Final Chapter
"How's It's coming along?"
"It's... coming along."
Ino Yamanaka, filled with indescribable nerves, tapped her foot impatiently. Her hands stationed themselves on her hips, as she awaited the anticipating reveal. She pursed her lips, and let out a deep breath, forcing herself to sit back down. From previous experience, she knew just how absolutely nerve-racking a final wedding dress fitting could go, especially it being the day before your wedding.
"You're taking an awfully long time," The blonde called in a sing-song voice.
"Patience is virtue." Sakura replied in the same tone.
Just as her nerves were about to boil over, the white curtains were swiftly pulled back, and revealed a memorable sight.
Sakura looked immaculate, radiant even, dressed in the pale-white kimono that was formally her mothers. The ivory fabric clinched to her perfectly, as the tailor had altered it with seamless hands. Small sprouts of blush-colored flowers were carefully stitched alongside the sleeves and the skirt of the refined Kimono.
Ino, in complete admiration, placed her now anxious hands over her heart. She found it increasingly difficult to contain any sentiments she had tried to shelter.
"Oh, Sakura!" She squealed, as she quickly ran up to the bride. "It's beautiful... It's perfect."
"You think so?"
"Well, when you told me you were wearing your mother's wedding kimono I was expecting something more... frumpy."
Sakura playfully crossed her arms, "Hey, my mother has good taste."
"That she does."
Still in the peak of her emotions, Ino gathered Sakura's hands into her own. Her sapphire-colored eyes ran repeatedly around the blushing woman with the hair to match. She always knew the day would come when Sakura would wed, but not this quickly, and definitely not to an impassive Uchiha.
"It still aches to know that you are the one who ended up marrying Sasuke Uchiha," The blonde bantered, followed by a helpless sigh. "Everyone in our first academy class absolutely despises you right now."
Sakura let out a genuine laugh, "Well everyone in that class is probably married themselves."
"And who would think you- small... meager... Sakura Haruno, would be the person he crumbles for."
"It sounds like you held this in for quite a while."
Ino giggled slightly, "You know I'm just trying to lighten the anxious bride."
The tailor made some quick altercations to Sakura's kimono, fluffing the delicate fabric and tightening the white obi. Satisfied with her work, she let out a sigh of satisfaction.
"Finished," She called proudly, as she then stepped aside and let the two admire her handiwork through the tall, oval-shaped mirror.
"You know when I think about it, it was always obvious," Ino began. "He always looked at you differently."
With skillful hands, Ino began to quickly work on the glossy, pink-strands. She gathered the entirety of Sakura's hair, revealing her heart-shaped face. Nimble hands braided thick strands, and in one sweep motion, she twisted the remaining hair in a loose bun. The tailor handed Ino an ornate hairpin, as Ino then stuck it in place, holding the rushed yet polished hairstyle.
"It'll look better with more time," Ino commented.
Sakura turned her head towards the mirror, admiring the labor of love that Ino offered, "Thanks Ino."
"Well, it truly isn't every day that your best friend gets married."
"Ino, you're being so suspiciously kind, maybe I should get married more often."
The blonde crossed her arms, and hunched herself over just slightly. "I'll admit... I'm feeling rather down thinking about you moving further away than you already are."
Sakura frowned, as Ino's words sat a little heavy within her. Not only was Sakura to be wed tomorrow, but she would become a part of the elusive Uchiha clan's main household. She was to become a matriarch soon enough, following the footsteps of Mikoto Uchiha and the powerful women that came before her. It would be tasking, as Sakura would now need to find a crucial balance between work and now clan duties.
Although Sasuke once expressed his need of wanting to expand his horizons outside the compound, at the end of the day, he was still a part of the Uchiha. And being married, he'd have to uphold the traditions of keeping family intact. And now that Sakura was his family, she'd be considered one of their own, residing within the compounds walls.
Sasuke had mustered the courage to ask her opinion on the matter, on how she would feel about moving into his clan's grounds. At first, she was wary. She knew who she was marrying, and what prestige name she would be displaying on her back. Being the only outsider to be given such a role seemed strenuous, and yet, she knew how much these traditions meant to him and his family. Therefore, as she takes his name tomorrow, she would also take the obligations he came along with.
"We see each other every day," Sakura reminded, as she consoled a distraught Ino.
"I know," Ino wrapped a hand around her. "I just hope you'll still have time for me."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, you'll have clan duties now. Sasuke is always away doing something for the clan, and he'll most likely begin to string you in there as well."
"It doesn't matter where I live, or what clan I'm tied to, nothing is going to change." Sakura assured her best friend.
"Yeah, I know," A smile found Ino's red lips.
The tailor quietly walked up to the joyous pair of girls, and cleared her throat just slightly. "How do you like the dress? Does you feel the need to alter it in more areas?"
Sakura turned her head, her eyes gleaming.
"It's perfect."
"Is this your idea of a bachelor party?"
"I was never one for parties."
Naruto heaved, carefully stretching his legs, as he had just been given the spar of a lifetime.
The day before Naruto's wedding, Sasuke had carried him home after an unruly night at the bar. Naruto had consumed a rather substantial amount of alcohol, vigorously celebrating his last day as a single man. But much like their contrasting personalities, Sasuke opted for much more different option. No matter how much Naruto had pushed for a night out, Sasuke shrugged at the idea and preferred a brawl of a training session.
And so, they laid on the training ground, exhausted beyond doubt, both mustering up the strength to sit up.
"How's Sakura doing?" Naruto asked, as he began to examine his heavily-skinned knuckles, "I'm sure she's excited about tomorrow. But ya' know… It's a big deal for her… to move into your district and all."
Sasuke smirked, "She's happy."
"Well, good thing she's strong as hell, because your people can sometimes get a little territorial."
"Half of the Uchiha clan are or were her patients, I don't see why they should hold anything towards her."
"Well, you've nailed that point." Naruto shrugged.
Sasuke straightened up, and quickly began to assess his own injuries. Surprisingly, only minor scrapes were seen running along his clothes. In a barbarous session like today, he'd usually need Sakura to lay her hands on him and mend a broken bone or two.
"You know, everyone was in disbelief when I got married, but the entire town seems to be dumbfounded knowing you actually are getting hitched," The blonde resumed.
"Some people are latched onto the past, I suppose."
"No kidding," Naruto blurted. "You made a complete turnaround. It's kind of amazing."
Although true, that wasn't really the case in this given situation. Growing up well into the stereotypes of his clan, Sasuke had held a passive face for as long as he can remember. He held a strict routine throughout his formal upbringing that followed him well into his adulthood. Unlike the boys his age, he didn't court women, nor try to accept their advances. This gave him the reputation he still carries to this day. Sasuke Uchiha, Itachi's cold little brother. Many even speculated he would be involved in an arranged marriage within his clan, Sakura even being one of them.
"That's not entirely true." The dark-haired man said, wanting to acknowledge the truth. "Sakura was always there."
Sasuke turned to his side, and hovered his hand over Naruto's knuckles. A radiant flow of green chakra began to push itself into the blonde's damaged skin. Blue eyes widened, impressed by the new capability the Uchiha had learned.
"Did she teach you that?"
"Yeah."
Naruto's wounds sealed, leaving a trail of grime and dry blood behind. Sasuke removed his hand, as Naruto then flexed his fingers.
"Impressive. Soon enough you'll have your own hospital ward."
Sasuke smirked at his satirical comment, "Perhaps in my next life."
"So, you ready for tomorrow?" Naruto asked, re-bandaging his knuckles.
"Yeah," Sasuke replied, healing his own wounds.
"And Sakura?"
"Mm."
A moment of solitude reached the two, as they quietly bandaged themselves. The sound of nothing but the tranquility of nature surrounded them. Sasuke looked over to see Naruto tucking in the gauze on his knuckles, a pensive look was seen on his face, his blue almost dismal.
"I know you still worry about her," His dark eyes back on his own wounds. "You don't have to worry anymore."
Naruto stared intently at the man sitting beside him. But the same dim eyes quickly turned warm, as the blonde let out a genuine laugh.
"I'll always worry about her, you'd never be able to change that."
Just like Sasuke had been, Naruto had been there throughout the majority of Sakura's life. Pestering her, making her laugh… in her most joyous days and in her darkest moments... he was always there.
"Ever since she started chasing after you, I never let her out of my sight."
"Thank you for that."
"For what?" Naruto questioned.
"Being there for her when I wasn't."
Naruto huffed, crossing his arms. He knew about the complexity that was Sasuke's brilliant mind, and he knew how increasingly aloof his clan had made him. And in those times when he wasn't emotionally available, Naruto was. The friendship between the medic and the village's hero had always been as solid as the day it first formed, and he intended to keep it that way.
"It's nothing, ya' know," Naruto humbly replied. "Me and her, we'll always be a team."
"I know." Sasuke assured.
"I just want to make sure you're going to take care of her."
"So instead of asking Sakura's father for her hand in marriage, I should have asked you?"
Naruto playfully pushed the Uchiha, "Yeah actually, you should have asked me as well, bastard."
Naruto stood tall, wiping his hands on his pants. He turned to Sasuke, giving him his hand. Without hesitation, Sasuke accepted the amicable gesture. Once standing, Naruto let go of his grip, and began to walk back towards the village grounds. He looked back, giving Sasuke a stern nod.
"Hey, take care of her, ok?"
"Mm."
It was a quiet walk back home, as Naruto departed shortly after. Sasuke walked down the usual foot path he would take to get to the Uchiha district. The sun was just beginning to set, as merchants began to close shop. Sasuke stuck his hands in his pockets, keeping his head low and his thoughts collected.
Although his demeanor eluded composure, he felt completely infatuated in life, with her, like a man in love for the first time. He knew regardless of what tomorrow would bring, she would be immaculate, like the timeless beauty she always was. He pictured her infectious smile, her doe-eyed jades, and the way her ivory kimono would hug her body.
But truthfully, if he could have it to his preference, he would take her far and they would wed alone. He didn't need a gathering or an approving congregation to prove how devoted he was to her. But he knew the importance of traditions, and the importance of his clan, along with her presence of her family.
But regardless of how or where they vowed to one another, at the end of the day, all he wanted was her happiness.
Onyx-filled eyes looked up at the banner that was flown proudly above the gates that led inside the Uchiha district. It was surreal to think that not only would this still be his home, but it would be her home now too.
As Sasuke now reached the familiar estate, he heaved a deep breath and entered the dwelling he spent his entire life in.
The traditional home of the Uchiha stood tall, erected by wooden columns and a flat foundation. Its floors were elevated, and laid across wooden beams. Unlike the remodeled homes filling the leaf village, this home remained timeless, rich with history.
The shoji doors were closed, indicating an absence in the home as his mother usually kept them open. Sasuke walked along the stone path that led him to the back garden, passing the entire length of his family's home.
Following the winding course through his mother's carefully-curated garden, Sasuke passed the now illuminated pagoda lanterns along the way. The path was flat and clear, as newly trimmed maple trees aligned its path. The subtle sound of moving water from the nearby pond filled his ears, as he then looked up to what now would be theirs.
What was once a small back-house filled with antiqued relics and spare furniture- was now to be the place he and his new bride would call home. It was small, but large enough for the two, and perhaps even a third. Dark eyes scaled the smaller building, admiring the wooden structure that he would return to starting tomorrow.
"Sasuke?" That familiar voice called.
The youngest son turned his head, only to be met with the dominant gaze that his father possessed. But unlike before, the coldness that once strongly influenced Fugaku seemed to have dwindled. In his hand he held a shovel, indicating the work he had done for Mikoto.
"Otousan," Sasuke called to his father.
"Your mother told me to plant some hydrangeas. She said Sakura is fond of them."
"Yes, that's true."
Fugaku heavily pierced the ground with the shovel, marking its rest. "Let's go inside and cool off."
"Mm."
Once inside the main house, Sasuke caught a glimpse of his mother in the kitchen as he sat across his father in the common room's tea table.
"Okaasan?" Sasuke questioned.
"Just stay put." Mikoto called, as she peeked her head. A fond smile on her lips.
In one hand she held a polished, large bottle of sake, the kind of sake that was only to be consumed for rare occasions. Mikoto kneeled at the end of the low table, and poured each man their respective glass. Mikoto put the bottle aside, and looked at her youngest son. Too emotional to put any words together, she touched the warmness of his cheek with her palm.
"Okaasan?" Sasuke questioned his mother once more, seeing her dark eyes glisten.
Gracefully she stood, the smile never leaving her face, and headed back into the kitchen. She quietly slid the shoji door behind her.
"Your mother is a mess," Fugaku sighed, crossing his arms. "She's been in hysterics all morning. I've never seen her like this."
"I'm not sure why, seeing as I'll be living behind her garden."
"Mm," Fugaku picked up his cup of sake. "I've been meaning to speak to you, but I know you've been occupied."
Sasuke nodded, "It's been quite hectic, but I believe all the preparations are ready."
"You'll be wed tomorrow." His father took his cup and held it up.
"Yes." Sasuke followed his lead, and the two clinked their glasses in celebration.
"Congratulations, son."
Sasuke could count the times his father had congratulated him throughout his life in one hand. But each time he did so, it felt like the first time, giving Sasuke a sense of pride.
"Thank you, Otousan."
An easy silence lingered around them, as they enjoyed the refreshing taste of the fermented drink. Sasuke had learned that this bottle has only been used once before, and that was on the day of his father and mother's own wedding.
As Sasuke's glass began to empty, Fugaku reached for the bottle and filled it to his son's brim, showing him his side of respect.
"I know I haven't been the most attentive father I could have been," Fugaku admitted. "I apologize."
"You don't have to say such things."
"Yes, I do have to say such things," His father countered.
Although Fugaku had always been a man of family, he was also a man of discipline. And as for his family, they've experienced more of the commander than they have of a tending father.
"I know your childhood may have been filled with doubts and insecurities caused by my practice."
Sasuke continued to sit quiet, listening the rare proclamation that his father never had spoken of before. For his father to ask for any type of forgiveness was just simply unheard of. In a way, it left Sasuke stunned, as he had never seen such vulnerability displayed by the man who had taught him his entire way of life.
"You endured the trials and tribulations of this clan, of what it stands for," His father lifted the cup to his lips. "And you turned out to be a gift to this clan, regardless of my arrogance."
"Otousan- "
Fugaku reached his hand out to Sasuke's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze.
"You've paved your own road, and have exceeded any expectations your mother and I had held for you,"
To be praised in such light by the man that he sought attention from his entire life- was truly improbable. Sasuke looked up to his father, speechless, but fulfilled. He knew their relationship was far from ideal. But by admitting his faults, even if it was lightyears later, it was a start he was grateful for.
"She's a strong girl, Sakura," Fugaku proclaimed. "She'll make a fine matriarch one day."
"Frighteningly strong," Sasuke added. Fugaku laughed lowly at his son's comment, and retracted his hand from his shoulder. Unhurried, he took another sip of the floral-scented sake.
"I'm proud of you son."
Sasuke looked up to jet-colored eyes of his father, which once felt so frigid to do so. But this time around it was different, as his wise eyes crinkled at the corners, and as his mouth curled up into a fond smile.
The night quickly fell, as the lustrous moon came out of hiding. Clusters of small, luminous lights dotted the black and indigo sky. Sakura hummed softly, as a sparkle was seen in her eyes. A smile lingered on her lips, knowing what tomorrow would bring. Unsurprisingly, Ino had taken up most of her night, as the two celebrated the last day of Sakura Haruno. They wept, reminisced, and admired the white fabric that hung readily for tomorrow.
Sakura halted her steps, as jade-colored eyes looked up, scaling the building that housed her apartment. A wistful sigh left her lips, knowing that her time there was now limited.
And with that, she continued up the three sets of stairs and into her humble adobe.
It felt strange to see her apartment partially empty, as most of her belongings were packed in boxes. There were no pictures on the walls, and no intricate scrolls or books lying around as before.
Although she was elated to begin her matrimony in a home for an Uchiha, her heart still felt heavy, knowing of all the fond recollections they had created there.
It was bittersweet.
Sakura noticed a dim light coming from the small of the hallway, from the bedroom specifically. And without any hesitation, she walked towards it, already knowing who would be at the other end.
Just as imagined, her eyes found those of the man whom she'd vow herself to tomorrow. A freshly bathed Sasuke sat on the bed, polishing what looked like his sandals for the ceremony tomorrow.
"Welcome home," He greeted. "How did it go?"
"It went well," Sakura replied, a soft smile placed on her pink-colored lips. "Ino and I picked up the kimono and dropped it off at the shrine. What about you?"
"It was mostly just Naruto and I."
"I figured that was as much a bachelor party you would do," Sakura let out a small chuckle.
"I readied you a bath," He announced, handing her the same towel he had used. "Come to bed soon."
With little to no time to unwind herself, Sakura hurriedly rinsed every inch of her body. As the water began to grow cold, she stood, and pat herself dry. Sakura reached for her favorite robe, to only notice it gone. She cursed herself, forgetting that she had packed most of the bathrooms belongings the day before. Defeated by her own choices, she wrapped the lone towel around her small frame, and ventured back into the room.
"Sasuke-kun," A mournful look was seen on her face. "I already packed my robe."
Sasuke couldn't help but smirk, as he then stood. Rather quickly, he rolled his own shirt up his torso and pulled it over his head. He motioned her over to his side.
Bashful at the situation, Sakura did as she was quietly asked. Standing before him now, she placed the damp towel aside, and took the shirt from his hand, placing it over her head and onto her bare body.
"Thank you," She murmured, as she crawled into bed, embarrassed by her misfortune.
"Now it really suits you," Sasuke teased, as he admired the regal symbol of the mighty fan that was stitched onto the back of the shirt. Beginning tomorrow, that would be her clan. That is what she will be proudly displaying for all to see.
Sasuke moved the smooth pink tresses aside and kissed the nape of her neck.
Sakura turned around, now facing the black, deep-set eyes of the man she loved. His fingers ran themselves through the dampened locks of her hair, and found their way to the warmth of her cheek. He dragged his thumb along her cheekbones, and now along the delectable shape of her flushed lips.
To say she was beautiful was a complete understatement. And to even think that tomorrow he would marry this treasure of a woman, was truly implausible.
"Sakura," He called her name softly. "Will you miss it here?"
"Of course," Her fingers rested onto his chest. "It has a lot of sentimental value for me."
"For me as well."
Although his stay here was only measured in a handful of months, he had grown to call it home. After the end of every mission, he would always come back to her in this very spot and announce his return. He would often find Sakura in her dream-state on the couch, and often had to carry her to bed. Some days he'd catch her cooking, and sometimes he'd find her reading on her patio.
But regardless of this, regardless of where or what he called his dwelling, he had come to a candid conclusion. It didn't matter where he resided, it didn't matter which place he called home, because as long as he came back to her, then he would be at his sanctuary.
"I'll miss it of course, but I'm eager to begin life in your district."
His eyes were warm, yet she could tell they were concerned. She knew the differences between their respective clans, and the differences between their ideals. She knew how formal and traditional the Uchiha clan presented themselves, whilst the remaining of the village adapted to a more modern lifestyle. Yet still, she was so eager to learn about their way of life, and how she could adapt both her worlds into one.
"I want to uphold your traditions, I want to uphold your family name," She spoke softly once more. "It may sound childish, but it's something I have wanted for a long time."
Sasuke stood still, admiring the virtue she carried. His hands reached out to her once again, bringing her even closer to him. Tenderly, he placed a kiss on the top of her forehead.
To think he didn't have this sooner in his life, absolutely ate him. It was bizarre to think that at some point in his life, or rather for the majority of his life, he made Sakura feel unwanted.
"I'm sorry." His voice interrupted her contented state of mind. Sakura stirred, and looked up at the apologetic man.
"Sorry? What for?"
"You've been so patient all these years, and I've been so selfish," He spoke softly, cupping her delicate frame. "I could never repay the debts that I owe you."
"Sasuke-kun, that's not true," She assured him. "To this point, you've done everything in your entire life with a purpose, and all that has led you to this very moment."
"Sakura- "
"It doesn't matter how long it took for anything to have happened, time spent with you was time well spent, wouldn't you agree?" She asked, a gentle smile placed across her lips.
Of course, he agreed.
Throughout the years, they've spent countless amounts of time together. He could vividly remember them throughout every year, giving her words life. In the academy, she was small, timid, and was always tugging at his sleeves. Although Sasuke grew distant of his peers, there was something about her that drew him in. It was from there, that their friendship began to flourish so rapidly.
Eventually she grew, and so did he. He could remember the joyous look on her face, as he had returned from his three-year venture. His eyes were stunned, seeing her so grown and so indescribably beautiful. Together their team manifested an incredible amount of strength, rightfully earning their titles of the second sannins. He remembered being content with his emotions during this time, as the two maintained their bonds. But all that changed quickly after.
If he closed his eyes, he could recall every second from the prominent night where he first tasted her cherry-flavored lips. The taste was intoxicating, and the way the fireworks had shone on her brilliant jades was something difficult to forget.
But from there, he could also recall the anguish he had caused. He could recollect all the times he averted her gaze, afraid that he'd fall into a deeper trance with this benevolent woman. Days felt hollow without her presence. He felt devoid of a substantial part of his life, and he knew it was all because of his matter of doing.
But where there was seclusion, there was light, and the two had rekindled their close bond with one another. Except this time, their flame grew a hundred times brighter than ever before, causing a combustion of emotions between the two. He knew he always loved her, but to come to terms with it, to declare it, was like having the burdensome weight lifted off his shoulders. Nothing in his minuscule life could amount to the endless devotion she had given him.
And so it was the span of almost twenty years, of ongoing love, that has outlasted a cycle of hurt.
It was all those cherished moments that they created, that had placed him in this very predicament.
"I agree."
With a gentle hand, he felt the lower of her abdomen. Naturally, he smiled. Because although unnoticeable to the naked eye, he was already able to detect the small sign of life that she had begun to carry.
Tomorrow was only the beginning.
"Thank you."
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
End
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
It feels so good to mark this story as COMPLETED! Thank you to everyone who stayed until the end. It was a long time coming, and I hope you enjoyed it. Harvest Moon was the first story I decided to publicly share and I'm so glad I did. I hope to continue my current fics, and write new ones in the future, so please look out for those.
A million thank yous..
Jasmine