Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters they all belong to MASAHI KISHIMOTO and my spelling slash grammar can be way off at times.

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Put a Ring on it

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Every time I thought of you my heart would become excited and race, but today my heart aches of pain when I think of you. There is nothing left to say, I now understand how stupid I was to think… that perhaps one day… but no more because you can fool me once and I can blame you, but if I fall for it a second time I have no one to blame but myself.

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Chapter 17: This is it

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"So are we going?" Karin asked Sasuke, the velvet haired beauty had received an invitation to Gaara's wedding. Well technically the invitation was directed to her husband, but she knew that he would choose not to go so it was best if he remained unaware of the news. But she had to speak to Hinata and it would make her feel better if Sasuke would go also, it was the least she could do for him. Karin had thought about going on her own and speaking with the moon eyed woman, but after much debate she decided it was best if Sasuke decided what he wanted to do.

The man took a drink of the light translucent brown liquor; it felt warm as it went down. The news was nothing new to him he had received his invitation a while back, but he had yet decided if he should attend or not. To see Hinata again was something that made him nervous, he had been second guessing himself. Sasuke turned in his chair and looked out to the garden from his home office the sun was going down now; Sasuke took a breath in through his nose and exhaled through his mouth.

The wedding was tomorrow he had time to think about it and he had decided he was going, but he had no intention of having Karin being there. She has no control over herself and could cause a scene that could get them kicked out. He is almost positive that Ino has no idea that he was invited to attend on Gaara's side, who knew what the bride could possibly do?

"I have to do this on my own Karin." He told his sister in law and turned back to face her.

Karin frowned "NO! I have as much right to be there I need to talk to Hinata."

Sasuke shakes his head "You can talk to her after I do…" he demanded, Sasuke needed to know if she was alright. He had very little knowledge of what she has been up to all this time, what if she was happy now… he wasn't going to get involved if she was, but if he could get her back he would do whatever it took.

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This was it, her big day had finally arrived, and the blonde was nothing but feeling the fatigue from the previous night and just wanted to lay down for a nap… but she couldn't. Not only would it risk messing up her make-up and hair! Not to mention all the chaos that was going on in the room that the resort provided for them; in a few minutes they would start taking pictures of the bride and her bridesmaids.

Her bridesmaids were all dressed in a peacock blue crinkle chiffon high low halter dress with beaded details around the waist where it hugged each sensually and then flowed off comfortably.

"All right everyone we are going to get started in a few minutes!" Sakura said with cheer and saw the look of irritation in Anko's face, a smile on Hinata's and a sleepy look in the brides face.

Kurenai laughed a bit "I think you three might need something to help get you through the day." She said and walked over to the phone.

A knock on the door was heard and a Sakura being the only one with a normal amount of energy went on to answer it, a short haired dirty blonde with deep sea blue eyes dressed in long one strap dress that flowed down to her feet in the same shade of blue as the rest of the girls were. Temari looked at her soon to be sister in law and she could not deny that her little brother was getting a real catch.

The bride was dressed in a A-line gown that gave Ino a more glamorous look, she wore the gown well showing that she was good at her job.

"The photographer is ready…" Temari said a little happy that things were finally moving along, she was ready to see her work come together.

The Willow resort was really an extravagant one and everything was ready, the photos had been taken and now the big moment was here. Hinata could tell that her sister was nervous, "It's ok Ino." She said with a smile her arm looped into the Nara who lazily stood at her side.

They were simply waiting for the signal to begin, the hold that Ino had on Assuma's arm was firm and she was clutching her bouquet tightly. "Relax Ino everything will be fine." Assuma tried to reassure the young woman, he knew that this was a big step and that Gaara must be just as anxious as she was feeling.

Temari walked into the hall, her beautiful eyes observed all the participants in particular a dark haired guy who casually stood next to the maid of honor. She cleared her voice "All right everyone gets into position." Temari announced clapping her hands while she looked back ready to give the signal for the orchestra's conductor.

Flashes of the shots that were being taken of the bridesmaids and the groomsmen as they made their way to the front, with Sakura and Lee walking ahead smiling with the tempo of the orchestra after was Kiba and his date then there was Anko and Kankuroas well as a few of Gaara's groomsmen and their dates and then came Hinata and Shikamaru who walked linked together.

And finally came Ino who smiled and made believe that she was looking at the large crowd that came to witness her big day. Her stomach was in a knot and she felt nervous, the butterflies in her stomach were fluttering out of control… all the fatigue that she had been feeling was gone. The corner of her eyes caught sight of Asuma; he smiled at her letting her know it would be alright.

She let out a breath and smiled her focus was only on her fiancé now, the grip that she had on her flowers loosened slightly. The walk felt longer than what it had probably been, but now that she was there Asuma handed her over to Gaara so the ceremony could start.

All had their eyes on the bride and groom, except for a few pairs of eyes; dark coal ones in particular who only stared at the maid of honor. Sasuke was standing in the crowed on Gaara's side of the ceremony and he could not believe that he had not seen Hinata in so long… it pissed him off a bit that she looked so fine and happy with that pony tail guy, but he kept telling himself that it was just for the ceremony.

There could never be anything between the two of them!

The Uchiha had told himself that he would only be there to observe and if he felt like there was a chance that things could lead to a second chance then he would talk to Hinata, but now it didn't really matter he wanted to talk to her.

He knew very little of what Hinata had been up to all this time, all he knew was that she had left soon after their break up. He missed talking to her…

But little to the broken Uchiha's knowledge another pair of eyes had just entered the ceremony and these were focused on locating him.

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It was all done and over with, now they were in the party many were chatting up laughing and drinking walking up to the newlyweds congratulating them and offering their words of wisdom for a long happy marriage. The party was decorated beautifully and soon when the sun set all the lanterns would be light up, they had paid no expense and even brought sand to most of the area making it look to be like if the party was being held in an oases. White curtains were held around palm trees that had white little lights, the whole place was a sight that none would forget anytime soon.

Sasuke's eyes scanned for the beauty that has haunted his thoughts, until he spotted her and anger filled him he took another drink of the strong bitter liquor before he left after her... little to the Uchiha a blonde too followed and a pair of brown eyes witnessed their movements.

Hinata stood next to Shikamaru who led the girl to a more secluded area; they began to walk arms linked as they walked through a garden. "So are you going to be ok?" Shikamaru asked.

She took a deep breath, "I suppose, I'm happy for Ino… but I am going to miss having her with me." Hinata explained to her old boyfriend.

Shikamaru smirked "You know if you hadn't dumped me, you would have probably beat Ino." He told her and leaned on her a bit and winked at her.

Hinata understood and faked a gasp "Shikamaru you were going to pop the question ?!" she asked playfully acting surprised.

"I was getting around to it, but you dumped me before I could." He told her and shrugged the act made Hinata laugh "Oh and you think it's funny, that hurts you know… guys have feelings too you know." Shikamaru told her.

Her fit of giggles calmed down a bit and she smiled, "Ok am sorry… but I didn't dump you we were just taking a small break." Hinata tried to reason.

The man raised a brow, "A four year break and counting…" he told her with a smirk and playful tone.

Hinata looked down and smiled, this is why she had fallen for him his playfulness and that he would support her in her choices why had she decided that they should end? "Shikamaru… why did we split up?" she said and giggled a little trying not to make things uncomfortable, but she wanted to know.

He scratched the back of his head, "Well it was your idea not mine, why don't you explain what I did?" he told her.

Hinata smiled again "YOU are the genius here… I'm just your average, well almost average girl." She answered playfully again.

Shikamaru gave her a look they were standing close to one another "I was too focused on cases with Asuma, you were traveling a lot and were stressed out…" he told her with a serious tone but he was intensely looking at her.

"So were you…" she quickly added "I'm sorry, I should have been more considerate… it's just that, you spoiled me with all this attention and then you just stopped." She said looking right back at him.

He crept his hands on hips and slowly pulled her towards him, "I tried to fix that, but you left me…" he said and lowered slightly.

Hinata leaned up "I don't remember why…" her eyes began to close their lips almost touched.

"THERE YOU ARE!" shouted a blonde breaking the moment, Temari marched up to the two "Shikamaru I need you to help me with some things." she said and took him away without another word completely ignoring Hinata's existence.

Hinata tried to compose herself she was feeling hurt and angry at Temari for taking the Nara away from her, and just when he was about to kiss her. She really wanted to feel his lips again, she missed having him hold her in his arms… 'The way that he holds me and smiles after we…" she caught herself before she could finish that thought and sighed sadly and acceptably of the situation.

She knew that perhaps there had been no real reason for her to have ever left Shikamaru and perhaps she only feels this way because he was her first… everything and would always hold him dearly in her heart.

"Hinata…" Sasuke finally revealed himself.

Her heart beat felt off her stomach did a flip, her moon eyes turned towards the source of voice… and before her stood another past love a more recent and hurtful love.

Hinata did not respond to him, she looked shocked and Sasuke understood she had not expected to see him "How have you been?" he asked pretending like he had not witnessed her and what he now knows is one of Hinata's ex. He was mad, but did not voice it…

Hinata did her best to up on her brave face and be cold towards the Uchiha, she didn't want to have him see her so weak ever again. "I'm fine…" she said and tried to walk past him.

Sasuke took her arm and saw her huff and look at him with a mad questioning look, she looked so beautiful to him no matter the emotion. "You look beautiful… I need to talk to you." He told her.

She wasn't having it and yanked her arm out of his hold "I don't have anything to say to you…" she said angrily.

He brought his hands up "Just give me two minutes, please…" he asked and saw her cross her arms. Sasuke decided to take that as a yes and at that moment he realized that he didn't know what to say. "…I'm sorry for everything, but I swear to you that I only wanted you—

"Sasuke!" the voice of a female called out.

Hinata looked over and saw a woman dressed in a cream gown her brown hair was short only going a few inches past her shoulder. She looked to be a reserved woman; Hinata looked back to Sasuke who looked surprised to see the woman but kept quiet.

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"This is a real drag, what do you want Temari?" Shikamaru questioned waiting to hear what was so important that he had to be pulled away from Hinata.

The blonde huffed "What's going on between you and the super model" she said with a mocking tone, showing her jealousy.

He raised a brow at her "That's none of your busyness, now are you going to tell me what you wanted?" he asked again.

Temari smirked "Well I want you." She said seductively bringing her body closer to his.

"You're a real bothersome woman you know." He told her and walked away, he knew why she was behaving the way that she was but had no right to be they were nothing and did not have history like he and Hinata have. He began to search the crowd for her wondering if she had left the area where they had been at.

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Tenten saw the woman with long midnight purple hair her skin was a creamy and her eyes were a lilac shade her body was perfect everything about her screamed exotic perfection. The brunette sneered at herself "This is why I could never have you…" she asked Sasuke and then focused on Hinata "You really are beautiful." She said.

This had not been the first time that the two had been this close to one another, but the first time they had no idea that they were sharing a man. But that had been so long ago that both had forgotten about the other…

Hinata didn't know what to say to her a part of her wanted to say that this was Sasuke's wife, but she was afraid that it might also be her replacement. "Your two minutes are up Sasuke…" she said and tried to escape once again.

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"Shikamaru where is Hinata?" the bride asked the easy going Nara, a little upset that they were not back together

Shikamaru stuffed his hands in his tux "I was hoping she was with you, I had a bit of an annoyance that dragged me away…" he said.

Ino shook her head knowing fully well that her new sister had something to do with this, "Let's go find her." Ino said.

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"Hinata wait…" Sasuke tried to reason again, he was angry and had no idea of what Tenten was doing at the wedding.

Hinata held her head high and was not about to be intimidated by the brunette, "I don't think it's with me that you should be talking with." She told Sasuke.

"Actually this is good, I had asked My husband before just how beautiful you are…" Tenten started and walked closer to the two "He never responded and I can see why, you are really something. If I may be so bold what exactly do you do for a living?"

Sasuke got in between both, he had no idea as to why Tenten was being so hostel they had ended their fake marriage and were in the beginning stages of a divorce. "Tenten…" Sasuke said in a warning manner.

The brunette smiled and Hinata glared at her "I am a very successful model and if I may know what exactly do you do?" Hinata said with a satisfactory smile when she realized that she wiped Tenten's smile off her face.

Tenten became angry, "…Of course that would seem fitting for someone like you." She responded but did not answer Hinata back.

Sasuke decided to intervene he would talk with Tenten when he got home but right now he needed to speak with Hinata. "Tenten go home—

"No why! We aren't even divorced yet and if I hadn't been told of this wedding I wouldn't even had found out! If you don't care about me that is fine Sasuke, I have accepted that but I will no longer allow you to make a fool out of me!" she shouted at the man she loves.

Hinata looked back at Sasuke and then at Tenten, she was picking her battles and knew that this was one that she would lose. Not only did she not have any idea that she would run into Sasuke this soon; it had been a possibility that one day she would run into him, but Hinata assumed that they would one either ignore one another or two she would spot him and avoid him. But fate was a funny thing not only did Hinata run into Sasuke, but his wife too and all in the same day at the same time. "Right I really think I am left over here." Hinata said pointing down, "I'll just be going…" she said then pointing back to where all the people were at and began to walk away.

The brunette smiled "No not until you listen to me!" she demanded furious, Tenten was so upset at Hinata because she understood that she was gorgeous there had been no chance between the two, it was clear why Sasuke preferred her bed leaving her alone on countless nights.

Hinata knew that she had to leave, "No you listen." Hinata said with authority "I have nothing to say to either one of you and if you two continue with this I will have to as security to escort you out of my sister's wedding!" Hinata said

"Is something wrong?" came the smooth voice of the laid back Nara, he noticed that both women were in rage and the man was glaring at him. Shikamaru ignored the two strangers and walked over to Hinata "Hey Ino is looking for you." He said making sure that the two heard.

The bluenette nodded and looped her arm into Shikamaru's "Enjoy the rest of the evening…" she said and walked away with her old boyfriend and once they were at a distance Hinata asked "Is Ino really looking for me?"

"Nah she asked about you, but it wasn't too important… who were they?" he asked his other hand in his pocket "If I can know that is." He added noticing how uncomfortable Hinata seemed to be.

Hinata took a deep breath, "Can we go inside, please."

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A/N: There will be a link to Ino's dress for those of you who want to see! And things will be coming together now since the end is just about here, and I'm pleased with the end that I've decided to give this story and we'll see how it all works out.