I lost another important family member last month, the 3rd of my family in the last 18 months. With work being stupid and this loss, things slowed down. But things at work are getting better, I have been mourning yes, but I have many amazing memories that I sit and think about. As for work, things are getting 100 times better now that I have made changes to it. So my muse appears to have been sitting on my shoulder and I was able to get this chapter to where I wanted it to be. Fingers crossed that my updates will be back more to a regular thing now!
Thanks to anyone that is still sticking around to read this story. I have not given up on it, it still going strong, just sometimes $hit gets in the way.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
Itachi stood in the meeting room, looking out the large windows at the morning sun glistening off the many mounds of snow that had fallen from the storm the night before. The sun was rising, showing off it's glamour, as if nothing had happened the other day. His eyes looked between the trees, watching, hoping, that perhaps his otouto would come trotting out. His mate was preparing breakfast after a restless night that both of them suffered from, since Sasuke had not returned. Deidara had told him what his mother had said about Sasuke and now he needed to discuss this new insight that what his mother knew of Sasuke's status. Did father know? Itachi was frustrated to think that if his parents knew Sasuke's status all along, why didn't they say anything? He clamped his teeth tight, repressing the frustration that was rising.
"Itachi darling," his mother's silky voice floated through the room. "Good morning love." She stepped up to him, pulling him into a motherly embrace and kissing his temple.
"Good morning ka-chan," Itachi returned the embrace and kissed his mother's cheek. "We need to talk." Itachi got right down to business. He motioned to the large arm chairs and took the lead to sit in one.
"Of course dear," Mikoto smiled warmly and took a seat.
"Deidara informed me of what you said last night. I need you to explain." He crossed his arms lightly across his lap, his eyes never leaving his mother's.
Mikoto smiled warmly again and crossed her legs. She tapped her slender finger on her lips briefly before speaking. "I don't know what there is really to explain Itachi. Sasuke is an omega just as I am."
"Why didn't you say you knew this before?" Itachi responded quickly.
Mikoto let out a soft sigh. "I've always known dear, but when Sasuke was so quick to say he was an alpha after his awakening, naturally I was shocked, but I didn't know why he would say such a thing." She flicked her fingers around when she flicked her wrist. "I watched him and when you didn't correct him, or say anything, as a mother, I knew there must have been a reason. But I certainly wasn't going to out him in front of the family!" Mikota shifted her legs in the chair, relaxing her two hands on her knee. She frowned slightly and gave Itachi a sad look.
"Mother… you could have said something later! Anything…" Itachi snapped out suddenly.
Mikoto glared at Itachi's outburst but said nothing.
Itachi clenched his teeth, his eyes not leaving his mother. "The impact of the expectations of this family has certainly done centuries of damage and-"
"And certainly has been changing slowly over the past few decades," Mikota cut off Itachi quickly. She tilted her head slightly at her eldest son. "Slowly, but surely." She gave a soft smile. "You know that change takes time son, and something that had been inbred for centuries cannot be changed so easily."
Itachi snapped his mouth shut, pinched his lips together in thought and looking at the bright sunlight now streaming through the windows. "You're saying that, our clans history, teachings, what's written in our archives, of how things were to be…" he trailed off.
"Itachi," Mikoto breathed out. "History is written so we can learn from it. I for one couldn't think that we would still be stuck in the same, dare I say, barbaric ways, that our ancestors practiced?" She smiled softly again. "Especially with how the world has been evolving so quickly now, I would expect that our clan would embrace change and learn to succeed in it." She suddenly giggled. "Now your father….he's a little more hard headed at times. But I can honestly say he has been trying for decades to embrace change and he's getting better with it."
"But why didn't you say anything then?"
Mikoto sighed sadly. "Your father still holds some pride of our clan having strong alpha born sons and daughters for centuries. It wasn't easy for him to accept that Sasuke was an omega, at first, especially with a long history of strong Uchiha alphas. That reputation was hard to live up to for a long time and it certainly is hard to just let go."
The door then opened, interrupting the somber air and Deidara came in pushing a cart of tea, coffee and a variety of breakfast foods. "Good morning Mikoto-san, Itachi-un." Deidara gave them both a smile and stopped the cart just beside them both. "I brought breakfast, if you are hungry." Deidara began to pour some tea then passed it to Itachi before asking Mikoto what she would like.
"Thank you dear. You work so hard, take a seat and eat as well." Mikoto beamed a smile at Deidara when he handed her a cup of tea. She looked back over at Itachi who nodded at her to continue.
"Now where was I...ah yet, reputation." Mikoto settled her tea onto her lap before continuing. "I won't lie, your father did struggle but who wouldn't when you had centuries of engraved behaviours, rituals and expectations put on your shoulders from birth? And it was much worse when you're an Uchiha clan leader." Mikoto shook her head sadly and sipped at her tea.
Itachi's thoughts were of the past, what he had seen growing up within his parents' halls. The meetings, the other clans, the way situations were handled by other clans. As he let the memories come, he began to see more of an understanding on how his father ruled the Uchiha clan.
"He was very proud of both of you, no matter what your status presented as," Mikoto's voice was soothing. "But understand, it was hard for him to verbalize it." She smiled warmly. "Your father has always had a difficult time expressing how he is feeling, especially to his sons." She sighed suddenly. "I blame his upbringing." She looked to the side windows, her eyes giving a faraway look. "His father is still very much the old ways." She glanced back over then at Itachi, "he still is, honestly." She let out a small snort of a laugh. "You're grandfather Madara is still puffing out his chest, walking with his head held high, shoulders taunt and goes on and on about Uchiha pride, this and that." Mikoto flipped her hand about and rolled her eyes as she explained giving an exasperated look. Deidara started to giggle and Mikoto smiled at him. "But I don't blame him, he comes from the same expectations as your father was given."
"That still doesn't completely explain why neither of you said anything at the time," Itachi huffed out, sounding irritated.
"Patience dear, I was getting to that," Mikoto said in a scolding tone that had Deidara giggling more and Itachi throwing Deidara a glare. Mikoto let out a soft laugh at their antics. "Your father and I didn't quite understand why Sasuke was so reluctant to tell of his true status but we also wanted him to be honest and upfront about it. So after the announcement, I talked to Sasuke afterwards, letting him know that we were both very proud of him and that he could talk to us about anything, even if he thought it was too embarrassing." She dropped her eyes, looking at the mug in her hands. "I did tell Fugaku to talk to him as well, he says he did, but I don't know what Fugaku could say to ease Sasuke's fear of telling us his true status." She sighed sadly and looked up at Itachi and Deidara. "You know how your father has a hard time having emotional talks. We both thought he would come to us and tell us, but when that didn't happen, and you two were getting that much closer…" she trailed off.
"So you were both glad that Sasuke would come stay with my clan because?" Itachi asked quietly.
Mikoto sighed. "We knew that you would keep him safe, build his strength, help him to be strong and independent. At the time, we thought that with you, he would at least feel comfortable enough to be his true omega status, so we let him be."
Inside Itachi could feel his emotions seething. How could his parents just leave Sasuke to spiral down into depression because of his status? How could they just ignore him and let him go through that time alone? How could they be so blind to how his otouto struggled daily trying to come to terms with his omega status, completely under the belief that he was lower class? And when Sasuke disappeared… Itachi suddenly stood up, his form rigid and shocking both Mikoto and Deidara. "Excuse me ka-chan," his voice sounding sharp and formal. "I need to go think about this-alone." Itachi's voice was clipped and tight as he bowed slightly towards his mother then took wide strides out of the room.
Deidara watched his mate's rigid form and clenched hands leave the room. Itachi didn't even look back at him and Deidara knew Itachi was pissed. His wolf nudged at him, wanting him to go and soothe the angry alpha. Deidara sighed and turned back to Mikoto who was looking shocked at what just happened.
"Did I say something?" Mikoto asked, her own wolf was feeling anxious , feeling the anger that had come off of Itachi. "I thought...nevermind. He is so like his father in many ways," she whispered out.
"Don't worry Mikoto-san. It's just that...Sasuke went through some tough times." Deidara shook his head sadly. "I understand that you and Fugaku-sama wanted the best for Sasuke but you didn't see what Sasuke and Itachi had gone through un." Deidara sipped at a cup of coffee.
"I don't understand. Was Sasuke not achieving his needs as an omega?" Mikoto questioned, leaning forward slightly on her chair towards Deidara.
Deidara shook his head, his blond hair brushing against his shoulders lightly. "It isn't my place to tell of what happened Mikoto-san, please understand that." His light blue eyes gave a sad look at Mikoto. "Give Itachi time, he will come around un." He nodded his head once and smiled sadly.
Mikoto nodded in response, completely understanding that she needed to wait for her sons to come to her and Fugaku. She leaned back in her chair and sipped at her tea, a far away look in her eyes. A comfortable silence hung in the room between the two omegas.
"Mikoto-san?" Deidara broke the silence. Mikoto turned her soft dark eyes towards the blond. "You hinted something about Sasuke's behaviour last night un. What were you referring to?"
Mikoto smiled warmly, her eyes seemed to twinkle with excitement. "Ah Deidara darling, being an omega, certainly you are aware of procreation, you know, the birds and the bees?" She raised her eyebrows at him and gave a smile.
Deidara blushed heatedly and cleared his throat. He pinched his lips tight and averted his eyes from the soft glowing dark eyes of his mother in law. She was not suggesting what he thought she was suggesting!? The sex talk? With his mother in law? Ah hell no!
Mikoto laughed out a floral sound as she looked on at her now flustered son. Deidara looked so adorable when he blushed so heatedly! "If there is anything you need to know or have questions about, you can ask me darling, anything." Her tone was friendly and filled with mirth. She got up and refilled her teacup to give Deidara a chance to settle himself and her wolf let out a relaxing purr to help the other omega relax.
"Beg your pardon," Deidara squeaked out when he found his voice. "I didn't have much for mentors in those particular matters 'un," Deidara said with a hint of sadness in his voice. "Fact is...if Itachi hadn't found me when he did, I may have ended up in a brothel, enslaved, or worse-dead." His light blue eyes shimmered slightly, but no tears fell and he bit his cheek to keep himself from remembering those times.
"Oh honey," Mikoto purred out. "Please forgive me. If I had known I never would have-"
"So'k Mikoto-san. It's in the past now." Deidara gave Mikoto a hopeful smile, trying to get out of the sudden black area they were in. "Tell me what you know, please." Deidara leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees and fists under his chin, giving Mikoto his full attention.
Mikoto smiled wide and warm. "Well, our omega wolves are very fierce and protective when it comes to family." Deidara nodded enthusiastically in response. "And you know, anyone who dares mess with our families, omegas will not hesitate to kill a threat! You think alphas are impressive? Well dear, even alphas fear an omegas wrath!" Mikoto nodded her head firmly, her lips in a tight smile and she let out a heavy grunt to make a point.
Deidara's eyes widened in awe at the woman.
"Now, because our omega ancestors have always been fiercely protective, it was always something that has been embedded in our genetics for who knows how long. Probably since when the first wolf walked the earth." Her hands gracefully flitted about as she told the story. "Some genetic traits lay dormant, until a situation happens in an omega's life that awakens that trait and brings it to the surface." She nodded her head knowingly at Deidara who looked at her with confusion evident on his face. "The most common situation that awakens the dormant fierce protective genetic trait in omegas is motherhood." She held breath, watching Deidara's expression.
Deidara sat up slowly, his lips were in a frown and he lightly scratched at his cheek. He then ran his fingers through his long blond hair, his eyes cast down while he thought about what Mikoto was explaining.
"Deidara hun." Mikoto pulled Deidara's attention back on her. "Have you read any of the medical journals on omega biology? Do you have any here in this library?" She lifted her arm gracefully and held her hand out to the open room.
Deidara pondered briefly before snapping his fingers and jumping up. "Just a sec 'un," he called out while walking towards a bookshelf. He came back carrying a thick leather bound book. The leather was a deep brown colour with many creases on it, showing its age. Deidara sat back on his chair, the large book taking up most of his lap and he opened it up, flipping a few pages until he found what he was looking for. "This," he pointed to an area on the page and looked at Mikoto. "Is where it talks about heats, changes in the body, development and such." Deidara gave a proud smile.
Mikoto got up gracefully from her chair and stood beside Deidara, her eyes skimming the yellowed pages. She leaned over to lightly turn the pages, her dark eyes flickering over the words quickly and quietly. She chuckled softly, "yes indeed, this does talk about the physical changes of omegas and motherhood, but it seems to be lacking other crucial information." She squeezed Deidara's shoulder warmly before going back to sit in her chair. Grabbing her teacup, she brought the cup up to her lips and inhaled the aroma deeply, closing her eyes while she enjoyed the scent.
"Mikoto-san?" Deidara piped up, his voice laced with questions.
Mikoto smiled warmly at Deidara after she had taken a long sip of her tea. "That book is very informative, and helpful." She nodded firmly. "But perhaps there is another area of the book that talks about omega's emotional traits during motherhood?" She eyed Deidara and raised her elegant eyebrows.
Deidara shook his head. "Not that I've seen Mikoto-san, and I've read practically every book here about omega's."
"Well then," Mikoto said firmly. "It is my duty, as the most experienced and *ehem* seasoned omega here, to teach you about it then." She nodded her head with a smile and crossed her legs. She giggled lightly when Deidara slammed the book closed quickly on his lap and propped his head back on his fists, staring at her intently.
"Now then, the dormant genetic traits in omega's that often awaken in motherhood are particularly protectiveness, possessiveness and almost savage killing behaviour to protect their pup." Deidara nodded, his eyes glowing with admiration. "And in some cases, an omega will even charge and attack their own alpha mate because of strong instincts." She shook her head sadly. "I have heard about that happening. It's rare, but I know of one clan it happened too."
Deidara blinked quickly and gasped. "Who-where?" he sputtered out. The very thought of knowing that an omega killed their alpha mate was horrifying to think of.
"The omega was Darui, of the Kumogakure clan. He was a strong, yet elegant and beautiful omega, the story says. His alpha mate, Killer Bee, was next in line to rule the Kumogakure clan and he was described as having the build and strength of a mountain. Nothing could defeat him." She tilted her head back, her eyes taking in the ceiling and taking some slow breaths. "Darui was the strongest omega of his family, so naturally the match was perfect. Two healthy, strong, vibrant wolves, in hopes to bring the same in their pups." She dropped her chin then, bringing her teacup to her lips and taking another long swallow. "When he became with child, his omega was the most fierce that had ever been seen. They say that his eyes became clouded, his mind went feral and when his alpha mate came to calm him…" Mikoto trailed off.
Deidara gasped at the thought. "D-Darui killed his mate?"
Mikoto nodded slowly. "The story goes that Killer Bee's love and devotion was so strong for Darui, that he wouldn't fight back. And when Darui managed to suppress his omega, it was too late. He spiraled into a dark abyss of guilt, despair, agony and his wails were heard across the land they say. He swiftly took his own life before anyone could stop him."
Deidara sniffled loudly, a single tear sliding down his cheek. He quickly wiped it with the back of his hand. "Oh Mikoto-san, what a horrible story!" he cried out in distress. "I-I can't imagine ever feeling that way towards Itachi 'un," he stuttered out between sniffles. "I mean, I can't believe that something like that would ever happen!"
"Oh honey, please calm down. For all is not lost." She leaned forward and rubbed Deidara's knee. He placed his own hand over her own and returned the gesture. "It was a long long time ago sweety, and our kind has learned so much more about omega's now, that we teach our children, so it hopefully won't happen again." She gave him a warm smile.
"Now that I've taught you about genetics, let's get back to Sasuke." She leaned back. "I didn't realize it until after, but Sasuke has never met Kakazu-kun."
"Who?" Deidara blinked.
Mikoto giggled at Deidara's innocent look. "The large alpha that came with Fugaku and I dear. Can't miss him, large, intimidating, has his whole face covered like he's cold except those green eyes…?"
Deidara thought about it briefly before nodding his head in agreement. He only really saw the alpha briefly when the family had arrived. And he was quite large and impressive for an alpha Deidara had thought to himself of course. He didn't think Itachi would appreciate him giving other alphas appreciative comments.
"When a large alpha like Kakazu-kun had surprised Sasuke, it was no wonder why he snapped out at everyone so suddenly in the room and then took off from there." She grabbed her teacup and drank down the last bit of tea. "I was just so shocked at that moment, that I didn't realize at that time why that happened," she whispered out. She got up then and pushed down her dress, smoothing the wrinkles out before stepping towards the cart with all the breakfast dishes. "Thank you again Deidara for making this. It looks delicious! Now what should I try first?" She grabbed a dish and began looking over her choices. She glanced slightly over her shoulder to see Deidara deep in thought. She smiled to herself. She knew that Deidara was processing what she had talked to him about and it wouldn't be long until he…
"Oh..My..Stars... Sasuke's pregnant!"
==intermission==
Itachi was in his office, standing at his window and looking outside at the snow. He was trying to keep his anger at bay, but was finding it difficult when his mother had told him of how she and his father had known all along that Sasuke was an omega.
"And to not even talk to him about it, let him know about, so otouto had to go through all that suffering for all those fucking years," he seethed out between his clenched teeth. His hands were flexing continuously into fists, his canines had stretched out, and his inner alpha was biting at his mind to be released. His thoughts brought up memories of Sasuke struggling, when he refused to bond with his wolf, the vigorous training of acting alpha for years, and when Sasuke ran away only to be found years later in his feral and minacal state, not to mention emaciated. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he closed his eyes and took deep breaths.
The soft knocking at the door thudded through his head, causing the headache that already existed to intensify with each knock. He didn't need to ask who it was, he already knew, and had expected the visitor to come looking for him at any time since he left the library. He just didn't know if he was ready for this meeting.
"Itachi dear," Mikoto's voice floated through the small office. "Can we talk?" Mikoto's soft footsteps fell upon the floor upon entering the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Itachi rubbed his temples briefly before opening his eyes again when he heard the soft click of the door closing. "Hn," Itachi grunted out, turning to face his mother who stood before his large desk, her hands clasped in front of her, her eyes looking upon him with worry. He walked to his desk chair and waved his hand towards the other two sitting chairs located in front of his desk.
"Itachi dear," Mikoto started while taking a seat. "I understand you are upset...but I would like you to keep in mind that your father and I-"
"Didn't give two shits about actually talking to your son, my otouto, on how you two knew of him being an omega?!" Itachi cut off Mikoto and hissed out at her.
Mikoto frowned slightly at Itachi's response. She could see he was upset, but she didn't see why Itachi was this unsettled about it. "I don't understand why this knowledge upsets you so much. I explained how things were, I want to ensure you-"
"It's YOU that doesn't understand!" Itachi snapped out quickly and a growl escaped his lips. His body had leaned forward and his hands were clawing into the desktop. "Neither of you had any idea of the shi-no the absolute hell that Sasuke went through!"
Mikoto snapped her lips shut, her eyes wide, taking in the sight of her son who was visually and sounding angry with her. Her inner omega was feeling intimidated at the power alpha before her, but she took a deep breath and frowned slightly, thinking of her next words was obvious that something had happened that she nor Fugaku were aware of, and Itachi was very bitter about. She needed to know what the deeper issue was. She laid her hands on her lap, lacing her fingers together and dropped her eyes. "You're right," she whispered. When Itachi didn't respond she continued. "You're father and I have no idea what you and Sasuke were up to after you two left." She lifted her eyes now, looking at her eldest child, giving him a sober look. Itachi had not moved, his eyes still focused on his mother, his face stoic, but she knew better. She had his attention and it was obvious her eldest son was surprised at her answer. "When we did hear from you, it was always business." She flicked her hand. "And the answer was always the same when asked on how Sasuke was doing." She raised her brows at Itachi when he looked away from that comment. "So how about you tell me, what happened, so I can understand more." She leaned back in her chair and crossed her ankles under her chair. She gave him a stern look that meant business and that Itachi better answer.
Itachi looked at his mother's expression and as per usual, there was nothing there but the love a mother would give her child with her soothing scent and her presence was enough to make his inner alpha settle and lower its head at his mother. The love of a child towards their mother never changes, and he felt himself wanting to lean into her, inhale her scent and feel her love for him surround him. He let out a breath, now that he was feeling a lot calmer with his mother's presence. "Ka-chan, with all due respect, I don't think we should discuss this without Sasuke present." He stood suddenly and walked back towards the window, not looking at her. "I need to find him, and I would think you would understand that?" He put his arms on the window ledge, leaning forward slightly to peer out through the blinding sunlight reflecting off the snow.
Mikoto showed up beside Itachi, looking out the window as well. "Sasuke will be fine," she whispered out with a smile.
"You don't know that," Itachi bit back quickly, sounding more harsh then intended.
She turned to see Itachi's jaw clenched tight, his eyes still focused on the outside world. She gave him a soft smile, he was always so protective of his otouto. Placing her hand on Itachi's arm, "he will be okay." She whispered out. "Can you at least try and please trust me on that?" She gave his arm a gentle squeeze, her omega purring out to try and soothe her son.
Itachi's alpha accepted the calming presence of the mother omega beside him and he slouched his shoulders, suddenly feeling completely exhausted. He wanted to trust his mother's words, his alpha and his heart said he should, but the memories of his otouto, still fresh in the forefront of his mind, still stung. He felt betrayed by his own parents and he wasn't sure if he would get over it with just the plea of 'trust me' from his mother. "Alright. Call to-chan, he needs to hear this too, since you admitted that both of you knew of Sasuke's status."
Mikoto pulled Itachi to face her, she cupped his one cheek, her thumb stroking his cheek softly and smiled softly at him before reaching up and kissing his forehead. She then nodded her head and left the room, Itachi watching her retreating form.
==intermission==
Itachi sat on an armchair, his hands placed diligently on his lap as he looked at his mother and father sitting across from him. Obito and Izumi stood behind them, their faces held looks of surprise and sadness after Itachi had discussed with all of them, for almost over an hour, what happened with Sasuke in the past years. He had specifically asked that Kakazu not be involved in this meeting, as Itachi had not known the alpha very well and not to mention, this was personal family business. Itachi had started from the beginning, after Sasuke's awakening, up until the very last instant of when Sasuke was found. He had kept the smaller details private, such as Sasuke and Naruto's relationship issues, but of course the Uzumaki pack was included, they had helped in more ways than one and now had an even closer bond now that their alpha was mated to Sasuke.
"Kakashi did what?!" Fugaku spat out loudly, his knuckles turning white from clutching the arms of the chair, his claws extending slightly. "How dare he!" His canines elongated slightly and a deep menacing growl escaped his lips.
His father was furious, learning that Sauske was on a drug that suppressed his omega status and released an alpha type essence, and that Kakashi, the long time and trusted Uchiha friend and doctor, was supplying Sasuke with the suppressant drugs. Itachi glared at his father, clearly letting him know that his to-chan was missing the point of why Sasuke had done such a thing. With the help of Mikoto, Fugaku settled down to continue listening.
Mikoto cried hearing about how Itachi, Hidan and Kisame found Sasuke in one of Orochimaru's suspected testing labs in a horrifying condition. She cried more when Itachi got to the story explaining how they found Sasuke in a hunters den, near death, and it was Fugaku who moved in to console her. Izumi didn't fare much better listening to the story, and Obito offered comfort while clenching his teeth in anger.
"Understand why I am disappointed that both of you, kachan and tochan, didn't come forward sooner, then perhaps, maybe, all that had transpired with Sasuke, may have never happened." Itachi rubbed at the bridge of his nose. "And you should understand why I am finding it very difficult to trust either of you when you say you know what is going on with otouto now." He frowned at them before looking towards the window and rubbed at his temples. The mental pain was developing a headache. "I need to find Sasuke, to understand what happened, to have him home, to ensure he is safe." He then snorted out a chuckle, "because if his mate comes home to Sasuke missing, I'm certain I will be the one that will be faced with the wrath of an irate alpha."
"Itachi," Mikoto sniffled and spoke up quickly before Itachi could leave. "Sasuke is going through the instincts of an expecting omega."
Itachi snapped his head back to glare at his mother. "What are you saying?"
Mikoto dabbed at her eyes with a tissue and rose from her seat to stand before Itachi. She reached out her slender hand, asking silently for Itachi to stand.
Itachi rose from his seat, taking his mother's hand when she offered. He looked down at her soft black eyes that still glimmered from her tears, her nose blushed red from her crying. Her soft red lips held a delicate smile when she looked up at him.
"Itachi love, your otouto is pregnant." She cupped his cheek gently when Itachi's eyes blinked rapidly in surprise. "And what he is doing now is normal, for an omega who is pregnant. I mean it when I said trust me, I know." She chuckled lightly under her breath when she pulled in Itachi for a hug and he was still stiff with surprise. She pulled back, looking up at Itachi's still stoic face, but in his eyes she could read him clearly. She let out a tired sigh. "I suppose it's more my fault, not teaching both of you about the omega dynamics, traits, genetics and such," she whispered. "In some areas, I...I failed you as a mother, a teacher, a -" A silent tear dropped down her cheek and she dropped her arms and eyes.
Itachi quickly cupped his mother's cheeks, making her look up to him and he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "You could never be a failure kachan," he stated firmly, looking into her shimmering black eyes that threatened to release more tears. He pulled her into a firm hug then, resting his cheek on the crown of her head and released a long sigh. Their family had a lot more to talk about it would seem, but it was a start.
A while later, after Mikoto had talked to Itachi more about the genetic traits of omegas, she informed him that she had explained this to Deidara earlier that morning as well. Itachi perked up, realizing he hadn't seen his mate for the last couple hours and Mikoto had informed he was last in the library looking up more information. Excusing himself from his family, he went in search of Deidara, while the rest of the Uchiha's went to have breakfast and talk about what they had learned.
Pushing open the door, he peeked in and caught his mate's scent, knowing immediately Deidara was still in the library. The omega's scent was delightful as always and his alpha purred out in approval when Itachi stalked through the shelves with stealth, searching out his prey. His eyes fell upon the long blond hair that fell around his mate's shoulders down to the table top, his body hunched over the table and a large book was peeking out from the several strands of blond hair that covered it. A faint sniffle and the smell of salty tears invaded Itachi's senses, immediately putting all thoughts of fun aside and replacing it with a sense of urgency to console his mate.
"Deidara? What's happening? What's wrong?" Itachi slipped up beside Deidara, falling to his knees to the floor and placing his hands on Deidara's leg. Red rimmed and watery baby blue eyes looked down to Itachi, his nose red and cheeks wet from falling tears. Itachi's alpha howled in agony, and Itachi's chest twisted in pain seeing and feeling the distress radiating from his mate. He quickly stood and scooped Deidara into his arms, carrying him carefully to one of the small couches in the room and settling down with his mate tucked beneath his chin.
Deidara began to sob out when Itachi cradled him carefully, the alpha calling out to the omega, reaching and feeling, trying to console and Deidara couldn't hold back. Itachi pulled him close to his chest as Deidara hiccuped through the sobs, Itachi rubbing his cheek on Deidara's head and rubbing his hands slowly across Deidara's back. Itachi purred out and released a calming scent while wondering why his mate was in such distress. Was it because of Sasuke? Did his parents say something to him? Did that alpha do something? A surge of anger flared up in him at the thought of that alpha, Kakazu, doing something to harm his mate. Deidara suddenly curled up into himself and whimpered, feeling Itachi's sudden anger surge making Itachi clench his teeth in guilt. "Shh, love, I'm sorry, it's not you," he whispered, planting kisses on Deidara's head.
"I-I mmm s-sorry 'un," Deidara hiccuped out in sobs. "J-just I-I can't underst-why I-I am such a failure of a mate!" Deidara wailed out, pushing his fists against his eyes to try and suppress the tears that continued to fall.
Itachi pulled Deidara harder into his chest, his heart twisting in agony while his mate struggled, in obvious distress and all Itachi was doing didn't appear to be helping. He began to stroke his hands through the long locks of blond hair, rocking him slowly while Deidara continued to weep. His alpha bit at his mental walls, demanding he do something, but Itachi could only wait.
When Deidara's cries began to settle into smaller whimpers, Itachi cupped his mate's chin and lifted Deidara's eyes to look at his own. Bloodshot and red rimmed blues looked up at him and Itachi cringed at the pain and sorrow embedded in those eyes. He leaned in and kissed Deidara's red nose then used his thumb to gently wipe away the remaining tears. "Talk to me precious...what's wrong?"
Deidara looked away, his bottom lip quivered and he tucked it in under his teeth. His breath stuttered with each breath and Itachi cupped his cheek, pulling his face back gently to make him look up into Itachi's eyes. He saw Itachi's deep dark orbs, ringed with red, riddled with hurt, confusion and concern staring straight through him. The alpha was calling out to his omega, begging and pleading, trying to console him, and Deidara's heart pinched at how he was causing his alpha to be distressed, over him.
"Why am I not pregnant yet?" Deidara whispered painfully. After his discussion with Mikoto that morning, learning about omega dynamics of expecting omega's that he was never aware of, reading up on physical traits of omega's bearing pups, it was then that Deidara realized that he and Itachi had yet to sire their own pup. The reality of the situation hit him like a freight train as the information compiled up in his mind. He and Itachi have been together for years, and he had never been pregnant. The maternal emotions bubbled up so quickly, it was like a Mentos had been dropped into a bottle of Diet Coke soda.
Itachi had no supportive words to give to his mate. He could honestly say to himself, in the years that had passed, the thought of having a pup had never crossed his mind. He looked to each of Deidara's eyes, his mate pleading for an answer from him, and Itachi kissed his forehead. "I don't know," Itachi whispered and Deidara burrowed his nose into Itachi's neck, muffling his small sobs. Itachi bit his bottom lip briefly, why hasn't he ever thought about having children? It could be that he was so invested in his otouto's health, safety, and well being, that the thought of having children has never even surfaced. But now that Deidara had brought it up, the idea was settling heavier in the back of his mind. Visions of his mate round and fat with his offspring vibrated through his inner alpha suddenly, spurring up a hunger of emotions that had Itachi practically panting out a shuddering desire for the omega. Another mental image of Deidara's swollen stomach with his pup, his face vibrant and glowing, Itachi suddenly itched to start depositing his seed into his willing mate right now. A whimper broke that thought and Itachi was brought back to the now of consoling his emotionally fragile mate. He stroked the locks of blond hair and whispered, "we will find out together. Promise."
Elsewhere...
Thick blue black hair of a wolf shimmered in the bright rays of sun and the wolf shook its massive body forcefully, getting all the heavy snow and dirt off its fur. The wolf had just emerged from its hiding place inside a large mountain, the mouth of a small cave was hidden by thick foliage of bush. The wolf had slipped into the cave when the storm blew in at its strongest, and stayed safe throughout the night. A deep rumbling growl erupted from the wolf's stomach and the wolf snorted out a loud huff before setting off down the slick slope of the mountain to hunt something to eat.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
A large shaggy brown wolf sniffed the crisp night air deeply, his fuzzy large ears perked up straight, listening to the sounds being carried in the wind. White puffs of air escaped from his black nose when he exhalled but promptly dispersed when he inhaled deeply and quickly. He flicked his head slightly to the side, catching the strange scent floating with the slight wind. The moon was half full, but the wolf's eyes could see clearly through the thick forest. Kiba was on duty tonight, walking around the pack's lands, ensuring the pack was safe from any threats of enemies. It was his duty after all, while the Uzumaki pack alpha was away, it was a great honour to ensure that he kept his pack family safe.
Kiba stepped slowly through the deep snow, his nose still high in the air, sniffing wildly, trying to dissect the scent. 'There is something there...something-something-coming this way!' His large paws stopped suddenly and he suddenly snarled, his lips curling up, exposing large white canines and saliva dripped to the snow below. He then lowered his head slightly, his eyes focused forward, glaring through the darkness between the trees. 'Strangers are coming and-and I can't tell, but….they don't smell friendly.' He quickly lifted his massive head, pointing it towards the sky and released a long menacing warning howl through the night.
Sakura sat up quickly in her bed when she heard the howl pierce through the darkness. She rubbed her eyes quickly, trying to get her eyes to focus on her surroundings. It was the middle of the night, but she had heard Kiba's howl ringing clearly through the crisp winter night. She listened carefully and the howl broke through the night air once again. She shot out of her bed, throwing her comforter away, not caring it fell to the floor. The howl, the call, Kiba said danger was coming.
Not stopping as she ran out of her room, she quickly thumped down the stairs, catching up to Hinata down the corridor. Hinata had heard the call too and quickly raced out of her room to the front room as quickly as Sakura. Both women looked at each other with a determined look and ran out the front door. Both sprinted off the front porch full speed and began to run through the snow across the yard. Sakura jumped suddenly and her body arched into a star while her body transformed swiftly in her wolf form before she fell to the ground. She landed on her front paws into the snow covered ground, not even hesitating in her run. Hinata's front paws hit the ground seconds after Sakura, not slowing at all as she kept in stride with Sakura. Both dashed through the night, between the trees of the forest, into the night and towards Kiba's howling calls.
Kiba snarled deeply as he stood prepared, his eyes not leaving the darkness that lay ahead of him between the trees. His hackles had risen across his back, his head was low, ears laid flat back and his muscles trembled slightly as he held his position. He could sense them, coming closer, but not quickly, as if they were treading carefully and stealthily. He flexed his toes in the frozen mud below, his inner beta wolf chomping at the bit, ready for a fight.
When Sakura and Hinata skid to halt beside him, Kiba didn't flinch. 'Can you smell? I don't know how many…' Kiba called out through the bond to the women.
Hinata and Sakura tasted the air with their tongues and inhaled quickly.
'Yes, I can smell it,' Sakura called out. She lowered her head and stiffened her stance immediately before curling up her teeth, releasing a growl.
Hinata followed suit after catching the scent and got into a position similar to Kiba and Sakura. Her smaller wolf form released a low growl.
All three wolves held their heads steady, staring into the darkness through the forest trees.
The sounds of something crunching through the deep snow and twigs breaking off of trees echoed through the darkness into the three wolves ears. Something was moving through the forest, not quickly but swiftly enough towards them to rise the alert in Kiba.
'NOW!' Kiba yelled out through the bond and leaped forward between the trees. The beta wolf growled out loudly, almost barking, when he raced between the trees and hurdled over several bushes. His jaws opened wide and snapped immediately shut on a large creature and Kiba flung his head as hard as he could to pull the creature down with him into the ground.
A cry of surprise and a snarling sound broke through the darkness from the creature as it tumbled with Kiba to the ground. Hinata and Sakura raced to Kiba's side, snapping their jaws at the strange creature, to ensure that it didn't try and escape. With Kiba wrestling the creature down while his jaws still clenched tightly on the body, he managed to maneuver his paws and body on top of the creature, successfully pinning the large creature into the snow. Sakura and Hinata flanked Kiba, their canines flashing at the stranger while they barked and growled in warning.
Kiba breathed out heavily between his clamped jaws, his claws digging into the thick fur of the creature beneath him. The stranger didn't struggle, it laid submissive beneath his body and didn't even attempt to fight back. Kiba released a deep warning growl and jerked his clamped jaw at the thick fur a couple times. He was warning the stranger, who was obviously a werewolf like himself, to not move and try anything. He slowly began to stand up, but didn't release his jaws and continued to let out a warning growl. Hinata and Sakura snapped out warnings as well beside him, their eyes not leaving the stranger.
'I don't recognize him,' Hinata called out. Her eyes looked to the stranger's wolf head and sniffed at his scent.
'I don't smell anything familiar-wait!' Sakura called out. She was sniffing around the stranger's head. The other wolf kept his head low, in a submissive state, showing he meant not harm. 'I-I,' Sakura moved about the wolf, her black nose twitching as she continued to move about the strangers head. 'Hinata, I can smell-I think, but I'm not sure…'
Kibra let loose another growl between his clenched teeth while his eyes followed Sakura's movements. His sounds echoed through the darkness, telling his prisoner not to make a move if he valued his life.
'It's Kyuubi! I'm certain!' Hinata gasped out through the bond when she began sniffing at the stranger's fur. She began to snarl and bark at the strange wolf over and over. 'What have you done with him! Where is he! Bastard!' She nipped at the ears, the thick neck, her smaller jaw then clamped heavily on an area on the strangers scruff and she shook her head wildly. 'WHAT HAVE YOU DONE ASSHOLE!?' Hinata screamed through the bond, through her snarled teeth as she continued to whip her head about with jaws still clamped on a huge portion of the stranger's skin and fur. The strange wolf just whimpered helplessly at Hinata's assault. Kiba's eyes widened at the sight of Hinata losing it.
'HINATA STOP!'
Hinata whimpered at the sudden direct command that echoed through the bond and released her death hold on the strange wolf, blood trickling out of the wounds she had left behind on the wolf's body. She stumbled back and whipped her head towards the darkness between the trees, her eyes wide and her smaller wolf ears perked forward. Sakura lifted her head quickly and looked where Hinata was staring, her wolf ears pointing in the same direction.
Rustling of brush, the sounds of branches breaking and snow being stepped through began to echo loudly through the darkness. The sounds were that of many beings, walking through the darkness and heading straight towards them. Kiba did not release his jaws on the strange wolf but adjusted himself to be able to look through the dark forest. The wolf beneath him still didn't move. Hinata and Sakura took a few steps towards the sounds, their heads perked high and their eyes adjusted to shadowed figures coming into their sight.
'Sakura, y-you heard that right?' Hinata whispered through the bond.
Sakura shook her head wildly suddenly, her demere went from cautious to excited and she began to prance up and down in the snow and then howled out happily when the large wolf figures came into the moonlight from the darkness of the trees.
'It's NARUTO!' Sakura called out as she sprinted directly towards the alpha.
==x00x00x00x00x00x==
As always, comments are appreciated if you like. Leave a smile, a dot, a heart, a flame, whichever works for you. :D
Keep smiling everyone!