Naruto can't help but smile every time he uses the comb Sasuke gave him. Danna-sama is so thoughtful and has never failed in looking after Naruto. He wants to thank him with a gift, but he's not sure what to give him. After all, Sasuke can afford anything.
During an afternoon tea break, he asks Juugo for suggestions.
"Well, let's see, I think something handmade will do nicely!" he says, pouring Naruto another cup of cold oolong tea. It's been quite hot lately, even as the summer is ending. "Something useful, that he can use every day, perhaps?"
"Danna-sama has a critical eye," Naruto worries, "Won't he be disappointed, if I give him something handmade, and it turns out shoddy?" he bites his lip in uncertainty, staring into the teacup like it will give him the answers. "I'll be sad if he reacts poorly, but I have no control over that," he mumbles to himself. "Oh, but I'd really like to make him happy,"
Juugo chuckles. "You're so sweet. Don't worry, Naruto-sama. I'm sure Bocchan will like anything you make for him,"
Naruto gains confidence in Juugo's encouragement. He believes him because he raised Sasuke. "But what will I make?"
"Just a moment, I believe I've got just the thing," Juugo shuffles off to another room, then comes back with a crafts magazine. "Maybe you can find something here,"
Naruto's eyes almost sparkle at the book. He didn't know such books existed. He hopes his Japanese is enough to understand the contents. "How pretty," he says as he flips through the pages. It's a relief when all the instructions are easy to understand, and there are step by step images that can be followed even by the illiterate like him.
He glosses over the bento wrap. Oh, but he'd love to prepare a bento for Sasuke. He declined Juugo's offer of bento that one time, though. However, that was one time and maybe Sasuke would like a bento in the future.
He sees a pouch that's easy to sew. He's good at sewing. But what would Sasuke use a pouch for?
Oh! "This one," he says, pointing to the image on the page for Juugo to see. A hair tie.
"A plaited cord, yes, that's a great choice, Naruto-sama,"
"It would suit Danna-sama's hair, wouldn't it?" he looks to Juugo for confirmation.
"Indeed. I'm sure Bocchan will like it,"
Then Naruto can't wait to start with it.
Naruto pours hot sencha for Sasuke after dinner.
"Danna-sama, I would like to go to town,"
Sasuke is surprised by the notice. Naruto has never expressed desire to leave the house until today. "Is there anything you need?"
"Yes, but this is something I'd like to do on my own,"
Sasuke hums thoughtfully. "That's not good,"
"But of course," Naruto answers immediately. If Sasuke disapproves of him going out, then he won't. (1)
The master sighs. "That's…not what I meant. Are you going out alone?"
"Oh, I would like to go out with Juugo-san tomorrow afternoon, if that's alright,"
Sasuke finds this concerning. "And you'll be careful?"
"Yes. We'll be okay," Naruto reassures him.
"I really can't go with you?" Sasuke won't ever admit that he's crestfallen about not being invited to come along. He's only worried about the safety of his fiancé. He knows Naruto is inexperienced in any kind of commute, having been kept inside for so long as a servant.
"It's something I must do on my own," Naruto is also guilty for turning Sasuke down like that, but he'd be so embarrassed if Sasuke were to find out what he's doing. Besides, he can't ask Sasuke to drop his responsibilities because he needs to go to town for a trinket.
"I see, then please take care," Sasuke sighs. This fiancé of his. "And don't follow strangers! Got it?"
"I understand. Danna-sama, you worry too much,"
Naruto feels lucky to have someone to worry about him.
Juugo hasn't arrived yet when Naruto sees Sasuke off to work.
"You're going out shopping today, right?"
"Yes,"
Sasuke hands Naruto a small pouch. "This is a good luck charm. Take it and keep it with you at all times,"
"Thank you very much," Naruto inspects the pouch. What beautiful embroidery on the fabric, and a delicate string holds it closed.
Good grief. Sasuke's omega is too innocent for his own good. He considers himself a pretty responsible person, but if Naruto keeps on looking at him with those eyes, he'll be late, and he has much to accomplish today. But he can't be late because he's a commander and he's nothing if not responsible.
"I'll be going,"
Naruto bows as he leaves. "Please take care,"
Kiba feels the immense tension in the Inuzuka house lately.
The main reason is that Kiba's mother and head of the family, Inuzuka Tsume, is in a particularly vicious mood. She's not getting what she wants, so her frustration is taken out on servants.
His older sister and the next head of the household, Hana, could not care less. On top of that, he's to marry a despicable omega who is now living in the Inuzuka house with him, comes and goes as she pleases, and his own mood is what brings the whole aura of the house down some more.
"Kiba-san," Sakura grabs his arm. "Will you go shopping with me,"
Kiba doesn't know how he can stomach himself, allowing himself to get engaged to his girl. The one who caused Naruto so much hurt and torment. He will have to spend rest of his life with her.
"Sure," he tells her. "Let's go."
For now, he'll play the model fiancé, Inuzuka Kiba. At least with this marriage, he can keep an eye on the Haruno family to make sure no harm can ever come to Naruto again.
Juugo brings Naruto to a shop with so many wares, Naruto thinks he might never be able to pick anything.
"There are so many colors," he's scared to touch the strands of colored cotton threads, almost getting dizzy from the dazzling array of colors in front of him.
Juugo chuckles. "We have all the time in the world, Naruto-sama, so there's no need to rush,"
He stands there for a while, then chooses a light purple color and a bright white one. Naruto thinks these bright colors will go well with Sasuke's hair.
He's too excited to start on Sasuke's hair tie.
He never thought it'd be this much fun, to be out with people, smiling, doing things on his own. He always thought that he'd never leave the life of a servant, attempting to complete impossible tasks, attending to all the demands.
Even if these joyful days don't last forever, Naruto will never be able to thank Sasuke enough for giving him so much happiness.
After the threads are packed and paid for, Naruto can't help but smile, can't contain his excitement. He looks forward to seeing Sasuke's reaction when he presents him the hair tie. He's sure it will look lovely on Sasuke's hair.
Outside of the store, Juugo tells him he needs to buy something from the store across the street.
"You can stay here. It will only take a while," Juugo tells him.
"Hai," Naruto nods, and proceeds to stand and wait where he's out of people's way.
He doesn't know why he feels scared, seeing all these people come and go. It's kind of lonely standing here on his own, and he wishes he just followed Juugo. He could've learned where he does the shopping, so he can do it on his own if Juugo isn't available to tend to Sasuke.
"Oh my. If it isn't Onii-sama!" (1)
Dread almost makes Naruto's heart stop. He knows that voice. His hands start to shake, and he feels cold, despite the ample heat of the autumn sun above in the sky.
There's no mistake. He turns to the direction from where the voice came from.
It's Sakura.
With Kiba-san.
She gives Naruto her usual, effortless beautiful smiles. She looks impeccable as usual, wearing a gorgeous red kimono embroidered with white lilies. Her hair is long, shiny, and voluminous.
"I didn't expect to run into you in town!" she giggles. "I thought you'd be lying dead in a ditch somewhere! How disappointing!"
Naruto is frozen where he stands.
"Why are you wearing that rag? That doesn't look like what a well-raised omega would wear on shopping day! You look like a servant!" she continues berating him. Not with hurtful words no. Sakura is only pointing out everything Naruto can't stand about himself. "Oh, you're like a servant, too! You have no talents or accomplishments. I don't even know if you can read! How could you ever get the affection and attention of a powerful and important person like Uchiha-sama?"
The darkness in his heart that Naruto thought had gone, is now back and suffocating him, wrapping itself around his neck and stealing his breath.
"Kawaiso na, Onii-sama!" You look so pitiful, big brother.
Sakura pulls on Kiba's arm to hug him. "It's just…I can't imagine such a poor looking ugly omega standing next to Uchiha-sama!"
Kiba tries to gather some courage to stop Sakura. "Sakura-san, stop saying things like that,"
"Don't interrupt me, Kiba-san," she says sharply, then turns back to Naruto, again using that sweet tone that Naruto can't ever figure out how to read. "Onii-sama, if you need any money, since you look like you're in desperate need of it, please let me know, okay? If you crawl on your hands and knees in front of me and beg, I can give you some! I'm not so heartless to ignore a poor and pitiful person like you,"
Naruto can't say anything. He could never talk back to Sakura back at the Haruno house. He doesn't live there anymore, doesn't serve Sakura anymore, so why can't he say something back? He thought he'd changed. He should have changed. Why didn't he change?
Sakura tuts. "Aww, Onii-sama, you're always like this. You never say anything,"
Naruto lowers his head. "Mou shiwake arimasen." I am very sorry.
Sasuke told him to stop apologizing, yet here he is. Still apologizing. Sakura right here in front of him is beautiful as always, shining brightly and loved by all around her. And he can't help but feel insignificant.
After feeling happiness, joy, warmth… love, maybe… all the good things from his Danna-sama and Juugo-san, he feels like he's gotten weaker. The walls he's built around himself to keep himself from getting hurt by Sakura and Oku-sama's words… Danna-sama tore them down. And now. Now he needs those walls, but they've crumbled, just like how he's crumbling.
He thought he's run out of tears after his mother's death. After Iruka-san left. After he was separated from Kiba. But here he is on the verge of tears. Kiba's silence is hurting him, now even more than the day of their engagement to the wrong people.
But he can't cry here. He must find a way to regain composure. He can't break down here.
"Naruto-sama," Juugo approaches him. "Omatase shimashita." I'm sorry for making you wait. "Do you know them?"
"Hello!" Sakura greets Juugo with a bright smile. "Do you work with Onii-sama? I'm Haruno Naruto's younger sister." Kiba almost winces at the omission of Naruto's real name. "My name is Sakura! It's truly a pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for looking after my Onii-sama,"
It's these perfect smiles that make anyone think Sakura is the kind and gentle omega she pretends to be. Juugo-san will probably think she's the loveliest thing. Maybe one day Danna-sama will, too.
"The pleasure is mine!" Juugo replies. "Oh, but I'm too old to work with Naruto-sama! He'll one day be Uchiha-sama's wife! He's very important,"
Sakura's pretty pink brows meet in confusion. She pouts. "His wife?"
"Of course!" Juugo smiles at her. "Because Naruto-sama is Uchiha-sama's fiancé!"
"Really?" Sakura frowns.
Kiba's shoulders drop. He failed. He's always failed. There is no way he can ever have a chance with Naruto again, even if somehow the spirits favor him and his engagement with Sakura is dissolved.
"Uchiha-sama is really okay with someone like Onii-sama? Then he must be very kind. Maybe Uchiha-sama is only curious about you?" Sakura giggles. "Guess the rumors are just that, rumors!"
Kiba feels her pull on his arm and head to another direction.
"Goodbye, Onii-sama! We'll see you around, okay?" and they disappear into the crowd.
"Naruto-sama," says Juugo. "Let's go home,"
Absently, Naruto replies, "Hai."
He couldn't say anything back after all. Maybe now Juugo sees him for what he really is. Worthless. Depressing. Dumb. Illiterate. Not at all fit to be Sasuke's fiancé. Because even from the start, Naruto knew he's unfit to be Sasuke's fiancé.
Naruto hates himself more than anybody else.
Being in the presence of so many servants make Sasuke uneasy. It's the servants of the main Uchiha house, among other people, are the reason why he moved out and chose to live in a humbler home.
That's not the only thing that makes Sasuke hate this house to his very core. This house, the Haruno house, is where Naruto's abuse happened, from childhood up until he came to live with Sasuke a few months ago. Despite having given up his childhood and served with his entire being, every single person in this house is an accomplice and a witness to his abuse.
In the receiving room, sitting in seiza on zabuton, Sasuke is opposite Haruno Kizashi, and behind him, his wife, Haruno Mebuki. (3)
"Haruno-dono," starts Sasuke, "Although my visit is on short notice, I am honored to be received in your home,"
"Thank you for coming," replies Haruno, "The honor is mine, Uchiha-dono. What is the purpose of this meeting today?"
Sasuke's heart is beating out of his ribcage. He never thought he'd utter these words in his lifetime. "I am officially asking for your son, Naruto-san's hand in marriage. I wish to wed him soon." He doesn't miss the shock on Mebuki's face and the lack of reaction on Haruno's.
With two alphas trying to overpower and intimidate each other, the atmosphere is tense, and the room is stuffy with alpha pheromones despite the open doors to the garden. But Sasuke is not intimidated, nor can Haruno overpower him. Haruno couldn't even if he tried.
"I see," Haruno replies after a beat.
"However, I don't believe there will be a union of families,"
Haruno looks at him with half a glare. "What are you saying?"
Of course Haruno would like an explanation. Naruto was sent to him to bridge the Haruno and Uchiha families, and now Sasuke is going to burn the bridge that's halfway built, even if he might make enemies of the Inuzuka whose second son is to be married to Haruno's second born.
"I'm saying, I know that Uzumaki Naruto-san is a bastard, and it will be useless to unite families, when he isn't part of yours." Sasuke meets eyes with Mebuki, whose expression has turned severe. "However, I might consider an engagement gift, since you are his father, if and only if you apologize to Uzumaki Naruto-san for all the years of abuse you put him through,"
The Haruno family is known for their strength and fast healing, and Sakura is still too young to bear an heir for her family through Inuzuka, and Sasuke sees their decline. He has no qualms about dissolving two gifted families at once, the Haruno and the Inuzuka, should they decide to interfere with his marriage to Naruto. Though he might consider leaving the mate's family alone, unless they intrude on the dissolution of the Harunos on behalf of their daughter.
Haruno huffs, both in alarm and dread. They've been found out. By a high-ranking officer of the imperial army, who is also head of a distinguished family. "An apology…"
"This is non-negotiable. An apology for a civil relationship in the future," says Sasuke. "An Uzumaki will be marrying into the Uchiha family, not a Haruno. I know everything there is to know about all the years Uzumaki Naruto-san spent under your roof. Including the scars," he shoots Mebuki a harsh look, to which the lady of the house flinches from. "I hope you have enough decency in you to have the ability to reflect on your actions,"
"Anata…" Honey… Mebuki starts to say, but Haruno doesn't let her speak. (4)
"I hope you can give us time to think about this,"
"Ryoukai shita," Understood, Sasuke replies curtly as he rises from his senzai. "But I can't wait long." He stands in front of the head of the Haruno family. He made it a point to say Naruto's real name repeatedly to rub it in Haruno's face that he's not making the connections he wished to make when he gave Naruto away, when he offered Naruto as a bride to him when he had no right to. "Because I will marry Uzumaki Naruto-san with or without your blessing," (5)
As Sasuke departs, he hopes that his visit will leave the Haruno family cracked and deteriorating from the inside.
Sakura is vibrating with fury as they arrive back to the Haruno home. Kiba is holding all her shopping, and servants bow and greet them as they walk through the genkan. Servants take the parcels from Kiba.
"He's so annoying! Ugh!" these tantrums aren't new to her. "I hate him!"
Kiba sighs. "Sakura-san, please calm down,"
She turns to him. "Of course you'd be on Onii-sama's side! You're always on his side," she huffs. "You didn't even say a thing to support be back there! You're as useless as he is! You're supposed to support me. I'm your fiancée!"
Kiba's silence is making Sakura angrier. She hates it when he doesn't respond or react to her. She hates Kiba, too. He's unsupportive and she doesn't believe he ever enjoys spending time with her, even though she likes it when he's around.
But Kiba is doing it on purpose. He won't give in to her goading. It's not that he's unsupportive. He will support Sakura in what she does, but that doesn't include Naruto's bullying, even if he can't say anything to stop it, because she'll rat him out to his mother and her father, and Kiba won't be able to save himself from two family heads.
"Huh?" from the corner of their eyes, they see a stranger walking the halls of the house. "A guest?" she gasps. An alpha!
He's tall, dark haired, wearing the uniform of a high-ranking officer in the imperial army. He walks past without acknowledging them, but this stranger's dark eyes meet with Sakura's green ones. She marvels at the icy beauty this man possesses.
Sakura stares at this alpha's back as he exits their house.
What a beautiful person.
When Sasuke comes home that night, everything seems off.
"Tadaima," I'm home, he says as he removes his shoes in the genkan, where Juugo and Naruto are waiting for him.
"Okairi nasai mase," welcome home, they greet him back.
Naruto still hasn't raised his head and Juugo is looking at him worriedly.
"What's wrong?" Sasuke asks as he removes his gloves. "Did something happen?"
"Today—"
"No, nothing happened," Naruto doesn't mean to be rude and cut Juugo off, but he doesn't want Sasuke knowing about what the Harunos keep in their closets.
"Naruto-sama!" Juugo exclaims, stunned by her denial of today's incident.
Naruto bows lower, refusing to look at Sasuke. "Danna-sama, your dinner has been prepared and served. I will now excuse myself,"
Juugo and Sasuke don't stop him, and when Naruto is deep into the home, Juugo speaks. "Bocchan!" he says with urgency, "I may be speaking out of turn, but something happened while we were out today,"
"What is it?" Sasuke starts to loosen the buttons on his uniform. "What happened?"
Juugo sighs. Sasuke has a hunch it might be serious, so the discussion is taken to the receiving room.
"I couldn't say anything but suggest that we return home," Juugo doesn't know how else he could've made the situation better. "He shut himself in his room and only came out when you returned. I'm very worried about him, Bocchan,"
He was at the Haruno house while it happened. The abuse looks bad on paper as a report, but it's worse that it happened right under his own nose, while Naruto is in his care. It seems Sasuke's growing anger for the entire Haruno household is taking root becoming more and more justified.
But how does he handle this? Naruto is someone who's lost himself, his self-esteem, much of his will, due to the years of abuse he went through. This must be why everything he does, even if it doesn't warrant it, comes with an apology.
"What can I do?" Sasuke sighs.
"Take good care of him, Bocchan. I'm sure if you cherish Naruto-sama with all your heart, he will heal,"
Sasuke knows he hasn't had these kinds of feelings before for another person. He's not sure if this is what they call love. But he does care for Naruto deeply, and the thought of someone hurting Naruto like this makes his blood boil. But hearing Juugo's encouragement gives Sasuke resolve in his decision to marry Naruto, and cherish him for the rest of their lives.
He stands at Naruto's door, despite being unsure if his words will bring Naruto any comfort. "Watashi da. Sukoshi ii ka?" It's me. Do you have a moment? (6)
Naruto slides open the door a tiny crack, head down. "I'm sorry, Danna-sama. But could you please let me be alone for a little while?"
"I only want to tell you, that you needn't dwell on the things that upset you. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here to listen. I'm always here if you need me,"
Naruto could only give a light nod. "Hai," and the door closes, separating Naruto and Sasuke.
It's been a week since Sasuke's seen or spoken to Naruto. He doesn't see Sasuke off to work or welcome him back home; still prepares Sasuke's meals but doesn't eat with him. Sasuke won't ever admit that it's the reason why his mood is dismal. He didn't think Naruto would avoid him for so long. He wants to reach out but doesn't want to disrespect his wishes to be alone.
But that's not the only that's contributing to Sasuke's worsening mood. The Haruno family still hasn't responded to him. He'll have to move without their consent since they're not Naruto's legal family after all.
Then there's also that suspicious presence that's been making the hairs on Sasuke's neck stand on its ends. It's been watching him since that day he burned hundreds of paper birds. He has a hunch on the person behind it, but he's never had direct contact with them. His mind wanders from the paperwork in front of him as he thinks of how to deal with this.
"You look especially glum today," Sarutobi Konohamaru enters his office without announcing himself.
"What do you want,"
"You know," Sarutobi grins at him teasingly. "This is the first time you've had a fiancé for this long! Are you having omega troubles, commander?"
"…urusai." Shut up, Sasuke snaps at him, annoyed. (7)
"I really want to meet this omega that's captured the commander's heart!"
Sasuke crosses his arms. "You'll never meet him,"
"Why are you always so mean to me?"
Sasuke rolls his eyes. "You know the schedule tomorrow, right?"
"Mochiron!" Of course! Sarutobi answers with another eager grin. "Don't forget about my reward, though!" he sniggers in excitement.
"Yeah, yeah," Sasuke huffs. "I've already asked for it to be prepared,"
"Alright, then leave everything to me," Sarutobi bows as Sasuke dismisses him wordlessly.
Sasuke sighs. He's never sighed so much in his life. He hopes everything will go well.
Naruto spends his time, his week avoiding Sasuke, weaving Sasuke's hair tie.
Then spends berating himself for things he's not, despite not having control over any of it. Comparing himself to Sakura, an acknowledged, talented, loved child, given anything and everything she wanted, while he, a bastard, unwanted, cursed, and illiterate child. It's difficult not to think different of his worthlessness when it's all he's ever heard.
I wonder what your whore of a mother would say of your beautiful whiskers now, bastard.
His hands shake as he tries his best to keep the threads in the right place.
How can he ever be enough to stand by Sasuke's side? There is nothing of him to offer. This body, maybe? What use is this body for, anyway? Birthing children? The poor children he'll birth… whether they come from Sasuke… would they resent him for coming from an insignificant bloodline? Would they resent him from having been born from him?
Danna-sama is too good. He's beautiful, kind, and strong, and has stood as Naruto's shining full moon, a beacon of bright, shining hope during the darkest of his nights. He is a burning gentle fire, enveloping Naruto with his warmth and Naruto can't bear to let him go.
Naruto makes the final weave and ties off the finished trinket. He can't avoid him anymore. He plans on giving him the hair tie and bare all his secrets, but he's terrified that if he lays out his entire being out for him, he won't be able to stay with him.
"Naruto-sama?"
He hears Juugo from the hallway.
"Do you have time right now?"
"Juugo-san?" he answers to let him know he's awake.
"You have a guest," says Juugo, "May I show them in?"
Who might it be? Only the Haruno know he's here. He pales, jumping to the conclusion that it may be Sakura. Juugo didn't actually let her in, did he?
"Ohisashiburi de gozaimasu, Naruto-kun," Long time no see, Naruto.
Naruto gasps. He knows that voice.
Juugo slides open the door. "Please make yourself comfortable," he tells the guest who steps into Naruto's room.
"My, how you've grown!"
"Iruka-san!" Naruto is flooded with relief. The sight of his former caretaker is a respite from the heaviness plaguing his heart.
Nobody else but Iruka, a fellow omega servant, showed him love and respect when he was still at the Haruno house. He loved and cared for him despite not being anything to Naruto. He was the closest thing to a mother he had. They catch up, and mostly it's Iruka updating Naruto on his life, on what happened after being removed from his service at the Haruno house.
"I'm married to an alpha now!" says Iruka, "I have children now, too. My husband is a farmer, who is interesting because his name means field scarecrow. I make fun of him a lot. We tend to the fields together. I'm very happy,"
Naruto is glad Iruka found love and happiness after the Haruno house. He wants to meet his alpha one day and thank him for taking care of his precious Iruka-san. He'd always been so worried that he hadn't found stability. His mother could've been his age now had he lived.
"But enough about me. What about you Naruto-kun? Are you happy now?"
Naruto pictures Juugo's face, recalls all the fun he had during excursion he and Sasuke took, the comb in his vanity, and the way Sasuke came to him when he was upset after the incident with Sakura.
Is he happy?
Iruka takes Naruto's hands in his. "I'm sorry I couldn't be with you. I promised your mother I'd take care of you," his voice cracks at the mention of Naruto's mother. Mebuki made sure Iruka couldn't take Naruto when she dismissed him. "I failed him. But the reason I've come to visit you, is to see my Naruto-kun happy. My little Naruto-kun, with your beautiful whiskers, and sky-blue eyes," he reaches to touch his face, and brushes a gentle thumb over the thin lines on his cheeks. "You've experienced so much sadness, grief, and suffering. I wanted to see you finally happy, and see you smile from the bottom of your heart,"
Naruto doesn't think he deserves Iruka's love and concern, when he'll only be disappointed and sad when Naruto tells him that despite having felt so much love from the Uchiha home, he is still chained to the heaviness in his chest caused by the years of torment and abuse at the hands of his half-sister and his father's mate.
Tears fall to the tatami. "Iruka-san," he sobs, "I am a cursed bastard. Danna-sama was lied to. I can't be his wife. I can't stay here,"
Sasuke can't see him like this. It's his day off, he's home, and if Sasuke would ask him to show himself… he will be unable to. His face is ugly enough. Sasuke doesn't need to see it even uglier with his swollen eyes and tears on his scarred cheeks. He's always known he'd be found out as a fraud one day, he just wanted to delay it a while. He didn't want to accept it.
If he tells Sasuke the truth, the secrets he's been keeping and the lies his father told him, he'll have to leave. But he doesn't want to leave. It's not that he doesn't have anywhere to go, but because he likes it here.
He likes being taken care of by and working with Juugo. He likes taking care of Sasuke. He likes the private smiles Sasuke gives him, his warm touch and his gentleness with him, and the meals they share together.
Iruka holds him close, just like how he held Naruto when he cried as a child. He sobs into Iruka's shoulder until he's exhausted. "Do you know how I got here?"
"What?"
"How do you think it was possible for me, who no longer has any connection to the Haruno family, to come here and see you?" Iruka presses his cheek to Naruto's soft hair. "When I first received the letter, I couldn't figure out what was going on. I thought I was dreaming. Naruto-kun. Uchiha-sama is a very kindhearted man,"
Naruto pulls away from him. "Danna-sama?" he gasps, looking at a blurry Iruka with tears in his swollen eyes. "Danna-sama called for you? Why…?"
"Yes. Because he was so worried about you,"
If Sasuke knew about Iruka then… then he knows. He knows everything.
You needn't dwell on the things that upset you.
"Iruka-san… since I've no gift, nor talent or education… since I'm a bastard and cursed… I've always believed I was worthless. That no one would want me,"
Naruto knew though, that Sasuke didn't want him in the beginning. Naruto was offered to him, and Sasuke didn't have to take him. He was probably ready to throw Naruto out the moment he accused him of tampering with the food, but at the time, Naruto was desperate for a roof over his head and endured. Sasuke could've deceived Haruno-dono and turned Naruto away at the door when he arrived. But he didn't.
"I thought I'd be… a burden on Danna-sama, because of all my shortcomings and incapability. Or ruin his reputation. I was so scared to tell him. I would hate to lose the happiness I felt by his side. I was sure that… that if he found out all the secrets, about all the lies… he'd… feel betrayed. That he'd abandon me for my deceit,"
He's tired of crying. He's done nothing but cry. With his sleeves he wipes tears off his red eyes, then glances at the hair tie on his vanity.
"Be brave, Naruto-kun. Uchiha-sama is waiting for you. It will be alright," Iruka again pulls Naruto into an embrace he knew Naruto hadn't gotten much of from anyone since he was a child. "And no matter what happens, I'm here now to catch you,"
"Thank you, Iruka-san," Naruto lays his head on Iruka's shoulder, and leans all of himself on him, because he's always been like his pillar even as a child. His embrace is still as warm and loving as he remembers it. "I… I'll tell Danna-sama everything,"
Before his resolve crumbles, he grabs the hair tie off his vanity and rushes to the receiving room, where he finds Sasuke with his hair down, reading the day's newspaper.
"Danna-sama!"
Sasuke is surprised to see Naruto. "Why in such a rush?" he asks, noticing the swollen, red rimmed eyes. He's been crying.
Naruto kneels before him. "I have been keeping secrets from you, and I can't keep them from you anymore," he clutches the hair tie to his chest. He lets it all out before he loses this courage. "I am a bastard. My name is Uzumaki Naruto, and I am the child born to an omega servant who worked for Haruno-goshujin-sama. I am no child of the Haruno family, and I was a servant in my father's home. I am… cursed by the Nine-Tailed Fox, which is why… I have these whiskers and scars on my face, and the fox's seal on my belly.
"I have no abilities, despite having blood from the Haruno. I have never received formal education, so am I basically illiterate. But I can write, read, and count enough. I apologize for my father's deceit, for leading you to believe I am a child from a good family. I also apologize for my poor appearance.
"That is why… I am unfit to be your wife. I don't think a low-born such as myself is worthy to stand by you. I'm ashamed of the circumstances of my birth, my curse, and the life I've had under my father's roof, that's why I kept it from you. I would understand it if you threw me out,"
Naruto repeats Sasuke's instructions the first day he arrived at the Uchiha head's home.
"If you tell me to leave, I will leave immediately. If you tell me to die, I will kill myself."
He places the white and purple weaved hair tie in front of Sasuke.
"I made this as a symbol of my gratitude for you, and now I'm offering it as part of my apology. If you don't want it, I don't mind what you do with it,"
Naruto bows, the lowest he's bowed at Sasuke since he arrived and since the breakfast incident.
"Thank you for all your help. Please let me know what you wish for me to do now,"
Sasuke did not expect this information to come in the form of a confession from Naruto. While his affection is ever growing for this stunning omega, his ire for the Haruno family is mounting, especially when he hears Naruto believing his own worthlessness due to the abuse and neglect at the hands of his own father.
The bamboo fountain outside clicks three times before Sasuke speaks.
"How long do you intend on kneeling like that?"
What?
Naruto raises his head and sees Sasuke's mouth in an upturn, a smile, then suddenly he's pulled onto his lap and into his chest. He's blanketed in Sasuke's warmth, his comforting scent of grass, wood, and warm coals, and the soft, soothing scent of detergent on his clothes.
"I'll be lonely if you leave," Sasuke says into his hair, and the alpha cradles his fiancé's head against his chest. "Since we're getting officially engaged soon,"
Naruto gasps, swollen, red-rimmed eyes once again on the verge of tears, grasps at Sasuke's nagagi. "Danna-sama…"
"Don't you like living with me?"
It's not that! Naruto wants to say, but he can't speak, and nothing comes from him but sobs. Sasuke cradles Naruto on his lap, wrapping his arms around his dear fiancé to show his support and affection in a time where his emotions are too much for him. He lets Naruto cry on his chest as much as he needs to release the repressed emotions and ease his worries.
"I want to…" Naruto manages to say in between heaves, "Stay with you… if you'll allow it…"
"Forgive me if I've not shown enough affection for you to understand that," Sasuke is glad when Naruto finally looks up at him. "I want you to stay with me if you'll have me, Naruto-san,"
Naruto clings onto his alpha. It's the first he hears Sasuke say his name. It adds to the flow of his tears, further overwhelming him. "Danna-sama…"
Sasuke presses his lips to Naruto's hair. He cradles him until his legs are numb, but he disregards the needles in his skin. Naruto needs him more.
If all the pain, grief, suffering, and torment he's had was necessary to lead Naruto to this moment, then it was all worth it.
When the sobs dissipate into sniffles, Sasuke eases his embrace, and hands Naruto the hair tie. "Will you tie my hair?"
"Of course," Naruto takes the hair tie, wipes his tears with his sleeves, and slides himself off the alpha. How embarrassing crying so hard like that, but he keeps that to himself, because he loved being held so close, against the sturdy and strong chest of the alpha Naruto finds himself caring deeply for and wanting to mate with. Heat creeps up on his face and a blush blooms across his cheeks as he ties Sasuke's silky soft, dark hair.
"What a beautiful purple," says Sasuke with a smile, liking the way the white and light purple color contrasts against his dark hair. "I'll take good care of your gift, Naruto-san,"
Naruto smiles back at him, swollen, red-rimmed eyes and all. "Hai,"
Chapter End Notes
(1) I'm not sure how to explain this. In the raw manga, when Miyo/Naruto asks Kudou/Sasuke if she can go out without him, Kudo says だめ (dame) which could mean "no" or "don't" or "stop/stop that" or also "that's not good" and a lot of other things, depending on the situation it's used in. To which Miyo/Naruto answers, でっしょうか (desshou ka) which can mean "It is, isn't it?" or that she agrees or understands that she can't / is not allowed go out because it is Kudou's/Sasuke's will, when he is actually saying, he doesn't want her going out alone.
(2) Onii-sama. Older brother.
(3) Seiza (正座・正坐・せいざ) is the formal kneeling/sitting position. Zabuton (座布団・ざぶとん) is the cushion they kneel/sit on.
(4) Anata (あなた) literally means you, but wives can also use this to call their husbands. It's rather intimate.
(5) In the raw, Kudou/Sasuke says 了解した (ryoukai shita) instead of わかりみした (wakarimashita) which both mean "I understand" but in more of like a soldier-like curt manner, because Kudou is an imperial officer. It's like, "roger" or "copy." So I think in this manner, Kudou/Sasuke is being short or impatient with Saimori/Haruno, and reminding him that he is an officer, or reminding them that his family is of higher rank than them.
(6) This is like turning into a Japanese lesson but I'm also studying Japanese, and this is good practice for me! This is what Kudou/Sasuke says in the raw, 私だ。少しいいか？ (Watashi da. Sukoshi ii ka?) Literally this thing means "It's me. Is a little ok?" but it can mean asking if Miyo/Naruto has some time for him, despite not having the word 時間 (jikan) meaning time in the phrase.
(7) Urusai （うるさい）literally means noisy but can also be used to say shut up.