Best Served Cold

Thanks for the nice response to this story. I hope I can make it live up to what I have in mind, as I've said before, it's been cooling it heels on my computer since I began 'Last Chance.'


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The rustling of silk caused all heads to turn. In contrast to the cheers and noise that had erupted outside on the way here, the temple was so quiet everyone could hear the soft padding of her slippered feet as she walk towards the front of the building. The white multilayered kimono glowed next to her beautifully pale skin. It was covered by intricate designs of embroidery and beading that it boggled the mind how it was readied so quickly. The top layer almost hid, but somehow enhanced, the gorgeous obi that showcased her tiny waist and perfect hips. Her lovely inky locks were secured beautifully in a pulled up style with the traditional head piece hiding her ‘horns’ from her mother-in-law, not that she would have a mother-in-law. Her dark eyes danced happily as a shy smile graced her beautiful face.

Sasuke frowned deeply. She looked like she had just won the jackpot, which she basically had, literally and figuratively. She was nothing but a common girl with no expectations to marry so richly or prestigiously, yet here she was. He stiffened as she approached the priest and sank down softly to her knees in front of the small table. The groom looked up and his serious expression softened to a reassuring smile that she returned with down cast eyes.

Sasuke’s fists clenched at his side. That was his smile, how dare Naruto give them away to a nobody. He watched the gorgeous blond sitting next to the bride at the front of the temple. How had Naruto beat him to the alter? It had only been two weeks since his declaration to rebuild his clan. He looked to his right at his own fiance, she was looking wistfully at the couple beginning the tea ceremony. He had ended up with another blonde. He had intended to wed Sakura, but apparently his and Naruto’s secret affair had not been so secret. She had chastised him on how he could do such a thing to Naruto and claimed she would have no part in any of it. In turn, he had sought out Ino, the one kunoichi he was sure would never turn him down.

His body tensed as he watched the couple serve each other tea and exchange vows. He would be doing the same next week. Tied forever to the blonde at his right as Naruto was now tying himself to the raven-haired girl at his. He wondered if this was part of Naruto’s revenge. Really he should be happy that Naruto was distancing himself from him, it would make it easier for him to stick to his decision, but he was hating it right now. He couldn’t help but wonder how this had come about so quickly. Was it retaliation, a planned political marriage, or had the blond been cheating on him all along? This woman would now be the only person to share Naruto’s bed. She would get to see his sweat slicked hair clinging to his flush face and hear his growls of pleasure.

Sasuke’s mind snapped back to the present when the previously quiet temple filled with cheers. The bride and groom smiled widely to the guest as the palanquin that had been used to carry the bride to the temple was quickly moved to the couple. Once set down, Naruto and his new wife sat on the many comfortable pillows inside the covered litter. The four attendants picked it up slowly before setting it on their shoulders. From here they would walk back to the mansion, with the guests in procession, allowing the whole village a peek at the couple before the Hokage’s wife would be presented from the mansion balcony.

Sasuke was again irked at the timing of all this. His own wedding would no doubt pale in comparison after the Hokage’s wedding. He had it lavishly planned, as it was a celebration to the continuation of his clan, but there would not be a parade. It would not be viewed as a Holiday for the people of the Leaf Village, no one but the venders were working today. Naruto had beat him in getting married and he had outshone him in extravagance. This was the one time the blond had managed to beat him in all their years of twisted competition, and it was almost more than he could stand. He grasped Ino hand tightly so they could follow the procession to the mansion and end this horrible day.

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Ino waddled as fast as her overly round belly would allow, hustling through the Uchiha complex and into her home. “Sasuke!” she called frantically as she opened the door. The Uchiha quickly came out of his study and looked over his wife for any sign of a problem. Ino shook her head to indicated nothing was wrong with her or the child and handed him a folded note. She had been at the hospital for her monthly check up when she caught sight of the Hokage. It had been the first time she had seen him in person since going to his office after her wedding and requesting to be removed from active status per her husband’s wishes. He hadn’t spoken a word to her then, just nodded and stamped his approval on the necessary papers. She didn’t know what had happened to cause a rift in the Hokage’s and Sasuke’s friendship, but this was important. She stood wringing her hands as her husband read the note.

Sasuke sank slowly into a chair as he read the note from Sakura. He was torn between anger and concern, Naruto had beat him again. Sakura wrote to let him know that Naruto’s son had been born that morning. He looked over at his own wife, she still had two months to go and he didn’t know if he would get a son or a daughter. But, she wrote that it was not a happy event as his small wife did not survive the labor. Being almost two months early, Tsunade told her that the boy was small and weak, and it would be a miracle if he survived to become a shinobi. As such, Tsunade would be moving back into the mansion to help Naruto take care of the infant and try to insure his survival. Sakura was asking if he could go to the hospital and give Naruto some support. Even though she knew their friendship was strained, she was sure it could help the blond work though some of his sorrow to have close friends near.

Ino stood waiting for Sasuke’s reaction. Sakura had briefed her on the note after saying she would have to reschedule her appointment. She was sad for Naruto, she had met his wife occasionally as they were both in the same condition and they would cross each other at appointment and at shops. She had been a lovely and quiet woman. Ino had figured that Naruto must have filled in most their conversations as she would give short, soft spoken, answers while smiling gently. She rubbed her belly as her brows scrunched in worry, what if something like this were to happen to her? It was a fact that some mothers did not make it to see their baby, and some babies never made it alive to their mother’s arms. The baby kicked roughly as if to reassure her and she calmed a bit.

“Sasuke?” she asked softly.

Sasuke looked up from the note he had read a third time. Sighing he stood and handed it back to Ino. “Tell Sakura, I’m sorry,” he said quietly, then walked back to his study and shut the door.

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Sakura walked over to the Military Police Station and looked up to the sign that was a combination of a shuriken and the Uchiha crest. She entered the building and walked up to the front desk where Sasuke was sitting. He was the equivalent of a clerk right now, but she knew that wouldn’t last long. Sasuke looked up at her with a bit of confusion, he hadn’t spoken to her in person since she had refused his proposal.

“Sakura?”

“Sasuke, I know what happened between you and Naruto, but he needs you. He’s been locked in the Mansion for two weeks and won’t let anyone in except for Tsunade to take care of the baby. He won’t even see me!” she pleaded.

Sasuke sighed and looked around to make sure no one was paying attention. “Sakura, you think you know what happened between me and Naruto but you don’t know everything. I can’t do anything to help, it’s not my place anymore.”

“So you finally did it. You finally managed to completely sever you bond with the best friend you ever had?” she asked, as she looked at his face for confirmation. Sasuke didn’t respond and she shook her head sadly. “If that’s the way you want it, we might as well finish it. I hope Ino takes good care of you Sasuke, because I’m done trying to help. Maybe one day you fix this with Naruto. Until then, take care.”

Sasuke watched as his last friend walked out of the station. It was going to be alright, it was for his family. He would raise strong sons that would carry on the Uchiha line and it would all be worth it. It was going to be alright.
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