AN: Ahhh, I'm overwhelmed with how fluffy this chapter is. We're almost there! I've been thinking of how to end the story and I think the next chapter will be the last. I'm not good at longer stories, so I don't want to drag it out! Let's sprint to the finish. :)
Chapter 11 - Clouds
Sakura wasn't sure if she was dreaming. Sasuke had asked her to marry him and she had enthusiastically gave her consent. It had completely caught her off guard when he had sprung the question on her. It was more than she could ever hope for, but she wondered how things would change once they got married. She was daydreaming in her office, scribbling circles on the pad of paper.
"Sakura," a voice called, knocking on the door.
"Hai! Come in," she responded, breaking from her reverie.
Shizune held several files in her arms as she briskly crossed the room.
"You're going to be late, Sakura! We've got five people waiting to interview downstairs," Shizune said. "I know you're busy and all, but I didn't think you'd forget an appointment."
"Oh gosh! I'm so sorry, Shizune." Sakura quickly grabbed her things and piled it into a tote. "I'll head down with you now."
Sakura sighed and pushed her hair behind her ears. She needed a break and she really needed to clear her mind and concentrate. She met up with Sasuke for lunch and pouted as he chuckled at her complaint.
"It's all your fault!" Sakura exclaimed, jabbing her fork and knife frustratingly at her steak.
"What do you mean?" Sasuke took the fork and knife from her hands and sliced up the meat for her. He held up a piece on the fork and fed it to her.
Sakura's cheeks turned pink as she chewed, arms crossed. "You...what you said the other morning. I can't get my mind off of it."
She could see his eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiled. It melted her heart every time. He rubbed her hand with his gentle fingers and she felt herself smiling.
Sasuke whispered to her, "Why are you getting frustrated? Don't worry about anything yet. Just focus on your work. I know you can."
"You…" she started. "I just can't help but fill my head with thoughts of you sometimes. But you're right, I should focus. So forget about you!" She stuck her tongue out at him and focused on devouring the food in front of her. She could see Sasuke smirking as he ate his food as well.
It wasn't like Sakura to lose her head. Sasuke thought it was interesting how much his proposal had affected her. He couldn't take it back now, and he truly wanted to marry her. He had to go speak to her parents and tell them his intentions...that was the next hurdle for them. After that, he'd be more than happy to share the news with their friends. He knew Sakura was probably bursting to tell Ino already. He didn't mind that, but if Naruto caught wind, then the whole village would probably know by nightfall.
"Sasuke?" Sakura whispered. "Are you still awake?"
They were laying in bed, Sakura curled up with Sasuke warming her back. She couldn't sleep-her mind was just too awake.
"What's up?" Sasuke mumbled, clearly drowsier than she was.
She turned so that she was on her back, looking up at the ceiling. She pulled the blanket up over her shoulders, shifting to get comfortable.
"Are you sure you want to marry me?" she asked in a faint voice.
She had wondered if it was all too good to be true. What if Sasuke came to dislike her? Maybe some habit of her secretly annoyed him, like forgetting to do dishes. Sasuke was a perfectionist. What if she didn't live up to his expectations? She had a married couple arguing at the hospital earlier that day. It hurt, seeing them at each other's throats. It reminded her of when Sasuke fought her, and he had wanted to kill. She knew he was different now, but the image had haunted her.
Sasuke had opened his eyes wide upon hearing her question. She was looking at the ceiling, not looking at him directly. She was huddled under the blanket, clearly insecure. He shifted so that he could hug her, threading his arm under her hair.
"Sakura," he said softly. "I know we've had some bad times, and I did some unforgivable things, but I promise that I want you, I will cherish you as you deserve to be cherished for the wonderful woman that you are."
He stroked her cheek, kissing her hair. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
He squeezed her, feeling her fingers grip him tightly, not wanting to let go. "Look at me, Sakura."
She turned her head, her brows furrowed.
He touched his fingers to her forehead, right where her brows were creased. "The me that is in front of you now is the one that I want to be for the rest of my life. You make me a better person."
He leaned over and kissed her gently, then touched his forehead to hers. "I promise you, I am one hundred percent sure that I want to spend my life with you."
She nodded, her body relaxing in his arms. She blushed, her cheeks still warm in the dark.
She sheepishly said, "I'm still not sleepy though."
He shifted downwards, lifting her tank top up to expose her belly button. Then, he leaned in and took a deep breath...and blew a raspberry on her skin.
Sakura squealed, so ticklish, trying to push him away. He continued to aim for her skin, making her abs ache with laughter.
"Mom, is it okay if Sasuke comes over tomorrow night?" Sakura asked.
"Of course!" Mebuki responded as she cleaned up the dinner table. "I haven't seen him in a while anyway. You two have been good?"
"Yup," Sakura responded, not wanting to get into details on anything yet. "Dinner was great, Mom. I'm going to go take a bath."
Mebuki smiled as her daughter sauntered off. That love of hers was...Mebuki shook her head, smiling, thinking of how Kizashi made her feel. She was glad her daughter had found a loving partner in Sasuke.
Sasuke took a deep breath before knocking on the Haruno's front door. He had practiced what he'd say after dinner multiple times already. Sakura also reassured him that her parents shouldn't pose a problem.
"Come on in, Sasuke," Kizashi greeted him.
"How have you been, sir?"
"Good, good. We went on a short trip while you were gone-visited the lake. Oh, it was spectacular. Caught lots of fish!" Kizashi explained excitedly. It was like not seeing Sasuke often gave him lots of motivation to store up stories to tell him. They also talked about Sasuke being on his missions like he was only gone for a week. To them, it didn't matter.
Sasuke chatted with Kizashi for a bit before they headed to the kitchen table. The dinner was lovely as usual and Sasuke felt relaxed up until dessert. They had honey cakes and tea.
Sakura poured the tea into everyone's cups and guided the conversation. "Mom, dad...there's something Sasuke would like to talk to you about."
"Oh, what is it?" Mebuki asked.
Sakura sat back down and slipped her hand into his. It was reassuring as he spoke. "It would be a great honor if you would let me marry Sakura."
He bowed his head, feeling their stares. "I gave it a lot of thought and I am lucky to have Sakura supporting me through these years. I know I've done a lot of things wrong, but I wanted to do this right. I am fully prepared to start a family with Sakura. Will you give us your blessings?"
Kizashi clapped a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Sasuke, we'd be thrilled to have you a son-in-law."
Mebuki and Kizashi got up and hugged the two of them. Sakura's mom said, "Oh, this is so exciting! I'm so happy for both of you."
Sasuke let out a sigh of relief as Sakura smiled at him. Everyone then settled down in the living room with their tea and cake as they discussed wedding plans.
Shikamaru rarely had a chance to enjoy the clouds anymore. As he lay on the grass for the short break he had assigned himself, he watched the puffs of white drift by. There was no better feeling in the world than losing himself in the nothingness of watching the sky.
With a sigh, he collected himself, heading back to the Hokage's office. He had left Naruto holed up in the office with strict instructions. If Naruto didn't finish the revisions for the Union, he wasn't allowed to leave.
Upon returning, he saw Sasuke waiting outside the door.
"Can I help you?"
"Naruto refused to see me. Said he was busy."
"He is…" As Sasuke continued to stare a hole in the ground, Shikamaru asked. "Is it urgent?"
Sasuke brushed his hair back, scratching his brow. "Not quite, but…"
Shikamaru shrugged. He opened the door and called out to Naruto. "Five minute break."
"Yatta!" Naruto exclaimed, throwing his pen down. He stretched his fingers and wiggled his toes as he leaned back in the chair. Leaping up, he walked over to Sasuke. "So, what did you need?"
"I'm here to tell you…" Sasuke started. "I need to update my family registry."
"For what?" Naruto said. "Itachi's already been marked…" Naruto felt confused.
Shikamaru felt his brows raise, realizing already what Sasuke was saying.
Sasuke spelled it out for Naruto. "Sakura and I are getting married."
It took a second for it to kick in, then Naruto clobbered Sasuke in a hug. "WOW! I am so excited for you guys! This is crazy! Uchiha Sasuke, getting married! When? Did you ask her already? Of course, you did. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here telling me."
Naruto was bouncing off the walls now. "I'm invited, of course, yea?"
"Yes, yes…"
"Congrats, man," Shikamaru said, shaking Sasuke's hand.
"Thanks, it will still be a while before we actually get married, but consider us engaged."
Naruto grabbed Sasuke's shoulder. "Wait, was I the first one you told?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "Yes. Now, I should get going. Have to find Kakashi-sensei."
Naruto gave him a look that said "take me with you" as Shikamaru ushered him back to work.
Sasuke felt pleased as he left the poor guy to his work and sought out his teacher. No doubt Kakashi would have a thing or two to say about it, but he knew it would just be teasing. His heart felt light, filled with happiness at the prospect of marrying Sakura. It made him strangely optimistic. He chuckled as he headed to the bar.
"AHHHHHH!" Ino squealed, nearly bursting Sakura's eardrums. "THAT IS SO EXCITING!"
Sakura, thankfully, had brought up the topic while they were hanging out at her house. If it were the hospital, everyone within three floors probably would've heard Ino.
"Damn it, Forehead! You're going to be the first of us. Even Shikamaru and Temari haven't gotten married yet."
Sakura brushed it off. "We haven't even decided on the date yet. Who knows when it will be?"
"It's going to be April 8 next year. Because that's the luckiest day for the both of you and it will be a beautiful, outdoor wedding!" Ino was already running the idea through her head. "I'm going to help you plan it all out! It will be absolutely fabulous. Roses? No, maybe lilies would look nicer."
"Ino…" Sakura warned, "You know that Sasuke will have final say in things. Also, it's going to follow the Uchiha clan's traditions."
"I don't care! You've got to let me plan the reception at least," Ino pouted. The Uchihas took the fun out of everything.
"I'll check with Sasuke, but I'm sure he'll be okay with that. My parents are already planning things too."
Ino giggled all of a sudden. "You know...that means you're finally going to have sex! The wedding night will be so important," Ino drawled as Sakura turned pink. Sakura waved her arms at Ino as she kept talking about naughty things.
It was true-the time would soon come where Sasuke would take it all the way with her. It was something that hadn't registered in her mind at first, but now...Sakura decided she needed to get some new "books" and fast.
Sasuke felt his cheeks turn hot when he was cleaning up around the house. Sakura had left a stack of books on the floor. Most of them were medical texts, but then, he found two books that fell into a different category. One had a leather cover engraved with the words "The Art of Pleasure" and the other had a blank, navy blue cover. Within the navy blue book, there were graphic illustrations of sex positions. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Sakura called out to him.
"Sasuke, I'm home!"
Sasuke hastily shut the book, but the sound was far too obvious. Sakura walked into the living room to see him holding the offending books in his hands.
"Umm…" he looked toward the ceiling, cursing himself for just standing frozen in place.
Sakura blushed. "Oh...yea. If you want to borrow it, I'm almost done reading them."
Sasuke felt the blood rush to his head. He felt for sure that he'd have an nosebleed.
The joyous news soon spread and congratulations were given. Their friends planned an engagement party at the bar. They rented a karaoke room and ordered beer and bottles of sake.
Naruto took up the microphone, of course, warbling some terrible rendition of an enka song. Kiba, Lee, and Naruto were sloshing their drinks while singing and dancing. Sasuke was relaxing on the couch, feeling the burn of sake in his belly. It was probably the burn of happiness as well. Sakura sat next to him with Tsunade, both drinking heartily. He didn't worry about her though, since she held her liquor better than the sannin.
The girls pushed the boys back to their seats as the next song started. Ino had looped Hinata and Tenten into doing a number with her. Tenten rattled the tambourine while Ino and Hinata focused on vocals. Sakura chugged the rest of her drink and joined them in the front of the room, singing off-key. Sasuke chuckled until everyone else forced him up to do a duet with Sakura.
"Oh my," Sakura groaned the next morning. She didn't want to get out of bed. She curled up under the covers, cocooning herself.
"You," Sasuke said, having already been awake for a while. He laid another blanket on top of the current one. "Stay in bed."
The next time Sakura opened her eyes, Sasuke was pulling the blanket up and setting a tray over her lap. She felt her stomach growl as the scent of hot chicken soup rose from the bowl settled on it.
Sasuke ladled some soup into a spoon and blew on it. "Here," he said, holding the spoon to her mouth.
She slurped it up, feeling warmth pervade her body. "Ahh...that's so good."
Sasuke released a breath of relief. "You had way too much fun last night. You refused to wear a jacket coming home and this morning, you were shivering. You're staying home today. I already called Ino."
Sakura didn't have the strength to refute his demands. She nodded meekly as Sasuke fed her more soup. She smiled as he tucked her back into bed and left the room. She drifted off into a deep slumber.
The altar was perched at the top of a mountain, the red gate standing out against the blue sky. Sakura felt herself sweating as she continued the arduous climb up the mountain in her wedding kimono. The wooden geta hurt her feet as she nearly stumbled on some pebbles. Her hairpin came loose and the wind blew her hair every which way, obscuring her vision.
"I'm going to marry him! Shannaro!" she exclaimed, revving herself up. She put all her power into her legs and made a giant leap, her body floating high above the clouds. As she fell back toward the mountain, she panicked, seeing the red gate approaching too quickly. But then, she felt a hand in hers. Sasuke's. The ground came into view now, morphing like a kaleidoscope. Things were stable. Her feet were firmly on the shut her eyes and reopened them to see the room around her.
It was a dream, vivid and strange. Her breathing was uneven, so she took several deep breaths, inhaling through her nose and exhaling through her mouth.
"Much better," she said.
"You're feeling better?" Sasuke said, entering the bedroom.
"Maa, I think so. I should eat though. Feeling so hungry all of a sudden. What time is it?"
Sasuke smiled, his eyes shining. "It's already evening. I made dinner though."
Sometimes, Sakura wondered if Sasuke secretly liked being a house husband. He seemed to really enjoy cooking for her.
Sasuke had made a clear broth with thick, white noodles. Layered on top were slices of pork, scallions, and cabbage. It was a light fare with lots of nourishment. She gripped his hand and thanked him before sitting down. He covered her back with his jacket before sitting down as well. She smiled at him from across the table, and he smiled back, his eyes soft and his aura warm and fuzzy.
This was the love she had always dreamed of.
Sasuke was out of the village again, this time as an envoy with Shikamaru for the Shinobi Union. The Union rotated the meeting locations periodically. The current meeting was being held in the Water Country at Kirigakure. With Sasuke gone, Sakura was being bombarded with wedding planning.
"Here, Sakura," Ino said, steering her towards accessories. "We've got to pick the perfect pieces for your hair. Sakura hadn't paid much attention to her hair, save for tying it back when needed. It had gotten long now, dipping past her shoulders. Ino had claimed it was perfect for wedding preparations. Long hair meant beautiful hair arrangements for the big day.
The hairpins and strings of pearls, jade, and gold were overwhelming. Sakura obediently tried on each piece though. Ino vetoed a bunch as they shopped.
"Girls," Mebuki called out from another aisle. "Try over here."
They headed over to where Sakura's mother was. There were a bunch of intricately carved hairpins. Mebuki held one of them up. It was a golden flower at the end of it, opening up mid-bloom. Ino deftly scooped up Sakura's hair into a loose bun and stuck the hairpin in place. It was just large enough to look intentional, yet not overwhelming.
"Stay still," Ino said, selecting a few other pieces to accent it.
When Ino was done and handed her a mirror, Sakura felt herself in awe. Golden strands of tiny flowers cascaded along the side of her head. At the top was the large pin surrounded by actual flowers, small white buds. Ino was pleased with Sakura's reaction.
"Now, smile," Ino said. "This is it. This will be your wedding look!"
Sakura smiled wide and hugged her and her mother. She felt incredibly blessed to look so beautiful for her wedding day. She thanked her best friend, feeling tears well up.
"Oh, you!" Ino said, pulling out a handkerchief. "It's not even the big day yet!"