15k words this time or 33 Word pages. I'm so excited to be updating this story after five months! I just feel so much satisfaction once I finish writing everything and order the episodes and clean up the mess with all my notes. I'm very happy I've had the discipline to write this far.

On another note, I was surprised to see that many people thought the last chapter was the ending. We're about halfway through the story. This chapter now was one of the more pleasant to write.

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I read everything you leave me and your support means so much. It keeps me going so truly and humbly – thank you. I engage with readers much more on AO3, so please find me if you want and say hi - same user name and story title.

Chapter 8: High Treason

Posted on October 24th, 2021

From chapter 4: "Do you not know yet, Uchiha? Ku-ku-ku," the Kyuubi seems amused now, "Your clan was cursed by the gods themselves – and it will always be. Cursed to roam, to never be whole. The Senju were blessed by the gods. The blood of Uchiha and Senju is to never mix because anything Uchihas touch, turns to black flames and dust."

"Keep this one," Sasuke commands through gritted teeth and his eyes bleed, "She is pregnant now, so your words about our bloodlines not mixing is full of shit. Keep this one, or our next encounter will be our final." Sasuke spits out and turns to leave.

"I wonder, how would your precious wife react if she knew you broke through her mind and betrayed her like that?"

Sasuke looks back at the fox, now melting away into the background.

"She will never know."

Naruto wakes up in the early morning. She looks at Sasuke sleeping at her side – his face is relaxed and Naruto does not recall him waking up with nightmares during the few short hours of sleep. She wants to reach and move a strand of hair from his face but decides against it: does not want to wake him up. She admires him for a few moments more – he must be tired, having come back from a long mission last night…And then their little fiasco in the club and at home. Naruto smiles to herself and can't help but scoot closer to him and feel his warmth. She feels giddy inside – the undivided attention Sasuke had given her, the way he had looked at her with no underlying expectations, the way he had made love to her just like before all their problems started.

Naruto sits up and the pleasant soreness in her core almost makes her purr. She gets up – quietly – and looks in the bathroom mirror. She can't stop smiling as her fingers trace the marks her husband has left on her body: proof that he still wants her with passion, proof that he still wants to possess her. Something broken inside Naruto curls tightly in delight at the unabashed possessiveness Sasuke displays toward her. She had really missed his presence and intensity over the last several weeks he'd been away.

Sasuke realizes he is awake long moments after he has opened his eyes. He flips over and looks for Naruto. Then he hears noise from downstairs and realizes that is what must have woken him up. That sound of metal banging and the fridge opening… was Naruto… trying to cook? A small half-smile grazes Sasuke face and he sits up. There is a soreness to his inner thighs and nether region which could only come from a night of passionate fucking. He decides to take a quick shower before going downstairs to do damage control with Naruto's latest attempt at cooking.

By the time Sasuke is out of the shower, he is able to smell food. He hurries downstairs – Naruto is either perfectly fine or about to burn the place down. Sasuke is barefoot as he heads down the stairs and quietly glances at the kitchen from the staircase. Naruto looks frazzled: there's eggs cooking and some toast in the toaster. None of that is burned – yet – but the water in the teapot is boiling and Naruto is cursing, frazzled with what to take care of first.

Sasuke is next to her in a moment and turns off the stove, grabs a towel and removes the eggs and the tea kettle from the burner. He turns off the toaster and takes out the bread. Sasuke assesses the food: the eggs look clumsily done but at least are not burned and the toast is actually looking pretty okay. Naruto lets out a big sigh of relief and when Sasuke tucks away the towel and looks her way, she gives him a huge grin and puts her hands on her sides.

"Yosh! Breakfast is ready! I've been here slaving away while you're getting your beauty sleep."

Sasuke snickers, "Please. If I'd come five seconds later, all the food would have been burned and boiling water would've started spilling on the floor."

Naruto protests and Sasuke arranges their plates, taking them to the table and along with some butter. He wouldn't say it, but he was actually impressed Naruto thought to take the butter out to soften before cooking.

"Seriously, Dobe. You've been watching me cook for eight years. Even longer when we were genin – and a simple breakfast is still a challenge?"

Naruto sits on a chair and crosses her arms over her chest while Sasuke brings teabags to steep.

"Ugh. Sasuke-teme!" She mumbles and is about to protest when Sasuke leans in and kisses her forehead. Naruto blinks up at him and is almost about to blush at his gentleness and how beautiful he is. He leans in and kisses her lips softly. The hand on her cheek feels warm and soothing and Naruto leans into it, wrapping her hands around his wrist.

"That's why we have each other. We're really strong together. Although maybe you should leave the cooking to me."

With that, Sasuke takes his seat at the corner next to her. They enjoy breakfast together, talking about little things, their bare feet occasionally reaching for the other's under the table. They both feel and look rejuvenated. Their bond is now pumping with bounding openness and genuine connection, so different compared to just a day ago.

Naruto is standing behind her desk, sorting out documents one by one, deciding what exactly needs to take priority for the day. She had decided to stop by her office for a few hours in the afternoon to see if there was anything urgent to care of. She didn't really want to leave Sasuke. He hadn't been very pleased with her leaving, but she had assured him she'd be back for dinner. She hadn't really seen Shikamaru today – she found a note from him saying that he had taken care of everything he needed to do in the morning and was heading home. Naruto lets out a small laugh – Shika was always so responsible, even if they had spent half of the night drinking, he was still at work early in the morning the next day. Naruto then realizes that she hadn't really said goodbye to anyone at the club last night. Sasuke and her had just pretty much left, tangled in each other, so she didn't really know when Shika or the others had really gone home.

The door to her office is wide open when Ino walks in.

"Hi, queen," Ino greets. Naruto notices she is wearing sunglasses inside – could that be an aftermath from their going out? "You look great! How did you sleeeep?" Ino leans into the opposite side of Naruto's desk and wiggles her eyebrows. The suggestive tone and smile on Ino's face tell Naruto exactly what she is insinuating. Naruto almost blushes when she notices Ino is holding something behind her back.

"Hi, Ino-chan. What do you got back there?" Naruto tries to peep. Ino smiles and pulls a magazine from behind her back, holds it up with two hands. Naruto blinks when she realizes it's her and Sasuke on the cover.

"Fucking heell?!" Naruto grabs the magazine and looks at it closely – it's a picture from last night. Sasuke is wearing the black shirt that hugged his torso so well and the thin straps on Naruto's shoulder are definitely part of last night's outfit. But more interesting is their position in the photo: their lips are locked in a deep kiss; the dark wedding band as if is shining on Sasuke's slender finger as he grips Naruto's jaw. Sasuke is leaning over her and Naruto looks almost melted in his embrace. Sasuke's regal features look flawless even in this position. If she traces a finger over where his hair is depicted, Naruto can almost feel how soft the black strands are. Sasuke really always looked godly, like a creature from another universe.

Then Naruto notices the tacky headline: "Exclusive: The Hokage letting loose in a civilian bar! Go on pages 4 and 5 for more picture!"

Naruto opens the magazine to the respective pages and curses out loud. There are more compromising pictures inside of her and Sasuke tangled in each other at the dancefloor and this time Naruto blushes for real. She tries to start reading but it's too cringey and she just can't; gives up after two lines. If there was a bright side to this, it was that they hadn't included pics of Sasuke groping and rubbing her tits inside her top.

As if Ino senses her thoughts, she chimes in, "This is just one of the magazines. All the newspapers and magazines that I saw today had pictures like that, some worse than others. My flower shop got flooded with all these today."

"Fucking hell. I thought we were going to a civilian bar so nobody would recognize me there?"

Ino shrugs. "And I don't think anyone did, or at least I don't think they were malicious. Until Sasuke-kun came, that's when everyone recognized him. What?!—don't look at me like that. You know he is an infamous bad boy. And even with him there, nobody would have had anything on you until you guys started dry-fucking in the middle of the dance floor."

Naruto squeezes the bridge of her nose. She wants to will the blushing to go down and to shake off the cringey feeling that came with knowing they had been so intimate in front of their friends and the people Naruto worked with.

"Although, I gotta say—it was pretty hot!" Ino pretends like she's waving at her face with her hand and Naruto doesn't think she can cringe or blush any further.

"Ino-chan… Did you take these pictures?" Naruto asks, serious.

"Of course not!" Ino looks almost offended. "I'm going to ignore your accusation so we could stay friends. I didn't see anyone else taking pictures either. I didn't even think to look around, to be honest. It was pretty crowded. Although for them to have such a clear shot… they must have been somewhere higher than the crowd…"

It takes but a second for Naruto to figure it out.

"Fuck! The bartender! I knew I thought that fucker was looking at me weird even before Sasuke came. I didn't think anything of it back then, but I bet he recognized me early on and then climbed on the bar to take good pictures."

Ino throws her head to the side and grabs her long ponytail, letting it snake through her hand and fall back again.

"Hm. Smart bastard. He probably made a lot selling these overnight."

Naruto is biting her lip. This is the not the worst PR she's gotten. Ino sees that and puts two hands on her desk, leans in. Her sunglasses lower down the bridge of her nose and Naruto can see how red and bloodshot her eyes are. She almost snickers at how hard Ino obviously partied, forgetting her own problem for a bit.

"Hey, this is not a bad thing! Relax! Few people can brag about such intimacy after being together for so long. Honestly, I so wish Sai looked at me like that. Cheer up!"

Ino stands back up and her long ponytail sways again. Her words do make Naruto feel a bit better. She is a strong and responsible leader and what she did in her spare time – with her husband – was her business, even if it was in public.

Ino bids her goodbye and Naruto looks down at the magazine again.

Naruto comes home just on time for dinner, like she had promised. Sasuke is wearing sweatpants and preparing the table – shirtless. His soft black strands are in a loose bun and the way he moves is so elegant and air-like.

"So… this happened." Naruto says quietly and slides the magazine on the table as Sasuke takes a bite of his salad. He furrows his brows at the magazine and picks it up to look at it better, still chewing. He even chews in an elegant way… wait, Naruto needs to stay focused. Sasuke has hated being the center of attention since he came back to Konoha, and Naruto doesn't think he'd be too happy about being on the cover of all cheap tabloids. Sasuke puts the magazine back down on the table and opens up the pages loosely with one hand, stopping at the article. He takes another bite of his food, which Naruto takes as a good sign.

"Hn. Is this the only one?"

"No… Ino came by my office today to show me this and said that all tabloids and cheap newspapers had those pictures… some even more compromising. I figure it must have been the bartender – he was looking at me weird and he looked like he'd have a clear shot and I'm sorr-"

"Don't be. It's not a big deal."

Naruto blinks at him. She is the leader of this village and had to stand in good standing, that includes good PR.

"But Sasuke. I feel like you're taking this too lightly. I have a reputation to uphold."

Sasuke slants a glance at her. He could say that there is a suggestion behind her words – even if it's unintentional – that her reputation is better than his. But Sasuke is not going to make anything big out of this because it's true – his reputation is not the best.

"Naruto. People here love you. You made out with your husband in a bar on your birthday – hardly something to ruin your reputation. Actually, I like it. I like that the whole village woke up with this image on the front page. That way everyone knows you belong to me. I ought to thank the man."

Naruto feels anything negative inside her mellow out. That need to be taken and possessed purrs inside her chest and lower belly again. They make love again that evening – Naruto hopes that the pleasant soreness she feels in the aftermath never goes away.

In the following days, Shikamaru observes Naruto. She looks happier, her movements are not as sluggish as before. She seems well-rested and her face looks younger, almost as radiant as before. She is quicker at her work and smiles more. Shika had seen the feast the tabloids had had with those pictures but since nothing too bad had come out of it, he hadn't brought it up to Naruto. Shika was sure she already knew either way, and that she must have been embarrassed that the image of her making out with Sasuke was all over town. Honestly, Shika was embarrassed for her, how troublesome.

The Nara was sure Sasuke took great pleasure in those pictures – he never missed a chance to display that Naruto was with him, and the cover of all magazines was a pretty large display. The only time he had really felt awkward though is when his brother-in-law Gaara had come to visit a couple of days later. Some of those magazines were still circling around and Shika forgot about it when they'd gone to the market. He saw when Gaara noticed the magazines on a stand, but just like that, the Kazekage had looked away and had just gone to shop for fresh produce. Did it really not bother him or was he just used to hiding this part of his feelings so well? Shikamaru could bet it was the latter.

As for Naruto, Shikamaru almost felt bad for expressing his growing dislike of Sasuke earlier, seeing how much better she was doing. But Shikamaru could see deeper than her apparent inch-deep happiness – her smile was radiant now and her shoulders were more pushed back. However, there was a feeling looming over Shikamaru that this was all temporary. Sasuke was too far gone and Naruto too broken for them to actually resolve any real issues. His wife Temari always called him a pessimist though, so Shikamaru hopes he's wrong this time. If it were up to him, if Shika had all the power to bend people's fates and feelings, he would make it so Naruto – his dear friend – is with a man who loves and respects her and is there for her, openly and without insanity or impossible expectations. But even then, even in the ideal world Shika wished he could create, something told him that even then the darkness of the Uchiha would find a way to engulf the bright ray of light that was Naruto.

Sasuke's nightmares are fewer and far in between now. Naruto also feels better, more rested, and way less anxious. A tiny voice in both their heads is telling them that they're avoiding talking about the real things that matter. But they've been doing so well: they sweep it all under the rug.

Sasuke is looking for Naruto at the open training grounds when he sees her training with Naoto. She had mentioned to Sasuke that she was interested in learning the Hyuuga technique of attacking chakra points to disable or slow down the enemy. Despite not possessing the Hyuuga eyes, Naruto possessed speed - enough training and conditioning would lead to higher precision of striking, even if it is never perfect. Sasuke observes them from afar. Naruto is concentrated – what she lacks in eye prowess, she makes up for in determination and speed.

The Hyuuga's back is straight, and his palms are shining with chakra, ready for her to come at him. His shoulder-length hair is tousled, and his light eyes are concentrated. Naoto reminds Sasuke of Neji, of course possibly because they're relatives. Sasuke had identified more with Neji in the academy than with Naruto – both were sons from highly respected, leading clans with eye prowess and heavy expectations on their young shoulders. Naoto is a couple years older than them so Sasuke didn't remember him in the academy but could appreciate the man's skills now.

Above all, he could appreciate the man's loyalty to Naruto. Naoto was probably one of the very few men Sasuke trusted with Naruto – the other ones being Shikamaru, Kakashi and Iruka. Sasuke, although being a possessive and jealous man, could see that there was nothing but professionalism and genuine support coming from the Hyuuga. The Hyuuga's face was mostly expressionless most of the time but Sasuke had witnessed the loyalty he held for Naruto and was secretly grateful to the older man for watching out for Naruto when he himself was away.

Sasuke watches the two and can tell that there is nothing between them from either side – the distance they keep, the way their eyes came in contact only to size each other up, and when they do come in contact, they don't linger.

Most of the time, Naruto has no idea how men look at her and, unless their advances are forward, she doesn't pay them attention or doesn't understand. That's why Sasuke is there, watching them all. He doesn't want her to just ignore their advances or for it to completely go over her head. He wants her to establish that she is Sasuke's, that there is no space or need for anyone else but him. The need to finally shut up some gossiping mouths and prying eyes rises up in Sasuke again. He wants to reestablish their union, for everyone to see.

"You did well today, Hokage-sama. You're advancing," Naoto says.

"Thanks, Naoto-san. And again, please, call me Naruto."

Naruto is sitting down in front of him, rubbing at her back. Her face scrunches up in only what could be discomfort and pain.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I just… I feel like I pulled something during that attack last time, and it's been hurting since which is very unusual. Usually everything goes away fast."

"Do you want me to take you to a medic?"

Naruto gives him a sad smile, "No, Naoto-san. Thank you, it's okay. I don't really want to go to the hospital now."

"Let me look at it then." Naoto's hands shine with chakra over Naruto's back and she lets him. Whenever a shinobi receives medical jutsu, upon contact with the medic, they feel things through their chakra. Because of this reason, most medics are trained to disconnect while healing. Naruto knew Sakura had tried to disconnect during her last time in the hospital but still, Naruto had felt the distance and resentment through her chakra and it had scorned her. Naoto wasn't an officially trained medic, not trained to disconnect, so Naruto was able to easily tap into his chakra flow. His chakra felt… calming. Soothing. Caring and pumping with loyalty. Naruto relaxes into his energy and feels something in her back give way.

"This should feel better. I'm not an expert, but several chakra points were blocked and there were knots and inflammation around them."

Naruto lifts her arms and stretches.

"Ahhh, it does feel better." She means it in more ways than just physical. "Thank you, Naoto-san," she hugs him genuinely. She doesn't do it often given their professional relationship and Naoto's personality, but the moment feels right and it's a way for Naruto to express her gratitude for more things than just this, for his loyalty and constant support. Naoto gives a small smile – he was able to tap into her chakra flow too.

Naruto wakes up early one morning to surprise Sasuke. She gets up as quietly as possible and retrieves a bag from under the bed. A few minutes later, she is looking at herself in the bathroom mirror, changed into exquisite lingerie. She's leaning against the sink, trying to roll up a garter, when the door of the bathroom opens. Sasuke comes in, at first looking sleepy and irritated, but then his sharp eyes gleam with curiosity and something more.

"And what am I looking at?" he raises a brow.

"Uhh…Surprise? I thought you were asleep."

"I was. And I would have loved to stay that way, but someone made so much noise." He gives her the once-over again and gets closer. "Although… this is not the worst thing to see in the morning."

Sasuke kneels down and his hands travel up and down her inner thighs. How is his hair so perfectly ordered even after he'd just woken up? Sasuke moves her lace panties to the side and eats her out like a champ. When she cums, he supplies his weight for her to rest on. Sasuke Is brushing his teeth as Naruto comes down from her height, resting against him. When she goes to stand up, Sasuke puts a gentle but commanding hand over her chest and says, "We're not done here." He kisses her deeply and moves in between her legs. He looks down and plays with the straps of her lingerie. "You know my favorite is when I have you naked…But this is pretty hot too."

"Yeah?" Naruto beams and draws him closer. "Let's get it all dirty then."

Shika, Naoto and Sasuke are in Naruto's office discussing the attack on the village from a few months ago. Sasuke has just come back and brought in new intel.

"Apparently, a big portion of the attackers were hired."

"A merchant army? We haven't had those around in a long time," Naruto says, fingers rubbing at her chin. A hired army was something unusual in these times of general peace which made the new information all the more concerning.

"It seems that they hired merchants for more numbers." Naoto reasons.

"On one side, that is slightly reassuring," Shika chimes in. "Meaning that the merchants didn't necessarily support or follow the cause, meaning we have fewer real enemies. However, we need to find out what this private army for hire is and who is behind it."

"Thank you for bringing this intel, Sasuke. See if you can find anything else." Naruto looks hard at the desk, as if it would give her an answer. "We can't afford anyone else hiring those people against us, and we can't afford any shinobi deserting to join a private army," she says. "I honestly don't want them around. But if they had to be around, I would want them to be on our side."

"You want us to buy them out?" The Nara is surprised.

"Not necessarily. Loyalty stems deeper than money."

"You're gonna use your talk-no-jutsu with this one too to get them on our side?" Shikamaru asks with amusement, propping his head on a hand and rolling his eyes like he was bored out of his mind. Naruto genuinely laughs and proceeds to tease Shika about thinking that everything is a drag.

Sasuke is in the garden when Naruto comes home. Naruto wonders how much time he spends there and is happy that he has a hobby that calms him and gives him peace. She drapes her arms around him as she leans into his back.

"Mmm, Sasuke-teme. Playing with your flowers again?"

Sasuke huffs but doesn't pull away from her. The weight and warmth on his back feel nice as his slender fingers dig into the soil.

"Hn. Half of what we eat comes from this garden, so if you must call it me "playing with my flowers", then yes, that's what I'm doing." Sasuke doesn't bring up how the garden had been in almost a state of disrepair while he was gone for weeks. He wants to tell her that she should've taken better care of the garden but knows it's not her thing or responsibility. Sasuke knows e should not have avoided being home in the first place. It had all just been too much for him…But seeing the garden in disrepair had been a good depiction of what their bond had felt like. Like the garden now though, Sasuke was doing his best to nurture their bond - there was no use in bringing up old problems.

"Mmm. I could think about other things that could use your skillful hands too…" Naruto almost purrs at his ear. Warm hands slide down Sasuke's forearms and his sides. She is leaning on him more now, the way her arms are moving is undeniably sensual. Sasuke dusts his hands off as best as he can and intertwines their fingers together.

He turns his head to the side and takes her lips in a kiss, fingers leaving soil on her cheek. Their kiss is tender and Naruto smiles into it – it's so nice having Sasuke home and having him relaxed like this. She doesn't care that more soil gets on her face and hair as the kiss deepens. Sasuke turns around, his growingly demanding lips push her to lean back onto the grass. Sasuke is warm on top of her and Naruto doesn't care how dirty she'll get from getting fucked in a muddy garden. She's reaching into his pants, jerking his erection, ready to slide down his pants and get fucked in the mud. Sasuke cups her core and Naruto hisses, her nails digging in his skin through the shirt. Sasuke grabs the back of her neck and kisses her like a wild animal, then bites her neck. Naruto is ready to get wrecked in the garden when a "puff" sound and a following presence interrupts them.

"Yo," Kakashi is just standing there, smiling and waving a hand casually, a step away from where they were ten seconds away from brutally fucking.

"AAAAHH WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK KAKASHI-SENSEI" Naruto scrambles to pull down her top and checks if her pants are in place. Sasuke just pulls back, adjusts his pants slightly, and stares daggers at Kakashi. Naruto doesn't understand how Sasuke is not blushing at all when she can practically feel her whole face burning up. "W-what the fuck are you doing here, you old pervert?!"

"Ahhh, that's not a way to talk to your teacher and former Hokage now, is it, Na-ru-to-chan?" He sings her name as if he hadn't just walked in on her five seconds away from riding dick like a massive slut. "I would suggest maybe keep those activities for inside, although I'm glad my two former students are getting along in all areas. I won't shake hands for now considering where I just saw they were." He smiles again behind his mask and Naruto feels the ground could just open beneath her and swallow her.

"What do you want?" Sasuke asks curtly, unfazed by the awkward situation. He stands up and gives Naruto a hand too. She is still blushing and partially hides behind Sasuke.

"Ahh, and Sasuke-kun - radiant and welcoming as ever. I just came back to town and decided to drop by, say hello, see how my little pupils are doing. Did I come at a bad time? You seemed busy, like you weren't up for guests."

"Hn. Hardly your spot to complain. We're in our home, alone, and you just decide to break the barrier and puff out of thin air? That's some serious misuse of the Sharingan given to you by an Uchiha, surely meant for better use." Naruto can tell that Sasuke is trying to hold back his anger. If Kakashi knows is, he doesn't let it show on his face. Instead, he laughs.

"It was worth it to see poor Naruto's embarrassed face." Before Naruto can protest, Kakashi continues. "Anyway, I dropped by to invite you both to dinner. I'm in town for a bit and Iruka and I would love to have you come over."

Naruto stands next to Sasuke now, her embarrassment almost gone. She gets excited and clutches at Sasuke's arm when she hears that. Sasuke is measuring Kakashi with black eyes, absolutely sensing that there is something more to it.

"That sounds great, Kaka-sensei, we'd love to come!" Naruto is almost jumping up and down.

"Hn. We'll do it here." Sasuke holds Kakashi's gaze.

"Aah, but Iruka-chan-"

"Here. Tomorrow at seven." Sasuke gives Kakashi no chance to protest. He wraps an arm around Naruto and guides her to go inside. "I assume you won't need any assistance with coming through the barrier since your Sharingan is proving so useful."

Kakashi just waves at them, not taking the bait.

"Okay, see you then! Just don't be all over each other tomorrow when we come!"

Naruto blushes all over again.

Naruto is helping out Sasuke with preparing dinner the next day when he pops the question and Naruto almost drops the knife she was getting out for the roasted chicken.

"W-what?"

Sasuke raises an eyebrow. "You heard me, Naruto. I want you to marry me officially. Legally. I want us to go back to planning a legal ceremony. There is nothing stopping us now – the village is at peace with everyone, you're not in training anymore and Iruka is here to officiate the marriage, like you wanted before." And you're not pregnant now, Sasuke thinks but doesn't say. "We've been married under Uchiha canon for years now. Seems like the perfect time to make it official."

Naruto looks at him for some moments. Sasuke hadn't brought that topic up in a while and Naruto is a little taken aback. His request is sudden but not unexpected given that they had gotten married in the Uchiha shrine years ago. They had been planning a legal ceremony some years ago – first it had been delayed because of waiting for Iruka to recover from his injuries and come back to officiate, and then one after the other, Naruto's miscarriages had put a black stain on any celebration planning, so they had simply stopped planning. But they both had ceremonial clothes and a chosen place. His asking right before hosting guests for dinner was a little odd, but Naruto supposed maybe Sasuke had been thinking it for a while. Sasuke did have a point – it was the perfect time – they were getting along so well now… It was only the next logical step. An official ceremony to confirm to everyone what they already knew.

She smiles at Sasuke. "You're right. It does seem like the perfect time. We can talk more about it later and if you want, I can stop by the Yamanakas' flower shop soon to see what they can do for us."

Sasuke smiles - the small action makes him even more beautiful – and moves closer to hold her hands. He kisses her softly and rests his forehead against hers. Naruto looks into the deep dark pools that are her husband's eyes and tenderness settles within her chest.

Then Sasuke dives down and lifts up the skirt of her dress. Naruto yelps and before she can protest any further, Sasuke has her propped up on the counter, him kneeling on the ground. He spreads her legs and buries his nose and cheeks in the warmth of her panties.

"F-fuck Sasuke!... We can't do this now, th-…they'll be here in a moment!"

Sasuke mouths at her core through her panties and glances at the clock on the wall.

"We have at least ten minutes, if they're even on time. You know how Kakashi is." Sasuke sounds as calm as always. He slides the cotton panties to the side and gives her pussy deep wet kisses. Naruto grabs his hair and grits her teeth. It's plain clear there's no way to fight him when her legs start shaking the moment his warm tongue concentrates on her little clit. And when two fingers dive in to take her to her climax, Naruto falls back on the counter and doesn't find it in herself to care that guests may be at the door.

Iruka sighs heavily. Kakashi is at his side – they are walking down the streets of Konoha toward the Uchiha compound. Kakashi has his hands in his pockets and a bottle of sake under his arm. His gait is relaxed whereas Iruka is slumped forward, his eyebrows knit in worry. He is carrying dessert tucked away in a basket hanging on his forearm.

"What is it, Iruka-chan?" Kakashi chimes in in a care-free tone. He can see something is troubling his lover.

"I'm worried about dinner. Are you sure everything seemed okay yesterday when you went to visit them?"

"Yes, Iruka. If anything, they were all over each other."

"That's because you went in unannounced!"

Kakashi lifts a finger and smiles behind his mask. "Exactly. I wanted to see how they are with each other when they're alone. You wrote to me so worried…I took a break from my mission to see if there was something to truly worry about but to be honest, they just seemed like regular horny 20-something-year-olds."

"Maybe in that moment they did. Also, it's still inappropriate of you to barge in." Iruka looks at the ground again and tucks his hands in his pockets. "You weren't there. You didn't see how that poor girl showed up at my door at two am and cried on my couch for hours. She didn't say much through her crying but what I gathered is that the overall reason is Sasuke."

"Why did you need me then?"

"Because! Because you were with them when they were older. I had them in the academy and I could see even then that they had it for each other… But you were their sensei when they were older… and when Sasuke…" Iruka trails off. "Anyway, I may know Naruto, but I can't say I know grown-up Sasuke too well. You shared things with them in their older years that I didn't, and I wanted you to come with me." Iruka thinks over his next words – it's risky but he's already upset enough so he says it anyway. "Besides, protecting her now is the least you could do. You knew all along who this poor girl's parents were, who her father was, and said nothing."

Kakashi halts in his step and looks at Iruka, now fully serious.

"Iruka. You know I was sworn to secrecy by the Third. According to the Fourth's written last wish, nobody was to know or speak of Naruto's origin until she was old enough. To protect her. You know that. I did what I could in between missions in my twenties, then arranged for her to be in your class because I knew you'd accept and take care of her. Then I arranged for her to be under my watch when she was genin. Sasuke was a given to be under me as well – I am the only other person in Konoha with a Sharingan. Everything that happened after, when Sasuke left, there was no way of knowing that would ever happen. I wanted to protect them both, protect them of the burden they were both carrying."

"Kakash-"

"No. Don't tell me I did the wrong thing by not disclosing a national secret and adhering by my sensei's last wish. If I had opened my mouth, I may not have even been there to watch over them, or help Naruto in bringing Sasuke back. Tell me now, Iruka – how many times do you think she would have cried on your couch if Sasuke had never come back? If he had died? Can you really say for sure the only problem is him?"

Iruka stays silent for a while. Kakashi's posture is relaxed as always, but Iruka sees the tension between his eyebrows.

"You're right. I'm sorry – I should have not brought old things up. I'm just worried. I know she was sad when Sasuke went rogue, I was there too, but it was a different kind of sad. A few weeks ago when she came to my house she looked… broken. That's why I wanted you to come with me. You do know them better." Iruka reaches a hand to Kakashi and smiles. "Let's go see how our students are doing."

"Iruka-sensei! Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto greets the two men at the door cheerfully. Her cheeks are a little flushed and she is straightening non-existent creases in her dress. She looks a little flustered but genuinely happy to see them. She hugs Iruka and mean-mugs Kakashi before punching him playfully in the bicep. "That's for yesterday, pervert-sensei!" Then she hugs Kakashi too and invites them inside.

Sasuke is taking cups out in the back silently, not at all flustered like Naruto. He comes to shake hands with the two older men and serves them drinks. Naruto is entertaining the guests with her stories as Sasuke takes out the food and puts it on the table.

"You look very good, Naruto-chan," Iruka beams at her, holding her hands. "You both do. And I didn't know you were such a good cook Sasuke, it smells amazing." They all grab some of the food – it tastes just as amazing as it smells.

"Good thing Sasuke was there when we went on missions before," Kakashi adds, "If it were up to me and Naruto, we would've eaten ramen every day. But Sasuke took care of us and also Sakura helped too…" an awkward silence sets in the room and Iruka kicks him under the table. "Anyway, good old times. Glad to see you guys are doing well, great food Sasuke." Kakashi takes another bite.

"Hey! I helped chop the vegetables!"

"Are you going to mention you complained the whole time while doing it?"

"Teemee! I put love into it!"

"Hn."

Iruka looks at his students bickering and notices the hand Sasuke has on Naruto's leg under the table, his thumb rubbing lazy circles on her thigh. Warmth settles in his chest and he laughs, very much relieved to see they haven't changed much since the academy days, only grown closer and more intimate. This is nothing how he imagined they'd be.

"Have some more, Iruka-sensei," Naruto tops off Iruka's glass with more sake. They have more drinks and the room gets louder and louder with conversation and laughter. Sasuke goes slower on the drinking but has a relaxed and care-free expression. None of the older men miss the way he looks at Naruto while she's telling another funny story or how he plays with the ends of her hair behind the chair. There's even a small smile on his lips from time to time. It is so unusual for outsiders to witness the young Uchiha displaying affection that even the small gestures speak volumes to the two men. A couple of hours have passed without anyone noticing. They move to dessert and, to no surprise, only Naruto and Iruka take some of the cake Iruka brought, Kakashi and Sasuke nursing their drinks.

"Anyway," Naruto leans on her elbows on the table, her cheeks flushed a little bit from the alcohol or the laughing or from what she was about to tell them, or maybe all of it together. "Iruka-sensei… Remember some years ago when I asked you to officiate our wedding but our plans kept getting pushed?" Before she even finishes, Iruka is already looking from one to the other, a smile on his face. "Anyway, we'd like to pick those plans back up and if you don't mind…"

"Yes! Yes, of course I'd love to officiate your wedding!" He leans over to hug them both. "When are you thinking?"

Naruto glances at Sasuke.

"I'd like to do it as soon as possible. We've delayed long enough," the Uchiha says and some intensity clouds the previously relaxed eyes.

"Maybe in the spring," Naruto adds, "The weather is nice then."

"When did you decide this?" Kakashi asks, his tone betrays seriousness.

"Actually," Naruto looks down to the side and there is a slight tint to her cheeks. "Sasuke brought it up and asked right before you guys came."

Iruka looks at Sasuke and sits back in his seat. He is happy for them but the same worry from earlier creeps up his throat again.

"Have a good night!" Naruto hugs them both happily on the porch.

"Take it easy now, Sasuke-kun," Kakashi addresses jokingly.

"Hn." The Uchiha is leaning against the doorframe and does not appreciate one more of Kakashi's suggestive jokes.

The two men walk in silence in the dark for a while.

"You may be right," Kakashi says quietly. "They looked okay… Sasuke seemed normal, even more affectionate than I've seen him. But there was something off about Sasuke bringing up marriage right before we came."

"I agree. Naruto looked very happy though. I'll be on the lookout for her but you're right. there's nothing much we could do unless something bad truly is happening, and we don't know that it is. Thank you for coming with me." They intertwine fingers and walk home, enjoying the pleasant but slightly chilly weather.

Naruto stops by the Yamanaka flower shop. TenTen and Ino are inside – Ino is arranging some flowers and they're giggling. Naruto greets them and apologizes for interrupting.

"Nonsense!" Ino says, "I'm always happy to have you over. What can I do for you?"

"Um," Naruto starts and she can never understand what makes her so giddy about planning a wedding with a man she's been married to for years. "Sasuke and I are actually planning a wedding…"

Ino drops the flower she's holding and puts her hands up. "Oh. My. GOD!" She smiles brightly and her ponytail sways. "Are youuu kidding meee! That would be the event of the YEAR! When is it going to be? Where? How many people? AM I INVITED?!"

Naruto takes half a step back at Ino's enthusiasm.

"Calm down, Ino-chan. We're thinking April, the clear space behind the Academy, and… I don't know how many people. I don't think too many. And yes, of course you're invited, you as well TenTen, as well as your families."

TenTen and Ino are giddy and are hyping each other up about what they're going to wear.

"Hold on," Ino catches up, "You're here for the flower arrangement, aren't you?"

Naruto expects Ino to go all berserk with excitement again. Instead, Ino threads fingers through her ponytail, takes out a huge catalogue, slams it on the table, and gets down to business. She knows the open space behind the academy well and is actually very good and reasonable as she suggests possible flower arrangements for Naruto to choose from. Naruto doesn't really know much about flowers, so she entrusts the choice to Ino. Ino tells her to come back in two days and she'll have the perfect arrangement ideas for her.

"Meanwhile," Ino shuts the huge catalogue, "we were talking about going for a bath at the mineral water spring baths tonight. You wanna join?" At Naruto's uncertain face, Ino adds, "come onnnn. It's basically a spa evening with the girls! I was going to come by and ask you later at your office, but it's even better that you came. It'll be fun and we won't stay out too late, Sasuke won't have to wait out for you too long."

"Okay, I guess it does sound fun," Naruto agrees and they talk more details. On the way out, Naruto actually finds herself being excited to go to the baths. She hadn't been there in a while, especially with friends.

Naruto meets up with the girls on the way to the bath. They're all taking and they're excited about going in and relaxing. Naruto is particularly happy to see Hinata there – she hugs her and immediately Hinata's cheeks get a pink hue to them.

The air in the baths is humid and warm and just the steam is enough to begin relaxing Naruto's muscles. She breathes in – she could smell the minerals carried by the steam. They put their hairs up and take off their clothes. There is something comforting, a sense of sisterhood felt when going to the baths together.

Ino had booked a private bath room for the five young women – Naruto, Hinata, Ino, Temari, and TenTen. There was obviously a new upgrade to the baths Naruto had missed – they could now have drinks while bathing! Naruto orders a strawberry sake and offers to share it with Hinata who agrees since she doesn't want to drink too much. Naruto thinks how she needs to spend more time with Hinata individually since she had helped her so much and Naruto genuinely liked her.

The moment Naruto dinks into the water, warmth perpetrates her bones and muscles. "Fuuuck meeee," Naruto sighs in content and all but melts into the water, sinking in down to her nose. "This feels good…" The others also get in. They share small talk and sip on their drinks. The air is cloudy with steam and the atmosphere is almost like in a dream.

"Naruto-chan," TenTen is across from Naruto as she sips on her drink, "Have you told Hinata-chan and Temari the big news yet?"

"Err..," Naruto comes out of the water a little bit until it's down to her collarbones. "No, not yet…" She turns to Hinata and Temari, wishing that she had had the opportunity to tell them on her own accord, especially given the history with Temari. That's the reason she hadn't told Shikamaru yet either. Naruto feels slightly annoyed for being put on the spot like that but reminds herself that TenTen is not malicious. "Um… Sasuke and I are actually planning to have a wedding in the spring, probably in April…It would mean a lot to me if you came…if you want to, that is," the last part Naruto directs mostly at Temari. Temari's face is passive and there's a few moments of silence. Naruto is almost ready to look away at the silent rejection when the sand nin smiles.

"If that is what you truly want, I'd love to be there for you."

Naruto senses the hesitation in Temari's statement but sees the acceptance in her eyes. She then looks at Hinata, who gives her a modest but bright smile. "Of course I'll be there, Naruto-san."

"Great!" Naruto actually feels relieved that she hadn't had to reason in front of everyone why she was marrying Sasuke. She was happy to see that Temari did not, at least obviously, hold resentment toward her. "I'll tell you more details when we know more."

"And I," Ino gestures toward herself, "Will be handling the flower arrangement. So it will be fabulous! You know, Naruto-chan, if you were wondering about food, Choji's family has a pretty good restaurant, I'm sure they'd be honored to cater."

"I… didn't even think about that, to be honest. I'm so used to Sasuke handling all the food. We haven't really talked about it yet, but I've been to Choji's family's barbeque restaurant and it's good. I'll have to take Sasuke and see what he thinks."

The other girls nod in approval, all of them liking the restaurant. Sometimes they all go for get-togethers and Naruto remembers the food being very good, although she hadn't been there in a while.

"Speaking of Sasuke-kun," Ino starts, "how is the happy groom? Excited?"

"I mean, it was his idea," Naruto scratches the back of her head. "We got married some years ago in his family's shrine, and that was good enough for me, I knew that was the real deal for Uchiha. He feels it's a good time to have an official ceremony now though and I agree."

"He looks like he loves you a lot… And like he likes you a lot, judging by when he came over for your birthday," TenTen giggles and sinks deeper into the water.

Naruto blushes and she can see Hinata blushing next to her too. Temari just rolls her eyes and splashes more water on herself.

"Yeah, that was intense," Ino pretends she's waving a hand at her face to cool down, "I can only imagine what happened after there weren't a hundred people watching," Ino giggles.

It's an innocent statement, it should be, but something about Ino bringing this up annoyes Naruto.

"You know, Ino-chan," Naruto tries to keep her tone calm, "You bring up Sasuke and fucking too often in one sentence. I never ask you about Sai, I don't understand why you bring up Sasuke and sex all the time."

There is an awkward silence for a bit before Ino laughs and splashes some water toward Naruto.

"Girl, I'm sorry if you took it the wrong way. I was just joking!" Ino grabs the sake bottle and floats toward Naruto. "Now! Let's top this drink off – you need a tad more to forget your worries."

Naruto clenches her jaw but accepts the drink. The mood in the bath is generally light and she doesn't want to ruin it by being rubbed the wrong way easily. But the way Ino brought Sasuke up in a sexual way almost every time they talked ticked her off. Hinata rubs a gentle hand over Naruto's shoulder and smiles at her with understanding – that instantly helps Naruto's tension mellow out.

The rest of the evening is pretty good, they talk about general stuff. When Naruto gets home, she finds Sasuke sitting on the bed, reading a book. She goes to sit with him with the intention of asking him about his day but falls asleep almost immediately. Sasuke puts an arm on her, feeling her even breathing. When he finishes his chapter, he turns the light off and goes to bed as well.

Hyuuga Naoto is sharpening his kunai when he hears someone approaching from behind.

"You're doing it wrong," TenTen is next to him now and squats down. "Not necessarily wrong, but there is a faster and easier way. Here, let me show you." The weapon specialist holds out a hand and after Naoto considers it for a second, he hands her the kunai. She takes something out of her pouch and proceeds to explain to him how to sharpen his weapons and keep them sharp for longer. Surprisingly, Naoto finds himself enjoying the conversation and finds the new information useful. When she's shown him how to work on most of his weapons, he gathers them back into his pouches and thanks her.

"It was my pleasure, Naoto-san." She is standing in front of him now and suddenly, a pink hue spreads on her cheeks. "Uuh, listen… I don't know if you remember what I told you that night when we went out for Naruto-san's birthday, I was a little tipsy…"

"I remember." Naoto observes her.

TenTen smiles sheepishly and rubs the back of her heads. "Hee-hee, yeah, sorry if I was too forward. Anyway, I'd love it if sometime you would consider…maybe…going out with me? I have more weapon tricks I could share."

Naoto considers for a few moments. She is a beautiful girl with lots of skills, but his life is his work in the ANBU. And despite that, going on a date would be such a…normal thing. Naoto decides it couldn't hurt.

"Great!" TenTen chimes and they walk together, "I like this one place…"

Naruto and Sasuke are at the hot spring in the forest of the Uchiha compound. The air is chilly but being just close enough to the steam of the water is enough to engulf Naruto and keep her warm. She is lying on the ground, staring up at the stars and the tops of the tall trees. It seems so little now… the problems she thought she had…They seem so meaningless with the stars above, the warm steam of the water, and Sasuke playing with her fingers.

Naruto looks to the side and smiles at Sasuke who is still in the water. Sasuke pulls himself up and onto the bank, joins Naruto on her towel. They kiss and Sasuke lays down next to her. Naruto intertwines their fingers and kisses his hand, bringing it to rest over her bare chest.

"I really want you to go away with me." At these words, Naruto turns to him sharply. They have both been avoiding talking about serious things, and this was definitely something serious that Naruto knew always lingered on Sasuke's mind. Sasuke senses her tension and is fast to correct. "Not permanently. I know you can't. Even for a little a bit. Come travel with me."

"I don't know, Sasuke. You know I'm needed here."

Sasuke knew that's what Naruto had wanted her whole life. To be acknowledged and needed. He couldn't take that away from her, that's why he'd stayed in the village in the first place.

"It would be good for us."

"I know," she caresses his jaw. "We can think of something. After the wedding."

They lay there for some more time in silence, enjoying each other's company.

"I always knew it was you," Sasuke says suddenly. Naruto turns to look at him and Sasuke props himself up on one elbow, caressing her jaw. "I always knew you were the one for me."

Something tingly crawls in Naruto's chest and she scoots closer to him. His affection makes her feel giddy and tiny in a good way under his adoring eyes.

"Tell me more," she all but purrs out, placing a kiss on his jaw.

"When we were genin, I was always watching you. I didn't want to- I wanted to convince myself you were annoying, but something kept drawing me to you. Leaving you… was the hardest thing I've ever done. I know-I know you understand my reasons for going rogue and have forgiven me. I was supposed to sever my most precious bond in exchange for the Mangekyuo… it was either you or Itachi, and I couldn't-" Sasuke gets choked up and Naruto holds his face, kisses his brows and lashes. Sasuke takes a deep breath. "I wish he was still alive; I wish he was clean of all the lies." He smiles down at her and caresses her head. "He would have truly loved you."

"Sasuke…" Naruto's fingers brush at her eyes. It was so touching to see and hear Sasuke talk about raw emotions. "I think he knew too. I've told you about that crow he fucking stuffed in me once," Naruto laughs and it makes Sasuke smile, clears the heavier emotions.

"So you always knew I'd be yours, huh?" Naruto teases. The revelation of his devotion through the years flatters her, makes her want to curl into a tiny ball and have him hold her.

"Not necessarily…I didn't know what my purpose was at one point, then I didn't know how the war would end, and then… I didn't know if you'd ever truly forgive me. If you'd want to be mine. But then you gave yourself to me…" Sasuke moves on top of her and kisses slowly down her neck. Naruto's leg moves slowly up and down his side.

"Hmmm… So you always knew you'd sleep with me?"

"No," Sasuke plays with her hair. His eyes are dark like the night around. "I always knew you were precious to me. But I knew I'd sleep with you when I saw you that one time you hunted me down at Orochimaru's hideout when we were 15…When I saw you… everything in me reignited tenfold and I couldn't stop thinking about you. I wanted to tangle my fingers in your hair and mark you and make you mine."

Naruto's lips part and her tongue darts out to lick at Sasuke's lips sensually. His words are turning her on and she's squirming, rubbing her inner thighs together and pressing against him. Sasuke snakes a hand in between her legs. He plays with her wetness, dips fingers inside to tease. Then he moves her legs, opens them in preparation to receive him.

The stretch feels amazing. The stars seem brighter as Sasuke moves inside her, her toes curling up. She pushes at his chest gently and he allows her to sit in his lap and ride him. Naruto's fingernails are deep in Sasuke's chest and shoulders, their lips are touching and he is fisting her hair harshly as Naruto's whole body shakes. She convulses and tightens around Sasuke, losing her pace as she orgasms. Sasuke still thrusts into her, keeping the orgasmic waves coming. Her moans turn into a silent scream and then into sobbing at the power of her orgasm; the love she bears for Sasuke overwhelms her in the most blissful possible way.

The following months pass smoothly. Naruto does take Sasuke to the Akimichi's restaurant for tasting and they pick food for the menu together. The Akimichi family are happy to be part of the Hokage's big event and accept the task with honor. Naruto goes with Ino to the open forest space behind the academy and Ino drafts up a perfect flower arrangement. She also says she'll take care of the table and chair arrangement. Shikamaru says he will handle installing string lights with the help of a few buddies, all the while mumbling how troublesome everything is.

Life is calm for Naruto and Sasuke. They've both been able to keep a good balance between work and free time. Naruto especially enjoys going grocery shopping with Sasuke. He knows exactly what to get and Naruto enjoys seeing his face concentrated as he's picking between three different kinds of cabbage. She even spends more time cooking with him and is not half bad. She enjoys the simple and normal things with him. She especially likes how he is comfortable and proud to hold her hand in public and kiss her.

The news spreads fast – the Hokage is officially marrying the last Uchiha, and this time preparations are seriously on the way. The winter is mellow, and the soft springtime sunshine arrives earlier this year, much to the content of Konohans.

With the spring also comes time for the diplomatic meetings held every year. Some kages come to Konoha, others Naruto has to travel to with her associates. When it comes to time to travel to Suna, Sasuke insists he joins Naruto. Naruto is nervous about him coming because of what previously happened with Gaara and Sasuke. But that was many months ago - their relationship has been so beautiful and relaxed lately, it was as if they had fallen in love with each other all over again. The insanity had cleared from Sasuke's eyes and Naruto had a lightness to her step she hadn't had in years. None of them had brought up their previous issues and Sasuke hadn't mentioned anything about more pregnancies. Naruto found she didn't want to care about what had happened before and detached herself from the past. Their relationship was blooming like the cherry blossoms around: it was beautiful.

When they arrive to Suna, Naruto and her associates are taken to their accommodations and informed that the Kazekage is currently away but will be there on time for their meetings the next day. During the following meetings, the two kages just greet each other and proceed with the daily order of talking points with their associates present. Naruto does not interact with Gaara outside of professional engagements – Sasuke is always standing there, at the door, and takes her away after the end of the meeting. She's swept away by Sasuke and spends all free time with him. Shikamaru, who knows the full story, is also there but doesn't say anything. Honestly, he is happy there hasn't been any trouble so far.

Two days after they've arrived in Suna, the diplomatic meetings are over. That evening, it just so happens that there is a spring festival in town. Naruto gives the evening off to the associates who had travelled with her, including Temari and Shikamaru. Shika doesn't need to be told twice and hurries home to his family.

Naruto drags Sasuke to the festival. The weather in Suna is much warmer and permits for a lighter dress than Konoha's weather would allow at this time of year. Somehow the fact that she is not in Konoha helps Naruto relax and let loose more. The dress feels light and airy on her skin as she turns around to lock her hands on the back of Sasuke's neck. They're on the street, people and music around them, beautiful colors and string lights everywhere. The certain lack of responsibility and the foreign land make Naruto's chest relax and her lips tingle as she leans up and kisses Sasuke. Sasuke smiles down at her – he is gorgeous again, with the black strands framing his face and his black eyes drinking her up. He encircles her waist and kisses her, swaying with her gently as she dances to the music.

They're next to a building, appropriately tucked away from the crowd. Gaara is on a nearby balcony of an establishment, leaning his forearms against the railing, and observes the couple. Naturally, he had received many offers to go to the festival, but the one person he really wanted to go with was unobtainable.

Gaara had recognized how Naruto had been avoiding him during the last couple of days, although he was sure it was not malicious. He'd also noticed how Sasuke had gone out of his way to intercept any casual contact between them. He wondered if Naruto protested these limitations… If she even realized she was being limited, or she followed them subconsciously because she knew that'd be what Sasuke wanted.

Whatever the answer was, she seemed happy. She seemed like she was beaming with joy, dancing and leaning up to kiss the man she was about to marry in a few weeks.

"Sickening, aren't they?" a voice almost startles Gaara. He slants a brief gaze to the side to see a woman with pink hair -he recognizes her as Naruto's former teammate, Haruno. He vaguely knew about her being sent on a separate trip to Suna to train some medical staff through the treaty of support Suna had with Konoha. She is leaning with her back on the railing across from Gaara, staring at the couple with what Gaara recognizes as resentment in her eyes. Her manicured nails are contrasting with the glass she is holding and she is drinking from her straw way too fast. Gaara finds her abrupt statement surprising and out of place, but he doesn't comment on it. He doesn't remember them ever talking long enough for her to be that abrupt and informal with him. His eyes go back to the couple. Sakura's haven't moved away.

Sakura has a sad and hateful half-smile on. "They always do that. All over each other. And always in fucking public." She takes another aggressive sip through her straw. Meanwhile, Sasuke's fingers sink in the soft flesh of Naruto's ass and he draws her closer to him, deepening their kiss.

Sakura snickers. "Ugh, I swear they do this on purpose. To hurt me. And hurt you. They just have no idea how they're hurting people."

Gaara finds this statement even more out of place than the last and although he doesn't want to engage, he finds her statement ridiculous. "I doubt that's why they're doing it."

Sakura looks at him abruptly. There is anger in her eyes and a haziness only alcohol could bring.

"They don't notice us. Me and you, who truly love them." Gaara is looking at her now, half-mindedly trying to place her monologue which was neither here nor there. He didn't know how she had figured out his feelings for Naruto given that it had even taken Shikamaru years. He didn't really like her tone or the resentment he sees burning in her eyes toward Naruto. Sakura looks down again and rests her hands on the railing.

"The way I love him… he'll never know. Whatever I do, he never notices me… He's just standing there, hurting me more and more, right in my face…" she falls quiet, as if speaking to herself. Then, she huffs. "Do you think they'd even notice? If you or I got with someone? If we got together? If you and I were the ones making out on the street instead?" She takes a step toward him. "Do you think it would hurt them?"

Gaara reaches up and wraps his hands around her forearms before she does anything stupid. Her eyes grow watery.

"Haruno-san. Please pull yourself together. The way you're talking, it's inappropriate. Whatever you feel, these are your former teammates, and most of all - this is your Hokage."

Sakura pulls her arms away from him and steps away.

"I don't… I don't want to just sit and take it, like you do. I see you always looking at her, loving her, like I love Sasuke-kun, and she doesn't notice you at all. All the things I've done for him… even when we were genin, I did everything possible for him to notice me… I can't-I can't just sit there and take the rejection like you do!"

"Please don't compare us," Gaara is beginning to lose patience. "We are nothing alike, and my love for Naruto is nothing like the obsession you have for Uchiha. I love and respect her enough to support whatever decision she makes, even if that looks like just standing there and taking it to you."

Sakura laughs through scornful tears.

"I guess I'm just not as noble then," she throws out the straw and downs her drink, smashing the glass on the ground. She turns to leave and gives Gaara one last look. "I thought… maybe, you'd understand me. I thought maybe we could find some comfort in each other. I see now that you just don't get it. Your love is not strong enough and you'll just keep getting hurt." With that, she storms off.

Gaara takes a deep breath and walks to the railing again. Shika and Kankuro come out on the balcony to check on Gaara.

"Hey, little bro, you okay?" Gaara slants a gaze at Kankuro and raises a brow.

"We saw Haruno storming out of here looking livid and we heard glass break. Thought maybe you got into some girl trouble."

Gaara redirects his gaze again and huffs. "It wasn't about me."

Shikamaru follows the Kazekage's gaze to where Naruto is now pulling Sasuke through the crowd. Shika's jaw clenches and he puts a hand on Gaara's shoulder. "Let's go inside and go home. There's some pretty good food Temari made."

"I'll be right over," Gaara assures.

He is getting off of the railing when he notices the Uchiha stop and pull Naruto in for a kiss. He averts Naruto just enough so he is looking right into Gaara's eyes with pride and hatred as he kisses Naruto deeply.

Maybe Haruno had been right about Sasuke being malicious after all. Only, the object of his revenge wasn't Sakura.

It's two days before the wedding when Gaara comes to visit his sister and her family. They find it a bit awkward to tell him that they'll be gone for a whole day for Naruto's wedding, but Gaara just smiles and offers to watch the kids for them.

Shikamaru is on his way to hang the string lights with Kiba when Gaara comes to join, yes, I'm sure, the Kazekage assures Shikamaru and grabs a box of lights and a ladder to help them carry it. They've hung almost half of the string lights when Naruto stops by. Gaara senses her before he sees her as he is standing on the ladder. She notices him too and looks a little taken aback, unsure, but then smiles at him.

"When you said you'd have a few buddies help you, I didn't know you'd make a Kage travel to hang my lights," she jokes with Shikamaru. "Hi, Gaara," she greets him now, smiling, and he smiles back. Naruto is talking to Shika and Kiba when Gaara finishes his roll and climbs down the ladder.

Gaara turns on the lights to test them out and Naruto covers her mouth with her hands.

"Oh my! It looks sooo nice!" She beams. "You guys really are doing an awesome job. Do you need some more help?"

"Nah, we should be done in the next couple of hours," Kiba supplies and runs up a tree to hang more lights. Shikamaru tactfully disappears as well.

Naruto helps Gaara move and stack up some empty boxes.

"So um… how have you been, Gaara?"

"I've been okay. Everything is good with Suna."

"Good!"

The conversation dies down, mainly because Naruto is fidgeting and pulling at her nails. She's nervous.

"Listen, I'm really sorry about that one time at Shika's, I'm really, really sorry-"

"There's nothing to be sorry about," Gaara reassures calmly and gives her a small smile. Naruto blinks at him – his attitude is calm and forgiving, he doesn't seem to be holding anything against her which is surprising. But also his eyes are popping out with the sweater he's wearing and her eyes keep drifting toward his undercut, unintentionally appreciating how well it made his features stand out.

Something in her chest loosens up at seeing her close friend so forgiving of her husband's attack. Naruto feels almost guilty at the grace everyone is showing her lately. She looks to the side.

"You probably don't approve of this…" she gestures loosely toward the space behind her. "Given everything that happened…"

"You know best what is best for you, Naruto," Gaara reassures her. "If marrying Uchiha formally is what makes you happy, I'll help hang your string lights to support you."

Naruto laughs and the tension is somewhat broken.

"Hey, listen…I'm sorry for not inviting you. You're more than welcome to come on my side, but I don't know how Sasuke would react…"

"That's fine, Naruto. I don't need to be there. I'll support you from afar. Actually, I'm babysitting for Shikamaru and Temari while they're attending."

"Oh…" Naruto can't help but feel disappointed. Gaara is one of her closest friends. She wished Sasuke had never done what he did and that he would get along better with all the important to her people.

"I'm going to go finish this up. Shikamaru will get in trouble if we're not back on time." Gaara heads back. "And Naruto – congratulations. I really hope you'll be happy."

Naruto nods and waves them goodbye. As she walks home, something about Gaara's parting words makes unsettling, buried feelings and worries bloom up in her chest. She breaks into a sprint home to escape them.

"What did you talk about with Naruto?" Shikamaru asks as Gaara and him are having a drink on the porch after dinner. Shikamaru is not one to pry on people's business. However, he had grown close enough to Gaara to be able to ask him personal questions. He was also pretty sure he was Gaara's best male friend and if he didn't ask, Gaara wouldn't talk about those things with anyone.

"Not much," Gaara takes a sip from his drink, "she looked nervous. She pretty much said she wanted me at her wedding but didn't know how the Uchiha would react. It doesn't matter - it's best if I don't go. I'll spend some time with my nephews." Gaara waves to his nephew inside who waves back.

Shika observes Gaara – his face looks passive. There is nothing suggesting he's hurting.

"Man, I don't know how you do it. I'd never be able to go hang string lights for Temari's wedding to another man. It must be hurtin-"

"It's okay," Gaara cuts him off abruptly. And it's now that Shika notices how Gaara is clutching his glass, his knuckles white and hand shaking slightly, as he brings the glass up and takes a few big sips. "It's nothing new and nothing I couldn't handle. I think Temari needs help inside."

And with that, Gaara goes inside to busy himself.

"What a drag," Shikamaru mutters and lights up a cigarette, "that's why I don't mess with people's business."

As he is smoking quietly though, Shika's heart clenches in pain for Gaara.

It's then, as Shika is staring into the darkness ahead and the clearing cigarette smoke, that he thinks more on Gaara's words… and in particular…

Shika runs in and pulls Gaara through the house until it's just the two of them.

"What did Naruto say again when she said Sasuke doesn't want you at the wedding?"

Gaara looks at Shika for some moments, contemplating whether to pull at that thread again. Then, he sighs – he trusts Shikamaru and sees that same look in his eyes like when he is creating strategy. He wouldn't be bringing up something painful for no reason.

"She said she didn't know how Sasuke would react."

"Those were her exact words?"

"Yes."

"Did she say what was the reason Sasuke would react badly because of?"

"No?... What are you getting on?"

Shikamaru's eyes become even more concentrated.

"Does Sasuke know about you and Naruto during the war?"

"I… don't know. I assume that's why he attacked me. He's not exactly chatty with me – the last time I saw him, he was staring into my eyes as he was kissing Naruto."

Shikamaru is silent for a moment: then his lips fall open. "Oh my goood..." The Nara falls back into a chair and buries his fingers in his hair, "Oh my god… I can't believe he did that…That bastard!"

"Not the first time he's done it," Gaara almost loses interest in the conversation.

"No, not the kissing! I mean, that too – that's messed up. But think: Sasuke storms in and attacks you years after he's been with Naruto. I know he didn't like you much before, but he hardly likes anyone. That attack was different though. And what he said when he attacked you, what was it? I know what you did…?! And some time before that, he told me that those close to me want Naruto, then he looked super guilty about saying that – he probably knew he gave himself away."

"What are you talking about? Are you saying he knows?"

"Yes, he knows for sure, but not because Naruto told him or because he figured it out. He must have broken into her mind and gone through her memories."

The two men fall silent. Gaara speaks first.

"She has the Kyuubi and Uzumaki blood – those two are extremely strong natural barriers against dojutsu."

"He has the advanced Sharingan and Rinnegan. He is basically the strongest dojutsu user in the world. And he knows her – she can trust him enough where he can lead her mind to be just susceptible enough for him to enter."

"You think… he would do something like that?" Something in Gaara hopes it's not true.

Shikamaru takes in a breath. It's a huge accusation to make that a formerly rogue nin has broken into the Hokage's mind, most probably without permission, most probably without her recollection, and it happened to be his wife, nonetheless.

"I was good friends with Sasuke until… until Naruto started having miscarriages and I was watching her deteriorate every day. Sasuke is a possessive and vengeful man – I absolutely see him doing it." Shikamaru shakes his head. "That's so messed up. I can't believe I didn't figure it out sooner." He looks at Gaara again. "I bet she has no idea. If we tell her, that could mean you could-"

"We're not telling her anything." Gaara looks at Shikamaru with resolve. Gaara's commanding and stern voice, his sharp eyes, give Shika pause. He sees now, better than ever, why Gaara is a respected kage. "She's getting married. In a day and a half. We would ruin it for her. Who knows how long ago that happened and we don't know enough to make such a huge accusation. This stays between you and me."

"Even if it makes her miserable down the road?"

"Even so. You said yourself that she has been happy lately and I see it too. She's an adult and a leader – she can make her own decisions. She knows Uchiha better than all of us and knows whether he is worth getting married to."

Shikamaru looks at Gaara in silence. His respect for the kage grows. He admires Gaara for definitely being the better and more noble man compared to Sasuke and how unconditional his love was. Shika doesn't understand his decision, but he decides to respect and follow it. Gaara is a natural leader and Shika had always been an incredibly valuable and loyal follower.

"You choose not to tell her? Even if it could mean she could separate from him and you could finally have a chance?"

Gaara takes a deep breath in and looks through the window. "Yes."

Shika smiles sadly.

"… You really do love her, don't you?"

It's the day before the wedding when foreign guests start coming into Konoha. Naturally, some big fish are there since it's the Hokage's wedding. Legend even has it that Tsunade is on the way from retirement. The press has been trying to gain access to take footage of the wedding ever since there was a date set, but Naruto was adamant on no press there. But that doesn't stop them from following her and Sasuke to the gate as they go to greet the Raikage and Killer B.

Given the history of Sasuke trying to assassinate the five Kage summit, the other Kages are reluctant to all attend an event along with the Uchiha. However, they all trust Naruto both as a person and a leader and take Sasuke's perfect record in the last eight and half years as proof enough of his changed intentions.

As Naruto greets their associates, Killer B and the Raikage pull Sasuke to the side.

"Be very, very careful, Uchiha." They warn. "The only reason you're alive after all the shit you pulled is because that poor girl over there was so in love with you and believed in your core nature so much that she fell on her knees and offered her life in exchange of yours. Never forget that."

Sasuke doesn't know what to say. He's shocked but doesn't let it show. He politely nods and allows for the guests to proceed to their accommodations. He didn't know Naruto did that. He never asked, he was scared to know. He doesn't say anything on the way back – just holds Naruto's hand as she beams happily, excited that all her foreign friends are coming over.

In the evening before the wedding, Sasuke and Naruto stop by their wedding location to see how everything is going. Their friends are throwing them a small get-together to celebrate before the wedding. Everyone is dressed casually or in a light dress. Ino is there too, giving instructions on where all the flowers and tables need to go, holding a glass of champagne. Sasuke and Naruto are immediately supplied with a glass and they all raise a toast together and have an overall good time.

Shikamaru is also there. He seems a little off to Naruto. She asks him what is wrong, but he just tells her he's tired from his day. Naruto doesn't completely buy it but decides it's not her place to pry. She hopes it's not any family trouble, but him and Temari look as close as ever. Naruto feels like smiling, but at the same time, she wishes Gaara would be there too.

The more time passes, the better and better everything starts looking with the flowers and tables. When it gets dark enough to turn on the string lights, the place truly becomes whimsical, like from a fairytale. Naruto enjoys the tickling bubbles of the champagne and spending time with close people. Sasuke is at her side, smiling softly and kissing her forehead.

It is then that Hyuuga Naoto stops by in his ANBU uniform. He pulls the Hokage to the side and presents her with some papers. Naruto looks at the papers for a second. She turns back and gestures for Shikamaru and Sasuke to come over. Naoto assures her after this is taken care of, he'll come and join them for the pre-party.

There has been some new intel on that merchant army for hire. Naoto's advice is to wait it out and gather more intel. Shika agrees, they need more info. Sasuke is the last one to give advice. His opinion would probably have the most weight since he is the best intel gatherer Konoha has.

Sasuke looks hard at the tentative plans they have drawn out and the new intel.

"This one seems more feasible." He grabs the first plan to look at it closer.

"You don't think this strategy is better – surprise, infiltrate, bust their leader and force them to disband?" Naruto asks.

"No. They have pretty strict measures, it seems. You have to consider your shinobi's ability. And with you wanting to send three ANBU shinobi, that would make stealth very hard."

Sasuke points again to the written plan he originally preferred.

"Keep this one."

Sasuke takes all the papers and burns them in his hand, letting the ashes fall down. It's a standard to destroy all evidence after it has reached the eyes of whomever needed to see it.

He goes to walk away when he hears a glass fall to the ground and break. He looks back over his shoulder: becomes acutely aware of the shift in Naruto's chakra. A deep ridge is suddenly opening in their bond and the connection between them is shaking, bounding with an onslaught of emotions.

Naruto is wide-eyed, looking ahead into the nothing. A storm is forming in her blue eyes and her lips are parted. Her hand is frozen where she previously held her glass.

"Keep… this one," she mouths Sasuke's last words quietly. Shikamaru and Naoto sense the acute shift in her chakra and take a defensive stance. The shift in her energy is so acute that it even reaches some of the other guests and one after the other, they turn around.

A few seconds stretch into eternity as Sasuke's throat tightens with realization.

Just then, the bond between them as if lights up on fire, pumping with hot anger, betrayal; shakes with protest. Naruto slaps Sasuke hard across the face, a kick in the chest, and he can barely take a breath in. Naruto's chakra spreads first from the ground and then up, creeping up to the back of Sasuke's neck and making the hairs there stand.

He goes to approach her. He wants to stop time, take Naruto from there, and take her away so they could talk.

She snaps out of it, and when their eyes lock, her eyes are blood red, burning with hurt and hatred, eyebrows so furrowed that they form deep creases in her nose.

"You… YOU….YOU FUCKING INVADED MY MIND?!" Her upper body is leaning forward and before Sasuke can say anything, a hard fist connects with his jaw. Sasuke stumbles back and the Sharingan comes to life from the surprise of a physical fight between them for the first time in years. His Sharingan connects with her deep red eyes and he regains his balance. Her teeth are showing and her breathing is deep with anger, shaking with restraint, looking more and more like a wild beast. Sasuke rubs at his jaw and electricity dances at the tip of his fingers, his instinct telling him to protect himself. Something inside him falls and crumbles and dies with guilt; feels smaller than ever before.

"Naru-"

"How dare you? HOW FUCKIN DARE YOU UCHIHA"

She runs toward him and jumps him, knocking him over on a table and breaking it. She tries to punch him again but he blocks her attacks. He straddles her and holds her down.

"I had to Naruto! I had to know!" He shouts in her face and his reasoning does nothing to quiet down the storm in her. She kicks him off and they circle around each other.

"Stop fucking with me Sasuke! I ran around after you for years! You fucking shoved your Chidori through my chest and left me time and time again. And yet this is the lowest thing you have ever EVER done"

The words scorn Sasuke and take his breath away.

"Calm down, Naruto. Let's talk about this normally."

Naruto steps back in shock and Sasuke feels a huge ridge being carved in their bond.

"Talk? Talk NOW?! After all this time walking on eggshells around you?! FUCK YOU Uchiha"

Their bond is pumping in agony and bleeding, and Sasuke barely avoids her next hit.

Naoto jumps in fast – he hits some chakra points on Naruto's arms and back and disrupts the flow. The intensity of her chakra simmers down and she slants a gaze at Naoto, full of betrayal.

Kakashi puts a hand on Sasuke's shoulder to hold him from approaching her. Shikamaru walks to Naruto's side to put a hand on her shoulder and looks at Sasuke with hatred. She doubles over so low that her forehead touches the grass. She's shaking with painful sobs.

"Why are you doing this to me Sasuke? … I have done everything I can to keep you here with me, make you whole and love you. I've always been only yours." She looks up at him. The broken look on her face stops Sasuke's breath. "I can't do this anymore. Get out. I don't want to see you."

"Naruto…"

Sasuke blinks and touches his own face just to realize that tears are streaming down.

"Get out of here. I can't look at you." She repeats and something in their infinite bond breaks.

Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I read everything you leave me and your support means so much. It keeps me going so truly and humbly – thank you.