Chapter Text
Pain...
That was all Naruto could feel. As he lay shivering on the cold marble floors. Sweat drenched his body as wave after wave of heat assaulted him. He would surely die this time. He could feel it. His body was tired of fighting. His eyes refused to open anymore. The darkness calling to him. Would death be so bad? What was worse than the life he was living? The live he was subjected to.
He couldn't hear anyone anymore, but he was sure they were there. Watching him subcome to this pain. He didn't need to see them to know they were angry. They were always angry. Be was their worst subject according to the coordinators. They had tried 11 times.....
11 heat cycles....
Trying to force him into a mating bond with whatever Alpha picked him out of the lineup. With no care to what kind of person that Alpha was. It didn't matter. As long as his wallet was stacked and he was willing to dish our millions, that's what mattered. Each and every time, they had tried to sedate him. To make him more pliant. To make him immobile as Alpha after Alpha defiled him. Using him to sate their needs.
They'd take his body...then they'd try and take his mind. They'd bite his neck, pushing in their sickly venom. They try to force him to accept their bond. To become theirs for eternity. Each and every time Naruto's will would persevere. Denying the venom and rejecting the bond. It was no easy feat to do. It was the most excruciating experience he had ever felt in his life. For days, sometimes weeks, his body would be hotter than the sun. His bite would throb and bleed as it forced out the venom. He'd be weak and exhausted in the end. Clinging to life....but free.
He didn't want to be some Alphas caged bird. He craved a life out of these white walls. A life of freedom where no Alphas lived. Where he could be free of his bodies makeup. Where being and Omega was nothing to anyone. A life he was sure he would never have. He knew nothing but this facility. From just a few days old to now. For 19 years, he had been trapped here.
Where "Omegas were safe". A goverment funded organization to protect and save the Omegas. In a world where Alphas had warred over claims. Were bloodshed was just second nature. Where Omegas were slain caught in crossfire. Thus, "Omega Sanctuary" was born. To save the dying orientation.
Babies blood tested at just a few days old. Parents prayed for Beta or Alpha children. For they knew being Omega was like an omen. They would never see their child again. A checkup would turn into a goodbye. It was to "save the child" after all. Not just anyone could protect an Omega. They'd grow up around others just like them. Learn about their dynamic in a school like environment. They'd go through courting ceremonies where they got to choose their pack. They'd be claimed with consent. Live long, happy lives with their forevers.
That's what was fed to public.
What loads of utter bullshit. Hundreds of sanctuaries were spread across the country of Kasai. Doing nothing but trafficking Omegas for money and greed. Omega Sanctuary was where Omegas went to die. They were stripped of their identity. Taught submission or else. Where they were beaten, starved, raped, breed, and forcefully claimed. They were meer cattle on a field. Led to their slaughters at the hands of those meant to protect them.
Naruto was tired of this life. What was he fighting for? Another day of captivity? Branded a bad Omega to be beaten the moment he healed? To be used and abused to be taught a lesson? His handler had told him this morning that this was his last chance. Surely, that meant they were getting rid of him. There was nothing for him here. Sure, he had friends he had made, but he had seen so many come and go. So many broken in these walls. He didn't want to be like them. Giving up on their lives....killing themselves....or worse giving in to an Alpha. No....he didn't want to be them. He wanted a choice.
He was choosing death.....
"We got another one!"
"My God......get a medic! HURRY!"
"HURRY UP!"
"Is he breathing?!"
"Hearts beats faint! Were gonna lose him!"
"No! We are not going to lose him! We won't fail him!"
Sometime Later.....
Naruto frowned, hearing the rhythmic electronic sounding beep. He was accustomed to the sound. He had heard it time and time again as the forced sedatives into his body. Hoping not to stop his heart with its potency. The beep was clear and repetitive. It was a sign. A sign that he had failed....
He wasn't dead. He was still on this God forsaken planet. It was odd, though. He was warm....and comfortable. Was this a bed? Had he truly died? His handler would have never given him such luxuries. Not after rejecting yet another Alpha....well, two to be exact. In fact, it didn't smell of piss and shit around him..it smelled heavily sanitized and medicinal.
It was all wrong. Naruto fought his body's exhaustion. Forcing it to cooperate. His eyes fluttered, harsh, bright overhead lighting burning his eyes. Sitting up, he felt pain zipping up his spine. His whole bodies nervous system triggered. He shook as the pain moved through him. He had no thought to cease his movements. This was wrong it was all wrong. This place was foreign.
A simple white room with various wall decor. A large plant in the corner of the room. A TV on the wall. To the eight A few uddle chairs with a small coffee table. The bed he was on plush and that of a hospital bed. Various buttons that indicated an adjustable ability. He had no clue where he was. His heart rate accelerated as it settled. His distress mounting as the noise of the heart monitor grew louder.
With frenzied motions, he tore at his body. Ripping off his monitor pads and Iv's. His arm began to bleed as an alarm blared. He covered his ears at the screeching. Thunderous footsteps nearing as shadows appeared under his room door. Naruto jumped off the bed, knocking over anything in his path.
The door swung open. Several people in blue scrubs rushing in. Crouching in a corner. A strong and definite hiss rung out. Naruto's teeth and claws on display. His eyes were wild as he looked at the new faces. Eyeing him in concern. Naruto's hiss grew more threatening as they neared.
"Stop! Don't crowd him." A voice scolded, Naruto's eyes drifted over to its owner.
A woman entering the room with short brunette hair. She was dressed differently than the others. Her scrubs were black with white piping around the collar and edges of her uniform. Instantly, the others begun to back away slowly.
"I've got this....why don't you guys get me some fresh materials. Possibly a lunch." She voiced, holding eye contact with the distressed Omega in the corner. Noting how, just slightly, his shoulders lowered as the room emptied.
"Hi there....I'm sure you're probably confused. My name is Shizune, I'm the charge nurse here at Kohona Hospital." She spoke, ignoring the continuous hissing. She kept her distance, choosing to instead sit in one of the chairs in the room. Naruto's eyes tracked her movement with clear distrust.
"A lot is happening really fast, and I'm sorry for that little one. I'd love to sit and explain it all to you, but first, I'd like to take care of that wound you have there." She continued, Naruto's eyes briefly fell to his arm. A tiny stream of blood dripping down his arm. He blinked registering the pain he was in. Against his will, he sagged against the wall.
"I promise I'm here to help. May I come over?" Shizune asked, after a few minutes of silence. Naruto frowned at the woman. She had been simply sitting there. He wasn't sure what to make of her. Her scent was soft almost mute. Telling him she was a Beta and a patient one, it seemed. He had a ton of questions to ask. Far too many to utter when he felt like death itself. He nodded a movement that was barely noticeable. For a woman who took her job seriously and knew what was at stake.
Slowly, she rose, taking measured steps. Pausing to gauge his reaction. When she was certain he wouldn't attack her, she closed the distance. Bandaging the tear from his Iv first. His eyes watched her intently as she worked. Checking the bandages on both sides of his neck. She changed the one that was soiled with blood.
Coaxing him to get back in bed. She explained the medicines he was on in detail. Getting him hooked back up to his pain meds and his nutritional fluid. Once he was settled, she had hot food brought in for him to eat. The options over flowing. His eyes were much bigger than that of his stomach. Still, he tried to eat as much as he could. Not long after, he felt himself slipping into the waves of exhaustion. With a fear locked in his heart. There was no telling when this all would end. When he would be locked away again.
The fear of the unknown was a greater challenge than the sorrow he had been through. When you were conditioned from childhood to a certain way of life. An abrupt change such as this one was mentally and emotionally draining. When you thought you'd be grateful to be free of your cage.....you now wished to go back. To something you knew......to the false security it gave you. Because it was all the surety you had left.
He felt anxious the longer he stayed in these white walls. A growing paranoia that this was all a sick joke. Soon, the walls would fall away. Those sick attendants would be laughing at him. Giving him a taste of this just to rip it all away. They were trying to break him. None of this was real. It was all fake....
"Knock knock......It's me, Shizune."
Naruto eyed the woman as she entered. Who was she really? She couldn't be a real nurse. Maybe she was someone he hadn't seen before. There were over a dozen handlers at the facility. Or at least on the level he was in. There was probably more than that.
"I have good news! Your vital signs have all balanced out. Now you're a long way from completely healed. Those bites were pretty nasty, but you've rejected the venom all on your own. So all that's left is for the wounds to close. They've been looking good, I bet by the end of the week you'll be all healed. It's astounding how your body recuperates!" She cheered, holding a clipboard in hand. He scowled at her cheerful energy.
"So when....."
"When what?" She asked, frowning at his demeanor. She thought he'd be happy to hear some good news.
"When do I go back? You can stop the act." He spat.
"There's no act... you were rescued from that facility like I told you. You won't ever have to go back there." She assured.
"You're lying!"
"I'm not lying hun. You and hundreds of Omega have been rescued. They are rescuing more and more everyday hour of every minute of every day. Omega Sanctuary will be no more. I'm telling you the truth. Have you turned on your TV at all?" She asked, his brows scrunched as he looked at the weird remote like attachment to his bed.
In the 72 hours of him being here, he had just realized he could turn it on. They didn't get to watch TV often. Just in the recreational rooms when who ever was in charge of them that day felt like it. Shizune sighed, feeling her heart twist. She saw 20 different Omegas on her roster. Each going through their own transitions. All of them hadn't dared to call for a nurse, to watch TV, to leave their rooms at all. What pained her the most? No one had asked for nesting materials.
The horrors that had been uncovered in the last few days just kept getting worse and worse. She didn't want to imagine what more the world would learn when these Omega's opened their mouths and told their stories. Until then, she would be patient until they could trust they were safe. Maybe then one of them would share their names. She hated to think that they possibly didn't even know they had one.
Turning on the TV for him. She made sure to turn it to a news channel. This was all the country was talking about. They'd be talking about it for years to come. It would go down in history as the biggest blunder of the country. These Omegas were owed for the trauma they endured. Naruto looked up at the flat-screen TV.
A broad man with long bushy white hair was pictured approaching a wooden podium. The flash of cameras periodically blinded the man. As he squinted with a scowl. Naruto was momentarily distracted when a red breaking news headline slid across the top of the screen reading....
14,000 Omegas rescued and counting!
A time stamp accompanying the end. Naruto blinked, his eyes widening slightly. His attention went back to the man as he cleared his throat. An aura of seriousness Naruto could feel through the TV. There was no doubt that the man on his screen was an Alpha, one who meant business by the way he was projecting.
"To the citizens of our Kasai. As we witness the heinous reality of a great mishandling. I implore you all to not look away. Do not shut the TV off. Do not close your ears to the cries of our Omega. They've gone unseen for far too long. For this affects us all. We have failed an entire class of people. Who have been victimized and made out to be less than. We are watching history being written. However damaging it may be. This is the truth that our nation has stood upon. No longer will we turn a blind eye. No longer will we ignore. Let this be a revelation. May this change the minds and hearts. May this sit on the soul. Let this day be change. Let us call for justice. Let the corrupt fall, and a new system prevail. Let this be the healing of this once great nation." The man poured, a great emotion in his voice.
His speech was short but powerful. What more could one say when they were witnessing it all play out in real time. As another headline rolled across the screen, Naruto learned two things. The older man on his screen was someone by the name of Jiraiya Namikaze. The second discovery being that he was a man important enough to be doing a public address.
"I have heard your calls for me take the mantle. I do not take them lightly. As you all know. Our former Hokage Danzo....has been arrested and charged. For his orchestration of Omega trafficking. It sickens me to know of the deep roots our government has had in this catrosphy. As it stands, there is no one who is equipped with leading our nation in these trying times. I....Jiraiya Namikaze....herby accept my nation's gracious call to lead." The man continued.
"That being said, allow my position to be temporary. I am not the man that should lead our nation into the future. Let me stand as a meer transitional faction. After my swear in the election with continue as planned. I will not be running in this electoral race. I want the citizens of this nation to be the pioneers for our future. The future lies in your capable hands. I can not in good faith stand here as if I belong in our head seat, knowing I failed our Omega as well. In addition, my prime has come and gone. The future needs to be in the hands of those it will affect in due time. With that, I conclude my address and open the floor for questions." The man concluded, a barrage of questions being thrown at once.
"One at a time. Let's start with you in the blue.....yes you ma'am." He spoke.
"Mr. Namikaze, KCN here. What do you say to the disappointed citizens of Kasai who want to see you take the helm? You've been Danzo's greatest critic for the last 15 years. You yourself are a key player in the toppling of his tyranny. Why would you decline to lead long-term? "
"I offer my humblest of apologies to those disappointed in my decision. The truth of the matter lies in honor. It would be dishonest of me to take full credit for a mission that was underway long before I jumped into it. A team of incredibly skilled and intelligent individuals have been working tirelessly for over 10 years to gain access into the darkness that was Omega Sanctuary. I was not made aware of the evidence being gathered until two years ago. I had been fooled like everyone else. Next question....you there." He confessed, his goal to be 100 transparent. That was what the world needed right now.
"Hi, yes . It's no secret that Minato Namikaze has been in the races this election. <span;>Is it true that your very own son is the leader of the 'Caged Bird' organization?" The interviewer asked. Jiraiya sighed as the golden question popped up.
He had been warned it would arrive sooner rather than later by their team. "Caged Bird" had been an anonymous faction making claims against the Omega Sanctuary for a few years. A group against the inhumane way Omega's were being raised. They had been gaining political traction steadily as the publishing of a news article called "A Caged Bird Sings" took the world by storm.
An Omega who had been in the system and had been bought out had decided to share their story with the certainty that they would remain anonymous. In response to the viral article, Omega Sanctuaries across the nation had done damage control. Spreading videos and images of Omegas reportedly happy and well taken care of. A select few authorizing news teams to come in and do tours of the facility. All of it had been faked to discredit that one strong Omega.
With all the chaos going on. Caged Bird knew the anonymity would no longer be awarded to them. Too many people would rush to uncover the faces behind the masks. Be the enemies wanting to strike back or the public. They had prepared for this and made peace with it the day they made plans to storm a Sanctuary.
".....yes. Minato is the founder of Caged Bird. It has been his passion. Caged Bird was birthed from a father's pain. The pain of having his only child ripped from his fingertips. The pain of communication and contact being taken from him. The pain of losing a bonded to grief. The pain of wondering if his child was still alive out there. You there...." Jiraiya answered.
"What happens now, Hokage Sama? What will the government do with all the rescued Omegas? Hospitals are being overrun. As it stands, we have thousands of people with nowhere to go. What is your plan for office ?"
"Excellent question. Make no mistake we are working tirelessly to ensure the true safety of those we free. The ugly truth here is that these Sanctuaries have stripped Omegas of their identities. They are given a number, and that number becomes them. Lots of them don't know their given names from birth. During these storms, we are recovering files upon files of data. As of now, it is a matter of matching code numbers with each Omega. We are cross referencing our data with hospital data banks and are trying to actively sort out these people. The goal is to rehabilitate them with their respective families. We are implementing protective housing for those who do not need medical treatment. As well as offering psychiatric treatment for all victims." He spilled.
"Parents of Omegas who have fallen victim to Omega Sanctuary. We encourage you to visit FreeBirds.org and fill out the paperwork we've created to help this process. We ask that you fill it out to the best of your ability. Submitting any photos of any of the babies you lost. With cross referencing, we are looking to speed along this process. We ask that you please have patience. Please do not storm hospitals and police stations in this critical time. We are trying to bring your children home. We need your patience. Next...." Jiraiya finished, wanting to be as clear as possible.
"What about Omegas that have been processed out of the system? The ones who are potentially mated prisoners."
"....that is our greatest hurdle to date. My heart goes out to all Omega forced into bonds. As we know, a mating bond is a definitive attachment. Where through loss is the only natural way for bonds to break. I do not say that to strip the hope from them. As we complete the rehabilitation process, we will begin tracking down the unaccounted for Omegas from these sanctuaries. " He begun.
" In most cases that Caged Bird has encountered. These forced bonds are one-sided. Meaning Omegas have not returned the bites, leaving a bond unfinished. In these cases, researchers have found that completing a bond of choice with another Alpha or Beta have been able to suppress uncompleted bonds. Although it doesn't rid the claim. Omegas who have gone this route express a great releif from the separation, while noting that they do have chronic symptoms of detachment. It is not a fix, but most have spoken about being efficiently comforted by their chosen bonds. I plan to pledge millions of our tax dollars into adequate research on bonding. With the goal to uncover a way for it to be broken without fatality." Jiraiya finished, another bout of questions being shot off at him.
"How could this have gone on for so long? How are we just finding out the ugly truth of an organization that has been in effect for 25 years?"
"I ask myself that every morning when I wake up. How could we have let this happen? The answer has yet to find me, and I don't think it ever will. As we all know, Omega Sanctuary was starter 25 years ago, like you said. It was implemented when Hiruzen was our beloved leader. For 4 years.... Omega Sanctuary was truthfully doing what it promised. It was not a place where Omegas were cut from their parents' cold turkey. They were allowed visitation and much more. As we all know, the backlash Omega Sanctuary faced was intense. During Hiruzen's run for reelection, he lost to Danzo whose views were celebrated by those who wanted the 'old ways' back. What we have learned so far is that once he realized what it would take to dismantle what had been built. What he could not tear down, he needed to change....." Jiraya started, preparing to shock the world with yet another painful discovery.
"It pains me to tell you all this....but that retched day when the terrorist organization known widely as the 'Akatsuki' bombed the largest Omega Sanctuary in our nation. Massacring thousands of Omega.....Danzo, in turn, used a national tragedy. To reform the Omega Sanctuary. In this reform...he created the 'Root'. He gave us the illusion of maximum security while all continued as usual. In reality, he built underground prisons where over half the Omega's who were in the program were forced into borderline slavery. So you ask me how this went unoticed? An intricate and widespread smokescreen." Jiraiya spilled, he knew that would rock the people of Kasai on their feet. The Akatsuki attack had caused widespread terror. It was now a day of memorial where lives were mourned. To know that Danzo had twisted a tragedy to push his revision made Jiraiya sick.
"Wait, Lord Hokage. Are you saying that some Omega were matched with their mates the proper way?"
"Yes, over half the Omega's over the last 25 years in the Sanctuaries have been matched properly. That does not change the fact that Omega Sanctuary has been grounded on systematic oppression. We are talking an organization that has seen hundreds of thousands of Omega's come into these sanctuaries. You're telling me that just less than half of them were funneled into the Root. To be subjected to harsh treatment? I will not let us overlook the gravity of all of this simply because there are success stories. The Omegas who have been brutalized and killed deserve to have their voices heard. I will ensure that they reach all ears." Jiraiya bellowed, his anger palpable.
He would not let anyone be a devils advocate. The fact of the matter was. Omega Sanctuary was a lie with a terrible teaching curriculum. Even these so-called successes had been wronged by the way they were taught. Yet still, he didn't want the Omegas who did find their chosen homes to feel survivors guilt because they lucked out of being shoved into the Root. For they were deceived much like the general public.
"...next question."
Naruto tore his eyes from the screen, computing the influx of information. A wave of emotions overtaking him. Was it releif? Not exactly for his future was packed with just as much uncertainty. No, the emotion choking him with tears was grief. Shizune eyed the boy with sympathy. Opting to test the waters with physical contact. Naruto tensed at the hand placed on his back. His very own breath halting. Stuck between two words of fight of flight. The latter trying to take root as his nails elongated.
Shizune simply hummed, rubbing his back softly. Slowly, he began to relax and separate her touch from the post occurrences in his life. He had to admit it was rather comforting as his tears continued to flow. It was times like this that Shizune wished she were an Alpha. With the ability to rumble for him. Alphas were gifted with that trait. A<span;> sound produced from deep in the chest. A soothing and low tranquil frequency that pacifys Omegas. They could even affect Betas, although the feeling is at a much lower scale.
Unfortunately, she wasn't, but she could do this for him. Let him know that he wasn't alone anymore. That she would be here for him as long as she could be. As she stood beside his bed, her eyes drifted to the TV. A heavy sigh leaving her at the work to be done. She needed to call a meeting for the nurses on this floor. Instead of names, they needed to ask for their numbers. She was sure Tsunade would brief her on the matter later.
The woman was no doubt extremely busy working with the high ups on the medical side of this epidemic. Shizune would have wanted to be there for her to make sure she was taking care of herself, but someone had to keep the hospital running smoothly in her absence. She wasn't Tsunade's right hand for no reason. She didn't achieve her position for simply being her neice. No, she was qualified for her position. She had worked hard to get here. In a time like this, all that hard work was put to the test. She didn't need to wait for orders. She would fake initiative and start the hospital filings here. They'd be ready by the time officials came to retrieve them.
Which turned out to be sooner rather than later. She was grateful for following her own intuition. In a matter of two days, Omegas were being identified left and right. Families were being reunited, and people were beginning to find their new normal. All the Omega under her watch had been rehomed....aside from one.
Omega 367629.....
Chapter 2
Notes:
Thank you guys for your feedback! Im going to make this a continued story. So ad a thanks here's another chapter.
Mapping out a plot sheet and brainstorming this out. I'm kinda stuck on my pairings so those are definite. ShikaNaru is my fave, Gaara/Naruto is too cute, and Neji/Naruto is too rare. I think I can blend them all well.
Super excited!🥵
Chapter Text
Naruto peered up at the sky. It's fluffy white clouds darkening. A storm was coming, he could smell the rain in the air. He couldn't decide what he like more. Those bright sunny days or that rainy day that drenched the earth. Out of the new experiences he was encounteringevery day. His by far favorite was being able to go outside. A luxury he had never had before. To feel warmth from the sun directly on your skin. To hear birds chirp. To hear the wind, to see bugs crawl, the squirrels run. His favorite time of day was sunset. When he could watch the colors bleed into the sky.
"Thought I'd find you out here." A familiar voice spoke, Naruto's offered a slight time of the lips. As he turned to spot Shizune. Someone he felt he grew to like in the three weeks he had been in the hospital.
"Its gone rain today, we're expecting a thunderstorm you know." She pointed out, he nodded looking up at the sky once more.
"Its peaceful...." He muttered.
"Won't be if you catch a cold out here." She playfully tossed, sitting down next to him. He could have sat on the bench but he liked sitting in the grass below. She made it a goal to visit him everyday without fail. She didn't know if it was out of genuine attachment or the fact that so many had come and go yet he was still around. The Omega Epidemic was far from over. She was still receiving countless new patients. She held our hope that this young one had a family lot there.
"What do you call this again?" He tossed, bringing her out of her thoughts. She smiled still getting used to his voice. For a very long time he had spoken but maybe a sentence or two a day.
"A garden." She answered, looking around at the lovely space. It was well kept one at that. Once open to all visitors at the hospital but now was exclusively for the Omega patients who wanted to go outside. A safe space for them to experiment with nature. She remembered how floored Naruto had been to see a real tree. Not something he glimpsed on TV. A real solid tree that he could touch.
"No...well that too but the time? When it's green?" He muttered, frowning at his own lack of knowledge.
"Spring." She answered, despite the tightening in her chest. There was so much he had to learn. So much that was stolen from him.
"Spring......I like Spring." Naruto chirped, her eyes widened at the sudden sound of joy. His eyes on a patch of flowers but what stole her heart was his smile. A real one....
"I'm glad..." She spoke, fighting the sudden emotion.
It was definitely out of attachment. She couldn't put her finger on it but something about this boy was just warm. Even in the darkest moments she had witnessed with him. On the inside buried under pain and trauma was a beacon of light that called you in. She hoped he could work through it all to let it truly shine. He deserved the world.
The moment was stolen as Naruto tensed. His body going from relaxed to alarmed. Ears and nose twitching before he suddenly hissed. His attention past her as he crouched. Teeth on display as he glared at the two intruders. Shizune stood abruptly placing herself in front of Naruto. Her hand on the alarm of her name tag. An immediate page to security sent out.
There were supposed to be no Alphas on this side of the building. Let alone in this garden. How they slipped through was not of her concern at the moment. Her sole job was to protect this Omega. A small growl coming out to play from her as she glared at the two men. Dressed in black suits with odd ear pieces on their right side.
"You're not supposed to be in here! Leave immediately!" She demanded, she tensed as one moved a hand to his inside jacket pocket. She wasn't equipped to go against a weapon. Though the fear of a gun sat in her heart she held her ground. Security would be here any minute.
"Shizune Kato, we need you to locate Omega 367629 by order of the Hokage!" The man spoke, pulling a sealed envelope from his pocket. She narrowed her eyes at him as he held it out. She didn't want to get near these weirdos. What was with the head peice and the damn mask.
"What?" She spat, approaching the two and snatching the item from his hand.
"It is of upmost importance that you do this imeadeitly." The other tossed, as she tore open the envelope. It was official that was for sure. She had seen that seal a few times around Tsunade. Her eyes skimmed the writing widening with each pass. She turned to the crouched Omega in the background.
"They've found your family!" She erupted, her words giving Naruto pause. The news made his stomach lurch. His life was going to change again. Naruto's angered eyes gave way to fear in seconds. A sudden wave of sour pheromones spreading rapidly.
"No no no, hun this is a good thing. You don't have to be scared. Take a breather it's okay, these Alpha aren't here to harm you." Shizune rushed, wincing at the smell herself. Her nose wasn't as sensitive as that of an Alpha or an Omega. Yet she was picking up Naruto's pheromones that just smelt all wrong. A tall tale sign of grave distress. He didn't want to find his family. He had been happy that they hadn't been located. He didn't want to leave the hospital. He was comfortable here. He felt safe here. He didn't want to go anywhere new. These men were going to take him away. They were going to claim him. He didn't trust them one bit.
"Easy there little one...." The masked Alpha spoke, intent eyes locked on Naruto as he begun taking slow steps forward. Well the one not covered by his long white hair.
"Don't approach him!" Shizune snapped, orders or not she didn't want to stress him further.
"He's going to run." The masked man stated.
"No he's not, he's....." Her words stopped, as Naruto turned and sprinted. Quite literally kicking up dirt in his wake. The masked man sighed as he gave Shizune what seemed like a bored expression before giving chase.
"WAIT! DONT CHASE HIM!" She yelled out, she was quick to follow along with the other Alpha. Two Alphas chasing after the Omega was sure to invoke panic if any others saw him. Where was that damn security?
Naruto felt his heart in his throat as he looked over his shoulder. What a familiar scene this was to him. Too familiar that is. The feeling of being hunted was cemented in his brain. Sure those two didn't look like they were going to eat him but he didn't know for sure. Pushing his feet to work harder he turned back around. Prepared to give it his all....but he was a few seconds too late.
The wind was knocked from him as he ran head into what felt like the softest brick wall on earth. Naruto was aware of how contradictory that sounded but he had no other way to explain it. A surprised shout had left the brick wall as it toppled over with him on top. His face smashed between what he now registered as two very pillowy overgrown masses.
"God damn it! That hurt!" The clear woman swore, Naruto scrambled to get off the woman and run once more. The thudding footsteps far too close.
"Oh no you don't!" The woman growled, grabbing a fist full of Naruto's shirt as he tried to lunge. Something mixed between a mewl and whimper escaping the Omega in hand. As she stood she pulled him up with her. Her grip iron ad he struggled wildly. Her fiery gaze invoking more fear in him as a series of screeching yips left him. His sour smell flooding the hall.
"Lady Tsunade! You're scaring him." Shizune rushed out.
"The little shit ran into me. CUT IT OUT!" She growled, her aura pulsing from her. Naruto whimpered stilling in her grasp. Shaking as he avoided her gaze. Leave it to him to run into an Alpha while running from Alphas. Life continued to repeat itself. Tsunade paused as she got a good look at the Omega. Odd whisker like marks on his cheeks bringing a flashback on. She reigned in her dominance quickly with a gasp. She was looking at a baby she had delivered years ago only he wasn't a baby anymore.
"Glad you caught him Tsunade. He's a fast little something." The masked Alpha spoke up, her timing couldn't have been more perfect. They had split up to locate Shizune after coming up empty on the Omega's room.
"I'm not going to hurt you.....Naruto." Tsunade voiced, her tone much softer and lower than earlier. Guilt eating at her as she let go of his shirt. She hated how quick to anger she could be. Especially when stressed. That was not the way to handle an Omega even a misbehaving one. Naruto risked a glance at her as he took quick steps back. Bumping into the chest of someone behind him. He near jumped out his skin turning quickly. Shizune offering him a soft smile. He latched on to her pulling her between him and the other three.
"I'm sorry, Naruto. I shouldn't have handled you like that." Tsunade spoke, noticing how he frowned at her.
"I hadn't got the chance to tell him the full story yet ma'am." Shizune spoke, answering her silent question. Understanding flooded Tsunade's gaze as she sighed.
"Well you can understand the rush of things Shizune. In fact we need to get him to his room before word gets out. Come." Tsunade lowly spoke, looking around at the not to subtle bystanders who were supposed to be working.
Shizune nodded grabbing a hold of Naruto's hand. He whimpered as she attempted to walk him forward. Tsunade quickly moved out of the way. Hoping to ease him. Sticking close to Shizune like a second skin as they passed. He felt his hands grow clammy. Something Shizune seemed to ignore as she quickly led him down familiar halls. Spotting his room brought him a sense of releif. Letting go of Shizune's hand he ignored her call as he rushed forward. Wanting to be in safe space imeadeitly.
He was ill prepared for the appearance of another two Alphas in his room. Bringing the number up to a grand total of five. His safe space tainted with their strong smells. A cold sweat breaking out as air seemed hard to come by. He felt the burn of his lungs for something that wouldn't enter his body. Without warning he felt his vision darken. His lights turning out in a fraction of a second.
"Shit!" Jiraiya cursed, as he managed to catch the Omega being the closest to him.
"Oh no, he's so overwhelmed." Shizune voiced, as she rushed into the room.
"Its not going to get any easier for him. He needs to be discharged today. Right now." Tsunade dropped.
"That's too fast Tsunade. We're going to give him more than a fainting spell." Shizune argued.
"Its a matter of security Shizune. I don't like it anymore than you do, but the moment word gets out of his relation. He'll be in danger." Jiraiya spoke up, adjusting his hood on the unconscious boy.
"Still you have to understand. He doesn't know you all. You're strangers to him. You'll give him a serious fright if he's suddenly trapped in a tight space with Alphas." Shizune hissed.
"It must be done!" Jiraiya growled, his aura flooding the room. She fought the urge to bare her neck at the well respected man. He was Naruto's grandfather after all.
"Shizune's right Jiraiya. Let's at least sedate him so he sleeps through the travel. You don't want to be caught with a feral Omega in a car. You're looking at a blood bath." Tsunade spoke up, placing a comforting hand on her right hands shoulder.
"Minato." Jiraiya spat, looking to the man who had been stuck in the same position since laying eyes on the boy. It seemed like time had stalled as he gazed at his child. At his name he shook his head clear. Pulling himself together. There was a time to feel later.
"Give him the medicine but hurry." Minato declared, Shizune nodded bitterly turning to leave the room.
As she retrieved the right medicine and needles she hoped that Naruto would forgive her. Returning to the room the hushed talks ceased. She was sure it was more of a matter to watch her rather than to conceal. She gestured for Jiraiya to lay Naruto on the bed. Being precise with her injection, she slowly dispensed the liquid. Frowning at the twitch Naruto gave. His eyes flying open with a distinctive hiss.
Jiraiya caught his hand before sharp claws swiped her face. Shock coursing through the room at his reflexes. He hadn't been Kasai's Five Star General without the proof to match. Shizune's heart ached as she watched Jiraiya restrain Naruto. The boys frantic flailing telling stories no words had spoken. Naruto screeched kicking his feet. Prompting the masked Alpha to step in and grab them. His yells were surely traveling far. Even with the door shut Tsunade knew there would need to be damage control.
Minato stared at his son. Feeling his own sorrow as he approached the bed. Those sour pheromones near choking him. Acting upon instinct he reached out placing a hand on Naruto's chest. Bright blue eyes mirroring his own met his gaze. Briefly a sixth sense of recognition passed in those eyes before it was gone. Such a raw unfiltered fear there calling forth a sound from deep within his chest. Before he could even think to do it. A rumble leaving Minato as he held eye contact with Naruto.
Naruto wanted to look away. He wanted to fight. He wanted to scream and yell. Yet, the longer he held eye contact with blue mirrors the quicker his fight left him. The sound assaulting his ears weighing down on him. Against his will it brought forth a sense of security. The sound translating to words of promise between father and son. Naruto felt tears gather in his eyes and spill. His fight fizzling out. Even as he caught his breath, Minato didn't stop his continous sound.
Minato's eyes softening as he patted Naruto's chest. Soothing the weeping boy. Naruto felt his eyes begun to droop. The rhythmic pats, the sounds, those eyes....whatever they had given him. It was putting him to sleep. The fight to keep them open lost. Minato didn't stop until he was sure Naruto was asleep. A heavy sigh leaving him once he did.
"The kid's been through hell." Jiraiya commented, breaking the silence of the room. Minato's eyes hardened as he dropped his arm.
"Let's go. We have work to do." The mam growled, the sudden burst of aura coming from him unsettling the others in the room. It was all too much. All there pheromones clashing, plus the heavy scent of Omega distress. It was beggining to get to them all. Alphas weren't meant to be condensed in tiny spaces such as this. Not unless they were bonded could they tolerate it.
"Let me clear the hall. Shizune I trust you to take care of things here. Ensure our staff is aware of the repercussions of spreading patient information. They'll need a doctor on hand in case he wakes agitated." Tsunade spoke, Shizune nodded concealing her emotions. Work now feel later, it was how they had to run things lately. After a few minutes Tsunade gave the all clear. Jiraiya's body tensed as he watched a man he knew well attempt to pick his grandson up. He was unable to quell the growl of threat that escaped him. The room shifting as controls were tested.
"Jiraiya, Kakashi is just trying to help." Tsunade spoke, choosing her tone carefully. Provoking the man with their usual banter would end dangerously. Especially as the Alpha was reacting with familial instinct. Blood recognizing blood. His mind clouded with the pheromones in the room. Logic gone replaced with one primal urge. To protect the Omega in distress.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation Kakashi slowly backed away. Shizune putting face to name side stepped to allow him a clear path out of the room. He had crossed a line in Jiraiya's mind and the man wouldn't calm until he was gone.
"Tenzo, why don't you go ahead as well. Ensure our departure is concealed." Minato spoke up, the man with the head peice nodded. Exiting the room as well. Jiraiya's relaxed his breathing evening out. Tsunade shook her head as she exited the room. She knew the man would feel much better once he was outside. He just needed some fresh air. Scooping up the unconscious Omega, Jiraiya was the next to leave the room. Followed by Minato and lastly Shizune, who broke off from the group.
The rest taking an emergency back entrance route out of the hospital a waiting set of tinted SUV's waiting. Tsunade, Tenzo, and Kakashi opted to ruie in the second vehicle. Giving both Jiraiya and Minato their space. It couldn't be easy to witness their own flesh and blood so torn up. Clearly used to being attacked and drugged. The thought made Minato grit his teeth. Jiraiya sighed as he cracked a window. Airing out the slipping aura Minato was putting out. He made mental note to apologize to Kakashi when he saw him next.
"I want to kill them all...." Minato stated, it didn't take rocket science to now who they were. Jiraiya hummed he shared the same sentiment. Unfortunately it was modern times not the old days.
"If only it was that easy."
Naruto awoke with a jump start. Everything was all wrong! Again! The bed he was lying on was much to soft to be the hospital. The walls much too high, the room too damn big! He sat up soft sheets falling off of him. His head swiveling from left to right. He had been kidnapped! Again! He was starting to question whether or not he actually was free. Being transported against his will was not what he would call freedom.
He rubbed the side of his arm. The familiar pinprick soreness of a needle there. His past had taught him nothing apparently. He was far too naive to think that life was sweet now. He had strangers whisking him off to God knows where. His family.....apparently. It was a hard pill to swallow. He actually had a family, and that family came for him. He had a name.....and that name was Naruto. He liked that much better than being called Omega or numbers.
Naruto frowned at his bipolar emotions. His mind flitting between anger for being taken and a budding hope in his heart. Hope was dangerous. He couldn't let himself have that. Yet since being rescued it had been a thorn in his side. Throwing the covets off his body. He stood feeling the after effects of dizziness. They had definitely sedated him. He grumbled at that, he hated sedatives.
He remembered the feeling of the injection. Only to open his eyes and see Shizune. Someone he had grown to trust. He absent-mindedly rubbed at his chest at the memory. A slight guilt at attacking her hitting him. Well almost attacking her. Had it not been for that man. Of all thing Naruto was struggling with him the most. He had seen that man on his TV screen time and time again. He had regarded him highly with his public fight for his class.
Was he his father? No.....Naruto knew that much. He felt an odd sense of connection with him, but it was no where near as big as the inherent one. The blond man who's face looked to much like his. Who's eyes were pools of sadness. Who's pull on Naruto's very being too strong. Naruto hated how weak he felt with the Alpha. He had felt like a simple hand was not enough. The man made him feel like he needed to be held.
Shaking those feelings away Naruto begun wandering. Opening random doors in the room until he found one that led to the hall. His barefoot padding on the cold marble flooring. He knew he wasn't in another hospital. Everything looked to nice and expensive. It was rather warm and homey, rather than plain and cold. As he wondered he found himself getting lost without knowledge of how to go back where he started. Stumbling across some grand stairs he decended them. Foreign scents assaulting him. He followed them to a set of huge closed double doors that looked heavy. He could hear muffled voices from the inside but couldn't make out what they were saying. Pressing his ear to the door he listened.
"......It's already out. He'll need round the clock protection."
"Have you seen his file? I think people need protection from him."
"Now is not the time for jokes father. I don't doubt he's a strong boy. He's a Namikaze after all, but he's been through enough. I will not fail him again. I need to protect him with all I've got."
"I understand the position you're in. I do not want to come off insensitive but as a friend and advisor. I suggest that you use this to your advantage. Transparency is what will win you the race. Even with all we've done, not everyone is on board with us just yet."
"No."
"Think about it."
"I WILL NOT USE HIM."
"That's not what he meant."
"Wether he is or isn't in the lime light. He will have enemies."
"He's an unbounded Omega his life is already ten times harder than that of our own. I won't have it."
"You are up against....."
"You shouldn't easedrop." A voice tossed, the suddenness of it causing Naruto to jump. He spun eyeing the new person in surprise. How could he not have sensed him? Heard him even.
"Wouldn't want you to cause any trouble." The taller man added, Naruto tilted his glad trying to read him.
Even for a Beta his aura was very muted. Naruto relaxed not feeling a single shred of dominance from the man. He was even lacking a scent......how odd. Naruto took the time to study him. The sharp cut of his features catching his attention. Naruto blinked at the stirring in his belly. This man was attractive.....dangerously attractive. He was lean his shoulders not so broad, but Naruto could tell their was a toned body beneath the forest green long sleeve. He a sort of relaxed, lazy posture that made him all the more approachable. His hair pulled back into a ponytail that looked halfass yet neat at the same time.
"But what do I know....." The man shrugged, turning on his heels and walking away.
Naruto blinked at his retreat. Finding himself echoing those footsteps. Whether curiosity or something else he didn't know. Something was off with that guy. Naruto passed a grand dining hall on his way. Spotting the man exiting out of a pair of sliding doors. Naruto crept up to it. A gasp leaving his lips as he gazed out into what looked to be a back yard. The smell outside damp and rainy.
This was not like the garden he had been in at the hospital. No this was entirely different. A wooden deck that extended to a fire pit seating area, not to far away a swimming pool and Jacuzzi combo. That wasn't what had Naruto struck. It was the wide expanse of a yard filled with trees as far as the eye could see. Was this the forests Shizune had mentioned. The grass was long far in the back. Dancing in the breeze. He was disappointed to have missed the rain fall but this view was making up for it.
His reasoning for stumbling upon this scene forgotten. Until the scent of smoke traveled. Naruto's eyes landing on the man. Leaning against the side of the mansion walls. Eyes trained on the sky as he blew a smoke cloud. His attention so vivid prompting Naruto to look up himself. Seeing nothing but clouds in the sky.
"You must be Naruto." The man finally spoke, his eyes lowering to peer at the blond. Who looked on in confusion. He was still wrapping his head around having a name and people addressing him with it.
"They've been waiting a real long time to find you." He added, going back to looking at the sky.
".....so it seems." Naruto muttered, his words giving the man pause.
"I won't go on telling you a bunch of bullshit about to trust them and to not be scared. Nobody knows what it was like to be you but you. All I'm going to say is one thing for sure. You're here..... Do with that as you please." Mystery man voiced, Naruto rose a brow at the horrible pep talk.
He was used to long drawn out never give up speeches. So although those words like many others put out no fires. He respected that someone for once was being real with him. No ear splitting sympathy cards, no empowerment speeches. Just simply a "Shits fucked up.....but you're alive". This Beta was all right in his book...for now at least. Naruto stepped outside completely. Letting his eyes roam more of the layout. A silence falling over them.
"Shikamaru." A voice came, sharp and concise resulting in a groan.
Naruto spun around around, yet another new face and new scent. He was starting to get a bit of whiplash from how quick they were spawning. The older man clearly an Alpha, his aura giving off a dominance that was subtle. Shikamaru was a carbon copy of the man calling his name. They'd be twins if he didn't have greys in his beard and a scar on his face. It was weird to look at mirror images considering that his very own twin was standing next to the man.
"What a drag......" Shikamaru sighed, putting out his cigarette. He knew a scolding was coming just based off the look his father was giving him. He had been followed in his defense. Minato scented the air raising a brow at Shikamaru as he neared. With a single wordless jut of the head in Naruto's direction before he eased by the man. Minato hummed in return his eyes falling on to his son.
"See you tommorow."
"Indeed Shikaku, drive safe." Minato spoke up, dismissing one of his most trusted people of his circle.
As the father and son duo strolled away, Naruto was blindsided by his senses. His eyes wide trained on the retreating two. Surely that Shikamaru guy had been a Beta right? There was no way he had followed an Alpha outside. He couldn't have been, Naruto was good at classing people. He had the best nose of his whole pod back in the academy.
So where had that sudden aura signature come from? Maybe it was the drugs in his system still. As they drew farther away, his gaze shifted to the last man standing. His father's eyes steady and warm. Yet, they unnerved Naruto all the same. Noticing the slight twitching of Naruto's fingers, Minato shifted his gaze to the trees in the distance. Through the peripheral Minato watched Naruto's shoulders drop slightly.
"Please forgive me for how we met. My intentions were not to scare you. Truth be told I did not plan for our reconnection accordingly. As soon as I heard you had been found I rushed it all for that I'm sorry." Minato started, briefly glancing at Naruto.
"My name is Minato Namikaze, 19 years ago my wife....my mate gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I held him but one time, bestowing on him his name. Naruto.....a name my father had wanted for me when I was born. As a young army Sergeant my schedule could waver at the drop of a dime. That night I was called to my countries duty.......when I returned......I had not a child.....or a wife left." Minato spilled, Naruto blinked feeling a wave of the man's sadness.
"I've been searching for you for a very....very long time Naruto. I'm so sorry that I didn't find you sooner. I've failed you one too many times now. I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying to make up for it. I want you to have the life you always deserved to have. That is the promise I'm making to you, Naruto." Minato declared, his eyes finding blue mirrors to solidify his words. He didn't hold eye contact longer than what was needed to show his dedication. As a moment of silence passed the sadness seemed to melt off the man. A charming smile put in place.
"You ought to be hungry. I dismissed the chef for the day, bit im sure I could whip something up for the both of us." Minato tossed, he hadn't expected Naruto to say much of anything. According to Shizune it took a whole day before she got verbal yes's or no's. Having full blown conversations would take a while.
"You're more than welcomed to explore. You are free to roam the property as you please. I just ask that if you want to go beyond that. You simply let me know so I can make the proper arrangements. So....I'll be in the kitchen." Minato concluded, he didn't want to overwhelm the boy.
He remembered his wife always needing alone time to gather herself. Omega's were sensitive creatures, who often were very emphatic. With the amount of grief trying to drown him at the moment, he didn't want to unconsciously force Naruto to feel it as well. Suppression was going to have to be his new best friend. Maybe he'd be as skilled as Shikamaru was at it.
Watching his father retreat, the questions swirling in Naruto's mind halted. Knowing they'd go nowhere if he didn't even have the courage to open his mouth. He flexed his fingers swallowing the lump in his throat. His body worked so tight he almost felt stuck. Like his body had locked in this position. He couldn't help it. Even with the odd pull to be closer to the man, he couldn't get his body to be on board with anything but defense. It didn't help that his father's aura kept flucating as he spoke.
It took a while for his beating heart to calm. Enough for him to wonder what his father meant by "beyond that". What was out there for him to do? Beyond was not a thought in his mind when he needed to survive these grounds first. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palm. A fresh warmth starting to spill as he stared as the massive home. Be careful what you wish floor floating in his mind.
Freedom....was so damn scary.
Chapter Text
Naruto slowly ate his breakfast. Not wanting to draw attention to himself. He had never realized that his eating was odd. Not when those he did know ate just like him. He learned quickly that something was wrong when his father had watched him eat in a tamed horror. The way he shielded his plate and scarfed food down was a sight. Minato's aura had skyrocketed and near sent Naruto into a frenzy. Needless to say, he finished his food under the table that day. Unable to be coaxed out of the spot.
As he scooped eggs into his mouth, he chewed, looking around the dining hall. His eyes fell on a picture he stared at often. A swirl of bright colors looking as if they were fighting to color the black canvas. The hairs on his arms rose, alerting him of a steady gaze. He shifted, looking far across the table. At the head on the opposite end, Minato smiled softly.
"Sorry..." The older man blurted, not wanting to make Naruto uncomfortable.
Naruto wasn't the only one adjusting. Minato himself was actively trying to be careful. He attempted unsuccessfully most times to quell his aura. He made noise before he entered rooms to not frighten Naruto after an occurrence. He didn't make quick movements. He gave Naruto space. He didn't push for conversation, and he didn't stare....well, he tried not to. It felt surreal to have Naruto back in his life. Someday's he wanted to forgo his commitments to just be in his presence. Though it could be a double-edged sword. With his joy came sorrow.
He had dreamed of reuniting with his son for so long. He has an unrealistic expectation of what the reunion was supposed to be like. He had shoved those aside to focus on reality. He was dealing with a sheltered and trauma plagued youth. He had seen and met many being stationed here and there. It was not going to be sunshine and rainbows for a while....if at all. The best way he could help Naruto was to give him grace and patience.
As much as he wanted to sit and make it all better, he couldn't. Naruto wasn't the only Omega broken by those Sanctuaries. He wasn't the only one struggling. There were others lost that needed help. He had a busy day of meetings ahead of him. Noting Naruto finishing up, Minato cleared his throat. Setting down his smartphone, he smiled softly.
"I'd like to show you something if that's okay." He spoke up, Naruto blinked at the man.
Chewing his lip in a brief flurry of anxiety. Dropping his gaze, he gave a single shoulder shrug. Minato nodded, rising from his seat. Gesturing for Naruto to follow. Leading Naruto up the main stairs. Walking down long halls, he stopped at a set of double doors that reminded Naruto of his fathers bedroom.
Minato opened the doors, revealing a massive empty room. He blinked in confusion at this supposed grand reveal. There wasn't much to look at, really. He entered the space anyways looking around. A walk-in closet on the right, not too far away, a full bathroom suite. A storage closet on the left tucked I to a corner. He found himself drawn to the wide bay window overlooking the backyard.
"It opens in the middle." Minato pointed out, Naruto looked at the latch. Unhooking it, he pushed the window planes by the handles. He was curious to see how he was meant to get out onto the balcony. This one much bigger than the one he had in his room.
"This is going to be your room." Minato announced, Naruto froze at those words. This.....empty space? It was happening.....he was being stripped of the new things he had come to love. He was being punished again. Was he not talking enough? Was he not the son Minato wanted?
"No, no, no, I'm not moving you here just yet. It's empty." Minato rushed, scenting sour pheromones.
"I'm sorry, I should have explained it to you. I want this to be your nest Naruto." Minato clarified, Naruto turned looking at the man in confusion.
"Nest?" Naruto muttered, Minato forced the excitement to stay hidden. Hearing Naruto's voice was a treat.
"Yes, your nest a place that you delegate. It's your safe space where you feel the most secure and comfortable. A place that has all your favorite things. A place that you hand-picked to your needs and likes. Not like the room you're in now. It came put together by someone else. When you make it you know it's soley yours. I won't even enter if you don't want me to." Minato explained, Naruto couldn't deny that sounded nice.
"Did.....they not teach you about nests?" Minato asked, hating that he had to. Naruto shook his head, shutting the window.
"Okay. Well, I'll make sure you have the best one." Minato assured, Naruto nodded not really sure what that meant. Minato gestured for him to exit. Naruto rushing to do so.
"I'll be home for a while. I have a meeting here. I don't want you to be thrown off when you sense others in the house. They'll all be downstairs. No one will come up, but if it helps, you have locks on your door. Okay?" Minato spoke, Naruto nodded trying not to think about who was coming.
"Once it's over, everyone will leave. I'll be home later this evening. I won't be able to make it to lunch today." Minato added, just as a doorbell rung. No doubt his gate gaurd letting people through. Naruto tensed at the sound.
"No one's inside yet. Go ahead to your room. It's okay." Minato ushered, with those words of reassurance Naruto jetted. Minato headed downstairs to greet his guests. Readying himself for today's Caged Bird briefing. Heading back downstairs, he opened his front door. A few of his fellow associates waiting on the other end.
"Shikaku, Choza, Inoichi." He greeted. They nodded in greeting as he stepped aside to allow them entrance.
"Shikamaru." Minato added, as the young alpha strolled up the entrance steps to his home.
His annoyance at being up so early clear. Minato smiled softly as the man grunted his greeting. He was like a breath of fresh air. Never rude but lacking the formalities half the time. He was a laid-back man who didn't care to do much. Despite his personality, he was an exceptionally talented and hardworking individual. Had it not been for him, they never would have been able to get into a goverment secure grade database. They would have had thousands upon thousands of people with no identification. He was a blessing, Danzo had tried to have the system wiped. He managed to slip in and gather every single bit of information in 5 minutes. His intelligence and technology were a dangerous combination.
He was also the reason they had their freebirds website. To help speed along identifying Omega's. An idea born from that brain that he put together with a few days' notice. Minato held him at a high regard. He had practically watched him grow up. Be was family family extension in his mind. As Shikamaru passed him, Minato sensed the man suppress his aura to a mute note. Bringing a warmth to his chest knowing why he was doing so. Shutting his front door, Minato straightened his back. It was another day of hard work.
Naruto watched a set of birds in the sky. He wasn't sure if they were fighting or playing. Hell, he didn't know if birds even played. It was relaxing to see regardless. For the last week of his new life with his father. His routine consisted of eating breakfast, going back to his room, sitting on the balcony a while, taking a nap, eating lunch, back on the balcony, dinner, a shower, and finally to sleep. Before he repeated it all again. To others, it would seem mundane, but to him....it was everything. He was currently in his first session of balcony watching. Absorbing the sun's rays, feeling the day start to go from chilly to warm.
"Gah.....more work. Fun." A voice grumbled, cutting through the quiet that was nature.
Naruto's face scrunched as he was hit with a woodsy mahogany scent that seemed to have hints of fresh rain. He was used to scents being overwhelming or just simply wrong to his nose. This one, however, was different. Very different in fact, he didn't mind the smell at all. He actually quite liked it. Which wasn't a common occurrence. A long sigh was heard accompanied by the sudden wave of aura. Naruto recoiled at the feeling. Why did such a nice scent belong to an Alpha. Naruto frowned in disappointment, being cautious he crept to the edge of his balcony. Peering over the side rail in search of the source.
His eyes landed on a familiar person. That couldn't be right. There was no way it was the same person. He distinctly remembered meeting a Beta. He remembered talking to a Beta who didn't have a scent he could pick up on. Not uncommon for their class of people. So how then....how did this man have an aura that was so strong. Even for an Alpha his size, it was mismatched. He aura'd like he should have been much bigger. Naruto looked around, making sure he wasn't seeing things.
The scent of cigarette smoke begging to mingle with the Alpha's smell. Naruto's hands clenched on the railing as he gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. What was wrong with him? He yearned to get closer to that smell. To take an intake directly from the source. Untainted by the smells of grass, clohrine, and dirt. He shook his head, clamping down in the feeling with a scary ease. Swallowing it down, he opened his eyes. Finding that aura gone as if it were never there. He would have thought he was imagining things if the scent hadn't stayed. Naruto narrowed his eyes down at the Alpha below. He had been tricked. Led to believe something else.
"My apologies, I didn't sense you out here." The man spoke.
A slight tilt of his head was the only indication he was speaking to Naruto. The blond pursed his lips, still glaring. The heat of which Shikamaru could feel. He wasn't quite sure what had the guy so upset. The moment he felt a stare and sensed Naruto, he had quelled his aura. Him being here had been thrown on him last minute. If he had known he was coming to the Namikaze estate, he would have taken a shower with scent blockers as well.
It wasn't out of nessecsity but out of respect. He didn't want to bother the poor Omega with his smell, let alone his aura. It was the little things one could do to try and make them feel more comfortable. In his quest to duplicate the Sanctuary system. He had stumbled upon some of the most wicked documents. Things that had forever changed him. Things that haunted him. So although it was an ungodly 10AM starting hour. For the organization, he would do anything if it meant giving these people better lives.
Still as he smoked his first cigarette of the day. He couldn't help but to feel a bit oblivious to the reasoning behind such fire. Was it possibly the fact that he had spoken to the Omega at all? Though he wasn't quite sure on the when Naruto had literally followed him outside. Comfortable enough in his presence to deem it okay to do so. So what was it? As if a light bulb had clicked, Shikamaru sighed.
"For the record....I'm not trying to deceive you. I'm aware that I smell different to you now. That's due to scent blockers." Shikamaru explained, his gaze out on the trees. He was sure the ire he was feeling would evaporate the moment he looked at the Omega. It was just a look. There was no real harm in it. Naruto was entitled to his feelings.
At his admittance, Naruto frowned. He knew what scent blockers were. Every handler and worker at the Sanctuary used them. According to rumors, it was to make sure Omega's didn't find scent matches. They way the older Omega's had spoken of such matches were like myths. They'd tell stories of a time when Omega's lived in society. How they traveled and lived free.
Naruto never believed those stories as a child. He had been 5 years old the first time he had heard of the scent match lie. How was that possible when they were locked up? How was he zippered to find a smell that called to him. That both excited him and called him. Some said the first time you smelled a match, your heart would set ablaze. You go cold and clammy, but your body would rage like an Inferno.
Some said it was but an unsuspecting whisper in the wind, that would morph into a nudge of one soul, then a push, then a kiss, then a heated embrace, before it gave way to a ravenous Inferno that scorched wherever it touched. Even though he hadn't a shread of belief, Naruto favored to hear those stories, at least. That was all they were, though.
Stories....
Tales spread from Omega to Omega from decades ago. Naruto always questioned those spreading those tales. How would they know them to be true? It's not like they could verify. Talk to outsiders to confirm. It was nothing but falsehoods that arose hope in hearts. They'd fall on their own blade everything. Naruto knew that because he had fallen on the blade of hope one two many times. Wishing for an eternal slumber that never came.
Hope was dangerous. Hope had no place in him. Yet, hope was a strange and powerful asshole. Hope listened to no one. You couldn't just tell it to go away. It alerts attacked harder. Shikamaru noted the note of Naruto's scent shift. It was a hard thing to explain in most cases. Being able to scent emotions in one's scent wasn't especially common. It went far deeper than dimly knowing when an omega was expressing intense stress.
Few had to the true ability, there was no science behind it. Some had it, and others didn't. Though recent research into the anomaly told of the Alphas who possessed such skill held higher sensitivity than normal.
Simply meaning their ability to scent was above average. They could pinpoint distinctive smells from a distance. They picked up on notes other missed, and the weight of their aura was potent. Shikamaru had known he was a bit different since he was a young child. Who had mastered the ability to suppress. He quickly learned how unnerving the ability could be to others. It left a person shrouded in mystery. When it came down to Alpha society. They measured strength through aura. The stronger and by that meaning, the more threatening, equaled your status on a tear from week to God essentially.
Shikamaru had been hearing from when his aura presented that it did not match his personality. According to others, he had the aura of a man that needed to be Hokage. Not a lazy, easygoing, home body, tech guru. Shikamaru hated the way people measured aura. He just liked to think they were unique. Categorizing caused issues like bullying. He found his aura, although "strong" in dominance, held a calm gentleness most ignored. Another aspect to being hyper sensitive. Even auras had yeasts that went beyond strong or weak.
For someone like Shikamaru, he knew what such a hyper sensitivity implied. Not all but most with the ability had deep instinctive urges for herd. Gather those who called for his protective urges. Which meant in this life he'd soon not just find a mate....but a pack. Not a rare occurrence in life, but not readily common. Packs weren't for the faint of heart. It took special individuals to find balance through multiple avenues. Shikamaru dreaded that the most. It sounded like a lot of fucking work.
With Naruto's scent no longer being tinged in anger. Shikamaru risked a quick peek. He was thankful for the distance and the wind. Naruto's scent was a overwhelming on its own. Adding emotion made Shikamaru nose burn. The smell of citrus came off so strong, almost like a warning. In a similar way nature chose to appear. Often times your brightest creatures were your most dangerous. Shikamaru knew the way Naruto's smell almost made you pucker like you'd eaten a lemon was a deterrent. He wasn't most people. He cou.ld smell the sweetness hidden inside the citrus. The unique way the smell of peach danced in it was beautiful.
Naruto smelled so sour when stressed, that Shikamaru wandered how sweet he'd smell if he were happy. With his cigarette near gone he took one last long inhale. Remembering why he had needed one in the first time. Fucking work.....
"I'll be around for a few days. A week at most. I'm trying to coordinate a plan surrounded by your schedule. I don't want to make you uncomfortable with me being here. So I'll work hard." Shikamaru spoke, into the quiet air. An urge to relay this information he couldn't explain. He didn't want to shock the Omega one morning when he saw him roaming halls. Rather warn him in advance so Naruto could prepare.
Naruto frowned displeased with the news. The thought to never leave his playing on his mind. He didn't respond to the man yet again. Shikamaru was starting to think he imagined hearing his voice. Before he could think to hard he sensed the approach of his boss. The man's eyes handset as he neared. He knew his sons routine like the back of his hand now. Which meant he was outside. Outside near where Shikamaru was. The pulse of his aura and the scent tinged in concealed aggression a sign. Shikamaru met his superiors eyes sight without flinching. There was nothing to hide. No secrecy, no motive, no hostility.
Side eyeing Shikamaru as he stepped out his glass sliding doors. Minato looked up and turned confirming his son was indeed outside. Naruto peered at the older man in attentiveness rather than real interest. Instead of looking dirty into Naruto's eyes, Minato stared at the blond mess atop the boys head.
"Shikamaru, isn't bothering you. Is he?" Minato asked, the question was stern. Demanding a truthful answer. Naruto frowned unsure if his father was angry with him. He shook his head slowly prompting Minato to narrow his eyes.
"Are you sure?" He pressed, Naruto nodded this time. His father going from a thundercloud to a sunshiny day. Naruto tilted his head as the man smiled brightly.
"Good to hear." Minato nodded, turning to look at Shikamaru. The smile still present but there was warning in the eyes.
"Understood." Shikamaru nodded, it was natural for Minato to be protective. Even though he had no ill will for Naruto. He was an unmated Alpha around an Unmated Omegas. Situations could get unsafe and unsavory with ease.
"Alright Naruto, I'll be headed out now." Minato announced, jutting his head at the door.
An indication for Shikamaru to do the same. Without argument the man entered the house. Minato following behind him. Just like his superior Shikamaru had work to do. That work? Designing an entirely new security system for Minato's home. He had personally installed the orevious one back when he was fresh out if high school. At a young 18 years old. At 23 it was only natural that he upgrade it. Minato's reasoning however had more to do with his new housemate rather than a dated system.
Notes:
How you guys feeling about the story so far? 🫠
Chapter 4
Notes:
Trigger Warning: Mention of rape, slightly depicted.
Just a little clarification. Nest in this story is used to describe an Omega safe space that they dictate. So nest and room for an Omega is an interchangeable term.
Nesting: Is a meticulous arrangement of objects. (I.e pillows, blankets, furniture, etc.)
Chapter Text
June
Naruto tossed and turned in bed. Slumber trying to evade him. Today had been a day. A draining one emotionally, that left him feeling empty. It had started rough with him sleeping through breakfast. Interrupting a carefully crated routine. He had no rational knowledge as to why it had given him such a bad feeling. Instead of breakfast being already done, the Beta chef had asked what Naruto would like to eat. One question with so many levels to completions had given him an attack he was familiar with. When his chest felt like it burned and his throat collapsed. His vision would blur, and then he'd be out like a light.
When he awoke a face he had only seen but once was hovering over him. The Alpha woman gave him a serious fright that made him pass out again. The second time he woke, it was just his father. Who had explained to him that he had a panic attack. It was funny to have a name for something he had dealt with for over a decade. He had been urged to stay in bed and rest. Further disrupting his routine. To calm the way his mind was running, he tried to watch the TV in his room for the first time. Only for it to trigger him.
It had been a movie scene where a child screamed for its mother as she was taken away in an ambulance. He had promptly turned the TV off and tried to salvage the remaining thin thread of sanity he was hanging on. He thought a long hit shower would ease him before he called it a night. So near an hour later, climbing in bed with damp hair. His body felt relaxed, but his mind was anything but. When he settled in a comfortable spot, a yawn spilled free. Eye lids growing heavy, he thought he had won the fight.
He thought....
Naruto watched with a careful eye as handlers brought in another Omega. It had been a long time since he had to share the tiny room with anyone. The newcomer, a young one.....very very young. No more than 7 at best. They didn't care to separate by age around here. They put whoever wherever they could fit. Naruto's jaw clenched as a man shoved the child forward. The young boy tripped over his feet.
"Move your ass!" The man shouted, the poor child rendered to tears as he scrambled to stand. Rushing deeper into the room. The mans face scrunching as he smelled the room.
"Can it Omega. Nobody cares if you're angry." He tossed, Naruto couldn't help the hiss that left his lips. Instinctual reaction to a child present.
"I'll teach you to hiss at me...."
"Calm yourself, Wai. You need to put a lid on those reactions. You won't last around here if you're like that. Most of the time, they don't care, but you can't go beating on them willy nilly. They are merchandise." A man Naruto recognized scolded.
"They'll never not hiss at you. It's their nature." The man added, Wai glared at Naruto before nodding.
The room soon emptied as the heavy sound of a steel door echoed in the near empty room. Naruto rolled the tension from his shoulders. Looking over to the young child silently crying. With calm steps, Naruto approached. Silently taking the sheets and pillow from the boy. He had no words to offer him to help. Instead, he made the hard bed that would be the kids for now on.
It was an act he knew he shouldn't have. The older Omegas warned of this situation. Being housed with a child brought out their innate need to care and nurture. It was best to ignore that child as best you could. If you didn't.....you'd find yourself bonded paternally. A fate that had been sealed for Naruto in two short weeks. Older Omega watched on in knowing pity. Naruto didn't eat often. Giving his portions to the young boy. Acts he had been beaten for time and time again.
It was never good when an Omega had to go to the medical ward for a cocktail. A mess of nutrition pumped into the veins to save him from starvation. It was like fire in the veins as it traveled. Apparently, it was an expensive thing to get a hold of. So, using multiple on one Omega naturally didn't go over well.
Which resulted in the next move. Separating Naruto from the boy. Naruto's hiss was grating on the ears as he crouched in front of his pup. Backed into a corner with a few handlers weilding shock sticks. Separating the two would be no easy task. A feral Omega could be worse than a hazed Alpha. Naruto eyes flicked left to right frequently, keeping all targets in view.
"It's been a minute since we had one so dedicated." One laughed, a wicked gleam in his eye as he jumped at Naruto watching in amusement as he swiped with claws.
"I love this part. The fight is so....good." Another purred.
"Just hurry! We have rounds." A feminine voice snapped, sighs ringing out before the three started closing in. Naruto's his grew louder as he brandished sharp teeth. He swiped at the closest one, catching cloth and skin of the women's leg. Her scream was raw and real.
"GET HIM!" Someone shouted before two pounced. Naruto screeched as electricity zipped through his body. Fighting blindly, he was aware of his mouth clamping around a bicep. He twisted his head sharply, ripping flesh as the man screamed, punching him. Naruto claimed harder class digging into the man. He heard the thunder of more coming. His mind repeating one thing.
Save my baby.
Unfiltered rage surged through him as he scratched and bit anything he could get his hands on. The electric that earned through him no longer a deterrent. He didn't feel pain. He felt nothing at all. Heard nothing either, just a deafening silence. Where time was lost and so was awareness. By the time his mind caught up to awareness, he found his head being slammed unto concrete. His vision blackening as pain blared. The screams of his pup threatening him into another feral episode.
"Oh no, you don't!" Someone shouted, before electricity from multiple sources and points fried his nerves.
He foamed at the mouth as his body seized. His vision blackening once more. This time, he slipped into brief unconsciousness. Awoken by a jarring pain. One his 14 year old brain and body was unprepared for. Something he had never felt before, but his brain recognized as deeply wrong.
Something......was inside of him.
"You dumb fucking Omega bitch!" Came a vile voice, as the object retreated and entered just as painful. Something warm dripped on his back as Naruto gasped on the floor. His hands glancing as he tried to dislodge the body on top of him. Naruto shouted as a heavy boot slammed down on one of his hands.
"Hurry up already....I want a turn." The man over him grumbled in response before a hand can near Naruto's face.
Bracing a body as it moved faster. The burn something indescribable. Tears spilling Naruto wailed. A moment in time branding its place in his memory. Body after body.....hand after hand....man after man. Naruto rendered motionless as yet another groaned a release inside. His dull lifeless eyes staring into the darkness of his cold room. Temporarily obstructed by a bleeding arm. Naruto watched the blood drip. Each drop rhythmic in a sense. He could almost hear it over the horrific grunting above him.
Drip....drop....drip....drop.....drip.....
Naruto awoke with a rush, flailing at the pressure on his chest. A sticky warmth spreading. His sweaty form thrashing about. He couldn't hear, nor could he see. But he knew they were here. They were going to take him again. He couldn't handle anymore. He couldn't....he couldn't....he couldn't.
"NARUTO! ITS OKAY! ITS OKAY! IM HERE!" The booming voice breaking through his imagination.
Naruto eyes blinked rapidly as he thrashed. Settling on pained blue's. A forced rough rumble filling the room. Naruto stopped falling as memory returned. He wasn't in the Sanctuary anymore. He wasn't there but it had felt so real. Down to the unsettling way blood felt on the skin. Naruto blinked once more shifting his gaze to the arm holding him down on the bed. His eyes widening at the deep scratches it held. Rivulets of blood spilling out and down. Naruto swallowed hard knowing the warmth on his chest was blood.
"Its okay, don't look at it." Minato rushed, watching his son go green in the face. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know what followed. Minato managed to move out of the way before he could catch the vomit.
"Shit." Minato hissed, rushing into the bathroom.
He grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his lower arm. Covering the bleeding wounds he couldn't quite feel at the moment. His heart had been racing since he was awoken by hoarse screaming. Rushing out with more towels he ignored the sour smell of vomit and pheromones in the room. His son hunched over the edge of the body heaving. At his approach Naruto looked up in fear.
He made a mess....He had to clean his mess! With rushed shaky movements Naruto scooped his hand in the vomit. Attempting to bring it to his mouth much to Minato's horror. Who lunged forward dropping multiple towels. Naruto flinched at the sudden movement.
"NO! Don't do that." Minato rushed.
"I'm sorry....I'll clean it up....I'm sorry...please." Naruto rushed, his voice hoarse and winded.
"No, Naruto. It's okay. Forget it okay. You're okay, you're not in trouble. Just....please, please don't." Minato voiced, his own voice cracking as he stared at his son.
Naruto frowned letting the slop fall through his fingers. With a breath of releif Minato stepped forward covering the hand in a towel. Naruto watched in confusion as tears fell from the man's eyes. His eyes falling to the reddening of the towel on his father's arm. His heart twisted in his chest at the sight. Minato let out a deep breath as a much more natural and effective rumble started. Naruto felt its heaviness like a weighted blanket. Serenading him in a state of unnatural calmness. So calm he didn't react to his father scooping him out of bed. Bringing him into the bathroom to be cleaned up.
He cleaned Naruto's skin of vomit and blood. His rumble ceasing as he grew focused on other things. Still even without it Naruto sat still and motionless. An emptiness in his gaze that made tears fall from Minato's eyes once more. Without thought Minato hugged Naruto. The boy tensing at the contact. Ignoring it Minato rocked begging to rumble once more. Like a force Naruto felt his throat tighten. A sob echoing in the quiet bathroom he hadn't gave permission to exit. Another following soon after, the bathroom turning into the soundtrack of a funeral.
Naruto's body shook with the force of his cries. Minato shedding his own silent tears ad he held his flesh and blood. He knew he need to get his arm properly bandages and treated. He knew his blood loss was making him light headed, but his son needed him right now. He'd be damned if he ever left him again when he needed him the most. The way Naruto accepted his affection and in turn clung to him told him he was very much needed.
He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he had a sleeping Omega still sniffling in his dreams. Carrying the boy to his bedroom. Minato made note to call his cleaner to come in early. Tucking Naruto in his bed, he watched the boy scent the room before calling deeper in slumber. With a tired sigh Minato grabbed his phone. He had multiple calls to make.
Minato felt his eyes drift. The voices of his team members droning on in the background. Their words becoming intellegible as the grips of exhaustion pulled him deeper. Resting his head on a fist he forced his eyes to open. Looking at the Omega Compound blueprints they wanted to present to Jiraiya. A secure batch of single apartments that would give housing to the Omega's who wished to live on their own. As long as they were of age.
They had Omegas ranging from ages of infancy to 25. Though the rehoming orders was steadily progressing. They were running into issues such as deceased parents, unwanted, unrecorded, and missing Omegas. It seemed the more Jiraiya worked to rewrite the operations of his position. The more things that kept popping up. Like secret underground tunnels that lead out of Kasai with no record of reason behind it. Or when it was constructed. Not that he was supposed to know that. It was classified information after all. He was running for next election but he was still regarded as Sergeant Major despite his retirement last year. So he was "questioned" on the mater but really it was to spill.
"Minato...." A voice called, the man jumped in question. Not knowing he had fallen asleep himself. The eyes of the closest people to him looking empathetic as they gaze at him.
"To speak candidly. You look like shit." Chouza tossed, bringing a meer single chuckle from Minato as he sat up straighter. Bringing his hands up to rub his face. He winced at the moment. His eyes landing on his bandaged arm, from wrist up to elbow.
"Its because he's not sleeping. Hasn't slept good in a week." Shikaku spilled, Minato narrowed his eyes at his best friend who simply shrugged.
"Naruto's still having nightmares? Minato, you only mentioned the one incident." Inoichi spoke, a scolding in his tone. Minato groaned not in the mood.
"So the compound?"
"Oi, don't change the subject. If you're not getting sleep that means they are still coming. Has he injured you again? Or have you gotten more cautious in your approach?" Inoichi pushed.
"The second one." Minato sighed out, he had no desire to get shredded again. Tsunade threatened to have his head if he called her at 2AM again. He knew to rouse Naruto at a distance with a pillow or something hard but not damaging.
"His nightmares will get worse as the days go by Minato. If he's not sleeping he's in the same boat as you are. The less sleep, the more reactive he becomes. The more reactive, the more episodes. The more episodes, the more dangerous they get." Inochi voiced, there was no refuting his claims when he was the man with several doctorates in the psychology field. If the man knew nothing he knew how a brain operated. eeds a nest and he needs one fast.
"I hear you. I'm not sure where it all came from. He's been here three weeks. His nightmares just started. All of a sudden."
" It could be stress manifesting. He's been through a lot of moves in the last couple months. You know as well as I do how restless Omegas get when they can't settle. You experienced it with Kushina remember." Shikaku grew out, Minato frowned not seeing the correlation. Kushina didn't have nightmares.
"Back when you enlisted. The way you guys kept being moved from base to base. Especially during the war. She started to get stressed from the lack of stability." Shikaku contoured, Minato rose a brow as he finally made the connection. As an army brat who was an Alpha, he didn't feel the innate need for structure in terms of housing or routine. He was always ready to pack up at a moments notice. For Kushina who had been an Omega, he learned how they needed that structure to stay centered. Traveling and things were nice for short periods of time. When they had a concrete structure they had a safe space no matter what.
"He needs a nest." Minato stated, getting nods around the room.
"He doesn't even understand what that really means." Minato added with a groan.
"It'll come to him. He just needs the right environment to be able to explore that side. These Omega were being denied base instincts like nests. They were ways to strip them of individuality. He's probably looking at it from a perspective of uniformity. Rather than recognizing that he's Naruto first Omega last." Inochi spoke up.
"If you're not able to give him a nest, at the very least we need to look into medical atrernatives. Like sedatives or sleeping pills." Inoichi chimed in.
"No drugs....yet." Minato sighed, he wanted to avoid that ad best he could.
Even he had to admit that he couldn't go another week like this. Army time wasn't grinded into his soul anymore. He was two years into being a veteran. He needed his damn sleep. He had to admit Inoichi was right though. He had wanted to hold off on going Nest shopping but that wasn't an option at the moment. Which brought him to his current state of business. He wished he could take Naruto himself but he was under heavy public fire at the moment. Plus he didn't want Naruto's face plastered all over TV screens. That was the last thing the Omega needed.
"Come sit down." Minato voiced, typing away at his computer in just home office. Naruto rubbed his arms out of habit as he approached. This office was much warmer than the one at the Sanctuary. Being called in offices however was never a good thing. Finishing his email Minato looked up. Staring at the too of Naruto's head.
"How are you feeling today?" He asked, Naruto gave a single shoulder shrug. Busying his self by looking at the various objects on his father's desk.
"Well today.....I would like for you to go shopping for your nest. Which means you have to leave the house. Not forever of course. Just long enough to go out to a few stores. You're in need of some new clothing as well." Minato spoke, keeping his voice devoid of the exhaustion he was feeling. Naruto frowned a vehement protest bubbling up. As his gaze lifted to tell his father no, his eyes caught the bandages. His protest smothered as guilt came forth. He was having a hard time wrapping his head around how he had done that and Minato handy retaliated. Instead he'd pull his arm out of view like he did on that moment.
"Don't worry about that." Minato dismissed, brandishing a comforting smile. Words that Naruto keep hearing this week. His head dropped as he looked at his hands in his lap. He hated himself lately. Minato was feeding him, letting him be, letting him roam. All he had been doing was injuring the man and keeping him awake with nightmares.
"......okay." Naruto muttered, Minato's eyebrows near shooting off his face at the soft voice.
"You won't be going alone. I have two very skilled gaurds who will be tasked with your safety..." A knock cut Minato off. His attention shifting to the door, missing the way Naruto tensed.
"That's should be them. Come in!" Minato called, his head of security entering first. Kakashi nodded to his boss as he entered. His right hand Tenzo entering behind him.
"Right, so Naruto these......what's wrong?" Minato frowned, noting the way Naruto begun to tremble. Minato rose from his seat rounding the desk.
"Hey....you can tell me no. Is it going out?" Minato asked, getting a head shake in return.
"No? Is it too stuffy in here? New smell overload? No? Is it...them? Yes?" Minato spoke, his eyes narrowing at his guards. Kakashi rose his hands in lock surrender.
"I believe it has to do with our meeting." Tenzo pointed out, he still felt bad for giving the kid such a fright.
"Shit." Minato hissed, it had slipped his mind how they had literally chased the boy around. He dint trust many other people with the task. Not people who Naruto could have scented around him enough to be mildly comfortable. He needed someone who Naruto didn't mind be needed......Shikamaru.
"Okay, they won't take you." Minato declared, Kakashi rose a brow at the lie of those words. They were surely still tasked with his protection. Minato gave him a look that said not to comment as he rose. Rounding his desk once more.
"Step outside please." He tossed, as he picked up his desk phone. Kakashi and Tenzo nodded exiting the room and abutting the door. Naruto relaxed paling at the nail indents and small tears now in the armrest of his seat. Minato didn't bat an eye as be spoke on the line.
"Could you send your son over?......Tell him it's important....I have a job for him." Minato stated, a few more words passing before he hung up.
"I'm sorry about that. I forgot about how the 3 of you met. If it helps those two would rather slice their own necks before harming a hair on your head."
Minato figured it didn't but it was nice to hear. After a 30 minute drive. Shikamaru had made it to the estate. Thanks to his new security system there was no blind spot. Minato could see you in the street long before you got to his main gates. Still there was more that needed to be done. Like an idea for a panic room. He didn't want to be a paranoid father but the truth was. He had a shit load of enemies. That number had doubled since his affiliation with Caged Bird went public.
"Shikamaru, come on in." Minato called, before the Nara could even knock. Naruto barely felt a taste of his aura before it was smothered. Though his scent flooded the room with a mix of musk.
"Something wrong with the system?" Shikamaru rushed, despite it being the afternoon he looked freshly out of bed. His ponytail barely holding on. Even though that wasn't the case. Given the notes on his smell it seemed he had been working out. Or something else Minato didn't want to think about.
"Oh, no. Not at all. It's working just fine. I....Naruto why don't you go get dressed and ready?" Minato paused, Naruto nodded rising from his seat.
Minato watched closely as his son left the room. There lacked a sign that Naruto was tense. He had passed Shikamaru with an ease he didn't even have around him. Minato slammed down the budding jealousy. Everyone was at ease around Shikamaru. He just had that way about him. He had been around the first couple of days when Naruto's nightmares started.
He kept to the shadows like Minato had never seen. Shikaku had to remind him of his sons rare ability to scent emotion. Which meant he could feel the mood in the home without words being spoken. He worked fast but diligently. Oddly enough he had caught Naruto watching the man a time or two.
"So that settles it."
"Settles what?" Shikamaru asked, confused on the random statement.
"I need you to take Naruto out today. He's in need of an appropriate wardrobe, as well as nesting materials. Throw in some heat supplies while you're at it, and anything else he may desire as he's out." Minato spoke, fishing for his wallet. Shikamaru blinked taken back. Wasn't that a gaurd job?
"May I ask why sir?"
"He's afraid of Kakashi and Tenzo. So you were my only hope. He seems to find you not a threat in some degree. If you had plans I apologizefor the interruption." Minato answered.
"Uhh no plans. Just a gym day, but I'd be happy to take him around. Anything needed to be avoided?"
"Don't take him to far. You'll have Kakashi and Tenzo trailing you guys. They'll be doing background security. Still with that knowledge don't you leave him alone. Don't let him run off without you near. Keep an eye on your surroundings, and protect my son. I don't have to stress how important that is. Do I?" Minato spoke, his tone growing serious.
"No, sir."
"Good. Because if something happens and my son is injured. We'll have a very very long conversation about safety." Minato threatened, Shikamaru nodded rubbing the back of his neck.
"Can I take a quick shower first?" Shikamaru asked, lightening the atmosphere.
Minato nodded handing him a black card. Taking it Shikamaru headed out to his car to grab just spare clothes. With a quick change and straightening up, he headed to the foyer of the home. Naruto standing in a shirt that clearly wasn't his. He assumed it was one of Minato's. In addition with some very baggy sweats. The poor guy looked swallowed by his clothes.
"Okay, try and have some fun okay? You can get whatever you want." Minato smiled, gently reaching out to give Naruto's head a pat. Shikamaru watched with a warmth as Naruto simply accepted the action. They both looked bone tired but progress was being made here.
"I'm trusting you with him, Shikamaru. Don't disappoint me." Minato spoke up, turning to Shikamaru who nodded once more. The pressure was high a s heavy, but he knew he'd be the same with his own child. With a hesitant step Naruto walked Shikamaru's way. He offered him a small smile.
"Good afternoon, sir Namikaze. I will be your driver for the day." Shikamaru spoke, breaking the ice with a dramatic bow. Naruto blinked at the man tilting his head. A slight twitching to his lips as his father chuckled.
"Right this way sire...." Shikamaru continued, righting himself to head for the front door. Minato watched them exit feeling much better about his choice of company.
Chapter Text
Naruto stared out the window in horror. Why were there so many cars around? That meant an equal if not more amount of people were here.....right? He wasn't even sure where here was. The building or rather buildings in front of him were large. Connecting here and there to make what, according to the sign, was "Kohona Mall." Full of a revolving door of people.
"We can wait until you're ready, Naruto. We don't have to get out right this moment." Shikamaru spoke up, Naruto jumped his chaperone having been forgotten.
He nodded, realizing how loud his breathing had become. Shikamaru turned up the A/C before relaxing in his seat. He didn't think they'd be getting out anytime soon. Personally, he thought it was far too soon to allow Naruto to experience life outside of his home. He wasn't used to people coming and going there. How was he going to be okay with strangers everywhere in unfamiliar territory? Unfortunately, it wasn't his place to advise Minato otherwise.
He busied himself, brushing up on his Omega knowledge. He wanted to be the best help one could need. So there he was reading up on how to guide Omegas through the nesting process. An hour passed before he checked on Naruto in the rear view mirror. He found a pale shaking blond in sight with a thumb in his mouth.
"We could go back to the house. I'm sure Minato would understand. No one's going to be upset with you." Shikamaru spoke up, feeling his heart stutter as blue eyes caught his.
Almost seeking a comfort he wasn't sure how to give, but it seemed like his words had been enough. They had thanked him in a way as he nodded frantically. Sitting up in his seat, Shikamaru put his phone away. Starting his car, he pulled forward through an empty space right in front of him. Following the path roads to the exit of the parking lot. He thought critically at his stop. Two directions he could take. He decided on the roundabout way.
His instincts making a decision for him. He didn't question the knee jerk reaction as he drove. His instincts rung clear as he smelled uncertainty in Naruto's scent. Shikamaru glanced in his rear view mirror. Naruto stuck with a frown as he chewed his nails. Feeling Shikamaru's gaze on him, Naruto peered back, trying to drum up some courage.
"You want to go back?" Shikamaru asked aloud, Naruto's shoulders tensed as he nodded, dropping his gaze. Stress starting to taint his smell.
"Okay." Shikamaru simply responded, taking the next right to loop around.
Naruto's shoulders relaxed as a sigh left his lips. His expectations crushed yet again. He expected to be cursed at or threatened in some way. He wasn't sure if it was okay to change his mind. He was grateful that Shikamaru seemed so....nice, a word he didn't use lightly.
As much as he wanted to be home, he had to try at least. He'd feel less like a failure if he actually gave it a shot. He didn't want to disappoint his father. He wanted to be good for the man. If he thought this outing would help him, he'd try his hardest to do it. So when they parked again, he forced through his fear. Trying and failing to open the door.
"Shit...sorry, child lock had my neice the other day." Shikamaru tossed, rushing to jump out before he ruined the new resolve Naruto had. Opening the blonds door, he watched as Naruto stepped out, feigning a confidence that fumbled when new scents assaulted him.
"Easy, take a few deep breaths. You'll start blocking things out." Shikamaru coached, scents could be ignored. That eased a bit of the problem. The next would be all the Alpha auras around.
"The mall has a good filtration system. It does a good job of keeping things more tame. As far as everything else goes. Remember that everyone out there is living their everyday lives. They are hardly worried about you or even me. Their focused on what's going on in their world. Like we're focused on what's going on in ours. So breathe with me, little one.....in...and out....in...and out...good. One more time....in.........and out. Good." Shikamaru spoke, the tone of his voice such a smooth warmth.
Naruto felt his racing heart calm. When he nodded at Shikamaru, the two began to walk. Shikamaru attempted to give Naruto some space without being right over him. Close enough to intercept but not too close to be breathing down his neck. Naruto, however, had other plans. A tight iron fist latching on to the side of his forest green short. Leashing himself to Shikamaru's side. His blue eyes bouncing from person to object with speed. Chewing on his fingers as they walked. Shikamaru kept things slow. Pausing when he scented Naruto being overwhelmed. Continuing when he felt the blond was ready.
When they made it to their first store without being jumped, Naruto relaxed. Looking up at the bright red sign that read "Your Best Nests." He remembered his father mentioning that same word a few times. He was supposed to do something to a room with it apparently. As the sliding doors opened, a responding ding was heard. Naruto blinked as all of a sudden he smelt nothing but a gentle lavender in the air. He looked around confused.
"It's a strong scent blocker. Works like an air freshener. You hang it up outside your door." Shikamaru spoke, pointing out the unsuspecting little black box over the doorway.
"It was developed so that Omegas could keep their nests from being saturated from smells they didn't permit inside their nests. So, like if your dad wasn't allowed inside, he could stand at the open door, and his scent wouldn't come inside." Shikamaru, explained in more detail. Naruto nodded his attention stolen by something new. His heart racing but for entirely different reasons. He rubbed his chest in concern.
"You're just excited." Shikamaru commented, Naruto blinked in confusion looking up at the man. Just noticing the height difference they had. His head ending at the mans shoulder.
"You're feeling excited. Your body is recognizing what's around you. It's a natural response to instincts." Shikamaru voiced, although still confused Naruto hummed. His hand tightened on Shikamaru's shirt.
"Let's have a look around." Shikamaru urged, getting Naruto's feet to move again. He led him to the fundamental side of the building. A cute Beta standing near in case of being called but not crowding to give the Omega space. It was clear she had gotten a lot of timid Omegas lately
Looking around, Naruto frowned at the various beds on display. What was he supposed to do? Just look at them? Some looking more like a chair than a bed. Others were smaller, some mid sized. His eyes drifting until one caught his eye. Shikamaru followed his line of sight to a massive bed. Shikamaru was sure it would touch wall to wall in a room. Taking up a decent amount of someone's space. However, it looked like it was crafted from clouds. The frame of it all made a tufted platform border that was black. The headboard was the same tufted looking material.
"That one?" Shikamaru asked, Naruto nodded his eyes refused to keep looking. So he assumed that was the right choice.
"Excuse me ma'am, can we get bed 25 put on a tab." Shikamaru spoke up, the Beta worker nodded quickly pulling out her tablet.
"What type of mattress?" She asked, Shikamaru turned to Naruto who shrugged.
"You can test the different feels right there." The Beta pointed, Shikamaru followed her hand to a shelf of small cube cutouts. Heading that way Naruto shuffled behind him. Looking at the all white cubes Naruto huffed. They all looked the same.
"You have to touch them, Naruto." Shikamaru spoke up, Naruto looked at him uncertainty bleeding through. How did he pick the right one? How did he know? He was never taught about nests.
"It'll come naturally to you, but you javelin to activate your instincts. It sounds hard but we all have 5 basic senses. Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, and Hearing. You used your sight to pick your bed. It may not seem like anything but you kept going back to that bed. Your eyes never left it for long. With a mattress you need to like how it feels. So when you touch it something will call to you. Give it a try." Shikamaru urged, his explanation helping to ease his mind.
Naruto reached out with a shaky hand. Touching one of the cubes he peeked at Shikamaru to make sure he wasn't upset. When all he got was an encouraging nod, he began to feel more confident. His eyes closed involuntarily as his hands roamed. Some were too hard to touch, while others were bumpy. His hands stalled on a smooth cube that seemed to mold around his hand. He opened his eyes looking at its indent. It slowly smoothing out without pressure on it.
"The memory foam...cooling version please." Shikamaru spoke up, making a soft clicking sound with his mouth. Naruto perked up at the noise giving Shikamaru his attention.
"Let's find you some comforter sets." Shikamaru spoke up, watching as Naruto nodded heading that way.
Shikamaru could only smile watching him roam freely. Instead of stuck to his side Naruto was going through aisle after aisle. Touching various fabrics, looking at colors, smelling detergents for cleaning. It was a breath of fresh air to see the weight of the world off those shoulders. He had hardly noticed as a few other people entered the store. Before long he had some of the softest blankets Shikamaru had ever felt in his life. A rare plant that had a cotton like production. Apparently it was a matter in scent absorption as well. Shikamaru was just glad it was Minato's wallet taking a hit.
His new blankets were accompanied by several soft sheets in various orange themes. Shikamaru was starting to notice a bit of a preference going on. As pillows ranged from oranges, to yellows, blues, and greens. He seemed to like bright colors a lot. Information Shikamaru would relay later. After they had exhausted all options in the furnishing department, Shikamaru led him to the heat side of the shop.
That care free energy evaporating as Naruto read the overhead sign. Shikamaru wasn't all too exited to be implementing himself into Naruto's personal business, but he was sure Naruto wouldn't get the supplies he needed. So he had to be a little bit on the mean side and gently nudge Naruto inside the section.
"You'll need some of those." Shikamaru pointed, Naruto stated at the pack of boxer breifs. He wanted to be anywhere but here at this moment. Heats were like bad omens. He had not one single good heat in all 11 cycles. Would his father force a suitor on him?
"Calm down, it's just preparation for when you're alone. That's all." Shikamaru voiced.
"......alone." Naruto muttered, his sudden vocalization catching Shikamaru off gaurd.
"Yes, alone. It's not going to be like those prisons. No one's going to be locked in a room with you. There won't be any Alphas around but your dad. Even he'll keep his distance. You'll probably have a Beta nurse who checks on you and makes sure you eat. That'll be all, so we're here to get you supplies You'll need." Shikamaru spilled.
"Alone?"
"Alone." Shikamaru echoed, Naruto nodded slowly as he picked up the boxers breifs.
"Their supposed to be absorbent, so you don't....ummm....soil your clothes...with your slick." Shikamaru explained.
Feeling his cheeks warm as he realized his trend of explanation would be the death of him. Naruto looked between the different brands. Opting to try a pack of each. They moved on to hygienic tools. Like douches that helped to clean out residual slick and or...seed. As they continued both Shikamaru and Naruto's faces grew redder and redder. Especially as they stopped on heat tools....or rather toys.
"This is all to...ease the urges." Shikamaru mumbled, dreading the questions in Naruto's eyes. The blond picking up a box and showing it to him. He took hold of it reading the description of the phallic tool.
".....it's a....pseudo knot toy.....it um inflates at the base with a button push apparently." Shikamaru read, Naruto simply nodded giving a shoulder shrug. It's not like he knew how to use any of this. Nor did he really want to. Things never felt good....when things were inside him.
Shikamaru simply dropped it into the basket letting out a low breath. Turning back to Naruto he mentally groaned at the new toy being shoved in his hands. One he was familiar with. However, the one he had for his ruts was much more....in depth.
"It's a vacuum like tool." Shikamaru simply stated, Naruto tilted his head and waited. Shikamaru growing red under his stare.
"More?......You just insert your...penis into it with lubrication. When you turn it on it...sucks." Shikamaru rushed out, Naruto nodded pointing at the basket.
As Shikamaru turned to throw it in he froze as the sound of a giggle. Could his ears be deceiving him? Though one dimple look you'd him he heard right. The blond Omega covering his mouth radiating amusement. Shikamaru gave a soft smile. Even at his expense it was cute to see. Thankfully Naruto shifted back to the shelves. However Shikamaru noticed one thing.....Naruto could fucking read. Shikamaru's eyes narrowed at the con artist. He had been put through this embarrassment for no reason but for humor.
"You're a little mischievous thing aren't you?" Shikamaru chuckled, it was rethorical accompanied by a playful glare.
Shikamaru had thought maybe it had been too much for Naruto when he looked at him wide eyed. An apology for scaring him on his tongue dashed by a somewhat smirk. Shikamaru chuckled there was definitely a little personality coming out of Naruto. Finishing in the heat section they rounded back to front desk. Naruto's eyes caught by another section.
"That's the maternity side. We're not getting you those types of clothes. Not that they have any for you anyways. The world's still behind on you guys." Shikamaru muttered.
The history on male Omega's was not rainbows and sprinkles. It was dark and full of injustices. According to scientists the first human mutations that brought on the Alpha and Omega genes dated back 10,000 years. Though many say it was way before then. First official ancient recordings of said classes went back 5,000 years. Back then O gene was only found in females. While Alphas and Betas could be both. The first documentation of a new genetic mutation had been noted 2,000 years ago. The first male Omega had been born, an event that rocked the world as those knew it.
Male Omegas were seen as diseases and stains on bloodlines. Often cases parents of which would would banished from clans with their broken offspring. It was illegal to traditional bond with one. Which meant mating marks were out of question. Especially as a rise of same sex relationships budded. Outlook on male Omegas grew worse as the first cases of pregnancy news begun to travel. Up until their discovery, only females of any class could carry. Back then they didn't have the tools to understand how such things would happen. Nor how to help Omegas when gestation ended. They carried the average 9 months like normal, but the lacked the outside anatomy to birth.
The practice of C-sections were said to have emerged from the labor of a male Omega. Though some claimed it was nothing but rumors. They just hated the fact that male Omegas contributed to the advancement of Healthcare. Back them the early practice of C-sections were extremly dangerous resulting in many deaths of Omegas and in some cases their young as well. Even though male omgas only made up a very tiny parentage of Omegas, they were feared to be spreading.
Many male Omegas begun to be slain at birth to "halt" the disease. They believed allowing them to live was furthering their "take over". Those who weren't killed off were medically sterilized. A practice that had contiuned into modern times. After the first world war decimated millions of lives. 5 countries considered to be the world powerhouses came together to sign treaties. Thus the United nations was developed. It was during Hokage Hashirama Senju's rule of the country Kasai. Did a agreed apon all nation adoption of a law that stopped the senseless murder and forced sterilization of make Omega's.
The damage however had been done. Male Omega populations all over the allied countries had been marginally reduced. Though Kohona continued the trend of righting social wrongs, Shikamaru couldn't say the same for other countries. Kohona had gone on to legalize male Omega bonds. Same secondary sex mates were still frowned upon socially but were legal. It was around the same time that packs started to emerge. A new social blunder to deal with. Sometimes their were two to three Alphas or Betas to a single Omega.
Mathematically it made sense to Shikamaru. If there were roughly 6 billion people in the allied countries. Omegas only made up 18% of that. While Alpha's made up 50%, and the remaining 32% Betas. Which meant there were roughly 1.1 billion Omegas, compared to the 4.9 billion Alphas and Betas combined. There were more Alpha's and Betas than Omegas. Shikamaru was almost sure that if general Omega violence coupled with the extreme male Omega violence hadn't occurred. The populations would be more balanced. Alas history had already been written. It was present time yet still all Omega were given the short end of sticks.
"Everything comes out to 200,000 Ryo sir." Shikamaru whistled at the price, he had expected it to have been way more than that. It was a great boost to mood to know that when he did start looking for a mate he could afford one. Swipping Minato's card he made arrangements for everything they had picked up to be delivered to the house all together.
"Alright, on to the next store." Shikamaru announced Naruto looked at him wide eyed. There was more?
"First though, I think you deserve a treat for being so brave." Shikamaru added, as they exited the nest store.
Naruto back to being glued to his side. It was understandable considering the scents were all back. Bringing Naruto to an ice cream booth. He allowed Naruto to pick anything that looked good to him on his dime. Another thing learned today? Naruto had a wicked sweet tooth. Once he was done with his ice cream cone they moved on to the clothing stores. Trying several to find Naruto's styles. 12 bags later Shikamaru brought Naruto to his last store. Knowing it was getting late in the evening.
As Naruto looked around Shikamaru sat in a chair. Watching Naruto as he roamed the store. A text coming in stealing his attention. Minato checking in on them for what felt like the hundredth time. Shikamaru texted a quick briefing on their current situation. Minato responding with the request to feed Naruto before they headed home. Something Shikamaru had been planning to do anyways.
He just hadn't decided on which place to bring him to. The mall food court was as big as the mall itself. There were so many options. He wondered what Naruto would like. Was he a Korean BBQ or hotpot guy. Did he like sushi or was he more into stir fry? Pizza or pasta? Soup or salad? Burger or sandwich? His train of thought was interrupted by a spuring in the air. Shikamaru instantly perked up his eyes searching the store frantically.
Briefly losing sight on Naruto. He found him huddled by a clothing rack. A man far too close for comfort towering over him. Shikamaru jumped up cursing for letting himself get distracted so easily. Leaving the bags he rushed across the room.
"Are you one of them? From the Sanctuary? Huh? You look young. You gotta be. Is it true then? All the news? Or are those politicians exaggerating? You don't look beat up. Hello? I'm talking to you. Answer me!!" The man growled, stepping closer to Naruto.
Naruto whimpered hunching into himself. His flight instinct being activated. He had let his gaurd down and he was paying for it. All day people had barely soared him a glance. Those who did look were either curious or looking happy for him. Though no one had approached him and all kept distance. He was foolish to think it was safe. It wasn't safe! The man's aura pulsed making Naruto's stomach lurch. Saliva collecting in his mouth.
"Hey! Back off man. Can't you see you're scaring him." Shikamaru blurted, throwing himself between the two. The offending man scowled. He was taller than this Beta brat.
"Mind your business kid. I'm just talking to him."
"Back off." Shikamaru reiterated, a sharpness in his tone that made the man bristle. His aura growing in force. Naruto whimpered once more huddling close to Shikamaru's back.
"What'd you say?" The man threatened, looming over Shikamaru. Who's calm expression was continuing to piss the man off. Shikamaru sighed letting the lid off his on aura.
"I said it would be in your best interest to.....BACK. OFF." Shikamaru stared, a growl from deep in his chest coming out. Startling not only the man but himself. He didn't let the feeling be shown as he stared the man down.
"Just poking man....don't get so upset." The man muttered, backing from the dominance that far out weighed his own. The fire in those brown eyes was as hot as the aura erupting. The man knew when to tuck tail. A sound of a whine broke the deadly stare. Shikamaru shifting to the Omega behind him. Using the distraction the man quickly left the store.
"Shit, sorry Naruto." Shikamaru rushed out, pulling Naruto into his arms without second thought Stamping down his aura as Naruto shook in his arms.
"I didn't mean to scare you too. I was just trying to....I'm sorry." Shikamaru contiuned, rubbing the blonds back. Naruto found himself taking deep inhales of Shikamaru's scent. His eyes closed as he tried chasing away the memories. A hand finding the top of his head and petting doing what felt like magic. Shikamaru knew without a shadow of doubt this mall outing was over.
"Come on. Let's go." Shikamaru urged, Naruto didn't respond to his words.
Simply clinging to him as they walked. Grabbing the bags Shikamaru lead him out a side entrance to the mall. Letting him get some fresh air quicker. Though his scent had calmed Shikamaru knew he was still shaken up. Getting to the car, Shikamaru didn't comment as Naruto climbed into the front seat rather than back. Putting the bags in the back seat Shikamaru frowned. It had all been such a good time. He hated how one Alphahole could ruin it in 2 minutes. Shikamaru couldn't let that stand. He had to do something to change that. They couldn't end on a negative.
Chapter Text
With the dark blues of the sky begging to spread. Shikamaru hoped his plan wasn't a bust. Pulling into an empty parking lot. Shikamaru did a silent cheer at the vacancy. Turning off the car Naruto frowned at his surroundings. Turning to Shikamaru in question.
"Just one more stop." Shikamaru spoke, watching as Naruto's brows pulled tighter.
"Come on, it's food. No more shopping. I know you're hungry. I keep hearing your stomach." Shikamaru urged, opening his car door and exiting. As if spoken to his stomach growled again. Shikamaru rounded the car opening the passenger door. Flashing Naruto a bright smile.
"I've got you, nothings going to happen to you. Trust me...." Shikamaru urged, holding out his hand.
Naruto battled with his reinstiled fear and his recount of the day either Shikamaru. The warm breeze blowing that rainy woodsy scent to him. Naruto felt it warm something inside him nudging him forward. Unbuckling his seat belt he reached out. Slowly grabbing Shikamaru's hand. Volunteering contact was new to him, but with Shikamaru he could find it in him not to mind. Being helped out the car Naruto looked around. Aside from a lone car parked a ways down the street, Naruto didn't see anyone around. Shutting the door behind Naruto, Shikamaru led the blond into the small building. A chime alerting of their presence. The smell of hearty broths in the air.
"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen...." A feminine voice called out, Shikamaru smiled as Ayame appeared from the kitchen.
"Shikamaru! Haven't seen you in a while. Welcome back....and who is this?" Ayame chirped, peeking behind Shikamaru to the hiding person. A stomach growling breaking the awkward air.
"That's Naruto, he's very hungry." Shikamaru chuckled.
"We will have to fix that. I'll tell dad to make two large house specials. Sit anywhere you like." Ayame urged, Shikamaru nodded leading Naruto to the window seats.
"I think you'll like this place." Shikamaru spoke up, there was nothing like hot Ramen to take the stress away. Something Naruto needed. The poor Omega still wired tight from a run in with another Alpha.
"Two house specials." Ayame announced, setting down two steaming bowls.
"Thank you." Shikamaru smiled, noticing her father waving from the back.
He returned the gesture before digging in to his meal. His own hunger coming out to play. Naruto eyes his bowl with uncertain. As he did any new food placed in front of him. Picking up the Chirirenge, Naruto copied Shikamaru tasting the broth first. His brows shooting up as a miso and pork flavor washed over his tongue. That was enough to deem the food safe to eat. He busied himself trying the noodles, eggs, and fish cakes in his bowl. His hunger refusing to allow him to practice the art of slow eating. Picking up the bowl he loudly slipped the last of the broth.
"Another one?" Shikamaru asked with a chuckle, Naruto eagerly nodded. Calling for another bowl that soon became 3 and 4 before Naruto was sated. Conversation at the table had been non exsistent but it had been a comfortable silence. Finishing his fourth bowl as well, Shikamaru stretched patting his stomach.
"You ready to go home?" Shikamaru tossed, stealing Naruto's attention from the various claw machines in the back side of the building. Shikamaru turned in search of what had captured his attention.
"Go ahead, I'll pay." Shikamaru pushed, Naruto chewed his lip looking around the empty place. Making the choice to go take a quick look. Shikamaru joined Naruto at the machines, finding the blond looking at one in particular. It was bigger than the others. A claw game with medium stuffed animals in side.
"You want to try?" Shikamaru asked, fishing out his wallet checking to make sure he had a few coins on hand. Naruto nodded pointing at a large orange and red toad smoking a pipe. Shikamaru passed him a few coins then pointed to the input. Watching the blond attempt and fail to grab it. Then again two more times. An adorable pout coming to his face. One to cute to just walk away from.
"Hold on, let me try." Shikamaru offered, putting a few more coins inside.
He stood on the side of the machine checking the position of his claw. He knew these games were a scam. Even if you were right over it, the position would jerk by an inch or two when lowered. So it was best to overshoot. Hitting the button he watched it jerk right into place. Grabbing the toad with ease. Naruto's mouth dropped open in disbelief as it was carried to the win ears box. The lights flickering in praise. Shikamaru bent down retrieving the prize. Passing it to Naruto who narrowed his eyes at the machine. Naruto tapped the box indicating a new choice.
"Another one?" Shikamaru chuckled, adding the last of his coins.
Heading for the bright orange and purple toad with vest on. Lining it up he dropped his claw surprisingly snagging two instead of one. The one Naruto wanted, plus a dark green and yellow toad that had a scowl on his face. Shikamaru handed them both to Naruto. Watching the blond examine the green one before he held it out for Shikamaru to take.
"For you...." Naruto muttered. Shikamaru tose a brow excepting the sweet gesture.
"Don't think I didn't see that frown. You think it's ugly huh?" Shikamaru teased, looking over the toad. It did remind him of himself in the morning.
"Alrighty let's....." Shikamaru trailed off as his eyes widened. He felt his heart clench as he witnessed a true gift. One he wasn't sure others had the pleasure of seeing. Naruto was smiling, it was raw, it was real, and it was beautiful.
"Thank you." He chirped, hugging his toads close.
"Sure thing..." Shikamaru muttered, directing the blond for the door.
He ignored the odd sadness he felt knowing their day was coming to an end. It was easily overshadowed by his happiness. He was glad he could at least end on a good note. As they drove home Naruto fell into a deep slumber. Unable to be roused even as their destination had been reached. Shikamaru figured the lack of sleep, a full belly, plus the excitement, plus the stress of the day had him down for the count.
Picking Naruto up bridal style. He ignored the involuntary shiver that came from a nose sniffing at his neck. A content sigh leaving Naruto as he drugged closer. Walking up the outside entrance steps. Minato met him at the door in a robe. Shikamaru knew it was a bit late, but the man didn't seem to mind.
"To the couch please. I'll transfer him.. Kakashi and Tenzo will get the bags." Minato whispered, Shikamaru nodded following route to the livingroom. Carefully extracting himself from Naruto, he gave him the red toad to snuggle with. Creeping out of the room Shikamaru headed back. Fishing out his wallet to give Minato his card.
"In your opinion. How did things go?" Minato asked, the sound of the front door shutting alerting him of someone's departure.
"So so. It took us a while to get started. Inside the nesting store he came alive. Everywhere else however he was tense but still willingly to put his foot forward. Despite his anxiety I thought it was a good day up until we ran into a Alpha hole. That kind of reset all the progress we had made." Shikamaru admitted.
"I heard. He was....handled." Minato spoke, Shikamaru hummed. Had anyone else said that, he would have been worried. This was Minato however. He didn't take death lightly, but that didn't mean he wasn't opposed to a hard lesson. Shikamaru was sure that mystery man tangoed with either Kakashi or Tenzo.
"It was a fruitful experience none the less. He really likes things that are soft. That goes from clothes to furnishing. I'm assuming things from the Sanctuary had been scratchy or hard material. His favorite color might be orange, but he likes anything bright. Again I'm assuming attire was bland and uniform. He's got a sweet tooth, he's a casual attire type of guy, he's not a sneakers fan really but he likes a few. He's a sandals or slide guy, he's insecure about his body size. I think he thinks he's tiny, not sure if I'm right. He's a tid bit mischievous, he bounces when he's excited, he really enjoyed Ramen, and he likes toads." Shikamaru spilled, a list of things he had kept note of in his brain. Minato's eyebrows rose at the sheer amount spewed. He whistled lowly once Shikamaru finished.
"Noted, thank you." Minato chuckled, he expected nothing else from a Nara. They paid attention to detail down to the molecule.
"With all do respect sir. I don't think another outing any time soon is best. I think a slow incorporation into his schedule would be beneficial. Possibly once a month. That way he feels he has adequate time to prepare." Shikamaru added.
"I'll take that into consideration." Minato nodded, he didn't really want to hear anyone else telling him was was best. Even if it held merit. Shikamaru nodded sensing the mild annoyance. Choosing to make his exit he bid Minato a good night. Heading home from a long day he was just suddenly feeling.
The Next Day....
"Naruto, breakfast." The voice of Naruto's father sounded out. In accompaniment by knocking at the door. Naruto stared his eyes fluttering in the dim room. The cloud of sleep still heavy on him as he rubbed his eyes. Looking around he frowned at his surroundings. When did he get home?
He scratched at his chest slowly sitting up. Despite sleeping so hard he was still tired. No doubt days of sleep deprivation not fixed in a single night. Dragging himself out of bed he did a pit stop in the bathroom before trudging downstairs. Minato smiled at the half sleep Omega at his table. Noding off here in there as he ate. Knowing Naruto slept a full night had his own spirit lifted. Even if he hardly slept worrying the boy would wake.
"You should head back to sleep." Minato spoke up, Naruto startled from his daze. Attention shifting across the table. He could only nod in agreement.
"Yesterday was a lot....wasn't it?" Minato asked, again Naruto nodded rubbing his eyes. He didn't want to even go outside for a few days. Indoors was going to be a momentary bestfriend.
"No worries, the next time I'll let you decide when you're ready. Whenever that may be."
"Okay...." Naruto yawned, pushing his half eaten breakfast away.
"Go ahead, I'll be home a while." Minato tossed, his plans to take the say off looking wasted.
Not that he minded really. As much as he wanted to bond better with Naruto. He didn't want to keep the boy awake when he himself needed rest as well. Naruto plopped face first on his bed. Not bothering to even close his door. Climbing under the covers he frowned at the feeling. They weren't nearly as soft as the ones he had chosen. Hell his bed was a bit too firm. Sighing he forced himself to ignore the issues. Recalling Shikamaru telling him it would take a day or two before his shipment came to the house.
Naruto found a warmth as he pictured the man's face. Ironically he smelled him too. Naruto's eyes popped open as his nose twitched. Tired eyes searching his room in drowsy attention. Not seeing that signature ponytail he frowned. Turning his eyes back to his bed he noticed the toad next to him. Curiously he brought it to his node and sniffed. Woodsy rain filling his lungs. He hugged it closer inhaling deeply. Laying back in bed with it tucked in his arms slumber came fast.
Sleeping a whole day away had not been in Naruto's plans really. Yet it happened anyways. He was fighting it happening again. Feeling Deja Vu as he sat at the dining table eating breakfast. The only difference was he was eating like a starved man. Minato didn't comment as he checked the time. Knowing an experienced medical professional paid. Tsunade had put his worries to bed last night. Writing his coma like sleep as a healthy response to stimulus. In addition to how draining nightmares could be. His body was just recalibrating. According to Tsunade he'd do something similar after a heat.
"Ah, Naruto. Your furniture from the nesting shop comes today. You'll have to direct the workers to setting it up to your liking." Minato announced, Naruto perked up at the news. Then dwindled at realization. Minato had just told him he wouldn't be home till late tonight.
"Don't worry. You won't be alone. Tenzo will be around, he knows to stay our of sight. And you'll have...." Minato trailed off as the doorbell rung. He didn't move knowing a worker would get it. Naruto perked up right before Minato's eyes. Much brighter than he had been as his eyes were cast the the open archway entrance. Long before a yawning Shikamaru walked through.
".....Shikamaru here." Minato finished, swallowing the lump in his throat.
"Sir, Naruto." Shikamaru greeted.
"You're early." Minato commented, gesturing to a chair.
"Woke up before my alarm." Shikamaru sighed, he hated when that happened. It was like a fuck you from the world. Shikamaru took a seat. Minato's Beta Cook rushing a plate out to him. He didn't protest the meal as he said his thanks.
"As I was saying Naruto. Shikamaru will be here to make sure your nest is put together smoothly. They shouldn't be longer than a few hours." Minato voiced, blue eyes that mirrored his glanced over at the Nara. A beat of pause following before Naruto swallowed hard.
"Thank you.......for...the...stuff." Naruto muttered, Minato blinked him too glancing at Shikamaru. Who met his eyes in a tired confusion. The Nara having not been paying attention.
"You're very welcome. You may have anything you desire." Minato voiced, unsure himself what was going on. Naruto nodded color flushing his cheeks.
"Ah, that brings me to my next point. I bought you a phone. I want you to...." Minato was interrupted by his phone ringing. He held up a finger as he looked at the screen. Cursing silently as he answered. A breif conversation had before he hung up.
"It seems I'm needed sooner. Shikamaru, could you do me a favor and help Naruto set up his phone?" Minato asked as he stood. Fishing the phone from his pocket he handed it to the young Alpha who nodded.
"I'll see you later. Have a good day Naruto." Minato spoke, Naruto waved at his father departure.
The room quiet for a while. Naruto wasn't sure what to do as he stared at his empty plate. Usually Minato would urge him to use some free will and leave the table, but his father also seemed to understand his need to hear a dismissal. Naruto rubbed at his thighs as he thought back to the many times he had been beaten for getting up from a table without permission.
"Naruto, you don't have to sit with me." Shikamaru spoke up, frowning at the shift of the Omegas scent. Naruto nodded releif flooding him as he took that as permission. He still hesitantly stood making sure before he left the room. Naruto continued about his usual day. Instead of sitting outside he gazed out the window. A knock at his door startling him.
"Naruto? You awake?" Shikamaru asked, Naruto nibbled his lip as he rose from his seated position. Approaching the door he opened it slowly.
"Hey, if you're not busy I could show you the phone your dad was talking about." Shikamaru offered, Naruto nodded opening his door wider. Shikamaru chuckled awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I can't little one. Customs.....it's all a drag." Shikamaru voiced, Naruto looked at him in confusion. Customs? What did that mean? Shikamaru gestured for Naruto to follow him. The blond doing so still thrust in his confusion. As the strolled beside each other Shikamaru stuck his hands in his pockets.
"Omega rooms or nests are supposed to be sacred. It's considered an honor to be allowed inside one.....well for family. When it comes to me we're just friends....so I can't come in." Shikamaru spoke, offering a small explanation.
"Friends?" Naruto muttered, Shikamaru rose a brow at the echo. Was that a rebuttal or true confusion?
"Yeah friends? It's a term to describe platonic relationships that can grow close." Shikamaru responded.
"Friends." Naruto muttered, nodding his head bringing a chuckle from Shikamaru.
"So that's why I can't come in." Shikamaru reiterated, as their feet hit the first floor.
"Why?" Naruto asked, Shikamaru ignored the giddiness he felt as he noticed he was actually having a back and forth. He was used to his own voice droning on while Naruto nodded or shook his head.
"Let's just say if your dad found out I entered your room without his permission he would be very very angry with me. It's improper for an unmated Alpha to trespass in an Omegas space. Even though you invited me your dad would see it as me imitating courtship." Shikamaru replied, Naruto huffed things got more confusing at every turn.
"Court...ship?"
"When an Alpha attempts to woo their desired Omega. Usually initiating an imprint bond." Shikamaru spoke, he didn't need to look at Naruto to know he was confused still.
"Imprinting is a term and an action. It can happen intentionally or unintentionally. It's how they classify the process of courting. The bonds becomes romantically charged. While the action is when pairs begin feeling pools towards one another. An Omega might seek out their imprinted Alpha in a room, or an Alpha might scent an Omega to wear each others pheromones." Shikamaru continued, Naruto frowned at the information being spilled.
He had been taught that Alpha's were to be their gods. They were here to "Please and Breed" it was the slogan written on the damn walls.....literally. There was so much he didn't know. How far behind had he been stunted in this world. He hardly knew how his own body worked aside from where he was....meant to be taken. He didn't quite get it really. Its not like they had health class growing up. He had obedience training rather...and heat etiquette.
All things that seemed to be shaking his teachings. He had been surprised when Shikamaru had told him he'd be alone for a heat. He had never had a heat alone before. Apparently it was supposed to be like that. Naruto found himself in a perpetual storm of warring thoughts and ways of life. His foundation being dismantled peice by peice. He had always thought the way they were treated in the Sanctuary was wrong, but he didn't know any better life.
So even though in his heart it felt wrong....he still felt they were entitled to do those horrid things to him. Was it crazy to say that every thing he was learning now terrified him. He felt like an idiot. He had always thought himself smart but not anymore. Alpha's weren't allowed inside of his room.......how many times had one stolen from him in the night at the Sanctuary.
"..... we can do this later, Naruto. I can even have your things come some other day." Shikamaru spoke up, his brown eyes peering at the boy who's eyes were full of tears. Naruto shook his head rubbing at his eyes. He didn't want to be a nuisance. He wanted his nest and he wanted to do whatever his father had set up. He wanted to push through.....he wanted to stop crying.
"Come sit down at least." Shikamaru offered, gently laying a hand on Naruto's upper back.
Leading the sniffling blond to the couch. The warmth from his hand disappearing too fast. Naruto felt the tears hit harder as Shikamaru disappeared. Reappearing with a blanket in hand. Naruto peered at the fleece emotion skyrocketing. He snatched it throwing it around himself. Curling into a ball as he sobbed. Shikamaru said a silent thanks for Kakashi and Tenzo missing a bag. He had made note to bring the throw blanket by but kept forgetting.
"......you want to tell me what's wrong?" Shikamaru offered, as he sat on the couch beside the shaking ball. Naruto didn't answer his sniffles quieting in the room.
"That's okay, we don't have to talk about it." Shikamaru added, there was movement he quite frankly wasn't sure what it was. He just assumed it was a nod.
"Sometimes emotions his is hard. It's not easy to just stop them. Do you want to try something put?" Shikamaru offered, another odd wiggle accompanied by sniffles.
"The art of distraction can be a useful tool. Have you ever seen what those toads you have look like in real life?" Shikamaru randomly tossed, another odd but different movement was made. Opening Naruto's new phone he typed toad in the search bar.
"No? I think you outta see it. Want me to show you?" Shikamaru offered, Naruto wiped his face peeking a head out from his blanket cocoon. He nodded his face flushed and wet. Shikamaru turned the phone showing a rigged murky green looking amphibian. Naruto scowled at the image. That didn't look like his stuffed Animals at all.
"You can't look up almost anything with your new phone. Kinda jealous you have one better that I do. Yours is all nice and new." Shikamaru spoke, luring the Omega from his cocoon with a shift in attention. He didn't think Naruto truly grasped what was happening but he wouldn't point it out.
"You can talk to people to. See watch when I type something like this....and hit this green arrow. A minute or so later this will happen." Shikamaru voiced, lifting his phone to show a notification tagged with Naruto's name. Who's eyes widened as he took in what seemed like magic.
"Here try." Shikamaru offered, Naruto looked at the keyboard and simply repeated what Shikamaru had typed. Watching it again pop up on Shikamaru's phone, who took his his to respond sending Naruto a gif that waved. Naruto let out a gasp as he looked at the short clip.
"Cool right, and it can do so much more."
Shikamaru was thankful that Naruto's distress had vanished. Engrossed in all he could learn from the new gadget. Shikamaru had easily gotten the blond hooked on a game. He hadn't stopped playing since Shikamaru downloaded it. Despite being stunted socially Naruto was a very intelligent person. Phones might not be rocket science to a lot of people but when you have never been introduced to real technology. It was a whole new ball game. One Naruto had went to bat and hit a home run in. Shikamaru wondered where Naruto was academically. He could clearly read and spell.
He wondered if Minato had already figured out where Naruto stood in terms of knowledge. With the right tools he didn't doubt Naruto would catch up with other people his age. The Alpha's and Beta's who had been put through schooling. He shelved that idea for future reference. Too much too soon was a sure way to fizzle the growing flame that was Naruto. For now getting him socially acclimated was a need.
"Hey Naruto, do you want to try something out today? It's going to be really hard I'll warn you." Shikamaru offered, peaking Naruto's interest. The blond looked up from his game giving Shikamaru his attention as he shrugged.
"When those workers bring in your nesting materials. They'll be strangers and have foreign scents. I know you want to get better at handling mew faces. So why don't we take a step today? What if instead of going to your room, you sat here with me instead?" Shikamaru offered, the look Naruto shot him telling stories.
"Hear me out. The other day was far too much right? Too many people for you to keep track of. I think a smaller scale with help you build tolerance.You don't want to go through life always on edge. Do you?" Shikamaru pushed, Naruto shook his head at the question.
"Its a hard task but I want you to sit with me. We can't always run from our problems. There will be 2 if not three Alpha that come. The rest will most likely be Betas. They are all required by their company to wear scent blockers. What we'll be practicing is aura tolerance. Not everyone can suppress like I can, that doesn't mean they're out to hurt you though." Shikamaru droned on, Naruto listened even though he didn't like what he was hearing.
"I want you to learn the intent of aura through tolerance. The more you feel and process the easier it is for you to discern. You'll be able to tell wether they mean you harm or are just breathing through practice. It's a suggestion though, I don't want you to say yes because you think that's what i want to hear. I want Naruto to do what Naruto feels is right." Shikamaru concluded, he had a breif thought that he might be overstepping his boundaries. He wasn't Naruto's guardian.
"...okay."
"Okay no? Okay maybe? Or okay okay?" Shikamaru asked, Naruto scrunched his brows. What did that even mean?
"I'm just kidding. I understood you." Shikamaru chuckled, as he grabbed the laptop he had brought in.
Opening it up Naruto watched him curiously. An image appearing on the screen. A younger Shikamaru looking embarrassed as he stood in the head lock of a grinning blond. Beside them a chubby boy throwing up a peace sign with a bright smile. He felt a frown pull at his face. His eyes drifting from the phone to Shikamaru's neck. The simple whit v-neck tee hiding the skin of his collar. His eyes falling back to the image.
"That's Ino, and that's Choji. They're like brother and sister to me. We all grew up together." Shikamaru spoke, noticing Naruto's questioning gaze. Naruto hummed silently feeling an odd sensation in his chest. He frowned at the flutter. What was that?
"So, I figured you wouldn't be keen on telling the people where to put things so we can use this instead. Give me one minute." Shikamaru spoke, Naruto stared at the Nara in confusion as he got up. Disappearing upstairs for a breif moment then coming back back down. After fiddling with his computer a few images of the new room Naruto would move in to popped up.
"I remember most of the things you picked out. So at the very least we can outline and then correct later. So let's start with your bed. Which wall are you taking up?" Shikamaru voiced, beggining the long hour and a half process.
His patience unwavering as Naruto backtracked and flipped flopped spots for everything around. Naruto was the cutest when he got excited about things. Chewing on his fingers as he pointed to communicate. Shikamaru wondered if Naruto had an oral fixation. Often times when he was feeling an influx of strong emotion he begun to bite his nails, chew his fingers, chew his lip, and or suck his thumb. He wasn't a man to judge. In a way he had his own oral fixation, or rather addiction at best. His emotions or moods drove him to smoke often.
For Naruto it seemed to be the way he self soothed. If he asked Inoichi about he'd be given some long drawn out psychological deduction on how certain attributes of Naruto's development had been stunted. Growing up the way Naruto had he wouldn't doubt it. However he didn't feel like pointing out places where Naruto fell behind as a healthy way for the boy to grow. In actuality in Naruto's case it might be more damaging than anything. Hearing the doorbell ring Shikamaru faced Naruto.
"You can still change your mind. I won't be upset." Shikamaru voiced, making it clear he didn't want to have sole influence. Naruto shook his head tucking himself back into the throw blanket. With a sigh Shikamaru headed to answer the door. Letting the workers in and directing them to where they'd be working. Printing our Naruto's final layout he handed that over beside rejoining Naruto in the living room.
"You doing okay?" Shikamaru asked, getting a nod....then a shake of the head.
"Try sitting in the corner. It'll help you feel secure." Shikamaru pointed, the L shaped couch having the perfect nook.
Naruto scrambled hazardly across Shikamaru to get there. A coldsweat breaking out as he could sense multiple people coming and going. Anytime someone walked through the foyer he tensed until they headed up the steps. Jumping every so often at a few random noises. Shikamaru did some side work keeping an eye and a nose on his emotions. As an hour passed he begun to become less reactive. Shikamaru couldn't help his smile. Any progress no matter how small was a feat worth celebrating.
Chapter 7
Notes:
Sorry for the slip up. This is chapter 7. The other was 8. So enjoy the double update.
Chapter Text
Naruto stared at his phone, contemplating his next move. Engrossed in a game called 8 Ball. A fuzzy feeling surrounding him as he lounged in his suspended hammock chair. He couldn't quite place it until now. At first, his understanding of nests was confusing. He didn't understand how or why a new room was supposed to be this great thing. What was a new room supposed to do?
He still didn't quite understand Shikamaru's explanation of instincts. The only time his Omega instincts had been mentioned it had to do with the child he had taken under his wing. He assumed his instincts started and stopped there. Apparently, there was more to it than that. Something about hand picking out every item. Meticulously positioning them to his liking and overlooking his room was.... doing something to him.
He had never felt so.....warm in his life. This feeling of....security was hard to grasp. Something he hadn't known he needed. This room was his. He could do what he wanted. Dictate who came in. It was a power he was almost greedy to have. He had control of something. No one could take it from him. Well.....that's what Shikamaru had said at least.
His thoughts shifting to the Alpha brought another confusing flutter in his chest. It was beginning to scare Naruto. He wasn't one to trust so easily. Especially in this new world, not after Shizune had betrayed him. So why....why did he trust that man. The one who had deceived him...sorta...yet had been a sort of....comfort.
Naruto frowned his game forgotten. A headache beggining to form. He didn't have to try so hard with Shikamaru. The man seemed to just know everything. He didn't have to struggle when he didn't understand something. When he couldn't find the courage to ask. Shikamaru somehow knew he needed an explanation. He knew when to back off, he knew when to push, he knew how to read him.
How?
It was unnerving for him to be so perceptive. When Naruto felt Shikamaru might turn into the rabid snarling beasts he was used to. He'd always prove him wrong. He carried himself with such an inviting ease that Naruto was easily swept close. Naruto whimpered, rubbing at his temples. The wheels in his mind churning too hard. He tucked himself into his blanket, a wash of woodsy rain assaulting him. He found himself relaxing as his mind calmed. A knock snapping him out of his trance.
"Knock Knock, hey, I'm getting a bit hungry. What about you? I'm thinking maybe I could order something." Shikamaru voiced, standing a few steps from the open bedroom doors.
Naruto peered at the scent device above his door. Working just as it should. Shikamaru's scent not blowing into the room. Effectively neutralized at the door. Not that it truly mattered. Although faint, his scent was already in the room. Due to the throw blanket Naruto had yet to leave from. Naruto peered at the tormentor of his mind with a soft glare. Shikamaru rose a brow at the look. Much like Naruto couldn't smell him, it worked both ways. Naruto's scent faint in the hall due to him living here.
"Not hungry?" Shikamaru tossed, sticking his hands in his pockets. Wondering if he had interrupted some alone time. He had been mindful of leaving Naruto to his own devices. He had been tucked away in his nest for a while now. The sky shifting into its deep blue outside. Naruto huffed, then gave a nod.
"You are hungry?" Shikamaru asked, needing the clarification. Naruto nodded once more.
"What do you want?" Shikamaru continued, prompting Naruto to shrug. Shikamaru tsked his hopes of Naruto knowing dwindled. He'd much rather Naruto have chosen then himself. It sent his brain into overdrive, trying to guesstimate Naruto's taste. He didn't want to use his brain. He'd used it enough today.
"Hmmm? Ramen?" Shikamaru tossed, that was a safe meal. At least he knew Naruto liked it. Naruto perked up briefly before nodding with another huff.
"Hangry, huh? Alright, ramen, it is." Shikamaru chuckled, turning on his heels and strolling away. Naruto narrowed his eyes at the vacant spot. The urge to follow stirring within. Thankfully, his phone chimed and vibrated in hand.
Minato: Is everything in your nest to your liking?
Naruto peered at the text message. Biting his lip as he read it more than once. Texting was so much easier than verbal communication in his eyes. The few times Shikamaru had texted him been easy to respond to. He never typed up something long-winded. His responses were short at best, but he liked playing with the gifs available. There were many colorful ways to say yes or no. Naruto chose a gif with a person grinning with two thumbs up. Gaining a responding emoji that was supposed to express laughter.
Minato: I'm glad. If you think of or want anything else, let me know.
Minato: It'll also be a late night for me. I'll see you in the morning.
Naruto: Okay.
He didn't get a response back, but he remembered Shikamaru saying that texting flowed like real conversation. There was a beginning and an end. Pending his text thread with the Nara, he scowled as he opened their game. Shikamaru was good at the game. Too good, that is. Naruto huffed, focusing on his game once more. Time seeming to fly by. 40 minutes felt like the blink of an eye.
Leaving his nest to go eat. Naruto found himself on the couch in the family room once more. Shikamaru lounging the couch looking relaxed, with his bare feet on the coffee table. His eyes glued to the huge flat screen TV. Watching some action movie that Naruto had to admit had his attention as well. Some super cool ninja going on missions to save the world. One movie had turned to 2, then 3.....well almost. The TV had begun watching them at some point.
The movie drowning out the beep of a disarmed alarm. Light chatter in the foyer as footsteps neared the family room. Minato froze in the archway. Being hit with the strong scents of citrus and wood mingling in the air. His brow twitched as he looked at the two forms on his couch from behind. His company forgotten as he walked deeper in the room. Needing to see it fully with his own eyes.
Much to his surprise....and hot seeded jealousy. The behind look had told no lies. Asleep at the end of his couch with a fist supporting his head propped up by the arm of the couch, the other arm stretched over the back of the couch was Shikamaru. Beside him, although turned the opposite way, was Naruto. Curled up with his feet tucked under him, using Shikamaru's arm as a sort of pillow. The scene almost cute....almost if he didn't feel an anger settling in. Picking up the TV remote, Minato turned it off.
The sudden disappearance of noise waking Naruto with a start. His eyes flying open with a tired haze. An alarmed and frightened sort of wail leaving him as he tucked himself into Shikamaru's side. Who shifted, a single eye popping open as he growled. A sound low, deep, and threatening. Minato rumbled with his own responding growl. Blinking the sleep away to reveal a familiar face. Shikamaru's growl ceased as he came to consciousness.
"Shit.....sorry man." Shikamaru groaned, his voice thick with sleep. Making a move to rub his eyes. A weight holding his arm hostage he turned his head looking at the blond. Although now recognizing the intruder still tucked in his side. Minato's aura fluttered too harshly for him to feel comfortable. Shikamaru winced as his gaze shifted back to Minato. An understanding in the father's anger tinged scent.
"I'm not paying you to sleep on the job." Minato spat, his growl poorly contained. Shikamaru kept his face neutral as he fought the urge to smack his lips. He wasn't being paid at all for this, so the statement was off kilter. He wasn't dense enough not to recognize that what Minato wanted to say was "Get the fuck off my kid!".
"My apologies, sir. I wasn't meaning to doze off." Shikamaru simply responded, he didn't want to set the man off further. Though he not so subtly jerked his head in Naruto's direction. Anger blue eyes shifted from brown orbs to blue. He softened his glare in an instant reigning himself in.
"Hey, why don't you head up to bed?" Minato softly spoke, Naruto nodded slowly pulling away from Shikamaru. Grabbing his blanket he climbed off the couch, Shikamsru put his feet down letting Naruto pass. Rounding the corner Naruto paused. Encountering a tall broad man with bushy white hair. Jiraiya smiled at his grandson.
"Hello, I'm Jiraiya." He voiced, introducing himself properly. Their first meeting wasn't a favorable one. This one wasnt either to be honest. Naruto swallowed hard simply peering at the man.
"You know, it's impolite to not greet someone. Who might you be?" Jiraiya pushed, looking at Naruto expectantly. The question sounded more like a soft demand for response. Naruto swallowed hard, Jiraiya's eyes piercing him.
"....Naruto." He squeaked out, Jiraiya flashed him another smile.
"Nice to meet you, Naruto. Now....you shake my hand." Jiraiya urged.
"Dad he...." Minato was silenced by a stern look. His urge to protect his son warring with the authority of his father.
"Come on." Jiraiya pushed, Naruto shuffled forward shakily extending a hand. Jiraiya kept his smile as he grabbed his grandsons trembling hand. Giving it a sturdy shake, ignoring the sweaty nature of it.
"Good job kid. Go on ahead to bed." Jiraiya voiced, Nathan nodded quickly withdrawing his hand and scurrying away.
"Whyd you do that? You've scared him again." Minato sighed out.
"A little fear won't hurt him." Jiraiya waved up, walking deeper into the room.
"He needs to get used to others. You can't coddle him all the time Minato." Jiraiya added, his words carefully chosen. Minato frowned being reminded of his earlier anger. When Tenzo had informed him of Shikamaru's little exercise. Jiraiya had fully supported the idea the Nara had come up with.
"Shikamaru." Jiraiya spoke up.
"Yes sir?" Shikamaru answered, looking to the eldest Namikaze.
"Why don't you take a room. It's a tad late for you to drive. You're barely awake as is." He tossed, Shikamaru rose a brow risking a glance to his employer. Despite not seeming happy, Minato didn't challenge his father. Simply nodding Shikamaru stood, collecting his things before heading for the stairs.
"A room near mine." Minato tossed to the retreating man.
"Understood." Shikamaru yawned, disappearing from the room.
"You outta go easy on the kid. Surely you can't be that upset about him falling asleep." Jiraiya voiced, replacing Shikamaru with a heavy plop. Minato sighed rubbing his temples. He wasn't upset...he was jealous.
"What's got you so up in arms huh? Talk to your old man." Jiraiya spoke, putting the seat next to him. Minato sighed once lore plopping down with the same heaviness.
"Its just childish emotion." Minato mumbled.
"Be that as it may. You were about to take a bite out the boy over....childish emotion. You can't be jealous of the boy...surely?"
"I'm envious.....Naruto seems to feel at ease with him. He barely speaks to me, but Tenzo said he's been yammering to Shikamaru all day." Minato grumbled, feeling like a pouting child.
"So the kid is at ease with him. Is that really a bad thing? He's a gifted man with his scenting emotion and all. Plus his ability to suppress his aura so well. What Nara do you know and feel threatened by? I'd be worried if he did fear the guy." Jiraiya spoke, Minato huffed at his words. It wasn't a bad thing at all but it didn't mean he didn't feel jealous of the interactions.
"You'll bond with him differently than the Nara. You just need some time." Jiraiya added.
"I know...." Minato sighed.
"Come to think of it, they are both unmated. Who knows Naruto could see him as a match."
"Its too soon to be thinking of that. Naruto doesn't need a mate right now." Minato responded, Jiraiya simply hummed choosing not to respond.
They both knew that the mating pull could call if you were ready or not. It was a tough thing to fight. He should know, it had been a constant nag in him for well over 50 years. Even with resisting it you would fall victim eventually. He had been doing this dance with Tsunade his whole life. No matter the circumstances they couldn't stay away from eachother for too long. It didn't matter who they were with, or how long they were with them. That nagging feeling would bubble over and they'd find themselves once more entangled.
"Whatever the case may be. Allow the boy to have a friend." Jiraiya yawned.
"You know where the bedrooms are." Minato sighed, rising from his seat with a yawn himself.
"Mhmm." Jiraiya tossed, kicking off his shoes.
Minato rolled his eyes knowing his father would most likely fall asleep right there. He didn't bother to hound the man. As Hokage he had been putting in some serious overtime. The man was tired and the only reason he was here was because Minato had dragged him out of the office. He needed rest and peace for one night, and Minato didn't trust the man to rest at his own home .
Retiring to his own room for the night. He got in some much needed few hours before rising with the birds. Knowing he had much to do in the coming days brought him a sense of unease. He was set to do his first ever interview on national TV officially as the face of Caged Bird. 2 almost 3 months since his organization prevailed. The dust was starting to settle down now. Which meant it was really time to put in the work.
He didn't want to use Caged Bird as a boost to his campaign, but he knew it would both give him rise and fall regardless. It was time in which people begun to question and justify. The Hawk faction haf surely already vilified him. As some type of martyr who didn't care about goverment secure facilities. All because the very first raid of a facility was covered by his own team.
Minato was no picture of perfection. He knew that by storming the first Sanctuary it was essentially an act of terrorism. However for the greater good that had now caused the rebirth of Omega's in society. He would also not act as if the lives lost from workers "protecting" the Sanctuary were of no conquest. Despite being part of an illegal and illogical operation, those people were just that people. He hoped for no casualties but when you uncover something as big as that. One would do anything to keep that secret hidden.
It was no secret that the Hawk Faction and its member were calling for him to be arrested. For him to be charged with Terrorism and murder. They wanted someone to go down for revenge simply. All they could talk about on the media was Minato and his band of degenerates. Not how their party leader was the real terrorist here. How he oppressed hundreds of thousands of people. Nothing about his trial set to start in August.
Such was politics in this world. Again he was no perfect man. He understood that in everything in life there was good and bad. Ying and Yang, every good person has some bad in them. If he must he would fight fire with gasoline. He was not above ripping apart lives if it meant protecting those close to him, as well as all of Kasai. He had precautions in place before that however.
There was a reason Shikaku was Minato's advisor. Everything had been recorded for the safety of his members. So if push came to shove and a trial was brought on. It would force them to show the world the raw and uncut broadcast of the first raid. Where his team never fired the first shot, and had exhausted their bean bag rounds before the real bullets ever came. In the event that failed to get charges dropped. Well....his head lawyer was a Hyuuga a law firm family not to be trifled with. They were well versed in all things law. The man could find a pin in a haystack. Nothing escaped their eyes.
There was just something about that Nara family as well though. Their genes were unmatched in intelligence. Shikaku could form a concrete strategy from the bare minimum. Minato knew if Shikamaru applied himself, he would be even more of a threat than his father. He however admired the man for his honesty. Apparently being someones advisor and strategien was boring and too much work. He'd rather tinker with technology and make software. It was a lucrative business he could easily profit off of where he made his own hours. Nevertheless the man was young. If his vision changed it would take him nothing to pass the bar.
Getting himself dressed and ready for the day, he headed to Naruto's new space two halls over. He knocked on the door alerting him of breakfast. Continuing to the dinning hall to find his father already at the table. Simultaneously eating while typing away on a laptop he hadn't had last night.
"You're supposed to be taking the morning off remember." Minato scoded, his father glancing at him with an annoyed expression.
"I am." Jiraiya huffed. Since when did he become the child?
"What's that then?" Minato spoke, seating himself beside his father. Who had stolen his seat at the head of the table.
"Writing." Jiraiya simply responded, Minato scrunched his face at the knowledge.
"Oh if the world knew that the great scary general who won us the 3rd war, now Hokage, an esteemed politician......is a dirty old man who writes porn under a pen name." Minato teased, Jiraiya grunted in annoyance.
"Erotica." He corrected.
"Word porn dirty old man." Minato poked.
"Don't be jealous your dirty old daddy is a hot commodity with the ladies." Jiraiya responded with a purr, grimaced at the words. His teenage years were surely something....
"Hows that working out for you now, Mr. Hokage?" Minato tossed back, effectively killing his father's mood.
There were two things that man loved.....Sex and drinking, but he could do neither in the face of the public eye. Being Hokage had never been his dream. Truly he only accepted the temporary position because he wanted to ensure Kasai didn't implode before Minato could take office. He had been living his happy life. Retired, writing, and partying, with a pass time of criticism up until now. Sometimes he wished he hadn't accomplished so much in his life. He wouldn't have been seen as a revered war hero, and thus wouldn't have been petitioned.
"Haven't seen bed head like that since Minato was young." Jiraiya blurted, attention shifted elsewhere. Minato turned his head spotting his son entering the room. Rubbing at his eyes as he drug his feet. Looking the most rested he had ever been. His first night in his nest was already showing its importance. Naruto sleepily peered at the company joining the breakfast table.
"Good morning, Naruto..........this is where you say good morning." Jiraiya added, as Naruto simply looked at him. He frowned at the man, who in turn rose a brow. Naruto averted his gaze.
".....good morning." He mumbled, Minato sighed choosing to just stay out of his fathers methods. Forcing the words in his opinion would get him no where. Naruto wasn't expressing any distress, so it wasn't too bad.
"That's what I'm talking about! Come on and have a seat kid." Jiraiya exclaimed, Naruto shuffled over taking his usual seat. There was something odd about that man. Naruto observed him while he ate. The man on TV was stern, serious, and cold almost. This man....wad arguing with his son about wether saying tatty in front of him was appropriate or not.
"The boy is almost grown! I can say titty. He outta get to see some titties in his life. Listen to you Pops kid, they'll change your life."
"Dad!"
"Whatttt? Have you you hit him with the sex talk? That's a core memory for a kid. Tell you what kid, since your dads too scared. How about I give you a book to read? You read right?"
"No book, he doesn't need that filth!" Minato exclaimed.
"Its not filth its art!" Jiraiya responded.
"Art?!"
"The art of the human body and all its soft, warm, wet...." Jiraiya voiced, cut off by his sons snap.
"Jiraiya Namikaze!"
"Oh the government eh? Sorry kid your dads a buzz kill." Jiraiya voiced, the sound of a giggle cutting through their banter. Jiraiya smiled looking at his grandson.
"Come hang out with ya Pops sometime." Jiraiya winked.
"Don't mind that old fart, Naruto. How are you this morning?"
"Good." Naruto chirped, stuffing a peice of bacon in his mouth. Casually rocking side to side as he munched.
"That's wonderful, I'm glad. We have to make a visit to the hospital today. You have a check up scheduled. They are going to run some tests and make sure health wise you are in tip top shape." Minato spilled, information that usually would have made his sons mood instantly sour.
Naruto hummed at the news instead. The blond couldn't find it in him to stress over it. He had woken up in the softest place on earth. He had no nightmares, no bouts of insomnia. A straight hard uninterrupted sleep. He just couldn't explain how good of a mood he was in. Was this what people called being content? Instead of the usual dark thoughts running in his mind. He was simply....grateful.
He was getting a second chance here. With people who actually cared about him. It wasn't the same "care" he was showed in the Sanctuary. That care was based on ensuring his survival. This care felt different. His father was always checking on him. Making sure he ate, and he slept, and he had this, or that. Made sure that when he was alone, he knew that he truly wasn't alone. Gave him nice company to be around. Let him do whatever he wanted, even if he didn't want for much. It felt good.
"Well.....we don't leave till noon so you have plenty time to get ready for the day." Minato smiled, Naruto nodded earing a way. The sound of silverware on plates and rhythmic typing becoming background noise. The silence interrupted by a long winded groan from the hall.
"Okay, I hear you. Yeah yeah yeah....what a drag." Shikamaru's voice carried into the room. The man appearing a few seconds later hanging up his phone.
Naruto flushed as his scent flooded the room. That scent still on his shirt. He couldn't help but remember the inviting warmth from the man that somehow coaxed him to sleep. He looked different in a good way with his hair down. Thick shoulder length tresses that gave him a soft contrast to the sharp features his face possessed.
"Good morning." Shikamaru grumbled, stretching his body causing his shirt to ride up his stomach. Revealing a trail of hair the split down the Vline of his abdominal muscles. Naruto felt a rush of something foreign hit him. He choked on his toast distracted from it all. His sputtering catching all attention. Well the attention that hadn't already been on him. Jiraiya smirked eyeing his grandson. His eyes flitting over to Shikamaru then back to Naruto. He hummed to himself picking up his coffee.
Very interesting....
"You okay Naruto?" Minato tossed out, concerned blue eyes traveling his sons face. Naruto nodded covering his coughing with a hand. Grabbing his apple juice to sooth his throat.
"Will you be joining us for breakfast young man?" Jiraiya spoke up. He was eager to observe some of those interactions that had his son jealous of someone half his age.
"Tsk...can't, my moms tripping about me not being home. As if I'm not in my twenties." Shikamaru huffed, Naruto deflated a bit at the news.
"Unfortunate. Well thank you for your time Shikamaru. I appreciate you looking out for Naruto when I'm not around." Minato spoke, feeling a bit guilty about snapping at the man last night.
"No problem, if you need me again give me a call." Shikamaru tossed, his eyes catching Naruto's. He smiled at him before giving a wave. His final action before collecting his things and departing.
Finishing breakfast and going back to his room. Naruto found himself pouting as he sniffed at his shirt. Knowing he'd have to change our of it and the smell would probably be gone by the time he came back home. He felt a bit creepy for wanting to steal something that belonged to Shikamaru. Something saturated in his scent that it would last for weeks. He found that the smell brought him comfort in a way.
Sighing he stripped jumping into the shower. The words of his father settling in. He had to go outside. At least it was familiar territory, but he didn't know how to feel. What I'd they stuck him with something again? What if it was that time? When he'd be forced to swallow that foul liquid that brought his heat on. What if they had someone lined up for him? Would they force him to mate?
Naruto felt his lungs squeeze from the lack of oxygen. He heaved for air that wasn't coming. His vision blurring as he held his chest. Feeling its rapid rise and fall yet he felt no releif from the dry burn. He felt his legs give out. His knees slamming into the hard cold tile harshly. He could feel a static shoot down his leg to his toes. He wheezed his world begging to spin as he fell over completely. The chill of the tiling his anchor to reality.
Spotting his pajamas still in the floor from his shower. He scrambled for his shirt on instinct. Bringing it to his face he inhaled deeply. His lungs burn intensifying. Naruto closed his eyes rubbing the shirt on his face. The fading scent of rain clinging to him. Unconsciously his breaths begun to slow and deepen. He wasn't sure how long he laid on the floor. His only knowledge of passing time a far away Knock on the door. His father calling out for him.
He pulled himself up managing to find a stalemate in the worries of his mind. Exiting his bathroom he ignored the pain from his knees. Stuffing his shirt behind his bed pillows before heading to the door. He flashed his father an uneasy smile as he left his room.
"Don't worry kiddo. I'll be with you every step of the way." Minato spoke, offering him a gentle smile. Hesitantly he reached out patting Naruto's head. A heavy sigh leaving the younger blond.
"Heard you had a sweet tooth. How about some icecream afterward, yeah?" Minato spoke, feeling ore confident as he ruffled Naruto's hair. Naruto nodded enjoying the contact. He leaned into his father's touch soaking up the feeling.
"Alrighty then. Let's be off." Dropping his hand to Naruto's shoulder he gave a gentle nudge.
Naruto felt a wave of nostalgia as he sat in a white room. The sterile chemical smell stung a but as he breathed. Something he had learned to deal with when he had stayed here. Thought his room was much smaller than his had been. A small exam table and some vitals equipment near him. A desk and computer and rolling stool. Cabinets filled with god knows what along the right wall, a sink and some hygienic tools beside it.
He swung his legs the paper covering the exam table crinkling with every movement. Minato didn't mind the noise or he simply ignored it. Tapping away at his phone here and there. Reminding Naruto that he now had one of those. He cursed himself for not remembering to bring it. He would have had something to do. Something to distract him from the crazy thoughts swirling in his mind. He nibbled on the sleeve of his sweater as he looked around at the many informational posters on the wall. A knock brought him from his boredom. A familiar face stepping in that made Naruto frown.
"Sorry about the wait. Someone went into labor on the elevator." Shizune spoke up, grabbing some gloves from the wall slot.
"No worries, my schedules cleared for the day." Minato informed her. Sliding the fresh pair on, she looked at Naruto. Her gaze softening as she noticed his apprehension.
"Hi Naruto, I know you're probably still upset with me. I was just doing my job hun, I'm sorry." Shizune spoke up, hoping to ease him. Her words had an opposite effect.
I'm just doing my job.....
How many times had his section mother said that to him? As she washed his body from top to bottom. Waxed every wayward hair, drenched him in sweet smells, dressed him prettily. Getting him ready for slaughter. She repeated those words every time he was sent to her. As he cried and begged, his voice fell on deaf ears. He was still sent to that empty room. Where he'd be held down and pumped with sedatives till he couldn't tell which way up was. They let some Alpha.....male or female inside. To do whatever they wanted to him. Then they'd try to bond him......he learned to stop fighting them physically that time his throat was nearly ripped out.
He remembered the pain......the blood....the way he seemed to be drowning....the burn.... the darkness....
"NARUTO! Breath for me! You're okay, breath for me son!" Minato shouted, prying Naruto's hands from gripping his neck. Naruto screamed at the hold, struggling against the grip.
"Naruto, Open your eyes! Open your eyes. It's me! It's Minato! It's dad!" Minato rushed out, beggining a rumble on instinct. Naruto's eyes shot open at the sound the recognition flashing in his eyes giving way to the mental torture he was in. He couldn't help the tears that fell. Shizune frowned an intense guilt settling in.
"You're okay." Minato assured, Naruto trembled as he sucked in a sharp breath. Focusing on the soothing sounds from his father. Minato slowly sat Naruto back up. Easing his own raving heart. Sure Naruto wasn't going to injure himself, he released his hands. Pulling Naruto into a hug instead the younger blond clung to him. Minato shushed his cries rubbing his back.
"Do you want to reschedule?" Shizune spoke up, after a few minutes. Minato frowned knowing he really didn't have any other time he could personally accompany Naruto. He felt this appointment was much to sensitive to send someone else in his stead. Still if Naruto wanted to leave he would honor that. He waited a few more minutes for Naruto to calm before pulling back.
"We can do this another day. Do you want to leave?" Minato asked, staring at his sons reddened face.
Naruto weighed his choices. He knew how busy of a man his father was. He didn't want to inconvenience the man, but he was also starting to feel drained. He wanted to hide away in his nest and never come out. He hated how he could feel so good, but in a flash feel so low. It wasn't fair. Why couldn't he feel like this morning all the time.
".....I'm okay."
"Are you sure? Do you want a new nurse?" Minato pressed, Naruto shook his head. It wasn't really her fault he felt like this. It was just those words....they had sent him places be didn't belong anymore.
"Its okay if you want someone else, Naruto." Shizune spoke up, the blond again shook his head.
"Are you okay with having blood work done today?" She asked, he tensed but nodded.
Shizune looked at Minato for confirmation before starting her work. Minato chose to stand off to the side but still near for Naruto's sake. Watching as she took his temperature, his blood pressure, checked his eyes, listened to his lungs, and checked his shoulder glands. Bringing out the tools to draw blood. Minato held his sons hand, covering the boys eyes with his other hand. Naruto's stomach dropped at the feeling of the needle. Memories trying to take hold as saliva gathered in his mouth. He swallowed hard forcing away the darkness.
"All done, we'll get this ran. Naruto, would you mind providing a urine sample?" Shizune spoke, quickly putting the two vials of blood out of view. Naruto nodded taking the cup from her. Walking into the room side bathroom to do just that. Once it was handed off they were once again in silence. That earlier ease in Naruto missing. Naruto grumbled internally as he pulled out his phone. He hated that he had to do this, but it was for his son. He would stomach the green monster for this.
Minato: Has Naruto had panic attacks with you?
Shikamaru: Yes.
Minato: How do you get him back in the present?
Shikamaru: Distraction mostly, he's eager to learn. He had an attack yesterday, and I was able to distract him by teaching him how to use his phone.
Minato: Anything else useful?
Shikamaru: I don't know if he has a comfort item yet, but maybe a treat? Something sweet. Or simply giving him his space.
Minato: Thank you.
Shikamaru: You bet.
Minato thought on Shikamaru's words. An idea popping in mind. He put his phone away turning to Naruto. Clearing his throat to gain his attention. Naruto looked at him with dull eyes.
"I was thinking about something new for you."
Chapter 8
Notes:
JUST NOTICED I UPLOADED CHAPTER 8 INSTEAD OF 7. SORRY GUYS! THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE READ ACT LIKE YOU HAVENT LOL. UPLOADING 7 AFTER I QUICKLY CHECK FOR ERRORS.
Hi guys!
Just a quick reminder Naruto is still out of character in means of personality wise but we will see some character development coming for our blond.
I want to try and keep this story medium paced. I'm trying not to go too slow but as a writer sometimes I get a little carried away. Still I don't want to go too fast either so we can get to know and love our characters. I'm attempting to keep our background stories to a minimum and focus on the heart.
Just and added peice of information our pack comes together first with ShikaNaru then later on Neji and after that finally Garra. I can't wait!
Chapter Text
"How do you feel about some schooling? I've talked to several other Omegas about the extent of their teachings. People around your age usually are still in high school or just graduated. I don't want you to feel like your life is centered on who lays claim. It's more than that. Your life can be more than that. Will be more than that. It won't be easy, but we can get you a teacher who will walk through the grades with you. From 1 to 12, from there, we can get your GED. With that, if you like, you could continue to college. Further in any study, your heart desires. I want you to be whoever you want to be. Take hold of your life and drive it. You have they keys."
Naruto blinked at his father. Processing those words. More to life than breeding? It sounded like music to Naruto's ears....but....how could he do that trapped in his own mind. Minato could see the storm brewing in Naruto's eyes. He quickly reached out, grasping Naruto's shoulder.
"Listen to me, you can do this. Do you wanna know how I know? Because despite it all, you get up every day and put your best foot forward. You try your damn hardest. It doesn't go unnoticed. You've shown me a strength. There's someone inside of you dying to be set free. A light begging to shine. We're gonna uncover it. It won't matter how long it takes, how hard we work. Because it'll be worth it. You'll be able to look back on this time and be so proud of yourself. Think of that first day of freedom. All the way to now. Son, you are a warrior." Minato poured, fanning the flames he knew was deep inside of Naruto. Naruto nodded Minato's words, lifting his spirits. He could see why his father was striving to be Hokage.
"Thank you..."
"No, thank you, Naruto. For giving me the opportunity to show you love. For giving me the chance to make things right." Minato spoke.
"I want to do it...school. I want to do school." Naruto voiced, putting some strength behind his words.
"Then we're gonna do it." Minato beamed, Naruto couldn't help but to be pulled into its charm. His own smile coming out. A knock sounding out broke their moment.
"Knock Knock." Tsunade spoke, entering the room slowly. Prepared for an emotional Omega. Instead, she was met with a grinning one. A stark difference from the Omega she met before. It never stopped making her heart warm to see the progression of the Omegas under her care.
"Hello, you two." She smiled, Naruto gave a small wave kicking his feet.
"Tsunade, great to see you as always." Minato smiled. She was like family. In a way, she truly was.
He considered her a second mother. She had helped him through that rough transition of losing his mother at a young age. He just wished she and his father could just stop fussing and fighting long enough to be honest with each other. Their love story gave him a headache. Everyone around them could feel the intense love.....and sexual tension that they shared. Yet those two acted blind. His head spun trying to understand them.
"How are you, Naruto?" She asked, Naruto gave her a thumbs up. A smile, although without teeth on display.
"Good, well, let's get into your results. Everything is looking great. Your testosterone level is in average range for your age. Your estrogen is also at range for your secondary. So that tells me that you aren't close to a heat. I can't say for sure how long, but I'm going to give a professional guess of a few weeks before one stirs. Though that could change based on your stress and emotion." Tsunade spoke, Naruto tilted his head.
A bit of confusion in his eyes. Tsunade didn't miss a beat logging in to the computer. Pulling up a side by side diagram of Omega's. She was well versed in an educational impromptu lesson nowadays. Those sanctuaries had truly done a number on those poor people.
"So let's start with the basics. A heat scientifically is when Omega's hormones shift into imbalanced levels. For you specifically, being a male Omega. You experience a sudden drop in testorone and an extreme increase in your estrogen. This signals your uterus to release an egg or, in some cases eggs. In the hopes that they will be fertilized by sperm. For male Omegas specifically, you possess two reproductive systems. Your penis is fully functioning and producing sperm at all times. Your uterus however technically is only active during your heat or pregnancy." Tsunade started, Minato didn't bat an eye at the information. It was natural, and he didn't want Naruto thinking he was weird or broken.
"That might be a bit confusing, but that is how male Omegas operate. When your hormones shift to start your heat, it essentially activates. This is where your slick comes from. It's common and expected for all Omega to get a bout of the shits. It's a way for the body to flush, so all they have to worry about is sating their needs. With or without heat, when aroused, your body produces a pre-slick that acts as a cleanser. Which is only found produced in males. It flushes your rectum to get rid of all impurities. That'd not to be confused with your actual slick. Which is the lubricant that you produce. For whatever reason males only slick in copius amounts during a heat. You still slick when aroused, but according to most additional lubrication is recommended." She continued, Naruto's cheeks begun to flame at her words.
"So I want you to think about eating. When you swallow something it doesn't go in your lungs. Why? Because you have a tiny flap of muscle that covers your airway when you swallow to protect it. You have the sane sort of muscle near your prostate. It acts as a doorway for sperm to enter through to reach your uterus. It only opens during heat, which is why male Omegas have trouble conceiving. You guys are only able to be impregnated during a heat. If or when that happens you still gestate for 9 months on average. Unfortunately, for you to birth we must perform a c section. Which is when we have to carefully make an incision through your abdominal walls and uteral lining to extract the baby. This is why many omegas opt for their fallopian tubes to be removed after a few children. Due to the multiple c-sections your uterus lining thins and conceiving without miscarriage becomes extremely difficult. Those who still conceive are high risk and more often than not babies are born earlier to prevent a uterual rupture. Not every male Omega experiences these complications. In some cases male omegas have gone on to have several children." Tsunade spilled, more often than not most Omegas got discouraged form conceiving after that information was shared. It'd be wrong to hide the knowledge from them though.
"To conclude, after a heat without successful fertilization. Your body will flush the eggs and menstrual lining your body created. You'll cramp and bleed for about one to four days. You'll often be lethargic and tired while this happens. Most male omegas experience constipation during this process. We recommend stool softners to be introduced after menstruation. Once your hormones settle you'll be back to your usual self. Until then you'll experience a whirlwind of emotion imbalance during your heat and after for several days." Tsunade finished, Naruto nodded chewing at his sleeve.
"So the good thing for you is that you don't have to take birth control on the regular like the rest of the other females in the world. You simply need to take the birth control created solely for Omegas. It's one pill at the start of your heat, and a second pill at the end. It's not 100 percent effective, which is why Male Alphas are encouraged to take a similar pill daily until your heat is complete. Or in cases where male Alphas are with female Betas, or Alphas. They are recommended to take the pill daily for as long as they participate in sexual activity. It's the male birth control. Its dosage is doubled when experiencing a Rut. I recommend going ahead and giving you a prescription for your heat birth control." She spoke.
"That's unnecessary at the moment." Minato spoke up, wishing he hadn't when Tsunade glared at him.
"Things happen Minato, and frankly it's not up to you. So Naruto, are you okay with that. On average most male Omegas experience 6 heats a year. While female omegas average about 12. That number fluctuates but essentially it's roughly every two months for you. I'll prescribe you with two years' supply. Is that alright with you?" She asked, Naruto shrugged having an information overload.
"Okay, so I'll get that set up. Now I'm aware that you have been medically induced into heats since your first heat. That will not happen. We believe in letting nature do its thing. A content and happy Omega will experience a regular heat cycle. When that is not happening it means their is often too much stess in their lives. Instinctually Omegas will unconsciously block heats until they feel safe enough to have one. The only time I will ever induce a heat is if you go a year without one. So rest assured you will not be forced to heat. That causes far too much psychological trauma." She spoke, Naruto nodded the news easing his worries.
"For Omegas who do not have Alpha mates to help sate their heat. We offer a sort of drug, not the addictive kind. But a drug nonetheless that essentially helps an Omega cope and ride through their heat. It's a pseudo stimulant called Alpha Serum that acts like Rut sperm. Which holds chemical properties that cause endorphins to rise in whomever an Alpha ejaculated in. For Omegas during heat Rut sperm does this at a higher level. It sates an Omega for a period of time. Unfortunately this drug can only be administered by injection, but its effects last up to one to two days because of its high dosage. Given that heats are about 6 days long. Only two or three shots are usually required." Tsunade paused for a long moment. Her expression took on something pained and serious.
"Now suppressors are available but we recommend 6 months on 3 months off interval usage. Though I strongly strongly recommend that you steer clear from frequent usage. Infertility is a risk and is more than 60% common for those who use them." Tsunade informed him, Minato frowned a bit feeling his heart pinch. Knowing how sensitive a subject that was for her.
"So again everything looks good and level. No heat too soon, but again that can change due to stress. Or the process that Imprinting brings. Your vital signs were great. Your weight is up which I am extremely happy about. You're about 30 pounds shy of where you need to be but you are gaining exponentially so no worries. I want to see you back for another check-up this September, but don't hesitate to make an appointment should anything regarding your health need to be assessed. Any questions?.......Okay then, that is all for today." Tsunade spoke, concluding the appointment.
Naruto couldn't have been more glad. There was just something weird about talking heat so in depth with a parent near. As Naruto got up from his seat another knock came. Tsunade frowned as Kakashi popped his head in. A rather serious expression on his face.....well from what Naruto could see.
"We have a problem. Someone has tipped off press. Don't know who could be a civilian who saw you or a worker. There's press stationed all over, and I mean all over. Even the back exits." Kakashi spilled, Tsunade growled out at the news. Naruto shuddered stepping closer to his father.
"Shit." Minato hissed, letting just mind churn up an idea.
"Give me your mask." He tossed out.
"What?" Kakashi blurted.
"Your mask." Minato snapped, Kakashi dug around in his pocket fishing out a separate one. Minato rolled his eyes taking it from him.
"Naruto there is going to be a ton of people outside. With cameras that'll flash, and they'll be shouting all types of things. I want you to just hold my hand and stick with me. No one's going to touch you. Don't talk to no one just keep a hold of me. Okay?" Minato spoke, hating to have to once again see Naruto's mood fall. A fear sprouting in those blue eyes. Minato took out his sun glasses putting them on his sons face.
"Hear this might help." Tsunade offered, holding out a scrub cap. She always kept one on her in case she had an emergency surgery. Thanking her Minato stuffed Naruto's blond hair inside. Making his son's identity practically hidden.
"Tenzo pulled the car around and is in position." Kakashi spoke up.
"Trust me Naruto. Myself, and my gaurds will not let anything happen to you. It's going to be scary but I promise it'll be over in a flash." Minato voiced, holding out a hand.
Naruto took it shakily. His heart hammering in his ears. His breathing quickened with every rushed step they took. His danger had told him what to expect, but nothing truly prepared him for what he witnessed. His lungs seized as Tenzo appeared taking the front station forcing his way through the crowd making room, while Kakashi took the rear. It was hard to hear with so many voices. So many bodies, so many smells, so many different auras, so many flashing lights. He stumbled over his feet. Near falling had it not been for Kakashi who caught him. Minato's grip tightened on his hand.
Minato is this your Omega?
Is it true this was all for him?
Minato!
Why are you hiding him?
What do you have to say about the murder allegations?
Minato! Do you have time to talk?
Are you worried about charges?
Minato!
"GET BACK!" Kakashi snarled, shoving a few people who got too close to Naruto. Tenzo stood gaurd as Minato opened the car door. Urging Naruto to get in first before he followed after him. The door shutting with a slam. Tenzo and Kakashi climbed into the front. The car pulling off with a quick lurch. Naruto felt his stomach flip as he snatched off the mask.
"Aw shit...." Minato sputtered, as Naruto turned green looking around for something.
Snatching his laptop carrier he turned it upside down. Hastily shaking out his things, managing to get the bag in front of Naruto just in time. Naruto expelled his breakfast, his body shaking with the strength of his nerves. The windows being cracked to air out his distressed pheromones. Minato frowned rubbing his sons back. He was used to the craze when something wild hit the media. Naruto wasn't built to handle this at the moment. For the first time in a long time Minato wished his ambitions hadn't been so high in life. This was his world and now it was Naruto's without choice.
They couldn't get home soon enough. The car barely rolled to a stop before Naruto had flung the door of the SUV open. Vanishing in what seemed like thin air. Minato sighed rubbing his temples at the growing headache. Getting out much slower. He handed the computer bag to Kakashi. Who's face scrunched as he held the bag at arms length. Why'd he have to take it? His phone rang before he could step foot inside his home. Greeted by his father's concerned voice.
"How's kid? It's all over the news."
"Scared him half to death."
"Don't beat yourself up. It can't be helped. This is our world."
"I'm aware." Minato sighed out.
"Have you sat down with him to explain just who you are? Who we all are?"
"It hadn't been on my priorities."
"It's time dont ya think?"
"Unfortunately. I'm going to give him some time here. Let him calm down before we discuss." Minato answered, his father hummed a note.
"I know you don't want him to be stressed and afraid, but remember growth never happens standing still. Being uncomfortable is not always a bad thing. You're going to have to challenge him, to push him, or he'll never shed those shackles." Jiraiya voiced, speaking his ears of wisdom. It was all about finding balance. The media had been too much for Naruto, but in a different perspective they were a needed occurrence. A push to broach a subject.
"I hear you."
"Good. He's a bright boy. With some coaxing I'm sure he'll flourish." Jiraiya mused, Minato chuckled agreeing with the sentiment.
Ending their conversation he headed to his office. Gathering some things he'd need for tomorrow. Checking over other things like his email and messages, before he decided three hours was enough. Heading to Naruto's room, he stopped by the kitchen first to snag some ice cream. He didn't usually spoil his dinner with dessert, but today was an exception. It was comfort food. Juggling the bowls, he knocked on the door.
"Naruto? It's me, I brought you some ice cream." Minato loudly announced, a minute passing before the door opened. Naruto wrapped in a blanket. Puffy eyed and red-faced still.
"Hey kiddo, can I come in? We need to talk." Minato voiced, Naruto nibbled on his lip.
Thinking it over heavily before nodding. Minato flashed him a smile walking inside. Making a conscious decision to sit on the orange flaming fox rug, instead of any of the seating. Omega's were notoriously meticulous about their space. He didn't want his scent to linger after he was gone. Naruto seemed pleased and grateful for his choice. Sitting down on the floor in front of the man. Eagerly accepting the bowl.
Minato sat in comfortable silence. Allowing himself to feel the joy of being able to do something as minuscule as eating ice cream together. Though it easily became tinged in sorrow as he thought of his missing peice. Closing his eyes he willed himself to regather his emotions. Opening them he cleared his throat.
"So, I think it's high time I explain to you what's going on." Minato started, Naruto's spoon stalled as he peered at his father in barely concealed worry.
"It's got nothing to directly do with you, but it does affect you. What happened today wasn't something I wanted to happen, but it isn't something I can control. I can't guarantee you it won't happen again. I'm certain it will at some point. This is something that'll you'll have to adapt to. Due to my standing as a public figure." Minato spoke, Naruto listened as he continued to eat. Already not liking what he was hearing.
"I'm a retired Sergeant Major, an army veteran if you will. I'm also the head of an organization called Caged Bird, the very organization that helped to free you. On top of that I'm running for Hokage. Due to all this I'm a highly known and criticized individual. My life is being put on a magnifying glass. To be watched by all in Kasai, and rightfully so. If I'm to be the man to lead our nation, I must be open. Due to my ambitions, however, you....will be a public figure as well." Minato dropped, Naruto blinked at the man. Setting his near empty bowl down. A sacrifice to burrow into his blanket once more.
"I know that sounds scary. I won't lie to you and say it won't be. What I will tell you is I don't expect anything from you Naruto. You don't have to go out of your way to do a thing. Your identity is unknown at the moment. And the hope is for it to stay that way until you're ready. I want that card to be in your hands. Right now we have a safe guard in place. What took me do long to find you was the fact that your legal name is Naruto...Uzumaki. You were entered into Sanctuary systems under your mothers maiden name. I can't say why, but im sure it had to do with keeping you hidden from not just us but others. The Namikaze name holds weight. If....someone had gotten a hold of you, they'd have used you to possibly get to my father or to me. The people who would purchase Omegas would be the type of people to do so. Ultimately, it would have ended with the Sanctuary being uncovered." Minato spilled.
"That being said. Your name remains Uzumaki. That way if there are any data breeches, your name is not linked to ours. I want you to have my last name. The name you were meant to have, but I understand what comes with that name. I will be okay if you never decide to change it. This is your identity, your life, you have control. I will try my hardest to ensure you remain a mystery until you've come to decide. Until then the two of us going out in public with be far and few. To lesson the chances of a slip unfortunately. Has my explanation been clear? Do I need to elaborate any more?" Minato concluded, Naruto shook his head to the questions.
"Are you sure?" Minato questioned, Naruto nodded picking up his now melted ice cream.
Drinking the cold creamy slurry. Minato chuckled ruffling his sons hair before getting up. Taking the empty bowl once he was done. He was under the impression that all was right with his son when he left. Apparently that wasn't the case under circumstance. To be transparent he wasn't exactly sure what was going on with Naruto. The last three days his son was suddenly needing a supply of physical contact. He went as far as to become distressed when Minato left the house or he couldn't find him. Though his actions were counterproductive considering him spending 90% of his time cooped up in his nest.
It was confusing to say the least. Minato was almost concerned but according to Tsunade those weren't signs of heat. Rather a sudden separation anxiety likely brought on by the media incident, and or self treating his touch starvation. Which wasn't exactly something he wanted to hear. Considering the fact that he would be leaving on a press run for 4 days. Taking him with was simply out of question.
He was better with Kakashi and Tenzo, but not enough to seek them out. His father was the damn Hokage, far too busy to babysit. Which left him with one likely candidate. Though he had his on reservations about the arrangement.
Meanwhile.....
"Ughhhhh! You're ditching game night again?" Shikamaru rolled his eyes at his best friend's whining voice.
"You were busy last month." She added.
"That's true, but it can't be helped." He answered, keeping his eyes on the rode as he drove.
"When do we get to meet your Omega then." Ino huffed.
"Oh God, please don't say that." Shikamaru groaned. He would surely be crucified.
"What?" She huffed.
"He's not Shikamaru's Omega, he's a friend."
"Thank you Choji." Shikamaru voiced. At least one of his best friends was sane.
"Yeah yeah, a friend he keeps ditching us for. You can't tell us anything about him? Nothing at all? Or even meet him?" Ino tossed.
"It's not up to me. I'm just volunteering to keep him company when Minato's away." Shikamaru sighed.
"Volunteering?! You're not even getting paid? Oh yeah, thats your fucking Omega. You don't do anything for free let alone anything that requires extra work. Oh my God, you're smitten with him aren't you?" Ino drilled, Shikamaru frowned at her analysis. He wasn't smitten. He was just being a good person. So what it took some of his time. He liked being around Naruto. In fact he hadn't seen him for a few days. He missed his cute little face....
Wait.....
"See Choji, he's not even denying it! Not his Omega but will be! When he we ever known Shikamaru to take an interest in anyone? Taking the guy to the mall. Winning him prizes? Sounds like mate pull to me." Ino continued.
"Its too soon to tell....but you might be on to something." Choji muttered, Shikamaru scowled feeling betrayed.
"Its not like that." Shikamaru huffed, his destination in view.
"Mhmm, hurry up and ask his dad to court your Omega already. I wanna meet the cutie that's got my lazy friend volunteering for free work." Ino stated
"For the love of all things. Stop calling him that." Shikamaru groaned.
"What? Cute? Or your Omega?"
"Ino." Shikamaru growled, warning clear in his tone.
"......I think your right Ino." Choji muttered, Shikamaru's growl was different.
One of pure agitation. He hung up on the duo not bothering to try and get it through their brains. No matter what he'd say they'd continue with their concoction. It was delusion.....clearly. Parking his car he grabbed his overnight bag before exiting. Heading up the stairs to the entrance. Minato met him in the foyer with his own bags. A scowl in place as he eyed Shikamaru.
"I'm really trusting you here Shikamaru. 4 days.....96 hours. I want him looking exactly the way I left him. Exactly! Not a hair out of place! You understand me?" Minato spoke, his voice devoid of all but a seriousness.
"I understand sir."
"I'll be watching the cameras. Don't go in his nest. You sleep in a guest room near mine. Keep an eye on him. Don't bite him. If proximity becomes am issue give me a call." Minato continued, Shikamaru nodded knowing all of this. Jr knew how worried Minato was to leave his son with an unmated Alpha. Even if he watched said Alpha grow up. He was an Alpha himself and knew how things could turn.
"We aren't sure when a heat will come. If you sense one, leave and call Tsunade." Minato voiced, putting emphasis on that note. Shikamaru nodded in understanding. His ears picking up the sound of movement.
"Understood." Shikamaru confirmed.
"Good, now to warn you. Naruto is...." Minato's words cut off by the rushed slapping of bare feet. He turned to watch as a flurry of blond hair and tanned skin ran into the foyer. His blue eyes landing on Shikamaru as his nose twitched. Shikamaru was near thrown into Minato from the force of Naruto running into his side. Shikamaru's eyes widened in alarm.
"Well he's that.....not sure what's going on with that." Minato muttered, his eyes brows drawing in as he watched his son rub his face on Shikamaru. That was....unusual. Surely he wasn't scenting Shikamaru.
"Hey Naruto." Shikamaru chuckled, patting the top of his head. Naruto's arms tightened around him as he looked up flashing white teeth. Practically vibrating with a surge of energy. Minato pursed his lips. Here he was concerned, and Naruto was suddenly pouring with energy.
"Anything else?" Shikamaru asked, snapping Minato from his jealous tinged thoughts.
"No. Just he might do that often. It's either separation anxiety surfacing, or he's trying to self medicate his touch starvation. So just be mindful of that if he invades your personal space." Minato sighed, talking as if his son wasn't drapped over Shikamaru. He was trying hard to ignore the voices telling him to cancel his plans.
"Got it." Shikamaru nodded.
"Alright Naruto, I'm heading out. Be good for Shikamaru. I'll call you later." Minato spoke, ruffling Naruto's hair in parting.
He was surprised when Naruto peeled from Shikamaru to hug him. He smiled softly despite his worries. The hug was breif like most had been lately before Naruto pulled away. Bouncing on his heels as he looked at Shikamaru expectantly. The Nara chuckling lightly. Minato frowned feeling like he was missing something. Choosing to just let it be rather than dive in. He was already feeling his chest tightening. He didn't need to make it worse.
As he exited, Shikamaru walked deeper into the home. In truth he had no idea why Naruto was so excited to see him. Doing his cute little bounce when there was no space for his energy to exit. He hadn't expected this Naruto. Not after the news spill, watching those clips online had turned his stomach. How could people be so careless with an already traumatized Omega? For what? A first look?
As he set his bags down he felt Naruto attack him from behind. Arms squeezing him tight. Shikamaru smiled softly as he shifted to peer down at the Omega. Naruto looked up into brown eyes. Feeling his heart flip. He couldn't quite explain why hugs were so calming. Hugging his father brought him silence to the war of worries in his brain. He found himself seeking the man out more often than not to soothe his mind.
It was nice to sit with the man. Who had been home a lot more lately. Held up in his office most times Naruto found him. He didn't do much but watch the man work or talk. His fathers voice the soundtrack to his naps lately. He liked that Minato didn't mind. Minato would talk to him sometimes. Show him things on his computer, or ruffle his hair. Naruto was finding himself at ease around him.
Trust....
He trusted the man to protect him. Enough to be sleep in his presence. Naruto felt an inner happiness that just seemed to be budding. He didn't wake up dreading the hours ahead of him. He didn't have to worry about someone jumping him from around the corners.
This was home....
Home was...
Safe.
A fact Naruto was careful to regard. He felt it in his heart but his mind still needed some work. He was afraid to really settle. Naruto had never felt safe before. How did one operate in safety? Those questions always made his brain swirl and a panic set in. It was usually why he needed a hug. Though....hugging Shikamaru felt different.
He didn't have a need for it at the moment. He just....wanted to. He had missed the smell of rain. It long sense wearing off his shirt. He felt like he couldn't get enough. Being this close made it wrap around him in such a nice way. He missed Shikamaru himself too. Something about the warmth the man exuded made him want to always have him around. Even now as gentle eyes regarded him.
"Ummm.....Naruto." Shikamaru asked, his cheeks flushing from blue eyes staring so hard. It was reminiscent to the way his mother looked at his father. Like Shikaku hung the moon every night. It was so full of......no, that wasn't right. Shikamaru closed his eyes shaking those thoughts away. Ino was getting in his head. Naruto wasn't looking at him like that. He was projecting his thoughts surely. Pushing those from the front of his mind, he opened his eyes. Blue eyes still watching him with ease. Since when had eye contact been a thing of his?
"You okay there?" Shikamaru asked, Naruto nodded beginning to bounce on his heels again. Shikamaru chuckled at the light jostling of his body.
"A little birdy told me. You start school tomorrow. You excited?" Shikamaru asked, Naruto stopped bouncing as a pout came off. Pulling away from Shikamaru he shrugged.
"How come? Are you scared?" Shikamaru asked, though he could scent the way his excitement took a turn into fear. Naruto nodded bringing his hand to his mouth. Shikamaru hummed catching the hand before Naruto could begin chewing his fingers. Naruto stared at the contact. A flutter in his chest at the movement. He barely noticed Shikamaru holding something out.
"Try this, it's probably not as good as fingers. But it'll definitely taste better." Shikamaru joked, Naruto stared at the wrapped object.
"Its candy, a sweet treat. A lollipop to be exact." Shikamaru added, noticing the apprehension. Taking it upon himself to open it for Naruto. Hesitantly Naruto grabbed it. Doing an experimental lick. Finding that it didn't taste funny, he popped it into his mouth.
"Back to the school conversation. What's the scary part huh?" Shikamaru pried, Naruto grumbled lowly before shrugging.
"Nope, I'm not going to except that. I'm going to let you think on it a while and ask you again." Shikamaru spoke, those his voice was serious. Naruto found comfort in his neutral indifferent face. It didn't make him feel like he was in trouble. Still he nibbled ar the sucker as he migrated to the couch. Watching as Shikamaru pulled out his lap top. Sitting down himself he opened it, starting up a project he was commissioned for. True to his words after 15 minutes he gave Naruto his full attention.
"I know it's hard for you to talk to us. You're used to be punished for having a voice. That's not going to happen here. What you feel and have to say matters to me and everyone else. You can express boundaries without repercussions. I promise you can. I know this is really scary, but if it helps. I could hold your hand, yeah?" Shikamaru voiced. It's soothing lowness somehow making Naruto feel spurred. He nodded slowly making the move to reach out. Shikamaru's encouraging smile gentle as he took it.
"You don't even have to look at me. Take your time."
".......I....I'm....not..smart." Naruto muttered, Shikamaru fought to keep from frowning. Not wanting to scare Naruto. Who seemed to be really trying hard to find confidence in his voice.
"I don't....want to....be bad.....I don't....want to...make...people sad....cause I'm not smart." He continued, peeking at Shikamaru to gauge his reaction.
"Naruto, you are smart. Not knowing something doesn't mean you're unintelligent. It just means you lacked the education needed to understand. That's not something you have to be ashamed about. Everyone...even me, have had to go to school and learn something. Don't think you're less than because you've started later. And don't measure your worth in the weight of your knowledge. Even without school you are a unique and beautiful person. Okay?" Shikamaru poured, Naruto blinked as his eyes misted.
"Don't worry about anyone else. No one matters but Naruto here. So forget about Minato, Jiraiya, me, everybody. This is for you. Do it for you, not for other people. We will never be disappointed in you for doing your best. Being nervous for things is good sometimes. It feeds the want to excell. You'll do great in school. Why? Because you are smart and your resilient. Take it day by day, step by step, inch by inch. Some days you might have to take a step back to take 10 steps forward. It's okay. Anything you do is enough. Naruto, you are enough." Shikamaru voiced, squeezing Naruto's hands as tears begun to fall.
"I'm scared." Two words said with conviction. Shikamaru smiled sadly knowing this words held deeper roots than just school.
"I know.....the road you walk is weathered and forgotten, but you have to keep walking. Because there will be signs along the way to mark your path, and eventually your road with not be destroyed and battered. Eventually you'll come to smooth ground and reach your destination. You'll have come out of your journey a different person then you were when you started." Shikamaru responded, Naruto didn't quite understand his analogy but he felt it all the same.
"You got me all sappy, Naru. Can't be all sad now." Shikamaru playfully huffed, Naruto cracked a smile around his lollipop as he wiped at his eyes.
"What do you want to do today huh? Let's do something fun." Shikamaru urged, to lighten the mood. Naruto thought on it a minute before something popped in mind. That had him springing off the couch. Running off somewhere as Shikamaru blinked at the vacant spot.
"Well then." He chuckled to himself.
Not expecting the blond tornado to reappear. Looking almost annoyed Shikamaru hadn't followed. Grabbing the man's hand again he tugged. Rather forcefully at that. Shikamaru standing or running the risk of his arm detaching from his body.
"Okay okay okay...." He groaned, as he was dragged about. Coming to a stop at the back yard doors. Naruto pointed bouncing on his heels.
"What? The pool? You want to get in the pool?" Shikamaru asked, Naruto nodded excitedly. He hummed he didn't mind floating in some cool water. Watching the clouds go by. A nice soft breeze in the air. The heat from the sun just right. A dip in the pool sounded great.
"Sure, it'll be too cold soon. We can...wait...can you even swim?" Shikamaru tossed, the confused look on Naruto's face saying it all. A nice relaxing float.....negative.
"What a drag.....guess you'll have to learn today."
Chapter 9
Notes:
More of a lore building chap but still great. More to come.💙
Chapter Text
Shikamaru felt light tapping on his face. A groan leaving him as he rolled over. Putting his back to the offender who'd dare interrupt his sleep. The taps now on his shoulder. He scowled as his eyes fluttered open. Rolling back onto his back. He hadn't expected to see Naruto looming over him from the edge of the bed, nibbling on fingers as per usual. Anxiety in his scent that had Shikamaru groaning as he sat up. Groggy in his motions as he rubbed his eyes.
"Naruto? Whats up?" His voice husky with sleep. Naruto might of noticed if he wasn't shoving his phone in Shikamaru's face. Far too close for the man to see without going cross eyed, and far too shaky. He grabbed the phone pulling it from his face.
Minato: Good morning son!
A row of obnoxious gifs following. Shikamaru's eyes finally landed on the text when he felt his bed dip. Eyes shooting in alarm to Naruto. The blond crowding him. Practically straddling one of his legs.
"Naruto, wait. Let me get up first!" Shikamaru rushed, praying to god Minato wasn't watching cameras.
The blond simply being in his room was cause for alarm. If Minato glanced per chance, he'd have an Alpha on his ass before he could blink. Naruto frowned stopping his approach. Confusion in his eyes. Shikamaru hurriedly threw the covers off. Practically flying out of bed. The source of the blonds sudden anxiety?
Minato: Your new sensei will be there at 10 sharp. Your learnings are from 10 to 2. Don't stress to much. Love you, call you later.
Shikamaru calmed himself forcing away the image of Naruto crawling to him. Wanting something from him..... He was young and unmated for crying out loud. He was human and his reactions to things were natural. Rubbing a hand over his face he beckoned Naruto, who practically launched at him. Shikamaru made the conscious decision for a side hug. His morning brain plus unfiltered thoughts would not survive a front to front hug.
Naruto's fingers twitched as they collided with bare skin. Shikamaru was shirtless again. He was touching him shirtless....again. There was no water he was afraid to drown in right now. As he hugged Shikamaru his face heated. Shikamaru's scent was soooo much stronger when he was bare. Naruto wished he was taller so he could get it right from the tap. He could get the scent from the lower area but he didn't think that was okay.
"We talked about this yesterday. Show us that bravery you have. I'll be here, you're okay." Shikamaru spoke, passing Naruto his phone once more.
Waking up at 9 was not on his to-do list. He allowed Naruto the opportunity to calm himself before prying them apart. He needed to do his hygiene and Naruto needed to go eat breakfast before his sensei got here.
With a semi-pout Naruto watched Shikamaru duck off into the bathroom. His eyes coasting the room. Finding a shirt on the floor. His fingers twitching once more. He felt like it was wrong. Scratch that the feeling he was getting said he knew it was wrong. Still he couldn't find it in him to care as he hurriedly snatched the shirt. Stuffing it under the one he had on before creeping out. Running to his nest he stashed the shirt in his mountain of pillows for safe keeping. Something of Shikamaru's would surely hold his scent better than a shirt Naruto rubbed on him. Shikamaru's things were saturated in him.
Eating at the dining table. Naruto felt a disappointment creep up as Shikamaru entered the room. A muscled chest covered in a forest green tank top. Though Naruto figured his arms were nice to look at as well. Shikamaru taking a seat. The usual house aid bringing out a plate for him. He thanked her softly.
Was is weird to stare at people? Naruto didn't really like it himself, but that had connections to his upbringing. A worker looking at you too long meant trouble. Don't make eye contact, don't speak, don't run. It was a long list, but here in this moment. Shikamaru was an object of instrest. Confusing interest at that.
To sit and try and dissect it felt like a chore. All he knew was looking at Shikamaru made him feel warm. When those brown eyes looked at him he held his breath. When he smelled that lovely rain, he felt tranquility. When those lips praised him and spoke words into him, he felt like he could be everything he wanted to he. He didn't have answers, he didn't want reasons, he just wanted to feel.
So when the doorbell rung and Shikamaru patted his head in encouragement. Naruto felt like he could do it. No, he was going to do it. Steeling his resolve he waited for Shikamaru to return from the door with someone. Half expecting a Beta at the very least an Alpha. He was taught Alpha's ruled the world. They had all the important jobs. While Betas did the labor and Omegas.....did nothing but present for their Alpha.
Imagine his surprise when he met the man who would oversee his education. A slim, 5 ft. 8 , dark brunette haired, almond toned man. Wearing a thin creme long sleeve shirt, with dress pants, and dress shoes. Strapped with a backpack, and a breif case of sorts. His smile as gentle as a summer breeze. Shikamaru standing much taller with a smile of familiarity.
"Naruto, this here Is Iruka Hatake. He was my tutor a few years ago actually. Iruka Sensei, this is Naruto Uzumaki. Your new student." Itachi introduced.
"Iruka, pleased to meet you. I've heard a lot about you." Iruka smiled, outstretching his hand. Naruto took it his eyes wide in amazement. There were Omega teachers? He looked young but there was an air of maturity about him that sung he was much older than Naruto.
"I'll leave you to it. Naruto, do your best." Shikamaru encouraged, resting the urge to peck a tanned cheek. Instead he fondly patted the golden strands before dipping off. Using this down time for a much needed nap. Naruto's eyes tracked him until he left the room. Iruka peered at the blond, humming to himself.
"So, why don't we sit and get to know each other?" Iruka spoke up, taking his seat first. Naruto shuffled over to his seat at the dining table. Plopping down as he watched Iruka begun pulling out materials.
"I've been informed that you don't talk much. So I typed up a little sheet. They call these ice breakers. Helps to get us comfortable with each other." Iruka voiced, Naruto nibbled on his lip as he nodded.
Sliding the sheet over, Iruka watched the blond closely. A small test underway. Guaging breifly how Naruto did with reading, writing, and spelling. According to Minato's notes. Naruto read just fine, but at what level he was unsure of. As the boy looked over the sheet he didn't seem to struggle with comprehending the questions. Picking up the pencil he started at the top. His name....that was simple.
There was something special about writing it down for the first time. No numbers to indicate who he was but true identity. He was Naruto Uzumaki. Iruka found his sudden smile cute. Following to the next blank Naruto filled in his age and both genders. Getting into the real questions he thought them over.
What did he like?
He liked having a nest, a nice bed, and clothes that didn't scratch his skin. He liked having shoes. He like being able to go outside when he wanted. He liked having a phone. He liked watching TV. He liked all the foods he was getting to try. He liked having a family. He liked having attention. He really liked to take baths. He liked the different smell goods. He liked how the floors were never cold. Something about heating his dad had told him. He liked ice cream......
Soon he found not enough room to continue writing. He frowned noticing how funny looking and big his letters were compared to the questions. Moving on to the next question he paused. What did he dream of? The question seeming to echo in his brain. He dreamed of....freedom....true freedom. He dreamed of one day being able to go outside by himself without fear. He dreamed of not panicking anymore. He dreamed of stable emotions in absence of fear. He dreamed of a time when his trauma wouldn't dictate his life.
"You can skip that one." Iruka spoke up, Naruto snapped out of his dwindling mind. Before it further effected his mood. Quickly scribbling down a single word.
Control.
He found the next question just as hard. What did he want to be after school? Spending your life told you'd be nothing more than a slave who bared children really kept him from hoping. It was the first thing that blared in his mind when he thought he could do something different for a second. He huffed....this was why he dreamed of control. He could tell himself he was free all day....but his mind was still caged.
I don't know.
He moved through the others with ease. What was his favorite food? What was was favorite color? What did he do for fun? When he was done he slid the paper over. Iruka read over the messy handwriting. It was erratic but that only told of how little he was able to practice. Aside from a spelling error here and there, Naruto's comprehension and execution was great. Which cut out a lengthy restart of the foundations of learning. Iruka chuckled as he read.
"I like ice cream too.....orange is a lovely color...and cloud gazing sounds very relaxing." Iruka hummed, Naruto blushed for a reason unknown to him. Iruka paused at the "Extra thoughts?" section at the end. A few questions waiting for him.
Are you really an Omega?
How old are you?
Did you come from the Sanctuary?
"Well, I guess it's my turn. My name is Iruka, I'm 28 years old, when I was younger I dreamed of being a principal of a school. I'm not there yet but I am a certified teacher, with a masters degree in mathematics, and a bachelor's in English. I'm currently in an online course for administration. I like to teach, I like to read, I like to learn, and I like spending time with my Pack. My favorite color is gray, my favorite food is Purin even though it's a dessert, and I enjoy marksmanship." Iruka spilled, Naruto absorbed the information with interest.
"Yes, I really am an Omega. Again I'm 28, and no I'm not from a Sanctuary." Iruka answered. This was the first Omega Naruto had met who hadn't grown up like him. He was more instrested in this man's life than anything else.
"Are you mated?" Naruto blurted, catching Iruka off gaurd.
"I am." Iruka blushed.
"Did you....did you...get to..choose?" Naruto asked, Iruka's eyes softened as he nodded.
"Yes, I chose my Alphas."
"Alphas?" Naruto questioned, his head tilting with it.
"Mhmm, I'm bonded with two Alpha's." Iruka answered, pride in his voice. Packs were taboo but to him they were a gift.
"Fully?" Naruto pried, Iruka nodded confidently.
"They bare my mark, like I bare theirs, and they bare each other's." Iruka added. Naruto's eyes twinkled in amazement.
He had never heard of two Alphas bonding one person, let alone bonding another Alpha. He found his awe giving way to a crippling sadness. Rubbing over his right shoulder. The skin smooth aside from a few divots that hadn't healed the best. Apparently the skin around the neck was the most regerative due to his Omega nature. Though the skin seemed relatively free of blemish. That didn't change the amount of times he had been bitten. The pain was indescribable really. It felt like his body burned from the inside out.
"I'm sorry about what you've gone through Naruto. I had no real idea, until my little Omega came into our lives." Iruka voiced, feeling his own emotion fall. A drilled in need to comfort that sad boy in front of him. Blue eyes peeked at him in interests once more.
"One of my mates. Fathered a child he knew nothing of before we mated. We were all thrown when we were contacted....well when Kakashi saw our mates name pop up." Iruka started, Naruto's nose scrunched at the mention of Kakashi.
Iruka chuckled at his reaction. He hadn't meant to spill too much bit he hadn't caught his own slip up. He was aware of the sensitive nature of Kakashi and Naruto's relationship. Iruka had given him tips on how to get into Naruto's good graces, but his silver haired fox was too lazy to try. He kept saying "in due time", like that would fix it all.
"Our young Omega is like you Naruto. From a sanctuary in a small town a long way from here. I know what you've endured, and I know it's hard to see the truth that was stolen from you. One day you'll meet a nice Alpha or Beta or even Omega, who will be everything you want and need. It will be completely your choice when that time comes, because you Naruto....own your body. No one can or will tell you what to do with it anymore. Don't be afraid to open your heart someday. In the meantime observe those mated around you. I can tell you all day, but you'll have to see it to believe it." Iruka voiced, Naruto nodded his head tracing shapes on a table.
"I think today I want to go over Secondary genders in depth. That's a great place for us to get started. We'll talk everything from behaviors to the physical biology of our bodies." Iruka announced, pulling put a book.
Opening it to show an illustration of a human body. Naruto followed with his eyes as Iruka began his lesson on Alpha's. A lot of the information Naruto was already aware of. Alpha's were a dominating class. Each Alpha had an air about them that was called an aura. It was like an invisible atmosphere that pulsed surrounding their being. It gave off a unique signal that others could sense.
The stronger any class's senses, the easier it was for them to detect and gauge locations without directly seeing an Alpha. Alpha's had the ability to growl. A low guttural noise made in the throat. Its meaning was situational, but It was a noise used to show aggravation. A distinctive threat or a warning. In other situations it was a playful threat, or an indication of arousal. They also rumbled which was another noise that came from deep in the chest. A continuous, deep sound that varied in use. To convey satisfaction or to soothe others in most cases. It effected Omegas on a higher scale than Betas. Alpha's also possessed a glare, which was a form of intimidation through eye contact.
It made the receiver of said glare sensitive to an Alpha Aura. Alpha's experienced Rut. Which was a primal reaction in Alpha's in response to potent heat pheromones, denied mate pull, or stress. It caused hyper sexual behavior. A feirce need to sate a sexual hunger. It usually lasted a few days. Unlike heats it was sporadic in occurrence. During Rut an Alpha had the ability to knot their partners. A knot was a bulbous muscle that expanded at the base of a Alpha's penis. Used to create prolonged connection to ensure maximum chance of impregnation.
During Rut a rare chemical is produced in sperm that acts as a drug to individuals. It causes the feel good chemicals in the brain to rapidly produce. Rut Sperm momentarily soothes Heat Haze. During a Rut all are susceptible to the properties if ingested or ejaculated in. Is is described to be a euphoric feeling by others. Alpha females however do not produce rut sperm. They lack the reproductive organ to do so.
65% of the Alpha class consisted of males, while the remaining 35% are female which is a gene "error". A mutation in the genetic code that causes the Alpha gene to link with an X chromosome. Unlike male omegas, female alphas didn't possess both reproductive systems. Though some females produced a natural elevated level of testosterone, it gave them a more masculine appearance and definition. Regardless an Alpha female could concieve and carry.
The next in line in society were Beta's. In older times they had been called the laborers. Those who served the Alpha's and minded the Omega's. Nowadays they were called the glue of society. They weren't plagued with heats or ruts. They have the best control on their emotions. Some Betas have elements of dominance that intimidate Omegas, but it's no where on the map compared to Alpha's. Betas were more evenly matched around 50/50, male or female. With the female Betas conceiving.
A male conceiving was a directly unique occurrence in only the Omega gender. Naruto needed no reminder of himself. He could slick, he went through heats, and needed an Alpha or medical intervention to soothe heat haze. He hissed when he felt threatened, and purred to show content or enjoyment. He did however learn that male Omegas were a minority amongst their dynamic. Which explained why the males around him were the first to disappear on the regular. Or be assaulted for that matter.
"Now that we've gotten all that out of the way. I want to really focus on the act of mateship. This is where your previous learning is the most wrong. So listen closely." Iruka voiced. Showing him another illustration of a body. Except their were closeups on the shoulders and thighs.
"You see these capsules shape things on your shoulder, and these smaller ones down here on your inner thighs. These are your scent glands. This is where you give off the most potent of your pheromones. You have major arteries that run through each, as well as about 3000 nerve endings in each one. Which is why they are so sentive on the regular. But they also get extremely sensitive and often tender during heat. As they swell due to overwork in expressing scent." Iruka begun, Naruto blinked feeling his shoulder. He never knew that they hurt because of that. In truth he didn't know the name of them either. He just knew that's where he was meant to be bitten.
"A mate will bite a gland traditionally on either shoulder. As to be shown off, but some like the intimacy of a mark on the thigh. Biting ones gland is said to be the deepest connection to one's heart and brain at the same time. Scientifically they are right. Every humans has venom glands in the mouth. That essentially activates when the desire to mark is triggered. Our venom flushes through the major arteries rapidly, and the bite itself triggers your nerves. So though cheesy sounding, your scent gland is in fact the deepest connections to your body. I'm not sure if you've ever tasted your own venom. It's not common unless the mate pull is extremly distressed. It's like salivating, you'll taste an acidic liquid that's not very pleasant to consume. Though not directly harmful." Iruka spilled, Naruto ran his tongue over his fangs in contemplation.
"Usually though like I said, it only happens when mate pull is extremely distressed. So if it's happening regularly I'd seek a doctor. Especially if you're not in contact with a potential mate." Iruka added, Naruto frowned in confusion. What in the hell was mate pull?
"Forgive me, Mate Pull is the primal instinct to bond that all of us have. Its first awakened during puberty. It grows in intensity the longer the pull is ignored when in contact with a potential mate. Mate pull can be sated with physical intimacy. Whether that be sexual or not, but it won't stop being a nagging feeling til the individuals are bonded. Mate Pull comes with a variety of needs and feelings. Negative emotions usually come from your mate pull being ignored. This happens when you and your intended refuse to seal your mating with a bond mark. It can cause depression, anxiety, mood swings, thin emotional control, and suicidal thoughts, or tendencies like self harm. Our brains hardwire denial to be unworthiness, and that's extremly detrimental to your emotion and mental well being." Iruka explained, finding Naruto's horror stricken face to be slightly amusing.
"That's something you don't have to worry about yet, and it takes a long time for things to get that bad. Mate pull has two levels, Dormant then Active. There's is plenty that comes first before your mate pull even starts feeling like a rock in your shoe. Things like Imprinting. Are you aware of this term?" Iruka questioned.
His young omega back at home had heard a bit about Imprinting. Especially because it dealt with the young males own delicate situation. Something they were still trying to work out. Iruka was steered from that train of thought by Naruto shaking his head.
"Imprinting is a part of our instincts. It's the instinctual action of choosing a mate. Once a mate is chosen consciously or unknowingly, the mating pull is active. For me with Kakashi it was unconscious. I gravitated towards him accidentally you might say. After a chance encounter brought us together." Iruka muttered, his eyes growing distant as he rubbed at a scar that went across his nose. Something Naruto was curious about but seeing the man shrink into himself, let him know that was off limits.
"My other mate, Gai....was a conscious imprint. I pursued him with the intent to mate. The difference between the two was my imprint with Kakashi was undetectable to me at least. My Omega side recognized him as our alpha of choice. While Iruka the man sought Gai out. It was confusing for my young mind. Due to growing in up being taught that we only have one mate out their in the world. One scent match that's meant to be our intended, when that's not the case." Iruka continued.
"Movies and books like to depict that fairytale love, when reality is much more complex. In reality you might run across over 1000 different scent matches in your lifetime. They call to you at different levels. Like a strong match to a weak match. Scent matches are based off of our own scent. Our brain gauges how another's scent will mix with our own. It's computes how your home smell will come out. Each scent match you come across has the potential to be a mate to you. This is how our choosing comes into play. A scent match is only part of the work, an actual small part that is." Iruka explained, continuing even as Naruto's face twisted.
Everything he had been taught being challenged at the moment. He was struggling to grasp the new information as truth. Though the more he listened the more he was realizing the stories shared amongst Omegas in his Sanctuary had truth to them. Scent matches was an entirely new topic to him. He learned nothing about them. He was taught that and Alpha chose you for a mate. That was all that mattered. A scent was something you got used to even if you found it revolting. Naruto understood now why the smells on his body when he came to would always turn his stomach.
"Even with a scent match, that person doesn't automatically become your mate. You must nurture a bond first. Love is the key to a successful mating. Scent matching falls under attraction. That's something that attracts you to this person. Your Omega side can be sated with just that, but remember that your Omega is part of you. It is not who you are. You are Naruto, that's who you are. Not just an Omega. So Naruto has to be content with his mate too. Do you like their personality? Do you like the way they look? How they treat you? How they interact with friends? Do you like their job? So many factors go into choosing. That's where Courting comes into play." Iruka spilled.
"Courting is what they call the act of dating. You are trying to woo, or attract your mate. This comes with gifts, dates, parental introductions, conversations. It's getting to know your partner. I don't care what anyone tells you. Everyone can court no matter what gender class they fall in. Sure some pairings come with their own troubles, but that is a struggle for you and your intended to navigate. Any pairing can be successful with the right work. That being said some pairings don't work out. Imprinting is not a permanent thing t. If you don't like a person but they are a scent match, you can still say no to mating. This comes with distance from that person. You'll experience heart break during this time. With many symptoms like depression and more, but it too will pass. Usually the ache leaves completely when you imprint on someone else. It's okay to say no. It's okay to not see a future with someone. You never have to stay In something you don't want. This is why marking is such a sacred thing." Iruka voiced, the passion and seriousness in his tone telling.
"Marks used to be called a sign of ownership. We've come a long way from that, but we still obviously have so much more evolving as a society. Marks are a sign of mating or intimacy. Remember how we talked about your scent glands and why they mark there? A mark becomes official and permanent when the receiver of the bite accepts venom. Accepting venom for the first time initiates a change in our brain structure. It tells our secondary class that we're mated and it soothes our souls. Mates feel connected on all levels. The spiritual feeling is the most talked about. It is a forever bond. That person becomes a part of your heart. So when a bonded dies, that loss never goes away. It forever aches, many describe it as missing a part of themselves. Remating is more common nowadays than it used to be. Nowadays though some people chose not to mate at all, and rather get married in a paperwork sense to escape the possible widow pain. Regardless Marking is something you never take lightly. It's your choice to spend the rest of your life attached to this person. You accept their mark, and you in turn return the love by marking them as well. When mates share Marks they are fully bonded." Iruka concluded.
Slowly but surely Naruto was understanding why they had Sanctuaries in the first place. Not to save Omegas but to cheat the process of mating. The types of vile people that had touched him didn't have the means to keep an imprint. It wasn't a hard realization. They were willing to buy them to own them. That was an indication of how truly vile they were. Slaves to their own needs and sick wants. Naruto felt an ache in his heart. He was robbed of the beauty of finding mates the way Iruka was describing. Robbed of experiencing true love. Robbed of the stories his Omega comrades used to talk of.
Robbed of....wanting to be marked.
Even knowing what is was meant to be like didn't calm the storm inside when he thought of marking. It was a violation he felt deeper than the one his body endured. He didn't know if he ever could or would trust someone with him for eternity. Now that he thought about. Finding a mate at all would be far-fetched in his eyes. Who wanted someone so broken? So dirty and used......someoe who wasn't worth their time. He didn't want to burden anyone with...whatever he was.
Naruto was thankful when Iruka moved off the topic. Giving him a booklet to look over. Most of the things they talked about inside with pictures to see as well. He was meant to read it over the weekend for Mondays questioning. After that topic was shelved completely. Iruka handed him a thick packet that made his stomach drop. His worst enemy looking back at him.
A test...
He remembered all of the ones he had been in the Sanctuary. The punishments you would get for failing them. He remembered being hit with yard sticks for failing to his recite the Omega mantra correctly. He had to memorize his duties when his mate chose him. He had been up all night trying to memorize it and failed. The bruising was nasty leaving his tanned skin all types of purples and greens. They starved him for a week another time, beaten another, shaved his head, and so much more. He had even been made to "service" his teachers. Which became more and more common punishments.
Touching...biting...scratching...forcing...
"Naruto......Naru." His name being called so gently in contrast to the yelling in his brain was like ice water. He blinked away the blurriness of his eyes. Tears there he hadn't felt. Shikamaru squatting in front of him. His chair at some point being pulled out from the table.
"That's it, little one. You're okay, let's take some deep breaths." Shikamaru continued, his voice remained level as he spoke. Brown eyes holding Naruto captive. Such a steady reassurance in them that he begun to mimic the way Shikamaru was breathing.
"I have the first aid." Shikamaru nodded at Iruka's voice, not taking his eyes off of Naruto.
"Can I have your hand, Naru?" Shikamaru asked.
Naruto's brows knitted in minute confusion before he registered pain. Pulling his hand from his mouth seeing the mess he had made of his fingers. From biting at them while his canines were protruding. His stomach flipped at the blood. He shakily held his hand out. Shikamaru taking it gently, wiping away the blood with a towel he hadn't seen.
"Just an accident. Nothing to worry about. We'll fix you right up." Shikamaru smiled gently.
"Naruto, I'm sorry I scared you hun. I wasn't aware of this trigger, but I'll make note of it it. You're not taking a test. This is just an assignment. It's like our icebreaker. I just want to see what you know, and what you don't know. So I can see where we need to start with your academics. There's no punishment, no trouble, or any pain for this." Iruka voiced, as Shikamaru applied an antibacterial to the wounds.
"How about we take a break. Some nest time and lunch, before we try again?" Iruka offered, Shikamaru hummed agreeing with the idea. Naruto nodded wiping the drying tears from his face.
"Are you okay?" Shikamaru asked, once he was done. Naruto mutely nodded once more. Avoiding eye contact with the man. Smothering a gasp as fingers caught his chin.
"Are you okay, Naru?" Shikamaru asked again, blue eyes beggining to fill with tears again.
"No." Naruto croaked, as they begun to fall once more.
Shikamaru hummed lowly proceeding to give him a hug. Naruto's hands fisting on his shirt as he held him close. Inhaling that scent that was beggining to be a rock to tether to, when he felt he was losing his mind. The hug a few minutes long before Shikamaru ushered him to his nest. Where he immediatly burrowed into his bed where he had stashed the shirt. Curling up with it he found himself asleep faster than he could comprehend. Awoken a near hour later to Shikamaru calling for him. Stashing the shirt once more. He climbed out of bed, heading for his door. He opened it to find Shikamaru waiting on the opposite wall.
"Hey hey, you hungry?" Shikamaru asked, Naruto nodded offering a small smile.
Shikamaru didn't ask if he was feeling better and Naruto was grateful for not being reminded. It was weird how Shikamaru seemed to know little things like that. Even after he ate and forced himself to dissociate from the test not test. Shikamaru didn't bring it up, and he wasn't forced to rehash anything. Instead Shikamaru had asked him what he wanted to do next. Which resulted in them eating ramen and watching cartoons until the wee hours of the morning.
He wouldn't see Iruka again until Monday after the weekend. While Minato was returning Sunday evening. Although he was happy to hug his dad, he was sad to have to see Shikamaru go. Watching his friend pack the few items he had brought. Dampening the rest of their good time together.
"Don't look so sad. It's not like I'm never coming over again." Shikamaru lightly teased. Naruto huffed crossing his arms. An adorable pout coming out to play. Chuckling Shikamaru zipped up his bag turning to face Naruto. That face had some real power.
"So troublesome. Let me see your phone so I can show you something." He offered, Naruto holding it out without hesitation.
"Look, when you click on my name in you contacts. You see this little camera icon. That's FaceTime, so when you miss me. You can just call me like this, and them you can see me. See." Shikamaru spoke, handing Naruto back his phone as he answered his call. Naruto blinked wide eyed. A new pout coming out. He had this the whole time?
"Play with your phone. You'll learn so much if you just hit buttons. It's yours to do whatever you want with." Shikamaru spoke, exiting the room. Aware of his shadow manifesting as a person.
"I'm heading out, sir." Shikamaru called out, Minato chatting away with Tenzo.
"Thank you again for keeping him company." Minato smiled, gesturing to Naruto who was still pouting.
"Yep yep, see you later Naruto." Shikamaru grinned, ruffling golden strands before heading for the door. Naruto watched from the entrance as he left waving slowly.
"...bye." Following from his lips as the Shikamaru's car left sight.
Chapter 10
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
September
Shikamaru checked his phone as he waited for Ino to exit the movie theater photo booth. Her latest eye candy being introduced to Choji and him. Shikamaru wasn't sure what to make of the guy. He had a static kind of emo personality thing going for him. That kind of reminded Shikamaru of a certain police officer Ino had a crush on. How you crushed on someone arresting you....Shikamaru had no idea. Ino was just odd like that.
"Whatcha doing?" Choji asked, peeking over at his friend's phone.
"Nothing." Shikamaru grumbled, shutting off his screen.
"Didn't seem like nothing to me." Chouji commented, munching on his popcorn.
He'd need a refill before they even got to their seats. Shikamaru hadn't been lying, it really was nothing. He hadn't heard from Naruto in two days. It wasn't exactly unusual behavior. Some times it would be a day or two of silence. It was however unusual for Naruto not to respond to their message games. If anything he took his gaming serious.
In the last two months, he liked to think that Naruto was a friend. Naruto had all but passed out trying to figure out what a friend was. Shikamaru had given him a dry explanation and declared that they were friends. Which had made the blonds week. Naruto was starting to come out of his shell more. He smiled and laughed more. He was even more talkative than ever. He had his quiet spells especially around strangers, but it was easy to carry a conversation with people he was comfortable with.
People like Iruka Sensei. If Shikamaru didn't know any better, he'd say Iruka was Naruto's best friend. The way the blond got all bubbly and giggly around the man. Shikamaru was happy to see Naruto enjoying his studies. The first two weeks of his journey had been hard on him. He was reading at a 7th grade level, but his math was in the 5th grade understanding. It took no time to uncover that Naruto had a learning disorder.
When you were observing someone in a learning environment as an educated teacher you picked up on things. Iruka believed Naruto to have ADHD. It effected him cognitively more than behavioral, but when he did push too hard the emotional aspect came out. So Iruka had modified how he taught. He had things for Naruto to fidgit with to keep him from chewing on his pencils or fingers. It helped him to sit still and not scratch the table, or jerk his leg in bubbling energy. They took frequent breaks to give Naruto time to "shake it out", a detox to calm him when he grew frustrated or too distracted. Now Iruka hardly had issues anymore. He was an adaptive person and Shikamaru commended him for his patience.
Shikamaru had seen Naruto physically a hand full of times in the past 2 months. His work getting busy around the upcoming holidays, and Naruto being busy with school. Minato called him over on a whim to hang out with Naruto most times. Shikamaru anticipated that he'd soon be needed more. Next month was voting month. Minato was up against three other candidates. Two of which were stuck up his ass. Challenging everything he said or wanted to do.
The man was under an extreme amount of stress. Add in the fact that Danzo's defensive team managed to stall the trial. Getting the date rescheduled to October. The older blond was irritable according to Shikaku. It was going to be hard work, but when it came to Shikamaru's own age group. Minato had their support in full. That was a definite statement.
"Ready." Ino sung, coming out of the booth with picture strips. Her lanky Beta boy toy following her. Shikamaru wondered if his pale skin was a disorder or something. If you looked too hard you could see his blue veins.
"Come on, Sai." She chirped.
Ah....Sai, that was his name. Choji and Shikamaru shared a look as if both of them had forgotten. A chuckle shared between them as they followed the couple. They couldn't really say if they liked him or not. He was too quiet and weirdly kept smiling at nothing. They did how ever get him to spill the news that he was an aspiring artist. Which was kind of cool, but then he got all bashful and didn't show them any work.
Picking their movie theater seats. Of course the couple would take the handicap spot. The long seat acting as if it were made for them. While Choji and Shikamaru took the middle of the back section. Their tickets weren't near 30 dollars for nothing. The duo immediately reclined their seats. Hitting the call button for their complimentary warm blankets. As he watched the pre-show, getting trailers from all the new movies set to drop. One in particular catching his eye.
A comedy movie about a guy who got sucked into his favorite video game. The way the movie went from real to animated making him think of Naruto. Naruto loved to watch Cartoon shows, anime, and animated movies. What he loved more than all of that was anything comedic. To hear him giggle at the stupidest jokes was worth the cringe that he got sometimes.
He wondered what Minato was going to do for Naruto's birthday coming up. Shikamaru already had some gifts planned, but he didn't want to double gift the guy. Maybe he could take him out for a movie. The thought of Naruto's eyes going comically wide when he looked at the big screen, was almost enough to make him settle with the idea. As the opening scene of his movie begun, Shikamaru snapped out of his thoughts.
It seemed the blond occupied his mind more than thoughts of his self nowadays. So much so he was trying to plan birthday events like his own birthday wasn't this month. He still had 24 days before then. It wasn't hard to figure out what he'd be doing. His mother would make a big deal about her only child getting older. Bug him about finding a mate, and throw a surprise party that was never a surprise. His dad would join him for a smoke only it had to be a Cuban cigar. They'd have a drink outside looking at the stars and say absolutely nothing. He rather liked that tradition.
His friends would throw another party later on. Where he'd end up shit faced. Waking up on somebody's couch the neck day, with a hammering headache. His birthday was always predictable. Something he had throughly enjoyed. He liked to keep things low key and coast, but lately he was feeling a bit restless. Like maybe it was time to do more. He was turning 24.
Maybe finding a mate should be his goal. Someone to provide for. He made more than enough money to sustain himself. More than enough to spoil his mate in treasures. He had a hefty savings. If work continued to be good like this, then he saw a great future for a family. He needed to talk to Choza soon. The man was the king of investing around here. He had a chain restaurant that was mighty popular. One of the reasons the man was so well off was due to his business mind. Choza never knew if "Akimichi's" would be a hit or not. So when he started making good money he begun investing elsewhere. Going as far to go back to school to learn more about stock marketing.
If anyone knew where to put money to multiply it, it would be Choza. Shikamaru figured if he started now, by the time he had kids he would have plenty to support them. Even fund their educations or simply a trust fund. His thoughts were rampant. He couldn't remember what movie he watched, let alone the name. As a usual turn of events he found himself at Ino's apartment after a hangout. Sitting out on her balcony smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer.
"Alright Nara, spill! What's got you so side tracked?" Ino snapped, eyeing her friend was was physically present but mentally absent. Shikamaru was known for his brain taking off every now and again, but he had been weird since the movie hours ago. He was beggining to worry them.
"Hmm?" Shikamaru tossed, turning to look at the woman. Her hands perched on her hips as she leveled him with a glare. Had he not known her, he would have assumed she was outright challenging him. Any lessor Alpha would have felt threatened, but they were friends. Not just two Alpha's.
"What's up? You offered no insight on what you thought of Sai! You didn't even so much as hum when Choji said he was crushing on someone!" Ino huffed, Shikamaru's eyes shot up at the news. His gaze shifting to a blushing Choji.
"You have a crush?" Shikamaru echoed, his friends cheeks heating further.
Choji was a special case, not in a bad way. He was one of the gentlest souls Shikamaru has ever known. He was also a hermit person, who tended to watch the world move without joining in. An introvert to the extreme if you asked Shikamaru, but that's how they gravitated to each other so well. They understood each other with no words. Cut from the same cloth if you will. That's why Choji confessing such information was monumental. He hardly shared personal things.
"When did this happen?" Shikamaru pried, wanting to know just how much Choji would spill.
"A few days ago. She's a new waitress.....I think....I think we're scent matches. I'm not sure though... " Choji spilled.
"How come?" Ino pushed.
"Scent blockers, I caught maybe a bit of her. I just....I don't know, she's an Alpha....and I'm just a...." Choji trailed off, prompting both his friends to give him a look.
"So what you're a Beta. Come on Choji, don't be like that. Not every Alpha wants an Omega you know. I mean look at me, I'm dating a Beta." Ino scolded.
"There's nothing special about Beta's.....Alpha's are genetically inclined to mate Omegas. Beta's are great to rut with but what else. What Alphas do we know are mated to a Beta? And don't say Asuma!" Choji voiced, Shikamaru sighed pulling a long drag from his cigarette.
No class was without its troubling societal barriers. Beta's were nothing more than steady minded workers according to olden times. They were often used to sate an Alphas rut. Alphas were known to take a pseudo mate to satisfy their needs until their Omega came along. Then Betas were discarded. The stigma nowadays was that Beta's weren't worthy to mate outside of their class. They didn't have knots Omegas wanted or the sperm to soothe. Alphas wanted more submissive and moldable mates. Breeding machines that were gauranteed to conceive during heat, whereas Beta's fertility varied.
"What you're saying is true....to a degree. You know as well as I do that cementing that stigma only furthers generational curses. Not everyone thinks like that anymore. Maybe some 60 year old dementia patient, but not our generation at least. You cant group this girl in with Knotheads. Give her a chance Choji." Shikamaru spoke, his friend seeming to deflate. Delusion was easier to hold on to than facing your fears.
"Its just a stupid crush. She hasn't even talked to me. Its silly...." Choji dismissed, Shikamaru and Ino shared a look. Even though they wanted to push. With Choji sometimes you just had to step off til he brought it up again.
"Back to you Shikamaru! Don't think I forgot about you." Ino blurted. Shikamaru groaned out finishing his smoke. Knowing Ino wouldn't let up.
"I'm fine, Ino. I'm just thinking." Shikamaru spoke.
"Obviously you're thinking. About what? You worry us when you get all drifty." Ino spoke, Choji nodded his agreement.
"My future." Shikamaru voiced, cringing at how generic that topic was.
"What like? You want to do more in life than just build software and tech? Like a career thing? Are you wanting to actually go to college? You know it's never too late." Ino voiced, Shikamaru shook his head.
"Its not that at all. It's just.....Im thinking about having a family. Mating and how I'm going to support them." Shikamaru admitted, watching as Ino's mouth dropped. Shikamaru wasn't a player by any means, but even from their childhood he was adamant about being a loner. He wanted to be that cool uncle who everyone liked, who traveled the world, was all the kids favorites. Who never married but wasn't lacking love.
"Shikamaru.....are you sick?" Choji asked, breaking through the rough silence.
"No, I'm not sick. Just thinking like I said." Shikamaru sighed out, it was just as weird to him too.
"OH. MY. GOD! This is about your Omega!" Ino bodily declared.
"What? No this has nothing to do with him." Shikamaru spat, as Ino begin to squeal.
"And he's not my Omega!" Shikamaru added with a snap.
"Shikamaru! You're totally Imprinting!" Ino pushed.
"I'm not!"
"Are too! Tell him Choji!" Ino demanded.
"Is it possible Shikamaru? We've known you forever. I've never heard you mention creating a family before." Choji pointed out.
"People can change. We grow and we learn." Shikamaru huffed.
"Rightttttt.....you grow and you learn....after getting smitten by your cute little Omega!" Ino pushed, feeling as Shikamaru's aura suddenly flared.
"He's not mine!" Shikamaru snarled, a display of teeth he wasn't aware he was showing. Ino blinked taken back before a shit eating grin spread.
"You are sooooooooooooooooo fuckeeeeeeeeeeeeed!" She teased.
Playing with emotions was a thing she didn't stick around for long enough to feel. She knew what she wanted at this age. It was to fuck, to have fun, and possibly start her music career. She didn't want a mate. Not yet at least, so that meant keeping a few people on hand to switch out before the attachment set in. Shikamaru let an exasperated groan out. Chugging the rest of his beer. Marchng into the house for his another one.
"Don't run from the conversation!" Ino called out, following him inside.
"Ino's over the top, but Shikamaru you're a smart guy. You don't find your change of heart a little weird? You've spent a lot of time with this guy right? You guys talk all the time. Wait....is he a scent match for you?" Choji pried, the golden question that made Shikamaru's face redden. Ino shot off like a rocket in a fit of screeching.
"HE'S A FUCKING MATCH TOO! YOU ARE MEGA FUCKEEEEEEEEED!"
"Can you two just. I don't know? Kindly fuck off? There's nothing there. He's my friend. Just because you scent match doesn't automatically make you mates. You know that. Stop making it something it isn't." Shikamaru grumbled, popping the cap off a beer.
"Oh can it!! You have been staying nights with him. Facetiming him! Doesn't he call you like all the time?" Ino pressed.
"No." Shikamaru spat.
The sound of his ringtone suddenly blaring through the room. Ino narrowed her eyes at the way Shikamaru twitched. His eyes shooting to the balcony. She smirked as she met his eyes.
"Ino....don't you...." Before his words could fully left his mouth he was chasing after her. Ino reached the balcony first grabbing the phone.
"Ooooo...Naru with a orange heart."
"Ino!" Shikamaru growled, the two wrestling over the phone like children. Pinching the skin of her exposed side and twisting, he managed to dislodge his phone from her grasp. Quickly shoving her inside before shutting the balcony door.
"Naruuuuuu...." She teased in a sing songy voice. Prompting Shikamaru to flip her off as he redialed Naruto. Who picked up on the first ring. An unusually pale face greeting him.
"Hey....are you okay?" Shikamaru asked, frowning at the bags under Naruto's eyes.
"No....I don't feel good." Naruto whined.
"Aww man, that sucks." Shikamaru responded, feeling a simmering worry cool slightly at hearing Naruto's voice. Him being sick made since of why he was so radio silent.
"Can you come over? .....please?" Naruto asked, more so begged. Words tugging at Shikamaru's heart strings. He had no doubt he would have left right now if there weren't stars in the sky.
"I wish I could, Naru. It's late though. Plus, I've been drinking. Your dad would kill me if I came knocking." Shikamaru spoke, hating how Naruto's pout made him feel guilty.
"Please?"
"I can't, but I'll come over tomorrow. How about that huh?" Shikamaru offered.
"....you promise?"
"I promise." Shikamaru assured.
"Okay..." Naruto muttered, a yawn following shortly after.
"Get some rest sicky. I'll see you tomorrow." Shikamaru spoke, as blue eyes shut on him.
"Kay." He mumbled lowly. Shikamaru found himself watching Naruto. Even as it became clear the blond had actually fallen asleep at his command. His stomach doing twists and his heart pinching. Ino was right.....
He was fucked....
Selfishly taking a Screenshot before he hung up. He headed back inside. His friends giving him knowing looks. Sighing heavily he rubbed the back of his neck heading for his fresh beer.
"So, you ready to talk about this for real for real. No being defensive?" Ino asked, her question was gentle rather than demanding from earlier.
"......what a fucking drag." He groaned, dropping his head. He had to talk to someone about it. Why not his best friends?
The Next Day....
Checking the time Shikamaru climbed into his car. Throwing his grocery bag full of instant ramen in the passenger seat. A peace offering of sorts for Naruto. Considering after cracking open his feelings he drunk himself in a stupor and passed out. Ino woke him around noon on her way to work. Since then he traveled home, took a shower, and had an impromptu call with a client. Which had him heading for the Namikaze estate in the evening. As he pulled off his car Bluetooth blared his ringtone. Minato's name popping up.
"Hello?"
"Shikamaru, what are you doing right now?" Minato asked, skipping all formalities.
"Uhh...heading your way." Shikamaru answered.
"Great!! Thats just what I need. Look, I meant to call you last week but it slipped my mind. I have a public event to attend in the morning. I need you to keep Naruto company. Usually I can leave him a few hours but he's sick and is just.....a pain right now. He's asking for you and I frankly don't have the time right now to cater to him. Is it possible for you to stay the night? Do you have some clothes on you?" Minato spilled, Shikamaru pulled up to a stoplight. Turning to look in his backseat. He looked at his gym bag. There was surely something clean in there. If not he could wash something.
"Uh yeah, I have some clothes. I can stay over. Is there anything he needs while I'm out? Or that you need?"
"I just need someone to hold his attention. As far as him if you could find something he'll eat. He's refusing anything and everything right now." Mjnato sighed.
"I got him some ramen? Maybe that'll work? At the least maybe he'll drink the broth." Shikamaru offered.
"Yeah, that'll work."
"Does he need medicine?" Shikamaru questioned, noticing a sign for a pharmacy ahead.
"No, he's had some nausea medicine. We have plenty of that. I'm thinking it's the flu or something. I've been in and out and everywhere bringing in all kinds of germs. Tsunade's gonna come over tomorrow at 3PM to check him out. So far he's not running a fever, but it's getting worse by the day so might not be too long. I recommend you drink some immune booster while you're here. Just to keep you from getting whatever he's got." Minato voiced.
"Got it, on my way." Shikamaru nodded, hearing some background voices. One sounding like Kakashi.
"Its awake...."
"Oh God.....hurry Shikamaru!" Minato snapped, hanging up I a flash.
Shikamaru couldn't help his laugh. How bad could Naruto be? He didn't see the blond being that bad, but given how stressed Minato was. Anything was probably bad. Pulling up 30 minutes later. He headed for the front door. Ramen and gym bag in hand. He didn't have to knock. Considering that Minato opened the door for him. Shikamaru was a bit thrown to see the man with his hair in a low bun.
"Good, he's on the couch." Minato urged, all but shoving Shikamaru into the family room. Shikamaru walked over to the couch. Looking at the curled ball of blankets in the corner. Naruto's head shooting free at sensing Shikamaru. He scrambled out of his blankets, getting tangled with ease. Tumbling onto the floor with a responding thud.
"Naruto, slow down." Shikamaru laughed, rounding the couch. Catching a falling glass decorative peice from the coffee table. Naruto freed himself, popping up. He chose to use the couch as a path instead. Jumping off of the cushions. Shikamaru's stumbled back from the force. Near falling himself.
"Tryna kill me man." Shikamaru playfully scolded. Naruto mumbled something into his chest as he hugged him.
"A little birdy told me you weren't feeling well." Shikamaru muttered, as he practically drug Naruto's limp body along with him.
Naruto lifting his head giving Shikamaru a face he could only compare to a wounded kitten. His tanned skin lacking color. His nose a bright red from irritation and blowing he assumed. His eyes still with bags were red from rubbing them. His skin a little clammy. Even looking sickly he was still.....so beautiful. Shikamaru pushed the thought away despite the pinch in his chest for the action. Thoughts like that would only make his life harder.
"What are you watching?" Shikamaru asked, taking his usual corner seat.
Naruto pointed at the tv in annoyance rather than answered. As if saying look dummy. Shikamaru rose a brow fighting the grin. Someone had a little attitude. Shikamaru bent over taking his shoes off before getting comfortable. Naruto disappearing in his blankets once more. Except he moved towards the middle of the couch. His cold feet resting I'm Shikamaru's lap. Shikamaru resisted the urge to rub them.
Instead ignoring their presence all together. Focusing instead on Adventure Time on the TV. Shikamaru getting caught up in the satire comedy. Until his body chose to tell him he needed to feed himself. Stretching in his seat, he pried Naruto's feet off his lap. Naruto shooting him a glare from the swallow of his blankets.
"You hungry?" Shikamaru questioned, ignoring the look. Naruto huffed covering his head.
"Come on, don't be like that. I'll sit back down after I get something to eat." Shikamaru chuckled, pulling at Naruto's blankets. A tanned hand coming out to swat at his grip.
"Come on Mr. Grouch. " Shikamaru poked, as Naruto kicked at him. As annoyed as the blond was getting he was smiling. Shikamaru caught a flying foot, tickling the sole. Naruto let out a yip, trying to escape from those vile fingers.
"SHIKA!" Naruto erupted, as his laugh flooded the room.
"See how not nice it is to kick people? These little feet get in bad predicaments." Shikamaru chuckled, releasing Naruto from the torture. Only to scoop the winded unsuspecting Omega up like he was a sack.
"What is going on in here?" Shikamaru turned at the new voice. Minato peering at the two with a smile. Wondering why Naruto was half upside down. His sons laughter never ceased to warm his heart.
"Making grouch get up for food." Shikamaru answered.
"No!" Naruto tossed, wiggling in Shikamaru's grasp. His stomach was flipped and it had nothing to do with feeling like shit. His tummy did weird things when Shikamaru picked him up. Like he weighed nothing at all.
"You need to eat something Naruto. You're gonna waste away if you don't." Minato urged.
"No eat!" Naruto declared.
"I don't know, guess I'll have to go home if you don't." Shikamaru spoke, as he put Naruto on his feet right side up. The blond looking at him in mute horror.
"You wouldn't!" He accused, Shikamaru crossed his arms giving Naruto a hard look.
"I would."
".....but it makes my tummy hurt." Naruto whined.
"Shikamaru, brought you ramen. That's light on the stomach. At least drink the broth. That's just liquid." Minato argued, Naruto's pout only deepened.
"Fine." He snapped, flopping back onto the couch. Minato rolled his eyes at the action. Used to it at this point. Naruto had been nothing but a snappy little brat since he's been sick.
"Ooooo bitey bitey Naru." Shikamaru teased, grabbing the bag of ramen and heading for the kitchen.
Fixing up two instant ramen cups. Despite complaining about it, and making a show of his disagreement, Naruto inhaled his ramen. Then asked for another. Granted in the end. He did end up on the toilet getting rid of it all. Though the time it took for that to happen. He at least absorbed some of the properties in the food. He didn't stop pointing out how he told them he didn't want to eat afterward.
Shikamaru getting a taste of what Minato had been dealing with it. Especially how crabby Naruto had gotten when Shikamaru wanted to go to bed. He had quite literally hissed at Shikamaru for leaving him. Stormed to his room and slammed the door. Something poking at Shikamaru in the back of his mind to show Naruto real teeth. A reprimand for threatening him, but that wasn't his place to do so. Instead he ignored the tantrum and went to bed like he said he was.
Shikamaru had woken earlier than normal, but considering how long he had slept from his alcohol inducement. His body was trying to get its hours together again. Rather than laying in bed and possibly going back to sleep he got up. Knowing it was only a matter of time before Naruto came barging in without a care.
A sickly Omega collapsing in a lump of blankets on the couch after breakfast. He was quieter than his new normal. Attempting to hold last night's grudge but that had fallen away. As he begun complaining of stomach cramps. Then vomited his breakfast thankfully not on Shikamaru. Shikamaru took pity on his poor attempt at a cold shoulder. Urging the blond to take a nap. Naruto rested his head in Shikamaru's lap, as the man massaged his scalp. Soothing Naruto to sleep, and ultimately himself.
For a time period before he was awoken by a furnace. Shikamaru frowned in his sleep. The smell of freshly juiced peaches surrounding him. He groaned he could almost taste how sweet it was. The heat seemed to grow, until he felt a hot weight settle firmly in his lap. His eyes shot open in alarm. Nothing in dreams smelled or felt that real.
"Shikamaru....." Naruto mewled. His body trembling as he grabbed fist full of Shikamaru's shirt. Everything hit Shikamaru at once.
Naruto was in Heat.....
Naruto was in fucking heat. Shikamaru rushed to pinch his nose but it was to late. His body was responding to Naruto's pheromones. They needed distance and fast. Shikamaru flipped their positions. Ignoring the way blood was rushing south. Naruto whined tightening his grip.
"Naruto, let go!" Shikamaru rushed. Those blue eyes weren't blown or glossy yet, there was awareness in those depths. Fear clearly displayed, but he was sweating and perfuming like crazy. His body was agreeing with his mind.
"Let go!" Shikamaru growled, his tone causing Naruto to whine out.
Shikamaru not to gently pried Naruto's fingers off him. Jumping back once he was free. Ignoring the way Naruto called for him. He didn't think he had ever run that fast before. Out the house completely. Standing in the wrap around driveway forcing fresh air in his body. Fishing with shaky hands for the Rut suppressor he carried around. A pill he swallowed dry. Forcing it down as he willed his heart to stop hammering.
As an Alpha it was reckless not to carry around a suppressor or two for emergencies. They were great pills that lasted 6 hours each. Plenty of time to exit the situation. They didn't stop his Rut completely, but pushed it off. The pills kept him from succumbing to his urges. Once they wore off he'd be hit with a freight train of pent up energy. That's why it was an emergency prevention. Ones such as this time, as he paced counting down from 1000. Occupying his mind with things other than a wanting, waiting Omega.
15 minutes passed before his shaking stopped. Taking slow deep breaths he pulled his phone out of his back pocket. Lucky enough to have it on him. Or he'd have to wait another 15 minutes begin entering the home. The 20 to 30 minute waiting window was strictly recommended. He first called Minato getting his voice-mail which he half expected. Keeping the message short, sweet, and alarming. Next he called Tsunade, it paid to have her as a family doctor.
"What can I do for you Shikamaru?"
"Naruto's in heat!" Shikamaru blurted, a pause on the line.
"What?! I thought he was sick!?!"
"I don't know, he was sick, or is sick. It's....I don't know!" Shikamaru spat.
"Hmmm....hay fever? It's not uncommon for some to have symptoms of colds. Regardless there should have been more tells." Tsunade spoke.
"Like fatigue? Mood swings? Stomach cramps? The runs?" Shikamaru rattled off.
"Exactly! Damn it, Minato! Thats not 'regular sickness symptoms'." Tsunade snapped.
"His fever had to have just started. He was fine this morning. Well kind of. He's perfuming and sweating, but coherent still." Shikamaru spilled.
"Fuck me! I have a surgery today. That's why I'm coming by so late. Shikamaru, do you have rut suppressors on you?" Tsunade asked.
"Always."
"Taught you well. I'm guessing Minato is out at the moment. So I need you to stay with him. This is his first heat outside of the Sanctuary. He's going to be terrified. He needs emotional support. I also need you to monitor him closely. Keep note of everything. Some Omega's don't go into heat haze for a few days and some go right in. It's unique to them. Monitor his behavior, keep him hydrated, talk him through it if you can. This is a lot I know, but right now you're all he has. And he needs someone." Tsunade spoke, drilling it all in.
"I hear you, I won't leave him to do it on his own." Shikamaru responded.
"I'll try contacting Minato. Really watch him Shikamaru. Some Omega's we've monitored aren't transitioning from forced heats to natural well. Be careful, he might get violent with you. They would...."
"I know, I'll be careful. I'll make sure he's safe." Shikamaru assured.
Tsunade gave him a few more pointers before hanging up. Taking a deep breath Shikamaru grabbed his extra suppressors from his car, just in case he needed them. You could never be to safe. He'd only had to use them once in his life. Now twice and he wanted to be as level headed as possible. Naruto needed him, and he was going to do everything in his power to be there for him.
Naruto needed him...
Notes:
Is anyone else having issues with dropbox inserting images? Raw=1 dosen't seem to be working anymore😭 RIP my borders.
Chapter 11
Notes:
Hi guys! Been a minute, sorry! Here's a treat.
Warning some explicit content and angst.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Entering the home Shikamaru swallowed at the thick heavy scent. It was an almost too sweet concoction. Meant to intoxicate you and give you cavities. Rounding the corner of the foyer he hissed. Rushing forward into the family room. He wasn't sure why Naruto was now on the floor. His guess being that Naruto might have tried to follow him.
"Shit Naru, you didn't hit your head did you?" Shikamaru rushed.
"Help..." Naruto whimpered, an ache in his chest as Shikamaru's scent reentered his system.
"I'm trying little one. Let's get you up." Shikamaru muttered, helping Naruto sit up.
He squatted down looking over his face. Not seeing any bumps or redness. Just the flush of his skin. The color he had been missing for days back and then some. Golden strands beggining to stick to Naruto's face from the sweat. Shikamaru's cool hands brushing away the damp bangs, Naruto's anchor to reality. Shikamaru leaving him had been a mental slice. A pain that was purely internal. He held on to Shikamaru like life depended on it. Somewhere inside it felt like it did.
His blood was an inferno. Everything about him was radiating so much heat. He knew what this was. He wasn't so disassociated with his body that he didn't remember this feeling. The very first time he went into heat. The feeling of being scorched from the inside out. He just hadn't felt it in so long. By now he would have been pumped so full of sedatives he'd be blown out his mind. No way to tell what was up or what was down.
Suspended in a space of nothing while things tore at him but he couldn't feel the pain....not yet at least. He'd feel it sometime in the middle. Screaming until he throat was raw. Until the pain chased him to darkness, or until they were done. They'd watch him....waiting for the bite to stick. While he trembled and writhed in pain. Begging someone....anyone for mercy.
To just kill him.
Hands cupping his face shook him to his core. His claws coming out on reflex, but the scent kept him grounded. The rain and woodsy scent was his anchor. Cool thumbs wiping tears from his face. Naruto registered the burning in his chest late. He gasped giving his brain the oxygen he needed.
"Good. Another good breath." Shikamaru coached, His eyes pools of comfort.
Naruto's hands overlapped the ones on his face holding on to them. Shikamaru nodded quietly more tears still flowing from blue eyes. There was no mistaking the fear that had gripped Naruto. Memories of his own personal horror. Holding him so tight his entire body locked up and his gaze was vacant. He was catonic. Every second over a minute he went holding his breath causing Shikamaru's panic to rise.
Then he gasped and Shikamaru willed himself to breath too. He had heard the stories. He knew the torture but it was different when you could see it. Written across someone's face. Someone who didn't deserve it. His eyes misting as he stared in to panicked blue's. Getting glossier by the second. Naruto pried his eyes from pained browns. Frantically looking around. It wasn't safe for him. They were going to get him. Someone was going to bite him. He didn't want to be bitten. His gland throbbed in ghost pain. A cry leaving his lips. Pure unfiltered terror etched on his face.
"Hey, stay with me. Look at me Naruto." Shikamaru urged, giving Naruto a light shake. Blue eyes finding his again.
"Do you trust me?" Shikamaru asked, probably not the best time but needed. Naruto nodded without hesitation, because he did trust Shikamaru. More than he trusted anyone. Shikamaru was always there when he needed him. Shikamaru always made him feel better. Shikamaru never let him slip into the darkness.
"Trust me now, trust my words. You're safe here. No one's going to touch you. No ones going to get you. I'm right here, I wont let anything happen to you. You're not alone, I'm going to protect you. You hear me?" Shikamaru voiced. Naruto nodded clambering for something more to hold on to. He felt himself slipping away. Shikamaru allowed Naruto to climb him. Wrapping his arms around Naruto's back.
"You're safe, Naru. I'll be here for you. I'll protect you." Shikamaru recited, drilling it in. Naruto shook tucking his head into Shikamaru's neck. Squeezing his eyes shut as he felt heat settle in his stomach.
".....promise?" He croaked out, holding Shikamaru tighter. Nails digging into his back, not strong enough to slice but enough to indent. If it hurt Shikamaru said nothing.
"I promise." Shikamaru uttered, conviction in his voice that Naruto held on to.
I'm safe....
Shikamaru's here...
I'm safe....
Shikamaru's here...
I'm safe....
Shikamaru's here...
I'm safe....
Shikamaru's here... my Alpha's here...I'm safe.
My Alpha...
My Alpha....my Alpha....need my Alpha.
Shikamaru felt the distinct moment Naruto fell into his heat. The way Naruto's body melted into his. Add in the way Naruto's pants were getting wet. Wearing gym shorts weren't the protectant he needed. He ignored the sweet smelling slick starting to wet his thighs. Suppressors were righteous gifts from all the almighty beings. Naruto's pheromones were choking him. The Omega shivering on top of him. Shikamaru himself shuddered when Naruto drug his nose along his scent gland.
Suppressors didn't mean he couldn't get hard. Something he clearly was with an Omega literally rubbing themselves on his body. With a hard on his mind was still clear. That's all that mattered. He knew two things. Naruto needed the proper underwear on to keep from ruining more clothes, and secondly they had to get off the floor. His ass was starting to get numb from the hard flooring. Shikamaru shifted attempting to find some purchase to get up with.
"Don't leave me." Naruto whined, clutching him tight.
"I'm not leaving you. I need to get up." Shikamaru grumbled, using the couch as leverage to rise.
Naruto's legs instantly wrapped around his waist. A lewd moan leaving Naruto. Shikamaru wasn't the only one hard, but he was desperately trying to ignore the fact. Especially since carrying him up stairs made Naruto rub against his abdomen. As much as he wanted to rush the steps. It would only jostle Naruto and make it worse. Naruto's nest doors couldn't have popped up any faster. Shikamaru attempting to detach the spider monkey clinging to him.
"You need to go rinse off, Naruto." Shikamaru urged.
"No." Naruto whined out, a word a few months ago he didn't have in his vocabulary.
He didn't want to be anywhere but in Shikamaru's arms. His blood felt like molten lava, but his body was growing cold from sweating so much. Shikamaru was a steady warmth. That felt too good to release. They struggled at the door a few minutes before Shikamaru let out a defeated sigh.
"Fuck.....Minato forgive me." Shikamaru groaned out, opening the door to Naruto's nest.
Stepping inside would seal his fate, but Shikamaru had no choice. Naruto was putting him in a hard place. He was instantly hit with Naruto's usual citrus hard. It mixing with the potent peach, making a low growl tumble out. Naruto tensed in his arms. Feeling the tension in his stomach tighten. His cock throbbing between them. Naruto's head swam as he focused on that feeling. Shifting his hips feeling that pleasurable friction.
"No humping!" Shikamaru blurted, feeling Naruto rolling his hips. It was meant to sound like a scolding, but sounded more like a panicked whine. Naruto's brain ignored his words. Locking his arms tighter around Shikamaru's neck. Feeling more secure to roll his hips faster. Chasing the sparks it gave him.
"Fuck my life." Shikamaru groaned, entering Naruto's bathroom. Walking over to his sink counter.
"Stop Naruto, let go. I need you to let go please." Shikamaru voiced, his words falling on death ears.
He hated to have to use such measures, but it was the only known way to get Naruto's attention. As gently as he could, he tugged Naruto's head back by his hair. Freeing Naruto from where he had been greedily inhaling Shikamaru's scent. A whimper leaving plush lips. Dilated eyes that seemed almost black meeting his brown orbs.
"Off." He snapped, leveling Naruto with an Alpha command. Naruto's limbs went limp. His gaze falling as he barred his neck. A display that made the Alpha in Shikamaru lick his lips. Such a pretty neck it was.
"Stay." He added, stepping away as sad eyes followed him.
Heading into Naruto's walk in closet. He searched the drawers for Naruto's heat supplies. Locating a drawer at the very bottom of a dresser set. Grabbing a pack of heat boxer breifs. He doubted Naruto would want anymore clothes than that. His body was confused as is. He felt extremely hot and cold at the same time.
"Okay, I want you to take a quick shower. It doesn't have to be long at all. Just to clean up a bit, then you'll put these on." Shikamaru explained, as he re-entered the bathroom. Plucking Naruto off the counter leaving a shiny residue. He definitely needed to clean up. His poor pajamas pants were soiled. Urging Naruto towards the shower, the Omega looked at Shikamaru expectantly.
"Naruto.....I can't get in with you." Shikamaru groaned, ignoring the way Naruto's face fell.
"You can do it. I'll be right outside. Just call for me when you're done." Shikamaru spoke, not even giving Naruto a chance to argue as he quickly exited.
He waited until he heard the shower going before creeping out. Going downstairs to grab his phone. The device right where he left it on the floor. Grabbing a few snacks and plenty of water from the kitchen, he headed back to the nest. Just in time to hear a crash of things falling over.
"Naruto!? Are you okay in there?" Shikamaru asked, still hearing the water going.
His hand on the door knob, twitching with the urge to open it. He didn't want to invade Naruto's privacy, but the thought went out the window as Naruto keened. A wail his Alpha side nor himself would take lightly. Naruto was in distress. Throwing the door open with a violence. Shikamaru rushed in, steam billowing out of the shower. The frosted glass making it impossible to see Naruto.
"Shit." Shikamaru groaned, grabbing the shower door with one hand. Covering his eyes with the other. Steaming hitting him in the face as he opened the door.
"Naruto?"
"Shika...." Naruto whined, laying on his shower floor.
His various smell goods littering the area. He was dizzy and in so much pain. He was sure he slipped. Pretty sure at least. His side aching from impact. The hot shower spray pelting him the steam making it hard to breath, his hair drenched and blocking his view. His stomach in knots. His brain and body demanding to be eased. To be sated making him sick to his stomach. The water running over his cock too much for how sensitive his entire body felt. He needed help, words were too hard to string together. Too much to focus on. He could sense Shikamaru near, Naruto's body perfuming harshly to entice. Naruto felt like he was drowning. Whether in real life of mentally he didn't know.
So he keened again. A call of desperation. The urgency, the vulnerability, the need for Shikamaru's presence. He waited.....and waited to be saved from drowning. When none came he sobbed. The pain of rejection ripping through him like a tornado. He barely registered the hands pulling him to sit up straight. Or the way the water pressure calmed and the heat mellowed to a warmth. Lost between reality and somewhere dark, when a soft cloth begun washing at his skin.
One minute he was sure he had drowned, and the neck his head was breaching the surface. A low quiet rumble at his back. Naruto opened his eyes, blinking away the water there. Through a curtain of gold, he could see Shikamaru's face. Tight in concentration as he worked. Naruto registering the cloth sensation more in his consciousness. He looked down to watch the soapy cloth glide over his arm. Gentle and slow not to startle, but to do the task of cleaning. Naruto melted into Shikamaru completely. Feeling a heat on his back.
Shikamaru was shirtless....
The skin to skin contact doing wicked things to his brain. His mind had quieted for now. At least content with the care his body was being shown. It didn't last long though. Naruto was growing hotter once again the longer he was pressed against Shikamaru. Especially as Shikamaru washed his legs too fast. Naruto's legs falling open wider. An offering he expected his Alpha to take.
"It hurts Shika!" Naruto cried out, Shikamaru's hand stilling on Naruto's chest. He was trying to be as quick as gentle as possible.
"What hurts?" He asked, not expecting Naruto to grab his hand.
Attempting to lower it where he needed him. Shikamaru had fallen for it. He had made it a point to keep his eyes level and high, when it came to Naruto. They hadn't strayed from his chest and up. That was the agreement he made with himself to answer Naruto's call. An agreement broken as he stared at the angry looking erect 6 inch cock Naruto had. It was weeping profusely and twitching in time with Naruto's heart beat. Which was erratic in itself, making it look as if Naruto's dick was possessed. It was standing straight up against Naruto's stomach seeking attention.
"Naruto." Shikamaru lightly chided, pulling his hand away before he could touch it. Naruto whined lifting his hips.
"You're just....you have to do it." Shikamaru spoke, knowing by the looks of it. That Naruto needed release and he needed it now.
"Wrap your hand around it and pull it up and down." Shikamaru voiced, grabbing Naruto's lower arm. Moving it his hand to where it needed to be. Naruto jerked at the meer brush of his own fingers.
"Grab it." Shikamaru urged, Naruto letting out a pained whimper as he tried. It was too much. The electricity in his brain short circuiting. Everything in him was telling him to touch it, but touching it hurt.
"I'm going to hell." Shikamaru sighed, tossing his head back in exasperation. He would surely have a first class ticket, right after Minato throttled him, and Naruto never trusted him again.
"Its gonna hurt.....I'm sorry." Shikamaru spoke.
Grabbing Naruto firmly in one hand. Naruto gasped breathlessly squirming. Shikamaru could feel the thump of the man's heart in his hand. Making quick work, he begun to glide at an upbeat tempo. Locking a bucking Naruto to his chest with his free arm. Naruto squeezed his eyes shut. It hurt.....but it hurt so good. The electricity was a steady current pulsing and frying his nerves.
"I'm sorry." Shikamaru said again, as he quickened his movements.
Nothing sexy about the aid he was rendering. Especially not the way Naruto was crying. Shikamaru could feel him pulse before he started to cum. Naruto's body going bone stiff. A noise that closely resembled the sound of getting punched met his ears. The force and intensity of his orgasm winding Naruto. His seed spraying out of him in powerful ropes. Leaving a trail of cum from the shower glass walls to his still leaking member.
Naruto was stuck in a place of shock and confusion. He had....never experienced anything like that. The feeling of release. The euphoria like fireworks in his brain. He didn't have much to compare it to but it felt emotionally like.....the day he realized he was actually free.
"Sorry, Naru. Let's get you out." Shikamaru muttered, his voice a little somber.
Naruto frowned he didn't understand why Shikamaru was sad. The man made him feel better. He didn't feel the need to peel his skin off at the moment. He felt more conscious of himself in this minute than he had felt in the last hour. Standing with Shikamaru he watched the man grab one of the detachable shower. Bringing the shower head closer to Naruto to wash off the suds....and slick. Naruto felt his cheeks flush for an unknown reason as Shikamaru rinsed the wall.
Neither said a word as Shikamaru exited the bathroom. His gyms shorts soaked through with water. Dripping all over the tile floor. His ponytail heavy against his head dripping water as well. Shikamaru quickly took a armful of towels from the storage. Offering two to Naruto while he used the others.
Naruto didn't need the help to put on boxers. Which Shikamaru was thankful for. The blond seeming more present as he dried his wet hair. Shikamaru used the time to exit the nest. Heading to the room he was staying in for a change of clothes. He returned to check on Naruto with a towel around his hair. Pausing to see Naruto in the shirt he had just taken off.
So many things wrong with that image, yet he couldn't find one. Something in him preened at the sight. A flutter in his chest. The blond nesting on his bed in his own little world as he arranged things. Shikamaru decided not to bother him. Instead cleaning the bathroom of water and Naruto's discarded clothes. Giving Naruto's pajama pants a quick water rinse, before adding them to his dirty clothes basket.
He exited the bathroom expecting to see Naruto in bed still, but was alarmed to see him missing. Just for the blond to appear two seconds later carrying his bag. Shikamaru's mouth dropped open as Naruto dumped his gym bag out.
"Naruto! Some of those aren't.....clean." He trailed off, watching as Naruto continued his nesting. There were things seriously wrong here, yet again Shikamaru chose to ignore them. As long Naruto was happy and not crying. After a few minutes of stuffing things here and there, Naruto was up and out of his bed. Padding over to Shikamaru with a frown. As if Shikamaru was offending him.
"What?" Shikamaru asked, looking down at himself.
"Gimmie." Naruto demanded, pulling at Shikamaru's shirt.
"I just put it on." Shikamaru argued, it was his last clean one. Naruto was insistent, tugging at it until Shikamaru conceded. Once he had it, he looked down at Shikamaru's shorts.
"Absolutely not. The shorts stay on." Shikamaru sternly spat, Naruto pouted his shoulders sagging.
"No." Shikamaru repeated. With a huff Naruto stomped back over to his bed. Stuffing the shirt in a spot.
"Drink some water real quick." Shikamaru voiced, once Naruto was done checking things over. The notion turning the blonds nose.
"Water, please. Then whatever else you want to do." Shikamaru urged, noticing Naruto's tan skin begin to flush.
His fever was coming back. 10 minutes wasn't a bad break all things considered. Thankfully Naruto managed half a water bottle and a granola bar, before he dragged Shikamaru into his nest. Plastering himself to Shikamaru's chest. Holding the man's thigh hostage as he grinded against it. Panting into Shikamaru's neck as he did so. Shikamaru sighed out but said nothing. He didn't want Naruto to get that worked up again by denying him. So he let Naruto hump his thigh. Chasing his peak again.....and again.....and again.
Tsunade finally showing up was a God send. He was able to get Naruto out of his nest and downstairs momentarily. With Shikamaru's help, they got Naruto to except the Alpha serum to ease his intensity. It worked almost instantly. Shikamaru carrying him back upstairs. The blonde passed out into an exhausted sated slumber. They waited 30 minutes to make sure it wasn't a cat nap. Getting out of Naruto's grasp was already a struggle. Trying not to destroy the nesting he had done was another obstacle. He felt the stretch in his muscles when he was finally free. Exiting the room he collapsed against the opposite wall. It was a crime to be so hard.
"How are you holding up?" Tsunade asked, eyeing the young Alpha in concern.
"Hanging in there." Shikamaru admitted. Naruto's scent was everywhere. Even outside of his nest, Shikamaru could still smell him so strongly. Needing a minute to himself. He was a mess of confusion in his brain. Wants and desires that's he needed to think about critically.
"You know, when I meant watch him. I didn't mean get coaxed into his bed." Tsunade pointed out.
"I know." Shikamaru groaned, rubbing his temples to ease a brewing headache.
"He's using your things to nest. You know what situation you two are in now, right?" She continued.
"I know."
"And what about you? What is your standing in this?" Tsunade asked, her eyes like lasers. Shikamaru simply looked at her. He didn't need to say it. His truth bleeding in the air. Her eyes softened as she looked at him.
"Those Namikaze men are so complicated." She groaned out, extending a hand out for Shikamaru to take. He grabbed it excepting her help up.
"Either way I see it. Naruto's only going to accept the shots if you administer them. So either way Minato's gonna have to suck it up. I'll tell him that myself." Tsunade spoke.
"He's gonna want my head." Shikamaru groaned.
"Definitely, but if it helps. Killing you would probably send Naruto into a spiral he could never exit from. So you're safe from death, maybe not harm though. I'll patch you up nicely." Tsunade shrugged, patting him on the back with more force than required.
He hissed from the sting giving her a side long glance. It was a wordless warning of her own. Truthfully out of Minato and her, Shikamaru was more afraid of Jiraiya than anyone else. Seeing Tsunade out, he checked on Naruto once more. His stomach growling with a vengeance. Raiding their kitchen he found some left overs to devour. With a full stomach his goal was to check on Naruto. If the blond was asleep he wanted to shower.
Unfortunately he wasn't getting that chance. He froze in his steps as the beep from a disarmed alarm echoed. Quick footsteps approaching. Standing in front of the main stairs Shikamaru said a silent prayer. The hairs on his arms raising as Minato rounded the corner. Shikamaru wished the floor could swallow him whole. The man wasn't alone. Jiraiya was here too. Two sets of enraged eyes landing on his....shirtless form.
"You reek of him!!" Minato growled, Shikamaru rose his hands slowly in mock surrender.
"Nothings happened." Shikamaru calmly stated, Minato's eyes darkened as he took in the free flowing hair and lack of clothes. That didn't ease him in the slightest.
"Shikamaru, if you've....." Minato trailed off, another threatening growl tumbling out. One Shikamaru's Alpha side couldn't ignore. He stopped suppressing his aura. Both Alpha's in front of him tensing. The fury in the room shot tenfold. Shikamaru scowled at the two. He was a lot of things but he was nothing less than a gentleman. He would have never taken advantage of Naruto. The implication on his honor couldn't be ignored.
"Nothing. Happened. He's fine, he's asleep. I'm on suppressors." Shikamaru bit out, his next dose was close now that he thought about it. Jiraiya eyed the man hard as if digging through Shikamaru's memories to find his own truth. Shikamaru stared at him without fault. There was nothing to hide.
"He's telling the truth. He doesn't smell mated." Jiraiya spoke up, his eyes lessening in intensity. Minato's brow twitched as his glare remained fixed on Shikamaru.
"We'll take it from here. You need to go home....now!." Minato spat, Shikamaru sighed his shoulders sagging. Being a father must've been troublesome. Logic and reason battling with emotion. As much as he wanted to agrue his needed position. He was in another man's house. He didn't agree but he had to respect him.
"That's fine." Shikamaru conceded.
The fury in the room mellowing out. The tense air cut by a high pitched keen. Shikamaru tensed his instincts telling him Naruto was calling for him. He doubted he'd take a step on a single stair before he'd be tackled. To them Naruto was simply distressed. Shikamaru visibly winced as another much louder call came. Jiraiya's eyes narrowing at the young Alpha.
"What's wrong with him?" Jiraiya asked, it was clear the calls were meant for one person.
Keens were intense frequencies that were hard to decipher. It was a direct line of communication to whom they trusted with their protection. Jiraiya no doubt would have understood it if he were close to Naruto. The simple fact that Minato himself looked confused told him his son needed to bond more with his child.
"He's looking for me." Shikamaru answered, as Naruto appeared at the top of the stairs. His eyes glossing over the two newcomers. Locking on Shikamaru he whined descending the stairs. Minato's eyes narrowed on the shirt on Naruto's body. It was a size or two, too big to be his.
"Hey, you feeling better?" Shikamaru asked, Naruto nodded rubbing his eyes.
"That's good. You need to eat something and drink some water, okay?"
"Okay." Naruto nodded, reaching out from Shikamaru to pick him up. At Shikamaru's hesitation he frowned. Hurt flashing on his face.
"I have to go, but your dad's here. So he's gonna take care of you now." Shikamaru informed him, Naruto felt his chest tighten as he quickly shook his head. Why was he leaving? He didn't want him to leave. He wanted to be held again. It felt so good in Shikamaru's arms. Shikamaru promised to protect him. Was something wrong with him?
"Stay?"
"Shikamaru has to go home, Naruto." Minato spoke up, Naruto didn't miss the way Shikamaru's eyes narrowed. Was Minato making him leave?
"Naruto." Shikamaru voiced, as Naruto turned to peer at his father. Finally acknowledging the mam. There was warning in Shikamaru's tone.
"Shikamaru needs a break. Why don't you come to the kitchen. I can fix you some ramen and...." Minato halted his approach at Naruto's hiss. His eyes widening at the sound being directed at him.
"Easy Naruto, Shikamaru's not leaving. Right, Minato?" Jiraiya spoke evenly, laying a hand on Minato's shoulder. Pulling his son back the few steps he took.
"What?!" Minato spat, just earlier his father was on his team. Wanting an unmated Alpha far away from Naruto during this vulnerable time. Now he was changing?
"Right, Minato?" Jiraiya reiterated, squeezing Minato's shoulder as a sign.
"Its okay, Naruto. He's not harming me. Calm down." Shikamaru spoke up, a firm grasp on Naruto's arm
Keeping the Omega from attacking. Though his sexual desires had been calmed. Naruto was still in the throes of his heat emotionally. Shikamaru had smelled the moment Naruto grew angry. He saw Minato as a threat. Taking away something that was his. He was protecting Shikamaru. The scene would have been cute if it wasn't Naruto's father.
"Shikamaru, take Naruto to calm down." Jiraiya spoke up, Shikamaru hesitated briefly until Minato nodded. Shikamaru turned Naruto picking him up. Naruto relaxing at the soft rumble. He melted into Shikamaru tucking his head into his neck.
"Stay?"
"Yes, I'm staying." Shikamaru muttered, carrying the feisty Omega back upstairs. Minato watched them disappear, defeat in his shoulders as he sagged. Leave it to his father to find amusement in his misery.
"Got yourself a mini Kushina, eh?" Jiraiya laughed, remembering the red headed fury.
".....apparently. You think he would have attacked?" Minato asked, a bit hurt at the turn if events.
"If young Nara hadn't told him no? Most definitely." Jiraiya confirmed, he could see it all in the eyes.
"That's more than heat." Minato frowned.
"Look like it. Tsunade came by. I'm sure she's analyzed the situation." Jiraiya voiced, though he didn't need her help to tell what was going on.
It was clear Naruto had imprinted on the Nara. By the looks of that guy, it seemed it was mutual. Jiraiya sighed as he fished out his phone. He was hoping he was wrong. Minato was under enough stress as is. This news was going to send him into overprotective papa mode.
"You finally have time for me, eh?" Jiraiya pursed his lips at the greeting. Of course she was in a mood. Why hadn't he just made Minato call her? Still he couldn't help his knee jerk response.
"Didn't know you were desperate for my attention princess." He hit back, hearing her responding growl. She hated that nickname with a passion.
"What do you want?!" She snapped.
"Naruto. What do you think on the matter?" Jiraiya asked, putting the phone on speaker.
"Oh? Can't figure it out dipshit?" She tossed.
"Tsuna, I know you guys have your flirting thing you do. But could you please skip that right now." Minato but in, before the two could really get going.
"I'm not flirting!" Tsunade hissed.
"Yeah yeah. Naruto. Tell me your professional opinion." Minato rushed.
"I'm not a psychiatrist Minato."
"You're still a doctor."
"......handle this situation with care Minato. I can't stress that enough. Do not separate them during this heat. Naruto could get violent, or worse depressive. It's imperative that Shikamaru remains his sole caretaker right now. As it stands he's the only one Naruto listens to. He took the Alpha serum...." She trailed off, the weight iof her words settling in. Minato hardly believed Naruto volunteered to be drugged.
"He took it because Shikamaru asked him to. Then gave him the shot himself. Naruto trusts Shikamaru at a high degree." She concluded.
"Naruto's already violent. Tell him Tsuna, you know he won't hear it from me." Jiraiya spoke, giving his son a knowing look. Minato didn't value his opinion on the mating process. Largely due to his uncanny situation with the very lady on his phone.....and Minato's mother.
"Naruto is actively Imprinting. He's nesting with Shikamaru's clothes. There all over his bed. He's scenting Shikamaru as well. Before he allowed me near his Omega made sure to tell my Alpha that he belonged to Shikamaru. Naruto has either fallen head first into his instincts, or he doesn't understand what's going on. After his heat and menstruation. You need to sit him down and figure that out. Or at least explain to him to get control of his instincts. It's not uncommon for them to run rapid after being oppressed for so long." She spilled.
"So he's basically latched on to the first Alpha he meets?"
"I didn't say that. I cant be sure because I'm not Naruto. What I can say is they are scent matched......and Shikamaru has imprinted as well." She dropped, Minato's responding growl was one of menace. As he turned for the stairs. Clearing them two at a time.
"MINATO!" Jiraiya snarled.
Jiraiya's parental influence mixing with his aura stopped Minato in his tracks. His own Alpha snapping inside with a need to defy. This was his son. His boy he had just barely gotten back. His son who was fragile and barely picking up his peices. He was being preyed on. How dare Shikamaru imprint on him!
"Do. Not. Separate. Them." Tsunade snapped.
"FINE! First sign of his heat clearing. HE'S OUT OF HERE!" Minato declared, storming off to God knows where. Jiraiya sighed rubbing the back of his neck.
"Boy, you Namikaze's are so emotional." Tsunade teased.
"Cut him some slack. In his defense I'm not too keen on the Nara right now either. Why would he withhold the information of scent matching?" Jiraiya grumbled.
"Um? Because that's private information? What are going to declare in office, we all lost divulge our matches?"
"That's not what I meant and you know it."
"His reasons don't matter. That's his business. You can't sit here and think Minato is being reasonable." She pressed.
"I didn't say that either." Jiraiya sighed.
"Then talk to your son. I understand that Naruto is in a delicate space, but the last thing the kid needs is an irrational man displaying territorial terror."
"I know that. Once things cool down I'll talk to him."
"And I mean talk to him! None of that half ass ask one question bull." She snapped, he groaned rubbing a hand over his face.
"Yes, princess."
"How are you holding up?" Tsunade asked, after a brief pause. She was sure Jiraiya was looking at his phone cross, and she would be right to think so. He narrowed his eyes wondering if it was a trick question.
"Fine?"
"Are you really? You don't sound fine. You sound tired." She commented.
"You're right there....counting down the days til I can go back to normal life." Jiraiya muttered, heading to the family room to sit down.
"What that's? Being a traveling whore?" Any one else would have bristled at the shot, but Jiraiya wasn't just anybody. His chuckle was deep and alluring. In a way he knew always made Tsunade a mess.
".....are you in need of a whore, Tsuna?" His low tone giving her pause.
"Don't flatter yourself pervert!" She snapped.
"You love my flattery."
"Its unbecoming of a Hokage to be such a sleaze you know?" She poked.
"Would you like to see my office? I heard the ceilings are very nice to look at." He purred.
"You are so dirty. I'm not coming to your office."
"What about cumming in?"
"JIRAIYA."
"What? I've been Hokage for 6 long months, Tsuna. Can't you take pity on a traveling whore?" He whined.
"......possibly."
"Possibly? I like possibly....I like that a lot." He grinned, he could almost picture the way her eyes crinkled when she laughed hard. A sound he never grew tired of.
"The Hokage must be healthy I presume. I might make a house call."
"How dutiful of you doctor."
"I'll be in touch. Try not to let Minato kill the Nara."
"Protect young ones from the big bad wolf. Got it, anything else?" He jested.
"Behave, Jiraiya."
"Never." He replied, before hanging up.
He took his duty seriously however. Going as far as to forgo his Hokage duties for the next few days. The tension in the Namikaze house at an all time high. Minato was a stomping grouch of a man. Watching his son clinging to Shikamaru as if he were fresh air. Much to his displeasure that was, but he couldn't deny that Naruto was well taken care of. He was fed, showered, clothed, and dotted on. He couldn't ask for much more. He just wished it wasn't with these pressing circumstances.
Naruto's heat lasted an entire 7 days. Which according to Tsunade, was common when an Omega hasn't had regular cycles. At the very moment of non-heat influenced consciousness, Minato had almost quite literally kicked Shikamaru to the curve. Though Minato applauded the man for leaving with no harsh feelings.
He had something of his own to handle. An intense Rut the likes he hadn't seen since he first experiences hitting him. The very moment he stopped his suppressors. Shikamaru had been locked in his room for an additional 4 days. Wringing his nuts bone dry. Waking up dazed and confused, with an intense soreness in his abdomen was not on his bucket list.
His stomach growling loudly as he sat up. Peering around the destruction of his room. His nose scrunched at the smell of sweat and musk of his pheromones in the air. His mood plummeting at the cleanup he had to endure. It looked like he brought out every toy in his arsenal. Letting out a sigh he climbed out of bed. Starting the long winded mission.
After stripping his bed, cleaning his toys, and doing a load of laundry. He was finally trekking down to the kitchen. He hadn't eaten properly in days. The smell of cooking food almost made him want to cry. He just wanted to stuff his face. Replenish all the vitamins and minerals he had expelled in the last 96 hours, and go to sleep. The look his mother shot him when he entered the kitchen side tracked all his wants.
"Welcome back to the land of the living." His mother tossed, Shikamaru gave a noncommittal hum as he approached the stove. Lifting the lids off the various pots. Picking up one of the side spoons, he scooped some rice. Shoving it in his mouth. Much to his mother's verbal displeasure. She snatched the spoon using it to swat the back of his head.
"Out!" She demanded.
He grumbled around his mouthful. Earning another hard smack. He took the que chewing his food and exiting the kitchen. Heading to the dining room to wait. Spotting his father overlooking something on his tablet. Shikamaru groaned internally as the man shifted his gaze to him. Yet another look that told of pending conversations. Taking a seat he made a show of dropping his head on the table. A thud echoing in the quiet room. Maybe they'd take pity on him tonight. He was fresh out of a Rut, running on 5% of his usual energy, and was starving.
His father chuckled not paying him much more attention than that. Shikamaru made the mistake of thinking he was in the clear. Yet, with a full spread on the table, and a ravenous young Alpha. His parents aimed their eyes at him. Shikamaru froze as he narrowed his eyes, chewing his mouth full. Shikaku was the one to break the silence.
"Minato, has requested that you cease contact with Naruto in any form." Shikaku dropped, Shikamaru choked on his food. He knew the man was angry, but that angry? Shikamaru frowned as an involuntary sneer took over his features.
"What is this Shikamaru? You've never discussed Naruto in any light that would point to any growing relationship." Yoshino pried. Shikamaru sighed setting his fork down. Looking up at the chandelier hanging in their dining room. How delicate and layered the art work was yet it still shined bright. Just like Naruto.....
"I....never planned on acting on anything I was feeling." Shikamaru confessed, words he had told his best friends just a couple weeks ago. How quickly things have changed.
"Elaborate." Shikaku pushed, the past tense not lost on him.
"I've known Naruto was a scent match from the first time I saw him. I had caught a whiff of his scent by accident, I followed it and found him ease dropping at Minato's office doors. It didn't take me but a second to realize I was staring at Minato's son. From that moment I decided that it was best that I pushed aside the potential my Alpha side was whispering about. I never intended for myself to be a part of Naruto's life.....but Minato needed someone who Naruto didn't mind to be around. It was always me..." Shikamaru started.
"A correct but incorrect choice on the situation. You should have informed Minato about the scent matching." Shikaku commented, Shikamaru frowned at his words.
"I should have but l didn't think there was a need to." Shikamaru huffed.
"Well the need to is now here. Naruto has imprinted on you Shikamaru." Shikaku spat. He understood why Minato was upset he was upset with Shikamaru as well.
"I never meant for that to happen. Nor did I think about it." Shikamaru confessed.
"Obviously you weren't thinking!" His mother snapped.
"I know that, but I was occupied with my own fucking feelings. So excuse me!" Shikamaru snapped back.
"Languge!" His father scolded.
"Feelings?" Yoshino questioned.
"I was ignoring it all fine. I wouldn't allow myself to cross any lines. Or allow any unnecessary closeness. I was content with just helping out. I realized that Naruto enjoyed having me around. I started noticing the way he smiles with his eyes, or when he needs reassurance. Little by little Naruto has just been.....digging his way into my heart." Shikamaru confessed.
"Shikamaru, you're not telling me. You're seeking to further this right?" Shikaku asked.
"I'm chosen to accept it, and stop blocking myself." Shikamaru confidently stated, his mother gasped.
"You imprinted?!" She blurted.
"Yes."
"Shikamaru! Have you thought about this?!" His father spat.
"Extensively. There are over 123 potential outcomes. 37 of which end in a good light, 42 end in a neutral zone, and 44 end bleak." Shikamaru hissed. He had thought about this long and hard Naruto's entire heat.
"And you're okay with a slim 30% chance of this becoming a happy reality?! It's far too risky for either of you. Especially Naruto! Shikamaru, son I love you but I'm standing with Minato on this. You two need distance!" Shikaku declared, igniting Shikamaru's fury.
"You dont get to dictate who i chose to explore mateship with!"
"I damn well can when it jeopardizes your health!" Shikaku snapped.
"You mean your business!" Shikamaru responded. Yoshino paled as Shikamaru and Shikaku's aura begun to clash.
"You're damn right! Minato is my closets friend, and my business partner. But that doesn't change the fact that Naruto Imprinting on you isn't healthy for him! Nor you Imprinting on him. Shikamaru that boy may never heal properly! May never heal enough to ever want an Alpha as a mate. Do you understand that? Do you recognize that Naruto may not understand how or why he's imprinted on you? May not understand what the means for him? Do you honestly think he's ready to consider being marked?!"
"Who said I would mark him now! WE'RE NOT IN THE FUCKING 50's! I'm not going to whisk him away! I've thought about it all! And frankly what you have to say doesn't matter!" Shikamaru sneered.
"YOU WILL LOWER YOUR TONE WHEN YOU SPEAK TO ME!"
"NO! I AM A GROWN MAN! YOU WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO DICTATE MY LIFE AS IF I WERE A CHILD. I HAVE MADE MY DECISION AND ITS NOT UP TO YOU! OR MINATO! OR ANYONE ELSE BUT NARUTO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! IF NARUTO WILL HAVE ME I WILL BE THERE FOR HIM REGARLDESS OF WHO APPROVES OR NOT. AND I WILL WETHER ANY STORM THAT COMES WITH HIS DECISION!" Shikamaru boomed, his aura blistering in the room.
Yoshino tensed as it made her skin prickle. She reached out for her husband's hand for comfort. Thanking the heavens for being a Beta and not an omega. Her son's pheromones were like acid at the moment. Even Shikaku had registered the thin line Shikamaru was dancing across. His eyes lacking their usual brown. Despite feeling the need to respond he kept it at bay. His son would surely snap with any further pushing. Shikamaru was a steady Alpha. Seeing him so unstable was unnerving. He had no desire to physically fight his son with any further pushing Shikamaru would unleash his Alpha in full.
So he said nothing at all. Holding the steady current of eye contact. Letting it be known that he was not submitting, but yielding at this time. Slowly Shikamaru begun to calm. Getting a hold of himself. His anger not gone but internalized. He glared at his plate, his hunger gone. Without word he pushed the plate away, getting up up the table. His parents watching him storm off.
".....wow." Yoshino blurted, after a few minutes of silence. She had never seen her son so much as raise his voice.
Ever.
Too many firsts had just occurred at the table. She was struggling to compute them all, but she knew one thing. Her son felt strongly for Naruto. As a mother she didn't sense love just yet, but it was not a miniscule relationship between them. Wether their Imprints were fresh or not. She didn't see them dissolving by distance alone.
"I question whether or not you and Minato have made the correct decision." Yoshino voiced, looking at her mate. The man frowning at her words.
"I can't say I don't agree with the choice, but now I'm not so sure. Shikamaru has never been quick to anger. Whatever is brewing between those two may be deeper than I or even he understands." She added.
"Its risky Yoshino. Naruto is a land mine. Only one mistake could cost them both."
"But Naruto has been a land mine, and the only one who's been walking it successful....has been Shikamaru." She pointed out.
"I can not deny that."
"Good, as a mother I can't ignore my sons silent cry. We've crossed a boundary tonight. I may not always agree but I will always support him. As a mate I mourn the way things have turned. If my father had made a decision like that for me, without consulting me first. I would have been devastated. To be barred from you? I couldn't imagine that feeling." Yoshino continued, the weight of guilt seeping in.
"I need to talk to Minato."
"Yeah baby....you do."
Notes:
Kinda in love with Alpha Shikamaru.....🫠🫠
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