Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sasuke had owned his camera since middle school. It was an old-fashioned digital gray square with a handful of stickers that had since faded. It had been a present from his father and back then, he’d used it to take pictures of himself in the mirror with his long fringe covering half his face. 

It ended up in a drawer, forgotten, until a spring cleaning years later. When Sasuke turned it on, the memory card was full of embarrassing teenage poses. Horrified, he deleted all of them and put the camera back where he found it. 

For some reason though, he never threw it away. It went inside his bag years later when Sasuke fought with Fugaku. He packed as many belongings as he could fit and walked out the door, never to return to that house. 

He picked it back up soon after when he moved on his own. His curiosity about his pregnancy got the best of him and Sasuke decided to use it again. 

Sasuke was only a few weeks along but he didn’t feel much different. He stood in front of the mirror, raising his shirt to his chest and uncovering his stomach. It was still flat. Sasuke had always been thin, but he still went ahead and took a picture. He inspected it closely, seeing nothing special except for his tired face. 

A couple of weeks and symptoms later, he recreated the same photo. There seemed to be no difference but when Sasuke compared the two, he noticed the tiniest of changes. It was barely there, it could easily pass as if he had eaten too much, but he knew it was his baby. 

For the first time in a while, Sasuke smiled.

It became a habit. As the weeks passed, he would snap a picture to see how his body was changing. Soon enough, his flat stomach turned into a visible bump, and then into a much bigger bump, and lastly a lower bump. 

He wasn’t going to take the camera to the hospital, but then…wouldn’t he want a picture of his son? If he didn’t take it, who would? 

And Sasuke was thankful to have his camera when Sora was born. He had rosy cheeks and a head of black hair. Impossibly small with even smaller hands and fingers. Sasuke was fascinated. He wanted to remember every detail of it, so he took multiple pictures from different angles.

A nurse caught him snapping pictures and offered to take one of the two of them. It was the first picture of Sasuke and Sora.

The first few weeks of Sora’s life were the hardest for the omega. His baby cried all the time and Sasuke had to feed him constantly. His chest was sore and chafed and he had to eat big meals to keep up his milk supply. He settled into a routine of feeding, burping, cleaning, cooking, over and over again, all with a crying baby and little sleep. 

And still, between the chaos, Sasuke snapped photos. Sora sleeping, nursing, on his tummy, dressed in little outfits. The camera was always kept handy to capture his baby’s growth. 

Now Sora had passed the five month mark. He liked to be seated, he stretched out his little hands towards Sasuke, and he was getting increasingly interested in normal food. 

The omega was getting ready for their night routine. He took Sora to the couch, letting him latch to his chest until he was satisfied. Then, he filled the bathtub, just enough to reach the baby’s tummy. He checked the water temperature before putting Sora down. 

Sora loved water and he hit the surface excitedly, making it splash everywhere. Sasuke washed his hair, making bubbly foam with it. The baby looked up at him, gummy smile and shining black eyes. Sasuke cooed and reached for the camera, taking a quick photo of his beaming face. 

He placed the camera on the edge of the tub. There was barely enough room for it and he should have known it was slippery. When he leaned in to grab Sora, his elbow knocked it. 

The splash made his stomach drop. 

Fuck.  

Sasuke wrapped Sora in his dinosaur towel and pressed him to his chest, his free hand reaching for the camera. It was dripping wet and the screen had gone black. The omega tried turning it on only for the screen to light up, glitch, and then go dark again.

He didn’t have time to figure it out now, his baby would get cold. Sasuke dried him first and then put him in his pajamas, a tiny onesie with giraffes on it. By then, his son was getting drowsy. Sasuke held him close and started walking around the room, lulling him to sleep and humming to him. As soon as he put Sora down, he went back to check on the camera.

It didn’t turn on. It wasn’t recognized when he plugged it to his computer. Sasuke felt like an idiot for not saving the pictures somewhere else. If he couldn’t get it fixed, he’d lose every picture he had of Sora. 

Sasuke frowned. If he couldn’t fix it, someone else might.

He grabbed his phone, once again cursing himself for choosing to use a camera instead, and searched for a repair shop. The ones around didn’t seem trustworthy but he found a place a few stops away with only 5 star reviews. 

‘Uzumaki-san fixed my console after the djin told me I had to buy a new one. LIFESAVER!!’

‘They found discontinued parts for my vintage camera. Love their service!’

‘Amazing work 5/5’

‘Best place to go to for game releases. Guy who works there is super hot’

Well, Sasuke didn’t know how that was relevant but the rest of them convinced him. He shot a quick text to his neighbor, who agreed to watch Sora for a couple of hours the next day. He’d finish work and head out. He just hoped that letting the camera sit overnight didn’t make it unfixable. 

The next day, he went through his normal routine. Sasuke woke up when Sora cried, changed his diaper, nursed him, and put him down on his playpen. He made himself some coffee and got started on work. Sasuke had hundreds of pages to read and correct, his current project would take him weeks but he was trying to get a head start on it so he simply tried to focus, occasionally wincing when he remembered his camera. 

He had to take a few pauses to care for Sora. When he finally finished for the day, he packed a diaper bag and headed to his neighbour’s apartment. 

She was a beta named Takami. They met when she knocked on his door and offered to help on one particularly challenging day when Sasuke couldn’t make Sora stop crying. Sasuke was near tears himself and despite his distrust, he accepted. 

She explained she had grandchildren of her own and very patiently tended to Sora until he calmed down. Takami took a single look at Sasuke and told him to go to sleep while she kept an eye out for the baby. 

Ever since that day, they’d grown closer and Sasuke asked her to watch Sora when he had to go out. Sometimes he had to hire sitters but he preferred to pay the beta as he trusted her more. 

Now alone, Sasuke took the train to the repair shop. No one bothered him. It was impossible to know he was an omega from looking at him since he had no smell anymore. It was for the better, he thought. Even if it hurt that his little boy had never known his mother’s omega scent. 

He hurried through the streets until he found the repair shop. Inside, the walls were lined with consoles, video games, computers, and some things he didn’t know what they were. The alpha behind the counter looked to be a teenager. He smiled politely at Sasuke and said, “Welcome. How can I help you?”

“Hi, um, I was wondering if you could fix this?” Sasuke replied, handing him the camera. “It won’t turn on.” 

“Did something happen?”

“I dropped it in water,” the omega confessed.

The man, Konohamaru, based on his name tag, took a look at it and said, “It’s an old model. Might be hard finding parts for it.”

“It’s okay if it can’t be fixed, I just want the pictures,” Sasuke explained. 

Konohamaru nodded. “My boss will take a look at it. Here,” he handed him a form. “Fill in your information and we will reach out when we have an update.”

Sasuke thanked him. He got a receipt for it and left the store, thinking he would hate himself for the rest of his life if he couldn’t get his pictures back. 

*

Naruto was in the back of his shop, fixing a cooling fan. It was a new gen console, Naruto had one of his own, the customer shared was running too slow and the alpha caught the cause soon enough. It was just overheating. 

“Hey boss,” Konohamaru called. 

“Got anything for me?” 

“Yup. Broken camera, fell in water,” Konohamaru said, putting it on his workstation. “The guy who brought it told me getting the pictures out was more important than fixing it.”

Naruto hummed, adjusting his glasses. “I’ll take a look later.”

He did not get a chance to work on it until the next day. He had too much work queued up and orders to place but Naruto did not mind. In fact, he liked his job. When he was a kid, he was good at breaking things. With time, he also became skilled at putting them back together and he developed a liking for it. That, paired with his love for video games and electronics, made opening the shop his obvious choice for a career.

Naruto took apart the camera. It was still wet on the inside. Some parts were burned, likely from trying to use it while wet. He worked mechanically, making mental notes of things he had to do. 

It wasn’t too bad. Just change a few cables and do some soldering. He put it back together and boom, it turned on. Naruto connected it to his PC. There were no previews for the pictures, just rows of numbers for names. He clicked on a random one to check that the files weren’t corrupted. 

It was a picture taken from above of a young man with dark hair holding a baby in a carrier. 

Naruto’s mouth dropped. Was that…? 

No way. 

He zoomed in on the photo. He hadn’t seen him since they were kids but that had to be Sasuke Uchiha. He would recognize those dark eyes and slight frown anywhere. He looked even more handsome now, as if that was possible. 

They met in elementary school. Naruto never understood why, but the other kids didn’t like him much. He remembered being excluded and how much it had hurt him but he also remembered a small omega approaching him at recess and sharing his snacks with him.

Sasuke was his first friend. They lost touch after Sasuke moved but Naruto never forgot about him.

He took another look at the picture and wondered about the baby. Was he Sasuke’s? 

He clicked on the next picture. It was a picture of the baby and aww, he was dressed in a tiny bear suit. That was cute but it gave him nothing. The next picture was a blurry image of the same baby and the next one was just a chubby little hand holding a leaf. Naruto clicked out and scrolled to the earlier pictures, choosing a random one to open. 

It was Sasuke in front of a mirror with his shirt raised, showing his clearly pregnant stomach. 

Well, that answered his question. The baby was Sasuke’s. 

That should have been all. He shouldn’t pry, he knew that. But…Naruto was curious. Who did Sasuke mate? The baby had a father, right? 

So he saw the next picture, and the one after that, and the following one. Sasuke had photographed the progression of his pregnancy but other than that, he didn’t have any pictures of himself. There was a single picture of Sasuke and the baby at the hospital, clearly when the little one was born. Most were pictures of his son, seemingly taken by Sasuke. A few mirror pictures of the two of them, and a handful of selfies- all with the kid.  

There was no alpha in any photo. In fact, there wasn’t anyone else in the pictures. He would assume the father would be there, at least on the day the baby was born, right? Naruto knew it was none of his business, but…was Sasuke single? 

Maybe he was one of those progressive omegas that had babies on their own? Sasuke was still young and Naruto never imagined he would want a kid at all. If he hadn’t seen him pregnant, he would assume the baby was Sasuke’s nephew. 

And where was Itachi? Wouldn’t he be in the pictures? 

Naruto leaned back in his chair. Sasuke Uchiha, with a baby. He really wanted to know what the omega had been up to all these years. Naruto would often tell his friends that his first love was an omega in the first grade who was mean to everyone but him. The alpha desperately wanted to see him again. 

Suddenly, it struck him. Sasuke would come back for his camera. 

Naruto rushed to the counter. He found Sasuke’s information and reached for the shop’s phone to send him a message. 

‘Hi, this is from the repair shop. Your camera is ready for pick up.’ 

The response came a few minutes later:

‘Thank you. I will be there later.’

Naruto’s heart started racing. “Konohamaru, go home.”

“But I have closing shift-”

“I’ll pay you! Just leave, okay? I’ll close myself.”

Konohamaru grinned. “Whatever you say, boss.” 

Once he was alone, he sat behind the counter and waited. Of course, maybe Sasuke did have an alpha and they would be the one to pick it up but if the pictures were anything to go by, that was not the case. 

And anyway, just seeing Sasuke’s pretty face would be worth it. 

*

Sasuke didn’t know if the text meant that his camera was fixed. Maybe it was broken and they didn’t say it up front just to make sure he went back and paid. 

He sighed. Whatever, he had to go pick it up anyway. 

This time, he took Sora with him. He put the baby in a striped shirt and overalls paired with red sneakers. Of course, they were merely decorative since he didn’t walk yet but they looked cute anyway. 

Sasuke kissed his chubby cheeks and strapped him to his carrier before heading out. Sora was normally an easy kid and the omega was endlessly grateful for it. They took the train together and reached the station for the shop. The entire time, Sora was curiously looking around. 

The shop clerk had his back turned to him and he was arranging some boxes in the upper shelf. It was impossible not to notice his muscled arms and alpha scent. Even someone like him, who had given up on alphas, had to admit this one smelled good.

Sasuke cleared his throat. “I’m here to pick up my camera.”

The alpha turned. It dawned on Sasuke that he knew those blue eyes.

“Naruto?” he asked.

“Hey, Sasuke. Long time no see,” Naruto replied, smiling.

Sasuke was dumbfounded. The last time he’d seen him, he was a kid. Not the toned, handsome alpha in front of him. 

“Hi, little guy,” Naruto waved at the baby. “Is he yours?” 

Sasuke snapped out of it. “Yes. This is Sora.”

“Nice to meet you, Sora,” The alpha replied. “He is really cute, looks just like his mom.”

Sasuke felt his face warm up. He didn’t think Naruto understood what he’d just implied. 

“Thanks. I uh, I’m here to pick up my camera?” he repeated.

“Oh yes,” Naruto said, reaching for it and placing it over the counter. “You should be all set.”

“Does it work?”

“Yup. Memory is intact, too. Just be careful around water.”

“It was an accident,” Sasuke sighed. “Thanks anyway. How much do I owe you?” 

“C’mon. How could I charge an old friend? It’s just a favor,” The alpha replied. 

“I can’t do that…”

“Sure can!” Naruto said. “Maybe you’d like to grab some coffee with me? Y’know, to catch up?” 

Sasuke didn’t like leaving Sora unless he had to. “It’s a little hard for me to get a sitter-”

“He can come,” Naruto said. He paused for a moment, then, “Unless…your alpha minds?” 

Sasuke shook his head. “It’s just the two of us.”

“I see,” Naruto said. If the omega didn’t know any better, he’d think he sounded relieved. “Well, I’d love to see you and the little dude again if you have time.”

A brief glance told him that Naruto had no ring on and no bite. Sasuke reprimanded himself for even noticing. The alpha was just being friendly, maybe a little curious. That was all.

“You have my number,” Sasuke said. 

“Oh, right,” Naruto laughed. “I’ll text you!” 

“Bye.”

“Bye, Sasuke. Bye, Sora!”

Sora babbled, as if saying goodbye. 

Sasuke left, heading straight for the train. He was grateful for the camera, but already regretted not declining. He had to admit he was curious about the alpha’s life too but he wasn’t too eager to talk about himself. 

He wasn’t embarrassed. He loved Sora more than anything, but he was single and unmated and he had a very young child. The omega knew how people saw him, what they thought of him. It didn’t matter to Sasuke but he didn’t want to expose Sora to it. 

Sasuke pushed the thought away and reached his hand to pat his son through the carrier.

He was getting ahead of himself. Maybe Naruto would not even text him at all.

They made it home. The baby needed a diaper change so Sasuke took to his changing table. Sora stopped being a baby and turned into an octopus whenever he tried to put on a new diaper so the omega had to distract him and move quickly to get it done.  

“You were so good today,” Sasuke said, blowing raspberries on Sora’s tummy and making him laugh. “So good, my little Sora.” 

With his baby clean, Sasuke started making dinner. He put Sora down on his playpen along with some toys to distract him. It gave him enough time to put something together before his baby started whining.

“Coming,” Sasuke told him. 

He finished dinner holding Sora on his hip. Sora kept following his movements, clearly interested in what he was cooking. Sasuke only kissed his head and said, “Not yet. We are almost there.” 

Some people believed 5 months was old enough to start on solids but Sasuke was the careful type. Even if it made his heart shrink every time Sora tried to reach for his plate. Finally, he took the little one to bed. Sasuke planned every feeding strategically to match his own schedule. Now he was trying to put Sora to sleep. 

He adjusted his shirt and let him latch. Sasuke picked up his phone and saw he had a message from an unknown number. 

‘Hey, this is Naruto. Did you guys make it home safe? I’m happy I saw you today!’

Sasuke opened his profile photo. It was a mirror picture of Naruto at the gym, sitting on a bench. Naruto was wearing a sleeveless shirt with some cartoon print and gym shorts. He was grinning as he flexed his arm. Once again, the omega was surprised by his body. His legs were also thick and muscled. His abs were probably toned too… 

Sasuke shuddered. He did not need the mental image. 

‘Hi. Yes, we did thank you. I was happy to see you too.’

Almost immediately, he got a response.

‘What a coincidence huh? Do you have time tomorrow?’

Another message. 

‘I found this place!’ A link. ‘The little dude can have some fun too :) What do you think?’

He opened the link to find a cafe. It was a kid-friendly place with comments praising the drinks. Most of the areas were for older kids but Sasuke knew that Sora would still enjoy the colors and the toys. The omega looked down to see his baby suckling, already drifting off. 

“Little dude, huh?” Sasuked asked him. “What do you say, Sora? Want to go?” 

Sora blinked his black eyes at him. Sasuke wanted to say no. He did. But even he had to accept that the place looked good and that it was the kind of thing Sora enjoyed…

Maybe he was thinking too much about it. It wasn’t a date or anything. It was just friends catching up, right? He watched he screen for far too long before typing a quick message and locking his phone. Sasuke turned back to Sora, as if wanting confirmation, but his baby was already asleep. 

Sasuke closed his eyes, hoping he had done the right thing. 

*

Across the city, Naruto’s phone lit up with the notification. 

‘Sure. What time?’

Chapter Text

Being on time with a kid was difficult, Sasuke had learned the hard way. He had to pack a bag with wet wipes, diapers, an outfit change just in case, a second change in case something happened to the first one, sunscreen, a hat, his camera (obviously), two pacifiers, an umbrella. He didn’t carry bottles since he mostly breastfed so that was one less weight on his bag. 

Before heading out, he had to make sure Sora’s diaper was clean. He had to check the weather and plan his baby’s clothes, and still had to pack a little sweater just in case. Sasuke had run late more times than he was proud to admit so he’d gotten used to preparing earlier.

And now, he got to the cafe 20 minutes before their scheduled time.  

Sasuke sighed, going inside anyway. He figured he could just get himself some coffee and walk around with Sora while they waited. 

“Sasuke! Sora! Over here!” 

The omega turned to find Naruto was already there, seated and waving them over. Sasuke walked to him and took a seat in front of him.

“You’re early,” Sasuke noted, taking Sora out of his carrier and placing him on his lap.

“So are you,” Naruto replied.

“I have to leave early if I want to be on time with him.” 

The place had a few families and kids running around but it was surprisingly calm. Sasuke normally had to bear with overwhelming crowds and loud noises in most kid places. He’d learned to bear with them for Sora but this was nice for a change. 

A waiter dropped two menus for them and offered to bring Sora some crayons which Sasuke accepted. As soon as the menu was in front of them, Sora’s chubby hands were on it too. 

“They have stuff for kids too,” Naruto said, looking at his own menu.

“He doesn’t eat solids yet,” Sasuke replied. 

The alpha put his menu down, looking confused. “What does he eat?”

“Milk?”

“Oh, right,” Naruto laughed. “Duh.” 

Sasuke chuckled. There was something so genuine about Naruto. He always wore his heart on his sleeve, he’d done so since they were children. It was funny to think that the same kid who constantly asked him to play was the same alpha seated in front of him. 

They had been friends once, a long time ago. Now, it felt a little awkward.

“So what do you do for a living?” Naruto asked.

“I’m an editor,” Sasuke replied. 

“That sounds fun! How is it?”

“It’s um…” The only place that hired me when I was pregnant, he thought. “A little monotonous. I have to read a lot of really bad books most times. Mostly bad light novels or C-list manga spin-offs, but I can stay home with Sora so it’s fine.”

“I bet it’s all worth it then, right Sora?” Naruto turned to the baby for confirmation, his voice a little pitched. “That you get to be with your mom?”

Sora on his part was chewing on his hand, but he smiled anyway.

“He likes me,” Naruto noted.

“He likes the tone you used,” Sasuke replied. He bounced Sora on his knee. “See? You just like funny voices. It’s all fun and games for you, huh?” he said, mimicking Naruto’s pitch and making the baby laugh. 

Naruto frowned. “You may be right.” 

The waiter came up to take their order. Sasuke hadn’t actually looked at anything and he was about to order a regular coffee when Naruto pointed at his menu and said, “Look, they have tomato juice.”

It was something he’d liked since he was a kid and Sasuke was surprised that Naruto would remember such a small detail about him. He ended up ordering the tomato juice while Naruto ordered a soda. 

“I can’t believe you still remember that,” Sasuke said. 

“The tomato juice? It was the only thing you’d had,” Naruto laughed. “Who else would order such a gross thing?”

The omega glared. “It’s good.”

“Sure thing. Enjoy your ketchup smoothie.”

“It’s not- whatever,” Sasuke conceded. “So…How long have you been working at the shop?”

“I own it. My dad didn’t want to buy me a console because I had terrible grades, so I took a part-time job to buy it. I could only afford a second-hand one and the thing broke down on me all the time. I fixed it, told my friends, and word got around in school. I started making money from it and opened the shop after graduation.” 

“So do you do all the repairs?”

“Mostly,” Naruto nodded. “We also do game releases, some figures or seasonal content. All that.”

The omega hummed. “It sounds like you like it.”

“Oh yes. We get boxes with new games a couple of days before they’re out. Don’t tell anyone but I get to play it before anyone else.”

“You haven’t changed at all,” Sasuke chuckled. 

He may be a bulky alpha now but Naruto had always been a nerd. He spent all his time in school reading comics and daydreaming about fantasy fights. Even back then, he was athletic and quick thinker. A little too much for others but Sasuke liked him.

Sasuke enjoyed his company, he quickly corrected himself. 

The omega noticed that Sora had drooled a little on himself and so he used one of the napkins to clean his hand and the corners of his mouth.

“Is the little dude okay?” Naruto asked.

“He will be teething soon,” Sasuke replied. He used his finger to gently lower the baby’s lip and show the tiniest white mark peeking from his gum.

The alpha laughed. “How cute!”

The waiter left them their drinks along with crayons and paper for Sora. He was too young to use them himself but he liked to watch Sasuke draw squiggles on the paper. 

The conversation was fluid, mostly about work or the baby. Sasuke was surprised by how easy it was to talk to Naruto and how much the alpha was happy to include Sora in their conversation. 

It felt nice to have a friend. It felt like the only sense of normalcy he had in a long time. He was thankful Naruto didn’t ask anything too personal, even though Sasuke knew he was curious. Sasuke almost didn’t want to leave but he had responsibilities.

“I need to go,” the omega said. “It’s almost nap time and I have to feed him.”

“Of course,” Naruto said. “Talk soon?” 

“Sure.”

The omega rushed out of the cafe but despite his best efforts, Sora started getting fussy on the train. They got a handful of judgmental stares, even if he was already patting Sora’s back and kissing his head to soothe him. Moments like this, he was thankful not to smell like an omega. At least others would think he was a beta trying his best rather than an incompetent omega.

Despite Sasuke’s best efforts, it was already too late. Sora burst into tears on the walk home and by the time they were already inside, he was too upset to eat. It was the endless baby paradox of crying out of hunger and not eating because they were too busy crying. 

“Okay. Okay,” Sasuke said gently. “It’s my fault, I know. We should have left earlier.” 

He rocked him until the baby finally calmed down enough to nurse. The omega used his finger to gently wipe the tears off his face before tracing his eyebrows and the tip of his nose. 

“Did you have fun today?” he asked. 

Sora watched him, eating contentedly. 

“I had fun too. It’s nice to go out, right?” 

When the baby finally fell asleep, Sasuke took him to his crib. He closed the curtains and turned on a dinosaur nightlight before grabbing the baby monitor and heading out. 

Sasuke quickly busied himself. On his free days, he tried to cook for the whole week so he could freeze things and not have to worry about what he was going to eat on top of working and caring for Sora. He already felt lacking enough as a parent. He wanted to be more present with Sora during work days but he had to focus on his job. It would be too hard for him to find something else and if he did, he would probably have to find a daycare.

That’s why even though he'd grown numb to the routine and he had no time for himself, Sasuke just did things to keep his house running. 

He sat down to eat and took the opportunity to check his phone. There were a couple messages from Naruto. 

‘Thanks for today! Hope you made it home quickly!’

A couple of hours later, he sent another one. 

‘What are you guys up to?’

Sasuke replied. ‘Sora is asleep and I’m having dinner.’

‘Me too!’

Naruto’s text was followed by a picture. It was him, holding a plate of plain chicken breast, rice, and broccoli. He was wearing a stupid apron and a tight shirt that did nothing to hide his arms. 

Sasuke typed a response. ‘That looks disgusting’

Immediately, Naruto answered. ‘What are you having?’

The omega took a picture. It was a plate of pasta with chicken and spinach. Significantly more seasoned than what Naruto was having. 

The alpha replied, ‘:o I guess you’re right. That does look better’

Another message. ‘I’m gonna finish my dinner and go to sleep. Have a good night! Tell the little dude I say good night too!’

Sasuke put his phone away. Going out with Naruto was a welcome change but he tried not to think too much about it. Truthfully, Sasuke anticipated it being a one-time thing. Just a friend he saw once in a blue moon like he did Jugo or Suigetsu. Karin was technically his boss and they spoke frequently but it was mostly work related so it didn’t count.

He went straight to bed, knowing he had work the next day. 

And so everything went back to normal. He woke up when Sora woke him up. He fed the baby, had a quick breakfast, put Sora down on his playpen and started working. The omega was editing a novel from some upcoming author that had gained a loyal following. The work wasn’t too terrible and the public interest had been growing. It was an important project for his company and Sasuke was trying to meet the deadline for this chapter.

Sora babbled and stretched his arms towards him, trying to get his attention. 

“I’m busy,” Sasuke said, sounding apologetic. Just a few pages to finish the chapter and a few more chapters to finish the book. The omega reminded himself he was working for Sora too and pushed through with his day. 

His phone buzzed. Sasuke expected a message from Karin asking for some kind of correction but instead, it was a message from Naruto. 

‘Good morning! How are you guys doing?’

Sasuke went back to work. 

He was lucky that Sora slept plenty during the day. He had to take pauses to feed him or change him, or even just hold him. Whenever he did, he made sure to kiss his chubby cheeks as much as he could before having to work again. 

Finally, afternoon came and Sasuke closed his computer for the day. “I’m all yours now,” Sasuke said, picking up Sora. The omega placed a blanket on the carpet for him and Sora. He kept him company while the baby did his new favorite activity of holding his feet and rolling side to side. 

He had a new message from Naruto and Sasuke realized he had forgotten to reply earlier. This time it was a picture of slimy keyboard with some kind of goo between the keys followed by the message ‘Look at what someone brought in today 🤢’

Sasuke simply replied ‘ew’

‘Maybe they should have dunked it in the toilet like your camera instead’

‘I dropped it in the bathtub and it was an accident ok?’

‘I don’t think the mutated keyboard was intentional tbh’

Sasuke chuckled. He was about to reply but Sora somehow managed to grab the corner of the blanket and was now biting on it. 

“Maybe no choking ourselves today, huh?” he said, prying the wet fabric out of his mouth. “What do you say we go do laundry?”

He had the bad habit of not answering messages but Naruto did not seem to mind. It wasn’t intentional, Sasuke was just busy, but even if it took hours for him to get a response, the alpha would still message him. Sasuke normally got good morning and good night texts, little updates about Naruto’s day and plenty of pictures of the alpha doing whatever.  

Sasuke didn’t know how but they’d been talking for over a week. 

He had just finished putting Sora’s toys away when the message came. 

‘Any chance you and Sora are free this weekend? Looks like some flowers are in season. Wanna go?’

Naruto sent a link to a botanical garden. It was pretty. A little far from his house but the train station was nearby. He checked if he could bring a stroller inside and checked for restrooms with changing tables. Yeah, it looked fine. 

‘Okay. We will see you there.’

Sasuke was so focused on checking if he could take Sora comfortably that he did not realize he’d agree to seeing Naruto a second time. 

*

Naruto left the house early. Last time he’d barely gotten there before Sasuke and he did not want to keep them waiting. 

This time however, he stood at the entrance of the garden for a good half an hour after their agreed time, constantly checking his phone to see if Sasuke had texted him. 

They did show up eventually. Sasuke was pushing a stroller. His black hair was falling on the sides of his face and it contrasted his flustered cheeks. “Sorry,” he said, a little breathless. “We’ve had an eventful morning.”

“It’s okay. Did you get here alright?” 

Sasuke gave him a small smile and nodded. 

Naruto leaned down to the stroller to see Sora. The baby had a pacifier on and was looking at him with curious eyes. He had a little navy sweater and black pants, totally Sasuke’s style but he was also wearing a bucket hat with a dinosaur on it. Naruto waved at him and said, “Hi Sora! Nice to see you again.” He turned back to Sasuke and added, “He is wearing a hat!” 

“For now,” Sasuke mumbled. “Should we head in?”

The garden was stunning. They were welcomed by a fountain surrounded by flowers and neatly trimmed bushes and chose to follow a random path. They headed deeper into the garden until they arrived into an open field of lavender flowers.

“Oh look at that,” Sasuke stopped and turned the stroller to face him before reaching into the diaper bag and pulling out his camera. He stepped back, getting a view of Sora (who had already taken his hat off) and the flowers behind him.

“The famous camera,” Naruto noted. 

“I’ve used it since he was born,” Sasuke replied. 

Before that actually, the alpha thought but he was already ashamed enough that he’d snooped in the pictures. Sasuke didn’t need to know that. 

Sasuke was about to leave but Naruto stopped him. “Wait. Go stand by his side. I’ll take one of the two of you.”

The omega hesitated for a moment but then he handed him the camera. Sasuke kneeled next to the stroller, tilted his head towards Sora, and smiled. Naruto ignored the random pang in his heart and snapped a picture.

It was just a guess but past the tired look on his face, even with his sweet smile, Sasuke looked sad. Naruto knew loneliness well enough and he recognized it easily. He hated to think that Sasuke was alone and hurting and desperately wanted to do something about it. 

They talked mostly about the flowers and the weather. An easy but shallow conversation. The alpha decided to try his luck at a personal question. 

“Hey Sasuke, back when we were kids…why did you leave? You were my best friend and the next day you were just gone. No one in school knew where you went.”

Sasuke sighed. “My mom got sick and my dad was not having an easy time. We went back to live near our relatives.”

“Oh. How’s your mom doing?” 

“She passed away.”

Naruto’s throat tightened. He hadn’t expected that. “I’m sorry,” he said.

Sasuke only shrugged.

He tried again. “So…what have you been up to ever since?”

“School, work, Sora. That’s about it.”

Not giving him much, huh? Sasuke was always reserved. That much he expected. 

“How's Itachi?” Naruto asked. 

Sasuke furrowed his eyebrows. “Fine, I guess,” he muttered. 

Naruto decided not to push it. Sasuke didn’t seem comfortable enough around him to talk yet, even if it was clear that he was missing a chunk of the story, so Naruto steered back to something more casual. 

They walked deeper into the garden. The path led them through fields of colorful flowers. There were plenty of birds singing above them and they were joined in by Sora’s occasional babble. Naruto talked about his job and games he was playing while Sasuke listened. 

Naruto sneaked glances at the omega. Even if he did not talk much, he seemed to be enjoying himself. Sometimes, he even chuckled. 

They ended up in an area surrounded by tall trees. The sun started rising in the sky and the crowds thinned. Sora’s babbles turned into soft whines, making Sasuke look around with a worried expression. The omega hurried to look at one of the maps in the garden and frowned. 

“Is everything okay?” Naruto asked.

“He is hungry,” Sasuke said. “We should go back. There are no bathrooms around and he’s going to start crying soon.”

“Just feed him here. Why should you hide in the bathroom?” The alpha replied. “It’s natural. And if anyone has a problem, I’ll handle it.”

The omega looked around, hesitant. However, Sora was only getting louder so he sighed and started walking towards a bench.

Naruto sat by his side. It wasn’t until he heard the shuffling of clothes and Sora’s cries quieting down that it really dawned on him. Sasuke Uchiha, feeding his son. 

Despite what he said, Naruto was plenty embarrassed himself. Not that he minded but this was Sasuke and his baby and he felt like he was interrupting a moment between them. He looked everywhere but at the omega, unsure if he should say something. 

“Naruto?” Sasuke called.

“Hm?”

“You can still look at me, you know.”

Red faced, Naruto turned to face him. The omega narrowed his eyes at him and said, “Pervert.” 

The alpha quickly looked away, making Sasuke laugh. Of course Sasuke would tease him. Naruto gave him a side glance and muttered, “jerk,” before letting out a laugh. He was still embarrassed but the mood felt a little lighter.

Once Sora was satisfied, Sasuke put him back in the stroller with a kiss to his head. He seemed refreshed and he was once again kicking his legs in excitement. 

“Is it me or is he a little bigger?” Naruto asked. 

“He gets big really quick. He will just start randomly doing things he didn’t do before,” Sasuke said, a little nostalgic. “He’ll be a little kid in no time.”

“He seems very happy.” 

“I hope so,” the omega replied, the same sadness Naruto recognized before blending into his tone. “I saw they have a butterfly pavilion. Want to go?” 

“Sure. Sora will probably like that,” Naruto replied. 

It was enclosed and a little hot but Sora seemed to be having fun. Sasuke snapped a few pictures of him before taking him out of the stroller and walking around with him on his arms. The omega pointed out every butterfly and called out their colors for him. 

Whenever it came to Sora, Sasuke seemed to lower his guard a little bit. He smiled a little easier. He talked a little more. Naruto offered to take a few pictures of them and to his surprise, Sasuke asked him to get in the picture.  

So Naruto flipped the camera over and took a picture of the three of them. 

Sora fell asleep soon after. Naruto walked them to the train and waved them goodbye, watching the train doors close after them and leaving. He stood there for a moment, his thoughts going back to the omega.

Naruto just had to be a little patient and stick around until Sasuke trusted him. Just enough to understand that Naruto genuinely cared about him. 

Maybe it was better if he didn’t make his feelings known yet. Naruto didn’t want to push it too far too soon. 

*

Sasuke learned his lesson. When they got back home, he immediately saved the pictures to his computer. Just in case. 

He looked at the pictures they had taken. Sora in the flower field, Sasuke with him, then in the butterfly pavilion with Naruto. His eyes lingered on the photo for a moment, focused on the alpha. 

Sasuke checked his phone. Sure enough, there was a message.

‘Thanks for coming with me today! I had fun :)’

Sasuke had fun too. 

The text messages continued. Naruto texted him and sent him pictures often. The alpha working at the shop, going shopping, or going to the gym. He always seemed to have somewhere to be and he always fel the need to show Sasuke. 

Sasuke, meanwhile, was busy adjusting to Sora’s growth. Somehow his baby was already six months old. Flipping himself over had become a habit, and his waking periods were longer. Two tiny teeth had popped out, and brushing them was now part of their routine.

Sora was old enough to try solids, and Sasuke was eager for the small break from feeding. After hours of online research, he decided to start with spinach purée. He steamed the spinach, blended it, and spooned some into a pouch. Then, he placed Sora in his high chair and squeezed a little into his mouth.

Sora immediately spit it out with a ‘buh’, making Sasuke frown. 

“Not ready yet?” he asked. Sasuke sniffed the pouch, then tried some himself and immediately scrunched up his face.

“That was gross,” he admitted with a small laugh, kissing Sora’s cheek. “I’m sorry, Sora. No wonder you didn’t like it.”

He gave it another try. Not with spinach but with pumpkin. Once again, he held the pouch to Sora’s mouth and let him try it. Sora’s face immediately lit up and he started kicking his legs and waving his arms. 

“Is that good?” Sasuke asked. 

Sora took the pouch with his hands. It was still a work in progress and he made a mess of himself. He squeezed the pumpkin over his high chair and ended up eating it from his hands. 

It was a cute sight. Maybe Naruto would like to see it. 

This time, Sasuke texted him first. He snapped a picture of Sora. His bottom teeth showed when he smiled and his hands and cheeks were covered in pumpkin. He sent it to Naruto and texted, ‘I made him pumpkin puree’

Naruto hearted the image and replied, ‘Little dude liked it so much he became the pumpkin’

Sasuke had to give Sora a bath afterwards and clean the high chair. With Sora down for his afternoon nap, the omega did some extra work to get ahead of his deadline. 

The book was almost finished. There would be another one waiting for him when he was done with this one, Sasuke just didn’t want to have work piling up in case Sora needed him. By the time he was free to check his phone again, it was already nighttime. 

Naruto had sent him a selfie in front of the mirror, wearing an elegant suit, along with the message, ‘Going to a friend's wedding!’

He didn’t know why this upset him. It was obvious Naruto had a whole life he didn’t know of, and definitely shouldn’t care for. Sasuke was just a small aspect of it. 

If anything, Sasuke should be happy for him. 

Maybe it was out of pettiness but he didn’t respond. Sasuke checked on Sora through the monitor and went back to work. Somehow, he managed to finish all of his work and send it to Karin before going to bed. 

Of course, he was woken up in the middle of the night by his hungry baby. 

Half-asleep, Sasuke brought him to bed. He unbuttoned his pajama shirt and let the baby feed, stroking his soft hair while he nursed. There was a message on his phone. It was a picture of Naruto in a fancy venue, surrounded by people. 

‘You probably recognize some of them!’

And Sasuke did. Many of them had gone to school together when they were kids. He knew Sakura, Shikamaru, Chouji, and Kiba. If he was not wrong the bride was Ino but had no clue about her groom.

They hadn’t been too nice to Naruto when they were children so he was surprised to see them together. 

He texted the alpha, ‘I didn't know you were friends with them now’

Despite the time, Naruto replied, ‘Things changed a little when we grew older. They are all great! Trust me!!’

Sasuke was a little hesitant to trust him but honestly, what did he know? Naruto was a good alpha. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they changed their opinion on him. 

He wondered if Naruto had told them about Sora. If he did, there was probably some gossip about him. People always questioned who the father was, what Sasuke had done to make him leave, or what the alpha had done to him to make him run. He was always a victim or a perpetrator. There was never any room for the consideration that things, sometimes, just didn’t work out. 

He wished he could remove the label of an unloved, unfortunate omega. Truth as it may be. Sasuke hated to think that he could become a source of shame for his little boy. 

It was Sasuke’s fault that he couldn’t give him a family. He was fine with being the foolish omega that got pregnant and dumped and had to raise a baby on his own but was not okay with any of that affecting Sora. There would be questions, he knew. He could only hope that Sora could grow up without feeling like his mom failed him.

Naruto sent him another text. ‘Still up?’

‘Sora was hungry’

‘Same little dude’ Naruto replied and sent a picture of himself. The jacket of his suit was gone and his shirt was unbuttoned. He was holding a cup of instant ramen. 

‘You can't cook for shit’ Sasuke texted. 

‘I’ll have you know I make a mean banana bread’

‘Sure’

‘I’ll make some for u!’

Sasuke sent him a thumbs-up.

‘It’s so on, Sasuke’ Naruto replied. ‘Btw, when can I see you again? I know you’re busy with work but it’s been a minute. Maybe we can check out a park?’

Truthfully, he was planning to take Sora to the aquarium but it was another kid’s plan. Naruto probably had better things to do. 

‘I’ll let you know.’ 

Sasuke locked his phone and turned his attention back to Sora, still latched to his chest. He leaned down to kiss the top of the baby’s head and waited until he finished to go back to sleep. 

He never followed up on Naruto’s question but they continued texting as usual. Karin messaged Sasuke to let him know the book would be sent to the printers soon and he would be assigned more work after. 

It meant he could spend the entire weekend with Sora without any responsibilities. Saturday morning came, and he fed Sora in bed. They stayed there, cuddling for a little longer. Maybe he would take him to the park later. 

Hunger forced Sasuke out of bed. He set up his coffee machine but when he pressed the button to turn it on, nothing happened. The omega checked that it was connected. He tried again with no luck. 

Fuck. 

He’d only had it for…over a year. And it was the cheapest he could find. He also used it every single day, usually multiple times. 

On second thought, it was a wonder it’d lasted this long. 

He grabbed his phone and texted Naruto. ‘I broke my coffee machine. Im gonna have to get a new one.’ 

A moment later, the alpha replied. ‘I can fix it ;) Maybe I can stop by and give you your banana bread too?’

He shared a look with Sora. The baby was on his playmat, sucking on his pacifier. 

Should he…?

Well, it was just Naruto, not a random alpha. Besides, he didn’t want to spend any money on a new coffee machine.

He texted him his address. Naruto sent a message back, ‘I’ll be there in a bit!’

*

Naruto hadn’t planned to spend his Saturday morning baking the world’s fastest banana bread.

He didn’t just have one lying around, but he’d told Sasuke he’d make it for him, so now he had to rush. Just as he started smashing bananas, he realized that Sora might want to have some too. A couple adjustments and baking time later, he was out of the house. 

Sasuke’s place was a quick train ride away. He rang the doorbell, ignoring the way his heart beat in anticipation. 

The omega opened the door, holding Sora with one arm. “Come on in,” he said. 

Naruto expected Sasuke’s home to have his omega scent but walking inside proved him wrong. He’d always figured Sasuke used scent patches when he went out, but now he realized even his home didn’t smell like anything, except maybe baby powder.

“So, I know I said my banana bread was like top-tier, but this one has no salt, no sugar, no chocolate chips,” Naruto said, handing the bag to Sasuke. “I don’t know how good it’ll be but I do know that Sora should be able to have some.” 

“Thank you, that’s very thoughtful,” Sasuke said with a shy smile. “Maybe if you can fix the coffee machine, we can try it together?”

“Of course.” 

It was an easy fix. Naruto just had to open it, peel a bit of cable, and reattach some connections. Sasuke looked relieved when it turned on. He brewed coffee for both of them and cut the banana bread.

“Thank you for making this,” Sasuke said, giving Naruto a slice. He placed a silicone plate with cat ears in front of Sora before sitting beside him. “He’s tried bananas before, but this is a first.”

Naruto and Sasuke fell quiet, waiting for Sora’s reaction. The baby stared at the bread curiously, then took a slice in his tiny hand and squeezed it before shoving his whole fist into his mouth.

The alpha laughed. “See? Best banana bread.” 

“He loves it,” Sasuke said, smiling. He took a bite of his slice and added softly, “It’s really good.”

Suddenly, scrambling to find bananas earlier seemed worth it. 

Sasuke had only taken a sip of his coffee when his phone started buzzing, making him frown at the screen.

“Sorry. I should take this.” He pressed the phone to his ear. “Karin?”

Naruto couldn’t make out the words on the other end, but he could hear the urgency in their tone.

“Are there no physical copies?” Sasuke asked, already moving toward his desk. “Let me check.”

He rifled through some drawers and pulled out a stack of papers. “I have it…but it’s an old version, it’s missing the-” He stopped, running a hand through his hair. “Karin, I have Sora. I can’t go right now.”

Naruto could barely hear Karin’s voice faintly, sharp and fast.

“What am I supposed to do? I can’t bring him, he’s a baby, he-” Sasuke paced the room, trying to reason with whoever was on the other end. “I’ll be there,” he finally said, defeated. “Give me an hour.”

Before he could hang up, Naruto heard the other person on the phone say, “Make it half.”

“Everything okay?” Naruto asked quietly.

Sasuke exhaled shakily. “I have to go to work. Fuck. Can you wait here a second? I need to check if my neighbor’s home.”

Naruto blinked. He’d never heard Sasuke curse before.

Sasuke darted outside and knocked on the next house. No answer. He called someone on the phone with no luck and he started growing anxious. “She’s not home and she’s not answering. Fuck me. Where am I gonna get a sitter now?”

“I can stay with him,” Naruto said.

Sasuke froze mid-step, as if only just remembering Naruto was there. His eyes met Naruto’s, searching. “Have you ever changed a diaper?”

A pause. “...no,” he admitted. 

Sasuke took a deep breath, going back to his phone. 

“I’m sure there’s plenty of tutorials. We will be fine. Right, Sora?” Naruto said. “I’ve seen you take care of him before. He just ate. We can play together for a while.”

Sasuke tapped his foot on the floor. Panic was clear on his face. “I don't know how long I'll be gone.”

“I don't work today,” Naruto replied. 

Sasuke hesitated, his eyes darting from the clock to Sora, then to Naruto. The dread in his eyes softened into a terrified, reluctant acceptance. “There’s milk in the fridge. Bottles are on the counter. Warm them under the sink, okay? Don’t use the microwave. Diapers and the changing table are upstairs. You can put him down for a nap in his crib. Help yourself to anything in the kitchen.”

He kissed Sora’s cheek and exhaled hard, tucking the papers under his arm. His coat was half on when he turned back to Naruto, a pleading look on his face. 

“Please, please, take care of my baby. You can’t leave him alone, okay? I’ll be back as soon as I can. Text me if you need anything.”

“Go,” Naruto said. “Good luck.”

Sasuke gave Sora one last desperate look before rushing out the door.

And just like that, Naruto was left with Sora. The baby was still on his high chair, having finished his bread. 

“So um…what’s up?” Naruto asked.

Sora did not reply, he only blinked his black eyes at him. 

What did people do with babies? 

He took his phone out and looked up ‘How to take care of a baby’. 

“How old are you again?” Naruto asked, trying to narrow down the results. He remembered Sasuke mentioned it when he turned 6 months. The articles he found said stuff like spend time with the baby. Talk to them. Naruto was doing a great job already, apparently. 

Clean him. Feed him. Put him to sleep. It shouldn’t be too hard, right?

For starters, he cleaned the banana remains from his face and little hands. The omega luckily kept wet wipes handy. Naruto touched him gently, scared to use too much of his strength. 

The next thing was to play. Sora did not fight it when he picked him up from his high chair and held him to his chest. The baby was a lot lighter than he thought. Naruto hated to admit it but he was starting to panic too. He gave Sora a gentle pat on his back, accidentally making him burp. 

Naruto paused, watching him for a moment before bursting out laughing. 

“We are not so different, are we?” he said, bouncing him with a little more confidence. “Come on, Sora. Let’s have fun while mom’s out, yeah?”

He took Sora into the living room. Sasuke kept a neat place. There was a soft carpet on the floor, a baby swing, a basket filled with toys, and a shelf with books. Naruto sat on the carpet, placing Sora on his lap. 

Naruto realized that all of Sora’s things were kept on lower shelves, likely so that he would be able to reach them when he grew. 

“Your mom’s really thoughtful,” The alpha noted. “What do you say we read a book?” 

He pulled a few of them out. They were mostly picture books. The pages had about a sentence or two with large illustrations. Sora seemed to like them, based on how he placed his hands on them, so Naruto just kept reading out loud. There was a particularly funny one about a bear looking for his hat that made the alpha laugh out loud and made Sora laugh in turn. Naruto read it again.

Then, he reached into the toy basket. He pulled a bag of soft blocks and started piling them up. The entire time, he was telling the baby about a new graphics card that he wanted for his computer that he hadn’t been able to find yet. 

“It runs animations so smoothly, Sora. Mine is okay but it’s not as good as that one, y’know? It’s sold out everywhere. I can’t even find a provider for the store,” Naruto said. He absentmindedly knocked the tower he was building, making Sora laugh. 

“You like that, huh?” Naruto asked. He did it again and again and every time, Sora only laughed more. It was too cute. He picked up Sora, turning him to face him. The baby was smiling and kicking his legs. “You’re too sweet, Sora. I hope I can always make you laugh like that,” the alpha added. He couldn’t help but lean closer and rub his nose to his cheek.

Naruto tried everything to entertain him. He drew shapes on paper like he had seen Sasuke do. He pulled out every toy and plushie and showed them to Sora, occasionally making a funny voice for them. 

His legs were starting to fall asleep so Naruto lay Sora down on the carpet while he stretched. To his surprise, Sora rolled into his stomach. 

“I didn’t know you could do that. Sick core strength,” Naruto said. He lay down next to Sora and added, “Let’s take a picture for your mom.”

Both of their faces were in the frame. Sora’s dark eyes watched the reflection while the alpha smiled. He sent it to Sasuke and typed, ‘Doing great! Take your time!’

Sora rolled to his back again. He seemed to like doing that. Meanwhile, Naruto stared at the screen, hoping to hear from Sasuke. He was having fun with Sora, he was just a little worried about the omega. 

Sasuke wasn’t a great texter but it made Naruto happy to see the ‘seen’ mark on his messages. At least then Sasuke knew that he was thinking about him. This time however, there was no sign of Sasuke. 

“I hope your mom is okay,” Naruto sighed. 

Suddenly, he was distracted by a particular stench. He turned to look at Sora, face twisted in discomfort. Naruto wasn’t lying when he said he’d never changed a diaper and now the panic was coming back to him. 

He held the baby like a bomb and went upstairs. The first door he opened was Sasuke’s room, so he quickly closed it, not wanting to intrude. Then, he went into Sora’s nursery. 

Naruto laid Sora down on the changing table and realized he actually did not know what he was doing. 

He watched a tutorial on his phone but he couldn't anticipate Sora kicking his legs and squirming, his face beaming with joy. 

“Okay little dude, you’re gonna have to be really cool for a minute,” Naruto pleaded. As it turned out, babies weren’t particularly known for reasoning so he practically had to wrestle him into a clean diaper. Naruto stared at his handiwork, trying to decide if that’s how a diaper was supposed to look.

Yeah, that looked alright. 

Sora kept squirming and rolling. Naruto never understood why old omegas said stuff like ‘Oh I could eat him’ to babies but now that he was looking at his chubby cheeks, he did feel like he could eat him. 

Naruto brought Sora back to the living room and realized that they had made a mess. 

“How does that even happen? You don’t even walk yet,” Naruto told him. He put Sora down on a playmat with toys hanging from it. “Wait here. I have to clean.”

The second he turned, Sora started whining.

“Hey, it's just for a moment. We don't want mom to come home and find a toy bomb exploded,” the alpha explained. He started putting toys away but Sora only grew louder. 

“Is something wrong?” Naruto asked, picking him up. The baby stopped so he put him back down, only for him to start whining again. “Do you want to be held?”

He found Sora’s carrier hanging behind the front door. He tied it as best as he could, putting Sora on his chest while he cleaned. He picked up the plates, cleaned the high chair, put the toys away all while he wondered where all that stuff came from. Sora placed his head against his chest and Naruto could not resist the urge to lean down and kiss the top of his head. 

Just when he thought that everything looked fine and he could sit down, Sora started crying. It wasn’t the quiet whine from before; this had his face growing red and tears streaming down his cheeks. 

Naruto pulled him out of the carrier, worried. “What’s the matter?” he asked. “Are you hurt?”

Sora kept crying. The alpha looked at his little body, trying to figure out what the issue was but he couldn’t see anything wrong. 

Maybe he was tired? He tried rocking him but that didn’t work either. 

If he wasn’t tired or dirty, then maybe…”Are you hungry?”

Naturally, Sora didn’t reply. 

Naruto hurried to the kitchen. One arm held Sora while his free hand put the bottle together, and wow, it was tough using one hand. Sasuke made it look easy. He felt pressured by his cries and it made his movements clumsy. Naruto managed to close it and run it under hot water just until it felt warm before settling the baby into the crook of his arm and placing the bottle in his mouth. 

Sora calmed down and started eating, making the alpha sigh with relief. “You scared me a little.” 

Naruto took him to the couch. Sora lay comfortably on his chest, his little hands reaching for the bottle. “Can you hold it?” The alpha asked. He let go of the bottle only for it to almost fall. “No? Okay. I’ll hold it for you.”

Halfway through the bottle, Sora started drifting off until he fell asleep. Naruto wanted to put him in his crib but he was terrified to wake him up so he just decided to stay there. 

Naruto watched his little sleeping face and gently traced his eyebrows with his finger. “You really are cute, Sora,” he whispered. 

He looked so much like Sasuke that it was as if the omega had him via fission. Naruto didn’t like thinking about Sora’s father. There was obviously a reason why he wasn’t around, but moments like this made him wonder who could possibly miss this? What kind of idiot would leave Sasuke? 

Well, whatever. Their loss, he thought. 

Only then, Naruto realized how exhausted he was. He’d been running like a machine since morning and tending to Sora was a lot harder than he expected. The alpha nuzzled the baby in his arms and said, “Your mom does an awesome job, doesn’t he?”

Speaking of, Naruto pulled out his phone. He saw that Sasuke hearted the picture and replied, ‘I’m on the train. I’ll be home soon.’

Naruto sighed. He rubbed circles on Sora’s back, feeling the soft movement of his breathing while they waited. 

Some time later, the door opened. 

Sasuke tiptoed through the living room, making little noise. Naruto did not realize he was there until the omega chuckled. 

“I can’t move,” Naruto explained, motioning at the sleeping baby on his chest.  

“No. You can't,” Sasuke smiled. “Did he give you a hard time?”

“Not at all. He was very easy.”  

“I’m glad,” Sasuke said. He reached for Sora, taking him from Naruto’s arms with practiced ease. “Wait here. I’ll put him in his crib.” 

Sasuke came back after a moment. He stood in the living room, looking a little awkward. “Naruto, I cannot thank you enough for today. Would you like to stay for dinner?”

Naruto had not expected that. “Sure.”

In the kitchen, Sasuke moved quietly, gathering ingredients while Naruto leaned against the counter, watching him.

“Everything okay at work?” Naruto asked.
“It is now,” Sasuke replied. “We have this wannabe big-shot author who decided he didn’t like his own work. Deleted everything and then regretted it. It’s supposed to go to print on Monday. I had a physical copy, but it was missing some corrections, so we had to redo a lot of it… Thank you for staying, by the way.”

“It’s no problem. The little dude and I had fun.” 

Sasuke turned around, his back to Naruto, and started chopping vegetables. He’d taken off his coat and changed into a long-sleeved shirt. The neckline was a little low and it showed his pretty, unmarred neck. More interestingly though, it also showed black lines on his skin.

“Is that a tattoo?” Naruto asked. 

“Yes,” Sasuke replied. 

“What is it?”

“A snake.”

There were a lot of things Naruto wanted to know. Did it hurt? Did he have more tattoos? It was impossible to see the snake from just the few lines peaking from his collar. It was probably a massive piece. He could have asked anything but because he was an idiot, his question was, “How far down does it go?” 

Sasuke turned his head, watching him over his shoulder with eyebrows raised. 

Naruto cleared his throat, “As in…like- how big-” 

The omega let out a laugh, shaking his head. “It covers my back.”

Fuck. That was hot. Naruto pushed the thought of Sasuke’s naked back away. “I didn't know you had a tattoo,” he said. 

“I have a couple,” Sasuke replied. He raised his sleeve and revealed a tattoo of a woman, surrounded by lines that made it look like a shrine. “It’s the goddess Amaterasu. I have the Usanagi sword on my leg. A few flowers here and there.”

The omega spoke casually, as if reading out his grocery list. Naruto was practically salivating at the idea of Sasuke’s pretty pale skin inked all over. How delicious to be the person drawing on Sasuke’s naked body, he thought. Lucky bastard. 

“What made you get them?” Naruto asked, trying to sound equally calm. 

Sasuke went back to the stove and stirred something in the pan, filling the kitchen with a pleasant smell. “Looks cool.”

Naruto laughed. “It does.” 

“So…what did you guys do today?” 

Naruto recounted his day with Sora while they ate. The conversation was light and pleasant and when they finished with dinner, they moved to the living room. 

“Thank you. I really appreciate you staying today,” Sasuke’s face relaxed. “I can’t drink so I don’t have anything to offer. Do you want some tea?”

He couldn’t…? Oh right. He was feeding Sora. Naruto shook his head.

The alpha sat with his legs crossed on the couch, next to Sasuke. It was getting a little late but he was happy to be spending time with him, even just hearing about his work. It was rare for Sasuke to be so unguarded. Naruto decided to try his luck again. 

“Can I ask you something?” he said. 

Sasuke went still, his body growing tense. “Sure.” 

“I thought maybe you wore scent patches but your house doesn’t have a smell either. What happened to your scent?”

Sasuke relaxed. He leaned against the couch, sinking into it. “I’m on the strongest kind of suppressants. I don’t produce any pheromones at all.”

That was unexpected. So Sasuke was completely suppressing his secondary gender. It also meant he didn’t have any heats but that was hardly the point. 

“But doesn’t Sora miss your scent?” Naruto asked. 

“He’s never smelled it.”

“Why?” Naruto asked, shocked. “My mom’s a beta and even if it's subtle I loved scenting her.”

Sasuke’s mouth turned into a thin line. “It wasn’t something I considered. The day Sora was born, one of the nurses asked me if I had an alpha around. A friend, a family member, anyone who could scent me but well…I don’t. He suggested I went on suppressants to keep off unwanted attention. The smell of milk leaks through scent patches and anyone could notice I have a baby and no alpha. If anything were to happen to me…I won't fight back if Sora is involved.”

Naruto frowned. Of course it was possible he would be targeted. His scent made him too vulnerable.

“I could give you my clothes,” the alpha suggested. 

“No need.”

“It wouldn't be all the time. You're mostly home with him, right? You could have a scented jacket and scent patches for when you go out and let your scent out here.”

“That’s a little troublesome…” 

“But Sora doesn’t know what you smell like. Shit, I know you’re scared but,” Naruto shook his head. “He is yours. He deserves to know his mom and it’s not fair that you live in fear. You need an alpha right? So use me.” 

Sasuke froze, his black eyes wide. He looked uncomfortable, like he wanted to bolt out of the room. 

The omega lowered his gaze and said, "That's not the only reason. I know what people think of me. I’ve heard it. An unmated omega with a kid. It sounds pathetic, doesn’t it? I don’t ever want Sora to grow up and see me that way. I don’t want him to be embarrassed of-”

“That’s bullshit,” Naruto interrupted. “You’re his whole world. Why the fuck would he be embarrassed?”

“I couldn’t give him a family,” Sasuke said quietly.

“He has you,” Naruto said. “And he’s lucky. Look, I understand if you feel unsafe but fuck anyone who tries to judge you. They obviously don’t know shit. You make something this hard look easy.”

“How do you…I thought he didn’t give you trouble today?”

“He didn't. He is a baby and acted like a baby,” Naruto explained. “Sasuke, he will know you’re an omega. That won’t change. The only difference is that he won’t know his mother’s scent.”

Sasuke went quiet. The guilt and fear were evident in his face. Naruto hated how small he looked, how alone he must feel. He didn’t care anymore about what happened in his past, he just wanted him to stop hurting.

“I’m sorry. I know this must be very hard for you,” Naruto said, a little softer. “You already do all this. I have no right to tell you what to do. Just…you don’t have to do it all alone, okay? Rely on me a little, like today. I want to be here for you.”

Sasuke didn’t say anything. He just looked at Naruto for a moment, searching his face before finally nodding. 

Maybe it was pushing it but Naruto wanted to know he really meant it. 

“Could I...scent you?” Naruto asked. 

It was something so casual. Friends did it. Lovers did it. If Sasuke had a scent to rub, he would have probably done it to Sora. Chances were, no one had done it to Sasuke in a while. No wonder he felt lonely.

Slowly, Sasuke stretched out his hand. Naruto wrapped his hand around his forearm and gently brought it to his face. He rubbed his nose to the scent gland on the omega’s wrist, feeling the warmth of his skin. He didn’t smell like anything, he expected that much. Then, Naruto brought his free hand to it and rubbed his wrist against Sasuke’s.

Sasuke’s pale skin contrasted with Naruto’s tan one. The rubbing of his skin felt electric. If Sasuke had a scent of his own, they would have mixed with the touch. Now he would just smell like Naruto.

The alpha’s heart was racing. There was no alcohol or scent to blame. He just liked Sasuke. He could not deny the romantic nature of his feelings. Naruto wanted to hold him and kiss him until he forgot he was ever lonely in the first place. 

When he was satisfied, he brought Sasuke’s hand back to his face. Naruto rubbed his nose on the inside of his wrist, dragging it across the skin before pressing his lips to Sasuke’s scent gland. Maybe that was a little less friendly. He just could not help himself.

Sasuke watched him silently. His hand went back to his lap when Naruto let him go. 

His dark hair had gotten too long and it reached past his eyes. Naruto pushed his hair back behind his ear, revealing his pretty, blushing face.

“I’ll head home now,” Naruto said. “You’ll call me if you need anything, right?”

Sasuke nodded. 

“Okay. Thank you for dinner.”

He stood up and headed towards the door. Before the alpha could put his shoes on, Sasuke was behind him. 

“Naruto,” Sasuke called.

“Hm?”

“I was planning to take Sora to the aquarium. Would you like to come with us?” the omega asked.

Naruto smiled and replied, “Sure.”

Chapter Text

Naruto left. Sasuke stood still, watching the closed door. 

Hadn’t he learned his lesson? The last time he trusted an alpha, he’d ended up pregnant and alone. He should know better by now. Yet here he was, letting someone scent him like a school kid.

He sighed and went upstairs to check on Sora. The baby was fast asleep in his crib. Sasuke tiptoed inside and brushed a kiss against his forehead. He’d fallen asleep way too early, which meant he’d wake just as early. Sasuke might as well rest while he could.

Alone in his bed, Sasuke brought his wrist to his face, inhaling Naruto’s scent. 

He couldn’t deny that he liked it. That he liked him. Even if he didn’t want to trust Naruto, he just did. Naruto was patient and thoughtful. He was good to Sora, too. Things were nowhere near as explosive or dependent as they had been with Sasori. 

Naruto probably felt the same, even if Sasuke didn’t have too much to offer. He was scared of getting hurt again but he didn’t want to push Naruto away. 

If he fell asleep with his nose pressed to his scent gland, no one had to know. 

Just as he expected, Sora woke up too early. He brought the baby to his bed, kissing his cheeks to calm him down before settling him to nurse. 

“That was a surprisingly good sleep,” he murmured. “Any chance you’ll sleep through the night soon?”

Sasuke rubbed circles on the baby’s back. His mind kept going back to what Naruto said about his scent. 

‘He will know you’re an omega. The only difference is that he won’t know his mother’s scent.’

It started when he first got pregnant. The looks, the comments under people’s breath, the pity over not having an alpha. It didn’t matter to him if people didn’t approve of him but Sasuke kept wondering about how Sora would feel about it.

Would he agree with them? Think of him as an easy omega? Hate him for not giving him a father?

Sasuke did not know. That fear was enough to suppress his pheromones. But maybe it might be easier if he took on Naruto’s clothes. And even if he didn’t, if he didn’t have an alpha around…he loved Sora, wouldn't that be enough for his boy? Maybe his scent might be more important than anyone could say about him. 

He thought of his suppressants on his night table. If he stopped taking them, his scent would return in a matter of weeks. 

With Sora full and wide awake, he hid himself under the blankets before lowering them again to surprise him. The baby cackled so Sasuke did it again and again. 

Making him happy was what mattered most to him and maybe what he needed right now was his scent. Besides, he could always go back to his suppressants later.

*

It took some time for them to schedule their aquarium date. Not that Sasuke had ever called it that but Naruto considered it a date anyway. This time, Naruto stopped by Sasuke’s house so they could leave together. When he got there, he found Sasuke nearly pleading with Sora. 

“Come on, Sora,” Sasuke muttered, trying to fit a sun hat on the baby’s head. Sora responded by yanking it off and flinging it to the floor.

“Whatever,” Sasuke sighed, defeated. “I’ll just pull down the canopy. Let’s go.”

It was nice to be on the train together. Truthfully, Naruto just liked being with Sasuke. 

The aquarium was crowded with couples and families with children running around. It was a little loud and it had Sora turning his head at every moment but the inside was large enough that he was distracted soon enough. 

They were welcomed by a jellyfish exhibit. Massive tanks with colorful lights that made it look like their bodies lit up. Sasuke pulled Sora out of the stroller for him to get a better look. He held the baby with one arm and pushed the stroller with the other, making Naruto reach for the stroller. “Let me help,” he said. 

Sasuke watched him silently before nodding. 

They walked by a variety of fish. The omega walked slowly, pointing things out for the baby. “A yellow fish,” Sasuke murmured to Sora. “Look, a crab. And that one’s a pink starfish.”

His voice was softer than usual, a tone he knew by now was reserved for Sora. Naruto’s chest tightened. He could’ve listened all day.

Before the larger aquariums, they came across the gift shop. Sasuke went in, drawn to a display of toys. He picked up a set of floating fish for Sora’s bath, testing the plastic between his fingers while Naruto’s eyes were immediately drawn to a green bucket hat with eyes poking from it. 

“A frog hat!” he said, already grinning. He grabbed one and plopped it onto Sora’s head, tying the strings beneath his chin. “Look at you, buddy. Adorable.”

Sasuke shook his head. “It’s no use. He won’t keep it on.”

Naruto then realized that Sora was looking at Sasuke. “Have you ever thought that maybe he won't keep a hat on because you never wear hats?” 

Sasuke frowned. Naruto grinned, reaching for another frog hat and putting it on Sasuke. Sora didn’t pull his hat off.

“You tied it at the bottom,” the omega noted.

Naruto narrowed his eyes at him. 

“Fine. But I won’t use this on my own,” Sasuke said, reaching for a hat. He put it on Naruto’s head and said, “There, you get your own embarrassing hat.”

“Embarrassing to you maybe,” Naruto said, crouching beside Sora. “We’re having the time of our lives, right, little dude?”

Sasuke rolled his eyes, but they still left the store with a new set of bath toys and three matching frog hats. Naruto pushed the stroller while the omega carried Sora. They walked to the shark tank. It was a massive thing, covering the entire wall and casting a blue light over the place. The sharks circled, surrounded by smaller fish and wiggling strands of seaweed.

They stood before it, silently watching. Then, Sora started babbling and stretched his arms towards Naruto. 

“Do you want to go with him?” Sasuke asked. 

Without thinking, Naruto opened his arms. Sasuke passed Sora to him, and the baby immediately grabbed Naruto’s shirt, pressing close.

“Oh, stay there,” Sasuke said, rummaging through the diaper bag for his camera.
He stepped back and snapped a photo. Before he could return, an employee walked by and offered to take one of the three of them.

A little hesitantly, Sasuke handed her the camera and stood beside Naruto. The alpha wrapped his free arm around him for the photo. When they got the camera back, Sasuke glanced at the screen. Naruto peeked over his shoulder.

It was adorable. The matching frog hats made them look like a family. Anyone else would’ve believed it.

Naruto turned to Sasuke. He was watching the sharks again. The blue tint of the water reflected on his pale skin. Man, Sasuke was so beautiful, it was kind of unfair. It was just his eyes and his nose and his hair and the way his lips turned when he smiled.

“I like you,” Naruto said. It slipped out, his mouth just moved faster than his brain. 

Sasuke blinked, startled. Then he gave him a small, tired smile. “Naruto… I have a kid.”

“So?” The alpha asked. “Should I ask his permission?” He turned to the baby on his arm and added, “Hey Sora. I want to kiss your mom, can I?”

Sasuke chuckled. “Don’t be silly. I’m just…probably not the kind of person you’d want. I have priorities. My life is much different than yours.”

“That’s okay. I know Sora comes first and I don’t expect that to change,” Naruto replied. “I still like you. I want to be with you.” 

Sasuke went quiet, lowering his gaze. His face dropped and he seemed lost in thought. Finally, he spoke. 

“It’s not that I don’t like you. It’s just…are you sure?” Sasuke asked. “My life centers around work and being his mom. It’s just that. I’m not exactly the kind of person you’d introduce to your friends or your parents. There will be questions, stuff I don’t want to talk about. I can’t promise I’d know how to be with you. I have Sora, and-”

“I know that,” Naruto interrupted with a sheepish laugh. “I already told you, I am okay with all of it. I know he will always be your priority, that’s fine. And if you don’t want to talk about your past, that’s okay too. I am sure about you and we can take it as slow as you want.”

Sasuke still looked unsure but Naruto could see that he was restraining himself. If Sasuke wanted out, he would have taken Sora and leave. Yet, he stood there, watching Naruto with a bashful expression. 

He was quiet for too long. Until Sasuke finally broke the silence. 

“If... if at any point this becomes too much for you, or you realize this isn't what you want... you have to tell me. Immediately. No lies. No pretending,” Sasuke said. “And if this ever affects Sora in any way, it’s over.”

Naruto smiled. “Promise.”

The omega seemed a little relieved but he was reluctant still. Naruto didn’t say anything, he just let his free hand reach for Sasuke’s. Immediately, Sasuke’s hand wrapped around his. 

It was better than he could have hoped for. Naruto understood that Sasuke’s hesitance ran deep but he meant it when he said they could take things slow. He would wait as long as it took for Sasuke to be comfortable and he was happy to prove he would stick around until then. 

“So,” Naruto said. “About that kiss.” 

The smallest smile appeared on Sasuke’s lips. He laughed and reached up, fingers brushing Naruto’s jaw, and pressed a quick, soft kiss to his lips.

They stayed in front of the tank for a moment, just holding hands and enjoying each other’s company. Until Sora remembered he liked his mom better and started fussing, reaching insistently for Sasuke. Naruto laughed as the omega took him back.

They kept walking through the aquarium, pointing things they found interesting. When Sora’s eyelids began to droop, Sasuke tucked him gently into the stroller.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said,” Sasuke said after a moment. “About my scent. I think you were right, Sora should know what I smell like. So I decided to take a break from my suppressants.”

Naruto blinked. For a second, he couldn’t even respond. It had been so long since he’d smelled Sasuke’s scent that he’d almost forgotten it.

Almost. 

“I think the little dude will like that,” Naruto noted. “And if you want my clothes, the offer still stands.”

“Thank you.”

Naruto didn’t say it out loud, but the thought lingered, he wanted to smell it again too. Still, he didn’t push. This was a big step, and Sasuke was doing it on his own terms. 

They stayed together a little longer before heading home. At Sasuke’s door, Naruto leaned in for a shy goodbye kiss which Sasuke gladly gave him. Then he left, still grinning to himself as he made his way back to the train, feeling like he could float all the way home.

*

Sasuke was being a fool, and he knew it. He was supposed to stay single, raise his son, keep his life simple. But how could he have ever anticipated Naruto?

His mind kept on replaying their kiss, how his heart had started racing, the feeling on naruto’s warm hand pressed to his. Sasuke wondered if something between them could really last or if the alpha would open his eyes soon.

He took Sora out of the stroller and set him on the swing. The baby was still fast asleep, small fists curled near his face. Sasuke sat back, knowing he had a few minutes before he woke. It was too late to take it back now. Even if, when, Naruto pulled away, Sasuke would manage. He always did. They could go back to their routine. Pretend like nothing had ever happened.

Yeah. That would do.

So even if he believed, deep down, that what they had came with an expiration date, Sasuke still stayed by Naruto’s side. 

They kept messaging regularly. He didn’t have much time to see him, but they still talked every day.

One night, after putting Sora to bed and taking a quick bath, Sasuke finally lay down. Only to be woken up by an insistent cry. 

“Shh, it’s okay. I’m here,” he murmured. He lifted Sora into his arms and went to the rocking chair, patting his back until the crying faded. But when he set him back down in the crib, the crying started again, sharper this time.

Normally, Sora calmed down after a moment or a feed, but this cry was different. It was something Sasuke had learned to recognize. He was in pain.

He touched his son’s cheek. It was too warm. He grabbed the thermometer and checked. No fever, thank god. Still, something was off.

“Is it your teeth?” Sasuke asked softly.

He lifted Sora’s lip and frowned at the red, swollen gums. He hated giving him medicine, but tonight he could make an exception. He measured a small dose in a syringe and gently pressed it into his mouth.

Sora gave him a look of pure betrayal through teary eyes.

“I know it’s yucky, but you’ll feel better soon,” Sasuke whispered, pressing him to his chest. His pajama shirt was damp with tears, Sora’s little fists clutching the fabric. “Do you want to sleep with me?”

He brought Sora to his bed, curling him into the crook of his arm. The baby quieted, staring up at him with heavy, dark eyes.

“Go to sleep,” Sasuke murmured, kissing his forehead.

Sora finally drifted off, but Sasuke stayed awake, watching him and patting his back. He reached for his phone to check the time and saw a new message from Naruto.

It was a photo of a box, captioned: ‘I got a new game!’

‘Is it good?’ Sasuke replied.

Surprisingly the response came immediately. ‘Yes! Really good so far’

A second later, Naruto sent another message. ‘Not sleeping yet?’

Sasuke replied. ‘Sora is not feeling good.’

‘Whats wrong?’

‘He is a little warm, I think he is hurt. I'll probably take him to the doctor in the morning’

‘Want me to come?’

Sasuke smiled. Of course he would offer. 

‘No need. Thanks tho’ he answered. ‘And you? Why are you awake?’

’Still playing’ Naruto replied, adding a picture.  

The picture was him giving a peace sign. The room was dark and he was dimly illuminated by the tv’s glow. He was wearing glasses and cartoon pajama pants, a sleeveless shirt showing off his toned arms.

Sasuke had to admit…he looked good. Might as well tell him. 

He sent a message that said ‘You look hot’ 

The typing bubble appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again. Naruto was probably typing and deleting his reply.

Finally, he sent, ‘Thank u 😚 ’ 

Sasuke chuckled. He looked down at Sora, now sleeping soundly, and locked his phone. He really needed to sleep too.

By morning, Sora was looking better, even if Sasuke had dark circles under his eyes and looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks. Even if his baby nursed easily and went back to being all smiles and giggles, he was still worried about him so he got him dressed and put him in his carrier.  

The doctor’s office was far from Sasuke’s favorite place. It was sterile, with cold white lights and far too many omegas with babies. Sora was pressed to his chest, his fingers into his mouth and looking around curiously. 

Finally, they were called in. The doctor, an older alpha, took Sora gently and began the examination, checking his gums, heartbeat, and reflexes, ending with a quick tickle that made the baby giggle.

“He looks fine. His top teeth are coming in. Nothing a little medicine or a homemade popsicle can’t help,” the doctor said with a chuckle. “You can tell his mother to stop worrying.”

“He’s mine,” Sasuke said quietly. “I’m… an omega.”

“My apologies,” the doctor said quickly, then smiled. “No need to worry. If anything, your scent will calm him. Have you had him tested for his secondary gender yet? We can tell with a simple blood test.”

Sasuke hesitated but agreed. He already had a hunch anyway. He held Sora tightly as the nurse took the sample, unable to watch when the needle went in.

He rocked him afterward, pressing kisses to his cheeks, whispering apology after apology until the tears stopped. Sasuke thanked the doctor, reassured and more convinced than ever that quitting his suppressants had been the right choice, even if his scent wasn’t back to normal yet.

Outside, he realized they were close to Naruto’s shop. He pulled his phone out and saw he already had a message from the alpha. 

‘How’d the doctor go?’

‘He is fine, just teething’ Sasuke replied. Then added, ‘I had him tested, he is an alpha’

‘ 😮 welcome to the club little dude! Hell yeah!!’

That was a whole separate issue Sasuke didn’t want to think of yet. He had no idea how to raise an alpha. He was terrified to think the day would come when his son would become territorial. Maybe Sora would feel like he didn’t understand him or that they were too different. 

Sasuke sighed, he leaned his head down and kissed Sora’s forehead. He would have to deal with that later, no point in worrying now. 

He messaged Naruto. ‘Are you at work?’

‘yup!’ 

’Are you busy?’

‘Not much. Do you need me?’ 

Maybe they could stop by and surprise Naruto. Would he like that?

He decided to give it a try anyway. Just a quick stop to say hi and they would leave. So Sasuke turned and headed to the shop. When Sasuke pushed open the door, the bell chimed softly. Naruto was behind the counter, bent over a notebook.

“Welcome-” he started, then his eyes widened. “Sasuke?”

“Hi,” Sasuke said, almost shyly.

“You guys came!” Naruto grinned, rounding the counter. He gave Sora a gentle pat on the head, then leaned in to press a quick kiss to Sasuke’s cheek. “What are you doing here?”

“We were nearby,” Sasuke said. “Thought we’d stop in to see you.”

“I’m glad you did,” Naruto said, beaming. “Come upstairs. I’ll show you my place.”

“You live here?”

“Not here. Upstairs,” Naruto said with a grin. “It’s easier than commuting, don’t you think?”

His apartment was just as Sasuke expected. Shelves filled with figures, game posters hanging from the wall, a tv too large for a normal person, a computer that seemed to have the engine of a car. Most noticeably, it smelled pleasantly like Naruto. 

“Make yourself at home!” Naruto said. 

Sasuke shrugged off his sweater and sat down with Sora in his lap. The space was clean and well-kept, but there were delicate pieces everywhere that Sora’s curious hands would love to destroy. The baby was fixated on a massive orange fox figure made of tiny blocks. Sasuke kept a firm hold on him.

“Wanna check it out?” Naruto offered, reaching for it.
“Please don’t,” Sasuke said quickly. “He’ll crush it and swallow the pieces.”
Naruto blinked, then laughed and set it on a higher shelf. “Sorry, dude. Maybe when you’re older.”

Sora gave him a wide-eyed look that melted Naruto immediately. “Okay, okay,” the alpha murmured, grabbing a plush from another shelf and handing it to him. That got Sora's attention. Just as Sasuke expected, the toy went from his mouth to his hands and then back again. Meanwhile, Naruto sat beside Sasuke, draping an arm over his shoulder. 

They stayed like that for a moment, just talking about work and their days. It was the exact casual ease that made Sasuke forget all his hesitations. 

Naruto’s touch was casual. He would reach for his hand, brush his hair back, and occasionally he would lean closer and plant a quick peck on the side of his face. Eventually, he got a little braver, his hand cupped Sasuke's cheek and brought their lips together. A little deeper than before. Slow but just deep enough to get their tongues to touch. It didn’t feel right to be kissing like teenagers when his son was innocently playing just a stone's throw away. 

So he pulled back, ready to tell the alpha off. Naruto read it immediately, giving him space.

“Wanna watch a movie?” he offered gently.

Sasuke anticipated a reaction, maybe even an argument. Instead, he found himself leaning against Naruto, Sora asleep on his chest, patting the baby’s back to keep him calm. Even after Sora drifted off, Sasuke didn’t move. He stayed there, next to Naruto, breathing in his scent while the alpha murmured comments about the movie. 

Sasuke wanted to stay a little longer. In fact, he would have loved to stay over. But he had work and a baby that still needed a bath and a couple of feedings through the night. So when the movie ended, he simply said he had to leave. 

Naruto nodded. He looked nervous before speaking. “Hey, uh… since you’re off your suppressants, I was thinking maybe you’d want one of my jackets? Just for when you go out, or, y’know… in case you… miss me?” His voice trailed off.

It made Sasuke smile. “I’d like that. Thank you.”

Naruto grinned and disappeared before returning with a hoodie. It was orange, probably used to be bright but now it was a little faded from washing. It was clearly loved and smelled just like the alpha. 

Sasuke didn’t want to wake Sora, so he tucked it into his bag, gave the alpha a soft goodbye kiss, and headed home. But once he was alone, he couldn’t resist. He pulled the hoodie out and slipped it on. The scent would fade faster if he wore it, he knew, but being surrounded by Naruto’s scent felt too good to skip. Besides, he could always ask for more clothes, right?

He caught his reflection in the mirror. The hoodie probably fit Naruto’s broad arms perfectly, but on him it hung a little loose. He’d never sent Naruto a photo of himself before, but suddenly he wanted to show him. So he just grabbed his phone and snapped a picture.

Surprisingly, the response took a little longer. For a moment, Sasuke wondered if he had done the right thing but soon enough he did get a reply. Just several lines of hearts and the message. ‘Now you look hot ♥️Good night beautiful.’

*

Naruto came home after seeing Sasuke and Sora off at the train station and immediately collapsed face-down on the couch. The space felt too empty without them. He hoped he hadn’t pushed it too far. He just… really wanted Sasuke.

His phone started buzzing. For a second, he hoped it was Sasuke. Instead, the screen lit up with the group chat.

From: Ninja bois 💯🔥

Chouji: session now?

Sai: Joining.

Kiba: joining

Shika: Naruto?

Kiba: Yo Naruto where tf have you been? havent seen you since Ino’s wedding

Sai: Naruto come join us 🙂

Kiba: JOIN 😡

Naruto sighed. He should join, he hadn’t played with his friends in too long. 

Naruto: I dont play with you guys bc my back hurts…from carrying you losers lmao 

Kiba: bastard

Chouji: Join and I’ll show you

Naruto: one game. joining now

He turned on his computer and put on his headset, not bothering to turn on his camera. The guys were already in the channel, talking loudly and swearing each other off. 

“Look who decided to join,” Shikamaru said. 

“Where have you been man?” Chouji asked him.

“Sorry, I’ve been busy,” Naruto said. “Are we playing or what?” 

They split into teams. Naruto ended up playing with Shikamaru against the rest of them. It was a fun time, easy for them. Shikamaru had the brains and Naruto had the skills. After a couple of rounds of taking turns shooting each other, Shikamaru sent him a private message that read, stay for a moment after.

Naruto replied, ok. 

After they finished their game and Naruto said his goodbyes, he hopped into a private channel with Shikamaru. Neither had their camera on so Naruto was looking at the picture of a cloud Shikamaru had on his profile. 

“What's up with you?” Shikamaru asked. 

His tone was calm but Naruto knew he was worried about him. It was easy for him to read Naruto. Not like he did a great job at hiding his feelings anyway.  

“I…ran into Sasuke a while back,” Naruto replied. 

Shikamaru hummed. “Sasuke as in…Sasuke from school? Black hair…omega…a bit edgy?”

Naruto laughed. “Yup. That Sasuke. He has a baby now.”

“Not yours, I imagine,” 

“No. Not mine.”

“Oh boy…So is he mated now?” 

“Nope. Just him and his son.”

“Normally I’d think that means it’s over but I know you. Have you been seeing him?”

“Yes. I mean, we are taking things slow since he has Sora and all but yeah, we’re together now,” Naruto replied. 

Shikamaru went quiet. The alpha had many acquaintances but Shikamaru was someone he genuinely trusted. They had known each other for a long time but only became close later in life. Now he was the first person he was telling about Sasuke. 

Finally, Shikamaru spoke, “And you’re okay with that? Where’s the dad?” 

“It’s Sasuke,” Naruto said, as if that explained everything. “The dad is not around. That’s not a problem.” 

He would have fought for Sasuke, if he had too. It would have been harder if he was mated but he would have done it anyway.

“So you’re in love now, playing house, too busy to even reply to the group?” Shikamaru asked. 

“Yeah, kind of,” Naruto chuckled. “It’s still new and we’re figuring it out. Sasuke is just a private person, y’know? I didn’t want to freak him out or just announce to everyone we are a thing now before he was ready.”

The sound of Shikamaru breathing could be heard from his mic. He went quiet for a moment but then let out a laugh. “That’s just like you, dude. Of course you’d have a whole secret thing going on. Well, don’t mind the guys, tell them when you’re ready. You’ve only been in love with him since forever so I don’t think they’ll be too surprised.”

“I will. Thanks.”

“And bring him around, will you? Him and the baby. I’m sure Sai will be happy to have another omega around,” Shikamaru added.

Naruto said goodbye and closed their channel. He was left with just the light of the monitor. He knew that his friends would want to meet Sasuke and he wanted to properly introduce them. To his parents too. Not just as a childhood friend but as his partner. 

Maybe later, he thought. 

From his desk, he could see the huge Kurama figure that had caught Sora’s eyes. He was a popular monster, there was no way he didn’t have a ton of merch. He looked online and found a Kurama pillow, big enough that it could be bitten or cuddled or slept on without making Sasuke worry. Sora would probably like it so Naruto got it for him.

With nothing else to do, he decided to go to bed. He was about to head into his bedroom when he noticed there was something on his couch. Sasuke had forgotten his sweater. 

Naruto picked it up. He’d only planned to put it away and give it back the next time they saw each other but the second he moved it, his nose was hit with the faintest scent. 

He brought the sweater to his nose, exhaling. It was barely there but he could still make out Sasuke’s smell. It was different from when they first met. Still a little spicy but now mature, with the tiniest sweet hint of milk. 

His pupils went wide and his mouth watered. Naruto pressed the fabric closer to his face, trying to get more of it. 

Sasuke. Sasuke. Sasuke.

Inevitably, his dick started to swell. He didn’t realize when it happened but his hand slipped through the waistband of his pants and wrapped around his member. He gave himself a few tugs and let out a moan. 

If Sasuke smelled this good, what did he taste like? His hand moved faster. Naruto used his own precum leaking from the tip to make the glide smoother. He could have reached for some lotion but all he could think about was the omega. He was probably sweet like his scent. His milk, his slick, even his sweat. Naruto would kill to have a taste. 

He bit the fabric, piercing through it with his teeth. He desperately wished it was Sasuke he could claim instead and came. The couch and his hand were streaked with ropes of cum, leaving his chest heaving. 

Immediately, he was hit with the realization of what he had done. Not only did jerk off to a sweater, he’d also ripped it and stained his couch. He had finished so fast his knot was still half formed. 

Naruto tried to rationalize that it wasn’t too bad. Everyone did that right? Just rub one off to your childhood friend while sniffing his sweater like a pervert? 

He was also going to have to explain the teeth mark on his sweater. Mortified, he wiped the couch clean and started thinking of excuses. Maybe he should just throw the sweater away and lie about it if Sasuke asked. 

Red-faced, he went to bed. Naruto grabbed his phone to send Sasuke a good night text but to his surprise, the omega had sent him a picture. It was Sasuke, standing in front of the mirror, wearing his orange hoodie. The hood was up, his hair a little messy, his mouth curved in the tiniest smile. 

Naruto wished he’d seen the picture earlier. That paired with the sweater would have made him pop a knot, no doubt.  

He shook his head. This was not the time to think about that. He was about to type a response but his mind went blank. 

He typed, ‘you look lovely’ and quickly deleted it. What was he? Eighty?

Then again he couldn’t just say ‘Nice pic. Btw i just jerked off to your scent.’

Nope. Definitely not. But to not say anything was a disservice too. He looked hot and Naruto wanted him to know it. It was Sasuke who called him that first, right? So he sent a bunch of heart emojis and typed ‘Now you look hot ♥️ Good night beautiful.’ and waited for Sasuke to see the message before going to sleep.

*

Slowly, the effect of the suppressants faded. Sasuke’s scent came back but with it so did his instincts. 

Sora was particularly enjoying it, judging by how he clung to Sasuke and cried if he put him down for a moment. It was helpful to be able to scent him now and he just had to let out a few pheromones to get him to calm down. Sasuke liked to hold him in his arms and rock him, watching him as his eyelids started to droop until he fell asleep. 

However, Sasuke was also overcome with the need to nest. He rearranged his house multiple times, washed Sora’s clothes and plushies until they smelled right. His nose was too sensitive and his body was itching to be scented. He slept in Naruto’s hoodie, even after the scent faded.

It was an adjustment to have his scent back. Sasuke had to go to the office so he put on his scent patches and dropped Sora with Takami before heading out. Now, he got a handful of looks on the train, likely because he smelled like a mother and had no alpha scent on him but Sasuke ignored it. 

Karin was waiting for him. Her subtle scent filled her office pleasantly. It seemed even his sense of smell had improved since getting off the suppressants. Her red hair was tied in a bun and she kept a focused look on her face but there was a light green glow to her skin. Sasuke had to fight back the urge to laugh. She may look composed but he knew she had a hangover. 

“You called?” Sasuke said. 

“Sasuke,” she replied, pausing for a minute. “You’re starting to smell again.”

He raised an eyebrow. She always had an impressive nose.

“Back in the market?” Karin grinned. “If you’re looking for a parent for Sora you know I could always-”

“No thank you,” Sasuke said. “I’m just trying to get my baby used to my scent. That’s all.”

Karin sighed, looking defeated but he knew she was playing. 

Moments like these reminded him that they were technically friends. Now he just happened to work for her and Karin happened to want to keep her job. 

“What do you want?” Sasuke asked, going back to business. 

“Work for you and me,” she replied with fake excitement. “You know the drill. You have a week to send in the first chapter.”

She handed him three different manuscripts to go through. Sasuke took them with a sigh but did not complain. Karin’s parents had already been kind enough and he intended to perform well. Even if it cost him a few sleepless nights. 

Sasuke put the papers inside his bag and said, “I will. Talk soon.” 

“By the way, Suigetsu is having a party at his place.”

“You know I can’t go.”

“C’mon Sasuke, you can take a day off,” Karin replied. 

But he couldn’t. He had to go home and pump since he’d given the remaining milk he had in the fridge to Takami and there was no one to watch Sora overnight. He also had a shit ton of work and laundry to do and he was already tired as he was. If he could take some time off, Sasuke would only sleep. 

“I’ll send these as soon as possible,” Sasuke said before leaving the office.

On his way back home, he stopped by a pharmacy. He browsed the isles looking for more scent patches. It was hard to fully conceal his scent, he just didn’t want it to scream ‘I’m feeding a baby’ every time he went out. 

Sasuke chose the ones that claimed to be the strongest and hoped they would work out. As he headed to the register, his attention was drawn towards another product on the aisle. 

Condoms. 

Should he get some? He didn’t have any at home. It wasn’t like he used them before obviously, hence his current situation, but he knew to be careful now. Not like him and Naruto had taken it that far but it couldn’t hurt right? Better to have them and not need them. 

He grabbed a box, hesitated, and considered getting a second one. One was optimistic, more than that was wishful thinking.

On second thought…he could just save some for later. The idea of doing Naruto, let alone doing him multiple times was enough to make his heart flutter and his face burn. 

Whatever, he thought. Even if they never used them, he could just keep them in a drawer. 

So he grabbed a pack and paid for them. On the train ride home, his thoughts kept going back to Naruto. He wanted to see him, give him a hug, and put his nose on the scent gland on his neck. It sucked to be so needy, even if it was only while he got used to his instincts again. 

He reached for his phone and sent Naruto a message. 

‘I miss you’

The reply came quickly. ‘I miss you more. Maybe I can go see you? I got something for the little guy.’

Sasuke remembered the manuscripts on his bag. He was busy enough but maybe if he worked a little harder, he might finish them before the deadline. 

‘Sure. Friday?’

Naruto replied, ‘I’ll be there😘’

Well he might cut down on sleep but at least he’d see the alpha. That was enough to get him to get him to push through and work deep into the night. Afterall, Naruto had fixed his coffee machine. It was only fair that he should use it now.

Friday arrived faster than expected. Sasuke managed to finish his work, tidy the house, and even take Sora out a few times during the week.

When the doorbell rang, he checked the clock. Right on time.

Sora was sitting in his playpen, busy with his toys, leaving Sasuke free to answer the door. He opened it to find Naruto standing there, a bag in hand and blonde hair sticking out in every direction.

“Hi,” Sasuke said, a little shyly.

Naruto leaned in and kissed him, just a brief press of lips. “Hey,” he murmured. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me too,” Sasuke replied, stepping aside. “Come in.”

Naruto paused at the entrance. “Where’s Sora?”

“In his playpen. Why?”

Naruto reached into the bag and pulled out a round orange plushie with several tails. “Got this for him. It’s Kurama, the same one he liked at my place. This version’s baby-safe, though. I wanted to make sure it was okay before I gave it to him.”

Sasuke took the plushie, running his fingers over the fabric. It was soft and light, the kind that could be tossed in the washer and survive. He looked up, surprised by the thoughtfulness.

“He’ll love it,” Sasuke said quietly. He leaned closer, brushing his lips against Naruto’s cheek. “Thank you. You didn’t have to.”

“It’s nothing.”

Sasuke turned the plushie over in his hands. “The tails are fluffy. It’ll probably be too yucky for him to chew on.”

Naruto chuckled. “You said yucky. That was cute.”

Sasuke gave him a flat look. “I have to be mindful. He’s going to start talking soon, and I don’t want him repeating bad words.”

“Right, right,” Naruto said, grinning. “Yucky is top-tier vocabulary. Good parenting.”

Sasuke rolled his eyes and shoved the plushie to his chest. “Go give it to him. He’ll be thrilled.”

Sora was now at an age where he could recognize people and he beamed when he saw Naruto. The alpha picked him up and gave him a little swing before kissing his cheek. 

“Hey, little dude. I got something for you,” Naruto said, giving him the plushie. Immediately, Sora wrapped his chubby hands around it and gave it a tight squeeze. 

“I think he likes it,” The alpha noted. 

“He does,” Sasuke replied. 

Sora went back into his playpen, mesmerized by his new friend. If he rolled, Kurama rolled with him. The plushie went from his hands to his mouth, only for him to stick his tongue out in disgust. Naruto chuckled at him and said, “That’s a little yucky, isn’t it?” 

The living room filled with Sora’s delighted squeals and Naruto’s low laugh. Sasuke smiled but he had to battle to keep his eyes open. He leaned into Naruto, his fingers finding the alpha’s hand. He’d been waiting for this moment all week. 

“Are you tired?” Naruto asked. 

Sasuke shook his head. “No. I’ve just had a lot of work and Sora’s been waking up at night. It’s just a sleep regression, he’ll sleep through the night in no time.” Though that was just him being optimistic and Naruto did not look convinced.

“Sora naps during the day. You don’t.”

Sasuke shrugged. “I’m fine, really.”

“Want to take a nap? I’ll stay with him.” 

The omega frowned. “No. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“That’s okay. Just a short nap, yeah? I’ll wait for you to wake up.”

“But I was going to make dinner,” Sasuke said, letting out a yawn. 

“And we can order something later,” Naruto replied. His hand reached for Sasuke’s hair, giving it a gentle ruffle. “Take your time.” 

Naruto kissed his cheek while Sasuke watched him with a frustrated look. He’d put the effort in so he could see Naruto, not so the alpha could babysit for him. He reached for Naruto’s hand but he was already picking up Sora. 

“C’mon Sora. Let’s give mom a little break,” Naruto said. “Say bye!”

The alpha waved at Sasuke and disappeared into the hall, leaving him on the couch. He didn’t want to sleep but his body betrayed him. His limbs were heavy and he could feel a headache coming. 

Well…maybe he could close his eyes for a few minutes. Just a power nap so he could spend his afternoon with Naruto and Sora. Sasuke laid down and closed his eyes, quickly drifting off.

When he woke up, the house was quiet. Sasuke was feeling a lot better. He figured he’d slept for a few minutes but he didn’t know where he’d put his phone to check the time. After a short stretch, he went into Sora’s room and found Naruto seated on the rocking chair with Sora on his lap. 

“Welcome back,” Naruto said with a smile. “Sleep well?”

“I did. Thanks.” Sasuke rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry about that. I’ll order dinner. Anything you want?”

“Pizza?” Naruto suggested. 

“Sure,” Sasuke said. He glanced around the room again, still no sign of his phone. “I think I left my phone downstairs. Can I borrow yours for a sec?”

“Sure.” Naruto handed it over and went back to making faces at Sora.

Sasuke opened the browser to look up pizza places but Naruto’s search history popped up on the screen:

Can a six month old have ice cream

What happens if i fed my six month old ice cream 

Is ice cream bad for babies

“Naruto, did you feed him ice cream?”

The alpha froze mid-bounce. His mouth opened, closed, then he glared softly at Sora. “Snitch.”

Sasuke snorted, showing him the phone. “You outed yourself.”

Naruto gave him a sheepish laugh and said, “I found popsicles in the freezer and I gave him one but then I started thinking maybe I shouldn't have. But he is fine! Right, Sora?” he said, lifting the baby and using him to hide his face. 

Sasuke laughed. “I made those for him. He can have one when his gums hurt.”

Naruto peeked from behind Sora. “So… one for fun is fine too?”

“Yeah,” Sasuke said, amused. “For fun is fine too.”

He ordered the pizza and glanced at the clock. His heart sank. It was later than he thought. Sora should’ve been asleep already, and the trains had stopped running.

“Oh no,” Sasuke muttered. “I shouldn’t have slept so long. Look at the time.”

“It’s fine,” Naruto said easily. “I can just call a taxi later.”

Of course he’d say that, he was easygoing like that, but Sasuke frowned. This wasn’t how he wanted the night to go. Now they’d barely get to spend time together, and who knew when they’d see each other again. Guilt tightened in his chest.

“Would you…like to stay over?” Sasuke asked. The question rolled out before he could really think about it. Naruto looked up, surprised.

“Only if you want,” he added. “Sora will wake up during the night. Maybe once or twice. And he will wake up early tomorrow but you can go back to sleep-”

“I’d love to,” Naruto said, cutting him off with a grin.

And just like that, the knot in Sasuke’s chest eased. Maybe it was too soon for this, but he wanted a little more time with him. If Naruto didn’t mind losing some sleep, Sasuke wasn’t going to complain.

He got some of his own clothes for Naruto and said, “Here's some pajamas for you. Go change. I’ll put him to sleep.” Then, lifting Sora into his arms, he brought the baby close to Naruto’s face. “Say goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” Naruto laughed, tickling Sora’s belly until he squealed.

The alpha left the room and Sasuke turned back to his son. “Why are you still up, huh?” he murmured, pressing kisses along Sora’s soft cheeks. “Were you having too much fun?”

Sora kicked his little legs and waved his arms. Sasuke smiled, placing him on the changing table. He changed his diaper, rubbed lotion into his skin, and kissed the soles of his feet, earning a stream of giggles. He trailed soft kisses up his arms and neck, breathing in that clean baby scent he loved so much.

Then, Sasuke bounced him in his arms and held Sora to his neck, letting out calming pheromones to get him to settle. Slowly, his babbles died down and turned into soft whines as his hands started pulling on his shirt. 

“Okay, I know,” Sasuke said. He settled in the rocking chair and lifted his shirt. Sora was starting to fuss but a few more pheromones got him to latch.  

Sasuke looked down at him. His little black eyes focused on him as he suckled. The omega kept rocking softly, patting Sora's back at the same time. He loved Sora. He loved watching him and kissing him. Sasuke had fallen asleep in that exact position many times, but tonight he wasn’t tired. It made him thankful for the short sleep he’d gotten. 

When Sora’s sucking finally slowed, Sasuke held him close for a little longer before laying him carefully in the crib. He picked up the Kurama plushie from the floor, setting it beside him.

“Goodnight,” he whispered, brushing a kiss to Sora’s forehead before slipping out of the room.

Sasuke changed into his own pajamas and went downstairs to find Naruto on the couch, mindlessly scrolling through his phone. The shirt fit a little loose on Sasuke but on Naruto it was tight around his chest and biceps. The grey sweatpants he’d leant him were the biggest the omega owned but on Naruto they left a visible bulge between his hips.  

Sasuke’s mouth dropped. If that was the outline, just what did the whole thing look like?

“Hi beautiful,” Naruto said, unaware of his inner struggle. “Want some?” 

Want…? Oh. Sasuke had completely missed the pizza box on the coffee table. He cleared his throat and said, “Yeah.”

He joined Naruto on the couch, eating slice after slice like kids on a sleepover. Naruto told him about his work in the shop. Apparently, he wanted to change some parts on his computer and he was excited to find a rare piece he’d been looking for. Sasuke listened for a while before telling him about his own work. It was the only thing he had to share. There was nothing else happening in his life. 

Still, Naruto did not mind. He was interested in everything Sasuke had to say and found ways to keep making conversation. 

It was so easy to be with Naruto. Time seemed to stop when they were together. Naruto’s scent had permeated through the living room and it was mixing nicely with his own. He pulled down on his sleeves, feeling the itch to be scented. 

The opportunity to be alone together was rare…he might as well use it. 

“Hey um…” Sasuke started. “My scent is back to normal now. I was wondering if maybe you’d want to scent me?”

Naruto paused, his blue eyes focused on Sasuke. He licked his lips and replied, “Yes, please.”

Shyly, Sasuke offered his wrist, just as they had done before, but Naruto grabbed him by his waist and pulled him into his lap. The alpha’s nose rubbed against the scent gland on his neck. Naruto took a long, deep breath before flattening his tongue and licking a slow, deliberate stripe over his skin.

Sasuke moaned. The sensation was overwhelming, too intense and too direct. His scent spiked, turning spicy with desire, which only seemed to spur Naruto on. 

His licks turned into open-mouthed kisses. It was far from the gentle scenting they had shared before. Sasuke would smell like Naruto for weeks to come. His breathing was getting heavy. Naruto’s hand reached for the back of his neck before crushing their lips together in a desperate kiss. It was a collision of tongue and teeth that Sasuke could not get enough of. 

When Naruto’s hand slid down his back, tentative and questioning, Sasuke let it happen. The alpha’s hand cupped his ass, giving a firm squeeze before pulling back. His face was flushed red and his lips were glossy with drool. “Can we take this upstairs?” Naruto asked.

Sasuke’s hands clung to the fabric of his shirt. He wanted to say yes, desperately, but he had to be safe. “You can’t bite me. You can’t knot me. And we are using a condom,” he said.

Naruto pouted. “But you’re not in heat.” 

Sasuke glared at him, ready to get off his lap.

Naruto cleared his throat. “Right. My bad. Yes, of course.”

His blue eyes searched Sasuke’s face, waiting. Sasuke hesitated. It had been too long since he’d been intimate with someone, and the last time had left a bad taste in his mouth. Then again, did he have to keep punishing himself for trusting the wrong alpha? Wouldn’t it be better if Naruto erased all traces of his past?

Slowly, Sasuke nodded. 

The confirmation was enough for Naruto to grab him by the hips and stand up, carrying Sasuke like he was weightless. The omega wrapped his legs around his torso, feeling the stiff length pressing against him. It felt huge. Sasuke was eager to see it for himself.

Despite carrying him, Naruto’s steps made no sound. Sasuke already knew how strong he was, but being supported by his muscled arms was better than he’d imagined. Naruto opened the bedroom door and gently laid Sasuke down on the bed.

From that angle, Sasuke could see the outline of his hard cock and the leaking tip making a wet spot on the fabric.

“I don’t have condoms on me, but if you wait for me, I can go get some,” the alpha said.

Blushing, Sasuke reached into his drawer and handed him a box.

Naruto raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Instead, he pulled the shirt off his body, revealing perfectly sculpted abs, and leaned down, taking Sasuke’s lips back into his own.

The omega eagerly kissed him back, but panic rose through his chest when he felt Naruto’s hand slide under his shirt. Naruto pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and whispered, “Let me touch you… please.”

Sasuke took a deep breath and nodded. Naruto’s fingers trailed over his hips, making goosebumps rise. He took off Sasuke’s shirt, leaving him bare beneath him. 

He was a little pudgy, he’d had a baby not too long ago, and his body couldn’t compare to the alpha’s. Naruto didn’t seem to care. His eyes roamed hungrily over Sasuke’s body. Sasuke debated covering himself again, but Naruto was faster. He draped his body over Sasuke’s, his tongue returning to Sasuke’s scent gland. Sasuke arched his back, tilting his head to give him more access. Naruto’s scent was overpowering, and it made slick leak from his body.

When Naruto was seemingly content with thoroughly scenting him, he started kissing down his body, heading for his chest. Sasuke did not complain when his lips brushed over a sore nipple, he even allowed himself to feel a little pleasure when he sucked. As if his body became lighter. 

Naruto removed his mouth with a wet pop and licked a drop of milk from the corner of his mouth. Sasuke gasped when he realized he’d been drinking from him. No wonder his body felt better. 

With kitten strength, he pushed the alpha’s shoulders. “That’s- that’s for the baby!”

“You think I don’t know that?” Naruto murmured against his skin. “We can share.”

Naruto’s tongue circled lazily before he sucked, slow and greedy. Sasuke hissed, but a traitorous shiver ran through his body as the alpha’s mouth worked harder.

“Fuck,” Sasuke whispered. He tugged at Naruto’s hair but didn’t push him away. “You’re disgusting.”

“Disgusting?” Naruto asked, his eyes flicking up. “Sasuke, everything about you is delicious.”

Sasuke’s lips parted like he wanted to snap back but all that came out was a shaky breath as Naruto’s mouth kept working his chest. He took both milk and Sasuke’s dignity in greedy pulls.

“Freak,” Sasuke whispered, though it came out as a moan. “Do you get off sucking me dry?” 

Naruto didn’t reply. Instead, his hand slipped under the omega’s waistband. His fingers wrapped around Sasuke’s small omega cock, giving it a few slow strokes before sliding lower to tease his slick entrance.

“You’re leaking all over,” Naruto said, his voice low and rough. “Don’t say you don’t like it.”

Sasuke turned his face away. Naruto’s mouth latched onto his other nipple just as he pushed a finger inside. The room was quiet except for the wet sounds coming from his body, and it made Sasuke’s head spin.

It was both electrifying and shameful. He couldn’t control his scent, and Naruto clearly noticed his arousal. He added another finger, curling them deep until Sasuke let out a breathy moan. Before long, his cunt was tightening around the alpha’s fingers, making him tremble as he came.

Sasuke had tears in his eyes. His chest was heaving, and his nipples were slick and sensitive from being worked raw. Despite his orgasm, his body was far from satisfied. Naruto met his eyes, leaning over him and biting his lip.

“I know what you said but…” Naruto started but paused, looking hesitant. “Can I bite your wrists?” 

Sasuke wanted to say yes but this was not something he was willing to do yet. He shook his head. 

Naruto looked defeated but he didn’t argue. Not wanting to stop the moment, Sasuke murmured, “You can keep going. Just, no teeth, okay?”

The alpha nodded and reached for Sasuke's arms. He pulled his wrists to his face and exhaled, getting drunk off his scent. 

Naruto could no longer ignore his own hardness. He palmed himself through his sweatpants before pulling out his cock. 

Fuck. It was bigger than Sasuke expected. Thick, with visible veins. The tip was dark red and leaking already. Sasuke would love to taste it, some other time, right now he wanted it inside him, so he pulled down his own pants and revealed his own body. 

“Fuck Sasuke. You didn’t tell me about this,” Naruto said, his hand running over Sasuke’s hip. He had a tattoo there, one that was normally hidden by his clothes. It was a spider lily, with lines of red ink reaching down to his thigh.

It wasn’t the only one he had. Naruto traced the Amaterasu tattoo on his arm and the katana on his calf. There was a dragon on the side of his leg, but Sasuke knew the real showstopper. He rolled over and gave Naruto a good view of the tattoo on his back.

It was a gliding snake with delicate peonies around it. The work was intricate, his most beautiful tattoo by far. He pressed his chest to the bed and arched his back, offering himself. In this position, he regained all his confidence. He was a good fuck, he knew it. Sasuke was desperate to prove it.

His black eyes were focused on Naruto, inviting him. The alpha watched him with half-lidded eyes. He paused just long enough to put on a condom before positioning himself behind Sasuke and pushing inside.

Sasuke gasped. The thick length felt like it was splitting him open. It had been far too long since he’d felt an alpha’s cock inside him, and all he could do was throw his head back and bite his lip to keep from moaning.

Naruto started thrusting into him, slow but deep. The sound of his heavy balls slapping against Sasuke’s wet heat quickly filled the room. Sasuke spread his legs a little farther to get a better angle. Naruto held onto his hips, squeezing the flesh with his fingers and pulling him closer to meet his thrusts halfway.

Sasuke’s mind was blank. All he could focus on was the cock moving inside him. It sent waves of pleasure through his body. Slick was running down his legs and soaking the bedding underneath.

A low growl rumbled in Naruto’s throat. His hands left red marks all over Sasuke’s back before slipping to his chest and tugging at his nipples.

Sasuke cried out. He rocked himself back to take more, but the alpha quickly moved him, laying him flat on the bed before sliding in behind him. From the new angle, Naruto raised one of his legs and pushed his cock back inside.

“Do you… do you like it?” Naruto whispered, licking the spot under Sasuke’s ear.
“I love it. I want more,” Sasuke replied. He twisted his neck to meet Naruto’s tongue.

His knot was starting to swell, so his thrusts became more shallow. Sasuke could feel it pressing against his rim, but Naruto didn’t push it inside. Instead, he started thrusting faster and faster until Sasuke’s control slipped, and he came again with a shaky cry.

The alpha broke their kiss, letting go of Sasuke’s leg as he reached down to squeeze the base of his knot. His free arm wrapped around Sasuke’s neck, and Naruto bit his own hand as he came.

Sasuke was left panting as he felt the condom starting to fill. His own orgasm would have been longer with a pulsating knot tightly fit inside him but Sasuke knew Sora would wake up later and he was not about to leave his baby crying alone in the dark just because he was horny. 

When Naruto stopped trembling, he flipped Sasuke over to face him. They were both quiet, faces slick with sweat as they caught their breath.

Of course, being who he was, Naruto leaned closer and rubbed the tips of their noses together before taking Sasuke’s lips in a languid kiss. The alpha’s heavy body wrapped around him, keeping him still, and Sasuke melted into the embrace.

Eventually, they had to pull away. Naruto’s blue eyes were impossibly soft on him. It made Sasuke feel guilty that he’d hurt himself with his own bite.

“I’m sorry,” Sasuke said. “For not letting you bite or knot, it’s just that-”

“Hey, nothing to apologize for,” Naruto interrupted quickly. “I understand.”

“You hurt yourself.” 

“I got a little excited there,” the alpha admitted. “But I wouldn’t bite you. I won’t ask you to do something you don’t feel comfortable with. Don’t worry.”

Sasuke frowned. He wasn’t worried, he just…wanted to be better. Didn’t Naruto deserve more? He was patient and kind and the omega had barely reciprocated. He hadn’t even tell him about his past. 

“You know it’s okay to ask, right? I know you’re curious,” Sasuke said.

“About what?”

“Come on, you know I didn’t have Sora on my own.”

Naruto averted his gaze, but Sasuke knew he was right. “I didn’t want to push you. We don’t have to talk about it.”

Sasuke knew he was going to tell him at some point. Might as well get it over with.

Chapter Text

Sasuke didn’t consider himself rebellious. It was simply impossible for anyone to meet the standard set by Itachi Uchiha.

Itachi was simply perfect. Sasuke got good grades, but Itachi was top of his class. When Sasuke finally caught up, Itachi got a scholarship abroad. If Sasuke had learned how to fly, Itachi would’ve teleported.

And then there was the one thing Sasuke could never change. He was an omega. That alone marked a distance between them that no amount of effort could cross.

Their father adored Itachi. He didn’t say it out loud, but everyone knew. Fugaku’s eyes softened when he spoke to his eldest, while Sasuke only ever got the brief nods and tired sighs of expectation. His mother loved both of them and she never compared them but after she passed, Sasuke no longer had a mediator. Fugaku stopped smiling. They moved back to the Uchiha compound to be near family but this was just more people cheering for Itachi.

And the worst part was that Itachi was a good brother. He was kind, patient, and always looking out for him. He never made Sasuke feel less. That only made it harder. Sasuke loved him too much to resent him, even as the praise he longed for always landed on someone else’s shoulders.

He told himself that if he just kept trying…if he followed every rule, hit every mark, said every word right, then his father would finally look at him and say I’m proud of you. Every grade, every test, every polite smile became an offering left at his father’s feet. But the man never took them. Never even looked down.

So Sasuke tried something else. His first act of disobedience was a pair of silver studs in his ears. His father noticed, of course. He noticed everything. Sasuke got a scolding and a warning about appearances, respect, and discipline. 

He didn’t take them out.

Instead, he started doing things in secret. A nose piercing. A tongue piercing. Smoking behind school buildings with Suigetsu, Jugo, and Karin. A stick-and-poke tattoo done on Jugo’s kitchen floor. It was the first time he did something just because he wanted to, and Sasuke had to admit it felt good. 

Itachi only laughed when he noticed the piercings and tattoos. “Why are you rebelling?” he asked. Sasuke never answered. He wasn’t rebelling, he was just trying to exist somewhere his brother hadn’t already been.

He went into the career his father wanted, top of his class again, just as expected. When the results came, Fugaku nodded, the same nod he gave when Itachi got into university. But then Itachi won a scholarship abroad for his master’s, and once again Sasuke’s own achievement became background noise.

It was during Itachi’s farewell party that Sasuke first saw him.

He had never seen Itachi’s friends and he found them to be an odd crew. Too loud, weird looking. None of the polished individuals he expected his brother to hang out with. Among them stood an alpha with bright red hair and a face that seemed almost doll-like. 

Sasuke leaned closer to Itachi and asked quietly, “Who’s that?”

“Sasori,” Itachi said, his tone suddenly flat. “And I don’t want you hanging around him.”

Sasori, huh? 

The warning went ignored. A quick social media search told him everything he needed to know. Sasori was an architect. He and Itachi met in school but now Sasori had changed careers and he was working as a tattoo artist. 

Well if it was someone Itachi didn’t want him with, Sasuke had to figure out why.

Itachi left the country and Sasuke used the opportunity to go into Sasori’s studio. He had been looking to get his back tattooed and Sasori’s work fit what he was looking for. 

“You’re not Itachi,” Sasori said.

“You know my brother?” Sasuke asked. Sasori didn’t remember him from the party then.

“I didn’t know Itachi had a brother,” Sasori hummed. His eyes went over Sasuke. “Or that he was an omega,” he added, the corner of his mouth curling.

His tone was flirtatious. Sasuke leaned into it. “My name is Sasuke.”  

“Sasuke,” Sasori replied, as if savoring it. “What can I do for you?”

“I want to get a back piece,” Sasuke said. He pulled out his phone and showed Sasori some references. 

Sasori nodded. “I’ll design it for you. Two or three sessions, depending on how good you are with the pain.”

Sasuke smiled. “Then it’s settled.”

They were standing too close. From this distance, Sasuke could see the desire in Sasori's dark blue eyes. 

“Tell me Sasuke, how good are you with pain?”

Kinky. Sasuke was okay with that. “I can handle it,” he replied.

“Good to know. I’ll text you when it’s finished.”

Their first meeting set the tone for everything that followed.

During the first tattoo session, Sasuke sat with his back bare as Sasori worked in silence. The steady sting of the needle filled the air until it suddenly stopped. Then he felt the drag of breath against his neck, followed by Sasori’s lips. He should have pushed him away. Instead, Sasuke tilted his head with a moan.

They ended up having sex right there, his chest pressed against the leather chair so the fresh lines on his back would not become irritated. He knew Sasori wasn’t wearing a condom. He didn’t care. He didn’t say anything when Sasori knotted him, or when the alpha’s scent sank into his skin. Afterward, he followed him home for another round.

At first, it was fine. Better than fine. They saw each other constantly. Sasori wanted to know where he was, who he was with, what he was doing, and Sasuke liked that. It felt like being wanted. He stopped seeing his friends as much. He stopped telling Itachi anything at all. None of it seemed to matter anymore, as long as Sasori wanted him.

But it started to change. Sasori would explode over anything. A text unanswered, a wrong tone, being five minutes late. Sasuke would apologize over and over again, and they’d end up in bed. 

The fights blurred into foreplay and it became addictive. Sasori’s care made Sasuke feel special, even when it hurt. Over time, the fights grew louder and the silences colder. Sasori had beautiful omegas around him and Sasuke saw the way he looked at them. It scared him, so he tried harder. He let Sasori bite every gland on his body. All Sasori had to do was call, and Sasuke would come running.

He hated himself for it, but he couldn’t stop. He wanted to be loved.

When Sasori asked to spend his rut with him, Sasuke said yes. For a few days, it almost felt like love. Sasori whispered it again and again, and Sasuke believed him. He let himself believe.

Later, during his own heat, Sasuke went back to him. They never used protection. They never talked about it. He told himself it was fine, people did reckless things when they were in love, right?

And they were in love, Sasuke told himself. So much so that he wanted to tell his brother, when he mentioned telling Itachi about them, Sasori frowned.

“He’s too far away. It’ll just worry him,” he said.

So Sasuke didn’t tell him. It wasn’t like Itachi had time for his little brother anyway.

Things at home were steady. Sasuke started working with his father. Fugaku didn’t praise him, but there were no complaints, and that counted as approval in its own way. Then one afternoon, his father called him into the study.

“I’ll start training you to take over my position,” Fugaku said.
Sasuke froze. “Are you serious?”
“We’d like to keep things within the family. Itachi’s pursuing his education, and since you’re here, the elders and I agreed you’ll be fit for the job.”

Oh.

So that was it. Not recognition. Just necessity. Itachi was busy and Sasuke was what was left. He told himself it didn’t matter. He would prove himself through his work. He would earn it. He always thought he could.

That might’ve been true if he hadn’t been so careless.

He realized something was wrong when he went to take a drag of his cigarette but suddenly it tasted like shit. The smell alone was enough to make him gag. Sasuke felt ill to the point he had to leave work but he was followed by a nagging feeling. 

Sasuke already knew what the test result would be but his heart sank when he saw the plus sign anyway. 

Pregnant. 

The omega panicked for a minute but the realization was followed by a happy, optimistic thought. This wasn’t too bad. He had been dating Sasori for a few months and they were in love. He could talk to his father, keep working for his promotion and raise his child at the same time. This was a good thing. It could bring his family together. 

He went straight to Sasori’s apartment, unannounced. The alpha opened the door with a glare.

“I told you to call before coming,” Sasori said, annoyed.
“I’m sorry,” Sasuke said quickly. “It’s just that… I’m pregnant.”

Sasori stared for a moment before letting out a short, humorless laugh. “You came all the way here to make a joke?”

“I’m not joking.”

“Who’s the father?”

Sasuke blinked. “What? Sasori, it’s obviously yours.”

“I don’t know that. You spread your legs easily enough. Don’t try to rope me into this.”

Sasuke’s stomach dropped. He was too heartbroken to even be offended. “You don’t…want it?”

“Want what, Sasuke? To raise someone else’s kid? Fuck off.”

The tears came before he could stop them. Sasori always hated it when he cried. “I’m sorry,” he choked. “I shouldn't be crying. It's just that…you know I've only been with you! This is our baby and-”

“Ours?” Sasori cut him off sharply. “I don’t know who you’ve been fucking. I’m not ruining my life for you.”

Normally, Sasuke would’ve begged. He would’ve apologized until Sasori softened. But this time, something broke.

“Fuck you,” Sasuke spat out and left. 

Outside, the night air hit him like a slap. His mind wouldn’t stop replaying it, every cruel word looping back. Maybe Sasori was right. Maybe it was his fault. He mistook attraction for connection, attention for love. It was clear that Sasori did not love him. He probably didn’t even like him and he just wanted a way to one-up Itachi. 

Sasuke walked home with his head down, the weight of everything pressing on his chest. He really had nothing, did he?

What was he going to do now? 

He didn’t say a word during dinner. He only picked at his food and took sips of his water. 

“The elders want to speak with you tomorrow,” his father said. “Be on your best behavior.”
“I’m pregnant,” Sasuke said.

The clatter of chopsticks stopped. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“I wasn’t aware you had an alpha.”

“That’s not important. He doesn’t want it,” Sasuke replied bitterly.

“Sasuke, being this careless is unlike you. You ought to have it dealt with.”

The omega recoiled. “Dealt with?” 

“You are too young to have a baby. Not to mention you don’t even have an alpha. What will people say?”

“Oh, but if Itachi got an omega pregnant, you’d be throwing him a party!” Sasuke screamed.  

Fugaku slammed his hand on the table. “This is not the same! How irresponsible can you be? Are you going to throw away your future for this?”

Sasuke went quiet. 

Fugaku sighed, rubbing his temple. “I’ll call the doctor. We’ll deal with this inconvenience tomorrow. And not a word of your oversight to your brother, do you understand?”

Inconvenience? Oversight? Sasuke knew his father was dancing around what he really wanted to say. 

Mistake. 

Sasuke stood abruptly. His chair scraped the floor. He stormed upstairs and started throwing things into a bag. He didn’t know where he was going. He just knew he couldn’t stay.

The omega was halfway out the door when his father’s voice echoed behind him. “This is ridiculous, Sasuke. You’ll come back when you’re ready to fix your problem.”

Sasuke didn’t look back. He dialed Itachi’s number again and again. He knew it was early where his brother lived and Itachi was probably asleep, but Sasuke didn’t care. He needed to hear his voice. He needed someone to understand.

He wandered the city aimlessly, phone clutched in his hand. The streets were half-empty, growing darker by the second. He didn’t know where to go. Every thought circled back to the same point: he was on his own.

When his phone finally rang, his heart jumped. It wasn’t his father. It wasn’t Sasori.

“Itachi?” Sasuke’s voice cracked.
“I have ten missed calls from dad and thirty from you,” Itachi said flatly.
Sasuke swallowed hard. “Have you…spoken to him?”

“Yes, I have.” 

Fuck. Fugaku got to him first. 

“Sasuke,” Itachi’s voice came from the other end. “Is it true? Are you pregnant?”

“Yes.”

Itachi laughed, sounding tired. “Foolish little brother. What have you done? Who’s the father?”
“One of your friends,” Sasuke admitted.
“Who?” Itachi’s voice sharpened. “Sasuke, who?”
“That doesn’t matter! It’s my baby!”

“Sasuke, you can’t be serious,” Itachi said. “You can’t have a baby right now. You’ll just be ruining your life.”
“How can you say that?” Sasuke’s voice broke, trembling with anger.
“This isn’t just your life anymore,” Itachi said gently. “It’s the baby’s too. You have no job, no alpha, no support. Go home. Apologize to our father. We’ll figure something out.”

That calm, reasonable tone was the same one he used when Sasuke was little and it made something in him snap. Sasuke hurled his phone against the wall. The screen shattered, scattering glass across the pavement.

What was he expecting? Of course Itachi would take their father’s side. Of course no one would believe he could do this. He wasn’t good enough for any of them.

He walked for what felt like hours. He thought about checking into a hotel but hesitated since he had to save his money. Eventually, he found himself in front of Suigetsu’s apartment.

The beta opened the door. His hair was sticking out places and he was yawning. “Sasuke? Holy shit, what happened to you?”

Sasuke didn’t answer. He stepped inside and collapsed onto the couch. Suigetsu brought him a beer, but he pushed it away.

“I’m pregnant,” Sasuke said quietly.

Suigetsu froze. “You’re serious?”

He nodded.

“Did you tell Sasori?”

“He doesn’t want it. My dad and Itachi told me not to keep it.”

Suigetsu let out a low whistle. “Damn.” He sat beside him, giving him space. “So what are you gonna do?”

Sasuke’s voice was hoarse but steady. “It’s my baby. Fuck them. My dad can keep his company and his perfect son. Sasori can go to hell. And Itachi…” He paused, letting out a sigh. “I don’t need him either.”

Suigetsu smiled softly and patted his back. “There’s the Sasuke I know.”

Sasuke had to confront his feelings. Sure, he was scared shitless and he didn’t feel ready in the slightest but he would make it work. The truth was that Sasuke already loved his pup. He had done so from the moment he learned about their existence. That love was much bigger than what his family or Sasori wanted. They could do whatever they wanted, Sasuke didn’t need them. 

He spent the night at Suigetsu’s. By morning, he had a plan. He needed a new job since he wasn’t planning on going back to his house and he needed a place to stay. 

Finding a job was surprisingly easy. Karin’s parents owned an editorial house. They had threatened to cut her off if she didn’t stop partying and take her job seriously. She was terrified to have her allowance taken so she offered Sasuke to be her assistant. 

Her parents were hesitant to take him in, especially since he would be going on leave soon, but Sasuke put in enough effort to get them off his and Karin’s backs. 

Finding a place, though, was harder. Once his scent changed, agents kept asking about his alpha. Some gave him judgmental looks. One even warned, “Your alpha’s gonna be furious when he finds out you’re running.” So Sasuke started lying. He’d break into tears and whisper, “He’s passed,” whenever anyone asked. The pity worked. A pair of retired betas eventually rented him a small house in the city.

It wasn’t much. He still felt like a failure most days but he also felt free.

For the first time in his life, every decision was his own. He had a job, a roof over his head, and a child on the way. It could have been worse. His ability to solve problems was almost as impressive as his ability to get into them.

He could give his baby a good life, he knew it. It was strange to think he’d be a parent, though. He didn’t feel any different. One afternoon, he found his old camera and took a photo of himself, wondering if he looked any different yet.

Despite the initial chaos, his life settled in a quiet rhythm. He had a lot of work but it kept him busy. Karin’s parents complimented him a handful of times and it allowed him to feel more relaxed.

He started to enjoy things. He liked watching his body change in pictures, feeling his baby kick, building the crib, folding tiny clothes that would soon have someone fit into them. 

When he found out it was a boy, he spent the whole afternoon thinking of names before settling on Sora. 

Sky. 

Yes. His little Sora was like the whole sky. 

-

“You already know the rest,” Sasuke concluded. 

In hindsight, it was worse than he remembered. He practically begged for the affections of an alpha that didn’t care for him. Nothing he ever did was good enough for his family and after getting pregnant, he’d also distanced himself from his friends. 

It was almost laughable. Sasuke wouldn’t blame Naruto if he did laugh. Just how many bad decisions could someone make?

Naruto was quiet for a moment. He didn’t ease his hold around Sasuke and he was running his thumb over his bare skin.

Finally, he spoke. “Do you still see your friends?”

“Not often,” Sasuke replied. “I don’t exactly go partying until 4 am anymore and they aren't the type to chat over tea.”

Naruto hummed. “Do you ever miss him?”

“Sasori? Fuck no,” Sasuke scoffed. “But…if I can be honest, I’d kill for a cigarette. If I’d known I was going to have Sora I would have gotten blackout drunk one last time.”

Naruto watched him curiously. “Maybe when he is older?”

“No. Those days are behind me. What if he calls me in the middle of the night? Sora only has me. I have to be there for him.”

As if on queue, Sora’s soft cries came from the baby monitor. Sasuke gave him a gentle smile and slid out of bed. “I’ll be back soon,” he said, slipping into a robe and walking out of the room.

* 

Naruto watched him leave with a frown. It was strange for him to be so quiet but he didn’t know what to say.

Sasuke had left the baby monitor on the bed and he could see the omega sitting on the rocking chair, patting Sora’s back and humming to calm him down. 

It wasn’t fair. Sasuke was damn good in his own right. He hated Sasori. He hated Fugaku. Maybe even Itachi, too. No wonder he felt so lonely, he was alone. The guilt had crept into every part of his story, and now Naruto understood him a little better. Sasuke had been made to feel as if he wasn’t enough. When he’d needed support, he’d been betrayed. He’d been forced into a corner, left to raise his son alone.

Sasuke came back into the room a moment later. He gave Naruto a small smile and climbed into bed beside him.

“Sorry. He’s asleep again.”

“It’s okay,” Naruto said, wrapping his arms around him. “Hey…I’m sorry that happened. He’s an idiot for letting you go.”

Sasuke laughed softly. “If anyone’s an idiot, it’s me for trusting him. It was my fault.”

“Stop saying that,” Naruto murmured. “You’ve said it a million times. Your fault your dad was a dick, your fault Sasori was a dick, your fault Itachi was a dick. How so? They made their choices. You didn’t deserve any of it. You’re doing a great job with Sora.” 

Sasuke didn’t meet his eyes. He went quiet, then rested his head on Naruto’s chest.

“Thank you,” he whispered, though he didn’t sound convinced.

“Come here,” Naruto said, pulling him on top of him.

He angled Sasuke’s face near his scent gland, his fingers going through the omega’s hair as he pressed a kiss to his temple. Naruto didn’t know what else to say, how to make it better, so he just stayed. He watched the omega long after he had fallen asleep. 

Naruto was woken up far too soon by a cry. By the time he opened his eyes, Sasuke was already out of bed. It was already light outside and the sunlight was coming in through the curtains. The alpha yawned, already feeling like he did not get enough sleep, but he rolled out of bed anyway. 

He found Sasuke on the couch beside a suspicious lump hidden under a blanket.

“What you got there?” Naruto asked.

“Nothing,” Sasuke replied  

But the blanket giggled. 

Sasuke sighed, a smile tugging at his lips, and pulled it back to reveal a cackling baby. They both laughed. For a while, they played peekaboo until Sora stretched his tiny arms out, demanding to be held.

They moved to the kitchen. Sasuke made breakfast while Naruto sat nearby, watching him. Sasuke’s hair was messy from sleep, his face soft and unguarded. Naruto couldn’t help thinking how surreal it was that they’d actually spent the night together.

The omega served breakfast and set Sora on his high chair, feeding him some kind of mush. “Oh, I forgot. Do you want some juice?” Sasuke asked. He’d barely touched his food, too busy feeding the baby.

“It’s okay. I’ll grab it,” Naruto said, opening the fridge. He spotted a few filled baby bottles and grinned. “Mind if I take one to go?”

“Absolutely not,” Sasuke said flatly.

“What? It’s pure protein.”

“You’re disgusting.”

“That’s okay,” Naruto said, setting the juice on the table. “I can always take it from the source.”

Sasuke’s face flushed red. “You- you! Don’t say that in front of him!”

Naruto laughed, the sound filling the kitchen but Sasuke kept glaring at him.

“What are you guys doing today?” The alpha asked. 

“I’m taking him to the library. Do you want to come?”

“I have some things to do in my apartment,” Naruto said, sounding apologetic. “But I’ll see you soon, yes?”

Sasuke gave him a small pout but then he nodded. 

After breakfast, Naruto did the dishes while Sasuke cleaned the high chair. He gave Sora a tickle and then kissed Sasuke goodbye. Truthfully, his apartment was a mess and he had piles of work. If he wanted to keep seeing Sasuke, he needed to get his act together. 

So Naruto spent the entire day cleaning and catching up on tasks. His phone buzzed, he picked it up hoping to see a picture of Sasuke and Sora in the library but instead he’d been added to a new group chat. 

Camping trip

Sakura-chan: Hi all! I created this chat for the camping trip I’m planning for Lee’s birthday! Please confirm if you’ll be able to make it ♥️

Immediately, messages started piling up. His friends started confirming and making plans for shared car rides and drinks and food. It seemed fun. Naruto wanted to go. 

Privately, Shikamaru messaged him. ‘Are you coming?’

He was about to say yes but then he started thinking…maybe he could bring Sasuke along. His friends were fun and the omega could use a little distraction. 

Naruto opened Sasuke’s chat. He had already texted him earlier. 

‘Hi beautiful. How’s the library?’

Sasuke didn’t reply. He hadn’t even seen the message. Naruto tried again. 

‘My friends want to go camping. Maybe you want to come too? I can introduce you to them! Well introduce u again since you already know them lol’

Immediately, Sasuke replied. ‘Sorry, its not the kind of place I could take Sora to. Have fun tho.’

Naruto stared at the screen, thumb hovering over the keyboard. Was he mad? 

No. Probably not. Sasuke was normally busy and Sora was still young. It made sense but it still stung a little. Naruto was happy to be in Sasuke’s life. He just wished the omega wouldn’t be so hesitant to step into his.

He sent a quick message to the group chat. ‘Sorry guys! I’m a little busy rn’

*

Sasuke locked his phone with a frown. Camping? Really? 

Out of all the things one couldn’t do with a baby, camping had to be in the top five. There’d be no place for a stroller. He’d have to carry Sora and the diaper bag the entire way, only to then sleep on the floor. Besides, all of Naruto’s friends were young, they’d want to stay up late, drink, laugh. Hardly the right setting for putting a baby to sleep or calming him down when he inevitably cried.

Of course Naruto didn’t think about those things. He didn’t have a baby. Sasuke did. 

Guilt twisted in his chest. He couldn’t help it, Sora would always come first. Still, part of him felt inadequate. Maybe this would cause an argument between them.

Sora was on his hands and knees, rocking and forth. He did that often now. He was also babbling and blowing bubbles as he did. Kurama was right next to him and the omega could see the determination to reach him in his black eyes. 

He waited quietly, as if saying something might break the moment. Sora squirmed closer, pushing himself with clumsy strength. Sasuke smiled and snapped a picture with his camera.

It wasn’t technically crawling but he was almost there. 

“You’re so big now,” Sasuke said, picking him up and kissing his cheeks. “Do you want to watch a movie with me?” 

They ended up covered under a blanket, snuggled on the couch. Sora was on his lap, holding Kurama, of course, they were inseparable these days. The omega wasn’t too interested in watching kids shows and Sora wasn’t exactly watching so he chose whatever mystery he found and cuddled his baby. 

It might have been a lot easier to watch if Sora had not been babbling loudly. It was a mixture of ‘Ba’ ‘Da’ and just smacking his lips. 

“Are you going to talk soon? Are you going to say ‘mom’?” Sasuke asked, scenting the baby’s soft neck. Sora gave him a semblance of a kiss though it was mostly running his open mouth across his jaw. 

Sasuke wiped his face with his sleeve just as his phone buzzed.

‘That’s ok! Maybe next time ♥️’ Naruto messaged him. ‘I think i have to go to the hospital’

‘Are you okay?! What happened?!’ Sasuke replied. 

‘Im dying from myboyfriendwontsendmepicsism’

’Dumbass’

‘😵’

Sasuke rolled his eyes but still smiled. He opened his phone camera and sent a picture of himself with Sora on his chest, matching black eyes staring at the lens. 

‘Im saved…for now. Cuties. I miss you already ❤️’ Naruto replied. 

The alpha didn’t bring up the camping trip again. Sasuke only hoped he enjoyed it. 

He wanted to see Naruto but he didn’t want to ask. Naruto went to work, the gym, out with his friends. He always had something to do. Who was Sasuke to take that from him?

But Naruto made time for them regardless. The weeks passed. They went on short dates and exchanged messages. The omega had enough on his plate to keep him busy too. Sora started crawling and now there was an added difficulty. He was only contained when he was in his playpen but other than that, he was constantly on the move, undeterred no matter how many times he planted his tiny face into the carpet.

He almost gave Sasuke a heart attack when he disappeared while Sasuke went to get a glass of water. Frantic, Sasuke searched until he found him under the kitchen table, unharmed and watching him curiously.

Once the panic passed, Sasuke laughed under his breath. He scooped up the little menace and put him back in the playpen before returning to work. He’d barely managed a few pages before his phone rang.

“I think my condition is getting worse,” Naruto said, fake coughing. “I need to see you or I might die.”

“You’re so cheesy.”

“But I miss you guys!” Naruto pouted. “Can I come over?”

“I’d love to, but I’m busy.”

“Sora and I can keep you company while you work. What do you say, huh?”

Sasuke glanced at Sora, who was crawling in circles around his playpen, babbling softly to himself.

“Sure. Do you want to spend the night?” Sasuke asked.

*

Naruto got there early. Sasuke greeted him with a kiss and led him inside, where his attention was immediately stolen by the baby crawling toward him.

“Look at you!” Naruto said, scooping Sora up and lifting him high until the baby squealed. “Wow, you’re a crawler now, huh?” He kissed his cheek. “What a skilled baby.”

The plan was simple: they’d have dinner together. Sasuke still had some work to finish, so Naruto and Sora would keep him company, and Naruto would stay the night.

“I’m still missing a few things,” Sasuke said. “Do you want to come to the store with us? You can stay here if you want, I just forgot to-”

“Let’s go,” Naruto said before he could finish.

Sasuke nodded, helping Sora into a little sweater and tiny shoes despite the baby’s constant squirming. He was about to put on the carrier when Naruto said, “Can I take him?”

Sasuke hesitated, then smiled softly and nodded.

With the baby strapped to his chest, they went out. The grocery store was mostly empty and Naruto went pointing things out to the baby and narrating what they saw like he had seen Sasuke do. Meanwhile Sasuke was putting things into the cart and checking things off his list. 

Naruto lingered for a moment, debating over which dessert to buy, while Sasuke moved further down the aisle. Beside him, an older omega stopped and cooed at Sora.

“What a cutie! Do you know what he is yet?” they asked.

“Oh, yeah. He’s an alpha,” Naruto said proudly.

“An alpha like your dad! But you’ve got your mom’s whole face,” the omega added, voice going high and bright. Sora squealed back. “You’ve got a beautiful baby.”

“Thanks,” Naruto replied, smiling shyly before offering a polite goodbye.

He watched them walk away, replaying the words. Your dad. Your mom.

They thought that Sora was his. And it sure looked like that, didn’t it? A couple getting groceries with their baby. They looked like a family. 

“Naruto? Are you coming?” Sasuke asked. 

Naruto blinked out of his thoughts and hurried after him. Truthfully, he didn’t mind the mistake. In fact, he was a little flattered. He liked the idea of having a family with Sasuke.

*

After dinner, Sasuke went back to his desk while Naruto chased Sora around the living room. The sound of his voice and Sora’s soft giggles turned into background noise until Sora started crying. 

Sasuke looked up to see Naruto holding Kurama. He gave the alpha a flat look.

“He gave it to me!” Naruto said defensively.

Sasuke sighed and crossed the room, taking the plushie back and handing it to Sora, who clutched it like his life depended on it. The crying stopped, though a few sniffles remained.

Naruto looked sheepish. Sasuke just shook his head and released a faint wave of calming pheromones. He got distracted by work, page by page got completed quickly. He’d been working in silence for a little too long then he realized Naruto was lying on the couch, fast asleep, with Sora sprawled across his chest.

Sasuke chuckled. He knew his scent worked on babies. He didn't know it would also work on his boyfriend. 

He got up and draped a blanket over them, taking a quick pause to snap a picture of the two sleeping alphas. When he turned back, he noticed Naruto’s phone on the coffee table. The screen lit up with a notification.

Don’t, he told himself. 

But he did anyway.

Maybe old habits died hard, or maybe it was just insecurity clawing its way up again. Sasuke picked up the phone, already thinking about possible passwords, only to find it was unlocked.

Sasuke glanced up, confirming that Naruto was still asleep. He opened the gallery first. Mostly screenshots of things Naruto wanted to buy, dumb memes, a few selfies and a handful of photos he didn’t expect: blurry shots of him and Sora. Pictures Naruto must’ve taken without him noticing.

His messages were mostly with Sasuke, his parents and a handful of friends. One group chat caught his eye: Camping Trip.

Lee: Had a blast guys! Send in the pics you took! 

The chat was flooded with pictures of Naruto’s friends. Cars, tents, campfires, everyone laughing. Sasuke scrolled through them, realizing Naruto wasn’t in a single one. Did he not go? 

Sasuke started shaking his foot. Guilt twisted in his chest and only grew. Was Naruto canceling plans for him? That made him feel worse for not going. Naruto had missed out on all that fun with his friends for them. 

The frown on his face deepened. Naruto would realize that too at some point, right? He’d start missing his friends and his normal life. Sitting there, watching Naruto sleep, he realized that it would hurt a lot deeper than expected when it did happen. 

Sasuke exhaled. He kneeled on the carpet, next to the alpha and shook him gently. 

“Hey, I’ll put Sora down,” Sasuke whispered. “Go to bed.”

Naruto blinked sleepily before nodding. Sasuke picked up the baby, rocking him gently as he carried him upstairs to his room. He held him close for a moment, pressing a few kisses to the top of his head before laying him down in the crib.

When Sasuke returned, Naruto was still half-asleep but he smiled faintly when he saw him. The omega gave him a small smile in return and climbed onto the bed, directly to his lap. Naruto’s hands settled on his hips as Sasuke leaned down and kissed him, slow and messy.

“What’s this about?” Naruto murmured against his lips.

"Shut up,” Sasuke said.

He kissed him with more force, grinding his hips down. Their clothes ended on the floor and their bodies found each other. Sasuke stayed on top, moving with deliberate rhythm while Naruto’s hands traced the lines of his body and mouthed at his neck.

The omega’s hand reached between them, gripping the alpha’s cock and lining it with his body, sinking in with a hiss. It didn’t matter how many times he took it, the thick length stretched him and filled him completely. 

The knot teased at his entrance as he moved. Naruto watched him with heavy, hungry eyes. He reached up, pulling Sasuke down by the back of the neck, and took a nipple into his mouth, thrusting up into him in sync with his movements.

Sasuke trembled. In a rare moment of bravery, he leaned forward and licked at the alpha’s scent gland, marking him faintly with his own scent.

He came soon after, his body tightening as he slumped against Naruto’s chest. Reaching back, he found Naruto’s knot and squeezed until the alpha groaned into his ear, spilling on his hand.

After cleaning up, they slipped beneath the blankets. Naruto took him into his arms, draping a leg over him. He liked to cling even in his sleep. 

Sasuke woke up, hours later, having slept like a log. He blinked eyes still heavy. Naruto was beside him, watching him. “Morning beautiful,” he said, voice raspy. 

Sasuke’s eyes shot open. He bolted upright and grabbed the baby monitor on the nightstand, staring at Sora’s sleeping face on the small screen. The omega exhaled in relief, the tension melting from his shoulders. “He slept through the night.”

Naruto grinned and held up his palm. Sasuke smiled faintly and gave him a sleepy high five before crawling back under the blankets, resting his head on Naruto’s chest.

“I was thinking…” Naruto said after a while, breaking the silence. “We don’t have to do this anytime soon, but…would you ever consider moving in with me?”

Sasuke froze.

“I’ve been thinking about opening a new place,” Naruto continued. “We could look for something together. Big enough for the three of us. Maybe somewhere near a park for Sora to play. If we’re together, I can help out more, you know? We can take turns overnight, split chores. It’d be easier than doing everything alone.”

Oh. 

“And…” Naruto smiled softly. “You’d be with me.”

“That sounds nice,” Sasuke said quietly, pressing closer to his chest. Unrealistic but nice nonetheless.

“We said we’d take it slow right? We can talk about it later.”

“Yes, later,” Sasuke murmured, kissing his chest.

They didn’t bring it up again, but it lingered in Sasuke’s mind. On one hand, he did want to move together but on the other, he was too sure that things wouldn’t last. 

So he put it off. And Sora kept growing. He learned to pull himself up, to climb on furniture, to hold his own bottle. He responded to his name now and blinked his black eyes curiously whenever Sasuke called him. 

Every time Sasuke thought things would end, Naruto proved him wrong. That was somehow worse. It made him feel like he was taking advantage of Naruto’s kindness. The feeling of dread gnawed at him and told him off for growing too uncomfortable. Things would explode, he knew. He was just so happy he didn't want to let go. 

It did explode. One afternoon like any other. 

They were at Sasuke’s house. They’d spent the day shopping for video games and baby clothes, and now they were winding down before bed. Sasuke sat on one end of the couch, Naruto on the other. Sora crawled back and forth across the living room, babbling happily.

“What are we doing for his birthday?” Naruto asked.

“We still have, like, two months,” Sasuke said, chuckling.

“I know but I was thinking…” Naruto said. “Maybe we could throw him a party. You could invite your friends over and maybe I can introduce you to my parents.”

“You want your parents to meet me?” 

“Why not?” Naruto said easily. “They know I’m seeing someone. I’m sure my mom would love to meet Sora too.”

Sasuke went quiet but his mind was racing. Meeting the parents? That was a lot. That was real commitment. What would they think when they saw him? When they met Sora? Sasuke wasn’t exactly mating material. They wouldn't welcome him warmly. 

While Sasuke’s thoughts spiraled, Sora climbed onto the couch. Naruto smiled and picked Kurama off the floor, offering it to him. But the baby ignored it. Sora crawled into his lap, clutching at his shirt. His black eyes were focused on the alpha and then, clear as day, he said, “Dada.”

A chill went down his spine. It wasn’t a simple babble. Sasuke saw the recognition in his eyes. 

“Oh, Sora,” Sasuke reached for the baby, quick to remove him from the alpha. “No baby, that’s...that’s not- Naruto, I am so so sorry.”

Sora didn’t like that. He started bawling, reaching back toward Naruto with desperate little hands. Sasuke rose from the couch, holding him tight, and putting as much distance between them as the room allowed.

“Naruto, I really am sorry,” Sasuke said, raising his voice above Sora’s cries. 

“Hey, it’s okay. It was an accident-” Naruto started but the omega cut him off, “No. It wasn’t. He doesn’t know any better. This was my fault.”

Naruto frowned, standing up too, arms outstretched. “It’s not a big deal.”

“It is a big deal!” Sasuke snapped. He tried to rock Sora, but the baby only cried harder, his face red and wet. “I think you should leave.”

“Sasuke…Give him back, I can calm him.”

“Just leave. Please,” The omega turned away from him, covering Sora’s view with his body and leaving no room for arguments while he tried to calm his son. 

He didn’t look back when he heard Naruto gather his things or when the front door closed. 

Sasuke thought it would end without Naruto around but despite his best efforts, the baby kept crying. He was too focused on crying to nurse. No amount of pheromones or Kurama made it stop. 

It was overwhelming. It reminded Sasuke of when Sora was first born and he was still trying to figure out what was wrong. He needed a break. Just a moment of silence. Instead, he paced all over the house, rocking the baby in his arms.

“Enough!” Sasuke shouted. 

Sora winced. He had never yelled before. He hadn’t even raised his voice. “I’m sorry,” he said immediately, his voice cracking. “I’m so, so sorry. I slipped.”

He whispered apology after apology until finally, out of sheer desperation, he filled the bathtub and sat in it with Sora in his arms. The baby’s plastic toys floated between them, catching his attention. Just like that, as easily as he’d started crying, Sora quieted.

After their bath, Sasuke dried his hair and dressed him in pajamas. Sora settled quietly against his chest, finally nursing.

Sora deserved so much better than him. He had failed him yet again and on top of that, he screamed. Sasuke felt like a monster. 

“I’m sorry,” he whispered again. 

Sora didn’t reply. He just watched him with innocent black eyes that made his heart ache. 

The baby fell asleep soon after. Without the noise, Sasuke was left with a painful realization. 

He’d fucked up. By allowing Naruto in their lives, he’d let them get close and now he’d wasted Naruto’s time and given his son false hope. A family that wasn’t real.

What was he doing? Naruto had dreams, plans, friends. Sasuke had…a dead end job, a mediocre life, and a baby by a deadbeat alpha. He couldn’t give him more than a few texts, a handful of dates, and an occasional fuck when the baby was asleep and he wasn’t too tired. He was fine with his life but now he realized how selfish he’d been. 

Worst of all, Sora loved him. It was too much pressure on the alpha and too much heartbreak waiting for his baby.

“I’m sorry,” Sasuke whispered, kissing Sora’s hair. “I didn’t think this would hurt you, too.”

He knew what he had to do. And he had to do it fast before Sora grew older and he started remembering things and asking questions. The thoughts in his head stung so much they made his hands and feet go numb. He curled around Sora, breathing in his scent. 

It was a sleepless night. By morning, Sasuke grabbed his phone to message Takami and saw he already had multiple messages from the alpha.

‘Everything ok?’

‘Hey, i really, really dont mind. If this is something that bothers you we can work on it’

‘Sasuke :(‘ 

‘I’m not upset or anything. Please call me when you can’

For a moment, Sasuke almost smiled. He’d have killed for one of Naruto’s usual morning texts or a dumb meme. Instead, he typed back, ‘Are you free today?’

When it was time, he dropped off Sora with Takami and headed out. The omega caught his reflection on the train window and almost flinched. Messy hair, deep circles around his eyes, his skin looked almost green. He felt like shit and looked the part too. 

Naruto was already waiting inside the cafe when Sasuke got there. The alpha didn’t look any better and he was fidgeting with his fingers. 

“Hey,” Sasuke said, sliding into the seat across from him.

“Hi,” Naruto replied softly. “Are you okay?”

Sasuke ignored the question. “About last night…I wanted to talk to you.”

“Me too. I-”

The omega cut him off. “We should stop seeing each other.”

“What? Why?” 

“I was thinking about it, really thinking about it and I don’t think I’m being fair,” Sasuke exhaled. “Naruto, you’re great, really, but you’re still young-”

“We’re the same age,” Naruto interrupted, confused.

“I have a son,” Sasuke continued, voice growing tight. “You have your whole life ahead of you, and this is all I’ll ever be. You shouldn’t be tied down changing diapers and watching kids’ shows when you could be out in the world. You should be with your friends, meeting someone who can actually give you the life you deserve. Who am I to take that from you?”

“You’re not taking anything from me. I want you and Sora. Look, I know it caught you off guard. It caught me off guard too! But I was reading about it and babies babble a lot. It’s just an easy thing to say and besides, I don’t mind it at all!” Naruto replied. He let out a nervous laugh and continued, “I should have probably started there. He can call me whatever he wants. We can correct it later or-” He reached across the table for Sasuke’s hand. “Or maybe, we don’t have to correct him at all. Maybe he can call me dad and I can stay and raise him with you.”

“He isn’t yours,” Sasuke said sharply, pulling his hand back. The words came out colder than intended.

Naruto didn’t seem fazed. “I know that. I love him. I love you, too. I promise you I’ll be a good fa-”

“You don’t understand! It’s not fair to Sora, either. One day you’ll want your own kids, your own family. You’ll look back and realize how much you gave up because of me. You’ll leave and it won’t just hurt me. It’ll hurt him, too.”

Naruto shook his head. “But we already are a family. He already knows me. You heard him too.”

“He’s too young,” Sasuke insisted. “He won’t remember you.”

“But I will remember him.” Naruto’s eyes watered. “Sasuke, please don’t do this.”

Guilt squeezed his chest until it hurt. Sasuke looked away. “I’m sorry. I should have never let it come this far. I won’t allow you or Sora to get any closer and I won’t let you waste your time with me.”

“You don’t think I should get to decide what I want?”

“It’s not about what you want,” Sasuke said, his tone final. “It’s about what you need.”

He stood up, but Naruto caught his sleeve and pulled him back down.

“Give me one week,” Naruto said. “No, two weeks. Please. For both of us, yeah? I’ll give you space and you can focus on Sora.”

Sasuke shook his head. “Naruto…”

“In two weeks, if you decide you don’t miss me, if you really don’t want me in your lives, I’ll step away. No questions asked,” the alpha said quickly.

“We can’t keep doing this. Try to see things from my perspective, you have your whole life ahead of you to find someone better.”

“Just…please. I'll have my own time, right? I can think about it and decide if you're right or whatever,” Naruto shrugged. 

Sasuke saw him wince at his own words. The alpha didn't believe it at all. 

“Just two weeks, please. If you’re right, we don’t have to see each other again and we say goodbye in easy terms. If you’re wrong though, you have to give me a chance.”

Sasuke knew this was for his own good but Naruto just looked miserable. 

“Fine. Two weeks,” The omega said bitterly, knowing he was just delaying the inevitable. 

Naruto sighed and nodded. When Sasuke stood up, he didn’t stop him.

He kept his head down on the train ride home, replaying the conversation over and over. He should’ve been firmer. This couldn’t have gone any worse. 

When he finally stepped into his home, his phone buzzed with a message from the alpha. 

‘I know what I said about taking time earlier but I only said that because I couldnt reason with you. 

I want you to take your time and think about what you want for you and Sora. That’s the only reason im stepping away, not because I'm giving up on either of you. Not now, not in two weeks, not ever. I meant what I said. I will raise him as my own. I already see him as mine. I’d like to stay by your side, if you let me. 

So please just think about it. If you hate it so much, I understand. But if theres even a little bit of doubt, im still here, im willing to make it work. I promise you I won’t regret it. 

If you need me, im here.’ 

Sasuke stared at the screen, his throat feeling tight. 

It was going to be a very long two weeks.

*

Naruto looked at his phone. Should he text him?

He asked himself that question every day, multiple times per day. It had been a week already and he hadn’t heard anything from Sasuke. Asking for two weeks had been a desperate attempt to keep him from cutting him off and now he could only hope that when that time passed, he’d be able to talk him out of it. 

He was hunched over the counter, sulking. Naruto typed ‘Hope you’ve been ok. I’m here if you need me’ but quickly deleted it. 

“Man what is wrong with you?” Konohamaru asked. “You look like shit and you kinda smell. Are you okay?”

“I’m just tired,” Naruto muttered.

“Go home, dude. Get some rest. I’ll watch the store,” Konohamaru said, giving him a shove toward the door.

Naruto groaned but didn’t fight it.

When he was working, all he wanted was to go home and rot on the floor until he merged with it. But once he got there, the silence was unbearable. The apartment felt too big, too empty. He missed Sasuke too damn much.

It took everything in him just to shower. His bed looked inviting, but staying home made him feel trapped, so he got dressed and went out.

He walked around aimlessly. His phone buzzed and he expected a message from Sasuke but it was his mother, once again, asking him how we was doing. He hadn’t told her about Sasuke yet since he wanted to make things right first. So he lied, saying he’d been sick.

What was Sasuke doing? Was he okay? What about Sora? Did they miss him like he missed them?

He turned a corner and found himself on a street lined with office buildings. A few people stood outside smoking, chatting quietly. Among them, Naruto’s attention caught on a man with long black hair and dark eyes. Another alpha, but he was pretty. Naruto’s type.

No, not his type. He realized why he’d noticed him at all. It was the resemblance between them. 

Naruto didn’t realize he was moving, just that the distance between him and the alpha was closing. “Itachi,” he called.

The man turned. His black eyes widened slightly in recognition. “Naruto Uzumaki?”

Itachi had always seemed a little intimidating, he’d thought so even as a kid, but right now, Naruto was running purely on exhaustion and love for Sasuke.

“Just so you know, abandoning your brother was an asshole move,” Naruto said bluntly.

Itachi’s mouth fell open, eyes widening before he leaned closer and grabbed Naruto’s arms. “You know where my brother is?” he asked. “Do you have his number? His address? Anything?”

Naruto flinched. “I… don’t know if Sasuke would want me sharing that.”

Itachi’s face twisted with frustration. “Please. I have to talk to him.”

“Look, man,” Naruto said, stepping back, “you pretty much ditched him, and he’s already mad as hell. I’m not gonna make it worse by telling you where he is.”

Itachi’s expression softened. “I understand. It’s just… I’ve been looking for him for a long time. Could you at least contact him for me? Tell him I want to talk.”

“I don’t think he’s gonna answer if I call him,” he admitted, his voice dropping. “I can message him, though. Give me your number and I’ll pass it on.”

Itachi shook his head. “Could you try calling him anyway? Please. Naruto… it’s been almost two years since I last heard from him. My father told me he left home, and he never came back. I’ve been worried sick. You’re the first clue I’ve had in forever.”

Naruto considered himself a good judge of character. Sure, he was a little hot headed but he was good at reading people and right now, Itachi seemed desperate.

He sighed and picked up his phone. It rang. No response. 

“Could you message him?” Itachi asked softly. 

“I don’t think he wants to talk to me right now,” Naruto mumbled, but he sent the text anyway.

‘Hey, i know what i said but I ran into your brother and he is looking for you. He says hes been looking for you this whole time. He asked me for your number but idk how you feel about that. He is still here if you want to talk to him’

“I just messaged him,” Naruto said.

“Mind if we wait?” Itachi asked, giving him an apologetic smile. 

They just stood there in an awkward silence. No response came. 

“So…” Itachi started softly. “Is Sasuke… okay?”

“Yeah. He and Sora are doing fine,” Naruto replied before he could stop himself.

“Sora?” Itachi repeated, his expression unreadable. “That’s… his son?”

Nice one, idiot, Naruto thought.

When he didn’t reply, Itachi spoke again. “Did you two have a fight?” 

Naruto shrugged, opening his mouth but his phone buzzed before he could answer. Sasuke’s name flashed across the screen.

“Hi beautiful,” Naruto said.

“Where are you?” Sasuke asked.

“Not too far from the shop. I can send you my location.”

“And my brother said he was looking for me?” 

“Yeah,” Naruto replied. “He said he's been looking the whole time.”

Sasuke went quiet for a moment until finally he said, “Okay. I’ll be there soon.”

“He’s coming,” Naruto told Itachi.

The older alpha let out a relieved sigh, his shoulders relaxing. “Thank you.”

Naruto should leave. He told Sasuke he’d give him space but it might be better if Sasuke wasn’t alone with Itachi. Besides, he wanted to see Sasuke. 

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you,” Itachi said lightly. “You used to be a little kid, always tagging along behind him.”

“Guess so,” Naruto said.

“When did you two start talking again?”

“Just a couple of months ago.”

Itachi nodded. “I see. I was out of the country. When I came back, I ran into an old friend, Deidara. He mentioned Sasuke.”

Naruto frowned. “Okay…?”

“I asked around,” Itachi continued, watching Naruto’s expression carefully. “Yahiko said the same thing. He was wondering where Sasuke went.”

Naruto hummed, unsure where this was going.

“And then,” Itachi said, lowering his voice, “my friend Sasori told me he’s been looking for Sasuke too.”

Naruto clenched his jaw, his fists tightened. “What does that bastard want?”

Itachi’s eyes gleamed in amusement. He didn’t keep talking, his expression turning dark. 

Naruto realized too late that he’d walked straight into a trap. Itachi wasn’t trying to make conversation. He’d been testing him. And Naruto gave him exactly what he wanted. 

Oh well, he thought. If Itachi wanted to go after Sasori, he wasn’t about to stop him.

Chapter Text

After leaving a sulking Naruto behind, Sasuke had tried his best to go back to his normal routine. 

He woke up when Sora did, fed him, made himself some coffee, and started on work. Lunch, nap time, afternoon walks, dinner, bath, another feed, bed. They were things he had done countless times before and that he’d told himself he could go back to but, truthfully, Sasuke wasn’t doing too good. 

His thoughts kept going back to Naruto. Whenever Sora did something cute, he wanted to take a picture and send it to him. When he made a little extra for dinner, he thought about saving some for Naruto. At night, the ghost of his scent kept him awake and whenever he did sleep, he dreamt of him.

Sasuke didn’t miss him. He simply couldn’t admit that because it would mean giving their relationship another try. Moving in together, meeting his parents, raising Sora as a couple… 

Sasuke sighed. He had to stop thinking about him. 

His sleep was cut short by a cry from the baby monitor. Instinctively, he got up and went into Sora’s room, picking him up. Sometimes Sora slept through the night, other times, like tonight, he still woke up hungry. The omega knew he was going through a growth spurt, so he took him back to bed and let him nurse. He would probably have to feed him again later, they might as well sleep together. 

Sora kneaded at his skin with his chubby hands, still wide awake, and it made Sasuke chuckle softly.

“I do all this,” he murmured. “I feed you, clean you, play with you, take care of you when you’re sick,” he smiled faintly, brushing a hand through his baby’s hair, “but you say dad first?”

When Sora was finished, Sasuke hugged and gave him a few kisses to his cheeks. In return, Sora gave him a few open mouth head buts. His own version of a kiss. It was too cute and funny, even if it left his face wet. He just patted the baby's back until sleep took over him.

Sasuke stayed awake, watching Sora long after he had fallen asleep. He was a sweet boy. The omega hoped he knew how loved he was. Even if it was just by Sasuke.

Well…Naruto did say…

No, Sasuke couldn’t. It wasn’t fair to Naruto. Sora already had everything he needed. Sasuke ignored the pang in his chest and closed his eyes.

He counted the days until they would see each other again. Not because he wanted to see Naruto, obviously. He didn’t miss him. Sasuke just didn’t like to have things pending. Still, he caught himself wondering what the alpha was doing. If he was okay. If he ever thought about them.

Sasuke did his best to go on about his life. He dropped Sora with Takami and went to the office to meet with Karin. It was business as usual until he got a call from Naruto. He watched it ring until it stopped. 

What did he want?

He watched the screen, frowning. Then a message popped up. 

Itachi was looking for him and he was with Naruto? Just what were the odds? 

He sat there for a long moment, conflicted. A part of him was hesitant to see his brother. He'd lost all trust in Itachi the last time they spoke. But he was also curious. Sasuke never thought Itachi would actually go looking for him. He’d always assumed his family was too ashamed to want anything to do with him.

And right now, Sora wasn’t with him. That was something. He didn’t want Itachi to see the baby. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

He hesitated between going home or meeting them. If Naruto’s location was anything to go by, he was still with Itachi. How did he even end up with his brother? 

Despite himself, Sasuke smiled. It was just like Naruto to do something so unexpected. 

Well…if they only had one meeting left, maybe he could use this time to see him just one more time. 

So, ultimately, Sasuke decided to go.

*

Sasuke took so long to arrive, Naruto didn’t think he would go at all. They’d been standing on the street for nearly an hour before Itachi suggested they wait inside a cafe.

After their phone call, Sasuke did not message him. Itachi and him just waited in silence. 

He did show up, eventually. Naruto smelled him before he saw him. He turned his head just as Sasuke walked through the door. Itachi followed his gaze, confusion flashing across his face before his eyes widened in shock.

“Sasuke?” he said. 

Sasuke looked thinner. Pale, dark hair falling over the sides of his face. Still unfairly pretty even with the deep frown on his face. 

“My baby brother,” Itachi said. He stepped forward, arms open, but Sasuke drew back immediately. He didn’t want a hug. When that became clear, Itachi stopped and gestured stiffly toward the table instead. “Please, sit.”

Sasuke sat down next to Naruto. A small victory for him.

Itachi cleared his throat. “Your scent. You smell like…” 

“A mother. Yes,” Sasuke replied. 

“I’ve been worried sick!” Itachi said, the words rushing out. “I called you countless times. Why haven't you picked up?”

“I broke my phone and had to get a new one,” Sasuke replied coolly. “The old line was under dad’s name, so I changed numbers.”

“Where have you been?”

“I've been busy.”

“What do you do now?”

“I’m an editor. I work for Karin’s parents.”

“Where do you live?”

“In the city.”

“By yourself?”

Sasuke shrugged.

“You had the baby,” Itachi noted quietly.
“Obviously,” Sasuke replied.

Itachi’s brow furrowed. “On your own?”

Sasuke scoffed. “Was someone else supposed to push for me?”

“This was so irresponsible of you,” Itachi said, voice tightening. “You did everything I told you not to do. What if something had happened to you?”

“I’m doing fine,” Sasuke said, but his tone was clipped. With every question, he seemed to sink a little lower in his seat.

“You lost your position in the company. What about your future?”

“I said I’m fine,” he replied through gritted teeth.

“You threw your life away,” Itachi pressed. “You’re working at some second-rate company. You’re vulnerable, Sasuke. All by yourself. Any alpha could take advantage of you, more than they already have. You shouldn’t have had this child, we could have avoided-”

“He’s not alone,” Naruto cut in sharply. His voice carried across the cafe, making heads turn. “Be very careful with what you’re going to say next, Itachi. This isn’t some hypothetical situation. Sora is already here and he’s not the ruin of Sasuke’s life. That’s his son and they are happy. Seriously, is it any wonder he doesn't talk to you? If I had known you were looking for him just to make him feel bad, I wouldn't have told him to come.”

His scent was spiking with anger. If Itachi said another wrong word, Naruto would jump over the table and punch him. Then Sasuke placed a hand over his. The contact was light but grounding. Naruto froze, glancing at him, bashful under the omega’s calm but weary gaze. He went quiet, not wanting to upset him. 

Sasuke exhaled slowly and turned back to his brother. “Itachi… I don’t regret any of my choices,” he said quietly. “And Naruto is right. My son is more important now. If this is all you wanted to say, I’ll leave.”

“No, please,” Itachi blurted. “I’m sorry,” he said, lowering his head. “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t- I can’t understand how you’d choose this kind of uncertainty over your family. I didn’t know you had the baby. I didn’t think you would. I thought you were just trying to get a reaction out of Father. I never imagined you’d actually… disappear.”

“It’s not like I left for fun,” Sasuke hissed. “I’ve been a disappointment my entire life. I don’t want my son to grow up thinking his mom is a failure or that he’s a mistake. You can tell Father my oversight has a name.”

“You’re not…I’m sorry Sasuke,” Itachi said softly. Suddenly, he looked like he’d break into tears. “I’ve never been disappointed in you. And I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. All this time, I never stopped looking for you. I’ve thought of every awful possibility. What if you were with some cruel alpha, what if you were sick, or cold, or hungry, or hurt? What if something happened and I wasn’t there?” At that, he did tear up. “I was supposed to protect you, and instead you’ve been raising a baby all on your own, thinking that you are a failure or you’ve somehow disappointed me. Sasuke, I love you. Nothing you do could make me stop loving you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

Next to him, Sasuke flinched. It was just a guess but Itachi didn’t seem the type to cry often.  Sasuke’s mouth turned into a fine line. He looked so deeply hurt.

“Please, don’t cut me off again,” Itachi said. “I know you have your own life now, and I have no right to ask this… but I’d like to meet your son. I’ve missed you, and I don’t want to lose you.”

The omega’s dark eyes were unreadable. He was quiet for a moment before he stood up and said, "I'll think about it.”

When Naruto noticed he was leaving, he reached for his hand. 

“See you soon?” he asked. 

Sasuke looked surprised but then nodded. 

Naruto sighed, lowering his head. Now more than ever, he wanted to be there for him. But all he could do was watch him leave.

He stayed at the table with a sniffling Itachi, their earlier confrontation hanging heavy in the air.

“Are you two… dating?” Itachi asked after a moment.

“Yes. Well, technically not. But kind of? It’s complicated,” Naruto admitted.

Itachi didn’t press. He just slumped forward and whispered, “I wish it had been you. I wish you’d found him before that bastard did. You would’ve been a better mate. A better father.”

“I’m trying,” Naruto said quietly. “But don’t say that in front of Sasuke. He’d choose Sora over anyone.”

Itachi gave a faint hum, eyes still red. “Do you… have a picture of him?”

“Don’t push it, dude,” Naruto warned.

*

Sasuke didn’t know how to feel. He was hesitant to let Itachi into their lives. He would be damned if Sora ever felt unwanted. Sasuke almost wished he was doing better so he could rub it on his father’s face. Sora was the light of his life, Sasuke could not imagine a life without him. 

Speaking of, he had already been out of the house for long enough and it was almost time for dinner. He chose to get a taxi home. 

On the way there, we received a message from Naruto. 

‘Your brother asked me for your number’ 

Well…if Itachi had been really looking for him, he might as well give him a chance to prove was honest.

‘Thats ok. You can give it to him.’ Sasuke replied. ‘Btw, thank you for being there today’

‘Ofc. I’m here if you need me’

A simple thank you was not enough. Naruto had stood up for him when he could barely confront his brother. The alpha had a way with words that just made him feel…seen. Like Naruto understood him and, for some reason, still wanted him. 

Sasuke sighed. He really needed to stop thinking about him. 

He picked up Sora from Takami’s house. His baby had learned how to wave and gave her a little goodbye before they left.

“Did you have fun?” Sasuke asked, kissing his cheek.

Sora kicked his legs happily.

Back home, he carried him into the bedroom and laid him on the changing table to change his diaper. As Sasuke brushed his baby’s hair back, Sora leaned into the touch, nuzzling his hand with a small sniff.

His hand…? Oh it was the hand that Naruto had touched. Sora likely recognized the scent. 

But how? He’d even washed his hands!

“You have a sharp nose, my little alpha,” Sasuke murmured, tapping Sora’s nose. The baby grabbed his hand, refusing to let go. “I know,” Sasuke said softly. “I miss him too.”

Shit. He didn’t mean to say that out loud. 

Once Sora was clean, Sasuke carried him downstairs. He tried to set him in the playpen, but the baby whined until Sasuke relented and strapped him to his chest instead.

He made dinner with Sora nestled against him. It was one thing to admit to himself that he missed Naruto, the omega thought while chopping tomatoes. He just could not say it to the alpha. They just couldn’t be together. 

Mid-spiral, his phone buzzed. 

Sasuke picked it up with a little sorrow. He was hoping to see a message from Naruto but it was an unknown number. 

‘Hey, it’s me. Do you think I could see you again?’

Oh. It was Itachi. 

They agreed to meet the following day. Itachi wanted to visit and meet Sora. Seeing his brother tear up had softened him. He’d seem genuinely sad and if he was honest… he’d missed him too.

Besides, he was an adult now. This was his house. One wrong word and he wouldn’t hesitate to throw him out.

Itachi arrived right on time. Sasuke let him in with an awkward nod and led him to the living room. They sat across from each other, neither one speaking. The air between them was tight and heavy.

Sasuke could feel Itachi’s gaze flickering around the room. The place was filled with Sora’s things: a high chair tucked by the dining table, a baby swing near the couch, blankets, plush toys, a few scattered pacifiers. Even if the faint scent of milk wasn’t enough, the sight of the house alone made Sora’s existence undeniable.

“How are you?” Itachi asked quietly.

“I’m fine,” Sasuke replied.

“And Sora?”

“He’s asleep.”

Itachi nodded. After a pause, he reached into his bag and pulled out a small box of strawberries. “I brought these for him.”

“Oh,” Sasuke blinked. “Thanks.”

Sasuke stepped away to put them in the kitchen. Then it was back to the uncomfortable silence. 

Finally, Sasuke spoke, “When did you get back?”

“Right after you left,” Itachi said.

He frowned. “What? What happened to your scholarship?”

“You disappeared,” Itachi said simply. “After you hung up the phone, I got this horrible feeling. I just knew something was wrong. I called our father but he said you would come back. You know father can be stubborn but I just couldn’t let it go. After two days with no news, I came back.”

“And your masters?” Sasuke pressed.

“That doesn’t matter.”

“How can you say that?” 

“You’re more important,” Itachi said. “I couldn’t get in touch with any of your friends. I called hospitals, police stations. Anywhere I could think of. The only reason I didn’t file a missing person report was because father talked me out of it.”

Sasuke sank back into his chair, the air leaving his chest. “I didn’t know…”

Itachi shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just happy I found you.”

Sasuke sighed, unsure if he should feel relieved or guilty.

Suddenly, a cry came in from the baby monitor. Itachi looked startled but Sasuke only stood up and said, “I’ll be right back.”

He climbed the stairs and opened Sora’s door. The baby was looking up at him from the crib with teary black eyes, a faint crease on his cheek from where he’d pressed his face against the mattress.

“Was that a good nap?” Sasuke chuckled softly. He wiped the tears from Sora’s face and kissed him a few times before taking him downstairs.

Itachi rose the second he saw them.

“This is my son, Sora,” Sasuke said, bouncing the baby lightly on his hip.

Itachi’s expression softened, his dark eyes wrinkling with a smile. “He looks just like you.”

Sora studied him curiously, little fists tight around Sasuke’s shirt.

“May I?” Itachi asked, extending his arms.

Sasuke hesitated, then carefully passed him over. He half-expected Sora to fuss, but the baby settled comfortably against Itachi’s chest. He was just a gentle, sweet boy. Maybe he’d picked that up from Naruto. 

Sasuke quickly shoved that thought aside.

Itachi laughed quietly, rocking the baby in his arms. “It’s like seeing you all over again.”

They sat down together. Itachi bounced Sora on his knee, earning bright giggles, until the baby squirmed his way down and crawled across the floor. Determined, he grabbed Kurama and dragged the plush back to the couch. He held it up with both hands, offering it to Itachi.

The moment Itachi took it, Sora burst into tears.

“What’s wrong?” Itachi asked, alarmed.

“Give it back,” Sasuke said. “He’s just showing it to you. You’re not supposed to take it.”

“Oh, I see.” Itachi quickly handed Kurama back. “I’m sorry, Sora.”

Sora sniffled and hugged the plush tightly to his chest, glaring up at Itachi.

Sasuke couldn’t help but smile. He had fallen victim to the Kurama trap enough times to know better. 

Sora quickly took their attention. He was good at climbing the furniture and he went back and forth between them before finally settling on Itachi’s lap to be bounced.

The alpha’s face lit up. “Does he speak yet?”

Sasuke’s mood soured. “He called Naruto dad once,” he muttered.

“Oh,” Itachi said quietly. “Is that… why you broke up?”

“Kind of. Naruto says he wants to raise him with me, but I just… can’t let him do that.”

“Does this have anything to do with Sora’s real father?” Itachi asked carefully.

“He doesn’t have one,” Sasuke said, his tone sharp and final. He didn’t want any questions about it, especially not from Itachi. He didn’t know what his brother would do if he found out about Sasori.

Surprisingly, Itachi didn’t press. “Naruto did offer, though…” he said mildly.

Sasuke glared at him.

Itachi chuckled softly, tickling Sora’s sides. “Is that where you got that look from?”

The omega rolled his eyes and leaned back into the couch. He didn’t want to talk about Naruto.

Of course, Itachi didn’t take the hint. “So what’s wrong with him then? Why’d you call it off?”

“Nothing’s wrong with him,” Sasuke said. “It’s me. I’m… less than desirable.” He knew how pathetic he sounded, but he needed to make him understand. “My life revolves around my son, and that’s taking away from Naruto’s future. I’ve tried explaining it, but he won’t listen. He’ll thank me one day.”

“Don’t say that. That kid really loves you,” Itachi said softly.

Sora squirmed out of his arms and crawled toward Sasuke.

“I know,” Sasuke admitted. “I miss him every day, but I just want him to be happy and he can’t be happy with me. I chose to be Sora’s mom. That’s my role now. Naruto should be with his friends, living his life, falling in love with someone who can put him first. They can decide later if they want kids. I can’t be the reason he misses out on all that.”

Itachi gave him a pitying look. Sasuke lowered his gaze. Sora was struggling to climb onto the couch, so he gave him a gentle push to help him up.

“But what about you?” Itachi asked. “Don’t you love him? If he’s choosing you-”

“Enough,” Sasuke cut him off. “It doesn’t matter.”

Sora squirmed his way onto Sasuke’s lap, babbling a soft “ma, ma, ma” over and over again. The omega knew it was his hungry call.

“It should matter to you,” Itachi said.

Sasuke cradled Sora in his arms. “I have to feed him,” he said flatly. “You can leave now.”

“Sasuke…”

The omega didn’t argue. The silence only dragged. 

“I understand,” Itachi said.

He stood up but, surprisingly, moved closer instead of heading for the door. He sat next to Sasuke, the couch dipping under his weight. Then he wrapped his arms around Sasuke and the baby.

“I’m sorry,” Itachi whispered. His voice broke a little. “I made a mistake. I didn’t think it would cost me my little brother. I shouldn’t have said what I said, and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

Sasuke froze. He didn’t know how to respond, so he stayed still.

“I’d like to see you and my nephew again,” Itachi added softly.

My nephew.

The words sounded strange. Up until now, Sasuke had been Sora’s only family.

Itachi pressed his forehead against Sasuke’s. “I don’t want you to push me away or make yourself miserable. But whatever you choose, I understand. I love you no matter what.”

By that point, Sora was pulling at his shirt, babbling for his attention.

Itachi let go, smoothing a hand through the baby’s hair. “Bye-bye,” he said softly.

Sora waved his hand in response.

The alpha cooed at him and said, “Goodbye, Sasuke.” 

Itachi stood up but he stopped by the door. Before he could leave, he turned back to Sasuke and said, “Don’t end things with Naruto. I think you’ll regret it.” 

And with that, he left. Sora was starting to whine so the omega adjusted his shirt and tucked him closer to latch. Sasuke let his head back and stared at the ceiling. 

Well, Naruto had asked him to think about it.

So he did.

It wasn’t easy. Sasuke was constantly neglecting himself and his feelings. When he tried to pause and think about himself he was constantly flooded with painful memories. He was too much, he was not enough. Sasori didn’t love him. His family was not there for him. 

Naruto was a whirlpool in his life. Sasuke lived in perfect silence for months but one day he just showed up and suddenly he had a boyfriend and he’d brought his brother back. Now Itachi was trying to fix things with him. He might have never known his brother cared so much if not for Naruto. Sasuke hated to admit it but the alpha was constantly pushing him to grow.

At the same time, Sasuke saw the logic in his own arguments. Having a baby was difficult and it was a huge responsibility. This wasn’t just Naruto agreeing to date him, it was also him agreeing to raise Sora with him. Sasuke hadn’t even asked him to. Sora and Naruto had made that choice on their own. 

Sora looked up at him, black eyes soft and curious. Sasuke brushed a thumb over his cheek.  His baby deserved to be loved. If Naruto wasn’t being honest, it would be crushing for both of them. 

What should he do? The risk was too big.

But the reward...

No. 

Since Sora was awake, he decided to take him to the park. The baby was still too little to get on any rides, but he loved stroller walks. Just watching the trees and the sunlight flicker between leaves. Sasuke packed the strawberries Itachi had brought, along with a blanket, and they set out.

He found a spot under a tall tree and spread the blanket on the grass. They had a good view of the kids playing in the park, something Sora always liked to watch. Sasuke unbuckled him from the stroller and set him down beside him.

Sora crawled to the edge of the blanket. Hesitantly, he put his hands on the grass but didn’t venture further, even when Sasuke encouraged him to. He’d read before that babies were born with certain personality traits. Maybe his son was on the calm side. He liked to explore at home but he became a little shy when they went out. 

Still, his chubby hands started pulling the grass strands and the next second he tried to put them on his mouth. Sasuke was quick to stop him.

“That’s yucky, Sora. Let’s not do that,” he said softly, brushing the baby’s hand clean.

To distract him, he pulled out the box of strawberries and set it in front of him. Naturally, Sora grabbed one and stuffed his cheeks full before reaching for another. He looked like a squirrel, Sasuke thought, amused.

The omega reached into the diaper bag, pulled out the camera and snapped a picture. He’d probably send it to Itachi later. 

They stayed there for a moment longer. Sasuke held Sora’s little hands and helped him stand, guiding him through a few wobbly steps. When the air started to cool, he packed everything up and tucked Sora back into the stroller.

Sasuke was thankful to have so many things to keep him busy. It made it easier to push his thoughts away. Back home, he still had to make dinner, feed Sora, give him a bath, rock him to sleep, and then take him to bed.

He’d gotten used to going to sleep early and trying to get as much sleep as he could. Shortly after Sora went to sleep, Sasuke fell asleep on his own bed. 

Sora mostly slept through the night now, but once again, the omega woke to the sound of his cries. Usually they came muffled through the baby monitor, but this time they carried down the hall. Sasuke shot up and rushed to Sora’s room.

The baby was sitting in his crib, cheeks wet, face flushed from crying. Sasuke immediately scooped him up and pressed him close, soothing him with soft pheromones. “What happened?” he murmured.

Sora only sniffled, gaze fixed downward. Sasuke suddenly saw the culprit. Kurama was on the floor.

He chuckled and bent to pick it up. “You know, Kurama’s too big to fit through the bars,” he said, handing it back. “If he’s on the floor, you probably threw him.”

Sora just held Kurama tight, his little fists clinging to it. Sasuke wiped his tears and lay him back down. This time, Kurama was pressed firmly against his side. He gave him his pacifier and gently patted his chest until sleep took him again.

When he was sure Sora was asleep, Sasuke returned to his own bed. He closed his eyes and waited for sleep to come.

But it never did. 

In the silence of his bedroom, it was impossible to escape his thoughts. Sasuke was haunted by Naruto’s eyes, his gentle touch, the never ending remarks he had. He missed him, missed having him in his bed, missed the little texts throughout the day. 

He remembered how Naruto had stood up for him with Itachi. He never judged Sasuke for his relationship with Sasori, or for losing his spot in his family’s company, or for having a baby and raising him on his own. In fact, he’d even offer to-

No. He couldn’t do that. Unless…

He thought that Itachi might want to see Sora eating the strawberries he’d gotten for him. Since he'd done nothing but roll in bed, Sasuke grabbed the camera and connected it to his computer. 

It was old fashioned. He had to manually pass every picture and then send it to himself so he could message it to Itachi but Sasuke loved his camera too much and he had no plans to stop using it. 

He opened the files and moved the most recent one. That should have been all but the folder on his computer had every picture. Every single one. Of course, his eyes were drawn to the picture of them in the aquarium. Sora had been so little and he seemed even smaller in Naruto's thick arms. They were standing in front of the tank closer together and wearing their matching frog hats. 

There were dozens of other pictures of every little moment they had together. Sora was growing bigger in every photo and Naruto was always there. Sometimes holding Sora, sometimes next to Sasuke, sometimes just in the background, but always there. 

Tears streamed down his face before Sasuke could stop them. 

Fuck. He loved Naruto so much. It tugged hard at his chest and left his hands numb. If letting him go was the right thing…why did it hurt this much?

It wasn’t just Sasuke, he knew that Sora missed him too. If the hopeful look in Naruto’s eyes meant anything, the alpha missed them too…

Sasuke grabbed his phone. Fuck. Maybe he shouldn't. The two weeks hadn’t even passed yet. He just wanted to see him, smell his scent. Just be with him.  

He unlocked his phone and froze. There was already a message waiting.

‘Hey. Can I see you?’

*

Naruto couldn’t help but wonder if giving Sasuke time had been the right choice. 

He didn’t blame Sasuke for wanting to end things. Naruto knew that the omega wanted him too but he’d been so isolated and hurt, made to believe he wasn’t worth loving, that now he was acting in an effort to protect himself and Sora. 

The clock was ticking. The two weeks he’d asked for were almost up, and Naruto still didn’t know what he’d say when the time came. He just knew he’d bring Sasuke back. There would never be anyone else for him. 

The thought of it twisted his chest. He already thought about Sasuke every day. The way his voice went soft when he spoke to Sora, the small smile that appeared when he wasn’t looking. If he had to live knowing Sasuke was out there alone, without knowing how he was doing, it would eat him alive.

No one could love Sasuke the way he did. And he didn’t want anyone else to.

Naruto wanted it all. He wanted Sasuke and Sora. The little one hadn’t left his mind either. What if he never got to watch him grow? What if Sora didn’t remember him? He was too young now, if they never saw each other again then surely he wouldn’t know who Naruto was. Or how much he meant to him. 

His face gave him away, as always. His lips pulled down, blue eyes hollow, every thought written across his expression. It was all he could think about and it stayed in his mind into the night. 

He should’ve gone to sleep. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out. He lay in bed, phone in hand, the screen glowing in the dark. Sasuke still hadn’t replied to his last message.

Something broke inside him. Damn the two weeks, he needed to try something now. 

‘Hey. Can I see you?’

To his surprise, Naruto saw the ‘seen’ message on screen. He waited, fingers hovering over the keyboard, but Sasuke never replied. When it became clear he wasn’t responding, Naruto went to bed. 

The heavy feeling in his heart was still there by morning. Naruto laid awake, watching the ceiling. He wanted to stay in bed but his apartment was a mess. Not exactly mating material. Once again, Naruto thought that if he wanted to be with Sasuke, he had to be better. 

So he cleaned and showered and made himself some lunch. Naruto sat on his couch, watching the tv without caring too much for what he was watching. There was a knock on his door, probably Konohamaru checking that he was still alive. The alpha didn’t move from his spot. 

A moment passed, he thought Konohamaru would have left already but there was another gentle knock. 

Naruto groaned. He opened the door with a “What do you-?” but the words died on his lips.  

Sasuke was standing on the other side of the door, looking hesitant. “Hi,” he said quietly.

Naruto blinked. “Sasuke?”

The omega’s eyes were puffy, lips bitten raw. “You said you wanted to see me, right?”

“Yes. I did,” Naruto said quickly, trying not to sound too eager. He stepped aside. “Please come in.” 

Sasuke did. He looked around, taking in the space before sitting on the couch. Naruto joined him, careful to leave a respectful distance between them.

“Where’s Sora?” he asked softly.

“With Takami,” Sasuke said. His gaze flicked toward the empty display shelves. “What happened to your figures?”

Naruto followed his eyes. “Oh. I just moved them around.”

That wasn’t exactly true. He’d cleared the lower shelves so that Sora couldn’t reach for anything harmful but he didn’t want to put any pressure on Sasuke. 

Still, Sasuke’s sharp eyes caught the lie. His expression softened, guilt flickering across his face. “Naruto, I-”

“Could you… hear me out first?” Naruto interrupted gently. His voice was tight with nerves.

Sasuke hesitated, then closed his mouth and nodded.

Naruto took a slow breath. “Look, I know what you think,” the alpha started. “I know you think my future would be better without you in it. And I disagree but I told you I would think about it, right? So I did.”

Sasuke said nothing, just watched him with that small furrow in his brow. Guarded, braced for pain.

Naruto continued, “I thought about what it would be like if you guys weren’t there. I would open another shop, celebrate it with my parents, maybe hang out with my friends. Maybe I could keep living but what would be the point of it? My dreams are worthless without you. There isn’t a future where I don’t think about you all the time. Or where I don’t think about Sora. You told me I would find someone but who could ever live up to you? If it’s not you, Sasuke, then I don’t want them. I can’t imagine ever being with someone else. I want to be with you, have a family with you, I want you by my side for every dream of mine. So please…let me show you that I mean it.”

Sasuke lowered his gaze. Naruto didn’t know if he was convincing enough. 

He was quiet for a moment, then finally said, “How could I face your mom?”

“My…mom?” Naruto asked, a little confused.

“Yes! Your mom! How do you expect to just show up with an omega and a kid?” 

Naruto snorted. “My mom won’t care. She’ll be happy I found someone.”

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at him. “I don’t think you understand. Having a baby is hard work.”

“You do a great job at it,” Naruto noted. “I’ll be fine because you’ll be with me.”

“He will be a teenager one day, you know? What if he slams the door on you and screams you're not my dad?”

Naruto chuckled. “What is a dad? Someone who does his mom and deals with him? Yeah, I'm his dad alright.”

The omega shook his head. “Why don't you give up?”

“I hate to see you hurt. Don't you get it?” Naruto replied. “I love you. I'll show you every single time.”

Sasuke glared at him through his long eyelashes. He looked even prettier when he gave him that mean stare. “Leave me alone,” he said.

Naruto leaned closer.  “Stop pushing me away.” 

“No.”

The alpha moved even closer. “No? So you don’t want me?” 

“I don’t,” Sasuke replied, but there was a slight crack in his tone. 

“Okay. Then tell me to leave.”

Sasuke put his hand on the alpha’s chest, but he didn’t push.

Naruto closes the space between them. “Huh Sasuke? Go on, say you don’t love me and that you never want to see me again. I’ll leave.”

Nevermind that they were in his house. Naruto wasn’t concerned with technicalities when their mouths were so close and he was so certain that Sasuke wouldn’t push him away. 

And he was right. Sasuke didn’t speak. Instead, he brought his lips to Naruto’s.

It was a shy thing, as if Sasuke were still convincing himself not to run. It was over just as quickly, and when they broke apart, Naruto realized the omega was crying.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. 

“I…I don’t want to leave you. I’ve missed you like hell,” Sasuke sobbed. “But I’m scared. If you leave-”

“I won’t.”

“If you do and it hurts Sora, I will kill you,” he replied. “I swear I will.”

And Naruto believed him but he also knew better than that. It had always been, and it would always be, Sasuke for him.

The alpha nodded. Sasuke sat still, his hands pressed to his knees, knuckles white. Naruto wiped the tears from his cheeks and just pulled him in, wrapping his arms around him. Sasuke didn’t move at first, still too tense, but slowly, his body gave in, melting against Naruto’s chest until his arms came up around him too.

“So… does this mean we’re together again?” Naruto murmured, his voice half a laugh, half a plea.

Sasuke nodded against him.

“I’m glad,” Naruto said, exhaling a shaky breath. “I missed you, too.”

Sasuke let out a low laugh and rubbed his face to the alpha’s chest. 

“How did it go with your brother?”

“It was fine. He says he wants to see Sora again.”

Naruto hummed, rubbing circles on Sasuke’s back. 

“And you? What have you been up to?” Sasuke asked quietly.

“Oh, you know. Thinking about you and the little dude. Taking care of the shop. Same as always.”

Sasuke pulled back just enough to look at him. His smile was faint. Small and tired, but real.

“How long before you have to get Sora?” Naruto asked.

Sasuke checked his phone. “I still have some time. Why?”

“Want to cuddle for a bit? We can go pick him up together,” Naruto said. His tone was careful, as if he didn’t want to spook the moment away.

Sasuke gave him a small nod. 

They ended up lying together on the couch. Naruto was sprawled out, and Sasuke rested on his chest. He never admitted he was tired, just quietly settled there, breathing against Naruto’s collarbone. Naruto’s heart was beating too fast. He knew Sasuke could hear it, but the omega didn’t say anything.

His scent pleasantly filled the living room. Naruto ran his fingers through his silky black hair, occasionally leaning down to press small kisses against the top of his head. Sasuke lay limp in his arms, so still that Naruto almost thought he’d fallen asleep until he stirred and lifted his head to kiss him.

It was a soft kiss at first, lips brushing, then deepening when Sasuke moved closer. He climbed a little higher, hands sliding around Naruto’s neck, their mouths parting in slow rhythm. Naruto let his hand run through Sasuke’s back until he reached his asscheek and gave it a tight squeeze. 

Sasuke pulled back, face red and lips shiny. “I’ve missed you too but…I don’t have any protecti-”

“I do,” Naruto replied, a little too eager. “I mean, only if you want.”

Sasuke hesitated, eyes searching his face, before giving a tiny nod.

The alpha carried him into his bedroom. He was always surprised by how light Sasuke was. He could do some presses while carrying him, he thought. It would barely be a strain for him. 

Naruto laid him down on his bed. It still felt surreal to think he could make love to Sasuke Uchiha. Hopefully forever. Naruto covered his body with his own and brought their lips together again. One hand slid under the omega’s shirt, his fingers barely grazing the skin. Under him, Sasuke shivered and moaned into the kiss. 

They still had time, right? There was no need to hurry. Naruto kissed him, slow and deep, for a moment longer. When Sasuke was completely flustered and smelling needy, he decided to show some mercy and undressed him

First, it was his shirt. Then, his pants and underwear. Sasuke’s pale skin contrasted against his dark duvet. The omega used his arms to cover his chest and closed his legs, hiding his hardness from him. 

Naruto grabbed his wrists and pinned them above his head. With his knee, he split his legs. 

“Don’t,” he muttered. Naruto leaned down, pressing his own hard cock against his hip. “Look what you do to me. Let me see you.” 

He didn’t give Sasuke a chance to reply before claiming his lips in a messy kiss. He licked inside the omega’s mouth, enjoying as Sasuke came undone beneath him. 

And the omega was squirming and thrashing. He held onto Naruto’s neck, then his shoulders, before finally dragging his nails down his lower back. Kissing was clearly not enough for him but he couldn’t exactly talk with Naruto’s tongue in his throat. 

When he let go, he grabbed Sasuke’s arms. Sasuke had already said no before so he didn’t ask again. He just took his wrist to his mouth and licked a fat strip over his scent gland. The alpha had missed his scent so much. All he wanted to do was taste Sasuke. He moved to the scent gland on his neck, leaving open-mouthed kisses down his skin.

Sasuke moaned when he licked over his nipple and arched his back when his lips wrapped around him. By now, Naruto was familiar with his body, a single pull of his lips had his tongue coated with the sweetest milk. 

It was maddening. Naruto was obsessed with it. Obsessed with him. 

His eyes, the shape of his lips, his soft skin, his dark hair. Drinking from Sasuke was like drinking him in. The alpha got lost in it but he still heard the soft moans and felt the way Sasuke rubbed his legs together.

He moved to the other side, sucking until his nipples were wet and shiny with drool. Sasuke was trembling, watching him with teary black eyes. Of course, he took this as a sign to kiss down his stomach until he reached his cock. It was a cute, tiny thing. Naruto took it into his mouth with no hesitation. At the same time, he slipped a finger inside the omega. 

Sasuke arched his back, his moans blending into whines. 

“Enough! Why do you keep teasing me?” he cried. 

Well, Naruto was just taking his time tasting him. He didn’t reply. He just covered Sasuke’s body with his own and gave him a slick covered kiss. Sasuke stuck his tongue out and said, “You’re so gross!”

Naruto chuckled and kissed his cheek. He took a moment to slide a condom on and rubbed his hips against Sasuke’s, wetting himself against his slicked hole and making the omega’s breath hitch. His hand slid between them, and lined himself against his entrance before pushing inside. 

Sasuke’s mouth dropped. His nails were digging in angry red marks on Naruto's biceps. This paired with the strain of his muscles from holding himself up burned deliciously. “I like you. I love you,” Naruto said, feeding his cock into the omega’s hole. “Everything about you is perfect.”

He went hard and fast from the start. Sasuke’s body was slicked enough to take it and he clenched around him when he thrusted just right. The omega wrapped his legs around Naruto’s hips and pressed his heels to his lower back, urging him deeper. 

Sasuke was moaning, his black hair plastered to his forehead as he murmured, “More.”

Naruto pushed himself inside. It’d been too long since he’d been so drunk of Sasuke’s scent and his knot was forming quickly. Just as he had done before, he thrusted shallowly, not pushing it inside. 

However, Sasuke reached for the back of his neck, pressing their foreheads together and said, “It’s okay. You can knot me.”

The alpha paused, his blue eyes searching his face for any hesitation. He licked his lips and said, “Are you sure?”

Sasuke’s eyes met his. He gave him a nod. 

Well, fuck. Naruto was happy to oblige. He lifted Sasuke’s hips and put a pillow under them, giving him a new angle. Then, he pressed Sasuke’s legs to his chest, folding him into a mating press before pounding him into the mattress. 

The new angle made slick gush out of the omega’s body. Sasuke sobbed at the punishing rhythm but still kissed Naruto. The alpha’s knot was starting to catch, and with one final shove, it went inside, locking their bodies together. 

Sasuke tightened around him, squeezing his knot and enticing his alpha to cum. And he did. Ropes and ropes of his release filled the condom. It felt endless. All Naruto could do was breathe and look at Sasuke through half-lidded eyes. The omega blinked at him, eyes unfocused and lost in the haze of their shared orgasm.

Naruto leaned down, kissing his cheek. “Don’t leave me again,” he murmured.

Breathless, Sasuke laughed. “I won’t. Don’t leave me, either.”

“Of course not.”

Chapter Text

It didn’t go like Sasuke expected. 

He wanted to see Naruto one last time. End things as friends. Instead, he was trying not to fall asleep while Naruto kissed the side of his face and his knot twitched inside him.

Okay. Maybe Sasuke was lying. This was the outcome he was hoping for. He didn’t want to let go, he realized that even before he saw Naruto’s text. Then, Naruto had told him how much they meant for him and every wall Sasuke had built started to crumble. The alpha was convincing like that.

It scared him, of course, how much power Naruto had over him, but he had proved himself time and time again. Was it really so wrong if he just allowed himself to trust him? If he allowed himself to be loved in return?

Naruto wrapped his arms tightly around Sasuke, pulling the covers over both of them. 

After a moment, he murmured, “I can’t sleep. I have to get Sora.”

“Now?” Naruto asked.

“In like, ten minutes.”

Naruto smiled and brushed a kiss to his nose. “Ten minutes, then.”

Ten minutes that turned into five. They both had to clean themselves after all. Still, those five minutes next to the alpha were so so so comfortable. Once they were both presentable, they took the train back to Sasuke’s house.

He let Naruto inside and excused himself to pick up Sora. The baby came crawling with bright eyes and happy squeals the second he saw him. After saying goodbye to Takami, they headed home.

“Guess who’s here?” Sasuke asked quietly as he unlocked the door.

Inside, Naruto lit up when he saw Sora, he opened his mouth to say something but quickly snapped it shut.”Hi little dude,” he said softly. He was obviously trying to keep his cool. 

Sora didn’t care. He didn’t know about any of the conflict that happened between his parents and he was just overjoyed to see Naruto.It was all flailing arms and kicking legs.

“Can I?” Naruto asked, stretching his arms.

Sasuke didn't reply, he just passed Sora to him 

“Sora!” he said, nuzzling his face. “I missed you.” 

Sasuke watched from a few steps away. Naruto turned slightly, looking at him over his shoulder. “Your mom said no more baby,” he whispered to Sora.

The baby babbled.

“I know, right? Who is he, the baby police?”

Sasuke rolled his eyes but still chuckled. 

They settled in the living room. Sasuke sat on the couch and watched as Sora climbed over every piece of furniture while being chased by Naruto. It became clear that the time they’d spent apart hadn’t changed Sora’s feelings for him.

Sora mostly babbled. Just baby nonsense with the occasional “ma” when he was hungry or tired. Yet now that Naruto was there, he kept calling him “dada,” just because. He didn’t even say that when the older alpha wasn’t around

“You don’t have to let him call you that, you know?” Sasuke started. 

“I want to,” Naruto assured. He was sitting on the floor, Kurama next to him, while Sora climbed into his lap. 

Sasuke took a deep breath. “And I’ll let you. But when he is old enough, I plan on telling him the truth.”

“The truth?”

“Maybe not all of it…But he deserves to know. So I’ll tell him about his fa-”

Naruto glared.

“His, um, biological father,” Sasuke corrected.

“Sperm donor, really,” Naruto muttered. 

“Whatever. I will let the two of you decide what kind of relationship you have when he is older,” the omega added. “I just think he should know that he exists.”

Naruto’s mouth turned into a straight line. He looked at the baby on his lap and wrapped his arms around him. “Fine,” he muttered.

“I’m not taking him from you,” Sasuke said softly, noticing the look on his face. “You will be the only dad he knows. I just don’t want it to be a shock if he ever finds out. I’d rather he learns the truth from me first.”

“I understand.”

“And if it’s ever too much…”

“It won’t be.”

“If it is, you have to promise you’ll tell me,” Sasuke asked. 

Naruto exhaled. He grabbed Sora and sat next to Sasuke, reaching for the omega’s hand. “I promise I'll tell you. In exchange, you’ll talk to me too. If it ever becomes too much. If you get scared or sad or even if you just need a break. Deal?”

“Deal,” Sasuke said. He couldn’t help but let out a small smile. “Since you’re serious about this, we are gonna have to set some rules. Okay, dad? Bedtime, baths, and brushing his teeth are musts even if he doesn’t want to. Same with vegetables. No TV until late. Actually, no TV at all if possible. Junk food is only allowed sometimes. No playing until homework is finished.” 

Naruto frowned. “He doesn’t even go to school yet!”

“He will at some point. He needs to learn how to be disciplined.”

The alpha leaned closer to Sora and whispered, “Mom is a little scary, huh?” 

Sasuke scowled. 

“Okay, okay,” Naruto said. He sneaked a kiss to Sasuke’s cheeks and added, “Deal.”

Unsurprisingly, Naruto fit right back into their lives as if he had never left. Sasuke made dinner, and they ate together while Naruto chatted animatedly. It felt only natural that he would stay over, especially since Sora was so excited to see him.

After dinner, Sasuke gave the baby a bath and nursed him. It was about time for him to go to sleep, but Sora was contentedly rolling between him and Naruto on the bed.

His chubby hands reached for the alpha’s face. He gave him a squeeze and said, “Dada.”

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at him. “How dare he? He’s never even tried to call for me.”

“Aw, don’t be like that!” Naruto replied. “You know he loves you.” But he looked smug when he said it.

Sora froze and then dragged his open mouth over Naruto’s cheek.

Naruto flinched and wiped his face. “Yuck little dude. What was that?”

“A kiss. Don't be ungrateful,” Sasuke replied. This time, he was the one looking smug.

“More like a shark attack. Where did you learn that?” Naruto asked the baby.

Sasuke chuckled. “He gets about a thousand kisses every day.”

“Does Kurama get that kind of kiss?” 

“Kurama is always in his mouth,” Sasuke replied. He picked up Sora and held him to Naruto’s face. “Say goodnight to your dad. It's bedtime.”

The alpha’s face dropped. “Already?” 

“Yes. Look at the time”

“Can’t he stay with us? Just tonight?”

“I try not to. I don’t want to get him used to sleeping with me when he is older,” Sasuke explained. 

Naruto pouted, blue eyes enormous. “Just tonight?” he pleaded.  

Sasuke was about to say no again, but something about the puppy look Naruto was giving him made him pause. The omega glanced at Sora, who was also blinking his dark eyes up at him. Clearly, he was outnumbered.

“Fine,” Sasuke sighed. “Just tonight.” He put Sora down, and the baby immediately went back to grabbing his feet and rolling from side to side. “But that means it’s bedtime for all of us.”

Naruto looked like he wanted to argue but kept quiet. The omega turned off the lights and began giving gentle pats to Sora’s chest. Soon enough, the baby’s eyelids began to droop.

Sasuke leaned closer and kissed Sora’s cheek before shifting toward Naruto to give him a quick kiss as well. He whispered a quiet, “Good night,” before sleep took him too.

It came quickly. Sasuke didn’t know how long he’d been asleep when he stirred awake. The room was still dark, and the clock on his nightstand showed it was still the middle of the night. He turned his head and saw that Sora was fast asleep, but Naruto was wide awake, the frown on his face visible even through the darkness.

Sasuke cupped his cheek and murmured, “Something wrong?”

The blond looked up, his frown deepening. “What if I roll over?” he whispered.

Sasuke snorted, making Naruto glare at him. “You won’t. You just cling in yout sleep, but I can take him to his crib if you want.”

“No. He’s so comfy!” Naruto whispered back.

And sure enough, Sora was spread out like a starfish, his black hair fanned across the bed.

“Just cuddle him then,” Sasuke said. “Here, stretch out your arm.”

Naruto did. 

Sasuke gently nudged the baby into the crook of Naruto’s arm. Sora immediately settled, sighing in his sleep, which made the alpha smile.

“There. How’s that?” Sasuke asked.

“Okay,” Naruto murmured.

“If you can’t sleep, just take him to his room,” Sasuke said, half-drowned by a yawn. He was plenty sleepy himself. He draped an arm over Naruto’s waist and closed his eyes, slipping back into sleep.

*

Naruto had put off having this conversation for a while. 

In his defense, he wanted to make sure everything was fine with Sasuke first. But… he also knew exactly how his parents would react, and convincing his father would be no easy task.

He loved his dad and he knew his dad loved him but Minato…was perfect. Smart, charming, cunning and Naruto… was his mother’s son. He may look like Minato but he was Kushina all over. Impatient and fast-mouthed by nature. Loud and impulsive.

His mother would have her own opinions but maybe she would be more understanding. 

Naruto took a deep breath and opened the door. Immediately, he smelled his mother’s cooking and smiled. It calmed him a little. He walked into the kitchen to see Kushina stirring a pot. 

He walked up to her, quietly, and gave her a hug from the back. She jumped at first but quickly smiled when she realized it was him. 

“Look who decided to come home!” she said. 

Naruto tightened his arms around her, pressing his face to her shoulder. “Missed you, Mom.” 

A moment later, his father walked in, ruffling his hair. “Hi kid,” Minato said. He paused and added, “What’s that smell?”

Naruto smelled like Sasuke and, therefore, he also smelled faintly like milk and his sweet omega scent. 

“About that,” Naruto said, rubbing his neck. “I wanted to talk to you about something. Mind if we eat first?”

Dinner was a little awkward. His parents kept exchanging glances and the topic of his scent was getting harder to ignore. Naruto tried to make small talk but Kushina snapped. 

“Alright, that’s enough. Did you get someone pregnant and not tell us? If you had a secret baby Naruto, I swear I’m gonna-”

Minato interrupted. “I’m sure you’ve got a good reason as to why you smell like that. Right?” 

Naruto sighed. “As you know I've been seeing someone…”

His parents watched him expectantly. 

He continued, “And that someone is Sasuke.”

“Sasuke? From when you were kids?” Kushina asked. 

“Yes that Sasuke. Anyway, he came into my shop a few months ago. Him and his son. He has a baby now, the cutest little guy. And I asked him out,” Naruto said. He was rambling, he knew, but once the words started coming out, they just didn’t stop. “And Sasuke agreed. It wasn’t easy. It took me a lot of work to prove I was serious about him. And…” He took a deep breath. It was now or never. “And I want to be in his life. His and his son’s. His name is Sora, and I already see him as mine. You don’t know how hard it was to build this, and even now I worry that it could all end. But I love them both, and I want to stay. I want you to be part of it too.”

The room went quiet. His parents had matching looks of shock on their faces. Minato’s mouth was slightly open, and Kushina’s eyes were wide. The silence stretched, and Naruto’s gaze darted between them, waiting.

“Naruto, you can’t- This is just- It’s too much! You’re too young to have a kid,” Kushina argued. 

“I know it’s a little unexpected but I’m happy,” he said.

“What about the father?” Kushina asked.

“He is not around. Sora is mine now.”

“That’s too much responsibility! And time and money and-” Kushina let out a loud sigh. “Minato, speak some sense into your son.”

His father had been quiet so far. A little too quiet. Naruto anticipated resistance, but the silence made him anxious.

However, Minato’s face relaxed. He even smiled a little and said, “Kushina, I think he has made up his mind.”

“Huh?” Naruto and Kushina said at the same time, equally confused.

“You should know by now how stubborn your son can be,” Minato added. “I don’t think Naruto is asking for our approval. He is asking us to welcome Sasuke and…Sora.” he turned back to Naruto and said, “Isn’t that right, kid? That you want us to accept them too?”

Naruto gulped, nodding his head.

Minato looked at Kushina. “See? He’s going to do it anyway. It’s up to us if we’ll be involved or not. And… I don’t want to be apart from our son. Don’t you agree?”

Kushina closed her mouth. She didn’t look angry, just shocked. 

“Y’know, out of the two of you, I expected dad to be a lot less understanding,” Naruto said. 

His parents watched him, both a little offended. 

“I mean, not that you’re not understanding mom. Or that you’re too hard dad, it’s just…” Naruto stumbled on his words. “Look, this means everything to me. I just want you to give me a chance to prove it.”

“Does he…make you happy?” Kushina asked. 

“More than anything.”

The room went quiet again. Their half-eaten dinners had gone cold on the table. Naruto waited until Kushina spoke. “Can we see a picture?” she asked. 

Naruto reached into his pocket for his phone. He had a picture he had taken of Sasuke and Sora in the living room. The omega was looking at the camera, a small smile on his face. The baby in his lap was holding Kurama with a big grin, showing all six of his teeth. 

“He is quite a looker,” Kushina said. “Looks just like Mikoto, doesn’t he? The little one, too.” 

Minato nodded. “Sasuke has really grown up.”

Naruto didn’t have anything to say to that. Kushina gave him his phone back and he watched her with worried eyes. 

“When will you bring them over?” Kushina asked. “You didn’t think to introduce us?”

“And don’t leave us in the dark. You told us before you were seeing someone but you didn’t mention it was Sasuke? Where has he been all this time?”

Naruto’s face split in a grin. He jumped out of his chair, almost knocking it over in the process. He wrapped an arm around each of them and pulled them closer. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I’ll show you how much I mean this, I promise.” 

Minato patted his back. “I don’t doubt that.”

“This child of mine,” Kushina said, ruffling his hair. “You really are unpredictable, Naruto. Next time, give me a bit of a warning.” 

The young alpha laughed. 

Naruto told them about Sasuke’s camera and how they’d reconnected. He skipped a few details of course. His parents didn’t have to know about Sasori or the time he spent apart from Sasuke. 

All they really needed to know was how they became a family.

*

Sasuke patted Sora through the carrier. At the moment, it was more to soothe himself than the baby. Sora was happy to be out, but the omega was panicking.

“Are you sure they are okay with this?” he asked. 

“Yes. I already told you,” Naruto assured him. 

“What did you tell them exactly?”

The alpha sighed. “Sasuke, they know we are dating and that we have Sora.”

“And your parents are…okay with that?” 

Naruto stopped. They were almost at the front door of his parents’ house. He was supposed to meet the alpha’s parents, but every step they took made Sasuke more and more nervous.

“Yes, Sasuke,” Naruto said, cupping his cheeks. “They want to meet the two of you.”

Sasuke exhaled. It did nothing to relax him. 

The alpha kissed the tip of his nose, making Sora huff from being squished between them. “Don’t worry about it, okay?” he said. 

He nodded, still unconvinced. 

They reached the door and Naruto just waltzed in. Sasuke gave Sora one final little pat and followed inside. 

“Mom! Dad! We are here!” Naruto announced. 

Soon, Minato and Kushina came into view. Sasuke stood there, increasingly aware of the fact that they knew him and the alpha were dating and he had a baby strapped to his chest.

“Sasuke, I remember you! And this must be Sora,” Minato said politely. 

“You’ve grown so much!” Kushina noted. She waved to Sora and added, “Hi cutie!”

The omega gave them a small smile. “It’s good to see you again. Thank you for having us.”

“We were so excited to see you,” she added, ushering them towards the living room. “Please sit.”

He took Sora out of the carrier and placed him in his lap. Sasuke expected his curious baby to start crawling around, however, Sora was glaring toward the kitchen, where there were grapes on the counter.

Kushina noticed too. “He can have them right, no allergies?”

“You don’t have to,” Sasuke replied. 

“Please, it's no problem.”

She went to the kitchen and got a plate of grapes. The moment Kushina placed them on the table, Sora squirmed out of Sasuke’s hold, turned his back, and climbed down the couch to crawl toward them. He immediately popped one into his mouth, earning coos from Naruto’s parents.

“He is so skilled already. How old is he?” Minato asked. 

“Eleven months. He’ll be one in a couple weeks,” Sasuke replied. 

Sora mostly took the focus. Naruto’s parents were nothing but pleasant but Sasuke still felt like bolting out of the room. It felt cowardly to hide behind their niceness, to allow himself to be protected by Naruto.

“I’m sorry,” Sasuked said. “I know how this must look for you. I…have a very young son and to suddenly show up, dating Naruto doesn’t necessarily paint me in a good light but I assure you this was all unexpected for me too. If you have your reservations about me, I understand. I just hope you don’t blame Sora for any of it.”

Only the sound of Sora munching on the grapes could be heard. Minato and Kushina exchanged glances while Naruto opened his mouth to say something but his father beat him to it.

“Sasuke, do you love your son?” he asked.

“Yes,” the omega replied immediately. 

“What would you do to see him happy?”

“Anything.“

“You would, wouldn’t you? Well, we would too for our son,” Minato smiled. “You make Naruto happy so I have no objection.”

Kushina sighed. “You know, Sasuke...When Naruto was little, it was a struggle to get him to go to school. He would cry before being dropped off, he would cry after being picked up. He told us the other kids didn’t like him.”

Naruto gave her a flat look. “Mom…”

“One day he didn’t cry,” she continued. “He came home happy and told us he made a friend. Do you remember, dear?”

Minato laughed. “Oh yes. After that, he would talk about you all the time, Sasuke. He came home once and told us you got first place on a test and how smart you were. I asked Naruto how much he got and he was last. He didn't think to share this at all, he was busy talking about you.”

Sasuke laughed. Naruto was red in the face and looking more mortified by the second

“I was surprised but only because it was unexpected,” Kushina added. “Naruto has never brought someone home and he has never shown interest in anyone. Imagine our shock when he said he was seeing someone. It made sense when we found out it was you.” 

Sasuke felt shy. He turned to look at the alpha, Naruto was giving his parents a pleading look. 

“I think he gets it,” Naruto mumbled.

“You and Sora are more than welcome in our home,” Minato said, ignoring his son’s embarrassment.

“We are happy that you make our son happy. Thank you for loving him, too,” Kushina smiled. “There’s nothing to apologize for.”

And that…made him feel a little lighter. “I see. Thank you,” Sasuke smiled. 

The grapes were far more interesting than what was happening around him. Sora ate one after the other until the plate was empty. He was about to put his sticky hands on the floor before Sasuke pulled him back and cleaned his hands. 

Once free, Sora crawled around the table, hesitant about his new companions. After inspecting them for a while, he deemed them safe enough to approach. Sora climbed next to Kushina, reaching for her red hair and making her chuckle. “Naruto used to do that too, y’know.”

And so the conversation moved on. It was pleasant. They talked bout Sora, how Sasuke was doing now, how Minato and Kushina were but by far the most entertaining parts were the stories from Naruto’s childhood, much to the alpha’s embarrassment.

Time passed until Sora started saying “ma,” crawling back to Sasuke. He picked the baby up and pressed him against his chest.

“He is tired,” Sasuke noted, gently rocking him.

“You can lay him down upstairs,” Kushina suggested. 

“I’ll show you my room,” Naruto said, pulling him away, though Sasuke suspected this was just to spare himself from more shame.

The tips of Naruto’s ears were red, making Sasuke chuckle. The room was a snapshot of Naruto’s younger self. Shelves of manga and figures, several colorful posters on the wall, a twin bed and a desk. 

The omega laid Sora down, rubbing slow circles on his back until he fell asleep. Since there wasn’t much room on the bed, Naruto and Sasuke ended up sitting on the floor side by side.

“So…” Sasuke started. “Spent a lot of time talking about me?”

“It’s not like that!” Naruto whispered. “I just thought you were cool.”

“Sounds like it’s been going on for a while. I don’t understand you. We were separated for years. Did you really still have a crush on me when you saw me at the shop?” 

“It wasn’t a crush when we were little,” Naruto argued. “And sure, I’ve always liked you, but I think I really fell for you when we went on our second date.”

Sasuke blinked. It had only been meant as teasing. He expected Naruto to blush and deflect again, but instead, he got a genuine answer.

“When we were kids…you were alone too but you were just…so cool about it. I wanted to be friends with you but I guess I was a little jealous. You talked to me first and for the first time, I didn’t feel lonely,” Naruto said. He kissed Sasuke’s cheek and added, “Thanks. You made me really happy back then. As long as I’m here, you’ll never be alone again.”

It was Sasuke’s turn to blush. He didn’t think he could ever have the easy way with words that Naruto had. All he said was, “Sap.”

The alpha didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. He just gave Sasuke a smirk and a satisfied, knowing look.

“Fine,” Sasuke said. “I’ll always be here for you too. I love you.” Then, softer, “Dumbass.”

Naruto closed the space between them and pressed their lips together. Their tongues met in a soft rub, but the omega was quick to pull away. “We’re at your parents’ house.”

“They’re downstairs,” he replied, leaning closer. 

Sasuke put a hand on his chest. “Sora is right there.”

Naruto pouted but pulled away anyway. “Fine. But when we get home…”
He couldn’t hide his smile. He rested his head on Naruto’s shoulder, holding his arm. “I like the sound of that.”

Somewhere downstairs, Kushina’s voice rang out, “You’re staying for dinner, right?”

*

Itachi was hovering. He would constantly call or message Sasuke. On one hand, Naruto was happy to see that Sasuke was reconnecting with his brother. But on the other…he just didn’t really trust Itachi yet. 

Sasuke assured him it was fine, but Naruto insisted on being present the next time his older brother visited. Nothing could have prepared him to see Itachi cooing and picking Sora up into his arms, covering his cheeks with kisses.

Naruto watched him with a questioning look. For someone who was so opposed to his existence, he certainly seemed happy around the baby. 

“Did you miss your uncle?” Itachi asked. “I missed you.”

Sasuke watched them with a small smile while the older alpha lifted Sora into the air, putting him in a fit of giggles. “I got him something,” Itachi said. He held Sora with one arm and reached into a bag, pulling out a piece of fabric. “He seems to like Kurama, so I got him this.”

It was a tiny orange onesie made of soft fabric. The hood had ears and red eyes, while the back had a long, fluffy tail.

“That’s so cute!” Naruro beamed.

“That’s…very orange,” Sasuke replied.

It was big enough to go over the clothes Sora was already wearing. Despite his initial reluctance, Sasuke skillfully put it on him while Sora twisted and kicked his little legs. He pulled the hood over his head, revealing a chubby baby in a fox costume.

“It is cute,” Sasuke admitted. “I’ll go get the camera.”

Not like there was any need. Itachi and Naruto were already taking pictures with their phones. It was just too adorable. Sora’s black hair contrasted with the orange fabric, and his dark eyes looked huge. He stood still for the photos, even flashing a few smiles.

“I assume things worked out between the two of you,” Itachi noted.

“Yeah.”

“I’m glad,” he replied with a nod. “Do you live here now?”

“No. I stay over sometimes, though,” Naruto answered. 

Sora was attempting to stand, and both alphas reached for him to help, though Naruto was a little faster. He caught a glimpse of Itachi’s hand and noticed a light bruise on his knuckles. “What happened to your hands?”

“Went too hard at the gym, you should know,” Itachi smiled. “Have you thought about moving together?” he asked, changing the topic. “I might feel a little better if my brother didn’t have to do everything by himself.”

Naruto sulked. “I did mention it in the past…Maybe I should bring it up again.”

Itachi nodded. “And if you ever need someone to look after Sora, he can always stay with me.”

The baby was taking a few careful steps. He was only this confident when his parents were holding him. Naruto was thankful for the offer, though maybe that was just Itachi looking for an excuse to spend more time with Sora. His parents had offered to babysit too, they just hadn’t had the chance yet. Sasuke and Naruto were happy to include him in all their plans.

Still, Naruto couldn’t complain. How could he, when there were so many people who loved their son?

Chapter Text

Since Itachi brought it up, Naruto realized that moving in together was something he really wanted. He barely waited until the other alpha left (not without kissing Sora’s cheeks and saying goodbye multiple times just to make him wave) before talking to Sasuke.

Sasuke was on the couch with Sora, playing with Kurama. “I’m making dinner soon. Are you staying?” he asked.

“About that,” Naruto started. “Y’know…my place is a little far…I get so lonely at night. So I was thinking…”

“Yes?”  

“Don’t you wanna live together?” The alpha asked, blinking his blue eyes.

Sasuke just smiled. “Sure.” 

Well that was easy. “Really?” he asked. 

“I did think about it. It’s just… well, my house is a little bigger and Sora has plenty of space, but your place is right above the shop, so I didn’t want to ask you to move here,” Sasuke explained.

Naruto draped his arm over Sasuke’s shoulder. “It’s just a train ride away. Besides, we can look for a place for the three of us later. Like… our forever home?”

At that, Sasuke flinched a little. He looked down, watching the baby on his lap before his face finally relaxed. He laid his head on Naruto’s chest.

“I’d like that,” Sasuke said. His voice came out as a mumble since his face was pressed against the fabric.

So Naruto started moving his things. Box after box came out of his apartment, and it surprised him just how much stuff he had. Some things he sold, others he threw away. He kept his TV since Sasuke’s was… not as good. (Seriously, no OLED display? Who could live like that?)

The hall on the second floor was mostly empty until Naruto brought his shelves full of figures. The living room doubled as Sasuke’s study, but now it also had the alpha’s desk and his computer.

He had to build a shelf for the things that didn’t fit. Naruto put his consoles high enough that Sora couldn’t reach them yet. Sasuke suggested they just buy one, but Naruto scoffed and said he was plenty capable.

It did look more crowded, but it also felt like home. Naruto was happy to wake up next to Sasuke, spend the day fixing things at work, then come back and be greeted by their smiling baby before cozying up to his mate again.

This also meant Sasuke and he had time for more… adult things. Naruto definitely wasn’t complaining about that. Their scents were pretty much mixed together at this point, and any stranger would know he had an omega and a baby.

And Naruto liked that. Really liked that. He loved being with Sasuke and tasting him every chance he got but he couldn’t deny the alpha part of him that wanted to own him. They were practically mated already. Would Sasuke still not want him to bite him? 

The thought lingered in his head. He wanted to ask Sasuke, but they were both busy, and it kept slipping his mind. It was thanks to Sasuke that it even came up at all.

It was morning. They were both sitting at the dining table while Sora was in his high chair, gnawing on pancakes.

Sasuke watched him, looking a little sad. “He is almost one. I’ll have to wean him off soon,” he said, turning to Naruto. “Do you know what that means?”

The alpha pouted. “No more milk for me.”

Sasuke smacked the back of his head, making a loud thump. 

“Idiot. My heat will return,” he said, glaring at him. 

Naruto rubbed the back of his head and gave him a hurt look. “I thought that you were still on heat suppressants.”

“No. I’m breastfeeding dumbass, I won’t get it. Do you not know anything about omegas? When is your next rut anyway?” he asked. 

“I just take suppressants,” Naruto shrugged. “I get all hot-headed and it’s annoying. I only have like one per year.”

“Oh,” Sasuke replied, lowering his head. “I just…well I thought you might want to spend it together.”

Naruto’s eyes widened. A rut with Sasuke? Ha…the thought alone almost left him salivating. And if Sasuke was in heat too, he would be like putty in his hands right? Naruto could touch, lick, bite, and squeeze as he wanted. The omega would want it too. He could knot him. Claim him. What if he got Sasuke pregnant? Fuck. He would look so good. 

“What’s that look on your face for?” Sasuke asked.  

Naruto gulped. 

“Well?” the omega pressed. 

“I’d like to. I’d love to…” Naruto replied. “And if you’d let me. I’d like to bite you.”

That made Sasuke go quiet. He looked away, lost in thought before replying. “Fine.”

“Are you sure?” 

“Yes. Would you let me bite you back?"

“Of course! Sasuke, I love you,” Naruto assured him. 

The bite marks would fade if they weren’t given constantly but Naruto would do it over and over again until it scarred over and Sasuke forgot anyone had ever bitten him before.  

“I love you too,” Sasuke said with a smile. He leaned closer, lips puckered and eyes closed, the alpha expected a kiss but before he could get one, they were interrupted by a thud. Sora had thrown his plate and half his pancakes and now he was five seconds away from crying. 

“Bud, maybe that was not the best idea,” Naruto said, reaching to clean the floor. 

Meanwhile, Sasuke lifted him from his high chair and patted his back to soothe him. “It’s okay. I’ll get you something else.”

It was an adjustment to live together, of course. It was different from seeing Sora a few days a week and spending a couple of nights over. He loved Sora, and he knew that taking care of him took time and patience. Sasuke just did it so effortlessly that Naruto thought it would come effortlessly to him too.

He did not consider that babies came with a self-destruct feature. 

Now that Sora was crawling, climbing, and even taking a few steps with assistance, he was constantly putting himself in harm’s way. Every piece of furniture had to be climbed, even if the logistics of getting down were not considered. His head was heavier than the rest of his body, and a single wrong movement could send him to the floor. Of course, Naruto or Sasuke were always there watching over him, but it still felt like a close call every time.

Not to mention he had learned to open cabinets and felt the need to put everything in his mouth. It was worse now since he had access to places he hadn’t before. Everything had a baby lock, but Sora still managed to find things. Batteries that had rolled under the couch, random bits he pulled from the rug, keys, phones, the remote. Sora seemed to be on the hunt for choking hazards.

Of course, teeth came with pain. Naruto read online that giving him green onions to bite would ease the teething, so he gave one to Sora. Sasuke finished his work only to find their baby smelling strongly like boiling soup.

“Wasn’t there any garlic too?” Sasuke asked, picking up Sora with a wince.

“Ha ha. Look, he liked it and it helped a little, right little dude?” Naruto asked. 

Sora just said, “bah.”

The alpha smiled smugly, as if proving his point.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I’ll go give him a bath.”

Still, Naruto thought he was doing a decent job. However, his real challenge came when Sora got sick. 

It started as a simple day in the park. They came home, had dinner, Sasuke gave Sora a bath, Naruto gave him a goodnight kiss and they went to bed. But the next day, he started coughing a little. Sasuke tried medicine, warm baths, and home remedies but it didn’t go away, it only got worse. 

Sora kept coughing himself awake, so he barely slept. The little thing was cranky and sick, black eyes filled with tears and cheeks flushed red. It broke Naruto’s heart. He felt that pain as his own. He wanted to help, to ease it even a little, but all he could do was roll out of bed and hold him until it passed.

The doctor assured them Sora was fine and sent them home with more medicine and then all they could do was wait. 

Itachi and Naruto’s parents offered to help, but the doctor recommended no visits while he was still weak. They still did video calls and checked in, and while Naruto was thankful, all the weight fell on them.

And Sasuke was a natural. Despite being sleepless, he swaddled Sora with ease. Even when the baby cried, he could rock him for as long as needed, always patient and gentle.

Naruto loved him for it but it made him feel…lacking. 

It was early morning when he heard a choked sob coming from the baby monitor. Naruto opened his eyes. Sasuke was still asleep next to him, his black hair spread over the pillow, his mouth slightly open. There were dark circles under his eyes. The omega was probably exhausted too…Naruto figured he should let him sleep.

So he tiptoed down the hall and opened Sora’s door to find him sitting in his crib, looking up at him with sad, watery eyes.

“Come here,” Naruto said, picking him up. 

He went to the rocking chair and cradled him, patting his back to soothe him and whispering sweet words as he did. The alpha leaned down to kiss his forehead.It was incredibly easy to love him. Sora’s eyes, his little hands clinging to his shirt, even just the way he breathed. 

It worked for a little while. Sora settled in his arms and calmed down, even closing his eyes for a moment. Naruto kept rocking gently, hoping he’d drift back to sleep, but the soft whines came back, getting louder each time. Was he still tired? Still hurting?

Sasuke appeared in the doorway, yawning, “Let’s switch. He’s hungry,” he said. 

Nauto nodded. He stood up and passed the baby to him. Sure enough, when he sat down and adjusted his shirt, Sora latched on immediately. 

The alpha frowned. “How do you just know what he needs?”

“I can tell by his cries,” Sasuke replied casually, giving the baby some gentle pats. 

“His cries?” Naruto asked. “He cries differently?” 

As far as he was concerned, the only difference was the volume. Maybe with the exception of when he was in pain though. Naruto supposed that was different. More like a wail really. Just a very loud, heartbreaking sound. 

Sasuke reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Go to bed. You’ve barely gotten any sleep.”

“But you-”

“We will be fine. If I need you, I’ll call. Okay?” 

Naruto hesitated before nodding. He wanted to help, but Sora was with Sasuke, and they both seemed fine. He wouldn’t be much help if he could barely keep his eyes open anyway. So he went back to their bedroom and collapsed into bed.

It was closer to a comatose state. When he woke up, he was dazed. The room was dark and Naruto struggled to open his eyes. He peeked out of the door. The sound was going down already and the house was quiet. Downstairs, he found Sasuke on the couch, watching something on the screen. 

“Why didn’t you wake me?” Naruto asked. His body was still tired so he dropped himself on the couch, lying his head down on Sasuke’s lap. 

The omega started petting his hair. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. I wanted to let you sleep. It’s okay to lean on me a little, too, you know?”

Naruto yawned. “You already do so much.”

“You’ve taken plenty of night duty. And you'll make yourself sick if you don’t sleep.”

The alpha rubbed his head on his lap. “How is he?”

“A little better. I put him down early. Hopefully he catches up on some sleep,” Sasuke replied. 

Naruto exhaled, leaning into the touch. Sasuke’s long fingers were gentle. He might have fallen asleep again if not for the thoughts clouding his mind. 

“How do you do all this?” Naruto asked softly. “I keep wondering if I’m doing the right thing.”

Sasuke smiled. “I feel like that too. All the time, ever since he was born.”

Naruto raised his head. “No way, you’re great at this.” 

“I’ve learned a lot. I still have a lot to earn. Don’t worry about it. You’re doing a great job.” 

Naruto’s mouth dropped. “What if he hates me?” 

Sasuke squeezed his cheeks. “His first word was dad. What the hell do you think? He has never even called for me.” 

“He does say ‘ma’...” 

“When he is hungry or tired,” Sasuke replied. 

“Okay but mom does feed him and you’re comfy to sleep on.”

The omega narrowed his eyes. 

“My point is!” Naruto said. “I don’t know what I’m doing. I just try and hope that he is happy. Or at the very least comfortably but he is so little and he can’t really talk yet. What if I’m just…I don’t know. What if I make a mistake?”

And Sasuke laughed. A low rumble in his chest. Naruto half expected him to make fun of him but the omega had that same gentle look that he gave Sora. 

“Naruto, I really feel that way too. If you ask your parents, they’d probably tell you they felt the same way,” Sasuke explained. “Sora loves you. I love you too. It is hard to take care of him, but it’s not like he came with instructions. We just figure things out with time.” He leaned down and gave Naruto a few kisses on his face and neck. “I think you’re tired and focusing too much on us.”

Naruto opened his mouth, ready to argue. 

“I mean you should also spend time on yourself. You’ve been skipping the gym, and I haven’t seen you turn on any of those things since you moved in. Distract yourself a little.”

The words died in Naruto's mouth. Maybe Sasuke was right. Maybe he should try being his normal self. Maybe let Itachi or his parents babysit and go on a date with Sasuke. Since he had a little time and Sora was asleep, Sasuke pushed him to go play for a little bit. He gave Sasuke a kiss, made himself a snack, and turned on his computer. 

His friends were all online. He got more than a few insults for not replying to messages or hanging out, but Naruto mostly ignored it and joined their game, playing as a team like always.

Naruto lost track of time. They played round after round, rotating teams and playing with strangers. He laughed and shouted without realizing how late it had gotten.

Suddenly, there was a hand on his shoulder. 

“Are you coming to bed?” Sasuke asked. 

Fuck. 

Naruto closed his eyes, paused for a split second, then muted himself. He turned and smiled. “You go first, babe. I’ll be there soon.”

“Okay. Don’t be too loud,” the omega replied, kissing his cheek. 

Meanwhile, his friends were hollering like monkeys in the zoo. This was not how he wanted them to find out. Moans, whistles, obscene sounds blasted through his headphones. He was going to be mercilessly teased all night.

“Well are you coming to bed, Naruto?” Kiba asked. 

Naruto took a deep breath.

“Who is that?” Sai asked. 

“Yeah, who in their right mind would do Naruto?” Shikamaru asked. 

Fucker. He already knew. He just wouldn’t miss the chance to tease him.

Naruto smirked and unmuted himself. “Guys please, you’re gonna make Shikamaru’s mom mad.”

The guys roared in laughter.

“Bastard,” Shikamaru said.

“I’m joking, it's…my boyfriend, Sasuke.”

Silence. All laughter died down. 

“You have a boyfriend?” Sai asked. 

Someone snorted. 

“Why wouldn’t I?” Naruto snapped, offended.

“I just thought that all that gym was you overcompensating. I didn’t think that-”

“HEY! That’s not-!

They didn’t get to finish their sentences before the loud laughter resumed. Naruto considered saying something like ‘your mom didn’t think that’ but knowing Sai he would just reply something like ‘you know my mother?’. So he tried to fight back, in vain and knowing their group chat would probably be renamed overcompensate soon.

“So…Sasuke, huh?” Chouji asked. 

“Yeah. I ran into him and his son a while back. We are living together,” Naruto replied. 

“He has a son?” Kiba joined in.

“Do you all know this Sasuke?” Sai questioned. 

“Yeah. We all went to school together,” Naruto replied.

The game was picking back up. Their little distraction meant the opposite team got ahead of them and now they were about to lose. They shared a surprising sense of camaraderie in times like this (they were all incredibly sore losers) and now the focus was back on the game. 

“Naruto?” Sai called.

“Hm?” 

“And…is Sasuke an omega?” 

“Yup.” 

“How old is his son?”

“Almost one.”

“Fuck!” Kiba shouted. 

They were losing ground fast. Naruto was fighting two players at once. Miraculously, with a last-minute push, they won.

Shikamaru exhaled. “That was a tough one.”

“I knew we’d win,” Naruto replied. 

“Will you bring him over?” Sai pressed on.

“Who?” Kiba asked. 

“Sasuke.” 

Naruto hummed. “I’d like to but right now Sora is a little sick. Maybe when he gets better.”

Another round started. The alpha accepted without hesitation. 

“So…who’s the dad?” Choji asked. 

Naruto stretched on his seat. “I am.” 

“But I thought you said you ran into Sasuke and his son,” Sai brought up.

“He is not mine but he is mine, y’know?” 

Sai was incapable of reading the room. “So are you the father or not?”

Naruto twisted his mouth. The guys had gone quiet again, but he knew they were all listening. 

“Does that really matter?” he asked. 

They played in silence for a moment. Naruto didn’t mind it if they had questions. He just didn’t want them saying anything bad about Sasuke. 

“I’d like to talk to him,” Sai added. 

“With Sasuke?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“You know…I’d like to see him too. It’s been a while. And if you’re dating now, I think we should meet him,” Shikamaru added. 

Kiba and Choji agreed. It was something that Naruto considered. Maybe Sasuke would be more open to the idea now. 

“Sure. I’ll tell him,” Naruto said.

The round continued and the conversation moved on. Despite their best efforts, they lost the second round and chose to play a third one for a comeback. The alpha played with his friends until, one by one, they said their goodbyes and he was left alone.

With no one else to play with, Naruto decided to go to bed. It was deep into the night and Sora had not cried. That was good. Sasuke was probably asleep too. The alpha had slept most of the day, but he’d fall asleep easily if he was cuddling his boyfriend so he might as well join him.

Naruto smiled. Sasuke was really great. Maybe he could arrange to hang out with his friends. Sai wanted that apparently and Naruto didn’t like to feel as if he was hiding his family. 

Carefully, he opened the bedroom door. Sasuke was awake, mindlessly scrolling on his phone. He was lying on his side, a leg draped over the covers. He was only wearing shorts, revealing his milky white skin.

Naruto licked his lips. “I thought you were sleeping.”

“I’m not tired,” Sasuke replied, tapping the space next to him. The alpha climbed to bed, lying face up when Sasuke scooted closer and draped his leg over Naruto’s hips.

“Were you playing with your friends?” he asked.

“Yes,” Naruto replied, running his hand over his soft thigh. “The guys said I should bring you over.” 

“Really?” 

Sasuke’s fingers were tracing figures over his chest. Naruto could feel it even through the fabric. There was something sensual about his movements, about himself. Maybe it was the fact that Sasuke was awake waiting for him or the way he blinked his long eyelashes. 

“Yes, really,” Naruto said. His hand reached for the omega’s chin, bringing their faces closer and giving him a slow, deep kiss. “What do you say, huh?”

“Fine,” Sasuke answered.

Okay, good, but also… whatever. Naruto could think about that later, when he didn’t have Sasuke all over him.

His hand slid up and slipped under the omega’s shorts, giving his ass cheek a teasing squeeze. In response, Sasuke kissed his cheek and palmed him through his sweatpants. His hand worked his cock through the fabric until he became fully hard. 

Naruto let out a shaky breath. He might just cum from being touched through his pants. Sasuke was biting his lip and grinding against his legs, likely getting turned on too. 

The pressure became too much. Sasuke shifted and got on top of the alpha. He gave Naruto a quick kiss before moving down and placing himself between his legs. Eagerly, he pulled down the waistband of his sweatpants. His cock popped out and hit him on the cheek.

Sasuke whimpered, though it sounded just like a moan. “Fuck. Why is it so big?”

Naruto just ran a hand through his straight black hair, giving it a light pull and moving him closer to his member. “You like that, don’t you?”

The omega shrugged. He could be so stubborn.  

So Naruto grabbed his cock and tapped it on Sasuke’s cheek. “I know you do.”

There was no response. Naruto gave him a harder slap, making precum smear on Sasuke’s cheeks. Unable to hold back, the omega moaned. So Naruto did it again and again.

Sasuke’s face was red. He slapped Naruto’s hand away from his length and wrapped his own hands around it. He gave him a few strokes before wrapping his lips around the tip. 

It was just a guess, but Sasuke seemed to enjoy this just as much as Naruto…if not a little more. He was focused as he used his tongue to trace figures over the head. Then he licked down the side, getting his cock wet with drool and using his hands to stroke him.

Naruto watched him through half-lidded eyes. Pleasure spread through his body, making him moan softly. This encouraged Sasuke to push further down and take more of his length.

He was too big for Sasuke to take fully, but the omega didn’t stop trying. His hands worked him slowly, and every time he pulled back to breathe, he came back with more eagerness, more determination. Tears glossed the corners of his eyes from sheer effort, and Naruto felt his chest tighten.

It was wet and messy. Naruto’s cock was covered in drool, and Sasuke was making obscene sounds. His cheeks were hollowed, and he used his tongue to tease the tip while he sucked.

Naruto pulled at his black hair. “Fuck…Sasuke…” he was breathless, struggling to get the words out. “Babe…can I?” 

And he needed permission. Naruto knew he was bigger than the average and he did not want to hurt Sasuke or push him past his limits. Still, the omega understood and nodded eagerly. 

Naruto kept Sasuke in place, holding him by his hair before raising his hips and fucking into his mouth. 

Sasuke’s jaw slacked. The alpha pushed deeper and deeper until he made him gag. Sasuke blinked the tears out of his eyes and stayed in place. 

The knot kept getting bigger. Naruto’s blue eyes met Sasuke’s dark ones as his cock twitched and started cumming.

Fuck. Naruto pushed the omega’s head down, feeding him more of his cock and shooting down his throat. Sasuke didn’t choke. He kept his cock in his mouth, swallowing wave after wave of his release while his hands squeezed around his knot. He just kept his black eyes focused on him, moaning as his mouth was filled. 

Sasuke moved away when it stopped, the alpha’s dick sprang from his mouth and made him cough. He wiped his mouth clean and licked his lips. His cheeks and lips were red. Naruto could get hard again just by looking at him. 

“Sasuke,” Naruto whispered, cupping his cheek with his hand. “I want to-”

Before he could continue, the monitor lit up. There was a cough, followed by a sniffle. 

Sasuke’s expression softened instantly. He leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to Naruto’s hipbone “Go get your son. I’ll get cleaned up.”

Naruto ran a hand through his hair and groaned, but he was smiling. “Fine. I’ll get you later, though.”

Sasuke rolled his eyes. “Mm-hm. Later.”

Probably not tonight, they both knew. Sora was getting louder and the coughing was persistent. Naruto slipped out of bed, already shifting into dad mode. 

*

It was the first time Sasuke had gone out with friends in… he didn’t know. A while? Not since he found out he was having Sora.

He looked at himself in the mirror. He still bags under his eyes from the lack of sleep but other than that he looked just like always had. He wasn’t sick. He just…didn’t want to go. Maybe he shouldn't give answers when he was horny but he’d agreed to meet Naruto’s friends and now it was too late to back away. 

The doctor had cleared Sora to go out and Naruto insisted he wanted to bring him along. Since Sasuke didn’t want him getting sick again, he pulled out a puffy jacket from the closet. It was made from a warm material and the hood had little ears on it. 

“What do you think?” Sasuke asked the baby. “Do you want your bear jacket?”

Sora roared in response. Naruto had taught him to roar, and he was roaring now. Anything other than saying mom.

“Okay, I see you, little bear,” he replied.

He sat down on the floor and placed Sora on his lap, practically wrestling him into the jacket. Sasuke put his shoes on and watched as Sora immediately tried to take them off.

“Are you ready? We should le- aw! Look at you!” Naruto said, joining them. “Are you a bear? Can you roar?” 

Sora did. 

“Can you say mom?” Sasuke tried. 

Silence. The omega frowned. Sora just blinked his dark eyes at him.

“Look, kids talk when they are ready,” Naruto said, rather unhelpfully. 

“He’s got dad alright…” he muttered. He picked up Kurama and showed it to Sora. “Who is this?”

“Wawa?” Sora replied.

“And who am I?”

Silence again. 

“He does say ma,” Naruto reminded him. 

“When he wants something! What if he just doesn’t want me?”

“You know that’s not true,” The alpha replied. “I think you should phrase that differently.” He turned to Sora and asked, "Where's mom?”

Sora pointed at Sasuke.

Naruto smiled. “See? He knows you. Just give him some time.”

And Sasuke knew that was true. He wasn’t jealous. It was just that Sora was his first and yet he was last on the talking priority list. His lips turned downward but he stretched his arms towards the baby. Sora immediately crawled to him, falling into his lap. 

Sasuke kissed his forehead. “Diaper bag?” he asked Naruto.

“Ready. It’s downstairs.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

The gathering was at someone's house. Sasuke braced himself and gave Sora a small pat on the back. They were welcomed at the door by a tall alpha with long blonde hair.

“Ino,” Naruto greeted.

“Naruto! Sasuke!” she said brightly. “It’s so good to see you. And this must be Sora.”

“Yes. Say hi, Sora,” Sasuke said, waving his hand. Sora mimicked him immediately.

Ino cooed. “What a cutie! Come on in. Everyone’s here already.”

She led them inside. Sasuke’s social circle was tiny, but Naruto had like fifty friends and apparently they were all present.

He recognized most of them: Sakura, Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, Shino, and Hinata. Still, he hadn’t seen them since they were children. Naruto greeted everyone excitedly, then introduced Sasuke and Sora again, even though it was obvious they remembered him. Sasuke offered a polite smile and a small nod.

They found an empty spot on the couch. Naruto set a hand on the small of Sasuke’s back and murmured, “Y’know, everyone had a crush on you in school.”

“You should know,” Sasuke replied. “You were practically the president of my fan club.”

The attention was mostly on Sora, but he was more hesitant around strangers now. The room was crowded and loud, so it was no surprise he stayed on Sasuke’s lap.

“I’ll get you something to drink,” Naruto said before heading off.

A thin omega approached, giving Sasuke a strange, polite smile. “I’m Sai. I wanted to talk to you.”

“Nice to meet you,” Sasuke replied.

“He’s yours, right? You had him?” Sai asked.

Sasuke nodded.

“Did it hurt?”

“A lot.”

“Was it hard?”

Oh yes. Sasuke had felt like he was going to die. “Um… it was painful and long, but it was worth it.”

“How old is he?” Hinata asked gently, joining in.

“Almost one.”

“Are you throwing him a party?”

“Just a small gathering at our place,” Sasuke said. He realized too late it sounded like an invitation.

“He’s so small and round,” Sai noted. “Is he friendly?”

Sasuke wasn’t sure why Sora was being described like a puppy, but Sai seemed a little odd in general.

“There are a lot of new faces,” Sasuke replied. “He’s a little wary.”

Sora stared at them with big eyes. Sasuke gave him a soft bounce in case he was on the verge of crying.

After a few smiles, everyone drifted back to their own conversation. That was fine, Sasuke preferred it. Once Sora felt braver, he slid off Sasuke’s lap and crawled around, observing the room.

Eventually, he stopped in front of Kiba. Then, without hesitation, Sora climbed into his lap and sat there.

The room went quiet. Kiba’s eyes widened before he grinned. “Everyone shut the fuck up. I’ve been chosen.”

Nevermind that everyone had already been quiet.

“Language,” Naruto warned.

“Sorry,” Kiba laughed. “See? Sora clearly knows I’m the best.”

Sasuke suspected Sora was simply drawn to loud extroverts like Naruto, but he kept that to himself.

“Come on, Sora. Kiba? Really? What about me?” Sakura asked, holding out her arms.

“That’s not fair. Sora, do you want some apple slices?” Ino called.

Sora perked up at the word apple.

Suddenly, it became a competition over who could capture Sora’s attention. Through the noise, Sai slid onto the couch beside Sasuke. His face was too calm. Unreadably so.

“Can I ask you something?” Sai asked.

“Sure.”

“Is raising him hard? He seems like an easy kid, but… what is it like for you?”

“It can be hard,” Sasuke admitted. “I was alone when he was born, and I barely slept. He cries and gets sick and I don’t always know what he needs but I love him. You figure things out. And he’s worth it.”

Sai nodded thoughtfully. Then, loud enough for everyone to hear, he asked, “Do you plan on having more children?”

Sasuke choked on his drink. The entire room turned. Naruto met his gaze, equally flustered. They had never discussed that.

“We, um…” Sasuke cleared his throat. “We don’t know yet.”

Sai smiled. “We’re having one too. I guess I was nervous, but you’re probably right. You figure it out.”

“Are you having one like… now?” Naruto asked.

“Yes,” Sai replied calmly.

The room erupted into gasps and congratulations. Ino stood proudly beside Sai, while he maintained the same unreadable expression. Maybe that was just how he was, Sasuke thought.

“I hope our kids can be friends,” Sai said. 

Sasuke nodded. That wouldn’t be so bad.

After that, Sora got even more attention. They still stayed a couple of hours, but they had to leave before it got too late. Sora fell asleep on the train, so Naruto took him straight to bed.

“Did you have fun?” Naruto asked.

“I did,” Sasuke replied. “Take his shoes off.”

“I know.”

“Jacket too.”

“I know,” the alpha insisted. “I’ll change him. I’ll be right back.”

Sasuke grabbed a glass of water. It hadn’t been bad, he thought. He didn’t know exactly what Naruto told them, but there were no awkward questions about Sora’s fa- birth father. They welcomed his son warmly, and Sasuke was grateful for that.

But… it made him miss his own friends. Naruto’s friends were nice but his own friends were cool. And interesting. He had already invited Naruto’s friends to Sora’s birthday. Maybe it was time to reach out to his own friends, too.

He waited in bed for Naruto. The alpha changed to his pajamas and slid next to him. Normally, he would cling to Sasuke but tonight he kept his distance. Was he okay? 

Before he could ask, Naruto spoke. “About what they said…do you want to have more kids?”

Oh. Sasuke had forgotten about that. “Yes,” he replied honestly. “I love Sora and despite what it was like growing up with Itachi, I love my brother too.”

Naruto went quiet. 

“Do you…not want any?” Sasuke probed, scared he would back away. 

“No. I mean no, it’s not that I don’t want any. We already have one, y’know?” he replied, stumbling through his words. “I do want more, I guess. I just wanted to know if you would want to have more in the future…with me." 

He already knew the answer. Naruto had already proved him he could be a great father. So Sasuke just took a deep breath and said, “Yes. I’d like that.”

Naruto turned to face him. His eyes looked almost black in the darkness. He smiled and kissed the tip of Sasuke’s nose.

“Okay,” Sasuke murmured. “We can pick this conversation back up in… like five years. At least.”

The alpha laughed. “Fine with me.”

“By the way,” Sasuke added, “I want to go see my friends. Tell them about us.”

“Sure.”

Sasuke turned around, letting Naruto wrap around him from behind, and he drifted off like that.

A few days later, Sasuke asked Naruto to stay with Sora for an afternoon. He wanted to talk to his friends first before showing up with a new alpha but he still didn’t bother with scent patches. Karin told him where they were hanging out, and Sasuke showed up unannounced at Suigetsu’s apartment.

The omega knocked on the door. It took a moment before the white-haired beta opened it, his jaw dropping.

“Sasuke? Where’s the kid?” he asked.

“Alone at home, wondering if I’ll ever return,” Sasuke said dryly as he stepped inside. “Obviously, someone is watching him.”

Suigetsu stepped closer, sniffing him. “Would that someone be the alpha you smell like?”

The omega flushed. “I’m… seeing someone.”

“Oh yeah, I can smell that,” Suigetsu said. “Guys! Sasuke is here!”

Karin and Jugo were spread out on the couch. There was an open bag of chips, and Jugo’s cigarette smoke made Sasuke’s nose twitch.

“Did you rub yourself against an alpha on the way here?” Karin asked.

“More importantly,” Suigetsu added, “did he fall through your roof? I thought you didn’t leave your house.”

Jugo, being Jugo who he was, stood up and hugged him. “Where have you been? Whose scent is that?”

Sasuke sat across from them and reached for the chips. “I ran into an old friend at a shop.”

“And did he run inside of you multiple times?” Karin asked bluntly.

“Sasuke can get an alpha at a shop while holding a baby and you’re still single, Karin,” Suigetsu snorted.

“Fuck you,” Karin spat.

Jugo shook his head. “Ah, but Karin does not look like Sasuke. That’s not a fair comparison.”

She scoffed. “Hey, I’m hot too!”

Sasuke threw his head back, cackling. Yeah, he liked his friends much better. 

“He and I were close friends when we were little. He just…showed up and refused to leave after,” he said. 

His friends watched him in horror. “Are you okay? Is Sora okay?” Jugo asked. 

“You know you can stay with me right?” Suigetsu asked. “Like when you were pregnant. You and Sora can have my bed-”

“It’s not like that. I want him to stay,” Sasuke said. 

He felt a little guilty. He didn’t mean to push them away or keep them in the dark about his life. When Sora was born, he’d been so focused on keeping him alive that he’d isolated himself. It was his responsibility, so he never reached out for help. They were just… young and stupid. Sasuke was the one who had chosen to be a parent. It wasn’t fair to put that weight on them.

Sasuke sighed. “He is good to me and to Sora. I wasn’t looking for a relationship or anything, that’s what I meant but he was just…so kind? Or understanding, I don’t know. I thought it would be a burden on him but he wants to stay anyway.” 

His friends went quiet, sharing looks between them. Finally, Suigestu spoke, “I don’t think you or your kiddo are nearly as much trouble as you think.”

He smiled. “Thanks. Anyway, I want you to meet him. You guys are coming to Sora’s birthday, right?”

“His birthday? He was born a few months ago!” Karin said.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. “Yes. 12 months to be exact.”

“Fuck. We are old,” Suigetsu said. 

“It’s something we should celebrate,” Jugo added. “Want a beer?”

“I can’t drink,” Sasuke reminded him. 

Suigetsu patted his back and said, “I will drink on your behalf.”

The omega was in no rush to go home, knowing Sora was with Naruto, so he just stayed, listening to his friends talk. Suigestu insisted they were celebrating Sora’s birthday and having Sasuke with them for once. Karin complained about work, Suigetsu made fun of all of them, while Jugo got more philosophical the more he drank. One time when they were in school, Sasuke took a fake skull from their biology class and mimicked his speeches. 

While Jugo and Karin argued over nothing, Suigetsu motioned him outside. 

Sasuke followed him onto the balcony. The beta lit a cigarette, took a drag, and exhaled slowly. 

“Hey, um… when was the last time you saw Sasori?” he finally asked.

Sasuke frowned. It had been so long since he’d heard that name, he’d almost forgotten it. “Not since I told him about Sora.”

Suigetsu hummed.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

Suigetsu leaned a little closer. “I was with Kisame the other day. Apparently, his tattoo studio has been closed for a while, so he went looking for him. Kisame said Sasori was in rough shape. Face black and blue, a few broken ribs, and a leg cast. When he asked, Sasori said he fell off his motorcycle but… I don’t know, man. He said he looked beaten. I thought maybe you got your revenge.”

Sasuke furrowed his brows. Was he okay? He didn’t care but he couldn’t be happy about it either. If Sasori died… would that make things easier or harder to explain to Sora? The thought of his baby ever worrying about him left a bad taste in his mouth.

“No. I haven’t seen him. I’m busy actually raising our kid,” Sasuke said. He almost winced at the words. He hated referring to Sora as his and Sasori’s. His baby had an actual dad now. “I don’t care for him either. I wouldn’t waste my time with that.”

“I see. Maybe karma just got to him then,” Suigetsu shrugged.

Was Sasuke that lucky? He doubted it. Could it be that Naruto did something?

No, that couldn't be. Sure, his alpha was impulsive but he wasn’t stupid. He didn’t know Sasori and Sasuke didn’t think he would take it so far. No matter how much he hated Sasori. 

If not Naruto then… Itachi? 

Sasuke scoffed. No way. His brother didn’t know Sasori was Sora’s father. There was no way Itachi had found that out. And Naruto wouldn’t be dumb enough to tell him which of his friends got him pregnant.

So Sasuke just leaned on the railing, thinking that whatever happened to Sasori… he probably had it coming.

He stayed a little longer, just chatting with his friends. Suigetsu’s apartment brought back so many memories. It felt like a different lifetime when he’d been sleeping on Suigetsu’s thin mattress, dizzy from morning sickness. In a way, it was refreshing to be like this with them again. He felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Like he had worked things out, somehow.

Sasuke left when he started to miss his baby. Sure, his friends were fun, but it was almost bedtime and he wanted to see his son. He waved his friends off and took the train home.

He texted Naruto. ‘Omw. How are you guys?’

Naruto sent a picture. He was wearing an apron and he was holding Sora on his hip. ‘Making dinner. See you soon!’

After a long ride, he finally made it home. Sasuke called out, but Naruto was talking loudly. When Sasuke walked into the kitchen, Sora was sitting on the counter, contentedly biting on a carrot while Naruto chopped vegetables next to him.

“Hey,” Sasuke called. 

Naruto smiled. Sora was fine moments earlier…until he looked up, saw Sasuke, and his dark eyes widened. His lip wobbled. And then, suddenly, he burst into tears.

“Mama!” he cried out. 

Sora stretched his arms out desperately, and Sasuke hurried to pick him up.

“He was fine,” the alpha insisted, looking worried.

Sasuke rocked him gently, patting his back. “He does this sometimes when I pick him up from Takami’s. Just missed me, I guess.”

Sora sniffled and mumbled “ma” over and over again.

“It’s okay,” Sasuke murmured. “I’m not leaving. You were with your dad the whole time.”

Sora only clung tighter.

Naruto didn’t look offended in the slightest. He leaned closer, kissed Sasuke’s cheek, and said, “See? He does say mama.”

Sasuke froze for a second.

 …He did, didn’t he?

Chapter Text

Sasuke didn’t think a birthday party could become such an event. Somehow, he found himself setting snacks for a bunch of people and preparing to welcome their guests. Naruto was setting balloons while Sora watched him curiously. When he realized the baby was looking at him, he gave him one to play with. 

They’d gotten more than a few presents, all stacked neatly on the side of the room, waiting to be opened later. Sora wouldn’t remember any of this, but Sasuke knew he would at least enjoy ripping wrapping paper and discovering toys underneath.

Itachi was the first to arrive. He was carrying gift bags and boxes filled with desserts. He handed everything to Naruto with a quick greeting, then tapped Sasuke on the forehead before hurrying off to pick up Sora.

“My nephew! Happy birthday!” Itachi said, kissing his cheek. “You’ve grown so much. Are you excited for your party?”

“Hello to you too,” Sasuke replied dryly. “Are you going to help us decorate?”

“Yes,” Itachi answered, spinning in a slow circle to make Sora smile. He reached for one of the bags and handed it to Sasuke. “Father sent this.”

“Did he?”

“He did. He said he’s sorry and… he’d like to talk to you.”

Sasuke opened the bag and peeked inside. It was a dinosaur plushie, just like the one he had when he was little.

He hesitated. He wasn’t sure he could forgive Fugaku, not fully… but maybe he was keeping Sora from his grandfather. Itachi had changed and he loved Sora. And Sasuke wasn’t agreeing to anything by simply talking. 

“I’ll think about it,” he said.

Itachi watched him closely but nodded. Sora’s dark eyes were locked on the gift bag, but his uncle rubbed his back and pulled him away. 

“No peeking.”

“It’s about time for his nap. I don’t want him to be cranky during his party,” Sasuke added. “Naruto, can you put him down?”

Naruto nodded and gently took him from Itachi’s arms. “Alright, little dude. Nap time.”

“Don’t fall asleep,” The omega warned.

“Wow, you fall asleep once during naptime and suddenly you have a reputation?”

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. “Once?”

“Stung by the cuddle bug,” Naruto shrugged.

He was halfway up the stairs when Sasuke called, “Come back and help us.”

“I know!”

Sasuke returned to stacking cupcakes for their guests when he realized Itachi was watching him, face split in a smile.

“…What?” Sasuke asked.

“I’m glad you found him,” Itachi replied.

Sasuke winced and scoffed, heat rising to his ears. He quickly turned away, hiding his blush. “Put up the banner, will you?” he muttered, trying to shoo Itachi off.

Naruto’s parents arrived next. Kushina gave Sasuke a tight hug while Minato struggled with a huge box with a chocolate cake and a few gift bags. Naturally, Itachi was there to help him in a second. 

“You must be Naruto’s parents. I’m Itachi Uchiha,” he said with a small bow. “Thank you for taking care of my little brother and nephew.”

Minato looked surprised and there was a light blush on Kushina’s face. Sasuke knew he had already won them over. His brother was just pleasant like that. 

Naruto surprisingly came back. He was yawning and his hair was sticking out places. 

“Hi mom…dad…” he said.

“Did you leave Sasuke alone with the party decorations?” Kushina asked. 

Sasuke chuckled. “I asked him to put Sora down for a nap.” 

Naruto gave his mother a betrayed look. “I am helping!”

They finished the decorations and arranged the food. Itachi kept Minato and Kushina entertained, asking them about their work and family with his seamless, polite conversation skills.

Then there was a knock at the door. Sasuke opened it to see Karin and Jugo. “Early for once?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Jugo replied.

Karin spotted Kushina and gasped. “What pretty hair!”

“You as well!” Kushina replied instantly.

They fell into conversation just as Hinata arrived, followed by Kiba. Soon the rest of Naruto’s friends trickled in. After a round of introductions, the house became louder than it had ever been, full of chatter and shifting scents.

Lastly, Suigetsu appeared, carrying a massive box.

“Couldn’t show up empty-handed,” he said.

Sora woke up once everyone had arrived. Sasuke changed him into a new outfit he’d bought just for the party, a sweater with a dinosaur pattern and navy pants. He cooed at the baby, kissing his cheeks. “Happy birthday. Ready to see your guests?”

He carried Sora downstairs. “Say hi, Sora.” Sasuke waved, waiting for Sora to follow. The tiny wave that came in response earned a chorus of delighted coos.

Sora stayed in Sasuke’s arms for all of thirty seconds before Naruto swooped in to take him. 

He quickly lost track of them, getting caught up in conversations until Suigetsu and Karin nearly tackled him.

“So… the blonde beefcake is the alpha, huh?” Suigetsu asked, grinning.

“I was talking to Kushina,” Karin added. “Turns out our grandmas were cousins. How crazy is that? I’m totally Sora’s aunt.”

“More like great-grandma,” Suigetsu teased.

She smacked his chest just as Jugo appeared carrying Sora.

“Don’t set a bad example,” Jugo scolded. “We don’t want him to think hitting is okay.”

Karin and Suigetsu immediately looked down.

“Apologize,” Jugo said.

They exchanged a look before reluctantly mumbling, “Sorry.”

Sasuke tried not to laugh. They looked like a pair of children.

“How did you get all the way over there?” Sasuke asked Sora.

The baby just babbled happily.

Every time he looked up, Sora was in someone else’s arms. He looked content, curiously looking around and soaking in the attention. He was surprisingly calm with so many new faces around.

He only came back to Sasuke when it was time to cut the cake. Sasuke grabbed his camera and handed it to Itachi. The omega pulled Naruto close, positioning them on either side of Sora, who sat in the middle with his dark eyes glued to the cake.

The camera flashed. Just one of many pictures taken that day.

They sang Happy Birthday, all eyes on Sora’s excited expression. When the song ended, Sasuke cut the cake and gave Sora the first slice. The baby immediately grabbed fistfuls of cake, shoving them into his mouth with enthusiastic determination.

“He loves it. Thank you, Kushina,” Sasuke said.

She squeezed his hand. “Any time.”

The rest of the party went smoothly. After the cake, Naruto settled Sora onto his lap and helped him open his presents. Sora grasped the concept quickly and tore through wrapping paper like a tiny tornado.  He opened toy after toy with a few outfits here and there. 

Everything was age-appropriate and cute…except for Suigetsu’s present.

His box was the largest. Naruto opened the box to reveal a piano for kids. In front of the party, Sasuke thanked him but once the attention shifted away, he pulled Suigetsu aside and hissed, “Do you fucking hate me? Do you?  Why else would you give a toddler a piano?”

“C’me on! He likes it!” Suigetsu defended. Sure enough, Sora was happily smashing the keys. 

Sasuke gave him a death glare, already knowing that that headache-inducing thing was going to remain shelved except for very few occasions.

The final present was from Sasuke: a stack of new books to replace the worn ones they had already read a hundred times. Sora rotated from one set of arms to another, and Sasuke made sure to take plenty of photos to show him when he was older. 

Eventually, the sky darkened, and guests began saying their goodbyes. The crowd thinned until only Naruto and Sasuke remained. They cleaned while Sora crawled between his new toys.

Naruto was tossing wrapping paper into a trash bag when Sasuke touched his hand.

“Thank you for today,” he said softly. “I’m sure Sora felt very loved.”

“He is,” Naruto replied, kissing Sasuke’s cheek. “You don’t have to thank me. You did most of it.”

The house was quiet, except for Sora’s happy babbling. They cleaned in a comfortable silence until Sasuke glanced at the clock.

“I’m gonna give him a bath and put him to bed.”

Naruto nodded. “I’ll finish here.”

Sasuke picked Sora up, immediately earning a whine. “What’s wrong?” he asked, then spotted the abandoned dinosaur plush on the ground. He picked it up and handed it over. “Ah. Did we move on from Kurama?”

“Wawa?” Sora said.

He gave him a gentle bounce. “I think he’s upstairs. Let’s bring Mr. Dinosaur with us. You can choose who to cuddle with.”

Upstairs, he prepared the bath and placed Sora in the warm water. The whole time, the dinosaur was on the corner, far away enough to stay dry but still somewhere Sora could see it.

“Did you have fun today?” Sasuke asked. “Did you get a lot of presents?”

Sora splashed his bath toys, babbling happily while Sasuke washed his hair. When he yawned and lifted his arms to be picked up, Sasuke knew the baby was getting tired.

After a quick dry, he chose to put him into his new pajamas. It was a blue onesie with sharks in it that Ino and Sai had gifted them. “That’s really cute,” Sasuke noted. “Just your size. You fit right into it.”

He settled into the rocking chair and bared his chest for Sora to nurse. Now he only did night feedings to help him fall asleep. Sora blinked up at him with big, tired black eyes. 

It struck Sasuke how strange it was. A year ago he had been by himself in a hospital room and now, Sora had a house full of people celebrating him.

“Was that a good birthday?” he whispered. “It’s not just the two of us anymore. Isn’t that nice? You have so many people who love you.”

It warmed Sasuke’s heart to know Sora would grow up surrounded by love. That he’d grow up with Naruto. But even with all of that, Sasuke realized something else…before any of them, he had always been there for Sora.

“I’ll tell you a secret…” he murmured. “You’ll always be mine. Mom’s always going to be here for you. Whether you’re one or one hundred.”

Sasuke’s eyes filled with tears. Maybe it was silly. Sora was still small and they had plenty of time together. He just…wished he could hold onto moments like this a little longer. So he just watched him in silence, long after Sora fell asleep. 

Incapable of putting him down in his crib, Sasuke just tightened his arms around the baby and brought him back to his own room. 

Naruto was already in bed. He raised an eyebrow when he saw them. “I thought we didn’t want him getting used to sleeping with us,” he said, though he was already making room for them. 

Sasuke placed Sora next to the alpha and then cuddled up to them. “I was just thinking…He is so big now but he won’t ever be this small again.”

Even in the dark, he could see the alpha pout. He wrapped a muscled arm around his little body and gave him a kiss on the head. “Why would you say that?” 

Sasuke let out a choked laugh. “I’m sorry. I just want to cuddle him tonight. Is that alright?”

But he already knew the answer. Naruto stretched his arm out and pulled Sasuke closer until the three of them were tucked together.

Sora sprawled between them, limbs flung everywhere. Naruto’s arm covered both of them. They were a little too far to kiss properly, so Sasuke blew him a tiny kiss before closing his eyes.

He fell asleep quickly. It was a pleasant, dreamless sleep. He could have slept for longer but it was cut short by a tiny hand smacking his face.

Sasuke jerked awake. When he opened his eyes, Sora was staring right at him.

“Mama,” the baby declared.

“Let’s not wake anyone up like that, okay?” Sasuke whispered. He rested a hand on Sora’s tummy and gave a few gentle pats. Maybe, maybe, they could both fall asleep again.

They stayed still for a moment. Sasuke peeked through one eye… only to find Sora wide awake and staring at him.

“Mama,” Sora said again, louder.

“No chance you’ll go back to sleep, huh?” Sasuke sighed. “Why don’t you wake up your dad?”

Sora scooted closer. Behind him, Naruto was still sound asleep, mouth open, drooling onto the pillow.

“Fine. He can sleep a little longer,” Sasuke whispered, pulling Sora to his chest. “Do you want to go play?”

Sora perked up at the word. He mumbled “ba” to mimic Sasuke’s tone. 

“Are you hungry?”

His little face scrunched into a pout.

“No? Just play then?”

“Mnh,” he agreed, climbing onto Sasuke’s chest and bouncing.

“Alright, alright… let’s go,” Sasuke muttered, resigned.

He picked Sora up and brought him to his room. After a quick diaper change, he set him on the floor to explore his new toys. Since they hadn’t put most of them away yet (except for Suigetsu’s nightmare piano), Sora was gleefully grabbing everything within reach.

Sasuke noticed Kurama inside the crib. He picked the plush up and sat on the floor.

“Have we moved on from Kurama?” he asked.

Sora turned instantly. “Wawa?”

Ah yes. Sora’s second word, far more important than him. The baby was holding the dinosaur plush in one hand. He pressed it closer to his body and stood up, stretching his arm out for Kurama. 

“Sora?” Sasuke said slowly, seeing the sudden determination in his eyes. “Are you going to…?”

Sure enough, Sora lifted one leg.

Sasuke gasped. “Naruto! Come quickly!”

The terrifying screech jolted Naruto awake. His footsteps pounded down the hall. He stopped at the doorway, hair sticking in every direction. 

“What? What happened?”

“Watch!” Sasuke said, holding Kurama out. “Come on, Sora.”

And just as Sasuke hoped, Sora took one unsteady step. Then another. 

He managed only a couple of wobbly steps before losing his balance and plopping onto the floor. He blinked, stunned, then reached up and Naruto swooped in immediately, lifting him high into the air.

“Great job, little dude!” he cheered.

“That was great, Sora,” Sasuke added, beaming.

“You scared the crap out of me,” Naruto said to Sasuke.

“Sorry,” He laughed breathlessly. “I just didn’t want you to miss it.”

“You were right. Thank you,” Naruto kissed Sora’s cheek a dozen times before finally lowering him. “My little dude is unstoppable.”

And Sora didn’t try to stand up again, it was faster to crawl to Sasuke, settle in his lap and cling to Kurama. 

“I kinda wish I had my camera,” the omega lamented, brushing his hand through Sora's hair.

“He’ll do it again,” Naruto replied with a yawn. He rested his head against Sasuke's shoulder, blinking tiredly. “So…breakfast?”

Sasuke chuckled. “Yeah, sure.”

*

At that point in their relationship, a wedding was mostly a formality.

Sure, they already had a kid and lived together and shared bites, but Naruto still wanted them to be properly married. Maybe they did things all backwards, so what? That didn’t mean they could skip out on a wedding.

So, some time after Sora’s second birthday, Naruto proposed. When he did, Sasuke froze for a moment, as if the question didn’t quite reach him at first. Then his breath hitched, his eyes filling with tears before he even nodded.

The ceremony ended up being bigger than expected. Naruto’s friends and family were a large crowd on their own. Sasuke invited his brother and his friends, and even Fugaku attended. The venue overlooked a pond, and the surrounding trees were beautifully decorated with flowers.

Naruto wore a traditional black yukata, while Sora wore a blue one with a patterned design. He’d struggled with it earlier, but now he had simply accepted his fate and didn’t try to pull it off.

Sora was looking out the window. It was getting late and he was probably tired. They had just finished the ceremony and were now waiting for Minato to pick him up before they could join the party.

“Ducks,” Sora said, pointing at the pond. He was incredibly well spoken. No surprise, considering he started talking so young. Naruto crouched beside him, a hand on his little back, watching the ducks swim. “Hmm. Where do you think they’re going?” he asked.

Sora gave it some thought. “Duck home?”

The older alpha chuckled. “Yes. Probably.”

They stayed there, watching the sun set over the water. Sora yawned, and Naruto tucked him closer, hugging him from behind.

“Are you tired?”

Sora rubbed his eyes and nodded.

Naruto picked him up and pressed him to his chest, kissing his head. “That’s okay. Grandpa is taking you home soon, alright?”

Another nod.

He paced around the room for a while, gently patting Sora’s back until his breathing evened and he fell asleep. Soon after, Sasuke came into the room, still wearing his white kimono but having removed the wataboshi.

Naruto took another look at him. Sasuke’s black hair contrasted with the white of his robe. His dark eyes were mesmerizing. The soft blush on his cheeks made Naruto feel like he was seeing him for the first time all over again.

“Hey,” Sasuke said. 

“You look beautiful,” Naruto whispered. He’d said that a million times today already. But Sasuke smiled anyway and replied, “Thank you. You look very handsome, too.”

The omega closed the distance between them. He brushed his hand over Sora’s hair and kissed his temple. Then, he stood next to Naruto and wrapped their hands together.

They were silent for a moment. Naruto rubbed his thumb over Sasuke’s hand and spoke, “Y’know… now that we’re married, would you like to take my last name?”

The omega looked at him, then down at Sora on his chest. Sora was asleep, his black hair covering his face. Sasuke shook his head. “I don’t want him to feel out of place,” he whispered.

“I was asking for the two of you,” Naruto explained. “He’s mine. I never want him to doubt that.”

Sasuke went quiet.

“You don’t have to say yes,” Naruto added.

“I… I guess that would be alright. If it’s for the three of us,” Sasuke said after a long silence. He leaned his head against the alpha’s shoulder. “We’re already a family, so it makes sense. Right?”

“Right,” Naruto replied.

He didn’t bother hiding his excitement. He let go of Sasuke’s hand and wrapped his arm around him, kissing the side of his face. 

“I love you,” he said between kisses. He was wetting Sasuke’s cheek, making him pull back with a grimace. Sasuke used his long white sleeve to wipe his face.

“You’re disgusting,” Sasuke muttered, scrubbing at his cheek. “And quiet down. You’ll wake him.”

He might complain, but Naruto didn’t miss the way the tips of his ears turned red. He was about to kiss him again when the door opened.

“Sorry. I wanted to set up the car seat first,” Minato said. “Oh no, he fell asleep already?”

“Please, it’s fine. I hope it’s not too much trouble,” Sasuke replied.

“Not at all,” Minato assured him.

Sasuke reached into his bag and pulled out his camera. He handed it to Minato. “Before you go, would you mind taking a picture?”

“Of course,” his dad replied, taking the camera.

Naruto stepped back, pulling Sasuke closer and smiling with all his teeth. Sasuke smiled shyly, clinging to Naruto’s arm. Minato counted down and snapped the photo.

“Thank you,” Sasuke said.

“Anytime,” Minato replied, taking the toddler out of Naruto’s arms. “I’ll text you when we’re home. Enjoy the party.”

“Thanks dad,” Naruto said.

Minato slipped out with a final “Congratulations.”

They should have gone to join their guests, but since they were alone now, Naruto grabbed Sasuke by the waist and pulled him into a kiss. Sasuke leaned into him, kissing him back and brushing their tongues together.

Maybe the party could wait a little.

*

They outgrew their house at some point. Maybe it was Sora growing older and needing more things, or Sasuke getting a promotion and needing more space, or Naruto’s new work location being a little too far.

So they moved into a bigger place, close to schools so they could walk with Sora when he started attending. They still had time, but it was better to prepare. Now Naruto and Sasuke each had their own study, and Sora had a bigger room. The alpha’s figures were no longer in the hall since he could keep them in his study and instead, the halls were decorated with pictures. 

Sasuke was making dinner while Sora sat at the dining table, busy coloring. The omega’s phone buzzed with a message. ‘Running late :( eat without me’

“Dad got caught up with work. He says we should eat without him,” Sasuke called.

Sora gave him a small nod.

They ate together while Sasuke asked his son questions about his day. He was four years old now. He’d grown up to be polite and calm. Many times Naruto and Sasuke wondered what they had done to end up with such a sweet child.

After dinner, Sasuke picked up their plates and left the alpha’s meal in the fridge. With the kitchen clean, he took Sora upstairs for a bath. He was old enough to do things on his own, but he still needed supervision.

The tub was filled with bubbles. Sora had a handful of toy boats and rubber ducks to play with. The omega sat on the floor, reminding him to actually wash himself and not just play. Sora nodded dutifully. When he was finished, he raised his arms to be picked up. Sasuke watched him with a raised eyebrow.

“Up please?” Sora said.

“That’s more like it,” Sasuke replied. He gave him a quick dry, wrapped him in a towel, and carried him into his bedroom. He handed Sora his pajamas and waited for him to dress himself.

“Do you want me to read you a story?” Sasuke asked.

“Yes please,” Sora replied. “And dad?”

Sasuke brushed a hand through his black hair. “He’s coming late. We can read something and wait for him, yes?”

Sora nodded.

He climbed into his bed. Sasuke turned on his nightlight and switched off the bedroom lights before tucking the kid in along with Kurama.

It was the same Kurama he’d had since he was a baby. The orange fur had faded, and he had more than a few mending stitches. They’d tried to replace him countless times, but that exact model was no longer available, and while Sora liked the other plushies, he loved Kurama the most.

Now, he was an old thing Sasuke had to wash by hand and repair whenever something happened to him. Naruto joked that if he’d known the emotional attachment Sora would have to the plushie, he would have stocked up on them.

With Sora in bed, Sasuke climbed next to him and picked a book from the shelf. Sora scooted close, watching the pictures while the omega read. Slowly, his eyes began to droop and he clung to Kurama a little tighter. He might have fallen asleep, but the door creaked open and Naruto peeked inside.

“Dada,” Sora said, hurrying out of bed and hugging his legs.

“Hey little dude,” the older alpha replied, lifting him into his arms. “Right in time for a story, huh?”

Naruto leaned down and gave Sasuke a gentle kiss before tucking Sora back into bed. He lay on the opposite side of Sasuke, running his fingers through the kid’s hair while Sasuke resumed the story. Since Sora was wide awake again, Sasuke read another story, and one more for good measure.

Only when they saw Sora hugging Kurama and sleeping soundly did they both sneak out of the room, not without giving him a goodnight kiss on the forehead.

Downstairs, Naruto warmed up his food and sat down to eat with Sasuke across from him.

“Did you have a good day?” he asked, mouth full of rice.

“Yes. Just worked, but we went to the park and saw Sai and Inojin,” Sasuke replied. For some reason, Naruto lowered his gaze. “And you?”

“Bit tiring. I hate payrolls and inventory, but someone brought in a vintage console. It was a beauty to work on,” Naruto said, sounding a lot livelier. “But… I think the best part is coming home to you guys.”

The omega smiled. “Sora didn’t want to go to bed without seeing you.”

“He’s such a cute kid.”

“He really is.”

Naruto went quiet, picking at his food. It was unlike him to seem so down, especially when he was fine just a moment ago. Now he wouldn’t even look at Sasuke.

The silence stretched. Sasuke wanted to ask if something was wrong, but Naruto beat him to it.

“I want more,” Naruto blurted out.

His plate was almost empty. “There’s more in the fridge,” Sasuke replied.

“I want more kids. I want another baby with you.”

Sasuke’s mouth dropped open.

“I like being a dad. I didn’t have any siblings and I know things with Itachi can get rocky but… we would do a great job, don’t you think? Look at how sweet Sora is. He’d be a good older brother, and you and I are such a good team. We can raise another one for sure!” He was rambling, as if Sasuke needed convincing. “Do you remember how cute Sora was? I mean, he still is, he’ll always be, but imagine another baby and Sora-”

Sasuke reached for his hand across the table and gave it a squeeze. “Okay.”

The alpha’s eyes widened. “Yes?”

“Yes,” Sasuke smiled. “I like being a mom. I like having a family with you. I think we’re ready for another one.”

Naruto paused, a slow smile spreading across his face. He squeezed Sasuke’s hand back, running a thumb over his skin. His cheeks were red but his blue eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Your next heat, I’ll give you a baby,” he said.

Sasuke choked on his spit. His face heated up instantly. “Don’t say it like that!”

Naruto laughed. He stood up to wash his plate, still smiling to himself like an idiot. Sasuke watched him go, feeling the same warmth bloom in his chest.

They were really going to do this again. If it all worked out, soon enough their family would have another member. 

*

Normally, during their cycles, they’d ask Itachi or Naruto’s parents to take Sora. They only did it a few times, preferring to just take suppressants, but that didn’t stop Sora from staying with his family often. Both Itachi and Naruto’s parents were always asking to have him over.

This time, Naruto asked his parents to take Sora for a few days. They didn’t even ask why. They immediately agreed and said they would take him to a theme park.

“You never take me to a theme park,” Naruto muttered, his mouth pulled downward.

“You’re too old for that,” Kushina replied. “Don’t you want your son to make memories with his grandparents? We’re not getting any younger, y’know.”

“Fine. Thanks mom,” he grumbled, giving in.

Well…maybe Naruto shouldn’t be so picky. After all, he would be plenty busy himself.

He dropped Sora off at his parents’ house. Naruto was wearing scent patches, but he could already feel the upcoming rut and the rage simmering under his skin. 

Sora ran to the door, where Kushina immediately swooped him up. “My Sora!”

“Grandma,” Sora said, nuzzling into her neck.

Minato came out and Naruto handed him a backpack with all of Sora’s things, along with Kurama. Once before he’d forgotten to pack him and it made Sora cry when he realized it was missing.

Naruto gave Sora a kiss on the forehead. “Be good, okay? Make sure you eat well. Don’t be picky with your vegetables.”

“Okay,” Sora replied.

“We’ll call you when we can,” Naruto added, waving him off. “Don’t give your old folks a hard time.”

“He never does,” Minato said.

Naruto saw them off with a final wave before heading back home.

His clothes were starting to stick to his body, and his thoughts were beginning to fog. There was still time before his rut started, but just to be safe, he took a taxi.

Inside, the house already smelled like Sasuke, but sweeter. He was close to his heat, and once it fully hit, it would probably trigger Naruto’s rut immediately.

He found Sasuke in the kitchen, putting containers of prepared meals into the fridge. 

Fuck. The smell made Naruto’s mouth water. He slipped behind him, wrapping his arms around Sasuke’s waist and pressing his face into his scent gland.

“Hi, beautiful. You smell like dessert,” he murmured, licking a slow stripe up his neck.

Sasuke’s legs trembled. He quickly stepped away and said, “Not yet. I don’t want to leave a mess.”

“Go to bed. I’ll clean here,” Naruto said, giving him a playful spank.

Sasuke scoffed but still left.

Naruto started cleaning, focusing on the simple movements of washing dishes and wiping down the counters. He didn’t want to think too hard about what they were about to do, or he’d get nervous again.

Sasuke had warned him that it might not work on the first try, that even with Sora, it happened after a few attempts. 

The thought of Sasori being the one who had put a baby in Sasuke before him made something ugly twist in his gut. It should have been him. Only he should touch Sasuke.

Naruto shook his head sharply. Sasuke’s scent was definitely getting to him. This was fine. He loved Sasuke. He was Sora’s dad. This was just another shared cycle…one that could, hopefully, end with another baby.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and finished cleaning before heading upstairs.

Sasuke was in their bed, tucked under the blankets. He was asleep, his flushed cheeks contrasting sharply with his black hair. Heat cycles always took a heavier toll on him, and he would need all the rest he could get. So Naruto simply stripped down to his boxers and climbed into bed, leaving plenty of space for Sasuke when the warmth became unbearable.

The last thing he saw before drifting off was the omega’s sleeping face pressed softly into the pillow.

He fell into a deep sleep that was abruptly cut short by insistent shaking.

When Naruto forced his eyes open, Sasuke was completely naked, his skin flushed pink and covered in sweat. One hand was gripping Naruto’s shoulder, shaking him awake, the other was hidden behind his back, and Naruto could only imagine what he’d been doing with it.

There was an urgency in the omega’s dark eyes that made Naruto snap fully awake in an instant.

The alpha grabbed him by the shoulders and pushed him into the mattress. Sasuke gasped, his legs spreading to give him space. Naruto settled between them with a growl. His rut was coming in full force, and all he could think about was fucking the omega.

Sasuke was hard, and slick was coming out of his pussy. Naruto rubbed himself against him, trying to find his mark before realizing he still had his underwear on. He tugged at it with his hand, too lost in his rut until he managed to tear it off.

Without anything in the way, Naruto pressed himself against Sasuke, coating his cock with slick before pushing inside.

He set a punishing rhythm that made Sasuke gasp. There was no finesse or gentleness to it. Only the overwhelming instinct to breed his omega full. To get him pregnant and claim him over and over again.

Sasuke blinked his tear-filled eyes at the alpha. His body was letting out more and more slick to keep up with the alpha’s pace. Sasuke raised his hand, moving it to cup Naruto’s cheek, but the alpha simply turned his face and bit the scent gland on his wrist.

In turn, Sasuke whined and squeezed around his cock as he orgasmed.

“I’m going to get you pregnant,” he groaned. “My pretty omega. I’ll knot you so well.”

Naruto did not stop thrusting into him. He wanted more. Needed more. He leaned down and bit at the omega’s neck. Then, he sucked small bruises down his neck all the way to his chest. All Sasuke could do was moan and wrap his arms around his neck, pulling him even closer, breath hot against Naruto’s ear.

It was far different from the sweet lovemaking they normally did. Naruto held to what was left of his sanity to kiss Sasuke’s cheek.

“I love you,” he whispered.

But Sasuke was too fucked out to reply.

With a final push, Naruto popped his knot past the omega’s stretched hole, locking their bodies together as he filled his fertile body with seed. The alpha roared when he came and bit down on Sasuke’s neck once again.

His cock throbbed inside him. His instincts were going haywire each time he twitched and filled Sasuke with another load of cum.

After the waves of pleasure died down, Naruto’s mind cleared a little. He looked down at Sasuke. The omega was breathing heavily, and there were a few drops of blood on the pillow from where he’d been bitten. His black eyes blinked slowly, as if struggling to stay open.

“Sasuke?” he called.

Silently, Sasuke reached for the back of his neck, pulling him down for a kiss.

He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t have to. Sasuke wasn’t someone who normally spoke about his feelings, but Naruto had learned to read him. Right now, having sated the burning sensations from their bodies, all the omega wanted was to be held.

Naruto pressed their foreheads together for a moment. Then, as gently as he could, he moved Sasuke to the side. They were still tied together, so he had to maneuver the omega’s leg over his hip to make him comfortable.

Another heat wave would come soon. For now, all Naruto could do was hug him close and kiss his face.

*

Sasuke didn’t want to get his hopes up. He knew he’d gotten lucky with Sora, and a shared cycle didn’t guarantee he’d get pregnant again, but ever since he’d spent his heat with Naruto, he’d been counting down the days until he could take a pregnancy test.

Taking one too early might give him a false result, so he waited. They fell back into their routine once Sora came home. His pale skin had tanned from being with his grandparents, and he was eager to tell them about all the fun he’d had.

After he told them about all the rides they’d been on, their visit to the zoo, and his grandpa’s cooking, Sora asked, “What did you do mommy?”

“I was a little sick. Dad took care of me,” Sasuke replied, smiling.

Working, cooking, playing with Sora…the days began to blur together, but the thought stayed in his mind. He started feeling a little dizzy, his body a little heavier, but Sasuke told himself it was nothing. Not until he confirmed it.

One night, a few weeks later, Sasuke was at the dining table, hunched over a bag of blocks. Naruto and Sora were seated in front of him, busy with their own pieces. Building things was something Naruto enjoyed, and he’d taught Sora since he was a baby. Now that he was older, they could build more complicated things. Sasuke wasn’t as interested as they were, but he liked keeping them company and Naruto and Sora always asked him to stay anyway.

He was fitting two pieces together when his shirt brushed against his chest, making it ache. He placed a hand over his shirt and immediately felt how hard and tender the skin felt. 

He recognized the symptom all too well, though the first time it had happened much later but every pregnancy was different, right? Maybe he was just more sensitive now, or maybe he finally understood what he was feeling.

Sasuke excused himself to the restroom. Might as well find out now rather than keep second-guessing himself.

It was the second longest five minutes of his life. Sasuke sat on the closed toilet. Then watched himself in the mirror, brushed his teeth, and rearranged the cabinet before the timer on his phone finally set off. 

He picked up the test and watched it with an unreadable look.

It was positive.

Well, what was there to be surprised about anyway? Naruto was someone who kept his word, and Sasuke already knew he was very fertile. Just like before, he’d simply felt that something was different about his body.

The omega threw his head back and ran a hand through his hair, unable to stifle his smile. He went downstairs, taking the steps two at a time. Sora was fitting two larger pieces together while Naruto watched him closely. It was funny how serious they could get about building blocks.

Sasuke stood behind Naruto and gave him a small scratch on the neck to get his attention.

“Hmm?”

Sasuke gave him a small smile. “I’m pregnant.”

The next thing he knew, he was spinning in the air. Even when Naruto put him down, the alpha’s arms stayed tight around him and he covered Sasuke’s face in kisses. Sasuke’s cheek was wet, and Naruto was rubbing his stomach. It was normal for them to kiss and touch in front of Sora, but the alpha was so all over him that Sora eventually gave them a confused look.

“Dada?” he asked.

Naruto turned, his free arm hoisting Sora up as well and pulling him into their hug.

“Sora, you’re going to have a little sibling!” Naruto said. “You have to be gentle, okay? Mom’s going to get a little tired.”

Sora blinked, not quite sure what was happening.

Okay, maybe he should have told Naruto in private and talked about how to tell Sora. It was too late for that now, and even if their son seemed confused, he was matching their excitement

“We should celebrate!” Naruto said.

“Ice cream?” Sora suggested.

They both turned to Sasuke, watching him with wide eyes, waiting for his approval.

They would need to actually sit down with Sora and explain what was going to happen, but they could do that later. “Fine. Celebration ice cream it is,” he conceded.

Sasuke did tell Naruto that, just to be safe, they would have to wait before telling their families. They went back to their work and their routines, keeping their new baby a secret for a little while.

He’d been so happy to have Sora that he kind of glossed over all the annoying details. Now he remembered them all too well. The first trimester was brutal. Everything made him nauseous, his clothes rubbed against his chest, and just walking from one side of the house to the other left him exhausted. Sora grabbed his hand and tried to get him to play. Sasuke could only follow him like a zombie and ask him to be a little patient.

And Sora was trying to be understanding, too. Every time he pouted or pushed Sasuke a bit too hard, Naruto would crouch down to his level and remind him he had to be patient to be a good older brother, and that always got him to soften up and cuddle against his mom.

The symptoms were made bearable by his son and husband. Naruto was taking more work home and staying with him to take care of him. He wasn’t much of a cook before, but he’d asked his mom for recipes. Naruto cooked when Sasuke was too tired, cleaned up afterward, and insisted the omega should lie down. Sometimes, when Sasuke was especially exhausted, Sora would bring Kurama to “take care of him” and go play on his own, occasionally “checking on him.”

They took their jobs so seriously it was a little funny. Still, Sasuke didn’t complain when he was being so spoiled.

Sasuke’s scent remained the same for now. The pregnancy was meant to be a secret a little longer, but they didn’t want to keep their families away until they announced it. As usual, they had Minato and Kushina over for dinner and invited Itachi as well.

Naruto insisted on cooking so they could try his food. Sasuke opened the door, seeing Itachi first.

Sora came running when he saw him and said, “Uncle! Did you know I’m going to be a big brother?”

…There went the surprise. Sora had definitely gotten that from his father.

Itachi’s dark eyes widened. He looked at the kid and then at Sasuke, his mouth falling open.

“It was supposed to be a surprise,” the omega said, sounding apologetic. “It’s still a little early, so we wanted to wait-”

Itachi pulled him into a hug, pressing his teary face to Sasuke’s shoulder. “My baby brother… really? You and Naruto are having a baby?”

“Yes,” Sasuke replied, leaning into the hug.

Itachi let him go, wiping the tears from his face. He picked up Sora and went to congratulate Naruto as well.

Since it was no longer a secret, Sasuke encouraged Sora to ask the same question to his grandparents. Minato and Kushina had a similar response, with the beta woman practically jumping over the table to hug them while Minato teared up over the news.

What was meant to be a normal dinner ended up being more emotional. They got a bunch of congratulations and excited plans for the baby. Sasuke had to answer endless questions. No, they didn’t know what they were having yet. It was just one baby (thank goodness). The due date was still several weeks away. Yes, his job knew he’d need time off. Yes, Sora was also very excited.

Truthfully, all of them were.

Once the initial surprise passed, Sasuke was constantly reminded of the physical toll on his body. Some days were good, on others he could not eat anything but ice cubes and broccoli heads. His clothes stopped fitting and he had to shop for a new wardrobe again. He didn’t think he’d need pregnancy clothes again, so he’d given away the ones he’d bought for Sora.

Naruto insisted he was glowing (it was sweat), that he was more beautiful than ever (probably a side effect of his developing scent), and that his hair was shiny. That one was actually true.

Later in the pregnancy, they found out they were having a girl. And she was…energetic. Sasuke tried not to compare one pregnancy to another but this was one thing he couldn’t help but note. 

Sora had moved, of course he had, but their girl practically bounced. The omega had to constantly shift positions to get her to settle, or at least stop kicking whatever organ she’d chosen as her nightly target.

One night, Sasuke was sprawled out on the bed, one hand absently rubbing circles over his stomach. The baby was kicking somewhere under his ribs and no matter how many times he changed positions, he just couldn’t sleep.

Naturally, Naruto was sleeping soundly beside him. Sasuke frowned at him. This was his fault, and yet he was peacefully snoozing like nothing was happening. 

The omega finally flipped onto his side and placed a hand on Naruto’s chest, maybe a little too firmly. The alpha snapped awake instantly, blinking up at him. He took one look at Sasuke’s expression and sat up a little.

“Rough night?” he asked, voice still heavy with sleep.

Sasuke shrugged.

“You should wake me up when it happens,” Naruto said.

He kind of did… but Naruto didn’t need to know that. “I don’t want to bother you.”

Naruto wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close, his hand sliding down to his belly. He drew slow, soothing circles with his thumb. Their daughter kicked back in immediate response.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Naruto murmured, kissing Sasuke’s cheek. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Sasuke shook his head.

“I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep, okay?”

He nodded.

Sasuke scooted closer, laying his head on the alpha’s chest and listening to his heartbeat. It was comfortable, despite the occasional kick to his ribs. The room was dark, and the blankets drew him in.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps in the hall, followed by a soft knock on the door.

“Yes?” Sasuke called.

Slowly, Sora opened the door. He stood in the dark hallway, still in his pajamas, Kurama tucked under his arm.

“Is something wrong?”

Sora lowered his eyes, fidgeting with his thumbs.“Can I sleep here?”

Naruto didn’t reply immediately. He just turned to Sasuke, waiting for his reaction.

Normally, he would have said no but Sora rarely asked. And now, more than ever, Sasuke was worried he’d feel left out. So he tapped on the blankets and said, “Come. You’ll have to sleep on Dad’s side or in the middle, okay?”

He had already used the bathroom twice tonight and would probably have to do it again. He didn’t want to crawl past a sleeping child each time. Sasuke lifted the blankets, and Sora climbed in, settling between them.

His little arms immediately reached for Sasuke’s stomach. Sasuke had worried he’d get territorial, but Sora was as gentle as ever. If anything, he’d grown protective.

“She kicks,” Sora noted.

“She does,” Sasuke replied.

Naruto pulled him back a little and whispered, “C’mon. Mom needs to sleep, okay?”

Sora turned around and buried his head in the older alpha’s chest, and Naruto hugged him close, one arm still reaching out to rest on Sasuke.

They fell asleep first, but Sasuke didn’t mind. He’d probably take a nap or two during the day anyway.

*

Sasuke was oddly calm on the day she was born. Compared to Sora’s birth, where he was convinced he was going to die, this was a breeze. Maybe it was because the first time, all he could think was if something happened to me, Sora would be alone.

Now Sora was with his uncle, and Sasuke’s husband was panicking enough for both of them.

Their families were waiting for updates, but they knew it was a slow process. Naruto paced around the room in circles, sat beside him, got up again, paced more, then returned just to ask if Sasuke was okay before starting all over.

“Aren’t you supposed to… be in pain or something?” Naruto asked.

Sasuke took a sip of water. “I am hurting, but we can only wait now. I’ll tell you when it’s time.”

Naruto gave him a skeptical look but forced himself to sit beside him, gripping Sasuke’s hand and letting him squeeze as hard as he needed, even if he thought it might break.

Hours later, when she finally arrived, the nurses gently pushed Naruto aside and placed the baby into Sasuke’s arms first.

Naruto froze. His breath hitched. His mouth opened just a little, like he couldn’t find the words.

Their girl was loud. Her cries echoed down the hallway, her tiny cheeks flushed red in effort, her blonde hair already sticking up, but he could see her eyes when she blinked them open and they were dark like his.

Sasuke’s heart fluttered, it was an all too familiar feeling and yet it felt brand new. 

When everything had settled and the baby finally fell asleep, Itachi brought Sora into the room. The little boy’s eyes widened the moment he saw Naruto holding the bundle to his chest.

Naruto crouched slightly, just enough for him to get a good look. Sora peeked at her tiny face, blinking in awe.

Sasuke watched them and did something he always did when he was happy.

He reached for his camera.