Upside-Down

TK Grimm

Chapter Thirteen:

The Wedding

"He said WHAT?"

Sakura cringed at the sound of Ino's voice though her cell phone. "He said I should be with the one I love… and that person is Sasuke…"

"Even after you told him you loved HIM?"

"Yes…"

Ino was quiet for a while. She knew her screaming wasn't going to help the situation. Sakura's voice sounded broken enough as it was. In all honesty, she didn't know what to say. But she had an idea of what to do. With a flimsy excuse to get off the phone, Ino hung up and put on her shoes. Taking a light jacket with her, she got in her Neon and drove towards Akatsuki Studios.

Sure, she had to take care of Vollenden, but Ino knew Hinata would take care of most of the stuff while she was gone. Besides… this was top priority! I know it's not right to meddle with other people's business… but I can't help it! This is a mission of love!

Stopping at a red light, Ino reached for her cell phone. Temari was calling her. "Yo," Ino greeted, waiting for the light to turn green.

"Hey, Hinata just called," Temari said. "What are you doing leaving work so early?"

"I'm on a mission," Ino replied nonchalantly.

There was a pause. "This better not have to do with Deidara and Sakura."

"So what if it – oh my God." Ino froze, her eyes widening in shock and horror. Sasuke's Lamborghini was behind her.

"What?" Temari asked, sounding slightly panicked. "Ino, what's going on? Tell me what-"

In the passenger seat was Sakura's worst enemy. Karin, the woman Ino insulted as a part time job. "S…Sas…suke…" was all she could say.

"Sasuke what? Ino, what the hell is going on?"

"K…Ka…" Ino promptly dropped the phone when the black haired woman next to Sasuke leaned over and kissed him.

"Ino? Ino? INO?"

The light turned green. Ino was still staring at her rear view mirror, mouth open in shock. She jumped when the horn of the Lamborghini behind her rang through her ears. Sasuke clearly didn't recognize her car. Without another word, she grabbed her cell phone off the floor mat and floored the gas.

"Ino are you all right? What happened? Ino?"

"I'm fine," Ino said, hand trembling as she held onto the phone, her other holding the steering wheel in a deadly grip. "T-Temari…"

"What, what's going on?"

"I think Sasuke is cheating on Sakura."

"You WHAT?"

Ino breathed in and out slowly and heavily. She was still in shock, surprised by it. "Oh my God… oh my God…" Shaking her head a couple times, she pulled into the parking lot of Akatsuki studios. "Temari, I'll call you later. I have to tell Sakura."

"Wait, Ino, what hap-"

With a barely audible apology, Ino hung up on Temari and practically jumped out of her car. She closed the door and ran to the front door of the art studio. The bells chimed as she opened it, her teal eyes frantically searching around. Sasori and Sakura were at the front desk, looking at the contents of a file folder while Deidara was going through other folders in a filing cabinet.

"Sakura!" Ino shrieked, sprinting forward.

Sakura tilted her head to the side. "Ino? Shouldn't you be at-"

"Not important!" Ino paused a moment to catch her breath, holding onto the front desk for support. "Your wedding," she panted. "Call it off!"

"What, why?" Sakura asked, standing up out of her chair. "Ino, what's wrong with you? What happened?"

"Sasuke," Ino breathed. "K… Karin…"

Sakura froze. Deidara's blue eyes slowly drifted from the filing cabinet drawer to a breathless Ino. After a short moment, Sakura found her voice. "W…what are you talking about…"

"I saw them," Ino panicked. "I was on my way here," she took a moment to breathe, "and Sasuke's car pulled up behind me at a red light."

"Did he see you…?" Sakura asked quietly.

"No, he doesn't know what I drive apparently," Ino told her, holding her chest for breathing support. "Karin, that witch, oh that evil slut, I saw her kiss him, I really saw it!"

It was quiet for a long time. Deidara and Sasori were both staring at Ino in what appeared to be disbelief. Sakura's hands were trembling, lips slightly parted. Finally, she managed to say, "You're… you're lying…"

This made Ino angry. She was already furious with Sasuke and Karin, but now she was at her limit and snapped. "You won't even believe your best friend, Sakura? Fine. Call him. Ask just what he's up to." Ino turned around and sat down in one of the chairs across from the front desk. From her expression, she, too, appeared to still be in slight shock.

Sakura stayed there, frozen, for what felt like several minutes. As she slowly reached a shaking hand to her phone, Ino came to her resolve. It wasn't by chance that she had gone to Akatsuki Studios that day at that moment in time. It couldn't be coincidence. It had to have been fate. And it was about time.

Sakura scrolled down her contacts list slowly until she reached 'S.' Pushing her thumb on the call button, she hesitantly brought the phone to her ear. It rang three times before Sasuke finally answered, "Hey, Sakura. Aren't you at work?"

"Y-yes…" Sakura said softly, putting her cell on speakerphone. "Sasuke… where are you?"

There was a pause. "I'm out driving."

With hesitation, Sakura asked, "Shouldn't… you be at… work?"

"Not right now; I'm on a break."

"With… with who? I mean… are you alone…?"

Another pause. "No, Karin's here."

Ino put her hands on her lap, giving Sakura a glare that said 'I told you so.' Sakura opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't form any of her thoughts into words. After a few inaudible sounds, she finally asked, "What… is she doing there?"

This pause was shorter than the others. "Nothing to get jealous over," he said. "She just decided to tag along."

"Sasuke… where are you?"

Another longer pause. "Sorry, babe, I can't visit this time. Have to get back to work soon." A muffled sound of a more female voice came though. There was a chance Sasuke had covered the mouthpiece so what Karin said exactly went unheard. "I'll call you later, okay? Bye."

"B…" Sakura heard the 'call ended' ding on her phone before she could even finish the word 'bye.' She looked at the phone for a long time, blinking several times. After a few minutes of silence, she sat back down in her chair. Without making eye contact with anyone, she said, "You can go now… Ino."

Ino stood up wearily, looking at Sakura with a puzzled expression. "Sakura…?"

"You were mistaken," Sakura said softly. "But thank you for your concern."

Deidara watched her for a long time, a rather emotionless look on his face. After about a minute, he turned back to the filing cabinet and continued what he was doing. Sasori paused as well, eyes wandering between the three of them. Ino met his gaze and gave him a look that said, 'What do I do?'

Sasori slowly shook his head once, offered a weak smile, and walked upstairs to the art room. Ino averted her gaze to the floor. "So you don't believe me… even now."

Sakura remained silent, staring at a blank computer screen.

Ino looked at her with a slightly broken expression. "Remember… when we were kids? And… I gave you that red hair ribbon…?"

Sakura still didn't say anything.

"We promised to stay friends forever… that no one would come between us. Even one day… when we got married and everything, we would still be the best of friends. We promised… to trust each other, and to always be there for the other. Well… I kept my promise."

Ino walked towards the door, turning back once to smile at Deidara. He returned her gaze and offered a half smile in return. Without another word, Ino walked out of the studio and headed back to Vollenden. When Deidara looked back at Sakura, he saw another tear and slowly come down her cheek.

Why didn't she believe Ino? Was Sakura really that blind?

Days passed. Sakura's blind faith in Sasuke remained perfectly intact, even if her smile didn't. The signs of Sasuke's affair started to show themselves even more. Sakura still didn't do anything about it. Especially after talking to her parents.

"I always knew you'd marry a handsome, wealthy man," her mother said proudly, looking at Sakura with a far-off look in her eyes.

"You really have made us proud, Sakura," her father said.

Sakura furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, tilting her head to the side. "But… shouldn't I marry for love?"

Her mother paused, "Well, yes…"

Ino hadn't spoken with Sakura since that day in Akatsuki Studios. Sakura knew she had to put forth the effort to speak to her, especially since she was her maid of honor. It was just difficult. Ino wasn't always an easy person to talk to, and as Sakura came to the realization, she knew she had hurt her best friend with her lack of faith. It just wasn't the easiest thing to believe… that your fiancé was cheating on you.

Now that she thought about it, Sakura had barely spoken with Deidara as well. They were living together again, but it wasn't anywhere near the way it used to be. He either stayed in the garage or his room, sometimes going out with the next door neighbors Hidan and Kakuzu.

Whenever they did talk, it was short and to the point. Never hostile… just never as caring and fun as it used to be. Sakura no longer cried at night, either. She kept up a strong façade, always telling herself, 'Sasuke is wonderful. He would never do that to me.'

Sakura skipped her own bachelorette party. Hinata had planned to take Ino and Sakura to Temari's new club opening night so they could make up and have a good time. Sakura said she'd meet them there, but she ended up not going at all. An hour passed, and when she didn't show up, Hinata gave up.

Ino caught onto Hinata's plan though, and thanked her for her efforts. Opening night for the Elixur was going great, so she knew she could leave early and not have to worry about anything. Saying a quick goodbye to Temari, she walked towards the exit.

It was Friday, April 11th. Sakura's wedding was the upcoming Sunday. Ino braced herself as she drove towards Sakura's apartment, knowing this was her last chance. She pulled in the driveway to see Deidara leaving the front door. He saw her pull up and put his keys away, rather than locking it.

Ino stepped out of her car, closing the door with her eyes on Deidara. "Heading out again?" she asked needlessly.

"Yeah." He paused for a moment, "Have you seen them together again?"

"Sasuke and Karin?" Ino asked. Deidara nodded, and Ino shook her head once. "He might have caught on, especially since Sakura's been different the past week." She grinned at him, "All I know is, he better hope you don't find him anytime soon. He might not look so pretty for his wedding."

Deidara couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the thought. "Don't tempt me, yeah?"

Ino laughed, "Yeah, I know. I'll see you later."

"Yeah." Deidara got in his car and backed out of the driveway. Ino waved goodbye once and then headed towards the front door. Maybe it was a good thing Deidara didn't lock it. She had the slightest suspicion Sakura wouldn't have opened it for her.

She walked inside, closing the door behind her. Sakura was on the couch watching a Aerosmith music video. Ino tilted her head to the side with an amused grin, "Since when do you listen to Aerosmith?"

Sakura slowly turned her head to see her. "Ino…?"

"Hey."

"…Hey…"

Ino walked over to the couch and sat down next to her, looking at the video. "Hey, this is a pretty good song. What's it called?"

"'I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing.' …It came on a few seconds after Deidara left." Sakura was staring at the television, but she wasn't really watching the pictures. She was just listening to the song with her mind elsewhere.

"It's romantic, isn't it?" Ino mentioned. "A love song… what are they called… power ballads, or something like that."

"That's right," Sakura nodded. She turned her gaze back to Ino with a sad smile. "You want to know something sort of funny?"

Ino returned her look and said, "Sure."

"Deidara set his own personal ring tone on my phone… and I hadn't heard it until a couple days ago." Sakura slowly picked up her phone off the armrest on the couch and looked through her contacts until she found Deidara. She went to options and played the song.

If I die tomorrow
As the memories fade away
I can't remember
Have I said all I can say
You're my everything
You make me feel so alive
If I die tomorrow

"Wow, that's a really pretty song," Ino said softly. "I almost expected something that would be really, really loud."

"So did I," Sakura said, smiling slightly. "The whole time… and I never knew until it was too late. I looked up the full version of the song on my laptop, the one I use for class. It's called 'If I Die Tomorrow' by Mötley Crüe. That's one of his favorite bands."

Ino nodded once, smiling sadly. "You know… it's not too late. It never is…"

Sakura slowly shook her head. "It's too late for me, Ino." She slowly leaned her had back on the couch and looked towards the ceiling. "To think… I've always been jealous of Karin. I always had a fear that if I was anything less than perfect for Sasuke, he would leave me for her. That's why I was so afraid when he found out I couldn't have kids…"

Ino mimicked her pose, looking towards the ceiling as well as the Aerosmith song continued to play. Sakura paused before continuing, "I can't be angry with Sasuke for cheating on me. I cheated on him…"

Now, Ino rose up facing Sakura. "A couple kisses doesn't exactly balance it out."

"Two wrongs don't make a right."

"Are you saying you finally believe that he's cheating on you, and you're going to just let him do it?"

Sakura's eyes turned towards Ino, "I am."

"What about Deidara?"

"He's moved on."

"If you believe that, then you're the same, stupid, insecure little sheepdog I met all those years ago," Ino said, feeling her temper rise. She stood up from the couch, glaring at Sakura. "I guess you'll never blossom into a flower after all."

"Make your dramatic scene," Sakura said without a care, shifting positions so she was lying down on the couch. "It's too late for me."

Ino shook her head in disgust. "I can't believe you. You know what, I give up. Deidara deserves better, anyway."

That was it. Ino walked out the door. The moment she closed the front door behind her marked the end. Even Ino had given up now. All that remained was the wedding.

Sunday, April 13th. Sakura stood near a window in one of the basement rooms of the church she was to be wedded in. Her mother was fussing over her white gown, making sure everything was absolutely perfect. Sakura looked at her with a smile, "Its okay, mom…"

"Y-you look… amazing, Sakura!" Hinata said happily. She looked in the mirror and resumed trying to tie the ribbon behind her back on her dress.

Sakura shook her head, "Here, Hinata, let me help." She walked over to her friend and tied a bow for Hinata's pretty light blue dress. "Have to help out my bridesmaids, right?"

"Right," Hinata agreed.

"Okay, let me take a picture!" Sakura's mother exclaimed, taking her camera from her purse. Sakura stood in the middle with Temari and Hinata on either side of her. With a slightly forced smile, Sakura managed to get through the picture in one piece.

As Hinata and Temari continued getting ready, Sakura deemed herself complete and stood near the window again, looking out at the sky. Even now… I regret. Even now, I wonder if I'm doing the right thing… Her mind bypassed the Sasuke topic for a moment to think about Ino. She hadn't spoken with her best friend since Friday, and that hadn't turned out well at all.

Sakura wondered if Ino was even coming to the wedding. Maybe she was still mad at her… so much so she wouldn't even show up on Sakura's wedding day. No… even Ino wouldn't do something like that. Ino had made her point; that was clear. Thanks to her, Sakura was forced to search her heart for traces of love she still had for Sasuke.

Her mother didn't help the situation. Always telling her how wonderful Sasuke was and how Sakura made the perfect choice in spouses… that wasn't what Sakura wanted to hear. It didn't help that parents were somewhat required to be supportive of their children regardless. What made it worse was that her parents were mainly proud that Sakura 'bagged herself a rich one.'

She vaguely wondered what her mother would say if she knew Sakura had cheated on Sasuke, even if it was just a few kisses. Then again, Sakura never told anyone but Ino that she knew Sasuke had cheated on her as well. A part of her wondered if Karin was going to her wedding. The other part lacked the will to care.

After all this time, the thought that kept coming back was a 'what if.' What if things had been different? What if Sakura had ended up with Deidara after all? She imagined herself in several different scenarios with the artist. In her mind's eye, she could see it all perfectly clearly.

So it was true then. After all this time, Sakura still loved Deidara after all. The question was… did she love Sasuke?

Regardless, it was too late to think about any of that. Sasuke could give her the perfect life, everything she ever dreamed of and then some. Her parents would be proud of her, and her childhood dream of being with him would be fulfilled.

But oh, how this fallen artist had turned her world upside-down.

A proverb of 'better to have loved and lost than to never love at all' passed through her mind and she settled on these thoughts. Sakura accepted her marriage with Sasuke. Even if she didn't love him, she would accept it and go through with it. Her time with Deidara was over, after all.

Well… it was fun while it lasted.

"Sakura?" her mother asked, bringing her out of her thoughts. "It's time, dear."

Sakura nodded, looking around the room. Hinata and Temari were already gone. Ino never had shown up, after all. She supposed she shouldn't have been surprised, but it did catch her off-guard… even if just a little bit.

She followed her mother to the main doors of the church that led to the aisle. They were closed, and Sakura stayed off to the side. Her father was waiting there, ready to give her away. He smiled and hugged her, "You look beautiful."

"Thanks, daddy," she replied. When a parent tells their child they are proud of them, the child will always be happy, regardless of circumstances and whether or not they show it. Her mother headed down the aisle and took her seat. The music started, so Sakura locked arms with her father, waiting for the doors in front of them to open.

Slowly, the double doors made way for the two of them to enter. Sasuke's family and friends were on the right side, Sakura's left, and her family and friends were on the left, to her right.

Everyone was staring at Sakura in awe, several had even stood up for a better look. Her long white dress was sleeveless at the top, coming up and tying around her neck. Her veil was petite but enough, beautiful pink hair done in a fancy up-do.

Smile, she thought desperately. Smile, damn it… it's your wedding day. You have to smile, why can't you do that? As hard as she tried, Sakura couldn't force a smile on her face. She could feel it kept coming out lopsided or too obviously forced.

Looking to her right out of coincidence, she saw Ino. Ino was standing near Sasori, and despite their previous fights, she looked at her best friend with an encouraging smile. She really came after all… Ino was in her maid of honor dress, but not standing with the others. Regardless, it was important that she came.

Sakura's eyes drifted to the seat next to her… and she saw him. Deidara was looking straight ahead for a moment, but after about a second, he slowly tilted his head to the side, meeting Sakura's gaze. He smiled at her, winking once and silently wishing her luck.

Even as Sakura felt her heart rip apart, she couldn't help but somehow smile back. That was part of Deidara's magic. He could get someone to smile with just the simplest look, especially Sakura. Before she could think more of it, they had reached the end of the aisle.

Forcing her muscles in overdrive, Sakura kept the smile plastered on her face, hoping it would suffice. As Sakura looked in Sasuke's eyes, she could still see no traces of emotion. Even now, on their wedding day, he locked himself inside. Even now… he refused to put his guard down. Perhaps he never would.

The priest officiating looked between the two of them for a moment before opening the book he carried to the place his red ribbon had marked. Taking a long breath of air, he began the ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony…"

Sakura drifted out around this point. She vaguely registered what the man was saying, but her mind was racing. Her gaze traveled through all the many faces in the audience, looking for them for some golden shiny light to help her get through this. She saw Itachi and Kisame standing in Sasuke's side, both of them were watching her with neutral expressions. Could they see her inner turmoil?

"…Which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly."

Sakura looked over to her side, seeing her mother silently crying in happiness. Even now, she could smile at her mother as a comforting gesture. She looked back a few rows, eyes landing on Sasori, Ino and Deidara once again as she had before. Her heart started to race.

"Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

She finally registered this last line, looking at Sasuke for a moment before again turning towards the others. No one said a word for a long time. Sakura wanted to speak. She wanted to say, 'I object' but didn't… couldn't. I can't… Sasuke… I…

Deidara…

"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained."

Sakura's hands started trembling. The bouquet of flowers she held was slightly shaking as well because of it. She caught Sasuke's eyes flashed in the direction of her trembling hands and instantly locked on hers, an unreadable expression in his face. Sakura tried to keep his gaze for as long as she could, but after a while, she couldn't. She looked away.

"Through marriage, Sasuke and Sakura make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures."

No… no, stop saying that, Sakura thought. The world around her started to spin, giving her feelings of dizziness. Don't say Sasuke… not Sasuke and Sakura… Sasuke… I need… Her green eyes wandered through the audience, searching for him once again. When Sakura saw Deidara again, her heart was going so fast she was certain it would stop.

"Sasuke and Sakura will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other."

Not Sasuke… repeated in her mind. Sasori watched her, studying her with his perceptive eyes until he finally caught on. "Not good," he said quietly. He knew that look. Sakura laid her emotions and feelings out on her sleeves. He could read her like a book, but that was what worried him.

Ino looked at him, confused, "What's going on?"

Sasori kept his eyes on Sakura. He slowly shook his head a couple times, giving her a warning look. "Don't do it." Deidara looked at his partner for a moment, trying to catch onto his train of thought. Unable to figure out what Sasori knew that the others didn't, he looked at Sakura again.

The priest continued, "We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno."

Sakura's eyes widened, her breathing turning a step below hyperventilation. She frantically looked at Sasuke and then at Deidara. That was it. She had to. She looked at Sasuke one last time, and then towards the door.

She ran.