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Obligated to Love

by cacrulz

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.:Prologue:.

Sakura fingered her uncomfortable wedding kimono, a frown marring her tastefully made up face. She knew it must have cost a fortune for something so elaborate but she couldn't care less. She didn't like it. Not something that symbolises her imprisonment. From her reflection, she could see the delicate fabric wrinkle under her touch.

"Damn it, Sakura, stop fidgeting."

Sakura obediently dropped her hand with a heavy sigh and resorted to blankly stare at her reflection. Unconsciously, remembering all the comments she had endured up to this day.

"Think about it, Sakura, he's greatly respected and a clan heir no less. You should carefully consider this befo-""I REFUSE!"

"He is a Hyuuga, Sakura. You cannot refuse. I will not allow you to disgrace our clan like so. You will marry him."

"Shishou, Why?"

"It wasn't my right to tell you."

"Please stop this. I beg of you."

"I'm sorry Sakura. I have no authority over what happens within the clans. I am not allowed to interfere."

"But... but you are the Hokage. There must be so-"

"I tried, Sakura. Believe me, I tried."

"Oi! Forehead Girl, why are you always the lucky one? I mean, it obviously can't be your looks, when he didn't even look at me back then in the Chuunin exams. How did... Sakura? What's wrong? Are you... wait, don't... don't cry, Sakura."

"I'm getting married."

"Hn."

"Aren't you going to ask who?"

"Hn."

"Don't you even care?"

"..."

"Please, Sasuke-ku-"

"After all these years, you're still annoying."

"SAKURA-CHAN!! IS IT TRUE? ARE YOU REALLY MARRYING HIM?"

"I guess I am."

"Wow, I didn't even know you guys were going out."

"..."

"I guess I am a bit of an idiot."

"You aren't an idiot, Naruto. I didn't know either."

"I'm so s-sorry, Sakura. I n-never thought that I... that... that it would actually h-h-hurt anyone when I... I..."

"It's okay, Hinata."

"I just... I just wanted to... I didn't think... I didn't think I-I would cause you... that I would cause anyone so much pain."

"I'm sure you didn't mean it."

"If you don't want this, please... please don't force yourself to endure this for my sake."

"I don't think I have a choice."

"Congratulations Sakura."

"..."

"I hope you will be happy."

"..."

"I'll see you around."

"Kakashi-sensei, wait."

"Yes?"

"Thank you. I'll... I will try my best."

"For god's sakes, Sakura. Why can't you stop fidgeting."

"I'm sorry, Ino. I won't do it again."

"That's... that's not what I... oh, never mind." Ino gave a loud sigh before turning her attentions back to the intricate gathering of pink coils above Sakura's head. Sakura watched detachedly.

"Have you two talked recently?"

"Who?"

Ino made a face at her. "Who do you think?"

"No. Not since I asked him to call it off."

"What did he say?"

Sakura made a sweeping gesture towards her wedding kimono and hair. "What do you think he said?"

"Oh."

Ino rearranged the pink braids. It didn't look right. Maybe if she leaves some of Sakura's bangs unpinned. The complete updo made Sakura look too mature, too serious. And Sakura's empty expression was not helping.

"I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Ino."

Silence.

"Just... stop looking so miserable, Sakura. It's your wedding day."

Sakura gave a sad smile but chose not to reply and the tangible silence enveloped both of them once more.

Ino didn't reprimand Sakura when she noticed she was wrinkling the sleeves of her kimono again.

Sakura lifted the cup to her lips and obediently drunk sake the third and final time. The rice sake left a bitter taste on her tongue.

The Shinto priest then solemnly declared the reality of her situation.

Some of the guests who did not know the correct protocol clapped and soft music filtered from the flute players. But Sakura sat blind and deaf to it all when she had finally registered the priest's words.

Please greet Hyuuga Neji and Hyuuga Sakura.

The sick overwhelming feeling of despair welled up deep in the pit of her stomach.

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To be continued.

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This is my first fanfiction (if you don't include the utterly horrendous attempt I made 2 years ago) so please review… I really need the help. I am not completely satisfied with how this turned out and wanted some feedback before I continued.

This chapter is un-beta-ed so please excuse the mistakes.

:::cac:::