Caution: This is the writer's first draft.

Rating: Adult

Pairing: Naruto/Kimmimaro/Haku

Warnings: m/m, slash, language, fantasy, OOC, male pregnancy jutsu mentioned

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Masashi Kishimoto. This disclaimer applies to all following chapters.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Naruto glanced around at the papers gathered on his desk. The plans for their scholarship stared back at him. He sifted through the sheets for the document on the hotel better known as the hourly whorehouse. The plans called for extensive renovations. He and Haku had agreed to push aside the clan manor plans to focus on the scholarship and future apartment building. They could work on the clan home anytime they desired. It was best to get the bigger project completed first. Then they could easily focus on their house. There was also the benefit of earning some income, no matter how small, from the property rentals. But most importantly, they would be able to help and connect with other orphans.

"You're up early."

He whipped around to stare at Haku. Hands folded over his chest, the brunet leaned across the doorjamb. His robe was tied loosely around his waist, telling the blond the brunet woke and immediately came searching for him. "Couldn't sleep?" Naruto asked.

Haku shook his head and straightened. "No. I was cold," he murmured lightly as he strode across the room. Naruto's gaze swept down his lithe form before returning to look at his lovely face. His dark hair was pulled back into a messy knot at the crown of his head. His eyes were half lidded with sleep and his cheeks were flushed. Haku looked gorgeous.

"Only you could pull off sleepy," he quipped.

Haku chuckled and lifted Naruto's arm to slip onto his lap. "What are we looking at?" he asked before wrapping Naruto's arms around his waist.
Smile curving his lips, the blond shook his head and accepted he'd just been downgraded to Haku's chair. Not that he was going to complain. The feel of Haku's round ass against his groin was cause for joy. "We?"

"Yes, we," Haku returned.

He sighed.

Haku shivered when his warm breath brushed across his nape and Naruto watched as goose bumps sprang up across his skin. "Naruto," he moaned.
He slid a hand up Haku's chest, brushing his fingers over his nipple along the way, to cup his head and turn it toward him.

"I didn't brush," the brunet warned.

"Don't care." He pressed his lips to Haku's and took a moment to just indulge in the feel of his mouth against the brunet's. Then Haku titled his head and reached back to thread his fingers through Naruto's locks. The blond deepened the kiss, flicking his tongue against the seam of Haku's mouth. The brunet opened with a groan. Naruto dipped his tongue into his mouth, sipping lightly of the succulent flesh before withdrawing to nibbling Haku's bottom lip. He wanted to keep the kiss simple. Gentle.

Haku made it a difficult feat.

Lips sliding against one another, Naruto indulged in the weight of Haku's mouth for several long moments.

Gently, Naruto broke off the kiss to stare up at the brunet. A small beat of moisture gleamed on his bottom lip. Using his thumb, Naruto swept up the drop and licked it off his finger. Haku groaned and leaned forward to press his forehead against his. "You wicked boy. I remember when you were sweet and unaware of your charms."

Naruto chuckled. "Stupid you mean?"

"Unaware," he repeated before sitting up. He pressed a swift, but heady kiss against Naruto's lips before turning around. The act forced his bottom tighter against Naruto's groin and the blond was vividly aware of his erection. The blush across Haku's cheeks told him the brunet could feel him. Haku cleared his throat and asked, "Why are you reviewing the hotel plans?"

"I was just thinking that it might not be the best time to leave Leaf."

Haku's gaze tightened for a moment before clearing in understanding. "To tour the businesses?"

He shrugged. "Yeah."

Lips pursed, Haku considered his words for a moment before releasing a heavy sigh. "Yes, it would be best if we're here for this. The orphan scholarship is very important."

Naruto swept a consoling hand down Haku's shoulder. He knew the brunet hated even the thought of not leaving the village. All those years beside Zabuza made him uncomfortable with spending too long in one place. It didn't help that Haku had a bit of a temper and was getting tired of keeping his emotions in check when Leaf's population acted less than cordially to Naruto or him. "Yeah." He sighed and frowned at the sheet. "That's kind of the problem."

"We could always push back the mission, maybe for a month or two. Maybe longer if we need it."

He gazed at Haku in surprise. "We can do that."

"Of course. It's not promoted, but it isn't unheard of for a client to postpone or even cancel a mission, especially protection missions that involve travel. Weather changes and all that rot." He lowered the papers. "I think we should send Hokage-sama a message. I hadn't thought about it, but you're right. We really should stay in the village for the next couple of weeks."

"Oh?" Naruto asked. There was something in Haku's voice that made him think the brunet wasn't just talking about their scholarship plans.

"I've made a few breakthroughs in my experiments."

"And you don't want to stop now that you're getting somewhere?"

His gaze flickered to the side briefly before he replied. "Yes."

Naruto's eyes roved over Haku's face, taking everything in. The brunet hadn't lied, but he hadn't told Naruto the whole truth. This dealt with Danzo. His frown deepened. And Kimimaro.

He trusted Haku and knew the brunet wanted to do this without Naruto's input. "Whatever you need, Haku. I know you'll only do what's best for our clan."

Haku turned in his lap so he was staring down at Naruto. He cupped his face and slowly lowered his face to press a gentle kiss against his lips. "Thank you. I-"

"It's fine, Haku. I trust you. You don't have to tell me everything. You're not my slave, my tool."

Haku smiled brightly and kissed him again. He threaded his hands through Naruto's hair, fingernails gently scrapping along his scalp. He pulled back and glanced at the table. "We should sent the missions department a letter."

"Yeah," Naruto agreed. He picked up the top sheet and quickly read it over. Waving the paper, he added, "Speaking of letters, now that we've got the orphan scholarship figured out, I think we should run it by the old men."

"Lord Shimura and Mikotado?"

"They're elders and old ninjas. I'm guessing they would see what we didn't. They're retired ninjas. You don't get to do that without being awesome or really, really lucky. We can get their input before sending the proposal on to Old Man." He lowered the piece of paper.

Haku smiled brilliantly at him. "Great idea, Naruto-kun. I'm sure they can iron things out so that we don't have to rely upon my connection in the Diamyo's court.

Naruto nodded in agreement. He knew his relationship with the Third wasn't what it once was. He wasn't even sure if it is on its way to be being what it should be – a normal Kage/shinobi relationship – but he'd like it to be somewhere in the middle, at the very least. However, there was a good chance that wouldn't happen if they need to sent it off to Court to receive approval.

"Right. See what Homura and One Eye think before visiting The Third."

"Hey, Hatake?"

Kakashi turned to glance at Asuma in surprise. They were acquaintances and in some circles might even be considered friends, but they rarely talked. The silver haired ninja wasn't unaware of his faults, and anti-social didn't even begin to describe him. He had the unfortunate habit of spending most of his time in front of the Memorial Stone and when he wasn't there, he was either sleeping in his apartment or on a mission. Yohji and Naruto were the exceptions. Both blonds were forcing him out of his comfort zone. He thought fondly back on the last blond to accomplish such a feat. Minato-sensei. "Hello, Asuma." He lowered his trademark book and glanced at the brunet over the paperback. "How can I help you?"

"Hungry?"

"You paying?" Kakashi never could turn down a free meal. He found it particularly hilarious just how many people invited him to lunch hoping for one glimpse of his face. The fascination with his looks was something he didn't think he'd ever understand. Still food was food and he wasn't about to turn down the chance to eat with Asuma on the brunet's pay. The smoker was a foodie who always knew the best places in the village. He strongly suspected it had to do with having Chouza's boy on his team. Then he remembered that Asuma always knew where to go for the best stuff, even when they were teens.

"Sure," Asuma replied with a toothy grin. The cigar between his lips danced for a moment before he grasped it with his pointer and middle finger and pulled it from his mouth. He released a trio of silvery rings.

"You know that stuff will kill you, right?"

Asuma chuckled, brown eyes flashing with amusement. "Yeah, it's lung cancer I've got to worry about, right? Not the bounty on my head or the many relatives I've left with one less family member?"

Kakashi grinned wildly, though it couldn't be seen beneath his mask. "Point. Where are we going?"

"I know a place." He turned and headed to wherever this awesome eatery was. Kakashi memorized the path they took so he could take at least one of his cute little students there after a session. They were working so hard now. Most of them. He sighed. Two out of three wasn't bad.

"What's wrong?" Asuma asked as he held the door to the little restaurant open. Kakashi slipped inside. "Just thinking about one of my students."

Asuma nodded his head in commiseration. "Which one?"

Kakashi laughed darkly. "There was a point in time not too long ago when I would have replied all of them. I shouldn't complain really. The two children I was really worried about have corrected themselves, mostly without my help. It's Sakura. The girl just doesn't seem to get it. I'd be freaking out more if she wasn't with an older genin team. I can't even imagine how she's handling the Forest of Death without my boys."

Asuma sighed and dropped one broad hand to his hip. "I understand all too well what you're going through. My whole team is in there. I still can't believe my father actually agreed to testing them in there. Today is the last day so we should be finding out how everyone did soon."

He put his cigarette to his lips sucked in deeply and exhaled before continuing. "You can only keep pushing until they either open their eyes or you hit your own personal wall. I am at that point with Shikamaru. Ino is trying. Gave my team a fake mission a few days ago and she did better than I expected. She actually managed to pull the boys out of some tight spots. The girl got serious after the bar brawl with Naruto and that crazy ass civilian but she waited too long and time waits for no one. She's playing catch up, but at least she's trying."

"Shikamaru just doesn't bother to do anything. Every action is a battle. I have to convince the child to wake up. Serioulsy, just getting him to lift his eyelids is a damn chore. I know everyone thought I was crazy for nominating my rookie team for the exams, but well, Shikamaru's to blame to be honest. I needed something drastic that didn't involve losing a limb to wake him up. I figure this is the closest I'd get. I knew all about the Nara curse so I had some idea it was going to be difficult, but this is getting crazy. I'm just thankful for that student of yours. The boy is starting to pay a little more attention and care, but…" He shrugged.

One silver brow lifted. "My student?"

Asuma grinned widely, mischief bright in his dark gaze. "Believe it or not, Sasuke."

Kakashi blinked at him in surprise before considering his words. Sasuke and Shikamaru. "Hmm. I can see that. Thank goodness it's not Naruto, and I know he couldn't get along with Sakura."

"Thank goodness?"

Kakashi shuddered. "Insane energy, high chakra capacity, and super genius? Leaf wouldn't be left standing too long."

Asuma seemed to consider it for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. "Bad idea all around. Yeah, let's keep them apart. At least until your blond mellows out."

"Deal. So Asuma, why did you invite me to dinner? Finally tired of Kurenai? Looking to try something new?"

The brunet groaned. "Don't ever let Kurenai hear you say that?"

"Possessive?"

"More like obsessive. She's desperate to see your face. I'm afraid she might offer me up for a glance."

Kakashi lifted one silver brow. "Really?" he smirked.

"Don't even think of it! Speaking of Kurenai. You know her friend, Anko, right? Mitarashi? Dark purple hair?"

"T & I. Snake contract. Yes. Why?"

"The girl wants to apply to ANBU. She needs to build up her skill first. You interested?"

"You want me to take a special jounin and make her ANBU level? I have a genin team Asuma and a life." Okay, so the life part wasn't entirely true, but it was getting a little better. He had his clan responsibilities and he was making it a point to get to know his comrades better. Maybe make some friends. Then there was a red-eyed blond…

"I know. I know. I'm asking a lot but I don't trust anyone else to train her well. The girl has a stigma and while I trust most of our ninja not to hold it against her on the field, I'm not sure they would do their best to train and push her afraid that they might be aiding the next traitor. You know better. And well, I'm too friendly with Anko to really drive her to do her best like she needs."

"I have three genin, two of the most notorious members of their class, fealty families, and personal goals." He had his clan home he wanted to finish restoring and there was the relationship he wanted to make an actual relationship. Beyond the mind-meltingly good sex.

"I know, Kakashi. Even if its for a few hours a week. I could train your team in your stead while you're with her. She needs this. Anko has earned every stripe and she would be a damned good addition to the force."

"Kurenai put you up to this, didn't she?"

"Will you respect me less if I admit the answer is yes?"

Kakashi laughed, but didn't reply. He considered the offer for a moment. "I'll train her if she's willing to help me out with Sakura. Maybe get Kurenai to help. The girl's got some frankly frightening ideas about what it takes to be a kunoichi and no matter what I say it goes in one ear and out the other. I'm guessing because I'm a man. She's got it in her head that she needs to be sexy to be a good ninja, and the way she goes about it..." He shrugged.

Asuma nodded. "And Anko is gorgeous and scary hot, emphasis on scary." He laughed. "And well, Kurenai-"

"Gorgeous and deadly."

"I'm sure Anko will have no problem helping."

At that moment the waiter arrived at their table to take their orders. Light conversation flowed between them as they took their time enjoying their delicious meal. Kakashi made a note to spend more time around the brunet. He'd forgotten just how good Asuma's favorite eateries were. Kakashi was halfway through his meal when Asuma paused and said, "Hey, I just realized you never answered. You don't think less of me, right? Right?"

Iruka held his umbrella in a white knuckled grip. It was an unusually wet day in Leaf made more surprising by the fact that the rain was actually falling at the end of their summer. This season was normally so hot, the country as a whole worried about forest fires. The rain quenched the parched ground, pushing off the collective fear of fires away for another week.

Normally Iruka loved the rain. Especially summer rains. They were so rare, each drop felt like a gift. He was not appreciative of that day's weather. The rain seemed to make his already taxing day worse. His shoes and pants were drenched thanks to a cart driver who didn't respect pedestrians. The moisture in the atmosphere affected his hair so his normal ponytail looked, well, wrong. Worse yet, he was standing outside the main building for the military hospital trying to work up to the courage to go inside.

He was nervous.

It was to be expected really. Today was the day he started the Genesis II process and stepped onto the long path to parenthood. He should have expected to feel this way, but he'd been almost as excited about the process as he was about being married to Gemna. He smiled fondly as he thought about the day he joined his life together with the jounin. He was Mr. Umino-Shiranui. They joined their names together as they both had family they needed to carry on. Iruka was the only member of his family and Gemna was the heir of his. They both wanted large families. Iruka wanted more children than Gemna, at half a dozen boys. He had nothing against females but he didn't think he would survive living with a girl in her pre or post pubescent stages. He saw enough of that as an academy teacher. His smile dimmed and he shuddered thinking about his last class. Sakura, Ino, Ami, and their constant fights were enough to turn him off little girls.

For life.

Boys. Yeah, he was sure he could handle them. His returned and widened as he thought about just what their boys might look like. Which father they might take after. The vision eased quite a bit of his anxiety. He released the already slackened grip on his umbrella and folded it into its compact state.

Head held high, smile on his face Iruka entered the hospital. He walked up the reception desk. "I have an appointment to see Dr. Ryusaki at 10."

The receptionist, a brunette woman with green eyes, smiled. "Eighth floor. There is a reception desk just a few away from the elevator. Check in there. Have a good morning."

"Oh. Okay. Thanks. Uh, you too."

He turned and headed for the elevator. Soon he would be carrying Gemna's son. Very soon and each step he took just brought him a little closer. He'd just reached the elevator when a familiar red haired medic nin caught his attention. He waved even as Shin Yakushi grinned widely and jogged over to him. Yakushi was several years older than Iruka and normally they wouldn't know each considering the man spent the vast majority of his time as a healer for the special jounin and level higher floors, but when Iruka was a newly advanced chunin he'd been on a B-ranked mission with another chunin, a jounin team leader, and Yakushi, as their medic nin.

Despite intelligence's claims, they hadn't required Yakushi's skills during their mission. During the surprisingly low key rescue mission he'd found a friend in Yakushi and years later they still talked fairly regularly. "How's Kabuto?" he asked of the older ninja's adopted son.

The redhead smiled gently, but there was a touch of sadness to the grin. "Acting like a teenager. I remember pulling away from my parents when I was his age, but I thought it was because they were civilians and I was in the force. I guess it's just something all teens go through." He waved a hand. "But don't listen to me and my sob story. How are you, Mr. Shiranui?" he asked with a lecherous smirk.

Iruka laughed. "It's Mr. Umino-Shiranui, so get it straight, but I'd doing great. I...I couldn't be happier."

Yakushi watched him for several moments. "I can see that. Married life must be treating you damned well. I'm afraid your smile is going to take over your face."

Iruka turned his head slightly, hoping to hide his burning cheeks. "Yeah...It's... Let's just say reality lives up to the dream."

Yakushi clasped a warm hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad to hear that, Iruka. You deserve that and more. You and Genma."

Still blushing and grinning wildly, he replided, "Thanks."

Yakushi flashed him a smile. "Here for your annual checkup?"

Iruka shook his head. "No, actually I'm here for... a procedure."

Yakushi's mouth turned down. "Kami, I hope nothing is wrong?"

He waved him off. "No. No, I'm fine. We're just..." He tucked his umbrella beneath his arm and stepped a little closer. "Well, we both want a big family and want to get started as soon as possible."

Yakushi's eyes widened in understanding. "You're getting the seal?"

Iruak nodded jerkily.

"Blessings upon you and yours. I am so happy for you, Iruka. You're going to make a great father. Well, let me not keep you from your appointment."

"Thanks, Shin."

Sasuke had just finished dressing for his morning workout when someone knocked on his apartment door. He lived in a one bedroom in one of the many shinobi only buildings in the village. People rarely visited. Most didn't know where he lived and others didn't care to stop by. Villagers were very willing to show their attention on the street and in public where everyone could see their care and concern, but he'd received little to no visits. Even from the Third. The exceptions to the rule were his teammates, particularly Kakashi and that was a recent thing, and Sakura, an unfortunate fact.

The teen was, understandably, very surprised to find someone knocking on his door. He checked to see who it was and was confused at what he saw standing there. A brunet haired, older teen was on his doorstep. As Sasuke looked on, he shifted in discomfort.

Sasuke stepped back from the peephole and shook his head. The other boy was clearly a civilian. His stance and body structure gave that away. This left Sasuke confused. He never, ever received civilian visitors, mainly because they couldn't get passed the building's security. One of the benefits of living in a shinobi only complex. The security was tight, very tight.

To enter the guy must be affiliated with Sasuke in some way. He wondered if the brunet was part of his fealty families. The Uchiha had so many Sasuke wasn't able to meet all them. At least not in so little time. Kami, to be honest, he wasn't sure he could even remember all the surnames indebted to his clan, the list was that long.

He was still getting accustomed to his new responsibilities. With a sigh he unlocked and opened the door. "Hello. How can I help you?"

He was still trying to decide to let the brunet in when a look of anger passed over his face. It was swift, but there was such rage in his eyes Sasuke took an uncertain step backward. The brunet smiled, but it was such a pull of lips and show of teeth it could be barely be called a smile. It wasn't fueled by positive emotion. It was hard and cold and self satisfied.

The brunet strode into the apartment, forcing Sasuke to back up rather than be trampled, and closed the door behind him. Sasuke knew immediately he'd made a mistake. He tried not to let it show in his face and stance. It was the first lesson Kakashi taught them. "How can I help you?" he repeated, voice cool.

Dark eyes wandered over his apartment for several tense moved before the brunet looked at him. "I have a proposal for you, Sasuke Uchiha."

Just as he finished Sasuke felt the heavy, fatal weight of chakra.

The ninja who worked security had made an even bigger one letting this man in. He was no civilian. Whoever he was he was a ninja trained in the killing arts. It was in his eyes. He breathed shallowly and tried to calm himself. He would listen to whatever this guy had to say and then get him out of his apartment as soon as physically possible. "You mentioned a proposal?"

"Hmm. Yes," he replied as he walked around the sitting room, looking at the living area. Sasuke felt a little violated as he watched him. "My assistant, Kabuto, came to see you recently. I came give you the power to kill Itachi Uchiha."

To have his goal spoke of so bluntly and by such a person unnerved Sasuke greatly. It was one thing to think about it year after year, day after day, and yet another thing to have it spoken aloud and in another's voice.

Frankly, his life goal sounded horrifying in that voice. "Who are you to promise such power?"

The teen turned and faced Sasuke fully. As the youngest Uchiha watched the face and body bleed away. Skin melting and reforming until the man standing before him was as different from the unassuming civilian as a person could be. He knew that face and figure before the man identified himself.

"I am Orochimaru," he replied. "The greatest of the Sanin."

Sorry I've been away for so long, but life has taken me through the wringer the last few years and every time I thought I got a handle on shit and started writing again, something new blindsided me. There has been a lot of stop and go on this project (and many others to be honest). Anyway, here you go: another chapter. Not even going to pretend to know when I'll post the next one, but it is in the works. That much I can say.