Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
My prince charming turned out to be a serpent, and my knight in shining armor decided to rescue another princess instead.
Old Maid
"Thank you for helping me with my wedding dress, Auntie." The young girl smiled appreciatively and the older woman shooed her away with a chuckle.
It truly was amazing. Already, Naruto and Hinata's twenty-three year old daughter was getting married, and to Kiba's son, can you believe? Sakura wiped her brow and moved into her bedroom to lie down. Framed pictures littered her walls and bureau, all from throughout the years. But the one of her old team remained at her bed stand, and would most likely always stay there.
She rested her head on the pillow and stared at that picture for a very long time. She did this often and by now had memorized Naruto's frustrated scowl, Sasuke's indifferent frown, Kakashi-sensei's masked grin, and her own anxious excitement by heart. She would stare at the photo for hours, waves of nostalgia washing over her, causing her to sigh and wonder.
Sasuke… had died a long time ago. Killed in his final battle against Naruto, who also would have died if it had not been for her. When he had recovered, they had both mourned together, the loss of their friend.
Shortly after his recovery, Naruto sought out Hinata, and the two became an item rather quickly. Only months later, news of their wedding was the talk of the town and shortly after that Hinata was officially an Uzumaki. Sakura was happy for them, really. Hinata had always loved Naruto, and after all he had been through, Naruto deserved someone who would love him as wholly as Hinata did.
Ino had easily fallen into Sai's ready arms, and she taught him how to smile sincerely. With Ino out of his hair, Shikamaru had begun taking more and more missions that required him to visit the Sand. Even Chouji found himself a plump little dumpling that didn't care how much he ate, and devoted herself to cooking meals for him.
Kiba married a younger kunouchi named Shiza that Sakura did not know well, and the pair hit it off. Shino ended up in an arranged marriage with some woman from a different clan in a different village. They seemed happy enough.
After years and years of trying, Tenten had finally somehow managed to pull Lee's attention in her direction and the couple now have three children. And what of Neji? He married a nameless Hyuuga, and he now has a son who does not bear the curse seal.
All this time, Sakura watched her friends happily find their special persons, and she hadn't even realized that she was being left behind until it was too late. Her friends were all happy together...
And Sakura was left playing the old maid.
Author's Note: What possessed me to write this? I dunno, I've been feeling kinda angsty lately. I can see this happening… sadly enough. I don't hate Sakura, really I don't (I used to, but that's beside the point). It's just that, I can't really see Sakura with any of the main characters. I don't like her with Naruto or Sasuke, and anyone other pairing just doesn't get that much attention, you know?
What are your thoughts? Do you picture this happening?
Thanks so much for reading!