This chapter was soooo hard to write! I'm still not satisfied with it, but this is an important transition chapter

"I know it's emotional, brat, but it really is nice to see the father hold his son for the first time, isn't it?" Tsunade questioned warmly, when she saw Naruto burst into tears when Sai held onto their son. Man or woman, hormones were going to be all over the place after having a baby, and Naruto was no exception.

Tsunade excused herself, saying something about getting the baby some formula, so Naruto could feed him.

Sai held the baby to his chest, and walked over to the bed, sitting down on the edge, next to the crying blond.

Sakura, however, knew there was a completely different reason that Naruto was crying. When Sai introduced himself to the baby as 'his father' Sakura felt like she had been stabbed in the heart. The pure look of angst on Naruto's face was too much, and she had to look away before she started crying herself. She knew Naruto loved Sasuke, more than anything, and she wondered why Naruto was doing this to himself. Why he was causing himself so much pain, when the solution was so simple.

'Naruto, are you truly happy here? Is this really your dream?'

Postpartum depression was a very, very, real thing, Naruto came to realize, and boy was it horrible. It hit him like a train when he and Sai went home, only one day after he had the baby. The fact that Sai was acting like the baby was his own, the fact that Sasuke wasn't there, and didn't even know about the birth of his son, Sai dotting on the baby, it was all too much for Naruto. He found himself crying way too often, but made sure Sai didn't see him when he was having an episode.

The baby, who didn't have a name yet, looked so much like Sasuke. The only likeness he had to Naruto, were his blue eyes. Otherwise, the baby was pure Sasuke. Black hair, same eye shape, same nose, heck, the baby even had Sasuke's attitude, if that was even possible for a week old baby.

'Damn Uchiha genes. This makes it so much harder.'

Naruto could barely even look at the baby. His brain was working on auto pilot when he cared for his son. He couldn't even smile at him, because every time he looked at the little baby, he saw Sasuke, and it was a horrible reminder of the lie Naruto was currently living, and how much he missed Sasuke.

Sai was for sure a good 'father'. He'd take his turn and feed the baby in the middle of the night when he cried, he changed his share of diapers, and fed him, and bathed him. Naruto felt a weight on his heart, because it seemed that Sai actually enjoyed being a father, even though the baby wasn't his.

Every time Sai held the baby, or walked into another room with him, or bonded at all, Naruto felt like he was going to break down. It made him sick to his stomach to see Sai act that way towards Sasuke's baby. Sasuke should be doing this. Sasuke should be holding the little baby and feeding him and, laughing with him. Not Sai.

...and Naruto hated it.

He hated that Sai loved 'being a father', and was fully engrossed and dedicated to living the lie. It filled Naruto with so much rage that he didn't even know was possible in his personality.

"Naruto-kun, Sakura said she'd be here in a little bit to check up on you, and do a weigh in." Sai said as he walked into the nursery, smiling at the blond, who was changing the babies diaper.

"Okay." Naruto replied, tossing the babies dirty diaper into a trash bin. Naruto picked up the tiny raven and placed him over his shoulder.

"Naruto-kun, are you okay? You've been overly silent the last week, and we both know that's not like you."

"I'm fine. Just tired." Naruto replied, passed Sai, and started walking into the living room and sitting down. Sai wasn't wrong. Naruto hadn't spoken too much since they got home from the hospital.

"Oh. That's okay, Naruto-kun, I am too, so I understand. We both take care of the baby the same amount, so you-"

"Did you carry this baby for nine months, huh? Were you sliced open? Sai, he's not even your son, so don't tell me you're tired." Sai froze, the room suddenly freezing. Never had Sai heard Naruto speak with such malice and hate in his voice. If Naruto's tone could slice skin, Sai would have been dead in seconds.

"Oi, are you guys here?" Came a voice from the doorway, and Sai had never been so grateful to see Sakura. At least the tension would lighten up. Naruto was always happy to see Sakura.

"Oh wow! Look at him, he's so cute! And he's grown so much in only one week. That's a great sign. He's healthy." Sakura cooed, walking right over to Naruto, completely ignoring Sai. For the first time in the week since the baby was born, Naruto smiled.

"Yeah! He is, isn't he? I sure do make a cute baby! We picked out a name, by the way. Minato, after my father. Isn't that great, Sakura-chan?" Naruto laughed gently, holding Minato and handing him to his friend.

Well no, actually. It wasn't we who picked out the name. It was Naruto. Naruto hadn't even listened to any of Sai's suggestions, and Sai gave up after two days.

"Oh that's great!" Sakura replied as she took Minato, cradling him into her arms. The baby fussed a bit, upset about being out of his fathers arms, but calmed down once he realized Sakura was no threat.

Sai felt so out of place between the two, but was relieved to see Naruto smile. He hated seeing Naruto anything but happy. A frown on the blonds countenance was so out of place.

"Naruto-kun, we need some more formula. I'm going to grab some at the store. Will you be okay for a little while?" He asked.

"Do you think I need to be babysat with my own child? I'll be fine, Sai." Sakura gasped slightly at the tone Naruto had given the raven. That wasn't Naruto.

"Yes. Well, I'll be back in a little bit."

"I don't think I can do this anymore, Sakura-chan." Naruto said, once they both knew for sure Sai wasn't around.

"Naruto," Sakura began, wanting to make it very clear what options he had. "You do know you have a choice, right? You don't have to stay here. You don't have to pretend anymore."

"But...my dream. I want to become Hokage." Naruto replied.

"You have two options here. One, stay here, live together with Sai, and Minato. Continue to live in this lie that you both created together. Raise Minato together, and act like a happy little couple, become Hokage, and achieve the dream you had since you were young. Option two? Leave and go to Sasuke, but what life will that be? Always on the run? Or you can establish yourself in a village, and live together, peacefully."

"I don't know, Sakura! Do you know how hard it is to just give up on something you've wanted your whole life?"

Sakura sighed. She hated seeing Naruto like this. The blond was always so full of energy, so full of life, but now that life seemed to be draining him.

Two months passed, and Naruto wasn't feeling any better. Every day, his anger towards Sai grew more, and more. The more he saw Sai interact with Minato, the more he hated it, and the angrier he got. It still made him sick to his stomach. Especially now, that Minato was smiling, and he smiled often at the raven.

From an outsiders view, Sai was an excellent father, to everyone's surprise. He doted on the baby and didn't let him out of his sight. If they all went out together, Sai would be the one holding Minato, and caring for him when the little baby needed it.

"I start at the academy tomorrow." Sai said one sunny afternoon, while Naruto was sitting outside with Minato.

"Congratulations." Came Naruto's sarcastic reply. At least Sai would be away for a while, leaving Naruto in peace and quiet.

"I'll be there from 8 am until about 3 pm. Please don't hesitate to come see me if you need anything, okay? And if you want to bring Minato and meet me for lunch, I wouldn't mind that either." Sai laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm going to start training again now! So, I'll leave Minato with someone in the morning, and pick him up after noon. So, sorry, can't meet you for lunch. I have other things I need to do." Sai frowned. He didn't know what else he expected. From the beginning Naruto was reluctant, and now it seemed like the blond was regretting his choice.

Sai had been working at the academy for a week now, and at first, Naruto enjoyed him being away. He also enjoyed the fact that he could get back to training! In the morning, he'd leave Minato with one of his friends (Sakura, Kakashi, and even Shikamaru), and go out to train, before returning around noon, to take Minato back home for lunch, and spend the rest of the day with him, before Sai got home at 3.

While Naruto did enjoy Sai being away during the day, he almost found himself missing the raven. He had gotten used to having Sai around now, and any anger he once had was slowly dissipating. Naruto was still on edge, and still believed that Sai had other reasons for what he was doing, but was learning to trust him more, and almost felt safe with him. He hated feeling this way, when only a week ago he was always so angry at the raven. He blamed it on the hormones.

"Naruto? I'm home!" Sai called out as he entered the home, leaving his shoes at the door as he walked into the living room, smiling at the sight.

Naruto was sleeping in a chair, cuddling Minato against his chest. Sai smiled as he walked over to the pair.

"My family." He said as he pulled Minato away from Naruto. The baby fused for a moment, and then settled. Sai took Minato to his room and tucked him in, before going back to the living room.

"Hey." He whispered, rubbing his knuckles gently across Naruto's cheek. Naruto leaned into the touch and opened his eyes slowly.

"What happened? Where's Minato?" He asked, sleep still evident in his voice.

"I put him in his crib. You fell asleep in the chair."

"Oh." Naruto sat up and stretched, cracking his back.

"So, I was thinking. Ramen for dinner?"

Two more weeks passed, Naruto began to feel guilty. He was mostly ignoring Sai, only speaking to him when he absolutely had to, and it seemed to be weighing on the other man. Naruto had seen a change in the man ever since Sai joined the academy as a teacher. Since he saw less of Naruto (and Minato) he tried to make up for lost time when he got him.

So now, Naruto was going to the academy with Minato, to visit Sai and bring him lunch.

"Alright little guy, you ready to see Sai? We're going to bring him lunch!" Naruto said cheerfully, kissing his son on the nose, causing the baby to smile up at his dad.

"You're so cute, Minato! I love you so much!" Naruto was happy the postpartum depression was gone, and he was able to enjoy the time he had with his son now. He had talked to Tsunade about it, and went through some therapy. He was relieved when the older blonde told him it was completely normal, and very common.

Sai sat back after the last of his students went outside for lunch. He had forgotten his own lunch at home, and didn't want to leave the academy to go get something to eat.

Naruto's attitude had been bothering him, especially in the last three weeks, since he started at the Academy. He wanted to ask Naruto about it, but Sai found anytime he tried to talk to Naruto, he realized he didn't want to know the answer.

"Sai?"

"Huh?" Sai snapped out of his thoughts and looked up, to see a smiling blond, carrying their cute little son.

"Hey, I know you forgot your lunch, so me and Minato brought you something to eat! Is it okay if we stay? You have an hour, right?"

Sai let go of the breath he was holding, looking Naruto up and down. Minato turned to him and reached out, making little coos.

"Come here little guy." Sai smiled as he reached for Minato, who smiled at him. Naruto gasped slightly, and held Minato closer. Sai remained patient, waiting until Naruto would be okay to hand him the baby. After a few moments, Naruto relaxed and handed Minato over to Sai, who kissed his forehead.

"What a pleasant surprise. Of course you can join me. I'd love that. And thank you for bringing me lunch.

"Aww! Sai-sensei, is that your son?" Sai and Naruto hadn't even realized that lunch was over, and Sai's students were slowly pooling back in.

"Oh, yes. This is Minato," Sai said, ruffling the raven locks. He turned to the blond. "And this is Naruto."

"Hello Naruto! Sai-sensei talks about you so much!" This caused Naruto to gasp slightly and look over at the raven, who wasn't looking at him.

"Yes, well, thank you Minamino, Naruto and Minato have to be going now." Sai turned to the blond, handing him Minato, who frowned being out of Sai's arms, but immediately relaxed, happy to be in his papa's arms.

"See you at home, sweetheart." Sai said as he leaned forward to grab Naruto's chin gently, giving him a quick peck on the lips.

Naruto knew the peck on the lips was for show, so his students would think they were actually in a relationship.. They were supposed to be in a relationship, after all, but Naruto couldn't help but feel like he was betraying Sasuke, even though he didn't initiate the kiss, and Sai pulled away before Naruto was even able to respond to it

A few days later, Naruto found himself on the outskirts of Konoha, in the forest. He wanted some space and the fresh air and solitude felt nice. He wasn't going there to train, but instead wanted to lay in the grass and be alone in his thoughts.

"Naruto?" A voice called out, and Naruto gasped. He knew that voice anywhere, even though he hadn't heard it in a year.

"S..Sasuke?!" Naruto nearly yelled, but knew he had to keep quiet. No telling who was around to hear.

"Naruto." He nod in his direction, and slowly made his way towards the blond, who was now sitting up slightly, balancing himself with his arms. The determination and anger in those dark eyes made Naruto want to run far away.

"Yes. Naruto, how have you been? I haven't seen you in, what? A whole year? Care to tell me what you've been up to?" Naruto swallowed and couldn't move. It felt like his body was being weighed down by sandbags, and he felt an icy cold chill deep in his chest as Sasuke got closer.

"I..." Naruto began. What exactly could he even say to his ex-lover? Was Sasuke an ex-lover? Naruto couldn't make up a story in his head fast enough for Sasuke to believe him

"Yes? I'm waiting." When did Sasuke get so close? Why was he suddenly hovering over Naruto?

"Waiting for...what." Naruto asked slowly, trying to stale. He had to figure out what to tell Sasuke.

"Oh, you know, why you left me high and dry for a year? I know that little note from you last time was all a lie." Sasuke said as pushed Naruto down onto the grass. He knelt over him, placing his legs on either side of the blond. He leaned forward and let his breath ghost over Naruto's lips, causing the blond to gasp slightly.

Naruto wanted nothing more than to pull Sasuke by the collar and kiss him. He didn't realize just how much he missed him.

"Tell me." Sasuke whispered, leaning forward to kiss him.

Naruto lost all thoughts as soon as he felt Sasuke's warm lips on his own. It had been so long since he felt Sasuke against him.

Naruto gave up and wrapped his arms around Sasuke's neck, pulling him impossibly close, need to feel him, be apart of him.

"Naruto." Sasuke moaned, grinding into the blond. He harshly grasped Naruto's chin with his hand, refused to let the blond pull away, as he attacked his lips and neck.

'That's going to leave a mark.' Naruto moaned as Sasuke's teeth nipped at his collar bone.

"Naruto?" A voice called out in shock, and Naruto and Sasuke stopped, and looked over to the voice.

"Who the hell are you?" Sasuke asked.

"Sai, I-" Naruto said as he pushed Sasuke away, causing the Uchiha to gasp in surprise. What did Naruto care if this random man saw them making out?

"You know our son is waiting to see you, right? He misses his papa." Sai smirked slightly, and Sasuke gasped, pushing himself away, completely, looking at Sai, and then at the blond, in pure shock.

Naruto didn't know what to say.

"So this is," Sasuke clenched his fist, hurt clear in his voice. "This is why." He said as he stood up, the blond following his lead, panicking. Sasuke looked away from the blond, unable to meet his eyes.

'No! This can't be how Sasuke finds out!'

"No! No! It's not what it sounds like. Let me explain!" Naruto yelled, grabbing Sasuke's wrist, in attempts to stop him from leaving.

Sasuke laughed.

"No, Naruto. I understand now. You wanted a life in Konoha, to be Hokage. Even a family? Well, looks like you'll have your dream. Congratulations. You got everything you ever could have dreamed of. I won't bother you anymore. You won't hear from me ever again." Sasuke said as he ripped his wrist from Naruto's grasp.

"No! Sasuke!"

"Goodbye, Naruto."

Ouch. What a sad ending to this chapter. Poor Sasuke. I wonder how Naruto will fix this, if he even can? Next chapter will be another time skip, and will also included attempted rape while both parties are intoxicated. Attempted only, and it's more so emotional than anything else. Despite the drama and angst, and even more coming up, I do promise a happy ending, sort of. Happy ending for certain characters. And no, Naruto isn't falling for Sai. It's just complicated.

Some notes: Minato is three months by the end of this chapter. Fun fact? I've been looking up different milestones for babies, because I want it to be a bit more realistic. I, however, have no children, and don't have any babies or children in my life, so I have no idea at what age babies do things, haha.