Disclaimer: check chap 1.
"Good morning, Mother," Itachi greeted his mother when he entered the dining room this morning.
He was a bit awkward after the meeting with Yondaime Hokage last night. Well, when Naruto pointed out the kiss mark on Deidara's neck, Itachi was bewildered inwardly. One look at his parents, he knew they knew what Itachi and Deidara did during the festival. By traditional, he was not supposed to touch Deidara intimately before the wedding. Itachi was proud of his self-control but he never knew about the temptation when you were with the one you love was irresistible. It made him irrational and logic failed him at that moment.
Last night, Itachi was prepared for his parents to scold him all night and he will accept it. However, when they went home last night, Fugaku dismissed them because it was late. Now, he sat on the zabuton (Japanese cushion) and his mother put the breakfast on the table. She sat in front of him. His father must be at his office earlier and Sasuke had a mission today. So, the two of them eat together.
"I will go to Kushina's house in the afternoon to talk to Deidara about your wedding. You should make an invitation list, Itachi," Mikoto explained gently, "Since we don't have time to make new kimono for your wedding attire, I think I will try to find either your father's or your grandfather's and see if it fits you."
Itachi blinked as he ate and listen to his mother. She didn't seem angry or flustered as if his firstborn son didn't do anything out of traditions. He listened to the wedding list to do for several minutes for her Mother to finish before he said, "Mother."
"Yes, Itachi?"
"It's not like I don't appreciate it but I must say this is not what I foresee after last night," Itachi admitted.
"Oh? Ooh," Mikoto chuckled after she get what Itachi talking about. "What did you expect?"
"At least, a lecture about being improper and a reminder of traditions?"
She giggled, "Oh, Itachi. You are an adult. You will get married next week. It's not our place to correct you anymore." She smiled, "You always have been responsible since you are young but inexperienced in relationships. It was nothing wrong with what you did with Deidara. Traditions stated that one should not touch their intended because pregnancy out of wedlock is frowned upon and it will reflect on the family so they should have a wedding as soon as possible should the accident happen. But, I believe in you, Itachi."
She added, "Besides, should something happens, we will face it together. We are family, after all."
The son was stunned then smiled, "Thank you, Mother."
—000—
"Mikoto will come here in the afternoon so we can talk about the wedding," Kushina announced with a smile during breakfast.
Deidara gaped and lost for his words. He was still awkward with Kushina because the woman knew about last night. He avoided eye contact with Kushina and certainly has not been in the phase where he can face his future mother-in-law. His face redeem at the thought of it.
"Well, today I will go to—" Naruto has halted his explanation for his plan today when his mother said, "You will stay with Deidara, Naruto."
"Huh? Why?" Her son frowned. "It's Deidara's wedding, why should I stay?"
"So, you can learn something and prepare yourself for your wedding, Naruto," Kushina smiled.
The said son blushed, "M-my wedding?"
"Yes, Dear," Kushina told him, "Your father and Fugaku-san talked about your wedding. Both of them decided it will be best that you and Sasuke has your wedding next year on your 17th birthday."
"Next year?!" Naruto flustered. Deidara who sat beside him looked at him with amusement. "I haven't talked about marriage yet with Sasuke, Mom! Don't just decide we will get married next year!"
"Oh, I'm sure you are busy with 'other thing' rather than talking when you are with Sasuke," Kushina wiggled her eyes and smirked. Naruto reddens at the innuendo. Deidara was a bit surprised Naruto understand that. Or maybe there were inside jokes between the mother and son which Deidara wasn't aware of.
"Mom!"
Kushina laughed, "Well, he may be biding his time but Fugaku-san said that Sasuke admitted that he wants to marry you."
"He said that?" Naruto stunned in awe with reddish cheeks.
Kushina giggled, "Yes. Mikoto confirms it." She winked, "So, you better stay with Deidara and learn as much as you can Naruto. Because next year will be your wedding."
Naruto nodded slowly with a red face. Kushina smiled. Deidara sighed in relief that he won't be alone with the two mothers for the preparations.
Mikoto came after lunchtime. She smiled at her soon-to-be son-in-law, "Hi, Deidara, how are you?"
"I'm good, Ma'am. Thank you, un," Deidara replied with an awkward smile. He was a little flustered when his eyes met hers. Mikoto knew why he looked like a deer in headlights because Itachi has the same look this morning.
Mikoto sat beside Deidara on the sofa in the living room. Kushina and Naruto were in the kitchen to prepare the snacks so there were only two of them in this room. "I see that you are still thinking about last night," Mikoto began.
Deidara startled, Mikoto chuckled. "Don't worry. I had the same talk with Itachi this morning. He thought I would scold him for what he did last night," she said.
"Why wouldn't you?" Deidara asked in confusion. His palm instinctively covered the hickey on his neck. He could understand why Itachi expected that because Itachi always follow the rule and his self-control was number one in Akatsuki. He always reserved no matter what the situation.
Traditions dictated that the couple before marriage should not do any intimate activity like they did last night. Well, nowadays, this tradition was almost forgotten and mostly couples can do whatever they want to convey their love. Including, sex before marriage. However, Itachi, comes from a respectable family. Deidara bet his family still hold the traditions, therefore he was confused why Itachi didn't get at least a lecture?
"You two are an adult. No matter what you do, I believe you two will take responsibility for your action so I don't think you or Itachi need a reminder of that. We are here to be with you should you have any problem, not judging you because we are family," Mikoto smiled gently.
Deidara blinked, he blushed and relief was over him as a smile curved on his lips. "Thank you, un." He felt warmth at Mikoto's kind words and he admitted honestly, "Itachi is lucky to have you as a mother."
Mikoto widened her eyes briefly before smiling gently, "Aren't you? You will be my son too, Deidara."
The blond turned red and he blurted out, "Are you okay with me...?"
"Of course, I am," Mikoto was a bit confused, "Why wouldn't I?"
"I... Sometimes I still can't believe that Itachi will marry me. I was so nervous when I arrived here. I don't know how to talk to you," he admitted softly. "I rarely talk to my father, let alone anyone's parents. And you are so great. I still doubt that I will mess this up..."
Mikoto took Deidara's hand in hers, their gaze met only for him to found she smiled softly with a warm and understanding gaze. The gaze of a mother loving his child. Something Deidara never experienced before. Her voice was so gentle and gave a soothing effect, "It's alright, Deidara. It's normal to feel that way. We are human. We aren't perfect. Everyone feels that. Even I have doubts. I thought my clan will cause you to break your relationship with Itachi."
"What?"
"Uchiha Clan is not like any other clan. We react strongly and are affected greatly by our love. It's so intense that not everyone outside our clan can deal with odd reasons within the clan. But, you... You want to marry Itachi, you choose to stay in Konoha with him, you love him," Mikoto caressed the golden locks, "And Itachi loves you too. It's more than anything that I want for my son. For someone to love him for who he is. Not for his bloodline, his clan, or anything."
She smiled genuinely, "It's not only Itachi but I want you to be my family too. To be my son too."
Deidara blinked several times to prevent the tears gathering in his eyes to fall. His misty blue eyes glistened. He was 19. Yes, he was considered an adult. But, before that, he was a child too. He longed to be wanted by someone he saw as a parent figure. And he just heard that from this woman. A stranger from another village who never knew Deidara all their lives yet it didn't make her treat him any different than she did to her son.
Slowly, his hands raised and he hugged his mother-in-law gently. "Thank you," he whispered weakly but it was thick with emotion as he added, "Mom."
Mikoto hugged him back. She caressed his golden hair, "Anytime, Son." They stayed in that position until they leaned away from each other. Mikoto framed his face with her gentle touch. She didn't mention the traces of tears on his face but silently wiped it with her thumbs. They smiled at each other wordlessly as if they knew it even without them.
Mikoto smiled, "So, how about we start planning your wedding?" She took out several references and laid them out on the table. "You can choose whatever you want, Deidara. Itachi said you have a talent in art, so he trusts your judgment to design the decorations, flower and—"
Deidara tuned her out as he face-palmed inwardly for Itachi's comment about his art.
Doesn't he know that my art is about the explosion, un? There will be war between Konoha and Iwa if I blow up my wedding with an Uchiha!
—000—
Deidara spent the whole day planning his wedding with Mikoto, Kushina, and Naruto. It was exhausted and he thought he would be sick if he saw another picture of a flower or any kind of fabric. He was done with the guest list and Mikoto told him that Itachi has sent his crow to inform the Akatsuki. When it was finished at late night, Deidara went to sleep the moment his head touch the bed.
The next morning, Deidara sat alone in the Namikaze household because Minato, Kushina, and Naruto along with the Uchiha couple welcomed the Iwagakure party. They just arrived in Konoha. All of them were in Hokage tower. Deidara have to wait for them to visit because he was in isolation. Itachi also couldn't attend. Only his parents met the Tsuchikage and others.
When Deidara finished his lunch alone, he heard the door opened by Kushina. "We are home!"
Deidara headed to the front door, "Welcome home!" He was surprised when he saw the people behind her. There was not only Naruto. But, his teacher as well.
"Tsuchikage-sama!"
Onoki smirked, "Long time no see, Deidara."
"Deidara-senpai!" A girl with short hair stood behind the Tsuchikage. The girl grinned.
"Kurotsuchi!" He exclaimed.
"Deidara," that voice made him widen his eyes. His misty blue eyes looked at the bulky man with short chestnut hair. He looked like Akatsuchi because they were distant relatives. He was stunned by that man twice his age in here.
"Father..."
—000—
Onoki laughed, "You catch big fish this time, Deidara. Good job!"
They were all sitting on the sofa. Naruto and Kushina let them have privacy after serving them tea and snacks before leaving them to catch up. Onoki sat with his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara with his father on the other side of the sofa.
"It's not like I catch him, I didn't even fishing!" Deidara scoffed. "You are the one Who tied him up by accelerating the wedding."
Onoki sipped his tea and smirked at his pupil, "Wouldn't want the top prize to get away, would I?"
"Yeah, Senpai, how did you trap an Uchiha, by the way? Well, not any Uchiha, but it's Itachi Uchiha!" Kurotsuchi eating the snacks. "I never thought anyone will top an Uchiha's genjutsu."
Deidara scowled, "I didn't use Genjutsu on Itachi!" He offended, "You know that Uchiha's genjutsu is number one out there. Do you think I can put him on genjutsu to marry me? Do you even know the Uchiha clan, Kurotsuchi?"
"Uchiha clan choose their spouse based on love," his father, Shirotsuchi, said calmly. "The Uchiha Clan is family-oriented. That's why they are exclusive. Family or clan is their priority."
Kurotsuchi raised an eyebrow, "Really? Then how about Konohagakure's founder? The marriage between Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama was a political one, right?"
"I was a kid at that time but I heard a rumor that both of them were childhood friends. Some people said that they choose to be married despite the one chosen for them was not that," Onoki told her.
"What do you mean?" Deidara asked.
"I heard the arranged marriage between Uchiha and Senju was not Hashirama-dono to marry Madara-dono. It was supposed to be Hashirama-dono marry Izuna Uchiha and Madara-dono marry Tobirama Senju."
Kurotsuchi concluded, "So, instead of that, they choose the other?"
"Yes," Onoki confirmed, "It's pity that the son of Konoha's founders was dead at a young age so there are no direct descendants of them. But, Itachi Uchiha is their great-nephew, he is the most wanted bachelor at the moment."Onoki smirked at Deidara, "And our Deidara got him. Congratulations on us!"
Deidara rolled his eyes. His Tsuchikage will never change. Could he be more greedy? He knew he would hear this if he met his master. Onoki valued that connection more than anything.
"Then, how did you seduce him, Deidara-senpai? Did you lure him with early dinner or something?" Kurotsuchi grinned playfully. "If you didn't use genjutsu. Well, not that you can," the girl laughed. Deidara's eyebrow twitched. Kurotsuchi knows more than anyone that genjutsu is his weakness.
"No, not dinner, but I asked him to be my boyfriend," he replied.
Kurotsuchi didn't expect that, "Seriously?"
"I lost a bet. So, I have to humiliate myself by asking him and getting a rejection," Deidara shrugged, he was quite proud to say, "But, well, Itachi has another plan so he accept it and ask me to date with marriage in mind."
"Unbelievable!" She was in disbelief.
"Believe it or not, you will attend my wedding next week," Deidara grinned at his kouhai (junior).
Kurotsuchi asked, "What will you wear next week for the wedding? There is not enough time to order new montsuki (Japanese wedding kimono)."
"My mother-in-law said I could wear her grandfather's montsuki if I want. Itachi will wear Nidaime Hokage's montsuki." Deidara said. He noticed his father stiffened beside him but he has no idea why.
Onoki seemed pleased though, "Your mother-in-law is Mikoto Uchiha, right? The grandniece of Hashirama and Madara Uchiha?"
Deidara scoffed. Will this old man stop by connecting everything to Konoha's founders? He never thought Onoki was obsessed with the founders of Konoha. So, it was not just the factor of the Uchiha Clan that made him accelerate the wedding. Mostly, it was because Itachi was the great-grandnephew of Uchiha Madara.
"She was the granddaughter of Nidaime Hokage and Izuna Uchiha," Onoki continued, "and you will wear Izuna-dono's montsuki? What an honor!" Onoki laughed.
You think, un?
"You don't know how hard it is to marry an Uchiha. Especially, those who are connected to Uchiha Madara. He was famous for being cruel to people who dare to touch his family. I remember, there is this distant relative of Uchiha Madara. I think his name is Hebisuke Uchiha. I saw him at their wedding when I was 6. He looked exactly like Izuna Uchiha but younger. My grandfather told me that the other Kages at that time were busy to ask Madara-dono to let this Hebisuke guy marry their trusted men." Onoki retold the tale his grandfather told him.
"He said he would offer Mu-dono but the man wasn't interested in marriage. Oh," he remembered, "Now, that I think about it, your mother-in-law, Mikoto Uchiha, indeed she looks like Izuna-dono."
Once again, Deidara rolled his eyes. When will this old man stop talking at all? He wondered inwardly. He saw from the corner of his eyes that his father stayed silent other than mentioning the reason for Uchiha Clan being exclusive. His father was always the quiet one, it made Deidara uneasy. Hence, it was hard to feel close to him despite the man leaving him in Tsuchikage's care. Yet, Deidara was curious about one thing.
Deidara asked Shirotsuchi, "How do you know that, Father?"
The father looked at his son. Deidara asked again, "How do you know that Uchiha Clan chooses their spouse based on love?"
"He did extensive research about Uchiha Clan after I told him your boyfriend is an Uchiha," Onoki replied.
Shirotsuchi didn't deny nor confirm and it made Deidara look at his father with an unsure gaze. It was rare for his father to do something related to him.
Should Deidara be worried or happy about that?
—000—
The next day, Onoki and the party went to the Uchiha residence. Itachi and Mikoto welcomed them warmly. Like he expected, Onoki kept talking about Uchiha Madara and Uchiha glory. He said he was young when he could witness Uchiha Madara's fighting on his wedding day when an ambusher was attacking the Uchihas and Senjus' brothers. Mikoto and Itachi were indeed well-aware of people who worshipped the Uchiha Clan. Especially, Madara's. But, this was their first time to meet a fan of Madara as old as the Tsuchikage.
Itachi glanced at Shirotsuchi, his soon-to-be father-in-law, who sat quietly beside Onoki. Mikoto noticed this as well, then she smiled at the Tsuchikage when the old man said, "You really look like Izuna-dono, Mikoto-sama."
"Ah, thank you," Mikoto smiled politely. She offered, "I found something belonging to my Grand Uncle Madara when I searched montsuki for Itachi and Deidara. Would you like to see it? I stored it in another room."
"I gladly accept the offer," the Tsuchikage agreed and he rose to his feet to follow Mikoto. Now, only Itachi and Shirotsuchi were in this room. Kurotsuchi chooses to sightsee rather than be here.
"Shirotsuchi-san," Itachi smiled, "I was worried I won't have your blessing for our wedding. Thank you for coming to Konoha."
The heavy-built man said, "Tsuchikage decided it."
Itachi understood what it meant. Rather than his blessing as the father of the groom, Shirotsuchi merely followed his Kage's decision. It was uncommon. But, Itachi didn't care about that. What he wanted to know was…
"Do I have your blessing to marry your son?"
Thank you for reading! Please review if you don't mind!
I won't be updated in April so I'll see you guys in May! Stay healthy!
a.abchohan: you can try but I won't promise anything.
Saturnmieze: Another reason? Interesting. What do you think that reason might be? I would like to know if you want to share. I just like innocent Naruto and I think between the Namikaze couple, Kushina will be the one who gives Naruto the talk. But, it's not the time yet LOL.