. He'd rather have the rumors of his icy personality spread and have others fear his presence than let them crawl all over him hoping to get his attention, eyeing his status, a ladyship for themselves and a handle on his wealth.

But now he's living with an omega that he harbors and nurtures affection for. Someone to protect and in the future, love.

He stops walking just after he steps past the facility gates. He can feel something. The air is too still, and the night is too quiet.

Something is following him. It's not a person, for he can hear no steps nor breathing. There are no special barriers around the facility, and the guards posted at the gates have no gift of sight.

Sasuke raises a gloved and hand snaps his fingers.

Fire lights up above his head and illuminates surroundings. Above him, a flock of hundreds of paper birds, swirling above him. He snaps his fingers one more time, and every single one burns in seconds, ash and embers falling to the ground.

He's not impressed but he is angry. Someone is spying on him, and he will find out who.

Chapter End Notes

(1) Gofuku （呉服・ごふく）is the term used for the silk fabrics used for kimono

(2) Waka-sama （若様・わかさま）Young master (respectful way of referring to the son of a high-ranking person)

I chose Konohamaru for Sasuke's assistant because Kudou's/Sasuke's assistant is crazy about Miyo/Naruto. Konohamaru was the same when he was young, so I thought it'd be funny, but in the future he'll be more than just an eager friend.