A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, alerts, and such. I really appreciate them. I really had to research dress patterns/designs for this chapter so I hope I did a good job. Enjoy!
Extra note: Sarisoccer01, you asked last chapter if Sakura was getting married to Sasuke. No, she's getting married to Kiba. KibaSaku is a favorite crack couple of mine :D For any one else confused at chapter one, Sakura is getting married to Kiba, not Sasuke.
Disclaimer: I wish Naruto was mine. But it's not. *sad panda*
3 days until the wedding...
"Fuck!" came the yell from Naruto as he jerked away from the person who had become his torturer in the last few hours. "Watch where you fucking stick those needles!"
The dress fitter was a middle-aged woman with wispy copper colored locks and a heart shaped face that was crisscrossed with wrinkles; many that had appeared since the young man before her had been dragged into her store that morning, moaning and complaining. Her mouth was ever full of pins and every time she spoke, she would spit out one or two. Her hands and fingers were covered with needle marks, but they moved deftly over fabric, pinning here, cutting there. Although she did not look like much, Mori Azami had an unmatchable skill, making her Konoha's best dressmaker.
She sighed and tried to keep her voice calm. "Perhaps if you stopped moving every five seconds-"
Naruto scowled. "I'm moving because you keep poking me. Now when are we going to be done?"
"Young man, it is that sort of impatience that causes injuries, now be still!" The woman bent back down to continue her work.
"Naruto, please listen to Azami-san. And stop being so fidgety!" Sakura frowned as she circled the platform once more on which her friend was placed, examining the progress so far.
"But Sakura-chan!" Naruto whined, "I'm tired and my legs hurt and this dress is still too damn tight! When you said you had the dress, I thought you meant in my size! I didn't know I would have to go through this. Ouch! Ok, that time was on purpose!"
Azami kept her head down so no one would see the smile on her face.
"Naruto-kun, I would have to agree with Sakura-chan and Azami-san. Perhaps if you held still and were quieter, then everything would go much faster". Hinata offered softly. Sakura had asked her to accompany her in hopes that if things got too out of control, her calm and peaceful demeanor would help keep the situation contained. Also, Sakura needed someone to listen to her complain more and the Hyuga heiress was the perfect candidate.
"What Hinata? Not you too?" Naruto looked distraught as his last ally seemingly abandoned him.
"Um, well-"But Sakura cut off the other girl with a wave of her hand.
"Naruto just shut up and don't move! You keep rocking the platform!" the pink haired girl snapped. She continued her pacing, fingers massaging her temples. She should have known that Naruto was going to be a handful. He was giving her a headache, which would lead to forehead wrinkles, something she could not afford to have now. "Now tell me, quietly, how do you feel?"
"Like shit. Can I eat now?"
"No, idiot, I'm talking about the dress. How does it feel? And no you cannot eat, not until we are done".
"Ughhhh. I don't even think I can move. Why is this thing so tight? And itchy, why is it so itchy?" Naruto grumbled.
The gown itself was an apple green taffeta princess cut with a runched bodice that pleated across in an asymmetrical design. It had spaghetti straps coupled with a sweetheart portrait neckline, which was embellished with an array of beads and crystals. It was a split front/apron cut with a lace up back. A chiffon scarf that wound around the neck and draped back over the shoulder accented the dress. The particular gown form was designed to emphasize the body's natural curves and even on Naruto, who had built himself a strong muscular physique over the years, it created a leaner affect, toning down the masculine structure.
Despite the fact that she was forcing Naruto to wear the dress, Sakura had expected to get a good laugh when he had first squeezed into it; but she had been shocked at how well it had fit. Sakura couldn't help but feel a small ripple of jealously as she noticed how the dress created an illusion of curves where there was none.
"Azami-san, do you think you could loosen up the sides a bit more, I can see the fabric straining from here". She said as she finished her pacing.
"And the ass too, if you don't mind" Naruto threw in. Every female in the room couldn't help but glare at him, especially since he seemed oblivious to their irritation.
"With pleasure" the dressmaker said with a sardonic smile before inserting one of her needles.
"Ouch! Damn it woman!" Naruto scowled as he rubbed his now aching bottom.
"Woops, did I get you? I'm sorry," she said grinning, not sorry at all.
Naruto opened his mouth, intent on releasing a stream of profanities, but was luckily interrupted by the sound of a phone.
"Thank goodness, it's Kiba. Azami-san you can take a break and follow Hinata and I. Naruto, "Sakura sent the blonde a dark look, freezing him in his tracks as he attempted to step down from the platform, "don't move".
"But Sakura-"
"Uh uh uh, no. Not. An. Inch. We'll be back in 10 minutes". Using the authority that came with being the bride-to-be, Sakura strode out of the room, followed closely by the two other women.
The small group made their way back to the front of the shop, Sakura already barking orders at her husband-to-be.
"The dogs cannot sit at our table during the reception-No-I don't care-People only-Akamaru is not a person-Okay, I'm sorry, to me he's not a person-We can get them their own table-What do you mean it will hurt their feelings?"
At the sound of the front door opening, Sakura looked up, vaguely surprised at who was entering.
"Sasuke-kun? No Kiba, not you, is your name Sasuke?-This isn't the time for soul searching dear-Can you hold on a second?" Sighing she covered the mouth of the phone and smiled tiredly at her former teammate. "I didn't expect to see you here, Sasuke-kun".
"Well, I didn't want to miss out on all the fun. Where's Naruto?" He got straight to the point.
The annoyed look that flitted across her face along with the furrow in her brow were good indications that Naruto was assuming his maid of honor position in the most stubborn fashion possible.
"Back there" Sakura jerked her thumb in the direction of the fitting room, "It's actually a good thing you're here, you can keep an eye on him. Make sure he stays still".
Then she turned back to the phone, discussing the pros and cons of leashes.
A small smile on his face, Sasuke walked towards the fitting room, preparing himself for the sight of Uzumaki Naruto in a dress.
However, when he reached the room that Sakura had pointed to, he found it disappointingly empty. The Uchiha frowned, wondering if perhaps, in his haste, he had taken a wrong turn. Then he heard the muffled sounds of someone struggling.
He raised a questioning eyebrow and scanned the room, ears ready. The sounds came again, this time with a stream of mumbled curses.
Sasuke narrowed in on the sounds, zeroing in on its source. They led him to one of the dressing rooms located at the back of the fitting room. Without bothering to knock, he pushed open the door and found himself face to face with a very flustered Uzumaki Naruto, who was attempting to forcibly remove himself from the dress that now hung stubbornly around his waist.
"S-Sasuke?" Naruto sputtered, but he relaxed slightly. He had been afraid it was Sakura for a moment. "What are you doing here?"
The Uchiha smirked and forced himself to keep his gaze locked on Naruto's azure blue eyes, and not on his half-naked body.
"When I heard you were going to be wearing a dress, I had to see for myself," he answered evenly.
"Damn you Sasuke, no need to rub it in. I can't even believe you're here." Naruto shot his friend a dirty look and turned back to his previous problem. Ridding himself of the demon dress that still refused to let him go.
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Uzumaki Naruto in a dress. That's priceless. Almost as good as the fact that you are going to be the maid of honor. Actually, I think it fits you, in a way," Sasuke grinned wickedly at the furious look that clouded the blonde's features. He was so fun to tease sometimes.
"Fuck you, bastard. I had no choice. Besides, "Naruto lowered his eyes and his voice softened, "it'll make Sakura-chan happy".
Sasuke frowned at this but recomposed his face into a bored mask when Naruto looked back up.
"It...It's just one day, and it won't be that bad, well, actually it probably will be...and it will be even worse if I don't figure out how to get out of this damn dress!" Furiously, Naruto began clawing at the sides of the gown, upsetting the various pins that Azami-san had spent the last hour laboriously placing.
"Idiot, you're going to ruin the whole thing. Put it back on, I want to see you in it".
"Hell no! You're the last person I want to see me in this thing".
Sasuke rolled his eyes. More out of impatience than annoyance. "I'm going to see you in it at the wedding".
"Then wait until then". Naruto snapped.
"No" Sasuke replied shortly. "Put it back on".
"No"
"Yes"
"Nooooo"
"Yes"
Naruto paled slightly at the demanding tone in his friend's voice and the serious look in those dark eyes that made him want to look away.
"Fine! I don't understand why you want to see so bad..." Naruto grumbled before slamming the door closed.
Sasuke didn't bother answering, but fought the wave of excitement that threatened to overwhelm him. The usuratonkachi in a dress! Could his life get any better?
Apparently, it could and it did when Naruto swung open the door, his face twisted in a look of revulsion. However, Sasuke hardly paid any attention. His eyes were on the dress, the stunning, wonderful, godsend dress, that made the idiot look oh-so...beautiful? No that wasn't the word, more like delectable. Yes, that was perfect.
The dress was a design of folds and ruffles that looked delicious enough to eat with a spoon. It was so tight fitting that it outlined every curve and contour of Naruto's body, making Sasuke's head spin and his body ache.
It was so perfect.
"Sasuke, what's with that look on your face? I look ridiculous don't I, just say it". Naruto crossed his arms angrily over his chest.
Far from it, Sasuke thought, but he controlled himself, barely, bringing himself back into the reality of the moment.
"Ridiculous? Of course not, in fact Naruto, I've never seen you look so pretty". Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle as Naruto flushed a deep shade of red, his fists clenching at his side.
"Asshole! If I could walk over there I would-"
"What? Giggle at me? Toss your mane of golden curls? I never thought I would say this, but I think I have found the prettiest girl in Konoha...Uzumaki Naruto".
Gasping with effort, Naruto was trying to make his way towards the raven, hands out and fingers clenching as they tried to get a grip on the other boy's throat. However, the dress inhibited him greatly, and he could only manage to hop a foot or two before collapsing in a heap.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck! Fuck this wedding, fuck this dress, and fuck you Sasuke!" Screeching Naruto rolled on the floor scratching like an animal at the dress.
He finally managed the wriggled out of it and threw it at Sasuke who had been watching the spectacle with an amused look on his face.
"Your turn. Put it on!" Naruto was red faced and breathing heavily, his blue eyes flashing with anger.
"No"
"I don't think so. Put it on!"
"I said no"
Naruto advanced forward until he and Sasuke were face to face. "Put. It. On." He hissed, before changing tactics. "Or are you afraid that it might look good on you?" It was the blondes turn to smirk at the appalled look on the Uchiha's face.
"As, if" Sasuke snarled back, before grabbing the offending garment and marching towards the dressing room.
He closed the door behind him and for a second hesitated as he gave the dress a once over. He had accepted the challenge and it was too late to back down now; he flung the dress over his head. At least he got a consolation prize of some sort. Naruto had ripped off the dress to give it to Sasuke, leaving himself in nothing but his boxers. Naruto, in nothing but his boxers, red, faced and sweating.
Sasuke bit back a moan that turned into a grunt of pain as the sides of the dress mercilessly pinched his sides. His whole body shuddered as it gasped for air and he didn't even bother with the laces on the back before bursting out of the dressing room.
Naruto had been laying on the platform-still in his boxers, damn him-and when he saw Sasuke tumble out, his face broke into one of the widest grins.
"Don't....say....anything" Sasuke muttered darkly. Already he felt like an idiot and cursed his stubborn attitude.
Naruto tried to subdue the laughter but it came anyway and he could only watch through tear clouded eyes as Sasuke glared murderously at him from across the room.
"S-S-Sas, hahaha, S-Sa-hahaha, Sasuke! You, hahaha, look, hahaha, gorgeous!" And Naruto collapsed into another fit of laughter. "The prettiest girl in Konoha! Hahaha! Uchiha Sasuke! Hahaha!"
I'll kill him. I'm going to kill him, Sasuke thought. I'm going to take this dress and shove it down-now wait a second....
A dangerous smile spread onto Sasuke's face as he watched Naruto continue to laugh, a plan forming in his mind.
"Naruto, what did you say I was?" he asked slowly, walking towards the blonde, as gracefully as he could manage (which was not much at all, even for him).
The laughter had now subsided into spontaneous bursts of giggles.
"I said....that...you...were the prettiest girl in Konoha". Naruto wiped his eyes, still grinning at his friend.
Sasuke did look good in the dress, even better than Naruto, thanks to his pale, handsome features. It worked in the same way, toning down the muscles and emphasizing the curves. Mori Azami truly was a genius dressmaker.
This thought had flitted through Naruto's head briefly, but had been overcome by his desire to humiliate his friend. After all, Sasuke deserved it.
"Is that what you think I am? Eh Naruto? Tell me again, what am I?" Sasuke walked closer, still smiling in such an unnerving manner that Naruto backed away a little.
"The uh, prettiest girl in Konoha?" He wasn't laughing anymore. Each step Sasuke took forward, Naruto took two back. He could feel the color draining from his face.
He was in trouble.
"Say it again, Naruto. I want to hear to again". Sasuke continued walking forward, inwardly elated at the slightly fearful look on Naruto's face. Payback time.
"Uh, huh?"
"Come on, Naruto, I'm pretty right? The prettiest girl in Konoha? Tell me I'm pretty, please? Tell me I'm pretty". They were running out of room and Naruto gasped as his back met a wall. He looked into Sasuke's dark eyes and found them swirling with a mixture of anger and, was that...desire? He shuddered.
"Pretty please Naruto? Tell me I'm pretty." Sasuke's voice was low and husky as he closed in on the blonde. He reached out one pale hand, which danced up the tanned flesh and gripped the strong jaw, holding it on place.
"Tell me again, Naruto. I want to hear it again. Tell me I'm pretty."
"Sasuke, please, could you back up a little? This is too close" Naruto tried to turn away from that face, from that mocking smile, but Sasuke held on tightly.
"Not until you tell me I'm pretty. Why are you torturing me like this Naruto? You already said it once, just say it again, please?"
The gap between the two shrunk until they were only inches apart. Sasuke could see the line a sweat that trickled down Naruto's face, and Naruto could feel Sasuke's warm breath on his neck. What the hell was going on?
"Please? Na-ru-to?" Sasuke moved closer as he said each syllable. Closer and closer and....
"What the hell is going on here?!" Sasuke pulled immediately away at the shriek that belonged to no other than Haruno Sakura, who stood like a terrifying wraith at the entrance to the fitting room, eyes blazing and fists clenched.
"All my hard work!" wailed Azami as she glanced at the scattered pins "And my beautiful dress! What have you done with my dress?"
Said dress was currently in quite a state. It had been scratched at and rumpled and the chiffon scarf was nothing more than a tattered piece of cloth.
"Well-" Sasuke began.
"It was all the bastards fault!" Naruto pointed an accusing finger, thanking the gods for Sakura's intervention. He shuddered to think what might have happened if they had come in 5 seconds later.
Naruto glanced suspiciously at Sasuke out of the corner of his eye. What had that been all about? What was the bastard up to?
Sasuke sighed and shot Naruto an irritated look. Ungrateful little...
"I don't care whose fault it is. You two are messing around and the wedding is in 3 days! Naruto!" He flinched as Sakura barked his name. "Back on the platform, now! And Sasuke-kun?" She whirled on him and he couldn't help but flinch slightly at that terrible gaze. "Thank you for stopping by, but we really are busy, so I think it's time for you to go. I'll see you tomorrow at the rehearsal, ok?"
"Yeah, sure". Sasuke gave one last look at Naruto who was ambling back towards the platform, looking sheepish and guilty. Curse Sakura and her horrible timing! "Later". He began making his way back towards the entrance.
"Um Sasuke-kun?"
"What now?"
"We'll be needing that dress"
"....Oh"
Next update will be coming hopefully soon. I'm typically slow at updating but I'm working to increase my speed. Bear with me. Thanks!
Whatever you do (review, crituque, favorite) I love it!
Much love
-dancer