Hello fellow readers, writers and fans. Tis SNS month eh! How wonderful to see all the new writings come out just for our boys! Love it! So I know many have been patiently waiting for the new chapter, and tah dah! Here it is! Many heart warming hugs to those of you that leave me a comment! I love receiving and responding.

Enjoy the new chapter!

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Itachi sat at one of the large armchairs in the Uzumaki clan home, listening and watching Hidan and Kisame across from him as they explained the story of their travels, coming to the end where they had been wandering through an area only to be surprised by vampires. Kisame and Hidan had expressed that they did know where the borders were of potential colonies, though they did come across an old village that it was apparent it had been destroyed, many of the old homes burnt to ash with only a few burnt out logs showing that something used to stand where they lay.

Hidan explained that they were curious about the site and did wander through the old overgrown trails to sniff out some of the area. They did not find any scents of interest, but when they had left the burned out village and headed back into the forest, they came face to face with at least half dozen vampires. Though the vampires did not say why they were there, and Hidan and Kisame knew they weren't anywhere near a vampire colony, the surprise of coming up to them certainly raised a concern in the two werewolves. It is well known that insulting or threatening a vampire means immediate war to the species, thus Hidan and Kisame only spoke to say they were passing through and made a move to avoid the vampires. The species hissed out in surprise, moving quickly to surround the two and made their attack. Hidan and Kisame fought valiantly, but were outnumbered dramatically as more vampires came out from the shadows to join the fight.

"They did not give any hint of reasoning, nothing at all?" Itachi asked calmly, his brows furrowed in thought.

"No man, they just BAM! And were on top of us like flies on shit!" Hidan shouted out, his hands flew up. "Like fuck me, they were coming from every direction, hissing and spitting, like psycho kittens!".

"No boss, nothing," Kisame added. "Though they did mention that we were filth of the world and that we should be prepared for the extinction of our species." Kisame rested his head on his hand.

Itachi tapped at his chin, his eyes flickered to Kisame at that statement. "It's not often that vampires would start making claims of termination of species though." He hesitated. "And what of this Utakata? What is his story?" Itachi asked the two, though he knew what Utakata may be already, he wanted to see what his two pack members may know.

"The only thing I saw was how Utakata saved Kisame's life." Hidan waved an arm towards Kisame, who nodded in response. "I sure as hell don't know how he did it, but if he wasn't there, Kisame would have died for sure." Hidan stepped over to Kisame and gave him a soft slap on the shoulder before giving it a rough rub.

"I don't know what happened, but Hidan told me what he saw, Kakashi was shocked as well, but Kakashi hasn't told me what exactly Utakata did to save me." Kisame stretched his arms, groaning slightly when his back made cracking noises.

Itachi hummed in response. His mind was going over what he had recently learned about Utakata from Kakashi and Naruto, what history he had learned from his father and Kakazu about vampires… 'Something I'm missing but…'

"Utakata hasn't done anything, said much of anything to raise any suspicion in me boss," Hidan spoke up, breaking Itachi's thoughts. "He just seems like a lone wolf with no apparent special abilities." He shrugged and looked at Kisame. Kisame nodded his head in agreement.

Itachi nodded and dismissed the two wolves, informing them to head back to the Uchiha manor and that he would be returning later. He reminded them to thank the Uzumaki pack for their hospitality and chuckled when the two groaned sarcastically. The both bowed to Itachi and left the room, off to find whomever as he expected them to follow through and crossed his leg while sitting back in the armchair. His thoughts went over the information again from the two pack members and the history that he had just recently learned. 'If Utakata is a hybrid wolf and vampire, could he have been from one of those destroyed villages that were apparently testing grounds for vampires? If he is, then where is he from? Are there others like him? More importantly, with the information about Utakata saving Kisame's life with what appeared to be using a bite, what special attributes did this man hold?' Itachi mulled for sometime before the door opened and the pink haired beta came to the room.

"Itachi-sama, can I get you anything?" Sakura asked respectively and bowed.

"No thank you Sakura-chan, though I would like to know if it is possible to meet with your guest, Utakata-san?"

Sakura stood and nodded at the Uchiha pack alpha. "I'll just go and see if he is up for visitors," she responded happily. "We are truly thankful for Utakata for his assistance when the vampires attacked the group. I'll be right back." She nodded her head again and left the room.

Itachi hummed and nodded in response. 'Thankful indeed…'

Sakura knocked and peeked into Utakata's room, announcing her presence and finding a flustered Kyuubi in the room. She snorted out as she listened to Kyuubi explaining mannerisms to their guest.

"It's just the polite thing to do, I'm telling ya!" Kyuubi huffed out, his palm dragging down his face. He sounded tired as he let out a long sigh.

"But it is expected of another to do such a thing for the pack leader alpha. The alpha who is controller of the pack, the leader, the alpha who is not to be disrespected in any such manner from those below alpha should not be giving thanks because it is the way it has always been through centuries has it not? How does that change?"

Utakata's voice sounded challenging yet innocent like a child and Saskura hummed out and nodded her head, causing both wolves to look at her. Kyuubi just groaned out in disbelief and leaned back on his chair, his head falling back and closing his eyes.

"Sakura, pleeeeeesssse would you help me explain some things here?" Kyuubi whined out and held up his hand and pointed towards Utakata, his head still hanging off the back of the chair not bothering to open his eyes.

Sakura giggled and shrugged at Utakata, who looked at her and it was apparent by the look on his face that he was still very much confused. Sakura just shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. "If you are done here, Itachi-sama has asked to meet Utakata." Sakura threw a soft family at Utakata. "He is the Uchiha alpha pack leader Utakata. The Uzumaki pack allies, friends and that is where Sasuke is from, Naruto's mate." Utakata blinked his eyes in question at Sakura. "Oh yes, you haven't met Sasuke yet. He was at the Uchiha residence when we got back here. Naruto went to go fetch him, you will meet him when Naruto returns." Sakura smiled.

"The alpha's mate was allowed to leave?" Utakata's question was filled with surprise. Sakura just gasped lightly at the question.

"You see what I'm dealing with here?" Kyuubi sighed out as he sat back up and pointed at Utakata. "The guy doesn't have a clue!" Kyuubi then got up off the chair and headed for the door. "We will continue this later Utakata, have fun with Itachi." Kyuubi snickered out with his last sentence while stepping out of the room, again leaving Utakata with a confused look on his face.

"Have fun? How so? What does this alpha consider fun?" Utakata looked at Sakura who was shaking her head and smiling softly. Utakata was more confused than before he came to the Uzumaki household. He had observed much between the alpha's on their trek in the mountains, he had questions, but had not expressed any, still not fully trusting the Uzumaki pack. But their behaviours, their dynamics, were all perplexing of course but Utakata could admit that curiosity on just how the Uzumaki pack functions as a whole.

"If you are up to meeting Itachi-sama, I'll go get him now?" Sakura asked.

"An alpha pack leader does not need permission to speak to others," Utakata whispered out, his eyes casting down to his lap, looking at his fingers.

Sakura sighed. "That's not how it works here. If you are too tired to speak with him, then rest. If you feel you are okay to have him visit, then say so. Itachi-sama will not be offended if you are not able to meet with him at this moment." Sakura spoke calmly and softly while walking up to Utakata and put her warm fingers on his shoulder. "So what will it be?" She waited patiently for the other to answer.

Utakata's mind whirled with all the new information that was being slammed at him from every which way. He rubbed his temples, the pressure from his fingers helping to alleviate the pressure slightly.

Seeing his discomfort, Sakura squeezed his shoulder. "You don't have to. It's alright to say no at this time," she whispered out.

Utakata released a long breath. "No, it's alright, I'll see him." He grabbed a glass of water, downing some large swallows. He had to admit that he was curious to meet this other alpha leader. Would he be like Naruto or Kyuubi?

Sakura tapped his shoulder gently, gave him a reassuring smile and left the room. She returned a few moments later, the tall dark haired alpha behind her. She bowed courteously towards Itachi before leaving the room and closing the door with a soft click.

Itachi stood by the door, his aura radiating through the room as his eyes did not move from Utakata who sat still in his chair. Utakata could feel the alpha's presence going over his body, like soft pulses, investigating every inch and Utakata shivered slightly. This alpha, who stood tall, had broad shoulders, milk coloured skin, his facial features were sharp, his hair was tied loosely down his back and those black as night eyes were like a deep abyss, that it felt if he looked too long, he would be sucked in. Utakata could feel his inner wolf shrink into the darkness, but something else came from the shadows of his mentality and raised its defenses, causing a strike of fear to go through him. With the fear came the overwhelming feeling of fight, as if his life was on the line and he needed to get rid of this threat. He clenched the arms of the chair suddenly, his senses heightened and he could almost taste the alpha before him on his tongue.

Itachi arched one of his perfectly sculpted brows when he felt the change of attitude in Utakata. 'Interesting…' His inner alpha roared with rage, biting at Itachi's mental walls, demanding he do away with the threat that was before him. Itachi retaliated with calmness and the inner alpha was displeased with its host. It pushed hard against Itachi's walls, expressing its outrage that this creature was still being allowed to live. Itachi just clasped his hands together and nodded slightly towards the other. "Thank you for meeting with me," his voice poured out like thick honey. Full of sweetness and peace. He didn't move though, he remained standing near the door, watching, waiting-

Utakata continued to look at the alpha wearily, an inner darkness filled his body with adrenaline, his gums were suddenly piercing in pain and his senses were picking up every flicker of movement and the smells were piercing his nose, causing his mind to panic. A sudden hiss escaped his lips and his eyes narrowed at the menacing alpha that stood before him. His vision was but a tunnel, only seeing a looming threat to himself before him.

Itachi tilted his head slightly at the sudden hiss. His inner alpha's hackles rose, pumping energy through his blood stream, making Itachi on edge. He breathed in deeply, taking in the scent of the hybrid before him. He could sense the wolf, but it was minimal. The other scent was there, that wasn't wolf, but was considered a dangerous source that his alpha did not care for one bit. Pinching his lips together, he barricaded his alpha, remembering what his pack members told him, as well as Kakashi and Naruto, how this man saved his pack members' lives, not to mention his otouto's mate. He couldn't ignore the fact that although this man had another entity within him that his alpha could not tolerate, he still owed this man his gratitude.

"My name is Itachi Uchiha, alpha leader of the Uchiha clan here in this region. It is a pleasure to meet the man who saved my pack members' lives as well as my otouto's mate, I owe you a debt." Itachi nodded his head in respect.

Utakata's head snapped up straight, his mind suddenly clouded with confusion at the words that were just expressed towards him. The dark entity that had risen with him was still there, but the man heard the words of gratitude and listened more intently.

"If you will allow me, I would like to get to know more about you," Itachi spoke up again, his voice soothing and husky. "May I sit?" He looked over to the chair that Kyuubi was just at when he arrived and waited patiently for Utakata to answer. He watched as the eyes of the man blinked slightly and flickered over his body, as if he was determining if Itachi was a threat to him.

Utatkata leaned back in his chair, forcing his body to relax, as his mind took in the Uchiha alpha. The man expressed gratitude and did not appear to mean him any harm, and Utakata forced the dark entity within him down. He bit on the inside of his cheek, his eyes not leaving the large alpha and nodded his head briefly in agreement and looked over to the chair where Kyuubi had sat only moments before. The alpha Uchiha gave a hint of a small smile of thanks and padded softly to the chair, taking his seat with such grace, Utakata barely heard a whisper of cloth moving off the Uchiha. His senses were beginning to calm down, not so heightened, and he waited with baited breath to hear the alpha speak.

Itachi licked his lips before he spoke. "Where are you from?"

It was a simple question and Utakata didn't know how to answer. Where was he from really? His memories are nothing but running, hiding, moving from place to place, until he was alone. Utakata said nothing in response, not that he didn't know, but there was still the unnerving feeling of fear, untrust, towards the stranger. The darker entity within him certainly had triggered something within him, he was slightly aware of it but never had it come up this fast and this strong.

Itachi waited patiently, watching the other man closely and calmly. He did not express any hostility towards the other and he hoped that maybe, just maybe, he could get the other to trust him.

==/\/\==

Kyuubi made his way down the corridor, towards the front of the house, where he knew Nagato, Konan and Kimimaro were last. He looked into the front room to find it empty. He frowned and his wolf reached out, checking out who was in the home. He didn't find any trace of Nagato or his small family, but Sakura was outside, so he went out after her.

He found Sakura brushing the snow off the porch with a corn husk broom, her breath puffing out white breaths from the cool November air.

"Sakura," Kyuubi called out, leaning against the railing of the porch, watching the strawberry blond stop sweeping and looking up. She gave him a soft, kind smile and leaned against the broom.

"Sup K'ubs," she breathed out.

"Where did Nagato and the others go?"

"Oh, I think they went back to their cabin." She pointed out beyond the forest tree line. "They have been staying out at one of the guest cabins since after Iwai was born." She smiled at Kyuubi. "I'm sure they would like you to come see them," she voiced out while picking up the broom again.

Kyuubi scratched the back of his neck and looked out towards the forest and gulped. He needed to talk to Kimimaro, his alpha pushed at his mentality, whining out for the little omega, though Kyuubi didn't really know why. He did know that he should at least apologize for his behaviour last night, Kimimaro certainly didn't deserve to be at the other end of his pissy attitude.

"Thanks Sakura," Kyuubi called out as he trotted out into the yard, heading towards the forest line and to where the Uzumaki guest cabins were. Breaking through the trees, he took the well groomed path towards the covered area where half a dozen cabins were set up several hundred meters apart, a groomed path leading to each one. The cabins were made years ago, Naruto insisted on keeping them ready, since he was always a great host to others, enjoyed people's company and he rarely would turn anyone away. Each cabin was very spacious with at least two large bedrooms that could sleep four easily, a wood stove for heat in the winter, a working kitchen and bathroom, running water and electricity. Kyuubi, using his nose, found where the small pack was staying and shuffled himself down the path that led to the cabin.

Rounding a bend, his alpha purred out loudly suddenly and Kyuubi could sense Kimimaro outside the cabin. He was wearing a knitted hat and gloves, a warm jacket and winter boots. Kyuubi slowed and peaked about, seeing the little omega crouching in the snow just beyond the cabin and looking at something. Kyuubi smiled warmly, his inner alpha practically warming up his insides, watching Kimimaro brush the snow to the side, then gather it up in his clothed hands and make a ball. Kyuubi could see a small pile of snowballs next to the smaller omega and it sounded like Kimimaro was humming a tune.

A sly smile broke on Kyuubi's face. Not taking his eyes off the omega, he knelt to the ground and scooped up a handful of snow. Packing it quickly between his palms, he made a soft snowball and whipped it at Kimimaro.

"EEK!" Kimimaro yelped out when the snowball hit his back with a soft thud. He jumped up, spinning around and his eyes narrowed at the now laughing Kyuubi. "You-you!" Kimimaro snarled out as he then leaned over to grab a snowball from his small pile. "You sir, will pay for that!" Kimimaro howled out and threw the snowball at Kyuubi with a loud grunt.

Kyuubi gave out a cry of fake fear, stepping back and avoiding the flying snow then bent and scooped up some more snow. "OH ho ho! Big bad Kimi," Kyuubi mocked out, shaking his hips back and forth, teasing the omega. "Bet you couldn't hit the side of a house," Kyuubi cried out again and turned, then proceeded to shake his butt at Kimimaro.

Kimimaro let out a war cry and began throwing snowballs at Kyuubi, who laughed and bounced out of the way. "Stay still!" Kimimaro shouted out as he ran after Kyuubi, snowballs in hand and chucking them at the laughing alpha that took off between the trees.

After several minutes, Kyuubi lay on the ground, his red hair littered with clumps of snow and his laughter began to settle while he caught his breath. Kimimaro sat on the snow covered ground, several feet away, his hair more full of snow than Kyuubi's, his face flushed red from the chill of the air and a smile on his lips.

"I'll say little chibi, you certainly have a wicked throw," Kyuubi chuckled out as he rolled to his side to sit up in the snow, facing Kimimaro. He leaned back on his hands and looked up to the brilliant blue sky and the tops of the trees that stood high above them. Kimimaro just snorted out in response, causing Kyuubi to drop his chin and look at the omega. His nose was bright red, his cheeks flushed and his hair was ruffled with snow, and Kyuubi's alpha purred when he thought the omega looked like a snow fairy. He was adorable, with the way the snow clung to him, the red flushed skin looked delicious against his fair skin and those eyes appeared to be glimmering from tears he shed from his laughter.

Kimimaro's eyes locked with his and the small omega turned his face quickly, apparently embarrassed. Kyuubi shuffled his body through the snow, moving closer to Kimimaro, placing a hand on the omega's knee. His alpha was pleased when the omega didn't move away. "Listen, Kimimaro," Kyuubi started, his head leaning slightly to get a look at the omega's face. "About last night," he whispered out and squeezed Kimimaro's knee. "I wanted to apologize."

Kimimaro snapped his head up to look, sea green met Kyuubi's emerald green eyes in surprise.

Kyuubi smiled softly and ran one of his hands down Kimimaro's hair softly. "I'm sorry for snapping at you last night. The whole thing, no, I mean, I was wrong, and I really don't know what I was-"

"Kyuubi stop," Kimimaro spoke up quickly, causing Kyuubi to click his mouth shut and just stare at the omega. Kimimaro's small lips smiled and crinkled up his eyes. "It's okay, really." He nodded his head. "I-I was...uh, it just startled me, that's all," he whispered out, his head tilting slightly into Kyuubi's touch, his other hand patting Kyuubi's that was still on his knee.

Kyuubi huffed out a long breath and got up on his knees, placing his hands on Kimimaro's shoulders. "No no, it wasn't okay." He shook his head, not believing that this little omega was excusing his behaviour. "I-I wasn't in the right-"

"It's okay," Kimimaro snapped out at the alpha, quieting him quickly. Kyuubi held his stance, silenced, but his hands never left Kimimaro's shoulders. "After everything that has happened with you, then coming back to all this that wasn't here before." Kimimaro's eyes looked around the forest. "Nagato and Konan helped me understand what you may have been going through." Kimimaro then smiled brightly.

"Still, it wasn't appropriate, I want to say I'm sorry," Kyuubi argued back, gently.

Kimimaro shoved at Kyuubi's chest hard, causing the alpha to lose his balance and fall back on his ass in the snow. "And I'm saying it's okay!" Kimimaro glared down at the alpha, placing his hands on his hips.

Kyuubi's mouth just hung open, his mind blank at how assertive this omega was being. His alpha preened with delight at the show and pushed a host of waves of emotions through Kyuubi's mind, making him feel warm and tingly. He scrunched up his nose at the strange emotions that were erupting within, his alpha practically rolling around in his mind, purring out and rubbing areas that were foriegn. He jolted his head when he felt cold fingers push on his forehead. His eyes now focused on the smiling omega before him, on his knees and pulling his hand back.

"Earth to Kyuubi," Kimimaro giggled out, putting his hand back in his winter glove.

Kyuubi grinned and shoved Kimimaro playfully. "You're asking for it now chibi!" Kyuubi laughed out and playfully shoved Kimimaro into the snowbank. Kimimaro squealed out with laughter and scrambled up, tripping onto his feet and taking off between the trees, with Kyuubi chasing after him.

==/\/\==

Deidara came to sit with Sasuke in his room, bringing in a tray of tea and crackers. The raven haired omega was sitting on a chair by his bed, where the unconscious blond alpha lay. Deidara let out a sigh at the sight. It was only just yesterday where the tables were turned, Sasuke unconscious in the bed and Naruto sitting by the bed. 'Oh how the fates must be laughing at this situation,' Deidara hummed to himself.

Deidara was on his way to see how Sasuke was when he heard Sasuke calling out dobe in a surprised voice. Deidara had heard Sasuke call Naruto that on several occasions, but this time it didn't sound like his usual playful insult. Picking up his pace, he heard Sasuke calling out Naruto's name from outside the door, and Deidara knew it was in no way a sexual manner and he rushed in. Seeing Naruto unconscious on the floor, he at first wondered what Sasuke hit him with. But when it was apparent Sasuke was panicking, Deidara quickly came to his aid. When it was apparent Naruto wasn't going to wake, they both managed to get the well muscled blond alpha into Sasuke's bed. When Sasuke explained what happened, Deidara giggled slightly at the thought that the shock of being a father is what brought the burly alpha down for the count. Naturally Sasuke scowled at Deidara for making fun until Sasuke realized that he just told Deidara he was pregnant.

Deidara just hugged Sasuke, saying he was very happy he was going to be an uncle and explained that he was going to make sure that Sasuke stayed healthy no matter what. He didn't feel like sharing how it was actually Mikoto-sama who basically informed him of Sasuke's apparent pregnancy and the sharp pain of sadness still ripped in his chest about his own infertile dilemma, but, he didn't want Sasuke to stress over his own personal issues, so he kept quiet, making like he just learned of the pregnancy through Sasuke.

"Eat and drink something 'un. You look parched," Deidara hummed out as he started pouring a cup of tea. He handed Sasuke the hot tea, the raven omega nodding his thanks. "He probably will be waking soon. Usually faint spells only last half an hour at most," Deidara chuckled again and Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Deidara held up his hands in surrender, "okay okay 'un, sorry, I'll stop." He turned to grab some crackers and cheese, putting them on a small plate and handing it to Sasuke. Again, Sasuke nodded thanks.

The two omega's sat quietly for several minutes, both eating and drinking tea, staring at the sleeping blond alpha. Deidara would steal glances at Sasuke once in a while, not seeing much change in the usual stoic omega.

"Are you okay 'un?" Deidara asked quietly.

Sasuke didn't respond, he just glanced slightly at the long haired blond omega before looking back over at the sleeping Naruto. He didn't know what to think. Should he be happy? What did this mean for his life now? And what about Naruto? What would he think? Based on the alpha's reaction currently, Sasuke could not see how the alpha would be ecstatic at this sudden change of events of being a father. They were still in their early 20's for fucks sake! Sure his inner wolf was just rolling in glee, but what does the wolf know about human life? He ran a hand through his black locks, letting out a long sigh. His heart is fluttering within his chest like his heart is skipping beats, it doesn't hurt but it feels weird and he is suddenly aware of it. He abruptly stands, "I... I need some air. I'll be right back," he firmly speaks out and turns to leave the room.

Deidara hums out a concern, but Sasuke doesn't stop as he slips out of the room. Deidara looks back at the sleeping alpha with a frown upon his face. For once he didn't know what direction to take and just continued to sit, watching Naruto.

Sasuke slipped on his boots and jacket, quietly heading out the front door and closing it gently behind him. Pulling a scarf up closer to his neck, he quick walks through the snow, with no particular destination in mind, he just needed to get his chest to stop fluttering in the weird pattern, his mind to slow the fuck down on his thoughts and just breath. He didn't get far, stopping near a small group of trees several hundred meters away from the manor. The set up was a group of tall groomed trees and a large wooden swing beneath them, looking towards the thick forest. He remembered when Deidara wanted this wooden swing, going on how romantic it would be to sit at sunset, rocking in the breeze of twilight, or something like that. He snorted at the memory of how Itachi basically bowed at everything and anything that Deidara desired. He then let out a breathy chuckle, realizing how much his own relationship was just the same.

Memories of how Naruto struggled with courting him, how Naruto was always in his face at one time or another and how Naruto took a bullet for him. Sasuke shivered and shook his head. He didn't want to remember those times where Naruto's life was on the line and the trials that came afterwards. He brushed off the snow that had gathered on the seat of the swing and sat down, staring into the skyline that currently shone a brilliant blue.

~flashback~

"Hey, bartender, service here?!"

Sasuke grasped his glass tight as he heard the annoying bellowing behind him. He jerked his head to the side, eyes glaring at the tousled blond haired man who was sitting on the other side of the bar. Sasuke curled his lip up showing off his canines, letting out a deep growl that clearly stated his aggravation at the interruption.

"Wow! Uhh…" The blond scratched the back of his neck and gave a wide grin at Sasuke, "sorry bout that…ummm I-I didn't realize…umm…"

Sasuke glanced over the blond. He was wearing a white tank with an opened button up long sleep shirt, the arms rolled up to the elbows. The tank was taunt against the chest, that did nothing to hide the lines of an apparent muscular chest. The fluffy straw coloured hair was glimmering and full of life and blue eyes shone through the dimly lit area. A feeling rustled deep within him, a small quiver that felt as if a feeling was awakening, a feeling of interest, Sasuke swore he could feel his wolf's ears perk.

~end flashback~

Sasuke grinned to himself as the memory of when he first came face to face with Naruto Uzumaki emerged. The dobe was so loud, blaring, overwhelming and just so...just so unpredictable and never in his life had Sasuke ever come into contact with an alpha like Naruto Uzumaki.

Though Naruto was pushy, stubborn and bull headed, and no matter what Sasuke threw at the blond, or ignored or pushed away, Naruto still pushed back. And the more that blond butt into his life, the more Sasuke learned about the imbecile. Gaara's words that night flitted through his thoughts:

"He can be boyish, loud, impulsive and sometimes, yes, there can be some idiocy at the wrong times. But," Gaara raised his glass up, holding it at eye level as Gaara appeared to be focusing on the contents, "you will never find a more honorable, dedicated, caring and steadfast individual like Naruto Uzumaki. Some would gladly go to war for him just as he would give his all, including his life for any friend." Gaara finished speaking with a firm finality in his voice. He flickered his eyes away from his drink and focused on Sasuke, raising a nonexistent brow, making his point clear.

Sasuke bit his bottom lip, remembering those words Gaara had spoken about the blond alpha. And even after learning those traits about the blond, Naruto lived up to those words and Sasuke then smiled at yet another memory of the blond who showed he wouldn't give up on him.

"Hey Sasuke," Naruto beamed out and gave him a two finger salute, "how about a drink?"

"Piss off," Sasuke gave a frigid response, but it lacked the frosty bite that should have gone with it.

"Aw, is that any way to treat a customer?" Naruto gave a small fake pout.

"Piss off sir," Sasuke responded sharper with emphasis.

Naruto chuckled to himself and leaned over the bar motioning Sasuke to come closer, "there's that fire and lightning alpha that lured me in. I'll have a cosmo please!"

Sasuke hugged himself as he sat on that frozen swing, the memories of Naruto being the self-assertive, cheeky, yet ridiculously charming alpha he was known to be. And when Naruto began to court him, Sasuke was certainly not aware of it, not being as observant as he thought he was and he scolded himself mentally at just how fatuous he was back then.

~flashback~

"Say, Sasuke…" Sasuke glanced his way. "Here," Naruto sternly spoke out quickly and thrust out his left hand, which was loosely closed and facing up. Sasuke tilted his head and gave Naruto a questionable look. Naruto opened his fingers slowly, until his palm was open and Sasuke looked down into his hand. "This is for you," Naruto spoke quietly, his blue eyes wide watching Sasuke, his arm steady, and he held his breath as he waited.

Sasuke eyed Naruto's hand, his mind questioning what this was, before he scented the citrus fresh smell that was Naruto. He felt no hostility nor fear from the blond, only tranquility, therefore his wolf pushed him forward to take the small object out of Naruto's hand. Sasuke opened his own hand and placed the object onto his palm. The creamy white and grey swirled colour reflected spectacularly against the pale marble contrast skin of Sasuke. Sasuke took his finger and rolled the object around his palm, his eyes following the smooth surface.

Naruto lowered his hand and let out a long breath. He smiled softly as he watched Sasuke investigate his gift. "It's a Tahitian black pearl from a black-lip pearl oyster," Naruto explained. Sasuke stopped rolling the small pearl in his palm and his coal coloured eyes widened as he looked up at Naruto. "It reminded me of you in so many ways," Naruto said quietly as he blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his head nervously.

...

Naruto leaned back into his seat and dug into his jacket pocket. "Before you go, I have something for you. Hold out your hand," Naruto smiled as he held his hand out, closed into a fist, and facing downwards...

Sasuke held the item between his thumb and point finger, holding it up to his eyes and watching as the sand filtered through. His eyes flickered between Naruto and the item as if the answer was going to be presented to him immediately. The ends were made of a dark marble that held a sturdy curved piece of glass that protected the timer on the inside. The sand timer's funnel glass looked as if it housed some crystal particles to make the sand within shimmer when it filtered through the small hole. Sasuke watched as the sun's rays caused small crystal colours flash about while the sand filtered. 'A sand timer…complements the others. Hmm…' Sasuke's thoughts began to whirl and click about, trying to put the puzzle together.

...

"So…Sasuke, I, umm…" Naruto cleared his throat suddenly. Sasuke quickly glanced up towards him. "So thanks for tonight, and other times too…and I wanted to give you this." Naruto thrust his hand in his jacket pocket, his body twisting slightly as he maneuvered between the seat and steering wheel to pull out a small rectangular box. He placed his fingers on the top of the lid when a warm hand was placed over his gently. Sasuke's eyes looked up to see warm eyes and a soft smile radiating at him.

Lifting the lid off, he gazed at the articles tucked inside between two strips of cotton. A small decorative fork and spoon were laced together with colourful thin wire. The two colours were copper and dark blue. The wires twisted around the fork and spoon in an enhancing way that had the two colours of the wire complementing each other. Strung within the wires were small charms. A bell, a starfish and the sun and moon. Sasuke held up the small trinket and the small charms made a tinkling noise that was charming to the ears.

..

Sasuke watched the blue eyes shimmer in the fire light, holding him in place with the soft words being spoken like a calming breeze. He felt the alpha's hand on his and he welcomed the warmth of it.

"Being surrounded in such a utopia, that completely reminds me of everything about you, I needed to bring you here, to me, to see, to understand, that I want you as my own." Naruto hesitated, his blue eyes watching Sasuke's face. "Will you choose me?" he whispered out in closing.

~end flashbacks~

Sasuke sighed out a long breath, his body warming at the memories, his wolf purring loudly and releasing waves of what Sasuke could only describe as love for his dobe. He rubbed his hands on his covered arms, as if he was cold, but he really wasn't. The sun was still shining brightly in the vibrant blue sky and Sasuke leaned back in the swing and closed his eyes, feeling the heat of the sun.

He let his thoughts wander aimlessly, taking deep breaths of the crisp winter air, letting the refreshing air wash over his senses and fill his lungs.

~flashback~

"No more interruptions," he hissed and then grinned as he turned Sasuke's head to look towards Naruto. Sai held the gun up towards Naruto and Sasuke's eyes focused in panic as Sai pulled the trigger, the gun blast echoing through his ears.

Sasuke's unfocused eyes watched as the gun was fired, the seemingly slow motion he saw Naruto's body propel to the side as if it was hit by an invisible force and then collapse to the ground.

~end flashback~

Sasuke's eyes flew open, his heart thumping madly against his chest at the unpleasant memory that invaded his mind. HIs heart hurt, the pain of that memory hitting him hard. Tears pricked at his eyes, the memory of Naruto being shot by Sai, the way his body dropped lifelessly to the ground, the emotional turmoil he and his wolf went through believing Naruto was dead. The lump in his throat forced its way out with a sob and Sasuke covered his face with his hands, releasing more sobs quietly, he let the emotions release. After several minutes when Sasuke felt that he was back in control, the cool of the day helped settle the abrupt dark memories, his inner wolf crying out from the onslaught of depressing memories, he took deep breaths and pushed those horrid memories away.

His surplus of emotional memories wasn't finished though, pushing through his mind, as he remembered when his heart was ripped from his chest the day at the hospital when he recalled when Naruto had said-

~flashback~

"What are you doing here?" The blond alpha spoke firmly towards Sasuke, while slowly stepping back again, his cane shuffling against the floor next to him.

Sasuke tilted his head slightly, raising a brow in confusion. "What? I heard of—"

"Are you in the right room?" Naruto cut him off and kept his voice steady but softened it slightly. "I-I know that things can—look the same around here," he brought his hand back behind his head, running his fingers through his hair, as Sasuke was all to familiar with when Naruto was nervous. He watched silently as the blond's eyes looked towards the door behind him then back to him several times. "Look, I don't mean to be rude, but, you should ask the head nurse where you need to be." Naruto stood his ground now, releasing his alpha status into the room. Sasuke stepped back as he was hit with the threatening aura of the alpha, indicating that he was not welcome in the alpha's space.

Sasuke felt his wolf tremor and howl in despair as it was rejected by the alpha.

~end flashback~

Sasuke remembered the exalted feeling of happiness and relief when he was told Naruto was alive, had survived the silver gunshot and was in the hospital. The overwhelming desire was to run into the alpha's arms only to be slammed into a brick wall when Naruto didn't know who he was. Sasuke slouched forward in the swing, a few tears escaped his eyes that dropped to the snow covered ground. The memories were painful, his wolf slammed into his mental walls, not understanding what was going on with Sasuke's emotions. As Sasuke continued to breathe, his memories fast forwarded…

~flashback~

"Oh-oh my g-god, Sas…Sas'ke. I remember – sniff – I remember. Please—please don't g-go…" Naruto blubbered into Sasuke's neck as he continued to wail out sobs. "You—your smell. Oh fuck how—how could I forget. And—smile, oh yes—I see! I can see that time—and-and oh my god, Sas'ke," Naruto continued to ramble partial sentences in Sasuke's neck while his body shook holding Sasuke's frozen form.

~end flashback~

Sasuke couldn't stop the small smile on his lips, as the memory of when Naruto was bombarded with the memories of who Sasuke was that night. The wet crystal blue eyes bursting with sadness yet also with euphoria when those blue eyes he fell for looked back at him with recollection. Sasuke wiped the tears of sorrow and scowled slightly when they were replaced with tears of joy. His body shook with a chuckle, the memories of the two of them after that point replaying over and over.

He sat up suddenly, rubbing the wetness from his cheeks hard and took some shuddering breaths. Yes, the blond had been exuberant in some cases, hard assed in others, and just simply an idiot, but Sasuke lifted his lips into a smile with a thought…'I wouldn't change the past or him for anything.' The realization immediately lifted a huge weight off his shoulders, his chest no longer held the weird unrhythmical feeling that had him worried and his wolf calmed down when he did. He pushed his feet slightly to start the bench swing rocking and laid back again, dropping his head back and staring up at the still bright blue sky. Birds twittered in the branches of the huge forest that lay several meters away, the call of a moose came from miles away and Sasuke allowed the calm serenity of the outdoors seep into his pores, finally allowing his mind to be at peace.

Sasuke's wolf purred deeply, as he thought about the blond alpha and his affectionate manner. Sasuke's wolf silently and subtly sent images of a shirtless Naruto, his body glistening with a mist, his muscles defined sharply, his hair damp and blue eyes filled with lust staring at Sasuke. His jeans were hanging low on his hips, the sharp outline of his V hip and a wisp of a blond hair trail, starting below his navel and disappearing down behind vision of Naruto in his mind began to run his hands up his tanned chest, fingertips circling rose dusted areolas and Sasuke could see the nubs perk up. Vision Naruto gasped lightly, his tongue peeked out to moisten his lips and he moaned softly. Vision Naruto then ran a hand down his torso to below his navel, fingers descending below the hem of his jeans, slowly and teasingly. Sasuke licked his lips as his heart rate quickened. Vision Naruto's fingers slowly dipped lower behind the jeans, his other hand running through his blond locks and dazzling blues held Sasuke's gaze hard. He whispered Sasuke's name as his hand disappeared into the front of his jeans. Naruto pulled on his own hair, forcing his head to tip back, exposing his Adam's apple and releasing a wanton moan while his hand moved around beneath the denim.

Sasuke opened his eyes quickly. 'What the hell happened? Did I fall asleep?' He realized he must have dozed off in the swing, but looking at the sky, it wasn't very long, most likely less than thirty minutes. He licked his lips, the erotic visions still floating about in his mind and his wolf growled with want. "Stupid horny wolf," Sasuke muttered out with a chuckle as he stood up from the swing and stretched. He should go back in to see if Naruto was awake yet and was certain if he was, Naruto would be in a tizzy wondering where Sasuke went. He turned to make his way back to the house only to stop in his tracks to see Naruto standing motionless in the snow, a few meters between the house and where Sasuke stood.

Naruto just stood there, his body in the same sleeping pants he was in before he fainted, his chest naked, amazingly sculpted and tanned skin glowing in the sun, standing in the snow that went up to his calves. Sasuke could see the puffs of white escaping the blond's lips as he breathed out, but those piercing blue orbs were staring straight at him. Naruto held no expression and Sasuke wondered what the dobe was doing, just standing there, staring at Sasuke, no sound, no movement and no sounds.

"What the hell are you doing dobe," Sasuke called out as he began to take steps towards the blond alpha. "It's the middle of winter and I am not taking care of you if you get sick." Sasuke smirked out while shoving his hands in his jacket pockets and stopped before the blond. No sounds came from the blond other than the sounds of his even breaths, but those blue orbs watched Sasuke closely and Sasuke couldn't help but shiver in anticipation. 'Is he angry?' Sasuke was suddenly hit with his insecurities again that he felt before he told Naruto he was expecting their pup.

Naruto's eyes focused on Sasuke fiercely before he fell to his knees in the snow that had the raven haired omega gasping out in surprise. In a quick motion, Naruto's arms wrapped around Sasuke's waist, causing Sasuke to stumble forward and next thing he knew he had Naruto's face pressed into his abdomen. Tan shoulders shook uncontrollably, strong arms clenched Sasuke's waist tight and Sasuke looked down to see the golden mop of hair. "Naruto! What's wr-"

The blond mumbled something that Sasuke couldn't make out, but those shoulders kept shaking slightly, and Sasuke wondered if the blond was shivering from the cold or-or…

Sasuke grabbed a handful of blond locks, giving a gentle pull and Naruto took a deep breath when his face was pulled away from Sasuke's abdomen. "Dobe...what?" Sasuke whispered out, his heart beating with fear, his insecurities still pumping through his system, the worst case scenarios running through his mind.

"I-I had a dream, I think…" Naruto began whispering out, sniffling and not looking up. His hands still clenched Sasuke's waist tightly, his nose brushing up and down against Sasuke's shirt. "I was walking and-and you stood before me, and you said-you said-" Naruto choked out between hiccups.

"I'm pregnant," Sasuke breathed out, finishing Naruto's sentence, his fingers now petting the blond hair softly. His body relaxed when he felt Naruto tense up briefly before shimmering blue eyes looked up at him from below. Those plump lips had fallen open in an O and Sasuke couldn't help but give the alpha a smile.

Naruto's alpha pushed at the forefront of his mind, pushing pride, ecstatic feelings throughout Naruto's body and he thought his heart would burst from it all. 'Pregnant…' the word repeated over and over in Naruto's head while warmth filled every ounce of being. His hands moved on their own, pushing the slight material of the shirt and jacket that Sasuke wore over his stomach, Naruto's eyes staring at the still flat area but the thought, the very something that was growing-there within his mate-heightened his need to touch. He leaned his face into Sasuke's beautiful milky skin, pushed his nose by Sasuke's navel and inhaled deeply. He could smell Sasuke's earthy scent immediately, but the underlying scent of green apples that he noticed earlier was also there, more noticeable, and he realized that the new scent was Sasuke's pregnancy. 'Holy shit, our pup, here, growing now….' Naruto felt tears of happiness well up in his eyes as he squeezed Sasuke tighter, but gently, and rubbed his nose deeper into Sasuke's skin, his alpha releasing a deep vibrating purr from his chest.

"Sas….Sas'k, how, when-my mate, my precious mate..." Naruto mumbled out as he continued to rub his cheeks and nose over Sasuke's abdomen, his shoulders still slightly shaking as he hiccuped out his tears, his arms still squeezing Sasuke's waist.

Sasuke's omega purred loudly, his heart bursting at the seams, he didn't know why he ever doubted that Naruto wouldn't accept their pup, with the memories that surfaced that reminded him, no of course not, Naruto would never turn his back on them.

==x00x00x00x00x00x==

So, to those of you who aren't sure, all the flashbacks are from the first book, Deny Thy. All those things happened there when Naruto and Sasuke met. If any readers have read Deny Thy, then there is no need to explain!

Be well everyone, keep smiling and see you all next time!