Thanks for the reviews people!

Shiva-iceflame - Hehe, thank you. I really wish I'd 'do' him wonderfully. ;-p God, I'm such a perv. Again, I'm really sorry about the words not showing up. I'm gonna put them at the start of this chapter for the people who read it before I managed to change it.

XxBookScarxX - Actually, I didn't know that; but while we're on the subject, have you ever read 'Disaster on the Cliff-tops' by 'Ilene Dover'? I totally love that one. Anywho, please don't die, 'cause that would royally suck.

PirateCaptainBo - Bo: Well, good, 'cause I am definitely English. J My college lecturer is married to a phillipinian. His ex is one, too. Lol. Ski: It's always good to have a reason to screw up characters' minds. The curse seal is such an opportunity, ne. And I can't wait to write the wedding.

rochelle09 - Thanks and I always try. Even beyond the call of illness!

DarkRavie - I'm glad it's good for you and hope the rest goes as well.

dino6 - I know! I figure if he can say it to his dick of a brother in the past, he can say it to his 'wife'. ;-p Yeah, it's easier to avoid depression than get out of it once you're in. Believe me. I'm proud to say that drugs were not my salvation…well 'cept the hallucinogens. They were just funny. Soon, I will be picking apart Itachi's mind. Though, for now lets say that he's…fond…of Naruto.

Vixyfox - Yeah, things are finally building, ne. Talk about long time coming. I figured that Itachi had to be connecting somehow and what better way than with an apology? If he said it his foolish brother in the past, Naru-chan's gotta get one. Maybe we'll be seeing more of this Itachi at the wedding?

DOKIDOKIpanic - Yeah. The desperate fools. And yeah, sort of like Sasuke. We fought a few times and she tried to kill me once, but she'd just get into these states of violence. With what her parents did to her, it was nothing in comparison. It's just how some people learn how to live, ya know…But, I'll always be there for her. Sasuke thinks he knows what love is, so he believes his actions are justifiable. I imagine that if he somehow got free of the curse seal, it's be like a huge reality check.

RuByMoOn17 - Heh. I suppose it was.

lazeee an demented - I know my English is fine, but thanks for reassuring me. It's just that it's frustrating, you know; getting told that you obviously aren't English and having someone lay out your work with apparent 'corrections', when you've got great grades, live in England and the other person 'corrects' it inaccurately. It feels like you're little brother's telling you that you're immature or knowing an answer before you. Sorry for ranting. So…There's a hidden secret behind the whole thing but what you deduced is part of it. Like, there's a reason that Naruto growing on him is a bad thing, despite the discomfort and also that Naru-chan doesn't deserve the pain. Sasuke definitely does though. ;-p You can have the cookies 'cause I'm not allowed dairy anymore and 'cause of you're semi-correctness, I'll give you the half a bottle of Irish cream I have left (which I also can't have). Booze and chocolate; all ya need now is a party.

Fox Loves Shinigami - Hehe; I'm glad. Can never be too uncaring, though. That's like not appreciating your review! Yay! I got an Itachi face! Thanks a bunch.

All about Yaoi - Hehe. If it's anything like me and that guy, nothing will change. Well, except teasing, of course. scratches back of head You're really good for my ego with this review. Two 'wow's and 'loved every word'. grin Talk about happy. I'm really glad you found it so enjoyable.

ScarletOfTheBlue - Aw. pouts No conversion. Still, I can't blame you. I'm a perv and, though I completely detest Sasuke for what he did to Naruto, I still find him relatively attractive. I hate pain in people that don't deserve it. If someone has done something remotely wrong, however, I could easily kill them…If it wasn't for laws, that is. There's still the stag-do, though, so unfortunately, no Uchiha confrontation.

conflictinglies0214 - I'm glad it's original. Sometimes, when I read a story, it's so similar to another that I have to re-read it to differentiate the two (or more). I'll try to update as often as I can.

Anonymous Sister of the Author - Hehe. Short and blush-worthy.

Kunahanipikachu - I should be really proud, then, ne. And I feel it. To think that I almost made you cry…it's unreal. Thanks a whole bunch for you're review and I hope it will continue to be good, ne.

Akirakun17 - Hehe, it happens. You really look deep into my story, ne. Itachi is sorta being sweet, huh. There's no saying that Itachi's all too pleased about it though. It's like when I write things down, it's so much simpler than saying it. But while we're on the subject; do ya think that I should refer to some stuff in the scroll or have Naruto read through the whole thing and do a chapter of what's inside later? The curse seal is somewhat involved in the massacre, but not so much as you're probably thinking, but not only a little either. And yeah, what 'Tachi said aint true, but people become hurtful when they become defensive. I would say that you're hitting Itachi pretty well. He sort of does know what emotions are and how they feel, but to a basic extent. It's easier to identify emotions when you see the effects or actions derived from them. I study people all day and still don't know some things I feel. It's like when I feel sad, but there's nothing to be sad about, so it can't be that. It's a clash of head and heart, I'm afraid. By the way, I suck at explanations but you obviously don't in intuitions, no matter the time. I like long reviews and if ya mean new chapter; I'm always trying. ;-p Ja, Clae.

the Crimson Eagle - Why thank you, Crimson Eagle. Itachi may be virtually physically unable to apologise now, but remember all the times he said it to that bastard of a little brother. Naru-chan's the only one who deserves it now!! You're really hyped up, ne? Well, you should be if I manage to write down what's in my head well. ;-p Fingers crossed.

kameotoluvsgaara - Heh. And Daniel-chan said that I wouldn't be able to hold onto a relationship. I know how they work! Lol. Anywho, yeah, I did make Sasuke kinda mean, ne? Sometimes, I really overdo the bad guy part; but really, the dude can be suck a fucker sometimes that I couldn't help it. ' I'm glad you like the progression of the relationship. There might be a few setbacks but isn't there always? Now I will leave you to your fainted fangirl-ing and write the new chapter.

Tsuzuki Misaki - Hehe, thank you a lot. You can tell my dyslexia a lot when I speak without focussing on what I'm saying. Like, I say: 'Are we having for dinner chicken?' Or I forget words like: 'Look, it's t-tor-tur-spinning!' When I write, I usually change letters or miss them out. Like, I often spell they, 'thay' or listened, 'listent', even though I know it's not. Spell checker really helps and re-reading twice helps. ;-D Sorry I made you sad. Reasons behind the dopey bollocks actions will be revealed…eventually. Hehe.

NARUTO

(Previously) The whispered words of "I'm Sorry..."

Naruto stirred before Itachi, after having slept restlessly the night before and in the position to first separate. The hard carpet was unkind to his rear, giving his lower back hell and muscles a stiff discomfort, in spite of the small amount of time the two had been at rest in their proximity. Immediately after his rouse, Itachi shuffled, opening his closed eyes in a startling ferocity, the blond never saw. As Itachi had mostly been the blond's cushion, he gained the majority of the effects from their unusual resting position and grunted in distaste of the treatment toward his joints and, ultimately, body. Both calmly and sluggishly rose in silence, signifying their fragile truce.

"I'm cold." Naruto mumbled distractedly, needing to say something to break the tension and receive something in the way of their current standing of relationship. "Ne, Itachi; I feel so achy."

Itachi rose an eyebrow at the whining but said nothing of it and instead, moved off toward the bedroom of the small apartment. Though he was used to spending days at a time with nothing to replenish his energy but meditation, his questionable actions of the past few days were puzzling to him and put further strain on his still healing wounds. He could only ignore their persisting damage and pain infliction for so long.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Naruto asked quickly and awkwardly in his slightly panicked state. He had been given no reassurances and the reason Itachi was heading toward his room was evading him.

"To bed." Itachi stated. "Is there something wrong with that?"

"No…But why are you going to my bedroom?"

"I have not slept this past night and forced in a detrimental position for this past half-hour. Would you have me sleep on a further problematic object as the couch when my wounds hint at nothing but further repercussion?" Itachi became amused at the lost expression Naruto gave off from his answer.

"…But you can't sleep in my bed!"

"Oh?"

"It'll be weird. A-And you won't sleep tonight or something."

"An hour is all I require."

"Still!" Naruto's voice had risen in tone, his body moving subconsciously to confront the taller male.

"Would you rather join me?" Itachi let a slight smirk rile the blond further.

"What?" Naruto squeaked. " No! I-I'm pregnant, and the babies, an-"

"You're jumping to conclusions Naruto-kun. I merely thought of laying with you in a warm and progressively more comfortable bed." He smirked more profoundly, watching the dark blush take over his companion's cheeks completely.

"Liar." Naruto defended with an automatic retaliation and pouted stubbornly. A smile threatened to break through, however; they were going to be okay.

Itachi bent his mouth to the blond's ear, revealed to him by the slightly turned head. "I assume you faired better than I in that position by the couch. After all, you did seem comfortable clung tightly to my frame." The softly whispered words were barely from Itachi's mouth, before his sultry lips claimed Naruto's in a heated battle that the Jinchuriki couldn't help but respond to. Even as Itachi retreated, Naruto's head couldn't stop from following slightly, prolonging the connection, "Wish me a good sleep." Were the last words from the Uchiha before the closing of the bedroom door showed defiant finality.

The click of the door bought Naruto back from his emotional high and he contemplated running into his room and demanding obedience, though what he might find if he did ran an impressive blush across whiskered cheeks. Maybe he really was becoming to close to Itachi, but the goofy smile that he was sporting stated just how much he actually didn't care. He still expected Itachi to whisk him away to his death; but he supposed the honesty about it made it rather…insignificant. To 'live life to the fullest'. Yeah; he could do that.

………………………………...

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Kakashi?"

"Maa, maa. Don't be like that, Sasuke. It's traditional to celebrate your last night of freedom. No more screwing around after tomorrow, you know." He flippantly informed.

"Tch. I can do what I like."

"Oh? Are you going to further break our team apart?"

"If you've got something to say, sensei; say it." Sasuke hissed.

"Hm. Now what could I possible have to say?" Kakashi curved his eye. "Come, Sasuke. People are waiting for you."

"I told you that I didn't want a bachelor party." Was the snappy response.

"There's no need to be so on-edge, Sasuke. None of your previous lovers will be there.

All the silver-haired Jounin got for an answer was a growl and the slamming of the door that he stood both sides of. It was unfortunate for Sasuke that Kakashi knew the kage bunshin no jutsu (shadow clone technique). "Leave." Was accentuated with the usual death glare.

"Fine. I'll just bring them all here then. You should really stick to your commitments." Kakashi sighed in false disappointment.

""I never said I would go." Sasuke growled, dangerously. "You organized this."

"Hm…" Kakashi folded his arms, before arching his eye happily. "Here it is, then."

"No one." Sasuke kept his voice low. "Will dirty this place with their presence. I only put up with you because of the Sharingan."

"So harsh." He mocked hurt. "But I already told them to meet us here if we didn't show up, hmm, ten minutes ago." Kakashi faked cheer.

"What? You pathetic Jounin. Where do you have to meet them?"

"Oh? I don't think it'll mat-"

"Where, Kakashi?" Sasuke demanded brutally in a rushed sense of stubbornness.

"Outside the barbeque restaura-"

Sasuke teleported from Kakashi's sight with a glare and a kunai aimed at the clone of his team leader. Kakashi, on the other side of the door, gained a deadly glint in his one exposed eye and smiled with malicious intent. Sasuke had a good reason not to go, but it was because of a motive far more hazardous and deadly than the selfish and arrogant ones that he had conjured in his own mind. Kakashi intended to break something tonight; something that many people would gladly help in, and fortunately for him, they were all waiting lazily outside the barbeque shack. After all, it wouldn't be beneficial to rush the progress and, with the time still before noon, they had a large window of opportunity to work with.

………………………………...

Previously lost within his own thoughts and trying not to think of Itachi asleep in his bed, Naruto glanced toward the scroll lying innocently upon the coffee table. It had been a while since Itachi had left him and he so desperately wanted to read it. There was only one problem; Itachi had sealed it specifically to prevent access. Why would the man give him a scroll and not let him read it? So, he waited as patiently as he could, watching the clock and scroll sporadically whilst trying to concentrate on the book of names Iruka had so kindly given to him. There in lay the problem.

He couldn't focus, all because of his never-ending curiosity.

The time Itachi declared his wake for came and went. He resigned to letting the older man sleep, as he clearly needed it. However, that didn't mean he had to enjoy it, or lessen his frequent glances toward the time. When Itachi did emerge from the bedroom, Naruto was at full attention, mentioning nothing of the sleeping arrangement and everything of the scroll. In his usual vague way, Itachi had answered with reasoning of privacy…which to Naruto, didn't make any sense.

"But what could be so personal? There're a bunch of people with the seal."

"And it effects everyone differently."

"How does it?"

"I will only tell you the code once you promise to read it only after my departure."

"You're leaving?" Naruto questioned, eyes lingering just short of the man before him in a blatant display of his untold disagreement with the decision.

"I will have to eventually, Naruto-kun. I have business to finish."

"Akatsuki?…But…I thought that they're mad at you?"

"I am still an Akatsuki. Do not think that your promise is void."

"Tch, like I don't know." Naruto scowled. "I just thought that you were staying longer."

Itachi looked blankly upon the face turned away from him and sighed in annoyance. "Your word."

"Fine, you bastard. I don't see what the big deal is but I promise not to read your bloody stupid scroll. Happy?" Naruto mumbled, turning away from the Uchiha and flopping, aggravated, further into the sofa that he was already occupying.

Itachi sat calmly beside him, shoving a fresh tea toward him and sat his own on the table beside the scroll. "Watch carefully."

The knowledge Itachi graced him with then, only furthered Naruto's interest to read it, but with his own delicate secrets and situations, he supposed that he could understand the need for ignorance and tact. With how thorough the older Uchiha seemed to be, he had left no aspect unwritten on the subject of his curse seal; relevant or not. Naruto's blood raced at the thought. The enigma, Itachi; who is more tight lipped about himself than Sasuke, despite his ability to maintain conversation…Part of his history was in that scroll, privy to his very own, prying eyes.

………………………………...

An unconscious Sasuke was bundled uncaringly into the darkness of the cellar below, rolling unceremoniously and unknowingly down the dank steps. Marks were already pre-drawn on the cold concrete as an unnatural and dull light buzzed to life in the spacious and nearly bare room. Four figures sat beyond the marked-out circle with crossed legs and grave faces; all knowing what the Uchiha being bond to a chair, in the centre of the Japanese markings was capable of and none being convinced of his passive role in Naruto's absence from society. The four consisting of Kakashi, Shikamaru, Neji and Sai.

Chouji and Lee finished tying the ropes holding the Uchiha 'heir', looking back, unsurely towards the others' eyes. There was no doubt shown on the other faces, as if they knew a secret the two beside Sasuke did not. And, they supposed, they probably did. Never before this, would they have expected the famous Kakashi would interrogate and play with his student's mind. Sasuke slumped forward as they moved away; the drug they had infected his system with, erasing his short term memory for it to be re-written and knocking his conscious deep into the Uchiha's mind. The sub-conscious was now to their complete access.

Amongst all the hurried bustling, another chair was set in front of the unconscious teen, allowing comfort for the interrogator. He was not an expert, but was completely condescending. And besides his allegiance to Naruto in this matter, and many others, due to his original misguided thinking; the advantage was that Sasuke didn't know him well enough to place his voice. He didn't know him at all, if Kakashi's research was accurate. Ebisu, elite Jounin, knowledgeable and experienced, at least partly, in every Shinobi tactic, was to be their person for interrogation upon Uchiha Sasuke.

………………………………...

The rest of the day passed by relatively uneventfully for Naruto, until the time in which dinner was to be prepared. During a raid of the cupboards and fridge with frustrated mumbling, Naruto turned to find an Itachi-less apartment. Immediately, his eyes drew to the scroll sitting lonely on the table by the couch, as if it were the Ramen he acted so obsessed with. It mocked his word to not read the secret until after it's writer departure and taunted his curiosity to read it here and now in his absence.

His stomach rumbled and bought with it a sense of awareness to the degrading step he took toward the object's direction. He growled, ashamed at himself and his wounded pride of relenting to the attraction and possibilities of such a possession. He abruptly turned back to the kitchen area and put water on the stove to boil, adding rice and harshly-chopped, pre-washed carrots he'd prepared before his search of the cupboards and disappointed ranting. Taking a frying pan to the stove for the diced chicken, he cursed his hormones, food craving and the fact that he couldn't eat out.

Naruto only knew how to cook because Ero-sennin had forced him to learn when he'd seen his usual diet and tried the terrible food he had prepared when travelling. As much fun as it was to see the man hurl, he had to appreciate the height he had gained, which the old perv had said was due to the better and balanced meals. Sure, he wasn't the tallest, but at least girls weren't towering over him now. He smiled sadly at the bitter nostalgia of when things were simple and he could still believe in the hope that Sasuke…

A mix of smells assaulted him with the out-of-place sound of his front door clicking in place. He quickly mixed up the slightly charred chicken pieces and turned to face who he automatically placed as Itachi. Instantly reaching out for the object thrown at him, he found it to slightly scrape his skin and automatically glared, until he realised what it was and, in a burst of spontaneity, threw his arms around the now-stiff Uchiha.

"I'm so loving you right now, you sexy, sexy man, you." He beamed, whilst Itachi's eyes opened wider in his shock at the overjoyed words.

Naruto, not noticing the slight change his words had caused, and oblivious to the words themselves, happily moved to the kitchen with his prize of a pineapple. Stirring the rice and mixing the chicken, he noticed their near completeness and gaily went about a quick preparation of a finely chopped pineapple. Itachi still stood motionless, wondering if Naruto's words would ever register in the blond's head, as he watched him drain the rice and add it to the chicken with spices, the pineapple and peas.

Itachi slowly moved behind the blond and reached above him to the over-head cupboard, pulling out two dishes and two plates. Naruto's response to the close proximity was not to stiffen or shudder, as he once may have. With a small, sweet and closed-eyed smile over his shoulder to the taller male, he gladly went back to stirring. Itachi moved the pottery to the counter top and added freshly brought Dango to the plate to accompany the meal. The teen looked at the purchase and smiled wider, moving to serve the food.

Itachi couldn't help but wonder; when did they become so comfortable…?

………………………………...

The process had started. Working directly with Sasuke's subconscious, they all knew the answers given were direct and accurate to the degree of the questioner's ability. It was Kakashi's group that maintained the flow of the hold on Sasuke and controlled his ability to answer. Lee and Chouji were monitoring Sasuke for signs of resistance and awareness whilst Kiba and Shino were concentrating on guarding their location. Their tracker abilities were perfect for detection of intruders.

To agree to the terms of silence had been an easy choice when dealing with the safety of a friend; the reasoning, they were told, for the interrogation they were a part of. The four around the circle had been planning this for a while, it seemed, though the rest were only informed today. When three of your friends and a Jounin instructor demand your assistance, refusal would be ridiculous. But, as the ones who dared to call Naruto their friend stood in the intimidating and stifling room with the one causing him pain, they realised how little he ever shared and how much they actually ignored; some much more than others.

And while the answers flowed, they didn't want the knowledge at an even greater level.

The knowledge of a relationship with Naruto. A wonderful tale of fulfilment and rising need to touch tease, taste and dominate. A planning of adequate proportion with the knowledge of the blond's past. Ignoring Naruto to drive away feelings of anything but hate, turned to ignorance because he saw the need for him to acknowledge Naruto growing in blue eyes. Desperate people were easier to claim. A book that tempted and aroused. A transformation he knew Naruto to accept, so he could be around for the moment of greatest weakness.

The reason of Sasuke's betrayal. His goal always was to revive his clan and with a male it was impossible. Malicious words spoken of Naruto's seduction and purposeful drive, to make him forget his duties and turn him into the freak that the blond was. Talks of taking women and only seeing the blond hair and blue eyes of his once-best-friend begging beneath him. An image was needed for society, along with a baby. Naruto's best friend who was fertile, strong and completely obsessed; the best type to be able to also keep the blond, who he always intended to keep.

The question of Naruto's move of residence. A rape described in such detail that it shocked and sickened the ones listening with it's belief of justification. Of how Sasuke didn't understand why the blond left his home when he knew the raven would be visiting again. The blond had begged him with his body, showing the need for him to forever be there, no matter what words were spewed forth from such luscious lips. How Naruto had no right to deny, anyway, when he belonged to Sasuke in every way.

The asking of Sasuke's plans at the wedding he knew Naruto was coming to. A plot brewing in the darkened souls of a blond's capture and punishment for his avoidance, was there answer. Snarls of ownership and betrayal for being replaced. Sasuke needed a male heir and Naruto should respect that. Of how Sasuke would show him ownership and obedience for his negligence and force him to feel the same.

And there came the question above all others. Why? Why chase Naruto? What was it that Sasuke felt other than this disgusting urge to dominate and use, when all any had seen the raven deliver to the Jinchuriki was viciousness and cruelty since his return? There was no denying that the Uchiha believed the answer given.

"Why concentrate on Naruto?"

"He is mine."

"What is it you want him to feel?"

"Love."

"What is it you feel?"

"Love."

But that didn't mean that the Shinobi present had to believe it. If that was the product of love, none gathered ever wanted to gain experience.

With varying levels of shock, revulsion and loathing, eyes watched as Kakashi broke the chain of the interrogation and rose to face the Uchiha. The drug would wear off soon and memories of a party had to be suggested, so that belief would be accepted. But as whispers of events were given, so were whispers of the past. To break a soul, you had to first find where it laid and Kakashi knew where it had never left. So, as Sasuke was aggressively deposited in his home, thoughts of a negligent and loveless past, bereft of affection were planted.

If words of a defective waste of the Uchiha blood, who will always be too weak to fight his brother without borrowed power, for revenge of a family that despised him ever burrowed in Sasuke's mind; Kakashi hoped it ate him away inside.

But more than that, he hoped the Uchiha brothers would kill each other.

NARUTO

Heh, so…sorta like a filler of ItaNaru…with an oblivious blond. But we had to have something breaking up the nastiness upon Sasuke! Even if that turned out to be a little…different. Told you he was psycho.

TIMELINE

October - (Late) SasuNaru begins.

November - (Early) Pregnant, (Around 10th) Party, (Mid) Day mission, SasuIno (Late) Mission starts.

December - (Early) Mission ends, Sakura Pregnant, (Week later) SasuSaku marriage told, Naruto moves teams, (Late) Failed visits, Observe NejiHina, KakaNaru talk.

January - (Early) Kakashi makes a lie, NejiHina told to be false. (Mid) Sakura tries visiting. (Week later) last failed visit.

February - (Early) Questions of father stop, (Mid) Sakura's baby's sex, Sasu rapes Naru, Naru moves. (Late) Meets Sakura, Stops training.

March - (Mid) Finds Itachi, Saves Itachi, finds Itachi's curse seal, InoSaku talk, 'Stag do', SasuSaku wedding

August - (Early) Naru's due date.

September - (Early) Sakura's due date.

In order of occurrences, tell me if I've missed anything and I'll add more as it's revealed.