Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Cravings	By : katsuyo Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 7589 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the characters. I don't make a red cent off this.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Author’s Note:
My sincere apologies for not posting sooner than this. Making a living has been taking priority.
This is a M-preg story. Please do not read if a man getting pregnant disturbs you.
The typical gestation period of a red fox is approximately 52 days. Since Naruto is not a red fox but is rather the jinchuuriki of a demon fox, I have taken liberties with this and his gestation will be roughly seven months.
The amount of children Naruto bears, however, will be typical of the litter size born by female red foxes (anywhere between 2 – 5 kittens per litter).
A question was raised as whether foxes do indeed mate for life. In the wild the female fox will actively seek out the same male but the website I consulted mentioned that fox relationships are similar to human ones…
In a nutshell, it depends on the situation.
http://www.ozfoxes.com/aafoxes.htm
Any sentence in Italics denotes the thoughts of an individual.
Any sentence in italics and quotation marks denotes conversation between Kyuubi and Naruto.

Double quotation marks - Naruto is speaking.
Single quotation marks - Kyuubi is speaking.
Children’s names:
Shiori - To weave a poem
Hiroshi - abundant, widespread
Takeshi – fierce, warrior
Masahiro – Righteous
Yuusuke – Superior, gentle

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the characters. I do, however, own the original characters in the story. I write this for your entertainment. Enjoy.

You're leaving these scars scattered round my heart
A road map of all the places you have been
but I can't escape, can't wash this away
when love has burned your mark so deep within
Can’t Sleep – Above and Beyond

Chapter 5
Two Days later...
'Kit, wake up. The Uchiha is here to see you.'
“Kyuu. I.don't.care.”
'Kit. The man is risking his life to come and see you and the kits. The least you can do is hear him out.'
Naruto’s lids flicked open as he heard the window of his second floor room slide open before he rolled over and grumbled sleepily, “Go away. I don’t want to see you…..bastard.”
“Now, now…that isn’t very nice, Kitsune…especially after all the effort I took to come see you and the babies.” Countered the visitor with a hint of a smirk in his tone.
Naruto’s eyes widened in alarm at the man’s comment.
“Kuso! Don’t tell me you killed the patrol…heartless piece of …” hissed out the blonde in quiet outrage as he struggled to push himself to a seated position.
Naruto felt the hand on his arm before he was gathered close.
“Hush. I didn’t kill them. You shouldn't be moving so much.” admonished the man, gently kissing Naruto's temple.
“You shouldn’t be here, Itachi.” Groused Naruto, feeling the tears prick at the corners of his eyes.
“I told you that I would be returning to see you. I have every right to be here, Kitsune. I’m their father.” Returned the raven haired missing nin evenly.
“I didn’t ask for you to take responsibility.” Countered Naruto, bristling with anger.
“I know but I am going to take responsibility none the less.” Replied Itachi in a somber tone as his hand reached up and caressed Naruto’s back.
“Itachi….it’s not necessary.” Breathed the smaller man, feeling his resolve crack at Itachi’s unexpected show of affection.
“It is to me. Have you named them yet?” asked the raven haired man, feeling his heart lurch as Naruto leaned in and wrapped his arms around his waist.
“No…not yet. I was planning to in the next day or so after I had time to recover from the delivery. Iruka-sensei was helping me with suitable names.” Mumbled Naruto, feeling a little defensive.
“I’m not criticizing you, Kitsune.” Countered Itachi with a reluctant smile and leaned down to kiss Naruto’s shoulder before he slipped off the bed and walked over to the two bassinets against one wall.
Itachi’s eyes flashed from black to scarlet as he noticed the cards on each bassinet.
“They’re twins. I didn't notice that last night.” Murmured the missing nin, his throat feeling tight and constricted, sliding his hand in his coat and pulling out a small black bag.
“Yes…Kyuu said they’re identical.” Returned Naruto, licking his lips nervously, watching Itachi's back as he bent over the bassinets to look at their newborn sons.
Itachi took in the babies’ fine features, each boy a mirror image of the other before reaching out to ghost a finger over their cheeks.
“They are going to cause trouble at the academy when they’re older.”
Naruto chuckled softly at the man’s quietly spoken statement, not at all offended.
“Yes, I know…I feel almost sorry for Ebisu and Iruka-sensei.”
Itachi nodded, one corner of his lips tilted up in a semblance of a smile watching his sons sleeping peacefully before he looked over at the man sitting up in the hospital bed.
“Masahiro for the oldest and Yuusuke for the younger.” Murmured Itachi finally, slipping the small bag into the inside of Masahiro's bassinet before he stepped back and walked over to the window.
“Wait. You’re leaving now!?” exclaimed Naruto as Itachi lifted one leg and climbed out onto the ledge.
“Yes. The patrol will be waking up shortly but don’t worry, Kitsune…I plan on returning for another visit soon.” Replied the missing nin with a smirk before he disappeared.
“Troublesome bastard.” Grumbled the blonde under his breath as he continued to stare at the open window with a goofy smile on his face.

----------------9---------------------------9----------------------

Two Hours later...
“I understand you had a visitor.”
Naruto glanced up from the babies in his arms to give the scarred man a bright smile, delighted to see him.
“Yes, what gave it away?” countered Naruto with a knowing chuckle.
“He left a scroll behind with the captain of the patrol.” Drawled Ibiki as he leaned against the door jam to admire his two new grandsons.
“I shouldn’t be surprised. He did warn me that he would be coming back.” Replied Naruto distractedly as his eyes drifted over to the bassinets lined up against one wall of the room.
“I wasn't expecting him back so soon.” remarked Ibiki as he noted Naruto's gaze and walked over to the two bassinets.
“I wasn't either.”
“Did he say what he wanted?” asked Ibiki, glancing over at the blonde and watched him lick his lips, not bothering to hide his agitation.
“He came to see his sons and tell me that he was going to take responsibility.” murmured Naruto with a blush.
Ibiki felt the smile tug at the corner of his lips and reached into one of the bassinets, pulling out a small black bag.
“That would explain this then.” murmured Ibiki, raising the bag up for Naruto to see.
“Kyuu said that he left something for me...but I wasn't comfortable in asking the nurse to do more than bring the boys to me.” admitted Naruto dropping his eyes to look at the sleeping faces of his sons.
“I will take them while you look at the Uchiha's gift.” returned Ibiki, reaching to take one of his grandsons in hand.
“What names did he give them?” asked Ibiki as he secured one child in the crook of his arm, handed over the black bag before reaching for the second boy.
“Masahiro for the oldest and Yuusuke for the younger.” replied Naruto with a soft smile as he carefully opened the bag and tilted upside down.
“ He left me a necklace.” gasped Naruto, the necklace trailing over his outstretched fingers, admiring the intricate design.
“No, Naruto. Not just a necklace. His clan necklace.” replied Ibiki with a smirk.
“Kyuu...I don't like this. Ibiki is pretty happy about this.”
'Teh, I'm not surprised, kit. The Uchiha has publicly claimed you as his. You're as good as married now that he has given you his clan necklace.'
“What!? Kyuu, I didn't ask for him to marry me. I just wanted his babies...not..not a commitment.” hissed Naruto under his breath, ignoring Ibiki's rough bark of laughter.
Naruto heard Kyuu roar with laughter at his expense.
'Too bad, kit. That's the down side of a strong mate. You won't get everything your way.'
“Well, too damn bad. I will just have to give him back his necklace when I see him. I'm not allowing him to push me into a commitment.” muttered Naruto in irritation.
'It doesn't work that way with the Uchiha, kit.'
“It doesn't work that way with the Uchiha.” replied Ibiki with a half smile, his eyes on the little boys in his arms.
Naruto's eyes widened at the identical responses.
“Okay, Kyuu said the same thing. Care to explain, Ibiki-san?” asked the younger man feeling more than a little miffed now.
“Uchiha keep what they own. Once they decide they want you, that's it. You have a better chance of getting rid of the Kyuubi than shaking off Itachi Uchiha.” countered Ibiki bluntly.
Naruto swallowed.
“Kyuu...is that true? I didn't want him to own me...I just wanted...a family of my own.”
'Yeah, kit...it's true. I don't see a problem though. You love him.'
“Yeah, I love him, Kyuu...but this is...wrong. He doesn't love me back...I can't allow him to do this...it's just another form of trap.”
Ibiki felt the panic and a spike of chakra emanate from the bed and looked up in time to see the look of sorrow and the start of tears on Naruto's face before the blonde turned his head.
“Kyuubi-san. What's going on?” asked Ibiki, his eyes on Naruto as he gently put the sleeping babies back in their bassinets.
Ibiki's hand dropped onto his kunai pouch as he watched Naruto's eyes flash amber as he waited for the bijuu to talk to him.
“He's upset that the Uchiha does not love him back and he is doing this out of a sense of duty. He feels that he has trapped Itachi into making this decision. This is not what he wanted.” replied a low gruff voice from Naruto's lips.
Ibiki nodded in understanding.
“Naruto. You didn't force Itachi Uchiha into this. He had made his decision the moment he decided to sleep with you. He just decided to make it clear to you that you would not be getting rid of him so easily.” replied Ibiki with a wry smile.
“Kyuu...I'm confused. I'm missing something here, aren't I?”
'Kit, Uchiha don't sleep around. They just sleep with the ones they feel are worthy of their love and protection.'
“Kuso...then his initial reaction to the twins?”
'To be expected, given the nature of the clan, kit. They don't cheat on their partner, so they expect the same level of commitment in return.'
“Bloody Uchiha. Why can't he just tell me that he loves me like a normal person?” grouched Naruto under his breath.
Ibiki grinned at Naruto's comment, relieved that the younger man was feeling better about this.
“So does that mean you will keep and wear the necklace?” asked Ibiki, his dark eyes dropping to the black pouch on the bed.
Naruto's gaze followed Ibiki's own before resting on the little bag still clutched tightly in his hand.
“Yes...yes, I will wear the damn necklace. I'm going to need help putting it on though.” replied Naruto with a smile, reaching out with the necklace in hand.
Ibiki grinned and took the necklace, shaking it free of the bag before unclasping it and securing it around Naruto's tanned neck.
“How do I look?” asked Naruto, feeling his throat clogging with unshed tears.
“Naruto...you look very handsome...like a Uchiha bride.” returned Ibiki with a grin.
----------5-----------7--------------
Shikamaru resisted the urge to stiffen in shock when he saw a familiar figure walking purposely towards him with a heavily pregnant woman on his arm as he entered the lobby of the hospital.
“Nara…a moment.” Murmured the man, much to the shadow wielder’s chagrin and private outrage.
“Make it quick, Hyuuga. I’m on my way to see Naruto and the twins.” Returned Shikamaru tightly as Neji paused in front of him, unsurprised to see Neji’s wife swiftly avert her gaze to the floor.
Typical.
“I heard Itachi Uchiha paid Uzumaki a visit. Does that mean he’s in custody now?” countered Neji smoothly, unperturbed by the frown on Shikamaru’s face.
“I remember a time when you used to call Naruto your friend. Itachi-san is too clever to be caught so easily.” Murmured Shikamaru lazily, privately amused as the woman began to shuffle nervously.
She should be nervous…
“One moment, Amaya.” Muttered Neji irritably.
“It’s obvious that your wife doesn’t wish to be in my tainted company longer than is politely necessary, Hyuuga. I suggest you get to the point and allow me to go to someone who genuinely wishes to spend time with me despite my polluted condition.” Countered Shikamaru bluntly, pleased to see his ex-lover’s body go rigid as his jab hit its mark.
“Itachi Uchiha’s abrupt appearance in the village has caused apprehension amongst the clans. They feel that he should be discouraged from forming a relationship with Uzumaki and his children.” Replied Neji in a tone that rivaled the coldness of the winter winds in Siberia.
What a pompous ass! The man he once loved was now a willing clan lackey!
Fury swept over Shikamaru.
“Your or the other clans’ opinions are not important in this matter. I suggest you stick to things that do concern you rather than meddling in Naruto’s personal life.” Murmured Shikamaru in a tight voice, suppressing the urge to wrap his old lover and his clan approved bride in a kagemane.
“Nara is right, Hyuuga. You may be a genius but you need to know when to butt out.” Countered a new voice.
Both men turned in time to see a shinobi lounging negligently against one wall, the senbon idly dangling out of one corner of his lips.
Shikamaru was not fooled by the man’s relaxed posture.
If anything, that made the newcomer even more dangerous.
“Shiranui.” Greeted Shikamaru with a slight incline of his head, his cheekbones flushing involuntarily.
“Nara. Don’t tell me that sudden hint of color in your cheeks is for me?” returned Genma with a wide grin.
“Troublesome…I assume that you are here for a reason?” countered the shadow wielder morosely, the blush deepening – this time from embarrassment.
“Yeah, boss man wants to know what’s keeping you. I suggest you head over to Naruto-san’s room pronto.” Murmured the shinobi, flicking the senbon over to the other side with his tongue.
“One moment…we’re not finished our conversation.”
Genma’s eyebrow shot up at the cold rebuke before he replied with a sly grin, “From where I stand, it was dead before it had even begun, Hyuuga…now get your lazy ass moving, Nara.”
“You heard him, Hyuuga. I’m needed elsewhere.” Countered Shikamaru with a smirk before turning on his heel and walking over to the entrance where the Jounin waited patiently.
“Come, Amaya…we need to be on our way.” Murmured Neji to his wife as the two shinobi turned the corner and disappeared from his sight.

-------8----------------0------------------

“It’s not like you to be so upset, Nara.”
Shikamaru’s eyes drifted over to the man walking beside him.
“Shove it, Shiranui. My present mood is none of your concern.” Murmured Shikamaru briskly.
“I still don’t understand why you are allowing their behavior to get to you. Not everyone feels the way the obedient Hyuuga clan wife does. I’m personally not adverse to the notion of spending more time in your ‘tainted company’.” Continued the older shinobi, privately amused to see a light dusting of pink return to the shadow wielder’s cheeks once more.
“What a drag…you were standing there the whole time!?” grumbled Shikamaru, suddenly feeling unaccountably embarrassed.
“You’re cute when you get worked up, Nara.” Teased Genma with a lopsided smile, waggling the senbon hanging from his lips suggestively.
“I’m not interested in flirting with you, Shiranui.” Countered Shikamaru, tossing the man a forbidding frown.
“That’s a real shame, Nara because I am very interested in you. I wouldn’t betray you and marry a clan puppet if that’s what you’re worried about.” Returned the Jounin with a rakish smile.
Shikamaru stopped abruptly at the man’s last sentence.
“My first priority is with Naruto and the children. I have no time for a relationship.” Muttered Shikamaru after a few minutes, feeling much to his annoyance, the tips of his ears getting warm.
“I wouldn’t ask you to give that duty up, Shikamaru. It’s one of the things I find admirable about you. I would rather offer my strength and help you protect your most precious people.” Returned Genma quietly.
“What if I had to marry Naruto in order to keep them safe?…would you still feel the same?” countered the shadow wielder softly, watching the other man’s face for any signs of disgust.
“I would still offer to stay by your side. I’m an optimist and I always get what I want in the end.” Murmured Genma with a genuine smile.
“You’re a weird guy, Shiranui. You still insist on flirting with me despite the fact that I am not interested in you.” Grumbled Shikamaru morosely, feeling his face heat up much to his annoyance.
“Yeah, so I’ve been told but that’s part of my charm. You keep telling me that you’re not interested but you always go red as a tomato whenever I show up. If you ask me, your reaction is more than enough to keep me hoping.” Countered Genma with a knowing smirk.
“I’m a lost cause, Shiranui. I suggest you pursue someone else instead.” Returned Shikamaru in a surly tone.
“No can do, Shikamaru. I’m many things but fickle isn’t one of them. You’re stuck with me checking out your ass on the sly.” Murmured Genma, watching in amusement as the blush on the younger man’s face got deeper and the tips of his ears went red.
“Has anyone told you that you’re more perverted than that ecchi sannin?” groused Shikamaru, feeling disgusted with himself as he felt his ears burning.
“I’m flattered that you hold me in the highest regard but I meant what I said, Nara. I want you and I’m not planning to give up hope that you will one day return my affection. When you finally realize that you do want me too…you know where to find me.” Countered Genma with a sly wink and a waggle of his senbon before he stopped in front of a hospital room and opened the door.
“No chance in hell, Shiranui.” Muttered Shikamaru under his breath as he passed the man.
“Stranger things have been known to happen.” Returned Gemna quietly as he followed the younger man into the room.

---------8---------7----------------

“Problems?” asked Shikamaru as he entered the room to find two ANBU operatives carefully laying out trap line around the windows under Ibiki Morino’s watchful supervision.
“Itachi dropped in for a surprise visit. Ibiki doesn't like surprises.” Replied Naruto with a bright smile.
“Ahh…that explains why he sent the pervert to get me.” Countered Shikamaru with a side glance over to the man whistling brightly behind him.
“He flatters me.” returned Genma smoothly as he walked over to the bed and greeted Naruto warmly.
“He shot you down again, Genma?” asked the blonde man with a wide smile.
“Yeah, I got rejected again but I keep telling him that I am persistent in my pursuit.” returned the jounin with a smirk.
“I have never heard stalking being referred to as 'being persistent'. Only you would turn a felony into a legitimate pastime, Shiranui.” bit out Shikamaru with a glare.
The observers in the room held back their smiles as they watched the shadow wielder blush a brick red in his agitation.
Ibiki had not been shocked when he had first noticed his operative's keen interest in the younger jounin.
He privately thought that Shiranui was a much better match for Nara.
“Nara. You should know by now that no restraining order can contain my love.” countered the older jounin with a knowing smile and a little flick of his senbon.
Ibiki's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as Shikamaru's blush traveled down his neck and disappeared under the collar of his uniform when Genma mentioned the word love.
Now...that was interesting.
The Nara Clan were trained to be in control of their emotions as well as their shadows and yet, Shiranui was able to garner that kind of reaction from the man...it was highly enlightening.
A small corner of Ibiki's lips tilted up as he folded his arms across his chest and observed the two in silence.
“Admit it, Nara...you enjoy my attention.” countered Genma with a flick of his Senbon.
“About as much as I would enjoy having 'the clap'.” retorted Shikamaru with a tiny smirk, his face still a little pink.
“I'm being compared to a sexually transmitted disease? Ouch, Nara...that's cold.” tutted Genma mournfully with a slow shake of his head.
Ibiki watched the pair, vastly amused as always by their interaction. Nara's mouth was as quick as his shadows.
“Sir, the windows are secure.”
Ibiki glanced up, his arms still crossed and stared at the cell standing next to the glowing strips of wire surrounding the perimeter of the windows and on the wall.
“One moment. I'm not convinced.” murmured a voice archly from the entrance.
Ibiki turned to find his partner standing there looking flustered with three small children looking delighted.
“Problems?” asked Ibiki, raising an eyebrow as he took in the miffed look on Iruka's face.
“Yes, we had a visitor at the house this morning. I just finished reinforcing the traps at the house.” replied Iruka, looking decidedly put out.
“They look happy.” murmured Ibiki with a meaningful nod to the carriage.
“Thrilled. That...their father spent time with them in the nursery.” replied Iruka morosely, bending down to unclip the buckle and lifted Shiori out.
“I'll take Taki. You know how he gets when I am in the room.”
Iruka walked over and dropped a gurgling Shiori into Ibiki's now outstretched hands.
Genma watched amused as Iruka merely nodded and stalked back over to the pram, unclipping another buckle and plucking Takeshi out.
“Hello, Takeshi. Are you being a good boy for Obaa Ruka?” crooned Shikamaru softly to the little boy as he gathered him close and gave him a soft kiss on his temple.
Genma's heart stuttered at the look of affection on Nara's face for the child in his arms and resisted the urge to reach out and pull Shikamaru and Takeshi close.
“Be my guest. I am sure if anyone could make it better, it would be you, koi. Hello, princess.” returned Ibiki with an upturn of his scarred lips as Shiori grabbed his finger with a wide smile.
Genma switched his senbon to the other side of his mouth with a grin as Iruka quickly handed Hiroshi over to his mother and stalked over to the glowing tape, staring at it for long moments.
“There are gaps. Here, here and here. Reinforce it. Why is there no trap tape directly under the window? Fix it. I don't want that b- Uchiha getting in here unannounced again.” snapped Iruka, turning on his heel and walking over to the bassinets, his gaze momentarily softening at the sight of the babies in the bassinet next to the bed.
“Thank you, beloved. You heard him. Fix it.” barked out Ibiki, his eyes firmly on Shiori smiling back at him.
“They're gorgeous. Have you decided on names for these little angels yet?” asked Iruka softly, his finger reaching out to drift lightly down the cheek of the older twin.
“Itachi named the boys when he was here this morning. You're touching Masahiro and his brother is Yuusuke.” replied Naruto with a soft smile as he rocked Hiroshi gently.
“Hmmph. I guess it's acceptable.” murmured Iruka grudgingly, much to Ibiki and Genma's private amusement.
“I am sure that the names you and Ibiki-san picked out for the boys will be perfect as a middle name.” replied Naruto diplomatically.
“Naruto, my parents said that they will come over in the evening to see you.” murmured Shikamaru, smiling at the little boy in his arms.
Ibiki watched the ANBU cell finish up the last of the reinforcements to the trap surrounding the window before finally dismissing them with a nod.
“Shiranui, secure the entrance. Ensure we are not disturbed.” commanded Ibiki, shifting Shiori into the crook of his arm.
Shikamaru watched the older man make the hands seals before he heard the barrier slide seamlessly into place, effectively locking them in the room.
“Well?” murmured Shikamaru, returning his gaze back to a smiling Takeshi in his arms as he heard Naruto handing Hiroshi to Iruka.
Ibiki smiled, cold and chilling.
“There have been reports of Sasuke Uchiha in the area. We received intelligence this morning that he is on the border.” replied Ibiki, his dark eyes drifting from Naruto, Iruka, Genma and finally resting on Shikamaru's bent head.
“What has changed? There have been reports of Sasuke Uchiha being in the area for a while.” countered Shikamaru with a sigh as he rocked Takeshi in his arms.
“We got casualties this morning. He left us a gift. Two ANBU were discovered on the border. They had been mentally tortured and had their tongues removed. We suspect that he is going to make an attempt to take Naruto and extract his Bijuu.” replied Ibiki.
Shikamaru tsked in annoyance as he quickly calculated a plan.
“You will need to lay some additional trap line on the outside of the window and on the perimeter of the room. What you have won't give you sufficient warning if Sasuke Uchiha tries to get at Naruto here. It would also be best to take the older children to my parents when I inform my father of what is happening. They will be safer on Nara property. The babies will be safe with Sakura and the Hokage.” rapped out Shikamaru quickly as his quick gaze scanned the room.
Ibiki nodded in agreement.
The plan was sound.
“What do you wish me to do?”
Shikamaru turned and stared at the man who asked the question.
“We need to get the children evacuated. That's the big priority. Ibiki and Iruka-san will stay with Naruto and the babies while we take Takeshi, Hiroshi and Shiori to the Nara compound. Sasuke is going to be unpredictable when he sees that clan necklace around Naruto's neck and quickly figures out who gave it to him.” replied Shikamaru quietly.
Genma's dark eyes widened in surprise as he turned and saw the necklace around Naruto's neck before quickly returning his gaze back to Shikamaru's bowed head.
“You're not surprised.” muttered Genma in shocked realization.
A genuine smile crossed Shikamaru's features at the statement.
“No. I knew Itachi Uchiha was offended by my presence in Naruto's home and I had a strong feeling that he would stake his claim once he ascertained the parentage of the babies. He's not going to allow another man to take what is his. I was counting on his possessiveness to kick in.” replied Shikamaru with a small smirk.
Genma shook his head in amazement as he felt the smile come to his lips.
“Does that mean you don't wish to marry me now, Shika?” asked Naruto with a knowing smile.
“The offer still stands but I will step aside in this instance and let Itachi have his way. I don't see you complaining about this, Naruto.” replied Shikamaru, smiling at the little boy now bouncing in delight in his arms.
“Sh'aroo! Rrrarrr! Rrrarrr!” crowed Takeshi.
Ibiki chuckled at the little boy's antics.
“Here. Let me take him while you make the shadows.” murmured a voice gruffly beside Shikamaru.
Shikamaru looked up in surprise to find Genma standing there with his hands outstretched and waiting.
“You're quick. I shouldn't be surprised by this.” muttered Shikamaru, his face turning a dull brick red as he handed Takeshi over.
“No. Not really.” replied Genma with a half smile as the shadow dragon appeared and began to slither over to him.
“Hold on, Takeshi.” warned Iruka, looking worried as the dragon rose into the air.
“I'm surprised you don't have one of your own. You're very good with him.” murmured Genma in an undertone.
The blush deepened on Shikamaru's face before he replied, just as quietly, “I am content being a doting uncle. I have no plans to marry a woman for a family.”
“I understand.” replied Genma watching the man's profile in silent admiration.
“I think you spoil him too much.” admonished Iruka, under his breath, shifting Hiroshi over to his other arm.
Shikamaru smirked, his eyes still on the shadow dragon writhing around the room.
“Now that's the pot calling the kettle black, Iruka-sensei. We both know you give the children an extra dango during snack time. I've seen how you spoil Hiroshi when you think no one is watching.” replied Shikamaru calmly.
“He's got you there, beloved. It's okay – I know I am guilty of spoiling princess here. They don't seem to mind the extra attention.” agreed Ibiki, smiling as Shiori continued to smile up at him.
“They're Uchiha. I notice they accept the extra attention as their due.” returned Shikamaru with a half smile at the little boy continued to ride the shadow dragon above his head with a delighted smile on his face.

------------6---------------------9-------------

Genma watched the man pushing the stroller beside him in silence.
He was an intriguing collection of contradictions.
Genma smiled, his eyes drifting slowly over Shikamara's lanky frame.
The man's lazy demeanor was extremely deceptive. He was like an onion – the exterior hid all the layers of the man's personality.
Months of working with the younger jounin in the war room in close quarters for long hours gave Genma time to come to conclusions of his own.
The younger man was old fashioned. He had seen the way Shikamaru glanced at the pictures of Ino and Chouji on their wedding day and the pictures of Naruto grinning with the children on his lap on his desk and give a lop sided smile from time to time when he felt no one was watching.
Shikamaru would never admit it but he believed in commitment and love.
His parents, he loved but the people in the frames on his work desk – he would give his life for.
Genma had no doubt of this.
Shikamaru was quick witted, smart and compassionate, cleverly disguised in a lazy, dispassionate exterior and somewhere over time, working closely with him - Genma had fallen deeply in love with the man.
Genma had hoped that his feelings were returned, especially when he noticed that Shikamaru would blush whenever he looked his way.
That reaction alone, as he admitted to Shikamaru hours earlier, gave him hope that he had a chance with the shadow wielder.
Shikamaru, however, was stubborn and scared of getting hurt again.
Genma loved the man's stubbornness and he understood his reluctance to get into another relationship with someone other than Naruto.
Naruto would never hurt him or betray him.
Naruto was safe.
No, Shikamaru would gag himself with his own shadows rather than admit that he was attracted to Genma.
Genma felt the smile come to his lips at that thought.
“What are you smiling about, baka?”
Genma turned his head to find Shikamaru scowling back at him, his cheekbones flushed and the tips of his ears a becoming rose shade.
Genma smiled wider.
“You. I was thinking about what your reaction would be if I told you that I wanted to kiss you.” replied Genma, grinning as Shikamaru's face went a deeper shade of pink in the late afternoon sun.
“Ecchi.” muttered Shikamaru under his breath as his neck got warm.
Genma's eyes widened in delight as the blush traveled down the shadow wielder's neck and disappeared under his shirt.
“Oh, Nara...you are way too tempting.” breathed Genma, feeling his heart begin to beat a little faster.
“Why can't you just take a hint and give up?” grumbled Shikamaru, averting his gaze.
Genma reached out and put his hand on Shikamaru's upper arm, stopping him from moving forward.
“Nara...knowing that you react that way towards me – I can't. If you didn't like me, you wouldn't look like you are about to self combust every time I glance your way. You like me as much as I like you.” replied Genma bluntly.
Genma watched Shikamaru close his eyes and swallow convulsively a couple of times.
“Nara. You can deny that you are attracted to me all you want but to tell me that I should just give up...no, I can't do it. My heart knows what it wants and I am willing to fight for it.” continued Genma softly, taking a step back and withdrawing his hand from Shikamaru's arm.
Genma felt his heart constrict as Shikamaru's eyelids open to reveal sadness in the depths of the younger man's eyes.
“Shiranui...I don't know what it is that I feel when I look at you. I just know that you have me feeling emotions that I thought I had pushed down and buried.” admitted Shikamaru in a quiet undertone.
Genma's eyes dilated as he realized that Shikamaru was admitting that there was an attraction between the two of them.
“Nara. It's okay to not know but don't try to shut me out. We both know it's not going to work.” replied Genma finally.
“Why do you say that?” asked Shikamaru with a frown.
“I tried to shut off my emotions once too and it didn't work. By the time I figured out how I felt it was too late. I had to lose that person in order to realize that I should have just told them...regardless of the repercussions.” replied Genma with a sigh.
Shikamaru swallowed once more, feeling the lump in his throat shift.
“When you are done fighting yourself, Nara...I will be waiting but don't ask me to stop caring or to stay away. I can't do it and if you were truly honest with yourself, you don't want me to.” murmured Genma, glancing down at the stroller in front of Shikamaru to find three small children peering out and smiling back at him.
“I never picked you for a coward, Nara. You show no fear with everything else in your life...so why are you fighting so hard?” murmured Gemna dropping to his haunches to check on the children.
Shikamaru stared down at Genma's crouched body.
“I'm scared.” admitted Shikamaru finally, his voice a soft hoarse husk but Genma still heard him.
Shikamaru stepped back when Genma abruptly stood up and moved swiftly, grasping the Shadow wielder's shoulders and pulling him against his chest.
“Shika...I know you're scared. I know why you are but you're wrong. You deserve love. You deserve to be cherished. You are worth the effort.” whispered Genma softly before releasing Shikamaru and stepping back.
Shikamaru stared at the older man's face in silence and saw the somber expression in the dark hazel eyes staring back at him before he averted his gaze as he felt his face go warm in embarrassment and arousal.
The blush deepened as Genma chuckled and turned, grasping the handles of the stroller and pushed it forward, moving down the road once more.
“Baka. Why do you always have to have the last word?” groused Shikamaru as the man calmly pushed the stroller ahead.
“Because you let me.” drifted out Genma's voice, laced with amusement as he turned the corner and disappeared from Shikamaru's view.

---------------7------------7-------------------

Shikamaru raised his hand and came to a stop on the edge of an open field, his eyes scanning the nearby trees.
“Get Takeshi out of the stroller.” murmured Shikamaru quietly, stepping forward and pressing his hands together.
A shadow dragon appeared after Shikamaru performed the hand seals and slithered silently around the group before Genma gently put the little boy onto the dragon.
“Hold on, Taki. We are going to flush Obaa Nara out of his hiding spot.” muttered Shikamaru to the delighted little boy as he guided the dragon over to a small group of trees.
“Kaku! RRRAAAARRRR!!!” crowed the little boy as a much older version of Shikamaru stepped out of the shadows and ruffled Takeshi's hair as he rode past on the dragon.
“You knew he was there.” stated Genma, a little surprised.
“Yes. You can't get onto Nara property without my father knowing about it.” replied Shikamaru with a smirk.
“Why do you use Takeshi to flush him out?” asked Genma, securing the straps around Hiroshi and Shiori before walking around and moving the stroller down the gravel road.
“My father adores him. Takeshi is crazy about the shadows and my father enjoys showing off.” replied Shikamaru with a knowing smirk as he released the shadow just as his father made a larger dragon and transferred the little boy, much to Takeshi's delight.

-------------------8--------------------4-------------
Genma reached for his green tea and observed Shikamaru's family in silence.
Shikamaru's mother fussed over Shiori and Hiroshi while Shikamaru's father bounced Takeshi on his knee.
“You and your partner are staying for dinner, hn?” remarked Shikaku casually, glancing up in time to see his son go brick red.
“He's not my partner...not in the way you are implying, father.” denied Shikamaru morosely, his face darkening a deeper shade of red.
Shikaku's eyes drifted meaningful over to the older man standing watchful sentinel next to his son with an amused smile on his lips, the senbon held in the corner of the man's lips twitching slightly.
Shikaku slowly smiled as he returned his gaze back to his son.
“Only because you insist on being stubborn. I have eyes in my head. I approve.” replied Shikaku unperturbed by his son's reaction.
“Tsk, troublesome. Genma and I work together. That's it. I am not planning to live with someone other than Naruto.” countered Shikamaru, feeling irritated and suddenly exposed.
“My eyes and your twitching shadows tell me otherwise. You don't refer to a mere co-worker by their first name. It's clear to me that you feel something for the man despite your denials. Now, introduce me to my future son in law.” returned Shikaku Nara calmly, his eyes dropping to the smiling child currently bouncing on his knee.
Shikaku felt a reluctant smile come to his lips as he heard the man chuckle, low and rich sounding.
“Genma Shiranui...hopeful suitor and Shikamaru's co-worker. It's a pleasure to meet you.”
Shikaku looked up and found the man smiling back at him, the senbon now on the other side of his mouth, a hand outstretched.
“Shikaku Nara...clan leader and frustrated father of Shikamaru Nara and Naruto Uzumaki as well as future father in law to Itachi Uchiha.” replied Shikaku, reaching out and clasping the other man's hand in greeting.
“News travels fast. I know Itachi Uchiha made an appearance in the village this morning. Knowing the clan, I am guessing he finally made an honest man of Naruto.” replied Shikaku, answering the unspoken question in his son's eyes.
“He did. He gave Uzumaki his clan necklace.” confirmed Genma with a sly glance over to the man standing rigid next to him.
“I'm glad. I imagine Naruto wasn't too pleased when he realized what the Uchiha did when he got the necklace.” concurred Shikaku with a quick nod of his head, a smile coming to his face as Takeshi bounced excitedly in his lap.
“Morino-san said that he was pretty upset. He and Kurama needed to calm him down.” replied a voice.
Shikaku's head shot up and gave the man who spoke a long measured look, noting the serious set of the older Jounin's eyes.
“We don't always get what we want. Naruto should have realized that when he set his sights on Itachi Uchiha.” returned Shikaku somberly.
Genma stared at Shikamaru's father calmly bouncing Takeshi on his knee before he slowly smiled.
He should have realized that Shikamaru got his bluntness from his father.
Genma's eyes dilated fractionally when he realized that the clan leader wasn't done speaking his mind.
“Nothing is ever by chance or coincidence. Naruto married the man as soon as they slept together...he just never realized it.” continued Shikaku, gently bouncing the little boy.
“Why did you give your blessing for me to marry Naruto if you knew this?” asked a voice, now tight with suppressed anger.
Genma turned to see two shadows lash out and writhe in the air, making the agitation of the wielder apparent to all in the room.
“Naruto is family. We protect our own.” stated Shikaku bluntly.
Genma watched as the shadows disappeared as quickly as they arrived at that statement.
Genma nodded in understanding. It made sense.
Naruto was powerful in his own right but with the support of the Nara Clan behind him, no one would be foolish to touch him without repercussions.
His future father in law was a scary man.
“We are in no rush to get back, Shika. Morino-san and Iruka-sensei have got things covered at the hospital.” returned Genma finally, with a shrug of his shoulder as he slipped the senbon to the other side of his mouth.
Shikaku watched in silent amusement as his son's face went a brick red.
“Welcome to the family, Shiranui.” murmured Shikaku with a smile.

-------------5------------------6-------------------

“He's going to fight you until the end but you already know that.”
Genma smirked as he rinsed off the dish and handed it to Shikaku.
“I am okay with that. He admitted that he is attracted to me on the way here.” murmured Genma.
“Wow, progress so fast. I am impressed, Shiranui.” returned Shikaku with a chuckle.
Genma made a scoffing sound, not at all offended by the clan leader's amusement at the situation.
“Hardly. A part of me is worried that he will go back to the Hyuuga.” confessed Genma morosely, flicking his senbon angrily as he pulled a dish from the soapy water and washed it with the cloth.
Genma looked up in surprise when he heard the rude raspberry sound.
“It will be a cold day in naraku before my son will take that bastard back.” replied Shikaku bluntly, not bothering to hide his anger as he reached out for a plate.
Genma quickly rinsed off the dish and handed it to Shikamaru's father.
“Have courage, Shiranui. He never went beet red around Hyuuga from a mere look. My son has it bad for you. He just won't admit it.” continued Shikaku calmly as he dried the dish and put it on the pile.
Genma paused and turned his head, staring dumbfounded at the man currently putting clean plates into a nearby cupboard.
“Pride. Hyuuga made him feel like he wasn't worth his time or consideration but not you, Shiranui. I don't know you very well...but there is nothing wrong with my eyesight. I know you love my prickly son.” replied Shikaku casually, turning in time to see the tips of the other man's ears dust a warm rose hue.
“Don't give up. He will stop fighting his feelings eventually.” continued Shikaku, picking up his tea towel once more.
“I have waited this long. I am patient.” replied Genma with a soft smile.
“That's good, Shiranui...you are going to need your patience.” returned Shikaku with a chuckle.

----------------6-------------------7------------------

It was late in the evening Shikamaru returned back to the hospital room, just ahead of Genma and immediately picked up the concerned looks that Shizune and the Hokage darted his way.
“Is something wrong with Naruto?” asked Shikamaru cautiously, his dark eyes moving over to where Naruto lay in the bed smiling and shaking his head in the negative.
“I'm fine. There has been a change of plans. Iruka and Ibiki-san are going to look after the babies.” confirmed Naruto with a grin that did not reach his eyes.
Shikamaru frowned and touched his pouch, unclipping the flap, suddenly alert as he watched Naruto's blue eyes momentarily flash amber.
“Why? The Hokage doesn't readily give up the opportunity to be with her grandchildren – especially with the newborns. What happened in my absence?” asked Shikamaru abruptly, not missing the guilty look on the Hokage's face.
“We need to tell him. He's going to find out eventually.” muttered Naruto with a side glance at the Hokage.
“Neji Hyuuga's wife went into active labor an hour ago. I am needed in the delivery room.” stated the Hokage bluntly.
Color leeched from Shikamaru's face at the unwelcome news.
“Are you going to be okay?” asked Naruto, not bothering to hide his concern.
“Yeah, I'm going to be fine. Why shouldn't I be?” muttered Shikamaru feeling suddenly sick to his stomach before he turned and abruptly left the room.
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Cravings