Disclaimer: I own nothing
I checked the folds of my shrio-maku for the umpteenth time. Everything was still the same. The white fabric pure, the lavender herbs placed in the obi and sleeves were still there. The fan, hidden quite nicely in my obi was safe. My uchikake lay on a hanger, waiting for me. I began to put on my make-up. I had an hour to do this.
"Hinata"
I turned. At the door stood Sakura. I blushed. She looked lovely in her kimono, the black fabric contrasting sharply with the sakura buds at the hem, her family crest shown in bright white. I turned from her, picking up a make-up brush.
"Do you intend to continue this?" In her voice, I could hear her hurt.
"Yes." I swallowed, and began to place a white powder on my face, "As a woman, it is my duty to marry a man, and bear him children." I was steady in my belief.
"Even if a woman can make you feel like this?" Sakura came closer, her geta slapping the floor. I stopped, the brush nearly to my face.
Sakura placed her head on my shoulder, and a chaste kiss on my cheek. "Can you remember how I can make you feel?" Her left hand found my breast, her fingers gently rubbing the hard nipple. "Can you remember those nights not too long ago?" She turned my head towards hers, and kissed it. "Can you?"
I dropped my brush as her right hand found its way through the folds of the kimono to my area, and even beyond those folds. I moaned. I could feel my face get red. It felt so nice, so normal.
"No." My voice surprised even me. Sakura withdrew. I picked up my brush, and began to work over the blush on my face, turning it white. "Sakura, you should find a man too."
I heard her leave.
My father helped me into my bright red uchikake, the bright designs smarting my eyes. "You look lovely," he says, "you will make a wonderful mother and wife."
"I hope." I say, just barely he hears.
"You are a Hyuga! Of course you will!" He gives me a stiff hug, and leaves. The door in front of me opens, and I can see my soon-to-be husband, walk towards me. "Hinata! You look lovely!"
"Thank you, Naruto." He smiles at me, truly happy that we are marrying. His smile is filled with love. I smile back, his falters as he sees it is only a half-hearted one.
"Aren't you excited?"
"Of course!" I say, faking excitement. "It's just my nerves." He sighs in relief, and pulls up the hood on my uchikake.
We walk to the alter.
In truth, I can remember. I can remember the nights we spent underneath the trees, and in your bed. I can remember every touch, and every kiss, and every word you have ever said to me. Thinking of you know makes me wish I never left you. But I must. It is a woman's duty.
We say our vows, we are married. We take our fist picture as a married couple, and I take out that expertly hidden fan and unfold it now.
I can remember the festival, when you bought me a fan and won me a fish. I still have both. I can remember when you first kissed me underneath a sakura tree. I can remember when you first touched me.
We walk down the isle, ready to leave to the hall for the reception. Everyone is tearing, but only you are crying.
Sakura
My eyes well up, and I sniffle. Naruto hugs me reassuringly. "It's okay!" He chuckles. He truly has no idea.
I remember when I first told you that I loved you, and when you told me that you loved me. I am truly sorry. I hope you can understand.
In the car Naruto places a chaste kiss on my mouth. I feel nothing.
"Are you excited Hinata?" He asks, I can tell he is excited enough for the both of us. I nod.
"It is a woman's duty."