Act 2 Delicate Destruction
Two years later
Rough hands gripped the pull up bar over and over as he grunted with each pull of his body. His now walking toddler mimics him with his own plush set of dumbbells. The dirty blonde long stubble around the man's mouth stretched when he grinned at his two-year-old.
"Da Da Strong !" Kawaki yelled.
Naruto chuckled at him. Kawaki was the best support system. Everyday waking up to his kid keeps him going. The two-year-old was the best kid he could ask for. He's been the only thing that's keeping him sane.
He hasn't seen or spoke to Hinata in two years. He was not invited to her graduation. She had missed both of the last annual friendship trips. He had got his hopes up both years wishing for her presence again. There was always a toy on Kawaki's and Mikoto's birthday and on Christmas sent from her besides that he's only seen her in the media with her boyfriend. Hinata was Toneri girlfriend.
She's making him nervous. Causing waves of worry and concern to wash him as time pasts. He could tell she's lost weight from the pictures.
That damn bastard just doesn't know it. Naruto would snatch up his girlfriend and won't return her. He knows Hinata now. The real Hinata what she wants from him. However, she's staying by Toneri's side always but Naruto knows now he was the one for her. To her even if she's with another.
"Honey It's almost starting !" His wife calls for him.
He picked up his son and went upstairs. In two years she's been gone and dating it didn't discourage his heart only fueled it. He went from obsessing to psychotic passion. He plotted ways she could be back in his grasp. Crazy scenarios for them both to be together he would never tell a soul.
The vice Mayor walked up the stairs into their living room. Shion was at a pot on their copper stove.
He took Kawaki to the living room as he put him down and watched the TV. Hinata was doing an interview.
Interview: who's your biggest inspirations ?
Hinata smile politely.
Hinata: The writer of make out tactics. Jiraya.
Interview: ah the pervy sage himself ? Ha ha!
Hinata: yes ha ha I actually had the pleasure of meeting the king of erotic novels myself before he died through a close friend.
He smiles to himself at the mention of Jirayas and at him beinh that close friend.
Interviewer: tell me Hinata who did you vote for ?
Hinata: Kamu. Never give up.
She says and giggles. Naruto could feel his pulse speed up at this. Shion came running with a glass of wine and took a seat by him handing him a beer.
Interviewer: what would you like to tell the fans of The Last before its premiere.
Hinata: thank you for your support. You guys are amazing enjoy.
The credits began to play in hot pink.
The Last
Created by Hinata Hyuuga
Published by Toneri Otsutsuki.
Naruto watched as some heart throb with red hair name Nagato played him and a purple haired woman with honey eyes named Konan played Hinata. They had doppelgänger child actors having them meet in first grade.
...
Pride filled his chest as did angst. The first episodes were so familiar to his days in school. Watching the teen kid now portraying him chase after the girl whom he assumes was Sakura. It ended with them both as adults meeting at a friend's party.
Shion was gasping as it ended and it started to replay.
"It was good can't wait for next week episodes" Shion said standing up. "Dinner should be ready"
After he ate with his family Shion took Kawaki for a bath.
"Your mails in your office" she says quietly then leaves.
Shion
She watched at her son splash in the tub and silently tears were down her face. She didn't want to face the fact her marriage had been rocky for sometime. He's always so nice but sometimes he gets irritable with her and shuts her out. She had hope watching his friend show would get him to talk with her. She loved Naruto. She just didn't know how long she could keep loving him if he closes her out.
Naruto
He walked up to his office and sat down checking his emails. His father-in-law had him going out of town on business quarterly. He had a recent seminar coming up in Kiriga. He saw a fancy blue envelope sitting on his desk caught his eyes, and he felt that he didn't like the way it looks with a dreaded feeling in his gut he reached for it and read it.
To: The Uzumaki's
From the Hyuuga Otsutsuki family
He is on sight of the names join together is raging in anger as his lip turns up and shakes as jittery finger tears opened the folds. The card stock has heavier than the normal standard papers he deals with daily and his heart and breathing has stopped as his eyes saw those devious letters.
With love
Mr. Hiashi Hyuuga request the honor of
Your presence at the wedding of his daughter.
Hinata Hyuuga
To
Toneri Otsutsuki
son of Mr. & Mrs Hamura Otsutsuki on June 23RD 2023 at 1:00 pm
Reception to follow
The hole that had been slowly burning at his core as erupted as all the air leaves his lungs and his hand reaches for the wooden surface of his desk. His body is angled hunched over the letter as his mouth is drop desperately trying to breathe again. His lungs are moving too fast for his brain to receive the oxygen. His knees fall as he tried to soften the blow pulling down his keyboard and the forsaken invitation. He is in fetal position in balled up as his lungs finally get their fix of the bitter air. His feet are shaking in fear. Pure terror washes over him. His greatest nightmare has become real. He brings a hand to his mouth at his sicken amazement, and he winces out a tear less sob before pulling his blonde locks so hard he's sure he some came out.
Sakura
She's always tired. Her rotations had started, and she was shadowing a doctor that couldn't keep his eyes off her ass. Sasuke had been promoted from officer to detective and it's taken a toll on him. He went from stopping crime to solving crime. It wasn't easy on his mental state. Her mother was her nanny since Mikoto was born so that helped them a ton to leave her with someone they could trust. Her daughter was the best gift from heaven. In Sakura's a little under two years of being a mom she had felt like an extension of herself was now here looking up at her for food, water and cuddles. Sasuke came home in his suit rushing in as Sakura was midway through The Last episode one. He kissed her cheek before sitting down next to her to watch it. From what she understood. Season 1 would be 8 episodes. 4 love and 4 erotic. Their daughter was crawling about in the floor as they watched.
...
Sakura wanted to congratulate her friend. This was a good show. Sakura hadn't had time to watch TV these days. The Last was entertaining. Hinata posted some things in between the obvious promotional machine who had control over her account but what she saw made her gasp. A reel video played over and over.
Toneri down on one knee holding a small golden box. Hinata hands over her face looking down at his proposition in front of the winged Victory of Samothrace in Paris, France at the Louvre Hinata then smiling into the camera crying showing off the at least 15-carat ring emerald cut ring. The size, clarity and color ensuring that it cost a pretty penny. The next reel the man of the proposal up from his knees Toneri is kissing his new fiancé sweetly with a teary eyed Hanabi in the background. Sakura watched the way Hinata's eyes twinkled at Toneri, and she felt herself become overwhelmed with happiness for her friend. The caption from Paris with love.
"Oh my god" Sakura cried
Sasuke came back from checking their mail handing her a blue envelope addressed to the Uchiha's.
"Hinata's engaged to Toneri" she said looking from the envelope to her husband.
Sasuke slowly sat down on their sofa as Sakura open the letter and read it out loud.
Her hands fell. Knowing her husband was feeling the same thing she was. Concern for their mutual best friend.
"Hinata's engaged" Sasuke repeats.
Sakura didn't know what to feel happy for friend but dread knowing that two years ago while Shion was pregnant Hinata and Naruto had something and before that Hinata always loved him and when Naruto found that out he shut out his wife. She hoped this would be the finale of Naruto's behavior, and he can move on.
"I'm happy for her" Sakura whispers
"I wish I could help him. The way he helped us but Hinata should move on" Sauske says.
Sakura nodded but still felt upset. She found herself shipping Naruto and Hinata and rooting for them. At first sure she wasn't happy about Naruto feelings towards Hinata but with the reveal of the poems and Hinata catching Toneri eye. It feels like she's in a K drama.
The pounding on their door causes them both to cringe. The couple walked to the door and a heavy breathing Naruto rushes in.
"I can't get in contact with her. She's in fucking Paris. I've been restricted from seeing her direct message. The only numbers and emails I have for her aren't working".
Sakura hugged him. It's all she could offer to heal him.
Ino
Her eyes watched envious of her friend perfect engagement at the fucking Louvre. She looked over at Sai from the silk sheets of his bed. He was painting across the room shirtless. She could see every crease of his muscle flex her eyes filled with such love and disappointment. He hadn't cut her loose, and she was grateful but was this all they'll ever be.
"Toneri proposed" she says
He continues to paint. "Who you think gave him the idea beauty? He wanted to do it in front of the Mona Lisa. I told him the Nike statue was more romantic".
He says like it's a walk in the park. Her eyes glisten over. "So you can suggest how to make the most perfect proposal even better but you don't want to get married yourself ?"
He stops painting, and she could see he's taking in her artwork of a woman at a vanity.
"Who would I marry Ino ?"
He's a jerk even, so she's weak for him. "Me... You could marry me"
He turned to her. His face is blank and unintentionally cold.
"I couldn't disrespect such a union that's build on love and I won't put you in a loveless marriage"
Her face is heated in the pain lose words caused her, but she knew. He warned her. With tears brimming she took a deep breath sitting up from the soft pillows in her black lace bra. "It wouldn't be completely loveless" she confesses to him. He closes his eyes.
"This has gone on for too long Ino. I'm sorry. I-"
"I love you Sai" she says, and he opens his eyes to walk closer to her and sit down on the bed. He brushed her bang out of her face. "We keep each other company Ino that's all"
"I want more" she says shaking her face from his hand pulling her kegs out of his bed. She pulled khaki pants over her laced underwear as her diamond necklace he gifted her hung above her bust.
"Ino ?"
"I need to go home. I left my mother running the shop. She's getting old."
She pulled her hands through the white shirt and button it.
"You're leaving ?" He asks.
"Yes and I don't have the integrity to not take my things on my own so will you stop me or take them back"
"You did sexual favors for those things"
Her teeth clenched at that. Favors? She wanted to do it as much as him. "I was making love to you not doing favors"
She could see the puzzlement on his face." You can keep everything Ino".
...
She stood in his garage stuffing all shapes and sizes of luggage leather bags in her gray corvette he bought her for her birthday. She sat with the engine running as he looked down at her.
"You don't want to take the range? You can take both".
She shook her head no. "That car was always yours I just drove it. I wouldn't feel right taking it".
He nods. "Right. Um tell Rose to call me if she's needs anything."
Ino chuckles. " She thinks you're a pimp"
Sai lips turned into a line. "You call me too if you need anything Ino"
Her eyes were watering looking up at his face. He seemed sad, but she knows he's not he can't feel anything.
"Goodbye Sai" she says as tears leaked out her eyes, and she drove away not looking back under Suna's sky.
When she made it to the shop. Her mother made sure to make her feel bad but admitted Sai had helped their family. Her mother gave her two envelopes and a box. One was the invitation to the wedding and the other was a box with rows and columns of lavender rose heads it was an invitation to be a bridesmaid as well. Her name was under Hanabi's, the maid of honor, as Sakura and Tenten were the other two.
Her mother leaned forward.
"Always a Bridesmaid" the mothers says dismissive.
Tenten LAX
She just wrapped up a project in America and was on the way to the airport in a taxi when she saw the news broke of Hinata's engagement. Hinata sent her electronic invitation to her wedding and to be a bridesmaid. She couldn't help but feel when will it be her turn. Hers and Neji's. His Parole hearing was next year. She would be happy with him coming home, getting married and eventually having his children. She smiled at the thought.
Sakura
She was in the lunchroom of Konoha's first hospital scarfing down a sandwich as she saw the 4 people talking. Almost choking herself as it went down her esophagus taking a quick swig of water before putting in her headphones and tapping the join button.
Four familiar faces pop up on her cellphone.
"Hey mm hey !" The pinkette smiled.
Her friends were a sight for sore eyes of the constant patient's and creep old doctors.
Tenten had low buns. Ino's bangs were out her eye, Hanabi's hair was cut to her shoulders and Hinata's hair had grown out to the length it was as a teenager. The bride to be is glowing.
"Sakura !" Her three friends sung to her, and she smiles at them.
"I'm sorry I'm at the hospital I don't have much time I'm on my lunch break"
"Right. Right !" Hinata says. "Well I was just telling them everything is paid for. You received a round trip ticket. The bridesmaids and their family and plus ones in first class and Sakura you have a plus two for Mikoto. You'll fly in get to the hotel and the next day Friday is the fittings that night bachelorette party. Saturday's rehearsals the rehearsal dinner. " She said out of breath.
The other 4 ladies nodded.
"Yeah all that good stuff. Hinata your getting fucking married!" Ino beamed.
The girls all laugh at the blondes outbursts.
"The way he looked at you the first night we met them"
Hinata blushed at this then gasp. " I understand if our friends are too busy to come. I missed out on so much making The Last"
"Their totally coming" Tenten says. "Your wedding is going to be the summer social event."
"Where are you Hinata ?" Sakura asked a bit concern.
"I'm in Europe the dress and his Tux is going through the last touch ups. The designer is the old prime minister of Kiriga".
"When will you be back in the 5 great Nations ?" Sakura asked.
Hinata smile. "After the wedding a four-month honeymoon and then 3 months of filming season 2 we just were informed that the ratings were good"
Sakura didn't want to be a downer, but she thought Hinata wanted to be in journalism.
"FOUR MONTH HONEYMOON!" Tenten shouted!
Hinata blushed.
"He must have stamina" Ino said "How is it ?"
Her face gets redder, and she looks away from the camera. "We haven't and Toneri kun has been very patient with me."
Ino gasped in horror."You haven't seen what you're going to be married to ?"
Hinata shook her head no.
"Leave her alone Ino !" Sakura yelled.
They could hear a door open and Hinata's face go even redder. "Anyway this is my cellphone number feel free to text or call me bye guys !"
Skaura watches as Hinata's face disappears. She could see Hanabi frowning before they all said goodbye
.Toneri
He walked into the hotel room and saw his fiancé blushing and saying goodbye to the girls. He took a moment to take her in watching the ring on her finger sparkle as she quickly hung up the sleek device. She was sitting on the cotton sheets in a white satin spaghetti strapped shirt and sitting in a way the matching short silk white shorts rode up her hips.
"Bridesmaids troubling my bride ?"
She smiled at him and shook her head no.
"They're just being them" she peeped.
He smiled at her cuteness. Hinata hair had grown a little past her shoulders since they been dating and now that she's converted to his diet she lost twenty-five pounds and looked stunning.
He took off of his shirt in front of her and her face was blazing and looked away. So damn cute. He thought.
"I'm going to shower"
She nodded quickly without meeting his eye.
...
As he cleansed himself he couldn't help but feel like he was the king of the world. Everyone wanting to work with his company and his show was trending every week. Hinata's following grew, and he just signed a 100 million yen deal, and he was going to marry his perfect beautiful and clean little angel.
After his shower he put on a cotton white shirt, cotton joggers and socks before laying in bed next to his wife to be. He sighed laid back then turned to face her n a swift motion their noses were centimeters apart. He watched her pearl eyes look at him with soft admiration.
She grabbed his face gently with her French tip painted nails playing on his jaw. He could feel his ring he gifted the woman he loved scratch against his skin. He wanted her, and he knew he would have her wed to him, but he wanted her body. One more painful month is all he had to wait before he could have her.
He shivered at her touches and took her hand lacing their fingers by their face with his other hand deep in her hair. He had to stop her touches or otherwise he would grow even more impatient than he already was for her.
June 19th 2023
Shion
Naruto hasn't gotten better. She couldn't figure out what was wrong with him. Her heart was pained by her situation. She smiled for her family and Kawaki. He's Konoha's heart throb vice mayor so her mind has wondered if some younger and more fun woman has tempted him. The humiliation and heartbreak she would suffer. Maybe it's best she walked away with her son before the media finds out that she failed as a wife to keep him happy. His instability had caused her unfinished degree to collect dust as a dream in the back of her mind. She wanted to be a nurse. Sakura was making it work, and she was aiming to be a doctor. She sighed and continued to fold his clothes into the brown leather bag before zipping it. On her bed sat the his and hers traveled bags they received at their wedding from the Hyuuga family. Next to a bright blue bag that was for their son. She took the luggage downstairs, sitting it by the door as Naruto changed Kawaki's diaper in their living room. Now dressing their son he picked him up handing him to her before grabbing the bags and loading up the awaiting taxi. Hinata's and Toneri's wedding is at the destination of Kirirga nation. It's romantic in its scenery but also very controversial with a bloody history of civil war. She hoped the beauty of the nation would reignite a spark in their marriage. A spark that's been gone for a long time.
...
Family and friends alike flew to the water nation meeting in the lobby of the airport than hotel settling down after their long flights and slept
June 20, 2023
Naruto
The hardest acid filled pill seemingly forced down his throat like some higher power was testing his patient's is how he felt. Shion wanted to go sight seeing but Naruto hadn't been up for it. She left with Kawaki about two hours ago. His predicament had no principle of justice but in the end he had no one to blame but himself. It wasn't Hinata's, Shion or even Toneri's fault. He failed to notice Hinata when it mattered. Now he's concocting ways to stop this union he was kindly invited to.
He could hear knocks on his door, and he got up to answer his door. Sasuke was standing there with Mikoto in a harness on his chest in a watermelon swimsuit blinking up at Naruto. Sasuke was wearing swim trunks and a t shirt.
Mikoto chubby arms were reaching for him. " Ra Ra ramen !"
Naruto couldn't help but smile at the girl calling him by his favorite meal.
"Yeah ?" He asked Sasuke.
"Put on your swim trunks. Shion called crying. She's at a water park. I told Sakura I get your ass there while she's at her fitting".
Naruto winced then did what he was told going to get dressed.
This powerless feeling of not of a say in something so important keeps consuming, and he can't help but think. This was how Hinata felt and not just for two and half years but for most of her life. He can't live with this guilt and heartbreak. It was easy to fake around his cow worker and in laws but with Shion they lived together. She's unsatisfied. He just keeps fucking up. He couldn't make none of the woman around him happy. A failure. A waste of a man.
Downtown Kiriga. Fittings.
The retired prime ministers of Kiriga had opened up a beautiful bridal shop and ran it in her free time. Mei Terumi had been working viciously with Toneri on the dresses. In the end for the bridesmaids four Tiffany blue colored ankle length cowl lined neck that came into thin spaghetti straps with the back out in the fabric of charmeuse.
Hinata's dresses was a snow-white A line dress with flowers and glitters embroided on the chest and sleeves covering most of her skin safe for the shoulders, some of the arms and back. On the back the was illusion fabric that had a line of pearl buttons going down to her waist. The skirt of the dress draped and hung elegantly with almost illusions of a ball gown dress without the poof when she walked it flows with her and her bridal party screamed as she came out and stood next to them in their Tiffany blue dresses.
Sakura
They looked beautiful as they stood next to the bride to be looking in the mirror she turned around to study herself in the clinging fabric. It had been easy for her body to snap back into shape, but she still was rounder than before.
"Oh my god Sakura your ass looks great" Tenten yelled.
Ino snorted a laugh. "Sasuke going to rip that thing off of you"
Sakura blushed at her friends. After having her amazing daughter she traded sweats for scrubs that hung off her body normally paired with a cardigan and Sasuke wore a suit everyday now he's a detective. She still gets insecurity ever now and again about herself but Ino wouldn't lie. Toneri had amazing taste, and she only hoped to knock the wind out of her husband in this.
"Hey it's not my day it's Hinata's!" Sakura stated so that the eyes could fet off her lower body turning around and hiding it from their views. She peeked over at Hinata would was staring at herself in the mirror. The wedding dress was the embodiment of glam and virtue. The glitters clashing with the flower embroided and the pearl back was the icing on a prefect cake.
"Hinata my goodness you look beautiful"
The Hyuuga blushed at the compliment.
"He hasn't seen me in it yet. Bad luck ya know" she said then gasp and closed her eyes.
Sakura Tenten and Ino shared a look at each other before Hinata opened her eyes again. She was visibly shaking.
She had to support Hinata.
"Do you think something is missing ?" Hanabi asked and Hinata's mouth open to respond but no words came out.
"A veil"
Hanabi turned to Mei's juniors consultant. "The veil !"
The consultant went to grab the long veil and placed it on Hinata's head. Everyone gasped and as Hinata looked wide eyes at herself then smiled.
Sakura smiled relieved.
...
After the fittings the girl got on a boat and went to brunch at a beautiful outside restaurant on river street and wearing more causal clothes. She sat across from Hinata as the girls went to the restroom. The future Mrs. Otsutsuki was sipping her coffee from an elegant tea cup scrolling on her phone as the sun beamed and the water from the river street held boats and people travelling. This particular part of Kiriga district one had boats instead of cars to travel. She notices Hinata's clothes and jewelry is all white. It strikes her as odd as from what she knew of the pale man her friend was soon to betrothed was he is always in white. Her emerald eyes spot the lavender Birkin on Hinata's arm's and makes her smile at the familiar color her friend used to wear every day.
She quickly turns off her phone and toss it into her bag then smiles up at Sakura.
"Sorry the wedding planner is telling me a million things all the time"
Sakura eyes soften. "Been there done that"
Hinata smile falls, and she couldn't look Sakura in the eye. "I don't deserve you all here really. I missed so much"
Sakura grabbed her hand and emerald eyes met lavender ones. "Everyone remembers Hinata you were in the hospital... We all miss things but just come to the annual trip that's what matters."
Hinata smiled. "I will again one day...Shion dorect message me that they made it here"
Sakura was confused. Naruto had said he couldn't direct message Hinata but everyone else could. "Yes they went to a water park with Mikoto and Kawaki. Shion's agreed to watch the mids3 while we attend the bachelors and bachelorette parties."
Hinata blushed. "I'm sorry Sakura. Toneri's brothers wanted to throw him one. It's not at the club but the hotel. A few exotic dancers and an open bar"
Sakura chuckled. "It's okay Hinata. I trust Sasuke. He was surprised Toneri reached out to him and Na-" Sakura pauses and sees the realization of whom Sakura was about to name. "Naruto" she finishes.
Hinata sighed and turned to watch the boats go by.
Sakura swallowed. She already knew the answer. All of their friends did, but she wanted Hinata to say it. "It's about Naruto isn't it ? Your show".
Hinata closed her eyes then opened them with a smile turning back to her friend. "Naruto kun saved me. He introduced me to some of the greatest people. He's left an everlasting impression on me. It's like being able to put those feelings away in a safe box and sending them down this river to find another soul".
Is what Hinata's says before her phone buzzes again and the girls come back from the restroom. Sakura sighed and turned to the boats as the squealing Ino, Hanabi and Tenten returned.
Bachelorette party
The girls arrived in their modest swimsuits and robes provided by the future Mr. And Mrs. Otsutsuki. The limbo took them to a black sand beach that was rented out for the bridal party. Momo Otsutsuki agreed to watch Mikoto Shikadai and Kawaki so Shion and Temari could attend. The bride and bridesmaids had labels on their robes in rhinestones. The girls played in the water with a server in the Villa they were staying in before the beach. Hinata was gifted many things for her party from her friends and sister.
Shion
She was enjoying watching Ino and Tenten dance after playing some music. Everyone had a few mimosas and fruity margaritas in them. She sat by Temari and Karui watching Hinata run away from the tipsy Ino, Tenten, and Hanabi.
Her eyes traveled to Temari she looked to be saddening watching the bride be fawned over.
"Are you okay ?" She asked.
Temari shrugged. "It's just when will it be me"
"You can't think like that" Karui told her.
Shion looked at the two girlfriends and decided to chime in.
"Marriage is hard and it hurts but it loves so much." She tells them remembering how exciting it used to be with her husband now sometimes it feels like he's not even seeing her when she's right there.
Tenten
She and Ino had the bride by her ankles and wrist swinging her before the water. Hinata's face was so red as she was laughing and screaming for help.
"Guys stop that !" Sakura yelled running towards them. The Uchiha was running too fast and collided as a group of bodies tumbled.
They fell in the black sand laughing loudly before sighing and taking in the white noise of the ocean.
"I missed you guys" Hinata confesses.
Tenten turned to see the Hyuuga girl looking far out into the waters.
"We missed you too. Is something wrong ?" Ino asked her.
Tenten wanted to ask the same thing she never seen such a sad bride.
"I'm scared" she says and covered her red face.
Ino and Sakura put supporting hands on her shoulders. "It'll be okay" Sakura offered and rubbed her back as Hinata dropped her hands from her face and stared back out at the ocean.
Bachelor party 11:35 PM
Toneri
The groom was laughing with a red face as Hinata's friend Kiba and his brother Urashiki get lap dances. A stripper dressed as a nurse comes on to him but he brushes her aside and directs her to Shino.
Urashiki laughed as he was enjoying his entertainment. "Brother you've gone soft"
"Nothing will detour me from getting Hinata to be mines I only agreed to this for you." He shouts back and Urashiki does an invisible whip motion with his hands.
Naruto
He was staring at this guy from across the room. The vice mayor sat in a chair with a beer in his hands gawking at this bastard waiting for a moment he messed up. Naruto would be running to tell Hinata and ruin this over the top fucking circus. Hinata was a simple girl she doesn't want a social event for a wedding. Blue eyes looked at the clown from head to toe and could feel his blood burn in hatred lace jealously. His fingers tighten around the brown bottle. He could kill this fuck right now. Damn it if only he could talk to her. She hadn't gone out of her way to see him. In fact, she's gone out of her way to see Shion. The older woman gushed over the kids as none of the boy's in their family has had children yet. It took a lot of convincing but kurenai sensei had come in to be the mother of the wedding for Hinata and agreed to watch over Mikoto, Kawaki and Shikadai with Mrs. Otsutsuki Kiba and Shino assured the retired teacher would keep an eye on the kiddos relaxing the worried konoha parents, so they could go have fun. This was not fun for Naruto at all. He's been in silent torture. All this fancy shit. Toneri as sweeping Hinata off her feet he bet. It infuriated him.
Sasuke put a hand on his shoulder. "Let's take a walk".
He turned to his friend who was looking at the now broken bottle leaking onto Naruto's pants. He nodded standing up, and they went to get fresh air.
Sasuke
They stepped outside the hotel by the lobby. Shion had been very happy when Naruto joined her at the water park and Sasuke could see that it took Naruto's mind off of things. Sasuke knew Naruto was constantly thinking about Hinata and the wedding. He had to talk some sense into his friend and atop dancing around it.
"Naruto she has a right to be happy. What kind of a life would she have if she's didn't try to find someone of her own".
Naruto bit back frown. "I don't know what kind of life I could offer her when I fucked up royally"..." But we would be together and I think that's enough"!
Sasuke shook his head at his navie friend.
"Stop thinking about what your missing out on and think about what you have"
"It's not that simple Sasuke". Not when it comes to her."
The Uchiha sighs. "It's going to have to be."
...
Naruto was left alone wandering the streets of Kiriga. He could hear water falls everywhere and the buzz of the night crawlers that dwell by the water. Sasuke went back to the kids. Allowing Naruto to have some time alone. He didn't want to go back to the party. He looked up at the sky and sent a prayer.
Please don't let her do this to sent into the heaven's the closed his eyes. Willing that the universe could stop a wedding.
"Mr. Vice Mayor" he hears a low feminine voice says.
He turns around to see a slim woman standing there with long gray hair. He's almost in shock by her eyes. She has the special mutation like Hinata's that makes your eyes lavender. Her lips are red, and she's wearing a trench red coat with matching heels.
"Yes Hello ?"
"Are you a friend of the bride's or the groom ?" She asks next.
"The bride. You ?"
She smiles. "The grooms" she says and burst into tears.
"Are you alright?"
She shook her head no and fumbles with her purse before spilling all its contents out on the ground.
He bends down to help her and sees a card. Kaguya Otsutsuki it says as he picks it up.
"Your related to the Otsutsuki's?" He asked he thought Toneri only had brothers.
"I was engaged to one. He had those cards made for me a long time ago." She admits and snatches it from him.
"I've said too much I have to go"
Naruto watches as the strange woman runs away sobbing, and he's unsure what to make of it. The encounter did make his dislike for anything related to Toneri grow. That woman was strange.
Ino
She was drunk singing with Hanabi by the Ocean as then other ladies had fallen asleep in the villa. After their current number Ino saw Hanabi looking out into the ocean.
"Are you okay ?"
"I'm nervous to see Konohamaru again. He's at the bachelor party right now with naked woman and I'm jealous".
Ino smiles then thought about. Sai was there too. She had missed him and leaving him was difficult. "Let's raid their party" she says and her eye catches Ino's.
Hanabi smirked and nodded.
...
The drunken ladies had the van take them back to the main hotel. They were still in their robes and swimsuits and only put on jeans underneath. They laughed as they fell on to the elevator as Ino reads the invite that was sent to the wedding group chat.
"Pent house suite !" She sings.
When they make it to the top they can hear music playing and see lights flashing under the door crack. She knocks on the door and it is open by defiantly somebody related to Toneri.
"More strippers !" He yells!
Ino rolls her eye and push past him into the room. Cloud of smoke could be seen and smelled as they walked through. Naked women were everywhere and Ino even saw some of her friends enjoying themselves. The friend in her wanted to look around for Toneri to make sure he is behaving himself. She turns to Hanabi who was frowning and Ino knew she was thinking the same thing. They searched around the room and suddenly she grabbed Hanabi's wrist feeling the eyes of drunk men on them. They make it out to the balcony realizing this was a bad Idea.
"Lets get the fuck out of here"
Hanabi nodded
"Lets just beeline to the door and leave" as soon she said that the door opened and out came a group of the men.
"Why aren't you girls dancing"
Ino frowned. "We're friends of the bride asshole!" She barks.
"Feisty !" One of them slurred, and she squeezes Hanabi's hand before she knows it the door opens again and there is Sai he walks straight in front of them giving Ino the stink eye before grabbing her wrist, and she pulled Hanabi along. He doesn't speak at all until there safe in the hallway.
"Are you trying get yourselves hurt !" He yells at them.
Hanabi
Konohamaru was standing there and looked relieved to see her. Her face is red and she looks away from him.
"Look we just came up to check on the groom where is he ?"
"The party got too wild he left as did most of your friends"
"Oh" she says.
"They're drunk" Sai says. "Konohamaru please take Miss Hyuuga to her room. Ino and I have to talk" he says and Hanabi sees him step forward and take her hand rushing to the elevator.
Her head was dizzy as she saw the golden doors closed and Ino's image disappear.
"Hey ! I'm with Ino".
His grip on her wrist tighten. "Damn Hanabi they what they were doing in there. They were more than dancers they were escorts" He yells at her.
She gasped then blushed. "I didn't know okay!"
"What if you had been mistaken for one"
The elevator ding and she pulled herself away from him. "It would've been no different to how you treated me" she yells at him then storms towards her room. She digs in her jeans pocket and reaches for the key as soon as it beeps she's being pulled inside.
He closed the door and pushes her against the wall. Her voice is lost.
"That's not fair Hanabi"
She's crying. "I trusted you. I love you. I gave you everything and you said fun was over".
He pushed his face against hers and took her lips in his own. "I'm sorry" he pulled away then kisses her again. She pulled away this time.
"Why ? Why did you do that to me ?"
"What could I offer you Hanabi ?"
She looks at him. So it was his pride that made him treat her so cruelly.
"I would've submitted to you. I did submit to you because I want you. I don't care about what my dad or anyone else says." She cried and he paused before kissing her again.
Ino
She walked into her room slamming the door behind her, but he caught it and came in. She sighed and walked towards her balcony taking in the water country's nightly beauty.
"I miss you beautiful" he says, and Ino shakes her head.
"That's not good enough" she says
She could feel his body heat behind her, and she closes her eyes. His hands are on her shoulder, and she's shaking.
"I want you to love me" he tells her, and she feels the exterior of her heart crack.
"I want you Ino in my life by my side. Will you just be... With me. Live with me. Travel with me. Be mines. Belong to me."
She turned around in his arms.
"I want to be together with you" she tells him. "As a partner as an equal not whatever the hell we were before"
He nods. "Anything you want"
Her eyes lowered. "Do you have any of that stuff?"
He nodded.
Rehearsal dinner June 22, 2023
Naruto
He sat next to his wife and son with the Uchiha's on his right and Shikamaru's family on his left. He hadn't had the appetite to eat. Shion had been ignoring him all morning. He has been too consumed with the thought of seeing Hinata again today at the dinner he could barely sleep.
The room erupted in cheers as two bodies demand the attentions of everyone. She floated in. She looked absolutely beautiful. There she wore a knee-length evening white gown with a white cape over her shoulders. Her hair had been pulled into a low bun. Toneri had an on a white blazer and white pants matching her irritatingly so. Hinata had a smile on her lips while looking up into Toneri eyes. Naruto raised a shaky hand to his hair and rubbed his fingers through them before gripping his hair so hard it's turning his knuckles white. He could see in the mist of the currents running between the couple. He bites back his tongue as his noses scrunched in anger. His blue eyes blazing.
He can't stand this. He wants her to look his way but the smile on her face when she accepts a kiss on her cheek from that piece of shit. His eyes then shake and water. Hinata loves me he thinks but why does she look so happy. His eyes continue to shake as Toneri grab the microphone thanking everyone for coming and tomorrow Hinata would make him the happiest man on earth.
Maybe he couldn't be into her career like Toneri, but she wanted me. She wants me. She told the world through her writing. How could she smile next to him. Accept his kiss. Accept Toneri's ring. He then began to wonder if she remembers them on her bed. The way their fronts touch how she shivered for him. He was confused and just wanted her around him, and he didn't know of his feelings then but now he knew she was his soul mate.
After dinner his gut was churning as he walked into their room. He felt sick. His stomach bubbled with fear and dread. Hinata was getting married tomorrow, and he hadn't even had a chance to talk to her.
Shion packing her bag caused the stew in his gastrointestinal to fade from the man thing consuming his mind and heart.
"Shion ?"
"I'm going home"
Suddenly the vomit is in his mouth, but he swallows it.
"What ?"
"You look absolutely miserable next to me and our son the whole night. You aren't being loving to me in fact you haven't been in a while" She says coldly and puts the bag on her arm with the sleeping Kawaki on her shoulder.
"Shion" he breathes.
"Don't try to stop me. I need to go home. You need to represent us here. I can't fake anymore in front of people" she says, and she was walking out the door.
Naruto fell to his knees as he couldn't breathe. After witnessing such heartbreaking interaction of Hinata and her husband to be his own wife had left him. He simply couldn't handle it.
He brought his hands to the back of his neck and grabbed two fist fulls of a hair and screamed angrily.
Wedding Day June 23rd 2023
Hinata
Her eyes fluttered open as the sun seeped through the curtains of the Villa. The bridal party had gone back there after the rehearsal dinner. She could feel butterflies in her stomach as her eyes widen. It was her wedding day. She sat up in the bed to see Hanabi and Sakura still asleep in the bed with her. The phones were charging on the night stand sounding off an alarm. Her French tip nails reached for it and saw a text message from her groom.
Toneri: Just walk to me baby. Walk right in my arms.
A blush came to her face as her eyes squinted softly at the words. Today she would become Mrs. Toneri Otsutsuki.
Her bridal party started to wake, and she knew they had to get to the cathedral marital rooms, so she could get ready. Toneri rented a beautiful big cathedral for their I do's.
"I'm getting married today" she whispers.
Panic rose in her belly as she thought about what's happening. She reread his text and giggled then smiled.
Sakura
They packed and woke up early before dawn to drive down to the church. She learned from Sasuke via texts that Naruto had a rough night and anxiety attack. She watched Hinata stare out the window of the passing beautiful city, and she felt herself grow giddy for her friend. This was very special. A Union of love rather she wished her two friends to be together or not. This was Hinata's day. She had watched the Hyuuga love Naruto her whole life almost completely one-sidedly. Hinata deserved this.
...
There were rooms that separated the bride and groom. They rushed into the room as professionals picked at Hinata after her shower. The Hyuuga sat in white lacey lingerie with a blush as her face was being down and her hair French braided with rollers in her bangs. When the stylist took out the rollers they cuffed and framed her face as her makeup was finished. The highlights and contours of her face wasn't caked on but naturally enhancing her features. When the stylists left Hinata looked at her self blinking wide-eyed.
"Holy shit" she breathed
Hanabi Sakura Ino and Tenten all giggled as they had slipped on their own Tiffany blue cowl gowns and had their makeup done. Their hair had been but in low curly buns.
Hinata
Her bridal party helped her into the glamours gown. She only dreamed of marrying and to one man particularly. So for everything to turn out as it has had made her emotional. Toneri had been the perfect boyfriend gentle, patient and caring. She never thought she could be loved. When you chase after one person your whole life it does a number on your self-conscious. She never felt that way with Toneri. She knew he was into her upon meeting her. A blush hit her face. Looking back on it, she never imaged herself here with him. She reread his texts again. She had to be dreaming this wasn't real. A man couldn't want her forever ?
"Hinata" Sakura says softly.
She looks up at her friend. "Is this really happening ? Is someone going to love me until I'm old ?"
Her questions held a big weight everyone felt having knowing of her lifelong crush to one person.
Sakura nodded for her and Hinata closed her eyes and smiled. "He texted me he said to walk right to him right in his arms"
The woman aww at that, and she felt she had their support. She felt it was okay. Okay to let herself be loved.
There was a silence among the women as they basked in the raw moments before of a girl become a wife.
Until
"Fuck SASUKE ! I Just need to talk to her !" A husky voice yells silencing the room even further.
"What the hell would you even say to her. It's her wedding day?" A deep irritated and pitied voice counters.
"I'll tell her Don't marry him"
Hinata eyes widen as his breathing shorten and her love that she held in her heart past two decades had come rushing full force as her body shook the in the gorgeous gown.
A wounded scream ripped from her throat as her mouth dropped from the cry.
"Hinata !" She hears, and she cries again confirming the owner of that voice.
"Na Na Na ru ruto Kun" she whines back over the door into the room he must be in.
Naruto
He and Sasuke had stumbled to the church he had a terrible morning he could barely dress himself in his white shirt that was folded at the elbows khaki pants and vest that Shion packed for him. He was losing his mind. Sasuke tried to calm him before they took a seat and hauled him into one of the empty rooms.
"Fuck SASUKE ! I just need to talk to her" tell her No! He will not accept this. She belongs to him and she knows it.
Sasuke stepped to him looking in his eyes.
"What the hell would you even say to her. It's her wedding day?" His voice was deep and irritated.
If he saw her right now what would he tell her? WHAT WOULD HE TELL HER? "I'll tell her Don't marry him" the words fall from his lips and not a second later he hears an airy broken light scream.
His eyes widen raged by his the pounding in his chest. His blue irises in his desperate pursuit to find the owner of that voice stared at the curtain glass doors behind Sasuke.
"Hinata" he called to his true love, and she screams again before her ear quenching lips murmured his name in a stutter.
"Na Na Na ruto Kun" he heard, and he drops his mouth before he could speak to his love. Tell her not to marry Toneri and to run away with him a hand is claps around his throat, and he is being hauled away by Sasuke.
Hinata
On instinct her nose scrunched, and she's looking at the door where Naruto kun must be her hands move to try to unbutton the pearls on her back she couldn't breathe in the dress. Her heeled feet moved closer to the door as she had tears streaming down her face. Her heart beat so fast and raw at the words that Naruto spoke and the sound of her name on his lips. Not in a friendly way. Not in a sexual way. It was yearning way, a yearn she knew all too well. She is so frantic the bride hadn't noticed her bridal party started to surround her with their arms out trying to calm her.
"Hinata wait" Sakura told her
Her lavender eyes snapped to Sakura in confusions and anger. Why wasn't they letting her through.
Sakura
Hinata looked at her with such emotions and confusion she couldn't speak. So Ino took the lead.
"Hinata you're getting married in thirty minutes" Ino told her.
"But Naruto Kun said-"
Hanabi stepped forward as well. "He said it to Sasuke Hinata."
Sakura watches as Hinata's eyes fall and her chest sinks.
Tenten patted the bride's back in support as they all looked to Sakura for the next thing to say.
Sakura didn't want to say anything. If it had been Sasuke out there saying those things she would've gone to him but this was not Sasuke this was Hinata and Naruto. Naruto was married and it's Hinata wedding. So she could only say one known fact.
"Toneri is waiting for you" the words fell from her lips and Hinata turned her head in a hazy stared at her vanity and marched to it reading something on her phone closing her eyes before taking a sit on the vanity chair.
Sakura took a deep breath. "Ino why don't you fix her make up. Tenten tell Hiashi to wait a little longer Hanabi do not leave her side." The doctor to be barked before turning away and running outside.
Sasuke
He had Naruto jacked up in the men restroom.
Naruto rubbed his throat and cough as Sasuke let it go of his throat but held the uzumaki in a shuffled hug.
"Sasuke ?" He could hear his wife call coming into the restroom.
"What the hell is wrong with you ? That girl has loved you your whole life and you're just going to do this the day she's getting married".
"Hinata" Naruto panted
"If Sakura had chosen another man I would've been happy for her. I was a piece of shit to her, but she didn't only by a miracle. Every day, I know I'm not good enough for her but you! You've made up in your mind you are good for her. Your wife and child left you for fuck's sake and you're still trying to ruin someone you care about happiness. "
Naruto had melted down against the wall and covered his face in defeat as Sasuke spat the ugly cold truth to him
Kiriga St Kage Cathedral.
A beautiful church decorated in white and Tiffany blue flowers. The stain glass shine right under the alter.
Hanabi
She walked in her dress as the first bridesmaid. She had a hand full of baby breaths flowers with Toneri's brother Usrashiki by his side. Everyone looked on at her, and she could see Konohamru looking at her from the pew too she threw a smile his way as her tears had already started.
Sakura
She was next holding her bouquet of baby breaths next to Toneri's brother and Urashiki faternal twin Momoshiki. She saw Sasuke and Naruto in the crowd. The broken features of her friend had crushed her and in the same breath Hinata's happiness has made her feel content.
Ino
Ino she walked by Sai their eyes never leaving each others even as they parted on separate sides of the church. She watched as he stood behind Toneri.
Tenten
Walked proudly with her tattoo of Neji showing to everyone including the distance Hyuuga family members.
Mikoto and Shikadai walked down the isle. The girl sprinkled flowers as the boy held the rings. Kurenai sensei ran after Mikoto who got side tracked by her mother standing up there. The crowd laughed.
Hinata
Her hand was gripping her fathers as the wooden doors open and everyone stood for her. Her eyes saw her husband standing there he was crying. Her heart filled with a love she never knew she could feel. Everyone else disappeared in the room as she in felt like she was on a cloud getting lost in her husbands appearance in his white suit tears running down his face upon seeing her. Litrugrical musice played at her entance and walk.
As she got closer. Strength and forwardness rose in her calves as each step felt in tune with her hammering heart beats. Her pearlesant eyes had water brimming on the line as her father hugged her and left her there across from Toneri.
Her eyes looked at him with such adoration and love as the water spilled slowly out of her water line staring up into his handsome face.
The officiate spoke as the music stopped "You may all be seated. Toneri and Hinata have written their own vows".
Everyone took a seat
Naruto
His eyes were red as he sat in bis defeat. Watching Hinata walk to Toneri. He had been standing lost in the pews, and she floated by on her fathers arms it had to of been the hardest thing he's ever done. The way her gaze fell upon that man marrying her is how he wished she looked at him once more.
Her watched her look up at her husband then smiled as her father gave her away.
"Love is hard. It's the hardest thing on the earth to obtain." She starts. "I used to think why am I so un lovable. What's. Wrong. With me." She says and closes her eyes. "I am too ugly. Why not me. Why can't I be loved" she says and open her eyes to stare at Toneri. " I don't feel that way anymore. You make love is so easy Toneri. You make it so easy be love" her voice cracks with a string of emotion. "I took a chance with you a chance to be loved and it's the best thing I ever did"
Naruto was crying. Her vows tore him apart. That's how he's made he made her feel but now Toneri makes it better for her. Sasuke held his hand as he sobbed. He knew when he first saw Toneri he would be a problem. The way he talked about getting to know Hinata. Natuto could feel his soul weeping. He wanted to gauge out his ears after hearing her vows. He didn't want to witness this. His failure. His mind wonders to their touches and kisses they shared that one time. His fist balled over and over powerlessly. Her could see the almost whole audience in tears moved by her words.
Toneri smiled. "Hinata's has always been angelic to me. When I heard her poems for the first time and her wild imagination. If a woman and a man. I thought I wanted to be that man for her. The image she made up in her mind of what love was had stuck with me and I wanted to be that. I'm honored your letting me be your husband. I will cherish you for as long as I shall live. "
Naruto watched as Hinata wiped tears from Toneri's face amd the two smiled at each other
"Do you Hinata Hyuuga Take Toneri Otsutsuki to be your lawfully wedding husband"
"I do" she says
"Do you Toneri Otsutsuki take Hinata Hyuuga to be your lawfully wedded Wife"
" I do"
"You may now kiss the bride"
Toneri leaned his face down and smashed their lips together almost causing Hinata to fall, but she doesn't her husband catches her.
The room erupted with cheers as everyone clapped for the couple and Toneri took the hand of his wife and ran out of the church with the flow of her dress.
Sakura
She and Sasuke had been by his side the whole ride to the venue. The reception was held at a banquet hall 10 minutes from the church. Blue LED lights lit the room as the centerpieces vases had white Lilly and floating candles in water. The room was dim as a DJ played music. Everyone had been seated Naruto had his head down. It's killing me is what he told them in the limbo. She didn't think anything she could say would cheer him up.
"Make things right Naruto." Sasuke said leaning.
"Ladies and gentleman please welcome for the first Mr. and Mrs. Otsutsuki"
The room cheered as the couple came out surprisingly to a hip hop song.
Hinata and Toneri dance as they came in and everyone cheered for them. Hinata was slightly moving side to side as Toneri was dancing behind her all the way to the dance floor.
Hanabi, Ino, Sai and Konohamaru decided to meet the couple on the dance floor as Toneri's brothers did too.
Sakura watched as Hinata smiled at her two bridesmaids then laugh whole heartily at Inos dancing.
Naruto
Naruto his eyes looked on dully at the happiness surrounding him. The married couple had cute the 5 tier cake and gentle smashed it in each other's faces before sharing a sweet kiss. Hinata slow danced with Toneri then her father and it wasn't until the Bridal party snatched her away to dance.
Naruto knew this was his only chance to apologize. For almost ruining her happiness and for not noticing her before.
He stood clearing his throat before he walked towards her. Hinata danced next to Ino under the blue lights with her eyes closed. She was bare-footed now in that long dress. Even if she didn't wear it for him that dress looked stunning on her. Hinata looked so perfect as if she was a model for the dress instead of the bride that's wearing it, but she was. He never seen her hair braided before. The way her wavy bangs cuffed her face as she swayed with her friends made him sweat. She slowly opened those beautiful eyes he loved looking at him, and she offered him a smile.
He's standing right before and in a second of a heartbeat a hand is on her hand and another hand is on her waist whisking her away in a flurry of spins and gust of air. Toneri had spun Hinata into his chest then lifted her small feet on his shoes as he controlled her movements and dances with her cheek on his chest.
The whirlwind of movements slapped him hard in the face, and he couldn't help but feel she was being spun away from him for ever
...
He watched in the crowed as everyone threw rice at the couple. Hinata had changed into a white sun dress with a red loose bow tie around her neck. Toneri pulled her along to the awaiting vintage white Rolls Royce and the couple had driven away.
Naruto stayed at the reception hall for minutes and hours as guess started to leave. It wasn't until Sasuke called him about the flight is when he picked up his phone and dialed his wife's number.
Naruto: Don't leave me.
He tells her in a plea.
Santorini, Greece
Hinata
She stood next to her husband. Her braid had fallen while traveling. It took almost a day to get to their honeymoon location before he opened the door he held her by the waist and kissed her much deeper and passionately than her ever done before. When he pulled away she was blushing and looking up at him. His face was so close to hers. He moved her bangs back over and over like he was petting her.
"Your so beautiful" he whispered lowly and seductively.
Hinata was feeling very self-aware, and she shied away from his lustful glaze.
"Thank you" she peeped then looked up at him.
His gray eyes were glazed, his white hair tousled and his sharp chin folded as he bit his lips.
Pale he's so pale she thought.
"Your very handsome" she complimented.
He smiled at her.l and turned to open the door rolling their bags in. "Am I ?" He teased.
"Yes" she giggled and walked in.
The room was beautiful and spacey. She could see a pool and the ocean from the balcony. There was a big bed with flowers on it that spelled her new last name. Her mind went black at the sight.
She looked over at him, and she could see him staring at her with hungry eyes.
She blushes and her husband walks slowly towards her before their right in front of each other. His forehead is presses against hers.
"Hinata I'm your husband now" he says so deep her spine shivers.
Its getting harder to breathe. "Yes" she nods and there's a long silence before he grabs each side of her face and kisses her shoving his tongue in her mouth. She was so taken aback by the passion in that kiss she felt the wind get knocked out of her. Her whole body was trembling in anxiety and rejection.
"Take your dress off for your husband"
Her shaking intensified as she nods and slowly slips it off her shoulders. She's standing in the white lace lingerie she bought for him and his eyes light up then darken. His hands started to undo her bra, and she on instinct covered her chest from his eyes as he was gawking.
"Drop your hands Hinata"
Her face is very hot as she does so and submit to him.
He then pulls down the rest of the undergarments and help her step out of them. Hinata couldn't meet his gaze as he heard him shuffling and when she did look she gasps at him naked.
He closed in on her and the dropped to the bed. He pulled them up a bit and laid between her legs. Her shakes had gotten so bad her lips trembled.
Her husband was panting so hard.
And without warning
He broke the skin, and she cried out into the room walls.
Toneri
He couldn't control himself. He had waited to long for this. He ignored the painful noises leaving her lips and could only focus on the feeling of her. She was getting so wet. He lost all sense of control ass his hips thrust faster and harder as her whimpers turned from pained gasp to screams. He didn't care he just wanted to release in her. He ignored her scratches at his back and fucked her senseless.
An: this chapter was very hard to write. I didn't expect the emotions i felt. Thank you guys for the follow faves and reviews and words of encouragement. This set's the tone for act two.