Chapter Twenty-Three

Just read, enjoy, have a good laugh or two, have a tear slip here and there; get mad at cliffhangers or at late updates, and review. Even if it's just a one word review :)

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO!

Sakura tapped her index finger to the beat of the song as she entered the iron gates of the Uchiha Estate. The mile drive to the mansion were wrapped in hundreds of thousands of twinkle lights. White satin bows were added too. "Hmm, I wonder what the insides look like. It's probably breathtaking, that's for sure."

She pulled into an empty spot in the rows of cars belonging to the guys and parked the car. Reaching behind her, Sakura gathered her navy bridemaid's dress along with her purse from the backseat. Locking the car, Sakura made her way to the front double French doors.

"About time you got here, girl!" Tenten exclaimed as she entered. "We only have a few hours to get you ready!"

Sakura gave her a small apologetic smile. "Sorry?"

Tenten rolled her chocolate brown eyes before shoving her towards the stairs and dragged her upstairs. Opening one of the double doors, Tenten said, "Hey, look who decided to finally show up."

"Took ya long enough, Forehead." Ino said.

"Hello to you too, Pig." Sakura answered sarcastically.

"Forehead," Ino bit back before smiling again. "Well the beauty team is in the other room. You better get that fat ass in there if you want to get ready in time."

"Hn, like you're the one to call me fat, Pig." Sakura stuck her tongue out at the blond as she made her way towards the other room.

Behind her, Ino heard her hairstylist mutter, "What a shame. She even caught onto Young Master's language."

The beauty team masked, buffed, and polished every surface of her body. Every lock of hair was curled to perfection before it was bun to the side with the curls framing her face. Her makeup was soft and subtle as s peachy, pink lip color was swiped across her lips.

One of the girl zipped up her dress before handling her the bouquet.

"Thank you."

"Oh, it's no problem, Miss." The makeup artist replied bubbly. "And you do look quite beautiful, Miss."

One of the others nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes! You look beautiful enough to be the bride, Miss!"

Blood flooded to her cheeks as they continued to shower her with compliments. "Look, she could even be counted on to be the blushing bride!"

Sakura thanked them but shook her head, "It's nothing. No one will be looking at me today. Not when Ino is the room." Sakura muttered sadly to herself.

One of the maids made her stand up so that the dress could be eased over her hair and makeup. Ino's knees shook so badly as the girl fastened the long line of pearl buttons up her back that the satin quivered in little wavelets. In under an hour, she was going to be Mrs. Uchiha and her name wasn't Sakura. The thought scared the wits out of her. Before, Ino would have been thrilled to be wedded to none other than the Uchiha Sasuke. But now, she wasn't so sure.

Her lips began to tremble as she tried to fight back the tears.

"Aww, honey, you look beautiful." Ino's mom smiled as she hugged her baby. Pulling back, Mrs. Yamanaka looked at her daughter in the eyes. She wiped away a stray tear that managed to escape. "Oh, honey, it's okay. I know this tradition is a pain in the butt, but you'll get to see Sasuke in no time."

"I w-want to see him, mama."

"But it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."

"No, not Sasuke." Ino replied. "I want to see Kiba."

"Kiba?" Mrs. Yamanaka was confused at her daughter's answer. "Why would you want to see him?"

"Mama," Ino begged, "I just want to see Kiba."

Still confused at her daughter's answer, she nodded before leaving to fetch the boy.

Ino breathed out a ragged breath and leaned on the marble bathroom counter for support. "Why are you doing this Sakura? You clearly love him so do something!"

Kiba walked in and found the blond in the state of a possible meltdown. Clearing his throat, "You wanted my presence, Milady?"

"What the hell am I suppose to do, Kiba?" Ino's brows knitted together as her forehead scrunched up.

"Worry causes ugly wrinkles you know?" Kiba placed two fingers on her forehead and smoothed out the crease that formed.

"How am I not suppose to worry? I'm marrying Sasuke in an hour! And those lovebirds are such cowards that they don't even have the guts to end it!" Ino shouted. Her chest heaved up and down as she tried to calm her breathing. "They're just so...annoying!"

"Well," Kiba began, "what do you expect from those two? They're as stubborn as a bull."

"The least they can do is top this wedding!" Ino cried. Soon after, she lunched into Kiba's embrace and clung to him as if her life depended on it.

"Hey, you shouldn't cry Milady. It'l mess up you beautiful face."

"Oh, shut up. I'm gorgeous." Ino sputtered weakly, which Kiba chuckled at softly.

Her emerald orbs caught sight of him leaning against the white railing of the gazebo, looking handsome as ever in his tux. His black jacket was laid forgotten on the bench, revealing the nice navy blue vest he wore.

"My, don't we look pretty today." Sakura joked half-heartily as she stepped inside. Walking to the spot next to him, she too rested her elbows on the railing. "So, Mr. Uchiha you ready to tie the knot?"

All she got from him was silence. "What, so nervous you can't even speak? That's so cute." Sakura commented with a weak smile.

"Sakura! This isn't a funny joke anymore." Sasuke hissed. "I'm getting married in like thirty minutes and the girl at that altar is not you."

Sakura met his eyes for a second. Shaking her head, she looked away. "Don't you think I know that?" Her voice was barely audible. "We may be eighteen, but for the past months, I feel like I aged five years. Before...I thought that I had matured enough. Boy, was I wrong."

"I thought I could handle anything that life could throw at me, but in reality I can't. And sometimes in life, you have to accept those mishaps and go with it because everything happens for a reason."

"What are you trying to say?" Sasuke had a feeling where this was going and he didn't like it one bit.

"Maybe," Sakura wet her lips, "maybe we're just not meant to be together, Sasuke."

It took him a moment to register what Sakura had just said. As her words began to sink in, he felt his blood boil. He was furious, words couldn't even describe what he felt. "What the hell do mean, Sakura?"

"Nevermind." Her emerald orbs were glassy and she was choking on her words. "It's nothing."

Just as she began to walk away, Sasuke reached out and pulled her back roughly. "Like hell it it." Sasuke growled. "Tell me what you're trying to say Sakura. Are you telling that you don't love me?"

"No, of course I love you."

"Then what's the matter?" Sasuke grounded out. "You love me and I love you, end of story. Simple as that."

In another world, Sakura was sure she would have cried tears of joy at Sasuke's confession. But that wasn't the case at the moment.

"How can you promise me that Sasuke?" Sakura asked in a hush tone. "You're practically a prince! You're going to marry Ino, who's a princess. I'm...I'm just a luck girl that managed to get a sip of royalty, nothing more, nothing less. Life's not a fairytale. I'm not Cinderella, who's a nobody but ends up getting her prince charming and happily ever after. That just doesn't happen in reality, Sasuke."

The pink-haired girl was slowing shedding her hard, tough demean and revealing a broken doll. Her eyes were filled with tears, the water dam was on the brink of breaking. Yet, no tears made their escape. Sakura looked so fragile in this state. She looked down at her bouquet and held it tightly.

Sighing, Sasuke gathered her into his arms. Burying his face into her hair, he made sure not to ruin her side bun. Her scent swirled around him as he closed his eyes. Unlike other girls, Sakura liked to wear a sweet and light perfume. But she also had a scent of her own to add to the mix. Sasuke breathed in the scent of blossoms and cherries.

"In ten minutes, you're no longer mine..." Sakura sniffed.

"Hn...I may not be able to keep many promises but...I promise you that I love you...always."

They both knew that they have to leave soon yet, they're both holding on. They knew that this day would come, but it came all too fast. It was their last moment together and it was too late to change anything. Neither of them weren't going to let go. But in a few minutes, they had to separate and go. For the last few minutes, they were going to hold each other so close because by twilight, they'll be on their own on different paths. The daylight is burning out and the stars are getting bright. Someone needs to slow it down. In a few, this moment would become nothing except a memory.

It was Sakura who decided to speak up. "'I-I...I have to go, Sasuke." Instead of letting go, she did quite the opposite, she held on tighter.

"Hn...don't."

Sakura laughed weakly and pulled away unwillingly. Wiping her eyes, "Well then Chicken-Ass, I'll see you at the altar."

Sasuke locked eyes with her and gave a her a curt nod. Before letting her go completely, he reached up and cradled Sakura's face in his hand. Sakura watched through the film of tears blinding her as Sasuke leaned in. His hot breath fanned against her lips as he whispered, "I love you." And then he closed the gap with the capture of her lips. Sakura stretched up on the tips of her toes, throwing her arms - bouquet and all - around his neck.

He kissed her tenderly, lovingly; Sakura forgot the issue at hand, the place, the time, the reason...only remembering that he loved her, wanted her, and he had her heart.

Sasuke began the kiss, and he had to end it; she clung to him with every last bit of energy she had. Eventually, they both had to learn to let go and face the harsh, cold reality.

It was five minuted before the wedding ceremony when Sakura entered the bathroom. Ino looked stunning as ever in her white gown with her golden hair twisted in a soft updo. She was so beautiful it made Sakura want to cry. What was the point of dressing up with Ino around?

Putting on a forced, weak smile, Sakura asked, "You ready Pig?"

"..."

"Well good luck! Don't trip down the aisle!" Sakura said. "No pressure!"

"Oh, no pressure my ass." Ino replied looking at her in the eye. Both girls came to realization that their eyes were a tad bit red and puffy but hardly noticeable.

Clearing her throat, "I'll leave you a few minutes to take a breather."

Ino thanked her and nodded.

The music was louder in the hall. The first note of Pachelbel Canon floated up stairs along with the fragrance of a million flower. Shikamaru and Temari were up to bat first as they began to make their way down the stairs. Then Neji and Tenten followed, and then Kiba and Hinata. And then it was the best man and maid of honor to go.

"It's our turn, Sakura-chan." Naruto whispered. "Count to five and follow me."

Sakura only nodded sadly as she took his offered arm. The rosette wasn't the only one miserable at the moment. Naruto sighed and watched her with dull cerulean blue eyes. 'This wasn't suppose to happen to them...'

"Don't let me fall, Naruto," Sakura whispered. Naruto took her hand and pulled it through his arm.

"Promise. Don't worry Sakura-chan. I won't let you fall. Believe it!" Naruto promised quietly, giving her a grin.

Sakura breathed out deeply as they began to descend the stairs. As soon as her feet were past the treacherous stairs, she couldn't help but search for him. She was distracted for a brief second though as she stared in awed at garlands of white blossoms hanging from the ceiling, dripping with rivers of white gossamer ribbons.

But Sakura tore her eyes from the white gossamer and searched over the satin draped chairs - her entrance had caught everyone's attention - until she found those familiar pairs of onyx eyes. Her eyes didn't leave his once, even when she had to separate from Naruto and stand to the left with the other bridesmaids.

And then Ino came in.

The blond had her head down towards the floor the whole time as a white veil shielded her pretty face away from the crowd. She looked in every sense, perfect. Something was off about the blond though, Kiba didn't know what it was but the girl seemed different. Kiba watched as her footsteps fell a little too proud and stiff. Sure, the blond always walked in a proud, high class girl way but there was always a little grace to her steps. Confused, Kiba decided that maybe she was just nervous.

Inoichi handed Sasuke his daughter with a big smile and patted their hands. "Take care of our daughter for us, Sasuke."

The canon ended with its final note as it rang gloriously in the room. Everyone took their seat as the minister began to speak. "Today, we come together to celebrate a special moment in life, one's marriage."

"Marriage isn't just about a man and a woman becoming one but also two families becoming as one. So today, don't pick a side to sit." The minister continued. "Before we begin the rite of marriage and the exchange of vows. Does anyone object the marriage of Mr. Uchiha and the soon to be Mrs. Uchiha Ino?"

Over Ino's shoulder, onyx and emerald clashed with each other but neither gave a sign of objecting. The secret stare had caught Fugaku's attention but he didn't stand up to object the marriage either.

The minister cleared his throat and adjusted the Bible in his hand. "Well then, since no one is to object this marriage, we'll begin."

Just as the minister was to begin the traditional wedding vows, a shrill voice shouted from the top of the stairs. "Wait!" Her heels echoed loudly with every step she took. "I object! I object!"

The crowd gasped as Ino came running down with her dress hiked up. She stopped in the middle of the aisle and said, "I, Yamanaka Ino, object this marriage."

Everyone was speechless.

"Ino? If you're here...then who's that?" Kiba pointed to the "bride."

Sasuke turned his head towards the girl in front of him. His eyes narrowed as he flipped the white veil back. "Akame."

"Aww, Sasuke-kun, you weren't suppose to do that until the minister said so." Akmae said in a sickly, sugar coated voice. Looking at Ino, "Sweetie, you weren't suppose to do that either."

The girl eyes turned into slits as her voice darkened. She moved her blood-red lips and said, "Now you'll pay the consequences."

Suddenly, groups of men in black swarmed in, surrounding the whole room. Then one broke off from the group and whipped out a gun, placing it behind Ino as he held her in a headlock.

"One move," Akame threatened, "and she's a goner."

Inoichi was enraged, "You are to let my daughter go immediately."

Akame crackled. "Oh, I totally forgot, she'll be a goner too."

Before she could comprehend anything, Sakura felt the nudge of a gun aimed to the center of her back as a white cloth hovered over her mouth. "It's nice to see you again, Sakura-chan." The voice sent chills down her spine as the hairs on her neck stood up.

"Kabuto." The chloroform began to kick in as Sakura began to surrender the hands of unconsciousness. Her vision started to blur and fuzz as the room began to spin.

"I swear, you harm a single harm on her body, I will kill you." Sasuke promised the dark-haired girl. He was so angry that he didn't even notice what was happening to the rosette.

"Sakura!" Ino watched as the girl fell limp to the floor with a hard thump before she was pulled away by the grey-haired bastard. "What the hell are you doing to her, you son of a bitch! Get you're filthy hands off of her!" She squirmed and wiggled in her kidnapper's grasp.

"Hmm, well all of this can end right now if you agree to marry me." Akame offered. "What do you say, Sasuke-kun?"

"Don't agree to it Sasuke!" Ino shouted. "You're not suppose to marry her! Or me! But Sakura! You're suppose to marry Sakura!-"

Ino was gagged and knocked out before she could even continue her rant. The man that held her hostage lifted her up and away.

"Ino!" Kiba shouted. Turning to Akame, he glared at her, "What the hell is the meaning of this Akame?"

"Honey, didn't I already made it clear?" Akame rolled her eyes. "I want Sasuke-kun to marry me."

"And you think you can get my son to marry you like this?" Everyone turned their attention to Mikoto as she stood up out of her seat. Her usually smiling face was turned into a frown. "Bitch, please."

For a tension filled moment, a few members of the audience stifled a laugh at the Uchiha's matriarch's explicit, witty comment.

Akame was shocked to the core. "..."

"Now, I want you to return those two girls now and get out."

"Pardon?"

"Sweetheart, I believe you understand what I mean. I want you to pack your bags and we'll have someone to escort you to the airport to be deported. This action is to be done in twenty four hours."

"What?" Anger filled her whole body. Akame couldn't believe her ears, not only had her plan failed and she couldn't marry Sasuke, she was demanded to be deported too. "What?! No, no that is not going to happen. You either let me marry Sasuke-kun or else those two are promised to never open their eyes again."

"Boys," Mikoto commanded. In an instant, Uchiha guards came piling in but they were a second too slow. Akame pushed a button hidden in her bouquet and immediately the place began to be filled with a mysterious gas. The gas acted like a thick fog, blinding everyone from the orders that Akame called to her men. The once perfect wedding ceremony became a total chaotic mess.

The guest scrambled and shuffled to the door as they attempt to save themselves from the gas.

"Everyone, cover your mouths!"

As the building was safely cleared out, fire trucks and ambulances were already outside to help. Paramedics came to help those having issues breathing as firefighter rushed in to shut off the gas.

The bridal party grouped together as they waited for Sasuke and Naruto to arrive.

"Dammit!" Naruto exclaimed. "They're gone."

The girls' eyes widened. "Seriously? What...what about the girls?"

"Hn...they're gone too."

A/N: Whew! Longest chapter since...forever! I hope that the length and the contents of this chapter is satisfying enough for you, although it ended with a slight cliffhanger ;) This chapter was amazingly whipped together and typed all under a day, pretty good ne? Oh, and the best part? So I was listening to music as I was making this chapter than BAM! The song that I've been waiting all day for finally came on and totally inspiration! And here's the catch...it was 2am... For all my authors out there that are currently reading this, I have a personal quote for you that I came up with.

"Write at any hour of the day, night even. Inspiration has a weird way of announcing its arrival." ~KP

All rights reserved! ;) But I'm serious though... Anyways, please review! Even if it's just one word! It still counts as a review! :D So can you guys help me? I'm probably cray cray at the moment but...can you guys help me reach 500 reviews? Cray right? But come on, please! It would really mean a lot. Oh, did I mention, I updated a really long chapter? ;) And I'm suppose to be doing my homework right now...oops... (That can wait, I need to talk to my readers! -thumb ups-) How about an early Valentine's Day gift? So, I'll leave you all to review saying have a good day, morning, afternoon, evening, or night, depending when you're reading this :)

{Thanks to:} Dina Sana, BlackPoppy. 0, SkeleTonQueeN06, MiyatheEarthninja, Lilac Queen, uchiha. sakura. 23, shadowknight6398, x-JanoskiansBabey-x, ILoveSxS, Sakura -Haruno- Uchiha 10, Moi, xXmysterious-unknownXx, Raikiri80, NaRcIsSiStIcAlLy In LoVe, 7TeamSeven7, HoneyHyuuga, naruto and twilight fan33, DiamondDreams789FIFi, BananaphoneBob, Sasuke14, MikazukiDreams, and angellyx13.

~KP