Consciousness comes slowly to Minato. He first registers the weight of an arm wrapped around his waist, the feeling of breath fanning against the back of his neck. Memories of the previous night come to him slowly as he begins to regain consciousness. Sakumo visiting with Kakashi, their dinner together, him being unable to sleep and visiting Naruto's room - it all comes back to him piece by piece. He's left laying on the bed, more than aware of the weight of Naruto pressing against his back, holding him close to his chest.

'Are you two together?'

Kakashi's words ring in his mind despite his best efforts to forget them. They were just friends. Naruto just didn't have anywhere else to stay. Last night had just been a rare moment of weakness that had snared Minato, and Naruto had just helped him with it. He carefully removed that arm from around his waist with that in mind, beginning to move out of bed, hoping that he didn't stir the other man. Breakfast needed to be made, they needed to get ready for the day -

Minato found himself staring up at Naruto's face as that arm tugged him back against the bed and the other man hovered over him. Found himself pinned under a surprisingly intense stare, near identical blue eyes staring down at him, Naruto hovering just above Minato, hands resting on either side of his head. His heart pounded, the fluttering of a bird trying to escape his cage, his stomach twisting in knots -

"I didn't say you could leave," Naruto grumbled out, watching that face below him turn an interesting shade of pink. He'd been so warm before Minato had tried to get out of bed. Watching the man sputter for a response was amusing, but not why he had dragged Minato down onto the bed again. No, Naruto's reason for that was so he could lay on top of Minato, effectively pinning him onto the bed, pressing his face into his neck despite the clear embarrassment radiating off of the Jounin. He was still reeling from the revelation that he'd had last night, arms tightening around the other until he felt Minato settle down, becoming resigned to his new fate as a pillow for now. It made sense, he supposed. It was nothing like his crush on Sakura had been, because this had come out of nowhere. Had taken Naruto by surprise, and he'd considered leaving quite a few times during the night. Putting distance between himself and Minato to figure things out, but that would have destroyed what trust they had with one another.

Besides, even if Minato had been his father in one life, that man was dead. This man beneath him was very real. He wasn't the Yondaime, possibly would never be considering Naruto was arrogant enough to tamper with history as he was. Playing God in a sense. He had made a home here, and refused to lose this. Refused to lose Minato to the tides of time, death, masked men and corrupt systems. No, this? This would be his. The village he would always give for, would fight for until he could no longer move at all, but they were not allowed to take Minato from him. Not death itself would rip this man from his grasp.

"Naruto?" Minato's voice was soft, spoken gently after a few moments and he raised his arms to wrap them around the other, feeling the tension in his back. What in the world was Naruto so concerned about that had him so tense?

A sharp cry pierces the air, startling Minato as his gaze snaps towards the crib. Naruto is already climbing off of him, going over and scooping Sasuke up into his arms with ease. It's become easier as time has gone by for Naruto to take care of Sasuke. Changing his diaper is the first thing to do this morning, and the babe visibly calms as soon as he's dry, those bright blue eyes peering up at Naruto, little hands reaching out for him. He's already smiling at Naruto, little giggles escaping Sasuke whenever Naruto scooped him back up and cuddled with him.

He was a healthy baby. Healthy, safe, happy - it's all Naruto wanted for Sasuke. He does feel a spark of guilt whenever he catches sight of Uchiha Fugaku in the village, knowing that that man was Sasuke's real father. He almost caved at times, almost gave Sasuke back to his real family. It was the right thing to do. Though in moments like this, he'd stare into those eyes and remember exactly all the things that he and Sasuke had lost. How, despite the fact that they'd disagreed on a lot of things, Sasuke had lost just as much.

"I'm bringing Sasuke out for a walk." Naruto didn't give Minato much time to respond, already bundling the baby up and bringing him out of the room, leaving behind a very confused Jounin.

The novelty of being new in Konoha apparently rarely ever wore off. There were plenty of people who still loved to stop Naruto while he was walking with Sasuke to catch up with him, still ever so curious about the new people within Konoha. Naruto kept Sasuke clutched to his chest as he weaved through the crowd, only to start when he heard someone calling his voice.

"Naruto!" Kushina waved Naruto towards her, smiling softly when she saw he was carrying Sasuke.

"Is that..?" Mikoto adjusted Itachi in her arms - really, he was such a quiet little baby - her own dark eyes taking in the face of this new person. He'd been the talk of the village since arriving three months ago, not that Mikoto had ever seen him until now.

"Yes. Oh, he brought Sasuke along! Sasuke's about the same age as Itachi I think," Kushina commented, gaze dropping down to the child currently held in Mikoto's arms. Itachi was just three months old, and such a quiet child, as opposed to Sasuke, who was so animated and excitable.

Naruto saw Mikoto, saw the baby that she was carrying. He wanted to turn around, wanted to run, because he had never planned on meeting her this soon. Stopping in front of the pair, Naruto's gaze was drawn to the child in Mikoto's arms, his own heart pounding heavily in his chest. Itachi. Itachi, who had entrusted Sasuke to him, Itachi, who had died for the sake of the village but more so, for the sake of Sasuke, Itachi -

"Naruto!" Kushina snapped her fingers in front of his face, drawing him out of the guilt that threatened to choke him. He offered a sheepish smile, muttering a soft apology, "I didn't sleep well last night." Which wasn't entirely true. Minato did make for a good pillow. Kushina was about to say something, but she was distracted by Sasuke, who was reaching out towards Mikoto, those blue eyes focused rather intently on Itachi for some reason. It just made the guilt in Naruto grow even more.

Mikoto took in the features of the child that Naruto was holding, rather surprised by his appearance. Really, the boy looked nothing like Naruto, save for those blue eyes. "He's beautiful," Mikoto offered a smile, adjusting Itachi in her arms and moving just a bit closer, "He seems lively."

"Ah - it's his first time seeing another baby up close," Naruto admitted, gazing at Mikoto, "I'm sorry for not introducing myself. Kazama Naruto. This is my son, Sasuke."

"Uchiha Mikoto," She offered a smile, holding Itachi up just a bit more, "And this is Itachi. Does Sasuke have any other siblings?" Naruto looked rather young to have a child, didn't he?

"No. It's just me and him," Naruto admitted softly, "His mother died." And there was the guilt that threatened to choke him. Mikoto had died once upon a time, and yet here she was, wholly unaware of the fate that awaited her.

"I'm sorry for your loss." It didn't escape her notice that Naruto held none of the features that Sasuke did. If Mikoto didn't know any better, she would think that Sasuke was an Uchiha due to the traits he did have. So she gave the man a smile, a plan already forming in her mind to get to know more about Sasuke and his own mother, to confirm her own suspicions, "Why don't you and Sasuke come over to my home today? I'm betting Sasuke and Itachi could use a play date. Itachi's an only child as well, interacting with other children their own age would be good for them."

Interacting with other children? They were three months old. Naruto knew there wasn't much these babies could do in terms of interacting. He couldn't exactly say no without good reason - a reason he didn't have. Naruto gave a slightly strained smile, knowing that Mikoto had him trapped, "Of course. What time can I come over? It'd be good for them to interact."

"How about now?" Fugaku would be getting home for lunch shortly, which was exactly why Mikoto was out with Kushina. She was well aware that trapping Naruto like this was rather underhanded, but Mikoto was willing to bet the boy in his arms was an Uchiha.

"Lead the way then," Naruto nodded, seeing no reason to refuse, and unable to speak every reason to do so. So Mikoto did, carrying Itachi in her arms whilst Naruto followed behind her. Kushina knew something strange was happening, so she followed right behind them, figuring someone here had to be the mediator. Mikoto could be rather intimidating, whereas Kushina had learned that Naruto had quite the temper himself.

There was a storm brewing, and Kushina almost wished that she didn't have to be caught in the crossfire.

Udon noodles were on the menu for lunch today. Kushina wasn't able to stay past helping prepare the basics, having to leave early due to a mission she was being sent on. It left Mikoto and Naruto alone together. The air was rather tense between them; one brimming with guilt, the other with suspicion. Itachi and Sasuke were napping at the moment, both laying beside one another. Sasuke was gripping at Itachi tightly, cuddling up with the other. Mikoto could almost mistake them as brothers with how much they looked alike.

"Sasuke's mother," Mikoto broke the silence as she was finishing up lunch, her gaze snapping to Naruto fast enough to catch the slight flinch from the other, "Was she an Uchiha?" Straight to the point. With Kushina gone, there was no use in beating around the bush.

Naruto let out a breath, realizing that Mikoto wasn't just a mother. She was also a decorated Jounin in the village, one that would have picked up something like this. "Yes." What use would lying do for him here? Sasuke being an Uchiha was clear as day, but most people seemed to not notice it. Most people were too occupied with spreading rumors rather than asking the subject of said rumors directly.

"Is she dead?" The bowls were set at the table, and Naruto chose not to ask why there were three of them.

"Yes." His tone wavered just a bit, hands clenching in his lap. This was quite the interrogation, wasn't it? He hadn't expected to be interrogated when he went out today.

Mikoto narrowed her eyes at that answer, not entirely believing Naruto, "Why did you not come to us when you arrived?" The Uchiha weren't nearly as strict with breeding outside of the clan, not like the Hyuuga were. Naruto snorted at the question, blue eyes staring right at Mikoto.

"I was essentially under house arrest. Besides, how would it have looked if I came here with Sasuke? I was a stranger, and I was afraid that - that he'd be taken away. He's all I have left. I should have came here, I should have, but how was I supposed to know what to do? I'm just-" He was trying to shoulder too much on his own. A shaky breath escaped as he reigned in on his temper, "I'm sorry. I should have came here when I had the chance."

Mikoto could see that Naruto wasn't entirely lying when he said that Sasuke was all he had. So he thought they were just going to take his son away? What rumors went around about their clan? "I'm not going to take Sasuke away from you, and neither is anyone else. I promise you that." She was well aware that she shouldn't be interfering. She had Itachi to look after, her own son to worry about. Sasuke was apart of her clan though. It didn't feel right to just leave Naruto to fend for himself. Mikoto was thinking ahead as well - what if Sasuke activated his Sharingan in the future? How was Naruto planning on handling such a thing? At the very least now, he had a support system to go to should he need someone to watch over Sasuke. Mikoto was already on leave from her duties to take care of her son.

"I won't turn away someone of my clan. Sasuke is an Uchiha, but he's your son as well. I won't turn you away either." Plus, it would be good for Sasuke to grow up with other children as well. Not that being an only child was a bad thing, Mikoto was one herself. But he would at least learn early on how to work with another person.

Naruto relaxed just a bit, swallowing down the guilt that threatened to choke him. He almost jumped out of his skin upon hearing the front door open and close, gaze snapping up to meet the surprised face of Uchiha Fugaku. Fugaku had thought for a moment he was looking at Namikaze, but then those whiskered cheeks caught his attention, the subtle differences, and he realized that this certainly wasn't Namikaze he was staring at.

"Fugaku," Mikoto caught her husbands attention rather easily, "This is Kazama Naruto. I invited him over for lunch."

Why would his wife do that? Fugaku sat next to Mikoto, well aware of how uncomfortable Naruto seemed to be, "Oh?" Why?

"He has a son. Sasuke," Mikoto smiled, reaching out to place her hand on Fugaku's arm, "Sasuke is an Uchiha."

That caught his attention. Fugaku sat up straighter, staring this boy down. Naruto looked ready to disappear into the floor at any moment, and Fugaku sighed, "I see." He had no reason to scare this boy, but his reputation in the village was rather harsh. Wicked Eye, they called him, and it was a running joke that his glare could scare any criminal into submission at the station. "May I see him?"

"After lunch," Mikoto shook her head, pushing the bowl of Udon towards Fugaku, "Sasuke's quite taken with Itachi."

"This will stay between us. Right?" Naruto finally spoke up, earning the attention of both the clan head and his wife, "I don't want others to know about Sasuke yet."

"Well, if his Sharingan matures, you won't have a choice," Fugaku pointed out. Though that could be years down the line. Or it could never happen, but he thought it was better for Naruto to prepare for such a possibility.

"I know," Naruto sighed, running a hand over his face, "Hokage-Jiji is taking care of the council, but if they knew.." If they knew about Sasuke being an Uchiha, they could potentially jump at the chance to call Naruto a spy. Or worse - Sasuke could be taken away. Fugaku was well aware about how the council viewed the Uchiha. Even after the Nidaime had died, the law about Uchiha never being able to take on any station higher than a police officer was still in place. Many of his clan were rather frustrated with the limitation, with the mistrust that the council had in the Uchiha. All because of the actions of one of them. He was well aware of the prejudices that the clan went through. It made sense for Naruto to want to keep his son safe, though it left a sour taste in his mouth that the boy had to keep Sasuke's own heritage a secret from others to do so in the first place.

This wasn't right. No one should hide their own heritage in fear of facing prejudice, and yet for Sasuke, that's what they would have to do. If only to keep him safe and out of the councils greedy hands, "We understand. This won't go past us," Fugaku finally agreed, scooping up his own bowl of food and beginning to eat.

Naruto let out a breath of relief, following suit with his own food. They ate in silence for a few moments, until -

"How has Minato been?" Mikoto remembered Kushina saying that Naruto was staying with Minato. Naruto shrugged, giving her a small smile, "He's doing pretty good."

"You're living with Namikaze?" Oh, now Fugaku looked almost like someone had just killed the mood in the room. To say he didn't care for Minato was an understatement. The man got praise, and for what? Being the villages golden boy? Fugaku was a spiteful man, and his own accomplishments were pushed to the side when Minato had started showing promise. Perhaps if he hadn't been so spiteful he could have made a new friend, could have even taught Minato genjutsu. He remembered the boy coming to him years back, asking for help and Fugaku hadn't wanted the brat to steal anymore trophies of his. So he'd crushed Minato's spirits then and there, with no hesitation or remorse.

Perhaps if he hadn't had so many things going on in his life at that point, he could have had one hell of a student to teach, but that was a long time ago. There was no use in dwelling on it now.

"I am," Naruto nodded, deciding not to ask when he noticed the look on Fugaku's face. Clearly there was history there, history he didn't feel comfortable prying with, "He's a good friend."

"I'm sure he is," Fugaku snorted, well aware of Namikaze's habit of trying to be so damned helpful to anyone and everyone that he could. So he wasn't entirely surprised that he was helping Naruto.

"He's not bad," Naruto felt the need to defend Minato since he wasn't here to defend himself, "He's-"

"He's too green, and too damned naive," Fugaku cut in without hesitation, staring Naruto down, "He may have the villages favor now, but what about when he gets someone killed one day with that naivety of his?"

That was enough to make Naruto snap his mouth shut, his mind going back to Obito at those words. Obito, who had been left in that cave for god knows how long until Madara had gotten his hands on him and fucked up his head so badly. He had nothing to say to that.

The meal finished in a tense silence that was only broken when the children awoke. Sasuke was the one who cried loudest, whereas Itachi just let out soft whimpers. Mikoto busied herself with getting bottles ready for both of them, whilst Fugaku and Naruto took care of the kids. Fugaku held Itachi, rocking his son, whilst Naruto calmed Sasuke down. He took the chance to study the boy that was apart of their clan, noting the obvious traits that aligned with Sasuke being an Uchiha. Those eyes though - they were nearly identical to Naruto's own.

It wasn't long before the children were being fed as well. Itachi was certainly the quiet one of the two, Sasuke more interesting in taking in the new people surrounding him. Three months old, and he was a curious little baby. Yet he was still just a baby, so it didn't take long before he was sound asleep in Naruto's arms. Itachi was passed off to Mikoto, and Fugaku headed out the door, having to go back to work. He had a domestic abuse case to look into; a shinobi family was involved. Such cases were rare, having to be handled discretely and with care. These next weeks would mean long nights and little sleep for Fugaku.

"Come back any time you want," Mikoto insisted as Naruto prepared to leave, giving him a gentle smile, "Our door is always open to you." She wanted to keep an eye on Naruto as well. There was something not right about this situation, and Mikoto was never one to leave things as they were.

"Thank you." With Sasuke in his arms, Naruto left soon after Fugaku, mind racing with all that had happened. He never planned to reveal Sasuke's heritage to Mikoto, but he was counting on her to keep her word about keeping Sasuke's heritage a secret. How in the hell did he get into such a situation in the first place?

He needed a lot of sake. Or to use Minato as a pillow again. Both options were perfectly fine with Naruto.

"Report."

"Target spent a few hours at the residence of Uchiha Fugaku. He left shortly after and proceeded to go home."

The Uchiha residence? Danzo had to wonder what business exactly the boy had there. Hiruzen was far too soft in his age to just allow this person into the village. Already he was considering the possibility that the boy was conspiring with the Uchiha about something, and given his status as the Jinchuuriki, these actions were more suspicious than anything.

He would have to keep an eye on the boy. If it became necessary, Danzo would have him taken out. This may also give him the excuse he needed to segregate the Uchiha even further from the village, to do what even the Nidaime could not.

"Keep an eye on him. If anything happens further, I want to know." He would take care of Hiruzen's mess again. If this boy couldn't be used as a proper weapon, then he would be disposed of. Simple as that.

AN: This chap is a bit late, but yeah. Plot twist! Let me know what you think now that we have two new players in the fray!