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Chapter 28

Infinite World: The Red Wedding

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Three days flew by quickly for them. And while they spent their days separately, with Menma training under Mikoto and the dance instructors as well as the other female Uchihas in knowing his duties as Sasuke's bride; Sasuke on the other hand spent time with his father and the clan elders, mostly planning for the reception and even discussing the clan and the village's future from time time.

They were allowed to train each other only for the joint dance and while they may not see each other much, Sasuke never let Menma out of his sights during the night, much to the other's delight who did not complain of Sasuke's ardent attention.

Those days flew by quickly and while Menma's inherent wildness both in bed and outside still took Sasuke by surprise, he can't help but be swept away by the presence of his sun; chest brimming, soaring and thrumming in never-ending joy.

And every night he'd hold his dobe in his arms, running his hands on that soft lush dark hair. While he missed Naruto's golden locks, there's no doubt in his mind now that he has, in his arms his sun, the light and warmth to his dark and lonely existence. Sasuke couldn't ask for more; wouldn't trade it for anything.

His brother often teased him about it and while Itachi had to constantly thread lightly in the halls of the estate, avoiding their fathers' way, his brother is ever as supportive to his upcoming wedding.

And when he apologized for how their father treated him, Itachi just shook his head telling him that as long as he gets to be by his little brother's side, the brother he loved so much is enough for him. For much like how Naruto is Sasuke's sun, Sasuke is Itachi's, the everlasting shining beacon of light that keeps the older man going.

It was the night of before the wedding and both Menma and Sasuke were lying in bed together. Menma had his arms around Sasuke's waist, while Sasuke just buried his face in the other's bare chest.

He too got used to Menma's preference to forgo top clothing, saying how he's in the presence of his intended anyway. And Sasuke got to steal light touches on Menma's tempting chest, inhaling the fresh scent of the earth as he nuzzled his sunshine.

Menma kissed the top of his head, inhaling Sasuke's scent as he ran his fingers up and down the Uchiha's back causing the soon to be patriarch to shudder in the male's embrace. This is what he had been dreaming for years.

He felt home at last.

Menma, Naruto, Minashiki…. It doesn't matter.

What matters is he's here in his beloved's arms, enveloped in his very existence, his very scent, his very presence. And Sasuke's heart can't help but feel content. For here is his beloved, savoring him, enjoying his presence much like the days of old, much like their genin days; before Naruto went missing, before he left his sunshine's heart bleeding- crushed under the cold cruel waters of that valley.

Sasuke's eyes widened. Why does he have to remember that day now of all things? He has his Naruto right where he wanted right?

"Is something the matter, dear?" Menma inquired, sensing his lover's distress.

Sasuke inhaled and exhaled loudly, before giving the other man a small smile.

"Nothing. Just excited for tomorrow."

Menma grinned down at him, sapphire eyes alit with pride, with happiness.

"Me, too, Sas… Me too. Shall we head to sleep?"

Sasuke nodded, his lips grazing the other's chest causing the other to laugh lightly as Menma cupped his chin before kissing him on his forehead.

"Hey… none of that dear. Wait until after tomorrow." Menma winked at him before reaching for the light switch. As darkness took over their room, Sasuke leaned his head against Menma's chest, letting the other's rhythmic heart lull him to sleep.

Truly, this man is his home.

"Good night, Sas. I love you, babe."

"Love you, too." Sasuke replied and as he closed his eyes, he let the other man's presence rock him to sleep… content… satisfied…

-o-o-o-

Sasuke awoke to a cold lonely bed.

He stood with a start, alarmed. Every senses in his body is ringing. Did he just lose his beloved once again? He jumped off the bed, about to wage war on this godforsaken world if he had to. Just then, his mother entered his room, obviously unhappy with his unprepared state.

"Sasuke… it's nearing noon already and you're still in bed?" Mikoto inquired.

"Where is he mother?" Sasuke asked dangerously, eyes bleeding red at the thought of his disappearing bride.

"Good heavens Sasuke calm down and turn that thing off. Menma's being prepared for the prenuptial reception. If you are to be the leader we need, you ought to show some restraint, Sasuke." Hearing this, Sasuke visibly relaxed, exhaling, relieved that Menma hasn't disappeared on him after all. He took a deep breath before willing his sharingan away.

"Honestly, Sasuke? Were you thinking your bride ran off on you?" Mikoto chuckled, amused at her son's disheveled and panicked appearance. "You know that Menma-kun would never do that to you. The man's in love with you, we can all see that. The man charged into Orochimaru's fortress when he kidnapped you for goodness' sake. Now make yourself presentable. The bride's parents' have arrived for lunch. And I wanted to make a good impression on Kushina and Minato. We have to show them that we can take care of their son without them and you showing up like this isn't a good look."

Sasuke stared at his mother, before it dawned on him that this is the day, this is finally the long awaited day. The day where he and his beloved would get to spend their together forever, bound not just by their hearts and souls but by the law and in the eyes of their clan; witnessed by Konoha herself and her people.

Butterflies fluttered in his stomach once again as he donned his black Kimono, following his mother to the great dining hall of the estate.

-o-o-o-

"Dear friends, the next head of the Uchiha clan, and the groom of the bride has arrived." Sasuke's presence was announced as he entered the hall. He saw Menma at the other table, dining with Kushina and Minato. He made his way for his bride, excitement roaring in his veins, but was stopped by his mother.

"Sasuke? Where do you think you're going?"

"To my bride mother. Where else?"

Mikoto rolled her eyes. "You eat with us Sasuke. This is a send-off party for the bride. Give Menma-kun some privacy with his family, alright? It's bad manners to interrupt them on their final day with the bride." She said as she guided her son to the Uchiha's table.

"So Sasuke, excited about tonight?" His father, grinned, seeing his approach.

"Tsk. I had to stop him from coming over to Menma's side, father." Mikoto commented, smiling, amused at her son's impatience.

"Don't worry, Sasuke. You'll have Menma all to yourself after this. This is just to show the bride's family of how much we can provide for their bride." Fugaku mentioned. And true enough the bride's table was surrounded with more exotic foods than what was served on the Uchiha's long table.

Exotic fish, crabs, shrimp and lobsters imported from Wave, even imported fried scorpions from the land of Sand and snow-encased sushi from the land of Snow was displayed proudly and while Sasuke can't help but roll his eyes at the extravagant display for three people, though he can somewhat understand the logic of impressing the bride's family.

He ignored Kushina's crying and Minato's coddling over their son, knowing that they need their moment. Because if he's understanding is correct, they're never seeing their son after tonight, again. While this saddened him a bit, the fact that Menma is his after this overshadowed that fact.

"Is everything ready, father?" Sasuke asked and Fugaku smiled.

"Of course, son. The red wedding that Menma wanted. Your mother pulled all the stops. We had to import textiles from Rain and Tea country to give your bride his dream wedding, but it's as your mother said. A wedding is only once in a lifetime event, even more so when it involves the future head of the clan."

Sasuke ate his lunch, gratefully thanking his father and mother for their effort; stealing glances over at Naruto's table.

His soon to be bride was wearing a simple orange Kimono. And it made his vibrant sapphires stand out, stealing his breath away briefly as his eyes met Menma's gaze, who only smirked at him, completely aware of his effect on the Uchiha groom.

Mikoto laughed at his side. "You're utterly smitten, aren't you, Sasuke? Just you wait until tonight, dear." She said cryptically.

-o-o-o-

The sun was already setting and Menma's family was resting on a separate room. They weren't allowed to see each other after that. After lunch, which consumed much of the hours leading to the evening, Sasuke and Menma had their own team of make-up artists and tailors catering to them.

The orange glow of the setting sun was quickly followed by the lighting of fires, and Sasuke could vaguely see the servants setting up red lanterns on the wide open space in the wide inner court yard of the Uchiha compound.

"There, you are. You're ready, son. Hold on, just one final touch." Mikoto said. She took off her Uchiha necklace and placed it around Sasuke's neck. "There. Now go meet your bride. Be sure to breathe, Sasuke, okay?" She teased. And Sasuke wondered just what they had in store for him. He was led to the clan's main stage, and he could see the clan elders and Uchiha members dressed in black kimono with red trims in attendance.

The red lanterns were set up elaborately overhead casting a magical light in the venue that contrasted the creeping darkness; red cloth lining the chairs and tables around them. And as soon as the sun has fully set, a drum can be heard, along with the opening of the main wooden gate to the Uchiha compound.

"Ladies, Gentlemen and friends, the bride approaches." As soon as the master of ceremony announced it, the beat of the drum grew louder, a soft music played in the background and Sasuke's breathing hitched as his eyes caught sight of the approaching figure. There, at the entrance of the gates was his Menma wearing an elaborate fire kimono in white and red. The Kimono stretched long behind him, swaying like lava; a tantalizing beckoning flame as he walked gracefully for his groom.

The fires casted an almost ethereal glow to his beloved, orange dancing with cerulean sapphires despite the thin white veil hiding his face. Those hypnotic eyes that captivates was trained on him as Menma held Kushina and Minato's hands by his side. They wore the bride's white and red motif, but their Kimonos were far shorter than his. His bride's hypnotic eyes never left him as soon as he walked in, and Sasuke's chest tightened and he gasped for air feeling like he could drown in those endless pools if not for his mother's hand squeezing his own hand tightly.

"Sasuke… breathe." His mother whispered. "Relax, son. Breathe."

And Sasuke was able to regain his bearings. Midway through the center, Fugaku bowed at Minato and Kushina who bowed in return.

"Hokage-sama" They greeted as Fugaku took Menma's hand taking his turn to lead the bride closer to his groom. Kushina and Minato were then seated, the only whites in a sea of blacks. Through it all, Minato and Kushina were teary-eyed, recognizing the symbolic gesture of handing their only son to the Uchiha. For now, they would watch the ceremony but after today, they may never see their boy again.

But at least they do so in the knowledge that their son is in the best hands possible in all of Konoha. For their son is set to marry the future head of the clan, the next in line to Hokage.

"Konoha… we bear witness to this ceremony to unite my dearest son and his bride. We are gathered here as they affirm their pact and vows to each other; a promise of a lifetime binding them to each other. Today…" Fugaku began as he took his place in front of Sasuke and Naruto. Non-uchiha audience were also in attendance on the far backside, cordoned off by a handful of volunteer Uchiha police, to serve as witnesses to the union of two important people in Konoha.

Sasuke tuned his father out as he took the chance to study his bride carefully, and had to keep his mouth from falling to the ground. Menma was breath taking. Ruby beads decorated his head, along with red roses and flowers he can't quite recognize dotting the man's head. His dark spiky locks was let down to his shoulders, brushed straight and perfect, shining, glowing amidst the fires of the lanterns overhead. His eyes popped with dark eyeliner and meticulously applied mascara on his eyelashes, his bright blue eyes dancing hypnotically from beneath what privacy the thin veil could offer. His usually confident smirk, a tantalizingly innocent shy smile; a solitary fang peeking seductively at rosy glossed lips.

"Menma-kun, speak your vows, now and pledge yourself fealty to your future husband. Both in the eyes of the law, of Konoha and her people, of all who are present here." Fugaku's voice was authoritative, yet gentle, as if he himself was hypnotized by the bride's own beauty.

"Sasuke…" The Uchiha's ears tingled at that soft baritone, husky yet gentle, so full of emotions, of love and care for him as Menma gave him a short bow before taking his hand. "From the moment I met you, I know I wanted you in my life forever. You are my first bond, and my last. You are my guardian, my protector, my provider. I offer myself to you and you alone. With this ring…" Menma slipped a simple gold ring on his ring finger.

"My heart now beats for you and you alone. And with this thread…" Mikoto helped Menma with a red string, tying it to the collars of their kimono. "symbolizes that my soul will always be connected to you, forever bound, forever searching; forever tied together as two souls in one." Sasuke's eyes started to water at the thought, chest constricting at the tenderness by the way Menma spoke them.

His voice was like a caress to his soul, fanning an ember within his heart causing it to beat rapidly against his chest, that Sasuke had to catch his breath.

"From this moment on, you are mine to love, to cherish, to support, to nurture and to care for. I will be the light to your shadow, the hand you can rest upon when you're weary. I love, you Sasuke Uchiha. And I pledge myself as your partner, loving you for all eternity. To the ends of this world and back, I will fight through the fire, through the seas and through the storms for you… for us. I love you, Sasuke. Now and forever."

Sasuke's ears started ringing. He can't believe it. He's finally hearing it… the words he longed to hear from his beloved.

Mikoto elbowed him, urging him to say his vow as well.

"Mine! You're now mine, Na—Menma. Mine forever…" Sasuke said, earning him a stern look from his mother.

"Say your vows, properly young man or so help me!"

"Right." Sasuke fumbled with his ring, earning him an amused smirk from Menma who held out his hand.

"Menma, you are my light, my sunshine. I am your provider, your shelter, your guardian. I will protect you and cherish you in sickness, in health, for better or worse. For you alone is the light to my darkness. I offer myself to you and you alone. With this ring…" He slipped the ring in Menma's hands, appreciating how small and tiny and oh so soft it was against his bigger hands. "My heart beats for you and you alone. Let no one sever this thread connecting us. For we are now one, united in front of Konoha and her people as Husband and Husband. I dedicate my life to you and you alone. Not even eternity can break my pact to you. I love you, Menma Uchiha. Now and Forever."

At this, Menma smiled, and he was captivated once more at the sun standing in front of him, burning bright against the darkness of the night, a lamp post in a tempest of stormy seas.

"As Hokage of this village, and as father of Konoha and executor of her laws, I now pronounce you officially husbands. Behold Konoha and witness, the newly-weds!" He then turned to Menma and Sasuke. "You may now seal this union with a kiss."

As Sasuke lifted Menma's veil, he could hear his heart beating in his ears, the hairs at the back of his neck raising as he marveled at the beautiful creature in front of him. He can't believe this is happening. And when his lips collided, embraced by Menma's soft velvety ones, Sasuke's world exploded.

He was deaf to the fireworks booming in the background, blind to the fiery flowers glowing in the sky, nor can he hear the booming cheers of the crowd before them.

For in this moment, all his senses is focused on Menma, on his beloved, the only visible figure in his darkening vision, the only sound his ears can hear and the only presence his soul can feel.

At last…

They are one… United as husbands, as family.

Nothing will ever separate them again

Nothing will pull them apart again.

He will defend his bride to his last. None shall ever take his sun away from him ever again.

-o-o-o-

A/N: And that's that. I hope you enjoyed the wedding. I am not a romantic person, but I hope the wedding was still somewhat romantic because I realized that this is the first wedding scene I have ever written. I tried to mix it up from the traditional wedding since this is the ninja world after all and the Uchiha may have their own customs. But tell me what you think of it. I hope you enjoyed it. Until next time. :)