YOU'RE MINE
A/N: Warnings and disclaimer on the first chapter. Thank you for your reviews. Some did make my heart swelled in happiness that I almost thought it would burst. Your words are very much appreciated.
There's a minimal Sasuke-Naruto interaction here but I still think this chapter has some interesting stuff. As I've said before no NejiNaru lemons. Oh and I really find wedding traditions entertaining.
CHAPTER 5: THE PERFECT WEDDING and THE DISASTROUS HONEYMOON
The buzzing of excited yet hushed voices filled the entire garden on which a wedding is about to commence. The ladies were of stunning beauty and chattering about how the place was perfectly arranged how detailed things are and how they wished they were wed or be wed in such manner. Men in suits are appreciative the surroundings, with matches of approving nods.
Ino smiled to herself. The feedback of the guests will be a nice promotion for their business but that can wait. Her attention as well as her friends are all for their 'boss' Naruto. She giggled at the thought. Technically, Naruto was the one to put up the business and he personally sought each one of them to join him. It was hard to resist his undeniably expressive azure eyes and even though some of them were employed that time, they gladly left their jobs to work with him and it was a decision they won't ever regret. It was mostly because he was their friend and they trust him.
Now, they are all gathered to witness his most special day. Despite the uneasiness settling on her with the upcoming wedding, the blonde woman is still beyond happy. Finally, Naruto found someone who'll be with him forever. He will not be alone anymore. And she truly hopes Neji will give him the happiness that Naruto deserves.
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"Kiba can you fix this fucking tie? Damn that Ino! I told her I don't want to wear this." Naruto tugged on the collar of his long sleeved. He was wearing an all white three-piece suit, while his soon-to-be husband will be in black. They were currently in one of the villas, particularly in Naruto's room. Inside with him are Kiba and Shikamaru.
"Calm down, blondie. It's your fault you let Ino chose what you should be wearing today." Kiba sniggered at the evident annoyance in the blonds' face while he helps him fix the tie.
"Shut up, you mutt! You know how much of a bossy woman she is! She said she'll castrate me if I don't let her." Naruto grimaced at the last thought. "Shika, I applaud you for making it this far."
The lazy man smiled while shaking his head. "Ino's afraid that you'll be choosing that horrid orange color and ruin everything, according to her."
Kiba snorted. "Can't blame the woman. Alright, done! We better hurry your wedding starts in twenty minutes. Are you ready, Naruto?"
As soon as his friend popped the question, his heart began thumping loudly. He won't be surprised if they hear it. He breathed heavily to calm himself. This is what he's dreaming of. To be tied and spend the rest of his life with the man he loves. It feels unreal but Naruto knows it's the reality and one that he will face no matter what happens.
"I'm ready." Naruto said his smile brighter than his usual ones. His face was radiating with happiness. It was evident that he's a man in love.
The three of them made their way to the garden decorated by their own company. It was simple, adorned with flowers and some vines. It was a mixture of white cherry blossoms, white daffodils and white baby's breath. Since there's minimal number of guests, the seats were arranged in rows, each covered in white cloth, the back with lace ribbon around it accentuated with the slightest hint of orange. Naruto insisted on it since he can't have anything in his favourite color and Ino exasperatedly agree with his little whim. His bouquet, which was insisted by the girls, is a combination of white godetia satin flowers and white lilac. Their seats on the middle were made out of glass and stands on the flowery ground. There's an arc standing, supported by poles on both sides of their seats. Everything was pristine and perfect in his eyes. But nothing is more wonderful than the feeling of to be wed to the man he loves.
When the guests felt their presence, the noise abruptly seized. Kiba and Shikamaru both left him a smile as they resumed their position with the entourage. Ino, Tenten and Hinata went over him.
"Naruto! You look dashing!" Ino said with happiness she can't contain. Tenten was beaming at him and Hinata was smiling gracefully.
"Thanks Ino. I owe you guys a lot."
"Nah. Don't say that. You're paying the services." Tenten said, grinning that made the blond howled with laughter.
"Well, let's get everyone in place. The judge is here and Neji seems impatient to have you in his arms. Look." Ino's gaze travelled to the long-haired man standing in front of the line. He was looking intently at the blond, his stare sending shivers on Naruto.
The tan guy gulped but smiled at his fiancé. He glanced over his girlfriends. "This is almost a dream. I can't believe we're going to get married in a few minutes."
"Yeah. Don't let your nerves get you. Come on, you stand at the end of the line. Where's that Kiba? I told him he's supposed to be after Neji. Tenten drag Shino over here and bring that lazy man Shikamaru, will you? God, these guys! What those rehearsals are for?" Ino sighed as she flustered over the groomsmen and bridesmaids.
After a minute, Ino managed to get everyone in their places. Neji was situated at the front of the entourage. The guests stood as one, all with smiles in their lips. When the wedding march played, they slowly walked. Step by step, Naruto was overwhelmed with his feelings but he managed to stay in his mind and flash his winning smile.
As the blond made his way down the aisle, their wedding song played in the background. He scanned the guests who were invited. Naruto saw some clients he worked with, a few of Neji's acquaintances in his work, his friends and few family members of his fiancé. In the passing on his gaze, he didn't miss the dark orbs of one certain man who was looking at him with longing and sadness. Naruto felt a lump form on his throat when he saw this. He felt as if he shares the same feeling or maybe he pities the guy. Yes, that must be it, it's sympathy he has towards him because there's no way he'll feel sad on his wedding day and simply not because of another man. He tore his gaze off the dark-haired guy and focused all his attention on the brunette in front of him. He arrived at the end of the walkway and saw Neji waiting, his usual impassive face painted with love, all for him, Naruto thought. Reaching Neji's hand, he bestowed him a smile full of love and happiness and with clasped hands; they walked together in a new chapter in their lives.
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He was broken. No, that's not enough to express how he feels at the moment. As he witness the wedding in front of his eyes, jealousy, regret and frustration was eating his heart. He knew he acted stupid when he had the chance to entice the blond of his dreams. He acted on his feelings before he can think of what he's doing. Quite a disappointment for someone so disciplined and refined as him. And Sasuke wonders why he still attended the fucking wedding when he knows it fully that it'll be the ultimate proof of his loss.
As soon as Naruto left him after the kiss, he wasn't able to decide whether to seek his forgiveness or pretends that the intimate moment they shared didn't happen. Yet he still found himself outside the blonds' room. He had a hard time convincing him to talk to him but at the end Naruto gave in. He offered no excuses for his actions because he wanted those to happen but he has no intention of making Naruto feel bad about himself. He was the one who initiated it all and the blonde maybe did respond but it's more due to his frustration of Neji's lack of attention for him. Sasuke wasn't entirely sure that Naruto wanted him and the kiss they've shared. For all he knew, he might be used as a vent for the blonde's pent up dissatisfaction with his lover. Either way, they talked of it in a civil manner and decided to never mention it anymore. Since then, Sasuke didn't saw nor hear anything about the blond aside from those of Neji's bit of information about their relationship. Until one day in early December when Neji and Naruto invited him for a cup of tea.
"I'm honoured that you spared us time, Mr. President." Neji said as soon as the waiter finished serving their orders.
The raven glanced at the brunette and then to the blond who's eyes were fixed on his cup. "I have some free time and it's not every day I get invited by you and Mr. Uzumaki To what do I owe this invitation?" He sipped on his cup.
"Here." The long-haired man handed him a white envelope with patterns dry sealed on it. Intricately written on the back was Mr. Sasuke Uchiha.
"What's this?" The raven asked. He didn't open the object right away.
"It's our wedding invitation. We will be truly delighted if you can grace us with your presence on that day Sir."
As soon as the words were uttered, Sasuke felt as if his heart stopped beating. It's not as if he didn't saw this coming but to be caught unaware and unprepared was another story.
He struggled to form the words. "Congratulations. However I can't give you an answer right away. If my schedule permits it, I will be there."
His response seems to be enough for the brunette and he saw how it made the blond more comfortable. Perhaps Naruto was hoping he wouldn't manage it. Their meeting didn't last long as Neji received an urgent call from the office. The raven didn't miss how the tan face immediately fell down at this but the blond hid his hurt and disappointment the moment it showed. That soon ended their little appointment.
He doesn't have any intention of breaking them up. No. Not because he loves Naruto, he will act selfishly. He's going to support whatever will make the blond happy and ruining their marriage seems not an option. The blond is helplessly in love with the brunette. As he watched the two men kiss to seal their matrimony, Sasuke's mouth suddenly felt bitter. He wonders if that's how death tastes like. He only hope that Neji can make him happy because the moment he saw Naruto sad or worse crying, he'll snatch the blond in an instant, despite the protests of the tan guy himself. He, Sasuke will make sure that Naruto will be happy with him and will never be hurt again.
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The reception soon followed. It was situated in the grand hall on which Naruto and his company made all the necessary arrangements. The furniture and everything else was provided by the Hacienda. Their company however did make the food for the guests. It was under Chouji's supervision. It was served to cater dinner so they provided different menu, from types of meat to seafood and vegetarian dishes. Everybody was in the middle of their meal and seems to be enjoying every bit of food they're eating.
Naruto and Neji were seated on the front table, in the middle where guests can see them. As soon as everyone finished eating, the couple decided to roam around each table to mingle with the guests and to take the commemorative photo with the newlywed.
Everybody congratulated the couple and gave praises to their wedding. Some expressed their desire to get Naruto's company as their event's organizer. The blond had a hard time preventing his grin when he heard of those requests. The wedding is like hitting two birds with one stone.
When he reached the table of his friends, Kiba yelled and hugged him tight. Everybody did so to Naruto and gave Neji their best wishes. The blond can't help the tears.
"Idiot. What are you crying for?" The dog lover mocked but he was tenderly looking at his best friend. He can understand that Naruto was feeling overwhelmed with everything.
"I'm just happy. I'm so thankful that all of you are here and I'm really grateful for the effort you have exerted to make my wedding perfect. Thank you guys."
Neji grabbed his waist and pulled him closer. "Love, don't cry. People will think that I made you sad on our wedding day."
The blond jabbed his husband lightly on the side. "These are tears of happiness Neji. I'm just really happy."
"We want a pay raise Naruto!" Ino chirped in. Naruto chuckled at her remark.
Neji however bowed his head slightly in front of Naruto's friends. "Thank you very much for your effort. This wedding is perfect."
Ino and Tenten exchanged looks and Shikamaru tilted his head. Shino remained silent and Chouji stopped from eating, his spoon hanging in the air, Hinata was beaming beside him. It was Kiba however who spoke for the team.
"Naruto's our dear friend and we want to see him happy that's why we worked hard for this. Neji, just make him happier than he is. He got us, but you're the one who matters most to him. We leave him to you."
The blond gaped at his brunette friend and before he can stop himself he hugged him again. "Thank you, Kiba." He breathed down the dog lover's ear. When they pulled apart, both of them were slightly blushing.
Neji nodded. "I will make him happy."
The couple stayed for a few minutes more because Naruto was having so much fun talking with his friends. Neji had to drag him off to the others table because the blond doesn't seem to have any plan of leaving them. They reached the last group which consists of Neji's family and some of the people from his company including Sasuke Uchiha.
When the guests saw them, Neji's relatives stood and hugged the couple while his colleagues shook the newlywed's hands. Greetings and chat followed. While Naruto felt comfortable along the brunette's family, he can't the same for the people who worked closely with his husband. This is the crowd who are as much as alcoholic as Neji is and who knows if these are the same people who holds Neji back in his office thus breaking his appointments with Naruto. Nevertheless, he was not holding any grudge and he converse with them with such enthusiasm. He however was ignoring a certain man's presence yet he can't deny that he felt the heated gaze on him.
Neji moved towards where Sasuke was seated. Naruto stood beside his husband and plans not to talk the whole time while he was in the raven's presence.
"Mr. President, I'm really glad of your presence in our wedding."
The Uchiha stood and shook the brunette's hand. "I think one from our family should at least be here to congratulate you on this marvellous day. My parents and Itachi are quite busy and can't make it here. They send their apologies."
"It's fine. You being here is enough."
"Hn."
"Love, why don't you talk with Mr. Uchiha while I go and get something?"
"Wha— but love—!" Naruto said, panic evident in his tone.
"I'll be quick." He kissed Naruto's lips and left the table. There was an awkward silence as the blond thinks of what to say. But the raven saved him from starting a conversation.
"Congratulations Naruto. Or should I call you Mr. Hyuuga now?"
Naruto pressed his lips together. "Thank you. Mr. Hyuuga has a nice ring on it, so please call me on that name."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes but eventually let a smirk to form on his lips. "My apologies but I prefer to call you Naruto."
The blond sharply look at the raven. "If you must, Mr. Uchiha."
"Call me Sasuke. You are not my employee to address me in such manner. Furthermore, Neji is almost a friend. I feel closer to you than ever."
The blue eyes widened in disbelief. "I thought we would drop off such snide comments Mr. Uchiha and be civil with each other."
Sasuke just shrugged a shoulder, there was still the smirk that ghosting his lips. The blond opened his mouth to say something when he felt an arm snaked on his waist. When he looked on his side, Neji was there.
"Everything fine here?"
The blond answered far too quickly. "Of course love!"
Sasuke held himself not to snigger while Neji looked puzzled but decided to let it go.
"Well it seems there are some traditions to do first so I and Naruto will be leaving you now." He sweetly stole a glance at his husband who flushed. Sasuke nodded and resumed his seat while the couple left the table, his burning stare following them.
The host called on the newlyweds for the throwing of the bouquet and garter. She asked for the single men to round up the couple to see Neji removing the garter from Naruto's thigh before tossing it to those single men. The blonde almost growled. He insisted that he will in no way wear that garter. He's not a bride! But Neji coaxed him to do it. Naruto has a hunch that Ino's the one who planned it all. She insisted that as married couple they should do as tradition says even if they aren't the normal man and woman pair. The blond man can't do anything to retaliate. It's only a fucking garter. But since it can't be hitched further than his knee due to what he's wearing, the removal of it didn't look entirely sexy. It was actually on the funny side with Kiba teasing the blond from the line of bachelors.
As soon as the garter was off him, Neji smirked at the group of guys fighting to catch the object. Naruto saw Kiba, Shino, Chouji and Shikamaru amongst the men. He laughed at this because even the lazy ass genius was participating. The blond was betting it was due to Ino and the girls. As for Kiba, he was probably doing it so he can find an excuse to get closer to Hinata. Naruto hopes it'll be one of his friends to catch the garter.
With the host's signal, Neji threw it high in the air and most men jumped, trying to get it for themselves but the garter almost knew whose hands it will fall. The pineapple-hair guy who almost paid no attention to the scene has the garter in his hand. Shikamaru was almost shocked to see it resting on his palm. Everyone clapped and congratulated him. Naruto saw Kiba tease the guy that seems about getting married next and saw the blonde woman blushed heavily but seems pleased nonetheless. Shikamaru just shrugged but has a small smile on his lips as he stole a very discreet glance on his girlfriend.
"That was unexpected! Who would have thought that it'll be the guy who didn't moved an inch from his place that will land himself the garter! That's what we call fate. Congratulations Mr. Nara. Now, we're calling the ladies to gather around in front as Naruto will throw the bouquet and whoever catches it, as we believe, will be the next one to get hitched! If any of you is Mr. Nara's girlfriend, you should fight tooth and nail for these flowers!"
Naruto saw Ino stood from her seat, followed by Hinata and Tenten who didn't share her enthusiasm. A few other ladies made their way in the middle of the hall. As soon as everyone was settled, Naruto turned his back on the crowd. At the signal of the host, the blond threw the bouquet above his head. It was like slow motion. All the girls' eyes are focus on the bunch of flowers as it momentarily stilled on the air before it fell on the lucky hands of one wonderfully shocked blonde woman. Ino screamed in delight and raised the flowers to show everyone in the hall that it was her who caught before she seeks the eyes of her long-time boyfriend. Shikamaru sexily grinned at her before mouthing, "Let's get married."
Ino flushed at Shikamaru's words, though she walked briskly over his direction and hugged the guy. They shared a passionate kiss which earned them whistles and jeers. They broke after a considerable time, oblivious of their audience. After their little romantic moment, the host asked the two to go over the front. Shikamaru dragged a slightly blushing Ino who was asked to sit on the chair. The host then asked Shikamaru to put the garter in Ino's mid-thigh level which the man gladly did. As he hooked up the garter on the soft silky skin of her girlfriend, he couldn't resist caressing every inch of her where his hands landed, and since it was hidden from the eyes of their audience he added pressure on his movements, massaging Ino's thigh. The blonde woman narrowed her eyes on her boyfriend, silently warning him not to do anything funny. The guy just smirked at her before pushing the garter higher, almost brushing on the side of her most intimate part. The woman gasped and the man withdrew his hands. He asked for her hand and both smiled to the guests and the newlywed couple. Naruto thought it was funny yet sweet at the same time. Their company would plan another of its employees' wedding soon.
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It was almost eleven in the evening when the guests finally decided to retire. They were all given accommodation in the Hacienda. After some amusements and the traditional dance, the program was ended. The newlywed couple bade goodbye on everyone with big smiles on their faces. They gave their gratitude to their friends and family before they left the place, heading straight for the airport for their next destination which will be their honeymoon.
As Neji helped the driver put their bags on the trunk of the car, Naruto thought he saw Sasuke standing on the lobby, his dark eyes looking directly at him. The blond was about to do something stupid by walking over the raven's side when he caught himself. Whatever Sasuke was feeling is none of his concern. He glanced at the Uchiha once more before he went inside the car, with Neji sitting beside him, smiling lustfully at Naruto. All thoughts about the dark-haired man were forgotten.
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The loud ring of Neji's phone woke up the newlywed couple. They were on their fourth day of honeymoon and still have another week to spend travelling and enjoying each others' company. They decided to roam around the different travel spots in the country first before they plan an out of the country trip on their first anniversary. They have shared so many wonderful moments and created lots of happy memories. Neji was so sweet and always give in the whims of the blond. They spent hours making love, sometimes even skipping meals but everything was so beautiful and perfect. Naruto was close to wishing that they stay that way and never come back to their reality. But of course, that wouldn't be possible right? Now who would have been calling his husband this early?
"Mnnnh. Turn that off, love." Naruto rolled to his husband's side and snuggled the well-built body. Neji has an arm stretched to fetch off the phone from the bedside table as he smiled at the blonds' adorability.
"I'll just see who this is. It might be important."
A pair of bright blue eyes looked up to him. Neji placed a kiss on the tan forehead before leaving the blond on the bed to take the call. He was unmindful of the fact that he's only in his boxers as he walked through the sliding door into the small veranda adjacent their room.
Naruto pouts. He turned away from the sight of his husband who was looking so magnificently with the sunlight bathing his body. That call better be something unremarkable or he would really throw a fit if it disturbs his honeymoon.
After a few minutes Naruto heard the door and saw Neji returned with a serious expression that forebodes something. Naruto's heart starts to beat wildly. This can't be anything good. He sat up on the bed, revealing his nude upper body. The duvet was hiding his equally nude lower half.
"What happened? Is everything okay?"
The brunette sat beside him and grabbed his hands and squeezed them tight. Naruto started to panic.
"Love, we need to go back now."
The blue eyes widened. "What?! Why? Is anyone we know off in danger or—"
The other man shook his head. "No, it's not that. Why don't we call for breakfast first?"
"No. You're just making it worse for me. Spill it out love."
Neji sighed, an apologetic look painted in his face. "My secretary called me. A client needs me to meet him tomorrow. It's urgent. We have been working on a partnership with this man for months and if we let this chance slip, we might never get him to work along with us ever."
Naruto felt the last bit of sleepiness leaving him. He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms against his chest. "You're on leave. Why do they have to call you? Your company knows you're in your honeymoon! Plus, isn't there someone else who can do that? Surely you're not the only capable guy."
The brunette slides his finger in his long hair. "Indeed. But Mr. Kishimoto particularly requested me. He wouldn't make any agreement with anyone else. I am the one handling this project so it's only expected that he'll be asking for me. I don't really like to ruin this for you but it seems I have no choice in the matter."
The tan guy gritted his teeth. Until his honeymoon, Neji's work always seems to follow them. He should have thrown that phone when he had the chance. Working his mind, he came up with something. "How about this, you leave and then come back here after you're done? It's not a bad idea considering we still have a week left."
The lavender eyes stared at the blue intently as if considering the possibility and Naruto thought he saw hope but was instantly crushed when Neji shook his head. "That would have been a wonderful idea if I know how much time it will take. But depending on some issues, we can't close a deal with only a day. I expect this particular one will take at least three, given the fussy and meticulous proceedings. And if I did finish it off at that time frame, my remaining period will be spent for polishing the contract further and attending to legal matters. I'm sorry love but it seems we really need to pack our things and leave after lunch. I have to be at the office before this day ends."
"But Neji! Can't you make any excuse? We're newlyweds. This is our honeymoon. We have to spend time together and enjoy. Work can wait."
"I deeply apologize, my love. But this is one of those that can't wait. There's a big investment at stake."
"Goddamnit!" Naruto screamed. Neji winced at the loud voice. Its good thing they were in a cabin which is in a good distance from the others.
"We can reschedule the rest of our honeymoon, love. I promise to make it up to you." Neji said, trying to appease the furious blond. There were angry tears that started forming on his azure eyes.
Naruto shakes his head. "You and your promises Neji." He said in a bitter voice. "Perhaps I should just stay here and enjoy the remaining days of our honeymoon. It'll be a waste to let this chance pass by."
The brunette eyes his spouse, his expression calculated. "Will that make you happy? Staying here without me?"
"If the choice is between staying here alone and going back home while you drown yourself with work, maybe it's better that I hang about here. Who knows, I might find someone who'll spend time with me."
In a flash, Naruto was pinned down on the bed. His wrists gripped by powerful hands. Neji's long hair was flowing down on the side of his face as he stared at the livid man. He was breathing hard on the blonde.
"You wouldn't dare Naruto." His voice was low and dangerous.
Naruto thought that it was funny. He actually spilled those words not because he has any intention to be unfaithful but just to prove how pissed he was. But looking at how Neji took it, he has to explain himself.
Blue eyes clashed with lavender. "That was a joke. I just got married to you! And if there's anyone that I would like to spend time with, it'll be you Neji! You should know that!"
The blonde wriggled out of the grip and the brunette let him go. Naruto pushed his husband away from him. He draped his arm over his eyes. "I only had a few days of peace; a few days of having you entirely for me alone. But now it's over. It feels like a dream. Sometimes I'm thinking that you value your work more than you value me." His voice broke and he was fighting for the tears not to fall.
Neji's heart felt like it was stabbed as he took in the hurt and pain in his husband's voice. He loves his work, that pretty much is evident but to say that he place it before Naruto is not true. He loves him more although there are certain circumstances that he can't pass and he expects Naruto to understand.
"Love, look at me." The pale man removed the arm away from the blonds' eyes. Naruto's eyes were tightly shut but there were already tears on the side. Neji kissed the salty liquid away and trail some kisses on the tan face, jaws and down to the slender neck. The blond shivered as Neji licked the exposed skin. When the brunette looked up, he saw Naruto staring down at him.
"Naruto, please love, don't get mad. This is out of my control. If I can only act on my selfishness I would stay here and make love to you. But there are people who rely on me and I don't want to let them down."
The blond sat up and Neji grudgingly took the space behind him. Naruto didn't speak for a while; there was a visible frown on his face but his initial rage seems to be diminishing. "You wouldn't mind if I stay a few days with Kiba right? We have a big event coming that I should take care of after our honeymoon but since it was cut off short, I better spend my free time working on this project. I don't want to go into the office when everyone knows I should be on my honeymoon."
The brunette frowned. Kiba lives in another city from their place and just the idea of Naruto staying in another's man place even if it's friend of the blond, doesn't seem to be a good idea. Yet he knows this is compromising at its best. "Alright, but only for three days."
"I have another condition."
Neji's brows rose. His husband can be both stubborn and childish at the same time. "What it is?"
The blond shifted on the bed until he's facing the brunette directly. Looking into those beautiful lavender eyes, he said with pure conviction. "We're not going to have sex until our honeymoon period is over."
"What?!" Neji exclaimed. His eyes darkened with rage and confusion. "Why?"
Naruto knows it should be other way around but because of Neji's decision to cut off their time together, Naruto must imposed some actions as well, even if it does require sacrifice from his part. After all, he wasn't sure if their love making would be as hot, steamy and as heartfelt if the idea of those breathtaking beaches constantly pops on his mind. He's aware that it was childish of him to come up with such absurd idea but that way, he can deprive Neji of something else, like how the brunette deprived him of this perfect honeymoon. They'll have to rely on their hands to pleasure themselves. Perhaps Neji won't even have any time to spare for jacking off, as Naruto can see how busy his husband will be in the next few days.
"Because that's what I want. If you don't agree, then let me stay here."
Neji clenched his jaws, nodded and said no more. He would have wanted to argue about that stupid condition but time's ticking and he has more important matters to attend to than a sulking husband. They bathe separately and dressed for their breakfast. After the meal, Neji arranged their plane tickets. When he got it done, both packed their belongings and headed directly in the airport. Neither was really up for some chat. The entire journey was treated with silence. As soon as they got home, Neji headed for the closet to pick a suit and no more than thirty minutes, he was ready to go. He made a call in the office for his secretary to organize his schedule. He then grabbed his briefcase from his desk on his study and stuffed some necessary documents in the bag. The blond was watching the whole thing but didn't utter any word. When Neji bade him goodbye and kissed his lips, he just stayed unmoving until the brunette broke it off and left him.
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Neji arrived in his company building in no time and head off directly to his office where his secretary was waiting. The assistant briefed him of the urgent matters that he should attend to.
"Kindly place those documents that needed my attention in my desk. I have a meeting with Mr. President in a few minutes."
The secretary briskly nodded and went to do her job. Neji meanwhile dropped his briefcase in his desk and checked in a few mails before he went into the President's office. The red-headed woman outside nodded to Neji and gave him the signal to go inside the raven's office.
Sasuke was writing something when he took notice of someone's presence. When he looked up, he saw Neji Hyuuga approaching him. He nodded and indicated the seat across him.
"Mr. Hyuuga, you made it. It's bad that we had to pull you off when you're on leave but Mr. Kishimoto specifically asked for you. I told him I will assign another person to deal with his requests but he was insistent that you take care of this."
Neji nodded, saying he understands. "It's alright Mr. President. Mr. Kishimoto probably is more comfortable with me handling his investments in the company. I have been working with him for months now."
"Then that's good." The raven leaned back on his swivel chair, his hands clasped on his crossed legs. "What did Naruto say? I'm sure he's upset."
Neji smiled. "Upset isn't enough to cover up his feelings on this but I talked to him and he understands."
Sasuke hid his disappointment. It was bad to hope for others misfortune but he was silently wishing that the blonde will see this flaw of his husband. If it was him, Mr. Kishimoto can go to hell for all he cares, if that will mean he can spend his days with his beloved. He slightly shook his head. "You're lucky that he's lenient."
The Vice President almost rolled his eyes. "He's not. He set me a ridiculous condition. But I know he'll be the one to give up first. He loves me deeply and supports me. I guess that's what marriage is all about." He flashed a confident smile.
The raven clenched his fists and he would have glared at the brunette sitting smugly on the cushioned chair if that will not raise confusion. He suited himself with a nod. He doesn't want to hear more of Neji bragging how he has Naruto on his palms.
"Here are the papers of Mr. Kishimoto's business with us. I'm sure you know what to do. I have arranged a meeting for you tomorrow at eight. Write a report on these papers and brief me of the terms before you meet with Mr. Kishimoto. Any questions, ask me."
The brunette nodded and turned his professional gaze on the folder given to him. "I'll work on this as soon as I can. If you'll excuse me, I'm going back to my office."
"Hn." Neji took it as an end to their meeting and left a small bow to his superior.
As soon as Neji left, Sasuke threw his pen holder on the wall to his left. He didn't brood when those two got married because there was no meaning to it. Even if he pities himself, nothing will change. His advances towards Naruto proved to be worthless, in effect it only made the blond weary of him. He had prepared himself to hear stories of Neji and Naruto's endless love and happy memories but he doesn't want to hear their marriage having these bumps so early, especially since its Neji's fault. It was definitely good for him if he wanted a chance to have Naruto for himself.
Is it righteous to seize the opportunity to get what he wanted and charge forward if that was the result of having Naruto weep and be in so much pain?
He wanted Naruto. He loves him. His pain will fade away once he started to see that Neji is not worthy of his love and Sasuke will make Naruto fall for him. But until that moment, he will wait patiently and maybe do some subtle things that will have the blond see him in another light.
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When Neji left him, Naruto had the urge to call him back and beg him not to go in the office but stay under the covers and perhaps continue their disrupted honeymoon. But there was no need for that. He was positive that Neji won't be indecisive of his decision to choose his client over their honeymoon. It was for his position and his company's welfare and the blond has to take the back seat for the moment. Naruto sighed. It was no different before they got married. This is the life he signed for, he knows it but he won't be some little compliant spouse who will let his husband take control of everything. They are two on this marriage and there's supposed to be two voices to hear out. Neji must be taught that it will not always be him to take charge and expect Naruto to obediently follow his words. No, love isn't the only thing that makes a marriage work. There has to be understanding, communication, trust and especially both must learn to give and take and Naruto has every intention to make his husband aware of those.
A/N: Reviews?