Author's Note: đťźđťź´, M/M, Mpreg, Mates, Limes & Lemons later on, so be forewarned.
Sasuke's POV
"I'm ready!" Kiba exclaimed, enthusiasm buzzing in his voice as he dramatically positioned both fingers in front of his face, mimicking a classic pose that we Shinobi often used during the transformation technique.
"Not here," I replied, my voice low and urgent, practically hissing to keep things discreet.
"Why not? No one's around, no one will see us," he countered, a grin spreading across his face as he scanned our surroundings.
As much as I disliked admitting it, he had a point. The secluded arena was indeed empty, hidden by the wall that surrounded us. "Fine, but hurry up," I relented, conceding the argument as I stepped back to give him space.
Using the transformation Jutsu was swift, but it always left the user with a bit of a disorienting feeling, as adjusting to a new size and weight wasn't something one did every day. It felt as though we were artists sculpting our bodies, molding ourselves like clay in a potter's hands into our intended forms. Thankfully, Kiba and I were close in height and weight, so it was not all that jarring.
When I glanced over at Kiba's newly transformed self, I couldn't help but observe my reflection, standing there with an aloof demeanor before breaking into a grin. "See? I've gotcha down to a T! And look at that handsome devil standing across from me," I heard my voice echo back at me, filled with a playful twist of mock admiration.
Kiba, however, wasn't done yet. "There's only one problem," he remarked, his keen senses kicking in as he sniffed the air. "You don't smell like me, and that's gonna be a dead giveaway." He paused for a moment, a mischievous look crossing my face before he began to shed his clothing. "My clothes should help mask the difference. Let's hurry and switch!"
Without hesitation, we quickly stripped off our layers, shedding everything down to our loincloths. It was a strange moment, and I was grateful that he didn't press me to swap said loincloths, because that would have initiated a fight. Instead, both of us quickly tossed our pants and robes back and forth, a lighthearted exchange that made the situation feel a little less awkward.
As I adjusted to the newfound sensations of having too much hair falling in my face, a tail, and giant ears sitting on top of my skull. This would have to be one of those peculiar burdens I had to carry in hopes of gaining privacy with Naruto. The weight of my new body parts was unfamiliar, yet strangely stimulating in its own way.
"There ya go, much better," he said, giving me an approving once-over as he crossed his arms, a smirk playing on my lips.
"Keep to the routine," I found myself insisting, the words sounding odd coming from my own mouth with his distinctive tone woven in.
"I gotcha," I heard my voice reply, accompanied by a playful wink that looked instinctive yet foreign.
I watched as he turned and walked away, mimicking my stride with surprising accuracy. It struck me just how closely he had observed me over the past couple of months, and I was taken aback by the depth of his study. I could only wonder what else he had noticed about me at that time.
Mimicking Kiba was surprisingly easier than I had anticipated. Much like Naruto, he exuded an air of randomness and spontaneity that made it simple to fall into his character.
As I stepped out of the arena, I made an effort to keep that goofy, carefree smile plastered across my face. To my surprise, maintaining this mask was more like a workout than I had imagined; it involved a lot of energy and focus! This reminded me of Shikamaru back home, much to my dismay, who would joke that I had a resting bitch face and needed to lighten up a little, so then I could appear more approachable, it felt hypocritical since he rarely smiled himself. Now thinking back on it maybe if I had taken his advice smiling would not have been such a struggle today.
As I wandered through the bustling crowd, I noticed a few of Kiba's relatives waving in my direction, their faces alight with camaraderie and mischief. One of them called out, "Where ya going, Kib? Come join ya kin for a drink!" The Kitsune's voice was playful, teasing me in that familiar, brotherly way.
Recalling that the kitsune dialect had its irregular contraction of words especially among the lower class and younger demons. While Kurama spoke like a noble, his grandson on the other hand shifted between both, according to who he was around. I quickly snapped from my reverie replying to the group with a, "Can't, gotta find Naruto." I felt my tail beginning to sway as if it had a mind of its own at the mention of the blonde's name.
They took note and a ripple of laughter spread through the group as they exchanged knowing glances. I felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck as one of them chuckled, "Give it a rest man. He's mated to his momo-kun remember." Their teasing and the use of that damn nickname stung more than I expected.
Before I could think better of it, the words shot from my lips, "Go fuck yourselves!" I turned to them, feeling a flash of irritation, causing them to raise their hands in an exaggerated show of surrender, eyes wide with mock disbelief. "We were just joking, geez," one of them managed to say between bursts of laughter.
Another voice chimed in, barely audible over the sound of their chuckling, "Somebody clawed out of the wrong side of the bed this mornin'."
I shrugged off their comments and quickened my pace, a mix of frustration and unease bubbling up inside me. This was not the ideal beginning to the day I had hoped for; it felt like everything was starting on the wrong foot.
As I stepped into Naruto's bedroom, the familiar clutter of his personal space greeted me, but the absence of him was disheartening. I had already scoured every corner of the village, every alley, every nook, hoping to catch a glimpse of his noticeable blonde hair or vibrant orange outfit.
I left scratching my head. I did not attend to stay in Kiba's form for long, but it looked like that was becoming the case. I had grown to loath having a tail attached to my body, it was similar to having an overly sensitive appendage exposed to the elements. Every bump and brush caused a shiver to creep down my spine even the air made it feel as though a thousand needles were pricking it. The shape of my ears made my hearing impeccable but they had their share of flaws, high pitch sounds were like a shock to the system. Needless to say, I wanted to change back as quickly as possible.
Even as I exited Naruto's home I was being greeted by more of Kiba's kin. Once again I was invited to have a drink, but I had declined in the best Kiba way I could.
Just as I was about to go on the search again, a voice cut through my thoughts, pausing me in my tracks. "Hello there!" I turned, confused for a moment until I realized the voice was referring to me.
"Hey?" I responded, slightly taken aback what was this my third time being stopped? It seemed Kiba had garnered quite the reputation for being popular; everyone seemed to know him and go out of their way to speak with him. We were opposites in that aspect.
"You were looking for Naruto, right?" This Kitsune had short and wild chestnut-colored hair with a close-set gaze, her tone casual but with an underlying seriousness.
"Yeah…" My brow furrowed in confusion as I felt a sense of unease settle in.
"He's been on a rampage, throwing things and crying! He and his mate got into a massive argument right in the middle of the village! Our Prince punched him! Right in the face so hard that the half-breed started wailing like a dying sea urchin. I haven't had entertainment this good in years. It was hilarious Kib I wish you were there to see it !" She chuckled as if it were a casual joke.
My heart dropped; this was not just some friendly spat. It was clear that whatever had gone down was serious. I should have known not to trust Kiba. What the hell did that damn moron say to Naruto while pretending to be me! I wanted to tear him limb from limb! By this point, I was going to kill him with my bare hands when I saw him, but now was not the time for murder. I needed to find my future spouse first and rectify the situation that damn demon had caused.
"Where is he?" I did not attend for a rush of panic to seep into my voice, as my stomach began to twist into knots. "Ya sure you want to see 'em? I don't think that's a good idea."She said but then her eyes rolled back as if she caught the sweet aroma of something. She started to sniff the air between us, forcing me to regain control of my emotions. "Please," I urged through gritted teeth.
The brunette seemed to snap out of it and spoke, "he ran off in that direction." She pointed behind her with an exaggerated gesture, and without another word, I bolted away, my mind racing with worry.
Just before I fled, I heard her call out, her voice laced with playful concern, "Maybe there's a chance for ya after all kiiib!" But that was the least of my worries; finding Naruto and making sure he was okay took precedence.
It felt as though I had been sprinting for hours, my legs pounding against the earth as I followed the direction where she had indicated. Finally, I stumbled into a serene clearing, and there he was. He sat hunched down, knees pulled tightly to his chest as if trying to shield himself from the world. His ears drooped low, oblivious to my approach, so I crept closer until my shadow enveloped him like a dark blanket.
"Go away," he muttered, his voice breaking, still not lifting his gaze from the ground.
In a moment of unexpected boldness, I slid behind him, settling down and gently pulling him into my lap until his tail was pressed flush against my abdomen. The sudden contact startled him, causing his head and ears to snap up in alarm.
"Oy, what the hell is your problem!" He screeched, squirming in a futile attempt to escape, probably thinking it was Kiba holding him.
"I like you as a friend, nothing more," he admitted. To my surprise, laughter burst forth from my lips, uncontrollable and infectious, and I found myself rolling backward onto the ground in a fit of laughter, freeing him from my grasp.
Swiftly, Naruto had leaped into a defensive stance. "I'm sorry, Kiba, you're my best friend, and I don't want to lose ya, but—" His voice trailed off, uncertainty hanging in the air.
By then, I had a hand over my gut, feeling the ache from laughter. I glanced at him, noticing a flash of genuine concern in his expression, perhaps believing that Kiba had finally lost his mind. But to me, it was a wave of relief washing over my being.
As I managed to regain my composure, I gasped out, "I'm not Kiba!" Instantly, laughter surged through me again, bubbling up until I could hardly breathe. I don't know why I found this so humorous maybe it was his reaction towards who he perceived to be Kiba and the way he recoiled from my touch.
"You're not… what?" he asked, his confusion evident.
Feeling the familiar pull of my body re-aligning itself, I shifted back to my true form, revealing to him that it was not Kiba who had invaded his personal space. I watched as his eyes widened with shock.
"Wait, what the hell? Why would you?!" His voice climbed in pitch, disbelief coloring his tone.
"We switched," I explained, the words spilling out. "I was tired of being shadowed by your kin. They won't let us have a moment alone. So, I asked that idiot to pretend to be me, and look how well that turned out?" I said while muttering the last part under my breath.
I saw him turn his head, as if scanning the woods around us, the tension easing slightly. "Perfect if ya ask me. We're alone, aren't we?"
I sat up, astonished by his calm acceptance. He had a point.
"Guess I have to take back all those cruel things I said," I admitted, the weight of my earlier thoughts settling in. Kiba was more clever than I gave him credit for.
I watched as he smiled softly, settling beside me as the last remnants of tension faded. "Guess so. What's had you so distant lately?"
I gently draped my arm over his shoulders, pulling him into an embrace that felt warm and reassuring. As I pressed closer, I felt his arms wrap around my midriff, holding me tightly. The comfort of his presence enveloped me, yet beneath that comfort, a cyclone of emotions churned inside.
I tried to push those thoughts away. It was not a sign of weakness to express one's thoughts and feelings. I had to continually remind myself of this until the day came when I wouldn't need to say it anymore."This is all new to me this experience of growing a family together," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.
The weight of my beliefs still pressed heavily on my chest as I continued, "I learned at a young age that nothing in life is permanent. Everything is fleeting, and that realization has shaped how I view the world today. For a long time, I grappled with the question what is the point? And now, here I am with you, and the thought of losing you or our baby terrifies me beyond measure."
He looked at me with a mixture of concern and curiosity, urging me to continue. "Can you tell me about your past?" he asked gently. I could feel this gloom creeping inside my chest, so Mito had erased the conversation we had right before he found out about my brother's death.
Taking a deep breath, once again, I began to unravel the tapestry of my childhood, the shadows that loomed over my early years. I recounted the bitter betrayal of my brother, a wound that had never fully healed. Even in the retelling of my clan's massacre it still felt like a specter haunting my every memory.
I shared how my pursuit of revenge consumed me and how it turned me into someone I barely recognized. In the throes of that final war, when all hope seemed lost, my brother confronted me. It was in those fraught moments that he revealed that he never stopped caring for me and expressed genuine remorse for his actions.
Yet his regret came too late; he was dying, and in his final moments, he craved a twisted form of atonement. He wanted me to be the one to end his life, perhaps as a way to cleanse the darkness that had festered between us, though he did not make our fight easy. He outclassed me in skills and abilities, but a moment of hesitation on his part allowed me to gain the upper hand, whether intentional or not.
I remembered the fury that had fueled my every action in those days, how I had been blinded by rage. The moment I took my vengeance should have brought me peace, but instead, it left me feeling emptier than I had before.
I thought that letting go of my hate would lead to liberation, but it only plunged me deeper into numbness. Even now, when I stood before him, I was still haunted by that question. Why had he betrayed our clan? Why had he chosen that path? The answers continued to elude me, leaving a void that was both painful and familiar.
I felt Naruto's arms gradually tighten around me, enveloping me in a warm embrace that seemed to ward off the chill of the evening air. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
I looked down at him, a puzzled expression crossing my face. "For what?" I asked a hint of curiosity lacing my words.
"For letting me in," he replied, his gaze steady and sincere. The weight of his words hung in the air between us, and I suddenly realized a sense of lightness washing over me, as if a burden had been lifted. We lingered in the clearing, lost in a moment that felt both fleeting and infinite, sharing our thoughts on the mundane, yet it was when he broke the silence that I sensed a shift.
"Why do you get mad whenever I call you momo-kun?" he questioned, his tone playful yet probing.
My lips pressed together, forming a thin line as his deep blue eyes searched mine, filled with unspoken questions. A decision stirred within me, and I decided to delve into the depths of his memories.
"Tell me, what do you remember about us?" I asked, my voice steady, but the uncertainty of his response sent a chill through me.
His head jerked back, surprised by my sudden inquiry, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "What is it you want to know?" he replied, a hint of a snicker escaping his lips.
"Everything," I urged, an earnestness fostering between us.
"Oh, uh, okay," he responded, nodding slowly, confusion settling in his brow. Yet, in his eyes, I saw a glimmer of acceptance, perhaps a realization that I wanted to know his perspective of me through his memories. As he began to recount the story of our unusual meeting, the air between us thickened with nostalgia.
I found myself eagerly absorbing his unfiltered perception, which unveiled the complex merge of memories that defined the bond he shared with both me and my brother. Each word he spoke resonated deeply, causing me to draw striking parallels between his account of events involving Itachi and him. And the ones involving me and him.
In his vivid retelling, he painted a scene rich with emotion, starkly different from what he said when I tried prying last time. He described our meeting by the waterfall, not as a confrontation but as an awe-inspiring moment where we discovered each other's existence for the first time.
He depicted his feelings of pure astonishment blended with curiosity and intrigue upon encountering his first human. He mentioned how vulnerable he felt talking to me stark naked. He was grateful when I wrapped my cloak around him, which struck me with a sense that my brother must have felt a connection and protection that could only come from such a profound introduction if he lent him his prized cloak.
Naruto was right from the last time he told me, the uncanny similarities between our experiences became increasingly evident in his retelling. That night, while he had engaged in playful dialogue with my brother Itachi, my own memory on the other hand was that of sparring with the blonde which had flooded back to a playful competition marked by spirited energy. Each moment mirrored the other; just as he had once sat in conversation in the same spot, I had experienced the exhilaration of our playful spar, revealing our individual ways of connecting with him at the waterfall.
As he continued his tale, an unexpected theme emerged: he and Itachi had crossed paths serendipitously, much like how I had stumbled upon Naruto. Both of us felt drawn to the water's edge where he was, entranced like moths flitting toward a flame, as we watched the blonde swim.
Naruto recounted the time I unveiled my home to him, describing it as a vibrant place full of color and heightened emotions an experience he would never forget. Each thread of my life woven into our shared story created this kaleidoscope of memories.
He captured the essence and scents of Konoha and the joyous moments 'we' shared during the Lunar Festival. A celebration, to him that was filled with excitement, music, and vibrant traditions.
I recalled that particular festival vividly because it had been the first in the last 15 years, the same age my teammates and I were back then. Sakura had asked me to join her, but I had chosen to sleep in that night, drawn by a yearning for solace. Yet, the thought of my brother and Naruto being in Konoha that night filled me with unease.
It made me wonder: what if I had crossed paths with Naruto at that moment, would there have been a spark between us? Would I have felt that same magnetic pull back at the waterfall, or would the bitterness of revenge still have clouded my judgment, driving me to attack my brother instead?
The final shinobi war was characterized by its unpredictability, marked by ebbs and flows rather than a straightforward timeline. There were fleeting moments of truce, brief respites where our humanity surfaced amid the turmoil.
I remember that particular time clearly, our village had collectively decided to embrace the Lunar Festival that year as a means to reclaim a fragment of normalcy amid chaos. They told us it was a time of laughter and joy to momentarily drown out the glooms of warfare, and allow us to connect as we had before the storm had broken over us. I remember seeing Rock Lee and Sakura gleefully embracing at the news, while many of my peers sought comfort in each other's arms. Cheerful shouts and excited dancing erupted in the streets of Konoha that morning, with confetti and streamers thrown everywhere, blanketing the ground. I reflected on the sensation of Kakashi Sensei casually draping his arm over our shoulders, asking if we had outfits for the festival.
I recalled our Hokage declaring that she wanted this festival to serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there could be glimmers of light and hope.
That same night Sakura returned but this time she was not alone, Rock Lee, and Kakashi-sensei were with her. They stood outside my door, their excitement evident as they were all dressed in vibrant festival attire. The colorful fabrics and cheerful decorations contrasted sharply with my mood.
They urged me to join them, eager for me to experience the fun and festivities that the festival brought to our village. But at that moment, I couldn't see things their way. To me, it felt like just another interruption, a nuisance to be endured.
With a frustrated sigh, I reacted impulsively, slamming the door firmly in their faces. The sound echoed in the quiet hallway as I retreated to my room, cringing at the memory of my behavior. I couldn't help but feel like an asshole for treating my companions that way. Their intentions were pure, they were worried about me and just wanted to share a memorable moment before we were forced to fight again, while I had shut them out without a second thought. I should have gone.
He continued to relay his tale. He mentioned the kiss we shared right after the festival on the mountaintop, his cheeks flushing softly from the memory. I could not help but wonder if Naruto had been both mine and my brother's first kiss, which I did not want to think about at this time, but occasionally my mind love to torture me.
Naruto said after the kiss, I declared my decision to choose a side of the war. Because of him, I wanted to atone for the pain I caused...
That must have been the day Kakashi-sensei informed us that the Hokage had received intelligence regarding an imminent attack from Sunagakure (Suna). The intel indicated that Suna was not going to honor the existing truce and planned to launch an assault on our designated day of respite. Initially, I questioned the reliability of this information; however, it ultimately proved to be accurate and played a crucial role in preventing further casualties. This incident raised questions about the source of the intelligence. However now it became clear who was behind it and that realization stirred up an internal conflict inside of me. Can one action outweigh another?
I was particularly drawn back to Naruto as he continued.
This was followed by weeks of my absence and still, he said he waited for me, but this time when I returned I told him another war was imminent, so he decided to take me home with him no matter the consequences.
However, I had shown him another way where I had morphed into a crow, an image that was reminiscent of my brother Itachi. He described how he had guided me into the village, and gave me the tour before leading me to his room.
At that moment, I felt a rush of dread mixed with anxiety, especially when he revealed how close we had gotten to lovemaking, but his grandfather had caught us in the act. Naruto believed that it was Deidara who might have told his grandfather about the new pet he brought to his village which led to us being discovered.
I smirked at the thought of them getting interrupted by Kurama, and deep down I was grateful for Deidara's big mouth. Naruto said his grandfather had engaged me in a lengthy discussion before I made my hasty exit. Naruto never found out what was discussed. Unbeknownst to my brother or I should say me, the blonde had kept searching for me for the past two and a half years, but this time I never returned to our spot. I knew by then that was most likely around the time I had killed Itachi.
He said but then I had reappeared after three years sneaking in my assassin gear and culminating in a challenge as one of the competitors for his hand at the arena, where we were reunited. He mentioned the fun we had at the dinner and how I oh, so effortlessly fit in with his kin. Never judging or questioning their ceremony just accepting and understanding and that night he wanted nothing more than to be with me. His cheeks reddened and I could tell he was reminiscing about that night.
"I think I came off a little too eager," he said with a nervous chuckle.
"I'm not complaining," I replied with a smirk and a wink I had just seen Kiba do earlier that day in my body, watching as the blonde's complexion turned a bright red.
I could admit that night was euphoric and filled with an intense passion and it being our first time it was one that still plagued my mind; an experience that did not disappoint. If I had known a baby could come from it I would have probably pushed harder for marriage. However, in the words of Jiraiya what's done can't be undone.
Once Naruto finished his retelling. It became evident to me that Mito had woven her influence through his memories, creatively erasing the confrontation I had shared with Naruto in the woods and at my apartment. It also clarified that my brother and Naruto never got the chance to bond in the way I thought they might have, which made me release a breath I never knew I was holding this entire time.
Curiosity tugged at me, prompting me to ask, "Where did the nickname come from?"
He raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his face. "You don't remember?"
I shook my head, my heart racing as I anticipated his answer.
"I was so mad at you! You made me wait forever to return and grab your cloak. I was starving and completely cranky," he said, his tone light and teasing, a playful lilt in his voice.
A thought crossed my mind, and I said, "Did my bro—uh, did I give you a nickname too?"
"Yeah," he replied, a broad smile breaking across his features, "It's Kiiro HonĹŤ."
"Yellow flame," I echoed, unable to suppress a small laugh. Despite my usual reluctance to acknowledge it, there was something about that name that suited him perfectly.
I realized at that moment how much my brother and I had in common; we both held a soft spot for him. We did not notice the time until the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow that danced off his golden locks, I felt our inexplicable bond growing stronger. We sat in silence me watching him intently. He did look like a yellow flame and I was utterly captivated. As he watched the sunset a small smile played at his lips.
In the moment it was Naruto who broke the silence.
"But now, it feels like 'Momo-kun' doesn't quite fit you anymore," he mused, stroking a finger thoughtfully under his chin.
"Why, am I not sweet enough?" I responded, my voice playfully lilted.
"It's not that," he replied, his expression earnest and warm. "You are my Kokoro-chan."
"I'm your heart," I said softly, feeling a flutter in my chest at the passion in his words.
"Yes," he affirmed, his eyes locking onto mine with a depth that made it difficult to breathe.
A radiant smile broke across my face, one that felt impossibly wide, and I couldn't suppress it any longer. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered joy one I wished to savor for as long as I could.
"I believe it's time for your grandfather to give us his marriage blessing," I suggested. My pulse was racing, I was not willing to take no for an answer this time. Kurama did not like me, this I knew for certain, and I worried he might find a way to keep me away from Naruto and my child.
"You're right," he replied, determination flickering in his blue eyes as he jumped to his feet and extended his hand towards me. "I've waited long enough, and I don't want to delay this any longer."
I took his hand, feeling its warmth envelop mine, as I stood. A rush of fearlessness surged through me. Together, we started our journey back to his village, our fingers entwined like the roots of an ancient tree, unyielding. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew we would face them side by side, joined together. I was his heart and he was my home.