My Love (2/2)
A few weeks later.
After Sasuke and I have said our uncountable goodbyes to Itachi in the hospital, the man in question passed away around the afternoon. Itachi's arms were holding a framed image of his childhood sweetheart; a little girl who died at a young age, but his heart knew they would meet again in the afterlife.
As strange as it was from an outside perspective, love doesn't die. His mind remembers her like a haunting memory.
I hope he finds peace in the afterlife nonetheless.
Because he is someone who holds on for Sasuke's sake until his body reaches its limits.
After a few more weeks of tears and silent screaming from Sasuke, he has eventually calmed down enough to find a steady job as a gate shinobi.
Although he's doing it to show that he isn't planning on leaving the village, I feel bad that he doesn't want to explore the world unless I'm with him.
The guilt keeps eating me alive.
I know I told him that I'm scared he'll leave again. I know what I said. I remember every detail.
But...
But I also know how it feels to be stuck in the village for someone else's sake. It feels like a prison.
It feels good to be safe, but it feels miserable in the end.
"Naruto!"
My head snaps up from my paperwork, unsure if I've put the kitchen on fire, walked out of the house naked, or if I died.
Though, if I have died, who am I to pass up the opportunity to accept my fate?
No, that would make Sasuke sad.
Or relieved.
Depends on what I've done.
"Y-Yes?" My back becomes erect with tension. Every inch of my spine is frozen with fear.
Mostly because Sasuke has my mother's personality when he's mad.
And my father's killing potential when he's serious.
"What. Is. This?" Sasuke extends his arm out in my direction, showing me documentation.
It says:
To whom this may concern,
I've been notified of the Hokage's decision to resign during the next event of selecting a Hokage. As devastated as we are to hear this, I assure you that you can stay behind the desk for as long as you wish. Please report to us once you are ready to discuss the process.
Additionally, you are allowed to bring someone, on the condition, that they're legally your spouse, your child, or a shinobi who's related to the topic in question.
And, if this reaches the hands of Sasuke Uchiha, give him my warm greetings in my absence.
After I finish reading the documentation, I smile, knowing who must've written it.
"I was considering retiring eventually." I say, shrugging nonchalantly. My gaze never leaves his.
"When was I going to be filled in on this?" Sasuke sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"After our wedding," I look down at my paperwork once more, signing a few of them.
Sasuke takes a few seconds, almost a minute, to process what I've said. It's somewhat funny to see the gears turning in his head.
"...wedding?" He matters, looking up at me. "Naruto, we have to be—"
"Of course, of course. Do you prefer morning, afternoon, or night?" I chuckle softly.
"Naruto—"
"I mean, I didn't know what to give you, so I've spoken to a few people across the nations and I've decided on a ring. I know it's not traditionally something our clans use as a symbol for marriage, but I think it might be a fun start."
Sasuke takes a deep breath and then he says, "can you propose to me like a normal person?"
"No, you made it clear that you don't like PDA that much, you don't like attention from crowds, you don't cheesy stuff, and the thought of being romantic has to be minimal or you'll feel overwhelmed. So, I figured I could just skip to the good part."
"What if my answer is no?"
I think for a moment and then I shrug again. "Then, I'll just be sad... Cry myself to sleep—"
"That's manipulation."
"No... If I was manipulating you, I would've been crying by now."
Sasuke rolls his eyes playfully, smiling a bit. "Fine..."
A few months later, Sasuke and I become married in our backyard. Only Sakura, Tsunade, my parents, and Jiraiya has showed up.
Sakura holds Itachi's urn in her hands the whole wedding, so his presence is there for Sasuke one last time.
Tsunade and Jiraiya leave together afterward, hand in hand, most likely to go on another date.
"Off my butt." I hear Tsunade complain to Jiraiya.
I look over my shoulder to see Jiraiya boldly squeezing Tsunade's behind with a cheeky grin on his lips.
Yeah, they'll last a long time.
"Naruto," Konohamaru stands next to me, wearing the Hokage cape on his shoulders. "Seriously, you can still stay here with all of us. It'll feel lonely without my Big Brother there."
I laugh warmly at the words. "Thanks for the kindness, but the only thing I want is to explore the world with Sasuke. He never felt free in years. It's the least I can do for him."
Konohamaru nods in understanding, gives me an encouraging hug, and then he joins the others.
After a few hours, Sasuke and I leave the event, pack our stuff, and then leave the village in the dead of night, promising each other eternity.
Even if we have to find each other's love again in the blood prison.