E.H.
So, I know it's still rated T for language…but for some reason, my brain and my typing fingers have decided that sex isn't needed to convey the sweet romance and love between the two. I do, however, promise that within the next three chapters or so there will be steamy love. I can only go so long without writing it, I guess. Haha!
Rated T
Ninjas Want Happiness Too
Ceremony
As the freshly appointed Rokudaime Hokage, Naruto was learning many on his feet. Tsunade stuck around to help him out with most of the ropes. However there were, as he was quickly finding, quite a lot of times where their gloriously hailed Hokages had to be on their toes with spontaneous problems that arose at the drop of a hat. For instance, the mission that had been botched up badly enough he had to clear and send a tokubetsu jounin in to clean up. There were only a hand-full that weren't out on missions at current as well. His pickings were slim to none and he honestly didn't want to send Genma out on a potential diplomatic mission. Nor did he want Gai to place any strain on their already strenuous relations with Iwagakure. After all, the two teams he'd sent in to help the Rock nin clean out some criminal dens that were importing and exporting illegal contraband…had already screwed things up badly enough. His choice was quite simple and plain.
Naruto was making history already as Hokage. He'd gone out of his way to make sure his decisions were fair and just. He'd even met with five advisors before sending his specially picked team out for the cleanup mission and treaty patch-up. He was also going to be the first Hokage to learn how to involuntarily fly…
Honestly, he should have seen it coming. Key word; should. It wasn't until he was literally flying from the Hokage tower in a shower of debris and explosive sound that he realized just how badly he was screwed. A little temper-tantrum he'd been expecting. Ha! Another thing he should have known better about! As he picked himself up out of the debris, he grunted…glad for his recent camaraderie with the Kyuubi (once it'd been returned to him of course). It was what kept him alive from what would have killed any lesser man. He looked up into blazing green eyes. He held his hands up in a placating gesture while his brow began to sweat.
"N-Now…Sakura-chan—"
"Don't you Sakura-chan me!" The pinkette cracked her knuckled loudly earning her many grimaces and several people backing off. It also earned her a very unique gathering of bystanders comprised of his personal ANBU bodyguards. He waved them off, knowing that he needed to defuse this…and FAST.
"I didn't have any other choice!"
The growl from the woman told him what a poor choice of words that was. He winced before he burst into a long dialogue. "Kakashi-sensei's the only tokubetsu jounin I had on hand that could possibly pull off a diplomatic patch-up AND cleanup job of an already really badly botched mission that I really, really trust! If I'd had any other choice I would have sent them instead! You have to know that!"
"What about Genma?!"
Naruto tried not to prod the steaming bull before him. "Well, he's not exactly diplomacy friendly."
Sakura huffed but she had to give him that point. "There had to be someone else, Naruto!"
"Gai-sensei."
By the way she cringed and met his gaze…he knew he'd won this bout. And thank every single god, beast, and spirit in the known lands. Although his ANBU wouldn't have killed her, they'd have drugged her and a drugged Sakura is an even more pissed off beast when she wakes up then she was before. They found out the hard way…once. It only took once. Suddenly, Naruto kind of wished for the angry Sakura back as her bright green eyes filled with tears. He counted to three internally to keep himself calm. Her tears and Hinata's always got him. They were his biggest weakness. Well, besides the adorable twins that were at home waiting until daddy got off his duties for the day to play with them.
"But why the day before our wedding?!"
Naruto blew out a long sigh before he shifted. "Is this a question I'm supposed to answer or leave alone?"
"Oh shut up!" Sakura turned on her heel and stormed away. Naruto leaned his head back to stare at the heavens.
"I don't know why you decided to make them so complicated…the PMS is bad enough, don't you thi—UNFF!" Naruto flew back into the pile of rubble with a distinct boot imprint on his face and the offending object lying off the side while the woman continued to storm away.
…..
Sakura glared at the mirror. For probably the hundredth time, Ino smacked her bare shoulders. Green eyes turned up to ocean-mist blue ones. Ino matched her tit-for-tat in the glaring contest before Sakura stuck her tongue out at Ino's reflection. Ino snorted and returned the gesture.
"Quit it. Your face will get stuck like that, Forehead."
"Pardon me for being upset that my groom still isn't back yet. What if he never shows up?" Sakura sighed and worried her hands in her wedding dress skirt. Ino rolled her eyes.
"When has Kakashi-sensei been on time to anything?"
Sakura, begrudgingly, had to give Ino that. She looked up at the hair do that the blonde was making her hair into. Her hair was pulled up into a set of ornate chopsticks in a silver with actual, small sakura branches placed strategically into her longer hair. What wasn't being held up was curled and fell in a soft cascade down from the pretty twist. Her bangs were also loosely curled and hung down on either side of her face in a soft pink frame. Her wedding dress was a simple sleeveless dress that hugged her figure until the lower half of her hips before it fell gently down around her legs and trailed in the back. There was a light lace overlay. At the back, where the drop met the bottom side of the tighter part was a jeweled flower design. The back was an inlaid zipper with a few simple button clasps over to make it look more sophisticated. She watched as Ino grabbed her veil comb and gently inserted it into the bottom of her hairstyle, securing it with jeweled clips. Her eyes began to water and she shifted in her seat.
Ino smacked her again, but this time it was for another reason. The blonde was sniffling and dabbing at her carefully done make-up. "Knock it off, Forehead! You're going to make my make-up run!"
Sakura smiled and stood up, turning to hug her best friend. "Oh Pig…"
"He's going to show up. I know he will." Ino sighed softly before pulling back from the tight hug.
"Heh…as long as I don't have heal him first…"
Ino snorted. "Yeah. Tell me about it."
…..
Kakashi carried the wounded chuunin on his back all the way to the gates. The teams were in one piece…but several were injured. The criminals hadn't all been simple crooks. A lot of them were highly trained shinobi. Iwa wasn't too fond to find out that over half of the criminals were from their village. But luckily, he'd been able to smooth over the frayed edges and reaffirm that Konoha and Iwa were allies…and should stay that way. If not for the last of the criminals ambushing them…they'd probably be less injured now. He shifted the chuunin on his back with a grunt.
The two gate guards, Izumo and Kotetsu both paused before rushing out to help them with their injured. The group flew to the hospital in record time. Kakashi deposited the chuunin with a quick recap to the nurse on staff what had happened. He didn't worry about them being in good hands even knowing that Sakura, Tsunade, and Shizune weren't on duty today. Each of these people had been specifically trained by any one of the powerful trio. Once his task was completed he made his way to where his own wedding was to take place. He knew he was already running behind by a bit. He stumbled his way into the men's dressing room and hit the floor with a hiss. His hand flew to his ribcage where he was sporting a lovely gash and at least one broken rib. Not to mention the small knicks and cuts everywhere. He was a bleeding mess. He turned to search for something to wrap around them tightly enough for now and froze at the sight of a familiar busty blonde woman tapping her foot while glaring down at him. He chuckled softly and rubbed the back of his head. The woman was dressed in a dark green dress for once instead of her usual attire and her hair was done up from her face.
"Yo…"
"Oh shut it, Hatake, and get up off the floor." Tsunade sighed and waved for him to take a seat. He obeyed with a quick nod and moved to the seat with a pained expression. Tsunade stepped up to him and began to inspect his wounds. With a low growl she made an impatient tsking noise. "Three broken ribs and a deep gash in your side. Why am I not surprised you dragged your dying ass all the way here instead of just staying at the hospital?"
"You know me…besides. Can't be late for my own wedding."
"You already are, idiot." Tsunade grumped but she didn't bother hiding the amusement in her tone before turning serious as she began to mend his bones expertly. "We only have enough time to heal the major wounds. You'll have to deal with all the cuts and bruising until I can properly heal you completely. Or leave it to your soon-to-be wife…if she doesn't kill you first."
Kakashi grimaced and nodded. He sat through the healing like a trooper. Once his bones were realigned and healed as best she could in the time they had, she cleaned him up and helped him dress properly in the traditional Japanese male wedding attire. When all was said and done, she stepped back with a satisfied smirk.
"There. You look better if I do say so myself. Now…get your ass on the move so we can finally get this wedding over with!"
Kakashi didn't waste any more time and scooted out the door and headed straight for where he was supposed to start. He waited for Tsunade to make her way to the head of the crowd and up on stage. She addressed the crowd, which was pretty large much to his surprise, asking them to please take their seats so that the ceremony could commence. He moved numbly as he walked down the aisle alone to stand up on the platform. He shifted nervously, not really sure how to stand or act. Unlike Naruto's wedding, he wasn't in a suit. He was wearing traditional Japanese male wedding garbs. His mask was gone as was his hitai-ate. He felt nervous and completely self-conscious without them. Especially since he spotted many of the women in the crowd staring at him intensely.
The first set to walk in of their wedding part were Ino and Naruto. Naruto was dressed in a tux with a green vest and tie. Ino was wearing a soft pink dress with straps and silver-grey sashes with a matching colored flower at the side. The dress brushed her knees lightly; the skirt was made of layers of chiffon and satin. Kakashi would have commented on how pretty Sakura's choice in bridesmaid dresses was…if it weren't for the gaping faces of the two. He wanted to simply hide behind Tsunade. Speaking of whom…she must have thrown them both a pointed look as they both suddenly straightened up. They came up onto the platform and took their places beside him and where Sakura would end up standing.
The next set were Genma and Shizune. Hinata and Sai were next followed by Tenten and Gai-sensei. It probably shocked several people that the jolly Green Beast of Konoha was among the bridal party. However, Kakashi felt it was necessary. The music changed and he looked to the end of the aisle and nearly fell over. Sakura stepped into view with a quick nervous smile in his way. Her parents each flanked both sides of her. The three walked down the aisle together until they reached the platform. Kakashi couldn't breathe at the vision of beauty standing before him. He was frozen into place, staring. A throat cleared, breaking him free of his own reverie. He stepped forward to take her from her father.
Mebuki and Kizashi both looked at him. Kizashi took Kakashi's hand and smiled warmly. Tsunade's voice broke through the strange atmosphere.
"Haruno Kizashi and Mebuki…do you give this man, Hatake Kakashi permission to wed your daughter?"
Kizashi met Tsunade eye with a nod before looking at Kakashi, "we do. We not only give our daughter to you marriage but we also open our home to you. You are now family and we will treat you as thus. You are now our son."
Kakashi was shocked, to say the least. He wasn't expecting this. His chest filled with a strange emotion and he swallowed thickly. Clearing his throat, he nodded and took Sakura's hand. She stepped up onto the platform with him. Kakashi led her to the podium. This was it. He looked deeply into her eyes and smiled. He could completely understand why Naruto had interrupted Tsunade to plant a kiss on his blushing bride. He honestly couldn't hear half of what Tsunade was saying. When she turned to him, it seemed like only seconds had passed.
"Do you, Hatake Kakashi, take Haruno Sakura to be your lawfully wedded wife? In sickness and in health? To have and to hold until death do you part?"
Without hesitation, Kakashi raised Sakura's knuckles to his lips, brushing a soft kiss across them. "I do."
Sakura flushed a pretty pink color as Tsunade repeated the question to her. "I do."
"Kakashi, if you'll take the ring from Naruto and place it upon the third finger of Sakura's left hand…" Tsunade paused as Kakashi did just that before she continued, "And please recite your vows."
Kakashi took a deep breath. He'd been in such a rush that he hadn't written anything down; but it was funny. Even though he hadn't done any prep, he knew just what to say. "Sakura, I'm old. I'm tired. I'm getting up there in years. Yet you still stuck with me. As a team-mate, as a friend, and now…as a wife. Marrying you is giving me more than I deserve. I'm a shinobi, we both know exactly what it means to live that life. I swear to you from this day forward, I am going to forever be glued to your side. I don't promise not to drive you insane, make you angry, or fight with you. But I do promise to pick up the pieces of whatever I break in our home. I promise I'll work with you to resolve our issues. And I promise to somehow make it up to you whenever I do make you angry. I love you. And I'm here for you always."
Sakura was in tears and part of him died at the sight. He was surprised by the raw emotion that made his eyes feel a bit damp as well. However, he hid it better. Sakura laughed around a soft sob. She took the tissue Ino offered her and dabbed at her eyes.
"Oh…Kakashi. I was going to woo you with my amazing skill at words and sonnets but now that's just garbage compared to what you said." She earned a small chuckle from him at that. "I can't promise that I won't get mad at you or that you won't drive me insane or that I won't fight with you. I can't promise not to drop-kick your butt when you refuse to go to the hospital. But what I do promise you, is that no matter what…I've got your back. Forever. If you start to die, I'll be the one yanking you back up with every last ounce of strength I have. I'll break my back to carry you home. I'll never let you down. I'm here for the long haul and I'm not going to ever back down or leave you behind. I love you and I'm here for you always."
They slid their rings on, having forgotten about that part during their vows. Tsunade dabbed at her own eyes and cleared her throat.
"All right. I now pronounce you both Mr. and Mrs. Hatake. Please join us in the Hyuuga residence gardens for the reception."
…..
The sweet sake and cake he'd been indulging in with his now wife, Sakura, gave his head a light feeling. He was lightly buzzed, not nearly enough to inebriate him. He couldn't believe he was sitting at a banquet table, a married man. Hell, he couldn't believe he was at his own wedding! His bride; his team-mate, friend, companion, wife, and soon to be lover…stood mingling with friends and family. A chair scraped lightly against the pebbled earth, drawing his attention to his side. Kizashi-san sat calmly beside him. Kakashi straightened and cleared his throat.
"Beautiful wedding." Kizashi stated while his old, wizened gaze swept the whole courtyard. He then turned to look at Kakashi.
"Ah…yes it is." Kakashi swallowed the growing lump in his throat. He really couldn't describe the feelings he was feeling. It was an odd mix of nervousness and joy with several others jumbled inside. His eyes flickered to Sakura briefly, taking a quick subconscious confidence boost just from the sight of her.
"People will talk." Kizashi sighed as though the world was upon his shoulders. Kakashi quickly looked to him askance. Kizashi nodded, seeming to understand Kakashi's silent inquiry. "There is a year gap between you. You are team-mates. You were her sensei. She was your student. People will talk…but the important thing to remember is that they don't matter or count in your marriage. Love is a feeling that is hard to understand. Only time together, growing…nurturing…building each other up will prove to you what it truly is and means. Sakura chose well. At first, Mebuki was concerned. But when we saw you two together…saw the bright light glowing outward from within Sakura, it was only a matter of time before you would be wed. Build a life together, Kakashi-kun. Don't let the world interfere. Not even if it's a mission. Your marriage is far more important than a simple rolled up scrap of paper."
Kakashi blinked before he smiled and nodded slowly. "You are right. People will talk. But I simply don't care what they think. I haven't cared what society deems of me for a long while. But I will protect her from them. I promise you, Kizashi-san…I will be the shield to keep all the harsh words and harmful ways of others away from her."
Kizashi laughed and clapped Kakashi on the shoulder. "Then, my dear boy, you're already the best husband for Sakura."
Kakashi chuckled back and rose from his seat. "Pardon my rude exit…but there is a beautiful young woman over there who desperately deserves to dance."
He moved across the floor and stepped up to Sakura, placing his hand reassuringly on the small of her back. Sakura turned to him with a smile that would continue to steal his breath away for the rest of their lives, he was certain.
"Would my wife care for a dance or two?"
Sakura blinked and looked surprised. "But you said you hated dancing."
"I've said a lot of stupid things in my life."
Sakura simply smirked at him knowingly before she turned, sliding her hand into his. He led her to the dance floor and pulled her to him. Remembering the way she'd taught him at Naruto's wedding, Kakashi led the dance this time...even if he was a little sore.
There was going to be more after this…but it simply didn't fit. I tried three or four times before I re-read the last paragraph in utter frustration. That's when I saw the ending had been there all along. I actually snickered and smiled when I saw it too. I somehow wrote a perfect ending to the chapter (in my opinion) and hadn't even realized it. Go figure, right?
Thanks for reading and sticking with me folks! I ensure you…I have a LONG list of prompts that I've been collecting from you all. I put it in a word doc on my computer so I can keep track of them. I promise, I've not forgotten about your prompts! I'm still working through them! I've got at least twenty there now…simmering. So if you don't see a prompt of yours written out yet, know that I'm going to bring it forth eventually!
Erika Hearken
