I cannot express how sorry I am to have kept you guys waiting. I needed this break to sort out my life and it seems that things are going back to normal and yet they are not. Everything is changing but during the long (unwelcomed) hiatus, I have managed to come up with more ideas to add to the plot and even better plot twists. I am going to keep my promise to finish this story, even if it kills me ^_^

BTW: since no one voted for the whole Alpha and Beta thing, I just chose one myself and I am making it the sad version :)

Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto.

How The Fish Got His Wings

He had never felt so useless before. After only two and a half months of pregnancy and his belly has gotten bigger. Not yet at full term but bigger. He still has about two months left but everyday, his worry only grows bigger. Worry for his unborn children, worry for his brother, worry for the life he may not be able to have. Sasuke is pretty much sick of worrying, so he flips through the channels on his TV, trying to find something to watch, not really finding anything.

Sasuke decided that he and his three kids needed nourishment, as did his rumbling tummy, so he switched off the TV and made his way to the kitchen. (Hmmm, what to have? What to have?)

(I think I'm in the mood for some fruit.) He opened his fridge and took out the large bowl of fruit that Kakashi had so kindly filled for him before he left about an hour ago. He took it and sat down at the table on one of the chairs that Itachi had built since he and Naruto had destroyed the other ones. This one was made especially for him though, said Naruto, because this one had a really nice cushion on it. It's usually for pregnant women, well, in normal circumstances but this isn't actually normal circumstances, is it? In either case, it's a really comfortable cushion. A full bodied one. As Sasuke sat with his arms on the table, leaning forward and picked at the fruit, he couldn't help but recall his conversation with Kakashi. As strange as it is, he is the only one who is actually noticing that Sasuke is getting more and more tired everyday. Sakura and Tsunade are really just wanting to document everything about the babies and little baby demons sealed inside the babies. (And the fact that you are soooo good at hiding behind a mask has probably a lot to do with it as well, ne?)

(Yeah.) He picked up a piece of strawberry that was cut in half and put it in his mouth. He didn't chew it or anything, he just kept it on his tongue, holding it behind his teeth. He felt the sweet and citrus flavor collide together for a minute before just swallowing it whole. (That's a sure fire way of choking you know.)

(I'm just so tired. I have no idea what's going on.) This time he picked up a piece of tomato and actually chewed it. It was a nice comparison to the strawberry. More bland, but juicy. No sweet or citrus to curl up his tongue. Something that doesn't take energy to evaluate. It's why he loves tomatoes. Not loves but appreciates them. Respects them. So full of nutrients but subtle. You almost don't notice them until they are gone, but by then, you have already taken in everything you need too. Not like a strawberry. You feel them all the way, since they first enter your mouth, till they are down your throat.

Sasuke picks at the rest of the fruit and just thinks about nothing. Just concentrates on filling up his stomach for four. That is...until a thought comes to mind. (Sasha?)

(Yes kitten?)

(Can you check on them?)

(I already have, they are growing beautifully. You are doing so well, you just need to get more energy.) Sasuke heartily agreed. He also decided that being pregnant just wasn't for him. He is used to being full of energy and he loves being active. He can't have or do either of those because all his energy is being spent protecting his babies.

(Yeah. Is there any sign of...)

(No. Not yet, but he won't stay hidden for long.) Sasuke just nodded his head. That person is bound to rear his ugly head soon, since Sasuke is bound to go into labor within a couple of months.

(We need help. We cannot fight him alone, kitten. We have to talk to the Hokage.) Sasha tried to reason with Sasuke for about the hundredth time. He can be so stubborn.

(No, I can handle this. I can protect them. I am strong enough.) This was the same answer each time. Nothing different, nothing less, nothing more. But something is different. The tone. His tone. Why is it off? Is he losing conviction? Is he losing faith? In his abilities? In Sasha's? Is he breaking free? All she knows is, that if they don't get help, something horrible will happen and she can't protect him from it. She won't even be able to protect herself from it.

(Let's get you into bed, kitten. How does that sound? We'll rest up and when Naruto get's back home, you can cuddle with him. Cuddling sounds nice right about now, doesn't it?

(Naruto? Yeah. I...I want to be with him. I'd like to hold him.) Sasuke pushed the bowl away from him and sat back into the cushion some more and leaned his head back, his face towards the ceiling. He closed his eyes for a moment, just to picture it, as if it hasn't happened in months, even though they were together just this morning. He imagined it to be perfect and nice and sunny, just like this morning. He sighed and rubbed his eyes and got up from the table and put the bowl of fruit in the fridge. Before closing it, he let the cool air run over his clothed body. He saw the same things in his fridge everyday but they are always different. As if new. When did he get milk? He hated milk. He loves tomato juice, but why is it almost gone? And who keeps eating all his damn eggs? He can't answer these questions because he is just so tired. Two more months.

He closes the fridge and looks at the picture on it. It's him and Naruto. When did they take that? Oh yeah, a month and a half ago. He looks smaller, but still looks like he is putting on weight. Weight is good they tell him. Especially for three, but he can't see it. He leaves the kitchen and makes his way to the couch. He's so tired. He sleeps all day but can't find rest. His body is working so hard and so far, his babies are safe. He'd give anything to keep them safe, even his life.

He makes it to the couch and lies down. It's pretty warm out but puts a blanket on anyways, he likes to pretend it's Naruto, because his soul mate is just so warm. And he is cold. He's always cold. He wants Naruto to come home but he doesn't want to bother him when something important is happening to him. Naruto is at the Hokage's office right now. He is studying. Lady Tsunade has chosen a successor. Sasuke is so proud. He can't honestly say that he knew or expected this to happen, but is happy for his lover all the same. His brother is with Naruto at the office right now. It has been one meeting after another. First with just the Hokage, then the elder's, now with the Jounin's and elder's and Hokage. They are trying to clear him of all charges. Sasuke is happy about that too. He has a lot to be happy about and he tries. But he's just so tired.

Two more months.

A/N: Okay, not long but it really, REALLY sets up more chapters. Hope you guys enjoyed and I just hope that you guys can find it in your hearts to leave a quick review. Luv ya!