So sorry for the long update. I've devised a plan in hopes of updating and posting more often, but it really depends on whether I follow it or not. Thanks to those who've been patient with me. Hopefully, I won't ever have to take this long (four months!) to complete a chapter again.

And I need help deciding. Should Naru and Sasu get it on in the bath? And should Naru kiss Sasu first, or should Sasu kiss Naru first?

By the way, for those restless writers out there wanting a break, I have a NaruSasu fic challenge. Check my profile for details.

Exploding Stars

Chapter 3 The Arrival of Strangers

"Um… I'm sorry. You must've misunderstood me. What I meant was that Naruto and Sasuke…" Iruka began once he recovered from the shock Kakashi's reply induced. He hesitated, unsure of how to phrase the news. How exactly does one inform a teacher that his two trouble-making charges have, quite frankly, tied the knot last night? Especially when the aforementioned charges happen to be Naruto and Sasuke?

Kakashi was still regarding him with a calm, impassive expression. Iruka briefly wondered if the man ever got fazed by anything. Perhaps not; Kakashi was a Jounin after all, and all Jounins have witnessed more than their share of shock and grief throughout their short years to remain unaffected by some scandalous rumour.

…Rumour as of now because there really was no solid evidence.

Realizing his companion was still awaiting an answer, Iruka cleared his throat and quickly racked his brain. Joined in holy matrimony last night? No, that wouldn't work. Got hitched? Definitely not. Took their vows? Mated? Became man and… wife? (At this moment, Iruka mentally pictured both his ex-students in front of the alter, decked out flawlessly in full wedding wear: Naruto in an impeccable "penguin suit" and Sasuke veiled in a… Iruka immediately banished the image.)

He was interrupted by a shrugging Kakashi, who turned his attention back to his neglected beef ramen. "I've been wondering when the day would come when those two finally got on with it."

"What?" It wasn't until the word was out of his mouth that Iruka realized how undignified it sounded. He swatted himself and regained his composure. Charming, Umino.

Kakashi quietly sighed. The cute ones were always the most clueless. "I never thought it'd be this soon," he explained lazily, "but with Sasuke and Naruto, you never know what they'll do next." Pushing his finished ramen bowl away, he paid for his meal and shot Iruka a quick, flirtatious wink. As much as he enjoyed the Chuunin's company, he had some business (more accurately, espionage) concerning his students' current disposition to attend to. Smiling, he disappeared with a pop and smoke trailing in his wake.

All this was done so smoothly the poor schoolteacher only had time to blink once. Iruka, spotting Kakashi's empty ramen bowl, groaned out loud in disbelief, earning himself a curious look from the owner of the ramen stand. He kicked himself hard several times.

A chance to see the Hatake Kakashi unmasked had been right in the palm of his hands! Trust his clumsy self to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. Whoever had the luck (or skill) to behold whatever was underneath that tantalizing mask would have bragging rights for at least a year. Iruka knew for a fact that even Kakashi's three students have yet to see the Jounin's face. (Naruto had spent a good many meals describing Team Seven's fallible attempts to uncover the cryptic mask.)

Not to mention, Iruka was just dying to see whether Kakashi was as gorgeous as his colleagues wagered.

With a disappointed sigh, he proceeded to finish his now cold pork ramen, all the while puzzling over Kakashi's unsettling words.

-----

The steaming, hot water was heaven to Sasuke. He reclined luxuriously in the overly large bathtub, his head tossed back and his long white neck exposed alluringly. An elegant, pale knee poked out of a sea of thick white foam. Sasuke had never quite grown out of his childish fondness for lavish bubble baths. It soothed and relaxed him especially after a particularly long and exhausting mission. He had originally planned a quick shower, but had changed his mind; he needed time to calm down and clear his head (and to furiously scrub the feel of Naruto off his skin).

His entire body hurt unpleasantly—especially between his legs. He had checked himself in the mirror before stepping into the bath only to discover he had scratch marks on his back as well. Sasuke didn't want to admit it, but Naruto had done quite the number on him last night. Even his hair hurt from all the tugging and hair-pulling he endured.

Who could have possibly guessed Naruto was this violent in bed? Sasuke supposed it must come with all the raging, pent-up hormones. Naruto, like him, had probably never done anything even as remotely passionate as a kiss before (excluding their little incident during graduation years ago). The only difference between them was that Sasuke had no interest in romantic or sexual affairs to begin with; whereas Naruto's overt affection for Sakura had often landed him in more trouble than what it was worth. Naruto always wore his heart on his sleeve (as proven by his persistent and more often unwelcome skirt chasing), a trait Sasuke both pitied and admired him for. It was no wonder why Naruto was so eager last night—not that he himself wasn't, because as much as Sasuke wanted to deny it, some part of his memories knew he enjoyed last night very much even if he remembered nothing of it.

But, good sex or not, it still didn't justify Naruto leaving him in such a humiliating state! He was never going to live it down if word got out—and Sasuke was never one to scoff at the frightening powers of rumour and gossip—the he, Uchiha Sasuke, had so many hickeys he could pass for a leopard. His usual dark blue shirt with the high collar wouldn't be enough to cover the embarrassing bite marks. Sasuke could already picture Sakura's horror and Kakashi's amusement perfectly in his mind.

Damn Naruto for sleeping with him. Damn Kyuubi's extraordinary healing powers. And damn Naruto's stamina!

…Which promptly caused Sasuke to blush for the umpteenth time that morning (He didn't even know it was possible for such pale complexion to be so red.) and reach for his collection of expensive, imported soap and shampoo bottles.

For the next half hour, Sasuke washed his hair and scrubbed his body, being extra gentle with the bites and bruises all over his chest and collarbone. Frowning in contemplation, he turned over their current dilemma in his head while basking in the comfort the hot, soothing water provided.

Naruto…

Sasuke had never dedicated much thought to marriage before, though the significant need to revive his deceased bloodline had always been on his agenda. However, if he were to marry someone and resurrect the proud, noble Uchiha clan, he would have to wed a girl. And Sasuke knew for a fact he didn't like girls. They were too clingy and annoying (sometimes even beating Naruto in that department and that was really saying something). And if six years with Sakura as teammate was any indication, girls had a knack for getting themselves in trouble but never out. From what he had learned, apparently girls liked playing helpless and vulnerable in moments of danger and distress. Sasuke couldn't bear their high, shrill voices either. Frankly, like Shikamaru said, girls were too troublesome to handle.

So marrying girls was out of the question for Sasuke. But marrying boys? That would completely defeat the purpose of marriage for Sasuke in the first place, which was to breed more Uchihas to carry on the Sharingan. Usually in the past, if his train of thought had arrived at this point, Sasuke would dismiss it immediately and concentrate on more pressing matters. However, as of right now, there was nothing more urgent than this.

He was married, for God sakes. And to Naruto, no less.

Questions instantly bubbled inside his mind, multiplying in spades in a fraction of a second.

What was he to do for children? Was he obliged to give up ever having children and his duty of rekindling the Uchiha bloodline? (Truthfully, it wasn't a sore loss for Sasuke. He didn't like children, and having little, hyperactive brats running around underfoot were the second to last thing he wanted—the first being married to Naruto, of course.) Could he tolerate Naruto enough to spend the remainder of his life with him? And if he couldn't live with the blonde, could he really go through the dishonour of a divorce? What if he ended up falling for someone else? (Heh, Sasuke rolled his eyes, not likely.)

But what if Naruto fell in love with somebody else? What would he do then? Sasuke quickly discarded the thought. He realized he didn't particularly like contemplating the idea of Naruto in love with another person.

His ponderings strayed toward his family. What would his parents think if they were alive to see their youngest child married to the village outcast? (It could be worse. Naruto could be one of those annoying, obsessive stalkers blindly infatuated with him.) His parents would be so disappointed. They, like regular parents, probably expected him to grow up, marry a nice girl from a respected family, and raise half a dozen bouncing Uchiha babies. His father would expect him to take over the family business, and his mother to provide her with grandchildren. Sadly, their idea of a "happily ever after" was not going to happen anytime soon, if ever, as far as Sasuke could see on the horizon.

And what would Itachi say if he were to hear of this? Of course, Sasuke didn't consider him family anymore after that mentally-scarring stunt he pulled years ago, but Sasuke still wondered what his clan-murdering psychopath of a brother would do if he knew. Sasuke had wisely learned to never underestimate the lengths of which a very sane (It is always the sane ones that are far more lethal, especially when they're psychotic.) member of an infamous criminal organization was capable of going to.

A bold, heavy knock on the door abruptly interrupted him. Before he could react, the door opened and in blew a shirtless Naruto with a gust of cool air.

Scowling, Sasuke sunk deeper into his bubble bath so that his chin touched the white foam and shot Naruto a scathing glare. "What are you doing in here?" he demanded.

"Um," Naruto began sheepishly, one hand nervously scratching the back of his head, "I can't find the other bathrooms." Sasuke didn't blame him. The Uchiha residence was exceptionally large, and it was easy for a stranger unfamiliar with the house to become hopelessly lost.

"Well, I need a bath too…" the blonde lamely finished.

Fortunately, Sasuke picked up on the unspoken implication. "So? Wait outside until I'm done."

"You've been in here for more than an hour, Sasuke, and it's noon! Just share the damn bathtub, will ya?" Naruto, who was never patient, was growing irritated. "Your bathtub is huge, anyway."

More than an hour? Had he been in here that long? "There's no way I'm sharing a bath with you," Sasuke declared, managing the right degree of a growl to end the conversation. As childish as it sounded, this was his bubble bath, his sanctuary, and he wasn't going to share it with Naruto even if they were married.

However, as usual, Naruto either didn't detect the note of hostility or was so accustomed to it, it didn't affect him anymore. Sasuke's bark was worse than his bite—most of the time, anyway. "Don't be so selfish. It's not like we've never bathed together before." Naruto was right; they've been to hot springs before to unwind after a particularly gruelling mission. "Besides," the blonde added as an afterthought, "we've seen each other naked, right? I mean, after last night, there's not going be any surprises there." With that said, Naruto stripped off his boxers, which, Sasuke noted, was green with yellow supernovas. It suited the dolt to a T, in his opinion.

Sasuke modestly averted his gaze. "I said I'm not having a bath with you. This is my house," he mumbled stubbornly, though he could hear his resolve crumbling. It was useless. Once Naruto made up his mind, it was difficult to change it, and Sasuke was currently too weary to bother.

"Aw, come on. Don't be such a bastard, Sasuke. We're married, anyway, so I think I have a right to bathe with you. It's not like I'm gonna grope you." Much, Naruto silently added as he remembered the bewitching sight of Sasuke's posterior. He climbed into the large bathtub behind Sasuke.

As if reading his mind, Sasuke stiffened. "Pervert!"

"Hey! You try having both Kakashi and Jiraiya as teachers and not turn out one!" Naruto countered, a red tinge unfurling across his tanned cheeks. "Like I was going to anyway," he muttered darkly under his breath.

That successfully silenced the Uchiha. Naruto had a valid point. Studying under the tutelages of both Jiraiya and Kakashi, one the notorious creator of the Icha Icha Paradise series and the other an avid fan of the books, Naruto would be an astounding specimen if he didn't emerge a pervert.

"Whatever. Just make yourself useful and wash my back." Sasuke unceremoniously handed the lathering sponge to Naruto. Just because he had to share his wonderful bubble bath didn't mean he had to be courteous about it.

Naruto was only too happy to oblige.

-----

All morning the streets of Konoha were alive with a frenzy that was distinguishable from the regular hustle and bustle of morning. From every angle and direction, every main street and dusty alley, rumour and gossip reigned supreme. By noon, there was scarcely anyone, from senior to toddler, who hasn't heard of the latest scandal involving Uchiha Sasuke. The only question that remained on everyone's minds was the identity of the lucky soul that the Uchiha wedded.

Suspicions arose all across town and bets were erected. A third of the wagers suspected Haruno Sakura, which was a reasonably logical choice, considering that she was the only eligible female Sasuke came into contact with on a daily basis. The romantics declared that Sasuke, wanting to protect his beloved from the jealousy of his obsessive fans, eloped with her in secret, and that the mysterious bride was just a humble, pretty tavern girl, neither ninja nor well known. Some even suspected the sweet, shy Hyuuga Hinata with good reason too. The Uchihas and Hyuugas were noble clans with powerful bloodline limits, and it wouldn't be shocking if Sasuke took a bride from a strong, prominent family.

There were also many various reactions, ranging from unadulterated envy to sheer indifference. The elders of Konoha were only relieved that there would be a new generation of genius Uchihas and the legacy of the Sharingan would be ensured. Others, mostly young women green with envy, either vehemently denied the rumours or were too busy plotting the unpleasant demise of "Sasuke's bride."

Only a tiny handful, namely Iruka and Naruto's drinking buddies, suspected it was the obnoxious blonde that the Uchiha married.

But for the two strangers relaxing in one of Konoha's teahouses, they have yet to hear of today's gossip. They've certainly noticed, of course, the increased activity in the streets and the buzzing of the grapevine at work this morning.

Their waitress, a bubbly, blushing girl, set down their orders with nervous, trembling hands: green tea with dango and some fish snacks. She chanced a glimpse under the wide-brimmed straw hat of the shorter figure, but all she could see were shadows. She had immediately taken notice of the two mysterious strangers as soon as they stepped foot into the teahouse. The couple almost looked ridiculous side-by-side, one being taller than his companion by more than a head. One glance had informed her they were foreigners, and their peculiar attire—swathing, full-length black cloaks embroidered with red clouds and straw hats attached with strips of paper—had readily invoked her curiosity. There was an aura of hidden strength and unspoken authority surrounding them—they were undoubtedly shinobi although she couldn't see their headbands to determine where they were from.

The shorter of the two gestured toward a table some distance away occupied by a group of babbling girls. "What are they talking about?" His words were surprisingly clear and articulate (She had almost expected an exotic accent.) and his voice was deep with a hint of danger that shot tingles down her spine.

"Huh?" The girl, stunned by the low, sexy voice, quickly snapped back to her senses. She paused to listen to the conversation at the other table though she already had an idea of what it was about.

"…I just hope it's not that pink-haired girl on his team. That is so unfair."

"I know! Besides, I'm so much prettier than her. She's so ugly with that big forehead of hers!"

"But who do you think Sasuke chose?"

"I don't know, but I heard it's some blonde. Probably a ditzy bimbo."

"Do you think Sasuke goes for blondes? Should I dye my hair blonde…"

The conversation digressed to whether the redhead that spoke should dye her hair blonde or not.

Figuring the two strangers weren't aware of the news, the waitress explained on a depressed note, "You know Uchiha Sasuke? The only, remaining Uchiha after his brother went berserk and killed them all?" Was it her imagination or did the shorter stranger just twitch? She ignored it and went on, "Rumour has it he eloped last night with some girl. Took us all by surprise. You see, he may be hot but he's never shown any interest in anyone." She concluded dejectedly with a sniff and hurried off to find a tissue to wipe her oncoming tears.

Once she was out of earshot did the taller one finally speak, "Isn't that your little brother, Itachi?"

His colleague, Itachi, sipped his green tea and nodded. He reached for the dango he ordered.

"So your little brother got himself hitched, eh?" The taller, Kisame, grinned mischievously, munching on a fishcake.

"It would seem so."

"Who do you think it is? That pink girl he's always with?"

"No." Itachi's deep voice suddenly plummeted in degrees. He lifted his chin just slightly enough so Kisame could catch a brief glimpse of those enchanting blood-red irises and swirling pupils under the hat brim.

"I know who my little brother married."

To Be Continued