Reuinion
Naruto and Haku trekked through the rainy streets huddled underneath their hole-filled umbrella. Twenty minutes later they arrived to a modest dwelling at the edge of town. Haku led them to the back and rapped on the bolted wooden door. A minute later a maid answered.
"Oh, Haku-san it's you! I'll go get Zabuza-san right away!"
Naruto threw a confused look at Haku. "I thought no one was supposed to know about you and Zabuza-san, mother?"
"Chocho is his only maid and she knows everything. He took her in when she was a child, she'd never say anything."
"Oh." Naruto smiled. Zabuza-san was just like Haku, taking people in and giving them a place to stay. They were definitely made for each other.
"Why are you soaking wet?" Zabuza pulled Haku by his hand into his arms and into the warmness of his home.
"Things happened." Haku muffled against Zabuza’s chest. Naruto could practically see the stress melt off Haku's body as Zabuza cradled him in his arms. He looked away. It was moments like these that reminded him that no matter how much Haku loved him Haku would always have someone he loved more. It made Naruto jealous. He wanted someone all to himself to love the way Haku did. Not just "someone" random either he wanted Sasuke.
"What's wrong, you smell tense. Wait, is that that bastard I smell?" Zabuza growled.
"Don’t get mad. We'll talk about it later. I have a lot to tell you." Haku sighed as he put the umbrella aside, "But first I need to get dry and so does Naruto."
"Oh, right. Sorry I almost forgot you were there, Chib." Zabuza pulled Naruto into the warm building and flicked his finger against the kanzashi dangling in Naruto's wet hair. "How was your debut? You’re a full fledged geisha now, maybe I should stop calling you Chibi already, huh?"
"No, it's okay, Zabuza-san!"
Zabuza gave out another booming laugh. "Okay, okay. I won't stop."
"Is the coast clear?" Haku asked as he clung casually to Zabuza’s arm.
"Sorry, baby but no. I wasn't expecting you until much later. I still have some business partners over. They should be leaving soon though so in the meantime you and Naruto go to the back washroom and get dry. I'll come get you when they're gone."
"Sounds good."
"And make sure you shower. I don't like smelling that man’s scent on you."
"I don't like it either! I plan to scrub until my skin is raw." Haku fumed.
Naruto discreetly tiptoed and looked over Zabuza's shoulder as he gave a farewell kiss to Haku. He wanted to get a look at the "business partners" but he couldn't see anything.
"Come on, Naruto." Haku giggled at the adorable smallness of his adopted son. "I want to get you out of that wet kimono before you get sick."
"Yes, mother." Naruto hummed as he followed along.
The steam of the bath floated around the small washroom. It felt so good that Naruto didn't want to get out of the hot water. He felt safe and warm and after such a hectic day full of new discoveries safe and warm was exactly what he needed to feel.
Haku hummed as he poured another bucket full of warm water over Naruto’s back. He was sat behind Naruto with his arms stretched at either side of Naruto’s waist. "Your hairs getting so long, little duck."
"Is it?" Naruto murmured. His eyes were closed and his mouth was relaxed into a little "o" as the warm water soaked into his cold scalp. "I haven't noticed."
"Yeah it has, when I bought you from Tsunade it was only up to your shoulders but now it falls to the middle of your back. My baby is growing so fast." Haku whined wistfully. "No matter how big you get you'll always be my baby. I need to protect you."
Naruto opened his eyes. Haku sounded worried and he had a pretty good guess why.
"Are you still worrying about Itachi-san, mother? You don't have to, I already promised you that I wouldn't go near him."
"I know but I can't help but worry. No matter what he says don't let him charm you. It’s so easy to fall for a man like him."
“Back then…did you really love him, mother?” Naruto had heard the story of the past but it was strange to think that Haku had ever been in love with anyone else but Zabuza-san. “I-I’m sorry! Should I have not brought that up?“
“It’s okay.” Haku assured. “Yes, I was in love with him.” Haku became deathly still, “I sometimes think I still am.”
“Really?” Naruto felt chills envelop is body. How could Haku say that? He didn't like it. “What about Zabuza-san?”
“What about him?
“Don’t you love him?”
“Of course I do! Don’t misunderstand, little duck. I didn’t mean that I’m in love with Itachi. I hate him now but the horrible thing about first loves is that you never truly get over them. In some small way those feelings just tend to linger even if just as a memory.” Haku sighed, “That’s why I worry about you. You have to be careful who you allow to charm you. You must be picky when choosing your first love because it’s an everlasting thing. If you fall for Itachi I don’t want what happened to me to happen to you.”
“Oh,” Naruto bit his lip. He wanted to tell Haku that he didn’t have to worry about that. He had already chosen his first love. But it was too embarrassing to say out loud that he was in love with Sasuke.
"Okay, enough of that demon. I won't bring him up again. " Haku announced. "Once Zabuza’s business partners leave we'll go out into the main tea room and we can have some sweet mooncakes! After this horrible day we deserve something sweet.”
A hesitant smile bloomed across Naruto’s plump cheeks. "I like the sound of that..."
The yukata Haku gave Naruto was bright orange. The sleeves were long and swung every time Naruto moved his arms and the yukata length was short. There were pretty orange blossoms and dragonflies patterned all over it except for on the blue obi. Naruto didn't like it, it looked like a yukata children would wear during summer but it was the only yukata small enough that Haku had that fit him. After getting dressed Haku had combed his hair for him into a twisted bun. Naruto had asked his mother if he could wear his kanzashi even though he knew he wasn't supposed to wear it when he wasn't "working." Haku had allowed him to. Naruto figured Haku had only let him wear it because of what had happened in the washroom. When he was all dressed Naruto felt a little bit better.
"I can't get over how cute you look in that yukata!" Haku beamed at Naruto as he secured the sash around his own gray yukata. "If I knew orange looked this good on you I would've made it the color of your debut kimono!"
Naruto giggled, "You hate the color orange you would've never picked it!" As Naruto laughed his stomach let out a loud gurgle. He was starving. He had basically not eaten all day. It took almost all morning to get ready so he couldn't eat and then he didn't eat anything at the teahouse either.
"When can we eat those mooncakes?”
"You heard Zabuza, he said he'll come get us when it's time. It shouldn't be much longer now, little duck."
Naruto sighed. It felt like his stomach was eating it self.
"No pouting." Haku warned. Naruto pouted harder. "Okay if I go find Kyuubi will you cheer up and wait patiently?"
A smile cracked on Naruto’s lips. "Yes!" Kyuubi was Zabuza’s adorable kitty. He usually brought her along to Haku's apartment whenever he visited. Naruto had loved the kitty ever since he had first laid eyes on her.
Haku smiled, exasperated. "Knowing that cat she's probably outside." Haku stood up and retrieved an umbrella. "Stay here. Don't leave the room until I come back, okay?"
"Of course I will." Naruto smiled mischievously.
"Promise me."
"I promise, mother.
"I'll be back." Haku gave another exasperated look then left.
Haku had been gone for nearly twenty minutes and Naruto was restless. His stomach growls had been growing fiercer and fiercer by the second. He couldn't take it anymore. He knew he had promised Haku he'd stay put but he honestly couldn't handle the hunger pains. As long as he didn't make any noise it wouldn't hurt if he snuck to the kitchen and retrieved a quick snack would it? With his resolution solidified Naruto left the hidden small room and ventured out into the darkened hall. He had never been to Zabuza’s house so he didn't really know where the kitchen was but he figured if he kept walking down the hall he'd eventually find it.
Naruto was half way down the hall when he heard a loud bang coming from a room. He instinctually ran to the room to check out what had happened. He hadn't found the kitchen but he had found something else just as important.
"Kyuubi, you sneaky kitty what are you doing in here?" The orange cat was clawing its way onto a tea table and had toppled over a teapot. The brown tea was gushing out the teapot and all over the tabletop.
Naruto laughed. The cat had made such a mess but he had still missed the little mess maker. He walked to the table and kneeled onto one of the pillows. He reached out and carefully carried the cat and settled it against his chest. "You're such a bad girl you childish kitty," Naruto cooed at the purring cat, "You've gotten cuter since the last time I saw you, huh?" Naruto pressed a kiss to Kyuubi’s furry head. Lost in his own little world he didn't notice the other presence enter the room.
"Master will be angry if he sees you out here!" Chocho came barreling into the room. Her face was practically puffed up with anger. “He has very important guests over right now!" Chocho grabbed Naruto’s small arm and pulled him out the room and into the hall. She had pulled him so hard that Kyubbi had tumbled right out of Naruto’s other arm.
"You're hurting me!" Naruto tried to twist his arm out of Chocho’s vice tight grip but her hold was iron clad. He knew for a fact that he'd have a bruise tomorrow morning.
"What are you doing, Chocho?" Zabuza’s voice cut through the commotion.
"Ah, master!" Chocho shrieked.
"Why are you pulling him like that?"
"I caught him outside the back room, he could've been seen! I was escorting him back to the quarters you assigned him to!"
"Let him go." Zabuza sighed. "He's perfectly capable of walking on his own, aren't you Chibi?" Zabuza grinned down at Naruto.
"Yes I am." Naruto grumbled as Chocho finally let go of him.
"Apologize, Cho. Naruto's much smaller than you, you could've seriously hurt him." Zabuza ordered.
Just as Chocho was going to open her mouth a new voice sounded out from the end of the hall.
"Hey what's going on here, Zabuza? Was this why you were taking forever?" A man with white hair, purple eyes, and gleaming sharp teeth questioned. He was wearing a purple haori and white hakama.
Was this Zabuza’s business guest that he and Haku had been hiding from all night long? The glare Chocho was giving him was the only answer he needed. Chocho had tried to prevent this from happening and in the end she couldn't keep her masters wish. This was indeed one of the men Naruto was supposed to never meet.
"Suigetsu, what are you doing here? I thought I told you to wait while I took care of something." As Zabuza spoke he discreetly angled his body so that Naruto was hidden behind him.
"I know but you know how impatient Mr. grumpy pants gets, he ordered me to come find you. But that aside...what's going on here? Who's that girl?"
Naruto stiffened. How could this Suigetsu guy still see him even though he was hidden behind someone as big as Zabuza?
"This is..." Zabuza stalled, trying to think of an explanation. Chocho and Naruto waited on bated breath. "This is the entertainment I bought for tonight, I heard your boss likes geishas so I thought it'd butter him up if I brought him one."
"He loves geishas, that's a good idea! He's extra moody right now so hopefully this works!" Suigetsu walked over so that he could get a better look at the mysterious girl. "Hey, why isn't she dressed in geisha attire? Aren't they supposed to paint their face and wear kimonos?"
Naruto looked up at Zabuza, he didn't know how he was going to explain this one away. He felt so bad. If only he had listened and stayed in the room then Zabuza wouldn't have had to think of a lie at all!
"It's because I...I already had my way with her earlier tonight if you know what I mean." Zabuza winked, "Her kimono got soiled so I had her change and shower."
Chocho’s mouth dropped open. Naruto didn't know what Zabuza meant but he could tell by Suigetsu's sleazy grin and Chocho’s petrified expression that whatever Zabuza had just insinuated was scandalous.
"So it's like that? You were taking so long because you were getting busy with this cutie. You should've just said so! Though I don't think my boss will be happy if he knows this is why you were taking so long...let's not keep him waiting any longer!" Suigetsu happily grabbed Naruto’s hand and pulled him in the direction of the main room.
"Tell Haku of the situation and not to worry. I'll handle this. Also make sure he doesn't come out." Zabuza whispered to Chocho then went after Suigetsu and Naruto.
Chocho sighed. And to think that her master had actually asked her to apologize earlier.
"My baby is what!?" Haku screeched.
"Master has asked me to tell you not to worry. He will fix everything. What's important is that you don't reveal your self as well."
Haku nodded. He knew it was rational to listen to Zabuza so he tried to calm himself. But his baby was out there with gods knew who. Haku didn't like Naruto being so exposed like that. If he wasn't there then anything could happen. Naruto was like a defenseless baby bird; he needed his mother for protection!
Haku just hoped that everything would be okay and then things could go back to normal.
Naruto didn't like how Suigetsu was pulling him. In fact he hated it. Suigetsu's hand felt slick with sweat. It was gross but he could do nothing about it so he reluctantly allowed himself to be dragged along. He looked behind where Zabuza was walking closely and made eye contact, he sent an apologetic look. Trying to convey with solely his eyes how sorry he was. He had put Zabuza-san in such a horrible position and was ruining everything. Zabuza smiled grimly in response. Naruto couldn't decipher what the look meant so he turned back around. They arrived at the end of the hall and then went up a short flight of stairs. At the top they went down another hall and finally arrived to a closed door. Without so much as knocking Suigetsu whipped the door open.
"Sorry for the wait, boss! But don't be angry I finally found Zabuza, he was messing around with this cute geisha!" Suigetsu pushed Naruto into the room as if presenting a shiny toy; Naruto stumbled from being pushed so hard. He fell right onto his butt.
"Well, we can't really blame him can we boss? Look how cute and clumsy she is!"
"That isn't a girl, its an omega you dumbass." It was the familiar baritone of the voice that shattered Naruto’s focus on the pain radiating through his bottom. He had heard this persons voice before. The way they pronounced their words, the sudden nuisances that he had inscribed into his memory all those nights that he thought about that day on the bridge. It was deeper but it was undoubtedly Sasuke’s voice. His eyes involuntarily watered. The longing of wanting to see Sasuke again after so long brought tears to his eyes. He couldn't runaway this time and even if he could he wouldn't have allowed him self to.
"What do you mean? She's obviously a girl, I think you've been hitting the sake too hard, Sasuke-san!"
"My nephew is right, I'm a superior alpha I can smell that he's an omega." A man with short-cropped black hair growled, his face was flawless except for a very painful looking scar that encompassed the entirety of the left half of his face.
"An omega!?" Suigetsu exclaimed and looked down at Naruto in disbelief.
"Yes an omega, now help the boy up so we can get this shit done with already. I have a headache I want to go home.” Annoyance laced the scarred mans gruff voice.
Naruto wanted to be reunited with Sasuke but not like this. He wanted the first time Sasuke saw him to be while he was dressed in his geisha attire. But things never happened the way you wanted them.
"Let's go sit." Suigetsu grumbled to Naruto as he helped him stand. As soon as he was up Naruto set his eyes on the ground. He was terrified of meeting Sasuke’s gaze. Did Sasuke even remember him? If he had wouldn't had Sasuke already said something? With each step towards Sasuke Naruto’s heart pounded. Oh gods-how he wished he was dressed in his pretty geisha clothes but all he had was this pathetic children's yukata on, at least he had his zankashi on. Naruto sat on a pillow beside Zabuza and Suigetsu; he was sitting directly across from Sasuke. He could barely breath. The love of his life was literally only a tables length away from him. Could Sasuke hear his heart thundering in his chest?
"Aren't you supposed to pour us some tea?" The scarred face man pointed out to the silent omega.
"Oh, yes, sorry!" Naruto bowed. His hands shook as he clasped the teapot. He was so nervous he could feel Sasuke staring at him but he refused to look up. He tried to concentrate but he ended up accidentally spilling some tea. He wanted to cry, it was already bad that Sasuke was seeing him like this but now Sasuke would also think he was a clumsy geisha!
"Is this your first time pouring tea? Your skills as a geisha are terrible." The scarred man remarked unimpressed.
Naruto froze. He could literally feel the embarrassment turn his entire face red. "I-I-I-"
"Easy uncle Obito, I think he's doing a fine job. Not everyone can be as good as your beloved Deidara-kun." Sasuke laughed amused, it was such a melodious sound that it eased Naruto’s nerves. He was so thankful for Sasuke. He always was but in this moment more than ever.
"I'm not saying every geisha should be as good as Deidara but every geisha should at least know how to pour tea!" Obito huffed. "Is it really so hard to pour tea into a cup? It blows my mind! All geishas need to know are how to look pretty and how to serve a man, other than that what use do they serve!"
"We do more than serve tea and look pretty Obito-san. We geishas are artist. Please don't disrespect my profession so openly." Naruto couldn't stop the words from coming out. Even though he felt the need to obey it wasn't strong enough to stop him from speaking. However, as soon as he was done speaking he immediately regretted opening his mouth. He could tell by the tension in the room that he had just done something that he wasn't supposed to. Zabuza was looking at him with concern in his eyes meanwhile Suigetsu looked as if he had just witnessed a miracle and Naruto couldn't even bring himself to look at Sasuke.
"You dare answer back-"
Obito’s angry words were suddenly cut off by Naruto’s favorite sound in the world…Sasuke’s laugh. The beautiful laugh rung out in the silent room, it instantly changed the heavy tension to one of lightness.
"He's a peculiar omega don't you think uncle? I like it." Sasuke laughed again.
Naruto wanted to see if Sasuke’s face still scrunched up when he laughed. He looked up and instantly regretted it. Sasuke was so much more beautiful than his memory recalled. Now that he could see Sasuke up close he could tell that seeing him on that teahouse porch a year ago hadn't done him justice. Sasuke’s black hair was jelled back, showcasing his handsome face. A few inky black strands fell into his eyes, his beauty made the unruly hairs seem like it was meant to be part of his hairstyle. He was dressed in western clothing, a black suit with a dark blue undershirt. His red eyes were the thing that was making Naruto regret looking up. They were so gorgeous, even prettier than Itachi’s, and they were staring straight at Naruto. Naruto once again wondered if Sasuke even remembered him? Probably not. Why would Sasuke remember a dirty boy dressed in a raggity yukata he had met on a bridge years ago?
"I don't care if you like it, I wont have an omega who willingly became a geisha disrespect me! Zabuza, I'm highly disappointed that you chose this child to be our form of entertainment for tonight."
"Obito-san, forgive me!" Zabuza tried to piece back together the business deal that Naruto had accidentally ruined.
"Uncle, calm down," Sasuke abruptly said, "I personally secretly asked this pretty geisha to answer you back as a little game for fun, isn't that right Naruto-chan?" Sasuke smiled.
Naruto was stunned beyond belief to hear his name come out of Sasuke’s mouth. Zabuza hadn't introduced him so how did Sasuke know his name? Did that mean Sasuke remembered him! "You know my-"
Sasuke’s sneakily shook his head and then as if nothing happened Sasuke’s calm composure came back.
Naruto instantly knew what that meant. Sasuke was signaling him to keep quiet about him knowing his name, but why? Whatever the reason was Naruto would do as Sasuke said. "Yes, Sasuke-san requested that I answer you back. Forgive me if you found the joke distasteful I became nervous in the presence of such a powerful man such as yourself." Naruto bowed, making sure his head touched the top of his folded hands. He recalled during training Haku once telling him that if he should ever find himself in a sticky situation with a customer that giving them compliments even if you had to lie could almost always diffuse the situation so that's exactly what Naruto did.
"Very well then." Obito waved his hand dismissively. A slight coloring of his cheeks showed that the alpha had actually liked the omegas sweet compliment. "Let's get on with conducting business. I'd like to get this done before sunrise, Zabuza."
"Of course, Obito-san." Zabuza agreed.
The men went back to discussing business while Naruto remained quietly on the side serving tea and lighting cigarettes when ordered but mostly sneaking glances at Sasuke whenever no one else was looking.
"I'm glad we could come to an agreement, my brother will be pleased to know that you can take care of that little rat problem for us."
"As am I, please send my regards to Fugaku-sama." Zabuza bowed.
Obito nodded.
"Naruto." Obito turned to face Naruto who was standing a foot behind the group of men. He held his hands clasped together in front of him and kept his head respectively lowered. He looked up when Obito called his name.
"Yes Obito-san?"
"I take back what I said earlier. You're not terrible at being a geisha."
"T-thank you, Obito-san!" Naruto beamed. He hadn't expected the alpha to deliver him a compliment. It was strangely pleasing to receive a high praise from such a stern looking man.
"You're welcome." Obito grunted. He turned back, trying to hide the blush that settled across his scarred cheeks. "Zabuza, you may invite him to future meetings." And with that Obito strode out the room.
"I think my boss likes you." Suigetsu sang giddily before running after Obito to catch up with him.
“Well that’s fortunate, Obito-san hardly likes anyone. He’s like a grumpy cat, it takes him awhile to warm up to people.” Zabuza joked.
“That’s very true.” Sasuke agreed while grinning.
Sasuke was the only one left from the trio of visitors. He walked over to stand with Naruto and Zabuza. Naruto held his breath. Sasuke was standing so close; he could actually feel the body heat radiate from Sasuke’s body. He unconsciously sniffed the air around Sasuke; he had to stop his self from recoiling back. There was an acidic smell marring Sasuke’s naturally warm scent. Naruto held back a whimper, why had Sasuke’s scent changed so much? It smelled nothing like the scent that clung to the cloth that Sasuke had given him. It was like another person had mixed their scent with Sasuke’s.
"So, what incited you to bring a geisha to tonight's meeting, Zabuza? I never took you for a man who enjoyed the company of geishas. I thought you already had one all for yourself." Sasuke teased.
Zabuza paled. "That's ridiculous I don't have a geisha of my own! That's nothing but a rumor, Sasuke-san." Zabuza laughed nervously.
"Oh is that so?" Sasuke smirked; a knowing look gleamed in his red eyes. "Anyways where did you find this little geisha?"
"Oh, you know...a teahouse." Zabuza lied.
"Really, which teahouse? I've been to plenty in this area and I've never seen him?"
"It's a new one. You wouldn't know it."
Sasuke laughed loudly. "You can stop lying, Zabuza. I know this is the protégé of your beloved Haku."
"How did you know that!?"
“Your eyes look like they're going to pop out of their sockets." Sasuke clasped a hand over Zabuza’s shoulder. "Don’t worry. I'm a friend of Haku. I met him a long time ago. I was the one who recommended Naruto to him."
Zabuza was reeling as was Naruto. Sasuke knew Haku and had been the one to send Haku to Tsunade's to buy him?
"Thank you, Sasuke-san!" Naruto buckled to his knees and bowed. Tears spilled from his eyes. How many times was Sasuke going to save him?
Naruto felt rough hands envelop his own. Sasuke was holding his hand!
“There’s no need to bow, I always knew you’d become a geisha. I just gave you a little help. I told you that day on the bridge didn’t I?” Sasuke pulled Naruto back up to his feet. “You’d make a beautiful geisha and you do.”
Naruto blushed; Sasuke was definitely the love of his life. He wanted to kiss Sasuke’s cherry lips. "You actually remember me?"
"Of course I do. I never forgot you."
Naruto’s face burned bright red. He hid his face behind his yukata sleeve. Here was Sasuke, the love of his life telling him he had never forgotten him. He felt like his heart was going to thump right out of his chest.
"Your movements are like a maiko's. Clumsy but still cute." Sasuke laughed. "You've always been like that though, even when you were little. I'm glad to see that you managed to retain some of your personal traits even after Haku's intense training."
"Obito-san is yelling like a crazy old man out there! What's taking you so long, Sasuke-san!" Suigetsu grumbled from the doorway. "He told me to tell you if you make him wait another second he'll make sure you conduct your next meeting with your brother instead of him!"
"Damn that old impatient geezer." Sasuke scowled. "I guess this is goodbye. It was nice seeing you again, crybaby." Sasuke stroked Naruto’s cheek, wiping away a stray tear.
Naruto couldn’t hold his feelings in anymore. He didn’t know if he could handle another long absence away from Sasuke. “Sasuke-san, I-”
“Your uncles about to come get you his self!” Suigetsu declared annoyed, cutting in.
“Yes, I heard you. I’m going.” Sasuke grumbled.
Sasuke dropped his hand. He whispered something in Zabuza's ear then left.
Naruto watched forlornly as Sasuke once again left his life.
"Hey Chibi, what just happened." Zabuza still looked to be in shock. "How do you know Sasuke Uchiha?”
"It's a long story." Naruto sniffled.
After Naruto explained everything to Zabuza they went to rejoin Haku. Haku had almost squeezed the breath right out of Naruto with how hard he hugged him.
"Never do that to me again!" Haku reprimanded the blonde omega. "I was going sick with worry!"
"Sorry." Naruto mumbled into his mother’s chest as Haku continued to suffocate him in a binding hug.
"What happened out there?" Haku grabbed Naruto’s chin and turned his face side to side to see if his babies face was still spotless.
"Naruto got caught and had to join in my meeting. Don't worry; they didn’t lay a finger on him. I told them Naruto was a geisha I hired. They actually requested I bring him next time too." Zabuza explained.
"That's actually...good." Haku said delighted, "who were they?"
"Uchihas."
"Uchihas!?" Haku exclaimed. "Don't tell me, that asshole-"
"No, not that Uchiha. It was Obito and Sasuke."
“Oh them?” Haku exhaled in relief.
“Yes, them.” Zabuza adopted a stern expression, “I heard you're quite good friends with Sasuke."
Haku smiled coyly, "don't get jealous, he's just a good friend." He tiptoed and kissed Zabuza’s down turned lips.
"We'll talk about that later," Zabuza frowned, "we need to talk about Naruto."
"What about him?"
"Sasuke has invited him to a party happening at the Uchiha palace this weekend."
Naruto's eyes widened with realization. So that's what Sasuke had whispered to Zabuza right before he left. Sasuke had personally invited him to a party!
"Can we go, mother!" Naruto asked excitedly.
"No.” Haku said without hesitation. “That's the same party Itachi invited you to. I already told you I don't want you near him." Haku said sternly.
"But Sasuke-san was kind enough to invite me I have to go!"
"Naruto, I said no." Haku crossed his arms to show his unchanging resolution.
Naruto teared up. He knew that Itachi wasn't someone he should willingly go by but he had to go, he wanted to see Sasuke again. Sasuke had just left but he already missed him, he didn’t know how long he’d last feeling like this. It was almost irrational, this need to be with Sasuke would consume him if he didn’t satiate it.
"I have to go!" Naruto begged.
"Take pity on the poor Chibi. It’ll be good for him to go. He'll be able to network and meet new clients." Zabuza stroked Naruto’s trembling back. The scent of a distressed omega was overwhelming.
"Mother, please. I want to see Sasuke-san again!" Naruto blubbered.
Haku was taken aback by how hard Naruto was crying.
“I had no idea you liked Sasuke so much.” Haku croaked worriedly. “That’s not good, little duck. He’s already-”
“Please, I’m begging you!” Naruto broke down. His bottom lip wobbled as sobs tore through his throat.
Haku cooed at his crying son.
“I'll have Shikimaru shadow Naruto throughout the enitre party if that'll ease your conscience." Zabuza offered.
"Fine. We can go." Haku gave in. He couldn’t stand Naruto’s simpering any longer. Naruto was not his biological son but Naruto still brought out his primal motherly instincts.
"Thank you, mother!" Naruto hugged Haku tightly.
"We'll have to buy you a new kimono and set up an appointment with a hairstylist and brush up on basics like proper etiquette." Haku droned on, "there's going to be a lot of influential potential clients there so you're going to have to look impeccable."
"Yes, yes!" Naruto nodded along to everything his mother listed off as he dried his tears with his yukata sleeve.
Haku sighed. He never wanted to see the innocent sparkly-eyed look in his son’s eyes disappear. He'd have to make sure Itachi didn't even have the chance to lay a single finger on his baby.
"Now go off to bed it's late. Chocho has set you up a futon. I'll be waking you up early tomorrow so we can go into town and find you a kimono."
"Yes, mother." Naruto kissed his mother goodnight. He bid Zabuza a good night too then went off.
"You better make sure Shikamaru can shadow that day because if not I'm not bringing my son anywhere near that damn Uchiha palace."
"I'll make sure he keeps that day free." Zabuza grabbed Haku's hand and pulled him against his body, "now that the Chibis in bed let’s talk about how you know Sasuke Uchiha so well."
"Ugh, you're still on that?"
"Yup. I tend to stay fixated on things when it comes to my omega." Zabuza pressed open-mouthed kisses against Haku's neck.
Haku was finally able to relax as Zabuza showered him with kisses. His alpha always knew how to calm him down. He took a deep breath, inhaling his alphas soothing scent.
"Let's continue this in my room?" Zabuza lifted Haku up princess style. His short legs dangled over Zabuza’s thick strong arms.
"No, let's go to the guest room upstairs. I don't want my baby to hear anything. I want him to stay innocent for as long as possible."
Zabuza chuckled at the crazy notion of an ”innocent” geisha. "As you wish."