To say that he was shock would be an understatement. It hadn't been a week since he last saw his fiancee's sparkling eyes, her smile full of hope, her pretty face. But here she is standing with only a few meters away from him. He had been frozen from his spot, unable to move and form words.
They had separated in well.. awkward and complicated setting. She must had felt it, thus her decision of coming back in Konoha in just over three days. He tried his best to let her know that he was fine with her still staying in Kumo for a few more weeks or months. In other words, he underestimated her.
One thing he figured out was that he could not really hide anything from her. Of course, she was not foolish enough for her to believe him enough. It had been a year-almost since they both met each other, and yet, Sasuke felt that his fiancee knew him better than he knew her.
It was as if in a minute's time when their gazes locked, he forgot that they were not alone at the moment. The royal family had gathered to welcome the princess back. His mother tried to stifle her laugh by covering her mouth. Itachi gave him an amused look while Izumi kept on grinning like a fool, turning her gaze back and forth between him and Sakura.
Somehow, not only he could feel the slight awkwardness hanging in the air. The Sakura he knew a year ago would not hesitate to flung her arms around him in instant. Instead, she smiled at him brightly, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear. Unsure what to do, he avoided her gaze and slowly brought up his right hand to scratch the back of his neck.
Clueless that time, Naruto, who was standing behind him, cleared his throat. "Your Highness, is everything okay?" which earned giggles from both his mother and Izumi.
You idiot. The young prince turned his head slightly to give the servant a glare.
Sakura, however, never fails to surprise and catch him off guard. She quickly made her way over to him and only stopped when they were approximately less than a meter away from each other. She looked up tom him and once again smiled. "I am back, Sasuke-kun." She whispered, paying no attention to their surroundings.
Sasuke opened his mouth to speak, and yet, no words came out. Embarrassed, he quickly held onto one of her hands. "Come with me."
He did not bother to excuse himself from everyone as he dragged the princess into the hallways. He was more than grateful that she did not question him. He kept on hearing the sound of her heels against the floor; he could feel how she was trying to catch up with his abrupt walking.
They turned another corner, and then another one. The only thing that was on Sasuke's mind was to go somewhere private, somewhere no one can distract them. But then again, luck was not on his side this time. As they turned left, they came face-to-face with the King no less.
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"You can still say no."
Sakura took a careful glance at her companion. They were now sitting in one of the swings in the Palace garden. Right after she had been welcomed by everybody, the King had immediately summoned her and Sasuke at his place. Right then, she found out the circumstances regarding the upcoming royal wedding in Suna.
"It's okay. It is about time I face my problems. Gaara..however you may look into it, he had become our friend. It is only right we go to his wedding." She carefully studied Sasuke's reaction, but still as expected, the young prince merely had his neutral expression in tact.
"I know what you're thinking. We will attract too much attention. But I am confident now to answer for myself, Sasuke-kun. I don't want to hide behind your back anymore. Just trust me. Hmm?" She continued on.
When she got no respond, she frowned a bit. "You'll be there with me, right?"
Sasuke gave her an annoyed look as if telling her she was asking for the obvious. Sakura giggled then. "Then I see no problem. We'll be fine. And besides, I never thought that you would worry about this kind of thing."
"All I am saying is that you do not have to force yourself just because Father told you to do so." Sasuke replied seriously.
"Sasuke-kun, I am a princess. I will become your wife, the wife of the second-in-line for the throne. If I would be continuing to act the way I wanted, I should have not accepted to stay in the Palace in the first place. I was serious back then when I told you I wanted to become a better princess for Konoha. The people deserve a better role model than the brat that I was a few months ago. Just please let me do this, okay?" She made sure that she looked straight into his eyes to let him know how important this was to her.
When she heard the familiar long sigh coming out from the young prince's mouth, she knew she had won.
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The wedding, despite the time-bound preparations, did not fail to mesmerize the people all over the world. News had spread everywhere that Pakura will be wearing a wedding gown specifically for her; it was made from the finest fabrics and features different types of diamonds and pearls. It amazed the top designers worldwide how they could make up such beautiful gown in a short amount of time.
During the ceremony, only a few selected family, close friends, and relatives were invited. Other guests such as other royalties, businessmen, celebrities would only be expected to arrive in the reception area where it will be open to the press.
There were also a few cameras installed beforehand to record the ceremony, just to let the people witness the union of the future king of Suna and his bride. Also, a live telecast was made all throughout Suna. Those who would be patiently waiting for the parade of the royal couple after the ceremony could still watch the live broadcast along the streets for they also installed big projectors and tv screens.
Unlike the previous royal marriages, this had been pretty modern. But still, there were some traditions exclusively for Suna that they still observed.
Before Gaara went to his wedding, he made sure to visit his long gone mother. His personal guards made sure that no one would be able to track his whereabouts. He was already wearing his suit and tie that was also tailored-fit only for him.
He closed his eyes and offered a silent prayer.
Mother, I know you told me to meet such a nice and beautiful lady. To fall in love. To make her happy. And not to give into what should be destined for me. To fight what for what I think is right. I did, Mother. I fell in love. She has the prettiest face and a kind heart. And I did what you told me to do, to fight for what I feel. To breakthrough from this curse of being a royalty. But it did not work out. I got hurt, I guess. I got reckless and forgot that I still am a prince.
She loves someone else. My heart aches and I wish you were still here with me. By then, you will be able to guide me, to be able to tell me what is the right thing to do. I actually thought that what my sister has..I can also have. Yes, she is also from Konoha, much like Temari's significant other. But it is much more complicated than that..she is promised to another man, another prince at that.
I thought that together..we could fight this undesired arranged marriages. It's too good to be true, I guess. I love her, and yet, I hurt her feelings. I became selfish, not trying to understand what she feels. I was too shy at first to approach her. I was contented watching her from afar, making sure she is happy and that she is comfortable that I neglected some of my responsibilities as a Prince. I realized many things after falling in love and getting hurt.
Father is sick. And I am going to get married..but not to the person I love. I still conformed to the traditions of Suna's royal laws and traditions. But I am not unhappy. Mother, I promise to take of Father. I promise to be a better King Suna has ever seen. I will spend more time with my siblings from now on. More than I love Sakura, I also love our family and Suna. For that, I will become the better version of myself.
I miss you.
Gaara set down a bouquet of flowers for his mother. Are you watching me, Mom?
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The ceremony felt like it ended in a minute as Gaara walked along side with his wife. The press immediately took a a number of photos of the newlyweds as they exited the church. Pakura could only be described as elegance and grace.
She waved and smiled at the photographers while making her way to the fairy tale-like carriage. Gaara was nothing but gentleman as he escorted his bride and lifted her gown as she climbed up the stairs.
There were marching band and dancers across the street as Gaara and Pakura waved their hands in acknowledgment to the crowd. The people waved Suna's flag to show their support for the royal couple.
But there were also a few who disapprove of him. He noticed some teenage boys and certain unions trying to make a protest. The royal guards were quick to stop them though.
Before them, both of his siblings also joined the parade. As they made their way towards the reception area, Gaara could not help but feel anxious. Everyone expected a meet up between the two youngest royal couples. The soon-to-be King was even certain that more than the wedding, people were more interested about him meeting both Sasuke and Sakura once again.
The reception area was decorated majestically. A five-layered cake was on display in the middle of the stage. King Rasa was already there, waiting for them and the guests. It was not too long when guests started to arrive. It was like a red carpet show when the press started asking for a congratulatory message for the King-to-be and his bride to the most important personalities.
Gaara and Pakura was instantly escorted in a room once they arrived. Pakura would still be changing her wedding dress for her to move easily. It seemed that the royal maids had prepared a grand entrance for them as well.
The royal servants and security guards had made it certain that there were no loopholes in the program and the safety of all who would attend and participate in such a large event. While Gaara was waiting inside a room for their cue to enter the reception area, he could not help but feel uneasy when he heard a commotion outside.
"Prince Sasuke and Princess Sakura have arrived!"
Sakura had her hair in a stylish ponytail that framed the shape of her face. She was wearing a silver sparkling dress that slightly cling to her body. Sasuke, on the other hand, wore a three-piece suit accompanied by a silver bow to match his outfit with his fiancee's.
With a television on in the room, Gaara knew everything that was happening outside.
Automatically, the press hovered at the two. Thanks to the efforts of the guards, the photographers and media had been pushed back behind the line.
Once everyone had settled down, a journalist automatically asked an intriguing question. "Princess Sakura, do you have any comment about the allegations of you playing with the two hearts of the most handsome princes?"
Sasuke looked into Sakura in concern. However, Sakura merely squeezed her fiancee's hand tighter. She looked up to the cameras and smiled. "Sasuke and I are here to congratulate the newly weds. We came here also to clarify the misunderstandings and to ease the concerns of the public. Prince Gaara had been nothing but a good friend to both me and Sasuke."
A male television news reporter then inquired. "Any comment regarding the issues of you being exiled in the Palace and Konoha for committing a mistake of choosing you as Prince Sasuke's future bride?"
In that moment, anyone could feel the tension building up on the air. Sakura could sense Sasuke's patience thinning down. "I think that it was a huge accusation to Konoha if you phrased it that well. Questioning the decisions of the Palace is too much, don't you think?"
The reporter tensed and quickly apologized. Sasuke inwardly smirked, proud of what had become of his fiancee. The young couple then offered the same congratulatory message for Gaara and Pakura; they were quickly ushered inside the main hall.
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It had become a success overall. It could have been the wedding of the century if not for the fact that people were also excited about the upcoming wedding of Konoha's crown prince with Princess Izumi.
It was already past midnight when the guards had already closed the doors of the reception area to give more privacy for the newlyweds and their guests. Meanwhile, both Sasuke and Sakura had wandered into the gardens to isolate themselves from the crowd.
"You did great in the interviews." Sasuke stated.
"Thanks, I guess." The pink-haired woman smiled as she also complained how her heels were already killing her feet. They settled on one of the benches as she continued babbling on and intertwined their hands. She looked up to gaze at the stars and then to her companion.
"It's nice having an open area like this. We really like gardens, do we?" Sasuke shrugged in return and took a sip from his glass of wine.
"Do you think Prince Itachi's wedding will be as big as this? And considering that Her Majesty has been personally taking care of the tiniest details, I already feel the excitement bubbling inside me." Sakura commented.
She then gasped. "Will it be like this in our wedding?"
"We are not the crown prince and the crown princess; it will be much simpler. But knowing Her Majesty, I honestly have no idea." Sasuke said genuinely.
"I can only imagine you being forced to smile and pose at the cameras the whole day. It's funny." She teased him and giggled. She even made sure to emphasize the word smile and laughed once again. Sasuke did not bother to keep his expression neutral. He rolled his eyes and glared at her which only made Sakura laughed louder.
They were too preoccupied in their own little world that they did not notice Gaara right away. The soon-to-be King cleared his throat to get both of their attention. He followed them once Pakura was taken away by Temari.
Instantly, Sakura stopped laughing at the other prince's presence.
Gaara looked at Sasuke seriously this time. "Can I have a minute with Princess Sakura?"
Sasuke, however, raised an eyebrow at the suggestion. Gaara was then quick to clarify his intentions. "She will not be hurt, I promise. We will just talk. You have my word."
But still, Sasuke had not made a move to leave. "Whatever you have to say to her you can also say to me."
This time, Sakura had interfered saying that it was okay. Sasuke then stood up from his seat and had given Gaara an unimpressed look before going inside the hall.
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Gaara had his eyes following every move of the Konoha's royal couple during the whole event: from the traditional dances to the picture taking. He knew very well the circumstances if the press had caught on what he was planning.
He just wanted to say a final goodbye to his feelings. He needed a closure. He did not even properly confessed his feelings to her. And most importantly, he wanted to apologize. And so, when the guards had finally closed the gates for the press, he did not waste any second to seek Sakura out.
Now, here he was standing nervously in front of her. "I..Sakura.."
"You know..during the weeks I left Konoha, I realized many things." She cut him off. "I was naive, clumsy, too vulnerable to be a princess. The scandals that have followed me everywhere..they made me stronger. They made me think twice of my actions."
"Gaara, I understand. To be honest, I was angry at you at first. I was forced to leave Konoha just because of your actions. But then I thought, how you must have felt after finding out the health condition of your father, this, your upcoming wedding. I was inconsiderate and neglected you.
"I am sorry. For being such a failure of a friend to you. I hoped that we had not ended up like this. I sincerely thank you for trying to cheer me up whenever Sasuke and I had our fights. Thank you for everything."
Sakura opened her mouth to continue but Gaara silenced her with his confession. "I have fallen for you. And I still am falling for you."
Sakura's eyes widened for a moment before lowering her gaze in the grass. "Gaara.."
The crown prince merely shook his head. "I know. You don't have to say." He swallowed hard to keep his tears at bay. "I just wanted to tell you properly before I can move on properly. I wanted to apologize for the things I did that caused you pain. I never wanted to see you in pain."
"And despite what everyone says, you are one of the brightest people I ever met. I could not imagine anyone taking your place as Konoha's princess. And even if you told me that you understood why I did the things I did, you don't ever have to forgive me. Just promise that you will be happy. And I will be able to go on."
A silence took over between the two. It took a while before Sakura stood up from her seat and proceeded to hug the prince. "I will be. And you should too. Pakura is beautiful; give your heart another chance to open up."
At first, Gaara stiffened at the contact, aware that someone might be able to see them and can cause more issues. But he eventually relaxed as he took note that this could be the last he would be able to hold her like this.
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Far away from the big celebration, however, was someone who everyone was familiar with, ready to go back to his hometown, intentions unclear. A creepy smile made its way to his face as he ordered his soldiers to prepare.
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A/N: I was pretty devastated for the last few weeks. I kept on asking myself if it was only right that I quit my job. I had been restless and anxious. I kept on questioning my decisions that I even forgot my own birthday. I was a mess to say the least.
Sorry, my dear readers, for keeping you wait. Thank you, as well, for your patience. It had been a year since I wrote this story and I had never expected this kind of support. I have also written another story, After All, which is more of a modern AU.
A review will be enough to make me smile.