Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. (Good thing too, I'd probably make them do crazy porn related things all the time. Probably yaoi stuff non-stop. Although, maybe that wouldn't be too bad, would it?)
(A/N) Allo loves! Finally finished the First Chapter! And yes, it is the First Chapter... The first post was the Prologue. Well, anyway, read the story! It deserves some love! It deserves to be read by readers with crazy imaginations! It wants you! It needs you! Alright... yeah that's pretty much it. Well, enjoy!
Chapter One: My Bride To Be?
Footsteps echoed through the cold and lonely hallway while a rhythm of pants soon followed. Doors were heard being slammed opened soon after those footsteps arrived in the area. Curses were muttered each time a door was opened and no successful result was given.
Bright cerulean eyes scanned each and every room to its utmost detail trying to find the slightest hope of seeing what they needed to see. Running down the halls as quickly as possible, a light coat of sweat began to form upon the soft honey skin. Blonde hair bounced as its owner stressed out his body in the heat of his search.
Patience was wearing thin while anger quickly began to take over.
Where is he!?, the young male wondered desperately. Where the hell could he have gone!?
"Kyuubi!" The young male shouted in a strong voice that seemed to belong to a man driven nearly mad. "Stop it and just come out! This isn't funny anymore! Where are you!?"
Cerulean eyes became somewhat dazed as this male's hope began to crumble. Eyes began to water as his worst fears rushed back to him.
"What's the matter with you?" A familiar voice said from behind.
Blond hair was quickly spun as the young male turned to face the familiar person.
"I can't find him anywhere," he responded in a soft voice.
"He's around here somewhere," the other said with a careless wave of his hand.
A pleading look came from the first as the other didn't know what to do. Long fingers went through dark bushy brown hair while the mahogany like skin went stiff with the stern facial expression. The red tattoo marks on the male's face didn't stand out as much anymore as his piercing dark eyes gazed down at the younger male.
"Stop looking at me like that Naruto," the other male growled in his low dog-like voice. "You know I hate it when you do that."
"Then help me find him!" The male named Naruto shouted in his firm voice that resembled the clashing of the ocean's waves. "Don't you care about him too Kiba!?"
Cerulean eyes burned with an indescribable passion as his eyes buried into Kiba's.
"Who said I didn't care!?" Kiba shouted back. "I'm just not about to go insane looking for him like you have!"
"Who said I went insane!? He's my twin brother! I'm just worried about him!"
"What's the difference!?"
"You're just too stupid to understand!"
"As if you are any brighter!"
"A wet candle is brighter than you!"
"You - "
"How troublesome. Will you two ever stop fighting?" A tall male sighed as he passed by and stopped between Kiba and Naruto.
"He started it!" shouted Kiba to the taller male as he pointed a childish finger at Naruto.
"Your ugly face started it!" spat Naruto as he stood before Kiba and glared up at him.
"This isn't helping," the taller male said with a sigh. "Mind telling me what's going on? I really hope the answer is yes, but that's never the case when it comes to you two."
"The idiot is going insane looking for Kuya," said Kiba as he sprinkled a mocking tone when he mentioned the nickname.
"Well, it is his brother," the male said in his bored voice as he shrugged indifferently.
"Stop calling him that! It's Kyuubi!" Naruto shouted at Kiba.
"He goes stark mad when we call him that. The only reason he doesn't cut off your balls is because you two have the same blood," said Kiba as he rolled his eyes.
"Go to hell! He lets me because he loves me!" bellowed Naruto.
"Keep telling yourself that. You know the only person he really cares about is himself. He would kill you himself if he felt he needed to. So –"
Slap!
Naruto struck Kiba down at that instant. Kiba's head spun as he leaned in the direction he was forced to and tried to figure out what had just happened.
Naruto's body trembled in anger as he held his fists to his sides and gritted his teeth. Giving Kiba one of the iciest and hate filled glares in existence, Naruto held back the unimaginable desire to beat Kiba to death for what he had said about his brother.
"Don't you dare say that," hissed Naruto slowly in a voice that held so much malice it made the hairs on the back of Kiba's neck stand. "Speak ill of him again and I swear I will kill you."
"That's enough Naruto," the taller male cut in as he pulled Naruto away from Kiba.
"Let him Shikamaru," said Kiba after a moment's hesitation. Although, his tone soon became mocking once again. "Let the dwarf do as he pleases. I mean, everything else hasn't gone his way according to him, the world is against him remember? Why should I rain down on his pity party?"
"Pity party!?" Naruto bellowed. "What the hell are you talking about!? I don't need anyone's pity you idiotic mutt! I just want to find my brother!"
"Whatever you say," said Kiba indifferently with a roll of his eyes.
Naruto was about to lunge at Kiba but Shikamaru smacked him on the back of his head.
"Is this really a good use of your time?" Shikamaru asked in a drawling voice. "Shouldn't you be looking for him instead of fighting with Kiba?"
"Then get this stupid flea-bag to shut the hell up already!" Naruto screeched as he faced Shikamaru.
Shikamaru sighed. "Play nice already," said Shikamaru in an energy drained voice. "Sasuke is going to be here soon. We can't have you two all bloodied up again. It was such a pain having to lie to everyone by saying that you two caught a few poachers and got a bit bruised up in the process."
"A bit? I broke dog-breath's nose!" Naruto pointed out.
"He's an idiot though, I could have said he did that by running into a door and they would have believed me."
"True..." Naruto said thoughtfully.
"I'm standing right here you bastards!" bellowed Kiba.
"We know. Surely you have realized how much of an idiot you are though, correct?" Shikamaru wondered.
Kiba remained silent and glared at Shikamaru.
"Regardless," Shikamaru sighed. "Just be on moderately good behavior. I'm not asking you to be proper gentlemen because I know you can't. There is just some flaw with your brains that does not allow you to behave like normal human beings. All I ask is that you don't look like idiots in front of Sasuke and whatever companions he may bring since we all know how empty those heads of yours are."
Both Naruto and Kiba gave Shikamaru a heated glare.
"Now, find Kyuubi, make sure he's ready, and don't you dare screw this up," continued Shikamaru.
Without another word, Shikamaru turned and began to walk down the hall as he hoped the two idiots would remain there and not run after him.
Both pairs of eyes quickly darted in the other's direction.
"You're going to look for him," Kiba said firmly.
"You better help me or I'm going to enlighten Shikamaru on who stole his Go board," said Naruto with a smirk on his face.
"Fine. You look upstairs, I'll look downstairs."
"And if we can't find him we'll meet up in the courtyard and look for him there."
"Agreed,"
The two males parted and began their search; little did they know that their efforts would go unrewarded.
ooooo
Dark onyx eyes gazed out into the distance from the carriage's window. Long pale fingers delicately held his flawless chin as his elbow lay on the seat's arm rest. An agitated sigh was released from immaculate lips as their owner quickly became restless.
"Are you alright Sasuke?" A gentle voice said in what seemed to be a barely audible breath.
Dark eyes lazily peered over to gaze into soft translucent eyes.
"No," the man named Sasuke said bluntly.
"S - Sorry!" the gentle voice squeaked apologetically.
"It is not you," said Sasuke briskly as he looked out the window again. "I just do not want to be here."
"W - Why?" the gentle voice squeaked once again.
"I am just wasting my time," said Sasuke in his sensual voice that could make anyone waver. The very voice that resembled the electrifying cracks of an eternal flame.
"Time? Is that not all you have at this point? You do not have a life after all," A strong voice retorted back at him.
"Go to hell Tsubaki," Sasuke hissed at the female with silky silver hair.
Ivory skinned fingers made their way to the long glowing silver hair and moved it behind a delicate ivory ear.
"I'm already there Sasuke, my master," the female named Tsubaki said mockingly in her voice that could be mistaken for the powerful rapids of a lively stream.
Onyx eyes glared into indifferent translucent eyes.
"Are we having a staring contest master?" asked Tsubaki with fake innocence that revealed her wit.
"Will you shut your servant up Hinata?" said Sasuke as his eyes darted to matching translucent eyes. After that sentence was uttered, he gazed back out the window hoping to get some peace of mind.
A warm beige hand reached out to the delicate shoulder.
"Tsubaki," Hinata pleaded gently. "Please be kind. Sasuke is going through a rough time right now."
Tsubaki's eyes stared into Hinata's. Some kind of connection was held between the two women, an unimaginable bond that could only be seen by their identical eyes. In that simple gaze, an unspoken understanding took place.
"Yes, My Lady," said Tsubaki finally as she gazed out the other window and proceeded to ignore her young master.
A shaky sigh was released from Hinata's lips as she rested her back against the seat. Nervously running her fingers through her short brunette hair, she couldn't help but wonder what would occur – and what wouldn't.
As a tinge of doubt and nervousness fluttered inside of Sasuke, he couldn't help but worry. What would come of this meeting? This unwanted meeting?
ooooo
Panic flared inside of Naruto as he stormed down the stairs, out of the large oak doors, and out to the courtyard.
Where is he!?, Naruto screamed within his head. Please tell me Kiba –
But as Naruto noticed Kiba standing alone outside, he knew Kiba was unsuccessful in the search as well.
"Did you find him?" asked Naruto regretfully as he stopped behind Kiba.
"Didn't you?" asked Kiba as he turned to face Naruto.
Naruto shook his head.
"Me neither," said Kiba softly.
"Where is he?" wondered Naruto out loud. "Where could Kyuubi have gone?"
"Naruto?" A voice said from behind the blonde.
Both Naruto and Kiba turned to face the familiar person.
"Are you talking about Master Kuya?" the tan faced male asked.
"Have you seen him?" asked Naruto feeling hopeful.
"Well - I saw him last night," the male said softly.
"If that's a joke, it's not funny," growled Kiba.
"Of course not! I mean - I was on watch duty. And I saw Master Kuya leaving with another gentleman. I thought it was odd that they were holding hands but I just -"
"What!?" Naruto and Kiba screeched.
"M - Master Kuya left..." the male finished.
"T - That's impossible," muttered Naruto under his breath.
"Are you sure it was him?" Kiba questioned the other man.
He nodded furiously. "I'm positive," he said shakily.
"Right. Just - Go back to doing what you were doing," Kiba said finally.
The man shook his head and ran off after that.
Naruto gripped his silk shirt and held it firmly. Panic and depression swept over him at that moment. His brother was the most important person to him since his parents passed away the very day they were born. Always rejected by most for being cursed, neither Naruto nor Kyuubi found comfort in others - only with each other. Not even his supportive cousins Kiba and Shikamaru could help them. After all they went through together, why would his brother leave him?
"What are we going to do?" asked Naruto in a small voice.
Kiba sighed as he realized how Naruto felt. Giving the younger male a sympathetic look, he grabbed his shoulder. "We'll think of something," Kiba said softly.
Both males walked slowly back to the castle in low spirits as they hoped for some kind of miracle.
ooooo
A tall figure stood before the unfamiliar castle and gazed up at it.
"So this is the Fire Kingdom's castle?" Tsubaki's voice spoke after she helped Lady Hinata out of the carriage.
Sasuke's dark eyes scanned the elegant building as they looked for any kind of imperfection, unfortunately for Sasuke, he could find none.
"This place is beautiful," breathed Hinata as she gazed at the building as well.
Tsubaki's eyes darted towards Sasuke.
"If you are trying to come up with some excuse to deem your future husband unfit to be by your side, you are not going to find it there," Tsubaki spoke indifferently.
"Why the hell did you bring her along?" hissed Sasuke as he glared over at Hinata.
"S – She is a good judge of character! I – I thought she could help you – Erm," stammered Hinata but stopped as she realized what she had said.
"Help me?" said Sasuke angrily with a raised eyebrow.
"Even I am surprised at that, My Lady," said Tsubaki with an expression of seemingly light shock. "Why would I help the master?"
Sasuke glared at Tsubaki as she spoke the word 'master' with such disrespect.
"Why would she help me?" challenged Sasuke.
"Well, b - both of you do care about e - each other," whispered Hinata as she twirled her fingers. Both pairs of eyes were now fixed on Hinata. "Y - You just will not admit it."
"Admit that I care about him? I hate him, I think I have already gotten that across," said Tsubaki indifferently.
"And I think she understands how much I wish she would just die and not be a nuisance to the world with her existence," continued Sasuke.
Tsubaki's eyes darted in Sasuke's direction.
"Just like he knows how much of a moron I think he is," challenged Tsubaki in her indifferent voice.
"How much of an imbecile I know she is," retorted Sasuke.
"How much of a pansy he is,"
"How ugly she is,"
"How pathetic he –,"
"Is something the matter?" A low voice asked.
Both Sasuke and Tsubaki glared over at the person that spoke.
Dark lenses were the only thing that looked back at them. The high collar on the man's shirt did not reveal his mouth to Sasuke or his female companions. As they glared at the man, he spoke again with his low soothing voice.
"Hatred solves no problems, it only causes more," the man spoke. "I am Aburame Shino, one of the knights here at the Fire Kingdom. I was assigned to escort you."
"N - Nice to meet you Sir Abu –" stammered but was cut off by this mysterious knight.
"Forgive me for interrupting you, but it is Shino if you please, Lady Hinata," he spoke softly.
"R - Right," Hinata stammered. "H - How did you know - ?"
"The conversation Master Sasuke and Miss Tsubaki were having. I've heard that your personal servant has quite the backbone when it comes to him."
"Thanks for noticing," Tsubaki uttered indifferently, she looked over at Hinata. "I like him. Perhaps you should marry him instead of that idiot fiancé they picked out for you."
Hinata blushed a dark shade of red and didn't say a word as her body shook.
"Calm down, My Lady," Tsubaki sighed. "I was only joking."
"Regardless," Shino cut in. "Is there a place in the castle you would like to see first? I was told that Master Kyuubi is not available at the moment, Master Shikamaru informed me that he is still getting ready for your arrival."
Shino stared at Sasuke as he finished his last sentence.
"Is that so?" said Sasuke in slight irritation that his future bride was wasting his time. "You can escort my sister Hinata and her servant where they please. I will take a look around myself."
"Does Sasuke feel lonely that Kyuubi doesn't want to see him?" mocked Tsubaki with a pout on her face.
"Go die Tsubaki," said Sasuke as he walked past Shino.
"But - Shouldn't someone be with him?" asked Shino as he looked over at Hinata.
"He doesn't like people following him around," said Hinata sadly as she saw Sasuke disappear past the entrance door. "His last personal servant was banished as a result."
"But how will he be informed if Master Kyuubi is available?" wondered Shino.
"He's going to go see him himself," said Tsubaki.
"W - What!?" stammered Shino in shock.
"He is truly impatient. He will not be looking around. He will go find Kyuubi," Tsubaki told Shino. "That is how he is," Tsubaki sighed. "He is such a moron."
Shino quickly hurried inside and ordered one of the servants to go attend Hinata and Tsubaki while he looked for Sasuke himself.
ooooo
"So what are we going to do when Sasuke gets here?" Naruto asked Kiba as they sat on opposite sides of Naruto's room.
Kiba shrugged unable to think of a solution. "Where's Shikamaru when you need him?" Kiba sighed.
"Wait - where is he anyway?" Naruto wondered.
Kiba shrugged. "He just walked off after telling us to look for dear old Kyuubi. I bet he went to play Go with Asuma again," said Kiba.
"I don't get why Asuma keeps playing with him, Shikamaru always wins!" huffed Naruto.
Kiba looked over at Naruto and smiled at the blonde's actions. Suddenly, dark eyes widened.
Naruto just raised an eyebrow as Kiba continued to stare at him. "What?" Naruto asked finally.
"You look just like Kyuubi," said Kiba in deep realization.
"I'm his brother you idiot! What the hell did you expect!?" boomed Naruto
"Shut up! That's not what I meant!" shouted Kiba, suddenly he pouted and tried to remain calm. "I meant, why don't you take Kyuubi's place?"
Naruto's face flushed at the idea. "What!?" boomed Naruto once again.
"I'm not telling you to marry him you idiot!" barked Kiba. "Just say you're Kyuubi for today! Once Sasuke leaves we can go out and look for the real Kyuubi!"
"Oh," said Naruto in an understanding tone.
"How about it?" Kiba asked Naruto.
"I - Are you sure this is going to work?" asked Naruto shakily.
"Yes?" said Kiba as his eyes darted away feeling completely insecure about his plan.
Naruto sighed and just gave Kiba a dull look.
"Just do it alright! We have no other choice!" Kiba shouted.
Shooting up off the chair, Kiba stormed towards Naruto and lifted him off his seat, pushing the blonde towards the door of the bedroom. Slamming the door open, he shoved Naruto out as hard as he could but –
"Gah!" shouted Naruto as he collided with someone. "Dammit Kiba!"
"Excuse you," a sensual voice spoke rudely as he steadied Naruto.
Naruto's bright eyes gazed up at onyx pools. A shiver went up Naruto's spine as he gazed into those dark eyes. His heart beats quickened as his face flushed in slight embarrassment. Pulling away from the raven's rock hard chest, Naruto tried to breath regularly.
"Sorry," said Naruto softly.
Sasuke in turn could feel his pulse race as he gazed down at those dazzling cerulean eyes. His stomach twisted in place from the simple sight of the other male. As he felt the blonde pull away, he couldn't help but want to pull him back against him.
But just as Sasuke opened his mouth to answer, Kiba slammed the door shut in shock.
Both sets of eyes darted towards the recently shut door.
Looking back at one another, they soon remembered both their situations and forced themselves to remain calm and act perfectly normal.
"Sorry about that," said Naruto as he regained his normal voice. "My dear cousin just couldn't help himself and kicked me out of my own room."
"That is kind of pathetic if you ask me," said Sasuke bluntly as he went back to his normal self as well.
"No one asked," snapped Naruto in annoyance.
"They did, their existence just does not matter to me," said Sasuke as he lazily looked at Naruto.
"This unimportant existence is about to kick your ass," barked Naruto.
"You couldn't even lay a finger on me,"
"Ignorant twit!"
"Blond haired imbecile!"
"Colorless moron!"
"Brainless dwarf!"
"Pale stuck up peasant!"
"Miniature fox mutant!"
But just as Naruto opened his mouth to shout another insult, Naruto felt himself go into a stupor as he gazed deeply into Sasuke's eyes. Knowing that he was defeated, Naruto merely looked away and hated himself for losing such a battle against –
Who is this person anyway?, Naruto wondered finally.
Sasuke smirked as he looked at Naruto. Even though he looked triumphant, he was actually wondering what had happened to the blonde.
"Was that a sign of your stupidity or is something else on your mind?" asked Sasuke as he forced his voice to remain indifferent.
"Shut your trap," barked Naruto as he glared up at Sasuke. "Who the hell are you and what are you doing here anyway!?"
"How about you respect those in higher positions before they make your life a living hell."
"How about you watch who you're talking to? Now, give me your name."
"My patience is growing thin, dobe. How about you ask nicely?"
"How about you kiss my ass before I kick you out of this castle!"
"How about I kill you instead you pathetic – "
"Pathetic!? All this land is going to me one day you stupid bastard!"
"...What?"
Sasuke stared at Naruto blankly out of sheer shock.
"I'm an Uzumaki you bastard!" Naruto bellowed.
"Uzumaki?"
"Now either you tell me your name or I swear I'll kick you out of my –"
"Uchiha Sasuke,"
"... Wait - what?"
"I believe you are going to be my future bride,"
As Naruto stood there in his dumbfounded state, he soon realized that the task Kiba had given him was not going to be easy. Would this Sasuke person kill him if he found out he was lying?
"Bride?" Naruto repeated.
"Yes," said Sasuke with a smirk. "I do believe you have to be the submissive one in order to get pregnant, correct?"
Naruto's face flushed. "And you're okay with that!?" Naruto shouted.
Sasuke couldn't help but smirk as this heavenly blonde kept acting so cute, it just made something inside of him want to keep teasing this damned angel. "I wasn't at first I must admit," said Sasuke, but then he batted his eyes. "I am rather fond of the idea now that I have seen you though."
Naruto blushed furiously and refused to answer. Why had this guy changed his approach all of a sudden!?
"What?" wondered Sasuke as his expression became indifferent again. "Can we not at least get along since we are going to be married soon?"
"Of course..." said Naruto sarcastically as he held in the urge to scream.
"Stop looking at me like that," Sasuke sighed. "You are starting to annoy me again."
"Sorry I can't satisfy my future husband," mocked Naruto dryly.
"No reason to be so hostile. Fine, do you want to be more formal about all of this?"
"It's better than having a complete bastard rape me with his eyes,"
Sasuke huffed and chose to ignore what Naruto said.
"Uchiha Sasuke. I belong to the Ice Kingdom. I am the son of King Kouki Uchiha and Queen Mizuki Hyuuga. I –" Sasuke said formally.
"I get it. I get it," Naruto cut in. "No need to bore me to death. I do need to bear your children after all."
Sasuke huffed and just stared at Naruto expecting him to introduce himself.
Naruto sighed and knew he would have to do the same.
"I am Uzumaki –" Naruto muttered.
"Master Naruto! Master Naruto!" A servant cut in as he ran up to the blonde. "Master Shikamaru is looking for you!" The servant stopped at Naruto's side and tried to catch his breath. "S - Shikamaru says he - he needs to speak to you, in the conference room."
"Right..." Naruto told the servant as he tried his best to remain perfectly calm while he screamed in his head. "Tell him I'll be right there."
"But he told me - "
"I don't care what he said. I'll be there soon," Naruto said tightly.
The servant nodded and ran off to give Shikamaru the news.
"Naruto?" Sasuke said as he rose an eyebrow.
"Yes. Uzumaki Naruto," Naruto breathed out.
Sasuke smirked. "I presume that is why you were so sarcastic when I said you would be my bride?" Sasuke wondered.
What's he talking about?, Naruto wondered as he replayed their conversation in his head. Wait! I can still save my ass then! He won't kill me!
"Erm - Yeah. That's why. You got me," Naruto said dryly.
"No need for anymore sarcasm then," Sasuke said firmly. "Now can I please meet Kyuubi? I am tired of wasting my valuable time."
"Like you didn't waste any of mine!" Naruto shot back.
"I did not. Your time is not valuable, only worthy people have valuable time," corrected Sasuke.
Naruto glared at Sasuke. "You're such an ass to people you aren't engaged to! You better show me some respect!" bellowed Naruto.
"Respect you? Why would I do such a thing? I am neither stupid nor desperate," said Sasuke indifferently.
Naruto fumed in anger, but just as he was going to start yelling again - his bedroom door swung open.
"Naruto! Come in here and help me! Sasuke is going to be here any minute and –" said Kiba in a high pitched voice as he stormed out towards Naruto and grabbed him, but as his eyes went in Sasuke's direction he stopped.
Naruto's jaw nearly dropped to the floor as Kiba stood beside him with the most ridiculous red wig and make-up that did a horrible job at hiding his tattoo marks.
"Naruto, who is this charming friend of yours?" continued Kiba in his revolting voice.
"Uchiha Sasuke," muttered Sasuke in a voice that revealed how much he wanted to vomit by the mere look of Kiba.
Both Sasuke and Naruto held in the urge to cover their ears and run away as Kiba made the most repulsive giggle and swayed over to Sasuke.
"I'm Kyuubi," said Kiba slyly in his hideous feminine voice. "I presume I'm going to be yours from now on, please do to me as you wish my master."
Naruto covered his mouth and tried not to laugh while Sasuke merely stared at Kiba as if the latter was insane.
"Is this some kind of joke? You can't seriously think I'd fall for such a stupid trick?" said Sasuke darkly in Kiba's face.
Kiba looked completely taken aback, but just as he frowned and glared at Sasuke, Naruto knew he had to stop Kiba from doing something even more stupid.
Naruto began to laugh.
Yes, he began to laugh.
Both sets of dark eyes quickly darted in Naruto's direction.
"I told you he wouldn't fall for it Kiba!" said Naruto while he continued to laugh nervously. "Who would be dumb enough to fall for it?"
Kiba looked back at Naruto.
Naruto punched Kiba in the arm and gave him a stern look for a mere second, but Sasuke noticed nonetheless.
Kiba laughed dryly. "It was your idea," said Kiba.
"No it wasn't," said Naruto through tight lips.
Kiba glared at Naruto threateningly. "Yes. It. Was." said Kiba sternly.
"Fine," hissed Naruto.
"Isn't he just stupid for coming up with something like that?" Kiba asked Sasuke.
"I think you're the idiot for dressing up like that," said Sasuke as he pointed out Kiba's attire.
Naruto laughed while Kiba glared at Sasuke.
"Who asked you!?" barked Kiba.
"You did you mindless flea-bag," said Sasuke indifferently.
Naruto laughed harder and had to lean on the wall for support. "I love him already!" Naruto managed to say.
"Regardless," said Kiba through gritted teeth. "This was our little way of - erm -"
"... Welcoming you to the family," said Naruto as he regained his composure.
"Welcoming me to the family? I haven't even married your brother yet," said Sasuke with a raised eyebrow.
"W - Well..." stammered Kiba.
"Kyuubi would have killed us if we did something like this at his wedding!" Naruto cut in. "This was the only chance we had..."
"Of course..." said Sasuke as he crossed his arms and knew damn well the two idiots were hiding something.
"Well..." began Naruto awkwardly as he sensed the tense atmosphere begin to worsen. "I have to go see what Shikamaru wants."
Without another word, Naruto dashed as quickly as he could.
No matter how many times Sasuke or Kiba called his name, it didn't matter - he was long gone.
Moments later, Naruto was found downstairs panting in front of the conference room.
What could Shikamaru want?, Naruto wondered as he stood before the door and opened it slowly.
Stepping into the room, Naruto looked around and noticed familiar faces.
"Took you long enough you idiot," a strong familiar feminine voice spoke.
"Would have taken you longer you old hag Tsunade," Naruto told the matured female.
"You brat! I should - "
"How troublesome," sighed Shikamaru. "Did you forget why we're here? Can we just get this over with? I have other things I have to deal with unfortunately."
"You do?" said Naruto in disbelief.
Shikamaru gazed over at Naruto lazily. "I believe you have noticed that Kyuubi's gone, correct?" asked Shikamaru.
Naruto just stared at Shikamaru.
"Yes, I do know as well," continued Shikamaru. "That's why I needed Kiba and yourself to remain distracted while I got in touch with Tsunade and made the necessary preparations."
"Preparations for what?"
Shikamaru sighed. "As you know, Sasuke is here today to visit Kyuubi - since their wedding is going to take place a month from now. But Kyuubi isn't here. And we have no idea where he is. As of earlier today, I've informed everyone that Kyuubi is merely under the weather and isn't feeling well so there will be no alarm if he isn't seen for a few days. The problem is we don't know how long it'll take to find him and bring him back. So we're going to need someone to take his place."
Naruto stared at Shikamaru blankly as he didn't quite understand what he was there for.
"There is only one person on this earth that knows Kyuubi as well as he knows himself, and that's you Naruto. You're the only one that can impersonate him well enough so no one suspects that he's gone missing," continued Shikamaru firmly.
"But - but how am I going to - " stammered Naruto.
"That's where I come in kiddo," said Tsunade with a smile. "I'll be here developing a potion to make you look just like Kyuubi. I'm not quite sure how long the transformation potion will last or how it will react to you, so I'll be working out the problems out before the big wedding day."
"But - " Naruto breathed.
"You have to do this Naruto. The Ice and Fire Kingdoms have been fighting for too long, the very peace between us is at stake - if they find out that the bride is gone, we will be forced into another war. We have no other option than to send in a substitute."
"But isn't there another way? Can't you just tell them what's going on?" Naruto breathed out.
"No," said Shikamaru. "You know I would never ask you to do something like this unless I had to. You will only have to take Kyuubi's place until we find him, from there we can easily get you back with who you truly are engaged to."
Naruto sighed. "Right, back to Gaara," muttered Naruto.
"Your wedding with Gaara won't be until several months from now. We can always postpone it with some excuse if we by some slim chance haven't found Kyuubi."
"Months?"
"It's a slim chance Naruto. I already have people scouting the area searching for Kyuubi's possible escape route."
"Right..."
"So, will you do it?"
"What?"
"Will you marry Sasuke in your brother's place?"
Naruto's face flushed as he gazed up at Shikamaru. "Must you put it that way?" wondered Naruto.
"Are you going to do it or not you brat?" Tsunade asked harshly.
Naruto huffed. "Yes, it's not like you give me much choice in the matter," Naruto told them.
"Good," said Tsunade. "Now, let's get started..."
As Shikamaru left the room to continue his elaborate search, Naruto remained with Tsunade so all the preparations could be made for Kyuubi's big wedding day.
Complete
Alright, I hope you liked it! And I hope you guys leave a review to tell me what you think! Anyway, until next time, Ja Ne!