Yesterday's outcome
Faint trace of the first sunlight brightened the living room and a dark-haired woman. She was walking around nervously while waiting for the rest of the household to wake up. She couldn't think about breakfast as usual just like she couldn't fall asleep last night. Being a wife of a clan's head and a mother of its heir was the most demanding role she had and today was definitely the day when her selfless love and care would be represented to the world. She stunned hearing someone else was already up, so she rushed to the hallway.
''Oh.''
She sighed, disappointed it was only her husband.
''Good morning to you too,'' Fugaku shrugged, already accustomed to his wife's impatience during the last week.
''I don't understand how anyone can sleep today!''
''Itachi isn't asleep. He is only too considerate to be here instead of in his room. That would give you the idea something's wrong and it's not.''
Mikoto smiled, knowing her husband was right. There was no reason to be worried over the most important wedding in Uchiha clan's history because future heir was the most responsible and reliable person she's ever known.
Despite being the groom, Itachi didn't feel like getting up. He knew what was the first step he had to take and that was waking Sakura up to inform her about yesterday. He didn't know her that well and he couldn't anticipate if she would be angry, judgemental or even disappointed. He also had to ignore it was only a bit past dawn when he left the house to look for his brother's fiancée.
After a long relaxing bath Fugaku had talked her into, Mikoto was surprised to find only one man in the living room.
''Itachi!'' she roared, annoyed her son had a nerve to make her wait longer. It was almost time to leave and she wished to give him her blessing the millionth time. It couldn't hurt.
''He is still upstairs,'' Fugaku informed his loud wife.
''Itachi!'' Mikoto stood at the bottom of the stairs.
When no answer was heard, she climbed up.
''Itachi!''
''Mom,'' sleepy Sasuke peeked through slightly opened door of his room, ''it's still dawn.''
Mikoto stopped her marching towards Itachi's room to greet her younger son.
''No, it's not, you sleepy prince!'' she tapped his tangled hair.
''Fine, but that's not the reason for yelling,'' Sasuke stopped his mother from putting his hair in order.
''I have to leave now and I just wanted to-''
''Mom, calm down!'' Sasuke stepped out in the hallway to look more serious. ''Itachi is probably dressed up, waiting for me to come and get him.''
''Get him, then!''
''He can stay here a bit longer, away from everybody,'' Sasuke shrugged. ''It's not like he has an appointment at the hairdresser's.''
''Of course, you are both naturally handsome!'' Mikoto pinched Sasuke's cheek.
''Mom, I'm not a baby!'' Sasuke frowned. ''Neither is Itachi!''
''Fine, sweetie!'' Mikoto chuckled, thrilled Sasuke was so supportive younger brother.
''Don't call me that way or I won't show up at the wedding!''
''You would never do that to Sakura-chan,'' Mikoto teased,.''I can't wait to see her today!''
''You will see everybody if you leave the house.''
''We will meet there, then.''
''Yes, mom.''
She smiled at him, but continued to walk to reach door of Itachi's room.
''Don't show up too early,'' she knocked on the door. ''You know women need more time for everything!''
''Speaking of it, you will be late,'' Sasuke warned his mother.
''Oh no!'' she startled and ran to get downstairs. ''I'm leaving!'' she greeted Fugaku and left.
The house was quiet again and Sasuke had a bad feeling hearing nothing but his own footsteps in the hallway. Itachi would always answer the door, no matter how tired of everything he might be.
Sasuke knocked a bit harder in case Itachi was still asleep, which was almost impossible. After a moment of waiting for an answer, Sasuke slowly opened the door.
''I'll kill him the moment I find him!'' Sasuke muttered angrily, rushing to get downstairs.
Itachi didn't need to dress up. He needed to appear! The room was empty and nothing inside was revealing Itachi'd spent last night in there.
''Sasuke!''
His father's voice stopped him from storming out of the house.
''Yes, father?'' Sasuke tried to sound calm.
''If you see Orochimaru-sama on your way to,'' Fugaku paused, noticing Sasuke was not dressed for the wedding, ''well, wherever you headed to, please, tell him everything's settled and he doesn't have to do anything more.''
''Very well! See you later!''
Sasuke stormed out without further questions about his father's request. He needed to find his brother. Or Hinata. Or Sakura. Or anybody who knew more than him.
The second busiest household in Konoha met with the same problem.
''Hinata!''
''Hinata-sama!''
''Hinata-hime!''
''Hanabi, when was the last time you've seen you sister?''
''Yesterday, before we went to the wedding rehearsal.''
''Have you checked the bathroom?''
''Everything clean and in order, without any trace of Hinata-hime.''
''Have you checked her bedroom?''
''Yes!''
''End?''
''Nothing, Hinata-sama always makes her own bed, so we can't tell if she has slept in it.''
''And where would she have slept except in her own bed?''
''It will be her former bed in a few hours.''
''It won't unless she shows up!''
''Maybe she was too nervous so she left earlier!''
''But she has an appointment to get her hair done!''
''Where is her dress?''
''At the Uchiha dressing room, for a week now.''
''That girl is impossible!''
''I found this in the kitchen!''
''Does your sister wear ribbons?''
''No, father. She wears her hair down all the time.''
''Are those yours then?''
''No.''
''Then somebody uninvited was in the kitchen last night!''
''Somebody who wears ribbons!''
''Suna princess!''
''What do you mean, Hanabi?''
''She wears her blonde hair tied up with ribbons!''
''Nonsense. What would she be doing with Hinata? And, more important, what would they be doing in the kitchen to lose these ribbons?''
Temari couldn't find matching ribbons for her dress she'd bought for the wedding. Being nervous for no special reason wasn't helping her efforts to find them, either.
''You can wear your hair down if you are in a hurry,'' Shikamaru suggested, still lying in the bed, watching Temari getting ready.
''I can't wear my hair that way,'' Temari frowned. ''Nobody will recognize me.''
''It's about Hinata today, anyway,'' Shikamaru yawned. ''And everyone will recognize you.''
''That's not the point! It has to be perfect!''
''But you are perfect already,'' he smirked.
''Why am I even talking to you about that?'' Temari rolled her eyes. ''You have no idea how it is to be a woman and attend such an important wedding!''
''Especially when you are doubting if the marriage will be arranged in the end.''
''What?'' Temari stopped her digging through many sets of differently coloured ribbons.
Shikamaru sat up in the bed to have a better look at his nervous, but gorgeous girlfriend.
''You can't fool anyone,'' he smirked. ''You would have rather spent yesterday with Hinata than with your brothers.''
''Of course! None of them is getting married and Kage's meetings are so boring!''
''I know, I was there.''
''Luckily, you were,'' Temari sat on the bed and pulled the blanket of Shikamaru. ''Get up already!''
''But it's so early!'' Shikamaru protested and laid back.
''Early for what?'' Temari climbed on top of him.
''Well,'' he chuckled lightly, ''depends.''
''Exactly!'' Temari got up, leaving her ribbons all over the bed. ''I have to go now!''
''But why?'' Shikamaru yelled after her.
''Sakura was at the rehearsal dinner yesterday whole day and I didn't see Hinata in days.''
''Why didn't you send Ino to check up on her?''
''Speaking of her,'' Temari got back in the room to take simple black ribbons, ''I haven't seen her either.''
''Work?''
''That and her apartment is under construction, so she is living with her parents again!''
''You could've said something about it and I would've made an exception about having guests,'' Shikamaru laughed.
''You are disgusting!'' Temari laughed, too.
''Like you would object,'' Shikamaru got up to embrace Temari.
''She would,'' she was tying her hair while Shikamaru was tickling her. ''She loves us too much.''
Ino's been tying her hair in a simple bun, without anybody tickling her. Especially not the long-haired man outside of the bathroom, waiting for her to finish with her final preparations.
''You will be beautiful no matter how much time you spend on grooming.''
''I know,'' Ino smiled at her reflection at the mirror.
''As long as your dress isn't shorter than your hair.''
''My hair is very long. Maybe I should cut it to make you happy?''
''No!'' Ino's father opened the bathroom door, preventing his daughter to shorten her hair.
''Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea,'' Ino untied her hair to take a small strand to leave it out of the bun.
''It's old-fashioned to shorten your hair when you get old,'' Inoichi said, ''and you are far from that age.''
''I am not old-fashioned, dad.''
''Is that the reason you don't have a date for the wedding?''
''Dad!''
Ino's hair was a mess once again.
''We have already talked about that,'' Ino frowned. ''It's my academy class friend's wedding and I'm going with my friends. Who attended the same class.''
''Your best friend has a date.''
''Dad, Sakura is the maid of honour, will you cut that out?''
''So if you were a maid of honour, you would have a date?''
''I am leaving!'' Ino didn't bother to fix one more strand, so she left the bathroom with one strand of hair on the each side.
''Does that mean you are going alone no matter what?''
''I won't be alone, dad.''
''Of course, when your date is waiting for you.''
''Dad.''
''And I don't think he attended the same class you did.''
''Dad?''
''Should I send him away because he is too old for you?''
''Chouji and Tenten will be here any minute now, I don't have time for your mind games.''
''Do what you like.''
Ino adjusted her dress one last time and headed to get downstairs, ready to leave her parents' house. She stunned when she'd seen familiar face at the bottom of the stairs. Familiar and not totally unexpected.
''You are much more beautiful now than that day at the hospital.''
Ino forced a smile.
''Let's not mention that day, shall we?''
''I won't mind.''
''Great! Let's leave already!''
Ino was walking very fast to get away from her parents' home, trying to calm down because she had a date.
Sasuke was also trying to calm down, looking for his brother as quietly as possible. It wouldn't be the greatest thing to hear that the groom had gone missing. Especially if that groom was Uchiha heir who's never ran away from any commitment he had made, willingly or not.
Luckily for Sasuke, very few people were on the main street of the district, knowing the final decorations have to be installed, so he wandered around without concern anyone would notice his worry.
''What brings you here so early?''
Sasuke startled to unexpected blonde behind him, asking the worst question she could have thought of.
''I could ask you the same,'' he replied, not intending to reveal the real reason.
''I don't know,'' Temari rolled her eyes. ''Maybe because I am Kazekage's sister, diplomatic expert and, with Konoha as Suna's ally, this wedding is also of a great importance?''
Sasuke nodded absently to Temari's answer, now realising stupidity of his question.
''You, as the best man, should know that,'' she shrugged. ''Unless something more critical is on your mind.''
Sasuke froze while she was rubbing her chin, like she was thinking of a more important thing he would be worried over.
''Could it be?'' her eyes widened and she stepped closer to terrified Sasuke.
After everything that happened yesterday, he didn't want to make it even harder for Sakura by announcing his older brother didn't inform anyone about his absence this morning. Sasuke didn't have a hunch why Itachi had gone missing or why he had decided to wait until the last day to give up on what everybody was encouraging him to do.
''Where is your brother?'' Temari hissed, glaring at younger Uchiha.
''Sasuke-kun.''
Male voice got both Sasuke and Temari's attention.
''I might help out. If you are looking for Itachi-san.''
Orochimaru used a tone that revealed to Temari he had known where Uchiha heir was at the moment, but also wasn't impatient to share that information.
''I know you haven't been expecting this from your brother and I can assure you he probably has an explanation.''
''For what?''
''For being alone with your fiancée.''
''What? Where?''
''In his house.''
''In his house?'' Temari repeated.
''At least he is in the village,'' Sasuke relieved. ''I'll go check!''
''Whatever you run into, don't attack your brother!'' Orochimaru yelled after him. ''Or that petite pink girl!''
Sasuke was too far to give any kind of answer that would assure Temari he would drag Itachi to the wedding. The only person who knew more details wasn't Temari's first choice when it would come to gossiping, especially after their last encounter in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, Hinata's wedding was more important than Temari's good friendship with Snake Sannin, so she interrupted his leaving with a question.
''Orochimaru-sama,'' she said too loud for him to ignore her, ''what have made you think Itachi-san and Sakura were doing something forbidden?''
He frowned, expectedly.
''I have no obligation to explain myself to you.''
''I was just wondering,'' Temari persisted. ''I mean, what could be so unfamiliar?''
Obviously annoyed by her questioning, Orochimaru sighed.
''Well, they were both acting inappropriately.''
Temari almost burst out laughing. Somebody was acting inappropriately and that wasn't he himself?
''I need to hear an example because I don't think you are narrow-minded.''
If he could, he would probably shut Temari's mouth by his glare and she enjoyed making him uncomfortable. He also wasn't so eager to leave like before Temari's provocation.
''Being amused by presence of a woman, different from his wife to be, on his own wedding day doesn't seem appropriate to me,'' he said plainly, but Temari could notice anger. ''Not to mention she was the same, maybe even more thrilled that they were together. And all of it happened early in the morning, near his house!''
''Oh.''
That didn't sound like Sakura. Or like any other normal couple. Then again, Hinata and Itachi's relationship was unusual from the start. Glad or not, Temari had to agree with Orochimaru.
''Now, will you excuse me, I have another blonde princess to meet.''
''Princess?''
Orochimaru's lack of enthusiasm confused Temari. Princess was actually a common pet name, but it was strange to address your lover that way in front of her friends.
''There she is!''
Orochimaru left Temari's side to meet the blonde who was very different from Ino.
''Tsunade, I expect from Kakashi to be late but not from you. I told you yesterday. I need to see Fugaku-san.''
Hokage rolled her eyes to greet her friend.
''Aren't you supposed to wear red?'' she asked, pointing at the part of his clothes which weren't black or red.
''I am not. I am an honoured guest, not Uchiha. I can wear whatever I want.''
Tsunade shrugged.
''And I hate red,'' Orochimaru added before leaving Tsunade alone on the street.
''Temari, why are you here so early?''
''Gaara asked me to do his business instead of him.''
''So you will mingle,'' Tsunade concluded.
''And you? Ready to mesmerise a couple of hundreds guests with the special speech?''
''I am not the only Hokage,'' she smiled nervously.
''Tsunade-sama,'' Temari frowned.
If Sasuke would find Itachi and wedding take its place, Hokage should be prepared. Or Tsunade maybe heard something about cancellation!
''If you didn't write your speech down-''
Temari began, but her jaw dropped, staring at the same like Tsunade.
''Now that's a really pretty dress on her, isn't it?'' Tsunade let out a jealous sigh.
''Indeed,'' Temari said.
''It's surprisingly long, if you ask me.''
''Also the slinkiest one I have ever seen on her.''
''Is that the dress she's been saving money for?''
''No. It was a wedding dress.''
''Interesting,'' Tsunade seemed surprised. ''If you could make sure she doesn't drink too much.''
That was strange to hear. Ino had her moments and they weren't result of her drinking. Or maybe Tsunade again knew more than Temari. Since Hokage left while she had the chance so Temari couldn't ask more about the speech, she greeted Ino. Of course, Temari had to wait to get her alone.
''I know I told you not to come alone, but who was that gorgeous young fellow?'' Temari nudged her.
''I hate you, I hate myself, I hate this wedding!'' Ino sighed, obviously not too happy about something.
''Well that makes the two of us,'' Gaara said. ''But like Naruto said, if Hinata is happy, I am too.''
''Gaara, you are late,'' Temari scolded her brother.
''Gaara-sama,'' Ino smiled at him, what surprised Temari.
''Where is Hinata? Maybe she made a cake again!'' Naruto yawned, standing next to Gaara.
''Why would she make a cake?'' Temari asked.
''We were talking about the wedding and Naruto mentioned her cooking.''
''And Hinata said cooking helps her relax and clear her mind, so maybe she made a delicious cake for us to try!''
''I have no idea when she got the time to talk to you or to cook,'' Temari ruined Naruto's dream about the cake.
''Sakura was more busy than Hinata, right?'' Gaara asked Ino.
''I guess,'' Ino smiled nervously, obviously surprised with Gaara's comment.
''I am really looking forward to see Sakura-chan as the maid of honour. Especially because Kakashi-sensei and Tsunade-obaa-chan aren't ready to give a speech at the wedding!''
''What?'' Temari shouted, which made Ino grab her arm.
''There is more,'' Ino whispered, dragging Temari away from Naruto and Gaara.
''Now what? We can't talk to Temari either?'' Gaara asked.
''What?'' Temari looked at Ino.
''Excuse us, please, Gaara-sama,'' Ino bowed briefly and Temari got the hint to go somewhere to talk in private.
''Start talking, blondie,'' Temari ordered. ''It seems to me you, Naruto and Gaara are more friendly than usual.''
''They met Hinata and Sakura yesterday,'' Ino began quietly, because there where a few people not far away from the alley where she and Temari were hiding.
''I see, that's how Naruto heard about the cake. I can't believe it,'' Temari sighed.
''There is much more than a cake,'' Ino whispered. ''Itachi-san saw it.''
''Saw what?''
''Hinata talking to Naruto,'' Ino said quickly. ''I have never seen him so upset, so I had to calm him down.''
''By doing what?''
''Making Naruto and Gaara-sama busy with something else than talking to Hinata and Sakura.''
''Wait a minute! Itachi-san asked you to do it?''
''Not directly, but he didn't deny it bothered him.''
''Oh no! After everything we taught Hinata, that idiot will be the one cancelling the wedding!''
''You shouldn't address Uchiha heir as an idiot, especially not in Uchiha district and on his wedding day.''
''I can't believe it!'' Temari sighed.
''Didn't you wish for a cancellation?'' Ino asked warily.
''Two weeks ago, not today!'' Temari hissed. ''It will be scandalous!''
''Come on, let's go find Sakura and Hinata!''
Ino's suggestion didn't cheer Temari up.
''Sakura is alone with Itachi-san, in his house.''
''Who told you that?''
''Sasuke couldn't find Itachi-san, and then Orochimaru-sama said Sakura was with him,'' Temari explained.
''It doesn't make any sense.''
''Of course it does!'' Temari wailed. ''Sakura is the maid of honour, so she must tell the bad news!''
''But they were just talking, I saw it for myself!''
''Hinata's problem is much deeper than one blond!''
''Sasuke-kun doesn't think that way,'' Ino sighed.
''What do you mean?''
''Oh no!'' Ino screamed. ''The only person Sasuke-kun envies more than Naruto is definitely Itachi-san! If Sakura, while trying to be supportive and comforting, only breathes too close to Itachi-san, Sasuke-kun will break up with her!''
''Well, the way Orochimaru-sama described it, Sakura wasn't acting all innocent.''
''Of course it was friendly, he is just paranoid! I will kill him if Sakura and Sasuke-kun break up! We have to find Sasuke-kun before Sakura blurts out about us kissing and Hinata's doubts about the wedding!''
''He went to his brother's house,'' Temari shrugged, aware Sasuke would find Sakura before them.
Sasuke was one of the few people who knew where Itachi's house was. He was certain Sakura didn't know and that meant only one thing.
Itachi brought her there!
Why would he do that? If he wanted to talk to her, he could have done it in million other places, not in his house. All alone. Early in the morning.
Just when he thought things with Sakura couldn't be better, Itachi had to ruin it!
But Sakura would never, not his perfect fiancée.
Not after yesterday, when he confessed everything bothering him and Sakura dismissing all of his fears.
And Sakura kissing someone who wasn't him was one of his biggest fears.
Ever since he was a child, Sasuke was predestined to be second best. And he got used to it.
It was frustrating, but he couldn't do much about it since everybody around him were better than him.
He couldn't become an older brother, therefore he couldn't be Uchiha heir like Itachi.
He couldn't be biju host, therefore he couldn't become the strongest like Naruto.
He was like his brother, only younger. And weaker. And less important.
There were several people who weren't seeing him as a younger version of his brother. Sasuke cherished bond with those people and hated himself when happiness of one meant misery of the other.
One of those people was Naruto. Sasuke missed Naruto and he was unable to forget he'd made the decision that resulted in Naruto's leaving. Sasuke made a selfish choice when he proposed to his girlfriend and it affected their friendship.
As much as Sasuke cared for Naruto, he couldn't imagine his life without Sakura. It was heartbreaking to tell her about Itachi's wedding. Again, it was his choice. His fault.
Sasuke noticed Itachi was worried about his marital life lately and Sasuke was the one to blame. Again.
Three people the most important to Sasuke were unsatisfied and he couldn't please them all at the same time no matter how much he tried because he couldn't take back what he had done. And he wasn't sorry for what he had done.
Sasuke wasn't regretting proposing to Sakura. He loved her and there was no other as nearly as perfect as her.
She was always the same, even when everybody were changing while trying to pretend to be someone else, she was still caring and devoted to her friends. Or to somebody she wished to become more than just a friend. Him.
He was successfully denying his feelings for her until he learned other men were seeing her as a lot more than skilled kunoichi. Then he became afraid she would end up with some random guy who wouldn't appreciate everything she had to offer.
She matured before him; she wasn't a young vain girl, obsessed with competition with her best friend, unlike him. She wasn't trying to impress anyone and that was her advantage.
Her father didn't have to arrange a meeting to ask for guidance from legendary Sannin. She wasn't Jiraiya's god-daughter or Jinchuuriki. Tsunade chose her to make her greater than she already was. Same like Naruto. Same like Itachi.
Her personal determination to achieve greater power for herself made her Tsunade's apprentice and after unbelievably short period, she became one of the best medics of Konoha. Very soon she became a respectable young jounin, unaffected with expectations of her family or friends.
She had her own way and Sasuke admired her. He thought that was only admiration with a pinch of envy until ominous mission she had accepted. Despite her skills and strength, her heart was unspoiled. She didn't see people's flaws and their ulterior motives. She was unprepared to use her petite body as a tool. She wasn't even aware of how pretty she was, accentuating her personality instead of her looks.
The feeling of helplessness when he found out about her newest task wasn't the result of his anger. It was his jealousy and inability to interfere in her life because he wasn't part of it. Not in the right way at least. He was her former team-mate and it took him too long to realise he wanted to be much more than that.
She believed in people. In herself, in her friends. In him. Since forever. And she didn't know how much he owed her, for her selfless support and care, while getting nothing in return. It was strange to him that such person existed and, more important, loved him. Him. Out of all others who were better.
When he got into a situation where he was the chosen one, Sasuke didn't know better than to ignore it and deny it was making him feel honoured. He was doubtful at the beginning, but Sakura's feelings didn't change. She was waiting for him.
And so he came clean with her, confessing he wanted her for himself and she didn't reject him. Her love for him still existed, despite his faked indifference through the years. He couldn't have known he was still the one only for her. Every now and then he would wonder what was so special about him.
He wasn't playing hard to get, like their former sensei accused him. He was waiting for Sakura to realise she could have someone else, someone better.
It was only a matter of time she would realise he wasn't as nearly as strong as Naruto. Or important like Itachi. So hearing her confession about kissing somebody else wasn't too surprising. The only difference from what he had expected, Sakura's choice was Ino. Her best friend. And a girl.
So he concluded there was much more than kissing only.
His reaction was impulsive because he was feeling unwanted. Sakura's explanation didn't encourage him to hug her again unless she would ask. It hurt, but it wasn't unexpected. He knew this day would come, worst day of his life when Sakura would realise what he had known forever-he wasn't good enough.
Ino?
How should he compete with a person of a different sex? And since when Sakura preferred slim girls? And why would she mention it during casual talk?
He needed answers to those questions as soon as possible. Only not in the middle of the street. He could hug his fiancée in public, but not have an argument with her that included kissing other girls that might lead to a serious quarrel.
''Where are we going?'' she asked when he embraced her hand.
''To talk.''
''About what?''
''Everything.''
The only place where it was justified to overreact and panic was the wedding mansion; there Sasuke could ask questions about anything at all. Nobody should be surprised to see there the maid of honour and a best man. And they could have been the bride and the groom if there hadn't been for Itachi.
Sasuke wished he could hate Itachi, but he couldn't. He was a brother everyone dreamed of having; best friend, team-mate, help and support countless times.
Witnessing Itachi's daily suffering because of everyone's concern about his private life was making Sasuke angry and helpless. Angry because people were showing their real faces now, when Itachi had the right to enjoy life and choose with whom he wanted to spend it. Sasuke was helpless because he knew how long he was waiting to set a wedding date and how complicated it was.
When their parents informed them about a possible appointment, Sasuke knew that was the moment to repay his brother for everything and give him what he wished for much more desperately than anyone else. Not that Sasuke wasn't ready to settle down. After all, Sakura was the first and only woman in his life and he could say, without feeling he was lying or exaggerating, no one else could take her place in his heart.
Sakura was always understanding, but Sasuke couldn't make himself to tell her the truth and admit it was his fault. He was aware her patience was being abused while he was making her to wait even more. It wasn't a selfless sacrifice. Sasuke knew his father would appreciate his decision, Mikoto was so enthusiastic as if she was the bride herself and Itachi as glad as Sasuke expected.
Back then it seemed like a good deed. Now when Sakura confessed she had kissed someone else because she probably got tired of waiting for imperfect Uchiha like Sasuke, generous decision might ruin his anticipated future.
At the moment he wasn't regretting not telling Sakura about the wedding and he definitely wasn't regretting that tomorrow's wedding was Itachi's since Sakura obviously had enough of him and kissed someone else! Better. Stronger. His biggest fear was Sakura would wake up one day and realise what everybody knew-he wasn't as nearly as good as somebody else, as always. It became reality.
On their way to one of the smaller rooms in the mansion, Sasuke managed to think and ask the questions calmly.
''How did it happen? And when?''
Sakura was looking like a guilty child. He didn't want to make her feel that way, only to hear the reason.
''Couple of weeks ago.''
Just like he thought. She got tired of waiting for him.
''We were talking about kissing and how bad it is when it's just an introduction into something more.''
Sure, it was horrible when he proposed to Sakura while they were kissing one time. Maybe she hated he did it impulsively, when he realised he wouldn't be able to live without her and her sweet kisses.
''I don't know where you heard that, but I love kissing and-''
''Of course you do, it's not the problem.''
''Then what is?''
He was kind of loud and she sighed.
''We were wondering how it would feel if the two girls were about to kiss,'' she shrugged. ''I mean, it definitely isn't the same feeling!''
He never thought about it. Why would he imagine Sakura and some other girl kissing?
''So we tried it,'' Sakura shrugged.
''What exactly?''
''How it feels. When two girls kiss.''
''Who tried?''
''I did. With Ino.''
''Oh.''
So she was curious, not in love with Ino?
''Are you mad?'' she asked warily.
''I don't know. Now what?''
''Nothing. I just thought you should know.''
He didn't know what to say. He appreciated her honesty, but he also didn't know if she was regretting, if she was planning to repeat it or whose idea was to try kissing!
''Did she initiate?'' he finally asked.
''No. I did.''
That made him lose his cool.
''What does that mean? Are you leaving me?''
''No! Of course not! Why would I?''
''I don't know! Why are you telling me this?''
''Because I wanted to be honest with you! I've been keeping it a secret and I was feeling horrible! I didn't want to upset you for no reason, it wasn't a big deal!''
''So you are not leaving me?''
''No, why do you think that? I-''
He couldn't hold back any more and he knew he would never calm down if he wasn't sure Sakura wasn't going anywhere. She couldn't approach him because he was upset and kind of yelling, so he hugged her. She was surprised, but she didn't oppose.
''I don't care,'' he whispered.
''Sasuke.''
''It doesn't matter.''
''I'm sorry.''
''Just stop talking now.''
He adored the way she was hugging him. Shorter and smaller than him, she was returning his firm embrace. And he needed her arms around him so badly right now. This was the second time in so short period he got scared he wouldn't hold her this way again.
''You don't have to be afraid of losing me,'' she murmured quietly.
''You said you wanted something different, that feels different and that I couldn't give it you and-''
''Sasuke,'' she smiled warmly, ''I said I wanted to try it, not have it instead of your great kisses! I didn't tell you this to make you worry but because I didn't want to have secrets. Would you prefer more I didn't tell you?''
''I don't know.''
''Are you mad at me?''
''I am not. I guess.''
He wasn't thinking clearly because he was without her for so long and their relationship was neglected because of the wedding preparations. Unlike Sakura's bond with Ino. Then again, they were always close.
''So Ino taught you to dance?''
''She did! And now we can dance the whole day tomorrow! I bet it feels better with the man I love.''
He had to smile to that. She was adorable as always. Well, except in the hospital, but her anger there was reasonable.
''Actually, it's not surprising you became so close to her,'' he admitted. ''She is your best friend and your life would be incomplete without her and you know it.''
By saying that, he deserved a kiss. The sweetest one.
''You are the best fiancé ever.''
''No, I am not. And from all the others you picked me.''
''What others?''
''You know very well.''
''Naruto?''
''He is stronger than me and he will become Hokage after Tsunade-sama decides to retire for good. I really don't understand. And I wasn't anything special. I still wonder sometimes when you will realise that.''
''Silly!'' she chuckled. ''You sound like you're trying to break up with me!''
''I never thought about leaving you, but I was thinking a lot that you might leave me.''
''For who?''
''Anybody! Somebody who is not obsessed with his brother, power or constant greed for more acknowledgement.''
She laughed. And that was laughter that didn't believe him.
''Love is not an exam,'' she said softly. ''I didn't test you or compare you to others! Do you know why I love you?''
''No.''
''I don't know either! I love everything about you and I won't stop if somebody becomes stronger than you! More handsome man will never exist, but you will eventually become wrinkled and I will still love you!''
''How can you be sure? I am nothing special. I am actually a total idiot sometimes.''
''I don't even know where to start!'' she chuckled. ''There are so many things I like about you and since you don't believe in yourself, I will tell you!''
He nodded doubtfully and Sakura took a deep breath. Like really deep, as if she was ready to give an epic speech.
''I like that you are a bit insolent towards anyone, that means you won't pretend to be someone you're not in order to get what you want. You are super strong and always want more of everything. I always thought it was because of you brother, but you two get along so well, you defend him and his actions all the time, because you're so loyal and you put your rivalry behind for greater good, like this wedding.''
She was worked up about explaining and Sasuke was surprised how observant she was.
''I also know you were provoking Naruto just to get him mad and he got stronger because of you. Even when he surpassed you, although you were envious, you weren't sulking but kept provoking him to get even better. You don't brag about your abilities and you were avoiding to tell Naruto about us for weeks because you are such a great friend.''
She smiled at that a moment.
''I should be mad at you for staying at Suna for an entire week longer than expected, but I know how much you miss him and that I am reason for it. But I can't hide what I feel for you! It's your fault anyway!''
''My fault?''
''Of course! You never cared for any other girl but me, you were always encouraging me, you have never pushed me to do something I didn't want to and you were always very supportive and patient about all insane ideas I had. Somehow you always say what I want to hear. Maybe because you know me so well. And that!''
She seemed embarrassed for some reason.
''You have seen my worst and you still want to be with me! And you call me perfect! I can't cook, always panic over nothing, I even accused you for not wanting marrying me, and you proposed to me! Twice! And until few weeks ago, I was trying to rush that wedding a bit, but now, as long as I'm in your arms, I don't care if you're my husband or fiancé. You are my best friend also. You make me laugh when I'm sad, I don't feel better anywhere in the world than with you. I have a feeling I don't have to tell you what I want because you know me and we've been through so much together and we are even closer. You've never let me down and I know you never will. Now I know that you won't change your mind and you should know I won't, either. I waited for you to reveal your feelings and now you finally shared your thoughts with me! And the fact that we can talk this way is much more important than our marital status. We will get married. Eventually. For now I am happy this way.''
Even if she wasn't serious about the part about their wedding, Sasuke knew how he felt about it.
''I can't wait for you to become my wife because there will never be someone as perfect as you are!''
''Oh Sasuke.''
This was the right moment to stop talking and forget about everything else. Sasuke knew he didn't want anyone else's kisses but Sakura's, any time and anywhere.
''I love you, silly,'' she whispered between their kisses and that only invited him to kiss her more. He had to take her kisses tonight since it was too late for something more, and when he caught himself thinking about it, he made himself release her from his embrace.
''Now it's pretty late,'' she said, ''and we should get some sleep before tomorrow.''
''We will continue this kissing tomorrow night,'' he smirked.
''Deal!''
''Unless you didn't plan on kissing Ino again,'' he said playfully.
''No way! She will be busy, and Hinata is the bride and-''
''Hinata?''
Sasuke mentioned Ino because he tried to prove he wasn't worried about it. Speaking of Hinata and having a sheepish expression, Sakura shrugged.
Sasuke sighed deeply.
''Sakura, what the hell? I thought you were helping with the wedding and I am pretty sure kissing the bride won't help!''
''Well, it was just to demonstrate our bond! Just like you and Naruto! You are best friends and what you do? You fight all the time! You make each other stronger the fastest way because you trust each other! You are going as hard as you can but you know your limits. You would never have a serious fight with someone you don't trust!''
''I wouldn't.''
''That's kissing for us girls! It's not a need, but expression of trust and care. It doesn't have to do anything with their looks or anything. For example, I would never kiss Temari or someone like her!''
''I would never fight Gaara.''
''See? You have your circle of your closest friends just like me.''
''And among men? Is there someone-''
''The only guy I want to kiss is you! Forever! Nothing will happen if someone who seems better in your head appears! I bet you think I should also like Itachi-san more than I like you.''
''I don't feel like talking about my brother now.''
''Me neither.''
Except one thing that was intriguing him.
''I wonder if he knows about kissing.''
''I think he doesn't. And you won't tell him!'' Sakura ordered. ''You kind of overreacted .''
''He will too. You should have seen him today when he saw Naruto hugged Hinata.''
''Were you with him?''
''Yes,'' Sasuke sighed.
''And you were spying on us?''
''We weren't, we had to make sure Naruto wouldn't fight anyone!''
''I really don't know what to do so you could stop being obsessed with me and Naruto!'' Sakura rolled her eyes. ''He didn't leave so I could miss him and change my mind about you! He left so you wouldn't get an idea he was trying to separate us!''
''He would never do that.''
''Of course he wouldn't! He knows you are insecure!''
''Then why did you hug him?''
''So what if I did? He is my best friend.''
''Well, I am not the only one obsessed with Naruto,'' Sasuke shrugged. ''Some people go that far to send Ino to get his attention.''
''You did what?'' Sakura snapped, glaring angrily.
''Itachi did it, not me!''
''So Ino cut her shirt for you?''
''She didn't! And it wasn't relevant, both Sannin and Hokage agreed!''
''Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama have seen all of it?''
''No, the other two.''
''The other,'' Sakura repeated.
''Yes, Kakashi-sama and-''
''And, and, and,'' Sakura stuttered.
''What's wrong?''
''Orochimaru-sama will kill Naruto,'' Sakura sighed.
''Why would he do that?''
''Because Ino is having an affair with him!'' Sakura hissed. ''What were you thinking? Are you insane?''
''She told us she didn't have a date!''
''Of course she would tell you that! What else did you expect? Telling you everything about her secret?''
''Why did Hokage mention Shisui then?''
''Your cousin? Perfect! Naruto, Kazekage, Sannin and sharingan user testing their luck with Ino. And with some alcohol, it might be interesting tomorrow.''
''How could I have known? Nobody told me a thing. And Ino didn't have to cut her shirt in public!''
''She wouldn't have done it if you hadn't been paranoid!''
''Sorry.''
''What else did you do? Told Itachi-san Hinata was in love with Naruto?''
''Well-'' Sasuke stuttered, staring at the floor.
''Oh no!''
''I didn't say anything, Gaara did!'' Sasuke defended himself, trying to comfort Sakura, knowing the same as her.
''Do you know I will be the one to blame if something goes wrong?''
''Yes.''
''And I don't want anything to go wrong. Does your brother want it?''
''I didn't get that impression.''
''Neither does Hinata.''
''Then you have nothing to worry about!'' Sasuke assured her. ''If they both want the same, it will be fine!''
''I guess,'' Sakura shrugged. ''I am too tired to think about that too. All I want is to get home and have a shower.''
''Or I could carry you to preserve your strength for tomorrow?''
''Aren't you sweet!''
Since Sakura wasn't opposing, Sasuke picked her up bridal style and she gave him a quick kiss. That was exactly what he needed. He actually didn't want her to go home, just hold her a bit more. His daydreaming was interrupted by Sakura's scream when she noticed somebody opened the door.
''Mikoto-san!''
Knowing Sakura was trying to look mature in front of his mother, Sasuke put his fiancée down.
''Rehearsing for your own wedding?''
''Not really,'' Sakura stammered, embarrassed.
''You shouldn't barge in like that,'' Sasuke said.
''I just wanted to turn off the lights. I thought nobody was here. As far as I am concerned, you can keep practising romantic postures.''
''We can do that? I mean, on our wedding.''
''Well, yours won't be so formal, so I don't see why not,'' Mikoto gave them her widest smile and closed the door behind her.
Their wedding. Sasuke couldn't know he would be this happy hearing Sakura thinking about it again.
All of it happened yesterday, before Itachi's absence and his meeting with Sakura near his house, where Sasuke was standing right now.
He carefully opened the door and entered. It was completely quiet, just like he expected. The only sound he could hear was girl's giggle. Sakura's giggle.
It was probably nothing.
She was freaking out because Itachi was an idiot and cancelled the wedding and she was trying to hide her desperation by laughing. She would never be alone with his brother, early in the morning, all alone. And definitely not having a good time. Too bad everything was implying Sasuke's worst nightmare was becoming reality while he was approaching to the door where Sakura's laughter could be heard.
When Sasuke opened the door, he was certain the worst sight didn't exist.
Itachi was half-naked!
He was not just missing a vest or a holster, he was shirtless! Like it wasn't enough Sakura was staring at a nude torso of somebody different from her fiancé, she was holding her hands around Itachi's neck! Luckily for him, he was leaned on the sofa casually, not intending to touch Sakura, only smirking shyly at her while she was chuckling for the unknown reason. Actually, they were both so distracted with one another they didn't hear Sasuke until he, unable to hold back, roared at a happy couple.
''What is the meaning of this?''
''Sasuke, why are yelling?'' Sakura scolded him.
''When I see my brother half-naked with my fiancée, I will yell all I want!''
''Hinata is still asleep!'' Itachi said.
''Hinata?''
''You know, my fiancée.''
They were both staring at Sasuke like he was a bad guy, interrupting them !
''Wh-what?'' Sasuke managed to stutter, pointing at Sakura's strange clothing.
She was wearing her casual outfit atop her pyjamas and her hair seemed tangled. When Itachi bent down to pick up some clothes, Sasuke noticed Itachi had the same outfit like yesterday. And the clothes in his hands weren't his own. Or, thank goodness, Sakura's.
''What the hell-''
''Keep this to yourselves.''
''Like somebody would believe us!'' Sakura laughed.
''Sure, whatever. What is this really?''
Itachi didn't reply and despite being embarrassed, he was smiling. He gave Sasuke a small shrug before leaving the room, still carrying those clothes. Now Sasuke could switch his attention to Sakura who was smiling the whole time.
''It's nothing,'' she said quietly. ''They only had a pre-wedding night.''