Note: A notice and reminder that there will be genderbending in this chapter as females are simply male omegas in this world. Hope I can do it without ruining the characters so do have mercy on me when reading that part. Some character growth is added as well.

Warning: Genderbending. Omega-birthing. ShikaNeji.

Chapter 6: Baby Time

Naruto grins and sits down at the table in the Omega Club. "Hey guys." He places a beautiful scrapbook on the table.

Neji and Gaara had been talking quietly but look over when Haku asks, "What's that?"

Naruto happily opens it. "Pictures. Sasuke and I went our first date. He was really sweet and he had his brother-in-law take pictures!"

Haku makes an excited squeal noise and moves closer to look. "Aw. You two are so perfect for each other. I'm glad you found your wolf Naruto." He gives a fox ear a quick kiss.

Naruto just laughs and brushes him away. "Oh shush. You sound like Iruka." Which is true when Naruto had shown his guardians the book. Iruka kept gushing and saying just how cute they are while Kakashi kept teasing him. But it was fun, just like a normal family.

Neji pulls the book a bit closer to look at them. "Sasuke's brother-in-law did a really good job. These are amazing."

Naruto smiles. "I'll tell him. He'll really appreciate it. He loves art. And Deidara is so pretty too." He is actually a bit nervous about that now that he thinks about it. Such a gorgeous omega already there. He yelps when Gaara flicks his ear. "What the hell?"

Gaara tilts his head. "You were thinking something stupid." He can always tell when that happens. Naruto just gets this look about him. Before the blond can comment he says, "I had an outing with Kiba."

Everyone looks at the redhead in shock. Neji's mouth is even open slightly and then he closes it and smirks. "Outing? Not date?"

Gaara frowns. "Not a date because it wasn't planned."

Haku giggles and claps his hands. "Okay, so an outing. Where did you go?" He is loving how their group is gaining more gossip topic. He loves gossip but it's hard to get it when no one does interesting stuff.

Gaara shrugs. "He took me to Akuma Fighting. It's a defense class and he figured it'll help me not want to kill people. The owners are calm and the wolf doesn't go easy just because I'm an omega."

Neji blinks. "I go there." Now all eyes are on him. "My uncle demands everyone know how to fight. Even omegas." He sneers in annoyance. "Possibly the only 'good' thing about him."

Gaara nods. "Then maybe we'll see each other." His lips twitch into a slight smirk. "Be warned. Kiba gets really worked up watching me fight."

Naruto laughs. "Oh come on. Kiba gets worked up about everything." He then calms down and looks to Neji. "You know…you really need to at least approach Shikamaru. Doing nothing results in nothing. Even if you believe in destiny or fate or whatever. Don't you think you need to put in effort? Prove you want it?" He really wants his friend to be happy like they are now. He needs Neji to realize that he has to actually do something!

Neji is quiet as he thinks about it. Which is definitely a good sign. "…Next time at the park…I'll talk to him." He really has to admit that Naruto's logic is correct. He wants it but he isn't letting Shikamaru know that. That's a full-on contradiction. And while Hyuugas can be cryptic, being a hypocrite is not an option. Expecting Shikamaru to do everything without himself putting in any effort is stupid and against what they all know about mates.

Haku purrs softly. "Oh that's lovely. Let us know how it goes." His tail slowly sways next to him. "As for Sai and me, we are very happy at our pace. He took me to an art exhibit and I bought him a nice dinner after in return." Sly eyes turn to the redhead. "So, where would you want to go with Kiba on your next…outing?" It will be a surprise if Gaara didn't initiate at least some of the eventual dates.

Gaara shrugs. "Not sure. The dojo was a nice surprise…and I'm still not too sure on what's around here." He isn't one for exploring much.

Neji watches him. "…There's a rock-climbing place on 5th Street." Everyone's eyes turn to him and he raises a brow. "I'm more active than you think. I just don't share it. And felines enjoy climbing."

Naruto laughs. "Sweet! Maybe Neji can help out with ideas and stuff then. Think you'll bring it up to Kiba?" He scratches the back of his head with a chuckle. "The guy is awesome but I don't think he'll come up with that if he hasn't heard of it yet." Then again…it had been Kiba's idea to do Akuma Fighting. Maybe he already thought of this place?

Gaara turns to Naruto. "Would you want to come with Sasuke?"

Naruto blinks in shock. "Wait…like a double date?" At a pause and then nod he grins wide. "Hell yeah! We can take our wolves there to show our appreciation!" Haku lets out a cheer and Neji just rolls his eyes. But the smile is on his lips to show he's happy for them as well.

-o-

"So, what's everyone done lately?" Shikamaru's voice manages to be both interested and bored at the same time. A feat that only a Nara can pull off. Their table holds the usual group of Sasuke, Kiba, Shikamaru, and (despite Sasuke's whining) Sai. Shikamaru has been persuaded by Haku to try to socially include the weird wolf. Why did he ask Shikamaru? The Nara is unsure. But it's perhaps no one else can tolerate Sai's bullshit for very long.

Sai gives his weird smile. "Haku and I went out to eat after looking at an art gallery." Sounds about right for them. Simple and easy to understand.

Kiba gives an unimpressed grunt before giving a grin. "I took Gaara to Akuma Fighting. The alpha there, Kito, he was really impressed with Gaara's skills." His eyes flash a bit. "Was really hot to see." Just the memory of it is getting him excited. Seeing the rage in Gaara turn to calculation and perfect timing. Beautiful. So many emotions he doubts the redhead even knows he has, shown through his skills. When the session had been over, Kiba had been so close to just fucking the brains out of him. But somehow he managed to resist the temptation. Both because he doubted Kito and Cerenes would enjoy sex in their lobby and because Gaara might rip his nuts off.

Sai blinks and his usually blank expression shows confusion. "How does that qualify as a date? And how is watching your omega get beat up…hot?" His brain is obviously fritzing out trying to connect the dots.

Shikamaru sighs. "Everyone likes different things Sai. Kiba likes violence and so does Gaara, it seems. You and Haku enjoy peace and quiet. It's preference. Also, I doubt that Gaara was in actual danger as Kiba's wolf would not allow it."

Kiba rolls his eyes and looks to Sasuke. "So, tell us about your date. You guys went to the zoo, so what happened?"

"We saw a few different exhibits and Deidara took pictures. I asked him to compile a scrapbook of them for Naruto to remember. He did a really good job too. Naruto has it, so I'm sure he'll show you guys." Sasuke takes a sip from the water in front of him. "I got him a stuffed animal as well."

Sai tilts his head in thought. Not usually a good sign of what is about to be said. "That sounds more like a date than Inuzuka's."

Shikamaru shrugs. "Again, different people prefer different things."

Kiba scowls at Sai. "Yeah." Then he turns his attention back to Sasuke. "So any ideas on your next one? I'm thinking that after Gaara's and my next session I'll treat him to a meal and we can talk a bit."

To tell the truth, Sasuke hasn't thought of another date yet. Maybe he should give Naruto the opportunity to plan it. "I might see if Naruto wants to decide." When Sai is visibly confused again, Sasuke decides to explain. "Naruto may want to be given options and an opportunity to take control. Not many omega are allowed that." Gets a nod from Sai showing the guy at least understands that much.

Shikamaru stretches a bit. "How is Deidara?" He has to be due soon.

Sasuke surprises them with a grin. "He actually went into labor a few hours ago."

Kiba stood up fast and slammed his hands on the table. "Why didn't you start with that man?!"

Sasuke shrugs. "I would have said it when dad texts me. He'll be picking us up once Itachi says the babies are born." It makes sense that it'll be Itachi's call. "Labor takes a long time." He rolls his eyes at the glare still locked on him.

And then Sai makes it even worse. "Perhaps Uchiha just doesn't want you near his nephews?" It is accompanied by his annoying smile.

Shikamaru can only groan and put his head on his arms, listening as Kiba reacts as expected. Angrily and loudly. He should have stayed home. So troublesome.

-9 hours of labor later-

"I feel the head. Push." Tsunade really tries to keep his voice soothing but he isn't sure Deidara is even hearing anything at this stage.

The blond squeezes Itachi's hand hard enough that it literally crunches slightly. "I AM PUSHING YOU-." His words cut off as he gives the hardest push yet. His brain floats a bit as endorphins rush through his veins. Nothing matters more than bringing his children into this world. Crying finally reaches his ears and a whimper leaves his lips.

Itachi smiles and kisses his mate's temple. When he gets the sign he says, "First one is here. It's Tsene." One of the two wolf names they have decided on.

Physical wolf and omega features won't appear until babies are over one month old, usually during sleep. So the way to tell at birth is to look for a certain birth mark near the lower stomach or on the right hip. If there is no birth mark then it's a wolf. Because of so many uncertainties, they picked out multiple names in advance. Two omega and two wolf. Just in case.

Deidara lets out a soft sob. "Had to come out to protect his brother from the very start, yeah." He just knows the other is a fox. He can sense it.

Itachi has tears in his eyes. "Already an amazing older brother." Pride quickly fills him.

The nurse, Shizune, takes Tsene to clean him up. Immediately, Tsunade gets back into position. "Still got one. But it seems he's as excited to arrive as his brother. Won't be long now, mama."

Itachi watches as Deidara pushes for 5 more minutes before Haruki is born. With a beautiful birth mark on his hip. He smiles and kisses his mate. "I love you. Such a wonderful pup and kit. Perfect like you." Tsunade comes over with Shizune, each holding a baby. The doctor gives Tsene to Itachi who carefully holds him as if he's the most fragile treasure ever. Black eyes water slightly. Tsene blinks open his own dark eyes and looks up at Itachi. Black whisps of hair cover the top of his head.

Deidara is handed Haruki, tears still falling from his eyes as he holds his fox close. "So beautiful." Haruki has blond whisps and grey eyes. Deidara looks to Itachi who immediately sits next to him, still holding Tsene. "Oh! Tsene looks like the baby Sasuke pictures!"

Itachi chuckles and moves a whisp of dark hair. "Very true." He is truly very happy his son looks like Sasuke in many ways.

Deidara coos softly at the bundle in his arms. He turns blue-grey eyes to Itachi. "Let's bring Sasuke and Naruto to see them, yeah." He's tired but happy. And really excited to see Sasuke's reaction to the two cuties.

So Itachi carefully hands Tsene to Shizune before texting Fugaku. He wants Sasuke to see them in person instead of just a picture.

Soon both boys are in the backseat of Fugaku's car. Ironically, this is the first time Naruto has met him and it's in a car on the way to the hospital. Naruto decides to try for conversation. "I really enjoyed my date with Sasuke to the zoo." That's a good start. Right?

Fugaku grunts. "If only he hadn't fought it so bad."

Naruto frowns and sees Sasuke flinch just a tiny bit. Oh…so Sasuke hadn't wanted to be mated either? A wave of protective instinct fills him and without thought he defends his wolf. "I didn't want to be mated either. Guess it really means we're made for each other. We can understand the hesitation." He feels Sasuke's dark eyes on him and he looks over to see a small thankful smile. It makes his heart swell to know he can protect his wolf. He himself didn't want it because he didn't want to be controlled. So he does wonder why Sasuke was opposed to it at first. Maybe they can talk about it sometime later. Bond a bit over it.

Fugaku goes quiet for a moment before sighing and just letting it go. It had probably been nerves and maybe he shouldn't have gone so hard on Sasuke before. He's definitely glad Itachi figured that mess out. Fugaku has never been good with emotions. That was Mikoto's specialty.

Naruto finally notices something though. "So…where is your mom?" Wouldn't he want to be here too?

"He died two years ago in a car accident." Sasuke gives a small smile to show Naruto he isn't upset at the question. "He would have liked you." He looks down when he feels a tan hand cover and squeeze his. He squeezes back.

Fugaku does agree with that. He glances in the review mirror and begins taking in the changes in Sasuke. The boy is more relaxed and happier. He finds himself noting some things he's never realized before. When has he last seen his youngest have such a carefree aura as Naruto chatters softly to him? Has he just really not paid attention? He figures Mikoto would have smacked him in the back of the head by now or something for taking so long to really notice their son.

It doesn't take long for them to be in the hallway outside Itachi and Deidara's room. While Sasuke and Naruto go in, Fugaku heads over to a chair. He decides to wait so as not to overwhelm Itachi. A new father is going to have issues letting other wolves near their pups or mate at this time. He should know. Sasuke won't be a problem, of that he's certain. But Fugaku's presence may set off some of his instincts. Especially with his latest actions. He also finds himself in need of some self-reflection.

Sasuke and Naruto go into the room and immediately over to the bed. Well, Sasuke pauses by the door until Itachi nods. The elder even gives a soft chuckle. It's very respectful for alphas to get permission during a time like this after all.

Naruto gasps as he looks at Tsene. "He looks like Sasuke! Oh that's so amazing." His eyes go to Itachi. "Doesn't he look like Sasuke?" His grin widens at the nod and he looks back to the baby. "So cute."

Sasuke looks to Haruki and gives his own soft smile. "He looks like the baby pictures of Deidara. He'll definitely be beautiful." Both he and Naruto jump slightly as Deidara begins crying, but definitely in joy. "So which is who?" He blushes a bit at how he put that.

Itachi just smiles. "This is Tsene, alpha. Deidara has Haruki, omega." Dark eyes move to Naruto. "Would you want to hold Tsene?"

Naruto's eyes widen and he gasps slightly. He never thought an alpha would hand over his newborn. At that thought he feels a shot of worry. "I've never held a baby…" He didn't want to mess this up. He wants good impressions on them.

Deidara hums softly. "I assure you. Your instincts will immediately know what to do, yeah. It's what happened to me when I first held an infant. I just knew."

When Naruto nods, Itachi gently hands the baby over. Naruto does in fact feel himself just know how to keep the baby safe and supported. "He really looks like you Sasuke." His voice is soft and blue eyes a bit teary. His mind supplies memories of when deciding if he and Sasuke would have cute kids. His gaze moves to lock with Sasuke's own. Perhaps it's his imagination but it looks like Sasuke may be thinking of that too. That makes him grin in excitement. One day they will definitely have kids. Well, if this works out of course.

Deidara's voice is soft. "Come Sasuke. Hold Haruki."

Itachi helps transfer the baby and soon Sasuke is holding the little fox carefully. "Hey Haruki. I'm your uncle Sasuke. You're going to be loved and protected by your brother. I can vouch for that." Black eyes look up to lock with Itachi's. "Your father definitely does it for me."

Itachi tears slightly and doesn't hide them. He is extremely proud of his children and his brother too.

-Next Day-

Neji looks up from his phone at a familiar scent. He puts it in his pocket and smiles at Shikamaru approaching. He's asked Shika to meet him outside Ichiraku for a very important conversation. He decides to get to business right away. "Deidara giving birth and Naruto furthering his meddling has caused me to come to the realization that I have not been honest with you or myself." He sees he has the wolf's full attention. "Shikamaru Nara. I'm asking if you will date me." He swallows and tries to remain completely calm.

Shikamaru gives a small smile. "Thank you. It took a bit longer than I expected but I knew you'd ask it." He nods. "I will." Those beautiful lips shift into a light smirk. "At least it gave me time to plan out our first date."

And Neji realizes he isn't surprised. "So what is it?"

Shikamaru chuckles. "I'll be doing something for you that few ever have." Apparently, he's going to use that as a hint. "I do hope you try to guess it."

Neji gives his own smirk. "Some mind play, hm? Kinky." The Nara then laughs and the sound is the most amazing thing Neji has ever heard. He clears his throat. "Is there a time frame?"

Shikamaru looks at his watch. "We can actually head there now. So you have the walk there to try to decipher it." The next fifteen minutes of walking are filled with guesses and light chatting.

Neji stops as he looks up at the sign. "A spa?" He turns eyes to Shikamaru who is calmly holding open the door. "Interesting choice." He goes in and follows Shikamaru to the counter. He can't help but perk his ears and blush lightly when he hears Shikamaru say,

"Shikamaru Nara. I have a reserved couple's massage on hold." Reserved? On hold? He really had thought about this for a while. And how much does that even cost?

The receptionist smiles and leads them to the room. Once there he points to two folded towels. "Please strip and cover yourself with a towel. Your two masseuse will be here soon." He bows and then leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

At Neji's hesitation, Shikamaru speaks up. "This place only hires betas and omegas." He raises a hand when Neji opens his mouth. "I know you can take care of yourself. But an alpha is still an alpha." Hence why his omega nature had made him wary.

Neji sighs but has to agree. There's always going to be alphas that can defeat him no matter what he does. He nods and they both go behind screens. "I didn't even know that a place like this exists. Maybe Konoha isn't as bad off as we think?" When they come out, they pause and look slowly over the bare skin. Neji can literally feel the approval and smirks. His own approval is allowed to show through. They both are lightly muscled. Neji knows that his own comes from his sparring lessons, but he wonders where Shikamaru got his. He's always napping or just relaxing. Seems he'll need to ask about it.

Soon the two beta masseuse come in and tell them to lie down on their stomachs. They rest their heads on their arms, facing each other. It doesn't take too long for Neji to find himself purring during it. He feels his cheeks heat up and he looks at the male next to him. Shikamaru's eyes are currently closed but Neji relaxes when he sees the wolf's tail gently wagging. It makes sense that even his tail is chill. This is Shikamaru after all. "So what did that hint mean?"

His eyes open and lock with Neji's, extreme intensity and caring in them. "It means that I will take care of your mental health. I'll always make sure you can relax when you need to. And also to remind you to slow down a little."

Neji nods and feels peace fill him. To know that Shikamaru has actually always felt like this makes him both extremely happy and extremely embarrassed to have taken so long to take the first step. He groans though as he realizes something. "Naruto is going to love this."

Shikamaru suddenly gets a playful look that causes the Hyuuga to raise a brow. "We can keep it hidden from them for a while. It would be troublesome if they get too excited too quickly."

Neji laughs. "Sounds good to me."

A soft smile is the answer. "I enjoy that laugh. I hope to bring it out more." He pauses. "Though Sasuke may figure it out."

Neji's ear flicks. "Really? How?"

Shikamaru shrugs. "He'll probably smell you on me and put it together. He'll also figure out that because we haven't said anything, we want it a secret. He won't rat us out."

At that Neji chuckles. "Interesting. Naruto already sucks at lying. This will just make it harder to hide his pranks."

Shikamaru has in fact witnessed Naruto trying to lie and completely agrees with him.

-Naruto's House-

Sasuke knocks on the door and looks up at the suddenly grey sky. He had been planning on taking Naruto to the park in order to talk about what they'll do during their next date. But during his walk over, the blue clear sky became cloudy and a light drizzle has started. It seems to be getting heavier by the minute too.

The door is opened to show Iruka smiling. "Oh hello Sasuke. Please come in." He steps to the side and allows the young wolf in. "How can we help you?" He doesn't remember Naruto having mentioned Sasuke coming over.

Sasuke clears his throat. "Well I just want to talk with Naruto for a little. We're still only just starting this after all." His hand gently moves to touch his wristband. "But it's raining…so…"

Iruka hums in thought. "Well you might as well stay here then. We trust you to be in his room." The elder fox raises a brow and crosses his arms. "Do not break that trust, young man."

Sasuke bows respectfully. "Yes sir. Thank you." He stands up and gives a small smile. He takes off his shoes and his jacket while Iruka turns towards the stairs.

"Naruto! Sasuke is here. Come on down."

A few seconds later, Naruto can be heard rushing down the stairs. Soon he's standing there and grinning excitedly. "He can come up, right?" When Iruka nods he grabs Sasuke's wrist and pulls him to his room. "What's up?" He flops into a froggy bean bag chair.

Sasuke takes a few moments just looking around him and taking in the strong Naruto scent. He has to clear his head quickly but luckily Naruto doesn't seem to notice. "I wanted to take you to the park but that won't happen. I want to talk about our possible next date."

Naruto grins. "Sure! We can just do that here. Thirsty or want a snack? Oh! How are Itachi and Deidara and Haruki and Tsene?"

Without missing a beat he answers calmly, "We're all fine. They're a bit fussy at times but other than that it's been a nice transition." He sits down on the bed. "So, I'm thinking that you can decide our next date."

This makes the fox blink. "Really?" He smiles at the nod. "I'm glad because Gaara is going to have Kiba go to a rock-climbing place and he invited us to a double date!"

It's Sasuke's turn to look surprised. "Wow. That…actually sounds pretty cool. I've never done that before." And he knows Kiba hasn't either. "So once we get confirmation from them, we'll figure out a time to do it. Sound good?"

Naruto nods, standing up to come over and sit beside him. "I really liked our last one." He looks to the stuffed animal Sasuke bought him. "And I'm glad we both decided to go to the park that day." He blushes and clears his throat. "But don't think I'm giving in just yet. You still have a lot to do to get me, Uchiha."

Sasuke laughs and gives Naru a kiss. "I'm up to the challenge."

Note: It's written! Yay! I have a good bit of the next chapter written/planned and I'm sure you guys will love it. I'll try to get it out sooner than this chapter but it just depends on what my health allows. Hope you liked this and leave me some chatter. Always makes me smile.