Chapter Text
The last night of his freedom breezed past him, with only the memories to reminisce, Naruto had taken playing songs on his violin, refusing to leave his room.
Now the only time he would leave his room would be to meet his destiny, or rather talk with him.
The future husbands were not to come face to face with each other until the day of their wedding as per the traditions. But they could speak to one another and get to know each other better.
According to his mother, even her and Naruto's father were not allowed to meet each other until the day of their wedding.
Naruto could live with that, he didn't mind not being able to meet his prospective spouse or see his face.
But there was this one thing — person actually — weighing heavily in his mind.
Mr. Weasel.
That man was living in the prince's mind since the night they met. For a moment, Naruto had been tempted to go back to the market and meet the man one last time.
But it would be unfair to the man he was to marry. So, reigning in the desire, the prince holed up in his room.
Naruto was nervous and a bit fearful. What if him and the other prince had huge difference they would not be able to push aside? What if he was going to be stuck in a loveless marriage?
Then again, Mr. Weasel popped up in his mind, if he was already betrothed would they have had a chance?
Now, Naruto didn't believe in love at first sight. In his opinion, what attracted the prince to the unknown man was less about his face and more about the fact that he was willing to entertain Naruto's friend and Naruto himself.
He also had a nice voice and if he was to judge on a superficial level, that man also had a good personality, not to mention that breathtaking face of his.
Would his spouse be anything like that man? Naruto had no idea.
The prince was playing a lazy melody when Miranda and Annaliesse burst into his room. Scaring him out of his creative reverie.
“Your Highness!“
Naruto jolted harshly, nearly dropping his violin as a result.
“Ah! What?“ He asked, pressing a hand against his chest on his rapidly beating heart. “What happened? Did the castle catch fire or what?“
Miranda huffed, closing the door behind her. “I wish.“
“Don't say that!“ Annaliesse chided the green eyed girl. “Besides,” she grinned, holding Naruto's shoulder. “The man of your destiny will be at the castle soon!“
“What?“ Naruto asked blankly, looking at the dark-skinned girl in daze. “What is that supposed to mean?“
Annaliesse rolled her eyes playfully. Knocking her fist gently against Naruto's head, she answered. “It means, dummy, that your betrothed is going to be here soon for the engagement and you will be wedded to him shortly after.“
Naruto's eyes widened as he let Annaliesse drag him around. The door of his room burst open and several maids made a beeline towards him, various things in hands.
“We are here to get you ready. All pretty and dazzling for your fiance.“ Miranda answered listlessly as she busied herself in untying Naruto's hair.
“Why do I even need all of that?“ Protested the prince, fauxly indignant at the breech of his privacy. “It's not like he's going to see my face or anything??“
“Yeah but—” started Annaliesse, carefully pulling off his clothes as the prince struggled to maintain his footing “—he's going to see your sillouhette and our goal is to dazzle him enough so that he never even thinks of someone else. When you have your wedding, you face will be enough, but for now, cooperate.“ She glared at him.
Naruto let out a long suffering sigh as he stepped towards the pool filled with milk and sprinkled rose petals.
The bathhouse — his personal bathhouse — was lined with maids who had all kinds of scents, essential oils and shampoos lined up for him.
Slowly descending the stairs, as he slowly took off his white inner and only robe, the prince complained loudly.
“You guys are seriously over doing it, dattebayo.“ The white robes slipped down his shoulders as he stepped into the pool, submerging his knees in the milk, he carefully shrugged off the robe and passed it over to a maid.
One maid quickly took over the task of washing his hair while another took to washing his body off.
“Ahhh!“ He screeched. “This is so uncomfortable!“
Miranda face palmed, combing through the selection of shampoos, as she passed a shampoo to the maid washing his hair, she sighed.
“Bear with it, after wedding you aren't going to bath alone anyway.“
Naruto's eyes widened, deep red tainting his cheeks as he realised the implication behind her words.
“Miranda! Watch what you say!“ He scolded, feeling extremely scandalised as he tired to drown himself in the milk out of embarrassment.
All the maids present there giggled at his reaction.
“She isn't wrong, Your Highness!“ The maid washing his body chirped happily. “Your Highness is so handsome and beautiful at the same time, there's no way your fiance would be able to resist.“
Naruto covered his face, feeling himself blush even more. The maid washing his hair, massaged his scalp, the sensation of it was so comfortable.
“And besides, Your Highness will have to keep tight hold on your husband or else other women or men enter in the harem.“
“After all, not every marriage or relationship can be like His and Her Majesties. You have to make sure that your husband has only you in his eyes. Other people be damned.“
Naruto pursed his lips at the thought. “I... Don't know if I'll mind or even care about it. It would depend upon how are relationship progresses. Besides, if he wants, he can have a harem. Not like I can stop him. That would be unreasonable of me.“
“Your Highness,” the hand massaging his head stopped. “I know for a fact that how ever a relationship is, it will hurt to see someone else between you and your husband. I cannot even fathom how the previous queens could remain strong despite that.“
Naruto bowed his head. “Well, as a matter-of-fact, I know I'm very possessive or territorial. If I do come to love that man, there's no way I'll be able to live with the knowledge of him having a harem.“ He confessed, twiddling with his fingers. “Previous queens were strong while mother was really lucky to have father's love.“
After a heavy pause, he shrugged. “Anyways! Why should I think of future this early?“ He asked, standing up, having finished with the bath. “I don't even know if I will be able to like or even love my fiance.“
He waved his hands in a flourishing gesture as the maids helped him into a silk bath robe.
“Ah right,” Annaliesse grinned, stretching the vowel excessively. “That man from the dancing square?“
Naruto ignored her.
Miranda looked at him, impressed. “Don't tell me you fell for him or something like that. Because that would be really funny and sad.“
Naruto sighed. “I don't know what you are talking about,” he answered, sitting in front of the mirror as the maids dried his hair and combed it.
“Of course you don't.“ Miranda snorted, taking his hand. “Forget it, Your Highness, your new life is waiting for you. Don't mind strangers we meet only once in our life.“
Naruto nodded, staring at his reflection. “I know,” he answered softly as a servant entered his room.
“What is it?“ Naruto asked, looking at the man through the mirror, eyes down cast.
“The royals are here, Your Highness. Her Majesty has asked you to come to the meeting room soon.“
Naruto sighed, shoulders slumping as the maids worked with his face. “I'll be there soon.“
As the servant left, Naruto looked around himself and said to the maid. “Now girls, be quick. Or the wedding gets called off.“
Annaliesse chuckled and held up the clothes he was to wear. “Why don't you go with something... Formal but comfortable? You are going to sit behind the veil anyway.“
“I know,” Naruto said, brushing back his hair slightly. He reached out and traced the robes with gentle hands. “Grandeur be damned, mother didn't say we'll be seeing each other today.“
Itachi had not anticipated his family's arrival. He really hadn't. No matter how much sense it made, he didn't like the fact that they had arrived without prior notice.
The business dealings with King Namikaze had been concluded and the only thing left to do was his engagement with the prince.
According to the traditions, he was forbidden from seeing the other prince before their wedding.
Not even at their engagement.
Despite that, Itachi had taken care of his looks, so what if his fiance wouldn't see him, his parents would and the Uchiha couldn't afford to fail in that respect.
As their carriage crossed the gate of the castle, Itachi hissed at his little brother.
“Why didn't you tell me that you all would be here?“
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at him. “I'm sorry, Nii-san, but the letter wouldn't have arrived in time. Now quit whining and man up. What if your fiance sees you like this? I don't think he'll be very impressed.“
Itachi scoffed quietly. He wanted to treat his fiance the best way he could, even if he himself was somewhat enamoured by a complete stranger of a musician.
While he'd searched for the othe person after the first meeting, he had been unsuccessful. Remembering the objective of his trip to his land, Itachi had stamped down anything he shouldn't have for someone else.
Even if it took him less than two days to figure out that his feelings might have changed from pure curiosity and appreciation to something more than like, something he was afraid of naming.
Love.
Itachi should not be having feelings for anyone else besides his fiance. Thus, in order to respect him, the Crown Prince shoved any thoughts of that musician in the deepest pits of his mind.
Now, as they sat with the King and Queen Namikaze, Itachi could not help but feel nervous. So far, their impression of him was positive.
The one, who's arrival everyone awaited, was yet to show up.
Not like it made any difference to him, it's not like Itachi would be allowed to see the other prince.
As their parents talked, Sasuke leaned closer to his big brother. “I have heard that he's really pretty and has a talent for music. One of my friends—”
“—only a few—”
“—don't interrupt me,” Sasuke glared at Itachi. “Is from here. When I asked about the prince out of curiosity, my friend answered vaguely and standardly. So I'm not sure.“
Itachi shrugged, glancing at the door time to time. Shisui, having noticed his gaze smiled at him knowingly but said nothing.
So what if he claimed that love was impossible for him, that one emotion had thousands of ways to weasel into someone's life.
Soon enough, guards standing at the door announced.
“His Highness, the Crown Prince is here.“
Out of respect, Shisui and Sasuke stood up. Itachi followed their movements a second later. His head automatically turned towards the distant, closed door.
His mother and father, alongside the King and Queen Namikaze also stood up, his parents mostly to see if their son-in-law was following their traditions.
The door opened slowly, more than five people made their way into the room.
Four maids were holding up a veil that covered the Crown Prince from all four sides and behind the translucent white veil were two other ladies, flanking the Crown Prince's sides.
All in all, no one could see the face of the youth walking behind the veil.
Itachi saw satisfaction in his and the other Crown Prince's parents' eyes. Sasuke seemed almost as intrigued as Itachi himself.
Slowly, the Crown Prince's entourage made their way to the royals.
The maids held up the veil as the seven of them bowed in respect and murmured their greetings, their movements in complete sync.
The royals nodded at the greetings and Itachi, Sasuke and Shisui stepped forth, reciprocating the bow.
Itachi's gaze found its way towards the sillouhette of the Crown Prince behind the veil. He saw that the youth seemed to be looking at him with hooded eyes.
Their eyes met, Itach quickly gathered himself and looked away, realising his mistake.
They were not to converse until left alone to do so.
The Crown Prince slowly and gracefully took his seat beside his parents, now there were two maids still veiling his figure from Itachi's eyes. He sat across the older Crown Prince and folded his hands on his lap.
Subconsciously, Itachi's eyes followed his movements.
Their parents conversed amongst themselves, the soon to be wedded answered as and when required.
The Namikaze Crown Prince spoke in a low, almost demure voice, as if he had been trained to speak in that cadence.
Itachi wasn't bothered by it, rather a funny feeling bubbled in his chest. His little brother stole glances at the youth beyond the veil but was largely unsuccessful.
Itachi did not know how much time has passed until King Minato and Kushina and his parents announced that now, him and his prospective spouse were to be left alone to converse with one another.
Itachi's fiance nodded slowly as he stood up, maids following his motion closely. Mikoto motioned her son to follow as her soon to be son-in-law made his way to the other room for more privacy.
Itachi nodded absently as he watched his steps.
Before he knew, the Uchiha was already sitting, his side facing emrald green gauze curtains which separated him from his intended.
Only now did he realise that he hadn't been able to properly listen to the Namikaze Crown Prince's voice up till now.
“Namikaze-san?“ He addressed tentatively, unsure of how to initiate a conversation.
“Yes, Uchiha-san?“ Came the answer in a voice that seemed inexplicably familiar. “Ah, my apologies,” spoke the Crown Prince. “I have yet to introduce myself. But please you go first.“
Itachi hesitated briefly. “Very well, Namikaze-san,” he nodded, glancing at the sillouhette beside him. “My name is Uchiha Itachi and it's my utmost pleasure to have met you.“
“I'm called Namikaze Naruto, Uchiha-san. You may address me by my first name, the pleasure is mine.“
“In that case,” Itachi shook his head. “I must extend the same courtesy to you, Naruto-kun. Please call me Itachi.“
“Very well, Itachi-san.“ Naruto nodded, nervously fiddling with his sleeves. He stared at his wrist. The voice beyond the veil.
It seemed to familiar, yet he could not pinpoint exactly where he'd heard it.
A thick silence descended between them, fit half a moment, Naruto felt awkward, silently berating himself for not taking the initiative to talk.
But before he could speak, his intended's deep voice fell into his ears.
“Uhm, Naruto-kun,” started Itachi, “while I'm aware that this situation is — presumably — not ideal for either of us. To have to suddenly devote our lives to a complete stranger who aren't even allowed to see. But this is how many things start. I'll look forward to your cooperation and try to make things as comfortable for you as I can.“
Naruto found himself smiling, he glanced at the person beside him.
“Itachi-san isn't wrong. It indeed seems strange,” he agreed faintly. “But there's nothing we cannot manage. This marriage is a very essential for the relationship between our countries. A little sacrifice is hardly worth mentioning. Besides as long as we treat each other kindly, it hardly matter.“
He paused, considering his words before adding. “Perhaps, in near future, we will end up finding a worthy companionship with each other.“
Itachi looked down, bowing his head slightly. “I do hope so. I would hate to be stuck with an unwilling partnership.“
Naruto chuckled wordlessly. “Our thoughts aren't much different then.“
“So it seems,” agreed the Uchiha. “So, tell me, Naruto-kun, is there a hobby you enjoy?“
Naruto fell silent for a second. “I— well, my hobbies might not be the best, or fit for a royalty.“
“I'm no one to judge, Naruto-kun, please go ahead and speak your mind.“
“Well, you said it, Your Highness, do not laugh,” Naruto shrugged. “I enjoy playing violin and piano. I also like dancing, a lot in fact.“
Itachi stilled at the mention of violin and dancing. An unrealistic thought emerged in his mind.
“You do?“ He asked softly. “It's a good thing then, I, myself, favour books and listening to music as a hobby.“
Naruto was surprised. “Is it?“
“It is.“
“We have much more in common than I thought we would.“ He mused aloud. “Well then, since we are speaking of likes and dislikes, I might as well say that my favourite food is ramen, though it hardly qualifies as a healthy food.“
Itachi chuckled at the remark. “I'm hardly qualified to comment, my personal favourite food is no delicacy after all.“
Naruto turned to look at the man beside him, he saw the sillouhette facing him.
“Do share, Your Highness.“
“Dango, I like— no, love sweet dango.“
Against his better judgement, Naruto laughed, the voice of the man was distantly familiar not to mention the way he spoke.
Covering his lips, the prince apologized. “Forgive me, Itachi-san. But dango is worse than ramen.“
“I know.“ Itachi shook his head, startling fondness curling in his chest at the sound of the laugh.
“I did not take you for a sweet tooth, you sound like a serious person,” Naruto confessed, lips curled upwards. “Though, perhaps, even the most serious of men need to loosen up from time to time.“
“Indeed,” Itach agreed, glancing at the sillouhette, so far, so good. It was as bad as he has feared it would be.
They talked for a while longer, one conversation leading to another, differing opinions and passionate counter arguments were worth little.
At long last, they stopped talking, having realised how much time had passed without them knowing.
Itachi smiled at Naruto's sillouhette, knowing that the youth wouldn't be able to see him.
Slowly pushing his hand past the curtain, the Uchiha patiently held out a hand for the prince to take.
It was an offer, a promise.
Naruto looked down at the strangely familiar hand, flabbergasted at himself for drawing a comparison.
If it was a promise, then it was one, Naruto was willing to agree with.
Everyone deserved a chance, after all.
He slowly reached out and held the hand. Countless thoughts rushing through his mind.
After a long moment, as Itachi raised the hand to his lips, pressing a small kiss on those refined knuckles, he heard Naruto speak.
“Your Highness remind me of someone,” said, Naruto, musing at the familiarity. “Not someone I have known for long, but someone who left a lasting impression.“
Itachi smiled against the prince's hand, lips grazing the soft skin as he spoke. “I would say the same, Your Highness.“
“Is that so?“ Naruto grinned. “I'm glad then.“
Itachi traced the knuckles with his thumb, running it on the skin gently. “I'll try my best to take care of you, Namikaze Naruto.“
Naruto looked down, cerulean eyes hiding behind hooded eyelids.
“I sure hope so. I have had my heart broken once, I hope it won't happen again.“ He hummed, intertwining their fingers together, he smiled. “Make sure to be true to your words, Uchiha Itachi.“
Itachi's eyes darkened at the mention of someone breaking Naruto's heart.
“I cannot fathom how someone would be brave enough to break the heart of a person like you, Naruto-kun. I won't be able to do that, I'm sure of it.“
Naruto looked at the sillouhette, gripping the hand intertwined with his own tighter, he nodded.
“As long as you don't do so, I will be happy.“
“I'm nothing like that.“ Itachi murmured, bringing his hand to his lips once more. “I promise you.“ He murmured as he kissed the hand once more.