Chapter 4

When Sasuke awoke the next morning he had thought last night had all been a dream. But when he arrived at the his parent's palace later that evening for dinner Naruto had given him a longing look when no one was paying attention. It thrilled him. It proved that everything that had happened the previous night was real and not a figment of his imagination. The next couple of days went on in quiet bliss, whenever Sasuke could get Naruto alone he'd shower the blond with pent up affection. They were secret lovers in every sense of the word except their touching only went as far as kissing, but Sasuke didn't mind as long as he could have Naruto's willing, soft lips against his he was happy.

Naruto sighed as he lolled his head on his silk pillow. It was so early that the morning sun hadn't even graced the sky with light yet. It was the time of morning that Naruto would've usually been sleeping but lately it had been difficult to remain asleep. He couldn't sleep at all because all he could think about was Sasuke.

"Another restless night, master?" Konan emerged from the shadows. She was already dressed for the day ahead, as always Konan's early state of dress made Naruto wonder if his handmaiden even slept at all.

"I had another one of those dreams." Naruto whispered, fearful of speaking his shameful state too loud. He knew it was ridiculous; there weren't many people in Fire Country who would've been able to understand the language he was speaking even if they were to hear him.

"Again?" Konan smiled softly, "Don't be ashamed master, it's perfectly normal for a boy your age to have such dreams. I'll run the bath for you, don't worry." Konan set to work on preparing Naruto's bath as she had done every morning for the past few days.

Naruto buried his face in the pillows as he waited for the tub to fill. The stickiness between his legs made him feel gross. He could feel his thighs sticking together, it was like someone had spread honey on both of them and then stuck them together.

"The bath is ready, master." Konan announced.

Naruto carefully got out of bed. His juban was sticking to the inside of his thighs where the sticky substance was gathered. It clung to him in the most unpleasant manner imaginable. It always made him feel itchy. He sighed gratefully when Konan took the scratchy juban off of him. She put it into a bin along with his soiled sheets. Naruto shivered as the chilly morning air prickled his skin.

"It's cold." Naruto whined. He craned his head around to the side of the room where he could see the land outside the palace through the slit of the heavy draped curtains. "I'm surprised it's not snowing."

Konan swiftly dashed to the drapes and closed them completely so that the small slit was gone. "We can't have anyone accidentally getting a peek at the master's body now can we?" Konan shook her head disappointingly like a mother would to her misbehaving child, "Now, let's get you in the tub, you're shivering like a little frozen kitten." Konan grabbed Naruto's hand and helped him into the enormous tub.

Naruto let out a satisfied moan when the warm water enveloped his body. The water was infused with oils that were meant to heal the body and was scented with jasmine so that the water smelled sweet. There were bushels of lavender floating around in the heated water; Konan used these as sponges to wash Naruto's delicate skin.

"Raise your arm.",/em> Konan said calmly. Naruto mechanically raised his arm so Konan could scrub his armpit. They were both accustomed to the humdrum routine of bathing, Konan would utter an order and Naruto would follow. It had been this way ever since Konan had been appointed Naruto's handmaiden when Naruto was five and she was seventeen.

"Other arm." Konan ordered. Naruto complied and stretched his arm up.

Naruto relaxed into the soothing bath water as Konan went to work on the rest of his body. He tried to focus his thoughts away from the person that had caused his messy state.

Sasuke.

Just thinking his name made Naruto's cheeks burn red.

"Open your legs master so I can scrub away the evidence of your nightly dreams." Konan submerged her hands deeper into the tub and attempted to pry Naruto's thighs open but was harshly pushed away.

"I-I'll do it!" Naruto grabbed one of the floating lavender garlands and hastily scrubbed between his thighs.

"Master, don't be ridiculous. I'll wash you." Konan smiled wistfully at Naruto's abnormal behavior. She tried to part Naruto's thighs again but this time was stopped by Naruto screaming.

"I said I'd do it!" Naruto cried. An embarrassed blush graced his wet cheeks as he looked down. Konan's ministrations on his thighs reminded him too much of his shameful dream with Sasuke.

"But I always do it, master." Konan said astonished.

"I know but," Naruto sat up to regain his composure, "I'm not a little boy anymore, I'll be mated soon. It's time I start washing intimate areas myself."

"Very well then, I'll respect my masters wishes." Konan frowned, "Despite these dreams you've been having I was still in denial of master growing up but now it feels real. You are no longer my little boy."

"Don't be sad Konan, I'll still need you, I just wont need you for everything." Naruto smiled warmly. His embarrassment slowly drifted away as the bath wore on.

"Are you ready for me to dress you, master?" Konan murmured after some time passed by.

"Mhmm." Naruto hummed. With Konan's help he rose out of the now lukewarm water.

Konan draped a fluffy white towel over Naruto's trembling shoulders. She dried him off and made sure to let Naruto dry his intimate areas by himself. After he was no longer dripping wet Konan tied a silk robe around Naruto so she could comb and dry his hair. Once his hair was dried and styled Konan went to the closet and took out a Kimono. The heavy weight of the fabric made her arms shake as she carried it and set it out on a chair beside Naruto.

"Black?" Naruto scrunched his nose in distaste at the depressing color of the kimono, "Itachi-san said he doesn't care what color I wear, I don't wanna wear that color today." Naruto pouted when Konan didn't even budge which meant that she wasn't going to take the Kimono back and bring a new one.

"This is the only winter Kimono you have that's clean right now. It's cold today, I don't want master to catch a cold in this frigid weather."

Konan unwrapped the fiery orange fox fur around the collar of the Kimono so she could begin the long and tedious process of dressing Naruto but out of nowhere a quiet knock sounded at the wooden door.

Konan set the kimono down and looked at Naruto for permission to go answer the door. The action was useless since they both knew Konan would answer it anyways.

"Go ahead." Naruto murmured. It was probably a maid. He yawned and waited for Konan to send the maid away.

"What are you doing here?" Konan gasped, "This is hardly the appropriate time for you to visit my master."

"Shush, if you keep on hollering like that someone might hear you." A familiar deep voice commanded quietly.

Naruto felt his heartbeat quicken at the mere sound of the voice. He knew exactly whom that alluring voice belonged to.

"Sasuke!" Naruto exclaimed happily.

"There you are." Sasuke's lips blossomed into a breathtaking smile. It went right to Naruto's heart, quickening his poor heart even more. He had never seen Sasuke this early in the day. The muted sunlight made Sasuke's pale skin look almost ethereal. Naruto knew Sasuke was an alpha but his features were as pretty as an omega's.

"What are you doing here so early in the morning?" Naruto whispered, still in disbelief that Sasuke was standing in his room. The only place they were ever alone for a prolonged period of time was during the night in the clearing when they trained.

"I came to see you of course." Sasuke laughed like it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Why? Don't tell me you're not happy to see me?" Sasuke faked a pout. The exaggerated pout looked ridiculous on Sasuke's handsome regal face, it instantly made Naruto laugh.

"Of course I'm happy that Sasuke came to see me." Naruto smiled shyly. Sasuke was too pretty, no matter what silly face he made he was still gorgeous. Just being near Sasuke gave Naruto butterflies.

"I'm happy that I came too," Sasuke trailed his eyes over Naruto's body, which was still only covered by a thin white silk robe. "It's an honor to see you disrobed, I can only imagine how many others wished they'd get a glance at you like this." Sasuke sidestepped around Konan and walked to stand right in front of Naruto's sitting form. Naruto blushed, suddenly feeling hot underneath Sasuke's smoldering gaze. "Seeing you like this is reminding me of that time in the pond when your juban was all wet and-"

"Lord Uchiha!" Konan cleared her throat. "My patience is very thin today, I don't appreciate you putting my master in danger by being careless like this. If you have no urgent reason to see him then I have to ask you to leave."

"Calm yourself Konan," Sasuke chuckled at the feisty handmaiden, "I was joking, I didn't come here just to get a glimpse of Naruto although I'm glad I was able to see him like this. I've actually come to deliver a message from my brother."

"I don't believe you." Konan narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why would he send you, especially this early in the morning? Why are you even here, you usually only come during the evenings." Konan turned to Naruto, "Master I advise you to send him away at once, someone might see him! This is dangerous, look at his eyes, he has lecherous thoughts on his mind, it'd be wise to send him away before he can act on those impulses!" Konan spoke urgently.

"Tsk, tsk. Konan," Sasuke shook his head disappointingly, he crossed his arms and looked down at her as if she were a misbehaving child. "Did you forget that I could understand your language? Or do you speak this rudely about every royal you meet?" Sasuke smirked when Konan gaped in shock. She bowed in apology. It was a sarcastic bow and they both knew she didn't mean it. "I'll admit I do have 'lecherous' thoughts but that isn't why I came here. I'm telling the truth, Itachi really did send me. He wants Naruto to accompany us and some other royals on a ride through the forest later this morning. I wouldn't be here this early if my brother hadn't personally asked me to go on this ride with him. So, Naruto will you come with us?"

"Yes!" Naruto shouted excitedly, "I'll go!" Stars twinkled in Naruto's eyes at the possibility of spending more time with Sasuke. Sasuke chuckled. Naruto was so cheerful, he really was pure.

Konan sighed. "Are you sure Master? It's very cold out today. If you go riding in this type of weather your cheeks will burn from the freezing cold wind."

"I'm sure, especially since Sasuke will be there." Naruto beamed.

"Heh, I knew you'd say yes."

"Okay if that's all you may leave now lord Uchiha. Even though Itachi-sama asked you to come here it's still highly inappropriate for you to be here while my master is undressed."

"You're right, I guess I'll be going. I'll see you later Naruto."

Before Sasuke could leave Naruto tugged on the hem of Sasuke's hakama.

Sasuke smirked, already knowing what Naruto wanted. He leaned down and kissed Naruto's waiting lips. A goodbye kiss had become one of their new habits. Sasuke didn't pull away until that delicious sweet scent begun to permeate the air. If Naruto got too aroused then the intoxicating aroma could potentially attract Itachi, which was why Sasuke always stopped the kiss when he smelled Naruto's excitement. It was difficult since every part of him was telling him to keep going but he couldn't risk it. Even though he now knew that Konan was actually on Naruto's side he couldn't try anything when she was around, she was still fiercely protective of Naruto and even if he could get around Konan and find a way to contain Naruto's scent so that it didn't attract Itachi, Sasuke couldn't claim Naruto's virginity because no matter how much he wished it, it didn't belong to him.

"I'll see you later, wear something warm." Sasuke kissed Naruto's lips once more then left.

Konan exhaled tiredly. "I'll draw another bath for you master, this time I'll make sure it's cold."

Naruto blushed and nodded. The stiffness between his legs had unfortunately also become a new habit as well.

"Ah, it's so windy, it's the perfect day for a ride through the country, I'm so happy you invited us Itachi-san." Ino stretched her slender arms as the cold wind blew her hair lazily behind her.

"You call this perfect weather?" Kiba snorted, amused by the princess's dumb words, "It's freezing out here! The flowers in your hair are practically icicles!"

"Whatever, I don't care!" Ino glared, "Any weather is perfect riding weather! My father would've never let me go horse riding if it hadn't been Itachi-san who invited me! So excuse me if I'm not being too picky about how cold it is dog-breath!"

"Yeah, being a royal submissive is nice but it's almost impossible to do things like this, my father wasn't going to let me come either until I told him that Itachi-san invited me personally. Plus today really is the perfect day for a horse ride since the Hyūga's aren't here to start drama!" Ten-ten added cheerfully. Despite her positive words her signature two buns were tied lower than normal in an attempt to shield her sensitive ears from the bitter wind.

"Hey, its not all of the Hyuga's, Hinata-chan is an angel! It's just her crazy brother!" Kiba barked angrily at the Temura clan heir. "You submissives should stop complaining and be grateful you're getting to come along with us dominants on our ride."

"Shut your mouth you dog! You should be grateful Itachi-san even invited a low level royal like you! You've been annoying me all morning long so shut up already!" Ino hollered.

"Learn your damn place! You can learn a thing or two about how to be a submissive from Hinata-chan!" Kiba bellowed in return.

"Haha, that's funny." Ino laughed dryly, "That boring princess can teach me nothing! You on the other hand can learn plenty from a dominant like Itachi-san!"

"So troublesome," Shikamaru yawned, his sleepy eyes remained half lidded as he spoke, "Can we get this horse ride over with already? It's cold."

"Fine," Ino glared, "so how are we doing this? Us submissives don't own horses, we're going to have to ride with one of the dominants." Ino's eyes widened in realization, "I'll be the one to ride with Itachi-san!" Ino's crush for the Uchiha brothers was well known. She was in love with both Sasuke and Itachi. She favored Itachi a little bit more due to his future king status.

"Shouldn't Naruto-kun ride with Itachi-san though?" Ten-ten asked confused. "He is Itachi-sans betrothed after all."

"It's okay Ten-ten-chan I'll just ride with another dominant, maybe Sasuke-kun can ride with me?" Naruto said quickly. He glanced hopefully at Sasuke then flitted his eyes away.

"Sasuke-kun is my husband, he will be riding with me!" Sakura yelled. She was offended at the mere thought that another submissive would ride with her husband. Especially if that submissive was Naruto. His comment about she and Sasuke not being "mates" still bothered her.

"You're pregnant, you can't ride a horse!" Ino cackled, "you might fall and lose your precious baby or have you forgotten that you're pregnant even though you take every chance you can to remind us?"

"Hmph," Sakura glared snidely at Ino, "If I can't ride with Sasuke-kun then no one else can! Naruto can ride with Itachi-san or even his dominant older sister Karin! He can ride with anyone else but my Sasuke-kun!"

"Sakura quiet yourself." Itachi commanded as he ran his hand through his hair, the irritating expression on Itachi's face was noticed only by Sasuke who knew his brother better than anyone else. It had been there all morning, he didn't know why his brother proposed this ride and invited all these people when they both knew Itachi had very little patience for things of this nature. "I think it's a good idea for Naruto and my brother to ride together," Sakura along with everyone else on the dirt road gaped, shocked by Itachi's declaration, "This is the perfect way for my brother to get over his childish dislike for my betrothed, isn't that right, Sasuke?"

Sasuke nodded awkwardly. His dislike for Naruto had withered away years ago. He was surprised that his brother was still oblivious to that fact. Was this the reason for Itachi's odd request to go for a ride? It was all a farce so that he and Naruto could "get along"? If so then Sasuke felt bad. His brother was dealing with people he disliked just so he and Naruto could develop a civil relationship. It was unnecessary since he already loved Naruto but he couldn't tell Itachi that.

"Ino will be riding with me, Naruto will ride with my little brother, Ten-ten will ride with Kiba and Shikamaru and Karin you may both ride alone or together, whatever you desire."

"I'll ride alone." Karin stared at the half asleep brown haired Nara dominant. "There's no honor in riding with another alpha, especially one so unspectacular like him."

"Bothersome." Shikamaru muttered as he mounted his brown horse. "Let's just get this over with already." Karin's insult seemed to not even faze Shikamaru. His ability to disassociate was impenetrable.

"Yes, let's. The day is young and I still want to spend as much of it as I can with my betrothed after this." Itachi agreed.

"If you wish to spend more time with Naruto then you'd have to start spending the nights with him as well, brother. You're practically with him every second of the day." Sasuke joked. He tried to not sound bitter over the fact that Itachi was always with Naruto. Naruto did belong to Itachi so he had every right to but still; his brother's words bothered him. Wasn't having Naruto all day good enough? Sasuke would've loved to have his love alone for at least one hour in the day. He brushed the bitterness away and mounted his black steed.

"Every second of the day isn't enough," Itachi wrapped his arms around Naruto's waist and pulled him against his body. "My inner beast craves Naruto at every moment, I need him by my side from the moment I wake up to the moment I close my eyes at night."

Ino glared at Naruto's blushing face. "You're a lucky submissive for Itachi-san to love you so much." Ino snubbed. "Just know that there's thousands of other submissives in the world who'd kill to be in your place and have Itachi-sans love."

"I know." Naruto looked down guiltily. His blue eyes quickly darted to Sasuke who was up on his horse pretending to ignore the scene between Naruto and Itachi. "I'll do my best to make sure that Itachi-san's love for me isn't wasted."

"Bothersome." Shikamaru muttered.

"Is that all you know how to say!?" Sakura belted.

The royal heirs laughed.

"No, I can say many more things, I just choose not to."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Are you always this dry and boring?"

"Only to you, princess."

The royals fell into another laughing fit. Even Itachi grinned in amusement. When everyone had finished laughing they began to mount their horses. Itachi picked Naruto up and sat him down sideways on Sasuke's horse so that he was sitting pressed against Sasuke's chest.

"Take care of my betrothed, little brother." Itachi rubbed the shiny black fabric of Naruto's kimono as he spoke, "I'm only allowing this because I want you to build a positive relationship with Naruto, view this ride as bonding time."

Sasuke ignored the guilt that Itachi's naive words brought out of him, "Understood, brother. I'll take care of Naruto as if were Kaguya herself." It wasn't farfetched; Naruto was Sasuke's little sun god.

Itachi nodded then gestured for Naruto to bend down.

"Have fun, I'll be thinking of you." Itachi kissed Naruto's cheek.

Naruto blushed. "And I you, Itachi-san."

After that Itachi mounted his own horse with Ino in front of him. Sakura yelled one more declaration of love for Sasuke and then the royals set off for their ride through the forest. The trail the royals rode was a peculiar one. It was long and twisted about at odd angles. The rode had many little sub paths that broke apart and then converged in the middle. Because of this oddity, many of the royals wound up on separate paths.

"I think we're lost." Naruto stated happily. He was in a joyous mood. He and Sasuke had been riding alone for the past ten minutes, which meant they were completely out of the public eye.

"I think you're right." Sasuke grinned. He slowed his horse down to a lazy trot and then hugged Naruto closer to him. He fingered the spot on Naruto's beautiful black kimono where his brother had touched earlier. A small part of Sasuke's mind was telling him to get rid of the scent Itachi had left behind on Naruto. He was feeling territorial even though Naruto was far from being his territory.

"I want to kiss you." Sasuke stated. Naruto looked beautiful in the dim lighting of the pre-winter sunlight. His pink cheeks and plump lips, the way the sun shone in his hair, the excitement dancing in his pretty blue eyes were all stunning. Just having Naruto pressed against him as they rode through the forest was making Sasuke want to kiss him.

"Then kiss me." Naruto giggled. "There's no one else around to stop you."

"What if you were to stop me?" Sasuke joked as he touched the dangling sapphires in Naruto's hair. The ice sticking to them made them look like literal icicles.

"Why would I ever do that?" Naruto feigned a hurt expression. "I've wanted to feel Sasuke's lips on mine ever since this morning when you came to my sleeping chambers and I saw your pretty face!"

"Pretty?" Sasuke smirked, amused by Naruto's description.

"Yes, pretty!" Naruto cheeks, which were already red due to the cold wind whipping against them as they rode, turned even redder. "Sasuke is way too pretty, sometimes I don't even think you're an alpha." Naruto admitted timidly, "I always want to kiss you."

"You doubt if I'm an alpha?" Sasuke laughed. It was the sort of carefree, childish laugh that Naruto loved. "I'm twice your size and you still doubt me? Maybe if I could properly claim you, you wouldn't have such amusing doubts."

"You can't claim me but there are other ways you could show me…" Naruto's heart raced as he boldly skimmed his finger against Sasuke's lips.

Sasuke chuckled, "I want to kiss you too but what if I kiss you and my scent rubs off on you? You heard my brother, he wants to have you at all times of the day."

"I know," Naruto sighed. The playful lit in his tone dimmed, "but that's what baths are for right? I can get rid of your scent that way. Itachi-san loves me but I love Sasuke so there's no helping it."

"Don't look so sad when you declare your love for me, love." Sasuke kissed Naruto, his lips lingered as he savored the taste, "don't look so guilty either, it kills me."

"I can't help it, Itachi-san is such a good person, every time we're together he's at the back of my mind. I feel like I'm betraying him." Naruto looked down at his hands solemnly. "Itachi-san deserves better. It's like Ino said-there's thousands of other omegas who would be much better than me for him and they'd actually love him properly too!"

"Naruto," Sasuke sighed. He grabbed naruto's chin and forced his face up. "You love me right?"

"Yes, more than anything." Naruto confessed.

"Then there's no point in dwelling on betrayals or guilt, to sacrifice is to love someone and I'm willing to sacrifice everything for you. I love my brother but I can't let you go because I'm in love with you. As long as our emotions remain this way we have no choice but to betray Itachi. I'll sacrifice my love for my brother in order to be with you and you'll have to sacrifice your conscience in order to be with me. Itachi will never know and as long as he doesn't we can be together like this, alone."

"Alone?" Naruto repeated sadly, "yes, that seems like the only times we can express our love."

"Don't pout, there are many times we are alone. It won't be that bad." Even as Sasuke said the words he knew they were a lie. The only alone time he had with Naruto was at night during their training sessions and even that was only possible because they were breaking the rules. The small instances during the day that they managed to be alone were far too short, nothing of importance could be said or done. A quick kiss was all they could give each other before Konan would interrupt them and tell them that someone was coming.

"You're lying." Naruto's pout jutted out more as he sulked. "I hate it when Sasuke lies to me. "

"I'm sorry, love. I just don't want you to be sad about us not being together. "You belong to my brother, no matter how much I wish it Itachi will become your dominant. The time we spend together will be little but it will be enough. This is the only way."

"So this means that we'll have to continue sneaking around even after I marry Itachi-san?" Naruto inquired curiously.

"Yes, it does."

Naruto suddenly erupted into a fit of giggles, "imagine us sneaking around when I'm pregnant with Itachi-san's baby, I'll be so big, I don't think I'd be able to be as stealthy as I am now!"

"Don't speak of such things, I'd rather not be reminded of the fact that one day another dominant will have his seed inside you."

Naruto's expression softened. He wrapped his arms around Sasuke's neck and clung onto him as he gazed up at his face. "Sorry, no matter the alpha I'll always want only you."

Sasuke's smirked, "Your words are as sweet as that delicious scent of yours, it makes me want to eat you up." Sasuke closed the small space between them and kissed Naruto. He bit Naruto's tempting lips softly; loving the adorable whimpers it caused the blond to make.

"So this is where you've been, little brother?" Itachi's deep voice called out as he rode in their direction.

Sasuke quickly broke their lips apart and snapped his head in Itachi's direction. His face went pale with fear. He scooted back and put distance between him and Naruto to hide the traitorous kiss they had just been engaging in.

"See, I told you, Itachi-san." Ino said brightly when Itachi came to a stop in front of Naruto and Sasuke. "I can catch Sasuke-kun's scent from nearly anywhere." Ino announced proudly as if she possessed a great skill. "I did good right, Itachi-san?" Her thin fingers prodded questioningly at Itachi's chest.

"We've been looking for you." Itachi bit out, ignoring Ino's excessive flirtatious behavior. Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Naruto, your lips," Itachi pulled the reigns of his horse and steered it closer to Naruto and Sasuke. "Why do they appear swollen?" Their close proximity allowed Itachi to reach forward and grab Naruto's chin so he could twist Naruto's face up so he could see Naruto's lips more clearly.

Naruto's heart was hammering wildly in his chest. How could he be so careless! Naruto licked his lips self-consciously. They were still tingling from all the little bites Sasuke had given them.

As Naruto searched his mind for a lie that would answer Itachi's question the rest of the royals arrived. Ten-ten was on the verge of shouting out to Itachi to catch his attention when the tense atmosphere between Naruto and Itachi suddenly became obvious to her. She motioned for Kiba to halt the horse and the rest of the royals followed suit.

"What's happening?" Ten-ten whispered to Kiba who was sitting behind her.

"How am I supposed to know?" Kiba muttered moodily in reply. "Is this really why you made me stop? Pathetic submissive."

Ten-ten ignored Kiba's insult. She was too busy trying to determine what was happening. Naruto looked anxious, like he was on the verge of tears.

"You're brother looks like he's about to throw up." Shikamaru observed.

"Or like he just got caught." Karin muttered. A knowing smirk was plastered on her face as she observed Naruto.

Ten-ten glanced at Karin but said nothing. What could she possibly mean by "caught"?

"Answer me." Itachi growled. His fingers tightened on Naruto's chin. "Why are your lips swollen?"

"...I I-"

"He fell," Sasuke interjected hurriedly.

"Fell?" Itachi repeated skeptically.

"Yes, I fell." Naruto chorused, "Sasuke-kun was riding too fast and I fell, I accidentally bit my lip as I tumbled to the ground. I'm fine though, Itachi-san shouldn't be too angry!"

"I told you to take care of my betrothed, Sasuke!" Itachi yelled heatedly.

"I know. I'm sorry I was so careless." Sasuke bowed in apology. His heart was thumping wildly in his chest. He couldn't believe Itachi had bought the lie so easily. Of course he bought it, Itachi has no reason to doubt or suspect you since he knows that you'll never lie to him. Sasuke's conscience yelled at him. Sasuke flinched at the sheer ferocity of the voice. It spoke the stinging truth. His brothers unflinching trust would never waver as long as he didn't know.

"Don't let it happen again. I expect you to take care of Naruto, not hurt him." Itachi reprimanded. The disappointment in his voice was thick. In the past it would've stung Sasuke to hear his brother use such a tone with him but now Itachi being disappointed with him was the least of his worries.

"From now on I will try hard to do that, brother. I'm sorry."

Itachi sighed, "I'm sorry if I'm acting crazy, it's not like me to get angry with you." Itachi ruffled Sasuke's hair as if he were a little kid. "Whenever it comes to my betrothed I just feel on edge, forgive me?"

"Of course." Sasuke grinned; the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "I completely understand. Naruto is the type of submissive who you can't help but be a little crazy about."

"That's exactly right." Itachi laughed at Sasuke's keen explanation. He was completely naïve of the double meaning of Sasuke's words.

"Yes, we have to be more careful, that can't happen again. It's a blessing that we didn't get carried away. If anyone had been riding close by and smelled your arousal we would've been caught."

"I know," Naruto agreed. He was extremely embarrassed by his lack of self control. He hid his face in his hands, "I told you already though, I can't help it when I'm around you," Naruto reached across and grabbed Sasuke's hand so he could hold it in his. He had been getting more and more comfortable with showing his desires although it still embarrassed him. "Sasuke-kun is such a strong alpha it makes my body want to be dominated by you."

"So, you see me as an alpha now? I thought I was too pretty to be one?" Sasuke teased playfully in an attempt to lighten Naruto's worried mind.

"I've always seen Sasuke as an alpha! Even when you were nine and still hadn't gone through the change I knew you'd be an alpha! I just think you're way too pretty, I don't see many alphas with faces as pretty as yours!" Naruto blubbered. His cherry cheeks turned even redder as he ecstatically tried to explain him self.

"Really? What about Gaara he's sort of pretty when you get past his personality?" Sasuke gleamed.

Naruto rapidly shook his head side to side, "No one's prettier than Sasuke."

"You liar," Sasuke laughed, "we both know you're prettier." Sasuke smirked at how flustered Naruto got over the simple compliment. "You're so pretty that I sometimes think you're a doll Kaguya has made just to enchant me, those blue eyes of yours and pouty pink lips…I'm convinced she made them especially just for me."

"Sasuke says crazy things." Naruto looked down at his and Sasuke's joined hands, "But maybe you're right because I feel like Kaguya made me just for you too. No one I've ever met has made me feel you do."

"I'm glad no one else I can." Sasuke asserted happily. Naruto's little hand in his felt so good. It was even better since Naruto had begun to emit his sweet arousal scent. "You really crave me don't you, Naruto? Even something as innocent as holding my hand has turned you on. How bad do you want me?" Sasuke questioned curiously. It felt like it was becoming easier and easier for Naruto to become aroused.

"I want you so bad that sometimes I dream about you doing things to me." Naruto confessed weakly. He bravely laid his hand flatly against the exposed flesh of Sasuke's sweaty chest. "I was never like this, even when I was in Whirlpool and deeply in love with you-I never had such dirty thoughts about you. But now," Naruto shyly trailed his hand down Sasuke's body until his hand laid over the covered hardness in Sasuke's lap. "I think about this all the time."

Sasuke growled. Naruto's innocent seduction was torture. He wanted to take Naruto's virginity right here and now in the training field underneath the blanket of stars. Naruto may have been becoming easier to arouse but Sasuke was also becoming weak to his impulse control. It was hard to deny Naruto what his body so desperately wanted. The mere thought of naruto having sexual dreams about him made Sasuke control waver.

"You want this inside you?" Sasuke thrusted his hips up and rubbed his erection up against Naruto's little palm.

Naruto nodded as a blush bloomed across his cheeks. His hand began to tremble; he had never felt an alphas hardened length before. It was a strange foreign feeling. All he had ever done with Sasuke was kissing. The thing underneath his palm felt painfully hard and so big. Were all alphas this big? He wanted to see it. "I want it." Naruto panted.

"Good, because I want nothing more than to give it to you," Sasuke moved his hips slowly so that Naruto could savor the feel of his hardness against his hand. "I want to see your pretty thighs spread open just for me as I thrust into you," Sasuke thumbed Naruto's pink lips then thrusted his finger into Naruto's mouth. "God, Naruto I want you so bad, I'm tempted to just fuck you right here."

"Do it." Naruto moaned as he sucked Sasuke's fingers eagerly. His own arousal had begun to cloud his thoughts. This would be the perfect day since Konan had agreed to not come along and watch over him train.

"You'd really forsake your purity just for me? You've saved it your whole life just for my brother but you'd willingly give me the honor of deflowering you right here in this dirty field without even the dignity of a bed?"

"Yes~" Naruto kissed Sasuke's lips, "It's never been Itachi-sans to take, I've always wanted you to be the one to take it."

"May Kaguya forgive me but I don't think I can resist such a tempting offer," Sasuke grabbed Naruto and laid him on his back, he parted Naruto's legs and was about to lean down when the unmistakable sound of feet walking on grass shattered the mood.

Sasuke stood up, blocking Naruto from the hooded figure walking towards them.

"Who are you?" Sasuke called out tensely.

"So this is where you've been sneaking off to at night?" Karin smirked as she took off her hood, revealing her familiar head of bright red hair. "I knew you were up to no good, look at you brother, parting your legs for a man who isn't even your alpha, what would father say if he knew his little princess was such a slut? I don't think you'd be his favorite anymore." Karin sang happily as if she were delivering good news.

"What are you doing here?" Naruto peered around Sasuke. "How did you know!"

"Oh, is that a serious question?" Karin laughed, "your crush on Sasuke is beyond obvious, I've known you my whole life, you're easy for me to read. Every night at dinner you make faces at him when you think no one is looking, you're always eager to see him, whenever you know Sasuke will be there for dinner you wear your most extravagant kimonos...and then today your lips were obviously swollen because you were kissing him. I'm no fool like Itachi, I can see past your pretty face and see all of your lies." Karin smiled menacingly, "you were careless. I knew my assumption was correct when I went to your bedroom these past few days and you weren't there so I decided to wait today and followed you here, you practically led me to your shameful little secret."

"So now you know what do you plan to do?" Sasuke hissed.

"There's lots of things I can do, I mean come on you both must know how big of a scandal this? You're breaking so many rules, if I report what I saw tonight to your father he might question if Naruto is still even pure and we both know once that happens my idiot of a father will get offended and most likely declare war against the Uchiha clan. Or maybe I can have your bitch of a handmaiden hanged for keeping this a secret for you, or maybe I can tell a marvelous lie about how you forced yourself on my poor helpless little bother and how I had to save him from you, eh, Sasuke?" Karin grinned.

"I won't let that happen." Naruto stood in front of Sasuke and got into a fighting stance. "I won't let anyone-including you big sister, harm Sasuke! If I have to kill you here I will!"

"Hah? You kill me!" Karin bursted out into a hysteric laughing fit, "what can a princess like you do to me? You're nothing but a doll, every jutsu you've ever learned I know how to do them and much better than you! Fighting is the one thing you will never beat me at, face it I've already won!"

Naruto materialized a whirling blue ball of energy in his hand, "Don't be so cocky, Karin. I'm an Uzumaki just like you, I have senju blood running through my veins, I'm not as weak as you treat me!"

"A princess trying to be a warrior! This is laughable, you're finally standing up to me but it's useless, you can't beat me alone!"

"Who said I'd do it alone?" Naruto threw a secretive glance at Sasuke. The swirling ball began to catch on fire; it turned into a hybrid of a fire and air ball.

"Since when can you control fire?" Karin glared. "It's no matter, I'll still beat-"

Karin abruptly flopped to the floor, like a heavy sack of rice her body slumped to the ground. Her wide watery red eyes stared unblinking ahead of her like she was awake but unable to move.

"Thank you." Naruto rasped. His breathing was hard due to the physical exertion of having to contain so much fire in such a small ball. It was lucky that Sasuke had been able decipher what he had really wanted him to do. He hadn't been asking Sasuke for his fire but for his sharingan. "The sharingan is the only thing I could think of that could win against Karin."

Sasuke's spinning red eyes slowly stopped. He clutched his right eye in pain. Karin was much harder to trap than he had thought. From her appearance alone he would've never guessed that she was near Itachi's level of strength.

"I erased her mind of this entire night, she's too strong so I can't erase that she knows about us but at least she won't remember anything that happened here." Sasuke glared down at Karin's stiff body. "She'll keep her suspicions but that's about it."

Naruto looked away as Karin began to drool, her hand was twitching and her eyes continued to look dead ahead. He had never seen his sister in such an undignified state. It was like she was dead.

"We'll have to be more careful from now on, if anyone else finds out it'll be the end of everything."

Naruto nodded dejectedly. The little time he and Sasuke had together already felt like so little and now he'd have to spend even less time with him. It wasn't fair. Sasuke had said that loving someone was sacrificing but it still wasn't fair to have to sacrifice this much. In fact, it was utterly and entirely cruel. Like Kaguya was laughing in their face for betraying Itachi.

"Yesterday was fun, I want to do it again!" Ino sang enthusiastically. Her icy eyes shone with excitement.

The royal heirs were gathered in a sunny tearoom. Since Ino, Ten-ten, and Kiba had stayed as guest last night they were having breakfast before they embarked on the long journey back to their own clan territories later in the day. It was very awkward though since none of the royals were actually friends.

"I've never seen you this excited, especially this early in the morning, it's gross." Kiba snorted as he stuffed a slice of glazed pork into his mouth.

"Shut up, you mutt!" Ino shrieked. Her usually pale cheeks turned bright red. "You're the only gross one here! Watching you inhale your breakfast is disgusting! I pray for whoever the poor submissive is who will have to marry you!"

"Leave her alone," Sakura smiled snidely, "She's enthusiastic because she wants to ride with Itachi-san again. It must've been paradise for you yesterday huh, Ino? You can't stop thinking about how Itachi-san held your waist so you wouldn't fall off the horse, it was probably the most intimate you've been with a dominant in your entire life."

"Shut your mouth you wannabe queen!" Ino hurled her teacup at Sakura's face. It missed completely and shattered into hundreds of pieces on the tearooms wooden floor. A maid immediately scurried to clean up the mess the royal had made.

"What do you mean by 'wannabe'? I am a queen." Sakura grinned pompously, "I'm married to Sasuke Uchiha and the baby growing inside of me will become king of my clan. I am a queen in every sense of the word."

"Yeah you may be a queen to the Haruno clan but here in Uchiha territory you're a princess just like me!" Ino said snidely, "And besides there's no honor in birthing a regent." Ino gasped. She clasped her hand over her mouth, "I didn't mean to say that! It slipped out!"

The tearoom was immediately encapsulated in an awkward silence. A regent was one of the worse insults to give to a royal child. A regent was a royal child who would rule over his mother's clan instead of his fathers. Ruling over the mother's clan was seen as a humiliating privilege. It meant that the child was either too weak to rule his fathers clan or there was already another royal child before him that would rule his fathers clan. In Sakura's case she had married Sasuke who himself was a regent; his son therefore would also be a regent. It was known that Sasuke was a regent and thus by extension so was Sakura's unborn baby-but it was taboo to say so out loud, especially in Uchiha territory.

"I don't care if my child is a regent! He will be the thing that makes Sasuke-kun love me!" Sakura shrieked hysterically. She stood and tried to throw the teeming hot teapot at Ino but she was held back by Ten-ten.

"Sakura please calm yourself, she said she didn't mean it. You're pregnant, getting this angry isn't good for the baby." Ten-ten grabbed Sakura's hand and forced her to put the hot teapot back down on the table.

"Yeah, listen to her! I didn't mean it so calm down. You're making yourself look ridiculous. This is why I don't consider you a queen, a queen would never act this way." Ino flipped her hair over her shoulder in a dismissive manner.

"You have that logic and yet you still insist that you're a submissive?" Kiba chuckled, amused by the whole situation. "Having breakfast with you submissves is truly entertaining."

"Shut up, you dog!" Sakura and Ino both yelled in unison. They glanced at each other, surprised by the unintended togetherness.

They laughed, Sakura sat back down and sipped at her still full teacup. Her jade green eyes remained full of anger but she said nothing else to Ino.

Naruto was at a loss for words. He knew that royal submissives in Fire Country would be nothing like the royal omegas in Whirlpool Country. Not only were the names different but almost everything else was completely different too. They were absolutely crazy. He didn't know what a regent was but judging from Sakura's reaction it was a very bad thing. If it was such a horrible thing then how could she let Ino's insult go just because they said something in unison? This was why Naruto had chosen to stay quiet all throughout breakfast. He didn't understand or fit in with these type of omegas.

"Good morning." Itachi greeted as he entered the tearoom. Sasuke trailed in behind him. They were both sweaty and there was some dirt on their clothes. Naruto's mood instantly brightened when he saw Sasuke's face. He loved those beautiful obsidian eyes so much. They had the power to control him into any mood they so desired. Plus seeing Sasuke when the sun was still out always made him happy since it was so rare.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura bolted up and ran to her husband's side. "You're so filthy, how was your spar against Itachi-san?" Sakura hooked her arm through Sasuke's.

"It was interesting," Sasuke scowled, "we had an unexpected sparring partner join us."

"Who? Oh…" Sakura as well as everyone else in the tearoom turned to the person who had just walked in.

"You sparred with Itachi-san and Sasuke-kun?" Sakura gaped.

Naruto involuntarily gasped. He hadn't seen Karin since the showdown last night in the clearing. It was somewhat terrifying to see her again. The image of her twitching and drooling on the ground was still vivid in his memory.

Karin smiled, her thin lips stretched until they resembled a cheshire cat's iconic off putting grin. "Of course I did, I had to see for myself how strong my little brothers future alpha is." She trailed her red eyes to Sasuke and then smirked, it was noticed only by Naruto. It was a clear sign that when she had said "future alpha" she wasn't referring to Itachi. It was just like Sasuke had said, her memory of last night was wiped but she still had her suspicions.

"What was all that yelling about just now? I could hear it from down the hall." Itachi asked. He was completely unaware of the silent dilemma transpiring between Karin and Naruto.

"Oh, that." Ino blushed, "It was-"

"It was nothing!" Sakura cut in.

Itachi raised his perfect eyebrow in suspicion, "Kiba, you were here, was it really nothing?"

Kiba laughed, "These submissives scream about everything," His brown eyes glanced at Ino, the words you owe me were practically imprinted on his tan face, "Yes, they're telling the truth, it was nothing."

"Good, I was worried something had happened to my betrothed," Itachi eyes bled to red, "If something had I'd have to punish the one responsible."

Kiba gulped. He immediately regretted lying.

"Come here, little one, let me hold you to make sure that nothing really has happened to you."

Naruto rose. He walked the short distance to Itachi. Itachi looked over Naruto's body and then deactivated his sharingan. After that he encircled his arms around Narutos waist. "If anyone were to ever bring you harm I'd kill them, when I heard that scream I thought it was you, I was angry at the thought that someone had dared to bring you harm. You're mine, no one can hurt what belongs to me."

"Yes, I know Itachi-san. Your protection makes me feel so safe." Naruto said hollowly.

The royals watched the open display of affection. Sasuke tried to not let his brother's words of ownership bother him. He knew Naruto only belonged to his brother by law, emotionally and physically Naruto was all his. But despite knowing that it was hard to control his dominant urges to proclaim Naruto as his. This was unfortunately one of the many things he'd have to sacrifice.

"You might snap Naruto's waist in half if you hug him any longer Itachi-san." Ino said jealously. She glared at Itachi's muscular arms around Naruto's waist.

Itachi chuckled, "You might be right, I can't control myself around him. I want to dominate him so bad that I forget my own strength."

Ino turned her eyes away. "That sounds dangerous."

"It's okay Itachi-san, you weren't hurting me." Naruto said quietly. He allowed Itachi to continue holding him. This was the least he could do. He was already betraying Itachi-san so even if Itachi's touching felt wrong Naruto would allow him to do as he pleased.

"You look a bit uncomfortable, princess." Karin leered teasingly. "Like you want to get away from Itachi and jump into someone else's arms."

Naruto stiffened. "I'm perfectly comfortable in my alpha's arms, sister. Perhaps you should have our clan healer take a look at your eyes when you go back, we can't have the future ruler of Whirlpool have such poor eyesight."

Sasuke stifled a laugh.

"Why would you say such a thing?" Itachi asked, curious by Karin's seemingly out of nowhere comment. "Naruto loves it when I shower him in affection."

"Oh, no reason. It was just a little joke between me and my little brother, right Naruto?"

"Yes." Naruto murmured.

"Anyways," Kiba stood up, "Are we still going to Haruhiko to get our swords sharpened, the carriage to take me back to my clan territory is supposed to arrive in like two hours."

"I almost forgot about that." Itachi reluctantly let Naruto go; "I'll see you tonight at dinner, little one."

Naruto bowed and allowed Itachi to kiss the back of his hand.

"Let's let the submissives finish their breakfast in peace, why don't you accompany me, my brother, and Kiba to Haruhiko's, Karin?"

"Sure, should be fun." Karin grinned. "I could go for a sword sharpening," she smirked at Sasuke, "You never know when you might need it."

The dominants left and as soon as they did the atmosphere in the room completely changed.

"Sit down Naruto, breakfast is far from over." Ino patted the empty seat next to her. Naruto didn't like the cunning look in her eyes.

It reminded him of his sister.

Naruto cautiously sat down next to the Yamanaka princess. He had wanted to leave as soon as Sasuke left. These strange omegas were not people he enjoyed being with. The only one who he could see himself forming any type of meaningful bond with was ten-ten.

"So, Naruto, since it's just us submissives here lets have a chat." Ino proposed but it sounded more like a demand.

"Okay." Naruto retorted. It was obviously not an option, there would be a "chat" whether Naruto agreed or not.

"How are you feeling?" Ino quipped.

"What do you mean?" Naruto didn't understand what she was getting at. At the moment he felt slightly annoyed because he wanted to leave but couldn't. He couldn't tell her that though because it'd be rude. "Do you mean how I feel right now?"

"Are you daft?" Ino rolled her eyes, "your wedding is right around the corner, how are you feeling? You must be nervous to get married to Itachi-san, right? Anyone would be nervous if they were marrying a perfect dominant like Itachi-san!" Ino slammed her bony thin hand against the tea table. "Do you even understand how lucky you are? If I were you I'd be a nervous wreck!"

"Umm," Naruto didn't know what to say. He wasn't nervous he was more like dreading it. After the wedding so much would change.

"I'm-"

"-because if you're not nervous you should be!" Ino added, rudely cutting Naruto off. "Everything changes after a wedding ceremony, you will no longer be an innocent submissive."

"Stop scaring him, Ino." Ten-ten chided. "It's mean."

"I'm not trying to be mean!" Ino's right eye twitch. A habit she obtained whenever she was lying. "I'm trying to warn him! I heard it hurts a lot if you know what I mean, it's not called popping the cherry for nothing!"

"Ino!" Ten-ten yelled in horror, "what are you saying, you shouldn't speak of such things!" Ten-ten nervously glanced around as if the tearoom walls had ears and had heard Ino's crude words.

"Oh calm down, you're acting even worse than Hinata. There's no one else here but us," Ino looked pointedly at the maids standing at attention at the back of tearoom, "well, no one else of importance than us." Ino rectified.

"Still...we shouldn't speak of such things. It's not right. Naruto-chans v-v-v-"

"Virginity?" Ino chuckled.

"Yes!" Ten-ten blushed. "His you know what is none of our concerns!"

"Ten-ten how old are you?" Ino asked blandly.

"Thirteen." Ten-ten answered quickly.

"Wow, you act so mature I thought-" Ino shook her head, "anyways, you're already thirteen, you've been a submissive for three

years already, in four years time you'll most likely have a betrothed and will lose your virginity to him. When that time comes will you want to go to your wedding night blindly not knowing anything or what to expect or would you want your friends to tell you before hand?"

"I guess I'd like them to tell me..." Ten-ten admitted.

"See, it's not that scandalous! Naruto is already fifteen, he needs us to help him out so he can know what to expect."

"Oh I see." Ten-ten nodded. Her brown eyes still displayed uncertainty.

"That's why I'm worried about you Naruto," Ino turned her attention back to Naruto, she turned her lips down into a fake empathetic frown. "Itachi-san is a high level dominant, dominants of his level are known to be extremely ferocious in bed. Judging from the way he was holding you so tightly a few minutes ago I fear he might lose control when he's popping your cherry."

"Popping my cherry?" Naruto questioned, completely confused by the strange expression. He knew it was sexual judging by ten-ten and Ino's interaction but he didn't know exactly what the phrase meant.

"He's from Whirlpool, Ino, he's probably never even heard of the expression. It's probably phrased differently over there." Sakura snorted.

"Hmm, you're probably right..." Ino's eyes suddenly sparkled with enthusiasm, "oh I know I'll just show him what I mean." Ino grabbed one of the cherry tomatoes from the untouched plate of toppings. She held it up to Naruto's face, "imagine this is your virginity," she picked up a silver chopstick, "and this is Itachi-sans penis," Ino jammed the chopstick into the cherry tomato, the thin membrane of the vegetable broke apart and red tinted juice began to spew forth from the tomato, it ran down Ino's pale hand and dripped onto the shiny surface of the tea table. "Do you get it now? This is what Itachi-san will do to you?" Ino held up the completely destroyed cherry tomato, "He'll pop your cherry and you'll never be the same again."

"Oh..." Naruto now knew what Ino meant. He was terrified of the thought of Itachi doing that to him. Thinking of the pain was terrifying but what was even scarier was that it wouldn't be Sasuke inflicting that pain on him but Itachi-san. He wanted Sasuke to do it. The thought of anyone else was sickening. Tears began to slip from his eyes.

"You shouldn't cry, every submissive must go through this." Ino remarked broadly. She smiled triumphantly. This had been her intention all along. If she couldn't have Itachi-san then she'd scare the lucky submissive who did get to have him to the point of tears.

"It's probably not that bad, Ino doesn't know anything." Ten-ten comforted. She didn't like seeing Naruto crying. "It wasn't as rough as Ino described was it Sakura?" Sakura was the only submissve in the tearoom who had already had her cherry popped so Ten-ten turned to her for the truth.

Sakura sat up cockily. This was her moment to get back at Naruto for embarrassing her last time.

"Actually Ino is pretty accurate."

Ino gasped, slightly surprised by Sakura's agreeing. She schooled her face into a confident smirk as if Sakura agreeing her was meant to happen.

"When Sasuke-kun popped mine it was excruciating. But after the first time it gets better, it even starts to feel good. Your whole body changes, you'll understand once Itachi-san is done with you." Sakura said as if she were an esteemed expert on sexual intercourse.

"Was Sasuke-kun gentle with you?" Ten-ten asked shyly.

Sakura's confident attitude dropped. Her reaction was more than an answer but despite that she sat up and boldly lied, "Yes, Sasuke-kun is always gentle, he takes so much care of me. You wouldn't believe it since Sasuke-kun is so moody but sometimes when he's inside me he professes his love for me."

"No way?" Ino squealed. She abandoned her mean spirited plan of trying to psyche Naruto out in favor for learning the juicy details of Sakura's love life.

"Mhmm, he does it all the time lately since I'm carrying his child." Sakura babbled.

"Wow, I would've never thought that since he treats you so meanly." Ten-ten said suspiciously. She really didn't believe it, hadn't Sakura just said earlier when she was yelling at Ino that her baby was going to be the thing that made Sasuke love her? Which meant that currently Sasuke didn't love her. Ten-ten decided to not voice her suspicions. It'd just end up with Sakura getting angry with her.

"Since he professes his love to you soooo much do you think he'll be giving you his last name anytime soon? If not then I doubt he actually even cares about you." Ino said mockingly.

Sakura panicked at the question but then quickly recovered. "Yes, I'm sure of it. I think he'll give me it after Itachi-san's wedding." Another lie, but no one had to know.

"You're so lucky Sakura." Ten-ten laughed. Sakura was definitely lying, it was a bit sad that she had to lie like this, she hoped that when she got married her dominant actually loved her so she wouldn't have to make a fool of herself the way Sakura was right now.

"Maybe I can even get Sasuke-kun to bite my neck and give me a mating mark," Sakura's green eyes narrowed. She smiled cockily at

Naruto. "Then we'll be real mates, right Naruto?"

"Of course." Naruto bowed his head and looked angrily down at his folded hands. A million thoughts were going through his head but the most prevailing one was did jealously always feel so horrible?

Why couldn't he be Sakura? Naruto wanted everything Sakura had. Naruto knew that he had the life that every submissive in Fire country coveted, he was betrothed to Itachi Uchiha and would become the sovereign of the Uchiha clan but he still yearned desperately for Sakura's lie. He wanted to be pregnant with Sasuke's baby, he wanted to be Sasuke's mate, and he wanted Sasuke to be his by law. There was only one thing that kept Naruto from completely submitting to the horrible feeling of jealousy and that was fact that he had something of Sasuke that Sakura would never have. He had Sasuke's love. Sakura could lie about it all she wanted but she would never have what belonged to Naruto. Sasuke's love was all his.

But that can change. A voice inside Naruto's head said in a stern voice. Ino said you'd change after you get married, Sasuke may fall out of love with you if that happens.

"Naruto-kun?"

"Huh?" Naruto came back to the reality.

"Ino asked if you'd like her to explain anything else for you." Ten-ten said cheerfully,

"Oh, no thank you."

"What were you thinking about? You looked so worried. You really shouldn't worry too much, I'm sure the wedding will go perfectly!"

"Yeah." Naruto forced a smile. "I'm sure you're right, Ten-ten-chan." For the rest of breakfast Naruto remained silent.

"It's a good thing that balcony is there."

Naruto bolted up. He was wide-awake, patiently waiting in bed for the midnight hour to strike. It was the time he usually snuck out his room to go to the clearing to go meet Sasuke. Waiting tonight had felt twice as long as usual so he was overjoyed that Sasuke was suddenly in his room.

"What are you doing here? Its barely ten!" Naruto whispered urgently. He gathered the silk sheets to his chest until none of his body was visible. He was only wearing a semi translucent night slip. Naruto didn't get dressed for training until around 11:30 when he was sure no one was awake, until that time he laid in bed dressed in his standard night slip just incase someone did come.

"Yes, what are you doing here, Lord Uchiha?" Konan glared as she walked into the room carrying a candle. It illuminated her pale face in an eerie light, her gold eyes almost looked demonic. "My master still has two hours before he was supposed to meet you."

"Yes, I know." Sasuke chuckled at Konan's attempt to be intimidating, "But I wanted to change it up tonight."

Konan rolled her eyes, "Lord Uchiha, this is not a joking matter. This is already the second time you've come into my master's sleeping chambers uninvited. Please just leave until the allotted time or else I'll have to remove you myself. "

"You're a submissive aren't you Konan? Do you really think you stand any chance against a dominant like me?" Sasuke laughed, "I find it funny that you think you can."

"I'm not a submissive I'm an omega, and yes I know I stand no chance against you but I also know that I'm not as weak as you perceive me to be so I if I ever have to fight you I'm sure I'll at least cause enough damage to wound you." Konan raised her hand, a paper butterfly materialized in the palm of her hand. "So, will you be leaving willingly or will I have to use force?"

"You're feisty aren't you and also extremely confident in your abilities, huh? I like that, it means Naruto's parents were wise to chose you as his guard." Sasuke praised. His attempt to butter up Konan was ineffective, if anything Sasuke's praising seemed to make her even angrier. Two more butterflies appeared in Konan's palm.

"I'll give you to the count of three before I-"

"Okay fine." Sasuke scowled, " I'll be honest the reason I came here is because I wanted to tell Naruto that I don't think we should train tonight, after what happened with Karin I think it'd be better if we skip today."

"Oh," Konan faltered. The three paper butterflies crumpled up until they disappeared. "That's actually a very wise idea. Thank you for thinking about my master's safety. Now that you've told him you should go, lingering here isn't a wise idea."

"But training is the only time we can be together!" Naruto cried out. He couldn't believe Sasuke was willing to get rid of their only time together just because of Karin. He had wanted to be alone with Sasuke all day, especially after that horrible breakfast he was forced to sit through with all the other so called omegas.

"I know, love." Sasuke smiled sadly, "but it's like I told you, we have to be more careful from now on, we can't have anyone else finding out."

"B-but, that's-I miss you, you can't just expect me to give up the only time I can be with you!" Naruto whispered hurriedly. He was on the verge of tears. The diamond droplets were already glistening in his blue eyes. "Don't go!"

"I miss you too but we have to sacrifice if we don't want to get caught. I have to go." Sasuke's hand twitched, he wanted to reach out and comfort Naruto but he knew if he did his will would crumble and he'd end up staying. "I'll see you tomorrow, love."

"D-don't go!" Naruto yelled. It was a silent scream. So desperate that it tore Sasuke's heart in half.

"Please don't go, if we can't train today then stay with me tonight." Naruto sat up and attempted to get out of bed but Konan hurried over and forced him to lie back down.

"I won't allow you to get up with the way you're dressed now. Forgive me master but your attire is not appropriate for an alpha that isn't your mate to see you in."

"Let me go, Konan!" Naruto tried to pry Konan's arms away. "I don't care about that! Let me go to Sasuke!"

"I'm sorry but no. Lord Uchiha is right, he needs to go."

"Let go of me!" Naruto hissed. His tears began to spill from his eyes. In his blurred vision he could see Sasuke walking back to the open window he had climbed through earlier to get into the room. "Don't leave me!" Naruto tried his hardest to get out of Konan's vice like grip but his body was becoming weak. "Sasuke!" Naruto screamed as loud as he could. "Stay with me!"

"Master, please keep your voice down!" Konan murmured heatedly, "your mother and father are right down the hall!"

"I'll scream again if Sasuke leaves me!" Naruto cried. He had lost all his ability to remain rational. Naruto knew that he was being dumb, if he screamed they would all get caught but he didn't care. He couldn't explain why he felt so irrational, he just had this primal worry in his mind that if Sasuke left tonight then he wouldn't ever get to see him again.

"Let him go." Sasuke sighed.

"But you can't-"

"I said let him go!"

Konan nodded solemnly and let her tight hold on Naruto go. As soon as she dropped her arms Naruto lurched off the bed and ran into Sasuke's arms. He tiptoed and grabbed Sasuke's face so that he could crash his lips against his.

"Don't ever do that to me again!" Naruto sobbed. "I need you. You can't just come in here and tell me something like that!"

"Sorry." Sasuke exhaled. He placed his hand on the small of Naruto's back where his long hair was and twined a strand of it around his finger. Playing with Naruto's hair was his futile attempt at trying to calm himself down. Seeing Naruto crying at the thought of him leaving hurt Sasuke. His submissive should never have a reason to cry so it pained him to know that he was the reason for the tears.

"I really was only trying to make a responsible decision. I didn't think you'd react this way. I had no intention of making you cry." Sasuke wiped the tears off Naruto's cheeks with his thumb. "

"So you're staying?" Naruto hiccupped. His watery blue eyes gazed up hopefully into Sasuke's obsidian ones.

"Yeah." Sasuke smiled. How could he say no to such a precious face. He picked Naruto up and carried him back to his bed and then gently put Naruto under his fluffy covers. "I don't want my first look at your body to be under these circumstances." Sasuke explained when Naruto threw him a confused look as he covered him up.

"I'll go stand guard outside." Konan announced. She couldn't do anything when her master cried the way he did. Even though it was against her better judgment it seemed Sasuke would be staying.

"Thank you, Konan." Naruto sniffled.

Konan bowed and then went outside.

Once Konan was gone Sasuke closed the small space between him and Naruto by getting underneath the covers and lying right next to him. Naruto laid his head on Sasuke's chest and silently listened to the calming sound of his heart beating. This is what he wanted and needed. Without Sasuke he couldn't achieve this sense of supreme bliss. How had he survived all these years without Sasuke? He loved Sasuke so much it made him feel crazy.

"You shouldn't cry over me like this." Sasuke sighed as he wiped away the new set of tears that had begun to leak from Naruto's red-rimmed eyes.

"It's Sasuke's fault! I really missed you and then you tried to leave me."

"I was trying to do the right thing we can't be so careless anymore."

"I know but," Naruto bit his lip as he recalled the horrid feeling that came over him when Sasuke was going to leave. "I need you, I haven't seen you since breakfast."

"It wasn't like I was leaving you forever, I would've seen you tomorrow, love. Your reaction is abnormal."

"I know that!" Naruto felt ridiculous just hearing Sasuke say that. He knew more than anyone that his outburst was weird. "But it didn't feel like that to me, it felt like if you left I'd never see you again!"

"I haven't even had you yet and you're already this attached to me, I have to say I like it. Is it a Whirlpool thing?

"No," Naruto blushed, "though omegas in Whirlpool do develop stronger bonds with alphas than they do here due to the mating ritual."

"Then if that wasn't the reason why did you react like that?"

"I'm scared Sasuke," Naruto's lips trembled as a more tears slipped from his eyes.

"What are you scared about? There's no one or anything that can ever harm you as long as you're in Uchiha territory. No one would

dare to lay a finger on you since you're Itachi's betrothed."

"I'm not scared of someone attacking me!" Ino's words replayed in Naruto's head. 'You should be nervous…you'll never be the same again.' "I'm scared of the wedding, it's so close! Even though you said we'd still be able to spend time together after the wedding I know that we won't! When you and Itachi-san left the tearoom Ino told me something. She said that Itachi-san would claim me and then after I'd never be the same. If that's true then we need to be together as much as possible before I change into someone else! You won't like me after I change!"

"You shouldn't listen to anything Ino says, she's a stupid submissive who thinks she knows everything," Sasuke snarled, "You will change I'll admit she got that right but my love for you will not diminish just because of that. I've loved you since I was a boy, another dominant claiming you before I can hurts but it wont change how I feel about you so no more crying okay. We will have time to be together after the wedding, even if I have to forsake my duty as a father I'll find time to be with you."

Naruto nodded. He desperately wanted to believe what Sasuke was saying but he just couldn't. After the wedding he'd have to sleep in Itachi's sleeping chambers so he wouldn't be able to sneak out anymore and soon Sasuke would be a father to Sakura's baby so he wouldn't be able to come over to the Uchiha palace at all during the day. There were so many things that would disallow them from spending any time together. Naruto kept his mouth shut and allowed Sasuke to kiss him. Maybe if he stayed silent then he could gullibly convince himself that this was all a dream and when he woke up Sasuke would be his mate and the wedding with Itachi was nothing but a figment of his imagination.