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Having his husband's body all around him when he woke up was one of his favorite things. Despite the fact that they had been married for 45 years, their love for each other was as strong as when they first met. In the morning, he would run his hands over his body, feeling the warmth of his touch. He would take in the smell of his body and smile. He knew that nothing could compare to the feeling of being with his beloved.
Their first meeting occurred when they were both 20 years old. Sasuke had been studying Kendo for five years before another student joined the class. His hair was honey blonde and his eyes were sky blue. He was loud, way too loud, and very energetic. Although Sasuke found him annoying at first, he could not imagine life without him 50 years later.
The day before, it had been Naruto's 70th birthday, and their son Menma had come to eat with them, accompanied by his wife Miri and their three boys. Ichigo 10, Kirishima 8 and Levi 6. The evening had been busy, pleasant and full of laughter. Naruto's eyes had been shining with joy all day, and his laughter had echoed through the house many times. After dinner, they had all gathered in the living room to blow out the cake candles and sing Happy Birthday. Naruto had been thrilled to receive his presents from Menma and Miri, and the children had all been excited to give him the card they made themselves. It had been a wonderful day full of love and joy.
After they'd left, he and Naruto had retired to their bedroom. They undressed in silence before lying down on their king-size bed. They spent some time talking about their day and kissing each other. Naruto then moved up and laid on top of him, pressing his body against his. He could feel Naruto's heart beating against his chest as they embraced. They stayed in that position for a few moments before falling asleep in each other's arms.
Sasuke considered himself lucky that their attraction to each other had never waned. Of course, they didn't have the same drive as when they were younger, but their sexual life was still active. They still loved those moments of intimacy that swept them off their feet and strengthened the bond between them. They shared the same values and had the same goals in life. Sasuke was grateful for their strong relationship and for the love they had shared. He felt blessed to have found someone he could trust and rely on.
He slipped out of bed without waking his husband. While waiting for him to wake up, Sasuke made coffee for them before settling into his favorite armchair in the living room to read. Sasuke enjoyed the warmth of the mug and the familiarity of the chair.
Age had been kind to them. Naruto had a slight cholesterol problem and Sasuke had high blood pressure, but otherwise, they were healthy. Sasuke needed glasses to read now, and Naruto had a problem with his right knee, but nothing too serious. Of course, their bodies were a little grumpier in the morning, groaning from having to move. But after a few minutes, they could walk without too much difficulty. They were grateful for being able to still enjoy the simple things in life. They were also mindful of taking care of their health, exercising regularly and taking preventive measures to reduce their risk of age-related issues.
A well-balanced diet, physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle helped them age gracefully. They continued to practice Kendo twice a week. Despite not participating in fights anymore, they continued to train. They knew the owner - the son of the teacher who had taught them everything - and they had a good relationship with all the students... Well, Naruto had a good relationship with them. As for Sasuke, he preferred to keep to himself and did not like talking to strangers just for the sake of talking. His husband? Quite the opposite, he was like a butterfly, fluttering from one group to the next, chatting with anyone who would let him. And Sasuke had never met anyone who could resist Naruto's charm. Having succumbed to it himself 45 years ago, he knew how it feels.
For the first five years, they had actually been friends. Both were too stupid to realize how they really felt about each other. They spent all their time together, and each of them - unbeknownst to the other - turned down advances from others.
The turning point? Subaku Gaara.
They were about to celebrate Naruto's 25th birthday, and Gaara - a newcomer for a few months - befriended the blonde. The two young men had a similar past, and this brought them together. Naruto and Gaara quickly became close friends, and Naruto helped him overcome his distrust of others.
Sasuke wasn't blind. He could clearly see how Gaara looked at Naruto, how he was drawn to him. In that famous evening on October 10th, the blonde's birthday, Sasuke had seen Gaara walk towards Naruto with purpose. To Sasuke, it was obvious that the young man had decided to tell Naruto how he felt about him. Sasuke had been afraid for the first time in his life. He realized that he was jealous of Gaara, and he felt his heart racing and his stomach turn. He was terrified Naruto would choose Gaara over him. He felt like the world was closing in on him.
As Gaara was only a few steps away, he suddenly dashed towards Naruto and dragged him to the garden. Sasuke had opened his heart to Naruto without thinking and had waited eagerly for his response. He hadn't looked back at Gaara. While Sasuke knew he had hurt the redhead, he couldn't imagine life without Naruto. The fact he realized his feelings so late seemed pretty stupid to him. Especially since he had finally admitted to Naruto that he was in love with him because of Gaara. The redhead's attempt to approach Naruto might have given Sasuke the courage to tell him his feelings. Sasuke had been keeping his feelings for Naruto a secret for a long time, and he had felt relieved to finally be out in the open.
And today, he thanked the heavens every day for this action. Sometimes he would think about Gaara and admitted he'd played a part in bringing them together. But he never shared this information. It was his little secret.
Having settled into his chair, Sasuke sighed contentedly. All the plants were engulfed in golden light as sunlight streamed into the living room. Naruto had converted their cottage into a greenhouse for plants and flowers. The same had been done with the garden behind their house.
Sasuke was happy. He'd been happy ever since he'd declared his love to Naruto.
About fifteen minutes later, Sasuke heard the bedroom floor groan under Naruto's footsteps as he got up. Then he followed his husband's progress as he slowly made his way to the bathroom.
They were in their seventies. They moved a bit slower in the morning and a wry smile appeared on Sasuke's age-tanned face. He was a little less stiff than his husband in the morning and liked to tease him.
Naruto's face appeared in the door frame, a ray of sunlight caressing his right side. This illuminated his striking azure eyes and the small wrinkles of joy around his eyes. He wore a wide smile as he stood in the doorway, his blond hair framing his face. He stepped into the room, his footsteps echoing in the silence.
Like him, Naruto had a few wrinkles, mostly ' happiness' wrinkles as they liked to call them. Around their eyes, around their lips and on their foreheads. Wrinkles that showed how much they'd enjoyed their lives and how happy they were.
"Good morning."
Naruto said Sasuke raised an eyebrow in surprise. His husband was already dressed for gardening work. Old jeans stained by dirt, grass, a t-shirt and he pulled on a warm sweater. Sasuke couldn't help but admire his husband's simple, yet rugged look. He couldn't help but think about how handsome he looked.
"Already?"
Sasuke asked before returning the kiss that tasted of coffee and toothpaste. A strange mixture, but he'd gotten used to it years ago.
"Yeah. The weather forecast says frost on the ground and I haven't finished preparing the hydrangeas for winter yet. And we're supposed to visit Sakura this afternoon."
Sasuke grunted rhetorically. He had completely forgotten they had planned to visit their old friend. Naruto wanted to keep in touch with all their friends from their youth. And of course, Sasuke couldn't deny him anything. But sometimes, he'd like to stay at home in peace. Not that they went out every day, but Sasuke always preferred to stay home. Naruto ignored Sasuke's grunt. He knew that Sasuke was just being stubborn.
"Don't make that face. Their daughter had a baby and they want to introduce it to us."
He winked at him.
"I love you."
Naruto told him with as much affection and sincerity as when they first met. Sasuke kissed him hard. To feel all the love his husband had for him gave him - even after 45 years - butterflies in his stomach. Naruto pulled away, their gazes locked. Sasuke's face was still soft and tender, his eyes filled with love.
"I love you too."
Sasuke replied with the same emphasis.
They had always been like that. It was natural to them. Their love was like an eternal flame that only needed their presence to keep it alive. They were inseparable, always supporting each other no matter what. They were the best of friends and the best of lovers. They were truly soul mates.
He heard the terrace door open and close. Moments later, he could hear Naruto singing as he worked in the garden. His husband was very proud of his garden. When they had bought this house - to celebrate their 30th anniversary - the backyard had been a rectangle of sand mixed with weeds. Naruto had worked hard to turn that barren rectangle into the garden of his dreams. And of course, he had succeeded. Naruto's garden was a testament to his dedication and hard work. It was a place of peace and beauty, and a source of happiness for both of them.
They'd bought this little house at the end of a dead-end street that backed up to the Fire Country National Forest. So they knew they'd never have backyard neighbors or new development.
A small, one-story house with three bedrooms, a kitchen and a large living room. They had improved - renovated - their home over the years. The first real renovation had taken place after their adoption application had been approved.
Sasuke still remembered the smile of pure happiness that exploded on Naruto's face upon hearing the news. Immediately, he set about renovating the room that would become their child's room. And he threw himself into it with his characteristic zeal, refusing any help Sasuke could offer.
And so, two weeks later, Menma arrived at their home at 5 years old. A room made to measure for a boy of his age. Naruto had managed to make this child smile faster than anyone else.
To Sasuke's surprise, Menma fled to his arms when he had nightmares or during thunderstorms. Naruto had explained to him that Menma was comforted by his calm, collected personality. Sasuke soon realized that Menma was afraid of loud noises and strong emotions. He made it his mission to stay calm and composed around him. He still acts like this today.
Their family had grown, and Sasuke was proud of their son. He and Naruto had promised to support him no matter what path he chose. And now, Menma was a mechanic with his own workshop. He worked hard to provide for his family and his two fathers were very proud of him. And they didn't mind reminding him of that from time to time.
Sasuke smiled as he got up to put his coffee cup in the sink. Halfway, he stopped and listened.
Silence.
This wasn't normal. Naruto chanted constantly when working in the garden. And he hadn't heard him enter the kitchen.
Sasuke walked as fast as he could to the patio door and his heart stopped.
Naruto lay motionless on the ground.
He hurried forward - grabbing his mobile phone at the same time - and was at his husband's side in a second.
Naruto was lying face down on the ground, blood dripping from a wound on his forehead. He seemed to have fallen and hit his head on a concrete corner of the low wall which surrounded part of the garden.
Sasuke slowly turned his husband around - while calling 911 - and turned him over. Naruto's face was pale - too pale - and he wasn't breathing.
Without really knowing what he was saying to the 911 dispatcher, Sasuke began CPR. He shouted at no one in particular; everything around him was a blur. He couldn't understand what was happening. He felt his heart racing and his breath shallow. He was desperate to help, but couldn't think straight. He just kept pushing on his husband's chest, knowing it was the only thing he could do at the moment to save his life.
Suddenly, the face of a young woman appeared in his vision. He refused to abandon his resuscitation maneuvers. There was no way Naruto would die like this.
"Sir! Sir! Let us do our job. Let us help him."
The young medic called out to him. But Sasuke couldn't hear her. Everything was in a haze, the sounds were distorted. All he could register, all he could see was his husband's bloodied face.
Suddenly, he was torn from Naruto's body by an iron grip. Sasuke bared his teeth and screamed like a man possessed. The medic held him tightly, trying to prevent him from lashing out. Sasuke felt his strength, and the fight in him slowly drained away. He relented and collapsed into his arms.
After a moment, the paramedic ordered him to stay where he was. He headed over to assist his colleague who continued Naruto's resuscitation maneuvers. Sasuke watched them work through the thick fog, unable to perceive anything or feel the cold running through his body. Sasuke felt a chill of fear run down his spine. He knew Naruto was in serious danger, and the only thing he could do was pray that the paramedics would be able to save him.
After a moment, they placed Naruto on a stretcher. The paramedic climbed over his husband to continue CPR while the woman steered the stretcher towards the ambulance. Naruto's body was lifeless and his eyes were closed.
Sasuke rose mechanically, following the blurred movement of the stretcher, and slipped into the back of the ambulance without a word. His gaze rested on his lover's pale face, partly hidden by the oxygen mask the paramedics had put on him. Sasuke's heart filled with sorrow and fear. He knew that if Naruto didn't make it, his life would end.
One Naruto’s hands hung lifelessly on the stretcher. Sasuke took it in his hands, gripped it tightly and let out a heartbreaking moan. His hand was so cold, and he didn't react to his presence. Sasuke felt his heart sink as tears streamed down his face. He gently brushed his thumb over Naruto's hand, trying to bring warmth back into it. He whispered a silent prayer, hoping his husband would be able to hear him.
"I've got a pulse."
The paramedic suddenly shouted as the ambulance sped towards the hospital. Sasuke heard the beeping of the machine connected to his husband. Slowly, he looked up at Naruto, but he was still motionless, his skin almost translucent, and Sasuke let out another sob. Sasuke's heart sank as he realized Naruto might not make it. He clutched Naruto's hand tightly.
It felt like a nightmare. This couldn't be real. Naruto was full of life this morning, cheerful, lively and radiant as always. How could he have become so pale, so cold? He was always warm, warming him on cold winter nights. Sasuke would wake up, he would be sitting in his armchair and Naruto would be there in front of him with his smile and warmth. Not lying lifeless in the back of an ambulance. Sasuke felt lost, as if a part of him had been ripped away. He felt like his heart had been shattered into a million pieces.
Suddenly the ambulance's back doors opened. The medic jumped down and pulled the stretcher towards him. The paramedic appeared and held out her hand to Sasuke, inviting him to get off. He refused, only wanting to touch Naruto's hand, but followed her.
A nurse came running towards them, shouting a series of commands, and the paramedics ran off with Naruto. Sasuke tried to follow, but a firm hand clasped his forearm.
He turned his head to a gray haired nurse, her face stern but her eyes filled with compassion.
"You can't follow them... Sir?"
Sasuke watched the people around him move in slow motion. The mist around him seemed even thicker than before. He was dreaming... this was a nightmare.
"Sir?"
The nurse's dry voice made him turn his head slowly towards her.
"Your name?"
He blinked, trying to concentrate, to get a foot back into reality.
"Uh... Uchiha Sasuke."
She made notes on a document in her hands. Then she led him into an empty room and invited him to sit on a chair next to the bed.
"Who is the man brought in by the ambulance?"
The nurse asked, her hazel eyes resting calmly on him.
"My husband... Uchiha Naruto."
His tongue felt so heavy, thick in his mouth. Sinking back into the chair, he fought not to slip deeper into the panic that held his heart in an iron grip. His breathing was shallow and ragged, and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
"Do you have anyone we can call?"
Menma's smiling face appeared before his closed eyelids. In a dull, lifeless voice, he gave the information on how to reach their sons. And the woman gave him words of encouragement that he did not hear. His gaze remained fixed on the empty bed beside him. He wondered if he'd have to sleep alone for the rest of his life. He remembered the old saying that;
"Life is but a fleeting dream."
After an indeterminate amount of time, Menma's worried face appeared in his vision. His son was still dressed in work clothes, and his hands were still greasy. It was obvious he'd left the garage in a hurry.
"Dad?"
His son's voice sounded just like when he was a child, afraid of a thunderstorm. But Sasuke couldn't comfort him this time; his heart and soul were frozen. He could not utter a single word of encouragement or comfort. His gaze struggled to leave the emptiness of the bed to look at his son.
"What happened?"
Menma demanded to know.
Sasuke half opened his mouth, but the only sound he could make was a groan of pain and his son's arms closing around him.
They held each other tightly for a long time, Sasuke clutching his son like a lifeline. It would have been unthinkable for him to behave this way, but events were beyond his control. Sasuke would have been embarrassed to show such emotion in front of his son or strangers, but he wasn't fully aware of the situation.
The fog surrounding him was simply too thick. He felt overwhelmed and helpless. Sasuke was struggling to make sense of what was happening and to find the courage to face it.
A few hours - minutes? - Later, a doctor entered the room where they were waiting. Sasuke jumped to his feet, his hips protesting but he ignored them. He grabbed the doctor's forearms, who seemed surprised by the strength of his hands. But Sasuke needed an answer and an anchor and the doctor's arms would do.
"What happened? How's my husband?"
Sasuke asked with an intensity he was not familiar with. He fixed his gaze on the doctor, wanting to make sure he wasn't lying or trying to hide any information.
"Mr Uchiha?"
The doctor asked and Sasuke didn't take his eyes off him and nodded.
"Well... your... er... your husband suffered a heart attack. We stabilized his condition, but he'll need an operation. It seems that one of his arteries became clogged, which explains his heart attack."
The cold, detached, professional tone cut through the thick fog surrounding Sasuke. He blinked slowly, analyzing the doctor's information. He let go of the doctor's forearms before taking two steps back, turning away from the man before falling into his son's arms.
"Did you hear that, Menma? Naruto..."
He burst into tears and collapsed to his knees, despite his son's attempts to hold him back. The two men hugged each other and wept with relief.
Two weeks later.
"Hey, I can walk on my own."
Naruto grumbled as Sasuke held his arm to help him walk to their house door. He didn't answer his husband or let go of his arm. Naruto sighed but did not add anything.
Ever since he'd woken up, he'd feared for his husband's health. Sasuke was pale, lost a lot of weight, and refused to return to their house to sleep. He wouldn't let go of him.
Naruto understood his husband's concern, but sometimes - like right now - it suffocated him. But all he had to do was look at Sasuke's strained face to keep his frustration to himself.
After all, if it had been Sasuke who had the heart attack, Naruto knew he would have acted the same way. He would have been terribly afraid of losing him and being left alone. Just as Sasuke must have felt. As far as he was concerned, he'd been out of it most of the time. But his husband was awake and aware of what was going on.
Fortunately, Sasuke had been supported by Menma and Sakura. Although he had refused all requests to return home. He had stayed with him in the hospital the whole time.
When Naruto had finally regained consciousness, Sasuke had held him in his arms and cried for a long time. The blonde had held him as tightly as he could and kissed him. Sasuke had then crawled into bed with him and had practically wrapped himself around him before falling into a deep sleep.
Naruto had never seen his husband so vulnerable, so sad. And according to what Menma had told him, Sasuke had been in a pitiful state while he had been unconscious. And they had all feared for him as much as they had feared for Naruto.
Sasuke unlocked the front door before helping him inside. Immediately, Naruto felt much better. He had missed this house terribly; the hospital wasn't exactly a warm place.
His husband led him to their room. Naruto would have liked to argue. He didn't really feel like going to bed, but let Sasuke drag him there anyway. He owed him peace of mind.
Sasuke dropped the bags on the floor of their bedroom before leading him to the bed. He let himself be guided with a smile that his husband returned. Once under the covers, Sasuke took off his shoes, trousers and pullover before sliding in next to him.
He snuggled up against him, molding his body to his own, burying his face in the hollow of his neck and taking a long breath. Naruto held him close and kissed his forehead. He had missed this closeness so much. Even though Sasuke had slept with him in the hospital, it wasn't the same feeling as in their bed.
"I thought I had lost you."
Sasuke murmured against his skin. His breath tickled his skin pleasantly and he kissed his forehead again.
"I know, I'm sorry I scared you."
To be honest, Naruto had no memory of his discomfort. He remembered walking to their garden to work. The next thing he knew, he opened his eyes in the hospital surrounded by the worried faces of Sasuke and Menma.
Sasuke said nothing, just hugged him tighter, sniffling. Naruto knew his husband was trying to hold back his tears. He'd been crying a lot lately and he felt guilty for putting him through all those mountains of emotions.
"I love you more than anything."
Sasuke tenderly said, lifting his face to place his lips against his own. Naruto returned the kiss with all the love he felt for this extraordinary man who loved him like no other.
"I love you too, Sasuke. Forever."
Naruto may not have experienced the trauma his husband must have experienced, but he promised himself he would never do anything like that again. They would see a doctor more often to ensure such a situation never happens again.
They planned to leave this world at a time of their own choosing. They would live together for as long as possible. They had promised each other this and the events they had lived through strengthened this conviction.
Naruto sought Sasuke's lips again. His husband responded with passion, almost desperation and Naruto hugged him tighter. He may not have known what the rest of their lives would hold. However, he promised himself to enjoy it with Sasuke until they drew their last breath.