Chapter Text
Naruto stared into the dark, ignoring the stars above to focus on the sea just below the cliff’s edge in front of him. The constant murmur of the whirlpools should be soothing. He could remember coming here as a child, excited by the view in daylight. Could remember sneaking down the cliff side with his friends, throwing rocks into the swirling water, watching them get swallowed down and arguing over how deep they went.
He felt like he stood at the edge of something so deep he’d never hit the bottom if he jumped.
Thinking about Sasuke was like dipping his toes into the water where the cliff ended, trying to feel the undercurrents, jagged rocks rising through the surface that let them jump back and forth on a dare, adrenaline pumping through their veins.
He knew the water streams ran along the whole coastline of their country, keeping them safe from enemies but blocking important trade. There were so many things he needed to learn about his village if he wanted to take over after his mother, and doing it alone was daunting on the best of days.
He’d imagined his future husband would be someone he could rely on. Someone who would learn with him, and offer advice when he needed it. Someone who understood the pressure on his shoulders, even when he pretended to the whole world that he couldn’t feel it. Someone to jump those rocks with, trusting each other not to fall.
What did he know about Sasuke, really?
Having second thoughts? Kurama asked, Naruto’s fingers tightening their grip on the smooth wall circling the top of the tower.
“No,” he said, frowning. “Stop interrupting me, I was getting somewhere.”
Kurama huffed, and Naruto rubbed at his eyes. Sasuke had left rather abruptly when Karin decided she’d had enough of waiting and pretending she couldn’t hear them being too quiet. To his surprise, Sasuke had leaned in for one last kiss before allowing her to drag him away. His whole chest clenched just thinking about it – there had been something heavy and final in that kiss that only made him more determined to find a solution.
Sasuke had said there was no time left to think. There were still a few hours until morning, hardly enough to solve his entire future. They’d wasted so much time arguing instead of getting to know each other, but how could they have known? Maybe if they had more time…
Biting on his lips, Naruto’s hands found the cold wall again, holding on tight to steady himself. There had to be something he could do. He wasn’t known for giving up, and he didn’t think he could just ask Sasuke to marry him and hope for the best.
He didn’t know exactly what made Sasuke hesitate, but he felt relatively sure now that the only way to fix it was to give him more time. Time to think, time to get to know him, time enough for Naruto to prove his worth.
Time to have a proper conversation.
Too bad we don’t know how to stop time.
He sighed, shoulders slumping. Kurama was right – he couldn’t just stop time. All he needed was a little more of it…
Oh.
He perked up, pushing his hands through his hair and leaving them there as he stared blankly ahead, thoughts racing through his head. Maybe it could work? If he just–
Resolutely, he straightened up and turned his back on the dark sea, blinking once as the candlelight hit his eyes. Feeling a hopeful smile tug at his lips, he carefully blew out each candle before rushing down the winding staircase. If he talked fast enough, he might just get away with it.
♡♡♡
Things were tense in the corridor behind the grand stage, where Sasuke’s fate would be decided once and for all. Dramatic, maybe, but Sasuke felt his heart pound in his throat as he waited. Gaara stood a few steps away, leaning against the wall and deep in thought. He couldn’t help staring at him.
The way things were looking, one of them would become Naruto’s husband.
It was such a strange thing to think about, even though he’d had plenty of time to come to terms with the fact that this whole selection process had one goal, and one goal only. He’d thought of it in abstract terms before. Someone was going to marry Naruto, not him. But now it might be him.
Unless he said no.
A sleepless night had done nothing to aid him in his decision, had only made things worse, really. He absolutely hated the thought of Naruto choosing Gaara, felt his jaw clench and his teeth grit together painfully whenever he pictured it. Jealousy, however, was not a good foundation to build that kind of decision on.
All he knew was that he’d regret any decision he made, probably. Maybe he’d regret it more if he didn’t choose Naruto and had to give up the potential he felt between them, but maybe he’d regret it the most if he did choose Naruto and it didn’t work out.
Heartbreak now or heartbreak later, he thought bitterly to himself. Gaara chose that moment to look up, meeting his eyes evenly. He looked neither triumphant nor resigned, and Sasuke itched with the need to know what was going on in his head.
“What?” he asked bluntly, as if he hadn’t been looking first.
Gaara raised a non-existent eyebrow at him.
“I thought you’d look less nervous,” he answered calmly, arms crossed loosely over his chest. “Having doubts about Naruto’s choice?”
He didn’t know what to say. Had Gaara made peace with second place? Or did he know something Sasuke didn’t?
“Did you volunteer for this?”
It was all he could think of, nails digging into his palms.
“Of course,” Gaara said.
“Nothing left behind? No regrets?”
“Should there be?”
Sasuke stared at him. He knew that Gaara felt something for Naruto, but he’d never bothered to consider what or how much. And what, exactly, did Naruto feel for Gaara then?
Some of his panic must have shown on his face, because Gaara’s expression soured.
“I don’t know why you ask. Naruto has already told me clearly what his choice will be.”
“I’m not asking about Naruto’s choice.” Sasuke drew in a breath, stretching his fingers in an attempt to relax them. “What about you?”
For a long moment, Gaara watched him with a blank face. There was something unnerving about the look in his eyes, as if he had to make a conscious effort not to stab him.
“If you’re stepping down, I’ll gladly take your place.”
Each word was carefully pronounced, a threat as much as a promise. Sasuke suppressed a shiver. It was clear that Gaara had no problem devoting his life to Naruto. Perhaps, if Sasuke hadn’t been thrown into the mix, Naruto’s choice would have been given from the start.
But Naruto didn’t want Gaara, despite their friendship.
“I didn’t mean to insult you,” Sasuke told him. “This is more than just accepting a proposal.”
“Anyone could become kazekage in my stead,” Gaara said, surprising him with the heat in his voice. “There are many villages, countless opportunities, but only one Naruto.”
Only one Naruto.
And only one of each of his family members. Only one street with the dango shop he visits with Itachi. Only one garden that was his mother’s favorite. Only one dock where he’d managed his first fireball technique to impress his father.
Only one Naruto.
The words echoed in his head, so loud that he didn’t notice the approaching footsteps until someone coughed impatiently to get his attention. He glanced at the man standing at a respectful distance. He vaguely recognized him as one of the Konoha ninja that had accompanied him on the trip to Uzushio, acting terribly important. Itachi hadn’t mentioned anyone else coming with him, but maybe this guy had stayed the whole time and Sasuke had simply not noticed him.
“Uchiha-san,” he said clearing his throat and managing to sound both condescending and wary at the same time. “I trust everything is in order.”
“How should I know?”
“I’m talking about the ceremony, of course.”
Sasuke stared at him, hoping he wouldn’t have to repeat himself. Why was he here? Couldn’t he see that Sasuke was in the middle of a crisis and would prefer not to be bothered?
“Is there a point to your question?” he asked, irritation swelling within him at the displeased look on the man’s face.
He had the kind of face that was easily forgettable, but his holier-than-thou attitude lingered long after he’d left a room. Sasuke had done a good job of avoiding him on the trip. People with very small responsibilities who took themselves much too seriously always rubbed him the wrong way.
“Yes.” Another little cough, like his throat was itching. “We would rather not take any chances.”
“Chances of what.”
Sasuke was going to rip the words from his throat if he didn’t start making sense soon, already on edge, emotions boiling. Gaara took a careful step away, observing them closely.
“No offense, Uchiha-san, but your loyalty to Konoha has been questioned in the past. I’m here to ensure you are aware of what is expected of you. There have been… concerning rumors about–“
Fed up, Sasuke molded a chidori into a long, thin sword, poking the tip into the man’s throat.
“I couldn’t care less about Konoha,” he said, voice low and void of humor. “I’d decline just to piss you off, if I did.”
There was a satisfying amount of fear in his beady eyes, Sasuke’s chakra crackling in the air between them.
“Have I made myself clear?”
“Tsunade-sama will not be pleased to hear it.”
“Then do me a favor and don’t tell her.”
The man took a step back – Furihata, Sasuke remembered his name to be – swallowing nervously. Sasuke allowed his chidori to flicker out and die, feeling the chakra sting his fingertips.
“Uchiha brat,” Furihata mumbled, scowling at him even as he continued to back away. “You think you can get away with just anything, don’t you?”
Sasuke’s smile was sinister.
“Why don’t you stay and find out?”
Furihata didn’t stay.
As soon as he’d disappeared around a bend in the corridor, Sasuke heaved a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. He could feel a headache taking shape behind his eyes, too much stress and too little sleep finally catching up with him.
Maybe he should say yes just so he didn’t have to deal with Konoha and its politics again. He could feel Gaara watching him, probably drawing his own conclusions. Sasuke tilted his head back, staring up at the ceiling. He wasn’t anywhere near a decision. Piss off Konoha, break Naruto’s heart? Leave his family, and maybe find love?
If only there was a way to piss off Konoha while also not selling his soul to Uzushio.
“I see it now.”
Startled, Sasuke turned towards Gaara.
“See what?”
“What Naruto sees in you.”
“What?”
Gaara hummed in thought, gaze sweeping over the narrow corridor. When his attention returned to Sasuke, he gave him a short nod.
“You don’t compromise who you are. I can respect that. But you should know that if you hurt Naruto, Suna will officially declare you an enemy and hunt you down.”
Sasuke felt too tired to care.
“Whatever,” he sighed.
There was no point trying to make a decision in advance. He’d just have to face Naruto and…
Well.
Something.
♡♡♡
Naruto considered the crowd. He was bouncing on his heels, filled with restless energy. Waiting wasn’t his strong point, and what had felt like a distressingly short amount of time had now dragged on into infinity, leaving him frustrated.
He’d had half a plan to find Sasuke as soon as he got back, but now apparently security was vital and the hotel had been surrounded by guards.
He rolled his shoulders, feeling them catch on the stiff fabric of his kimono. No one had bothered to widen the shoulders since he’d last worn it years ago – the first time they’d tried to make him go through with selecting a chakra bond partner. They’d gotten as far as fitting the kimono for the ceremony, and then he’d finally managed to push it down their throats that he wasn’t ready.
Didn’t mean he was ready now, either, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. And to be honest, the thought of marrying Sasuke was only 50/50 fear and excitement. He felt confident he could work those numbers until there was just excitement left.
You could always run away together, worst case, Kurama mused. Domestic life in the village sounds boring.
“You’re boring,” Naruto shot back childishly, grimacing as he spotted his parents. “Stop trying to turn me into some kind of fugitive.”
It’s romantic! Who needs a honeymoon when you could dodge bounty hunters together.
“Is this a scenario where we’re declared missing nins? Wait. Don’t answer that.”
He bounced a few more times, doing his best to ignore Kurama describing, in vivid detail, his grand plan for their escape. The fox was probably trying to distract him from his nerves, to no success. All he could think of was Sasuke waiting behind the scenes, possibly prepared to turn his back on them forever. Well, Naruto wouldn’t let him. Not without a fight – and anyway, he doubted Sasuke would mind his plan. It was all the others he had to worry about, forcing himself to still as his parents found him.
“Aww, look at you!” his mother cooed, pinching his cheeks. “Lilac is such a good color on you!”
“Is it?” he asked dubiously, enduring her fussing with his patience hanging on a thin thread. “Isn’t it time to start yet?”
She clicked her tongue at him, his dad smiling indulgently at the two of them.
“He’s not going anywhere,” Kushina said, shaking her head. “No need to look so nervous!”
“Hmm,” was all Naruto could reply, glancing at the crowd again.
They stood to the side of the stage, a much bigger one than the previous ceremonies had taken place in. It felt like half the village was there, waiting to celebrate. The Hokage had arrived sometime last night, together with the Kazekage. He was so looking forward to rejecting Gaara in front of his dad…
“Hey, uh, mom?”
“Oh, stop worrying!” She pulled him into a crushing hug, waving at Minato until he joined them, succeeding in both stealing Naruto’s breath and his dignity.
“You’ll be fine,” Minato said, patting his shoulder after they let go of him again. “We’re proud of you.”
It’s possible they’ll kill you, Kurama said, not sounding very concerned about it.
Thanks for nothing, he replied, forcing down the lump in his throat as his parents pushed him towards the stage.
I’ll mourn you, I guess. We had a good run together.
Again, thanks for literally nothing. Can’t you try to be a little reassuring for once!?
But Kurama only laughed.
The crowd quieted down as they reached the center of it, his mother greeting everyone with enthusiasm. Naruto looked out over the sea of faces, trying to pretend he wasn’t sweating through his clothes. He didn’t have the presence of mind to listen to any of the speeches, barely managing bows of acknowledgment as first the Hokage, then the Kazekage took their spots on stage and briefly addressed the audience.
What if he caused an all-out war? Or worse. What if Sasuke said no.
Or worse than worse, Kurama snickered. Sasuke ran away during the night.
Naruto’s heart froze in his chest, a painful squeeze forcing the breath out of his lungs. He was going to scream if Kurama didn’t stop making things worse.
Relax, Kurama continued, rolling his eyes. Where would he go? Konoha? The way he looked at you last night I doubt it even crossed his mind.
You’re awful and I hate you so much.
He gnawed at his lips, wishing he knew what was going through Sasuke’s head. His whole body itched with the need to go find him, just to make sure he was still there. Someone was making yet another speech, but Naruto stared at the doorway Sasuke would be appearing through. Maybe if he stared hard enough, time would move faster.
A hand on his shoulder startled him, his dad giving him a questioning look.
“Everything okay?” Minato asked, keeping his voice a low murmur.
“Sure,” Naruto squeaked, clearing his throat desperately. “Just fine.”
He hated when his dad looked at him like that. It was impossible to lie convincingly.
“So uh, hypothetically,” he started, glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention to them. “If I don’t make a final decision today, how many problems will that cause?”
Minato frowned at him, searching his face. He held his breath as he waited for the verdict, bracing himself.
“You’re still unsure?”
“It’s not that! It’s just… It’s a lot to ask, you know?”
“I’m confident you two can make it work.” His dad’s smile was reassuring, only succeeding in increasing Naruto’s frustration. “With that level of compatibility–“
“Yes but he’s not going to agree,” Naruto hissed, glaring back. “I’m not going to force him–“
He snapped his mouth shut, feeling his mother’s eyes boring into him. Straightening up he put on his most innocent look, heart sinking as she quickly crossed the stage towards them.
“Is there a problem?” she asked as she reached them, her expression daring him to confirm it.
“Nope, no problems, it’s all good,” he babbled, wincing as he realized how he sounded.
“Just nerves,” Minato said, saving him. “I know we can trust Naruto to follow his heart and make the right decision.”
Blinking in surprise, Naruto whipped his head around to stare at him. He looked as unruffled as ever, but took the time to wink at him when Kushina wasn’t looking. It allowed him to release a slow breath, some of the tension leaving him.
His relief was short-lived, however, as the two remaining candidates were introduced to the crowd. Listening to Sasuke’s long list of accomplishments was impressive. Of course, he already knew he was impressive, but it seemed Konoha had decided to add a few bits and pieces that hadn’t been public information until now. They completely glossed over the years he’d spent with Orochimaru, though.
They make him sound like prince charming, Kurama commented, and Naruto could only agree.
Charming wasn’t a word he’d use to describe Sasuke.
Maybe it said something about him that the two people he had left to choose between were both a little bit unhinged with dark pasts, and a reputation that made people shiver in fear. It was better not to think about it.
On the contrary, you’ve thought quite a lot about what Sasuke could do to you with his Sharingan and a–
Shut up! Please! I said I’m not thinking about it!
If Kurama replied it was drowned out by the sight of Sasuke, finally, walking onto the stage. Naruto ran his eyes over him, committing him to memory. He looked paler than usual, face drawn with fatigue. He must have slept as little as Naruto, dark shadows below his eyes. Even so he was beautiful, the most beautiful man Naruto had ever seen. Everyone else faded into the background, Naruto’s heartbeat pounding in his ears as he waited desperately for Sasuke to look at him.
When he did, everything seemed to slow down.
Something settled in his chest, slotting into place.
There he is, he thought.
Those dark eyes held his for a small eternity, the emotion in them unreadable. Naruto’s face probably showed his feelings all too clearly–
Someone called his name, breaking him out of his stupor. Reality came crashing back down as he stared down at the microphone held out to him. Part of him wanted to ask the question everyone expected him to. He wanted Sasuke, all of him, had told the truth last night that he wanted Sasuke to be the love of his life. He wanted it to the point of physical pain, chest so tight with emotion he could barely breathe.
He cleared his throat.
“Look,” he started, gripping the microphone with both hands. “This is the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to me, and my life’s been pretty weird.”
There was a ripple of nervous laughter through the crowd.
“I don’t think two months is a fair amount of time to figure out if someone is the love of your life, you know? It’s a lot of pressure. But I did find someone I hope will become that person for me.”
He glanced at his mother, the two kages beside her. Tsunade looked pleased, Gaara’s dad less so. Taking a deep breath, he turned towards Sasuke and Gaara. They stood several steps away, faces carefully blank. Sasuke kept his eyes downcast, shoulders rigid. That, more than anything, told Naruto he’d made the right decision, consequences be damned.
“I need to give him more time, though.”
Sasuke lifted his head, lips parting in surprise. Naruto took the time to give him a lopsided smile, then figured the time had come to talk really fast.
“So I’m not going to ask him to marry me or chakra bond with me right now, okay? I need to give him a fair chance to get to know me and decide if I’m good enough for him. Like, obviously I’m a catch but I don’t think a relationship should be based on outside pressure. Thank you for understanding!”
Before his mother could properly react, he took a few long strides until he stood in front of Sasuke, dropping the microphone carelessly on the way.
“Hey,” he said, grinning when Sasuke fought down an incredulous smile. “Wanna go on a date with me?”
“Are you actually an idiot,” Sasuke asked, the frown on his face undermined by that smile still threatening to take over.
“I heard you’re into idiots,” he replied, cupping Sasuke’s cheeks between his palms.
Somewhere off to the side the crowd gasped, someone (possibly Karin) whistling loudly.
“Only one idiot.”
Naruto couldn’t help it. He pulled Sasuke into a kiss, burying his fingers in his hair and tasting him thoroughly. Only when someone body-flickered into the space next to them did he let go, cheeks heating up at the knowing look Itachi was giving them.
“How much time did you have in mind?” Itachi asked, looking far too amused as he raised an eyebrow towards Sasuke.
“That’s none of your business,” Sasuke muttered, which was when Naruto noticed the angry voices nearby, one of them belonging to his mother.
“Well, someone has to argue in your favor,” Itachi said, waving a hand towards the small crowd of officials gathering around the village leaders. “I suppose I’ll start at a year and work my way down from there. I can make up some clan tradition if I must.”
They stared at him, only moving when Itachi gently pushed at them. Naruto let his hands drop from Sasuke’s hair, grabbing one of his hands instead.
“Come on,” he said, tugging him along. “Let’s hide at my place for a while.”
They made their way to Naruto’s apartment, skillfully avoiding anyone trying to stop them. Naruto slammed the door closed once inside, letting out a noise of surprise when Sasuke pushed him up against it, catching his lips in a bruising kiss. Winding his arms around Sasuke’s waist he pulled him closer, chests pressing together. His head was spinning, a thrill of anticipation rushing through his body. He didn’t want to ever stop kissing him, whining in protest when Sasuke leaned back again.
“You really think they’re going to let us get away with it?” Sasuke asked, Naruto too focused on admiring his lips to listen properly. “Naruto!”
“What? I’m sure it’s fine. Say my name again, I like it.”
Sasuke knocked a fist lightly over his head, giving him a look.
“It’s like your idiocy increases exponentially to my proximity.”
“Don’t be mean,” he pouted, running his hands up and down Sasuke’s sides. “You’re distracting. It’s clearly your fault.”
Sighing, Sasuke leaned in and rested his head on Naruto’s shoulder.
“Furihata is going to be furious. Tsunade too, probably.”
“Who’s Furihata?”
“Some guy. He told me before I got on stage that I wasn’t allowed to say no to you.”
Naruto pushed him away, holding him at arm’s length. He searched Sasuke’s face for any regret, but all he saw was a deadpan look that asked him what the hell he was doing.
“Would you have?” he asked, just to make sure.
“I don’t know.” Something complicated passed over Sasuke’s expression, ending in a grimace. “I was considering it.”
“Oh.”
Letting out a small huff, Sasuke stepped back into his arms and tilted his head, considering him.
“Should have known you’d find a way to prevent that from happening.”
“You’ll see,” Naruto said, finding his confidence again. “You’ll be head over heels for me in no time!”
Sasuke smiled, just a quirk of lips, causing Naruto’s heart to somersault inside his ribcage anyway.
“Good luck,” he said.
♡♡♡
Roughly ten months later, Sasuke watched Naruto pace back and forth, muttering to himself (or Kurama). He was dressed in a lovely dark blue kimono, decorated with both Uchiha fans and Uzumaki swirls, matching Sasuke. After spending a moment enjoying the view, he took a step to the side to block Naruto’s path.
“You’re nervous,” he said, Naruto all but knocking into him.
“I’m not nervous!” Naruto objected, indignant look on his face. “Why would I be nervous!”
Reaching out to pat down unruly blond hair, Sasuke hummed in thought as if he truly had to consider the reason.
“Unless you’re planning another shocking announcement before running away with me, I’d say you’ll be fine.”
Naruto huffed, tugging at his sleeves. There was a faint dusting of red across the bridge of his nose, spreading to his cheeks when Sasuke poked him in the forehead.
“Idiot. What do you think is going to happen? We’ve practiced.”
“But not all of it,” Naruto whined, giving Sasuke a pleading look. “What if I mess it up?”
Sasuke sighed. Over the past months since Naruto bought them more time, they’d barely spent a day apart. Naruto had visited Konoha for long periods of time, claiming the entire Uchiha clan was silently judging him for so much as breathing in Sasuke’s direction. Which they were, but Sasuke wasn’t going to tell him that.
“If that old lady says we’re ready, then we’re ready. I’m ready, as unbelievable as it is.”
He muttered the last part, and Naruto gave him a weak smile.
“Hey, just to check. You do like me, right?”
Naruto had asked him at least five times a day for the past week or so, and Sasuke would have murdered him in his sleep if he didn’t look so disgustingly happy every time Sasuke confirmed it.
“I’m literally bonding my chakra with yours for life. It’s a little late to ask.”
Sure enough a pout formed on Naruto’s lips, his eyes widening innocently until Sasuke felt plagued by guilt.
“Fine,” he sighed, looking up at the sky for strength. When he looked back down, he lifted his arms, Naruto immediately jumping into his embrace. “You’re so high maintenance.”
“Excuse me?” Naruto buried his nose in his neck, clinging to him like an octopus. “I’m so low maintenance you barely notice me.”
Sasuke pressed a kiss to his temple, then placed his mouth by his ear.
“I love you,” he breathed into it, feeling Naruto melt into a puddle in his arms.
He’d discovered a few months into their relationship that Naruto was an absolute sucker for affection, and he shamelessly used it to his advantage whenever he could. Even though Naruto knew exactly what he was doing, it still worked every time.
And well, it’s not like there was any harm in it. The opposite, really, but it was easier to say things out loud if he told himself he wasn’t embarrassingly sappy.
(A flimsy excuse, but Sasuke had many of those.)
“Aah, you can’t just say things like that when I’m not prepared,” Naruto groaned, then switched to peppering Sasuke’s neck and face with kisses until he swatted at him, pushing him off.
Of course, Itachi and Shisui chose that moment to join them, both of them looking far too pleased with themselves.
“Starting on the honeymoon early?” Shisui teased, laughing when Sasuke glared at him.
“Get lost. You’re supposed to wait with the others.”
Sasuke tried not to think about the extensive guest list. It was like his entire clan had migrated to Uzushio for the week, not to mention everyone else from Konoha. They were going to start with the actual wedding, and then add the chakra bonding. Apparently the bonding tended to drain your energy – so much for Naruto’s enthusiastic plans to party all night and then spend an additional few hours in bed, not sleeping. Sasuke had a feeling they’d both be exhausted for a week once all the tension finally got released.
“Is that really the way to speak to your older brother,” Itachi said, shaking his head in mock disappointment. “We’re here to offer you advice.”
“You’re not even married yet, what advice could you possibly offer.”
Itachi’s smile was indulgent, and Sasuke felt himself bristle with irritation.
“We’re older and a lot wiser though,” Shisui pointed out, throwing his arm around Naruto’s shoulders. “You should be grateful! Right, Naruto?”
To Sasuke’s horror, Naruto blushed a deep red, avoiding eye contact.
“What have you told him?” he demanded, mentally counting all the stupid ideas Naruto had ever suggested, wondering which one of them could be Shisui’s doing.
There were far too many that qualified, and maybe he was better off not knowing.
“Nothing!” Naruto choked out, struggling to get out of Shisui’s firm hold. “I know better than to listen to perverted old men!”
The insulted look on Shisui’s face was comical, but Sasuke had run out of patience long ago. He leveled his brother with a hard glare, but all he received back was a soft smile.
“We just wanted to see you one last time before we hand you over to the Uzumaki clan,” Itachi said, successfully transforming Sasuke’s irritation into a nervous lump in his throat. “Although I trust Naruto to take good care of you.”
“Do you have to make it sound like we’ll never see each other again?”
Naruto sidled up to him, hugging his arm.
“Thanks!” he said brightly, radiating confidence all of a sudden. “You can leave him to me!”
“Well, I think we’ve taught you the most important things,” Shisui hummed, tapping his mouth with a finger. “He probably won’t die from neglect.”
“I’m right here.”
All three of them smiled innocently at him, Naruto caving in first and bursting into laughter.
“Aww, I’m sorry, Sasuke! You’re so cute when you’re annoyed.”
“Oh, so that’s why you get on my nerves all the time? You think I’m cute? I’ll show you cute.”
Naruto stuck his tongue out, lacing their fingers together.
“No threats on our wedding day,” he scolded him, gaze turning a little dreamy as the words caught up with him. “Isn’t it so cool? We’re getting married! All that’s left is teaching you to cook ramen.”
“It’s good to have goals in life,” Shisui commented sagely, “even if they’re impossible to reach.”
“Nothing’s impossible,” Naruto insisted, pointing at him with his free hand. “This is a challenge I intend to win!”
“Yeah, good luck teaching him to cook,” Shisui replied with a snort, and Sasuke would have felt insulted if he wasn’t making it difficult for Naruto on purpose.
As Naruto argued with Shisui, he allowed himself the small, private thought that he was rather lucky, after all. Sure, things weren’t perfect, but they were working things out. Naruto made his life better, even on the worst days.
“Oi,” he said, when Naruto’s face started getting worrying shades of red at the continued teasing. “Be nice to my future husband.”
Shisui was immediately forgotten as Naruto turned to him, eyes shining.
“Sasuke!” he cried, throwing himself on top of him and toppling them both to the ground, mindless of their formal clothing. Sasuke should have expected it, really. Naruto had been practically vibrating with energy since the wedding date was announced. “Say it again! Before I’m your actual husband.”
“Idiot,” he sighed, letting his head fall back on the hard ground. “How many times am I going to have to say it before you stop throwing yourself at me.”
“I’ll never stop,” Naruto said, a promise that was equal amounts endearing and irritating. “And you say it so rarely! You should be nicer to me!”
“I’m nice to you.”
“You haven’t bought me ramen a single time!”
“Well,” he conceded, mouth twitching with amusement. “That’s a point of pride, really.”
Naruto kissed him (very angrily), only releasing him when Itachi coughed politely. He jumped up to his feet, offering Sasuke a hand. He was definitely grateful that Naruto wasn’t always acting like a child on a sugar high, but as he took Naruto’s hand and allowed him to help him up, he figured this was his last chance to mourn the quiet days of his past.
“Is it time?” Naruto asked eagerly, squeezing Sasuke’s hand a little too hard.
“Looks like it,” Shisui said. “We’ll give you two a moment…”
He and Itachi finally left, and Sasuke felt his heart pick up speed. Turning towards Naruto, he found him with a strange look on his face.
“What is it?”
Naruto shook his head slowly, reaching out to trace the swirled embroidery right above Sasuke’s heart.
“I’m just really happy,” he said.
“I noticed.”
Rolling his eyes at Sasuke’s dry tone, he leaned in for a quick brush of lips. It didn’t matter how many times they kissed, Sasuke still felt his chest fill with warmth each time.
“You sure then?” Sasuke couldn’t help but tease, one last time. “You really found the love of your life in a politically motivated competition?”
Letting out a bright laugh, Naruto wrapped his arms around his neck, pressing his nose into Sasuke’s cheek.
“Kurama still thinks I have shit taste.”
“That’s because you do.”
“Stop agreeing with him!”
Holding Naruto tight, Sasuke hid his smile in Naruto’s hair.
“And for the record,” Naruto added, “I did which means I was right and you were wrong. I mean, you’re always wrong but–“
“Naruto.”
“Mhm?”
He could feel Naruto’s shoulders shake with silent laughter. It made him heave a sigh, too lovesick to pretend it was anything other than fond. This was the man he was going to spend the rest of his life with, huh?
He leaned back, leveling Naruto with a look.
“I’ve been wrong once in my life,” he conceded.
Naruto’s answering grin was blinding.