Title: The Arranged Marriage

Author: Praecipula

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and the lyrics to the song 'Maybe This Time'.

Rating: M

Pairing: Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki (SasuNaru)

Warning: Fluffiness like cotton candies, Crack Plot. UN-BETA.

Author's note: Thank you to those who reviewed again! I'm glad that you're liking the story so far. I'm trying to post everything that I've finished before my last term in uni starts. So here we are, the last of the back story. I'm trying to be funny really but sometimes I'm a complete dramatic so it turns out the other way. Next chapter, the story actually begins and we'll see how Naruto turns out.

Chapter 3: When the World Looks Grey

At nine 'o clock in the evening, Scorpion's Poison was already packed with senior high school students who had just graduated from the La Salle Greenhill's high school. The previous members of the student council had joined the current members to organize a farewell party for the graduating students. They were now legal and on their way to train for their future career so a little party and drinks were just the right trophy for the event. In the moment, there were no groups formed but they mingled and partied like one whole section. The category for crème section and the last faded into the dancing lights of the club.

On one table though, a bunch of students were playing spin the bottle. Naruto was one of them, currently plastered on his friend Kiba's side after just drinking his sixth shot that night.

"Dude." Kiba tapped his flushed cheek. "I thought you handle your alcohol well, it's only after 10."

Naruto slapped the offending limb away and tried to sit straight, only to fall like a sack of potatoes again. "I'm fine." He slurred, closing his eyes from the blinding lights. "Just need to rest a little."

But the bottle they were using disagreed, choosing him again as its victim. The other students laughed when the blond rubbed his face with his palm in frustration before dawning the tequila shot again. Naruto shook his head afterwards, already seeing little stars twinkling.

"Naruto!" A pink-haired girl appeared in the table, heading straight to the plastered teen. "Come on, we need you on stage! I told you'd sing for the couples tonight, what are you doing getting drunk carelessly?"

The Namikaze heir tried holding on to Kiba when Sakura literally tug his shirt in order to drag him on stage. "Noooo~~ I'll throw up." He whined.

Kiba rubbed the blonde's back when he really appeared like he was about to vomit. He shot the pink-haired girl an apologetic look. "Come on Sakura, let him rest for a while. He drank a lot."

Seeing that her friend couldn't even stand straight, Sakura released a tired sigh. She had only drank two margaritas but her eyesight were failing already, what more for the blond who had only been drinking vodka and tequila since they arrived. "Fine, help me get him to one of the room in the backdoor."

"Thank you Sakura-chan~~" Naruto drawled out with a lazy smile.

Sakura pinched him, eyes wide. "You still need to sing though. We don't have any back-up for this."

As his two arms were lifted by his friends, he made a promise sign with the arm around Kiba's shoulder. "Of course, I prepared for this shit. I even composed my new song-oh, where's Lee?" Naruto tried whirlingg around, a little of his consciousness coming back. "He has my CD!"

"Calm down, Naruto." Sakura heaved a sigh as they walked towards one of the rooms in the ground floor. She doubt if her friend could even climb the stairs at his drunken state. "I have it. I got it from Lee a while ago."

"Oh." Naruto sighed in relief. He had worked hard for that song. His mind took the turn for the worst by his sudden movement though and he became dizzier. He was barely walking, only supported by his friends, when they finally arrived in the room. The two deposited him on the bed.

Kiba shook his head when the blond immediately curled into a ball and snuggled deeply into the bed. "Come on Sakura, he'll get out of it soon."

"Naruto." Sakura leaned down beside the blond and leveled her face with him. "Come out after thirty minutes okay, the dance will start."

The blond only gave out a small wave. The two shared a look, knowing they think the same, before leaving their friend alone in the room.

Blue-eyes opened when the door closed. A hand came up to snatch a pillow to lie more comfortably. Naruto knew he was acting like a brat, he needed to have fun, and it was their last night for fuck's sake! But he was sulking instead, all because of that stupid stupid bastard!

Since they started high school, Sasuke changed dramatically. He was no longer the little kid beside Naruto whom he had made a promise to that they would protect each other no matter what happened. Well, evidently, something happened to that prick because he stopped being Naruto's best friend, fuck, he was not even his friend anymore. At first, Naruto tried talking to him but that all went down as one ugly fight. Sasuke had hurt him physically, deliberately and because of that, Naruto already considered their promise as a sham.

All throughout high school they avoided each other like a disease. When they met in hallways, Sasuke act as if he didn't see him and Naruto pretended not to know him in return. Those that were with them since elementary tried asking questions but seeing as Naruto was the only approachable one, they failed to know anything since the blond honestly didn't know too why Sasuke suddenly threw him away. Yes, he threw Naruto away like he was just a childhood toy that couldn't amuse him anymore.

It wasn't really hard to ignore each other even though they were in the same school. Sasuke was into academics. He was busy with his position in the Student Council that he started out as a P.R.O in their first year and easily became the president in their senior year. On the other hand, Naruto was occupied with extra-curricular activities. He was on the basketball varsity team with Kiba. More importantly, he found his inner passion in writing songs. He performed in school dances and events. He voluntarily offers to write songs for anyone who had a good story enough to inspire him. They never got to be the in same section. It was easy to pretend he didn't care that he lost the young Uchiha.

Their parents asked of course. Naruto could see their worry about the arranged marriage but he was too numb to explain something that he didn't understand too. He waited for his mother to know from the meetings he knew she arranged with the Uchiha family but they already graduated high school and until now, all of them didn't have any idea.

His mom had tried persuading him to ask Sasuke himself but his pride had already been too wounded. There were times when he could not take it anymore, it was not really to let go of someone who had been a constant support of your childhood and someone who you always knew would be there for you. Naruto could count the times he sat in his room and just stared at Sasuke's facebook profile helplessly, afraid that there would come a time they would stop existing in each other's world. There was also those few moment when he turned into a crazy monster after seeing the green dot beside Sasuke's name and sent a group message to the bastard just to test the waters. The waters remained cold though and the only reply he got was 'seen insert time here'.

There were a lot of dinners arranged for him and Sasuke throughout the years but either he or Sasuke deliberately didn't go. On the few times they both came, it always resulted to an all-out fist out fight. It was more acceptable to punch the bastard when an insult escape from his mouth rather than let the hurt show in his face.

But Naruto was willing to be the bigger boy and apologize though despite all that. He truly hoped that Sasuke would soon accept him and they would go back to what they were before. Wasn't that what future couple do, adjust for each other? So yesterday, Naruto prepared himself to talk to Sasuke and apologize for anything that he could have done. Their families had arranged a dinner together to talk about their future plans.

Sasuke didn't come though. They waited until 10 in the evening but the man didn't show up. Fugaku had called him several times but the line remained busy. Apparently, Itachi knew some of his friends unlike Naruto who completely lost track of him and called one. The one named Suigetsu answered and told them Sasuke was with his girlfriend.

That had been the last straw for Naruto. Here he was, willing to start over again because he believed in the bastard. Stupid, stupid, stupid. If the word could be carved in his skull to make him stop hoping, Naruto would have done long ago. Sasuke clearly didn't want him, why couldn't he understand that simple fact? The sympathizing look of their parents and Itachi drew out the anger inside him. He could not stomach to be taken as pathetic as he felt at the moment. He didn't even offer any words to the Uchiha family as his parents silently took their leave. His parents were clearly offended but what Naruto felt was a sick apathy.

Sighing, he glanced at the clock and debated with himself if he should go out now. Things wouldn't be resolve if he keep hiding and why was he hiding in the first place? He didn't do anything wrong! It was all Sasuke's bastard's fault! A part of him was scared though to see Sasuke this evening. He didn't even look up in the ceremony when the bastard went to the stage to accept his valedictorian award that he worked so hard of.

Deciding that he should really stop being a coward and just go out, he was beaten to it when the door opened and the person in his thoughts entered. Naruto instantly went cold.

"Come on Sasuke. Just this night. Let me make you see stars."

"I'd rather you'd not." The two's attention snapped to the rising blond from the bed. Naruto met their startled looks calmly as he arranged his crumpled shirt. He could recognize the girl as Karin, the vice-president of the Student Council. Heh. Now he believed the saying that those who are silent were the worst. "At least let me get out first. I'm not really into voyeurism."

Sasuke's usually poker expression was replaced with confusion as he untangled himself from the red-haired girl. He made a motion to grab Naruto but the blond was quicker, side-stepping. The raven called his name and in his panic state, Naruto hurriedly squeezed his body amidst the writhing people on the dance floor. He could feel his heart beating wildly as he replayed the scene all over again. The girl with her hand provocatively rubbing Sasuke's crotch. His Sasuke. Reality had never been harsher until this moment.

Sakura hurriedly put down her drink when she caught the heart-broken look on Naruto's face as he walked towards the bar counter. She had an idea it was because of that leech Karin who couldn't seem to let go of a certain Uchiha. Every Naruto's friends had known the deal between him and Sasuke so they always distract him whenever the raven was near.

He was barely breathing when Sakura put her arms around him and act as if they were dancing. Naruto went along absentmindedly.

"Are you okay?" Sakura asked worriedly.

Naruto briefly shook his head when the image of Sasuke and that girl flashed through his mind again. His heart clenched painfully. "Sasuke was with Karin."

Sakura's arms tightened around his shoulder. "Do you want to go home now? I can sing for you instead."

The thought of Sakura trying to sing when she couldn't even hit the right note to save her life caused Naruto to smile a little. He pulled her closer and rested his chin on her head. "It'll be fine. I want to sing that song anyway."

Sakura huffed. "You're just an attention-seeker whore."

Naruto was about to retort just who was exactly the attention-craving one when he locked on the sight of Sasuke standing a feet from him. He froze, his heart's erratic beating coming back full force. The raven's expression was devoid of emotion again as he stared at Naruto intensely. He could feel Sakura pulling away from him so he tightened his hold, unsure of what would happen. If Sasuke try to explain now, if the bastard tells him that it was not what it looked like then Naruto would be able to understand.

But Sasuke simply scoffed and turned his back.

The whole world had never been as grey as Naruto stared at his back and knew he would not be able to reach him even if he tried hard.

"Naruto?" Sakura gripped the hands on her hips and stepped back forcefully. "What is it?"

"Nothing." But the blond's face looked like he was about to break down and cry. "Can we do the couple's dance now?"

Sakura chose not to comment further, in her mind cursing Sasuke Uchiha for being the only one to hurt the blond this bad. She left Naruto who was heading to the bar counter, no doubt to drink again. Her index finger signaled for Kiba who took the DJ role when they left Naruto on the room. The brunet took off his huge headset and nodded.

The crowd roared when the year's cheerleader captain stood on the stage. She grinned at them as she took a hold of the mic. "Okay everyone, tonight is the night you will have the chance to have a dance with your long time crush. No boyfriends and girlfriends so please don't be a kill joy! If someone ask you to dance, just let them! It's just one night guys! And if your partner get ask out, don't be a bitter gourd! Come on, it's just one dance, they won't get snatch away from you!"

Everyone laughed and started pointing at the people they knew who harbored such feelings. Naruto took a deep breath and went to the stage. He saw Kiba and Sakura gave him the thumbs up while he sat on the chair. The crowd chanted his name briefly, as they were always a fan of the cheery blond's talent.

"Okay…" Naruto grinned at them, willing himself to forget what happened while he perform. "Clear the floor everyone. Only those who have unrequited love earned the right to dance tonight."

The music started playing and few couples moved to the dance floor. Naruto recognized some of them but what really stood out was his friend Shikamaru who was known for having the same motivation as a crab dance with one of the alumni who attended, Temari. The scene at least put a smile in Naruto's face as he started singing.

"Two old friends meet again.

Wearing' older faces and talk about the place they've been.

Two old sweetheart who fell apart somewhere long ago.

How are they to know?

Someday they'd meet again and have a need for more than reminiscing."

Naruto's heart tightened, the flashes of childhood returning to him. Of the old tree house and ninjas. Of butterflies and promises.

"Maybe this time. it'll be love that they'll be find

Maybe now they can be more than friends.

She's back in his life and it feels so right.

Maybe this time love won't end."

He couldn't help but search for Sasuke while he sang. Blue-eyes traitorously roamed the dance floor, hoping that perhaps what Karin harbors for the raven was unrequited love for the raven. An absence of the two only bought a lump on his throat.

Probably fucking.

The song ended with everyone applauding him. Naruto could feel Kiba, Sakura and their other friends who now realized something was wrong as he exited the stage. Sakura was already by his side.

"Naruto, you want to rest a little? Your voice swayed a lot."

"I'm sorry." Naruto smiled sadly. "Did I ruin it?"

"Silly!" Sakura briefly glanced at Ino as she joined them, worry etched on her face too. "You did amazing!"

Naruto's clenched his fist, willing to at least alleviate the pain. He had hoped Sasuke would appreciate the song too because he wouldn't have been able to write it without the raven as an inspiration. Breathing deeply, he was struck with a desperation to go home now. "Sakura, I'm really not feeling well so I'll leave first."

"Naruto, what happened?" Ino held his hands. He was surprise he didn't notice her immediately.

"Nothing!" The blond was already getting guilty of having his friends worried for him. "I just don't feel well."

"Let me and Kiba take you home."

"No really-"

"Hey." A voice startled the three. They turned to the person who had the nerve to disturb them and was greeted by a calling card extended to Naruto. "I'm Yamato. I heard from your friends that you write amazing songs. And you really do. If you're interested, my agency would like to have as our trainee."

Naruto reluctantly accepted the calling card. He felt like he should prioritize the opportunity but he really was not feeling well.

"I'm sure he will contact you soon." Sakura gave the stranger a bright smile, cautious as she had a feeling it will be a big deal for her friend. "But he's not feeling well so we have to take him home."

"Sure. Just dropped by our office anytime." Yamato smiled then politely went back to his spot. He was lucky to have been at that bar tonight, needing just a drink. He knew the blond would be their next big artist.

Kushina's felt her stomach dropped. "What?"

Naruto tiredly sigh, sitting down beside his mother on his parent's bed. "Icha Icha Records want me to sign a contract with them."

Tears automatically welled up in her eyes. She knew how much her son value songwriting and to be given a break that was not sponsored by their family was surely a big deal. She was a witness to some sleepless nights where Naruto would stayed up writing for an event or a person knowing that he doesn't ask for anything in return but appreciation.

"I'm so proud." She croaked, pulling him into a hug. "I'm so proud of my baby."

Naruto wished the announcement would stop right there with his mom happy but he had to do this. He thought about it for days, debating whether it was really worth it. Going through his songs, he already had the answer. "But they want me to debut in America."

Silence reigned the room. The blond was beginning to fidget in his mom's arms when a hand finally came up to rub against his back comfortingly. "It's fine. It's your dream."

Naruto pulled back in shock. He didn't expect his mom to agree without a fight as she was so protective of him. "Mom?"

Kushina smiled tenderly at her son's shock expression. "Your dad and I will really miss you but we have money to visit you there all the time." Blue-eyes narrowed suspiciously at the way the woman stretched the phrase. "We want you to pursue the thing that really makes you happy."

"It does Mom." Naruto knew he didn't want to cry anymore after what happened at the bar a week ago but couldn't stop when his eyes welled up in tears. "I'll call all the time."

Kushina widened her eye threateningly. "Make sure you do."

They were in the middle of discussing what Icha Icha Records plans were for the blond when Minato entered the room. He stared as his family discussion halted and turned anxious eyes on him. Loosening his tie, he asked "What?"

"Naruto got a record contract with Icha Icha Records!"

"That's great Naruto! As expected of my son! Wait…why do you two look sad though?"

"He's moving to America."

"What?!"

TO BE CONTINUED…

Kindly drop me a review, it means a lot!