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“When I was small, my whole village hated me and i was deemed an outcast.”
“I felt like such a nuisance. Everyone despised me and I had no friends. But I did have one goal, I wanted to be the hokage.”
“And The day we started getting closer, another one became clear.
It’s that I want to stay with you forever.”
You stared at him in silence, instant ramen steaming on the table in front of you.
You weren’t sure what to say after asking him to open up to you.
Your heart was shattered hearing this and you jumped on him for a tight hug and he laughed it off. Since then you two grew inseparable. Showing up to functions with each other, hand in hand and realizing how cheesy it was and immediately retracting your hand from his while he was confused.
God, you were such an idiot back in middle school.
you two just graduated highschool and he never changed. Still that bright kid you used to know when you were young.
He did become taller than you and also extremely handsome.
You two washed dishes after a dinner party. Naruto and you laughed while talking about the good times. you look up at him as he scrubs a plate and Sasuke comes around the corner to put his glass inside the sink and a new plate which makes Naruto super pissed and he almost crashes out and kills him.
You snort and wave it off. “It’s fine, Sasuke.” You said and he smiles and leans against the counter while looking at you.
“Hey, you’ve became more beautiful since we were 15.” Sasuke brings up out of nowhere and your cheeks burn. “O-oh thanks.” You say and exchange a glance with Naruto. His expression is unreadable.
“Wouldn’t you agree, Naruto?”
“Yeah, she has.”
“But she’s still an egghead.” Naruto says and I stomp on his foot which makes him hiss in pain.
“Gosh, do you guys remember when Naruto would yap about wanting to be a hokage?” He says and Naruto moves away from the sink and flicks his hands on Sasuke making droplets fly on him while he gags.
You wash your hands and hear a knock at the door, about to answer it when Sasuke is already at the door. He’s so fast.
“Coach Iruka?” Sasuke says surprised.
“Look what i got.” He pulls out 2 free ramen coupons from your favourite ramen place(Ichiraku).
“Oh my god!” You say in shock, dry your hands, walk to the front door beside Sasuke and take the ticket.
“Now who doesn’t have the coupon!” You yelled while turning to see Naruto walk towards you guys.
“I’ve been betrayed.” He says cheesily while pretending to wipe a tear and Iruka shakes his head.
You immediately move away from the 2 To get your coat off the rack of your closet and put it on while rushing outside into the freezing winter with Iruka, Sasuke and Naruto racing to the car without their jackets.
“Idiot.” You mumbled to Sasuke.
everyone said their goodbyes, Iruka was dropping Naruto off to his house while Sasuke and you stood in the ramen place.
Sasuke shivered and did a poor job at pretending to be warm and you pulled out his scarf from your pocket and handed it to him.
He wrapped an arm around himself and took the scarf while you two stood near the entrance and you watched Naruto through the window give you a smile before disappearing into the passenger seat.
“Thank you.” Sasuke said bringing you back to reality and he looped his scarf around his neck.
“I hope you also have my jacket stuffed in your big coat.”
“Oh, fuck off.” You hissed and he let out a low chuckle.
7 years later.
“Do you wish you said no?” Naruto says as you two stand at the balcony of the wedding venue.
You’re in your wedding dress staring at the lake in front of you and standing behind a railing while Naruto stands beside you in a suit. But he wasn’t the groom. You married Sasuke.
“No, I don’t.” You said. You two sounded like robots going back and forth as he stared at you from the corner of his eye, looking at your ring while your hand gripped the railing.
“I can’t believe no one told me sooner.” Naruto says, his voice wavers and cracks and you hold his arm.
No one’s around.
“Naruto.” You said calmly and it pissed him off even more that you even attempted keeping your composure. “It’s fine. I should’ve known.” he said even though you weren’t sure what to say.
“I should’ve tried harder— I really love you, y/n ..”
“Why did I lock myself in my house. I missed you so much.” He said and you stop standing beside him and face him instead.
You turn him to face you back and you can see his beautiful blue eyes become glassy.
Iruka’s death changed Naruto. He stopped coming out of his house and completely sheltered himself. He didn’t let Sasuke or Sakura in, not even the others.
Not even you. He spent months completely isolated in that room and you and Shikamaru decided to break into his house.
Naruto finally broke into tears when he saw you and you hugged him wordlessly. you stayed at his house for days and consoled him. He didn’t even notice the engagement ring on your finger.
You broke the news to him and that’s when it hit him. He’d been so upset because of his only caretaker’s death that he’d forgotten all about what was happening on the outside.
“Why?” Was all that he said while you sat beside him in the room on the floor. Both of you feeling so confused. The word barely came out audible and it felt like a weight just settled on his chest.
Back to the wedding(aka present time)
“You were grieving.” You said. hands trailing down to find his hands and holding them in yours.
“I loved you y/n. We loved each-other. Why would you get married to another guy?” He asked and you felt a lump form in your throat. “If i was grieving so bad, why didn’t you come visit me sooner?”
“I needed you.” His voice broke and his gaze was soft as ever.
“And I still need you now.” Naruto said brushing his thumbs over your knuckles.
“We can run away.” He said and you figured he finally lost it. Forming new crazy ideas wasn’t enough to get you out of this mess.
You shook your head immediately and your hands fell to your sides . “I can’t.. I-I’m married now, Naruto.” Your hands shook and goosebumps form on your skin as the cold air hit you and the wedding dress provided a weak amount of warmth.
If only you knew sooner about Iruka instead of planning the stupid wedding with Sasuke. What the hell were you even doing?
You swallowed down and had to let this be easy for him. You needed to give him some reason to finally break away from you.
“I love Sasuke.. You were just late, Naruto.”
Naruto looked at you like he was memorizing every curve of your face because this would be the last interaction.
This must’ve felt like another loss to him. Why were you breaking him like this? You hugged yourself and tears began to run down your face while he gazes at you. A single breath leaves his mouth and you can feel a wave of emotions hit you.
The most prominent one being guilt. an unbearable amount when Naruto’s expression drops, just like that.
He lost you and now you’ve lost him. Everything hurts and the lamentable silence follows like a stab to your heart.
You want to somehow travel back in time and just say no to Sasuke.
“You’re cold, here.” He shrugs off his tuxedo jacket and places it around you.
Of course he noticed.
You smiled and Naruto brought a thumb to your face and rubbed your tears, dabbing them lightly so he wouldn’t mess up your wedding make up.
“Congratulations on your wedding, egghead.” he said, still calling you the playful nickname from middle school.
Your heart sinks when he walks into functions now. The fleeting glances and not just from Naruto. From everyone, they can pretty much construct an idea on what’s going on and Hinata tries to get you to open up but you just don’t open up like that to anyone unless it’s him, and you’re sure he does the same now.
Sasuke is an amazing husband. He cares for you. In settings with friends he isn’t too big on PDA. (public display of affection)
You can’t stop the lingering guilt behind your brain. All the times you’ve said Naruto’s name and all the memories lingering in the back of your mind.
You weren’t even sure you could say his name out loud anymore, the feeling wasn’t even an exaggeration.
On this particular event you needed guidance before a party. You just couldn’t face him anymore without the guilt being written all over your face. You went to Rock Lee in hopes to see Guy.
The door opens and you see him, his hair is messed up and not in its usual bowl-cut and only a wife beater is on with shorts and it’s evident he had been in his gym.
“What’s up?” He asks beaming and you step in and shut the door behind you. “Is...”
“Is Guy here?” You asked and Lee suddenly went stone-faced because you looked sad.
“No..” Lee was adopted by Guy when he was struggling in school.
“Well..” You wrapped your arms around yourself feeling the cold in his house.
Lee immediately walked to his thermostat, turning the heat up even though he was sweating. “You were saying?” He looked back at you who stood in the hallway of his entrance and you made your way to his couch and flopped on it.
“I messed up my friendship… And… I don’t know what to do.. I feel like every time i look at h- i mean them.. I die inside of embarrassment..”
You explain as Lee walks over to his phone which rested on a table to type on it.
he leisurely circles around the couches to take a seat.
Rock lee snorts and you immediately look up at him who sinks down beside you.
“Naruto?”
You become tense at hearing his name. “Was it obvious?”
“Yeah it was, also he’s coming in about 10 minutes.” Lee says and you jump off the couch. “Lee!” you screech and he giggles.
“Tell him to drive his ass the other way right now!!” You yell and start to kick at his legs which causes him to burst out in laughter.
“I sent the text while you were pouring your heart out! Relax..” He said bringing his legs up onto the couch to avoid you.
You sighed and walked around his living room, walking past a photo which was framed and you walked backwards to look at it again.
It’s a picture of Naruto, Kiba and Rock Lee standing beside each other posing, this is when your school won in regionals thanks to the three of them carrying the team.
Sasuke’s nowhere to be found and you look at Naruto who has his medal in between his teeth, his canines peeking out while his eyes were staring right at you from the photo.
This was from highschool.
You looked at Rock lee who accidentally had his eyes closed for the photo and you snorted,
Lee was now in the reflection of the frame, he stood behind you while also staring at the photo.
“Hey!” He said moving beside you. For some reason he was always being unintentionally funny.
“You look like you were trying to aurafarm with your eyes closed for the pic and failed.” You said and He rolled his eyes and groaned.
“Where was Sasuke?” You asked. You remembered that Sasuke was also in the soccer team and was an ace student.
“Not in this photo. I don’t have him framed nowhere.” Lee said and then he wiped a spot on the glass. “Sasuke was rumoured to be kidnapped by the creepy janitor Orichimaru.” he stated.
“Y/n..” Lee says and you glance away from the frame.
“Naruto doesn’t speak about you but when we bring you up.. He kind of acts like a deer in headlights.”
“Can I know what happened? I hate to see you two this way.. Ever since your wedding you two seem gloomy.”
God.. Not Lee…
If this was Kiba it would’ve been easy to say no but Lee was one of your top best friends.
Lee watched you carefully with an look full of empathy that made your stomach twist. No…
“I want to, but I can’t.” You felt your eyes getting watery.
“I’m so sorry if it felt like I was intruding— you didn’t need to answer!” Lee apologized profusely acting like he hit you with a car.
The party .
You patted blush on your face while staring into your vanity and sasuke sat on your bed scrolling through his phone.
“Alright, i’m done.” You got off your vanity, smoothing your dress and applying lipgloss on while Sasuke’s eyes darted up to look at your face and he got up off the bed.
“You look beautiful.” Sasuke said using his hand to lift your chin and you gazed at him.
“Oh, stop.” You blushed and He was oblivious to your blushing.
“Alright, should we go now?” You asked and he nodded and you two headed out.
___
Once you entered the party you scanned the room and saw Ino practically race towards you pulling you into a hug. “Y/n, you’re glowing—- don’t tell me…” She said, her face twisting into horror and Sakura yanked her back and then hugged you. “Ino, be sensible, please.” She said.
“But look!” She said pointing at your face as they both examined you, you weren’t even pregnant!
“Give my wife some space.” Sasuke said and Sakura and Ino parted away.
Not without rolling their eyes and mocking his deep voice though. You really wished badly that they returned to examining you because a few meters across the room was Naruto.
It was a simple party at Neji’s big ass mansion and Hinata was sitting on the sofa between shino and kiba and they played uno while Kiba was yelling over the music.
Naruto sat on the kitchen counter watching Lee taking shots and he looked so good.
You were zoned out watching him in his simple white dress shirt, the curve of his jaw and how it moved while he spoke. The playful banter he was engaged in with Lee and the way his eyes wrinkled while he was making comments on godknowswhat.
His lashes were also long, something you used to get jealous over when you two were kids and he leans his head back, his arms supporting his posture while Rock Lee leans on the counter in front of him.
Naruto’s blonde hair moves out of his face and when his eyes drift to your direction you snap your attention back to your husband who’s still getting mocked and you snicker.
Fuck. You can feel those eyes on you burning through your head making chills run down your spine.
You walk into the living room, about to pass the kitchen when your favourite song comes on.
The intro of Party 4 u fills the room while you stop and Hinata catches your gaze through the room and smiles. She added your favourite song!
You smile and before you could look at anything else, your eyes move on their own and catch Naruto’s glance.
Hinata’s not the only person who knows this is your favourite.
With a quick breath you walk to the couch and Kiba leaned back on the couch and him and Shino glanced at you in unison.
“You look nice.” Kiba says and gives you a cup which you take and drink. Kiba was also your best friend for how much you guys play fortnite. Yes you still play fortnite even at yor big age while married.
“We all want to do Karaoke. Y/N you’ll be duetting with Naruto ‘cause Lee said so.. Plus you guys need to be-“ Hinata was cut off.
“Together more.. Seriously.. You two act like AI and it freaks me out.” Kiba says.
“I agree, you two used to terrorize us all the time.. Now it’s just strange.” Shino piped in and you really wish he didn’t because he was the most observant.
He definitely knew more.
“Okay what song shall we give them? I know this will be hard but can you guys form a thought?” Hinata said and you suppressed a laugh as the backhanded comment flew over their heads and they genuinely started brainstorming.
“Something by Beabadoobee.” Kiba said.
“How about Nirvana?” Shino said.
Hinata and you blinked in silence.
TenTen chimed in with a suggestion as she sat down beside shino with a plate full of food.
“Dark red?”
Shino and Kiba all slowly start nodding like apes, agreeing with TenTen.
“Alright! I love that song.” Hinata says typing “Y/n” and “Naruto” together with “dark red” by steve lacy into her notes app which also had a list of other friend’s names.
There was a space in the living room with lights shining spotlight and 2 mic stands with a karaoke machine in the corner. The lights casted a glow on that specific part of the living room.
Lee and Tenten sang and you sat on the floor between Sakura and Hinata while some others sat on the couch. Not everyone was volunteering though, Sasuke wasn’t too big on singing and neither was Shino.
Tenten had such an amazing voice. Lee and her harmonized so good.
Tenten was always close with Lee in highschool. They were best friends even now and you envied that bond, it could’ve been you and Naruto if you didn’t marry Sasuke.
You found yourself spiralling back those nights when you’d lay in bed and think about him.
Naruto, did you ever think about me as well?
How it could’ve been us in that venue instead? Not hiding away from the others in the balcony but saying our vows.
Naruto’s Pov
“So you’ll have a duet with y/n.” Lee explained to me as he leaned on the counter and I could sense Lee’s uneasiness.
“What song?” I asked.
“Dark red, Steve Lacey..” He said and I slid off the counter.
There’s no way they just decided that out of nowhere, they definitely know.
“Lee, I love her.” I said out of nowhere and Lee blinked and then registered my words and he looked frightened.
“What..? She’s married!” He said and I rolled my eyes and looked back to see her obliviously speaking with Hinata, Kiba, Shino and Tenten who had just finished her food.
“Listen, Lee. Do you remember that time when i was locked in my house?”
“Yeah, who wouldn’t.” Lee said, reminding him of coach made his surprised expression slowly fade.
“Believe it or not— I liked y/n before Sasuke.. And those months were the hardest times of my life.” I kept my voice low and Lee nodded slowly.
“Hold on, are you two.. competing for y/n? that’s really messed up. She isn’t a prize.” Lee said.
I groaned. “Are you quoting what Jasmine said in Aladdin?” I asked and Lee rolled his eyes. His disney obsession was decaying his brain.
“You and Y/n need to sort this out and stop dodging each other. You two are grownups now.” Lee explained and I listened.
“And Sasuke— He’s your best friend, are you really going to risk that?” Lee asked concerned and I stared at him unimpressed.
“Yes, because, I CAN’T stand this!” I said taking a shot.
I lifted my head and he was silent while we looked back at the group.
“I like Ten..” Lee said.
I turned my head to see Lee blushing, except he was sober right now.
“I know, bushy brows.” I sighed.
Y/n’s Pov
“Aaand next up we got Y/n and Naruto!!” Hinata cheered and everyone practically radiated anticipation.
They all wanted to see this unfold.
You two stood with your mics in hand and Naruto turned his head to you and you looked at Sasuke who got up to leave to use the washroom.
You finally met eyes with Naruto who had a boyish grin. You felt a pang of guilt and looked back at the crowd.
“Oh god..” You muttered but the mic didn’t pick it up.
Once the music kicked in you realized you were going to assume what parts were yours. Naruto began to sing taking lead, as if he sensed your uneasiness. When you reread all the lyrics in your head, you loathed yourself.
These lyrics hit too close to home. The mic trembled in your hands and you felt your throat go dry.
It was partially your fault.
You should’ve been there for him, instead you were out on some stupid date with Sasuke.
You weren’t even sure if Sasuke knew you more than Naruto
“I think of her so much it drives me crazy.”
You didn’t even have confidence in your own relationship.
Naruto’s One minute and something-seconds into the song and you raise the mic to sing and immerse yourself into singing thinking that would stop you from drowning in your thoughts.
“What if she’s fine, it’s my mind that’s wrong.
And I just
Let bad thoughts
linger for far too long.”
Everyone is quiet at the sound of your soothing voice and Naruto’s teeth glint into a smile as he repeats back the same lyrics you sang, you two finally harmonize near the end.
“Don’t you give me up.
Please, don’t give up.
Only I belong
with you, only you.”
after the song ends, the words “only you darling only you” ring through the living room from the machine and you stare at Naruto with bated breath.
Your friends erupt into cheers and all you want to do is erupt into tears before naruto sets his mic down and you shakingly set down yours too.
Midst Cheers and Applause, Neji emerges out of the hallway which led to his room and he appears in his silk robe like a victorian peasant.
“What is the meaning of this? Hinata did you invite them here?!” Neji yells and everyone jumps up surprised and Hinata tries to sort out the confusion while Kiba and Shino start dying of laughter.
“Hey didn’t you know we were throwing a party here?” Ino asks and Neji scoffs. “Without permission? You insolent little-“ A pillow gets thrown at Neji and He dodges it.
“Alright now who the fuck did that!” He yells.
Naruto grabs your wrist not even caring to look at the rest of the group distracted by the pillow-throwing war and Neji being chased. He leads you away from the crowd and you two make your way to the entrance.
Naruto’s grip on your wrist is firm as if he believes someone will pull you away from him. That someone being sasuke possibly.
You stared at the back of his head, wondering what might be going through that head of his as you two step outside.
You think this is it, he just wants to sit on the porch but his grip gets firmer while the cold midnight air outside hits you.
You two reach a black car and he opens the passenger seat, his hand shifting from your wrist to your hand, circling you around him so you can get in.
No words exchanged, you get in the car and he shuts your door and walks to the front and you look at the entrance of Neji’s home before hearing a slam beside you.
Your breath hitches and you turn your head to see Naruto putting his keys into ignition and places a hand behind the head of your seat while reversing the car out of the parking lot with one hand.
Naruto shifts his gear and you watched as the party slowly disappears behind you.
The first 10 minutes into the drive are awkward and silent until you speak up.
“Where are we going?” You asked seeing rain pour onto the car, the taps only made you more anxious.
“Our Middle school football field.” Naruto said, eyes stuck on the road but glancing at you every now and then.
“Crap..” he muttered loosening his tie and you looked out the window pretending that you were watching the raindrops race.
“Y/n does this make me a kidnapper? I basically kidnapped you right?” Naruto said and you pursed your lips trying not to laugh.
“No, you idiot. I willingly got in your car.” You said and he nervously laughed.
“Stupid bushy brow’s fault..” He said and you failed to understand what he meant.
Naruto pulled up to the parking lot of where you two had your fondest memories.
You read the sign that said “Fire” On the Combined Buildings.
“Come on, Egghead.” He clicked his seatbelt off and opened his door and you followed after with the rain suddenly pouring on you.
You two walked to the field and it was the same as they left it. Bleachers on the side and wide vast green field, it looked better during the day.
Naruto led you to the bleachers and you two went under them as the rain continued pouring.
The two of you sat on the only dry ground while the rain quickly became background noise.
“I’m sorry y/n.” Naruto said and you wrapped your arms around yourself, you knew your hairstyle was unravelling and your makeup was probably messed up. Naruto’s hair dripped with water and it glistened on his collarbones while he spoke.
“No. I’m sorry Naru. I messed things up.” You said staring at the ground. “And I have to tell Sasuke.” Naruto couldn’t argue with that.
“So how’s life been for you, Naru?” You asked and he smiled.
“Oh you know, painful pining and stuff.”
You chuckled and shook your head. “Remember when I first met you on that swing?” You asked and you two both looked at the school which was far in the distance. The swing still being visible.
“Yeah, it sucked.” Naruto said. “You forced me to push you for hours.” He pouted and you snickered. “Yeah.”
The Cold of the night curled around you two. You weren’t even sure if this was real because of how theatrical it looked. The rain pouring, reminiscing and finally getting to talk one-on-one.
“I’ll find a way, Naruto.”
You said staring at the dirt.
“You always do, egghead.” he smiled.
“God i’ve missed you calling me that.” you sighed.
“Better than being called baby or honey?” Naruto asked and you stared at him narrowing your eyes. “He doesn’t call me any of that.”
“Sasuke.. is an incredible man.” You explained and Naruto raised an eyebrow.
“But he isn’t for me. And I should’ve known that. I needed to be ready.” You sighed. “I guess it was the pressure put on me.”
“Naru, i’m so sorry. I feel like I messed up because now I snuck out of the party without telling Sasuke and i’m going to have to face him and tell him I changed my mind.. and that i’m not right for him-“
“Hey, take it easy, y/n. I’ll support you, just like how I always have.” Naruto reached his hand out and you placed your hand in his. That look in his eyes was filled with warmth and endearment you weren’t sure you deserved.
“Did I also tell you how good of a singer you are?” Naruto whispered smugly.
“Shut up.”
Naruto exhaled with that same smile, his teeth glinting even in the moonlight.
“I should’ve fought for you when I had the chance.” Naruto whispered before the night drew you in closer and he wrapped his arms around you.
He smelled like cologne and you buried your head onto his shoulder, the rain on your cheek brushing against his ear.
“Oh, Naruto.” You hugged him tighter and he didn’t react, just let you hold onto him as tight as you needed.
You heard a sudden crinkle come from his pocket and you pulled away. “Please tell me you didn’t raid Neji’s pantry for snacks.” You said and he pulled out barbecue chips from his pocket.
“Alcohol sucks dude, nothing’s better than eating.” Naruto said smirking up at you while opening them.
You sat with your legs to the side and your arm supporting you on the ground, Naruto sat criss cross and took a chip into his mouth.
“Hey, you think Neji kicked them all out?” Naruto asked munching.
“More important question..”
“Why does he wear a silk robe to sleep?” You asked and Naruto scoffed shaking his head.
“Did you see the way the dress moved as he walked? That’s a true princess right there.” Naruto said with a smile.
“Why’d you notice that? You’re a freak, dude.” You shook your head and he laughed. “Neji’s not my type, you are.” He said with a warm smile.
You two got to the last chip and heard footsteps.
“Oh god.” You whispered and he immediately shifted into a more serious look and turned to see Choji and Shikamaru.
Choji leaped on Naruto and snatched the last chip out of his hand and Shika nodded at you.
“How’s it hanging, folks?” Shikamaru asked and you quirked a brow. “I didn’t see you at the Party.” You said and he kneeled into a squat.
“Neji would never agree to a party, I knew that it was thrown without his permission so if he woke up he’d kick everyone’s asses.” He explained as Choji and Naruto fought. Shika was 3 steps ahead.
“How’d you find us?” You asked and Shikamaru rested his arms atop of his knees. “Naruto said he was going to do something crazy during karaoke and then run here, so we walked here.” Your cheeks grew a tinge of red.
“Funny seeing you two together.
I’m actually curious though, what was the stunt Naruto performed?” Shikamaru asked you and you looked over at Choji and Naruto choking each other.
“He did a backflip into a split.” You casually said and the two of you stared at each other in silence.
“And.. then..?” Shikamaru asked.
“He punched Kiba.” You lied even more and Shikamaru started to narrow his eyes. “What a brat.” He said monotonously. Yup. He knew you were lying.
Naruto got up and Choji did as well.
“C’mon guys, let’s go to Ichiraku.” Naruto said holding a hand out, you took it and he pulled you onto your feet.
I’m relieved you and I could be friends in this moment, You thought in your head while you 4 walked to the car.
Choji and Shikamaru hurriedly jogged in front to avoid the rain.
Naruto’s wet hand brushed against yours before lacing his fingers with yours.
He glanced at you from the corner of his eye and smiled. “Still got your ramen coupon?” you asked while the rain streamed down your forehead.
“Always, Egghead.”