A Simple Misunderstanding
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto! It belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: Sometimes, assumptions can lead to misunderstandings. Can misunderstanding lead to love? NejixSaku.
Naruto had become the 7th Hokage and was about to marry Hinata. They asked Sakura, who had been stationed in Suna for the past two years on a medical academic exchange mission, to be their maid of honor. Best man Hyuuga Neji has been tasked with teaching the waltz to Sakura.
Setting: The story takes place three years after the Fourth Shinobi World War. Sakura is 20 years old, whereas Neji is 21.
Author's Note: I use this as an excuse to write sappy romance; the plot is thin, but I'll do my best to stick to canon, except Neji lived. Ultimately, there should be a total of ten chapters in the story. Rated M for smut and lemons.
Legend: Anything written in italics is a thought or a phone call.
Beta: No beta.
Chapter 1 | Home
Waiting for her cup of black roasted coffee to brew, Sakura received a visitor in her office. The Suna son-in-law, who had married the sister of the Kazekage, walked in through an open door and into Sakura's office. On official duties, he frequently shuttled back and forth between Konohagakure and Sungakure. Their relationship initially surprised everyone, and he was the first of the twelve rookies in her peer to get married. As soon as he stepped foot in her office, she caught a whiff of his cigarette smoke.
"Hi."
She looked up from her coffee machine as the man came closer to her desk.
"Good to see you again, Nara." Greetings were exchanged, "Coffee?"
"Yes, please." He sat down casually across from her. She kept a watchful eye on him.
When the coffee was ready, she handed him a cup and took a sip of her own.
He clutched a cup of coffee and took a sip, "Double espresso?"
The woman acknowledged it with a nod.
He deduced from the dark circles under her emerald eyes that she had been up all night working on her medical research, and thus had been drinking the strongest brew to keep herself awake. "Just figured out the biggest medical mystery?"
"Good guess." She said with a tired smile, "So what brings you here? I guess you're not for a coffee." To see what he was holding, she ducked her head.
He plopped an envelope on her desk and said, "Running errands for Hokage-sama."
She held the envelope in hand and looked at the red wax seals bearing the crests of the Uzumaki and Hyuuga clan on the lustrous crème envelope. With shaking fingers, she tore open the envelope. As she tore open the golden wedding invitation card depicting the War Hero and the Hyuuga heiress, a warm glow of happiness spread over her.
"Naruto wanted me to hand this to you. You know, just to make sure the invitation doesn't get lost in the shuffle..."
The position of Hokage was formally passed from Kakashi-sensei to the War Hero. She smiled as she recalled last year's regret at missing his Hokage's inauguration festivities, clearly missed all the fun.
"Do you plan on going to the wedding?"
"Honestly, I can't say. Let me verify the scheduled time and date."
"He asked me to stress the importance of your presence, so I did. He's crossing his fingers that you'll show up."
Sakura's phone rang at that precise moment. Since the medical division was so close to perfecting a new breakthrough medical jutsu that could increase mortality rates, she assumed it came from them. She reached for her phone and answered it, but not at all surprised to see his name on the other line.
"Mushi-mushi? Naruto?"
Then the loud, boisterous voice of her old teammate shattered into her concentration.
"SAKURA-CHAN!" His upbeat demeanor has not been dampened by his year as Hokage. Naruto turned in his seat so that he could look out the window at the serene scene of a reconstructed Konoha.
Shikamaru gestured farewell, indicating he needed to leave. Before he left, she nodded in appreciation.
"Omedetō, Naruto!" She said warmly. "I couldn't be happier for the two of you!"
"So Shikamaru had sent the invitation to you, right? Would you please come back for the wedding, please?" Awaiting his plea over the phone, he pleaded.
"Wait, I need to double-check the date..."
"Oh, come on, you had missed my Hokage inauguration last year AND this is one you simply CANNOT miss!" His expression soured, and he furrowed his brow.
She expressed her regret that she could not attend the Hokage's inauguration ceremony. She was not present, but she still called to wish everyone well and send a gift.
As a brass member of the Konoha medical department, she had accepted an invitation from the Sunagakure medical division to participate in two years of research and academic exchanges involving medical ninjutsu. With Naruto Uzumaki as Hokage, the relationship between Sunagakure and Konohagakure was at an all-time high.
Medical ninjutsu study is vital to world stability, lowering of fatal mortality in war, for scientific progress, and bettering oneself. Too many lives had been lost during the Fourth Great Shinobi War, and it had a profound effect on her.
She had asked Shizune-nee-chan, the chief of Konoha's Medical Division, to send her on this long diplomatic mission.
"You've left Konoha for a while."
Sakura had no interest in becoming the baby breeder for Uchiha clan. For this reason, she had turned down Sasuke's marriage proposal.
"Leaving Kohona is not an option. If you don't come back, I'll have to send you back by force-" The woman next to him grabbed his phone right away.
After Naruto gave Hinata the phone, she said, "Yes, Sakura-chan, please attend our wedding!"
"Omedetō, Hinata! You two deserve this happiness!" Sakura's excitement over her friend's wedding was genuine.
"Thank you so much, Sakura-chan. Since you left Konoha two years ago, a lot has happened."
"You were so important to us on our special day that Naruto was disappointed that you were unable to attend his Hokage Inauguration. Your presence was very important to us," After a moment of silence, she finally said, "P-Please be my maid of honor!"
"Me? And what about Hanabi-chan, though?"
"I'm also having Hanabi-chan stand in as one of my bridesmaids. Because of the hardships we've shared since the war, I've chosen you as my maid of honor." They had become best friends after the war, when Sakura saved Neji's life and brought him back from the brink of death. "What's holding you back from coming back here?"
"Honestly, I didn't."
"You did. Is Sasuke-kun to blame, right? Later, Ino will probably call you to gossip."
"Gossip? I never imagine I'd get one from you!" She gave a warm chuckle over the phone.
"I-I heard that Karin and Sasuke-kun are engaged."
"Wow, that's really some news." Sakura said, her mouth hanging open.
"It's time for you to find someone who can truly appreciate you. Someone who will complement your confidence, charm, and brilliance. There must be someone who can revive you right now."
Her pink locks tucked behind her ears as she thought. She had been away from Konoha for two years, and had even missed the inauguration of the Naruto Hokage last year. This was her opportunity to cover up her guilt, as she vowed never to miss another wedding. "All right, it would be my pleasure, Hinata-chan."
The answer she gave to her question brought a smile to her face.
"Really?" Hinata sounded absolutely delighted, "Thank you so much, Sakura-chan! I hope to see you again soon!"
It was time to put down the obsidian eyes man and face him head-on.
[Three months later]
Three months after finishing work on a new medical jutsu designed to increase mortality, Sakura decided to temporarily withdraw from medical research after learning of Naruto and Hinata's upcoming marriage.
She made her way back from Suna back to Konoha. After two years in Sunagakure, she was accustomed to the city's blistering heat and bright sunlight. She was still enjoying the pleasant Konoha weather several kilometers into her run when she began to appreciate the autumnal green foliage that shielded her body from the chilly wind of the falls, she began to feel at home.
The kunoichi had just ended a brief relationship with the Kazekage, who was seeing the fiancée the Suna Council had selected for him, but he wasn't ready to take the next step and exchange wedding vows with her just yet. She didn't care that she ended up with a guy she wasn't particularly committed to because she was lonely. The third-party role in relationships was no longer appealing to her, and she decided to end the one she was in. He worried and questioned whether or not her breakup with him was connected to her decision to left Sunagakure. She bid the Kazekage farewell for the time being, she made her way back to Konoha in time for the wedding.
As she approached the Hokage statues and monuments, a gentle breeze ruffled her short, cherry-pink hair. The guards had been alerted to her impending arrival. The group recognized Haruno Sakura, the former Hokage prize student, upon seeing her nod abruptly, and a note was quickly dispatched to Hokage tower. The peaceful and welcoming atmosphere of Konoha was exactly what she needed, after her relationship ended.
Now that it has been two years since Sakura left, the city of Konoha has been completely rebuilt. The damage done by the Great War was barely perceptible. There were now seven Hokage monuments on the vantage. After the restoration, Konoha expanded to the land behind the Hokage Rock and the Thunder Rail was installed throughout the village. A great number of elite shinobi and innocent civilians lost their lives, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Those who made it through were permanently marked with badges of honor. The loss of so many lives and the destruction of so many families led to the opening of new orphanages and medical facilities.
As she made her way toward the Hokage tower, she passed a group of genin practicing chakra control on the academy's new training grounds. Memories flooded her mind.
"Forehead!"
"I'm sorry, Ino-sensei, I can't do this." A Genin boy called her sensei. She had advanced to Jonin status and was now in charge of her own Genin squad.
"If you want to have better control over your chakra, got it?" She said to her apprentice and hurried over to Sakura. Of all her besties, the blonde was the one she relied on the most. Though they hadn't seen each other in years, their phone and text message conversations picked up right where they left off. When she got back to Konoha, Ino was the first person she called.
To make up for lost time, the two friends have planned a reunion at the Mint Bar at 8 o'clock tonight, where they will be joined by other kunoichi their peer. After saying her goodbyes, Sakura disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
The pinkette jumped from one roof to another among the buildings of Konoha to arrive down in front of the Hokage tower. She took the lift and reached the office on the top floor.
"SAKURA-CHAN!" In response, her best friend, in his Hokage attire, leaped from his chair and ran to her side, joining in a much anticipated embrace. Spikey blonde hair grown to his shoulders, he was a foot taller than her, "I miss you!" he exclaimed, his large brightest blue eyes beaming with delight, his face split into a wide grin.
"I'm so happy for the both of you!" she exclaimed as she returned his embrace and simultaneously congratulated him and expressed her joy.
"Omedetō, Hinata-chan!" Sakura congratulated the lady with indigo hair that flowed to her waist, standing next to the Hokage-sama. She kissed her cheek as she hugged her.
"I'm so glad you're here."
Both girls gave each other a tight embrace.
"Can you believe the wedding is in a month?" As Sakura broke free of the hug, her joy for them was obvious.
"You read my mind! Remember when I invited you to my wedding with Naruto-kun? It seems like only yesterday!"
They exchanged pleasantries and shared life updates.
"My wedding gift to both of you." Sakura handed Hinata an envelope from her sling bag. It was a wedding gift from her to the couple.
"W-Wait, what is it?" Hinata pondered the contents of the lovely crème envelope. Sakura's attention was drawn to the stunning diamond ring that adorned her fourth finger.
So, this is what marriage will be like.
"For a newlywed couple like you, this is the ideal present!" Sakura lashed out at her, "It is a secluded private island in the Land of Steam." She said, "I've been there before for research on the medicinal qualities and mineral content of spring water. It was a lovely place to visit for a couple!"
Hinata's face flushed with sheer of happiness.
"Can you imagine a romantic getaway in a luxury royal suite with a private onsen and a large master bed?" Sakura was trying to insinuate, "And the sexy nightgowns and unforgettable long nights?"
"They're perfect! Thank you so much, Sakura-chan!" Naruto expressed appreciation for the wedding gift. Naruto shot his fiancé a knowing smile, and her cheeks turned beet red.
"N-Nani?!" The blush on Hinata's cheeks was more intense than ever.
The newlyweds received a variety of gifts, among others, Hinata couldn't help but appreciate Sakura's more.
"Thanks so much, Sakura-chan!" Naruto exclaimed, his tanned cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, "Wow honeymoon trip! I suppose I haven't planned that far ahead. I hope I haven't already failed as a husband!"
"You're welcome!"
After a few minutes of conversation, Naruto retreated to his Hokage desk, slumping down into his blissfully comfortable chair for a few seconds before plunging back into the piles of paperwork and folders strewn on his desk.
"I met Ino on my way here. Would you like to join us for a girl's night out tonight, Hinata-chan?"
"Sure! I'd love to. I haven't seen her in a while since she became a Jonin."
This was when someone barged into the office, prompting Sakura to check out who it was. He was accustomed to not knocking as he entered the Hokage's office.
It was Sasuke. Her ex-boyfriend.
"Sasuke-" Naruto's mouth dropped open in surprise to see the raven haired prodigy return from his mission, and report to him. He came at an inconvenient time.
Following the Fourth Shinobi World War, he was briefly imprisoned for the actions that led to his defection to the village. However, his decision to aid the shinobi war paid off, and he was released from prison three years ago. Furthermore, the Sharingan bloodline was too valuable for Konoha to risk extinction. To atone for his sin, he had been conducting secret missions under the command of the former Hokage Kakashi or current Hokage Naruto in order to atone for his sin. He was still the best in Konoha, and they couldn't afford not to appoint him.
In his grey zippered high-collared short-sleeve shirt with blue wrist warmers and dark blue pants, he stood taller than he did two years ago. His spiked, ebony black mane grew longer, his eyes remained pure obsidian. It was no surprise that nearly every girl in her Genin class had a crush on him. He was like a walking, talking beauty encyclopedia. He was the epitome of attractiveness.
Sakura.
He widened his eyes upon seeing her. It was a cruel twist of fate that he had just accepted Karin's marriage proposal, returning her affections after two years of courtship. Consider closing a deal with him to revive his clan by conceiving children for him on her own initiative. He had only seen Sakura a few times during her lengthy diplomatic mission to Suna, and she had turned him down. She was stunning as ever. His stomach twisted with bitterness.
"S-Sakura..." he whispered quietly.
Sakura ponders what to say, "Hey, how are you?" Sakura was nervous despite her confident demeanor. She tried to be normal.
"Good." As he approached the Hokage work desk, he simply nodded and asked, "You?"
"Great." She mumbled coldly, keeping her response brief.
He was unprepared for her response to his presence. She could have returned to attend Naruto's wedding.
He snorted, tossing the mission report on the Hokage's desk.
He made a show of stamping on the report, slamming it extra hard, "OK, I've got your mission report. Is there anything else, Sasuke?" Turning to the Sharingan's wielder for the second time.
"Hn."
"All right." Naruto responded simply, looking up at him, "I'll see you next week for a new mission briefing. Thanks, Sasuke."
He nodded and turned to leave. He came to a halt in front of the pink-haired kunoichi, and he locked his gaze on her. She was determined not to be intimidated by the obsidian eyes. He reached forward, almost touching her knuckle, but paused when he realized what he was doing, lowered his hand and dropped back to his side, and said, "I'll speak with you again."
He gave them a curt nod before dismissively waving them off without having to turn around and face them. He was gone when the door slammed shut.
Sakura sighed. Naruto and Hinata were looking at her anxiously with worried looks on their faces. They knew she had avoided him for the past two years because she refused to be a baby breeder for the Uchiha clan.
The pinkette lounged on the long couch as she yawned from exhaustion after a long road trip from Suna.
"Sakura-chan... Are you alright?" Lavender eyes gazed into her emerald eyes in concern.
"Hai, Hinata-chan. I'm fine, just exhausted."
Hinata noticed and whispered to her husband, he nodded in response.
"Would you like to stay in the Hyuuga compound, Sakura-chan? Your apartment was destroyed during the war. If you have not yet found lodging, you are welcome to stay."
It was after the war that her parents took a trip around the world to enjoy their time on Earth, as life is too precious to waste.
"Along with that…" she paused, "I found you a partner as maid of honor, Sakura-chan! He's also the best man for Naruto."
"Okay…?" She pondered who would it be Sai or Kakashi-sensei. She doubted it'd be S-Sasuke.
"I got you…" Hinata giggled with a hearty smile on her face a little and said, "Neji-niisan!"
Neji was without a doubt his best man. He had already displayed that he was willing to risk everything for the couple, even if it meant risking his own life. He had survived the war, it was a huge relief to the people who loved him.
Wow, quite the surprise. "That sounds… interesting, Hina."
"Kakashi-sensei claiming that he was too old to be a groomsman at the wedding!" Naruto expressed his dissatisfaction by frowning.
Hinata chuckled over his comment and said, "But Kakashi-sensei and Shizune-nee will be attending our wedding. While Sasuke-kun hasn't decided whether or not he'll be groomsman."
Sakura suddenly broke the silence, "Hey, Hinata-chan! Doesn't the maid of honor have to, like, dance? It's clear that I don't know how. I'd be happy to help you in any other way!" She frowned, perplexed.
"Because of this, I handpicked Neji-niisan for you, my dear. Since Genin, social etiquette has been taught to the entire Hyuuga main family, including Neji-niisan. It could range from clan affairs, to Japanese and Western social graces to table manners." This explains why the prodigy was so well-mannered with propriety and always behaves appropriately.
"If that's the case, w-wait, you mean he's going to… d-dance with me?" She couldn't
believe her ears.
"Hai, Sakura-chan!" Naruto grinned, as he sat at his desk with his hands crossed.
Hinata smiled firmly and nodded her head in agreement.
"You're the maid of honor, while he's the best man. Consequently, you must also get along with him. Don't worry, he'll take the lead. Additionally, He also needs a partner to dance with."
"Hold on, I thought that he was engaged to the daughter of Fire Daimyō?" The pinkette asked, feeling inquisitive. He should have had a partner instead.
"Yes, you may be unaware, but they separated a half-year ago..." Hinata responded, "So would you please help him?" She pressing her palms together, "Onegai?"
"I-I..."
Sakura was starting to get a little nervous over the whole thing.
"So he's helping you, and you're helping him as well." Hinata expressed her thoughts with a cheerful smile.
"Okay, fine..." Sakura came to an agreement regarding this.
"Yes! Sakura-chan, please come with me. I have something to show you." the Hyuuga heiress said as she dragged her best friend out of the Hokage office.
After he waved off the ladies, the Hokage scratched his head as resting his head in his palm in a bored fashion. After taking over the Hokage position from Kakashi-sensei, the War Hero had finally achieved his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage. He was swamped with meetings, paperwork, and missions waiting to be assigned, devotedly responsible for his duties as Hokage. After a year of training as Hokage under the supervision of Kakashi-sensei, as well as a year of obligation as the Hokage, he sighed and let out a groan before returning to work.
It goes without saying that a wedding for the Hokage cannot be casual, especially if marrying someone from a high-ranking family in Konoha. In a swanky venue, elevated and formal attire are customary.
Sakura as the maid of honor, had yet to try on or even see her dress. The wedding was within a month, so Hinata the future bride decided to drag Sakura along to the bridal boutique before they returned to the Hyuuga compound.
They got onto the street, with Hinata squeezing her arm as they walked into the most exquisite bridal boutique in town, which had just been renovated after the war. Serving only the nobles and clan families.
Large chandeliers swayed overhead as soft music played from white speakers in the roomy boutique. In the center of the room, a long table held a vase of white and lavender flowers; the shelves behind the table were painted a smooth ivory white. Three-piece postmodern velvet sofas in white sat behind the long table in the middle of the room.
They made their way to the counter to get a gown fitting for the pinkette. A bridal stylist, who was also the boutique owner, as well as two store assistants, were on hand to serve them personally. They led them to a large private dressing room that had been reserved for the Hyuuga family.
It was a classy boutique, in other words.
The crew showed them the way to the hallway, where mirrors with gold frames led to the main hall. Upon entering the main room, four carefully selected bridal gowns hung from tall white glass racks for the Hokage's future bride. "Your wedding gown is stunning, Hina." Sakura said admiringly, gazing in awe at the stunning dresses.
The long sleeve wedding gown with tiny glittering rhinestones stood out. It had a soft gold color with a semi-transparent bodice and an illusion yoke and sleeves, finished with a row of color matching buttons and a floral shoulder accent at the back. With such finery, this garment required a little assistance in adjusting the sleeves and collar so that it looked its best. The bridal gowns were made to measure for the Hyuuga princess.
Hinata's cheeks were flushed as she smiled.
"Ino and TenTen have tried on, they are excited for the big day!" Hinata giggled softly, "I have two gowns ready for you—one for the ceremony and another for the reception—in honor of your role as maid of honor."
The bridal consultant steered them toward the white glass racks that reserved for maid of honor.
"Miss Haruno, we've reserved a dress size 6 for you, why don't you try it on?" Suggested a cheerful boutique assistant. "Once you've tried it on, we'll adjust the length for you."
A champagne color scheme was chosen for the bridesmaids after discussions. The store assistant looked through the rack, pulled out two floor-length gowns and presented it to Sakura; the first was a sleek champagne, and the second was deep burgundy. The prom dresses were a hit with Sakura. Two, to accommodate the ceremony and the subsequent reception. They added a pair of four-inch gold lizard-embossed leather sandals for Sakura to complete the look.
The Hyuuga heiress nudged her into the fitting room to try on.
There were two dresses in the dressing room, each with her name labeled on the hanger. Taking the garment in her hands, Sakura pressed it up against her curves. It was a full-length pleated gown in champange with a low neck and a layered trailing back halterneck.
Sakura slid gingerly into the gown and emerged from the dressing room five minutes later, "How do I look?" Her dress fit perfectly with her soft gold sandals.
"Looks great on you, Sakura-chan!"
"Well, this is a good fit for me." Sakura examined the length of the long lavender gown and advised the boutique assistant, "Don't you think it's a little long? Perhaps you can hem a little bit." She was not much taller than Hinata, and about the same height as most kunoichi.
"Hai Haruno-sensei, depending on where the wedding will take place. It probably shouldn't touch the ground if for outdoors. If it's indoors, a minimal amount of hemming is required." The young lady nodded in assent.
Sakura emerged from the dressing room shortly after returning to it to try on the second gown. She came out of the dressing room five minutes later and looked in awe at herself in the full length mirror. She clutched the hem of the red dress with one hand and propped the other hand on her collarbone.
It was a convertible bodycon minidress in burgundy with a plunging V-neck and a detachable sheer maxi skirt with an optional high-low hem and a halterneck with back clasp. Cleavage was definitely on display.
"I've never been a fan of dresses before, but I like this!"
"Absolutely. It suits you, Sakura. Give it a twirl!"
Dresses aren't Sakura's favorite thing, but she likes this one. She felt most herself in red, that was what she wore most of the time. It made her laugh as she struck a few poses and smiled with the Hyuuga heiress in unison.
"You're killing it, Sakura!" Hinata chuckled as she imitated Ino's speaking style. "I must compliment Ino on her good taste. Sakura-chan, you look absolutely stunning in this outfit." Hinata expressed it with great sincerity.
"Thank you, Hina, for saving me from prom gown shopping." She smiled as she examined herself in the mirror, front and back.
"No problem at all, Sakura!" Whatever it takes to make her best friend comfortable for her wedding.
Sakura exited the changing room after changing back into her regular attire and noticed there were two sets of man suits hanging on the clothes rack next to hers.
A three-piece white suit and a black tuxedo in a luxurious fabric.
Hinata saw that she was looking at the suits.
"These were chosen last month to go with Naruto's groomswear, but Neji-nii-san was called away on another mission before he could try for the second time." Hinata explained, "He looked amazing and confident in them!"
Hinata chuckled at the memory of last month's pleading with her nii-san to model a groomsmen suit for Kiba-kun and Sai-san. He finally agreed after much persuasion. She dragged him along with her Hokage husband, who was trying on his groom's suits. Hinata never fails to push the boundaries of his patience.
He was presented with suit after suit in the dressing room. Just shrugging, he took the material that had been handed to him. The suits he wore during the fitting didn't particularly interest him, so long as they were a good fit. After an hour of deliberation, he became impatient. While the staff happily serves him, they admire his chiseled body before he puts on the formal attire. Hyuuga Neji dressed in suits was a sight to behold. In the process of measuring him, their hands were sliding up his torso and down to his inner thigh, a little too close for his liking.
Sakura swears she saw a blush of adoration rise up the faces of the assistants who were supposed to be serving him while he changed, as they witnessed his dignified appearance in the suit.
They walked out of the bridal boutique after trying on Sakura's bridesmaid dresses, Sakura looking a little tired in the face after a long day.
"All right, let's get you some rest before our girls' night out tonight," said Hinata, as she exited the boutique after looking at Sakura with a guilty grin.
"All right, let's get you some rest before our girls' night out tonight."
There was still time before their gathering tonight, so Hinata told the pinkette to get some rest after looking at her with a guilty smile as they left the shop.
"Great."
End Note: Neji will make his appearance very soon, and I'm still plotting the story for a few upcoming chapters, which I want to be reasonable and detail-oriented. I need to bring in a little Sasuke and a little Kazekage for the plot, with them, the relationship will appear more solid and rational. An attempt to resume writing after a long hiatus. Don't bash, might quit writing again.
Updated: Ultimately, there should be a total of 12 chapters before the wedding.