Yellow moon: The wedding

OV: The wedding which gets out of hand before it even gets started. Sakura is a great Friend, but she really has grand ideas for her two best friends… and their special day.

AN: This chapter is dedicated to x.Jamie-Chan.x because I am thankful! Someone else likes my stories!! Arigato! I even updated before I had planned…staying up waaay past midnight writing this instead of my persuasion speech for class!  (Which I still got an "A" on!YAY!!)

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Sakura was indomitable. Naruto couldn't get her to understand that he and Sasuke wanted just a small ceremony. She was talking grand scale, this wedding might just rival Naruto's inauguration for the biggest thing to ever happen in Konoha.

Naruto cringed as they passed yet another shop. Sakura kept dragging him into various places and adding things as they went along. Naruto just didn't have the heart to discourage her from any of it. She was just so deliriously happy. He couldn't even use the excuse of people complaining about wasting the village's money. Sakura had convinced everyone Naruto knew to chip in, and had quite a money pot to play with as a result.

They finally entered one of the three stops that had been planned for this day. Naruto was having a wedding cake made. Sakura had shown him pictures in magazines of fantastic weddings and the beautiful confections the couple happily sliced into. With this decision had also come something called "thematic colors."

Sakura had convinced Naruto to choose colors for everything to fall into concerning the wedding. Like the Kimonos, floral arrangements (which Ino's family shop was providing as their gift,) place settings, and decorations. He had immediately chosen orange, his all time favorite. Sakura had given him a hard stare, but he had refused to change his mind. He had given her the satisfaction of adding blue for Sasuke, and Sakura had convinced him to put in accents of silver and gold.

They looked around the shop, there wasn't anyone visible, and Sakura was just about to smack Naruto upside the head for making them miss this opportunity to choose his Kimono, and those of the special guests. Naruto had decided against the historically traditional, haori-hakama (men's kimono) for himself, although Sasuke would be wearing one. He had also decided against the traditional women's shiro-maku. Instead he had opted for the bright and colorful uchikake style kimono. And although the traditional color was red, he had asked to be shown orange shades, and mixed orange and blue.

A woman walked into the shop from a small room in the back. She smiled as she saw she had patrons, and bowed politely, "Welcome, Rokudaime no Hokage, Sakura-san, okyakusama "

Naruto bowed and greeted her, Sakura joined him. The woman led them into a large dressing room with a three way mirror off to one side. There were several comfortable benches strewn around the room, three of them grouped around the mirror. Sakura made her self comfortable on one, as Naruto stood near the mirror. The lady who ran the shop brought out a rack that held several brightly colored, extraordinarily beautiful, brocade Kimonos. Naruto looked at them with desire. He was a fan of color, and these were almost all in beautiful shades of orange. Although they were beautifully decorated, they were men's kimonos

The shop keeper chose one of the simpler kimonos and offered it to Naruto to try on. "For size, more than look right now," she explained.

Naruto accepted it, proceeded to strip down to his boxers and t-shirt without even bothering to go into a dressing room, and slipped it on. It felt silky against his skin, and the bold orange contrasted against the tan of his hands and face. Sakura was surprised at the effect, she wouldn't have ever thought that an orange Kimono could work for a wedding, but Naruto was pulling the color off quite well.

The shopkeeper measured Naruto, adjusted the kimono, and wrote down the figures in a notebook. She then advised Naruto to go sort through the rack and see which styles he liked the best. He looked each Kimono over carefully. They were all exquisite, and each had something that made it stand out against all the others. There were shades of orange with boat scenes, cranes, flowers, and other designs woven or embroidered into the fabric.

There were a few orangey yellow styles, one that went from a deep red orange at the very bottom to a golden yellow the exact same shade as Naruto's hair. He set this one aside on the couch. There were a couple that fit the orange and blue theme he had requested. There was an exceptionally woven kimono that was orange background with a scenic picture depicted in shades of blue. There was another that was a deep navy blue with lighter shades of blue and orange accented embroidery over it. Naruto laid both of these with the orange and yellow one on the couch.

The one that really stood out to him was a beautiful design that encompassed both the brocade design of highlight and shadow woven into the fabric, as well as embroidered designs. Although a couple of the kimonos had beaded decoration on them, this one was beaded into the design; it was over the whole kimono and was beautifully wrought. The color scheme went from deepest indigo at the base and tips of the sleeves to a deep flame orange at the shoulders. It faded to golden yellow in the middle of the sleeves and the center of the body where the two colors met. It was perfect.

Naruto tried it on, and it fit him perfectly as well. When he turned to look at Sakura she was simply staring at him. Her eyes were wide and her jaw wasn't open, but it looked like she might have just shut it. He grinned. "I'll take this one for my wedding, and those for my reception. Next they set to picking out Sasuke's haori-hakama. Naruto knew that black was traditional, but he wanted something that would go with Sasuke's coloring and be special.

The shopkeeper pulled out another rack of wedding kimono, and showed them to Naruto. He knew he was almost the same size as Sasuke, and so could pick out one that would fit perfectly. He passed through the blacks, and charcoal grays. Halfway through the navy blues he found one that seemed to shimmer and change in the light. He held it up. The hakama was navy, but it shimmered with a silvery sheen in the light. The under kimono was silver and was woven through with Navy blue threads. It was more than Naruto had hoped for. He placed it on the growing pile on the couch. Now he had to choose another couple to go with his simpler kimono for the reception.

He asked the shopkeeper if she had any like the ones he had chosen, but in blues and silvers and blacks. She brought out an armload which Naruto quickly went through. He chose a simple black kimono that was embroidered with silver thread and had blue glass beads sewn on. Finally he selected a dark silver one with tigers and dragons and other mythical creatures embroidered all over it. They were done in black, silver, blue, and orange thread.

Next was Sakura's turn, they had to find her a tomesode kimono. Naruto selected a couple from the third rack the shopkeeper brought. He chose one that had Sakura blossoms across the bottom in pink, but they bordered an embroidered navy blue and orange boat on the water at sunset scene. Next Naruto had to convince the woman to help him alter the next one for Tsunade. She eventually smiled and agreed to have it finished in time.

The tomesode kimono he chose for her was banded at the top with blue. It depicted a nature scene on the bottom, mostly in white, but with orange, yellow, red, and blue beads woven through. Jiraya and was supposed to have already picked up his, he was wearing a simple Navy blue kimono.

The last kimono he had to choose was for Juugo. He also was a special guest, and Naruto wanted to find him something fitting his special place in his and Sasuke's inner family. He had a hard time, because there were only a few kimono large enough to fit his masculine frame. Naruto settled on a navy blue one that had a simple pattern interwoven into the fabric. It was simple and yet the cut was elegant.

Having finally finished with the clothes shopping, Naruto and Sakura headed to the cake shop. Naruto looked through the windows at all the confectionaries inside. This was a shop that specialized in bringing sweets from every neighboring village far and wide. They entered, reminiscing in the scent of sugar and butter they recalled from when they had visited before and had to sample several types of cakes, some with spreads between layers of cake, and frostings.

Naruto had settled on a simple white cake spread with an orange paste made of various fruits including mangos…but that was all Naruto could remember. The decoration was to be flames of orange and blue lapping at orange tiger lily and blue orchid flowers. The overall effect of the finished cake was actually pleasing to the eye. A ribbon of frosting wound around the entire tower of cakes it was orange at one side merging in the middle into blue on the other.

Most of the cake was simple white, but the bright design actually looked right together. The vibrant energetic orange of Naruto melding with the calm cool blue of Sasuke. It summed up their joining in an image that didn't require words.

Finally all that remained was the reception hall. This was where the entire village would join. So Sakura had chosen an open pavilion. Naruto had to admit that it was a good idea as no one would feel left out, and there would be room for everyone.

They went over the menu, it included traditional fare, Tai-no-sashimi, (raw sea bream slices), kombu soup and kobumaki (simmered kombu, kelp, roll), kazunoko (herring roe) with toast points, and sekihan (red azuki beans with rice). Naruto had wanted to add ramen, but Sakura adamantly refused. Instead they had rounded out the meal with Ebi-no-sakamushi (sake steamed shrimp), and a delicate salad made of bean sprout, shitaki, shredded cabbage, watercress, and cucumber topped with thin sashimi slices of Kobe beef.

Naruto decided he'd have to go out for ramen before the wedding. He was careful not to mention this to Sakura as she had seemed dejected that their shopping was done. She had quickly dispensed with the proper pleasantries, and had walked slowly away toward her house.

Naruto carried his purchases home, and was finally left alone long enough to think. He decided to stop by the Hokage building and leave the garments, and pick up Sasuke and Juugo. He hoped Sasuke would be feeling well enough to go out.

When he opened the door he saw his onyx haired Uke sitting on the couch. Juugo was out on the balcony talking to some birds. He announced his presence unnecessarily, but was greeted warmly all the same. He stepped into his room to hang up his and Sasuke's garments, then crossed through the bathroom to hang Juugo's in his room. He wanted to see the big man's face when he saw the garment, but he also wanted to surprise him. In the end surprise won out, and he'd made the choice to just hang the kimono and let him find it.

He slipped back into his room, and exited back into the main room. Sasuke snuggled up to him readily as he settled next to him on the couch. "How are you?" He asked concerned.

"I'm alright, that oil really helped. I will admit sitting on this soft couch is much more pleasant than the hard chairs in the kitchen." He laughed.

Naruto suggested going out for ramen, and Sasuke agreed. Juugo walked back into the kitchen, and queried, "did I hear food?" to the laughter of both his housemates.

So their evening passed quietly. They enjoyed Ichiraku's best ramen, walked home being warmly greeted and wished well for the coming day's ceremony by nearly everyone they passed, and even went to bed early. Naruto and Sasuke actually fell off to sleep peacefully without any high jinks.

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The next morning dawned as clear and bright as anyone could have asked for. It was as if this union was exceptionally blessed, because the fiery morning sun in the blue sky reminded everyone of their orange loving Rokudaime Hokage, and his mate Sasuke was the clear blue sky.

Final preparations were underway all over the village. Sakura had set up everyone in decorating the streets, buildings, shops, even the main gate, with blue and orange ribbons and streamers. There were banners announcing the Hokage's wedding. As with the inauguration, there were guests coming in from outside the village.

Naruto and Sasuke were blissfully unaware of this as they went about their morning normally. They did engage in a quick little make out session in their joined shower, but otherwise they were behaving themselves. Naruto laid out Sasuke's Kimonos on the bed, and Sasuke got his first look at them. He marveled over how Naruto had picked out these kimonos for him. They were understated yet elegant. Their color schemes were simple and dark yet had just a touch of brightness and boldness to them. They were what he might have chosen if he had taken the time and consideration to choose.

After a nice breakfast they departed into their rooms to dress. Juugo had found his kimono when he'd searched in his closet for something fitting to wear. He had come out of his room with tears in his eyes at being included in something so special.

Now he retreated to his room to put the garment on. His eyes shone with happiness, and the color of blue went well with his blonde hair. He was out first, but that was to be expected. The wedding couple would need time to get dressed and ready. Juugo went out on the balcony to wait for them.

Naruto forced Sasuke to go into the bathroom to get dressed so he wouldn't see his kimono. So Sasuke waited for Juugo to leave his room, then he went in there to get ready. He was just about finished when he heard Naruto call out happily, "I'll meet you at the shrine!"

"Nanda!? Hey wait!" he yelled, but he was too late, Naruto had already gone. Juugo walked in from the kitchen, "What's Naruto up to?" He marveled. Sasuke figured that his blonde, who had been working so hard to hide his kimono, must have wanted to keep it a secret for just a little longer. He shook his head grinning at the dobe.

"Well I guess that's our cue to go?" he asked Juugo, who replied that he assumed the same.

They walked casually to the Shinto Shrine; it couldn't be a more beautiful day! They noticed crowds of people milling around. The villagers waved to the pair and called out congratulations to Sasuke, who accepted them humbly.

Before long they stood before the Shrine, Sasuke was a little nervous. Today Naruto would take his name. Today the Uchiha Clan would grow by one. He entered the Shrine with a huge smile on his face. People gasp when they saw the handsome Uchiha. He crossed over to the Shinto Priest, and bowed deeply and respectfully.

Before he knew it the ceremony was beginning. He stood before the alter with the priest behind him, and he faced the small group who had gathered. To his right stood Juugo and Tsunade. To his left was a space for Naruto, and beside the emptiness was Sakura and Jiraya. Kakashi and Iruka made up the framework on each opposite end. Tsunade and Sakura were beautiful in their tomesode kimonos. All the guys wore colors of navy and dark blue kimono. Sasuke stood out in contrast, his silvery blue bottomed silver topped haori-hakama. The brightness was a nice contrast to his ebony hair, and it set off his pale skin.

Every eye turned toward the doors as they opened. Naruto had chosen to make a grand entrance, much like a western bride. When the assembled guests saw the man standing in the doorway framed by the suns golden rays as if the gods themselves blessed him, they let out a collective gasp. Naruto was resplendent. He didn't walk down the aisle he floated. His spirits were so high, and he was so euphoric that it was contagious.

Sasuke cold, sweat dropped. Naruto never took his eyes off the pale man in navy and silver. When Sasuke had regained his composure he could appreciate the breathtaking creature who approached his side. Naruto's hair shone with golden adornments that couldn't quite compete with his golden locks. The kimono he had chosen caused his brilliant cobalt eyes to glimmer, and his tan skin to glow.

When he took his place beside Sasuke the raven haired man couldn't resist commenting on how stunning Naruto looked. Naruto coyly retorted with a, "You look pretty debonair yourself."

Everyone's attention was riveted on the couple who looked too perfect to be believed. They proceeded through the short yet meaningful ceremony. The priest performed the purification ritual. The San-san-kudo was performed with reverence for each other, Ino and Ten-Ten served as the "Miko" maidens dressed in brilliant red kimonos that somehow, despite their vibrant shade, couldn't quite match the brilliance of the wedding couple.

Naruto and Sasuke had chosen to exchange rings, and they solemnly placed them silently on each other's finger. They didn't need to speak; their eyes were talking volumes as they both gazed lovingly at the other. Finally Sasuke and Naruto both exchanged their confessions of commitment.

Solemn eyes dark as night shone with an inner fire, "I vow to always be there for you. To protect you, love you, care for you. I vow to always be honest and love only you. I will be the fan that flames the fire of our love forever." He grinned remembering how his father had once told him the Uchiha name meant to fan the fire. "When you are sad, I will be the clown to cheer you. When you are hurt I will be the salve that heals you. When you are angry I will be the voice of stillness that calms you. When you are lonely I will be the friend that joins you. When you grow old, I will still love you. When you stumble and fall, I will be your strength and stability; I will give you a foundation to get back up on. When you are weary I will be your shelter and give you rest. Whatever you could want or need, I will be."

Azure crystals shimmered with unshed tears. "I love you. I always have and always will. I promise our love will only grow as the days go by. You are my morning and my evening, my beginning and my end. Our love is an endless circle spanning the infinite vastness of time. I will care for you and protect you as long as I live and draw breath. You are my most precious person, as I have vowed to protect and nurture Konoha, so will I love and cherish you. I am the swirling winds that consume our every waking moment. I am yours, and ever will be. Without you I would cease to be, but with you I am ever stronger. You are the yang to my yin, the one who completes and fulfills me. Together we will weather whatever comes our way. Together we will be forever."

They had clasp hands and now stood facing each other, completely oblivious to all but each other. Soft sniffling eventually broke through their moment, and naruto tore his eyes away from the darkest depths of Sasuke's soul. They were announced, "May I present to you; Mr. Uchiha Sasuke, and Mr. Uchiha Naruto Namikaze."

Jiraya laughed loudly at the surprise name change. Tsunade just smiled, Sakura and most everyone else was just a little shocked. They had to take it in stride, after all Naruto was known for being unpredictable!

The wedding group made a procession through the village and wound its way to the pavilion. There was a considerably sized crowd already gathered, as is customary. For Naruto, being Hokage, all of Konoha was his family and they had turned out 'en masse.' There were tables cast everywhere, some people were sitting at, some just sat waiting for guests. Sasuke lead Naruto to their special table at the front of the pavilion. The procession followed with the attendants who had stood with Naruto and Sasuke filing into their respective seats in the same positions.

The pavilion became silent when Sasuke and Naruto stood. They greeted everyone warmly and thanked them for being there. The festivities had just begun. Serving people wound their way through the crowds laden with trays of food. As people took seats they would be served plates of the traditional food Sakura and Naruto had chosen. When they would rise to leave they would be presented with the traditional katsuobushi gifts, (dried bonito flakes).

This was when the fun began. Shino and Kiba performed a duet in the men's honor. Ino, Sakura, Kurenai, Ten Ten, and Hinata followed with a traditional style dance routine. Several of Konohamaru's classmates along with Moegi, Udon, and himself in the lead, gave a Ninjutsu demonstration. Quite a few people gave speeches about how Naruto had changed their lives for the better. Most people seemed to have forgiven Sasuke for his betrayal and desertion, and were warmly including him. Juugo was one of the best speakers; his words brought tears to more than a few eyes.

Special guests who had come made themselves heard in song, dance, or speech. One of the most moving stories was Subuku no Gaara's speech. He offered a story of friendship and bonds forged that would last forever. He spoke with sadness, but people still weren't that used to him speaking at all so they overlooked it. Naruto smiled forlornly when Gaara looked at him, but it was plain to be seen to him on the redhead's face that he understood it was he who had pushed the blonde away. Gaara did come over to the head table to comment on Naruto's and Sasuke's kimonos.

They had eventually worn all of their kimonos and received many compliments. The first clothing change had come after the cutting of the cake. They had been unable to resist smashing it in each other's faces. This had lead to a sizzling session of kissing and licking the frosting off each other's faces, and Naruto's neck, and Sasuke's shoulder and chest...

The reception carried on deep into the night. It was a warm fall evening, and a bright yellow harvest moon shone in the Autumnal Equinox lengthened sky. The stars were out shining brightly as if they too wanted to celebrate the couple's night.

At midnight there was a fireworks display that was almost as searing as the looks the couple kept exchanging. Finally the two men stood and thanked everyone who had offered any display of affection. They welcomed all who had joined in their special day. Then they bade their goodbyes and slipped off into the Hokage's building.

Naruto was feeling drunk, and he'd only had those few sips of sake during the ceremony. When others would toast with sake, he would drink water. He realized he was bursting with emotion. "Uchiha Naruto Namikaze, I hope I can remember that when I am fighting and want to make sure my opponent knows my name!" he teased. Sasuke replied by kissing him deeply and with an urgency.

They spent a night that rivaled the previous ones in intensity and passion. Neither noticed Juugo hadn't come home that night until the morning.

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Well, there she blows. I may have to go back and tweak this a little, but it's not too bad. It's quite hard to have to research everything and try to combine tradition with my imagination, LOL!

-Kneise