Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto! It belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
Summary: If there's a misunderstanding, is there still a chance for love? What if their relationship wasn't a misunderstanding? Join NejiSaku through a series of love encounters leading up to the resolution of their misunderstanding.
The 7th Hokage, Naruto, was about to wed his longtime love Hinata. They asked Sakura, who had been stationed in Sunagakure for the past two years on a medical academic exchange mission, to be their maid of honor. Hyuuga Neji, as best man, has been tasked with teaching the waltz to Sakura. Sometimes, when nothing else works, meddling is the only option.
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 Konoha 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."
Sasuke-kun? 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 hopped down from several rooftops before landing in front of the Hokage tower. Taking the elevator up to the Hokage's office on the top floor.
"SAKURA-CHAN!" The Hokage jumped down from his seat and sprinted to her side, joining in the anticipated embrace while still dressed in his Hokage robes. He towered over her by a full foot, his spikey blonde hair now close shave. The widest grin spread across his face as he exclaimed, "I miss you!" His brightest cerulean eyes were shining with joy, his face split into a wide grin.
She returned his embrace while simultaneously expressing her happiness and congratulating him.
"Omedetō, Hinata-chan!" Next to the Hokage, Sakura congratulated the beautiful lady with indigo hair that reached her waist. While hugging her, she planted a kiss on her face.
"I'm so happy to see you."
They embraced each other very closely.
"It's hard to believe, but the wedding is only a month away."
"True. Remember when we invited you to our wedding? It feels like it was just yesterday!"
They chatted and caught each other up on their lives.
"Congratulations on your marriage, and please accept my gift." After taking an envelope out of her sling bag, Sakura gave it to Hinata.
"Wait a minute," she said, "what is it?" Hinata wondered what was inside the pretty cream envelope. The sparkling diamond ring on Hinata's fourth finger immediately caught her eye.
So, this is what marriage will be like.
"What a perfect wedding present this would be for you two!" Winking at the Hyuuga heiress, Sakura said, "It is a secluded private island in the Land of Steam." As she put it, "Because of my interest in the therapeutic benefits and mineral composition of spring water, I have visited the area before. It was perfect for a romantic getaway!"
Hinata's face became flushed from pure joy.
"Can you picture yourself and your significant other enjoying a weekend away in a royal suite complete with a private onsen and a king-sized bed?" Sakura was attempting 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?!" When Hinata realized what Sakura was implying, her blush was intensified.
"Wow honeymoon trip! I suppose I haven't planned that far ahead. I hope I haven't already failed as a husband!" The bridegroom smiled knowingly at his future wife, and she blushed deeply. "What a wonderful help you've been, Sakura-chan!" Naruto beamed, his tanned cheeks turning a healthy pink.
"You're welcome!"
Naruto returned to his Hokage desk after a few minutes of conversation, slouched in his blissfully comfortable chair for a few seconds before diving back into the stacks of papers and folders that littered his workspace.
"I ran into Ino on the way, and we hit it off. Do you feel like going out with the girls tonight, Hinata-chan?"
"Sure! Actually, that's something I'd really enjoy doing. Since she became a Jonin, we haven't seen each other for quite some time."
They were in the middle of a conversation when someone stepped into the office, prompting Sakura to look around and see who it was. Whenever the Rinnengan user entered the Hokage's office, he knew better than to knock.
"Sasuke-" As the raven-haired prodigy returned from his mission sooner than expected.
In the wake of 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 Konoha alliance paid off, and he was released from prison three years ago. Furthermore, the Sharingan bloodline was too valuable for Konoha to risk extinction. The man had been participating secret missions under the command of the former Hokage Kakashi-sensei or current Hokage Naruto himself in order to atone for his sin. He was the most powerful fighter 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 looked taller than he had two years ago. His spiked, ebony black mane grew longer, his eyes never wavered from their pure obsidian color. It was no surprise that nearly every girl in her Genin class had a crush on him. He was the beauty encyclopedia, the very definition of good looks, the poster boy for attractiveness. Yes, it was her ex-boyfriend, Sasuke.
He had sensed her presence in the Hokage's office even before he entered. It was a cruel twist of fate that he had just made up his mind to wed Karin, came at the worst possible time. Consider making a deal with him to have children with him on her own to help revive his clan. During her lengthy diplomatic mission to Suna, he had only seen Sakura a handful of times, and each time, she had declined his advances. She still looked absolutely stunning. He felt a bitter knot form in his stomach.
He mumbled, "S-Sakura..." very softly.
"Hey, how are you?" Despite appearances to the contrary, Sakura was quite anxious. She made an effort to fit in.
"Good." He walked up to the Hokage's desk and, without saying a word, nodded and asked, "You?"
"Great." She answered briefly and mumbled something about being busy.
Although his stomach had already dropped before she even finished her short response, it sank even further after hearing it. She might have come back to Konoha early for Naruto's wedding. He snorted and dropped the mission report on the Hokage's desk.
The Hokage displayed his stamping by slamming the report particularly hard, "Well then, I've got your report. Do you have any more, Sasuke?" turning once more to the Sharingan's wielder.
"Hn."
"All right." Naruto responded simply, looking up at him, "I'll see you next week for a new mission briefing. Thanks a lot, Sasuke."
He indicated with a nod and walked away. He stopped right in front of the pink-haired kunoichi, and he held his gaze on her. Sakura was adamant that the obsidian eyes wouldn't intimidate her.
Without turning around to face them, he gave them a dismissive nod and waved them away. He left before the door could close behind him.
Sakura let out a long sigh. Hinata and Naruto both cast anxious glances her way. That she had spent the previous two years avoiding him was common knowledge to them.
The pinkette yawned as she stretched out on the long couch, exhausted from the journey from Suna.
"Sakura-chan-"
"Just fine, don't stress over me." she chimes in before Naruto can finish his question.
"Are you alright?" A pair of lavender orbs looked worriedly into her emerald orbs.
"You are both worried about me, I know. I'm just tired."
When Hinata spoke to her husband in a hushed voice, he nodded his agreement.
"Have you considered staying at the Hyuuga compound, Sakura-chan? Your apartment was destroyed in the war, you are more than welcome to stay if you haven't found other accommodations."
After the war, realizing that life is too short to waste, her parents took a trip around the world.
"And besides..." she paused, "I've found you a partner as maid of honor, who happens to be the best man as well."
She thought, "Okay..." before wondering whether it would be Sai, Kakashi-sensei, but she doubted it would be Sasuke.
Hinata giggled with a hearty smile on her face a little and said, "It is… Neji-niisan!"
Naruto gave a head nod.
The Hyuuga male was, without a doubt, the Hokage's trusted man. When he opened his arms, they were protected by his altruistic love. He demonstrated his loyalty and bravery in action. His miraculous survival during the war came as a huge relief to those who cared about him, including Sakura.
"Oh, well, that's not a big surprise to me, Hinata."
"Kakashi-sensei said he was too old to be in the wedding party!" Naruto showed he wasn't happy by making a frown.
Hinata laughed over his comment and said, "But Kakashi-sensei and Shizune-nee-chan will be attending our wedding. In the meantime, Sasuke-kun hasn't made up his mind whether or not to attend the wedding..."
Sakura broke the uncomfortable hush with, "Hey, Hinata-chan! Isn't the maid of honor supposed to do something, like dance? Obviously, I am not competent in this area. I'd be glad to assist you in any other way you need!"
"That's why I went with Neji-niisan for you, my dear. Ever since Genin, social etiquette has been taught to the entire Hyuuga main family, including Neji-niisan. Everything from clan affairs, to Japanese and Western social graces."
This clarifies the prodigy's impeccable manners and consistent decorum.
"If that's true, then wait, you mean he's going to… dance with me?" Incredulous, she listened.
"Hai, Sakura-chan!" Naruto sat at his desk with his hands crossed and a grin on his face.
Hinata smiled and nodded firmly in agreement.
"He's the best man, and you're the maid of honor. That being the case, you need to be able to get along with him. It's okay, he'll take the lead. He's going to need a dance partner, too."
"But I thought that he was engaged to the daughter of Fire Daimyō?" The pinkette was curious and asked. His betroth would have been the best option.
"Maybe you didn't know this, but they split up six months ago..." Hinata responded, "So would you please? Onegaishimasu?" Clasping her hands together.
"Erm..."
The whole situation was starting to make Sakura a little anxious.
"Therefore, he is helping you, and you are also helping him." Hinata was beaming at her thoughts.
"All right, fine..." Sakura reached a consensus on this.
"Yes! Come along with me, Sakura-chan." The Hyuuga heiress dragged her best friend out of the Hokage office and said, "I have something to show you!"
The Hokage waved off the ladies and scratched his head as he boredly rested his head in his palm. The War Hero's dream came true when he succeeded Kakashi-sensei as the Seventh Hokage. Meetings, paperwork, and pending missions kept piling up on him, and he took his responsibilities as Hokage very seriously. After a year of training as Hokage under the supervision of Kakashi-sensei, as well as a year fulfilling his duties as Hokage, he sighed and groaned before getting back to work.
It goes without saying that the Hokage cannot have a low-key wedding, especially if he planned to wed a member of a prominent Konoha family. In a swanky venue, elevated and formal attire are customary.
As maid of honor, Sakura had not even seen her dress, let alone tried it on. It was getting close to the wedding, so Hinata, the bride-to-be, dragged the pinkette along to the bridal boutique before they headed back to the Hyuuga compound.
They stepped out onto the street, Hinata's arm encircling Sakura's as they headed toward the most exquisite bridal boutique in town, which had just reopened after a wartime renovation. Exclusively catering to the nobles and clan families.
In the spacious boutique, large chandeliers swaying overhead as soft music coming from white speakers. In the center of the room was a long table with a vase of white and lavender flowers. Behind it were three-piece white postmodern velvet sofas, and the wall behind them was painted a smooth ivory white.
They approached the counter to try on a gown that had been pre-ordered for Sakura. A bridal stylist, who was also the owner of the boutique, and two store assistants were readily available to assist them. They led them to a deluxe dressing room reserved exclusively for the Hyuuga family.
The crew led them to a corridor a hallway where gold-framed mirrors led to the main hall. Inside the main hall, they were greeted by the sight of four exquisite wedding dresses for the Hokage's bride, displayed in tall white glass cases. Sakura mused how stunning her wedding dresses were, and she admired them. When Hinata smiled, she got a little red in the cheeks.
Shiny, small rhinestones made the long-sleeved wedding dress stand 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. It was made to measure for the Hyuuga princess.
A champagne color scheme was chosen for the bridesmaids after discussions, both Ino and TenTen had already tried on their bridesmaid dresses and were getting quite giddy about the upcoming nuptials. Hinata had the boutique tailor two dresses, to accommodate the wedding ceremony and the subsequent reception, for Sakura, as the maid of honor.
The bridal consultant led the way to the special maid of honor sections, which were displayed in white glass racks. "Haruno-sensei, the dresses have been laid out for you, why don't you try one on?" The helpful store manager at the boutique suggested. "Once you try it on, we'll make the necessary length adjustments."
The first was a sleek champagne, and the second was deep burgundy, each with her name labeled on the hanger. Sakura loved the dresses. To finish off her ensemble, they gave her a pair of four-inch mellow gold lizard-embossed leather sandals.
The Hyuuga heiress nudged her into the fitting room to try on.
Sakura took the garment and entered the fitting room. She pressed it up against her curves. It was a full-length pleated gown in champagne with a low neck and a layered trailing back halterneck.
Sakura slid gingerly into the gown and emerged from the changing room five minutes later, "How do I look?" The mellow gold of her heels went beautifully with her dress.
"That's a fantastic look for you, Sakura-chan!"
"Would it be a little too sexy for me, then? Still, not too bad." Hinata assured her that the outfit complemented her perfectly. While fitting the dress, Sakura noticed that it was rather long and commented on it to the sales associate at the boutique, "Do you think you could hem it just a little bit?" Sakura, who was quite the petite kunoichi.
"Hai, a minimal amount of hemming is fine," and the young lady nodded.
As soon as Sakura went back into the dressing room to try on the second dress, she came out again. In the full-length mirror, she gazed in awe at her reflection. She had one hand on clutching her red dress and the other resting 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. Undeniably, cleavage was on full display.
"I've never really been into dresses, but I really like this one!" Her go-to color was red because it made her feel the most like herself.
"Absolutely. You're killing it, Sakura. Give it a twirl!" Hinata chuckled as she attempted to mimic Ino's tone of voice. That made Sakura laughed and the they smiled and struck a few poses together.
Sakura thanked Hinata for saving her the hassle of going gown shopping. And the Hyuuga heiress really meant it when she said she'd do whatever it took to make sure her best friend had a wonderful time on her wedding day After changing back into her regular clothing, Sakura noticed two sets of men's suits hanging on the same rack as hers as she left the changing area.
There was a white three-piece suit and a black tuxedo, both of which were made of fine materials. Her gaze wandered to the suits was noticed by Hinata.
"These were for Neji-nii-san. We picked these out last month to go with Naruto-kun's groomswear, but nii-san got called away on another mission before he could give them a second go." Hinata explained, "He looked amazing and confident in them!"
Hinata giggled as she remembered last month when she begged her nii-san to model a groomsmen suit for Kiba-kun and Sai-san. It took a lot of convincing, but he gave in in the end. 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.
In the dressing room, he was shown suit after suit. He shrugged and accepted the materials that were presented 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 happily attending to his every need, the staff can't help but gawk at his toned physique before he dons his formal wear. It was quite a sight to see Hyuuga Neji all suited up. While taking his measurements, their hands slid up his torso and down to his inner thigh, a little too close for his liking.
Sakura swore that she saw the staffs who were supposed to wait on him while he changed blush with admiration upon seeing his stately appearance in the suit.
They were leaving the bridal shop after trying on Sakura's bridesmaid dresses, and Sakura's face showed signs of fatigue from the long day.
Hinata looked at Sakura with a guilty grin as she walked out of the boutique and said, "All right, let's get you some rest before our girls' night out tonight."
"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.
