Holding Her Last Breath: Just 3 Days
Inari: Welcome to the Final Breath With the Angel/Epilogue! I'm Inari, time-stopping angel of the heavens with my co-hosts, Akami the heart-see…er..and Kai the angel of Life!
Akami: Konbanwa!
Kai: Yo.
Akami: And like every chapter, xxasukachanxx has a little last note for ALL READERS!!
GOMEN NA SAI!! Please forgive me for taking so long to get this out, but school's back in session and I haven't had any time to get on and I've been absolutely exhausted while trying to write the perfect epilogue for this story. I want it to live up to Till the Last Rose Dies reputation, and I've been having trouble going out with a bang...and I stayed up until almost 4 to read and revise this...
I'm currently working on the 3-shotter me and my good friend Astrocam created called "Mitara Wakaru Desho?" as well.
ALSO! On my profile there's a SUPER IMPORTANT POLL (I created a new one, for those who voted on the last one ) at the top of my profile. Read the question on vote! After that, go back to my profile and read the descriptions of the Naruto (and one Bleach) fics I've put up there and tell me which one you want up!!
But how do you tell me? Either email me personally (you JUST might get some special information, a sample of the fic, or the entire fic itself before it's released!) or leave me a review/comment on this story.
Otherwise I will write nothing ):
xxasukachanxx
Inari: Anyway, let's pop into that final tape and see if xxasukachanxx actually gives us a happy ending after all!
Kai: Disclaimer- xxasukachanxx doesn't own Naruto, any of the characters, or their personalities (except us three and Miki) and the plot.
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Sometimes,
life makes you choose.
Sometimes,
it's just now or never
Other times,
you just have to take the chance.
No turning back,
And no second chances.
-x-
'Sasuke…what will you do?…' Kushina thought as she began to walk away from the sight and as Sasuke ran.
'…When you're going up against a spiritual being?'
"Shimori!" Sasuke hollered as he slammed the door open. The air around the room was thick, as if the life were being taken out of it. Shimori was beside Sakura's bed and the pink haired woman was hovering in the air above her bed.
But what made the raven haired man stare in horror wasn't her floating in mid-air. A bright, translucent light was beginning to flow out of her. But as it did, Sakura's creamy complexion was beginning to dull and die.
The cloaked girl turned to look at Sasuke. A wicked smile was plastered on her lips but she didn't stop her work. The translucent light was beginning to form into a tiny ball. "Do you like the sight, nii-san? This is a soul in it's purest form."
"Let her go." Sasuke commanded as his eyes turned a blood red. But the reaper's smile only widened. "Weren't you listening, before nii-san…? I'm taking Sakura anyway." she replied and began to turn back the Sakura. Her expression was twisted into one of pure pain and agony.
"Sakura-"he paused to grit his teeth. Was it even possible to oppose a spiritual being? One who controlled life and death? Who wasn't alive to begin with?
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'I'm so…cold.'
"I'm taking her anyway."
'I can't…breathe…'
"Let her go."
'It feels like…it's being taken away from me…'
"Sakura nee-sama!!"
Emerald eyes shot open at the familiar sound of her name. Suddenly, the tiny, violet-haired girl she had loved like a little sister ran into her arms. "S-Shimori-chan?"
The little girl grinned as she stared up at her. "I'm so happy to see you again! Now we can finally be together forever!" she exclaimed as she began to lead Sakura into darkness. "W-Wait, Shimori-chan. Where are you taking me?" she asked with a puzzled expression.
The little girl stopped before turning around, the smile seemed to be becoming forced. "Does it matter, Sakura nee-sama? You'll be with me!" the smile began to fade when she paused. "You trust me, don't you?"
A tiny smile formed at Sakura's lips. "Of course I-"
"Saku…"
Sakura's smile began to fade as a hand up to her lips. "That…voice…" she began to murmur. Shimori looked up at her with an expression of pure confusion. "Sakura…ne-sama?"
"Sasu…ke-kun?"
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Shimori's gave an even eerier smile. "Just give up, nii-san…The soul I'm harboring won't rest until she takes Sakura." she explained eerily.
He narrowed his eyes as she went on. "I can't leave this body until the unrested soul's business is done…" she replied. But as she did, Sakura's face began to scrunch even more in pain.
"Sasu…ke!" She whispered. With the sound of his name, a light began to form around Sakura's body, which surprised the reaper. The light suddenly shot out of her and hit the Shinigami. It caused her to gasp softly in shock.
Suddenly, countless stab wounds appeared on her tiny body, and droplets of blood trickled onto the floor. "That girl.." Shimori hissed as she began to back away. Inari's voice suddenly filled the room.
"Sakura's trying to come back on her own-back to you-and the body the Shinigami's harboring is starting to react to it. But she can't come back on her own. Call out to her!"
And that's what he did.
'Sasuke-kun!'
"Sakura….SAKURA!!" Sasuke hollered.
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"Saku…ra."
Emerald eyes widened as she began to turn away from the little girl. The voice sounded again. "Why…do I know that voice…?" she murmured but the girl held her back. "No! You don't, Sakura nee-sama forget about it!" she pleaded.
"Sakura…"
"It's…" Sakura began as the call began to grow louder and clearer.
"Sakura….!"
"It has to be…"
"Sakura!!"
"Sasuke…?"
"SAKURA!!"
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura yelled as she began to turn around, but Shimori yanked on her wrist. "No- Sakura nee-sama don't turn around!! Don't go back to him…don't leave me alone!!" she pleased.
But a horrified gasp escaped her lips when she turned back to the little girl who was covered and dripping with blood. Around her neck were visible, ugly purple bruises; as if she were strangled and stab wounds and scratches covered her tiny body.
Hands reached out and touched the girl's bruised cheeks. "Oh…Shimori-chan…" she whispered. 'This…so this is what her father did to her before…before she died…' She thought.
A sad smile formed at the little girl's lips. "I wish…that man didn't end up loving you so much." she said quietly, without looking up to meet the woman's horrified emerald eyes.
"If he didn't…you wouldn't have known I was going to take you to the underworld." she explained. The kunoichi eyes widened in horror as she backed up a step. "U-Underworld?"
Shimori nodded, but the sad smile didn't disappear. "You were supposed to die tonight, but nii-san died and came back to life for you cause…he loves you."
The pink haired woman bent down to be at eye level with Shimori "Shimori-chan…"
"Gomen ne, Sakura nee-sama." Tears began to fall down the dark haired girl's face as she went on. "…I just wanted to be with you…"
Tears also formed in Sakura's eyes. 'She died alone…' she thought as she embraced the little girl. "What are you talking about, Shimori-chan? It's okay to not want to be alone…" she whispered to her.
"You're not mad at me?" Shimori asked quietly. "But I tried to take you away…by force."
Sakura pulled away to smile at her. "Of course not, Shimori-chan. I know how it feels to be alone. To feel like there's no one who understands you …but just remember that I'll always be here for you. Maybe not physically, but…" she paused to point to the child's heart. "Right here."
A smile formed on the little girl's face as she hugged Sakura. Light emitted from her as the wounds, scratches and bruises disappeared. And tiny wings appeared on her back. "Arigato Okaa-sama." she murmured into her chest, which made Sakura freeze.
'Okaa…sama?' she thought, but suddenly found herself being pulled away from the violet eyed girl.
"Shimori-cha-"
"Sayonara, Sakura nee-sama. Make Sasuke nii-sama happy!…" Shimori shouted as she began to grow smaller and smaller…
Light blinded the pink haired girl before her breath returned to her.
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Suddenly, her glazed jade eyes shot open and Sakura's body arched. The room filled with a blinding light, causing him to look away. When the light faded, the pink haired girl's body began to glow. Slowly, she fell into Sasuke's arms. Across the room, the original Shimori stood. And beside her was a tall, body-less dark cloaked figure; the real Shinigami.
The little girl began to walk over to the couple. Sasuke's arms tensed and tightened around Sakura, but relaxed when she began to speak. "I guess…I lost, nii-san." Shimori sighed as a sad smile crept onto her face. "I wanted to be with Sakura nee-sama forever 'cause she was the only one that cared that I existed when I was alive."
Sasuke opened his mouth to speak but shut it when the spirit continued. "I can't take care of her so you have too, nii-san! Make her happy or I'll never forgive you!"
A smirk creased onto his lips. "Aah."
And with that, the Shinigami swung its scythe and the two were gone.
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"…aku…ra…"
'Who…'
"Sa…"
'Is that…'
"Sa…ku…ra…"
'Sasu…ke-kun?' Sakura thought as her emerald eyes began to flutter open. And was surprised to find herself in his arms. "S-Sasu…ke-kun?" she asked drowsily. Sasuke's eyes seemed relieved.
As he laid her down on her bed she put against her forehead. "I…had the strangest dream." she whispered with her eyes closed. Though he didn't answer Sasuke sat beside her and looked at her intently.
"I took care of this little girl who was brutally murdered by her father a few years ago…her name was Shimori." Sakura explained. "…She was trying to take me to the underworld."
Sasuke's breath caught in his throat as she went on. "But I couldn't because someone was calling out to me." Sakura paused to open her eyes and smile at him. "You were calling out to be, Sasuke-kun."
With a tiny smile Sasuke took her into his arms and embraced her tightly. The two stayed this way for awhile. After all, both had almost each other that night.
But now it was finally over. They could finally start planning their life together…
"I thought…I thought I was never going to see you again…" the pink haired girl mumbled into his chest after awhile Thoughtful coal eyes gazed downward as pained emerald ones looked up at him. "If you ever do something stupid like that again, I'll-"
"I won't." he interrupted as he ignored the throbbing pain his body was still giving off and embraced her tighter. Sasuke grabbed hold of the hand that miraculously still had the engagement ring and kissed it gently. "Never again."
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Before morning all of Konoha knew of Sasuke's valiant sacrifice for the blossom. They also found that Sakura had gotten beaten up in the process. So for the next week, Sakura got multiple visits from the townspeople of Konohagakure; only leaving when Sasuke began to glare at them. The only ones who were exempt from his glares were those of Konoha 12.
The following week Sakura was allowed to leave, but was ordered to stay home for another week and a half; since she normally overworked herself.
Though she was enraged by Tsunade's decision, she was also grateful. When she became the top medic she gave up any real time for herself and her friends. And when they heard of her temporary "vacation" they never left her side.
It also gave Sakura time to begin planning her wedding that was to be combined with Ino's.
"Are you sure you know the time and place you're supposed to meet us later?" Exclaimed the blonde on the other line. Sakura sighed once more as she ran a hand through her now short pink locks.
"Ino why would I be late to pick out my own dress?" she asked. "Welllllllll considering how far Sasuke's pushed that stick up his ass you haven't really been out much since you've got out of the hospital."
Sakura couldn't help but laugh since her best friend was right. "He's just…protective." she replied softly as a tiny smile curled at her lips and arms wrapped around her waist. The woman on the other line scoffed. "Protective? Sakura, you're a big girl. You can take care of yourself."
The kunoichi lips creased grimly. 'That's what I thought.'
She paused to lean her head back and kiss the man holding her. "I think I'm better off with him." she decided as she heard Ino sigh. "You guys are hopeless. I'll see you in a few!"
"Alright Ja." she replied. Once she flipped her cell closed the pink haired woman turned around to look into onyx eyes. "What time?" he asked as a finger curled gently around one of her pink strands. A bright smile appeared on her features as her arms snaked around his torso.
"Noon. Did you want to come with?" she asked curiously, but was surprised when Sasuke shook his head. "Can't," he replied, but the kunoichi waited for an explanation with expectant jade orbs.
But instead of an explanation, Sakura got a sly smirk. He leaned against her ear. "It's a secret."
Sakura blinked as he walked away from her. "A secret?" she repeated.
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"I won't wear it." Declared a viridian eyed woman as she gawked at herself in the mirror.
(Gasp)
Thud.
"Oh, Hinat…wait-you won't? Why not forehead??" A blonde protested in a whiny voice.
"Does she even need to explain?" A familiar voice responded as she dragged a dark haired woman's body out of the room.
"Not you too Tenten!"
(Pause)
"There's nothing wrong with it." The blonde decided after close examining.
"Nothing WRONG with it?? Ino, it screams wrong!!"
"Sakura, you're overreacting. It says dress on the label."
"…"
"…"
"Does it say 'stripper' on the label too?"
"SAKURA!!"
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"Sasuke-teme!" exclaimed a spiky blonde haired man. He had been waiting against a building for the coal eyed man to appear. "Dobe," he acknowledged as his friend pushed off the wall to walk beside him.
"What'd you need me for anyway?" he asked after a few minutes of silence. "We're going to see someone." Sasuke replied.
"Who?"
"A woman."
"Ehh?!"
A coal eye looked at the blue eyed man and noticed that they were looking at him in horror. "She's special to Sakura." he explained, which relieved his friend.
After a few more minutes of silence, Naruto grinned and slung an arm around his best friend. "If I didn't know better I'd say you loved me, teme." he commented. The raven haired man looked at him skeptically. "Oh?" he asked.
Sun-kissed blonde hair shook as he nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I'm the only one you asked to come with you!"
Sasuke looked at him with a blank look as Naruto tightened his grip around his shoulders. "You must really love my company after all, teme!" he said with a fox-like grin. Sasuke closed his eyes. "I don't. You're the only one that can come along."
But his goofy friend wasn't phased. "Awe don't lie, teme! You know you love me!"
The prodigy sighed. He should've gotten Shikamaru instead. The two walked inside a pale colored building with a sign that read KONOHA RETIREMENT CENTER. Bright blue eyes looked at his best friend with a puzzled expression, but curiously followed him in.
Who could possibly live here that was close to Sakura?
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"…How do I look?" Sakura asked as she began to twirl around in a particular dress that the heiress had picked out.
"Oh…" Hinata gasped.
"My…" Ino breathed.
"Kami-sama!" Tenten finished. Wide, chocolate eyes turned to the lavender eyed heiress. "Hinata you really out-did yourself!" she praised.
And indeed the woman had. The dress ruffled slightly at the movement as she turned around. This motion made the 3-way mirror Sakura stood in front of give all angles and features of the curve-hugging, white and backless gown. The gown separated on both sides of her hips; showing her creamy, shapely legs and her now shoulder-length pink hair flowed out the sides; surprsingly bringing out puzzled viridian eyes who stared at the women gawking at her.
But to sum it up in one word, Sakura was gorgeous.
"Sasuke's going to pounce on you in this dress if you don't watch it, Sakura." Tenten laughed. But Ino stepped in. "Hah! Too bad he can't. Sakura's pregnant." she commented.
"That won't stop him." Sakura breathed. Silence filled the room.
"What-what did you say?!" Ino demanded as the three surrounded her. The pink haired girl laughed sheepishly as she suddenly found herself surrounded. "Well he knows that it's okay to have sex when you're pregnant-as long as your careful with the baby." she then turned to Tenten. "You knew this, didn't you, Tenten?"
A heavy blush suddenly appeared on the weapon mistress's face. "W-Well…"
"TENTEN HAD SEX WHEN SHE WAS PREGNANT?!"
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"Ne, teme." Naruto called as the two made their way up the stairs to the fourth floor. Coal eyes looked in his direction. "…Who lives here anyway?" he asked. "I heard crazy old people will beat you with their canes if you get too close."
A smirk appeared on Sasuke's handsome features. "Scared?" he asked as he knocked on a particular door. The Kyuubi vessel frowned and opened his mouth to retort but was cut off when an old woman with wispy white hair and murderous jade eyes appeared at the door. "If you're selling something I'm not buying." she snapped, which made Naruto take a step back. Though the woman was half his size, she looked more menacing than frail.
Naruto laughed nervously and backed up a few more steps when he noticed her gripping her cane a little more tightly. "Eheheh…"but his voice trailed off when Sasuke grabbed his shirt. "We need to talk to you."
Her jade eyes narrowed in indifference. "Oh? What reason do you have?"
Sasuke reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a picture, and it made her eyes widen only slightly. A crinkled grin curled at her lips. "So, looks like I get to meet you after all." she murmured before she stepped out of their way.
Without hesitation the man walked in. After overcoming his shock, Naruto followed.
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"Make it quick. I don't have all day." the woman snapped as she sat on the sofa across from the young men. Naruto's eyes wandered around the room. The room was small and didn't appear to have any real material possession or anything unusual about it. But what he did notice immediately was the fact that all the pictures were turned downward.
"Isn't it obvious?" Sasuke asked calmly. Surprised, the woman began to cackle. "You're quite the sharp-tongued little shit aren't you?" she asked. Sasuke was unphased as she went on. "Don't think just because you're an Uchiha and a prodigy you can talk to me anyway you want. Show some respect!"
Naruto gaped at the old woman, then turned to Sasuke who remained stoic. Almost as if he had been expecting the insults. Naruto then began to wonder why Sasuke had come to visit this bitter old woman in the first place?
For a few seconds Sasuke closed his eyes. When he opened them he spoke. "Our wedding's in a couple of weeks." he began as he pulled out a tiny card. "And we want you to attend."
Pale jade orbs stared at the card in his hands but didn't reach out to take it. "I refuse." she declared harshly after a few minutes of contemplating in her head. Sasuke's eyebrows furrowed as she went on. "I know my daughter well enough to understand she doesn't want me anywhere near her wedding day."
Naruto's eyes widened in complete shock as his mouth fell agape. 'This grouchy old bag…is Sakura-chan's mom?!" he thought wildly. But then, after studying her more closely, he realized that the old woman's hair wasn't a wispy white color but a faded, pastel pink. Also, behind the bitterness in her jade orbs, they held a similar intensity that Sakura had.
This woman was no doubt, Mrs. Haruno.
But then, the blonde began to wonder why Sakura hadn't ever mentioned her mother?
"Does that change the fact that you're her mother?" Sasuke asked blankly as the woman walked herself over to her bookcase. "Weddings are happy occasions. A time of rejoicing. The bitter aren't invited because they'll ruin the mood. No exceptions."
The Uchiha rose and walked over to her. "Are you sure?" he asked plainly. When she didn't turned around, in a low voice he whispered, "She misses her mother."
Finally, Sasuke set the card down on the coffee table and departed. Though Naruto stayed a few minutes longer. "I donno what happened between you and Sakura-chan, but I won't forgive you if you miss her wedding! I don't think she will either!" he declared before hurrying out of the room. Only then did she allow her tears to fall down her wrinkled cheeks.
"Such foolish children...don't they know anything?" she asked as she began to upturn the pictures.
"I won't allow it any longer!" yelled an older, dark-pink haired woman as she stared at her daughter. Outraged jade orbs looked into paler ones as the younger woman spoke. "But it's not your decision to call, okaa-san!!"
"Sakura," her mother said in a dangerous tone. Her emerald eyes had grown fierce; almost compared to Tsunade herself when she was angry. "I am your mother, much older than you, and I know unhappiness when I see it. Why do you stay with him when he makes you suffer? You claim he's 'the one' yet he doesn't give you the time of day unless you're taking your clothes off!-"
"You know unhappiness because YOU'VE been living a bitter life for the past 4 years!" Sakura argued angrily as angry tears spilled down her cheeks. "I stay with Sasuke-kun because I love him with everything I've got. Why can't you accept that? What can't you accept him? Ever since dad died-"
Wrinkled hands tightened around a cane. "What a foolish daughter I have...controlled by infatuation. This has nothing to do with me.That boy takes for granted what he has, and is indifferent to your feelings even though he doesn't deserve one bit of attention from you. And even though you suffer, work yourself to the bone to hide your pain and loneliness, you stay with him. And for that, I will never accept that ungrateful, selfish man-"
Sakura stood; slamming her hands onto her kitchen table which cracked with her monstrous strength. "You can call me foolish…you can call me infatuated- but don't you ever insult Sasuke-kun like you know him!" she commanded. She lowered her head as a sad smile curled at her lips. "What the hell do you know about him? No one sees or understands the loneliness or pain he's experienced…I don't know what love is, but I know enough to know that I care about him…care about him with all my heart. And because I care about him I'll stick by him no matter what…even if he can't or won't return my feelings." she explained.
After a few minutes, the old woman scoffed. "I knew you were foolish, but I didn't know that you were clueless. Book smarts doesn't mean a damned thing if you're hopelessly without common sense." the old woman hissed. Sakura stiffened at these words as she went on. "My mind is made up. I will not accept that boy."
As more tears fell, Sakura gritted her teeth. "I hope you realize that if you don't accept Sasuke-kun as my mother you don't accept me. And that's unforgiveable." she warned. But the woman chuckled heartlessly. "I don't need the forgiveness of a stupid girl. Leave my room immediately. You make me sick." she spat.
Frustration and sorrow filled the pink haired woman's face as she stormed out of the room and slamming the door.
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The old woman wiped her tears as she lifted the last of the picture frames that had been flipped downward. Something she hadn't done since that fateful day. The picture showed a younger version of herself; holding a child of 7 or 8 in her arms. The two both had bright smiles on their faces. And in the background was a man with chocolate brown hair and bright emerald eyes, wearing a serene expression.
"Forgive me…both of you." the woman whispered quietly as she closed her eyes.
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"Sasuke-kun." Sakura called as the raven haired man walked into the house. As if it were routine the pink haired kunoichi wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled at him curiously. "Where were you?" she asked.
Sasuke held both sides of her face as he leaned downward to press his lips against hers. "You'll see." he replied against her lips.
Sakura's lower lip poked out into a cute pout as she stared up at him when he pulled away. "Sasuke-kun!" she protested. "Don't keep secrets from me!"
Though he hesitated, coal eyes closed as he let go of her and shoved his hands into his pockets. "No." he told her as he slipped past her and disappeared down a hallway.
Sakura put her hands on her hips as she watched him disappear. She could almost see the triumphant smirk on his face. She was about to follow when her cell began to ring:
"You and I will ride tonight, 'Till the past is out of sight…We don't have to look back now-"
"Hello?" she asked when she flipped the phone opened. When the person answered, an immediate smile spread across her face. "Hi Lee."
"Sakura-san, you were glowing with the power of youth today!" the man exclaimed on the other line. Some things never changed.
"Thanks. Did you need something?" she asked as she propped herself up on the couch and rested her feet on the coffee table. "Nothing in particular. I wanted to congratulate you on your and Sasuke's accomplishment!" Lee replied, yet he seemed strained; after all these years, even though her heart was well for Sasuke and Sasuke only, he had never gotten over his childhood crush on her.
Confusion spread across Sakura's face. "Congratulations? But, I haven't done anything…"
"Oh but you have! Inside you is the Uchiha heir correct?"
Sakura choked on her spit as these words came out of her bowl-shaped haircut wearing friend. Though this was true, it sounded so…dirty.
"H-How'd you figure that, Lee?" she asked quietly as she sunk down into the couch. The man chortled merrily. "I talked with Gai-sensei and confirmed that you have been glowing especially bright with the power of youth for the past couple of weeks and he assumed that a child was growing within you!" he exclaimed. "And, as always, he was right!"
"A-Aah…r-right. Thanks Lee."
Once the two talked about her and Ino's upcoming wedding they hung up. Sakura then felt a strong pair of arms wrap around her neck. A tiny smile curled at Sakura's lips as she reached backward to touch the one who had hugged her. "Who was it?" he asked her in a low voice. An emerald eye glanced back at him with amusement. "Jealous?"
Sasuke rested his cheek against hers as he shook his head. "You're mine...Uchiha Sakura." he answered plainly. But it made her laugh all the same. "In a few more weeks I will." she murmured as the two stared at the ring shining on her finger. "Aah. A few more." he repeated.
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"Is everything ready?!"
"H-Hai Tsunade-sama!"
"The veils are on the brides?"
"H-Ha...err...Tsuna-"
"TSUNADE NO BAA-CHAN!! SAKURA-CHAN'S MISSING!!" Yelled Naruto as he hurried into the room. The Hokage eyes widened as a deep scowl appeared on her face. "Find her now! The ceremony starts in 10 minutes!!"
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Meanwhile...
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Sasuke had grown bored; waiting for the ceremony to begin in the room given to him. So, out of curiousity, he had gone to check on Sakura. Luckily, Ino had already left and the women that had done her hair and make-up also vacated. But when his eyes fell on her, Sasuke had lost control and pinned her to a wall with her arms above her head; kissing her feverishly.
"S-Sa...ahh...suke-kun..." breathed a pink haired woman against a raven haired man's mouth as his hand slid past her gown. Obsidian eyes watched her curiously as his hand began to peel back the material blocking his path. A smirk played on his lips when a blush spread across her cheeks."W-What if we're ca- ahh -caught?" she asked, but didn't pull away when he slipped a finger into her in and out of her in a tantalizingly slow motion.
He kissed her throat. "You'll just have to be quiet, won't you?" he asked her darkly as he slipped in another finger.Though betraying moans escaped her lips Inner Sakura was throwing a fit. 'What the hell is this horn dog's problem! I mean, it's our WEDDING DAY and he still managed to kidnap you 10 MINUTES before the ceremony! It's not like he's sex-deprived!'
'I know, but Kami is he good with his hands...' Sakura thought as her body shook in release. She nibbled at his lower lip in frustration, but noticed a satisfied smirk had appeared on his face. With a labored sigh she leaned her head against the wall Sasuke had pushed her against. He never failed to bring her to a numbing, euphoric feeling with his touches. Even when Sakura was pressed against him she could feel the static and heat between them and her head was spinning from his minstrations.
In simple terms, Uchiha Sasuke was very addicting.
"Damn you." Sakura hissed when he smirked and pulled away so she could lower her leg that had been placed around his waist and fix her disheveled appearance. His smirk widened when he dipped his head down to murmur something against her ear. It had her blushing. "I didn't hear a 'no', Sakura." he told her huskily. But when he heard a familiar loud blonde running down the hall, he frowned in annoyance.
"It's time." he said, pausing to kiss her quickly. But as he turned to leave, Sakura grabbed his arm. "This isn't over, Sasuke-kun. We're finishing this tonight." she reminded him with a mischievous smile. A smirk curled at his lips as an arm wrapped around her waist. "Are you sure?" he asked softly. His eyes cast down to her stomach. Though it was still flat, their child was still growing inside her.
"Who says we have to do that?" She asked with a grin. A sudden gleam was in his eye sparkled before he disappeared just as Naruto burst into the room, looking frantic. "Sakura-chan! You're gonna miss your own wedding! Kami what the hell were you doing!" he asked as he yanked her out of the room by her wrist and down the hall where the she would appear.
"Gomen, Naruto, I..." she began, but her voice trailed off when the blonde man turned around to look down at her. A fox-like grin appeared on his features. "You look really pretty, Sakura-chan." he commented. A pink tint crept onto Sakura's face. But when she opened her mouth to speak, she immediately closed it when Naruto embraced her.
The blush darkened. "N-Naruto?" she asked when he pulled away. "Take care of Sasuke-teme. He needs you." he told her softly. Then, it widened as he pointed a thumb at his chest. "But if he ever hurts you again, tell me! I'll set him straight!"
Genuinely, she smiled at him. "I will. Arigato." she replied. Even as kids Naruto had always been protective and loving towards her; always comforting and being a friend. And for that, she was grateful because no one would or ever could replace the goofy blonde from her past. But then, she turned back to him. "...Naruto? I was wondering if you and Hinata-"
"WHEREEEE IS FOREHEAD GIRLLL?!" screamed a famliar, high-pitched voice. It was none other than Ino. With another grin, blue eyes turned back to her as he grabbed her wrist. "Let's go, Sakura-chan." he said. A smile crossed her lips as she nodded. And with that, the two former teammates ran down the halls together.
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When the ceremony had begun Tsunade suddenly appeared with a gust of wind. Immediately it caught the the guests attention. But what surprised them were the grooms, Sasuke and Shikamaru, who appeared beside her. The men nodded mutually to each other. Behind them were their closest friends; consisting of Konoha 12 and Miki who stood beside Kiba and Akamaru.
As for the guests they consisted of close friends, various family members, former teachers, even the Kazekage Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro. A proud smile formed at the Go-daime's lips. "We are gathered here today in Konohagakure to bind two couples; Nara Shikamaru and Yamanaka Ino and Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura." she paused when cherry blossoms began to fall onto the guests. The guests who were shinobi immediately realized that the wedding wasa genjutsu intricately designed by Kurenai.
Slowly the brides appeared in front of their grooms, a step below them. Shikamaru, who had followed the rules about not seeing his bride before the wedding, quietly gawked at his soon-to-be-wife. Pleased with his reaction, Ino smiled at him behind her veil. Her dress was similar to Sakura's; backless and white, but instead of separating on both sides, it split down the left side. It was also thick and strapless. Around her neck shone a beautiful pearl necklace and her hair had been done up in an intricate bun.
Though Sasuke had- ahem - "seen" his bride before the ceremony, his lips parted in awe. Though her pretty face was blurred from her veil, he could see the eminent smile on her face. It made him wonder how did he ever manage to capture the heart of such a beautiful woman?
Tsunade went on. "Friends, family, fellow comrades. Please stand for the binding of Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura." she said. Without hesitation the crowd stood. When she saw that everyone had complied she went on. "Naruto, Hinata, please hand me the rings that will bind these two in holy matrimony."
The married couple appeared at their friends sides. As they did Sasuke and Sakura linked pinkies. But as they did, he lifted her hand to kiss it gently. Tsunade looked at the pink haired kunoichi with a mother-daughter gleam in her eye. "Haruno Sakura, cherry blossom of Konoha; a great asset to your village and comrades along with being my faithful apprentice. With this ring you are bound to this man for all of your days. In sickness and in health, in hardship and in joy. In the birth of your children and grandchildren or the death of a loved one. With this ring you are given the duty to stand by and support your husband's decisions while being a faithful wife. Do you accept this duty 'till death do you part?" she asked sternly.
"I do." Sakura replied with a smile. Without releasing their pinkies, Hinata slipped on Sakura's ring. The Go-daime turned to Sasuke. "Uchiha Sasuke; the last of his clan, the "avenger" who returned, a world-wide prodigy and great shinobi worthy of the Uchiha name. With this ring you are bound to this woman for all of years. In sickness and in health, in hardship and in joy. With the birth of your children and grandchildren or the death of a loved one you are to stand by her through every stage of your marraige. With the ring you are given the duty to protect and nuture your wife and family for the rest of your days. Do you accept this duty 'till death do you part?" she asked.
A signature smirk appeared on his face as he also answered. "Aah." he replied. Naruto grinned and slipped on Sasuke's ring as well. A grin appeared on Tsunade's face. "Now, with the power invested in me; as your Hokage and mentor, I now announce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." she declared. But in a low tone, she threatened, "But if ever hurt my apprentice again, before the village murders you, I shall break and heal every bone in your body more times than you've said the word 'hn'."
Sakura stifled a laugh while Sasuke coughed. The rest of Konoha 12 laughed in agreement. With a grunt, Sasuke returned back to Sakura. Slowly he unveiled her and wrapped his arms around her waist. But in the corner of his eye he noticed Inari and Kai standing together with smiles on their face. But Akami, though was standing behind Miki and waved to him. In her right arm the angel held a tiny white dog. Its collar read, "Shiro-chan".
Dismissing the sight, Sasuke lifted Sakura up by her hips and pulled her into a passionate kiss.
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Once Shikamaru and Ino were amrried, the guests began to cheer. But after their honorary dance as official newly weds, the two had mysteriously disappeared. Though they had been seen heading "discreetly" for a backdoor. Viridian eyes scanned over the guests, but didn't find who she was looking for. With a sigh, she closed her eyes. 'Looks like she didn't show after all.' she thought.
But she was caught off guard when a raven haired man wrapped his arms around her waist."Who are you looking for?" he asked her softly. His lips brushed her ear, making her shiver in delight. "N-No one..." she mumbled under her breath. But Sasuke could tell Sakura was disappointed that her mother hadn't shown herself.
"She's looking for you." he whispered to her as he let go.
Puzzled jade orbs turned around to question the obsidian eyed man, but found that he had slipped into the crowd. But who she did find was none other than the woman she had fought with exactly 2 years ago. Sakura swallowed awkwardly as she stood up straighter. "Okaa-san." she acknowledged stiffly. The harsh words her mother had spat at her still rung in her ears even now. And even though she was overjoyed that she had showed, she was still hurt.
The woman looked at her hesitantly. Before mumbling something under her breath. Stiffly, Sakura sniffed. "Speak up. I can't hear you." she said coldly. With a sigh, the old woman sucked in a breath; as if to suck in her pride. "I said...you look beautiful today, Sakura." she mumbled again.
"Thanks." but then she turned away. "Why are you here? I sent you an invitation when I got out of the hopsital, but you never told me you were coming."
Paler emerald orbs closed. "I didn't plan to. But a certain Uchiha and his blonde friend changed my mind." she whispered. Sakura's eyes widened as she spun around. "W...hat? What did you say?" she demanded; hoping that the stubborn old woman in front of her would repeat herself. This time, a crinkled smile appeared on her mother's face. "Sasuke and his blonde friend- Noribo I think his name was- came to see me one day and changed my mind."
Shock spread across Sakura's face. "Sasuke-kun...and Naruto...changed your mind?" she repeated softly. "How?" she asked, but idly remembered the day Sasuke had refused to tell her where he had went.
"You'll see." he had murmured to her. So this was what he had meant. Damn that sneaky Uchiha.
"They made my realize that...I was wrong to say such things to my only daughter. Even if I meant well." her mother explained. "After Takashi died, nothing made sense to me anymore. When I saw how that Uchiha boy I thought that you would be better off without him. Even when they came to visit me I was skeptical. But I overheard that he had put his life on the line for you on a mission."
Sakura grapsed her wrinkled hands as happy tears fell down her cheeks. "Does...does that mean you finally accept Sasuke-kun?"
With another defeated sigh, the woman looked up at her. "Well I can't exactly change your mind about dumping him now that he's your husband-"but her voice was lost when her daughter threw her arms around her mother's neck. "I'm so glad..." she murmrued. The spectators who were watching the two reunited clapped for them. When they broke away, Sasuke reappeared.
An arrogant smirk appeared on his handsome feaures as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "Good because she's pregnant." Sasuke explained. Sakura's mouth fell open as silence filled the room.
Suddenly, everything seemed to exploded.
"EHH?! SAKURA-CHAN'S WHAT?!"
"About time the Uchiha caught up."
"S-Sakura's..."
Thud.
"Hi-Hinata-chan?!"
"About time! Since Sasuke doesn't use co-"
"Kiba-kun!"
Sasuke pulled her closer. "But don't forget what you promised me tonight." he whispered huskily against her ear. Her motuh fell agape as she hit his shoulder lightly
"SASUKE-KUN!!"
-x-
Never did I think that I'd live such a utterly & completely perfect life with you
I never thought that you would make me happier than I ever dreamed I could be…
I never even dreamed that I was capable of being the one
To touch your life so profoundly.
I think we've given each other a whole new reason to breathe
A whole new reason to live, love, and laugh
with everything we've got...
-x-
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Seriously, this was going to come out sooner, but my computer shut down and I lost a lot of what I edited AGAIN. Was the ending alright? I might do a sequel since I have a slight idea, but I might just used that for a different story. Who knows. Give me some feedback on it.
And AGAIN I APOLOGIZE for not getting this out sooner! I feel so terrible...
Sakura's ringtone was the song "We don't have to look back now" by Puddle of Mudd. The quotes I used, I created (: I'll start working on the 3-shotter "Mitara Wakaru Desho" me and Astrocam are working on. Look on her profile for a description (:
Sayonara once again!
xxasukachanxx