[A/N: Wow! XD I'm so glad, thrilled and relieved that you guys liked it! I was actually expecting few reviews, since it was such a shocker, but it's good to know that it was well accepted. :) This chapter was inspired from "I Wish" By: One Direction, if you're not familiar with it, then check it out. It's the perfect example of unrequited love. Anyway, enjoy!]

The Marriage

By: Kaida Matsuki

Chapter 1: Sasuke

I was rushing as hot pulsing blood ran through my veins, hearing my heart beat frantically that thundered in the ribs of my chest. I felt every fiber of my muscles rip me to pieces as if I was being burned, despite this, I ignored everything — The blinding pain that gradually rendered me almost immobile as sheer will remained the only thing pushing me onwards, the unknown crowd that complained audibly as I pushed and ran towards my destination with determination, and the screeching conscience in my head that continuously screamed at me to let it go already, to let him go. 'Never.' I clenched my jaws painfully when I finally spotted the venue, my bangs obscuring my view of the church. Actually, I wouldn't be in this predicament if it wasn't for one thing that rattled me — the only reason why I'd feel living hell for the first time…

Naruto was getting married.

I was racing against time as I fervently prayed that I wasn't too late to stop the wedding, and that I still had more time before it's truly late. And that I'd be given a second chance, despite whatever misgivings that I've lacked. Yes, it's selfish, but I was desperate to keep him no matter what the consequences were — No matter what divine punishment I might receive for this wish. My ears suddenly picked up the sound of the couple's vows being exchanged and, without a second thought, I immediately interceded.

I slammed the large doors open, making a brash entrance, "Naruto!"

Four hours ago…

"Sasuke… I love y—" Naruto's face crumpled, pursing the bottom of his lips and staring hopefully into my eyes. He averted his gaze when he saw nothing in my eyes, but chilling coldness. What else would he see after what he'd told me…? He hid his face from my view with his blond hair, his voice significantly softening and causing me to strain to hear more, "Goodbye."

I became stiff and devoid at the words in an instant as I saw Naruto walk away with his possessions in hand. My eyes widened as it became bleak and stoic at what I was seeing. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe, and if possible, couldn't do anything. What was happening? How did it turn out like this? I remained shocked and motionless, my eyes rising from my useless stare on the floor as I watched Naruto close the door behind him. The beating of my pounding heart drowned the creaking door. Why was he leaving? This wasn't happening! I held true fear as the sound of the door close echoed around my silent house.

What did I do wrong?

"Uchiha-dono?"

I blinked away the painful memory, the people around me at the table were all looking at me with concern. I scowled deeply, rubbing my eyes tiredly. I excused myself from the meeting, leaving my seat as I let Shikamaru deal with the clients. This wasn't working. Entering my empty office mechanically and sitting down on my seat, I was finally relieved from acting like nothing happened when, in truth, something did happen.

I groaned and placed my hand to my face, wishing that I would be free of that painful past, but as much as I wished that, I could never wish of forgetting him. My eyes softened, the lump in my throat making its customary appearance. Just remembering him was enough to make my body hurt and ache with blinding intensity, as I had an unexpected epiphany during my meeting that erupted another heavy sigh from me.

I realized that it was what I didn't do that made everything wrong. I cursed under my breath at my stupidity. Why didn't I see the signs? Naruto's troubled sighs, his faltered smiles, and constant reassurances of love from me. Why did I simply shrug it off? And now that he was waiting for me, I didn't do anything! I was asking questions to answers that were already right before me… No. It wasn't because I didn't see it, but to be exact, I chose to ignore it, making the biggest, stupid mistake of my life!

Frustration built up in my system, poisoning me as I yelled irritably and slapped at the nearest object my hand could get, and creating the sound of glass shattering at being slammed to the wall. I panted heavily, feeling sharp pain at the back of my hand, and glanced at the unfortunate object I've subjugated my anger to, and I instantly regretted it as I immediately sat up and rushed to collect what's left of it.

I sighed with relief when the frame and glass were the only ones that's broken, thankfully not leaving a dent or scratch upon the photograph. I picked up the picture surrounded by shards, wincing when I pricked myself, but still retrieved the piece of paper. My heart swelled and constrained when I gazed at the photograph, bringing a stinging sensation to my eyes.

It was a picture of me and Naruto. He demanded to take a picture with him on that random day. When I have conceded, he popped out the camera and kissed me on the cheek as it flashed before us in an instant. The picture completely captured my surprise and his sparkling delight that shone in his sapphires.

My eyes consumed his face hungrily. It was the only proof of what was left that we had a relationship, while everything else was brought by the blond, leaving me with nothing. I flipped the picture to read the message at the back and wistfully smiled. Reading it again, for in truth, this was the only thing keeping me together…

'Since you don't have much pictures on your desk, and you're too stubborn to take one, this one's yours. Be grateful, teme. Naruto.'

I traced his name, feeling the dents it left and oddly reassuring me that the little note left behind was real. I looked up when there was a firm, consecutive knocking sound from the door. "Come in."

Shikamaru stepped inside, yawning and glancing shortly at the mess I've made. "You still sulking?"

I narrowed my eyes at the word, walking towards my desk and sitting on my seat and retaliating to his snide remark, "Don't you have a report to tell, Nara."

Shikamaru merely shrugged his shoulders, taking a seat. "If you're interested in that, who am I to deny you? It went off without a hitch."

I nodded my head noncommittally, placing the picture down on my table and folding my hands together slowly. I noticed that he wasn't about to add anything more useful so I cut to the chase. "What do you want?"

Shikamaru sighed at my bitter tone, muttering, "If you don't want Naruto to be with someone else, you should've stopped him."

"I know…" I muttered with a strained voice. I knew that already, and it was driving me insane! I shouldn't have acted selfless on that day and just demanded him to stay with me, instead of respecting his parents' will. I clenched my teeth.

Looking back, I should've been selfish.

"Sasuke."

I looked up from my paper works and saw Naruto's concerned face, his eyes shimmering when I met his gaze. I felt the urge to pull him in my arms at the image of him wearing nothing, but my shirt that hanged loosely on his shoulders, and reminding me of the activities last night. God, how I wanted him, so much that it hurts even now.

"Did you hear me?" Naruto asked, breaking my thoughts when I realized that he must be serious when his sapphires looked so distressed. "Teme, you're not bothered by this…?"

Huh? By what? I instantly became alarmed when tears started to cascade down his face, slowly flowing. My body screamed at me to go to him and comfort him, but I was scared to break this fragile thread of control I had over my heart. If I let my emotions rule me, I might lose myself and leave myself vulnerable if I ever completely opened up my heart for him. Instead, I let go of my papers and indicated that he had my full attention.

A soft, wry chuckle left Naruto's lips, the light in his eyes gone, and causing me so much pain at this as he looked at me. "I received a letter from my late parents' will… They… I'm engaged, Sasuke."

I stiffened on my seat, my breathing discretely hitched at this news, but I refused to show him my hurt, although I couldn't successfully hide it when it was potentially strong. I had to speak and show that I was listening, but I knew that I should've sealed my mouth shut, for I said something I instantly regretted as soon as it stumbled past, "And?"

"What?" Naruto asked incredulously, hiding his face from my view.

This was why I only replied an easy 'hn'. My brain started to panic and my heart started to pound in my ears at my stupid error. That wasn't what I meant! I wanted to say that what would he do about it? Surely, he wouldn't plan on leaving me… My heart sputtered painfully at this thought.

He shouldn't.

I wanted to tell him to screw it, but I also knew how much he loved his parents and I couldn't possibly force him… I wanted to always be loved by him, even if it meant not contesting against his deceased parents' will. My eyes darkened at my train of thoughts. I couldn't compete against their love for him, for if I did, he might choose them instead of me. I was frightened of that coming and mumbled reluctantly, "It's your decision. I wouldn't interfere."

I watched Naruto's eyes widen and quickly turn his back on me, hearing his soft answer of, "Fine." He stood still for a moment, muttering something under his breath that I couldn't catch, before walking away.

I refused to talk to him about that for weeks since then because of the pain it brought, until…

"I'm leaving."

My fingers slightly tightened its grip on the pen I was currently writing with. I didn't dare look up to see him. I couldn't bear to let him see fear reflect in my eyes that could nearly choke me. Why? Where are you going? With who? Are you leaving me? I won't let you! Do you think I would let you leave me? Never! I won't ever let you go! Those were the words that threatened to escape from me, but were held back. My eyes crumpled in pain from withholding them, I couldn't force him to stay by my side unless he wanted me to… More importantly, I could never show him the agony I'm experiencing — No matter what.

"I'll follow my parents' will… I'll marry her."

With every second that passed between us, I died a little as my mind slowly progressed what he'd decided, breaking my heart. It was tearing me apart when I couldn't voice my selfish thoughts out loud, strangling my lungs to squeeze out my reply from my rebelling lips.

"Hn."

I regretted it.

The days that followed were excruciatingly painful. My eyes would always hold a haunted look when I looked at my front door — The last place I saw Naruto. I would constantly turn my head when I thought I saw Naruto's face, but when I turn, I would realize that it was just a sweet memory of the times I held him and kissed him. The time he was mine. I could almost see him, hear him laughing! Running towards me as he would usually do when he was happy and then engulf me in his arms, but when I do welcome him, I would find this image disappear and bitterly fade, leaving me again as the man I was a few minutes before those tender, yet cruel recollections — Leaving me damaged.

I would constantly find myself drowning in loads of work to forget. Once I do go home, this routine would repeat itself, but despite this, I welcomed these torturous hallucinations just to remember him loving me. I would crumble to our bed to search for his warmth, craving to hear him breathe beside me as I encircle him with my arms and relish his tender whispers. I missed making love to him every night in our… No, it was now my bed now.

For if he was here today, it wouldn't be so empty.

I let out an ironic laugh at my pitiful self, collapsing to the ground of my shower. I was exhausted of holding myself together, letting go of my heavy mask for a few precious seconds to just cry.

The loneliness was killing me.

I wanted to see him.

And that's exactly what I did yesterday, I went to his apartment.

I knocked on his door rapidly at an ungodly hour, and yes, I looked horrible. I haven't shaved, haven't combed and haven't cared for anything mundane like appearances. I caught some people sparing dirty glances at me. I might have looked dreadful too, since I haven't slept well for weeks, and even if I did sleep, nightmares reigned those lonely, dreadful nights. My eyes gathered with bags of sleepless reminders, making me slightly shuffle uncomfortably at confronting him with the state I'm in.

Although I do think of this, at the back of my mind, I was hoping that with my disheveled state, somehow he would see how much I'm hurting and take me back…

Suddenly, I heard the locks from the other side of the door slowly unlock, my heart having a panic attack at the thought of the door opening to see him. My brain went haywire at the most crucial moment. What should I say? Stay with me? Don't marry her? What could I say to convince him to take me back?

The door opened and all thoughts abandoned me. Whatever I was thinking, it was futile when it opened to reveal a person clad in pajamas.

"Hai?"

A pink-haired girl asked, her green eyes imploring for what my business was for awakening her so early in the morning. I couldn't find my tongue when I recognized her from Naruto's old pictures as one of his childhood friends. My eyes grew cold and menacing, my blood boiling dangerously. I should've known.

When I showed an ounce of familiarity upon her face, she noticed this, then as if my glare wasn't a complete, dead giveaway, her eyes showed recognition with her own.

"So, I take you're Uchiha, ne?" She smirked, making me harden my glower at the smugness I heard in her voice and also confirming her suspicion.

My whole body quivered with suppressed anger, clenching my hands to keep my temper in check. If I hurt her, it would hurt Naruto. I didn't want that. I took a deep breath, willing to clear my murderous mind, "I want to speak to Naruto."

She seemed taken aback and incredulous at my bold announcement as she merely raised her dainty eyebrow at me, her eyes snatching a glance inside before looking back at me. "No can do. He's still asleep, and since you're here, I have something you might be interested."

I narrowed my eyes at her, not trusting her when she sent me a smile. She closed the door on me, obviously not welcoming me inside, but before I could bang the door to demand entrance and, hopefully in the process awaken Naruto. Maybe I could at least talk to him and work this out, but when I was about to take action, she opened the door again with another of those sickening, sarcastic, sweet smile.

"Here," She thrust to me a beautiful, intricate white envelope. "You're just on time to receive it actually, since the wedding's tomorrow."

I froze, my mind shutting down when all I could see was the innocent envelope. My hand was shaking from the cursed thing I was holding, enticing me to rip it to pieces, but for now, it left me speechless and devoid of life.

"It's a wedding invitation."

I heard her say as every muscle in my body locked into place. A feather of heat seemed to brush down my back, and vaguely hearing her add few more hurtful words to my injured heart.

"Hope to see you there, Uchiha." She grinned at my blank stare, turning to close the door once more, but stopped as if she just remembered something, and looked back. "Do us a favor and leave my fiancé alone."

The door clicking close was the last thing I heard as I didn't dare knock again when, now, I didn't know what I could say to Naruto. I didn't know anymore…

How could two months deteriorate so fast into a complete nightmare?

"Oi, Uchiha!"

My thoughts snapped to immediate attention when I heard Shikamaru's voice shoot through my agonizing reminisce, cursing in my mind when I let my mask of indifference slip off without my knowing. I knew that if I kept this up, I would…

"Sasuke, you're breaking."

My head shot up from my hands, looking at Shikamaru and knew that he was right. Wait, that wasn't Shikamaru's voice… My head turned and saw Itachi leaning at the doorframe of my office. 'Great...' I smiled wryly at being caught red-handed. It was no use. I couldn't hide it anymore, my face crumpling in pain. I couldn't care less that Shikamaru was seeing my pitiful state or Itachi was figuring my foolish predicament, for I no longer cared. "I don't know what to do anymore…" My voice cracked at the end pathetically.

"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, standing from his feet and nodding at Itachi on his way out. "You have the invite, right?" He called out before leaving the room to leave us alone, waving his hand lazily to indicate his departure.

"What?" I asked incredulously. This wasn't helping me, rather it wasn't helping at all! What should I do? Go to the wedding? Barge in? Whisk Naruto away and demand him to love me? I bit down my lip harshly and directed my gaze to Itachi's solemn face, as he moved forward.

"Otouto, obviously Nara has a point." Itachi sighed at my disbelieving look, "You should see yourself more often."

"I don't need your—"

"When you're with him, you… react, but now," Itachi continued and shook his head disapprovingly, "it's as if you're dead. And don't tell me you were like this before, because you weren't. You can't think straight, you're merely going through the motions while in reality, you're slowly dying. You need him, otouto."

I couldn't look at his grave eyes anymore and diverted my gaze to the floor, my breathing becoming shallow and sharp. I grabbed the front of my shirt as a lump formed in my throat uncomfortably. That truth was undeniable. I do need Naruto… Then, at that specific second, I imagined Naruto's bright smile directed at me, making the lump grow and causing me to grow weak as my eyes started to sting hurtfully when the image dispersed.

Yes, I needed Naruto like air.

All of a sudden, I was being pulled upwards by Itachi's hand, making me move from my seat. His lips set on a serious line as he said, "You better catch that wedding or else, this time, you're losing him for good."

My hearing seemed to have gone deaf after what Itachi said, the words somehow punching me in the gut mercilessly. I tried to restrain the images that triggered after this, but it was useless. It flowed like a raging torrent — Unstoppable.

I imagined Naruto's bright sapphire eyes, his infectious laughter, his heart-stopping smiles that still caused me to go weak-kneed even now, but what soured these precious visions were thoughts of a different person coming into the picture. Her face disrupted these images. Naruto was laughing with her, his brilliant smiles directed at her. My breathing stopped, freezing me cold as I conjured the worst, Naruto calling out her name with love every time they did it.

I was driven by my mad anger and jealousy, leaving the room as soon as possible, muttering my gratitude for Itachi's cold wake-up call. The people bidding their way to me were effectively shut out of my brain and care. I couldn't let this happen. Wrong, I shouldn't have let it progress this far. I scowled menacingly, it was time I take back what belonged to me. Of course, I wasn't going to drag him back without his consent, but he should at least know that I wasn't willing to give him up!

I went straight for my black, sleek car, slipping in and starting the engine that hummed to life with a soft purr. For the first time since I had received that wedding invite, I was grateful. I ripped it open, pulling out its contents and going straight to where the information of when and where the wedding was being held.

"Fuck!" I clenched my hands to the steering wheel. Damn, the wedding was about to start in exactly twenty minutes from now. I checked the location and let out another curse when I recognized the place to be twenty minutes from where I was. What were the odds? I prayed to the heavens desperately to make it on time, to have this chance as I pushed the car forward, inching faster than the legal speed. I knew it was being irrational and risky with racing against the yellow lights, but I needed those extra precious seconds to reach his side.

When the church was almost in plain view as I saw its rooftop, I almost released a sigh, but immediately stiffened when I saw the impending traffic before me. I glared at the cars before me, this was useless! I swerved to take another route, taking the long cut. I stole a glance at the clock, my hands starting to turn cold and clammy as the flips in my stomach worsened when I saw the time. I needed more time to convince Naruto to change his mind before the wedding starts, and less than ten minutes would not be enough for that.

Seeing the main entrance of my destination, I didn't take notice of the lack of people near the church and hurriedly parked my car, turning the blinker on as I stepped out abruptly. I ran up the steps of the church and sent a silent thanks when the church's door was still open. It wasn't long before I would reach the entrance to find him waiting at the altar, maybe even entertaining his guests. I stood at the main entrance, my panting breath leaving me in an instant as all of a sudden, I was left utterly shocked and disoriented.

None.

There was no one there. Rather, there was no wedding that took place in the church that I was disbelievingly standing in front of. It was no wonder why I didn't see any crowd at the entrance nor any sign of vehicles. My brain was clouded with rage, trying to push down the yell that built up from this vile trickery. How dare she!

I forced myself to remain calm, getting angry wasn't going to take me to where they were. I needed to think of other possible places they would hold their wedding. I frantically searched within my recollections about any topic that I might have discussed with Naruto regarding that, retreating to the car in the process. There must be something to help me!

Out of nowhere, an old memory of Naruto flashed in my mind.

Naruto blushed maddeningly, pouting at the question given to him as I smirked sadistically at him. I knew that he wouldn't dare oppose me or evade my query without me satisfying his need first. I watched him squirm underneath me, whispering hotly on his fevered skin the question again, "Where would you want to be married, dobe? Your answer?"

Naruto pulled me down and tried to impale his lips desperately to mine when he whimpered at my stubbornness. He bit the bottom of his lips and I knew that I was about to get my answer soon. He let out a frustrated huff, "Fine, teme!"

My smirk widened and I cocked my eyebrow at him to continue as he grew redder which was truthfully impossible, hearing him mutter against my chest the words I've waited to hear.

"Wh-When we get married, I want it to be where my parents' married." Naruto shyly whispered the place as he continued to look away from my amused onyx eyes. "That's where I want it to be held."

My mind blanked out, dipping down my head to meet his luscious lips with fervor. The simple, sweet answer drove me mad beyond comprehension, and wanting him to feel the same way I felt, I wanted to drown him with my kisses, even if the kiss was an escape to hide how much his answer pleased me. Gasping for air, I released him, only to find my breath stolen in exchange. In that very second surrounded by the vague presence of security of his love, he smiled so innocently, like a child receiving its first present.

I didn't think I'll ever forget that face or that smile.

"Dammit!" I muttered harshly when I saw the time. It was past twenty minutes. Forget about talking to Naruto before the reception started! If I was lucky, I could at least catch up to the wedding before they exchanged their vows that would forever seal his fate and mine. My entire being reacted violently upon this notion, I'd be damned first before I would let that happen!

Swerving to cut the other cars' speed, I ripped through the road dangerously, being mindful of any police cars and stations that I might encounter. I didn't have the luxury of being caught when I was already this late. I could feel half of my heart plummet to my stomach, while the other half threaten to choke me to death when I was nearing where Naruto's parents married, but before I could even park, I froze.

This can't be happening!

"Son of a bitch!" I yelled loudly with intense frustration, slamming my hand on the steering wheel brutally.

The venue was empty too! I leaned my head on the seat, squeezing my eyes closed. I berated myself, blaming my stupid decisions. This wouldn't have happened if I didn't allow it to happen! Now, I needed to right it before it all could go wrong, and I needed to do it fast.

I flipped my phone, punching in the numbers that could reach Itachi's cell phone. I was slightly thankful when he picked it up before the first ring could finish, and heard his voice before I could voice my query.

"What you're looking for is St. Catherine's Church. You don't have much time. Good luck, foolish little brother."

And with that the line went dead, my eyes glowing with vengeance and replenished energy. I started to take the shortest route going to where Itachi said. There was so much to lose if I didn't catch this wedding! So much regret if I wasn't able to stop it!

When I was close to the church's destination, traffic jammed me as I cursed colorfully and tried to retrace my way, only to be trapped by the cars behind me. I swore loudly. It was as if all the unseen beings were doing their best to delay me. Stepping out of my car, I hastily ran under the sun's heat as I gradually absorbed my view of the church. My vision of it grew large when I drew nearer, people and numerous cars parked near.

Time seemed to slow down for me and it seemed that no matter how hard I ran, it refused to push me further. Those crucial and agonizing seconds seemed too cruel when I was this close to my goal. I couldn't get there fast enough and I knew it, yet I persisted.

I couldn't lose him! Not now!

Never!

I was rushing as hot pulsing blood ran through my veins, hearing my heart beat frantically that thundered in the ribs of my chest. I felt every fiber of my muscles rip me to pieces as if I was being burned, but despite this, I ignored everything — The blinding pain that gradually rendered me almost immobile as sheer will remained the only thing pushing me onwards, the unknown crowd that complained audibly as I pushed and ran towards my destination with determination, and the screeching conscience in my head that continuously screamed at me to let it go already, to let him go. 'Never.' I clenched my jaws painfully when I finally spotted the venue, my bangs obscuring my view of the church. Actually, I wouldn't be in this predicament if it wasn't for one thing that rattled me — the only reason why I'd feel living hell for the first time…

Naruto was getting married.

I was racing against time as I prayed fervently that I wasn't too late to stop the wedding, and that I still had more time before it's truly late. And that I'd be given a second chance, despite whatever misgivings that I've lacked. Yes, it's selfish, but I was desperate to keep him no matter what the consequences were — No matter what divine punishment I might receive for this wish. My ears suddenly picked up the sound of the couple's vows being exchanged and, without a second thought, I immediately interceded.

I slammed the large doors open, making a brash entrance, "Naruto!" I shouted as loud as I could, my lungs heaved tiredly from the excessive running. I could see that the people within gasped and scowled at my scandalous arrival, but my eyes were only for him as I saw him and his bride turn to my direction. I watched him remain unnervingly still and shocked on the spot, his beautiful eyes wide. I knew then that the sole purpose I came there was to tell him that I loved him…

Then the thought struck me.

It just occurred to me… I never said 'I love you' ever since we became a couple. But I thought that my very actions showed him of how much he meant to me! It wasn't because I was reluctant to give that special declaration. Rather, I was scared that once I say it to him, I wouldn't have a tie to him anymore — That he would no longer need me… And I knew now that it was very stupid of me to consider all these without truly voicing out what I genuinely felt.

"I love you, Naruto! Please don't. Don't leave me…" My voice held a tinge of desperation as I let my shields go at that moment. I glanced at the people around sneer at me, at my foolishness. How could I ever hold on to my pride, when I was about to lose someone so precious? Why would I care if everyone thought of me delirious, when all I treasured were his thoughts? My onyx eyes looked into his angelic, sapphire ones that were gazing at me solemnly as I awaited his response.

"Sasuke…"

[A/N: What will Naruto's reply be? Review to know Naruto's side of the story! Yes, more reviews will inspire me. :) Anyway, this is my first time writing in a First Person Point of View, so spare me of anything harsh! Oh, and I have a Poll at my account, please cast your votes! This will be my first poll, thanks to Shortiix3, so be one of my first voters, ne? :3 Please Review and Comment! ^_^]