The Lessons She Taught Me

by Sakuranime

Disclaimer: Honey, you don't need to own it to make your thoughts into writing.

(smile) Wow…this chapter is PRETTY long…10 PAGES! (in Word standards, that is…) ARIGATOU to all the reviewers out there! You guys are too kind…(wipes imaginary tear) Unfortunately, there will probably be ONE MORE CHAPTER until this story is finished! (sob) I know, I know, it was a short story but I was planning this to be a short one from the start. There's a wedding in this chapter…I've never been to one before…so please if a wedding doesn't really do this or that and if totally different from my fanfic, BEAR WITH ME! (heh heh…bear…heh heh…yes, we already established that I'm crazy…)

One reviewer wrote something about Sasuke being OOC…DUH! The Naruto cast are 25 in this chapter, of course there's bound to be SOME changes in them!

Enjoy, and REVIEW!

"Quotations"

'Thoughts'

(( Flashbacks ))

Chapter 3: One more step

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Twenty-five year old Haruno Sakura couldn't be anymore nervous than she was today. Today was the BIG day. The HUMONGOUS day. Yup, it was the WEDDING day. The day she was to marry Yamaguchi Keichi, her boyfriend for 7 months. Right now, Sakura, Ino, and Hinata were in the church where they were to be married. Actually, she was in one of the many rooms to get ready.

Sakura took in a deep breath, attempting to steady herself. Squealing, the girl frantically started to get down from the stool and leave the room but didn't get far.

"Sa-ku-ra!" Ino gripped her right arm tightly, her eyes blazing. "I will NOT let you ruin your wedding day and run off!"

Hinata held onto her left arm with a looser hold. "Sakura-chan, please consider what you're doing." She said in a light voice. Hinata was always the politer one of the three friends. "If you leave now, Keichi-san will never forgive you."

Sakura stopped squirming and admitted defeat. "Alright, alright…" she grumbled, stepping up the stool once again. "It's just that I'm so NERVOUS!"

"Relax," Ino assured the hyperventilating girl, giving her back a pat. "Everything is going to be fine! I remember me in a gown…on my wedding day…" The blonde sighed dreamily, her head resting on her hands.

Sakura grinned while Hinata giggled. Ino and Shikamaru had officially become a couple when he proposed to her several months ago. The wedding followed soon after, going smoothly with a mix of Naruto's abrupt food fight and Shikamaru forgetting what to say after Ino's 'I do'.

"But seriously," Ino continued, snapping out of her dreamy state. "It's actually pretty easy."

The girl in the gown raised a delicate eyebrow. "You sure? I feel…butterflies in my stomach!" She waved her hands in the air to emphasize her point, careful not to fall lest she ruin her expensive gown. "Hinata, can you use your Byakugan and check?"

The purple-haired girl's eyes widened a fraction. "Are you being serious, Sakura?" Some time after the chuunin exams, she had gotten over her shyness with Neji training her on talking straight. The Hyuuga claimed it was because he was embarrassed with the way she talked but it was obviously because he had developed a brotherly affection to Hinata.

Sakura waved her hand and laughed. "Just kidding, Hinata," She joked, her face mirthful. A second later, it turned serious, "But I'm so nervous!"

"You'll get over it," Ino replied, brushing the worry aside. "Now hold still! We have to do your hair and face…" Hinata and Ino grabbed any form of weapon available: combs, brushes, perfume, make-up, pins, clips, fancy ornaments, and jewelry. A mischievous look crossed their features.

"Heh…" Ino smirked, showing her pearly white teeth, "Mission: Get Sakura wedding-day ready!"

For the first time, Hinata grinned, "We'll bring out the inner you, Sakura."

Sakura gulped unconsciously. For the first time in her life, she was actually scared of her friends. Sure, she knew Ino could be a little fashion-crazed at times, and Hinata can be a little overboard on cleaning, but she never knew they were like this when armed with cosmetic utensils.

Ah well.

There's a first time for everything.

-

Ino and Hinata stepped back to admire their work. They could not have been any prouder. They embraced each other in a hug, smudges of make-up, hair strands, and whatnot on their clothes.

"We did it, Hinata!" Ino cried, tears of happiness streaming down her face.

Hinata wiped a few tears with her fingertips, "I know. I'm so happy." Happy wasn't the word. Elated was the word.

"Alright, Sakura," Ino tried to breath normally but found she couldn't. She was too excited. "Open your eyes!"

Cream-peach eyelids opened, revealing bright emerald orbs. Sakura looked at the mirror in front of her and gasped in surprise. She didn't recognize the person in the mirror. "Who is that?" She whispered, her voice on the border of awe.

The blonde and dark-purple haired girls laughed, "It's YOU!" They high-fived, pleased with their work.

The girl in the mirror was far from herself. She looked…beautiful. Ethereal. Unearthly. Dare she say it in fear of becoming arrogant? She looked like a goddess. Sakura's mind tried to take in her image all at once but couldn't. There was too many details to process. So she broke it down one by one.

Since her face was a natural light-peach color, Ino, who was in charge of the make-up, didn't need to alter her color at all. Just a few touches here and there and her face looked soft and fresh. On her cheeks, Ino added the tiniest amount of pink blush on her cheekbones that gave her an elegant and pretty look. Any stray eyebrows were tweezed and the form was clean and even. The arch was in between low and high and made her eyes look bigger. Ino had added a small amount of light green and light pink eye shadow so that the unusual colors blended, was barely visible, but served its purpose: bring the green out of Sakura's eyes. The makeup expert also applied two coats of black mascara on her eyelashes and curled them with an eyelash curler. It definitely looked longer. Ino also manicured and colored Sakura's nails and toenails two coats of clear gloss to achieve a neat look.

Of course, who else to do the hair but Ino herself? Instead of the normally straight, long pink hair, she permed it so it would be wavy. Now Sakura's hair had more volume. Then, Ino took a couple of long strands above the ear and braided each. Then she brought the two thin braids to the back of her and tied it with a clear elastic band. This way, Sakura's pink wavy locks would be free but would keep out of her eyes. All other loose strands were carefully arranged in random places to have a 'wind-swept' look. Ino had no use for hair products that contained harmful chemical so Sakura's wavy hair was soft to the touch.

Ino picked out a silver waterfall chain with pink crystals raining down. It matched the silver waterfall bracelet with pink crystals, as they were bought together. Ino knew Sakura preferred no earrings, no matter what the occasion was and obliged her wishes. She looked perfect without them anyways. For the last ornament, Ino collected various veils to cover her face and chose the white mesh one that wouldn't irritate her face. The tiara attached to the veil like a headband was skinny but diamond was studded onto it. The tiara's design was of cherry blossoms weaving in and out.

As the finishing touch, Ino delicately misted Sakura a mix of cherry blossoms, peach, and lavender. Ino knew from past experiences that Sakura disliked strong perfumes and preferred fruit ones if she had to wear them. Despite the oddity of it, the mix actually smelled heavenly.

Next came the dress. In charge of that was Hinata. Out of the three friends, she was the best at arranging things to match and fit any form perfectly, bringing out the good stuff but hiding the bad stuff. The dress chosen wasn't poofy, big, or floral-like. In actuality, it was rather simple. But Hinata reasoned that Sakura looked her best in simplistic clothes. It was a strapless white dress but on the sides were two loops for the arms to go through. The shoulder parts were slightly poofy, the white silk catching a hint of light. The torso part of the dress was sprinkled with light rose-pink sakura petals made of sequin and shiny horizontal beads. It complimented her hair. The torso part of the white and pink dress accented her medium-sized bust and small waist perfectly. A thin strip of light pink cloth was tied around the waist like a ribbon and extended past her butt on the back. The color was to accent the cherry blossom embroidery on the torso part. The torso part wasn't long to create the illusion of longer legs so it ended just below her belly button.

The bottom part of the dress spread out, but not too much or her waist would look unhealthy. The bottom part was layered like a waterfall and cut at the exact length to show each of the layers. In the front, the bottom part of the dress ended at her ankles, but in the back, it ended a little past her feet so it dragged slightly. The outermost layer was made of white silk. The second, made of a light pink mesh. The third, made of a light pink silk material.

The gloves were a silky white with a layer of pink under it. Sakura had ordered, in person, that her gloves were to be fingerless. Ino and Hinata were devastated at this order but the final result fit her best. As a bonus, it showed her nails and made it seem as if her fingers were longer and slender. The shoes were white sandals. They weren't high nor were they short. The leg was medium thick-size and the straps were clear. There was also a back strap to prevent an embarrassing fall.

Lastly, the checkup. Ino and Hinata expertly checked Sakura if a hem was loose, the tiara wasn't on right, a sandal strap was broken, a strand of pink hair was out of place, a lash was intact and didn't fall off, a strand of hair wasn't on the dress, the concealed zipper on the back of the dress was practically invisible and working, a single hair on her legs were not visible, both eyebrows were equal and elegant, the mascara didn't smudge, her fingernails weren't too long…the list could go on.

Sakura finished observing herself. Inside was a feeling of guilt. Her friends did this all for her…she was so lucky to have Ino and Hinata as friends. Tears began to collect under her eyes.

"How do you like it?" Hinata asked. She spotted the beginnings of a tear. "Sakura, don't cry! You'll ruin your makeup."

"Hey, don't go crying on me, Sakura," Ino put her hands to her hips with a triumphant smile, "I spent a lot of time doing the makeup!" At these words, Sakura blinked repeatedly to get rid of the oncoming tears. She wouldn't want her friend's precious time to be wasted in vain if she was going to mess it up with a few tears.

Sakura carefully got down from the stool and embraced her friends, taking caution of the dress, makeup and hair, "You guys are the greatest! There's no possible way I could've done this by myself." Ino and Hinata appeared startled. Slow smiles crept to their mouths and they closed their eyes, savoring the moment.

"Of course!" Ino replied.

Hinata nodded, "We're your friends and that's what friends do." A pang of sudden sadness jolted through Sakura. 'Where have I heard that?'

(( "But we'll ALWAYS be friends, right Sasuke?" ))

Sakura shook her head, banishing the thoughts from her mind. It was probably because she didn't eat, that's all…nothing more.

"Sakura? You ok?" Hinata asked worriedly. Sakura cursed at herself. This was the second time she worried her friends!

She shook her head. "Just some thinking…" When the look of worry still hadn't left their faces, Sakura changed the subject. "The wedding is going to start in about 30 minutes…how are you guys going to change?" She groaned, berating herself for her selfishness. "You guys were using your time to get ready to help me! Now how are you going to change?" Ino smiled slyly and Hinata giggled.

"Don't worry so much, Sakura!" Ino said reassuringly. "It ruins your complexion."

"Ino asked- well, more like forced," Sakura rolled her eyes at this. "Shikamaru to bring her things here and I asked Naruto-kun to bring my things as well." Hinata informed the pink-haired girl, checking a clock on the wall. "They should be here any minute…"

As if on cue, the door burst open, greeting the three with a yellow-blonde head in a black tux. Naruto waved, one hand carrying a shopping bag and the hem of Hinata's dress poking out. "Hi Hinata-chan! I brought your stuff like you asked me to." He walked over to the blushing girl and planted a small kiss on her cheek. This was the first time they saw any form of public affection from Naruto. Hinata was burning crimson from the kiss. The energetic boy turned to the other occupants. "Hi Ino…Whoa, Sakura-chan, is that you? I can barely recognize you!"

Sakura growled. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Naruto grinned a fox-grin. "Haha! I was just joking, Sakura-chan!"

"N-N-Na-Naruto-kun!" Hinata always reverted back to stuttering whenever she was embarrassed beyond belief, which in this case, was exactly how she felt. "H-hi!" She squeaked. Sakura giggled at the two. They were so cute!

"Ah? I had to bring your stuff too…how troublesome." A voice behind Naruto spoke. Ino's face brightened in an instant. "Shika! Mmm…you look so handsome!" She hugged him and he muttered, 'Yeah, yeah…' but his eyes were filled with happiness.

Sakura smiled at the couple. "Hi Shikamaru!" The lazy Nara, also dressed in a similar tux as Naruto's, raised his hand up as a greeting. Typical Shikamaru. He didn't talk unless he felt he needed too, for instance, asking Ino to get the remote for him at their house, or so the blonde girl told her.

Shikamaru lifted a brow at Sakura. "Who's this? Is that Sakura?" Ino nodded, gushing from the compliment. "Wow, you two work wonders." The said girls exchanged smiles, even more happy with their magic.

"Ahh…Why does everyone say that?" Sakura said, groaning.

Shikamaru handed Ino a similar bag like Hinata's except the dress peeking out was a different color. "Here's your dress."

"Alright!" Ino shouted, excited about the oncoming wedding. "Let's go, Hinata! We have to prepare ourselves as 'ladies-in-waiting' for dear Sakura." Hinata nodded, the faint traces of the blush still evident on her pale cheeks.

"Be good," Ino said with a grin, Shikamaru leading her out of the room.

Sakura stuck her tongue out. "You know I won't."

"See you soon, Sakura." Hinata said, clutching her shopping bag. Naruto followed soon after, after bidding Sakura a 'See ya, Sakura-chan!'

She waved to the couples until they were out of sight. Slowly bringing her arm down, a hollow feeling overcame her stomach again. She felt oddly jealous of how close her friends shared with each other. Hinata had Naruto, and Ino had Shikamaru. In contrast, Sakura had no one. But that was all going to change soon. She was going to marry Keichi, the man with whom she would spend the rest of her life.

'Sakura Yamaguchi…' She tested the name, rolling it around her tongue. A small smile. 'Sakura Yamaguchi.' Yes, she liked the name.

But somewhere, deep inside of her, a voice whispered. 'No you don't.'

-

Clothes were thrown over his shoulder, creating a small mountain. Sasuke was looking through his enormous wardrobe to find a single item. A near impossible feat, one might say, but the word 'impossible' wasn't in Uchiha Sasuke's dictionary.

'Where is it?' Sasuke was beginning to get irritated. 'It should be here somewhere…it can just walk off by itself…'

He reached for the last clothing in the closet but threw it over his shoulder after one glance. It wasn't what he was looking for. Sasuke turned to the next closet and began to throw one after the other. Finally, after around the fifth closet, he found it.

'Thank God it's still here…' Sasuke sighed in relief and brought out a box. He ran to his room and placed the cardboard box on his bed. After opening it, Sasuke uncovered a tux and matching dress pants. He held the clothes in front of him but froze.

'What…the…fuck?'

The tux was a ridiculous blue color with a kind of frill on the neckline. Again, the only words registering at the moment ran across his mind.

'What…the…fuck!'

No Uchiha would ever be caught dead wearing a horrendous thing such as that. But Sasuke didn't have a choice. It was the only one he had. Oh. Hell. No. Sasuke would never, ever, ever, ever wear that. Not in this millennium, thank you.

'I'm not wearing this.' Sasuke firmly resolved and proceeded to stuff the horrid tux back into the box before it scarred his eyes. He stood up and was about to leave when a voice stopped him abruptly.

'That's it? You're not wearing it just because it looks bad?'

'Bad isn't the word-' Sasuke stopped. 'What the…' The voice was in his mind.

'Hello to you too. Good boy, that's the way to greet your conscience! Want a biscuit?'

Sasuke inwardly frowned. And a sarcastic one at that. 'Since when did I develop a conscience?'

'I was with you all your life, moron! You just finally decided to listen to me, that's the reason why you can hear me.'

He did not like being called a moron. 'Whatever. Conscience or not, get out of my mind.'

'Whoa. Hold it. So you're running again? You're not going face her just because the tux is horrible? You're weak. I thought you became stronger. I guess I was wrong. You can't even face a girl because you're letting your pride get the best of you.'

Sasuke didn't reply.

'For once in your life, throw away your pride. Follow what you believe is right.'

'I'm not in the mood for a pep talk.'

'This isn't a pep talk. I'm telling you the truth now- if you walk out on this opportunity, you will never forgive yourself. Someone up or down there gave you another chance.'

'A chance at what?'

'If you don't know the answer, you really are hopeless.'

Sasuke looked at the blue tux and then at the clock. It read 1:58. The wedding starts at 2:00. 'I guess I'll be late…' He thought with a grin as he bent to pick up the tux. Sasuke walked to the bathroom, turned the light on, and closed the door behind him.

Someone up or down there gave you another chance.

Aniki gave him another chance at love.

And he was probably damned but, Sasuke was going to take that chance, be it a good ending or bad.

-

Soft organ music played melodically throughout the entire chapel. Inside wasn't decorated much because the actual party would take place outside, since it was spring. People arrived from various transportations throughout all of Konoha and even the other hidden villages. After showing their invitations to a hired hand at the front entrance, they were admitted inside to get seats. The murmurs of word exchanges or gossip from the impatient guests reverberated through the chapel. In the front seats reserved for 'ladies-in-waiting' (or that's what Ino called it), Hinata was fidgeting.

"Oh my," Hinata mentally told herself to stop twiddling her thumbs. "I'm acting like it's my wedding!"

"Oh stop it," Ino chided beside her. "Relax, everything will be fine." But Hinata could see her shaking with excitement as well.

"Look-" Hinata pointed at the entrance. "There's Tenten and Neji-nii-san!" Sure enough, the two walked in, Tenten in a brilliant black silk halter dress while Neji was in a Geoffry Beene Three Button tux. Ino waved at them. Tenten spotted her and dragged Neji to the front.

"Hey guys!" Tenten said, her face bright.

"Hi Tenten!" Ino and Hinata greeted.

"Hi, Neji-nii-san," Hinata said to the branch member. He tipped his head in a small bow.

"Hello, Hinata-sa-" Neji was about to say 'sama' but saw the look Hinata flashed at him. "Err…I mean, Hinata." She smiled.

"Nice look, Neji." Ino commented, a sly grin on her face. He scoffed.

"This is so uncomfortable…" He muttered, adjusting the collar.

"How do you think we feel?" Shikamaru drawled, leaning back on the seat with arms crossed. He and Naruto were sitting in the row right behind the 'ladies-in-waiting' row. Shikamaru's Tallio Uomo Single Button tux was slightly loosened but Naruto's Jaguar tuxedo's black jacket was open and the top buttons were undone, revealing a white shirt underneath.

Tenten hit Neji's arm lightly. "Stop complaining, it's Sakura's wedding!" She squealed and hugged the two girls.

"Women." Neji winced at the high-pitched squeals and took a seat beside the guys.

Naruto grinned like a fox, "I can't wait for the food…" Neji and Shikamaru rolled their eyes while Naruto went to Ramen Land.

"Kyaa!" Tenten crowed. "You guys look great!" Hinata blushed while Ino grinned. It was true. Hinata had a cute dark purple dress with braided straps. The braided straps then merged into one string that criss-crossed with each other, covering her back so it wasn't totally bare. It gave Hinata a sexy but modest look. The dress was cut short just after her knees and slits ran up her legs. The color of the dress was dark purple at the top, then as the dress went down, it faded to a light purple. A light shimmer sparkled on the top and on the bottom, tiny diamonds were stamped. Matching light purple silk gloves covered her hands. Her hair was arranged like the usual way except a portion of the front was clipped to the other side. The purple of her dress looked good with her hair, but contrasted with her white eyes. Not in a bad way, though, because it made her eyes stand out.

Ino was the type of girl who loved to show what she's got and the dress completed her figure nicely. The dress had one strap on her right side but was bare on the other. There wasn't a sleeve but the top shoulder that had a strap was veiled with a transparent light blue frill. The dress cascaded downward and was cut uneven diagonally, showing off her long legs. The top of the dress was a dark blue and faded to a sky blue color at the bottom. Stars outlined with diamond, tiny and big, were scattered across her dress. Light blue silk gloves covered Ino's hands. Ino's hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, a few strands of hair left on one side of her face. Some of her hair was clipped with small blue star clips and blended nicely with her eyes and dress.

"T-thank you, Tenten…" Hinata replied, still blushing from the compliment. "You look wonderful too."

Ino smiled. "You sure know how to put on a dress too, Tenten!"

It was Tenten's turn to blush. The black silk halter dress showed her neck and also covered a small scar on her neckline. Black was definitely her color. The sparkles on the dress caught the light and outlined her body. They were formed in a long triangle like the tails of a shooting star would. Black silk gloves covered her hands. Her hair was styled into a bun and was covered with a mesh black cloth for a twist and left no tendrils of hair untended to. It really helped show her face and make it look radiant.

"Thanks guys!" Tenten said with a smile, "So, when do we see the lucky girl?" She too was eager for the wedding to begin.

"When you see her you would be so surprised!" Ino crowed, the image of their transformed friend still etched in her mind.

Hinata joined in the laughter with Tenten. "We worked a wonder."

After a few minutes of talking, the girls about what they were interested in, and the guys the latest missions and so on, everyone from the checklist who had been invited appeared and the wedding was going to start. A man dressed in black robes came out from the side of the altar and walked up to the podium. Clearing his throat, he said, "Excuse me? Can I have your attention please?"

Instantly, the chapel became silent. Satisfied with the silence, he continued. "The wedding is about to start. We would all appreciate your silence throughout the entire procedure. Now, we have a few rules to lie down. Firstly, absolutely NO smoking."

A curse was heard where the jounins were seated. Asuma (a black and white tux) had a cigarette in his mouth and got up to leave but Kurenai (who had a red dress on) took the object from his mouth, crushed it in her hand and discarded it in a trash. Ignoring the appalled look on Asuma's face, she yanked him back down on the seat. Kakashi (a loose tux) chuckled from his perverted book, which earned a glare from Asuma. For once, the Konoha hitai-ate was left at home to be replaced by a plain black cloth to match the tux. Kakashi was about to turn to the next page to find out what happened between Machiko and Kagamura when the priest spoke again.

"Second, in respect for the ceremony, NO books or any other reading material are allowed."

Kakashi's hand froze in mid-page and a stony look overcame him. It was Asuma laughing at the perverted sensei now. Kakashi grumbled and stuffed the book inside his tux pocket. Over in the front section reserved for special guests, Naruto rolled his eyes at his former teacher.

"Last, all trash is asked kindly to be thrown in the respective garbage bins stationed around the church. Thank you. That is all." With that, he returned back into the room where he had come from. A minute later, a man in priest robes stepped out of the same door and walked to the microphone at the podium.

"Please stand." Everyone followed his whispery voice, which was enlarged by the microphone. "We will begin with the opening song…"

-

After the songs and a few words of encouragement from a collective group of mentors and friends including Tsunade, Kakashi, Iruka, Naruto, Ino, Hinata, Tenten, Shikamaru, Neji, Lee, and others who were familiar with Sakura, the bride made her grand appearance. During the last speech from the last person to speak, Sakura was lead by a hired help to the entrance of the church and stood there. No one noticed her because they were listening to the speaker. The whole church gasped upon her appearance, causing Sakura to blush even prettier.

Sakura was in her gown, the very one Hinata and Ino mustered their strength to get, her makeup still intact, hair wavy and silky-looking and the veil over her face. Her hands were in front of her chest, a bouquet of cherry blossoms in her hands. The wedding song 'Here comes the bride' played softly in the background, signaling her to move slowly to the front.

As she walked past the aisles on the lush carpet, Sakura heard whispers about her. The blush in her cheeks became stronger but she held her head high. Nothing would ruin this day. Nothing. Not even- a vision of Sasuke – No. Not him.

The murmurs were complimentary ones but Sakura suppressed the blush from gaining momentum.

"Is that really Sakura-san?"

"Kyaa! She looks so beautiful!"

"Wow, what a hottie."

"Whoa! I never knew Sakura-chan could look so feminine!" A bonk on the head from Hinata who smiled innocently.

"I'm proud of you, Sakura." Tsunade whispered as Sakura passed the seat reserved for the Hokage. She smiled, showing she heard.

Kakashi was at the edge of the aisle and he leaned a bit, "You've grown into a woman, Sakura." His eyes and the wrinkle in the mask he always wore showed he was smiling. Sakura was about to ask what he meant by that but remembered she was at her wedding. It would be an embarrassment and her friends would never live it down. She knew he was joking so instead whispered, "Thanks, Kakashi-chan-sensei." A wink. Kakashi chuckled.

Sakura made it past halfway and was continuing to the front where the priest and her soon-to-be-husband, Keichi stood. His childish face was beaming. She smiled back at him, but another face popped into her mind.

Sasuke.

Her eyes widened, earning a look of concern from Keichi. She shook the Uchiha's face away but to no avail. He wouldn't go away. Why does she always feel guilty about him? It wasn't even her fault…yet she felt like running back into his arms. Now that she thought about it, his hugs felt…like apart of her. Keichi's embraces were never like Sasuke's. Sakura felt content in Keichi's arms but…she felt ALIVE in Sasuke's arms. Why did he have to haunt her? And on her wedding day too! This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life…

(( "Ano, Sasuke-kun…can you walk me home?" ))

Keichi's smiling face was gone. In his place was a handsome Sasuke.

(( "Nee, Sasuke…you'll be happy to know I've gotten over you. I'll continue training and only training. You were right, I have to get stronger and not weigh down the rest of my team. I'm sorry I've chased you after all those years…" ))

Sakura's steps suddenly became heavy. After all that taijutsu training under Tsunade-shishou, it shouldn't be a problem to lift her leg…she lifted them with ease, performing kicks with weights attached to them at times. She couldn't understand why her legs felt so…relenting. As if they refused to function in leading Sakura to her future husband.

(( "Haha! It was just a joke, Sasuke, lighten up, will you? You're such a stiff!" ))

Sakura was past mid-halfway. Three long strides more and she would reach the waiting people in the front and begin the ceremonious talk about marriage. Three long strides, that is. Sakura was instructed to take small steps, making everything dramatic and all. That's what Ino advised. But should she even be waiting? Her future was right there, in front of her! The one smiling in the tux that looked a bit big on him. Then why was she having these second thoughts? Sakura thought she had already cleared her mind yesterday…

(( "So, Sasuke-" Sakura stopped in mid-sentence, having tripped over a protruding stone. Before she fell on the concrete ground, a hand caught her waist from behind. ))

A few more strides…just a few more and these annoying memories would go away…

(( Sasuke's grip on her waist tightened as he lifted her back upright. "Are you alright?" ))

Tears formed in her eyes. One betrayed her wishes and fell across her cheek. Everyone thought it was because she was happy…another tear fell.

(( His breath caressed her cheek gently. "Are you alright, Sakura?" ))

Sakura bit her lip. She didn't want to cry. Not now, not like this, not with what she was feeling. Three more steps…two…

(( Are you alright, Sakura?" ))

One more step…but Sakura stopped. Everyone was surprised, the most, being Keichi. The guys rose their eyebrows while Tenten, Hinata, and Ino exchanged confused looks. Sakura lowered her head, a shadow concealing her eyes. Keichi and the priest looked at her, confusion etched on their faces. Why had she stopped? Only one more step and she would be at the altar. The priest cleared his throat and motioned for Keichi to speak to her.

Keichi looked worriedly at the pink-haired bride. "Sakura? What's wrong?" When she didn't respond, the church burst into light murmurs, increasing in volume, asking questions. The priest shouted. "Excuse me, this is a chapel! We will have silence, please." They quieted, all turning to Sakura for the answer.

"Are you alright, Sakura?" Keichi tried again to reach her. He succeeded. The moment the words left his lips, something in Sakura's chest thumped. Her face lifted to reveal her tear-streaked face. Everyone was staring at her now, waiting for the answer.

Sakura opened her mouth. "Sorry…I'm just...happy," She answered. Ino and Hinata sighed in relief. Sakura continued to walk.

"Is something wrong?" Keichi whispered to her as he took off the veil when she reached the altar. Sakura shook her head in response but inside, she was torn apart.

'Why couldn't I just stop the wedding? After all these years of suppressing my emotions, I want to be with him again…then why couldn't I say no?' Sakura thought. The tears picked up pace.

'Because you're afraid he would reject your feelings again…' A small voice said in her mind. It was right on target. Sakura was afraid of what Sasuke would say.

While the priest was speaking about love and marriage, Sakura's inner turmoil was growing by each sentence. Finally, he turned to the oblivious Keichi.

"Yamaguchi Keichi." The priest's voice wasn't whispery now. It was loud and clear, signaling the climax of the wedding. "Do you promise to love, cherish, and protect Haruno Sakura through bad times or good times with your life?"

"I do."

The priest turned to Sakura. "Haruno Sakura, do you promise to love, cherish, and protect Yamaguchi Keichi through bad times or good times with your life?"

Sakura's voice was caught in her throat. She opened her mouth but nothing would come out. Keichi looked at her worriedly. The guests were wondering one thing: What was wrong? Sakura tried to talk but couldn't. Her voice refused to work for her in this time of need. The tears were falling without remorse.

"I…" Her voice relented. "I-"

All of a sudden, the front door to the chapel burst open, revealing a disheveled Sasuke in a weird blue tux. Everyone gaped at the intruder. Was that really Uchiha Sasuke? Two large men were holding onto him, trying to bring him back out.

"Hey, you're not supposed to be in here!" One of the big men grunted, tugging at Sasuke's sleeve.

"Fuck…off!" Sasuke swung his leg to him, knocking him on the neck. He glared at the other man who was suddenly afraid. Sasuke turned back to the crowd but the only thing he could stare at was Sakura.

Her eyes were widened, mouth agape. So was this other man next to Sakura in a tux. The crowd was speechless. Keichi was the first to recover.

"Who are you? Can't you see we're in the middle of a wedding?" He demanded, thoroughly annoyed. Sasuke didn't answer him but continued to stare at the girl beside him. Only one thought ran across his mind. 'Beautiful.'

"Sa…Sasuke?" Sakura choked out, all eyes swiveling to her now. "Wha-What are you…doing here?"

Sasuke snapped out of his reverie. He came here for a reason. "Sakura- I…" He bit his lip. "I'm so sorry for all the things I said before. I was a fool. I…love you."

Over in the front row, Sakura's friends couldn't take it. "What did he say?" Hinata's voice was sharp. Ino could only stare with wide eyes at what Sasuke was wearing. It was utterly ridiculous. But then again, here he was, confessing his feelings. It must have hurt his pride to actually show his face here in the first place.

"What does Sasuke-teme think he's doing…?" Naruto demanded but Shikamaru couldn't answer. He and Neji were too stunned.

Sakura's heart stopped. Did Sasuke really say what she think he said? Keichi looked at Sakura. She was still staring at this…guy who showed up from nowhere.

"Sakura, come on, send him out. This is our wedding, remember?" Keichi said, trying to reach her. She ignored him.

"Sasuke…is that really true? Is what you're saying really true?" Sakura couldn't help but ask. She wanted to know the truth. "Is that really what you feel?"

Kakashi couldn't believe his eye. He was about to lift the makeshift forehead protector to check with both eyes but stopped. His sharingan would scare a few people. Kakashi grinned despite the sudden intrusion. It was like a wedding drama.

Sasuke nodded in confidence. "I love you more than anything." When he saw the disbelief in her eyes, he continued. "Sakura, please believe me…I know I've been a bastard to you, but I've changed." His eyes softened. "You've changed me."

Keichi stared at the dumbstruck girl. Why was she listening to this crap? He thought she got over him.

Sakura couldn't believe her ears. Was her mind tormenting her by playing tricks on her? Her breath caught in her throat. No, this was the real thing. The words were straight from Sasuke's heart. She nodded numbly, telling him she was listening.

Sasuke took a step toward her. "You taught me that youth only comes only once in my life. But I didn't listen to that and only tried to strengthen myself for my selfish needs. You said, 'Live with intention.' Remember?"

Sakura's eyes widened further. He was really listening to her? She told him that when they were 10 years old…

He took another step. "You told me once to listen hard to what people were saying. That way, life would be filled with friends who understand you. I was too arrogant and thought that no one could understand what kind of hell I went through. But there was one person who understood. It was you."

Hinata put a hand to her mouth. Ino's mouth was agape. 'This was definitely a mirage,' they thought.

Sasuke's eyes were endearing to Sakura, begging for forgiveness. "Do you remember, Sakura the last time I laughed like I really meant it? I never truly laughed. You told me that was unhealthy and tried ways to make me laugh. But instead of taking your words to heart, I just shut you out completely." More steps.

Keichi was irritated. The wedding was going fine until this stranger here came bursting in. "Sakura, don't tell me you're listening to this-" Sakura didn't even glance at him.

The dark-haired boy was ripping his pride with each step he took toward her. "Remember, Sakura, when Team 7 was still alive? When we went on missions, you and Naruto would always watch my back, even though you couldn't do much? Sakura, you always risked your life for me and I never appreciated it. I regret never saying 'thank you' to you…it's because of you that I'm here."

Sakura let out a weak smile, the tears streaming happily. Keichi had enough. He grabbed Sakura's arm and pulled her towards him. "Come on, Sakura, let's leave without the formalities. I can't believe you're listening to this idiotic bas-" Before he could complete his sentence, Sakura's fist made contact with his face. A loud 'smack' resounded. The guests couldn't believe it. Haruno Sakura just punched her soon-to-be-husband!

Keichi, now sporting an unsightly bruise on his cheek, looked stunned. "You…hit me."

Sakura turned her face away from Sasuke to glare at him angrily. "Don't you DARE call Sasuke an 'idiotic bastard.' You just try, Keichi-san, and I'll punch you again." Her voice was filled with venom, making Keichi take a step back.

"You-You're insane!" Keichi bolted out the side door screaming, "You're all insane!" (…OH COME ON! I know that's a gay way to leave your own wedding, but I needed some reason to get him off Sakura's back…BARE WITH ME, PEOPLE!)

Not even caring that her 'husband' left, Sakura turned back to the stunned and wide-eyed crowd and faced Sasuke. Her lips became a thin line but her eyes told him to continue.

Sasuke was almost a short distance away. He came closer with another step. "You also told me…" He smiled weakly. "To do what you love…" The corners of Sasuke's mouth upturned a bit, a smile on his face.

Naruto couldn't believe it. Sasuke. The human ice-cube. Was smiling. "This is it, the end of the world in coming!" He muttered, more to himself. "This is a dream…it has to be a dream…" Naruto wasn't so sure. Sasuke, with a smile, and Sakura, who just punched Keichi, looked pretty real to him.

Sasuke was about three steps away from the ex-bride. He looked at her, his eyes filled with so much pleading that it scared Sakura. "Do you…believe me, Sakura? Do you believe me when I say I love you?"

The long-forgotten crowd leaned in, too mesmerized about the Uchiha's sudden burst of emotions and what Sakura would say to care about Keichi and the wedding. He was a distant memory, long gone from the present. Which, at the current moment, was waiting for Sakura to speak.

Sakura's emerald eyes stared deeply into Sasuke's onyx orbs. He didn't look away, and instead let her into his mind. 'They said that the eyes are the windows to a person's soul…' Sakura remembered someone telling her that. She saw hate, for what happened to him during childhood, regret, for letting her go, confusion, for what he felt, and…what was this…? Love…? Yes, Sakura saw love, a tiny flicker, perhaps but it was still there. Love for her.

Sakura closed her eyes, retreating back to the depths of her mind. She needed to think. Should she trust him? True, she saw love in his eyes but Sasuke could be deceiving her…or would he? He said he loved her…she should trust him as a friend. Should she give her to him again, hoping it wouldn't be broken? Sakura gave her heart to him one too many times, so why should this time be any different?

Because you saw his soul.

She opened her eyes. That was true…she did see his soul…but still…she had a doubt inside of her…

Sasuke's voice penetrated her thoughts. "Sakura, please…trust me."

Trust me.

Sakura looked down at the floor, shielding her eyes. She walked forward, closing the gap between her and Sasuke. She leaned into him, bringing her mouth to his ear. Sasuke looked confused, wondering what she was doing. The crowd held their breath like they would when watching the climax of some drama.

"You forgot one thing, Sasuke…" Sakura's voice said seductively, her breath caressing his ear. For once in his life, Sasuke's blush was clearly evident.

Sasuke gulped, leaning back from Sakura to put some distance between them. He came in here confidently, knowing his goal and prepared for the consequences…so why was he suddenly embarrassed? Why on earth was he blushing? "W-What's that…?" He smacked himself mentally. His answer sounded so intelligent.

Sakura's eyes were still shielded so Sasuke couldn't tell what she was planning to do when she leaned into him again. "You forgot the last one…'Live as if this is all there is.'"

The Uchiha's eyes widened. His heart skipped a beat. Was this true? This wasn't a mirage that fate had played on him cruelly? "Are…are you saying…"

The pink-haired girl nodded.

"Are you sure...? I mean, that's you're answer? You're not going to regret it?" Sasuke stuttered, asking her silly questions when she already told him the answer in black and white.

Again, a nod. "I do. (Get it…? I DO. Wait until Sasuke says it…) I know now what my heart wants…I love you more than anything in the world. I hope you feel the same about me." Sakura said, her voice betraying no lies. This was the flat-out truth.

Sasuke blinked. It wasn't a mirage. He stared at the girl in a wedding dress and suddenly felt relieved. He couldn't help it, Sasuke smiled widely, a feat anyone thought the human-ice cube couldn't do. "I do."

Sakura smiled brightly. "Nice sui-" Before she could finish her compliment, Sasuke's lips came crashing down on her. Her eyes widened at the contact but closed them. Sasuke's embrace felt so right…and his lips tasted so good… She deepened the kiss.

The crowd was stunned. Kakashi was the first to thaw from his surprised state. He got up from his seat and started to clap. He smiled, looking at the couple in each other's arms. 'Looks like you made the right decision, Sasuke…'

Hinata couldn't move. The sudden events were overwhelming her. Then she heard a clap from one of the jounin rows. It was Kakashi. He was clapping. As if her body moved on its own, she stood up and started clapping. Hinata blinked. Whatever took over her body receded and she gained control again. But she didn't stop. Hinata had a bright smile now and clapped hard. Behind her, Naruto got up and started clapping with a silly grin on his face. He whooped.

Ino joined in, followed by Shikamaru, Tenten and Neji. Soon, the air was filled with claps, cheers, and whoops for the two in each other's embraces. Naruto had a sly grin on his face. "Ano sa, ano sa, Hinata…"

When she turned her face to him, Naruto took her lips. Hinata's eyes widened but she deepened the kiss. Ino pouted at Shikamaru. He looked dumbly at her.

"What?" The lazy ninja asked. Ino's pout transformed into a smirk. She grabbed his face, surprising him in the process, and kissed him. The two were soon joined in a battle of tongues. (MWHAHAA!)

Neji was appalled at Naruto's sudden affectionate gesture. And in front of him too! "How dare he-" His voice was muffled with Tenten's mouth.

The long-forgotten priest was stiffly holding the gold-rimmed book (you know, the one at weddings?). Remembering his priestly duties, he snapped out of his shocked-state. Who wouldn't be shocked? In a matter of moments, the bride punched her 'husband' and another man came and proclaimed love for her, creating a speech out of the top of his head! He flustered the words out of his mouth.

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife!" The priest shouted above the claps, whistles, whoops, and cheers. His proclamation of marriage between Sakura and Sasuke seemed only to fuel the guests more, as their noise level increased.

Sasuke broke the kiss. A handsome smile adorned his face. Sakura jumped on him unexpectedly, especially since she was wearing her wedding gown and Sasuke caught her. "I think you might want to change…" Sakura whispered, a smile on her pink lips.

Sasuke grinned boyishly. "What? You don't think I look good?"

She threw her head back and laughed. "You look good in anything…"

Sasuke's lips decided to reunite with Sakura's.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Prince of Tennis Short (I didn't make it up, I saw this somewhere…LMFAO If anyone has this, PLZ TELL ME! I WANT TO SAVE IT ON MY COMPUTER!)

Momo and Kikumaru: (walking)

Momo: Eiji-sempai, wanna go grab a burger?

Kikumaru: Great idea! I'm starving. Let's go get ochibi. (Both walk to regular's locker area)

Momo: Your treat, of course.

Kikumaru: Heh. Now way, Momo. (reaches for doorknob)

Sakuno: (from inside) I-It hurts, Ryoma-kun…

Kikumaru: Nya?

Sakuno: (from inside) S-Stop rubbing too hard!

Ryoma: (from inside) Fine. I'm going to take it off, okay?

Momo and Kikumaru: …

Sakuno: (from inside) O-Okay…Be gentle…Ah…

Ryoma: (from inside) Look at it, Ryuzaki.

Momo and Kikumaru: (huge nosebleeds)

Sakuno: (from inside) I-Isn't it too long? Ouch!

Ryoma: (from inside) Too tight, huh?

Momo and Kikumaru: (blush furiously) (bursts open the door) OI! ECHIZEN! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO RYUZA--? EH!

Sakuno and Ryoma: (looks at them)

Ryoma: (in the middle of bandaging Sakuno's ankle)

End

Naruto cast: (fainted from nosebleeds)

SA: (evil smirk) Aww, Jeez, you all are PERVERTS! (nosebleed as well)

Complaints? Suggestions? Comments? Just want to blab anything? GREAT! REVIEW and blab away! Randomness is welcome! (evil crazy laugh)