Chapter 14
I wake up to light shining on my face. I groan and stretch when I feel a pair of arms pull me closer. I roll over, smile and snuggle into Gai's chest.
"Good morning, honey," he says while kissing my forehead.
"Good morning," I say.
"How was your sleep?"
"Peaceful and nice," I snuggle closer into his chest. "You?"
"It was nice," he smiles. "I haven't slept that deep in a while."
"Is that so?"
"I guess it means I should have had you next to me much sooner."
I chuckle as we lay in bed for a couple more minutes.
"We gotta get ready for the wedding," I groan.
"We can stay for a couple more minutes," he pulls me closer.
"But then we will never get up."
"Probably not."
I groan as I get up. Gai pulls me back towards him and gives me a kiss.
"You're making it very hard for me to go get ready," I pout.
"That's my goal," he grins.
I chuckle as I get up and head towards the bathroom. I wash up then head to my room to start getting ready. Gai hops in the shower after me. I put my dark green dress with white flowers on it. I walk out of my room the same time Gai walks out of his and he is sporting a dark green suit with a straight collar and coiled buttons down the front.
He stops in his tracks and stares at me in awe.
"You alright there, Gai," I ask.
"You look stunning," he walks up to me.
"You don't look to bad yourself," I blush.
He leans in and gives me a kiss.
"We should start going before we are late," he walks towards the door. "Are you coming?"
"Yes, I am coming," I chuckle as I follow him.
We put our sandals on and make our way towards the venue. We make our way out of the small building and into the open terrace. Several rows are aligned with an aisle in the middle, seating about 20 guests. I can see guests come from all over, even the other Kage who are seated at the front. The white chairs are adorned with beautiful flowers.
"This is gorgeous," I say as I look around.
"It is very beautiful," Gai says as we make our way to our seats.
Music begins to play and everyone quiets down. I look back and I see Kurenai walking in front of Denizu, Ino walks to her right, and Sakura to her left, each holding a red parasol umbrella to conceal her. Once Kurenai reaches the beginning of the aisle, all the guests stand from their white chairs. Kurenai, Sakura, and Ino move aside to reveal her. Gasps echo and eyes stare at her in awe. All the guests bow as she walks by. Kakashi offers his hand to help her on to the altar and she takes it. She and Kakashi turn to the lead priest who bows and they return it, as well as all the guests. The guests sit back in their seats and the ceremony begins.
The leading priest offers a prayer. Through the prayer, the priest asks for eternal blessings on behalf of Kakashi and Denizu. The priest's assistant rings the ceremonial bell. It is time for Kakashi and Denizu to recite their wedding oaths.
Kakashi turns to Denizu and begins:
"I, Kakashi Hatake, marry this woman;
No matter the health situation,
I will love this woman,
I will respect this woman,
I will console this woman,
I will be loyal to this woman,
I will be faithful to this woman,
To death and beyond."
Denizu turns to Kakashi and begin her oath:
"I, Denizu Uchiha, marry this man;
No matter the health situation,
I will love this man,
I will respect this man,
I will console this man,
I will be loyal to this man,
I will be faithful to this man,
To death and beyond."
The priest's assistant rings the ceremonial bell again.
"From here on out, this man and woman become husband and wife," the lead priest holds his arms out. "The groom may now kiss the bride!"
Kakashi and Denizu lean in toward each other. Everyone awaits, eager to see if Kakashi will actually reveal his face as he reaches for his mask. Naruto and Sakura gulp as beads of sweat roll down the side of their heads, leaning forward more and more. Just as Kakashi is about to pull his mask down for the kiss, white and red smoke pellets set off in front of them, obscuring everyone's view of the kiss. Naruto and Sakura drop their jaws in disappointment. Kurenai laughs at their reaction, along with the rest of the guests, all not surprised Kakashi would pull off something like this. The smoke fades and Kakashi and Denizu are standing together, his arm wrapped around her waist.
"They join union as Kakashi Uchiha and Denizu Uchiha!" The lead priest announces.
The crowd stands and cheers wildly. White and red confetti burst in the air along with flower petals. Kakashi and Denizu wave their hands at the crowd, smiling happily.
"My rival!" Gai says with tears in his eyes. "He is finally married to the love of his life."