Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Give him to me,” Sasuke muttered after a few minutes.

He felt calmer than he did before. No— maybe calm wasn’t the right word for his condition. He felt better, more rational, and put-together. The dull pain, which surged all over his body, felt grounding now, whereas it had confused him before.

He felt a lot stupider, too. Idiotic, foolish, and careless for even thinking of allowing Kakashi to hold his son. He’d given away his child with his own hands, trusting that he’d be fine.

Menma was fine, though. He seemed to fare far better than the time that he was wailing in Sasuke’s arms. He was held against Kakashi’s chest, his wide, blue eyes fixated on the twin bells above his head. He’d giggle with delight every time his hands would touch them, the sound of them something new and fascinatingly soft in his ears.

Kakashi looked at him. “I will. But after you’ve healed enough to hold him.” He said, and then made a move to get up. “And you can only heal after you’re in the village. Come on, get_”

“Kakashi, give him to me.” Sasuke snapped, a sudden panic in his chest as he saw Kakashi moving. He surged, hands reaching out. He ignored the shooting pain all the way to his spine, in his bones, as he sat on his knees. His sword was lying beside him on the grass. “Don’t even think about it. I’ll kill you before you do.”

Menma was looking at him with curious, almost happy eyes. His hands were reaching out, too, asking to be held by his mother. He moved his arms and legs, smiling toothlessly.

Kakashi stilled. The look in his eyes was calm. “I wasn’t thinking anything, Sasuke.” He said. Sitting back again. “I see that you still don’t trust me.”

“I don’t trust anyone.” Sasuke said curtly.

Kakashi hummed. “Well, that’s a bummer.” Pointedly, He looked between Sasuke’s bruised, broken arm and his pale face. “I don’t think you’re well enough to hold him. We should get you to a doctor first.”

Sasuke growled low in his throat. “I don’t want a fucking doctor. Give me my child.”

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Menma was a smart child, and he was always sensitive and tuned to Sasuke’s scent— which had never been so upset and bitter before. Sasuke didn’t have many reasons for losing control of his scent and emotions ever since Menma was born. There was the crippling loneliness, and the longing that he felt. The bite mark on his neck that urged contact and physical closeness to the alpha that had claimed him was also something that he had to deal with, but he had gotten used to it. He had Menma, and he had his memories.

But now, spending the last few days without his nest or a safe place, always paranoid that he was being watched or followed, had him robbed of his perfect control. Menma was feeling it, too— his chin was quivering, and his blue eyes were welling up with tears.

With a defeated sigh, Kakashi did as he was told. He leaned towards him, and Sasuke —mindless of his injuries— took his child from him.

Menma clung to him instantly. His small fist closed around Sasuke’s collar, putting his face on his shoulder, leaning against him.

“Come on, Sasuke. It’s clear that you’re not well.” Kakashi said softly. “I know you’re— I know you don’t trust Konoha. But you need to stop being stubborn_”

“Stubborn?” Sasuke said sharply, glaring at him with sharp eyes. “This village has wiped out my entire clan, my family. Forgive me if I can’t trust you with my child.”

“But you do trust us enough to send a letter.”

Sasuke’s eyes clouded. His mind flooded with blood, with the pain and terror that he felt the night that he sent the letter. The way he could only think of sun-colored hair and a warm, earthy scent. The only person in the world that could make him feel safe— make him feel like his child was safe.

“That letter wasn’t for you.” He whispered, patting Menma’s back with an absent mind. “And I didn’t have any other choice. I had to come here.”

“I can see that, yeah.” It was what Kakashi decided to say.

Sasuke took a shaking breath. He looked into Kakashi’s eyes. “I have… blood on me. It’s not mine— and my scent is all wrong because of it, that’s why he’s so…” he quieted down, not knowing how to end his sentence.

Kakashi clicked his tongue. “You need to see a doctor.” He stood up, and hooked a hand under Sasuke’s elbow, pulling him to his feet. “Come on, I’m not letting you sit here any longer.”

Sasuke gritted his teeth together, trying his best to choke down a hiss of pain. He allowed Kakashi to unwrap the baby carrier from around his chest and take the small backpack he had put aside. He kept his sword with himself, though, sheathed at his hip.

Menma had a death grip on his collar. Sasuke pulled his hood over his head again, trying his best to hide the child under the cloak. Now that he was going to walk through the village, he didn’t want to be recognized.

Though the news of his return would spread across the country in no time.

His limping had gotten worse than before, but he managed to stay on his feet without Kakashi’s help. The older omega offered to take the child once, but Sasuke just ignored him.

Night had fallen over them.

“You still haven’t told me his name.” Kakashi said conversationally.

Sasuke could feel his dark, watchful eyes on himself, waiting for the slightest sign of weakness.

He grunted, still not talking.

“He likes me quite a lot, you know.” Kakashi continued talking, getting a little closer. Menma was peaking at him from under the cloak. “Don’t you, pup? I’m sure you want me to know your name.”

Sasuke frowned, pulling the cloak around the child. Menma protested by tugging at it.

He hesitated. They’d know eventually, no matter how much he wanted them to be in the dark about everything related to him and his child. He had to remember the situation that had forced him to come back.

“Menma.” He said quietly.

“Menma.” Kakashi tasted the name on his tongue. “It’s pretty… unique. Any particular reason for it?” he sounded a little amazed.

Sasuke guessed it was because his former student had turned up with a child in his arms.

“No.” He kept his voice carefully blank.

“Ah, I don’t mean to pry_”

“Of course you don’t,” he snapped, already knowing where the conversation would end up.

Kakashi, of course, ignored him. “But I’m dying to know who the father is.”

Then die already, Sasuke wanted to say. He bit his tongue. “I am the father.”

The older omega snorted, amused. “Sure, if you want to call yourself that. I, for one, am not in a position to judge.” He said with humor in his tone, which annoyed Sasuke to no end. “What I meant was, who is the other parent?”

Sasuke gritted his teeth. He was running on little to no sleep for almost four days, and he was hungry and caked with blood, had his arm broken, and was possibly concussed. Not to mention that his back and knees were killing him. He really wasn’t in the mood for this.

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.” He said with a clipped tone.

Kakashi put a hand to his chin. “Well, the thing is, his eyes_”

“What about his eyes?” Sasuke snapped, stopping in his tracks. He pressed Menma closer to his chest, away from Kakashi. “They’re just blue. What, haven’t you seen blue eyes before?”

Kakashi was staring at him with intense eyes. He was no longer a holder of the Sharingan, and all he had now was a scar where it used to be. Even when he did have it, Sasuke never really got to see it much, though the fact that someone who was not of Uchiha blood possessed something as precious as it always unnerved him.

Turned out Kakashi, Sharingan owner or not, still had the ability to make Sasuke feel like his sensei could see right through him.

“I have, actually. What I wanted to say was that his eyes are awfully familiar to me. You see, I basically raised a kid with those exact same eyes. Not to mention the fact that I was pretty much raised by that kid’s father, as well.”

Kakashi didn’t use names, but Sasuke could very well tell who he meant by that. The men who Menma had inherited his eyes from— Konoha’s beloved fourth Hokage, and the son he left behind.

When Kakashi realized he wasn’t going to say anything, he asked gently, “Do you know what I mean?”

He looked away. “No, I don’t.”

Kakashi hummed. “Sure you don’t. I just feel like there’s only one blue-eyed alpha you’d allow to father you a child. And he happens to live here, in Konoha.”

Menma was still tugging at his cloak, but he was calm and pleasant now, sucking quietly at his fist.

It was really cruel of Kakashi to say those words. It didn’t matter who the other parent was. It never mattered. Menma was Sasuke’s child, and nothing could change that.

“Keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself, old man. I don’t want to be a part of your crazy theories. My life is not one of your erotic novels for you to babble and scheme about.” He said coldly.

Kakashi didn’t say anything. He stared at Sasuke for a few seconds, quiet, intense, and with a purpose.

Sasuke frowned harder. “What?”

“There’s something you need to know.”

Cold sweat covered his skin. His arms were shaking with the effort it took to hold Menma, but he still didn’t want to give him to Kakashi. He swallowed, eyes moving back and forth between Kakashi’s, trying to guess what he was going to say. There was a bottomless pit in his stomach.

“What? What should I know?”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to tell you right now.”

“What—“ Sasuke moved his numb lips. “You said I need to know_”

“Well, you do, it’s just that, with your current condition_”

“I’m fine,” he growled. “Spit it out already!”

“Sasuke_”

“Is it… about Naruto?” he asked, his heart beating fast, all kinds of horrible things filling his mind. “Is he alright? Is he_”

“He’s married, Sasuke.” Kakashi said.

Sasuke felt himself stop breathing.

He stood there, allowing Kakashi’s words to wash over him, the world spinning in his head. Menma nuzzled into his neck, finally getting used to the way he was hidden under the cloak, and his vision was blocked. The feeling of the child’s soft, spiky hair reminded Sasuke that he should keep his scent and emotions in check, that Menma had gone through enough already, and he shouldn’t be stressed anymore, all because his mother was going through heartache.

Sasuke tried to take deep breaths, aware of how Kakashi was staring at him, waiting for him to react.

It didn’t matter. It couldn’t matter. Naruto had his own life now, just like Sasuke, and there was nothing they could do about it. Sasuke was going to leave again, anyway.

“Is he?” he said, trying to keep his voice emotionless, even though he felt like his heart was going to burst. He hiked Menma higher on his arm, biting the inside of his lip to stop himself from wincing at the pain in his body. “I guess congratulations are in order, then.”

Kakashi seemed like he wasn’t buying his act. He seemed like he was seeing straight through Sasuke, through his heart and brain, the thoughts that swirled in his mind, the way his whole body was throbbing with pain, how aware he was of the biting mark on the back of his neck. How much it’d hurt to have it removed.

“Hm, yeah.” Kakashi spoke, his hand at his hip. “He was quite sad that you weren’t there, you know. He spent the whole day looking around, waiting to see you.”

“Right. I’ll talk to him.” Sasuke said, clearing his throat, keeping his eyes locked into Kakashi’s, trying to stop them from shaking. “He’ll understand.”

Kakashi nodded. “He will. He’ll never hold a grudge against you, that’s for sure.”

He bit his lip. “What do you_”

Kakashi ignored him. “But there are some things that are unforgivable, you know that.”

“I don’t know what_”

“Aren’t you curious who his bride is?” The older tilted his head, talking easily. “You’re quite familiar with him.”

“No.” Sasuke answered shortly, done with the conversation. “Let’s move.”

He started walking again, this time with his old sensei falling into step behind him.

“Are you sure? It might shock you.”

“Kakashi,” he growled. Something felt bitter in his mouth. Maybe it was blood. “I couldn’t care less. Stop talking.”

“Ah,” Kakashi made a knowing sound. “You don’t care. Of course. Uchiha Sasuke never cares about anything, does he?” he clicked his tongue. His tone was getting just a little bit sharper. Like a kunai pressed against soft skin, just holding there, but just because it didn’t cut, it didn’t mean that it was not dangerous. “We both know that’s an old fucking lie, pup. You care so much that it destroyed you. You always have. That’s the problem with you Uchihas.”

As they got closer to the gates, Sasuke felt trapped more and more.

What gave Kakashi the right to talk to him about a family that wasn’t his? He might have had a single Sharingan in the past, but it didn’t give him the means to talk about the Uchiha like that. Kakashi knew nothing. He didn’t know what went on in Sasuke’s heart or on his mind. He didn’t know Sasuke’s family.

“Shut up,” he growled. He took bigger steps, as if he wanted to run away from the other omega. His skin felt frozen. Menma was getting fussy again. “You don’t get to talk like that— you don’t get to talk about them! You know nothing_”

“Calm down,” Kakashi said coolly. “You’re scaring him again.”

“I am calm. Stop fucking patronizing me!”

“I know it might be hard for you to believe, but I really do care about you, Sasuke. The fact that you left tells me you care, too, and there are some things that you need to_”

Sasuke turned on his heel sharply, glaring at him with venom in his eyes. “I left because I was going to have a child,” he snapped. “Not everything is about you, your village, or your precious fucking hero. I couldn’t give two shits about who he’s married to. It’s none of my business.”

Kakashi sighed, defeated.

Sasuke was still boiling with anger. And something that he didn’t want to name. The same thing that he felt the day he saw Naruto kissing an omega who wasn’t him. The same thing that he’s been feeling ever since that day.

“And I’m not here to ruin him and his wife playing house together, either.” He wasn’t. He was not going to destroy everything Naruto had built for himself in the past year. He wasn’t going to allow himself to fall back into old habits. “I’m not here to ruin Konoha’s idea of a happy fucking family. I wouldn’t be here if— if it wasn’t for_”

He’d be out of here as soon as it was deemed safe for his child.

“Alright, I got it.” The older omega said. His tone was a little softer. “I get it, really. Don’t strain yourself_”

“And I’m not delicate or anything! Don’t talk as if I’m going to_”

Kakashi sighed. His eyes looked sad for a brief moment. So sad that Sasuke’s words died in his throat.

He scowled, looking away. He kept patting Menma’s back, though his hand would benefit more if he’d stop moving it. He couldn’t help being nervous and jittery. He knew that he wasn’t really helping his case by snapping and biting, but he couldn’t stop himself. Kakashi was still the same blabbering, self-absorbed, annoying, useless piece of shit that Sasuke remembered. He knew nothing. Not when he was still Sasuke’s sensei, not when he was training him, not when he entrusted his precious Chidori to him, not when he was trying to stop him from leaving. He knew nothing about Sasuke when he decided that killing him was the only way to stop him. And now, talking about how deep the Uchiha felt or how he knew why Sasuke left or how he should act around his own child—

“I’m sorry, okay?” Kakashi said. He was standing closer to Sasuke now. “I’m sorry, I won’t say anything else, alright? Think of your kid, Sasuke. You need to think of him before you let your emotions take control of you.”

“My emotions—“ Sasuke said, a choked-up laugh escaping his throat. “What could you possibly know about my emotions?”

“You’re right, I don’t. You really want to believe that I don’t know anything about you, okay, I’ll humor you. But I can see you. I can see you spiraling, and I can see how dangerous it is for you and your pup. You have to heal. If you don’t, Menma is going to get sick, too.” Kakashi said softly. He put a hand on Sasuke’s shoulder, and Sasuke allowed it with little flinching.

“I—“ Sasuke swallowed. His body felt cold, and he didn’t know how much longer he could hold Menma safely in his arms. “I want to— before I see a doctor or something, I want to make sure the baby’s safe first.”

Kakashi nodded. “Yeah, we’ll do that.”

“You have to promise me you’ll keep him safe.” Sasuke said, trying his best not to beg. “I don’t care if you don’t like me, or if you don’t care about me— you have to keep Menma safe when I’m not around him.”

“Sasuke.” The sadness in Kakashi’s voice was so deep that it felt unbearable. “Of course I care about you. I always have.”

The younger omega looked away. They walked in silence after that, Kakashi still walking behind Sasuke, as if guarding his back.

Of course, I care about you. I always have.

As those words repeated in his mind, Sasuke felt more and more bitter. If Kakashi was telling the truth, if he really cared about him, then why had he never shown it? Why had he never allowed Sasuke to feel it, why had he never told him that before?

Would he still say the same thing had Sasuke shown up with someone else’s child, and not Naruto’s? Would Kakashi still feel protective or caring if Menma didn’t have his old sensei’s eyes, or his beloved student’s marks on his little face?

As they reached the gates of the village, Kakashi started walking ahead of Sasuke.

“Pull your hood down. Don’t talk to anyone.” He muttered to him, and Sasuke did as he was told.

When they stopped walking, the guards who seemed bored and sleepy before, stood at attention.

“L-lord sixth_” one of the guards stammered. Sasuke kept his head down. “Where have you_”

“My, I didn’t know that I had to report to you about my whereabouts.” Kakashi asked with a cold kindness in his voice.

“Ah, forgive his insolence, Kakashi-sama!” said the other guard, trying his best not to stare at the baby carrier held in the silver-haired man’s hand or the quiet figure that he was standing in front of protectively. “It’s just— you know we’ve been ordered by lord seventh himself that— that, you know, ever since that the security in the village was tightened— he said that_”

“I’m well aware of what he said. I was in the same room as him when he came to make that decision.” There was no kindness in his voice when he said that. “Rest assured that the one I’m going to answer to is lord seventh himself, not anyone else. Now, move aside.”

Menma, ever the curious child, managed to peek through where Sasuke was trying to hide him. At first, a tiny hand peeked through the cloak, and then black hair and shockingly blue eyes revealed themselves. Sasuke cursed, pulling the child back under, hiding him from sight again. But it was too late— those two strangers had already seen him.

One of them gasped. “Is— is that a baby?”

“Who is_”

Kakashi tsked. In an instant, he was standing in the guards’ space, threatening and looming over them. “You would keep quiet, wouldn’t you? I don’t even have to tell you that. I know you’re smart.”

Their eyes went back and forth between the tall omega and the mysterious figure standing still behind him. One of them, who was the braver one, stammered out, “w- well, can we at least know who is_”

“No, you can’t,” Kakashi said. “Anything else?”

“Sir, lord seventh has ordered_”

“Lord seventh has not ordered you to question me, has he? No? I didn’t think so. Now, step aside.” There was a low growl in his voice, something that was unnerving with how rarely it happened.

The guards cowered down easily after that. Kakashi turned his head a little, looking at Sasuke from the corner of his eyes and motioning him to walk ahead.

“They’re going to know eventually. That I’m back— that I have a kid.” Sasuke said quietly

“That’s for Naruto to deal with.” Kakashi said easily.

He nodded, staring at his feet as they moved forward. “What’s with the high security? Is something happening here?”

Kakashi sighed. “Something is always happening in Konoha. You’ll know eventually.”

They weren’t far from the gates yet. Kakashi made a signal with his hands, and within a few seconds, a figure dropped by their feet.

Sai stood straight with ease, his dark eyes empty and unsurprised as he took in Kakashi and Sasuke. He was the same as Sasuke remembered him— pale-skinned, dressed stupidly and not a trace of omega pheromones coming off his body.

“Senpai.” Sai noted Kakashi first. Then, he added, “Sasuke-kun, I’m glad to see you’re in well enough to stand on your own.” He seemed to realize something, because he tilted his head a little, his eyes still hollow but more intense now. “Though you reek of blood. Not yours, I assume?”

Sasuke glared, raising his head. “How did you know it was me?” he snapped, disdain dripping from his tongue. He never managed to quite like the omega who dared to think he could replace him in any way.

Sai smiled, and it was as fake as ever. “I noticed your scent, of course.”

“You’ve never felt my scent before. Don’t lie to me.” Sasuke said between gritted teeth.

“I don’t think that’s true.” Sai decided to say, not adding anything. His eyes flicked down to Sasuke’s body, stopping on the space where Menma was hidden for a brief second. “You’re not as healthy as I thought. That’s not good.” Then, he raised his hand, reaching out to Sasuke. “And you’re not as alone as I thought either_”

Sasuke grabbed the handle of his sword so tightly that he could feel his fingers turning bloodless. But before he could unsheathe it, Kakashi grabbed Sai’s outstretched hand as it was about to touch Sasuke.

“Sai,” he said warningly.

Sai stared at Sasuke for a few more seconds and then dropped his hand. He smiled, his eyes half-closed. It made Sasuke’s blood boil even more. “My bad. I should know better than try to touch a wounded mother’s child.”

Sasuke growled, taking a step forward, his sword half-drawn and ready to strike— but Kakashi stepped forward, blocking Sasuke’s view of the other omega with his taller form.

“Go to him. Keep him in his office— don’t tell him that he’s back, we can’t have a show in front of the whole village.” Kakashi ordered firmly, Sai’s wrist still gripped in his hand

“Yes, senpai. And if the Kazekage is there?” Sai said, his voice toneless.

Sasuke frowned, letting go of his sword.

“That’ll change nothing.” Kakashi said curtly.

Sai left without saying anything else. As soon as he was gone, Sasuke snapped, “I should’ve cut him.”

“With the child in your arms? I don’t think so.” Kakashi snapped back. He turned to look at Sasuke, an angry glint in his eyes.

Sasuke glared at him. “He dared to_”

“But he didn’t, did he?” the older omega sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You can’t cut someone as soon as you step into the village, Sasuke. Especially not an anbu. Come on. We have wasted enough time already.”

He hooked a hand under Sasuke’s elbow again, forcing him to walk. His touch was gentle and barely there, mindful of the younger omega’s injuries, careful not to startle the child, but Sasuke shrugged him off anyway.

“How did he recognize me?” Sasuke asked sharply.

Kakashi was walking by his side now. “Your letter.” Was his answer.

He huffed, his temper rising with every word that Kakashi spoke. “What, does everyone in this village know about that goddamn letter?” Sasuke said, bitter and angry. That was for Naruto only, and the fact that he’d told people about it

“You disappeared for eleven months. No one even knew if you were alive or not— and then a letter, which Naruto swore had your handwriting, arrives with blood on it. He lost his mind. We barely kept him within the walls.”

Sasuke pressed his lips together, something swelling in his chest. “So his solution was to tell everyone about it?”

“Only his trusted people.”

“He’s more than an idiot if he trusts that guy.”

Kakashi sighed. “You need to understand that it wasn’t just trust, Sasuke. He’s the Hokage now; he needs to inform his advisers and guards of his decisions. He has to.”

The younger omega stayed quiet, his head still held down. Menma, bored and frustrated, pulled at his cloak, babbling noises in protest and anger. Sasuke hushed him, patting his back gently.

“It’ll be over soon,” he said, talking to the child. “I promise, okay? You’ll be comfy soon.”

Menma calmed down after hearing his mother’s voice, putting his head against Sasuke’s collarbone.

The rest of the walk was quiet. Sasuke was aware of the strange looks thrown in their way— Konoha’s sixth Hokage walking side by side with a person hiding their face, limping, and smelling like an omega. The villagers knew better than to meddle. They kept their distance and whispered to themselves, though Sasuke knew well enough that if they were aware of his identity, they wouldn’t act like that.

After the war, when Sasuke was put through trial after trial, when every single deed of his that was not approved by the village, and its elders was brought into the light, it was Naruto who begged for him to be pardoned. Begged at first, then planted his feet firmly on the ground, and when even that wasn’t enough, he started threatening. Used his leverage as the hero, as the son of a beloved Hokage, as the Jinchuuriki, as someone who had enough power to level villages and not bat an eye. It worked, of course, and it didn’t make people despise him or wonder why he was so hellbent on saving a disgraced shinobi.

Sasuke was resented but Naruto wasn’t. Sasuke was an Uchiha, the only one left, and Naruto wasn’t. The village did not care about what would happen to him, but the villagers didn’t dare lose Naruto’s favor. What would happen to them if one of the strongest shinobi in the world were dead, and the other turned on them? Nothing good, of course, so they kept one on their side by keeping the other one alive.

The lights were coming on one by one, people getting off work or opening their shops for the first time during the day. They looked away after enough staring— after all, they’d experienced more dangerous things than a stranger walking into the village and, more than that, their sixth Hokage was escorting the said stranger. People had nothing to worry about.

Sasuke kept Menma hidden under his cloak the whole time, focusing on the child’s smallest movement in case he wanted to show himself to everyone in the village.

“You okay there?” Kakashi asked him quietly, his eyes fixed ahead.

Sasuke gritted his teeth. “Yes.”

He wasn’t, really. His wild heartbeat was enough to keep the pain at the back of his mind, but the anxiety that he felt was choking him. He tried to keep his breathing as calm as possible, though it was getting harder by the second.

How long had it been since he last saw Naruto? Two months into his pregnancy, he came back to the village— though he left before anyone saw him. The sight of Naruto, in another omega’s company, had him fleeing without even stopping to think. He hadn’t seen the omega’s face— the scent and the possessive hand on the small of their back were enough to tell him everything he needed to know. Naruto’s hair was long. He looked like he had grown taller as well, or maybe he just seemed taller because of the omega near him. He was smiling— he was happy, his eyes gleaming and sensual. The mark he had left on Sasuke’s nape was still tender.

It was then that he decided to never come back— to forget everything about that cursed village. Forget Naruto, even though he was going to have his child, even though he was going to keep his mark forever. But as always, fates didn’t allow Sasuke to have what he wanted, or live how he wished. Because months later, he was there— wounded, painted red with blood that didn’t belong to him, standing in front of the Hokage tower.

The same tower that had decided his clan’s fate— the same tower that Naruto had begged for his freedom.

Kakashi didn’t allow him to stand there. He urged Sasuke forward, walking a step behind him. They were let inside without any complications.

Inside the building, Sasuke felt like his lungs weren’t working properly. He swayed on his feet a little, and Kakashi tried to put a hand on his shoulder. Sasuke brushed him off.

“Don’t touch me.” He said, a little breathlessly.

“I think you’re at your limit. Wait here, I’ll go_”

“I’m fine, shut up.” Sasuke tried to snap at him, but his voice wasn’t as strong as he wanted it to be.

He kept walking to where he knew the Hokage’s office would be. Jonins and anbu were scattered here and there, some of them calling Kakashi in a friendly tone and the others just staring silently, trying to decide if they needed to gear up for potential threats or not.

Outside of the office with big, double doors, Sasuke stopped. He could hear Naruto’s voice, frustrated and snappy.

“The hell do you mean, stay put? I’ve already told Kakashi-sensei_”

There was another voice— quieter, cutting him off. Sasuke couldn’t make out the words.

“I don’t care who the fu— Sai, I don’t have time for your bullshit, get out of my—“

Behind him, Kakashi clicked his tongue softly. “Told you. Better open the door before he loses it completely.

He didn’t wait for Sasuke’s response. He just stepped ahead and pushed the doors open.

The voices cut off instantly, probably surprised by the sudden interruption.

“Sensei,” Naruto snapped, though at the same time, relief filled his voice. “What is— I already told you I’m not going to wait—“ for the first time, Naruto stopped talking on his own. His next words were hesitant. “Why are you— did you find something? What is it? Why do you smell like_”

Sasuke stepped into the room.

For a few seconds, there was quiet. Sasuke could hear his own heartbeat in his ears, the sound of blood rushing in his veins, Naruto’s scent sitting on his skin like a warm blanket. It was probably because of the mating mark that the alpha had left on his body, but Sasuke could feel it everywhere. Could almost see the color of it, something bright, something golden. He felt it on his tongue, on his eyelids. For the first time in days, or maybe months, Sasuke felt safe. Felt like he was allowed to let his guard down, to allow pain wash over his broken body, because he knew if his knees buckled, Naruto would catch him— knew that Naruto would keep Menma safe, that he’ll protect him when Sasuke couldn’t, that he’ll protect both of them now that Sasuke couldn’t.

“Sa—“ Naruto breathed, so soft and so gentle as if he was praying.

Sasuke raised his head, allowing his hood to fall over his shoulders, exposing his hair and face. The paleness of it, the small bruises littering all over his skin, his chapped lips, and barely open eyes.

The sight of Naruto almost made his body lose the little amount of strength it had left. His hair was shorter than the last time Sasuke had seen him, his body filled out even more, his blue eyes —as blue as Menma’s— wide with shock.

“Naruto.” Sasuke whispered. He could feel his eyes getting wet.

He was barely aware of other people in the room. To him, only Naruto existed. Only him and the weight in his arms.

He took a step forward, and Naruto did the same. He closed the distance between them quickly, his hands reaching out, hovering over his shoulders, almost cupping his face, but never touching. His eyes scanned Sasuke’s face over and over again, as if he was trying to drink him in.

“Sasuke,” Naruto called to him, his voice thicker than before, a shadow over his eyes. “Sasuke, you’re here— you’re finally here— where have you been?” he asked desperately. “Are you hurt anywhere? Are you— can I_” just as he was about to touch Sasuke’s shoulder, a soft noise stopped him.

A sneeze— so small and short that it could be mistaken for an exhale. Naruto’s eyes found Sasuke’s, unreadable and filled with disbelief. Then, there was another sneeze again.

Naruto’s arm dropped.

Sasuke pressed his lips together, stealing his eyes. Ever so slowly, he pushed his cloak away, looking down at the child.

Menma was blinking rapidly, sucking at his fist. He lifted his head from Sasuke’s chest, looking at the new surroundings with curious, shining blue eyes. His nose was a little runny— Sasuke used his sleeve to wipe away the drool shining on his chin.

He was so undeniably Sasuke’s baby that it was almost painful.

His black hair, his pale skin, his heart-shaped face, and thick eyelashes.

Sasuke felt it when Naruto’s breath caught in his throat.

He looked at him hesitantly, but Naruto was focused on Menma entirely. He wasn’t even blinking— his eyes were wide open, and Sasuke hated that he didn’t know what the alpha was thinking.

Did he realize? Does he care?

“Naruto, I_”

“You had a baby.” Naruto whispered, his lips barely moving. He looked into Sasuke’s eyes. His scent was getting bitter, though he didn’t seem to be aware of it.

“I_”

But Sasuke wasn’t able to finish his sentence. Someone cleared their throat, and Kakashi stepped forward.

“Naruto, do you need to sit?” he asked kindly, though Sasuke knew it wasn’t real. “I told you to wear scent patches if you can’t control your emotions.”

“No, I_”

“Sasuke needs medical attention. So does the baby. And I don’t think— Sasuke!”

Sasuke’s legs buckled under his weight.

He barely managed to hold Menma tightly, putting every last bit of his strength into his arms— but before his knees could hit the floor, strong arms caught him.

Naruto’s body radiated warmth as he sat down with Sasuke. The alpha’s chest was pressed against his shoulder, and Sasuke tried to breathe, blinking rapidly to stop the dark spots dancing in his vision. His ears were ringing, and he could feel Menma’s shock and fear against his own chest.

“Sasuke, Sasuke,” someone was saying. “You need to give him to me_”

“No,” he groaned, shaking his head and clutching the child almost painfully. “No_”

“He’s collapsing— get Sakura here right now_”

“I have to hold him— I have to keep him safe_” he muttered.

“We’ll protect him— I promised you_”

“No,” he snarled, curling into himself and around the baby. “You can’t_”

“Sasuke.” The soft whisper on his hair stopped him. He breathed as if it was what the voice had asked of him. “I’m here now. You’re safe, you can let go.”

It was Naruto talking to him. His voice was thick, and his scent even thicker. Sasuke felt his arms tightening around him.

“I won’t ever let anything happen to him.” Naruto said, rocking his body with Sasuke in his embrace. “Don’t you trust me?”

Sasuke felt a warm wetness on his cheek. “I do.” He whispered.

“So you can let go now. You need to rest, Sasuke. Close your eyes. I’ll protect him. I’ll keep both of you safe.” It sounded like a promise. A promise that an alpha would give their omega.

For the next few seconds that he was awake, Sasuke forgot that that wasn’t the case, forgot that his life wasn’t like that, that Naruto wasn’t his alpha, and Menma had no other parent but him.

___________________

Sasuke came to for a few times. It never took him more than one minute to fall under the darkness again, but every time that he was awake, his body urged him to move, to open his eyes, to look for the baby and make sure he was within reach. He could hear voices, see colors between his barely functioning eyes. Soft pink and sage green, the calming scent of an alpha that was familiar with him and to his body. It made him relax every time, though on the back of his mind, he knew that the color was wrong— that he should see gold and blue and black, that the scent was too light, not close enough, not his—

__________________

“It’s okay, it’s okay— I’m here.”

___________________

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the colors that he wanted to see all along.

The second was that he was lying on his back, in a soft bed. Heavy, scented blankets covered his body— which was no longer pained, but just sore all over.

It took him a few moments to remember everything— the attack on his temporary home, coming back to Konoha, Kakashi, and Naruto. Remember that everyone knew about Menma—

At the thought of Menma, his body lurched, trying to get up from his comfortable spot. Panic surged through him— he could feel that the child was not in the room, that he was taken away somewhere that he didn’t know about—

“Easy there.” A voice, raspy and quiet, spoke to him. A hand pressed to his shoulder, stopping him from moving.

Sasuke recognized Naruto’s touch.

Naruto smiled at him. Sasuke couldn’t see very well in the dim light of the room, and his vision was blurry, but he could sense Naruto’s tired eyes, the dark circles under them. He had a day-old stubble on his face, blond and rough.

“Hey.” Naruto smiled tiredly.

Sasuke swallowed. “Where_” his throat was dry, his voice barely getting out.

“We’re in my home. No need to worry.”

Sasuke shook his head. “The baby_”

Naruto’s expression grew softer, though the look in his eyes was heavy and dark.

“He’s safe, Sasuke. The last time I was with him, he was sleeping. Kakashi-sensei and Sakura-chan are with him.”

Sasuke exhaled softly. Naruto left to get him some water, and he helped him drink by holding him up.

When he sat back down, Sasuke stared at him wordlessly. Naruto wasn’t wearing his white cape anymore, but he was still wearing the same clothes— a black, zipped jacket and hideous, orange pants. His expression was drawn, as if he hadn’t slept very well.

“You look awful.” Sasuke said quietly.

Naruto smiled, something small and barely there. “Look who’s talking.”

Sasuke couldn’t help himself. Naruto was leaning close to him, close enough to let his scent wash over him. Sasuke reached out, touching Naruto’s face with the back of his hand. Naruto leaned even closer, nuzzling his hand.

His stubble was rough against Sasuke’s soft skin.

“You’ve grown.” Sasuke whispered between them.

“Sasuke,” Naruto’s blue eyes, usually sky-bright, were dark now. He grabbed Sasuke’s hand, keeping it against his face. His fingers curled tightly around Sasuke’s. “Why didn’t you come back?” he asked.

“I wanted to.” Sasuke couldn’t look away from him.

Naruto’s chin trembled. “Then why didn’t you?”

“I couldn’t.” It was the truth.

“Why?”

“Because…” Sasuke frowned, his voice trailing off. Why couldn’t he come back? He knew that there was a reason, that something stopped him.

“What? Who did this to you?” Naruto urged him to answer.

Naruto’s grip on his hand became tighter, crushing Sasuke’s fingers together. He reached out with his other hand, dragging his bandaged knuckles on the soft skin of Sasuke’s pale cheek.

But Sasuke wasn’t looking at him anymore, words stuck in his throat.

When Naruto moved his hand, something glistened.

Small. Silver. Simple. A ring on his hand.

Then, it all came crashing down on him in an instant.

Sasuke flinched violently, yanking his hand back as he sat up. He moved back, pressing his back on the wall behind him, his heart beating quickly, his lips pressed together and almost blue.

Naruto’s eyes were wide and confused. “Wha—“

But Sasuke wasn’t listening to him. He was staring at the silver wedding band that sat snugly on Naruto’s finger.

“Sasuke, are you in pain? Do you want me_”

“No,” Sasuke shook his head. His voice was weak and shaking. “No. I just--”

He felt as if the omega in his body was screaming— writhing and clawing at something. Most likely Sasuke’s heart.

“I—“

He didn’t even know how to put it into words. He squeezed his eyes shut, grabbing the blanket between his fingers.

“Naruto, I—“

How could he say it? How could Naruto forget?

“I want to see Menma.” He finished his sentence instead, looking at the soft bedding.

“Menma.” Naruto said, tasting it. There was something in his voice that Sasuke didn’t want to think about. “So his name is Menma. Kakashi-sensei refused to tell us, even though I was sure he knew.”

Sasuke swallowed, barely nodding. “Yeah.”

Naruto was quiet.

“It’s a pretty name, y’know.” The alpha said after a while. “I like it.”

Sasuke didn’t say anything. Naruto’s hand reached out again, trying to touch him ever so softly, but Sasuke drew his body away from him even more.

“Sasuke, is there anything_”

The sound of knocking on the door interrupted him. Naruto pulled his hand back.

A shock of bright, red hair entered the room— the scent of roses and the warmth of sand under the sun after him.

Gaara’s green eyes scanned the space between Sasuke and the only alpha in the room. He looked at Sasuke passively, nothing on his expression betraying his emotions. He smiled, tight-lipped, barely creasing his eyes as he crossed his arms on his chest. The matching set of a wedding band shone weakly on his small, unmarred hand.