Thanks for the reviews guys! It's always interesting to read reviews since the feedback can be quite different, some of you feel Sakura should just forgive Sasuke and others think Sakura is wrong to have feelings for Sasuke. Well whatever you opinion is, I'm glad you have an opinion in the first place, I want my story to make you have a reaction – otherwise it wouldn't be a good story!
But as for my story being the worse fanfiction ever, well, that's a little harsh right?
As for Sakura's drinking, no one should like it because it is a bad thing! But hopefully as the story progress Sakura will stop drinking right?
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After about 30 minutes of travel they had arrived to a large council hall called the presentation room also known as the most fancy and expensive room in the whole of Konoha. It was the place where all the most important events were held with the most important people of the ninja world. A room worthy for the marriage ceremony of a Hokage. While Sakura expected a large amount of people, even she was shocked to see the actual amount, she barely knew any of numerous faces.
It's no surprise; Naruto is a popular guy regardless of him being Hokage.
But Naruto himself was not there when they had arrived and with more and more time passing, Sakura felt herself getting more anxious with every second. Where was he? Did Naruto not realise it was his own wedding? What if Hinata arrived without him there first? Oh God! Right now she could have pummelled him half to death, he always was so carefree and badly organised.
'Sasuke. You'll probably have to get Naruto yourself. Hinata will be here any time soon.' Sakura whispered in Sasuke ear, so no one else could hear. She didn't want anyone else to hear in case they got any funny ideas.
'Hn.' Quietly Sasuke slipped out without making a scene.
'That Naruto! Even at his own wedding!' Iruka sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.
Her, Sasuke, Keizo and Iruka were all chosen to sit at the front row of the groom's side. Kakashi was also included but he declined saying he hated being so publicly viewable. Sakura was sure he was sitting somewhere at the back, but there were too many people to see him properly.
'But that's Naruto for you.' Sakura sheepishly laughed back. 'I'm sure everything will be fine. Naruto just... doesn't have any common sense.'
Sakura always liked Iruka from when he taught her at the academy, sure in some ways it was strange having your teacher there at a wedding but comforting in an odd way. He was a kind and caring man, an elder brother figure to Naruto.
'Well, I'm not sure what to say Sakura! Naruto has been working himself to exhaustion lately, so he might be held up in some work.' Iruka let out a quick sigh. 'He deserves this one day to celebrate his marriage without any interference, damn those elders! At least when he goes on his honeymoon holiday he can get away from them.'
'Honeymoon holiday?' Sakura was confused by those words. It was rare for a Hokage to leave Konoha, so she was surprised to hear Naruto would be away.
'Yeah! 2 whole months in Suna. Being in a desert doesn't sound too fun but when the Kazekage is hosting you and paying for you to live the life of luxury, it's pretty appealing right? Naruto and Hinata need to spend some time together, it will be the last chance for quite a while.' Iruka noticed the change in Sakura's facial expression. 'But, I thought you would already know about it?'
'No. I haven't spoken to Naruto for a while now.' Sakura couldn't help but wallow in sadness, she didn't want Naruto to leave for two months. Even though lately she hadn't really made an effort to contact him still she would be lonely without him.
Soon enough she could see Naruto's bright coloured blonde hair from the corner of her eye; he and Sasuke were quickly walking up the aisle talking about something. Naruto was fiddling with his pockets in an attempt to find something. Seeing him take a ring out with a look of relief on his face, Sakura could assume Naruto thought he lost it.
That idiot…
'Sakura!' Naruto beamed up at her. 'You look so beautiful Sakura-chan!' He grabbed her into a bear hug. 'Oh and Keizo you look like just the little man.' Naruto rubbed the top of Keizo's hair in a sign of affection.
Pushing him away, she shouted 'Naruto! Hurry up!' As pleased as she was with the compliment, Naruto needed to go and stand in his position right now.
'I'm going! I'm going!'
After 10 minutes the music started to play as Hinata walked down the aisle with her sister Hanabi holding the trail of her long dress. Her white dress made her look like a princess. It wasn't until this moment Sakura realised how beautiful Hinata was, possessing a rare kind of graceful beauty. Her heart filled with joy as she saw the happy expression on Naruto's face while he stared at Hinata.
They really are the most beautiful couple. I'm so happy for them.
As the minister read out the wedding vows Sakura thought more and more about Naruto and Hinata. They were social outcasts as children but despite the hard hand life had initially dealt them, they had the strength of character to push through the difficult times. Not only had they done so but they were kind compassionate people willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. They really were the best people Sakura had ever known. Konoha's finest.
'I, Naruto Uzumaki, take you Hinata Hyuuga, to be my wife...' Naruto's face was flushed red with excitement and his happy expression didn't leave his face for a second as he repeated the words. 'To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.'
There were such things as happy endings and true love really did exist. Naruto and Hinata were a living breathing example of that. But not for a person like Sakura. The only times she had come near to the happiness of Naruto and Hinata was the time spent stuck in a genjustu with Itachi. He was always so kind and attentive during those months, Itachi had always made her feel as if she was the only girl in the world.
Was Itachi my true love? She glanced towards the person sitting beside her. Or is it him?
The familiar feeling of loneliness had seemed to invade her brain again. Tears started to pour down her face, it was a strange feeling. Half of it was joy for Naruto and the other half was sadness that she would never feel the way Naruto did right now.
'Mummy,' Keizo was looking at her with his Sharingan 'are you okay?'
'Yes sweetie. I'm just really happy for Naruto and Hinata.' She whispered looking at Keizo with a smile, feeling a nudge at her side Sakura turned her head to see Sasuke holding tissues in his hand.
'Oh. Thanks.' Sakura wasn't expecting that, when did Sasuke start to carry tissues with him?
Missing Hinata read out her vows, Sakura got to listen to what she considered the most important part of the whole ceremony.
'Now you may kiss the bride.'
It was a miracle that Naruto's smile could get even wider, but somehow he managed it. Leaning into Hinata's happy tear stained face he gave her a passionate kiss.
It's so beautiful…
Their kiss was following by cheering, clapping and hooting coming from the crowd. The sounds were almost deafening, everyone had been swept up in the romantic moment.
But if everyone was so happy why was Sakura left with such a gaping hole in her heart?
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After the wedding ceremony finished most of the people who attended returned home, probably to tell their friends and family all about the wedding of a Hokage. Everyone else went to reception hall for dinner and the celebration party, this part of the day being a much more intimate affair, and thankfully for Sakura she knew nearly all the faces.
Sitting on a table right next to the bride and groom, Sakura couldn't help but give into her itch go over to congratulate them again.
'Naruto! Hinata!' Both smiling faces turned around to look at her.
'I just wanted you to know how happy I am for the both of you.' Standing behind them Sakura gave both of them a tight hug.
'Thank you Sakura.' She felt Hinata giving a soft hug in return. 'We are really happy and thankful for all the good people in our lives. If you were still in your coma, there would have been a big missing piece, so me and Naruto are really happy everything has turned out in the best possible way.'
'Yep!' Naruto happily chimed in. 'It's all true.'
'Hinata…' Sakura felt a lump in her throat. 'Naruto…'
'Please don't cry Sakura-chan, there's been too many tears already!' Naruto laughed. 'Hey! Hey!' Naruto's trademark grin was plastered all over his face 'You never know Sakura; it might be your turn next.'
Quickly angrily glaring at Sasuke, Naruto continued 'when the idiot finally asks you!'
Hinata nodded her head in agreement. 'Soon it will happen. I'm almost certain of it.'
Sakura's throat suddenly went dry and her mind was completely taken back by what had been just said.
Me and Sasuke? I don't think so…. Just the thought of it… I need a drink…
Letting out a small fake laugh, Sakura quickly excused herself and walked over to the bar area to order some alcohol. Originally she had told herself that she wouldn't drink alcohol on Naruto's wedding but she just needed something to help with her nerves.
It's not a big deal… Just a little drink…
'Three shots of vodka please.'
The bar man raised his eyes in surprise, 'Three straight shots?' It seemed he repeated her order just to double check he had heard correctly.
Feeling embarrassed Sakura almost lied to make herself feel better but changed her mind, why should she feel guilty? 'Yes. Three.'
The bar man didn't say a word while she quickly downed the shots straight after each other without pause.
This burning sensation… Feels good…
'Be careful little lady, we wouldn't want anything to happen to you.' The man warned with a concerned expression.
Realising she had already drank a whole bottle of wine and more when eating her meal earlier, Sakura felt slightly dizzy while walking back to the table. Realising she had drunk more than she should have this early in the evening, she felt slightly embarrassed. Obsessed with the idea people would be watching and judging her, in a state of almost paranoia hoping that no one would notice, quickly she walked back to her table and sat down in the most casual way she could manage.
'Are you drunk?' Sasuke's head was tilted slightly to the side observing her every motion.
Shit, shit, shit. Has he found out?
'No…' Realising you couldn't get away with such an obvious lie to a person like him, Sakura confessed 'I think I might have drunk a little too much.' It felt as if beads of sweat were falling down her forehead.
'Hn.' Sasukes mysterious little 'Hn's' would be the death of her one day. Wasn't it enough her son had picked up on them already? What did they even mean anyway? Sakura's temper was getting worse and worse…
Looking straight into her eyes, Sasuke bluntly said 'Don't drink anymore. I don't want to carry you home.'
Not knowing how to respond, all Sakura could manage was 'Right.'
Spending the next hour sat awkwardly next to Sasuke, eventually all the dancing figures had completely captured her attention. Naruto and Hinata had completely stolen the show, Naruto could be surprisingly graceful when the situation called for it. Sakura wondered when Naruto had even learned how to dance because she was sure he couldn't before she went into a coma.
'Keizo, come and dance with your mummy.' She stood up extending her hand to him. There was no point asking Sasuke, she knew what his answer would be.
Looking excited but with his hesitation written on his face, Keizo didn't immediately reach out to meet Sakura's hand shyly saying 'I want to but I don't know how.'
'It's okay. I'll teach you.'
Watching the smile grow on his face, he outstretched his hand to met Sakura's.
Happily Sakura and Keizo whirled around and around, not in time with the music at all but they were enjoying themselves too much to even notice. Lost in their little world of spinning and smiles nearly everyone was captivated by the beauty of it. Sakura and Keizo dancing together was beyond adorable, even Sasuke who strongly opposed dancing and parties could be seen with a slight smile on his face, slight, but still very unusual for him.
'Mummy, I don't think we are doing it right. I keep hitting your leg.' Keizo said while moving.
Continuing to swing him around Sakura smiled 'It doesn't matter as long as you're having fun!' She beamed at him, quickly spinning him around and said 'You are having fun right?'
'So much!' Both Keizo and Sakura burst out in laughter.
Dancing near them, Naruto whispered into Hinata's ear 'do you see how cute Sakura and Keizo are together?'
'Yes. It's so adorable. When we have children I want to dance with them too.' She whispered back to Naruto.
After a couple of songs, Sakura stopped dancing to tightly embrace Keizo. 'I love you Keizo. So very much.'
His little face grew red with embarrassment; being deeply touched by his mother's words. 'Ah. Me too mummy.'
Smiling and clinging onto him more tightly she murmured 'To me, you're my everything.'
Not expecting this big outburst of emotion from his mother Keizo was taken aback by the words spoken to him but it had made him beyond happy. Keizo decided in the future, if he ever saw his mother look upset again, he would offer her to dance.
'Oh! The new song is starting! Let's dance more!' He gasped. Smiling together they began dancing once more.
After a couple more hours of dancing, Naruto and Hinata finally were getting ready to make their big exit. 'Thank you so much everyone for coming and making this a special day for me and…' Looking at Hinata smiling 'my wife.' It was obvious to everyone how he emphasised the last word as they began loudly cheering straight afterwards.
'But everyone please keep partying the night is young!'
Watching them leave, Sakura's happiness started to hollow out a bit. For a short time, she managed to forget about her sadness but watching them leave seemed to have triggered it off.
You'll really be gone for two months Naruto?
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'I told you not to drink anymore. But you continued regardless.' Sasuke nonchalantly stated while carrying her bridal style. 'I should drop you really.'
'Father!' Keizo gasped in shock. 'Mummy was just having a good time.'
After Naruto and Hinata had left, the celebration became much less formal and nearly everyone had started to drink excessively. Sakura gathered around the ninja who were the same age as her and they all danced and drunk together. Losing track of time and exactly how much she had drunk, when Sasuke had come up behind her and started to carry her away she didn't even notice until after a few minutes.
Now all three of them were making their way back home, but because Sakura was too drunk to keep an accurate sense of time she was continually shocked when she saw the house, then Keizo telling her goodnight and eventually Sasuke gently placing her in bed. How did she get from there to here so quickly?
Watching Sasuke leaning across her body, she smiled a sadistic smile at him. 'I know what you want…' Her green eyes coldly bore into his. 'Every woman knows what a man wants when he looks at her with those eyes.'
Ignoring the 'pfft' sound Sasuke made, in a state of drunken stupidity Sakura carried on. 'Won't you help undress me? I need to change into my pyjamas after all.'
Sasuke didn't say anything but gently puffed up the pillows to make Sakura more comfortable in bed.
The silence crushed Sakura and all her bravado had deserted her. The events of the day had kept replaying in her mind over and over again. Naruto and Hinata. Naruto and Hinata were so happy together, it highlighted all the things which were missing from her life.
'Hey Sasuke…' She quietly but drunkenly whispered. 'Do you think we can ever be happy… Happy like Naruto and Hinata?'
It was ironic; the words had only left her mouth because she was drunk. But it was the truth in her heart that even she was afraid to face sober. Not waiting for his response, quickly she lifted her upper body to dart her lips onto his. Hungrily she kissed him, trying to find the emotion she saw Hinata had when kissing Naruto. But in the end, it was no good; she couldn't find what she wanted. It wasn't as if there was any emotion, there was undeniably something, but Sakura was sure it wasn't the same emotion as Hinata had felt. Giving up as if all the energy had drained from her body she flopped back down onto the bed in defeat.
'No... No…' She lifted her arm in an attempt to cover her face. 'It's all wrong…'
Sasuke could see the tears dripping from where she was holding her arm in place. Knowing he should try and comfort her somehow, he just didn't even know where to even begin. What was he supposed to say to that?
'Is this even real?' She whispered sadly. A second later Sasuke could hear her quietly trying to choke back tears.
'Sakura.' He sighed while saying her name. 'My personality is different, I am not Naruto. I cannot display affection as you want.'
Cold, harsh and unrelenting Sasuke. No matter what she did or how many tears she cried, Sasuke would always be Sasuke. Was this it now? Life? Her life? This life of misery?
'You are not coping…'
That was the last thing in the world Sakura needed to hear. The last thing in the world she needed or wanted was to listen to was his judgements of her and what he thought she should be doing with her life. Right now she needed understanding not judgement.
'Just… get… out...' Panting the words out while sobbing.
'Sakura.' His tone had gotten stronger. He wouldn't leave.
'Please…' She would beg him if it came down to it.
Knowing it was a lost cause, reluctantly Sasuke walked towards the exit of the room but paused for a second. 'We will discuss this in the morning.' Then Sakura heard the door quietly closing. He was gone.
Feeling the atmosphere of the room slightly lighten now Sasuke had left, Sakura had dragged herself to sit upright in her bed. Why had she kissed Sasuke like that? Why was Naruto's happiness so upsetting for her? She could feel her body starting to shake, the old emotions of dread and fear were coming back to her again. Turning over she reached out for a bottle of whiskey she had hidden under her bed. Usually she didn't drink in her room, it was just there in case of an emergency like right now.
All I need is a little. Just to help my nerves. Everything will be fine.
Quickly she felt the sour bitter liquid burn her mouth and the familiar feeling of heat spreading across in her chest returned. That was her favourite part of all, the warmth, it was proof she was still alive and proof she could feel. From the corner of her eye the gleam of the Diamond Uchiha necklace caught her attention. A feeling of nausea rose in her stomach. Remembering it was Sasuke's mothers necklace she felt ashamed at herself for wearing it. Bringing up her hand to hold the pendant she recalled Sasuke's words 'It was my mother's necklace but now it's yours…'
A part of her wanted to literally rip it off her neck but she knew the item was too precious to be treated so badly.
Sasuke… You shouldn't have given this to me in the first place… I… You… Should have picked someone else…
Why had her life turned out like this?
If only there was a way to go back and warn her past self.
Sakura would have done so in a heartbeat.
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'Kakashi!' Ino called out running as she saw White Fang's sons leaving the party.
Stopping to turn around graciously, Kakashi acknowledged the person calling out to him 'Ino.'
'Umm...' Flustered for a second, Ino was trying to find the right way to phrase what she needed to say, 'I need to talk to you.'
Ino had barely spoken to Kakashi, true she did know all about him but he very much was a distant figure to her. It would be awkward for her to talk to him about personal matters when she barely had ever said anything to him.
'Oh?' Kakashi was the master at playing stupid.
Looking at the ground in sadness, she started to speak 'It's about Sakura. I- I would have gone to Naruto, but with his wedding and everything I didn't want to trouble him. You're her Sensei…' No, no I'm going all around the houses here, just say it Ino.
Finally gaining the courage to look him in the eyes, at last she uttered the words '…And I need your help.'
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Please, please review!
What did you think about the wedding? It was very difficult for me to write it. But in the end I couldn't ruin their big day!
I have an idea of where I want my story to go but I'm still not 100% sure on it. If you have any ideas, please, please let me know.
Thanks for reading guys!