Rule No. 7: Do not let anything bad happen to your wife even if it is initiated by a potential multibillion business partner.

Author's warning: unedited

Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine…he belongs to Sasuke I fully accept that…and Kishimoto-sensei

000 000

By the time dinner was served, rumor had spread about a feisty young blond who dared call the president of Hokage Corp a "Pervert-sage" to his face. Worst, the said blond was the candidate for the next president's wife.

Sasuke mentally cussed at his damned luck. Perhaps his crazy great uncle was right; he The Uchiha bloodline is cursed after all. He put it off before as a senile old man's tale but tonight was proving it to be true. He and the blond was obviously the center of attraction in the entire dining hall and it was no help that they were invited to seat at the main table.

The young Uchiha turned his attention to his partner in crime. Again the blond seemed completely oblivious to the stares that bored at them but very aware of Jiraya's demanding gaze at him...and why wouldn't he? If not for the bell announcing dinner and Biwako's suggestion to continue the conversation over dinner, the older man would have been shooting questions at the same speed and accuracy of a fully loaded automatic and he was not positively sure they could dodge those at close range. They were literally saved by the bell but this left them trapped in a corner with no where to run. He had better think fast. They're lives are on the line...by that he meant their souls forcefully leaving their bodies if he did not have anything up his sleeve.

"These dishes are from my eldest son's restaurant. They are currently away on a business trip and even brought my grandson along. Though he can't be here it would be his delight to find out that you have enjoyed his recipes. Please, eat. " Hiruzen gestured to the waiters distributing the first course.

"So, Jiraya you are acquainted with Naruto-kun." Biwako waited for the last guest to be served before she spoke.

"He's my godson actually." The white haired man did not turn his gaze away from the blond.

"Hoho—You never told me you have a godson and you are not exactly a godfather material." Sarutobi massaged his beared in good humor.

"I only found out 7 years ago and it wasn't even official kaicho." He turned his hard gaze to Sasuke and the latter realized that he would start asking his questions.

"So brat—did you have any intention to tell me about this escapade?"

Sasuke gauged his pretend wife beside him. He expected the blond to look anywhere but at his godfather but he was doing the complete opposite. Stubborn blue eyes glared at the president and gave as hard as he got. However, despite the brave act, Sasuke felt the younger male's knees shake from under the table as tan hands worried the tablecloth.

Ever so discreetly those azure orbs turned to glance at him then he understood. he could judge upon their first date—errand that the blonde was not very good in lying...no–the blond was not very comfortable with lying especially to someone he knew yet here he was trying very hard not to blow their cover.

"Sacho..." Sasuke pulled back his chair and stood up to bow at Jiraya "I apologize for the both of us. We wanted to wait until he graduates but due to circumstances..." he needed to choose his words carefully, but it was that moment of hesitation that gave Jiraya the leeway to react.

"Why? Did you get him pregnant or something?"

"Stop talking nonsense you old pervert." The blond broke his silent streak with flares nostrils and a beet red face. "Is it wrong to ask this...sudden union between the two of you?"

That's it...he was officially fired. Ruined! Dead and buried. There was no getting out of this and the least he could do is minimize the damage and prolong the inevitable. Perhaps it will give him enough time to pack his things and live in Snow country with a different name and hope he'll make it there. Sasuke watched the godparent and child argue as passively as he could.

"Well it's none of your business." The young director immediately saw that the moment Naruto uttered those words, he regretted it. Blue eyes widened and his plush lips trembled and it instantly pulled at his guilt strings, which the blonde had, manage to easily get a hold of.

"Forgive me if I am stepping over sacho but I do not thing this matter is best discussed here." Without thinking he patted the soft blond locks and ruffled them a bit earning him a lovely vision of two ocean blue eyes blinking back at him.

Jiraya clearly had wanted to give a retort but the hostess of the party had started to talk before he could. "While I for one am not a fan of shotgun weddings this matter is indeed not appropriate at this time but—" She gave a disapproving look at the company president who clearly wanted to retort but gave a warm smile at the young Uchiha who showed great composure despite being directly confronted of one of the most powerful men in Hokage Corp. "...still Uchiha Sasuke-kun..."

"Yes madam?" Sasuke's chair was closer to his partner's side than before. His hand rested a little over Naruto's side of the table. It was minuscule change in position but it told volumes to the lady of the Sarutobi house who had seen her fair share of people go in and out of Hokage Corp and learned early in her life how little movement can give way to ones inner character and from the get go, the young director had done nothing but shield his younger spouse from the tigers that surrounded them—unconsciously...instinctively so.

"…you both make an adorable couple."

Jiraya managed to stop himself from spurting the wine he was drinking and half choked on it instead. "What are you saying Biwako-san!"

"Ho— you're right dear, they are an adorable couple." Sarutobi laughed at His former student's uncomfortable demenor and wholeheartedly agreed to his wife's statement.

Jiraya obviously wanted to interrogate e couple more but was compelled not to push Biwako's patience further and understood that a family matter must not be discuss in business dinner parties.

Having felt like they dodged a bullet to the head, Sasuke took Naruto's hand and linked it together with his as he topped it off with a kiss. "Thank you Madam. I'm a very lucky man indeed."

The onlookers giggled at the affectionate display but Naruto's sudden painful tight grip around Sasuke's had clearly told the raven head that he'd want nothing more than to punch him in the face.

After dinner ended, each guest quietly and discreetly excused themselves from the dining hall and found a place to pass the time and wait for their meal to settle inside their stomachs. Naruto and Sasuke were no different. The blond kindly excused himself and asked for the direction of the nearest restroom from one of the servers. As he got up, Sasuke immediately followed and excused himself too.

It was time to regroup and plan out how they were going to get out of this; that much both knew.

The hallway towards the restroom was empty but both made sure to look out for passersby before going in together and locking the door.

"Oh my gosh! You didn't tell me that the old pervert will be here." Naruto half whispered his hysterical outburst at the Uchiha.

"Idiot. How was I supposed to know you two are related?"

"We're not." The blond cut off and Sasuke became confused. "You're not…"

Naruto shook his head. "No. I'm an orphan. All I know is that old man and his wife showed up one day claiming to be my long lost godparents and then checks up on me and Iruka-san every once in a while." The blond had a scrunched up look on his face like he was trying to recall how exactly he became acquainted with the Fifth President of Hokage Corp.

Sasuke by now was even more perplexed. How could you not know the man was not one of the most influential men in Fire country? It was either the idiot was…well and idiot or just didn't care for the man's position. Looking at the smaller male having inner monologue both statements was most likely probable. But there was something he wasn't buying…The blond's reaction after he realized what he said to the old man.

"If you're not that close how come you look like you were about to cry when you told the old man off?"

"I wasn't going to cry you bastard. Even if we aren't that close he is still somewhat family." Naruto lowered his gaze to the floor and switched his balance from one foot to the other. "No one wants to intentionally hurt family…"

Really?

Sasuke couldn't have recalled all the moments he had wanted to maim, torture and kill most of his relatives and he knew he found no remorse imagining them, father and older brother being on top of the list. However, he found himself in no position to refute the blond's statement said in such a timid and innocent tone. Was it him or is it this stupid warm bathroom lighting that is causing him to see the younger males incessant fidgeting more adorable and less annoying?

"Hey guys, you better get out of there soon unless you want people to find out you two are locked in there for an indefinite time now." A familiar voice and a knock from the other side of the door interrupted the stretched silenced both males had. Kakashi had perfect timing and an uncanny ability to make himself known at the oddest of times.

Sasuke took no moment to pause before unlocking the door and come face to face with the man who had a thousand page manual on his head to make his life a living hell. "Yo! Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun you sure took a long time. What are you two doing in there?" Did he mention that this was one of the people he had no qualms on seeing dead?

"Hatake-san you pervert!" Kakashi's eyes glinted before turning into inverted U's. "My, what a dirty minded child we have over here?" Mismatched eyes looked behind his former student to see the uncomfortable expression the young blond had. "What did you think I was implying huh Naruto-kun?"

"That's enough Kakashi-san." Sasuke swatted the wagging finger in front of him. "I have no doubt you heard what happened." Kakashi's teasing glint didn't waver but his posture straightened indicating that the older man knew that they might be in some serious consequences and they needed to lay things straight.

"It turns out the dobe and sacho do not meet often. So after this event we are free to part ways and do our own business provided we can dart questions that would need further inquiry."

"He-he you sound like your old man." Sasuke gave Kakashi the patented Uchiha glare which proved his point but was also his clue not to push the subject any further. "Ehem—if anyone askes now let's just say you and Naruto met because Naruto is a part time housekeeper in your flat. Stretching the truth is a little less conspicuous than having make-up story blasted out there."

"Should any questions about our matrimony are inquired after this, then we should continue to act docile and in time suggest that our marriage was not going well but still good friends with each other unavoidably leading to a quiet separation. Three months tops should be adequate. It happens all the time…"

"Oh…" Kakashi and Sasuke both looked at the blond who had a deep look in his eyes.

"Don't worry dobe. I'll keep my end of the deal for one night. You have done more that what we asked assuming you do don't go to Jiraya-sama and blurt this out on him." Assuming that the deal would be prolonged, Sasuke assured the blond.

"Of course I won't. That would get me killed too" Naruto glared at Sasuke for even thinking breaking a deal. "It's just that…" Naruto mumbled the rest of his words making it impossible for the other two to understand.

"Speak up dobe."

"What is it Naruto-kun."

Naruto glared at Sasuke and gave an unsure look at Kakashi. "It's just you speak of marriage like it was just a convenient move that it felt more like a tool than something meaningful."

"Ho/Hn—"

The instant Naruto let go of his thoughts out loud he knew he would regret it. Because no matter how much those two insist that they have nothing in common they regrettably think alike. Sadistic wise at least.

"Is little Naruto feeling something more that pretend-play over here." Kakashi started.

But Sasuke finished it with a more teasing manner. He pushed the smaller male further on to the wall he was leaning on and placed an arm over Naruto's head and lightly hold the baby soft tan cheek with the other hand as he practically purred his words out. "Did you want something more meaningful to come out of this dobe—ugh!" Yet as always the smallest of the trio had the encore.

With a warm huff that deniably sent shivers from Sasuke's palm to his spine' Naruto gutted in between Sasuke's ribs with his middle and index finger and ran for cover behind Kakashi.

"Haha. But I must say Naruto-kun. You held your own out there despite the constant stares and glares you received from all of the guests. The silver haired man ruffled the sunshine locks in high approval.

"What good would it do me to keep on thinking about how people look at me" That earned him a long and curious stare from Kakashi because the older man figured that the blond wasn't just talking about the people in the party.

"Ah, there you are Hatake-san, Uchiha-san. Master is looking for you." One of the servants greeted the trio and ushered them to the foyer where most men were at smoking cigarettes and drinking their fill of the house wine.

"Ah, Kakashi-kun, Uchiha-kun, please join us out. Especially you-"Hiruzen grabbed Sasuke's shoulder and led him in the middle of the foyer with Kakashi and Naruto in tow. "You will be dealing with these people more often pretty. It wouldn't hurt to mingle now."

"Then I'll borrow Naruto-kun if you men don't mind." Biwako was accompanied by his daughter-in-law, Kurenai. "The ladies are always excited to hear wedding stories especially if it's from the one who had managed to capture the elusive Uchiha-kun's heart."

Naruto had a big sign of "HELP ME DON'T LET ME GO WITH THEM" written over his head but the two ladies with their friends had managed to drag the poor boy away to their area before he could grab hold of Kakashi or even Sasuke.

Sasuke's sight on the other hand never left his spouse who was blushed and shriveled under the constant coos and awes he was receiving from the women from inside the living room.

"Worried?" A glass of whiskey was thrust into him. "I was like that when Kurenai and I just got married too." Sasuke out of courtesy was forced to look away and transfer his attention to the man who offered him a drink.

"Asuma-san. Good evening." He greeted but Asuma was already looking at the group inside the living room, more particularly his wife that was lightly rubbing her very pregnant belly.

"Don't worry you'll eventually trust the people she's with because you'll learn to completely place your trust in hers" *

"Hn"

Sasuke looked elsewhere when the man had his attention solely on his wife. He did not understand the other man's words and was more focused on the fact that he found Kakashi and Jiraya on the far end of the foyer. No doubt the old man was trying grill answers from Kakashi but the best of luck there. A mute person would sooner speak than Kakashi giving straight answers and that was not because the crazy director felt obligated not to. He's just doing it for the sheer enjoyment of things much to all of humanities dread.

"Asuma-san. How come you do not work for Hokage Corp?"

"Ha!" The man inhaled a breath full of nicotine and exhaled it again. "That tie and suit stuff isn't my thing. I'm a getting your hands dirty kind of guy." He fished out his card case from his back pocket and took one to hand it to Sasuke. It clearly stated Engr. Asuma Sarutobi, city planner.

"And kaicho is okay with this? Isn't your older brother a restaurant owner?"

"Obviously my old man wanted to at least have one of us follow in his footsteps but I think there is nothing happier for parent to see his child fulfill his dreams right? Besides, my nephew seems boastfully express his interest in following on his grandpa's footsteps."

"Hn. Ah now I remember Shikimaru always talks about you-"

"Ah , He had his OJT with me at…" Sasuke and Asuma started to seriously get involved in their conversation while once in a while glancing at their spouses.

"Bah- I can't accept this. How come you give me this crap of information?" Jiraya took another swig at his drink "If I didn't know better I'd say you're looking for Naruto and Sasuke-kun's bedroom information…" Kakashi sing sang to the company president then gasped. "Oh wait I do know better…you do~ If I do let out that information make sure to include me in the credits of the next Icha Icha—gah!"

"Fool!"

Kakashi nursed the bumped that was sure to show on his head. Jiraya was one of the few people that could actually land a solid hit on him without effort second only to his late mentor. "How did they start dating, why did they suddenly decide to marry?"

"Itai… All I know is that all the housekeepers in the agency was all crap and that Naruto-kun was the only one who performed his job professionally and beyond was expected and it got Sasuke's attention."

Jiraya narrowed his eyes at the slick man. His answer was too cautious and rehearsed and not this some sort of love at first sight romance they claim to be…and he knew romance! He'll be retiring to focus on writing romantic (erotic) novels after all. This doesn't look like a happily sweet tooth romance story at all. He ignored the cunning freak of a marketing director at his side and turned his attention back to the young Uchiha who was every now and then looking at his center-of-the-ladies-attention godson. Sasuke was a very qualified lad for the position that he was undoubtedly sure of but if he messes with his godson's innocent feelings then…

"Bitch! You took Sasuke away from me!"

Over turned trays, shattered glass and spilled wine. That was all Naruto saw and heard before pain was felt on his cheek and the next thing he knew he was being cursed by a heavily accented girl from the Wind Country, who smelled like a brewery and a perfume factory combined.

"Temari-san, what are you doing!" A woman with hair tied up in two buns and a girl with pale skin and lavender eyes pulled the drunken woman away from Naruto.

"I've been pinning him for years. He was supposed to be my husband and create a solid partnership between Hokage and our company. He always ignored my advances excusing himself and stating that he is more focus in his career right now and now this…thing pops out of nowhere and is now his WIFE! Unfreakingbelievale!"

"Temari-chan I think you had too much to drink." Biwako did not stand but hurriedly signaled for a server to immediately fix the mess.

"What do you really get out of this? It just isn't right."

Apparently some people can reach an epiphany when drunk. Kakashi thought. He had better go and pacify and find away to pacify the heiress of Sabako Oil Company before she messes everything up.

Naruto stayed stoned still. His cheek stung but he held on to that long promise not to show his crying face to anyone again. This was all too familiar. Zeroed in like a spectacle to be looked at. He knew everyone was whispering and staring at him. Their eyes had already given verdict and conclusions without bothering to neither see nor hear his side of the story again. His chest constricted; it reminded him too much of the past he thought he had put behind. Being seen and not heard. Surrounded but alone, rejected and judged. He started to shake and he could feel his resolve to keep it all in slowly start to break.

"Did that scared you dobe? Don't tell me you were done in by just a light slap to the cheek?" It wasn't a motherly tone like his guardian Iruka had, nor the overprotective voice Tsunade-baba gave out. Despite the mocking words that were said the voice was clear, strong, solid…telling him that there was no reason to crumble over this. For a moment he wanted to drown and find solace in the voice but suddenly realize who and what was just said to him.

"Te-teme" It did not hold the annoyance that Naruto wanted to throw at the Uchiha. He wanted to follow it up with an insult to not be outdone but Sasuke had already hunched before the blond feeling his hair and face covered in wine

Sasuke's face was placid. No facial expression to betray his thoughts. The man studiously used his white handkerchief to dry Naruto's wet face.

Everyone was silent including the stoned Temari and shocked Jiraya and in no way calming. Sasuke teleported to Naruto's side like a ninja as soon as he heard and saw what Temari's hand landed on his spouses face.

"I'm so sorry about this Uchiha-san." It was a man whose face was covered in face paint be it prank of the party or no with red hair that ended the silence.

"If possible…" Sasuke started out with an unruffled and crisp tone. "I would like to keep a diplomatic relationship with your company Kankuro-san. The company that your family owns in very good relation to ours however…" Sasuke rubbed his thumb at the tanned cheek that was slowly showing signs of being swollen. "I'm afraid I will not be so adamant as to keep your sister leaving unscathed the next time around."

Naruto could not help but shiver from the arctic way Sasuke said those words. He wanted to close his eyes in shame for being treated like a weak and pathetic individual but found himself unable to look away from those deep dark ebony orbs.

Locking eyes with Naruto's infinite blues seemed to have made Sasuke's raging insides a little calmer. He couldn't nor dared to analyze why though. He just knew that when he saw what the heiress did, his blood turned cold and took every ounce of self control not to slap the woman back so her neck was twisted to the point of no return.

Everyone gasped at the site when Sasuke's guarded expression turned gentle as he combed the soft golden locks away from smooth face. It was the most affectionate expression the young Uchiha had dared to show in public.

Kakashi had to whistle to himself. Blood ties were scary and the possessive gleam in the young Uchiha's eyes rivaled the head of the family's insanely gleaming ones. But it was rare if not the first Kakashi had seen Sasuke's eyes like that. No matter how pissed Sasuke was, the boy simple did not do things that could purposely and potentially ruin his hard earned career. Acting brashly was simply not in his nature but with the stunt he pulled just now, is Sasuke even pretending anymore?

"Kankuro-sama. I'm afraid we have to ask Temari-sama to leave." Kakashi stated and asked Genma's help to escort the siblings out properly.

"I understand." The oldest of the siblings replied. "I'm so sorry about it. Rest assured that our father will hear about this and reprimand Temari accordingly. We will also be sending our formal apology no later than tomorrow morning. Please send our sincerest apologies to the head of the house" With than final statement the Sabaku sibling stepped out the Sarutobi estate.

Jiraya on the other hand finally stepped in to check up on his godson. "Are you okay brat?"

Naruto shook his head silently which wasn't a good sign because the brat was usually vocal about everything. He wanted to grab the kid and drive him back home immediately and the only thing that stop him was the light tug those tanned fingers gave to the hem of Sasuke's pants.

"I just want to go home now if that's okay."

The brat wasn't using his adorable face that could get away with anything at him; he was actually looking at the stoic shortly acquainted Uchiha brat and pleading with him.

Sasuke on the other hand completely ignored the president and patted the sunshine blond tresses. "We'll just give our goodbyes to everyone then we can go okay?" and Naruto obediently agreed.

Jiraya looked at them with a hesitant expression. A moment ago, he had all the reasons and tactics to expose this certain fraud of a relationship to the world and/or knock some sense into his godson that this was all just a stupid mistake that this little devil of an Uchiha was using him but now…he was not so sure…but will it be that damaging to allow a chance especially with what he witnessed?

He lightly coughed to gain their attention. "Sasuke-kun, while I applaud what you did for my godson and the way you kept yourself in check but I'm still not convinced about this marriage for yours." Jiraya looked at the young Uchiha and silently challenged him to a stare down. "I will be watching you closely and tomorrow you will be joining us for dinner at Iruka's home!"

Eh?! Both Naruto and Sasuke were left stunned speechless. Their only though was…Shit this isn't over?

And perfect timing as always Kakashi unnoticeably wrapped his arm around Sasuke's shoulder and laughed. "That's great guys. You both have been so worried on how to go about telling your parents and now's your chance. Can I come?" Then he blabbered on. "I'm practically the one who helped you two get together that I could be called your godfather in marriage."

And the two could not help but confirm, dreadfully that it was only Kakashi who was getting a kick out of this.

TBC

*the gender his/her is really a bother at times. I wanted Asuma to say that and refer both to his wife and Naruto but…well it won't work so it took me hours to decide with to use

OMG! It's finished. I wanted to transfer this into my computer earlier but well something happened… (SURGERY)

Now my gums and pallet are stitched up and I can't talk! #$W^&%&. Ah computer! My only way of communication…TT_TT. I am ranting a lot right now so feel free to ignore this part. I am now confined in my room this rainy day, high on meds with my Labrador who stinks like…well a dog (can't give him a bath but at least his not trying to jump and smash my mouth now unlike the first day we saw each other again from the hospital **almost faints**). My painkillers are keeping me bonkers every 6 hours…which made me realize who or what sort of idiotic creature would risk jail and health to get high intentionally if getting high felt like this? Kami-sama I wanna puke this meds out and eating nothing but cold yogurt and jellies isn't helping my stomach at all!

Ah well with determination and a whole lot of nothing to do at home…and more to do with finding something other than to focus on the pain I finished this! Yeah! Thank you for reading this far and thank you so much for the reviews, follows and favorites! It really warms the heart!

Rule No. 8: When you do decide to have a wife make sure you buy a fairly large and comfortable couch. You'll end up sleeping on it more than you'd count.