Married

"Oh, Sakura, he's simply adorable!!" Ino squealed. It was early afternoon, and Sakura had gone to visit Ino at the flower shop. And she had just shown Ino her first born; a month after Roku was born. Ino gushed at the site of the baby Uchiha in Sakura's arms, her blue eyes wide. "Do I get to hold him?!" she demanded. Sakura deliberated the thought in her mind, and then handed over her son to Ino. The woman was, after all, Roku's godmother.

"Just be careful, Ino." The blonde woman rocked back and forth, adding a little bit of a bounce to her swaying.

"Sakura, you are so lucky!" Ino told her. Sakura smiled bashfully.

"Ino, all babies are cute when they're—"

"Oh, not just that!" she said, handing the boy back to his mother. She led Sakura to the back of the flower shop so Ino could work on arrangements and talk to her friend at the same time. "You're lucky because of how you were carrying Roku when he was still inside you. I mean, he's only a month old, and you're already back into shape! Most woman don't get off that lucky, Sakura," the girl explained. Sakura shrugged. "Say, where's Sasuke? He usually ticks with you no matter where you go," Ino asked.

"He had to go meet with Tsunade for something. I told him that I was going to come here while he was doing that. That way, we could have a private girl talk without him hovering, because I know how you hate that," Sakura explained. Ino smiled grateful. Then her look turned curious again.

"What did he say to that idea?" Sakura sighed.

"Well, at first he completely hated it. He said that he didn't want me to get overwhelmed with people drooling over our son. Conceited, I know, but in a way, it's true. He's also still a bit overprotective since I came back two months ago. It took a while for me to convince him to let me come here instead of waiting for him at the Hokage tower." Ino nodded in understanding.

"But in a way, I have to agree with Sasuke sometimes." At the look on Sakura's face, Ino quickly continued. "I mean, you should have seen how depressed he was when we came back without you." Sakura remember the suicidal pills she had found in his room the day he came back. "He really missed you Sakura, and in only a week, the two of you will be bonded forever!" she cheered. Sakura groaned.

"OH, crap!! Ino, I still haven't gotten a dress!! I've got everything done except the wedding dress and the food for the reception."

"Well, don't worry, because you are once again lucky, Sakura! Now that you've bounced back into shape, and I happen to be an amazing designer in wedding gowns, I am so going to help you with this! And for the food, I can get Chouji and his family to help out! They are all amazing cooks!" Sakura smiled at her long-time best friend.

"Ino, have I ever told you how much I love you?"

"Yes, many, many times, darling!"

Sakura sat in the bedroom, reading one of her medical books. Roku was in his crib, sleeping. (AN: you have to remember, this was when Sasuke still lived in the small apartment, with like, a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and a small bathroom). Sasuke was having a house being built on a large property. They were going to move into it after the wedding.

Her head came up when she heard Sasuke walk into the room, and she put her book down beside her. He walked over and sat down on the bed. Scooting behind her, he wrapped his arms around her small, yet firm, figure. Nuzzling his face in the crook of her neck, he breathed in her scent as if it had been years since he last saw her. It had only been a few hours.

"You're safe," he mumbled. Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Of course I am; it's not like anything would happen just by me going to visit Ino," she said, stating the obvious. Sasuke turned his head up and began kissing her jaw line, tuning her around in his arms in the process.

"I lost you once—I don't intend on it happening again," he said. Sakura stopped his actions and forced him to look at her.

"You never lost me," she told her quietly. She never liked it when he talked like that. Sasuke now wrapped his arms securely around her waist.

"You were gone. For a long time—and yes, nearly eight months is a long time. I had thought that you were dead. I don't want to go through that ever again; I want to know that you'll always be safe. And to do that, I need to always be with you." Sakura mused over his words, finally agreeing that they made sense.

"Fine. I guess I have no choice, considering in a week's time, you will be mine by law," she said, kissing him fully on the lips. He gave a small moan.

"I like the sound of that," he mumbled into her lips.

Sakura stood in front of the mirror, staring at herself. She could agree right then and there, that she never felt (or looked) more beautiful in her entire life.

Her dress was a pearly white satin. It was tight around her form, flowing from the waist down, and parts of the material were folded under so that it made the skirt of the gown look like it had layered ruffles. The end of her gown formed a train. The top part of the dress had a beaded design on the front, the beads being not much larger than grains of sand making the patterns they formed sparkle in the right light. The back consisted of thin lace, weaved into the pattern of small, elaborate flowers, looking extravagant from any distance. The front was also low-cut, showing off the tiniest bit of cleavage.

Her hair was done up so that it was all curled and pulled back into a half ponytail, letting her bangs frame her face. Sakura didn't wear a veil, but instead she had a small tiara on her head. Her makeup was simple: black eyeliner, some eye-shadow, blush, and pink lip-gloss. She was wearing simple, white heels on her feet.

Ino came up beside her, also gazing at the bride's reflection.

"Oh, Sakura, you look beautiful!" Roku giggled from Ino's arms. "And your baby thinks so as well!" she said. Sakura took her son in her arms and gave him a big hug.

"Ino, go take Roku to Kurinai in the front row—it's almost time."

Sasuke waited impatiently for the wedding to start. To keep everyone under control, Shizune was at the piano playing soft, yet slightly classical music. It seemed to be working for everyone—

Except Sasuke.

He was so nervous—he'd face Orochimaru, demons, giant . . . things . . . and had recently taken out Akatsuki! But this! Oh, this was just too much for him to handle!

What?! What was he saying?! Nothing was too much for him to handle! I mean, pfft, this is nothing! All he's doing is getting married!

But why was it taking so long?!

He started chewing on the inside of his cheek, without knowing it. Naruto, who was standing behind him, noticed this, and tapped his buddy on the shoulder. Sasuke tilted his head back the slightest bit, indicating that he was listening.

"Sasuke, relax! Everything's going to be fine. Just count numbers in your head," Naruto whispered. Although his voice was practically inaudible, Sasuke's trained ears picked it up with ease.

Suddenly, Roku came running down the aisle to the front row where Kurinai was sitting. He turned around when seated and waved frantically at Sasuke.

"HI DADDY!!" People in the pews snickered. Sasuke smirked and gave his son a small wave back.

Then the music started, where the bridesmaids would walk down the aisle, and then the bride herself with her father.

First came Hinata. The dresses for the bridesmaids wore black halter with a thick white stripe lining the halter portion of the simple gowns. Her hair was down, like always.

Next was Ino, her hair curled, also down, though her bangs were pulled back into half a ponytail. The order went in pairs. Behind Sasuke was Naruto, Shikamaru, Neji, and then Kiba.

After Ino came TenTen, being in a dress for the first time since she was four. With her hair down, Sasuke could easily visualize Neji trying to keep his eyes normal and his jaw connected to the rest of his head. Sasuke had to admit, she did look rather decent.

And last for the bridesmaids to enter was another one of Sakura's good friends, Kelly, and girl from the hospital. She had red hair and a soft look to her. It didn't impress Sasuke too much.

The music paused, and Shizune began to play the theme to the beginning of each and every wedding, where the bride was led down the aisle by her father. Though in Sakura's case, it was Kakashi, because he was always like a second father to her.

Sasuke turned his head as Sakura and Kakashi walked towards to altar.

Sasuke stopped breathing the moment he saw her.

He had to admit, she looked heavenly in white.

It took so long for her to reach him. Why didn't she just use her super speed and run to him already?

When the two reached to front of the church, Kakashi put Sakura's hand inside Sasuke's, then gave the boy a stern look.

"You'd better take good care of her if you know what's good for you," he whispered. Sasuke fought the urge to gulp.

"Sakura, I want you to place this ring on Sasuke's finger, and say: 'With this ring, I thee wed'." Sakura slid the white gold ring onto Sasuke's finger, and said:

"With this ring, I thee wed." Sasuke's heart filled with so much joy.

"Now, Sasuke I want you to take this ring, place it on Sakura's finger, and say: 'With this ring, I thee wed'." Sasuke took the ring and slid it onto his lover's ring finger. He looked into her green eyes, and whispered:

"With this ring . . . I thee wed."

The priest smiled.

"Now with the power invested in me by God, I now pronounce you, Husband and Wife; you may kiss the bride!"

Sasuke pulled his new wife into him and gave her the best kiss her could possibly giver her without scaring the audience.

Everyone in the room clapped when he pulled away and kissed her forehead, taking her into his embrace. Roku ran up to them and they brought him into the hug as well.

And as a family, they ran down the aisle.

"And now will the bride and her father come out for the Father-Daughter dance?" the DJ said into the mic. Sasuke and Kakashi walked out onto the center of the dance floor, getting into position with everyone watching them. The music was slow for two seconds, and then turned into a fast beat song: the Twist!

The two moved a part a bit and danced to the song, both grinning while everyone laughed and cheered. Kakashi was glad to see Sakura so happy again with the fire back into her eyes. When the song ended, the DJ said:

"And now the Mother-Son dance." Sasuke awkwardly stood, feeling out of place. What was he supposed to do? He didn't have a mother . . .

"Uchiha, over here!" He turned to see Tsunade on the dance floor, and nervously walked over to her. When the two started to dance, she began a conversation. "I'm not a mother to you, but I am one to Sakura, and I'm trying to help her save you from embarrassment. So don't complain!"

"Aa."

"Now you listen. Now that you're Sakura's husband, there are a few rules we need to go over."

"Wasn't this all covered in the vows?"

"Listen, boy! If you even hurt her, just once—I won't hesitate to make your life miserable, do you understand?"

"Y-yes!"

Sasuke watched as his wife (he would always love saying that word) dance with their son to the "Cha Cha Slide" with all the other kids.

"So, Sasuke, how'd you like the little speech I gave, eh?" Ino asked him. Earlier, when one bridesmaid and one groomsman were to give a speech wishing best of luck with the newlyweds, Ino's ended something like this:

"Now, Sasuke, I want you to take your hand and place it on top of Sakura's for all to see," she instructed. Sasuke did so, giving his love a small smile. "Okay, now I want you to cherish this moment, and remember it forever, because this is the last time you will have the upper hand in your marriage."

Sasuke gave her a look. "As long as it's Sakura, I honestly don't mind." The blonde squealed.

"Oh, you two are so right for each other!"

Another song came on, one that all of the younger people were waiting for.

The Cupid Shuffle.

Sakura ran over to Sasuke and pulled him up so he was beside her in the front line along with all of their friends. The group danced to the song with enthusiasm, enjoying themselves. Sasuke eyes Sakura as he watched her movements. The way she twisted her hips made her look beautiful in the layered dress.

When the song was over, they walked around a bit more to talk to some of the guests (though Sakura danced at the same time).

"And now for the bouquet toss! All of the single girls get ready!" When all of the girls were ready to catch it, Sakura tossed it backwards and then turned to see who caught it.

It was TenTen.

After Sasuke had gotten the garnet out from under Sakura's dress (which made her turn a lovely shade of red) and slung it into the crowd of boys, it somehow ended up in Neji's hands.

"Now the lovely catcher of the bouquet and garnet need to come out!" They both knew what was coming, so TenTen sat down in the chair, the guess giving out dog howls for Neji. "Now, you two, we are going to do things a little differently tonight. Do you know why the bride and groom are up here, also?" They shook their heads. "Well, they are going to decide who puts the garnet on the other and how far up it goes!" Everyone in the crowd laughed, and Sakura got a smirk on his face.

"Well, I think we're going to do this the traditional way, but Sasuke will say when to stop. How does that sound to you, dear?"

Sasuke smirked as well, an evil glint in his eyes.

When the music started, Neji began working his way up the girl's leg. He was up to mid-thigh, and he was still being forced to go!

Alrigh, now he was about three inches from her panties, when was it going to—

"Stop."

The two sighed in relief. Then Neji was slapped.

"WHAT? IM NOT THE ONE WHO—"

And then she slapped Sasuke.

"Men," she muttered.

"May the newlyweds please step onto the dance floor? It's time for your first dance."

Sakura watched as Sasuke nervously got up and walked over to her. She knew he wasn't a dancer, but this had to be done. When he came up to her, she whispered, "Don't be scared, you'll be fine."

He took her in and began dancing to their song, "You and Me."

Sasuke had watched when Sakura was dancing with Kakashi earlier to the song, "I loved her First" for the father-daughter dance. He had tried to remember to the steps. Sakura smiled.

"You're doing fine, just keep it up." Sasuke kissed her quickly knowing people were watching.

"I love you. Forever?" Sakura smiled brightly, giving him a kiss as well.

"Forever."