Stealing Cinderella
It's difficult to watch your daughter grow up, but the hardest part Is giving her away to marriage and knowing that compared to her husband, you are now only second best.
When Sakura had first brought Sasuke home, it was along with Naruto and Hinata for a group project. At the time, Haruno-sama saw him as a friend of his daughters – no threat detected.
By the time Junior High rolled around, Haruno-sama was beginning to see more and more of Sasuke. They were thirteen – old enough to feel the attraction, but not old enough to act on it. He's my best friend, dad. Chill. No threat detected, but wary of one.
Sophomore year of high school and Haruno-sama came home to a daughterless house.
Where's Sakura? He asked and Haruno-chan giggled giddily. Sasuke-kun asked her out on a date! Threat detected! Two months later and – This is my boyfriend, Sasuke-kun.
It's not going to last, Haruno-sama said confidently. It's puppy love. Haruno-chan swatted her husband lightly. Oh hush. Don't jinx your daughter's first romance.
Senior year of college and Sasuke sat before Haruno-sama. Sir, Sasuke began, I'm here to ask for your permission for your daughter's hand in marriage.
Haruno-sama blinked. Nani?
Later that night Haruno-sama was flipping through pages of pictures of his daughter, his wife beside him. I thought you said it wasn't going to last. She teased him and he sighed. I was in denial. I still am. Haruno-chan smiled. We have to let her go. Haruno-sama grimaced. It's hard to watch your daughter grow up, but the hardest part is giving her away to marriage and knowing that, compared to her husband, you're now only second best.
Haruno-chan laughed, You're being dramatic! I love you dearly but even to this day my father is still my hero.
Haruno-sama continued flipping through the pages.
Eight months passed way too soon and Haruno-sama watched his wife plait white flowers into his daughter's hair. Sakura has her face done up in make-up and her dress hugged her figure perfectly. Haruno-chan finished fixing Sakura's hair and she turned to look at her father. Well, how do I look daddy? Haruno-sama could on nod because if he opened his mouth he'd say something to make his daughter cry and today was not the best time.
When he walked her up the aisle it had been more tedious than he thought it would be and when he stood to hand his daughter to the groom he shakes Sasuke's hands. The grip is firm but respectful and Haruno-sama knew that Sasuke was the best contender for protecting his daughter – aside from himself that is.
The reception was in full swing and the DJ called for the Father-Daughter dance and Haruno-sama walked Sakura out to the floor. They dance and she tiptoed(he was still taller, that's good) and whispers into his ear, I love Sasuke, but he wasn't the one who taught me how to ride a bike or how to hit my first homerun. He didn't kneel with me to pray at night or hum songs to help me fall asleep. You are my daddy, and you will always be so. You are my hero, and no one, not even Sasuke can replace you. I love you daddy.
And Haruno-sama kissed her forehead. She smiled at him and the song ended and with another kiss she headed back to her husband's side.
Haruno-sama returned to his wife. What are you thinking? She asks and he answered, I think I know how your father felt when we got married.
Haruno-chan smiled. Oh? What did he feel?
Haruno-sama said, Happy. He was happy.
A/N: Happy (belated) Father's Day!!
Dedicated to my Uncle who's (just about) ready to let his own little girl go.