And welcome to the end, of this incredibly journey that has wow... taken me 3 years to complete.
I had a hard time wanting to end it, but, a part of me kept pushing, it needs to end. But then when it came time to end, I struggled with how I wanted it to end. Which in turn, left me running for the hills every time I came up with something. I think there is a part of me that didn't want it to end, but also didn't want to think about it not ending. It can be very complicated haha
And now that it is at the end, I will admit I was hesitant to post. It was reality slapping me in the face. This baby has taken so many hours of me, my imagination, and it holds a place in my heart. Ending it just seemed like I was saying goodbye.
But... its not really goodbye now is it? This series was a pleasure to create. I have several more stories, and still writing, and soon yet another (that is complete) will be posted again. Another ABO one, but its a little more relaxed. Not as intent as Deny Thy, Love Thy and who can forget Tell me. Those three babies are certainly my biggest and greatest achievements.
I am rambling now aren't I. This ending may not be what readers expect, but as noted before, things must come to a close.
Thanks to those who have still been reading, sticking around, those who dropped in and said this sucks, this is great, and so forth. (hahaha)
Many thanks to my long term SNS buddies who were always there to pull me out of the quicksand when I was struggling.
x00x00x00x00x00x
~August~
Kiba gently dropped a box onto the floor of the large horse trailer. Wiping his brow he looked over the stacks of boxes that already filled most of the trailer. "Shit man, I had no idea you had this much stuff," he breathed out and looked at Kyuubi who stepped into the trailer, with yet another box.
The red headed alpha chuckled as he put the box he was carrying down beside the other. "I know right?" He slapped his hand on Kiba's shoulder, giving him a wide grin. "We're almost done, you gettin' tired quickly in your old age eh?"
"Asshole," Kiba growled and shoved Kyuubi to the side, who started laughing loudly and both men stepped out of the trailer.
"These are the last from the cabins," Yahiko announced when he brought a few smaller boxes to the trailer. Kyuubi grinned and grabbed a box from the top, helping Yahiko place them in the trailer. "Is the place far from here?" Yahiko asked while placing the rest of the boxes down and wiping his brow.
"It's a good two hour drive, not far, hope you guys like it," Kyuubi beamed a grin. He and Naruto had scoped out a lot of large plots of land over the last few weeks. Some with homes, some without. By some stroke of luck, this large piece of land came up just awhile ago, where the elderly woman that worked the land and kept the home in good shape was ready to move into the big city to stay with family for her retirement years. The house was in fairly good shape, smaller than the Uzumaki home but definitely had room for improvement which he was certain he could get started on with the help of the others. The house was tucked in the forest, a long driveway that was hidden by trees on 20 acres of land that was all forest. Kyuubi already had a journal started with ideas on what to do with the land.
"Well, I have no reason to doubt you alpha," Yahiko nodded his head while stepping out of the trailer. "You have taken care of all of us so well and I don't know how to thank you for taking care of Nagato, Konan—"
"Dude! Stop! We are family! That's what we do!" Kyuubi exclaimed and side hugged the red headed beta tightly. "I couldn't imagine where I would be if I didn't find Nagato and Konan when I did! If anything, I owe them a whole lotta thanks," he spoke firmly.
Yahiko hummed in agreement as he walked along, Kyuubi still side hugging him as they walked. The guilt he felt leaving his fellow family members when he did, the whole argument that happened when he did leave, unable to find the help he needed to get himself, Nagato and Konan out of the predicament they were in — he had to admit that it was still something he felt he needed to make amendment for. Even though Nagato and Konan were completely understanding of his decision way back then, all what had happened was for a reason, he still found it a difficult thing for him to understand and forgive himself.
Sensing his distress, Kyuubi stopped and turned the redheaded beta to look at him. He kept his hands on Yahiko's shoulders, his green eyes staring directly at the other, a firm frown on his lips. "Look Yahiko, I get what you did, completely. It's the same as what I did, for the exact same reason — for our family." Kyuubi shook the beta wolf a little bit when he expressed the words family. "And wouldn't you agree that you would do it all over again if it meant saving your family?" The red headed beta wolf stared back, his brows rising slightly at the comment from the alpha. Kyuubi chuckled when Yahiko said nothing. "Hell, I may do it all again, but I think I would do some things differently." He pulled a hand back and tapped his chin, looking up as if he was thinking hard. He smiled and then pulled Yahiko in for a side hug again, making them walk towards the house. "But damn it, I would do anything, and I mean ANYTHING to make sure that my family is safe!"
A sudden movement behind Kyuubi had him gasping out in surprise and then he chuckled as his arms came to embrace Kimimaro who grabbed him from behind. "What's up my little wolf? Got everything ready to go?" He squeezed the small omega and swung him around in a circle, causing Kimimaro to squeak in excitement.
"Everything is ready if you are," Nagato spoke up, stepping out of the house, Konan holding Iwai on her hip following behind. Yahiko walked up to the couple, taking a stand beside Konan who wrapped her arm around his waist, looking up at him with a smile.
"Alright! Let's get this show on the road! Naruto! Let's go!" Kyuubi hollered out after putting Kimimaro back on the ground.
A couple hours later, Naruto jumped out of his jeep and let out an impressive whistle as he stopped to look over the new place. "Man Kyu'bs, this place still impresses me every time I see it," he exclaimed with a grin.
Kyuubi had parked the truck and trailer to the side of his pack's new home, hopped out and stood at the back of the trailer unhooking the latch and lock. He chuckled as Kimimaro came rushing to his side to assist in putting the platform down. "Let's show everyone around first before we start unloading okay little wolf?" Kyuubi ran his fingers through Kimimaro's long hair and the omega gave a smile while grabbing Kyuubi's hand. "Come on guys, come check it out!" he called out to Nagao, Konan and Yahiko while heading towards their new home.
Naruto helped get Midori out of her carseat and got her settled in Sasuke's baby snuggle. Sasuke's eyes looked over the impressive homestead and the yard, humming slightly in approval. The family followed behind Kyuubi and his pack, into the new home.
A couple hours passed, and the trailer and Naruto's jeep were unloaded. Konan was busy in the kitchen, Nagato arranging his and Konan's room while Iwai slept in his crib situated in their large room. Kimimaro was moving about the room he and Kyuubi would share on the second floor, Kyuubi watching and asking questions on where to put things.
"Kyu'bs? Can I meet with you if you got a minute?" Naruto asked, poking his head in through the bedroom door.
Kyuubi nodded with affirmation and quickly gave Kimimaro a kiss on the temple, before following Naruto out of the house, to the massive large yard. Naruto had his hands shoved in his pockets as he walked, the pair walked in silence for several metres before Naruto stopped and leaned against a tree. He turned to look at the newly acquired house and smiled.
"Sup Naru?" Kyuubi broke the silence first, leaning against his own tree and crossing his arms.
Naruto huffed out a small chuckle before turning to look at his pack mate. Kyuubi had an eyebrow raised in question, waiting patiently for Naruto to speak.
"Well, uh," Naruto hesitated, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. "I guess this is it eh?" He grinned and shrugged his shoulders. Kyuubi just smirked. "Ah, um, what I wanted to say was, make me proud ." He gave a nervous grin before taking a step forward to the redheaded alpha and placing a hand on Kyuubi's shoulder. "But, I really don't have to, since you have already made me so incredibly proud of you." Naruto gave a warm smile.
Kyuubi swallowed thickly from the words. He could feel the heat rushing to his cheeks and he looked away, suddenly feeling very shy from the unexpected praise.
"You've come a long way, since, well before everything happened ya know?" Naruto continued. "But now, you've accomplished so much, and look – here we are," he pointed to the house, the yard with a large grin.
"Wow, uh, thank you," Kyuubi finally managed to cough out. He glanced up to those familiar loving blue eyes he grew up with. "I, uh, really couldn't have gotten here without you though," he added. "And you've changed so much too, don't forget, since everything…"
Naruto laughed and folded his hands behind his head, letting out a long exaggerated exhale. "Yup yup, look at me. Leader, father, mentor — all out stud of an alpha…" He winked at Kyuubi.
Kyuubi playfully shoved Naruto in the shoulder, causing the blond alpha to laugh and stumble backwards. "Hey now, I was always the better looking one!"
"No way!" Naruto retaliated with a laugh, grabbing Kyuubi in a headlock and rubbing his fist against Kyuubi's scalp.
The two began to wrestle playfully, laughing and shouting out words of playful mirth before falling on the ground and rolling about. Each trying to pin the other down in the grass at their playful game.
Sasuke smirked at the sight, standing just outside the doorway of the home, Midori was gurgling in the snuggle attached to his chest, her wide eyes staring up at Sasuke with curiosity. He cooed at his daughter while watching the two alpha brothers being playful. It was a serene sight to watch and he felt himself smiling warmly. A new chapter was starting in the Uzumaki pack life and Sasuke was for once glad he was here to witness it.
.
.
Later that evening, Kyuubi lounged on his bed, staring at the television mounted across from his bed, but not really paying attention to whatever was on. So many thoughts travelled through his mind tonight, and he was still finding it hard to believe what he and his pack had been through, and how he ended up where they all were today.
Konan knew her way in the kitchen, and she prepared the first official dinner for everyone once everything was unpacked. Naruto, Sasuke, Midori and the rest of the pack left shortly afterwards, and Kyuubi made sure that everyone knew they needed to come back soon. Maybe make a barbeque of the day or something. Naruto and Kyuubi embraced, Naruto once again whispering how proud he was of him before parting.
Cleaning up dinner dishes, everyone was exhausted from a full day of moving, the new place and a large meal, it wasn't surprising when everyone was ready for bed shortly afterwards. It had been a full and fantastic day after all. The bed dipping beside him gained his attention, the scent of his mate was near and he turned to look at Kimimaro's loving gaze. He smiled up at the omega when Kimimaro leaned down and nuzzled the alpha's neck.
"Ready for bed little wolf?" Kyuubi purred in response, moving his hand under Kimimaro's oversized soft cotton bed shirt. The alpha perked up when his hands found smooth warm skin instead of briefs where the omega's plump ass was hidden. A purr vibrated from the omega's lips into Kyuubi's neck and the alpha could not suppress the shiver of excitement that went directly to his cock. He inhaled deeply, his nostrils immediately filled with the unique sweet succulent scent of his mate, causing his inner alpha to be at immediate attention of what was currently in its grasp.
"Holy shit," Kyuubi hissed, closing his eyes, feeling the omega grooming his neck, his shoulder with his lips. Kimimaro's fingers slowly slipped under Kyuubi's own shirt, and he could feel his skin quiver with each touch. "Nnngghh, Kimi… careful little wolf. You're making me hungry," Kyuubi growled as he dropped his head back, revealing his neck so the omega could explore further with his lips and tongue. The omega didn't say anything as he swiftly moved his legs to straddle the alpha. The warmth radiating off the omega's skin was almost like a fire scorching Kyuubi's skin, and the alpha growled with hunger within.
"Mmm, Kimi, y-you aren't making this easy," Kyuubi growled between clenched teeth as the smaller male trailed his tongue and shifted his hips that caused friction on his cock. His large hands gripped Kimimaro's hips tightly, keeping the omega from grinding any further. "If you keep this up, nngghh…" he moaned when Kimimaro latched on to one of his nipples and suckled.
Kimimaro smirked at feeling the alpha losing control. "My mate," he purred. "My perfect alpha," he drawled the word, lapping at the hardened nubs on Kyuubi's chest. He sat up and pinched the alpha's while rolling his hips.
"Ah f-fuck Kimi," Kyuubi panted out from the assault on his sensitive areas.
"Let me take care of my alpha, " Kimimaro hummed and shifted back until he was settled between Kyuubi's knees. He grabbed Kyuubi's soft cotton sleeping pants and inched them down over the hips, Kyuubi's lust blown eyes watching the movement while he lifted his ass slightly to help. Kimimaro leaned his face into the sensitive skin between Kyuubi's cock and thigh, dragging his tongue up the area and inhaling deeply. The scent of arousal from his mate heightened the excitement of his own omega, releasing his own slick and scent into the room. Kyuubi groaned and ran his hands through Kimimaro's hair gently, watching, waiting.
Since mating in the forest all those months ago, as wolves, Kyuubi was still set on making sure to take their human relationship slower. He certainly did not want Kimimaro to be traumatised from an overzealous alpha, therefore, Kyuubi and Kimimaro were exploring. Touching, tasting, feeling each other slowly, learning about each other's desires, needs, and wants. He hissed and groaned loudly between clenched teeth as he felt Kimimaro's heated lips wrap around his aching cock. "Ahhhh shit Kimi. Always so f-fucking good."
Kimimaro hummed, hearing Kyuubi's guttural growls, moans and feeling the strong muscles twitch from his advancement. He could feel his own area tingle with excitement and heat, he reached back and slipped two of his fingers into his opening, thrusting in time with his own head, his body quivering slightly at the motions. He attempted to copy the movements Kyuubi had done before, but struggled from the position they were both in. He could never get his own fingers deep enough and nor were they thick like his alpha's.
"Slide that ass over this way, beautiful omega, I want to taste you," Kyuubi suddenly growled, his fingers tugging gently on Kimimaro's hair.
Kimimaro shivered with excitement as he turned and straddled Kyuubi's chest, his ass placed directly over the alpha's face. He continued to bob his head over the thick cock, and purred loudly when he felt Kyuubi's large hands grasp and squeeze his ass.
Kyuubi inhaled deeply, his eyes rolling to the back of his head when his senses were overwhelmed with the thick scent of his mate. "Oh fuck Kimi, my mate, my beautiful omega, you smell so ripe, so perfect, and ready for me," he groaned as he began to lap at the slick that glistened.
Kimimaro's body shivered when the sparks of pleasure shot through him from the thick tongue that breached his opening. His omega howled with delight and he choked on the thick cock that suddenly thrust into his throat, but he held fast, his fingers gripping onto Kyuubi's thighs to keep his body still. He couldn't help but rock his ass over Kyuubi's face, a need to feel more flowing through him.
Kimimaro suddenly yelped as he heard a snarl and his body was suddenly flipped onto the mattress. Kyuubi hovered over him, his eyes glowing, his canines poking out with a hungry grin, his face shimmering with Kimimaro's slick. The omega purred loudly and Kimimaro felt the heat flush through his body while the alpha looked down upon him as if he was a meal.
Kyuubi bit his lip, his body trembling at the sight beneath him. His omega, flushed in a soft red glow, smelling succulent, his eyes half lidded giving a seductive look that had his alpha tearing at the bit. But he couldn't, he wouldn't, let his inner alpha take the reins on this trail. The alpha had his way when he and Kimi were in wolf form, and Kyuubi wouldn't allow the alpha his way this time. He would stand firm on his choice, he wanted to ensure Kimimaro's first time in human form , was not a feral show of lashing teeth and growls that often came from their wolf instincts.
He closed his eyes and dropped his head, his muscles quaked from the strain as he fought with the sexual hunger of his inner alpha that wanted the omega quivering beneath him. Visions of the omega wolf, radiating heat and scents of heat flashed in his mind, creating a mental thrashing of want from the inner alpha. Kyuubi clenched his teeth, struggling to suppress the wild angry and horny wolf. 'No no no! Not this time! It's my turn asshole!' Kyuubi shouted into the shadows of his mind.
A tender soft feeling on his cheek had Kyuubi jerk his head up at the sensation and he was greeted with soft warm green eyes glistening with emotion. "Kimi?" Kyuubi whispered.
"You're okay alpha, " Kimimaro breathed softly with a smile. "I trust you to be with me, all of you," he whispered, planting a kiss on Kyuubi's lips.
Kyuubi felt the warmth from those lips explode through his mind, his inner alpha falling back, letting the love from the other wash through him. He dragged his tongue over the sweet omega lips, asking for entry and gasped heatedly when his access was granted. He pushed his tongue, wanting to taste and dance with the other, trying to express everything he felt for the other in such a kiss.
Kimimaro pulled back and pulled Kyuubi's cheek to his lips. "Make love to me alpha," he purred and began placing soft kisses on the alpha's cheek. "I need you now."
Kyuubi shivered from the sensations that rocked through him just from Kimimaro's words. He claimed the omega's lips once more, his hands roaming, touching, feeling every heated area of skin, causing the omega to whine, pant and moan out with need. Kyuubi took his time, tasting, stretching, ensuring that the omega was ready and practically begging with desire.
When he thrust his hardened member slowly, gently with warm kisses, Kimimaro's back arched, his body trembled and lewd moans escaped his lips. Kyuubi held his mate close, allowing the omega to adjust and feel the alpha within and all around him. Their love making lasted well into the night, over and over Kyuubi filled his mate until the breaking rays of sun breached the horizon.
==x00x00x00x00x==
Sasuke sat on the edge of the bed, in his and Naruto's room, staring at the open letter currently in his hand. His eyes stared at the words written on the page for some time, Sasuke having already read the letter several times. He understood the words presented to him, but now he just felt uncertain , no matter how many times he processed it.
Midori was snoring softly in the centre of the nest behind Sasuke, and he glanced over at his daughter, who seemed content and at peace. Sasuke gave a small smile, feeling the love he had for her wash through him like a warm summer breeze.
"You okay?" Naruto's voice broke through the stillness of the air when he entered the room. Sasuke had left to feed Midori awhile ago, and Naruto was now bringing up Sasuke a snack. He noticed the paper in Sasuke's hand. "What's that?" he asked gently and placed the plate of cheese, crackers and meats on the end table.
"I had forgotten that Itachi had brought this to me shortly after Midori was born," he sighed, looking back down at the paper in his hands again. "It's from my parents."
Naruto sat next to Sasuke on the edge of bed carefully, not wanting to disturb their daughter snoozing in the nest. "Can I?" Naruto asked in a whisper, holding his hand out. Sasuke passed the letter over.
My son,
Your father and myself would like to congratulate you on the wonderful news of the birth of your daughter. I have no doubt she will live a long and healthy life filled with love, joy, and health. Your accomplishments make us very proud of you.
Those early days of your life were very tough for you, and I know that's one of the many reasons you're angry with us now. We both apologise deeply for our narrow-mindedness, and please remember, you always have been and will be loved by us.
We both recognise we did you a lot of wrong, we are willing to wait, if it ever comes, for your forgiveness. Please know that we will always be there for you no matter your decision. We will make up for all the wrongs we did, work hard to restore your faith in us and always be dedicated and loyal to you.
In respect of your request, your father and I will keep our distance from you and your family. It's important for you to know, however, that we'll always watch out for your safety. We'll be here if you need us. We'll also keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need anything.
We spoke with Itachi - please don't be angry with him - to learn about the turmoil affecting you and your mate. Your father and I have decided to take care of this matter for you. The people responsible for your difficulties have been eliminated. The safety of you and your family is assured. You and your mate can enjoy a peaceful family life together. We hope this will bring the closure you need and allow you to move on with your life.
Please do not take it personally that we've decided to solve this problem for you. Because my son, I know you're perfectly capable. You're an intelligent young man, and a strong omega. We just wanted to do you this small favour to try and make it up to you.
We will always keep you in my heart.
Naruto tilted his head to look over at Sasuke, who's elbows were resting on his knees, his eyes staring at the floor. "Are you alright?" Naruto whispered, placing the letter on the bed and pulling Sasuke into his arms.
"Hn," Sasuke grunted while allowing Naruto to embrace him.
"She certainly went all out ne?" Naruto whispered into Sasuke's hair. "Didn't think she was that emotional ." He smiled when he felt Sasuke snort a chuckle into his chest. He left Sasuke in his embrace for as long as he needed, knowing that his mate was most likely dealing with an onslaught of emotions and questions. After a few more minutes, he had to ask, "do you really think they took out Orochimaru?"
"Does it matter?" Sasuke whispered in response.
"Not really," Naruto hummed while he rubbed Sasuke's back. "Just wondering what type of bad ass mom you got."
Sasuke couldn't stop himself from grinning from the comment. Maybe he should talk to Itachi, and find out exactly what was said behind his back. He smirked at the thought, with this bit of information, his aniki would be at his mercy.
EPILOGUE
~~December~~
"Yo yo! Where do I put the sausages?" Kyuubi called from his kitchen. He rubbed his one hand on his bright festive apron and with his other hand, that was clad in a hot mitt, holding a large frying pan still spitting oil, he rolled the tiny sausages about the pan.
"Oh goodness Kyuubi," Konan chuckled as she walked into the spacious kitchen. "You don't need to carry them about!" She pointed to the counter and grabbed a pair of tongs. "Put that hot pan down, and take these tongs and put those sausages on the platter with the bacon." She brought over the platter that already held bacon. She tsk'd at the alpha before moving to the other side of the kitchen to grab the platter full of breads. "Now I'm going to start taking all this out to the dining room, don't dawdle! Everyone is hungry!" she scolded the alpha with a chuckle.
Kyuubi stuck his tongue out at the beta woman while loading up the sausages on the platter. Kyuubi's pack was hosting a Christmas gathering at the pack's new home this year and he couldn't help but whistle a Christmas tune as he gathered the rest of the food for the brunch.
"Need some help?" a voice called out from the door.
Kyuubi grinned at the blond alpha who walked in. "Sure, grab the coffee and tea carafes and we should be ready to eat!"
"Who knew you could cook this good?" Naruto teased as he grabbed the two carafes.
"Jealous?" Kyuubi snickered as he followed the blond alpha out of the kitchen. The two bickered playfully as they set up the remaining food and drinks at the large buffet table, getting everything set up as it was almost time to eat.
Naruto found his dark haired mate leaning against the door frame, overlooking the group of people that had gathered at Kyuubi's for Christmas celebration. The room was a bustle of activity and people, and Naruto knew that such a loud overwhelming crowd could create anxiety in Sasuke. He came up behind him, slowly slipping his arms around the other's torso, pulling Sasuke into his chest and nuzzling his crown. "You okay?" the blond alpha whispered, purring loudly.
"Hn," Sasuke responded, tilting his head back into the shoulder of the blond, his omega purring from the attention given.
"Where's Midori?" Naruto whispered, his eyes scanning the room.
Sasuke nodded to the left, where Deidara held a plump little girl, who was busy gnawing on her fist, bubbles escaping her lips around her chubby little hand and eyes wide with interest at the movement all around. Deidara was constantly rubbing his face into Midori's hair, making cute little baby talking noises, while Itachi watched on.
"I'll get the highchair set up," Naruto whispered, giving a quick peck on Sasuke's cheek before heading towards the large table.
Sasuke watched his brother's briefly, showering his daughter with extensive love. Midori was practically radiating with excitement at the attention. When Deidara handed Midori over to Itachi, his well rounded stomach was easily noticeable then, and the omega rubbed it lovingly with a smile as he watched Itachi shift Midori to look at his parents.
Yes, his parents. Sasuke let out a sigh, watching his mother and father glow with smiles and happiness as they began to interact with Midori. It was a sight he thought he would never see. He invited them to the redheaded Uzumaki home for Christmas celebration, after much thought, deliberation and talks with Itachi and Naruto. It helped to talk to Tsunade too, even though she reminded him of a much older Naruto, she was quite wise in her ways. It had been – a journey. A journey of self reflection and forgiveness, in himself and others around him. Yes there were still many scars from his past, but he now looked at them as written history. Things to be learned from and in hopes, never be repeated.
With his daughter in his life, Sasuke also had a new perspective of living life itself and the importance of having those you care about, and ones that care about you, always in your life.
Sasuke smiled slightly, watching his mother and father grin ear to ear, as grandparents should. And Mikoto was tickled pink to be so closely involved with Deidara's pregnancy as well.
He tilted his head to see Kakashi, chatting away with Utakata on another couch. Sakura was sitting on the other side of Kakashi, her hand resting on the elder wolf's thigh. The three looked as if they were in good conversation, Sakura giggling from time to time, Kakashi grinning and leaning his forehead on the pink hair beta now and then.
Sasuke was not as surprised as Naruto and Kyuubi were, when Kakashi had come forward, requesting the blessing from the two alpha to start courting Sakura. Naturally the two loud alphas jaws fell open, eyes were wide, demanding how this happened and Kakashi just rubbed the back of his head stating that, "no time like the present ne?" Apparently Kakashi had been wanting to court Sakura for some time, but because with how things were going with the Uzumaki and Uchiha packs, Sasuke's situation, the vampires… well, it just wasn't the time. But once things in the pack's lives seemed to be settling at a more calming situation, Kakashi felt that he better "pull up his shorts" and get a move on in his goals.
Utakata had returned in time for the holidays. The packs were ever grateful that he was able to return, and the packs let it be known how much he was missed. Since Utakata left on his travels, Naruto and Kyuubi were riddled with worry. But when Utakata's letters began to arrive, the two alpha's began to breathe a sigh of relief, when it was apparent that if anything, anything , were to happen, Utakata excelled on leaving details of where he was, and where he was going to be. The information that he was gathering was limited, but at least there was some that wasn't known to the packs. Keeping tabs on the vampires was dangerous, but helpful, if not for now, for future generations.
Utakata was still emotionally stunted, and lacked social skills but since being back home, he seemed more at ease to at least join the festivities on his own. He still had a lot to learn about pack life, but Sasuke had to smile when Utakata's eyes watched Iruka's hand gently stroking Kakashi's thigh and Kakashi giving nuzzles to Iruka's shoulder. The pup had a lot to learn yet.
Iwai was toddling around the floor with Kimimaro following him close behind. The little wolf was a host of entertainment for the packs, picking up everything and anything, learning and never seemed to stop growing. Konan, Nagato and Yahiko had settled in easily to the pack life. Since they had never been without a pack for most of their adult life, having them here just made the whole pack puzzle complete. The three had spent a long time talking, crying, and just being together, since Yahiko had been missing for so long. Sasuke couldn't help a small smile on his lips, looking at the three, who were watching Iwai and Kimimaro play around on the floor. Their smiles were warm, full of love, and often they were found embracing each other, whispering to each other and giving kisses to each other with pecks on the cheek. Sasuke never questioned their relationship status, but now, watching them, he had to wonder. He shook his head of the thought. It wasn't his business anyhow. As long as they were happy.
A sharp cry dragged Sasuke's attention to the table, to see Hinata rolling her eyes and Kiba chuckling to see that Kyuubi was growling at Naruto, who was pouting and holding his hand to his chest, as if he had burned it. Kyuubi glared at the blond alpha, shaking his finger and giving Naruto a tongue lashing about touching the food. Sasuke snickered. Obviously Naruto had stuck his fingers into the food that was being laid on the table and Kyuubi must have scolded him for it. Hinata and Kiba continued to help put food on the table as the two alpha grumbled at each other. Those two alphas were always play fighting, bickering like siblings, and even though it seemed childish at times, Sasuke could see that the two really cared, loved and respected each other fully. Their relationship was as pure as one could be, and Sasuke could respect that. His and Itachi's relationship was never quite that flamboyant, and at times Sasuke wondered if they ever could have been.
What if his parents were more honest and compassionate to him when he was a pup? What if he accepted his omega status from the get go? Would Itachi and he be like Naruto and Kyuubi were today? Sasuke bit his bottom lip, commanding himself to stop thinking of the 'what if's' . Those types of thoughts never did anyone any good, you can't change the past and one can only move forward to make the future best for yourself and those you care about. He glanced again over at his nii-san, Deidara and his parents. They were all smiling, chatting and showering Midori with excessive attention. His daughter was eating up the attention, with her own smiles and giggles, and Sasuke felt the warmth in his heart.
"Dinner's on!" Kyuubi bellowed suddenly in the room, a large grin on his face.
All eyes were on Kyuubi before all the guests began to get up and make their way to the table that was overloaded with delectable sights and smells of a feast. Sasuke made his way over to his parents, holding out his arms to gather up Midori. His daughter jumped up and down in Mikoto's arms, holding her arms out towards Sasuke, her little fingers grasping.
"Come now baby girl, let's go eat dinner," Sasuke purred as he hoisted Midori into his arms. He looked over at his mother, whose smile was a permanent fixture on her face today. "Come on kachan, tochan, come sit next to us, I'm sure Midori would like you two close." Sasuke did not expect to see the tears of joy from his mother's eyes, but he cupped her arm and led her to the table, intent on not mentioning it. Itachi and Deidara were quiet, but their smiles spoke loudly as they followed behind Mikoto and Fugaku.
Naruto pulled out Sasuke's chair, giving his award winning smile to the Uchiha's as he pointed to the area where they all could sit together.
When the large group of wolves were settled, their eyes on the food and each other, they all began to give thanks to each other and for anything they could think of. Sasuke glanced at all the members, felt his mate's arm around him and allowed himself for once to let the feeling of family wash over him, embrace him and swallow him whole. For the first time in his life, he felt that he was finally home.
