Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto!

Story Title: True Love

Chapter 12: Of Returns and Wedding Bells

.: Start :.

It's been a week since Team 7 met with Yuukie, they went on a mission to another country. Now that they're back Naruto was glad that he could go to his ramen heaven and even better to meet Yuukie. He nearly flew to the stand and when he sat on the stool he was so surprised that Yuukie wasn't there to greet him and take his order.

"Hey nechan, where's Yuukie-chan?" He asked Ayame.

A few seconds after the announcement…

"WHAT!" Naruto yelled at the top of his lungs. Everyone had closed their ears and winced to lessen the impact.

Lets get back to the part before Naruto screamed…

"Yuukie quitted. A few days before you guys came back." Ayame stated.

Naruto blinked, he blinked again and again and finally… Well I guess you know what happens next.

"Stop it idiot! I'm getting a headache!" Sasuke scolded.

"But, but Yuukie-chan! She… She left! But WHY!" Naruto waited. "Yuukie-chan is…"

"Yes?" A voice said making Naruto jump.

He turned around. "Yuukie-chan!" He yelled jumping from the stool and hugged her.

"Hey, Naruto-kun. Nice to see you too. At least you took it better than I expected." She said trying to pry herself away from Naruto.

"Why did you quit? I can't see you again and you won't be my friend and!"

"Naruto! We still can see each other and of course you'll still be my friend."

"But why did you quit!" He asked with his infamous puppy-dog's eyes.

"Well, mum got sick and I need to be there for her. She was admitted into the hospital a few days ago. I've been staying at the hospital with her. Umm… We will no longer need your services since we have to pay mum's medical bills. Oh, and this is for you." She said handing out some money.

The whole team looked at her hand and shook their heads.

"It's okay, we were just helping a friend." Kakashi said.

"That's right and you have to pay the medical bills too." Sakura stated, closing Yuukie's palm to say that she should keep the money.

"We don't need it. We just want you to be safe." Naruto grinned.

"Yeah, like the idiot said we don't need it. Why do I need your money?" Sasuke tried to sound pleasant but failed, which resulted with Naruto picking a fight with him.

"But you guys helped me and my mother did hired you guys…"

Kakashi raised his hand to silence her. "Really Yuukie-chan, it's okay. We did it because we wanted to."

"Thanks guys." Yuukie said finally after she pocketed her money.

"Ne, ne Yuukie-chan! Do you want to go somewhere? I'm not really doing anything now. We don't right Kakashi-sensei?" Kakashi nodded. "See and we haven't talked in a while. So, please?" He said with his infamous puppy-dog eyes imitation and his pouty lips.

"Of course but not too long okay? I still have to go to the hospital."

"Alright!" He said jumping up and down. "I'm going out with Yuukie-chan!" He said in a singsong voice while Yuukie gave out a small smile.

.: The Enchanted Forest :.

"I heard about Daisuke not being your brother and all from Sasuke. Why did you lie?" Naruto asked, watching as a few leaves fell from the tree by the autumn breeze. "Didn't you trust us?"

"I'm sorry, I just… didn't want anyone to know about a few stuff… As you know, I'm very secretive."

"Yeah but you could have at least told me! I thought you were single…"

"Well I am now… Naruto, if you don't mind… I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Sure. So, what happened to your mum?" He asked, picking a dry leaf and cracking it with his thumb and forefinger.

"I don't know…" Yuukie shrugged.

"Can I come and visit her?" Naruto asked, sitting up.

"Of course. Do you want to go now?" She said, also standing up.

"Sure!"

.: Hospital :.

"Mum?" Yuukie asked as she knocked the door.

"Come in dear." Hana said, sitting up on the hospital bed.

"Feeling well mum?' She asked as she sat on the bed.

"I guess. Is there someone outside?" Hana asked tilting her head to see who was outside.

"Umm… Yeah. Come in Naruto."

Naruto opened the door and entered, remembering to close the door. He sat on one of the chairs. "Umm… Hi. I'm one of Yuukie-chan's friends. Are you okay? Yuukie-chan told me that you were sick."

"You're… that boy." Hana said.

"Well… Yeah."

"You know him mum?"

"Yes." Hana said reaching up to Naruto. Naruto closed his eyes, fearing that he would be slapped… but it never came. Instead, he got his hair ruffled. "You've grown." She said smiling.

"Don't everybody?" Naruto asked jokingly, a smile played on his lips.

"As playful as ever." Hana said.

"I try." Naruto grinned. "I heard that you guys weren't from this country. Is that true?"

"Yes." Both Hana and Yuukie answered.

"Cool! So you guys come from?"

"Snow country." Yuukie answered his question.

"Wow! It must have been pretty cold there!" Naruto said amazed.

"Yeah. There's absolutely no spring or summer there. Just winter, snow and ice."

"Is that why you moved here?"

"No. My father is one from the leaf."

"Oh yeah I forgot!" Naruto said laughing, scratching the back of his head. "Oh, hey! Is that the time!" He said pointing at the clock. "Sorry but I have to go! It was nice meeting you, miss!" He said rushing to the door, waving.

"Where are you going?" Yuukie asked the blond.

"For my daily dose of RAMEN!"

"It was nice meeting you too, young man."

Yuukie shook her head in disbelief. The blond was as cheerful and as silly as a sea-lion. His obsession with ramen made her think back about her job. It was fun while it lasted. Meeting new friends along the way, she just hoped that she'd get back to her job soon and meet more new friends.

It' not like people didn't want to be with her… She's just a little shy to meet them. She's not antisocial either. Now with Team 7, she can just meet new ones without speaking up. She's shy with other people because she came from another country and felt like she didn't belong. There weren't much people in her country either so she's not used to it…yet.

It's been two weeks since Team 7 was back from the mission and since Naruto had met Yuukie's mum. Hana was doing well but not so good, she kept fainting every now and then. Yuukie had been trying hard to keep her mother happy but Hana wanted her to be happy and to go back to work but Yuukie refused. Hana managed to make Yuukie go play with her friends though with a little help from Naruto, that is. So now Yuukie is walking around the streets of Konoha with Naruto and Sakura.

"Yuukie-chan, it's nice that you're walking around instead of being locked up in that Hospital." Naruto said smiling at the girl.

"Yes, it's not very healthy to not go out once in a while." The bubblegum haired teen advised.

"I-I guess…"

"Why don't we go to the park?" Naruto asked with a bright smile.

"That's a great idea!" Sakura exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "How about it Yuukie-chan?"

"Umm… Sure." Yuukie said, without much effort. Something was bugging her and it didn't feel right.

Sakura glanced at her with a worried look. "Are you alright Yuukie-chan? Don't worry about your mum she'll be fine. The medic-nins are on it, okay?"

"I know that. I just don't feel good." Yuukie said looking as though she was going to throw up.

"Do you need to sit down?" Naruto asked, fearing that his friend might be ill.

"No, I'm fine." Yuukie said pushing herself forward.

When they were walking along, Yuukie suddenly stopped. A figure stepped out from view.

"Yuukie-chan, are you alright? Why are you stopping?"

Yuukie just looked forward and stared with disbelieving eyes. "Yuukie-chan, what's wrong?" Sakura asked.

Naruto looked forward at the figure Yuukie was staring at. "Sasuke teme? You're worried about him?" Naruto asked.

"Sasuke-kun? Don't worry Yuukie-chan, he won't hurt you. He's not that type of guy." Sakura said waving to 'Sasuke'.

The figure raised an eyebrow in confusion and called out Yuukie's name. Yuukie shook her head and walked closer to Naruto as though trying to protect herself from him.

"Wait, that's not Sasuke." Naruto said realising that the person wasn't his rival.

"No, it's Daisuke…" Yuukie said averting her gaze from the figure.

Naruto and Sakura stared at the figure. "Do you want us around?" Sakura asked.

Yuukie was reluctant to say no but she had to deal with him alone. "No." She said with a somewhat strong voice. "Meet me at the park later."

Naruto and Sakura went their way. "Good luck." Naruto said giving her the thumbs up.

The figure went closer to Yuukie as her friends went. "It's nice to see you again, Yuukie." He said cupping Yuukie's cheek, Yuukie just nodded.

At the park Naruto was a little worried and was talking to Sakura about it…

"Do you think she'll be fine?"

"I don't know. I never knew he had such a resemblance with Sasuke-kun. She told me that she was single too."

"She told me that too. Except she mentioned that Daisuke was her older brother not her boyfriend!"

"Now that's the real Sasuke-kun." Sakura pointed to the Uchiha teen who was just walking around the park.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow and approached his teammates. "What are you talking about? Me? Because I heard you say my name. Sasuke asked annoyed. "And your finger was pointing directly at me, Sakura."

"Not really Sasuke-kun. We were just saying that you're the real Sasuke-kun." Sakura explained.

"What do you expect? It's not like I have a double." Sasuke scoffed.

"Actually, you do idiot." Naruto pointed out.

"Who are you calling idiot, idiot? And what's this with my double?"

"You know Daisuke, Yuukie-chan's ex-boyfriend, well he's back." Naruto explained.

"Oh really?" Sasuke asked sarcastically. "Where are they?" He asked.

"We left Yuukie-chan alone somewhere around Orchard Road but I think that she left to take care of something with him."

With that, Sasuke began to walk towards Orchard Road.

"Sasuke-kun! Where are you going?" Sakura asked.

"Going to see Sanada and her so called ex-boyfriend."

"Wait! Yuukie-chan wanted to be alone to take care of it! Don't you dare go there!" Naruto yelled pulling the hem of Sasuke's shirt.

"Let go of me dunce!" Sasuke warned.

"Sasuke-kun, I agree with you on anything but this is disturbing another's personal affairs!"

"So? It's not like I asked you to come." Sasuke said glaring at her and forcefully made Naruto let go of his shirt by squeezing his hand until they were white.

Yuukie and Daisuke were still somewhere on Orchard Road talking to each other, well Daisuke was the one talking, sitting on one of the benches. Yuukie was not looking at him so Daisuke tried to persuade her.

"Yuukie, look at me please. I've come all the way from Snow country just to see you again." He pleaded. "I know I've hurt you so much and I beg for forgiveness. Yuukie…"

"Where's your friend?" Yuukie asked.

"F-friend?" Daisuke asked, puzzled.

"Your… Girlfriend."

"Oh that. Well I don't have one. Well, I do and she sitting right next to me."

"Oh no she isn't! Because you broke up with her and she is really trying not to let her emotions go and hug you!"

"Oh you're still angry about it, aren't you?"

"No, I'm not angry."

"Yuukie, please, if you'll listen, I'll explain everything and you'll understand." He swayed.

"Explain on how you did this to me?" Yuukie asked as tears stung her eyes. "I don't understand why."

"Just let me explain. I only did that so I wouldn't remember you. So I could concentrate on my training to finish it and be a strong heir so I could protect you. If I did think about you, I'll worry and miss you too much. I'm sorry if I wrote it too harsh but it was the only way. I've come here to finish what we started. You're already in the right age now let's go back to Snow country." He said hugging her as he explained. "And get married." (1) Yuukie pulled back from the hug, nearly pushing Daisuke off the bench.

Yuukie had forgotten about that little detail. She thought that this day would come within light-years away. It was still her duty whether she likes it or not. Even if she didn't like Daisuke anymore, it must be done.

"Sanada!"

"Sasuke-san?" Yuukie said bewildered.

"Yuukie, who is that?" Daisuke asked getting angry.

"Well, well, well if it isn't Daisuke the one who left her girlfriend in trouble." Sasuke said mockingly.

"What are you talking about? And who are you supposed to be?"

"You've probably haven't heard of the name Uchiha."

"An Uchiha eh? What do you want, Uchiha?" Daisuke spat.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura's voice was heard. "Wait Sasuke-kun! We really shouldn't be here!" She said pulling his arm.

"If you people don't mind, we're trying to plan a wedding." Daisuke said standing up.

"Who's wedding?" Naruto asked.

"Ours." Daisuke said walking away with Yuukie, arm in arm.

"WHAT!" Both Naruto and Sakura yelled.

"Shouldn't you ask her if she wants to or not? Or at least get an approval from her mother? Like she would want you for a son in law."

"Like she'll have a choice. Her marriage has been arranged even before she could remember. I'll have her as my wife and there's nothing all of you can do about it."

"Don't act as though I'm a prize to be won!" Yuukie said pulling her arm away from his grasp. "If I could make my own choices, I wouldn't be marrying you! It is only my duty and for the honour of my family!"

Daisuke was shocked to her those words come out from her mouth. "How can you say that? You loved me!"

"Yes, I loved you. I didn't say I love you now, not anymore."

"Your family will be hearing about this. Be ready in two weeks." He said waving as he disappeared. "I'll be waiting." His voice echoed.

"Yuukie-chan! You said he was your boyfriend not your fiancé!" Naruto wailed.

"I guess I forgot?"

"Now Yuukie-chan, we know that you like to keep secrets but can't you trust us for you to be honest with? I'm your friend aren't I? How about Naruto and the others? Please."

"Come on I'll tell you everything."

.: Yuukie's story and past life:.

As you all know, I'm from Snow country. I was born into the Suichi family where our customs are compulsory to each and every one of the family members. In my part of my family, their female offspring will have an arranged marriage. I was told to be Daisuke's fiancé when I was six. My father didn't approve but it's a must. My mother was also in an arranged marriage but she refused. The outcome was well… She was called a traitor to the family and treated like an outcast. She was also tortured because she did not follow the rules. I only agreed because I didn't want my mother to suffer anymore.

I don't remember much but Daisuke's family is very noble and not to mention royal. I've met him when I was playing outside. After the next few days my marriage was arranged and we've gotten closer. I liked Daisuke but I didn't want to serve his family. Really, they practically hate me. One with no talent or skill is not approved to be in that royal family but Daisuke insisted.

He said that he didn't care. He will always protect me and would make everything right. That made me change; it made me loyal to him. Ready to serve him even if it means my life. But on the inside I wasn't happy, I was suffering only keeping a straight face so mother will not know.

When I received his letter it made me break down. I was ready to serve him and put my life on the line and he just threw me away like some kind of dirty animal? It hurted. Not being accepted. I thought I could trust him but I was wrong…

"Yuukie-chan?" Naruto asked.

Yuukie had been silent for the past fifteen minutes. Naruto really didn't know what she looked like because she had already buried her face in her hands. Sakura was getting nervous and tears were clinging into her eyelashes.

How cruel it was to have your marriage arranged. Forced to marry the one you do not love. Never to choose the one you do. To serve a family which hates you. Being tortured if refusing to do so. If this were how life is, suicide would be a better option.

"Yuukie-chan?" Naruto asked again.

Yuukie lifted her head, her face was red from all the sobbing and she was shivering in fear. Her breathing was uneven and you could actually hear her heart beating fast. No wonder she had been keeping these secrets. It holds something terrifying in her past, present and maybe future.

Sakura inched closer to her and gave her a warm hug. Yuukie burst out in tears and was hugging Sakura back as though the action would take her away from all her suffering. Naruto was quiet, Sasuke was too. He seemed to be in deep thought and unidentified feeling came over him. He actually felt sorry for her. All the suffering, forced marriages, it was all too much. He has a bone to pick with that Daisuke.

.: End :.

An: So? How was it? Too extreme? I thought it was. I actually cried writing this. Sorry it was too short that the other chapters but this chapter held a lot of emotion so I apologise if you feel uncomfortable reading this but some people go through this you know. Not in my religion but I've heard of this but I think the rules are extinct now. Remember, I wrote this for the mix of culture.

As usual I apologise for any grammar or spelling mistakes that I wasn't aware of and if the characters were OOC, please find the heart to forgive me. The last part of Sasuke to me was OOC so I beg for your forgiveness.

Umm… Surprise? The horror! Don't worry it's still a SasuOC fic! (1)

.: Replies to reviewers :.

Loveable-M: Thankies.

Crazy-antman: Well I'm not really sure about that yet either so just wait and see.

JapanAnimeGirl: Updated! Thanks for the review and I'm glad you liked it. Well now Daisuke is claiming her back! Hahahah.

Koichiro: Okay! Thankies.

Maggie: Thanks! I made him just right? I always thought I made him almost too OOC. Well to pronounce Sasuke in Japanese is Sas-ke and don't pronounce the 'u'. Like Sas kay.

P.S: I'm sorry I deleted it the last time, no matter how many times I reentered it, it still didn't have the replies to reviewers!

Ja ne… Neogem.