Let there be love
Each and every one of the couple of hundreds of guests had their own opinion about the wedding, food, decorations, two Hokages, dress code and many other irrelevant details. Naturally, they had to share it with one another while waiting for the ceremony to begin.
''I hate every shade of purple! It makes me look fat! And red is even worse!''
''It was optional to dress in black completely, having lavender or red detail.''
''It wasn't explicitly written in the invitation! I look like a purple whale!''
''You do not, darling! And nobody will look at you, but at the bride!''
''If she shows up!''
''And what's with the groom?''
''Is he drunk?''
''I have never seen an Uchiha smiling that way.''
''He is probably happy because it will be over soon.''
As important as the bride were Hokage, two of them, and to everyone's surprise, they were on time, also waiting for the actual start.
''Tsunade-sama is the only woman allowed to wear white just like the bride, and Kakashi-sama is the only man dressed entirely in black. They look like they are about to get married too!''
Neither of them spoke with each other, avoiding to discuss speech, so they were silent, unlike groom's cousin, who was trying to make small talk.
''Did you anticipate to attend the wedding with an Uchiha so you are wearing red?''
''No,'' gorgeous blonde replied sharply, trying to ignore her date.
Very close to the Hokage, Kazekage was sitting, having his closest friends near him. Blond tried not to yawn, Shikamaru didn't hold back despite Temari's glare, while Kankuro was hopelessly thinking that at least one cute girl was looking at his direction and not his brother's.
''Have you seen Gaara-sama wearing black? He didn't have to put on an obligated red detail because of his adorable red hair! He is literally hot!''
''And he didn't bring a date! He and Naruto-kun are as free as birds!''
''And there will be an open bar later! With a drink or two maybe I gather courage and introduce myself!''
One of the bachelors didn't wait for the reception; he made a move right away, on multiple women resulting in multiple failures.
''Hey, sexy, you want to hang out later?''
''Eek, Jiraiya-sama!''
''Don't even think about it, old pervert! This seat is taken!''
''But we could both fit, you are so slim and hot!''
''I will yell; I don't care who you are, you are being rude!''
The last Sannin didn't seem as if he was enjoying himself, despite being around élite.
''Did Orochimaru-sama find sharingan, so he is considered as the one of the honoured guests?''
''He didn't; he is very close with the groom and his brother. And Fugaku-san adores him for some reason.''
''Speaking about the siblings, bride's younger sister and the groom's brother could also get married, to strengthen the bond between the clans. With two married Uchiha-Hyuuga couples, it would be more stable.''
''Younger Uchiha is in a long-term relationship with the maid of honour.''
''If you ask me, this merger is political. If they wanted it that badly, they should have done it by signing papers somewhere in private and not force their children to enter a matrimony because of it!''
''Or both clans are so wealthy they could have afford to spend so much money in vain and put on a fake show.''
Arrival of a young girl, holding flowers while she was approaching slowly towards Hokage, gave everybody the idea this wedding was about to happen very soon. First of the bride's maids was smiling nervously while tottering unsteadily in her high-heeled shoes. And of course she lost her balance at some point.
The next one, under a lot of pressure because of her clumsy predecessor, also tripped. The third one almost fell and everybody sighed with a relief when the last bride's maid got to her spot in one piece. Their pink dresses were a perfect match to their red faces while they were staring at the ground.
Everybody was expecting the same scenario when the pink-haired maid of honour appeared. Having the widest smile on her face, Sakura was walking proudly, looking stunning in her black dress. Her hair was tied up in a stylish bun, revealing her neck and a red necklace, her red detail which meant a connection to Uchiha clan.
Guests didn't know Sakura didn't have a reason to be nervous; everything she had wanted to happen came true in the last several hours. And of course, Kakashi was here, same like Tsunade, and Hinata would soon join Itachi and with every second, Sakura was becoming more relaxed. She couldn't wait for the reception, to finally dance with the best man, who was also her gorgeous fiancé and she couldn't wait for tomorrow, to explain her happiness to the world.
Gossiping about unstable bride's maids was boring, but now, while waiting for the bride, all eyes were on Sakura.
''Who would have thought Hinata-hime would choose her among many others?''
''And why does she seem so happy, as if it was her own wedding!''
''Just how long do we have to wait? I should have been on my way back home already!''
All of a sudden, without a special announcement, the voices quieted one by one and all heads turned around to see the pretty bride.
Murmur of amazement began when Hinata got on the scene. Giving everybody a small nod and smile, taking small steps, she was walking towards the spot the groom was waiting at. There wasn't hesitation in her posture, her head straight, her shoulders to the back, few strands of her hair tied with ribbons reveling perfectly sleek neck. Glancing at the guests, she was smiling shyly, holding tightly bouquet in her tiny hands. Snowy white wedding dress was following the curves of her body as she moved slowly, gracefully, like a princess. Like an heiress.
Nobody could deflect gaze away from her, the necks moving the way she was passing by. Only sound that was heard was her small steps because nobody wished to ruin this perfection.
Maid of honour was ready to take over the bride's flowers so she could have her hands free, so they could be joined with the groom's. And Itachi was waiting for his bride.
Bowing slightly in her direction, he opened his right palm, expecting her left one. In one smooth movement, she interlocked her fingers with his and smiled. Her lips curled into a smile, shy and cute, humble and warm, dedicated to him only, made Itachi do the unimaginable. He smiled back. His stance, his lips, his eyes smiled to her. Only to her.
Without a word spoken, everybody knew.
Black and white, like chocolate and vanilla, they belonged together. Everybody could see their adoration for each other by their posture only; in a way they were standing next to each other, the way they were glimpsing at one another shyly, as if they were ashamed they couldn't stop looking at each other. And there were their eyes, so different, yet exact the same; Hinata's bright eyes had the same sparkle like Itachi's dark ones.
The one who made the first sound was Tsunade, only coughing to draw attention.
''Ready to start?'' she asked quietly so only the most important couple could hear her.
They shared a small smile and then gave a brief nod to Hokage at the same time.
''Well then,'' Tsunade cleared her throat. ''Dearly beloved, I suppose, although you are mostly invited guests, we gathered here to witness the official beginning of a new era in history of Uchiha and Hyuuga clan, as well as in the history of Konoha, and it will happen because of their heirs who will today be joined in matrimony.''
''As one of Konoha's Hokage,'' Kakashi continued, ''it is a great honour to be present here today as this event will mean new page in everyday life of all Konoha's shinobi.''
Sakura was smiling gratefully, overjoyed because neither Kakashi nor Tsunade stammered, and she was holding back from hugging her teachers. Needless to say she was even more surprised when Kakashi dug into his pocket, in search for something. And he found it and Sakura gasped, completely astonished. They were papers! A whole pile of them! He really did write a speech!
With his dark eye, Kakashi glanced at the guests and then back at his papers. Sakura gasped again, only louder this time, when her former sensei rumpled the papers and tossed them away!
''We are not in the office,'' he explained to Tsunade quietly, because she seemed as if she was about to lift the paper from the ground.
Tsunade shrugged, looking at desperate Sakura, but Kakashi wasn't about to blow it.
''Many of you predicted long and boring wedding speech,'' Kakashi began. ''I hate boredom and life is too short for papers and paperwork. And the bride herself asked me to make this wedding personal, and let's be honest, who could have turned her down?''
Kakashi paused, because now he really needed to think before he spoke, having all the attention. Only he didn't care much about the guest, dedicated to Itachi and Hinata.
''I know both of you all my life because I am a bit older than you. Of course, not as old as this gorgeous woman beside me!''
''Kakashi,'' Tsunade hissed, unable to decide whether she should get mad or blush to Kakashi's compliment.
''I believe many guests wondered what was the real reason behind this wedding all of a sudden. And I can see for myself it's your obvious impatience to show to the world how much you care for each other and your wish to be together as much as possible. I have to admit, I noticed your worry during the last several weeks and I can't believe you doubted the most beautiful wedding would occur today, thanks to the groom's mother and the bride's good friends.''
Male Hokage only sighed dreamily before continuing.
''Nothing was on your way to become what you were born for, and that was to give your best to never fail your family or clan, be the most successful among your peers, be role models to younger generation, make your fellow shinobi a bit jealous; all in all, you made Konoha proud by being its shinobi.''
Kakashi wasn't good at writing, but was good at speaking. Even Tsunade was listening carefully.
''On top of your career, you succeeded to find someone who understands you and supports you. I would dare to say it's not so easy as it seems. Nobody can show you the right seal, the best technique or heal you after you got hurt. And it's not only you in particular. Even the strongest in the cruel shinobi world don't know what it takes. Yes, Tsunade-sama, you and your friends,'' Kakashi looked at Tsunade, then sighed. ''And me, unfortunately just like many others. All of us still need time to accept the fact that passion for gambling, adventure or erotic novels is one-sided.''
Kakashi didn't have to name or look at Tsunade and Jiraiya while chuckling to his funny comment.
''Of course, gaining power and acknowledgement,'' Kakashi continued, looking at Orochimaru, Sasuke, Naruto and Neji, ''is worth of shinobi's valuable time. I wondered more than once if any of that really is so important that needs a lifelong dedication. There are hobbies too, like shogi, which needs a partner, and friendly competition which needs two determined and honourable participants.''
Gai had the widest grin on his face while Shikamaru didn't care being mentioned in Kakashi's speech.
''I am not judging anyone because every shinobi must get the chance to experience joy and happiness during usually too short life. And all of us are different, like I explained, and we have the choice and think we are happy with our lives just the way they are.''
Due to complete silence, it sounded like lecturing and Kakashi tried really hard to be relaxed.
''Anyway, we are perfectly fine on our own until the wedding like this occurs. Although we are all here to congratulate you, we feel a bit of envy too. Not only you both are exceptional shinobi, today you are also making a first step to fulfilling the most challenging mission. Again, you will be on your own, with no one by your side to help out. Seeing you today, I have no doubts you are ready to proceed to the unique mission for every shinobi. A lifetime long and unpredictable mission.''
There were many married couples present and they nodded to agree with Hokage.
''How will you know if you failed or passed? Easily,'' Kakashi shrugged. ''When you look back at your time together, if you recall happy moments instead of the sad ones, you accomplished the task successfully, when you are certain you chose the right person to be with you on this short path called life. If you have no regrets, then you picked wisely and the time spent with your significant other would go by in a blink of an eye.''
''And we could go on and on forever with all kinds of advice to make a good use of every moment, but that would delay you becoming married, so maybe we should move on,'' Tsunade proposed smoothly.
A quiet chuckle of approval was heard.
''Before we can give you a permission to kiss and seal this contract, first you must hear the terms you agreed to live by,'' Kakashi said. ''Of course, you will get a paper where you will sign your name that you are fully aware what you are getting into.''
''Since this means a great change for Konoha's biggest clans and Konoha, we must point out rules that affect other clans. Of course, this new big clan that doesn't have a name yet will set internal laws and code, but now we are only emphasising the ones relevant for every shinobi.''
With that, Tsunade took out the biggest scroll in the world to read aloud what heirs needed to sign.
''These rules where necessary to continue peaceful living by the rules of the both clan's and they were written by two former heirs, also known as Hyuuga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku,'' Kakashi explained.
''First rule: Uchiha heir and Hyuuga heiress aren't allowed to participate in the same mission, excluding multiple battles during wars and other disturbance out of ordinary. Couple of them are limiting your authoritative power. For example, before recruiting shinobi for war of any kind, other clans' heads have to agree or the extreme measures will be taken, the same ones like for village traitors.''
''Damn rules,'' a quiet hiss was heard and Tsunade glared at Orochimaru.
''For the next three years,'' Kakashi proceed a bit louder, because now guests had their own opinion again, ''clans' representative will be Uchiha Itachi, because he enjoys support of the most important member of Hyuuga clan and that is obviously his future wife Hyuuga Hinata.''
''The only flaw of this merger is that two clans now count as one, during every meeting and trial, meaning their representative really needs to think twice before giving his or hers vote to a new law or restriction.''
''I am sure I am as impatient as everybody to meet first Uchiha-Hyuuga baby,'' Kakashi chuckled, ''but he or she won't get the privilege to be the clans' representative by birth right.''
''And of course, it will take some time to adapt and there is no rush, only advice. Uchiha Fugaku, do you mind sharing your wisdom and experience with all of us?''
Fugaku stood up, bowed to Hokage, his son and his bride, then to the guests.
''As a former head of Uchiha clan, I learned children are often smarter than their parents. So I would like to leave all the unanswered questions to them to solve.''
''That wasn't very helpful; maybe you have something better, Hyuuga Hiashi?''
Now Hinata's father stood up, he also bowed and really had an advice.
''What's happened in the past, let it remain there. Don't look back and focus on future. What happened can't be changed, but what awaits depends on us. And I wish you luck to be our guides.''
That inspired Fugaku to say more.
''There must be mutual respect. And understanding. As little as possible underestimation and unnecessary rivalry. Only that way this merger has a purpose. A greater goal.''
Again complete silence and both Fugaku and Hiashi looked very proud.
''Do you want to add something, Hiashi-san?''
''I do not, Fugaku-san. After all, it lies with them to start a new chapter in their lives and their clans.''
And Itachi and Hinata foolishly thought Kakashi didn't have anything left to say.
''I learned recently Hyuuga and Uchiha back in the past were one clan. I don't know what separated them, but I am more than glad they are about to unite now, especially because the reason is love and not politics. So let's forget about politics for only one day and celebrate love!''
''We can't, unless we ask about the objection,'' Tsunade reminded him quietly.
''Oh right!'' Kakashi rubbed his hands together. ''I have never been so sure in my life about anything as I am now about the answer to this question and it is about a person or more than one who would like to object to this marriage.''
Kakashi paused for a moment, then continued.
''Just like I said, it's not only me, every single person here-''
''Kakashi-sensei, you really like to talk much! You are the worst Hokage ever!''
Shikamaru impulsively nudged Temari who did the same to her youngest brother.
''What future Hokage intended to say is if he had been the one marrying the couple, he wouldn't have delayed this much,'' Gaara stood up to apologize on Naruto's behalf. ''And of course there is no one among the guests who would oppose to the wish of heir and heiress.''
Every single guest was glaring at Naruto, except Hinata, who was glaring at Itachi who actually dared to think Naruto wanted to object to their marriage.
''So Naruto is actually impatient to hear they are ready to live happily and together!'' Kakashi concluded.
''You got it right,'' Temari said. ''You may proceed and we are terribly sorry.''
''Finally!''
A quiet hiss belonged to an impatient blonde in a red dress.
''I am glad everyone is impatient, but this wouldn't be a proper wedding without a word or two about the Will of fire!''
''I will take over from here, thank you, Kakashi!''
''But I didn't touch upon conjugal duties!''
Fortunately, everyone perceived Kakashi's comment as funny, not serious and Hinata only stared at the ground, not red. Itachi tried hard not to make the eye contact with any Hokage, his brother or anyone. Sakura was smiling, Sasuke was chuckling quietly, and Gaara and Naruto were staring at Temari who was struggling not to react in any way, but she was failing, shaking because of her uncontrollable, but silent laughter.
''I don't think they need tips from Jiraiya's novels! It's my turn now!''
''If only you were this eager about the paper work,'' Kakashi sighed sadly.
''Before Kakashi interrupts me again, I must say I never doubted these two and I am certain they will pass on the Will of fire to the next generation. When I say next generation, it means to all shinobi that can learn from them, look up to them and do their best to resemble to them. That doesn't necessarily mean younger ones, because just like former Uchiha head said, parents can learn from their children, teachers from their students, elders from the young ones. And these young people before me already achieved something to be remembered which will only encourage them to meet our expectations.''
As soon as Tsunade stopped talking, Kakashi jumped in.
''I propose we wrap it up because a lovely celebration awaits our impatient heirs.''
Literally everybody sighed with a relief when Tsunade and Kakashi put their papers away. Tsunade was the first one to begin.
''So Uchiha Itachi, do you accept Hyuuga Hinata to become your wife, that way changing for good your life and the life of Uchiha clan, do you promise you will do your best not to fail her or Hyuuga clan and do you willingly accept to become clans' representative?''
Since Tsunade made this question shorter, Itachi could say his answer sooner than anticipated. And it would have been the same, any day, at any time.
''I do.''
Kakashi waited a moment to pop his question, only so Hinata could stop smiling like crazy.
''And do you, Hyuuga Hinata, agree to spend your life with Uchiha Itachi, be by his side, be his help and support, do you accept these rules and willingly giving up on your status of an heiress?''
Hinata was smiling even more now.
''I do.''
''You are not very talkative,'' Kakashi pointed out the obvious. ''Or you want me to say more?''
''You need to give them permission to kiss now, not talk,'' Tsunade instructed him.
''You heard the lady. I pronounce you the husband and wife and you may finally kiss!''
It really seemed like an eternity, but Itachi and Hinata were ready for this long-waited moment.
They smiled to one another for the last time as non-married couple. Holding hands, being happy and truly in love, their lips connected in a tender kiss that put an end to their lives of two heirs, also meaning the start of something new and unexplored.