Nobody has said anything to complain in regards of Itachi, but I should let you know that you won't have to hate him, for he is not villainous like Orochimaru, Tetsuo or the real threat coming later in this story. Keep in mind that Tsunade said everything happens for a reason, and it's also a life lesson we've all been told.

Chapter Ten

Two Brothers Marry Two Sisters

"General Uchiha-sama sees something he wants and will do anything to get it."

Oh, Kakashi, you were so right. I underestimated him. I should have known this had been part of his plan all along! DAMN IT, THAT BASTARD!

The victory she relished was gone as quickly as it came. She wanted to throw a tantrum just to get her rage out in the open, but her bones would break if she got too reckless. Tsunade wouldn't be happy since she was going to spend it healing the men who got entangled in the mania on the festive day. "Festive meant to break blood, sweat and bones," she said with a shake of the head. Then she looked up at Sakura who was by Sasuke's side as all were leaving, but not before congratulating their army general and ruler, bowing with respect. Naruto gladly stayed the hell away from him.

Only the good luck didn't last long as the attention soon turned on her, and both important people in her lives - along with the only unwanted himself - and she received the bows. She winced, not happy with this kind of attention like the day she and Sasuke rode through the village for the story of their victory against the snake Orochimaru. She looked into some of their eyes, suppressing the flinch at the dislike which silently spoke of the message.

Gold-digger. Whore. You don't deserve to be the wife of our leader. No words could describe the hurt inside, but she shoved it aside, knowing she would prove them wrong once and for all.

But the ones who smiled most warmly at her were the ones she accepted: You will make an excellent wife and equal.

"Naruto, you were wonderful!" Sakura told her, taking her hand into hers, but the warmth that washed over which she'd known since they were young girls felt uncomfortable. "And we'll get married on the same day; I'm so happy for you!"

She knew better than that; beneath was the guilt regarding her words the night she told Naruto of her engagement.

Sasuke took her hand as well, the other one, but he failed to smile. It was then she saw the quiet dismay in his eyes. He didn't like this one bit; he knew what would happen to her now that she was going to be bound to his brother and he to her sister. He then leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Be strong." That was all, but she didn't expect anything more. She knew what he was implying: Don't let him, the ones beneath, or the ones in the middle walk over you.

Naruto could only nod, then looked over his shoulder to see the elder brother himself with his eyes narrowed by a fraction. It seemed like she was right, in that he knew all along about her feelings for Sasuke without her even telling him. All the more reason to hate him, despite being taught that you could never hate someone you didn't know that well. But she had every reason to; this Uchiha teme had used this tournament to show she was equal spouse material, showing her skills in combat against him - and with Sasuke and Sakura watching!

She was sure her anger was schooled behind from sight, for the regular people around her as well as fellow noble folk were still greeting and congratulating her, but she could feel Tsunade's eyes burning holes into her shoulders just as much as Itachi Uchiha's piercing gaze seared her like black fire.

Just you wait, Itachi-teme. I'll make your life hell behind closed doors if I'm to please you in these people's eyes.

~o~

Over two months, not even three passed, when the day finally arrived for her, her unwitting bridegroom as well as their brother and sister, soon to be in-laws on both sides. In between this day and the day of the tournament which was the announcement of the wedding, the kimonos had to be prepared along with everything else, and all scheduled even before both proposals.

When everything calmed down, Tsunade was in tears, which was seldom for her guardian to be seen like this, because both her girls were marrying well despite not choosing on their own. Although, in Naruto's case, it was far from happy, and that earned another repeated lecture and smack to the back of the head from Tsunade to stop acting like a child, which she wasn't anymore. "What you said to me was when you were thirteen years old," the older blonde said, "and while I am sorry for you, you need to grow up and start making the best of it like your sister intends to. At least you will still see Sasuke, and you should be pleased your groom won't prevent you from seeing each other."

Her words stung her to the core, to a point which Naruto had to cry herself to sleep that same night. She felt like she had been betrayed to the highest degree, after all these years of having love and familial support. It was such a distant memory that brutal reality kicked in.

Whereas she snuck off from Sakura that one night, she let her best friend and future sister-in-law rock her to sleep, which made her grateful that they weren't pushing each other away - or rather, Naruto was relieved she wasn't pushing the pinkette away.

The next day, she received a ring of her own, when Itachi summoned her to his chambers for the afternoon meal. It had just been the two of them, and he promised on his honor that he wouldn't try anything she didn't want. To even be in his presence was like sitting before the most powerful god. Now that she thought of it as she looked upon him, he was quite...good-looking. More than Sasuke, if she said so. So different but the same. Differences were the hair length, the lines between his eyes which spoke of hardship and experience, drained with tired sadness. His eyes had the same black fire as his brother, but slowly diminishing because of his seat of power.

It made her now wonder if he even wanted to be in the position of ruler over the lands. Why did I not think of this before?

This was the first time they were alone together since the ride to the woods, and it ended on unpleasant terms. But somehow, it didn't seem so unsettling, because as soon as she entered his chambers, the feast was laid out between them. And when he smiled at her, she saw no trace of glee, satisfaction or anything snide. It seemed almost...genuine.

Naruto couldn't lower her guard and trust him because of his actions, but seeing him like that made her remember he lost his wife and unborn child. He wasn't a monster, but a human being. She wanted to ask him, if they were going to be wed. She had a plan to get him to trust her, and if that worked, then this marriage might be better and more successful than she thought. It meant equal terms instead of him seeing her do what he told her to do. Wives expected to serve their husbands might change if I make this impression. If I get him to see that, then we both can make the difference.

But that was still ways off. If only it could happen overnight!

She didn't know how to think about asking him regarding his personal life other than this: "Were you married before?"

His posture stiffened. "You have heard," he said simply. Naruto nodded. He sighed. "It's wise to not discuss this subject when it will be you and I. But yes, I had a wife before you. She died in childbirth, ages ago it would seem."

"But it's been a year, hasn't it? I'm sorry for what happened to her -"

"Enough." He interrupted her firmly but quietly, eyes hard. He said no more, but the hint was there in that she better drop the subject or else. She was putting herself in mild jeopardy, and she didn't know if she wanted to know what those consequences would be.

Fine, if he doesn't want to talk, then maybe I'll ask after we're married. Maybe then he'll open up.

For the life of her, she couldn't understand why she cared this much, angry and frustrated beyond belief with him. It was her heart, that was it. And Sakura saying that the death of Itachi's wife affected him more than anyone thought, which explained mostly why he refused to let the public know. Men and pride, but Tsunade also said that men were taught to be emotionally strong as well as physically, but on the inside they were just as soft as women.

In other words, Naruto had her work cut out for her to work her way into him in return. She did as he asked and dropped the topic that day, but he was underestimating her this way. He ought to have known better than that.

Just as she was leaving, the food sumptuous as always and done with better skill than she could have done - and ramen heaven! - now the ring around her finger: a magnificent iridescent gem of rainbow hues was ringed with a river of crystalline blue stones, set on moonlit metal. It snugged her finger and made something in the digit throb; she wasn't sure if it was good or bad, but it never left her be.

All of which brought them to the present, on this day which was the day that sealed her and Sakura's fates. It was in time for the harvest to begin, the weather cool, winds mild, and the colors of autumn warm. Naruto looked out the window, the shoji screen pushed aside, before being scolded by the head dressmaker herself and being pulled away so her hair wouldn't be ruined. She scowled and glared at the woman who returned it icily, warning her that she would not be tolerated today if she displayed such arrogance. Already she wanted to show who was superior.

Sakura was happy and blushing as the kimono she was in, which was soft and vibrant pink, splashed with red cherry blossoms, tied with an obi sash to match her eyes. Sprigs of dainty white flowers expertly placed in two places within her twisted pastel locks. Every inch the blushing maiden - unlike me.

Naruto looked down at herself in lush sapphire blue with camellias of white and orange, the sash vibrant as a burning orange sunset, and then at the whole view in the tall wall mirror. She winced at the thing on her head. This white hat topped with chopsticks and orange orchids made her look and feel ridiculous. Her sister smiled over at her; she forced the return.

"Come on, Naruto, try to be happy. It's been two months," the pinkette said, some sadness in her eyes that didn't reach her smile. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Naruto resisted clenching her fists at her sides.

"I am." Liar.

The door was knocked on then and there, and in came Tsunade-baa herself, in a dark green kimono patterned with gold-and-white koi fish tied with a golden obi. Her eyes lit up at the sight of her girls now brides, and come to escort them for the procession to the palace hall, attended by many - and a handful being her and Sakura's friends from the village along with their families.

There were no flowers arranged, but some people carried bouquets in the seasonal colors, others grains of wheat. Naruto thought her face was going to freeze with the fake smile she was forced to put on for them, though briefly she made eye contact with Tenten whom she saw among; the brunette seemed to guess otherwise. It had been months since she'd seen her friend, so that brief moment far away wasn't enough.

The procession, flocked both brides carrying painted umbrellas over their heads, their mother behind them as well as the handmaidens assigned to them in the rear, crossed the threshold and into the hall where both grooms waited. The brothers were in black haori. Both were very handsome. Now she felt a tear slip down her cheek; she was happy she and Sakura wore no makeup like those geisha.

If anyone saw the shine on her cheek, they would say nothing to her face. They might murmur amongst themselves, assuming it was a tear of joy - when it was far from the truth.

Emperor Sarutobi was there, and to see him made her melt inside as she continued to cry. He noticed her pain and offered a quiet glance of sympathy, before she and Sakura stood before their grooms, and the ceremony could begin. The umbrellas were closed and both handed to Tsunade.

Everything felt like a blur to her, though what happened was kneeling to receive the blessing of the gods, followed by the san-san-kudo ritual in which three sips from the bride, three from the groom, and three from the family - and in case, Tsunade got a total of six - solidified the union of both sides. Naruto though she would vomit after the little amount of sake, and who knew if she would be able to take the wedding feast and tea ceremony to come.

But the worst might have come when the emperor declared them man and wife, on both sides...and that they could now kiss to complete the circles.

"Don't be afraid," Itachi whispered to her, leaning close to her frozen face. She could only keep her eyes glued on him and jolt inside when his lips came to lay themselves on hers, while Sasuke's did the same to Sakura's behind his back. Oh, gods, I can't look over his shoulder to see...OH, MY! HIS LIPS -!

A murderous flame burst to life in her heart and traveled throughout the rest of her body.

~o~

She was so exhausted when the festivities were all over. She wanted nothing more than to just go to sleep, but it wouldn't come so quickly, because there was one major problem she'd dreaded even worse than being forced into this union.

She and her new husband, Itachi Uchiha - general and ruler of the village of Konoha and its army - were going to consummate their so-called relationship, and it made her want to bolt to the waste box and let out the contents of her stomach. But Tsunade gave her a couple cups of sake to calm herself down. Her frazzled nerves did relax, but not her thundering heart.

Her body was taken care of early that morning before the dressings, Sakura with her. To think about her best friend and Sasuke in their own bridal chamber made her feel like she would die in a split second. The sight of the cot made her organs roll about. Placed on the four points were a candle for the worldly elements: north on the head was the black candle for water, south at the foot was the red candle for fire and yellow for the earth, west with white for the void, and east blue and green for wood. All were placed to help husband and wife become one with each other and the universe.

Itachi had been standing to the west, still in his kimono, hands clasped in front of him as he watched her intently. "Naruto," he said softly. His face wasn't hard as stone, but relaxed and very kind. Was he doing this just for tonight? She took only a few steps toward him, pausing a few feet away. A brow rose. "Dear wife -" To be called that made her spinal nerves bristle. "- what do you fear?"

She looked down, unsure of how to answer. He must have been assuming she was afraid of any pain that would come, so he took the initiative. He walked over to lean down and kiss her again. He set her on a fire that Sasuke never made her feel - or maybe it was stronger than that. And strangely enough, she wasn't repulsed.

Am I under his spell and can't get away?

Or worse, even scarier: am I falling in LOVE with him?

Naruto thought she had experience with love, but that kind was nothing but farfetched. It resulted in the first broken heart she had, so she was afraid of a second time around, or if his definition of love was nothing like a girl would want. Men saw women as trophies and objects to be seen and not heard, so what if he changed his mind about everything he'd promised before tonight? If dread didn't fill her enough, then it infected her.

Itachi's hands crept up her back as he deepened the kiss, one of them coming up to gently probe the sensitive back of her neck, making her quiver. That limb found its way to her short shockwaves of hair; the hat had been removed before she came to this room. Then he released her, both from his touches and his lips. Kami, she was breathless, and her cheeks were burning!

"Let me." Before she knew what was happening, he was grasping her sash and removed it. He was going to undress her; instantly, she panicked. "Naruto, if you don't relax," he said sternly, "this won't be pleasant for either of us." The outer silk was gone then, leaving her in the brocade underdress followed by the cotton undergarment - she really hated these formal things! A yukata is much better than this.

She had never been exposed to a man before - and she'd seen black and nothingness during her rape - so she had to quickly cover herself with her hands, mostly her breasts and the private area between her legs. Itachi chuckled at her timidity. He continued to gaze over her as he worked on undoing his garments. Naruto had to look to the side, which he didn't seem to mind. It made her wonder if his first wife looked the same way as she; a part of her felt inferior now compared to her.

The rustling in her ears ceased, telling her he was naked as she. But she was too embarrassed to look at him. He was taking this expertly gentle and slow, guiding her. He was going to show her how it was done. She chose to just let him.

Naruto found herself laying down on the cot, his member in between her; she didn't look any further over his body other than his torso and arms. He was...beautiful. Majestic. A warrior. She'd never seen a man like that. And he was her husband. Her belly twitched and pooled liquid heat which seeped down to a certain part of her anatomy that itched for some form of contact. "What are you doing to me?"

"Hn?" He looked at her quizzically. "You're asking me what I am doing. My lady, I am giving you pleasure you've never known." He bowed his head, tongue sliding over the top of her left breast, swirling around the hardening nipple. She gasped and arched into him, swallowing it down when she was stricken with shame at how he easily broke down her defenses. Oh, this is not what I thought it would be...

His hands were moving again, one sliding up her flanks and sides, the other her thigh and dipping in between it and its companion to find the wet thatch of curls, palming over it and finding the bud sticking out of the flaps and into the brush. Her moan was so loud she thought she would go deaf; she was losing her mind as she was losing control of her own body. "Don't stop," she whimpered, turning her face in the opposite direction, closing her eyes.

Itachi snickered. "Not on your life," he promised, withdrawing his hand from her apex, replacing it with his hips aligning up there, and thrusting in slowly before barging right in, making her cry out with such rapture that he vowed to give her, increasing when his hips began to thrust in and out, repeating the ritual for an unlimited amount of time, the paces quicker than any of the candles that flickered in the calm air.

Naruto threw her hands to his shoulder, grasping onto him as she felt herself being dragged over that cliff of paradise. This feeling...this sensation...was far more exquisite than any tapestry in the palace walls. What had previously been unknown territory turned into a voyage that made her want more.

"You have...marvelous breasts," her husband murmured, burying his face in their valley. "And fine curves. You are woman in body, but more a man in spirit."

His fine acknowledgement and praise in itself with the luxury he spilled into her was the most beautiful thing she'd ever felt that it made her heart weep - but then it was over when he raised his head, and the tense silence and equally stony gaze made her open her eyes and look at him. She wished she hadn't, for she didn't like those eyes ablaze with ebony flames.

His voice was low and dark. Angry. Oh, gods...

"Naruto...you're not a virgin."

Oh, God, this is just about to take a turn for the worst. :S At least, I think. Or if Naruto tells him, would he be understanding or brutal...?

Review, pretty please.