This day couldn't have come sooner, you and everyone else was have been waiting for this day. It took two years since the war, and a life threatening mission for that knucklehead blood brother of yours, Naruto to see it. But, you couldn't be happier that he did. She was perfect. You approved since you found out. Though like Naruto you too could be dense in that area, unless someone spelled it out for you. After a few months of them dating, lead them to this very day. A day filled with love and perfection. You helped to plan with her, she asked you for your help and wanted you as her maid of honor. It only made sense the two of you being best friends and cousins in law. How could you say no. The ceremony and venue was going to be under the Hokage monument, the flowers where in full bloom. Making even better. Hard to believe two years ago, you and Naruto had the talk about his future. He was seeing Hokage in it, while you saw something different.
Words where very powerful. That they truly where. Kakashi as Hokage gave orders everyone had to prepare and be make this day very special. Since you're the Maid of Honor, you where incharge of so much. Invention. Food. Dress. And much more. Whatever you needed to do make the day easier for her. You made a list of guest that responded back, and it was fairly large. It was going to be nice to see the familiar faces again after so long. Some you did keep in touch with through writing. With the list, it was time to sort them in at their tables. Normally this was bride's job, but she already had enough on her plate. Plus this day had to be perfect. Surprising you actually where very organized. You got the decorations. Cake. Everything really. The date was set for the event. While the others hustle and bustle to find the perfect gift, you got the event ready. Living you little time to get them anything. With so much on your plate, luckily Natsuki and Kaito took over watching your child.
You went over things with Kakashi, who approved and gave you a rather large budget. You had sleepless nights but it was going to be worth it. If you had time, you spent it with her or him. Both of them nervous about this chapter in their life. You conducted the rehearsal with everyone. Once it was down, it was time.
The day couldn't have come any faster, you got up early. To go first take care of the bride who was in good hands, her sister had that covered. Leaving you to make sure all the decorations and setting was done nicely. You directed where things needed to go. Had a table for the gifts. Double checking the guest list. With a little break you had, you hurry back home. Not the Hyuga compound, you moved out a few months after your baby was born into your own place, Hiashi was a against it but understood. He set you up with a rather nice place, big enough for you, your child, Natsuki now older. She still looked the same except she one, she was now a genin shooting be a ANBU. Her hair she kept in a spiky pixie style, her eyes where a bit more softer but still edgy. She was growing into her face, turning into a lovely young lady. Kaito grew too, he took to growing his hair out to his mid back, styling like Neji's. He really missed him. He too became a genin having passed the Academy in short amount of time. Though he was leaning towards being a Medic-Nin like his father. Onyx his faithful partner. The two of them ended upon the same team. They grew up in the pass two years. Both of them where very helpful with you in raising your child. Taking their role serious.
Since you moving out from the Hyuga manor and into your own place, being a single mother of three in a sense was trying. But you made it work, you took up a job in the hospital, doing minor missions but would go if needed. Meaning the kids would be dropped off at either Hyuga's or Nara's depending really. It was hard at first but luckily Kurenai helped you through it. And you a huge community support from everyone else. Life as mother was interesting, never having one yourself. It took you a bit to get the hang of it, but you got it down. To an extent. Because of your knowledge in barriers, you where still over them. Many wanted to learn from you, though because you did spells, it rather difficult but you made work. Making a book for those in this world to understand. Making a name for yourself, besides the Fifth's student. Along with your other talents. You still everyday visit their graves and his. Staying the longest at his, introducing him to his child. Whom you would bring everyday.
A few times you sat to have a small dinner with him. Even though you became a mother, you still stayed touched with your teammates. Lee and Tenten where known for coming over to visit. Lee mainly, especially after the little one was born. He came barraging into with his arms filled with balloons and gifts. One would think he was the father the way he acted. He actually did the crying for you, he and Guy both of them crying. Guy going on how much of a proud father he was. Lee how proud of an uncle he was. Though you never gave neither that title. The two of them being over dramatic and their loudness nearly got them kicked out. When you baby came, Shima and Fukasuka came to see you. The old toad was so overjoyed upon finding out. She treasured the little one right off the back. Fukasuka stating it was a strong one. And insisted the little one to call him Grampapa. When your child could talk.
Ino was the most thrilled out of everyone, she couldn't wait to spoil the little one. Everyone was so happy for you. Though of course you had to remain in the hospital to be monitor. It took you a bit longer to heal than most. You had to get another blood transfusion. It was clear you having children would leave you on wavering between life and death. But you made it. Was all that mattered.
Now, back to this day. It just a about an hour left before it started. You where dressed, everything was set and ready. Guest came you greeted those coming, if they had a gift, you just levitated them out of their hands and place them over on the table. It so nice to see so many old faces. Kakashi was there to greet as well. The music cued, it was soft and lovely tempo. Natsuki and Kaito came dressed nicely. Perfect. Natsuki in a formal deep orange sundress, with bracelets to match. Her hair done nicely with a pearl clip in it. Kaito dressed handsomely in a suit, he was holding your little one dressed in a formal kimono. They took their seats by Ino who offered to watch them for you. You went to go check up on the bride.
Kakashi took over greeting the others as they came. No sooner had you left did two guests arrive you hadn't seen since the war. He and Kakashi greet eachother formally. While the other looks around for someone. She spots Natsuki and Kaito but not their caretaker. Wondering where they could be, which would have to wait. She follows the Kazekage to take their seat until she spots Shikamaru and makes her way over to him. You return a few minutes after their arrival informing Kakashi, who understood. You leave him again, but your voice was heard. They turn around too late missing you. Fixing what needed to be done for the bride. You look at her, she was beautiful. Your eyes well up with joy. Times like this, you where actually glad you couldn't cry. Taking her hands in yours. Holding them tightly. She was nervous and excited at once. You assure her it was going to be alright. With those you grab your bouquet, since there was no bridesmaids, it just you. You would go out first. The tempo of the music changed to slower one, that being your cue. You take the first step down the aisle.
The guest turn their heads to see who was coming. When their green eyes laid eyes on you, they where just breathless. Watching you walk down the aisle. Dressed in a lovely soft silver sheath gown. Reaching all the way down, it framed well. No one could tell that you had a child. The dress seem to glisten from the light of the sun. Your hair, having grown it out reaching down to your waist, was nicely done you kept some of your back with your brooch. The rest just nicely and softly fell down. You wore a powder pink lipstick adding more to your beauty in their eyes. Your stride was elegant and graceful. The last time they saw you, you didn't look this mature. You still retained your cute look though it was more mature. Your face narrowed out into more softer and graceful features. Your eyes remain with that innocent ting in them. Your body grew into it, longer and still a bit petite. Though more mature. By just looking at you, they could see you've grown up so much. Their eyes followed you, you noticed them out the corner of your eye. And the way they looked at you, you too where rather surprise to see how mature they grew since the last time you saw them. You would have smiled but you had come to the end and take your place behind where the bride would be. Iruka was up there next to Naruto as his acting father. The music tempo changed to more a lovely and merrily tempo. All eyes turned again back down the aisle. Those in their seat rose respectfully as the bride entered. Ino held your baby, who slept.
You watch her walk down with Hisahi, dressed in a lovely traditional wedding kimono. She just looked so lovely. Everything on her was perfect, you quickly look to Naruto who also dressed in traditional Japanese garb for groom. He beaming with joy, while his eyes showed how in love he was. You couldn't be happier for them both. Turning back to the bride, she reaches the podium. Hiashi hands her over to Naruto who gently takes her. You stand on her side, facing Kakashi preformed the ceremony. Standing there you listen. They both exchange their personal vows, once Naruto finished he turns to you.
He smiles at you warmly. You return it. Clearing your throat, you place your hands upon theirs."Naruto. Hinata."you look from him to her."I am so happy the two of you have found one another. To be here to see this union is amazing. The two of you mean so much to me. Naruto, you my brother. And I am so happy to have you Hinata as my sister. Naruto and Hinata may you live a life of love and prosperity." With that Kakashi finishes the ceremony pronouncing them husband and wife.
On that you hurl two orbs into the sky that explode like fireworks for the couple creating a lovely display in the sky. Everyone stands and cheers for the couple. A few whistle. Naruto stood there proud and nervous. But he had nothing but love for Hinata. The newlywed walk off first down the aisle, you follow with Kakashi and Iruka. Just for the heck of it, you hurl a few more orbs.
Now the rest of the wedding could start. Everyone went to congratulate them, while the guest did that you took of the behind the scenes. Though you did have enough time to take a picture with Hinata and the girls, then go to check up on your little one whom Natsuki was holding. Returning back to make sure the wedding was going smoothly, instructing the musicians to play the next tempo. Going here and there to make this day the best for the people you love so much. Seeing their love made you happy but also sad, everytime you caught them staring deeply into each others eyes, reminded you of the way Neji would with you. How you missed him greatly, looking around at the enchanting surroundings. You mind wondered off to him. A small breeze came and gentle caressed your cheek, just like he use to do. This was not the time to mourn for him, this was Hinata's and Naruto's day. Perking back up, you kept going.
Everyone was a wonderful time, socializing, eating and dancing. Which of course the first dance went to the bride and groom. A special song was played for them, by you. As the lead musician and singer. The arts where your specialty back home, especially with instruments and the one you choose was the piano. Your friends remember seeing you playing it, when they went through your memories and when you played it was really good. Very good. Music was a way for you express yourself, since it was rather hard for you. The tempo you played for them was lovely and the words you composed came out just the same. Everyone feel and see just how happy and how much you loved them both. Using your energy to add more magic to their shinning moment on the dance floor, making a energy construction platform under them that lift them up for all to see. You made energy flower petals to float around them with butterflies. The platform moved with them no matter which way they went. As the song came to an end, you brought them down gently. The next dance was with father and daughter, you played music for them both. All the while green eyes kept watching you. After Hinata's dance with her father, came Naruto's dance, but he didn't have a mother so he made it something else. You remember him telling you, had a picked someone to dance with during his turn but it was a surprise. And a surprise it was, just as you take your seat back down at the piano. He comes over to you, telling you, you where his pick. Which was a surprise to you. Looking to Hinata who wanted you too. You where though hesitant. There was so many others closer to him than you, Sakura being one of them, she knew him longer and made sense she should be doing this.
Seeing the look you had on, Naruto takes your hand and drags you with him to the center. You became nervous with all eyes on you, Kakashi cues the musicians to start. And the music start, you where at first stiff."Come on, I thought you liked dancing?"Naruto jokes with you. He takes your hand in his and the two of you begin to dance. For someone who was a knucklehead he was rather good. After the first minute, Naruto looks to Kakashi winking to the man. Who cues the band, and the tempo changes to a more lively and upbeat one. This wasn't in the wedding songs, looking to Naruto knowing he was behind it.
He just smirks, you knew what was coming next. Music like this meant one thing, fast dancing. Meaning being rather rash, which was alright. You use to do this with him before. He lets you go and stands on your side. Giving you a look."Ready?"he said. Hinata saw that spark between you two. She couldn't help but smile.
Her husband always knew how to pull that side of you out. Feeling the beat, Naruto saw you where ready and the two of you in the best of synchronizing dance. Realizing the footwork Naruto was using, it was the same one you had taught him two years ago. He was actually rather good with it now. Stepping one foot out, then shimmy, throwing up your arms crossing them. Then bob and weave the shoulders left and right. Then press backs against each other and shimmy again. The two hold out a hand and he takes it, pulling from behind spinning you around catching you. He was really good with it now. You had to admit, it was fun and it was clear the others where rather surprise, but enjoyed the show all the same. The dance lasted for about another minute, you and look at each other smiling listening to everyone's applause. You couldn't help but chuckle, looking again at Naurto who went over to Hinata. Watching the two, they really where meant for one another. The dance floor soon became a free for all. Anyone was allowed on it.
Lee was of course the first one dragging Tenten with him, leave it to him to get things started. It worked because others made their way to the dance floor. While the rest watched on, Kaito who had your little one now up took them to the dance floor and in a sense danced with them. Kureani was close by. Natsuki stayed on the sides watching, no doubt mischievous thoughts running through her mind. Temari and Shikamaru stood on the side chatting. While Ino dragged Sai to the dance with her on the floor. Kakashi stood by watching talking with Guy. Naruto and Hinata had another dance. You made sure to add more WOW factor, hurling many orbs into the sky. Bringing the entertainment. Manifesting your energy into different shapes. Making it as enchanting as you could. Knowing if Neji was alive he would do the same thing. Being behind the scenes of it all was well worth it. Everyone was having a good time, you did take breaks to check up on your little one. Very grateful to have help with them. You caught Natsuki and Kaito on the dance floor, they left the little one with Hiashi or Hanabi or Kakashi. Iruka and Naruto shared a fun dance together. The girls got together with Hinata again to talk. You would over hear them squealing, Ino the most. Choji of course by the food. Killer B dropped a few beats, and for some strange reason Kaito admired him and tried to do the same thing. The man dragged Naruto into it with him and Kaito.
Those green eyes would glance your way, while they conversate and mingled with others. It was hard to believe two have passed since they last saw you. Within those two years they hadn't heard a word from you, though heard things here and there about you. Heard how well you became, a complete contrast from the old May they first meet, when she came to this world. The May who went through so much to make here in this world. Lost so much. Put her life on the line against a mad man to protect others. Always she carried a smile on her face no matter what. A smile they realized too late how much they grew to enjoy and love having around. A smile that always greeted them back when she lived in their village. That sunny and light personality that radiated around her, where she went. The times the two of them spent watching the stars, sunrises, and sunsets. Once and maybe just a few times, she would dance with them. Her words of concern for them to take care of themselves. May always took it on herself to make sure they did. Popping up just cause. Giving them small gifts, even when she left the village to take up partial residence in Konoha back then. Showering them with kindness and affection, which of course she didn't see as anything more. Just did because it made them happy. A happy it did. So much they remember doing the one thing, they've regretted. Of course it was in her best interest, what could the do for her? After all she's did for them, they caused her nothing but pain and suffering. In their eyes they did. Every decision they made. It was the only right they could do two years ago.
It still haunted them till this very day. Not a second went by their mind didn't often wonder about how she was doing. Of course he could get intel from their elder sister who saw the pink hair kounichi. But, choose against it. It would be too painful. Thinking about all May has done for them, left a emptiness guilt in their soul.
In life it seem rare to be given a second chance, but having be given one themselves turning away from their murderous ways into the person they are today. Surely life was giving them another chance. They just had to take the first step, but everytime they tired since being here, guilt took hold of them. Stopping them and reminding them of what they did to May and how she would perceive them. The fear of that restricted them. They could only watch from afar, look but never to touch. Since first glance their mark on their forehead seem to start to irritate for some strange reason. Remembering the many times she would show affection to it, whenever she left. Left them feeling something inside they couldn't explain for the longest. Until they let her go. The flower, they remember the flower she had given them. Seeds actually, when she came back from Konoha from training under Tsunade. Telling them to plant them, because they where a certain kind of flower would show them their feelings. It was a surprise, May didn't even know what it was. Because of it, they planted and patiently waited to see. And by the end of the war, their flower had blossomed into perfect meaning.
Opening their eyes, that weep for their deepest mistake. It made perfect sense. All of it. Made them recall what the 2nd Mizukage said told them about May. Ebizo as well. Even Kankuro. Their words were cryptic. But it all became clear. Much clearer now. They cared so much for their own village, but with May it was beyond. The two years she was away, always left something empty in them. Of course it didn't interfere with their duty as the head of their village, for those who couldn't see. Even after two years, those of their village hadn't forgotten about her. At the beginning they asked when she was coming back, which slowly died down. But she was still brought up every now and then. Told them, the village still misses her. And who wouldn't, she left a lasting memory in many. She could make anyone feel loved and important. A gift she had.
The Dessert Flower, Ebizo called her. A title he bestowed on her, stating because flowers are consider very rare to be grown in dessert. And May was just that and flower in a harsh environment that brought something new.
Temari chatting with Shikamaru and Choji noticed Gaara glancing at her previous genin. You. May. Who was busier than a bee, going here and there behind the scenes taking care of the wedding. Shikamaru noticed her little distraction and looks in the same direction, catching the young Kazkeage looking at his sister. It took him less than a second to put it together. He smirks to himself. Though Temari didn't take it as lightly as he did, she was more irritated by her younger brother's stand off. It's been two dang long years and finally after so long Gaara had the chance he was given by life to take. Yet he just stood there or forced himself to talk and engage with others.
She had unlike him time to talk with you and reestablish the relationship you and her shared years ago. Of course she was shocked finding out you had became pregnant and gave birth. More so you where in a relationship with Neji. She was hoping for you to be in a different one. Never did she hold against you, because from the way you talked about Neji, the memories you had with him. Told her how much you truly loved him. Her heart went out to you, but she was glad you had become strong upon it. You kept your personality, she though was more happy to be able to talk back with you. At times bringing up how it would great for you to come back and live in Sunakagure. Hiding her real reason, trying to drop hints to you. But you never picked up on them. After every visit she made to Konoha, Gaara never once asked about how you've been doing. Even though his eyes wanted to know, he didn't bother to asks. Though it was the opposite with you, you inquired about her brother and everyone else. And sending your hellos and best wishes to residence back in Suna.
Temari knew Gaara missed you, but he wouldn't say. By his actions she saw catching him a few times watching the sunset. Or gazing up at the stars. Glancing at to his windows, in hopes you might just be there. The way his eyes lite up for an instant she might come through the doors. To drop in disappointment and frustration when reality set in. Not a day went by that Gaara didn't regret letting you go. Though it wasn't her place to speak, Temari made it very adamant how she disagreed with what he did and years later did in a sense confront him about his feelings.
Having reached her patience with him, she makes her way over to him. Stopping when couldn't move, turning around to find Shikamaru had stopped her with his shadow possession. Shaking his head no.
"This isn't the time."he tells her.
He was right, she knew he was. Sighing in frustration she leaves it be. Giving one more sharp glance to her brother, who felt her heated eyes on him. He turns around just as she looks away.
The rest of wedding went well. It was late into the night when it began to wind down. Guest started to leave, going back home and some back to their hotel rooms. A couple where intoxicated. Guy happen to be one of them. Luckily Tenten kept Lee away from it. Tsunade also as well. Sakura with Shizune's help took her back. You saw the guest off, thanking them for coming. With Kakashi, who noticed someone out the corner of his eyes. Which made him look at you, he wasn't the only one either. Naruto and Hinata stayed thanking others for coming. Naruto noticed too. They wondered if you noticed, but was clear you hadn't. So busy with others. Hinata noticed her husband distracted look, she follows his eyes and notices too. She look to you, feeling her eyes on you. You look back smiling, which she returns. Naruto and her go over to you.
You and Hinata take hold of each others hands."Thank you, May." Hinata thanks you."You really helped making this day special."She starts to tear up. Prompting you wipe the tears before they fell.
"You're to beautiful to cry."you tell her. Pulling her into a hug. Separating you look to Naruto. He smiles at you."I'm so happy. You deserve this and so much more. I hope soon mine will have someone to play with."You joke, the two of you laugh over the shared memory."You're going to make a wonderful husband. The two of you,"you take one of his hands and Hinata's in another. Looking from one to the other."...Never have I seen two people so in love before. The two of you are now a family."
Kakashi and Iruka look on watching the three of you. It was clear you where becoming emotional, it was so heartwarming. The three of you hug each other, you hug them both tightly. Trying hard not to cry behind them. With one last squeeze you three separate.
Kakashi comes over to you, resting a hand on your shoulder."It's rather late. You should head home."he tells you, looking back over at Kaito, Natsuki and your little one who had fallen asleep."You've done enough."He tells you. Turning around smiling under his mask."Take your family home."
From the look Iruka, Naruto and Hinata gave you told you it was alright. Besides you did feel a bit tired. Bidding them all good night, you go over to the children scooping up your little one from Natsuki's hold. They where so small in your arms. Only year old and nine months. Your baby took after you with your skin tone, though a shade lighter, they had your eye color the only difference the features taken after their father's eyes. Featureless golden-yellow eyes. They also had Neji's dark brown hair and inheriting his facial structure. Though with your cute and soft features. Not mention having Neji's frown. Wrapping them up, to keep them warm. Saying good-bye to everyone again, you leave with the kids. Just as you left the venue, Shikamaru came having finished dropping Temari back to her room. He takes you home.
"I'm so glad Naruto and Hinata had the perfect wedding."you tell him, smiling thinking of it."I'm so happy for them. They found each other. Seeing that, I know everyone will find that. Ino has it already. Even you, brother."
He knew what you where talking about. And gives you an annoyed look with a smirk."You need to stop prying into others business."
"I wasn't prying. It was just an observation."you defend yourself."Besides, I can see it on you."
"You make it seem like it won't happen to you."he changes it."Talking about everyone else, and observing them."
You look at him."I never said that. But,"you look up at the stars."I already had it. And I was given something wonderful."you look down at you baby tenderly."I've lived through it. It might have been short, but I had...Now it's time for everyone else to have theirs."your voice perks back up.
Shikamaru wasn't stupid, he could see and hear the lingering anguish. Even after all this time, it was still hurt. What happened to you, mirrored Kuernai. The two of you lost the one you both loved, and had their child. The only difference, unlike Kuerani who had longer time with Asuma. You didn't. Your love with Neji was short. You weren't able to have the many memories Kuerani had with Asuma. You had just begun to experience it, to have it ripped away from you. Your love story wasn't long lasting like everyone else. Leaving you feel rather solemn. But you did remain happy for the others. Trying to push down your own agony and hurt. He could only do so much as your brother to help you. Since Neji's death, you kept yourself busy and focus on work, family and others. A way to fill the space in you. Just as quickly as it came it faded, when where by yourself. He's caught you a few times being alone.
Looking at your smile that could fool anyone, he knew you forcing every bit of you to remain cheerful. He kind of regretted saying what he said. Reaching your place, he helps you in, taking out his spare key. Yes. He had one, just like a few others every since you moved out of the Hyuga compound. Just to help you after the baby was born. Kaito and Natsuki go in first, yawning. You tell them to at least brush their teeth.
"Yeah. Yeah."Natsuki said groggily, her eyes began to fall.
You and Shikamaru smile shaking heads. Turning to him, you smile at him."Thank you, brother. For walking me home. I know it was very troublesome."
He smirks at you."You know me well."He looks to the little one, smiling warmly at them. He rest a gentle hand on their head."You better get some rest."He tells you.
"Yes. I know."you tell him."Make it back home safely."
With his hand on the door he locks the back, and begins to close it wishing you a good night."You know."He stops the door half way."...Life is tricky. We might think it's done with us. But sometimes it can surprise us."Leaving you with those words he closes the door. Outside, he takes out a cigarette walking a few feet away to light it. Taking a puff. Smirking to himself."Don't blow it."he tells the one hidden. Taking another puff he walks away.
Back inside, you get your little one ready for bed. After changing them into their pj's adorable oneies, you tuck them into their crib in your room. A gift from Guy, and built by Naruto and Lee. Which actually ended being made by you and Hinata. Your little one still remain asleep, you smile at them lovingly. Planting a gentle kiss on center of their forehead, when a knock came to your door.
Looking at your clock, it was rather late. Who could be here this late? Lee? Kakashi to check to make sure you made it home? No, because when it was Shikamaru he knew you did. It wasn't Ko. Maybe it was Shikamaru. Did he forget something?
The knock came again. Going to the door, you unlock it assuming it to be Shikamaru. Opening it to greet him.
"Brother di-Gaara?!"you where surprised to finding him standing here at your doorstep. You where speechless, after two year of not seeing him nor talking. Here he stood before you.
He stood there looking at you slightly nervous. His mind began to race with what he should say and how he should say it. There was only on thing he could say, after two years."...Hi. May."