The day was finally here. The wedding was beautiful, Naruto couldn’t deny it. He had refused to look at the couple at the alter, he couldn’t bear it. He had been able to fake it, pretend like it was someone else standing at that alter with Sakura, but now… here at the reception, preparing to give his best man speech, he felt like he was close to having a panic attack. He could no longer pretend, he had to face the facts: Sasuke had married Sakura.
Naruto found himself grappling with a tumult of emotions as he sat at the table, listening to the laughter and chatting around him. He had already rehearsed his speech a thousand times, but now that he was here, he had forgotten every single word he’d planned to say. His hands shook as he held his notes in his hand, trying to go over them once again.
Why on earth did I agree to do this?
He had originally resolved to put on a brave face for his friends, masking his hidden desires beneath layers of cheerful encouragement and support. He had resolved to make this day jovial and happy for them, for Sasuke. But now he couldn’t help but want to be selfish, to stand up and berate Sasuke for settling for Sakura when he knew she wasn’t quite enough for him, couldn’t handle him. To berate everyone else for blindly congratulating the couple, despite knowing how wrong they were for each other.
It was time. Naruto had to calm down. He had to calm down and give his damn speech. He plastered a smile on his face as he stood up, clinking his fork on his glass, ignoring the ache in his chest and the hammering of his heart.
“Ladies and gentlemen, shinobi and kunoichi, esteemed guests and fellow ramen lovers, today we gather to celebrate the union of two of Konoha's finest – Sasuke and Sakura.” Cheers erupt around Naruto, despite his own voice sounding robotic and lifeless. He needed to get it together. He clears his throat and continues.
“Now, I've known Sasuke for what feels like forever, and believe me, he's come a long way from the brooding guy who used to stare off into the distance like he was searching for the meaning of life 24/7." Laughter fills the air.
“And Sakura, well, let's just say she's the only one who can punch Sasuke into submission and still get him to say 'I love you'. Although if you ask me I think he gets off a bit easier than I do… don’t kill me!” Naruto says, fake-flinching at Sakura and then joining in with the others laughing. She laughs as well along with Sasuke as Naruto takes a deep breath and continues. It was going decent so far, just a little bit more.
“Now, Sasuke, I could stand here and recount all the adventures we've been through together – the battles, the triumphs, the occasional ramen-induced food comas…” More laughter. “– but let's be real, everyone knows we’ve been through hell and back. So, I'll just say this: Sakura, you're one lucky ninja to have Sasuke by your side, and Sasuke, you better cherish her like you cherish your collection of kunai, because trust me, she's a lot sharper.” Laughter. Naruto didn’t find this funny at all.
‘But in all seriousness, seeing these two tie the knot fills my heart with joy, and I couldn't be happier for them. So, let's raise a toast to the newlyweds – may your love be as strong as Sasuke's chidori and as enduring as Sakura's determination. Cheers!’
That’s what Naruto had written down. But for some reason he couldn’t get the words out. There was silence for a few moments as Naruto stared at the paper, his hand still shaking. Finally he drops the paper to his lap and looks directly at Sasuke, the words beginning to tumble out of him.
“As I stand here before you all, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with emotions. I… never thought this day would come. I won’t mention too much of the past, but there was a time when I thought I had lost Sasuke forever.” The room is silent, all laughter had stopped. Sasuke’s expression was serious as he watches Naruto.
“And now… all I can think of was my utter despair at having almost lost the one person who means everything to me. Sasuke, from the moment our paths intertwined, my world gained a brilliance that I never knew existed. Each step we've taken together has been a testament to the strength of our bond, a bond forged not just through trials and hardships, but through shared dreams and unwavering support.”
What the hell am I doing? Naruto couldn’t stop the words coming out of his mouth despite the soft mutterings from some of the guests. He continues speaking to Sasuke directly, noticing how his eyes were filled with emotion despite his lax facial expression.
“In this vast and ever-changing world, Sasuke, you have been my constant, my guiding light that illuminates even the darkest of paths. Your strength, determination, and passion inspire me every single day to be a better shinobi, and more importantly, a better man.” He felt his eyes welling up with tears as he continues.
“My whole life I’ve always heard from others about how cold you are, how cold your eyes are, but to me… There's a warmth in your eyes that melts away all my doubts and fears. In your eyes, I find solace and home. Every smile you share with me, every word you speak, resonates deep within my soul, touches me in a way that nothing else can.” Naruto needed to stop talking.
“Sasuke, with you, every moment feels like a lifetime. Your presence in my life has transformed it into a journey filled with laughter, joy, and countless happy memories. Together, we've faced the worst enemies, even fought each other, and yet we came out of it stronger and more united than ever.” Stop stop stop.
“So as I stand here today, surrounded by our friends, I want the world to know that my love for you knows no bounds.” Gasps erupt around Naruto but he continues.
“With you back at my side, I am complete, and I promise to cherish and protect you for all of eternity. I won’t let you ever leave my side again. So Sasuke, I want to thank you, for being my everything, my home. For making my life worth living.”
Naruto notices the complete and utter shock on Sasuke’s face. He doesn’t even dare to look at Sakura. The room is dead silent, and Naruto quickly clears his throat.
“And… for doing the same to Sakura. I’m happy you’ve found happiness together. Cheers!” He adds lamely. The room is silent for a few more moments, then the clapping slowly begins. Naruto noticed no one was cheering. He quickly takes his seat, downing his entire class of champagne. Slowly, the chatting and laughing resumes and things almost feel normal again…. Until he looks at Sasuke. Who is staring directly at him, a look on his face that Naruto couldn’t describe. His cheeks flush and he quickly looks away.
The reality of what he had just done hit him like a train. What the hell was I thinking?! My speech sounded like a damn marriage vow! Naruto groaned internally as he filled up another glass of champagne. This was bad.
After the second glass entered his system he found his worries dissipating. Who cares about my damn speech? People will get over it! No big deal. People will forget. Naruto finally began to relax again, when he suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.
“Naruto. Can we talk.” It wasn’t a question, but a request. Naruto’s heart jumped in his chest as he turned to face Sasuke.
“Uhh… sure.” He stands up and follows Sasuke to a clearing off to the side of the reception. He felt like his heart was close to combusting.
Once they are out of sight Sasuke suddenly whirls around, his eyes filled with anger and… was it pain?
“What the hell was that?!”
“Uh.. what do you…”
“You KNOW what I’m talking about, Naruto. What WAS that?”
Naruto looked away, embarrassed.
“I… I’m sorry, I know that sounded…”
“Like a fucking love confession?! Naruto… are you gay or something?”
“Come on, Sasuke, lighten up! I was just trying to express how much you mean to me… but as a friend!”
Sasuke laughs coldly.
“Express how much I mean to you? Naruto, you were talking about how our bond transcends everything, basically saying you'd follow me to the ends of the earth, and how you can't imagine a life without me!”
Naruto still couldn’t meet Sasuke’s eyes.
“Well, maybe I got a little carried away with the emotions, but Sasuke, you're my best friend! I just wanted to let everyone know how much I appreciate you. I’m sorry if it came out weird…”
“WEIRD? Naruto, it sounded like you were professing your undying love for me in front of everyone! Are you trying to make things awkward between us? I just got married! Sakura practically interrogated me after! Thought we had a… thing or something.”
“I’m sorry! I…” Naruto felt tears welling up in his eyes. He had hurt Sakura, hurt Sasuke… “I just wanted to speak from the heart. And besides, we've been through so much together, our bond is stronger than anything! That part is true.”
“Naruto. Look at me.”
Naruto finally met Sasuke’s gaze and had to hold back a sob when he saw his expression. He had never seen Sasuke look so pained, so… broken.
“Tell me the truth. Was that speech just a… friend speaking to a friend, or….”
Naruto stares into the eyes of his best friend who he’d been in love with since he could remember and knew he had to tell him the truth. He couldn’t hide anymore. He breathed out shakily, releasing his fear and embarrassment with the exhale. If he was going to confess he was going to be real about it, unashamed.
“I love you.” Naruto says, his voice no longer shaking. “I have always loved you. And… not like a friend, or a brother.” He felt his cheeks flush, but he refused to look away.
“I… I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, I thought… it would make things weird. I thought that you would hate me.”
Before he knew it Naruto felt a palm smack against his face.
“Ow! What was that…”
“Why, Naruto?! Why would you say that… NOW?”
“What?! YOU just asked me…”
“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME EARLIER?”
Sasuke had tears streaming down his face. He looked to be in downright despair as he grabbed Naruto’s shoulders, shaking him.
Naruto stood in shock.
“I… what…”
“Naruto. You complete idiot. Why would you not tell me this? This…” His voice cracks. “This… changes things. This… you can’t just keep this from me! For… for years! I…” Sasuke takes a deep breath. Naruto can tell he’s trying to open up, not something that Sasuke typically does.
“For years, I… I convinced myself that I loved you like my brother. And I even believed it. I… was content. I knew I wasn’t head over heels for Sakura, but… I knew it’d be okay. We would have a good life together. But now… how the fuck will I ever be okay again?” Naruto felt like he couldn’t breathe.
“Are you… saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Idiot! Of course I am. I fucking love you too. And I hate myself for it! I’m not… supposed to feel like this… I’m fucking married, Naruto!”
“Sasuke…” Naruto felt completely shocked at Sasuke’s confession, and his heart ached at how his friend was hurting, but all he could do, all he wanted to do, was kiss him. But he held back, simply touching his face gently with his hand, rubbing his cheek.
“Fucking idiot!” Sasuke sobs, leaning into Naruto’s touch despite himself. After a few moments Sasuke steps closer.
“I’m going to do something… that I shouldn’t do. But… I need to do it at least once or I’ll never forgive myself.”
Naruto’s heart beat faster and faster as Sasuke touched his face, stepping close to him. He leans in, closer and closer, until before he knew it they were having the most passionate, electric kiss Naruto had ever had.
Sasuke and Naruto let out soft moans at the same time as they kiss each other like their lives depended on it. Before he knew it Naruto was lifting Sasuke, pinning his back against a tree while his tongue exploring Sasuke’s sweet mouth.
They continue this for god knows how long; they couldn’t get enough of each other. They continue panting and moaning, kissing each other as they run their hands over each other’s bodies and through each other’s hair.
“Fuck… Naruto…” Naruto felt his dick twinge at the breathless way Sasuke said his name. He answered him back by kissing his neck, earning another moan from Sasuke. Their bodies are pressed together, Naruto’s hard dick pressed against Sasuke’s ass. Naruto was pleased to feel Sasuke’s hard cock against his own stomach.
Several minutes go by when suddenly Sasuke abruptly stops. Naruto pulls back, intending to make a joke about getting carried away until he saw Sasuke’s expression, his gaze fastened on something behind Naruto. Naruto turned slowly; it was then he noticed Sakura standing behind them, tears streaming down her face.
Fuck.