I really don't have any words to say because all the writing I have been doing has taken them from me. But what kind of person would I be if I didn't say thanks to those who are still leaving me comments! I have to admit I really hate the way FF has their comments section set up, but meh, what am I gonna do about it?

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The Uchiha manor was lit up along the walls, Christmas decorations spread out throughout the corridors and the ballroom where the main event was happening. Soft glowing white lights sparkled that were spread all throughout from the entrance to the ballroom, giving a feel for the celebration. People were milling about, dressed in black tuxes and glamorous ball gowns. Soft music played from hidden speakers all throughout the manor, string music echoing out familiar Christmas carols to give a serene feeling in the air. Soft murmurs of laughter and chatting floated through the room while Itachi made his way between the people.

He nodded his head to several family members that were in small groups throughout the room. The atmosphere was calming yet festive and he spotted two familiar blond heads of hair at the far side. Deidara and Naruto appeared to be in an avid conversation, their smiles lighting up the area and Naruto's laughter flowing through the room. Itachi slowly made his way to the two blonds, Deidara's eyes lighting up when the alpha came near.

"Itachi 'un, come say hello," Deidara sung out while slipping an arm around Itachi's waist.

Naruto grinned at Itachi, holding up a champagne flute at the other alpha. "Good evening Itachi, great gathering you have here." Naruto beamed a smile and nod at the other.

"Good to see you once again Naruto-kun. Did you meet everyone?" Itachi hummed out, responding with a welcoming nod at the blond alpha.

Naruto grinned his famous smile and rubbed the back of his head. "I believe so or not so, it's hard to keep track," he chuckled lightly. "It may have been easier if Sasuke came along though." Naruto gave an apologetic smile to the elder alpha.

Itachi just nodded, "well it doesn't surprise me that he wasn't interested in joining, after all, the situation is still – sensitive." He pinched his lips in a frown and glanced over at his parents that were talking to some elderly Uchiha's from another clan.

"Oh pish, don't be such a downer 'un," Deidara piped up. "Sasuke-kun is at least healthy and with our family, that's all that matters. To hell with the rest of the uppity snobs!" Deidara chuckled and took a sip from his champagne flute.

"Can't argue with that!" Naruto laughed out, holding his glass up and taking a sip.

"Naruto," the voice snapped out from behind the alpha blond, causing him to eep out loud and spin around him. Not that he didn't know who it was, he knew that voice anywhere.

"Baa-chan! Don't sneak up on me like that!" Naruto whined.

"Tsunade-sama," Deidara bowed in greeting. "So glad you could make it 'un."

The elderly alpha smiled warmly at Deidara and then turned to Itachi with a nod of respect before turning towards Naruto again. "I have some people I need you to meet," she snapped out.

"Aw baa-chan really?" Naruto whined out and squeaked when Tsunade thumped him on the arm. "Ooww! What was that for?!" Naruto feigned hurt as he rubbed his arm and pouted. Deidara just giggled and Itachi's lips rose in a small smirk.

"As the successor of the Uzumaki clan, it is your responsibility to meet with other clan elders, now hop to it!" She flicked the end of his nose with her middle finger and thumb.

"EEK! Abuse!" Naruto whined out again and covered his nose. Tsunade just gave him the look, and brushed past him, her intent clear that he was to follow. Naruto sighed out and rubbed the back of his head, "ahhh shit, duty calls I guess." He gave a sheepish grin to Deidara and Itachi. "Catch you guys later, if I don't die of boredom." He rolled his eyes and turned on his heel to catch up to Tsunade.

Deidara just chuckled watching Naruto continue to whine somewhat in Tsunade's presence before they met the first couple of elder Uchiha's. "He really is a baby some days," Deidara whispered to his mate. "But he's a great leader."

Itachi just hummed out in response and squeezed Deidara into his side. "Shall we do the same now?"

Deidara pouted, "ugh, you know how much this political shit annoys me. You sure you and I can't just sneak out the back?" Deidara had a mischievous grin on his lips as he turned and slipped around and faced his mate.

Itachi's alpha purred with excitement. He sighed, "as entertaining as that sounds, you know, as Naruto-kun says, duty calls." He pecked a small kiss on Deidara's forehead before the two turned and made their way slowly through the crowd.

~back at the Uzumaki cottage~

"Ah hah! That's it! I got you!" Kiba roared out with a fist in the air. "That's three, I win!" Kiba slammed down his cards on the table. "Pay up!"

Sakura, Hinata and Nagato all groaned in unison as they looked at what Kiba's cards were on the table. Konan chuckled beside Nagato as she watched and Utakata was quiet as he observed the interaction.

Sakura and Hinata gave Kiba a scowl as they pushed their plastic chips towards the now gloating Kiba.

"Seems you got luck tucked up your sleeves Kiba-kun," Nagato chuckled as he pushed his plastic chips towards the beta.

"Sheer skill man, sheer skill," Kiba grinned at the older beta.

Sakura flopped her head on her hand, her elbow on the table as she watched Kiba cackle out as he gathered up all the plastic chips. "Man, I wish we could have gone to that Christmas gala, it sounds like it would have been so amazing," she hummed out.

Hinata nodded in agreement. "It would have been interesting to see the decorations and hear the music."

"And be stuck with a bunch of boring elders and politicians, and hearing lame violin music all night? No thanks!" Kiba barked out while stacking his plastic chips. "This is much more fun," he huffed out at the others.

"You're such a dork," Sakura threw a plastic chip at the beta and Kiba stuck his tongue out at her after he excitedly added the plastic chip to his pile. Hinata and Konan giggled at the interaction.

"It's too bad Kyuubi isn't here. I would be so much richer!" Kiba laughed.

"How long does it usually take for a border run?" Nagato asked.

Kiba shrugged, "oh anywhere up to an hour or more, depending on what more you wanna do while you are out there."

"What's a border run?" It was Utakata this time, his head slightly tilted with the question, looking at Kiba with his curious eyes.

"It's when we go check our land borders for any signs of danger and trespassers," Sakura piped up as she began shuffling the cards. "We all take turns doing it. Normally there isn't anything around, but it's more a precautionary thing."

"What will happen if someone comes over the border?" Utakata asked.

Hinata smiled at Utakata. She was happy to see that the wolf was finally comfortable enough to start asking questions and hanging out with the others rather than sitting in his room the entire time. "Well that depends," she answered with a smile. Her eyes were kind and round, staring at Utakata. "If the person entering our lands is a friend or foe."

"We haven't had any intruders for the entire time we've been here," Kiba added while grasping at the cards that came across his way and arranging them in his hand. "Other than Nagato and the others that is." He gave Nagato and Konan a big smile. "But they weren't enemies, obviously."

"But we are prepared here and around the cottage should someone who isn't friendly come in. We check our supply weekly. And of course we could call on the Uchiha clan now to come to our aid, they are the closest clan to us right now." Hinata continued on explaining. "Our own clans of course are allies," Hinata continued and pointed to Kiba, Sakura and herself. "We also are allies with the Nara and Yamanaka clans. Should we need any help and support, they are all but a phone call away." Hinata then smiled as Sakura hummed out in agreement.

"That is a pretty impressive allied force this clan has," Nagato piped up. "I am honoured to know the Uzumaki clan." He smiled and tapped his cards. "I can hope that someday we'll have our own small pack here," Nagato continued and tapped his chest. "And call the Uzumaki clan our allies as well." Konan nodded enthusiastically at the group at the table.

"Oh you are already a part of us!" Sakura cooed out. "We couldn't imagine not knowing any of you now! And especially with little Iawi!" She grinned and her eyes were wide with kindness. "You all can't get rid of us now! I think we all have a close bond with Iawi!" She giggled and nudged Hinata, who nodded in response.

Konan chuckled softly, "thank you all for being so kind." She leaned her head on Nagato's shoulder, peeking at his cards briefly. "Speaking of Iawi, I should go check on him." She stood up from the table and looked over at Utakata. "Why don't you join me?" She gave Utakata a warm smile when Utakata's eyes widened in surprise. "Let these gamblers fight it out for a bit." She winked and moved back from the table.

"Hey! I can't help that I'm that good!" Kiba whined out and peeked at his cards. Konan just laughed and winked at Kiba before dropping a kiss on the top of Nagato's head. "Come on Utakata, let's leave these wolves at it."

Utakata quickly shuffled out of his chair and made his way around the table of the now chattering wolves who were getting into their next round of cards. He threw another glance at the card game before catching up with Konan who just slipped out the door.

~outside on the Uzumaki lands~

Kyuubi walked along side Kimimaro between the trees, watching the small omega often reach out and brush the branches with his slender fingers, causing a small flurry of snow to fall now and then. The moon was catching the snowflakes that fell into the omega's hair, causing them to sparkle delicately before melting away.

The pair had decided to walk as humans for the time being, taking in the silence of the forest, the soft glow of the moonlight and inhaling the winter fresh air. Kimimaro had shown a quiet enjoyment at the snow sparkling in the moonlight and Kyuubi couldn't help to just watch the small omega. Kimimaro's hair was as white as the snow around him, and when the moonlight reflected off it, Kyuubi couldn't help but to stare. He has never recalled seeing something catching his attention so vibrantly.

"Kyuubi?"

Kyuubi blinked several times before he realized that Kimimaro had stopped walking as was looking at him with those round sea green eyes, full of curiosity and purity. He felt his breath clench with a warm protective feeling when his own eyes latched onto the omega's. A small smile rose on Kimimaro's plump lips and Kyuubi's alpha purred loudly at seeing the flushed red cheeks and nose from the cold. The omega looked as if he was glowing with warmth from the inside and the coolness of the evening gave a frosty sparkle to his milky skin.

"Kyuubi? You okay?" Kimimaro called out again.

"Hm?" Kyuubi finally found his voice when he realized that Kimimaro was trying to speak to him. "Yeah? What's up?" He ran a hand through his hair.

Kimimaro chuckled softly, the breath escaping his lips showing in white puffs of mist because of the chill. "I was asking about how you came to the Uzumaki pack." His small head tilted slightly to the side, giving a look of cute curiosity.

"Oh, uhh," Kyuubi stammered. He shook his head to clear it. His alpha was pushing emotions at him constantly every time he looked at the petite omega. He was feeling overly protective and an inkling of want circled around in his head. "Well me and Naruto, we, uhh, come from the same pack that we grew up in, as cubs." He brought a hand up to his head and scratched the top of his head. "There really isn't much to tell." He shrugged his shoulders.

Kimimaro giggled and started to walk away from Kyuubi again, but not before flashing him a coy smile. Kyuubi was dumbstruck by the smile and just stared, before he realized that Kimimaro was getting out of his reach. "H-hey wait!" he called out while tripping over his feet. He could hear Kimimaro giggle out again before he noticed the omega starting to quicken his pace. "Kimi?" Kyuubi called out as he himself quickened his own pace, well attempted to.

"What's the matter alpha? Getting tired?" Kimimaro sing songed out when he began to trot through the snow a little faster, his giggling continuing.

Kyuubi's alpha began to get excited. Time to chase… Kyuubi felt a warmth bloom into his gut as his alpha purred loudly in his mind and pumped him full of eagerness and adrenaline. Kyuubi felt his lips curl up into a predatory smile as he quickened his step, his eyes focused on the backside of the beautiful omega a few meters in front of him.

Kimimaro glanced over his shoulder and felt the heat rush into his face as he quickened his pace, seeing the alpha starting to give chase. He felt giddy and excitedly bounced around the trees and shrubs, his feet landing softly in the snow with each step. He couldn't stop the giggles escaping his breaths and his omega preened loudly in his ears. What was this feeling? He felt warm and fervent, and he welcomed the overflowing emotions fully. He had never felt this way before and as he felt the breath of the alpha practically on his neck, he leaped as hard as he could forward but his omega flushed a warmth through him with the wildness of his wolf, enthusiasm riddling through his body when the heat of the alpha wrapped around his midsection. He had been caught… And the sensation of it surged through his body that left him shivering with an overwhelming desire that stole his breath as he felt himself fall into the arms of the alpha into the soft snow.

The alpha purred loudly in Kimimaro's ear, his breath breathing out hotly on Kimimaro's neck and Kimimaro felt his body shivering uncontrollably, but he wasn't afraid. The omega within him was rolling around in his mind, begging for more of the alpha's heat. He could feel the alpha's heat slamming against him - since he was currently being embraced by the alpha and the alpha apparently took the stance of being in the snow - and Kimimaro was settled on top of his body, his back to the alpha's chest. He could feel his heart hammering against his chest and briefly wondered if he was going to faint from it.

"Got you," Kyuubi purred out, almost like a growl, sounding like a predator and his arms gave a gentle squeeze that were wrapped around the omega. He could feel the pounding heartbeat of the omega within his arms, the quivering of the petit omega body and his alpha within felt feverish and wild, the constant drumming in his head that was having him feel euphoric. His nostrils were filled with the intoxicating scent of the omega and he felt he could die and be happy. The need to taste the omega's neck was flickering through his mouth.

"Ky-Ky-" Kimimaro stuttered out, his breaths choppy and the white puffs of air dissipating into nothing. He couldn't move, his omega had him frozen with flushed feelings running all through his body that had him feeling intoxicated with happiness.

Kyuubi inhaled deeply and fought against his inner alpha. He didn't know if it was the sound of Kimimaro's voice, or the cold snow against his body, whatever it was he realized what state he was in and quickly sat up, releasing Kimimaro slowly so as to not spook the omega. He gnawed his bottom lip for a moment, worrying that Kimimaro would be angry, upset or scared. Moving away from the omega, he began to get up from the snow bank and step away.

"Wait," Kimimaro called out and grabbed Kyuubi's wrist.

Kyuubi froze, his eyes looking down at the small omega who was trying to pull himself up out of the snow. Kyuubi immediately came to his aid, helping Kimimaro to stand. When he was certain the omega was standing, he waited since Kimimaro's hand was still clasped to his wrist. The heat from the touch was soothing and silently Kyuubi wished he could feel that all over. Those sea green eyes looked into him once again, and the silence hung over them like a warm blanket.

"Kimi, umm…are you-" The smile that was returned left him breathless. Finding his breath and a small slice of courage, he finally decided to just go for it. "I-I wanted to ask you…" He hesitated for a moment, trying to find the words. Kimimaro was silent and looked back at him with curiosity. "I want to–umm I have something, well I – I really want to give you something," he finally stammered out. He inwardly berated himself for sounding so stupid.

Kimimaro's eyes widened in surprise. The fingers that were still clenching Kyuubi's wrist tightened slightly, "oh? I really don't deserve…"

"No! Don't say that!" Kyuubi was horrified to think that Kimimaro wouldn't consider himself worthy of anything. "It's back at the house, and–and I really, well I think, ugh! Why is this so hard!?" he cussed in a low voice, throwing a hand through his hair and pulling tightly.

Kimimaro giggled slightly, releasing Kyuubi's wrist and moving to grab his hand. He clasped both his hands into Kyuubi's and brought the alpha's attention to him when he pulled the alpha's hand up to his chest. He fluttered his eyes and gave Kyuubi a smile, "okay. I'll take a look." He nodded his head and tapped Kyuubi's hand in his.

Kyuubi felt his heart soar at the words and his alpha roll over with excitement. He couldn't stop the grin on his face when he listened to Kimimaro's words. His alpha wanted to burst out and start rolling around in the snow and leap between the trees in happiness.

"Now, didn't we have a job to do while we were out here?" Kimimaro giggled out when he saw the alpha's face practically light up in the moonlight.

"Wha–? Oh yeah! Let me show you how it's done!" Kyuubi clapped his hands and stepped back from the omega. He nodded his head before taking off his clothes quickly and shoving them in the backpack he had on. Putting the pack near a shrub of bushes he quickly transformed into his majestic red wolf. Shaking his fur out when he was fully transformed, he focused on the smaller omega before him. Kimimaro was blushing furiously as he quickly shed his own clothing, turning slightly, showing his shyness before he quickly stuffed his own clothing into the same pack of Kyuubi's and transferred into his silver white wolf form. Kyuubi's alpha purred at the sight of the beauty before him, watching as the moonlight flickered off the fur. When the omega was ready, Kyuubi snapped out a couple of barks and turned his head beckoning the omega to follow. He had explained to Kimimaro earlier about checking the borders and was going to show him how it is done and where they are. Kimimaro responded with an eager bark of his own and both wolves took off in a run into the forest.

~sometime later~

Kyuubi and Kimimaro made their way into the warm Uzumaki cottage, taking care to be quiet, just in case anyone was already sleeping. It was already late into the evening, and Kyuubi knew that Naruto was at the Uchiha manor for the Christmas gala and it was still too early for him to be home yet. Taking a quick sniff of the air, he determined that everyone was still in the cottage in various areas around the home. Checking to see that Kimimaro had taken off his winter attire, he quickly grabbed Kimimaro's hand and gave a soft tug. "Come, please," Kyuubi whispered and Kimimaro nodded with a blush.

Kyuubi led Kimimaro to his room, located far in the back of the cottage, as Kyuubi always found that he enjoyed a quiet place to retreat too even though he was seen as loud and boisterous as Naruto at times. Being outgoing was one thing, but the alpha had his moments of wanting nothing but quiet solitude, which he found at the furthest corner of the large cottage. Sure he could have picked one of the small guest cottages out in the property, but before now, he never could fathom a good reason to live in one. But now with his alpha thinking the way it was…somehow a quiet guest cabin further away from the pack seemed more and more like a good idea. Someplace to tuck an omega away, all to himself, to dote on, to please, to… Holy shit what was he thinking?! Kyuubi quickly rubbed his palm across his face, trying to erase those thoughts that just randomly came to mind.

Quickly pushing open the door to his room, he gently pulled Kimimaro in and then slipped the door closed behind him just as quickly. Kimimaro stood still, his hands now clasped together in front of him and he looked worried while his eyes flickered about taking in the room. This had been the first time Kimimaro had been in the alpha's room after all. Kyuubi just looked at the omega, suddenly nerves hitting him with second thoughts about doing this. Taking a breath, he stepped up to Kimimaro and grabbed his hand again. "Come, sit here," he directed Kimimaro to the edge of his bed. The omega quietly followed along and did what was requested of the alpha.

Kyuubi ran to his closet, stepping into it and Kimimaro couldn't see the alpha but could hear him moving stuff about. He gnawed his bottom lip, his omega rolling about drunk in his mind from the overpowering scent of the alpha. Being in the personal room of Kyuubi, the place was riddled in his scent and Kimimaro felt like he was wrapped in a warm blanket of peace. He hugged his arms and rubbed his hands up and down them, savoring the feeling.

Kyuubi tripped out of the closet, in his hands was a small flat box, plain brown colour, nothing fancy about it. Kimimaro tilted his head in question when Kyuubi sat beside him on the bed, his eyes dropping to the box and then to Kimimaro several times.

"When I was out, like, the other day, I – ummm, well, there was this, umm…" Kyuubi cleared his throat several times, bit his bottom lip and his fingers ran through his hair repeatedly.

Kimimaro giggled at the nervous alpha. He had not seen Kyuubi so flustered before! He was always presenting as kind and strong, something that Kimimaro had always found entrancing. Kimimaro grabbed Kyuubi's hand, surprising the alpha into stillness. He looked into the dazzling green eyes of the alpha.

Kyuubi took a breath again looking at the sea green eyes of the omega and then placed the package in Kimimaro's hands. "Here, I got this for you." His heart was thumping erratically at the action but at the same time he felt relieved to hand it over.

Kimimaro smiled softly and looked at the plain brown box. With a delicate touch, he began to open the box, biting softly on his bottom lip in concentration. He peeled back the soft layers of tissue paper and let out a little 'oh!' of surprise. His fingers traced the item inside the box gently, his eyes overlooking the details.

"The whole colour, the fine details, all reminded me of you," Kyuubi breathed out. "Do you like it?" Kyuubi pinched his lips in worry.

Kimimaro lifted the item gently from the tissue and box. It was light, but solid, and he ran his fingertips along the carved details. "This is amazing," he whispered as his fingers traced the small etchings. "Where–?"

Kyuubi ran his fingers through his hair again before letting out a long breath. "When I was…away, I came across it in an antique shop." His eyes peeked back up at the omega who was still staring at the item in his hand. "For some reason, it appealed to me and I had to get it. I don't know why, but something–something pulled me to it." Kimimaro then looked at him with a soft smile. "But with your hair, something like this," he gently turned the item around in Kimimaro's hand, "is perfect for you."

When Kimimaro looked as Kyuubi turned the item, he held it up to his face, smiling shyly back at his reflection. "It looks as if it was made for you," Kyuubi whispered and dropped his hands, watching as the omega tilted the mirror back and forth before running his fingers around the edges again. "The shop owner told me it was made of ivory and the details were all hand carved. By who, she didn't know, but she is an expert on spotting authentic work."

Kimimaro traced the details on the edge of the mirror, each leaf was different from the next. He turned it over again, seeing how the leaves branched into the area on the back, circling a lone sitting wolf, it's nose pointing to the sky in a howl. "It's marvelous, thank you," Kimimaro whispered out. "I will treasure it always and I know just where to put it so it will be safe!" He beamed a smile at the alpha before putting the hand mirror gently back into the box.

Kyuubi felt himself flush with heat and his alpha radiated with happiness at the omega's acceptance of the gift. A gasp escaped his lips when he suddenly found Kimimaro in his chest, hugging him tight. Kyuubi inhaled deeply, his head getting foggy from the rich omega scent that swirled around him. He couldn't stop himself as his nose started nuzzling Kimimaro's neck, his alpha purring and pushing at him mentally, his thoughts riddled with possessive thoughts of the omega and he bit his tongue and pulled himself back painfully.

Kimimaro was surprised at the sudden move but held still when those green eyes of the alpha held him steady. Kyuubi's hands clasped Kimimaro's shoulders, heat emanating in pulses against his skin and he looked to see Kyuubi's tongue quickly flicker out to wet his lips. "Kyuu–" Kimimaro barely breathed out. Those green eyes flickered down to his lips when he breathed out before the alpha's lips were on his own. Kimimaro's eyes flickered close immediately when the heat from the soft alpha lips practically scorched his own. It didn't hurt, but his omega immediately went into an overdrive of heated almost electrical waves throughout his body, leaving goosebumps in the wake. He shivered uncontrollably, but his lips continued to follow the warmth of the apha's.

Kyuubi pulled away first, his breath was shaky and he felt immediately shocked at the bold move that he had just done. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Jerking his head back, he looked at the omega before him, fear striking through him at his mistake. He had moved forward, kissing without the omega's consent.

"I'm… I shouldn't have, Kimi…s-sorry, I'm so sorry, I – I…" Kyuubi stammered out in a whisper, pulling himself back away from the small omega.

Kimimaro's eyes flickered open, still in a daze at the amazing sensations radiating through his body. His eyes focused and was immediately confused as the alpha began to pull away. "Wha–"

Kyuubi suddenly stood from the bed, his back to the omega. "Kimi, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that, without your permission," he murmured out and stepped further away, refusing to look back.

"Kyuu–what?" Kimimaro began to speak. His body was still thrumming and he couldn't move.

"I understand," Kyuubi quickly said. He was feeling an overwhelming guilt flush through him, his alpha pushing on his mental walls with confusion. "If you want to never talk to me again." He choked out the words and clenched his fists in anger. He struggled against the mental attack of his inner alpha, who didn't understand the situation at hand. His body was trembling and he didn't know if it was from the anger of what he did or his alpha.

Kimimaro bit his bottom lip and frowned. 'What the heck?' He glared up at the alpha's back before taking a deep breath and stood up near the alpha. He gently reached out and placed his fingers in the small of Kyuubi's back, feeling Kyuubi gasp at the touch but he still didn't turn around. Kimimaro huffed out a sound of frustration at the stubborn alpha. Gathering his courage, he grabbed Kyuubi's arm and forced the alpha to turn.

Kyuubi turned around but kept his head lowered, refusing to look at Kimimaro. The omega stepped closer to the alpha, bending his knees and neck to look at Kyuubi's face. "Kyuubi, look at me please," Kimimaro pleaded out. When the alpha shook his head slightly, declining, Kimimaro grunted out a small growl at the alpha. Kyuubi lifted his head in shock, his eyes wide with surprise at the dominating noise that came from Kimimaro's lips. The omega smiled softly when he saw the emerald green eyes looking back at him again finally. "There you are, thank you." He then grabbed Kyuubi's hands, prying the alpha's fingers open from being in clenched fists, forcing Kyuubi to relax his hands into his. When Kyuubi had finally relented to Kimimaro's demands, the omega led Kyuubi back to the edge of the bed and forced the alpha to sit.

Kimimaro wasted no time in sitting right beside the alpha so both their thighs were pressed together. The alpha was silent, his eyes watching the omega's moves and allowed himself to be manipulated where Kimimaro wanted him. Kimimaro placed each of his hands on Kyuubi's cheeks, forcing the alpha to look at him directly on. After several seconds of each wolf looking at each other, Kimimaro moved forward, his eyelids fluttered closed before placing his lips upon Kyuubi's and keeping his hands on the apha's cheeks to hold him still.

Kyuubi's eyes remained open in shock as the omega's lips moved gently and feather light over his own. His brain remained frozen before his alpha slammed into his walls, preening at how the omega had taken control, and Kyuubi's eyes fell quickly and his lips began to respond tenderly. His hands moved slowly and cautiously around the omega, still fearful that the omega would be angry at him for being too bold. But when a purring sound came from Kimimaro's chest, Kyuubi pulled the omega tight into his arms and applied more vigor in the kiss. The world melted away around them and there was nothing but the two.

~~ elsewhere in the cottage~~

Konan looked over the crib, tucking a blanket around the small cub as he lay sleeping peacefully. She hummed softly as she did so and then leaned over to place a soft kiss on the child's head. Satisfied with the situation, Konan looked up to Utakata who was watching from a distance.

"You can come see, it's alright," she called out to the other and beckoned him with her fingers. "He's sleeping now, and most likely for the night."

Utakata took tentative steps towards the small sleeping basket, looking over the edge to see the small cub sleeping. His eyes roamed over the small cub's face, noting how relaxed he was in his sleep. He could see the slight twitches behind the small eyelids indicating the cub was possibly dreaming. He reached forward to run his fingers through the soft tufts of hair but then stopped, realizing what he was doing.

"It's alright, you can touch his hair," Konan whispered out and grasped Utakata's hand gently. She guided his fingers to the soft hair and gently pushed Utakata's fingers into the locks. "His hair is really something," she whispered again with a soft smile and releasing Utakata's fingers.

Gently and slowly, Utakata ran his fingertips through the small cub's hair, taking in the feel and texture carefully. He then brought a finger down to trail the cub's forehead down to his bottom nose, fascinated in the feather soft skin. Konan giggled quietly and Utakata looked up at her in shock. Had he overstepped his boundaries? He jerked his hand away but Konan placed her soft warm fingers over his own, again.

"It's alright Utakata." She smiled warmly. "Have you ever been with cubs before?"

Utakata shook his head no, dropping his eyes to the floor. Never. It was always just him and his mother, running in the shadows, moving from place to place, always running from what was chasing or following them. Never staying in one spot long enough to get to know the people, know the neighbor or even make a friend.

Konan tilted her head slightly and pinched her lips together. "You know," she started to explain. "I have seen many that have been forced into situations that no one should ever be. And I can see that you have experienced something similar." She moved around the cradle smoothly, gently, her eyes watching Utakata closely. She reached out her hands and grasped Utakata's into her own. She could feel him tremble slightly but he allowed her to touch him and she wrapped her hands around his. "And I am sorry, so very sorry, that you had to be exposed to whatever it was, but I want you to know," she smiled. "I am your friend and I will do everything I can to help you, whatever it is you need." She tapped then squeezed Utakata's hand gently to soothe the wolf. "Don't ever be afraid to come to me." She then turned to look back at the sleeping Iawi in his crib and leaned over the edge, gently picking up the sleeping cub who was wrapped in his blanket. Iawi didn't even stir at the movement, blissfully unaware of anything around him. She turned and stepped closer to Utakata. "Hold out your arms," she whispered while smiling gently.

Utakata gasped at the quiet request. What was she doing? Was she honestly thinking that he–? Him? Could actually –

"It's alright, I'll help you," she encouraged.

Biting his lower lip, Utakata held out his arms slowly and Konan gently placed the sleeping cub in his arms, her own hands going beneath Utakata's arms to guide him. Unfamiliar weight fell into his arms, but also warmth radiated and seeped into his arms. His body seemed to acknowledge the change and adjusted accordingly to accept the precious bundle into his arms. Konan stepped to the side, her one hand still guiding his arms until he felt the small bundle settle into a comfortable position.

He looked down at wonder and awe at the small cub, still snoozing peacefully now fully rested in his arms. He didn't notice as Konan stepped away, she left him in full control of holding the small cub. Utakata's eyes couldn't leave the small cub and he released a small gasp when he felt something flutter against him mentally. It was as soft as a feather touch, tickling his senses and it felt pure. His heart fluttered at the feeling and his own wolf stirred within him, sensing, seeking, reaching out to the fluttering feeling that teased his mentality. As if butterfly wings were caressing his inner being. 'What is this?' he wondered quietly to himself.

"Do you feel him?" Konan whispered from the side. "He likes you."

Utakata glanced over to the omega wolf, seeing her kind eyes, her soft smile and expression looking between him and the small cub.

"Is this–was that his wolf?" Utakata whispered.

Konan nodded for confirmation. Utakata inhaled deeply, sensing the innocent scent of the cub and let himself relax, allowing his own inner wolf to feel the guileless sensations of the small wolf cub that reached out to it. He had never ever felt something so genuine and unadulterated in his life and he suddenly felt at peace. His wolf began to make a vibration that shook his chest and released from his throat. He stiffened up suddenly, not familiar with the sensations that his wolf was making and he inwardly panicked. It was Konan giggling that had him glance over at her.

Konan saw the terrified look on Utakata's face and immediately placed her hand on his one arm and smoothed his hair. "Oh my, it's okay!" She spoke in a soothing manner. "Have you never purred before?" She continued to run her hand down his hair in a soothing manner.

'I'm purring? My wolf is purring?' Utakata shook his head no softly, Konan's petting gesture on his hair was soothing. "What is that?" he asked quietly.

"Your wolf is happy and expressing itself." She then gave a sad smile. "Oh Utakata, you poor poor dear," she whispered and then embraced him in a hug. "I promise, you are safe with us." She felt the despair within her knowing more about Utakata, 'just what has he been through?' she wondered quietly.

After several silent moments, Utakata's head snapped up, he looked towards the door, but his eyes were not focused on any items in the room. His wolf's purring immediately stopped and he felt the hairs on the back of his neck standing up. Konan sensed his sudden nervousness and looked over to Utakata's face, but he didn't see her at all.

"Utakata, are you–"

"Something's wrong," Utakata breathed out, his voice clipped. He turned his head quickly to the window in the room, his eyes wide as he stared at the glass. The moonlight was soft, casting a glow on the snow outside but he didn't see that. He moved his arms with the baby towards Konan, keeping his eyes focused on the window, a silent request for Konan to take quickly gathered up the still sleeping baby into her arms.

"Utakata, what's the matter?" she whispered out, her eyes looking at the wolf then to the window he was staring at. "Do you hear–"

He snapped his head at the omega wolf, his eyes serious, his lips pinched tight. "You need to take Iawi and run, hide, NOW!" he snapped at her in a harsh whisper, his fists clenched tight. "They're here."

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