What Happens Next?
Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. I was a little unsure of how long to make the engagement. I finally decided to make it brief, chapter wise. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter Notation: No one was paying attention to the roof tops, that's why he was able to get away with it…for now. Remember, I only write happy endings.
Chapter 23
Two weeks later, Hinata was at her wit's end. She had always considered herself to be a patient person. However, even she had her limits and they were quickly being reached.
"Do they have to fight about everything?" She asks Sasuke and he sighs, wrapping his arms around her waist tightly.
"Seems that way. Honestly, now they are fighting over what color the tablecloths should be." Her lover mutters in annoyance.
She sighs and snuggles into Sasuke's arms. If it wasn't for him, she would have already used her "gentle fists," on half of her family. This was ridiculous. Maybe they should elope.
"Black is far too somber of a color to be used for the tablecloths. White is superior. It symbolizes purity and innocence. It's elegant in its simplicity." A Hyuga Clan member argues.
"White is boring. It's been done too many times. Black is more fashionable." An Uchiha volleys right back.
Sasuke shakes his head. He leads Hinata off. He knew that his kitten was getting extremely frustrated and so was he. He didn't know if he'd be able to control his temper if they stayed much longer. Besides, it wasn't like anyone would notice if they were missing.
He leads her back to his place. Once they were there, Sasuke immediately locks the door behind them and closes the curtains. Ah it was pure bliss to have some peace and quiet.
"I can't wait for this to be over. They are fighting over everything." Hinata mumbles.
"Don't worry. It's almost over, kitten. The fighting will settle down after the wedding. You'll see." Sasuke says and pulls Hinata into his arms, holding her closely against him.
The bluenette tries to burrow into her lover's hold. This was better. No one was fighting here. She had no idea what they were going to do about their families. Hinata realized they were trying to help, but the little details about the wedding didn't matter to either of them.
She didn't care about what kind of china they used. The Hyuga Heiress damn well knew Sasuke didn't. The tablecloth color was utterly meaningless to both of them. The engaged woman mentally goes down the list over everything that their families had fought about since the start of the engagement. She came up with 54 things and she was sure that she was forgetting something.
"Do you really believe that?" She asks and looks up at her most precious person.
"Well honestly, no. But it sounded good. At least the bachelor and bachelorette parties are over?" He offers.
Hinata gives him a dirty look for that one. That night had been so embarrassing. Having some nearly naked stranger try to give her a lap dance had been so uncomfortable.
She knew that Sasuke hadn't particularly cared for his bachelor party either. He had come home with wide eyes and had said he was lucky to still be alive. The Uchiha had said something about strippers trying to smother him to death with "enhanced" cleavage. It was at this point that Hinata decided she didn't want to know the details and didn't ask further questions.
"Sasuke, don't remind me of that." She grumbles.
"Sorry, kitten. But it's almost over. Just think after the wedding we can go on our Honeymoon to that dolphin island, you like so much. Then we can come back here and you won't have to keep going back to the Hyuga Estate." He says consolingly.
Hinata nods. The Honeymoon and moving in with Sasuke, were the two things that might make going through this sea of craziness worth it. It was almost over. After 54 arguments, how much more could be left to fight about?
"That will be good." She agrees.
"You are way too stressed out. Maybe a massage would help?" He offers.
Hinata smiles. Sasuke's hands were truly made of magic. That did sound nice. She nods her head. Sasuke smiles and scoops her up Bridal Style, carrying her to his room and setting Hinata gently on the bed. The bluenette was now laying on her stomach.
"Just relax." He whispers in her ear and gets behind her, sitting on his knees as he leans over and slides his hands underneath her shirt.
The Hyuga woman sighs in contentment once he begins the massage. That felt so good. She closes her eyes in pleasure and enjoys the pampering.
Sasuke smirks and kisses the back of her neck as he continues. He slides her shirt off of her and enjoys caressing her bra skin. Well minus the bra. Hmm yeah, that had to go. He unclasps it and tugs that off as well. Much better.
"Mmm I'm relaxing." She mumbles.
Sasuke smiles. He was about to see if she'd be interesting in some "stress relief sex," when he realized her breathing had even out. She'd dozed off.
He didn't have the heart to wake her. She looked so cute laying there all innocently. Well as long as he didn't look at her breasts, then his thoughts would go in a very not innocent direction.
He shakes his head in amusement and snuggles into her. Well he couldn't blame his kitten. It had been a long day. He yawns and wraps the blankets around them, before falling asleep as well.
Meanwhile back with the Hyuga and Uchiha Clans, Tenji twitches. This was absurd. He couldn't believe that this was being sanctioned by Hiashi.
"He's always been such a rational man. Why would he condone this?" He mutters to himself.
Truly, it made no sense. Hiashi was not only approving of the marriage, but actively planning the wedding. He couldn't believe it. This was just so very wrong.
Tenji believed it violated the laws of nature, really. Hyugas and Uchihas should never mix. It was like watching a cat and dog try to mate. It just didn't work. Why was he the only one who saw this and trying to actually take action?!
"Whatever you are thinking, don't." Neji says as he strides over to Tenji.
"I have no idea, what you mean. I was merely thinking that I agree. The white tablecloths are the superior choice." He says and tries to look as innocent as possible.
Unfortunately, this was Neji. He wasn't one to be fooled so easily. The other Hyuga mentally sigshs. His cousin could prove to be quite the obstacle in stopping this catastrophe.
"Tenji, do not treat me as a fool. I do not appreciate it." Neji warns him.
"I would never do that, cousin. Hmm I wonder where the lovebirds wandered off to. I don't see them." He muses.
The other lavender eyed man sighs. Neji knew that it was likely Sasuke and Hinata had slipped off during the chaos. He couldn't blame them. Neji might not like Sasuke, but he could certainly sympathize with wanting to get out of there.
"Doesn't matter. Don't do anything stupid!" Neji warns him.
"I wouldn't dream of it. You really should stop worrying. You'll be an old man long before you reach your 30th birthday at this rate." Tenji cautions him and Neji rolls his eyes.
He knew that Tenji was up to something. Neji could see that some sort of plan was brewing in his mind. But he had no proof. He needed proof if he was going to act against another Hyuga. So the prodigy decides to bide his time and hope that he could find it, before tragedy struck.
"Well I think that is quite enough for today. It seems that the great debate about the tablecloth color is finally over. What do you think, Hinata? Sasuke?" Fugaku asks.
He blinks. The Uchiha Patriarch looks around. He didn't see his son or future daughter-in-law anywhere. Where did they go?
"I surmise they disappeared while we were discussing this issue. Most likely they left together." Hiashi says with a heavy sigh.
"Most likely. Oh well. We've been at this all day. Tomorrow is another day." Mikoto says good naturedly and with that, everyone disperses.
A week later, the big day had finally arrived. Hinata had been "kidnapped" by a herd of Uchiha and Hyuga women. They were currently helping her prepare for the wedding. This meant her hair, makeup, wedding kimono, and "helpful" advice.
"She doesn't need makeup. She's quite lovely the way she is." Mikoto protests as she sees one of the Hyuga woman coming over to powder Hinata's face.
"Thank you, L-, I mean Mikoto. But just humor them. They aren't going to listen." Hinata says with a giggle and allows her face to be powdered.
Hanabi looks at her sister. The young woman appears to be in deep concentration about something. There was a serious decision to be made. Should Hinata's hair be worn up or down?
"I think it would look best in a bun, with a few strands framing your face." Her sister decides after a few minutes.
"Oh yes, that does sound quite lovely. I think we should put a pink sakura blossom in her hair too!" Izumi contributes.
"That does sound pretty." Hinata agrees with a smile, though privately she figured that Sasuke would be more interested in getting her out of the kimono than what her hair looked like.
"Now just remember if you get into a fight, men can only think with one head at a time." Aiya says cheerfully.
"What is wrong with Uchihas?!" One Hyuga woman asks in a scandalized voice.
Hinata shakes her head and smacks her forehead with the palm of her hand. It looked like some things would never change. Maybe she'd get used to her new family's more…open lifestyle eventually. She knew that her Clan probably wouldn't though.
Meanwhile Sasuke was getting a similar treatment. He glowers at Itachi for adjusting his male wedding kimono again. He had it on right, dammit!
"Just getting the wrinkles out." Itachi says with a smile.
"How considerate. Have you two decided where you are going on your Honeymoon?" Hiashi asks Sasuke.
"We are going to an island nation that is famous for their dolphins. Hinata seems fond of them and I don't see a reason to object." Sasuke replies.
Fugaku nods. Unlike Shisui, he possessed a filter. He knew why his youngest son wasn't objecting. What man would object to what was very likely to result in sex on the beach.
"Ah good choice." Hiashi says.
"I can't believe my foolish little brother is all grown up and getting married. I'll probably be an uncle before the year is out." Itachi muses.
Sasuke gives Itachi another dirty look. Really, did he have to call him his foolish little brother on his WEDDING DAY?! Gggrr. He felt himself twitch in annoyance.
"Itachi, stop teasing your brother. He's likely nervous enough as it is." Fugaku muses.
"Oh yes, I remember my own wedding day. I'm surprised that no one heard my knees shaking." Hiashi says.
"I'm amazed that I managed to get to the alter without tripping on myself. I had a lot of liquid courage that morning." Fugaku adds.
Sauske blinks. It was hard to imagine either of the proud Clan Heads as ever having been that nervous. He tries to wrap his mind around that image. Sasuke just couldn't do it.
"Did mother beat you when she smelled the alcohol on your breath?" Itachi asks.
"Surprisingly, no. I think she was just happy we were finally getting married and her father wouldn't keep such a tight leash on us." Fugaku answers honestly.
"I know the feeling." Sasuke mutters.
"Ahem!" Hiashi says and Sasuke gulps, putting up his hands in an I Surrender Gesture.
Kenji shakes his head in amusement and decides to save the day. He informs Sasuke it was time for him to get to that alter. That seems to distract people sufficiently and the youngest Uchiha in the room makes a quick escape.
Sasuke heads outside and blinks. It really was beautiful. The wedding was being held on the streets of the Uchiha District. Honestly, there weren't many places that could hold the thousand or so people in attendance.
"Wow. They really went all out." Sasuke whispers to himself as he walks towards the alter.
It was a gorgeous sunny summer day. The skies were clear blue and the flowers were in full bloom everywhere. The birds were chirping and despite it being the middle of the day, there were stunning colorful glass lanterns hung with lovely flowers woven into them, everywhere you looked.
There were Uchiha and Hyuga banners everywhere. He could also see the tables set everywhere. Some had black and some had white tablecloths. There had to be dozens of beautiful wedding cakes on the tables and the alter was made of pure silver with roses woven into it. (Hyugas apparently were rather fond of adding floral arrangements as finishing touches.)
"Hey, bastard. How are you feeling?" Naruto asks him, once he made his way there.
Naruto was going to be his bestman. He knew that it was a bit odd, but the blonde really was his best friend. As long as he knew Hinata was off limits, they were good.
"Relieved. It's a long story." Sasuke whispers back.
"There goes Garuda!" Naruto says looking up at the sky to see the giant hawk, dropping off "gift baskets."
Guests were catching them. Inside everyone was a bottle of champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and a bottle of the product necessary to make a bubble bath.
"You are trying to get them all drunk?" Naruto asks with a laugh and Sauske nods.
"Believe me, it's the only way we are all surviving this wedding in one piece. You don't know what are families are like when they are together." Sasuke mutters and looks at the aisle, waiting for Hinata.
That's when Hanabi came out. She was the flower girl and taking her duties very seriously. She was throwing the flowers everywhere. Kita was by her side and carrying the rings. He sneezes when Hanabi tosses some flowers too close to his face.
"Awe they are so cute!" Sasuke hears some people call out and rubs the back of his head sheepishly.
Kita twitches. Uchiha men, no matter what age they were, didn't take well to being called cute. Hanabi seems to sense this and drags him down the aisle, before fireballs start being shot off.
"Kita." Hanabi says warningly.
"Hey! Don't drag me! I'm not a rag doll." He grumbles, much to the amusement of the audience.
Soon loud gasps were heard as Hinata is escorted down the aisle by her father. The bluenette's hair was done up in a messy blue bun, with two long strands framing her face and a few in the back. A Sakura blossom was holding the bun in place.
The wedding kimono was made of pure silk. It was surprisingly colorful with a pink sash and floral patterns scattered across the white fabrics. Red, orange, and golden flowers were displayed beautifully across it.
The kimono flattered her ample figure tastefully and her sandals looked gorgeous on her legs. Sasuke was impressed that she somehow she hadn't tripped yet. It was a little intimidating being watched by everyone. He was kinda grateful Hiashi was now holding onto her, just in case she stumbled.
"You look beautiful. You always do, but especially today." Sasuke whispers to Hinata when she arrives at the alter.
"Thank you." HInata replies with a smile and laces her fingers with him.
The couple blink when they hear a loud disturbing sound. Aoda was in the back bawling his eyes out. Neji looks at the giant snake in concern.
"Are you alright?" He asks.
"Oh yes. Sorry. I always cry at weddings." He mumbles and the Hyuga man shakes his head in amusement.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Sasuke Uchiha and Hinata Hyuga. If anyone has any objections for why they should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace." The Priest says.
Neji sighs and quickly gags Tenji. He wasn't going to let him ruin the most important day in Hinata's life. He didn't approve of the match, but Hinata did look rather happy to be standing next to the Uchiha. He couldn't do it. He didn't have the heart to actually object.
"Wonderful. As there are no objections, do you Sasuke Uchiha take Hinata to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold? In sickness and in health? For richer and for poorer? To love, honor, and cherish for the rest of your days? And to forsake all others, until death do you part?" The man continues.
"I do." Sasuke replies.
"Do you Hinata Hyuga take Sasuke to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold? In sickness and in health? For richer and for poorer? To love, honor, and cherish for the rest of your days? And to forsake all others, until death do you part?" The Priest asks the bride.
"I do." Hinata says.
"Then by the power invested in me by the Leaf Village and the Fire Nation, I pronounce thee man and wife. You may kiss the bride." He says smiling, brightly.
Sasuke smiles and lifts Hinata's veil. He leans in to kiss her. Sasuke apparently was not a shy person. He was no Shisui, but that kiss had a lot of jaws dropping.
Hinata wraps her arms around her new husband's neck and returns the kiss with equal passion. As always, she quickly forgot about the rest of the world once she was kissing her lover. Nothing else mattered but him and her.
"You weren't kidding about being an uncle before the year was out." Shisui whispers to Itachi and the other Uchiha nods.
"I told you so." Itachi whispers back and yips when he felt Izumi give him a playful swat to the back of the head for that comment.
"Guess we should cut one of the cakes. It is tradition." Sasuke murmurs to Hinata and leads her to the tables.
He allows Hinata to cut it and then playfully shoves a slice in her face. Hinata retaliates by shoving the rest of the cake in his face. Sasuke tries to wipe it off and licks his face.
"Well it IS good cake." He mutters.
Hinata giggles and nods. She smiles and sits down on a chair. Sasuke slowly removes the garter belt. The bluenette blushes at some of the rather suggestive catcalls they were getting. (Most were from the Uchihas, but a few were from some surprisingly bold Hyugas.)
"Let's see who catches it." He says and tosses the garter belt into the crowd, it smacks Naruto in the head.
"OWE. You are such a bastard! You did that on purpose!" Naruto grumbles.
"I did not." Sasuke protests and Hinata throws her bouquet.
The flowers shockingly land on Anko. Everyone blinks. No one had seen that coming. Hinata rubs the back of her head sheepishly and hides behind Sasuke. (Anko kinda scared her.)
Anko looks at the flowers. She shrugs and drags Naruto off. Sasuke blinks. He was more than a little disturbed now. He leads Hinata to the dance floor and decides a dance would make things seem more normal.
"That was really strange." Hinata whispers to him as she wraps her arms around her lover's neck and dances with him.
"Yeah. I guess so. But it's Naruto. He can never do anything normally, not even catching the garter belt." Sasuke replies with a smirk.
The couple is almost blinded by the amount of pictures being snapped. They lower their gazes in an effort not to be overwhelmed by the bright flashes. Sasuke wraps his arms around her waist.
"I love you." He mouths to her.
"I love you too." The bluenette mouths back to him and leans into his hold, content to enjoy the moment.
A few dances pass. Suddenly, Hiashi summons everyone to sit down and eat. It looked like he and Fugaku were planning some sort of toast.
"Thank you all for coming here today. I know it means the world to Sasuke and Hinata. I have to admit that the wedding planning was…stressful, but I think everyone will agree that the final results were more than worth the aggravation." Hiashi begins.
"Let this night mark a new chapter in the history between our Clans. We can put the past behind us and start a more pleasant one." Fugaku adds.
Everyone from the Hyuga and Uchiha Clans were watching each other warily. They honestly, didn't know what would happen next. Thankfully, Shisui as always was there to break the tension.
"And just think how cute lavender eyed, fire breathing toddlers are going to be!" He states cheerfully.
"That boy." Fugaku and Hiashi sigh in exasperation.
Everyone laughs and soon begins eating. Sasuke smiles and pulls Hinata into his lap. The Uchiha proceeds with hand feeding his wife.
Hiashi looks less than thrilled at this "improper display," but he didn't raise any objections. Hinata seemed to be enjoying herself anyway. He would indulge them, this once.
"Finally." Tenji mutters to himself.
He had hidden himself on top of one of the roofs and finally, had a clear shot. He sends the arrow flying. He cursed when he realized that he must have missed Sasuke's heart by less than an inch.
Tenji knew he wouldn't get another shot. He quickly flits to the wedding party. That's when chaos erupted.
Sasuke had been holding Hinata and hand feeding her, when he felt a sharp pain. The pain was enough to cause him to fall out of his chair, bring Hinata with him. Her eyes widen in horror, when she saw what had happened.
"Sasuke!" She cries out and quickly removes the arrow that had lodged itself only a short distance away from his heart.
She frantically starts performing a medical jutsu to stabilize her lover. Sasuke was coughing up a lot of blood. She wondered if the arrow had pierced an artery or hit his lungs somehow.
Hinata notes with growing alarm, that Sasuke had passed out from the shock. But she had managed stop the worst of the bleeding. She screams for help and Fugaku was soon at her side, teleporting them off to the hospital to get Sasuke more treatment than the fledgling medic could provide.
"I am so sorry this happened, Hinata." He whispers as he watches some other medics whisk Sasuke away to the emergency room.
"It's not your fault. Someone shot him." She replies in horror.
"We'll find out who did this. Don't worry. Sasuke is strong and in good health. It's going to take a lot more than one arrow to bring him down." He tries to console his daughter-in-law.
She nods. Hinata couldn't believe this had happened. Someone had attacked him on their wedding day. She knew that Sasuke would be alright. He had to be. But she was more concerned with the fact that if the would be assassin was willing to attack at such a public event, he or she might try again. That thought filled her with a sense of dread, the likes of which she had never known before.