Disbelief colored Sasuke's features as he came upon the ornate facade of the most luxurious brothel in the Fire Capital. When the crown prince of the Wind Nation had suggested celebrating Sasuke's engagement to the omega prince Hyūga Neji of the Moon Nation, Sasuke had not expected Naruto to take him to a brothel.
He had not expected his friend, who was oblivious to carnal pleasures, to frequent such establishments, but perhaps he had been influenced by Kakashi-dono and his penchant for erotic tales, or his godfather, Jiraiya-sama, who had written extensively about such pleasures.
The ornate entrance loomed before them, adorned with paper lanterns that cast a warm glow, failing to ease the weight of Sasuke's disbelief. The familiar scent of incense and sake wafted through the air, mingling with the intoxicating sound of shamisen strings plucked with skillful grace.
Sasuke was no stranger to carnal pleasures, but he had never indulged in a prostitute or set foot in a brothel. Yet Naruto seemed at ease, eager to delve into the depths of this den filled with fragrant omegas, abundant sake, and the sweet melodies echoing within.
"Naruto," Sasuke hissed, trying to maintain his dignity as he was nearly dragged toward the entrance. "What the hell are we doing in a brothel?"
"Relax! This is the most exclusive establishment in the capital." Naruto's voice was a mix of excitement and mischief as he brushed off Sasuke's concerns. "Everyone here knows how to keep secrets, especially about their noble clients."
Sasuke's irritation simmered beneath the surface. Naruto's smile was as bright as ever, his golden hair a stark contrast to the soft colors of the night. The Fire Prince bit back the urge to punch him, remembering the chaos that often followed Naruto's whims.
Inside, the brothel surprised him with its elegance. Elaborate tapestries adorned the walls, and courtesans dressed in exquisite kimonos moved gracefully between the rooms, their robes rustling softly against the tatami floor. Sasuke had to admit, it was far more refined than he had expected, but the thought of being there sent a strange mix of embarrassment and curiosity through him.
"Welcome, young princes," a middle-aged woman greeted them with a deep bow, her elaborate hairpin glinting in the lamplight. "We are honored by your presence."
Sasuke quickly deduced that she was the brothel's pimp—her lack of scent marked her as a beta. With poise, she led the princes down polished wooden hallways, her geta-sandal-clad feet tapping softly against the tatami floor. Exotic and seductive paintings decorated the rice-paper walls, each telling a story of beauty and desire.
"I wish you a memorable evening," she said with a warm smile on her pretty face, before bowing and disappearing, leaving them to explore the pleasures available in privacy.
The room they entered was spacious, adorned with delicate paintings of cherry blossoms and furnished with silk cushions embroidered with intricate patterns.
A bamboo fountain dripped softly in one corner, lending an air of tranquility that was almost surreal against the backdrop of the surroundings. However, his thoughts drifted to the omega he would soon meet, who he would mark as his own.
The Lunar Festival would take place every three moons, said to be enchanting, where the Moon People celebrated the silver orb, much like the festivals in the Fire Nation to celebrate the fire lilies that only bloomed twice a year. He wondered if Neji would come to appreciate the sacred flowers of his home, as he appreciated the moonflowers of his own nation.
The marriage negotiations had been conducted through intermediaries, adhering to ancient traditions, leaving Sasuke with only a silk painting to base his expectations on—one depicting pearly eyes and long, dark hair. Even though it was only a painting, those beautiful moon-like eyes had haunted his dreams every night.
"You really thought of everything, didn't you?" Sasuke commented, settling himself elegantly onto one of the cushions, his posture straight and graceful like the noble prince he was.
"Of course, Sasuke!" Naruto exclaimed, handing his friend a masu filled with the finest sake. "Besides, I ordered the best in the house, courtesy of Kakashi-sensei's recommendation."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, unsurprised.
The heir to Sakumo-kakka was known to frequent the brothel more often than the Red Palace whenever he visited the Fire Nation.
"Let's raise a toast to you and Neji-denka having beautiful children," Naruto declared, raising the masu, his smile bright enough to rival the sun.
Sasuke took a deep breath, considering the weight of his friend's words.
He clinked his cup against Naruto's, the sound resounding like a promise in the air. "For Neji," he murmured, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and desire at the thought of their union.
As the night wore on, the atmosphere changed from tense disbelief to amused camaraderie. They shared stories, laughter, and dreams, the initial shock of the brothel fading into the background as the warmth of sake and friendship enveloped them.
Sasuke felt a flash of excitement, realizing that perhaps this unexpected celebration was exactly what he needed—a reminder of the joys that awaited him, however unconventional their paths might be.
As they finished their drinks, Sasuke couldn't shake the feeling that this night would be one for the books, a memory woven into the fabric of their lives—one of laughter, surprise, and perhaps a hint of revelation.
What had begun as disbelief and reluctance had turned into a surprising adventure, and for the first time, Sasuke allowed himself to imagine what life with Neji could truly be like, not just as a duty, not as another political marriage that was supposed to strengthen the bonds between their nations, but as a shared journey that could blossom into something more—like love.