A/N: That took forever to finish! I'm so sorry for the wait! My excuse is writers block and homework. Please forgive me! I really hope you enjoy this last chapter. Thanks to everyone who has read/reviewed/favorited this story. Your feedback always means so much to me! Ok, please enjoy the last chapter of Usuratonkachi Wedding!
Disclaimer: Naruto. It's not mine
Wedding Day
Naruto lay silent and still in his bed; the early rays of sunshine slipping in through the folds of the old curtains to strike his tan skin. This faint illumination highlighted the darkening circles that lined the bottoms of his eyes—clear indications of the lack of sleep. His eyelids felt heavy and they flickered slowly over the azure pupils, but were incapable of remaining fully shut. Naruto stared at the chipping ceiling which he had meant to replace months ago—and was pretty sure contained traces of asbestos and lead—with a frigid mask that bore little trace of emotion. Only the eyes, those perfect blue eyes that lay half-lidded beneath pale lashes, gave insight into the endless string of tortuous thoughts that had cursed him with insomnia.
He had replayed the scenario so my times over the course of the night that it had become a messy blur of disbelief and confusion. Again, his twisted, twisted mind played with the three words that made his heart clench painfully every time they resurfaced: Sasuke…liked…him.
Sasuke liked him.
Sasuke…liked him?
Sasuke liked him.
No matter how he processed them, they always meant the same thing.
Sasuke liked him.
It was shock that propelled him from the spot on the mountain and it was shock that guided him home. But after all was done and he was safely behind the slowly rotting walls of his house, the shock ebbed away, leaving him fully open to the torment his mind assaulted him with.
In the course of one night, his two best friends had confessed their feelings to him. Any normal person would be clicking their heels at such a scenario but not Naruto, considering one was engaged and set to be married the next day and the other was a guy. Well, the nature of his sexuality had never been something to be carefully scrutinized so Naruto discarded the last excuse and replaced it with his best friend who had a tendency to be an insufferable bastard.
There really was no sanity in the world anymore. He was a maid of honor and the two most surprising people were in love with him.
Fix that.
Sasuke liked him. Not love. Oh please not that.
In the early morning hours—his sheets had been flung away after the first round of tossing and turning—Naruto had writhed and fidgeted on the bare bed as he fought for the solace that was so cruelly denied to him.
Sakura loved him and Sasuke liked him. Hmm, what's wrong with that sentence?
"Oh hell." Naruto moaned and had attempted to smother himself with his pillow. Hours later, the pillow had been reduced to a rumpled mess and suicide had been sadly out.
A piece of the poisoned ceiling fell away and landed daintily on the bridge of Naruto's nose. He could feel the chemicals seeping into his skin and prayed they would kill him before he was forced to witness a potentially catastrophic wedding where if the murderous bride didn't kill everyone, he sure as hell would.
Ah, the pain. His mind was so cruel. Now it was knocking at him.
Knock, knock
Naruto covered his ears with his hands, rolling on his side in an attempt to block out the noise.
His two best friends loved and liked him. That made no sense, but neither did his life. After all, in a few short hours he was expected to walk down some aisle in a fucking dress, but oh, no big deal.
Knock, knock
Sakura's tear streaked face floated into his thoughts.
Why didn't you ever love me? A dagger to the heart.
Sasuke's look of embarrassment followed by that unemotional mask that did nothing to hide the pain came next.
Have you ever…even for a second…thought about me…like you do her? Another dagger to the heart.
His pulse was galloping now and the frigid mask gave way to tight pain as the images swirled around his consciousness, taunting him along with the persistant knocking that was driving him crazy.
"Naruto?"
Naruto paused his bodily convulsions, his breathing slowing down as he lay silent in expectation.
"Naruto?" The voice was tinged with concern but nonetheless familiar.
"Sai?" Naruto said softly to himself, troubled mind struggling to process why his former teammate would be knocking on his door at—he checked his clock that he had thrown to the floor some time during the night—six-thirty in the morning.
"Naruto, are you there?" Sai knocked again, each thump like a hammer against Naruto's brain. He contemplated pretending to be asleep, hoping Sai would go away to leave him to drown in his misery. On further thought, Naruto guessed Sai would most likely report back to Ino or Sakura and he did not need either woman crashing through his door right now. Especially the latter.
The knocking continued and Naruto groaned in protest as he dragged his body towards the front door.
"Oh Naruto," Sai started, knuckle half suspended in air in preparation for another knock as Naruto swung open the door. "You look horrible." And Naruto was tempted to swing it right back in his face but he only emitted a low growl that came out more like a grunt and scowled at the other man on his doorstep.
"What do you want, Sai?" He grumbled bitterly.
Within the past few years, Sai had become better accustomed to the concept of emotions, allowing them to come more regularly. However, the smile that flitted across his pale features was a nasty reminisce of the beginning days of Team Kakashi.
"Sakura sent me over to make sure you're awake. She wants you to report to the ceremony site within the next half hour. She asked me to include "or else" in this message as well."
The sound of her name sent a shiver down Naruto's spine that he masked with a roll of his eyes. "I'm not surprised." he mumbled, moving away from the door to let Sai in.
He briefly rummaged through his cupboard before pulling out a box of instant ramen—which was snatched by Sai before he could even start peeling back the lid.
"What the hell, Sai?" Naruto screeched. Theft of ramen got you a top spot on the Uzumaki Naruto bingo book.
Sai gave him an apologetic look. "Sorry, Sakura's orders; she doesn't want to you stress eating yourself to death with ramen and, according to her: 'ripping the already too tight seams of your dress".
"As if I fucking care whether or not I can fit into that dress. Give me back my ramen!" Naruto leapt to attack but was easily avoided due to his inaccuracy, a common side effect of early morning fatigue.
"If I did that I would have to report it to Sakura and she's already sent two people to the hospital this morning. I don't know about you, but I don't feel like joining them." Sai tucked the ramen into the bag that was slung across his shoulder. Naruto whimpered as he watched the only source of pleasure disappear within the dark cavern.
"What the hell am I supposed to eat then? Sakura-chan doesn't expect me to walk down the aisle on an empty stomach, does she?" Naruto rubbed his protesting belly, shooting dark looks at Sai.
"That was her initial plan but she thought that might be too difficult for you. So she sent me with some approved snacks." Out of the bag, which Naruto was tempted to refer to as a man purse, came a paper bag that Sai deposited on the table.
"Approved snacks?" Naruto muttered.
"Yes, they have been selected for their health benefits and calorie number, as well as their containment of the daily recommended values of proteins, carbohydrates and fats."
"I think I'd rather starve." Naruto wasn't quite sure what all of that meant, but he did know that whatever was in that bag, knowing Sakura, it wasn't going to be as tasty as ramen. "It's probably all vegetables and shit."
"With sliced fruits and a side of whole grain rice garnished with-"Sai paused as Naruto held up a hand.
"Please, Sai, I think I'm going to be sick."
"You do look pale" Sai noted as Naruto deposited himself in his kitchen chair.
Naruto snorted, "Thanks."
"Is something wrong?"
Naruto stiffened slightly. "What makes you say that?" He started rummaging through the paper bag, wrinkling his nose at the green that he saw.
Sai shrugged. "Nothing really. You just look like you have something on your mind."
"When did you get so insightful into my life?" Naruto shuddered as he took the first bite of an unidentifiable vegetable. He retched but forced it down.
"I'm just worried."
"You sound like a mom. A few years ago you didn't even know what 'worried' was." Naruto polished off the rest of the vegetable, moving onto the next of the "approved snacks."
"I know," Sai admitted, "Aren't you glad that I've come so far?"
Not if it means you prying into my personal life, no, Naruto thought but only snorted and continued his "breakfast".
"If there's anything that you want to talk about, I'm here." Sai placed what he probably thought was a comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder, which instead only made the level of awkwardness in the room spike. Naruto eyes the pale hand warily and barely kept himself from wrenching his shoulder away.
"I get it Sai." He said.
There was a long pause before Sai looked at him and said, "So?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow, "So what?"
"Are you going to talk to me?"
This time Naruto did move away, scowling at Sai as he grabbed his bag of "approved snacks" and made his way towards his bedroom.
"I said there's nothing to talk about!" Naruto snapped over his shoulder. "Now leave me alone! Don't you have anyone else to bother for Sakura-chan?"
"Well yes, actually. I'm supposed to go get Sasuke next," Sai remarked casually.
Naruto's body jerked mid-step, nearly toppling over a pile of forgotten laundry. Sai continued on as if he had not noticed the obvious reaction to the Uchiha's name.
"Is everything going all right between you and Sasuke? Sakura mentioned that there was some tension between you two and I was just wondering-"
"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" Naruto screeched.
Sai barely managed to avoid being skewered by a barrage of kunai as he raced towards the door, shouting quickly, "Remember, half an hour!" And then he was gone, the kunai striking the wooden door with less than satisfying thunks.
"Just who does that guy think he is?" Naruto muttered as he shuffled towards his bedroom, the dread of the coming day growing larger and larger with each step.
Naruto was hardly surprised at the mass number of tents that littered what was the former Team 7 training ground. The white silk structures fluttered softly in the early morning breeze; creating a picture of serenity that Naruto paused to watch.
Sakura's decision to walk down the aisle on the old team training ground made the wedding more nostalgic than it ever needed to be. The somber feelings in Naruto's heart grew heavier as he remembered the days when it was as simple as he chasing Sakura, Sakura chasing Sasuke, and Sasuke ignoring both until the fateful triggering event that resulted in the two boys landing in the hospital after vicious "sparring" sessions. Back then everyone knew where everyone else stood. Back then everything…made sense.
In his current predicament, Naruto didn't know whether to keep walking, stay where he was, or turn around and start running back to the safety of his decaying apartment. Mentally, he knew he wasn't ready to confront either Sakura or Sasuke. Such an encounter would probably trigger the physical reaction of him throwing up or killing everyone within a 10 foot radius. Currently, neither option was very appealing, although the second did insure that he would never have to repeat the situation again.
"Maybe…I'll just stay here." Naruto muttered to himself, fully captivated by the aura of peace surrounding him. White silk. What an impractical material to choose for tents. If it rained—even ninjas couldn't predict the weather—everything would be ruined.
For the first time, Naruto cursed his affinity for wind ninjutsu.
"Naruto!" The shrill cry that belonged to only one kunoichi jolted Naruto out of his reverie. Scowling, he turned to lock eyes with Yamanaka Ino who stood with her hands on her hips, acting as if he was the one who was not supposed to be there.
"Are you going to stand there like an idiot all day, or come inside and get ready? Sai told you half an hour. It's been 45 minutes." Ino shook her head and gave Naruto a sympathetic look. "Sakura is not pleased."
Naruto paled, feeling as if he was caught between two evils. The first, a beating from Sakura. The second, having to see Sakura. Both made his knees feel weak, although he admitted the first would be a lot worse because he would see Sakura and get beaten by her.
And from the scowl that had found its way on to Ino's face, he didn't doubt that she was on her way to driving a fist through his skull. Pregnant or not.
"I'm coming…" Naruto muttered, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He made the simplest choice.
As he entered the main tent, he was in awe at the amount of people rushing back and forth, all looking hurried and slightly frightened.
Well, it was Sakura they were dealing with.
"We're a little behind schedule—no thanks to you—but right now you need to be at hair and make-up or somebody is losing an arm." Ino paused to snatch a flower from a bouquet a young woman was carrying. "Izumi, what's this? Is this a carnation?"
The stunned woman opened her mouth but was silenced by Ino.
"Carnations do not belong in the aisle decorations; they do not belong in this wedding at all. Now remove this and every other one of these flowers from this vicinity or else I will be removing them and you. Is that clear?"
Ino had verbally reduced the woman to puddle. Naruto gave her his sympathy. But not aloud of course.
"Now go." And the women went. So fast that Naruto believed chakra was involved.
"And you," Naruto flinched as Ino turned back to him, "start walking. Hair and make-up."
Before Ino had almost ripped apart poor Izumi, Naruto would have loudly voiced his opinion on "hair and make-up." Now he saw the viciousness of Ino and was not tempted to play with fire. A highly intimidating Ino was not new — look at the women she associated with — but she seemed 10x worse than usual. Naruto blamed the hormones and wedding day stress. In fact…
"Shouldn't you be resting among the audience? Does Shikamaru even know you're back here?" Naruto ventured to ask.
Ino gave him a withering look as they exited the main tent. "Shikamaru doesn't know and he won't be finding out. Got it?"
"Got it." They approached one of the smaller tents.
"Besides, he's been with the rest of the groomsmen all morning. By the time he has a chance to notice, I'll be back in my seat." Ino pulled back the flap and led — shoved —Naruto in to the tent.
Inside was a large station equipped multiple subunits that were lined with more hair products and cosmetics than Naruto had seen--even in the mall. Some of the units were already occupied with members of the wedding party. Hinata and TenTen waved from the back.
Hinata gave Naruto a questioning look that seemed to ask, "Have you seen, Sakura?" Naruto only replied with a weak smile.
"Now I leave you in the capable hands of these women." Ino indicated the two uniformed women behind her who had approached them upon their entrance. Ino turned to face them. "Remember ladies, he's the maid of honor. Sakura wants him bright, but obviously not brighter than her."
"No worries, Ino-san. We'll do our best." One of the women said. Ino nodded and exited the tent, but not before giving Naruto a warning look. Immaturely, he stuck his tongue at her retreating back before turning to the women.
Both of them were smiling widely at him and he did not like the look in their eyes.
"I'm Isuzu." The one on the left said, walking over to take Naruto's arm.
"I'm Suzuki." The woman took Naruto's other arm.
"And we're your new best friends." They said in unison.
The one called Isuzu turned to look at him. "It would be best if you didn't struggle."
Naruto audibly gulped.
He did struggle and he did lose. When Ino came to pick him up an hour later, he had been plucked, preened, permed, and tortured in every other way possible.
"Excellent. Simply excellent." Ino grinned as she gave Naruto a once over. "I almost didn't believe it could be done, but you two have worked a miracle."
Isuzu and Suzuki bowed. "Thank you, Ino-san. We only hope that Haruno-san will be as pleased." Isuzu said.
Ino reached out a finger to graze a silky yellow lock, pulling it back only when it was in danger of being bitten off.
"Sakura will most definitely be pleased. I'll be sending her in half an hour so get ready." The two women bowed again and Ino took Naruto's arms, dragging him out of the tent in her most graceful manner.
"I wasn't kidding, Naruto. You look amazing." Ino cooed as they made their way towards the next tent.
"Shut up." Naruto bit out. The stares they were receiving as they crossed the grassy field were adding to the humiliation he already felt after being stripped of all signs of his manhood and transformed into a — still very muscular —girl.
The unruly hair had been washed, dried, straightened, washed again, soaked in salon formula detangler, curled, blow-dryed, and finally straightened again, until it cascaded softly down his face in silky strands.
It had been styled to frame his face, complementing the fine bone structure, while at the same time, softening it.
Naruto had no clue what the women had rubbed and dusted on to his face, but he had firmly put his foot down when Isuzu had approached him with a tube of shocking red lipstick. Surprisingly, the women hadn't tied him down and forced it on to him — like they had done with everything else.
The fact that the only battle that he had won was against lipstick was weighing heavily on Naruto. He wasn't sure how he was going to manage to make it through the rest of the day. He hadn't even seen Sakura or Sasuke yet.
Ino paused her chattering when she noticed the somber look that had passed over her companion's face.
"Oh come on, Naruto. It doesn't look that bad." She smiled encouragingly.
"It's not that…" It suddenly struck Naruto that maybe Ino could help him with his dilemma.
"Hey Ino, has Sakura-chan said anything to you about yesterday at the rehearsal dinner?"
Ino rolled her eyes. "What hasn't she said? She's been complaining all morning about the quality of the champagne and the lighting. And don't get me started on the food."
Naruto shook his head. "That's not what I meant. Has she said anything about what happened after she left?"
Ino's face was a calm mask, her sharp blue eyes unreadable as she seemed to process Naruto's question. He almost repeated it before she yanked on his arm, pulling him into one of the tents.
"All of you. Out. Now." Ino barked at the people inside. They all scuttled out without a word of protest.
"What was that about?" Naruto raised an eyebrow.
Ino ignored his question. "Naruto, Sakura told about what happened between you two."
Naruto bit his lip, wondering whether or not Ino's tone was that of approval.
"And somehow I managed to convince her that it never happened."
Naruto's jaw dropped. Ino merely nodded.
"She was still very drunk when I got to Hinata's house. I don't even think she knew where she was. I had to persuade her that everything that had happened between you two was nothing but an alcohol induced fantasy. That's all."
"H-how could you do that?" Naruto choked out, almost at a loss for words.
"Because it's true. You and Sakura are nothing but a fantasy. There was time when it could have been more but it's too late now. I couldn't let some trivial confession ruin everything that Sakura has worked for for the past year." Ino's voice was icy cold as she glared at the unbelieving Naruto.
He had flinched when she had used that word. Trivial. It had been the same word Sasuke had used. Did everyone this his feelings were such a joke?
"You had no right!" Naruto yelled, inwardly surprised at the force of his own outburst. Ino hardly flinched, only matching his heated glare with her icy one.
"I had every right." She hissed. "Sakura is my best friend. I know what's best for her and I know what's best for this wedding."
She pointed a perfectly filed finger at his face. "You might be walking down the aisle with the rest of the wedding party today, but I am still the maid of honor; even if not by name."
Ino saw the anger and hurt on Naruto's face and softened her voice slightly. "Sakura loved you Naruto. She still loves you. Even I can't deny that. But she loves Kiba too and he's the one she's chosen. If you care for her so much, can't you at least accept her decision and right to be happy?"
Naruto's head was pounding. He wanted to scream and shout. He wanted to hit something. Hit Ino. Tell her she knew nothing. She didn't understand. She was like everyone else. Like Sasuke. Looking down on him; never believing he could do anything right. In their eyes, he would never be good enough; never good enough for Sakura.
Instead, he only stood there silently until Ino gently took his arm. He looked at her with empty eyes that she avoided.
"If you're looking for an apology, you're not going to get it. I'm not sorry Naruto."
He said nothing.
She gave his arm a soft tug. "Let's go. You have fittings next."
He followed her out of the tent wordlessly. In silence, they walked to the tent designated for clothes storage and dress fitting. Ino pulled back the flap of the tent and Naruto walked in.
"I have to go to Sakura." He paused as she spoke up. "I'll be back soon or I'll have someone come get you."
Ino paused and Naruto wondered if she was done. When she spoke again, her voice had resumed its harsh, chilly tone.
"Don't do anything stupid, Naruto. If you ruin this wedding — if you hurt Sakura —I will kill you."
The flap of the tent fell back into place as Ino turned and strode away.
Naruto stood where she had left him, completely isolated in his own thoughts. The dress tent was huge and it was full of a mass amount of people—all running back and forth with heaps of cloth in their hands. No one seemed to notice the maid of honor standing listlessly by the entrance.
Naruto couldn't help think that Ino was right. She was the maid of honor, not him. His role in the wedding had been nothing but a fluke. He was only a last minute replacement, chosen, because like everything else, he had been the one left out.
He couldn't really blame Sakura. Naruto had avoided all dealings with the wedding as much as he could, turning down every offer to be included in the wedding party. He had been more than pleased when they had stopped asking.
Finally, Sakura had said that her only wish was that Naruto be there somewhere; somewhere so that she could know and be happy. Naruto had promised her this without telling her he would probably be standing next to the exit.
Now Naruto saw his greatest mistake. By avoiding the wedding, he had lost his last chance at Sakura. She had given him every opportunity since she and Kiba had first announced their engagement, to interfere — to say what he needed to say.
"I was a coward." Naruto whispered to himself.
"What was that?" Naruto looked up to see the smiling face of Mori Azami looking down at him.
"Mori-san?" The woman rolled her eyes.
"Now he's all polite. What happened to that snippy attitude from my dress shop?"
Naruto gave her a weak smile. "I'm sorry. Today…isn't the best day."
Azami put her hands on her hips and raised a heavy brow. "It isn't the best day for anyone. I have over 50 dresses that need to be re-stitched and re-hemmed before the ceremony and you don't see me sulking."
"I…" She cut him off before Naruto could barely begin.
"I don't want to hear it and whatever it is you need to fix it or forget it. That's my advice to you."
"And what if I can't do either?" Naruto protested, feeling suddenly that he could tell this woman everything.
"Oh trust me. You'll choose one. People always do. Now come with me. Nara-san left you specifically in my care. She was very adamant that I keep an eye on you." Azami began making her way through the tent, Naruto trotting at her heals.
"That's Ino for you…" He said with a dry smile.
"Yes, and I thought Haruno-san was intimidating." Azami looked around quickly with a touch of paranoia.
"I think we will only need to make small alterations to your dress." Azami stopped at one of the many clothing racks that crowded the tent. Naruto was surprised to see a label bearing his name affixed to the rack. On it were three dresses; one Naruto recognized as the dreaded maid of honor gown but he had never seen the other two.
Azami noticed his confused expression regarding the two extra dresses. "These are for the reception. You didn't forget about the reception, did you?"
"No. But I just assumed I would wear the same dress." Naruto admitted.
Azami snorted. "When you're not being a pain in the ass kid, you're actually kind of funny. Now, I was able to make these other dresses using the measurements from the ceremony gown. Most likely there will have to be some adjustments so let's get on with it." She started pushing the rack towards the changing stalls that were lined in the back. "Come along, Uzumaki. And just maybe I'll listen to your sad story."
Naruto sighed and followed dutifully.
"Naruto!"
Naruto sat up quickly at the sharp hiss that came from behind him. He turned around and his heart almost leapt into his throat when he saw Sakura frantically beckoning him from one of the tents side openings.
"Quickly," she hissed, "I probably only have 5 minutes until Ino notices I'm gone!"
Naruto froze, unsure of what to do now that one of the two people he had been trying to avoid all day was standing a mere few feet away.
"Don't just sit there like an idiot! Come here!" Sakura said a little louder this time.
Naruto quickly scanned the tent for any nearby exits or anyone who could possibly save him. Mori-san had left only 2 minutes earlier to fetch a new spool of thread and Naruto wondered how long it would take for her to come back.
When he saw the deepening frown on Sakura's face, he decided he probably didn't have the luxury — or the life expectancy — to wait for her. Gathering the long dress in his hands, he followed Sakura out of the tent.
"Sakura-chan, I really can't…". Sakura held up a finger to her lips, silencing Naruto's attempt to protest.
"Follow me." She said.
Taking his hand, which burnt him like fire, she led him towards the copse of tree that surrounded the training ground. They walked a few hundred feet before Sakura finally stopped.
"Sakura-chan," Naruto said again, "What's this about?" He wondered if she could hear his heart beat. It was quieter among the trees and his heart was beating like a chorus of drums.
Sakura gave him a small smile and took both of his hands in hers. Naruto could feel the heat creeping into his face as she stared at him silently.
"Sakura-chan…" he whispered.
"You look beautiful, Naruto." She said, softly.
He scowled, feeling the mood had been completely ruined. Sakura laughed at this and the sound made Naruto's stomach flip.
"I'm not kidding around. I just hope you don't steal my spotlight." There seemed to be an underlying threat behind the seemingly joking words that made Naruto remember who exactly he was dealing with.
"Sakura-chan, why did you bring me out here? If you wanted to compliment me, you could have done that in the tent…". He trailed off, hoping with all his heart that she would tell him that she hadn't been fooled by Ino; she remembered everything and the only person she wanted to be with was him.
"Actually I had a really funny dream last night." Sakura giggled but Naruto had felt himself go pale, his breathing skidding to a halt.
"It was crazy really and it will probably never happen, but it really made me think how much you mean to me Naruto."
He stared at her, his whole mind a mass of screaming incoherent thoughts.
This is your chance! One voice said. Tell her the truth!
No! It will ruin everything! Think of your friends! A second voice added.
The third voice was quietest as it whispered, Think of Sasuke…
Sakura had taken his silence as a cue to continue. "And I just wanted to say…thank you for everything." Her smile was brilliant and Naruto felt himself crumble from it.
"You never had to say yes to this position and I know that it's embarrassing for you, but that is what makes you such an amazing person. I know you would never let me down. And not just this wedding; thank you for everything. Without you, I don't know if I would have ever come this far." She shrugged. "Who knows, maybe I still would have been a lousy genin running after Sasuke-kun."
"My point is, Naruto that Ino may be my best friend, but you are my best support. So I thank you, so much, for that."
Sakura drew him into an embrace that he returned mechanically. He could feel the stinging behind his eyes as he inhaled the cherry blossom scent of her hair. They broke apart as a shrill voice cut through the trees.
"SAKURA!" It boomed and it's owner was obvious. "Do not make me come find you forehead! Bride or not, I will beat you within an inch of your life!"
Sakura made a face and gave Naruto a sheepish look. "I guess my time is up. Don't forget what I've told you Naruto." She gave his hands a final squeeze and disappeared, a lovely flash of pink and white, through the trees and back towards the tents, and the wedding.
Naruto stood there watching the spot she had vanished from until his body remembered to breathe and he took a gasping breath. He fell against a tree, his whole body shaking as he tried to bring himself back to a state of calm.
He had been so close to telling her everything. Something had held him back. Maybe it was the fear of Ino stringing him up by his insides, or maybe it was the thought of Sasuke and the look on his face when Naruto had left him on the Hokage Mountain.
Naruto audibly groaned at the idea that Sasuke of all people would be interrupting his love life like this. It was nothing new, since it had been Sasuke that had first captured Sakura's heart, but now it seemed the tables were turned.
He hadn't let himself think too deeply about it before, but Naruto decided that here, within the shade of these trees, he would reevaluate his relationship with his best friend/rival.
10 minutes later he was still reevaluating and getting nowhere. He struggled to work through his own feelings, wondering where the line between "friend" and "more than friend" was and whether he was on the verge of crossing it. And where did Sakura fit into all this? The thought that his feelings for her were nothing but an erected façade to mask his true feelings for Sasuke left Naruto with a sick feeling in his stomach. No, he most definitely loved Sakura. But this didn't stop him from liking Sasuke more than he had ever thought he could— or wanted to for that matter.
He sighed and leaned against the woody trunk, once again caught in a situation where he had the options to stay where he was, go back and face the music, or run like hell back home. And once again, the decision was made for him.
"Naruto-kun!" Emerging from the trees was a more frazzled than usual Mori Azami. She carried a gleaming pair of scissors with her that made Naruto shiver as she advanced on him, her face working itself into a deadly scowl.
"So this is where you've been hiding?" She snapped, waving the scissors accusingly in his face. "Of all the places. Up off the ground now! The nerve! Running off and then sitting on filthy ground! In my dress!" She reminded Naruto of a cat whose tail you've just stepped on, hissing, spitting, and wildly furious. He decided to remain silent as she continued her rant.
"You better hope there aren't any grass stains because it's going to take more than ninjutsu to get those out on time. But seriously, I have the intention to go right now to Nara-san and tell her everything…"
"No! Please no!" Naruto was begging on his knees. "Anything but that. Ino would kill me, no, she would do worse."
"Do not kneel in my dress! Up off the floor now!" Naruto scrambled to his feet but gave Azami his most pitiful and pleading look until she finally rolled her eyes.
"You are just the strangest kid. I've only known you for what? three days? I can only imagine everything you've put Haruno-san through all these years."
Naruto visibly deflated and Azami reluctantly took pity on him. "Come on, kid. Let's get you back to the tent. We are officially at rush hour now. T-minus 2 hours and counting." She smiled wickedly. "It's gonna be nasty."
"Places people, places!" Ino snapped, ushering everyone in line."Naruto, stop sulking and get up front. Don't make me hit you."
Naruto sighed and left his hiding spot by Hinata to take his place at the front of the line. He still couldn't believe he was expected to lead this procession down the aisle.
"OK, remember everyone, smile! This is a happy day! Naruto! Stop fidgeting and don't touch that flower!"
As a last minute addition, Ino had threaded a small bouquet of ceremony flowers through Naruto's hair. She said they gave him a rosy flush. Naruto said they made him look stupid.
"Stay on beat, not too fast, not too slow and for goodness sake Naruto, if you trip, so help me I will drag your ass back here and make you start again."
Naruto nodded quickly and once again thanked every deity he knew that Sakura had agreed to let him wear low heeled shoes.
"Ino! Shikamaru is coming!" TenTen hissed from down the line. She had been posted as a lookout so that Ino could get back to her seat on time.
"Shit. Okay, um I hope I didn't forget anything. You guys will do great!" Ino turned to leave but turned around to give Naruto one last look that said "I'm watching you", before disappearing through the side curtains.
As the last strand of blond hair darted out of sight, the groomsmen came around the corner, Shikamaru at the head.
He scowled as he scanned the slightly guilty faces of the bridesmaids plus Naruto.
"Did I just miss something?" He asked. He looked around suspiciously. "That smell..it smells like Ino's perfume."
No one answered and Naruto hid his face in the bouquet in his hands. Shikamaru finally sighed.
"It's too troublesome to deal with this now. Let's just get this thing over with."
Everyone lined up with their corresponding partner, except Naruto who stood warily at the front.
"Everyone ready?" He squeaked, cursing himself for feeling so nervous, although the rest of the wedding party didn't look any better. They all knew the consequences if any of them put so much as a toe out of line.
Sakura would chop it off.
"Ok. That's the signal, let's go."
They emerged on to the aisle, striding on the carpet of petals, courtesy of the flower girl.
Chin up and forward, Naruto held back the urge to look at his feet. One foot after another. That's all he had to remember.
Steady goes it, he thought. I can do this. I can fucking do this.
Against his will he caught the murmur of whispers that floated through the audience as he passed.
"Look at the maid of honor! Isn't she beautiful?"
"Is that a guy?"
"What about Yamanaka-san?"
"It's Nara-san now, you idiot. How can you be so behind in the news?"
"Dude, I bet you five bucks that I fuck the maid of honor by the end of the night."
"Screw you man, I want that brunette."
Naruto steeled himself against these remarks, forcing the smile on his face to remain locked in place. It only faltered slightly as he gazed at the altar, his eyes automatically locking with Sasuke.
The Uchiha stood stiffly in his best mans position, but still looking as handsome as ever, dark hair glinting off the afternoon sun. Naruto could hear the sighs and could almost see the lovesick faces of the girls in the audience as they gazed longingly at Sasuke.
Too bad he likes me, bitches. Naruto felt his smile tighten at that thought. Where did that come from?
Sasuke met Naruto's eyes with a cool look. They flickered slightly and there was a glint of something that resembled amusement before Sasuke turned to focus his gaze on the rest of the wedding party.
You can't fool me bastard, Naruto growled inwardly. Sasuke could play it cool all he wanted, but Naruto knew what hid beneath the calm exterior.
Naruto lifted his chin a little bit higher, straightening his back and flashed his trademark grin. The audience practically swooned. There was a twitch in Sasuke's face and Naruto felt a surge of triumph and he caught the quick darting of those dark eyes.
Surging with the feeling of victory, Naruto led the procession to their places, taking his eyes off Sasuke only to give Kiba a quick wink. His friend stared at him with a look of awe before returning the gesture.
Then the wedding party turned perfectly in sync as the music shifted its tune, playing the song that would summon the bride.
When she emerged, the audience let out a collective sigh. The effect hit Naruto full force.
Sakura was an image of beauty as she walked out on to the aisle, arm threaded through that of her father.
Rosy locks piled in a delicate heap with purposely loose curls cascading down the side; pale skin shimmering with not only powder and make-up but with the inner confidence of a woman who had worked hard and kicked ass (literally) to get where she was now.
She was the fairytale princess. She was the goddess. When little girls dreamed about themselves getting married, the image that they would conjure would be Haruno Sakura. She was the image of perfection.
Out of the corner of his eye, Naruto saw the tears flowing freely from Ino who sat in her honored place in the front row. He could hear the sniffling coming from the other bridesmaids who held back the tears if only to prevent runny mascara.
Kiba looked absolutely dumbstruck. He wasn't even trying to hide the idiotic grin that had crept onto his face.
Even Sasuke, the cold-hearted bastard, had a slight flush to his cheeks, as if he was seeing Sakura for the first time ever.
Naruto felt his heart do flips of joy. Now they knew. They all knew. They were seeing Sakura as he had seen her all his life. Even if it was only for this moment, this short day, they were ultimately captured by her splendor.
She would never be his. Seeing the look on Kiba's face was enough to erase the last lingering thoughts in Naruto's mind. But he would always love her. Maybe that made him an idiot, but hey, it was a wedding. Wasn't he allowed to get a little bit sappy?
"Did you see your face Ino-pig? I thought you were going to drown us with all your tears."
"Shut the hell up forehead! The only thing making me emotional were hormones. As if the sight of your huge forehead walking down the aisle could ever make me cry. Not unless they were tears of laughter."
"Ok ladies, I think that's enough for one night." Shikamaru felt it best to end things before they broke into a full on battle. He flinched as the two women scowled at him before linking arms to go converse with the rest of the guests.
"Those two…" He sighed. "Kiba, you have no clue what you're in for. Do you think you're up for the challenge?"
The new husband grinned. "Hell yeah, man. Bring. It. On."
"Foolish last words." Shikamaru said. The rest of the wedding party rolled their eyes.
"Oh come on Shikamaru, don't scare him." TenTen scolded lightly.
"Yes, I think we should all admire Kiba and the astounding youth he carries!" Lee chimed in. "Such courage! I am truly in awe!"
"I believe in you, Kiba-kun." Hinata smiled encouragingly. Neji nodded beside her.
"I believe in this wine. Holy shit where did you guys get this stuff? And this cake? Fucking amazing!" Everyone turned to stare at the maid of honor who was currently stuffing himself with everything that was within reach.
"Don't look at me like that! I haven't eaten all day. Fucking starving…"
"If you keep going at that pace Naruto, you're going to pop a seem in your dress."
"Not while I'm around." Mori Azami singsonged as she passed the cluster of people, brandishing her pair of silver scissors.
"See? I'm all set." Naruto said through a stuffed face before attacking the cake once more.
"That's actually kind of disgusting." Temari made a face. The rest of the wedding party nodded.
"Come on people. Let's go mingle." The wedding party turned to enter the fray of the other wedding guests. The reception was at its full peak as people milled around the buffet table and glided on the dance floor.
"Are you coming Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked.
"Nah, you guys go ahead. I'll see you later." He gave them all a quick wave before returning once more to his cake.
He was just lifting his fork to stuff the first piece of the third slice into his mouth when he felt a soft tapping on his shoulder. Naruto turned around to see Ino smiling behind him.
"Wanna dance?" She asked.
"Will Shikamaru mind?"
Ino crossed her arms with a huff. "I don't think dancing is going to hurt the baby."
Naruto only shrugged. "Can I at least finish this slice?"
"No." Ino said shortly before yanking him from his seat.
"Hey, hey! What about my cake?" Naruto protested.
"I will do my best to make sure Chouji doesn't eat it all." Ino laughed as Naruto whined.
She found a spot on the dance floor and pulled him after her. The music playing was one of the waltzes from the dance sessions Sakura had ordered everyone to attend.
"You lead." Ino said.
Naruto reached down to smooth a wrinkle out of the dress he was wearing, thinking to himself what a weird life he lived. He guided Ino across the floor, both dresses spinning in tune, her lavender to match his blue. One or two people gave them an odd look but most happily ignored them.
"Thank you." Ino said, interrupting the silence between them.
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"For not ruining the wedding." Ino replied.
"Did you really think I would do that to Sakura-chan?" Ino gave him a suspicious look before relenting.
"No, not really." She said smiling. The smile turned wicked. "Not with all the looks you were giving Sasuke."
Naruto sputtered. "I was not giving Sasuke any looks!"
Ino laughed. "Oh really, because from where I was sitting it looked like you just couldn't keep your eyes off him."
"Ino!" Naruto screeched.
She flinched at the volume of his voice. "No need to yell or Shikamaru will beat you up for using sound waves to deform his unborn child. I'm only saying that now that Sakura is officially off the market and has found her own happiness, maybe you should start looking for yours."
"But with Sasuke?!"
"What's the face for? I think you guys would look perfect together and it's pretty obvious how you guys feel about each other."
Naruto's jaw dropped. The hell?
"Just what does that mean?" The pair had found their way towards the center of the dance floor as they swayed to the music that was coming to a conclusion.
Ino rolled her eyes. "Puh-lease. How oblivious can you get, Naruto? I've been making bets with Hinata for years."
"Are you kidding me?" Naruto looked at her in amazement.
"Nope." She said grinning.
"Mind if I cut in?" Came a low voice.
"Well speak of the devil." Ino said slyly. Naruto paled and turned to face Sasuke who met his eyes with a look of mischief. Beneath the butterflies that had found their way into his stomach, Naruto felt a little bubble of rage at the smirk at played its way onto Sasuke's face.
"Of course, Sasuke-kun!" Naruto moved to let Sasuke take Ino's hands, but when he reached for her, the damned woman had already vanished in the crowd.
Naruto gaped. "Where did she…?"
"Something wrong, usuratonkachi?" Sasuke's voice was husky as he stepped closer.
"Don't call me that!" Naruto snapped, turning back around. He gave a little squeak of shock as he found himself pressed flush against Sasuke. The crowd on the dance floor had increased, taking up the room Naruto had thought he had.
The smirk didn't leave Sasuke's face as he took Naruto's hands and led him to a less crowded portion of the dance floor.
Wordlessly, Naruto let himself be led through the dance steps, too stunned to even say anything. He avoided Sasuke's eyes, looking instead over his shoulder, ignoring the flush that had crept on to his face.
It wasn't until the next song came on that Naruto finally noticed something.
"You bastard! You're not even dancing your part! You could dance the whole time, couldn't you?" Naruto scowled as the smirk grew wider.
"Idiot. Did you really think I wouldn't know how to dance? An Uchiha?" To his extreme dismay, Sasuke twirled him, bringing him back to press closer to his chest. "My mother signed me up for lessons when I was five. I hated it back then, but I've always kept going...I don't know why. There's private studio in the eastern sector of Konoha that I go to." Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You won't tell anyone, will you?" He teased. Naruto rolled his eyes.
"So that whole time I was "teaching" you…?"
"I had fun. And you're a very cute dance partner, Naruto." Naruto's flush returned and he looked away again. He heard the sound of Sasuke sigh and as if it caught the mood, the music slowed.
"Listen Naruto. I didn't mean to catch you off guard or surprise you and if you want nothing to do with me I understand." Naruto shifted his eyes back so that blue met black. The smirk had vanished and Sasuke's face was now a mask of seriousness.
"I'm just asking for a chance."
Naruto was silent as they moved to the steady beat.
"I don't know if I'll fall in love with you." He finally said.
Sasuke's smile was small, but it still made Naruto feel like…he had just eaten 20 bowls of the highest quality ramen.
"That's ok. I don't know if I love you either."
Naruto opened his mouth the say something but was cut off by the sound of a voice over the loud speaker.
"Will the guests clear the dance floor. I repeat, will the guests clear the dance floor. The bride has requested a dance with her new husband."
The stage quickly emptied as the guests hurried to its edges to watch as Sakura and Kiba stepped on to it. The newlyweds smiled happily as they twirled around the now empty area.
Naruto watched them on the sidelines, watching the way their eyes saw only each other. He was struck not by the harrowing pang of vicious jealously, but the soft, more silent longing for what he saw before him.
A full and happy love. A love, that he hoped to one day have.
He glanced sideways at his companion, who was watching the newlyweds with his usual impassive face, and smiled to himself.
Maybe, just maybe, Sasuke wouldn't have to wait forever for his answer.
A/N: Awww. I can't believe it's all done! I'm getting a little emotional here.
Thoughts on the ending? I didn't want a " happily ever after" but at the same time I didn't want to leave you guys hanging. Hope it was enough. Well that's a wrap. Thanks for reading. I hope everything was enjoyable!
with love
~dancer