House of Flowers

The next morning Naruto woke up earlier than usual. It had been a terribly restless night. He had dreamt of Sasuke. In the dream he and Sasuke were in a glass room filled with flowers. The colorful flowers were all around them, perfuming the air with their sweet scent. It was raining outside and they could see the water run off the transparent glass roof.

“Naruto,” Sasuke’s voice was distorted, like Naruto’s head was submerged underwater. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Sasuke-san. I always have.” Naruto was cocooned in Sasuke's arms, it felt so nice. Like he belonged there in Sasuke’s arms. Sasuke said something else but his voice had become too contorted to understand. But it didn’t matter because everything was perfect amidst the flowers.

Until Naruto woke up.

Sasuke didn't love him and never would.
He wanted to forget this pain but how? He had lived for Sasuke for so long how could he just forget all about him?

A knock rasped on the door.

"Come in!" Naruto panicked. In the rush of the moment he had forgotten that he wasn't at home. He didn't know whom he had unintentionally invited into his room! What if it was Itachi? No, no, no he wasn’t prepared to deal with him yet!

"Excuse the intrusion. I'm here to help you get ready for the day." A girl with heavily kholed golden eyes entered the room. "Please don't be alarmed. My name is Konan. Itachi-Sama has instructed me to attend to you this morning." Konan closed the door behind her. She didn't look at Naruto as she spoke. The lack of eye contact made Naruto feel like Konan didn’t like him.

"Please undress while I fill the tub. I have breakfast on the way up so move at a hasty pace. I would hate it if your food turned cold."

After a full hour Naruto had bathed, eaten, and dressed. Konan had even re-bandage his arm.

"Thank you for helping me." Naruto smoothed down his yukata. It was the same pink one from the previous night. He hadn't packed any clothes and his kimono was still in Haku’s room so Konan had aired out his yukata as he bathed.

"I was told to take you to the guest tearoom as soon as you were done getting ready. Please follow me."

Naruto didn't have to ask who had requested his company because he already knew it was Itachi. Naruto walked at a close distance with Konan. He kept a vigilant eye as they walked down the halls and through the palace. He was on guard. His instincts were telling him that this was not a time to relax.

"We are here. It was a pleasure to serve you.” Konan bowed then opened the ornate golden door. She moved aside so Naruto could enter. 

"Thank you." Naruto replied shakily. He didn't want to go into the room; he wasn't ready to meet with Itachi yet. He took a deep breath and mentally prepared his self for Itachi’s scent.

"Look who's finally decided to join us, gentlemen should bow in the presence of such a lovely omega." Itachi announced with a flourish. He bowed, as did Kisame and Shisui. "Come sit beside me. I've missed you."

"Will my mother be joining us?" Naruto asked as he sat down on the empty pillow beside Itachi. He was already losing the battle, he was sure that Itachi’s scent was not something he would ever be able to get used to.

"Haku-chan will be joining us much later so don't worry about your mommy. For now let's focus on us." Itachi loomed closer. "You're so nervous that you're quivering like a plucked shamisen string. I wonder if I touch you will you quiver some more?"

"Look, he's blushing!" Shisui taunted. "How cute, lets test out Itachi-san’s theory!" Shisui leaned across the table and poked Naruto’s red cheek.

Itachi instantly grabbed Shisui's hand in a crushing grip. The deafening sound of Shisui's bones cracking reverberated throughout the tearoom.

"I was only joking, cousin." Shisui laughed nervously, "come on, it’s not that serious,"

Itachi's glare hardened, he paid no attention to Shisui's pleas. His gaze was unfocused. He turned his head slowly to Naruto, "That scent...you let an alpha scent mark you?"

"Y-you could tell?" Naruto blurted out. He self-consciously clamped his fingers over his scent gland.

"Of course I can tell. Did you think I wouldn't be able to?"

Naruto shrunk underneath Itachi’s menacing glare. His scent was like fire, swallowing Naruto’s courage up with its flames.

"I don't understand. W-why are you mad, Itachi-san?" Naruto stammered.

"Why am I mad?" Itachi repeated hotly but then his expression suddenly changed. He appeared calm; it confused Naruto because Itachi’s calm appearance didn't match his angry scent at all. "My apolgies. I'm not mad, Cherry-chan. I was simply surprised. Say, let's go, we have a new kimono to buy you don't we?"

"Y-yes, we do." Naruto cautiously followed Itachi out the palace. Itachi's entourage followed closely behind. Shisui cradled his broken hand to his chest while Kisame looked as concerned as a slab of stone.

Once outside a white shiny thing that resembled some sort of machine was waiting for them. Naruto couldn't figure out what it was. It was nothing like he had ever seen before. It looked like a metal beast, it even sounded like a beast because of its low rumbling growl.

"What is this?" Naruto asked in awe.

Shisui snickered; Itachi shut him up with a single glance.

"It's a motor vehicle, Cherry-chan. I assume you've never seen one?"

"Never, it's like something out of a dream. What does it do?" Naruto was tempted to touch the glossy black surface but was far too intimidated to do so. Itachi-san was still mad he didn't want to do anything else to further aggravate him.

"We get inside of it and it takes us places we want to go."

"Like a rikshaw?"

"Precisely."

"It's amazing." Naruto said dazzled.

"It's one of the first new things today that I'll be introducing you to." Itachi smirked.

They drove through Konohagakure at a fast pace. Everything blurred right past them thanks to the 'beast machine' as Naruto liked to call it. After a while Naruto noticed that the houses had gotten smaller and that more geishas were strolling around in the streets. They all looked so refined too. The beast machine came to a slow stop at a cross walk. Naruto took the opportunity to look closely at the pretty geishas; he followed one with his eyes as she sashayed into a store. Above the store was a flashing neon pink sign that read Konoha Diamonds.

Konoha…that name was familiar. Naruto could recall hearing it before. Then it hit him. This was Konoha! It was the rumored hanamachi Hinata always talked about where dreams could come true!

A faded memory of a promise that Naruto had buried away came rushing back to him.

‘O-once I become famous and move to Konoha I'll take you with m-me. You can live in my new okiya with me. You won't ever have to get a w-whipping from mother again!’

This was Hinata's dream hanamachi. The place where they were going to settle down and make it big all on their own. The memory stung so Naruto willed it away back into the inner pits of his mind.

That childish dream was long dead along with his own.

The beast machine started going forward again. Naruto continued to watch the scenery until the vehicle halted. The building they had stopped in front of was large and had a yellow neon sign over it that had words written in a language Naruto couldn't decipher.

"We're here." Itachi announced with that deep voice of his.

"Where is this?" Naruto had a bad feeling.

"Can't you read? It's called Happiness House!” Shisui proclaimed in a snide manner as he pointed at the neon sign.

"Shisui, enough." Itachi gave him a pointed look. "Cherry-chan doesn't know English."

Shisui sulked over being scolded by crossing his arms. His broken hand had turned a sickly purple color. It was a nasty looking bruise.

"Kisame, get the door." Itachi ordered.

"Yes, master."

Once Itachi was out the car he went to get Naruto’s door and helped him out.

Naruto calmed his anxiety by observing the building. It distracted him. The building looked like an okiya but bigger. It was made entirely of wood that had been painted white. The building gave off a cheerful feeling but why did Naruto feel like that wasn't the case? Itachi's scent had remained angry the entire drive, if they were going somewhere happy shouldn't have Itachi's scent been more pleasant?

"Is this where we'll be buying my kimono, Itachi-san?" Naruto asked.

Shisui barked out a laugh. "You really are slow."

Itachi exchanged a look with Kisame. The shark man nodded then picked Shisui up and threw him back in the car. Kisame tapped the driver’s shoulder and they drove away.

"Where are they going?" Naruto asked confused.

"Don't worry, Kisame will be back to drive us home by the time we're done here. He's just going to take my cousin for a ride so he an cool his head.”

"Oh...okay." With such a cryptic reply Naruto guessed it was better not to pry further.

A woman suddenly came rushing out the door. She had short hair and was dressed in a robe that displayed her large cleavage for all to see.

"Anko, it's good to see you again. " Itachi greeted curtly.

"I-I wasn't expecting you to visit today, Itachi-sama!" Anko bowed deeply, "I-I would've gotten a room ready-"

"Anko, relax. I'm not here for that today. I came to show my friend Naruto-chan here your fine business."

"Oh," Anko looked at Naruto quizzically, "okay...would you like me to give her a tour?"

"Yes, he's a curious boy so I'd like to show him something new. Please show us everything."

"I see, follow me then." Anko said cautiously, "If I knew you were coming I would've cleaned up the place, Itachi-sama."

"It's fine. You could scrub the place down and it'd still be filthy."

Anko laughed nervously, "That’s very true."

The second Naruto stepped through the door he crumpled to his knees. The smell inside was like a wave crashing over his body. His throat felt like it was closing up and his eyes were watering.

"Is he okay?" Anko gestured at Naruto with her chin.

"He's not used to the smell of a heat."

"Poor omegas. They're so sensitive to everything. I would've killed myself a long time ago if I were one."

Naruto whimpered. He curled his self into a ball on the floor. His scent gland was throbbing; it was beating in succession with his heart. What was this smell? It disgusted and terrified him at the same time. He didn't belong here! He uncurled his self and tried to crawl to the door but Itachi stood in his way.

"I don't think so Cherry-chan." Itachi ticked his tongue like he would to a misbehaving child. "The tours not over yet." Itachi grabbed Naruto’s hand and yanked him up to a standing position.

"Let's carry on then." Anko clasped her hands excitedly. "I don't know where to begin, oh wait I think Mayumi is entertaining a customer right now. Let's start there!"

Naruto had to be dragged through the halls, his legs wobbled with each step he took.

Anko led them to a sliding door. Naruto could hear strangled cries coming through it. He was scared, the girl sounded like she was being tortured. Anko slid the door open with gusto.

"Mayumi, we came to check on you!" Anko cackled giddily. "Come on in so you can have a look. Neither of them will notice us ‘cause of the heat."

Anko moved aside so that Naruto and Itachi could see.

Naruto's jaw dropped. A woman and man were intricately joined on a bed. Her pale breast flopped up and down as a man behind her moved harshly against her. Her face was contorted with pleasure and her eyes were glassed over. The strangest sounds were wafting out her open painted lips, she sounded like a wounded animal being tortured. As Anko had said neither the man nor the woman had noticed their presence.

"Mayumi here is one of two omegas I own. She's on the older side but customers don't notice her age when they smell her heat." Anko declared proudly as she gazed at the man’s prick slam in and out of Mayumi's swollen slit.

Naruto couldn't take it anymore. The smell was just sickening. He wanted to vomit.

"You're crying?" Itachi observed aloud.

"I don't like it, the smell is making me sick." Naruto sobbed. He sought out the only other powerful scent in the room, which was Itachi and buried his nose in Itachi’s chest.

Itachi smiled down at Naruto. He ran his hand through Naruto’s golden hair.

"Yes, cry, Cherry-chan this was what I wanted."

"Why would you want that!" Naruto cried harder.

"I'm not very fond of sharing my things so I have to punish them when they betray me. You shouldn't have let another alpha scent mark you."

Naruto didn't know whether to be angry or not. In actuality he was sad, what was it that made Itachi so crazy? Why did he have to go to such cruel extremes over such small things?

Itachi raised an eyebrow. That hadn't been the reaction he was expecting. He had been certain that Naruto would grow angry with him.

"You're a strange omega." Itachi muttered, for the first time that morning his angry scent went away.

"I'll tell you what. I'll forgive you but first you have to let me scent mark you so that other alphas scent is absconded."

Naruto didn't want to feel the pain but he really didn't have a choice. He nodded and tilted his head to the side.

Itachi's eyes turned to slits as he locked his gaze onto Naruto’s scent mark; he licked his lips then ravenously bit down on Naruto’s scent gland. He sunk his teeth in deep, making Naruto cry out.

"There, that should do it." Itachi announced pleased.

Naruto was in a daze. His neck hurt but the calm feeling was settling in. The smell in the room no longer bothered him; all he could smell was Itachi.

"He looks so cute after being marked." Anko complemented.

"Doesn't he?" Itachi said smugly.

"If you'd be open to it I'd like to buy him off you? He's cute and small, my customers like a boy like him. Like I've said I only have two omegas in stock right now so I could really use another-"

"He's not for sale." Itachi growled.

"Come on Itachi-sama! I sold you my top selling girl last month. Business has been slow since you took her, can you at least think about-"

"I said no!" Itachi roared.

Anko flung back, the fierceness of an alpha of Itachi’s caliber was terrifying.

"I think Naruto has seen enough. We'll be leaving."

Itachi scooped Naruto up and carried him through the halls. Naruto felt so calm. He didn't feel scared, or anxious and most importantly he didn't feel sad anymore. He didn't have to think about how Sasuke would never love him or how Sasuke was married or any of that. It was relieving, like a break from the suffering. He felt so relaxed that he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

And this time he didn't dream of Sasuke in that beautiful glass house of flowers.

Naruto awoke with a start. He blinked rapidly as his eyesight adjusted to the dark room.

He sat up. This wasn't the room he had slept in the previous night. A sheer black shawl was canopied over the bed so he couldn't really see the room but he could tell it was much, much bigger. Everything, including the bedpost, was trimmed in gold finishing. A row of candles was lit on the bedside table. The candles had burned down almost completely which meant that they had been burning for a while. Where was he? He could vaguely remember Itachi-san putting him inside the car but after that it was complete darkness.

"I'm glad to see that you're finally awake." Itachi's deep voice greeted from the shadows. "Good morning or should I say good evening?" Itachi chuckled.

Naruto couldn't see him so he looked in the direction of the voice.

"You've been asleep for hours, Cherry-chan I was beginning to get bored." Itachi's voice was getting closer. "I bought you a little gift while you were asleep would you like to see it?" Itachi was now close enough for Naruto to see his silhouette.

"Y-yes?" Naruto didn't trust Itachi but he didn't think telling Itachi no was even an option.

"You have to get up to see it. It's in my closet."

"Okay." Naruto got up with some difficulty. It was hard to navigate in the darkness. He let out a surprised gasp when he felt Itachi’s firm hand take a hold of his.

"I'll lead you. I don't want my beautiful Cherry-chan to fall."

"Thank you." Naruto felt awkward at the sudden nicety.

They maneuvered through the room until Itachi stopped. He let Naruto’s hand go and a brief moment later the closet was illuminated with a bright blinding light. The light was coming from a shiny hung fixture on the ceiling. It was like magic.

"Don't look so amazed, it's only electricity, Cherry-chan." Itachi snickered. "Come inside, my present is deep within my closet."

Itachi's closet was as big as a room. It was so spacious that there was plenty of room for plush lounging chairs and a tea table. The walls of the closet were made entirely of a long mirror. Naruto had never seen such a grand mirror in his life. It probably cost a fortune. He thought of Karin's mirror that she had been so proud of; it was comical in comparison to Itachi’s. At the end of the closet was a beautiful orange and gold kimono. It had the most beautiful scenery of the setting sun in a field of flowers on it. The silk shined so beautifully. The blue obi was Naruto’s favorite part. It was his favorite color in the entire world, sky blue.

"I...I-it’s beautiful. Thank you, Itachi-san.” Naruto bowed. He couldn't imagine how much this kimono cost. It was a work of fine art.

"You can properly thank me by trying it on." Itachi mused.

"Of course!" Naruto would gladly do that; it was the least he could do. He waited for Itachi to leave so he could get changed, after an awkward minute it was clear that Itachi wasn't going anywhere.

"Umm, Itachi-san, can you please turn around and close your eyes so I can change?" Naruto asked nervously. The air in the room suddenly felt so much thicker.

"That won't be necessary. A kimono that heavy will be impossible for you to put on your own, I'll help you change." Itachi's said slyly.

So this had been Itachi’s intention all along? Naruto's heart began to race. He was scared. He most definitely didn't want to be naked in front of Itachi.

"I'll help you undress." Itachi didn't wait for Naruto to give consent. He undid the small obi of Naruto’s yukata. The yukata billowed open, exposing the hiyoku underneath.

"How lovely." Itachi purred. He pulled on the strings of the hiyoku and it came off just as easily as the yukata. Now Naruto only had a nagajuban. The thin white fabric was transparent. He self-consciously covered his chest and groin so Itachi couldn't see his undergarments. He calmed down by telling his self that he'd be okay. No matter how scared he was he'd get through this because he was strong just like his mother. He idly wondered if this was how Haku had felt when Itachi had forced him all those years ago? Had his heart beat like this? Could he feel the fear freeze his limbs in place too?

"A nagajuban is so enticing to look at." Itachi's voice dripped into Naruto's ear as the alpha positioned himself behind the omega. "It allows a man to have such a nice view." Itachi trailed his hand up Naruto's thigh. He slipped his hand through the slit going up the side and settled his hand on Naruto's naked thigh. Naruto let out a shaky breath. "Look at what a nice view you're giving me, Cherry-chan."

Itachi grabbed Naruto's chin and forced his head up to the mirror. The fabric of the nagajuban was wedged between Naruto's thighs. Itachi's hand trailed higher. Skimming past Naruto's belly button and up to Naruto's rapidly rising chest "Do you see why I can't control myself? You effortlessly tempt me." He squeezed Naruto’s pec in his hand, allowing the heat of his rough palm to rub against Naruto’s nipple. “Beautiful.” Itachi pressed himself against Naruto’s back. His eyes locked with Naruto’s through the mirror. “I know Haku didn’t give birth to you and yet you possess a beauty as intense as his. It’s almost unforgivable that I haven’t had you yet.”

Itachi moved to undo the nagajuban but stilled his hand. “Your scent...why aren't you scared?"

"Because I told myself not to be." Naruto was channeling all the strength he could. He thought of his mother. He would not cry. Not here, not now. 

Itachi laughed loudly, "You're always full of surprises aren't you?" Itachi said amused, “such an interesting omega. Others are usually crying by the time I get to their nagajuban but not you."

"No, not me." Naruto kept Itachi’s gaze through the mirror. He felt emboldened. He was sure of it. No matter what happened he would not show fear. 

Itachi laughed again. He shook his head "yes, not you." He caressed Naruto’s scarred cheek; “I like that about you. Innocent and yet you meet my gaze so fearlessly. I will take my time with you.” He took his hand away, a sign that he had given up his original intentions. "I'd like you to join my family tonight for dinner."

Naruto took a breath of relief. Itachi wouldn’t force him. Well, at least not now. “I would love to accompany you for dinner.” Did he have a choice? Itachi did not accept no as an answer. Dinner in comparison to what Itachi was about to do to him was easy.

"Excellent. Let's finish getting you dressed. I want my Cherry-chan to look beautiful."

Naruto let himself be dressed up like a doll made for Itachi's pleasure. He was just grateful that Itachi had stopped undressing him. He didn't know how much longer he could pretend to be brave.

                               ...

With the kimono finally on Naruto, Itachi had called a beautician who came to the room and did Naruto’s hair and makeup. She outlined his blue eyes in shimmering gold and added slight pink rouge to his lips. She coiled his hair into a simple chignon and placed a string of blue orchids in the center of it. She had been fast and efficient. She had worked quickly underneath Itachi’s watchful eyes.

"Shall we head to the dining room now that you’ve been made beautiful, Cherry-chan?" Itachi mused once the beautician had left. Watching him with eyes that resembled the way a cat looked at a mouse. 

"Yes, Itachi-san."

Naruto kept his face calm as Itachi guided him to the dining room. A mask to hide how nervous he was.

"Good evening, Itachi-sama." The maids standing on the sides of the dining room door greeted with a bow and then pulled the shiny door handles.

The dining room was bathed in a soft light coming from a grand shiny light on the ceiling. Even bigger than the one in Itachi’s closet. The long dining table was made of cherry wood and the cushioned seats were covered with black velvet. At the head of the dining table was a man. He had hard lines around his jowls and his eyes were bright red just like Itachi and Sasuke's. Sitting on his right hand side was a black haired woman. She wore a cream colored kimono and had a gold necklace around her slender throat. Naruto noted that unlike the man beside her, her eyes were pitch black. On the man’s left hand side was a little girl. She had long black hair that was tied up into a coiled bun and she was wearing a blue children's yukata. Her eyes were bright red. As they walked into the dining hall Naruto could feel the man glaring at him.

"How wonderful you could join us today, dear." The woman said happily.

Itachi kissed the woman's cheek. "Hello, mother. How was your trip to the capital?"

"Oh, I don't want to talk about that! It feels like it's been ages since I've last seen you. How was the party?"

"Same as always." Itachi said plainly.

"I missed you Itachi-niisan!" The little girl all but burst as if she had been holding that in all day.

Itachi pinched her red cheeks, "I missed you too, Kagami-chan."

"Enough!" The man yelled, "I thought I told you to stop bringing your playthings to family dinners, Itachi." The man said harshly. "This isn't a time to be entertained by a geisha. Now send her away!"

"Father, this isn't a plaything. It's my new friend, Naruto-chan." Itachi was visually unaffected by his father’s outburst. "Naruto, this is my father Fugaku, my mother Mikoto, and my sister Kagami."

"Don't introduce us, send her away!"

Just then a man came running into the dinning room. "Fugaku-san, it's the emperor, he wishes to discuss something with you. He's on the phone waiting. He says it's urgent!"

Fugaku sighed in irritation. "What could that damn man want now!" Fugaku grumbled. He got up to leave. Before he exited he sent a glare to Itachi. "Be sure she’s gone by the time I return."

Mikoto sighed, "Forgive him, your fathers been on edge lately."

"Isn't he always?"

"You know how much he hates going to the capital. He’s been acting that way ever since the car ride back." Mikoto complained exasperated.

Naruto wanted to leave. If that man came back he had no idea what he'd do to him but he didn't want to find out. He tugged on Itachi’s haori sleeve to get his attention.

Itachi turned to Naruto. He smiled when he saw how nervous and fidgety Naruto had become. He pulled out a chair and indicated with his head for Naruto to sit.

"B-but your father?" Naruto stood standing. "I should go."

"Nonsense. That old man is all bark and no bite. You'll be fine."

Naruto was still too nervous to sit.

Itachi sighed, he rubbed his thumb against Naruto’s scent gland, "relax, Cherry-chan. I won't let him hurt you." Itachi whispered so that only Naruto could hear. "Now sit."

Naruto unconsciously found his self obeying. He sat down.

"Good, omega." Itachi whispered as he sat down next to Naruto.

"I see you've changed your favorite again while I was away?" Mikoto noted. She hadn't given her attention to Naruto once since he entered the room.

"Niichan always has a new girlfriend!" Kagami squealed like it was the funniest thing ever.

"Yes, he does doesn't he, Kagami?" Mikoto said distastefully, "what happened to the other one you brought to dinner a month ago?"

"I got tired of her."

Mikoto pressed her lips, holding back whatever she was about to say. "How long will this one last, hmm? An alpha your age should have children already not numerous mistresses!"

"Yes, mother I know that. How could I ever forget?"

There was a silent eye exchange, it ended when the dinning room door thudded open. In walked the one person Naruto didn't want to see right now, Sasuke-san.

Why now of all times? Naruto didn’t want to look in fear of reigniting the pain his heart but he could not look away. 

Sasuke was more beautiful than Naruto could handle. Such a pretty face that Naruto wanted to cover it with kisses. His desires fizzled when he saw Sakura walking behind Sasuke. She was a physical reminder of why Naruto could never make his desire a reality. She looked as gorgeous as ever. Her signature pink kimono was accented with a creamy shade of white. She had kept her long hair down and had painted her pink lips a fiery deep red color. It wasn't until the two got closer that Naruto noted that a little girl was pattering along beside Sasuke. She looked no older than two. She was so small, holding onto Sasuke’s pants as if it were a habit. Her hair was black like Sasuke’s...

Naruto's heart stilled. Dear gods, was that little girl... he didn't have the heart to even think of the word.

As if she knew Naruto was thinking of her, the little girl looked up suddenly, she looked directly at him. Naruto's eyes welled up with tears. The little girl’s eyes were blood red just like Sasuke’s; she was without a doubt Sasuke’s daughter.

How cruel it was to see her walking happily, so carefree and lovable and yet she was the result of something hurtful.

Naruto sucked up his tears; he wouldn't let Sasuke see him cry. He kept silent as Sasuke and his family greeted Mikoto then sat down across from he and Itachi.

"Naruto-chan! You're still here!?" Sakura squealed with excitement. "I didn't see you sitting there!" Sasuke had been right; she didn't remember the events of last night. If she had she wouldn't have been so welcoming.

"You know Naruto?" Itachi questioned Sakura.

"I helped him out yesterday. He bumped into me during the party. Poor thing looked so lost and confused. He sprained his arm so I helped patch him up since he was all alone."

"I left you in Deidara's care, how did you end up alone?" Itachi hissed.

"Dear, don't use that tone at the table, you know how it scares your sister." Mikoto warned.

As if for emphasis Kagami whimpered. She was a young omega so it was expected for her to fear an angry alpha. The same could be said for Naruto, he was not so much older than Kagami, Itachi’s anger tinged scent scared him as well.

Itachi took an even breath. "Sorry." Itachi swung his arm over Naruto's shoulder and rubbed his sprained arm soothingly. "I'll have a doctor examine you later."

"Thank you, Itachi-san."

"Naruto-chan is so pretty, Nii-chan! Super duper pretty like a princess!" Kagami wailed excitedly as she got comfortable again.

"Yes, he is isn't he?" Itachi's arm tightened around Naruto proudly.

Naruto wasn't paying attention; he was too busy sneaking a glance at Sasuke. Why did he look so irritated?

Sasuke’s daughter seemed to sense Sasuke's foul mood too because in that moment she jumped onto her daddies lap and planted a big slobbery kiss on Sasuke’s down turned lips.

It was too much for Naruto. He couldn't handle the pain. With out thinking he got up to leave.

The table occupants all looked at Naruto with surprise.

"Are you leaving? But dinner hasn't been served yet?” Sakura remarked.

"I-I just need to use the bathroom." Naruto lied. He was on the verge of tears.

"I'll show you where it is." Itachi got up.

"Is that necessary? A maid can show him where it's at." Sasuke pointed out.

"It is necessary, dear little brother. As you can see or should I say smell, Naruto isn't feeling good, I'm going to scent mark him so he can feel better."

Sasuke's expression stayed unchanged, irritation still marred his beautiful features.

"Boys please! You know I don't like talk of such things around your little sister. Itachi go take care of that and hurry so you can be back before your father returns."

"Yes, of course mother." Itachi escorted Naruto out the dinning hall. The second Naruto was out he burst into tears. He was embarrassed to cry so shamefully in front of Itachi but he couldn't hold it in.

Itachi observed Naruto perplexed. "Why do you cry, Cherry-chan?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know why." Naruto sniffled. It was an outrageous lie but he wasn't about to tell Itachi that he was crying because he was in love with Sasuke and was mourning the loss of that love.

"Come here." Itachi cradled Naruto’s body to his chest. Enveloping him in a hug. Itachi glared at the two maids standing at the dining room door, silently telling them to leave. They bowed and scurried away like two frightened mice.

Naruto trembled in Itachi’s arms. His heart was breaking. He couldn't stop thinking about Sasuke.

"Don't cry, I'll make the pain go away." Itachi lifted Naruto’s chin, forcing Naruto to look up at him. He bent his head down. Naruto moved his neck to the side, expecting Itachi to scent mark him but then Itachi stopped him by tightening his hold on his chin. Itachi stared at him for a prolonged second then did the unthinkable. He pressed his lips to Naruto’s. Naruto's eyes sprung open with shock. He struggled for half a second then resigned his self. He let his self be kissed. He didn’t have to save his first kiss anymore. When Itachi finally pulled away Naruto grabbed the back of his head and forced his lips down to his scent mark.

"Bite me please!" Naruto didn't want to think or feel. He only wanted the numbing calmness.

"As you wish," Itachi kissed Naruto’s scent gland then bit down hard, eliciting a sharp whine from Naruto’s throat.

The calming feeling enveloped Naruto's body instantly. He couldn't feel the sadness anymore.

Itachi thumbed Naruto’s lips; Naruto’s pink rouge had smeared. "Was that your first kiss?"

Naruto blushed crimson, he nodded his head yes. Was it that obvious?

"Good," Itachi pecked another kiss onto Naruto’s unsuspecting lips; Naruto withheld the urge to wipe the kiss away. "Let us return."

Naruto was horrified to see when they arrived back to the dinning room that Itachi's father was there. It immediately dispelled his calm feeling.

"What did I tell you? Send your toy away!" Fugaku bellowed angrily. The outburst made the omegas in the room scared.

Itachi grinned; his father’s anger didn't appear to faze him.

"Father, Naruto is my guest. It'd be rude of me to have him leave in the middle of dinner. Wasn't it you who taught me that Uchiha’s should always honor the bonds of friendship? What kind of friend would I be if I wasn’t hospitable?"

Fugaku glared. Itachi had gotten him. "Sit, but this is the last time I want this to happen."

"Don't worry father, Naruto-chan here has me wrapped around his little finger. I have no need to bring others."

Naruto blushed. What was Itachi insinuating? Itachi was such a smooth talker that Naruto didn't know whether or not to believe some of the things he said. It was probably better to not believe them. Itachi was not a good person.

Fugaku sighed, clearly exhausted with his son. He was no match for Itachi and he hadn't been for a while. "Just sit already."

Once they were seated Naruto noticed that Sasuke was staring right at him, or more specifically at his lips. Naruto touched them self consciously, was there something on them? He discreetly checked his image in the empty silver sake cup by his folded napkin. No, there was nothing except his rouge had smudged a little from Itachi's kiss. Could Sasuke tell?

"So where did you meet this one, Itachi?" Mikoto asked as she stared at Naruto. There was something different about this geisha.

"I met him in a tea house in Kirigakure. A pretty face and an alluring omega scent, how could I not be interested?”

"An omega?" Mikoto said surprised, no wonder the geisha smelled strange, "I must say that's a huge improvement from the usual company you keep."

"I like Naruto-chan the best!" Kagami added giddily.

"Yes, Naruto is special. He's unlike any other." Itachi smile down at Naruto proudly.

The Uchiha’s stared at Itachi in shock. The odd smile on Itachi’s face was one they had never seen in a long while. No one knew what to say or how to react.

Sasuke was rigid. His eyes seemed to stare through Itachi and Naruto.

Naruto noticed Sasuke's worsening mood. He wanted to get up and soothe Sasuke’s irritation away. He didn't want Sasuke to ever be mad but what could he do when Sasuke wasn't his to take care of?

The attention of the table occupants was dragged away from Itachi and Naruto when the food was finally brought in. They ate in relative silence. Occasional small talk happened but important topics were never discussed. Naruto liked it that way; it allowed him to distract his mind from Sasuke.

After dinner Fugaku and Mikoto along with Kagami retired to bed. Sakura had proposed the idea to have tea in the entertainment room to wind down from the heavy meal they had ate so here they were now. Sasuke and Sakura were sitting on pillows across from Naruto and Itachi. Their daughter was fast asleep in Sakura's lap. A maid had just served them tea. Soft music was playing from a musical box. The setting was nice however that could not be said about the mood.

There was a heavy tension in the air and it was being produced solely by Sasuke. His foul mood from dinner hadn't gone away.

“Do you want to go up to bed since you’re not in the mood to socialize?” Sakura asked Sasuke in a quiet voice, they were close so Naruto could still hear what she had said, “You can take Sarada with you since she’s already asleep.” Sakura suggested.

“You know I can’t leave you alone.” Sasuke uttered moodily as he threw a pointed glance at the crystal glass filled with wine that a maid had just brought to Sakura a few minutes ago. Naruto had forgotten that Sakura couldn’t handle her alcohol. So Sasuke was babysitting his wife? Was that the only reason he had agreed to join them? Of course it was, why else would Sasuke be here. It wasn't as if Sasuke wanted his company.

Sakura frowned at Sasuke's comment. She let the subject drop and turned her attention back to Naruto.

"So, Naruto-kun, tell us more about you. I want to know everything."

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked shyly. He didn't know what to say. There wasn't much about him that he'd want someone like Sakura to know. His life was monochromatic compared to hers. She was highborn with a good family name and the looks of a goddess while he was just an insignificant geisha.

"I mean like how old are you? What family are you from? Why did you choose to become a geisha. You know it's a highly uncommon profession for an omega so I'm curious." Sakura took a swig of her wine as she chatted away.

"I'm sixteen...I'll be seventeen in October. I don't know my birth parents." Naruto paused, Sakura suddenly looked sympathetic as if she had regretted asking in the first place, "I'm not sad about not knowing my birth parents anymore so please don't feel troubled, Sakura-san. I was able to get over it thanks to a very nice man I met when I was a child," Naruto's eyes reflexively flickered to Sasuke, he quickly looked away when he noted that Sasuke was already looking at him, "If you want to know the truth I became a geisha because I wanted to become a worthy person in that man's life."

"How romantic and unexpected." Sakura remarked with a dreamy sigh as she sipped on her drink. "Did you ever meet with the man again?"

Naruto casted a shy glance at Sasuke, "I-"

"Enough talk of this mysterious man," Itachi growled, he wrapped his arms around Naruto's waist and lifted him up into his lap, "are you trying to anger me? You know that I don't like to feel jealous."

"Sorry, Itachi-san." Naruto bowed his head. He definitely didn't want to take another trip to 'Happiness House.' That horrid stench still haunted him.

“I can’t help but notice that you’re very taken with Naruto-kun, Itachi-san.” Sakura voiced out loud. She was getting braver with her words due to the alcohol. Normally she would avoid questioning anything her brother-in-law did; he was one of the few alphas that made her nervous.

"Yes, he's a unique omega." Itachi ran a cold finger against the indents around Naruto's scent gland leftover from his teeth sinking into the sensitive skin, "I can hardly wait for my innocent little Cherry-chan's mizuage."

"What kind of sick nickname is that?" Sasuke gritted out. Finally breaking his silence.

"Don't play a fool, it's pretty self explanatory, little brother. I'm sure you've popped a few cherries yourself." Itachi chuckled, "what is it this time? You only make that adorable face when you're mad at me."

"Don't you get sick of it?" Sasuke hissed disgusted.

"Sick of what?" Itachi bated Sasuke while giving him an amused smile.

"Of finding pretty things and then playing with them until you ruin them! Geishas aren't toys!"

Itachi laughed, "A geisha is something pretty to look at and fun to dress up. I can tell them to paint their lips any color and do their hair in any style that I desire. I can hurt them or even break them and when I have no other uses for them I can dispose of them whenever I want...I can fuck then until I grow bored of them and they will have no choice but to accept it. They are playthings that I use for my own amusement. A toy is exactly what they are, little brother."

"They are people just like me and you! Naruto isn't a damn toy!"

"Calm down." Sakura had never seen Sasuke so worked up. It was alarming.

"You should listen to your omega and calm your self, little brother. You wouldn't want to wake your daughter and have her see her daddy yelling at her uncle now would you?"

Naruto couldn't take anymore. He wanted to stitch Itachi’s mouth closed for saying things that were making Sasuke angry. He had the overwhelming urge to go and calm Sasuke down. He needed to do something. It was hurting him to see his love so lost in anger. Naruto unconsciously began to emit an odor that omegas used to calm down rampaging alphas. He was completely unaware he had even done it. The sweet scent swirled around in the air. It reached Sasuke's nose. The effects were instantaneous; he lost the enraged wild look in his eyes.

"You’re impossible. I don't feel like arguing with you anymore." Sasuke uttered as he stood up. He had a look of confusion in his vivid red eyes. Why had he suddenly felt at ease?

"Bye-bye, baby brother." Itachi waved goodbye teasingly. "He's so passionate about the oddest things. Well no matter-the party can truly begin now that he's gone and taken his bad mood with him."

Itachi tightened his arms around Naruto. Naruto squirmed, Itachi was entirely too close. He couldn't breathe.

"Relax, Cherry-chan. I just want to scent you." Itachi glided his nose on the underside of Naruto's jaw. He licked along the nodule.

Sakura cleared her throat loudly. "Do you mind not doing that, it makes my stomach uneasy to witness."

Itachi paused. He flicked his eyes up to Sakura. His menacing gaze sobered Sakura up slightly.

"It's just that I don't want-"

"Maybe you should leave too, sister-in-law. Go tend to my brother. Be a good omega and use your pheromones to calm him down some more."

Sakura looked as if Itachi had just told her the most offensive thing in the world. "Have you no manners? Don't insult me so!”

"I see the liquor has made your tongue as slick as a blade. I'd recommend you stop before you say something you'll regret. It's very unbecoming for an omega to command an alpha, you should know that, Sakura-chan. Though for a mother to drink so shamefully I wonder if you even remember the teachings you were taught on omega etiquette."

Sakura whimpered. Itachi had overpowered her with his dominating scent. Itachi didn't stop; he bombarded Sakura with another wave, torturing the omega. Naruto plugged his nose, the scent wasn't being directed at him but it was still strong enough to reach him.

"Enough! I'm sorry for misspeaking" Sakura begged. Her daughter had woken up; her red eyes were alert and observant. Her little lips crumbled and out poured a high-pitched cry. Itachi's alpha scent had even scared an omega as young as her. Usually omegas were benign to alpha scents before they reached the age of ten but with a fragrance as strong as Itachi’s it was powerful enough to even scare a two-year-old.

"Stop, Itachi-san!" Naruto could handle Itachi's scent if it meant it only affected him but he didn't want Sakura-chan or her daughter to be subjected to it. It was too cruel.

"Sorry to intrude, master, but we have a situation." Kisame entered the room.

"It's that again isn't it?" Itachi slammed his fist on the teatable. With his attention on Kisame he had stopped his scent attack, which allowed Sakura and also Naruto to relax. Sarada instantly stopped crying. Her wide eyes fluttered closed again as if she had never woken up.

"I'll return shortly, Cherry-chan." Itachi lifted Naruto from his lap and set him back onto the pillow. "Kisame stand guard, make sure my drunk sister-in-law doesn't do anything to my Cherry-chan. If she gets too crazy escort her to bed."

"Yes, Itachi-sama."

Itachi left the room leaving the two omegas alone. Kisame went to stand at the door entrance. His presence was like a thin veil over the charged atmosphere. Now that Itachi was gone Sakura let her brave facade fall. She gasped in rapid gulps of air. The attack had winded her more than she wanted Itachi to know. Naruto was in much better shape than her but his legs and arms were slightly trembling.

Sakura snapped her fingers and a maid quickly brought her another glass of wine. Sakura shakily guzzled it down in one gulp. She snapped her fingers and her glass was filled once again. Naruto watched her with mute fascination. He wondered how she could drink so easily while holding her sleeping daughter.

"Ugh, how I hate that man!" Sakura spat in an icy tone, "who does he think he is intimidating me with his scent like that? I'm not an omega he can just do that to!"

Sakura's face had twisted into the one Naruto had seen last night. It was like she had taken off her beautiful porcelain mask to reveal the scary drunken one underneath it. The transformation once again amazed Naruto. She truly didn't look like the same person. "I shouldn't have to worry about another alpha scent bombing me!" Sakura continued heatedly. She grabbed her glass cup and angrily threw it at the wall. The loud shattering sound woke Sarada up. She started crying, the scent of her mother was muddled by the strong stench of alcohol. She couldn't recognize her mother, thinking that she had been abandoned she cried harder. Naruto didn't know this though so he wasn't sure why the little girl was crying. As good a guess he could come up with was that the loud sound of the glass breaking had frightened her.

"Mommy!" Sarada cried, her eyes frantically darted around the room to locate her mother.

"I'm right here!" Sakura yelled. She ran her hands through her hair in irritation. Naruto could tell this had happened more than once before. The poor little girl looked so distraught. Why was she searching for her mother when she was currently seated in her mother’s lap?

Sarada stood up, her small legs wobbled as she pitter-pattered around the room in search of her mom.

"You stupid girl, I'm right here!" Sakura exclaimed sloppily.

Sarada went to the other side of the table. She had caught a familiar smell, it reminded her of her daddy! She jumped into Naruto's arms and burrowed her head in Naruto's neck. She could smell a faint trace of her daddies scent there. It was masked by a different strange strong scent but she could still smell her daddy underneath it. Faint but still comforting.

Naruto hadn't expected for the little girl to leap into his arms. He was frozen, not sure what to do but then the little girl clung to him as if he were her lifeline. Naruto's defenses crumbled, he immediately felt a soft spot bloom in his heart for this little girl. He felt the need to protect her. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her to his body.

"That isn't your mother you stupid girl!" Sakura grabbed the closet thing to her, which so happened to be an ashtray in the shape of a serpent, and threw it at Sarada.

Naruto moved Sarada's body to the side so that the glass ashtray struck him instead of her. The ashes fell all over his new kimono but he didn't care so long as Sarada was okay.

"Don't interfere!" Sakura scolded. She grabbed a teacup and threw it.

"Please calm down! There is no need for violence!" Naruto could not condone this. Sakura was abusing her daughter the same way Tsunade had abused him. The memories of how terrified he had felt whenever Tsunade would go into one of her rages would forever be imprinted in his mind. He didn't want anyone to ever feel that way.

Sakura threw another teacup and screamed.

"Please control yourself! I'm begging you!" Naruto pleaded but his pleas fell on deaf ears. Sakura continued to rage.

Kisame sighed. He hadn't wanted to step in but he had to obey his boss’s orders.

"Okay, Sakura-san I'll be escorting you to your room now." Kisame scooped Sakura up and threw her over his shoulder.

"Put me down! Who do you think you are touching me so freely!" Sakura kicked and punched Kisame but the shark man was unfazed. “My daddy owns every hospital in Japan, he can buy you and maim you! I’ll tell him to do it, I seriously will!”

"Yes, yes." Kisame pacified. He bent down and plucked Sarada out of Naruto's arms. Sarada cried out. She didn't know this man’s scent she wanted to go back with the blonde who smelled like her daddy!

"Where are you taking her? Give her back!" Naruto shot up, ready to fight for the little girl who only a short hour ago he couldn't even look in the eye.

Kisame raised a brow. "I'm taking them both to bed."

"You can't! If you leave her alone with Sakura-san she'll just continue to hurt her!"

"Don't worry. Sasuke-san’s daughter will be left with her nursemaid. Sakura-san is not allowed to be alone with Sarada-san.”

Iruka? Naruto sighed with relief.

"You'll be okay. Don't cry, okay?" Naruto comforted the little girl. He held her small fingers.

"O-okay." Sarada blubbered.

"I'll return shortly." Kisame announced.

Naruto let the girls small fingers go. He watched sadly as Kisame left. His heart ached for that little girl. There was so much fear in her eyes it was like looking into a mirror of his own past.

Naruto sighed. How could he help Sasuke's daughter though when he was so powerless? Especially around Itachi-san. Naruto poked his head out of the door. If he left now he could find his mother and hopefully leave.

There was nothing for him at the Uchiha palace anymore.

Naruto tiptoed out of the room. He went down the long hall. The further down he went the more his nerves began to get to him. It was such a long hall it felt endless. Naruto’s step stuttered. A large mass appeared at the end of the hall. Naruto's eyes widened. The unmistakable silhouette of Kisame was walking directly towards him! He ran into a nearby room. Thankfully Kisame hadn't seen him. Naruto stayed silent for a few seconds until he heard Kisame's footsteps disappear down the echoing hall.

Naruto took a calming breath. That was close. If that had been Itachi he was sure he would've been caught. He had to focus if he wanted to successfully escape this place!

He put his hand over his heart in a bid to calm it. As he did, he felt a strong gust of wind; it blew the strung hanging flowers in his updo across his cheeks. He turned and saw that there was a window open at the end of the room. It was large like a door. Through the curtains Naruto could see the night sky, it was a pretty sight the moon looked so close too. As if in a trance Naruto wandered over to the open window, it led to a balcony. He pulled the curtain aside and saw Sasuke standing up against the balcony railing.

Sasuke turned his head, attracted by the sound of Naruto's surprised gasp. They locked eyes.

How much more unlucky could he be? 

"Sorry for intruding, I'll go." This wasn't Sasuke's room so why was he here?

"No, it's fine, stay. I was just getting some air to clear my head."

The last time he was alone with Sasuke he had realized that Sasuke would never love him. He felt odd standing in Sasuke’s presence, like he didn't deserve to.

"I should go-"

"I said to stay," Sasuke caught Naruto's hand, stopping him from going. "We need to talk...about yesterday."

He didn't want to talk about what happened yesterday. He was trying hard to forget all about it.

"Why? Why do you want to talk about what happened yesterday? I said so many embarrassing things I'd rather not relive them." Naruto had somehow managed to not confess his love to Sasuke yesterday and he was hoping to keep it that way forever. It was hard though, being around Sasuke made Naruto lose his sense of self-control. It wasn't like with Itachi where it was the scent that made him lose his reasoning-it was just Sasuke. Sasuke's eyes, his long fingers, his black hair that looked like the endless night sky on a starless night, his pink lips...Naruto was irrationally in love with Sasuke's everything and he could barely contain it. It didn’t even matter that Sasuke’s scent had been muddled with that strange acidic one. He still loved it because he could ignore it as long as it was Sasuke.

"I couldn't sleep last night because I was thinking about everything you said. We need to talk about it." Sasuke confessed in a sharp tone.

"I don't want to." Naruto half cried. Sasuke sounded so angry he didn't like it. He hunched his shoulders in attempt to appear smaller. If he disappeared Sasuke would have nothing to be angry about. It made perfect sense in his mind but in reality it just looked like he was folding in on him self.

"Sorry, I don't want to intimidate you into doing whatever I want just like my brother does. We won't talk about it." Sasuke let Naruto's hand go. It dropped to Naruto's side, his hand felt so empty he ached to feel Sasuke's hands on his again.

"Thank you, for not making me." Naruto loved Sasuke’s kindness. Sasuke’s warmth…Sasuke’s everything.

"If we're not going talk about that then we will talk about what happened today."

"What happened today?”

"My brother."

"Oh...about that...thank you for standing up for me. Itachi-san can say such horrible things."

"If you hate what he said so much why didn't you say anything to him then? You had no problem standing up to my uncle so why not Itachi?"

Naruto vaguely remembered that time at Zabuza's home when he had told Sasuke's uncle Obito that geishas were more than just tea servers, they were artist. That had been easy though because Obito-san's scent wasn't anything like Itachi-san's.

"Itachi-san is scary...his scent is hard to disobey." Naruto confessed weakly.

Sasuke's dark brows drew up as his face scrunched with anger, "You shouldn't obey an alpha like him!"

"Why is Sasuke-san angry? It's not like I wish to obey him! I can't control myself!" Naruto desperately wanted to know the reason for Sasuke's bad mood, for the one he had displayed all night as well. "I don't like it when you're angry, I don't understand it but it hurts me. So please explain." Naruto bit his lip and looked at his hands, unable to look at Sasuke.

Sasuke sighed; he ran his hand through his hair in an attempt to calm down, "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell at you or make you worry." Sasuke licked his lips, he clasped Naruto's chin and delicately pulled Naruto's face up, "I'm worried about you. I've known Itachi my entire life and I can confidently say that my brother is a monster. No matter what perfumed words he spouts to you I don’t doubt that his only intention is to ruin you."

Naruto gulped. Sasuke was worried about him, which meant that Sasuke had to care at least a little about him right? "I...I don't think Itachi-san will hurt me." Naruto wasn't dumb; he knew Itachi was someone to never be trusted. His mother’s story of the past made it very clear that Itachi was as monstrous as they came but Naruto couldn’t really say that Itachi had hurt him. Scared him yes but hurt no. He could’ve raped Naruto earlier but had chosen not to.

"Why are you so taken with my brother?" Sasuke hissed, dropping his hold from Naruto's chin,"never mind that," Naruto could visibly see Sasuke trying to reel in his anger, "just because you think my brother wont hurt you doesn't mean he never will. My brother is the type of alpha who doesn't see a geisha as a person. His favorite before you was a girl; he bought her from a brothel in Konoha. My brother got her pregnant and you know what he did about it? He did nothing. He plays with his toys until he gets bored of them. Don't you get it? He'll do the same thing to you. Is that what you want? To be the mother of his bastard children?” 

Tears began to fall from Naruto's eyes. He had been warned already of Itachi's cruelty but he really couldn't help him self. He wished with all his might that he could defy his instincts but it was impossible when he was in Itachi's presence. That’s why he wanted to escape this palace.

"Naruto...I'm sorry I should've never invited you, or meddled in your life. Maybe if I hadn't my brother would've never targeted you. You should leave and never come back. Maybe move to another town where Itachi can never find you."

Naruto couldn't make sense of what Sasuke was saying. It was like he was speaking another language. How could he say such a crazy thing? "If you never came into my life I would be dead! I've lived these past six years just for you. Everything I’ve done has been to get closer to you. Don't you get it? I love you!" The confession burst from Naruto, he couldn't hold it in any longer. A weight had been lifted from his chest. It was a secret that had encompassed his being for years.

Sasuke's eyes widened. He stared down at Naruto incredulously. "You what?"

"I love you." Naruto repeated in a much more subdued tone. "I've loved you since I was ten."

Sasuke brought his hand up and caressed Naruto's cheek. He closed the space between them by bending down; he skimmed his lips down Naruto's temple, past his ear, and settled right in the crook of Naruto's neck where his neck met his shoulder. Sasuke inhaled deeply, his nose was right over Naruto's scent gland.

Naruto shuddered. Sasuke was scenting him. Only Hidan and Itachi-san had done this to him and both times he hadn't felt any reaction but with Sasuke it was different. He had a primal urge to do whatever Sasuke wanted of him. He wanted to submit. He moved his head back, fully exposing his neck so that Sasuke had more room to scent him.

Sasuke let out a pleased sound. His hand on Naruto's cheek traveled down to his neck and eventually all the way down to Naruto's obi bound waist. Sasuke pulled Naruto flush against his body, making Naruto gasp. There was now no space between them. This had been the closest Naruto had ever been to Sasuke and he was going to take full advantage of that. He boldly wrapped his arms around Sasuke's neck. He ignored how bad he was shaking; it didn't matter when Sasuke was here in his arms. He tiptoed, searching for something that he wasn't quiet sure was even there. Did alphas even have one? Aha! Naruto spotted the little bump of raised skin on Sasuke's neck. So alphas did have scent glands! Naruto craned his head, stretching as far as he could. He was able to place a brief kiss on Sasuke's scent gland. That was all he had planned to do but then he got a whiff of the intoxicating scent coming from Sasuke's scent gland. It was pure Sasuke; it wasn't marred by that other acidic scent at all. This was the smell that clung to Naruto's cloth, the smell that he had fantasized about for years, the smell that he craved like no other. He couldn't control his self. He practically lunged and bit down on Sasuke's scent gland. He sucked greedily; he could feel the warm taste of blood coat the inside of his mouth. He couldn't get enough; Sasuke's scent was filling his insides. He wanted to own this scent. To put a giant neon sign with his name on it so that everyone knew it belonged to him.

"Stop, Naruto!" Sasuke pushed Naruto off.

Naruto blinked rapidly, as if coming out of a trance.

"Why?"

"I told you, you should go." Sasuke gritted, he was struggling to keep his distance and Naruto could tell. "What are you waiting for? Go!" Sasuke was clumsily clutching his bloody scent gland as if he weren't used to it. Naruto wanted to go over and lick the alphas wound. Why was Sasuke refusing him and sending him away? Why did he touch him so softly if he had intended to reject him!

"Why? I told you that I love you!"

"I'm married. I have a family already. You're a geisha you don't belong here." Sasuke winced as blood continued to drip down his neck.

"You say that but then why don't you look happy!" Naruto cried. He had thought that Sasuke had accepted him since he had reacted the way he had but now Sasuke was telling him to go? "The whole time I've been here you've never once looked happy. You still look lonely." Naruto stepped closer, determined.

For the first time Sasuke looked small, fragile even. It tore Naruto's heart in half. "That isn't any of your concern."

"It is my concern because seeing that same lonely look in your eyes hurts me! Let me take your loneliness away, that's all I’ve ever wanted." Naruto took advantage of Sasuke's sullen state and threw his self into Sasuke's arms. He wounded his arms tight around Sasuke's neck, forcing the alpha to look down at him and come down to his level. "I love you, please don’t banish me from your life.”

Sasuke recoiled. Pushing Naruto so hard that the omega collapsed onto the floor.

"Leave and don't ever comeback." Sasuke didn't meet Naruto's eyes as he stormed out the room.

The tears had begun to fall before Sasuke had even fully exited the room. Naruto stared dead ahead at the spot where Sasuke had just stood. He had just ruined everything. Naruto couldn't breathe properly. He literally couldn't get air into his lungs. He was dry heaving. Why had he done that! Why couldn't he just keep his big mouth shut? He had promised his self that he'd never confess to Sasuke and he had done just that. The result was just as expected too. Sasuke had chosen Sakura. Naruto pinched the back of his hand. He desperately wished this was a dream but no matter how hard he pinched nothing changed. This was reality and Sasuke had just rejected him. The pain settling in his chest was soul crushing.

"Finally found you." Kisame's deep voice called from the doorway. "It stinks like alpha in here, what have you been up to? Itachi-sama won't be happy about this." Kisame thudded into the room and actually stopped for a second when he noted Naruto's state.

"Whatever went down in here I won’t report to my master since you’re not scent marked." Kisame announced sounding awkward, changing his whole demeanor from intimidating to professional. Kisame cleared his throat. "I have to escort you back to the tea room now."

Naruto nodded. Unable to form words.

Kisame sighed. He bent down and hoisted Naruto into his arms. They said nothing as they traveled back to the tearoom. Kisame may have looked like a shark but he wasn't as cold blooded as his appearance led one to believe. Or at least only when it came to this particular situation.

The tearoom was still empty. Kisame retook his position by the door. The message was clear; they'd wait in here until Itachi returned. Naruto wanted to see his mother. Haku was the only person who'd be able to alleviate at least a fraction of the pain he was feeling. But he doubted Kisame would let him leave. It'd truly be a miracle if Kisame showed him another random act of kindness. Naruto slumped back to the table. He curled him self into a ball on top of one of the pillows and closed his eyes. He wanted to melt into the floor and cease to exist.

He had always thought it but now he knew for sure…Sasuke didn't love him.