Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and its characters; I also don't own His Stand in Bride by Michelle Styles which is the inspiration for this story. Any events written in the story that is similar to real life events is purely coincidental. This is not Beta'd yet.
Chapter II: Will You Marry Me
Naruto's face was aching so bad thanks to Sasuke's punch but it was still a whole lot better than receiving a fully charged chidori, yes he could block his punch but thought he deserved it for what he have done.
"You could have blocked him why did you let his fist connect with your face?" Sakura asked worriedly while helping Naruto to his fell while dabbing his swollen cheek with a cold cloth to ease the swelling.
"After what I did to Hinata chan this pain is nothing compared to the pain I caused her." He said sounding sorry for what he has done.
He was happy that his long time love Sakura has finally admitted that she also felt the same feeling towards him. But he also felt guilty and sad to the only girl who loved him blindly and openly admitted her feelings to him even though everyone detests him. Hinata who he's supposed to be marrying later that day to show his appreciation to her unrequited love.
Sakura also felt sorry to Hinata, the girl was the kindest and honest in Konoha, but Sakura had to be a bitch and took away Hinata's fiancé Naruto just before their wedding. People may call her ungrateful and selfish but she can't help it she just had to tell him the truth before he got married or the damage will be worst than what had been.
"I understand Naruto kun, I also hurt her she didn't deserve what we have done to but looking at the situation if you marry her and I admit my feelings while you're married then…we would be having an affair hurting her more." She said full of regret and sorrow.
Naruto nodded and embraced Sakura hoping that someday Hinata will forgive not only him but Sakura as well for what they have done.
Meanwhile at the Hyuuga Mansion
"Uchiha san you can't be serious right?" She said taking a seat to hold her balance. "How can you marry me when we don't have any feelings with another? If you are marrying me out of pity…it's better to leave me wallowing in self pity rather than revoking your right to find someone you will love and marry."
He took a seat opposite her placing a hand on his chin thinking about what the Hyuuga heiress just said. Sure he was marrying her out of pity and she did point out the reason why they can't work it out, but still this marriage proposal will benefit not only her but him. If she can't be talked easily then he would surely convince her one way or another for such opportunity can't be passed.
"You said that marriage is for two people who have feelings with one another, yet what happened to you? Your baka fiancé abandoned you at your own wedding day."
Sasuke didn't mean to sound rude but it's the only way to make her agree by pushing her buttons.
"Indeed you are correct that I am marrying you out of pity and completely tying myself to you as your husband, but look at the bright side Hyuuga san. You and your family will be saved from shame and as for my behalf no more pesky fan girls swarming at my feet."
His words did hurt her he was rubbing salt to her to her already wounded heart but he has a point, but what about her is she already a lost cause that she won't be able to love again and loved in return and get married for love? Hinata thought about the consequences if she agreed to his proposal or not weighing the pros and cons. Taking a risk had a slight advantage of pros against living in shame.
Sighing in defeat she said, "Saying I agree to have you as my substitute husband…how about the paper works regarding this marriage?"
He didn't want to admit it but Hinata made a fine point, indeed there were paper works before and after the wedding for legality purposes. Hinata was an heiress from the Hyuuga clan the most powerful and influential clan in Konoha while he was Uchiha Sasuke the last of the Uchiha clan with money enough to last three lifetimes. Surely strings can be pulled regarding this dilemma.
"Your clan is the most powerful and influential and I have all the money of my clan and both of us know that when there is power and money fixing a small thing such as paperwork would be a piece of cake." Sasuke said in a boastful tone of voice.
Hinata knew he made a point but her father and elders will they agree to this?
"I admire your intelligence Uchiha san, but what about my father and elders convincing them won't be as easy as convincing me."
He scoffed saying, "Let me handle that it is my problem not yours." He glanced at the clock and said, "We only have an hour and a half left before the wedding, how about you worry about how will you look and let me handle the rest. This is our wedding I would not want to see a tear soaked wife at the altar if there is anything I would like see it will be your smile and beauty in that dress." Pointing his finger at Hinata's wedding kimono.
Sasuke stood and was about to leave by the window but he forgot something to make their engagement official, he looked around the room and saw a red thread and took it cutting two pieces tying one piece to his right ring finger and the other he held out while kneeling on one knee in front of Hinata.
Hinata was shocked by his gesture and let him continue afraid to ruin his moment.
"I know this is very uncharacteristic of me but this is necessary for us even though it was out of convenience, this is the best I can do in such short notice. I can't promise you love you so dearly deserve for I am incapable of feeling it with all the painful experiences I had, but I can promise you one thing to give my loyalty and honesty as your husband." He cleared his throat before continuing for that was the best speech he can give for he never thought he would be doing this in his life. "Hyuuga Hinata will you give me the honor of marrying me Uchiha Sasuke last of the Uchiha clan."
Author's Note: Thanks for the warm reception by giving reviews, following and putting it on your favorite list. Sure Naruto was done but fanfiction will never have an ending and the ending of Naruto sucks that is why I immediately wrote chapter 2 for everyone for Sasuhina rules even though it was Naruhina in canon. Again reviews and a beta reader will be much appreciated, I am not a review hugger but seeing many reviews inspires me to write a new chapter. Suggestions are always welcome if you want to see a particular scene or pairing just write it in the review and I'll see where I can incorporate it in Substitute Husband.