I sat silently and listened to Ino and Temari fret over a half-drunk Tenten while the makeup artist worked on my face. Today's the day of my brother's wedding, December thirtieth.

My soon-to-be sister-in-law woke up this morning an anxious mess, worrying about every little detail because she wants it to be perfect. When all else failed, Ino went on a liquor run and returned with orange juice, grenadine, and tequila. After two tequila sunrises, the bride calmed down at least a little. Currently on her third, the bridal party's racing the clock.

There are seven bridesmaids here, all at different points in the process of preparing for the big event: Sakura, Ino, Matsuri, Temari, Okami, Hanabi, and me.

Personally, my hair was finished being put into loose, romantic curls. A headband, as thin as can be, was also in my hair, dainty diamonds making the style a little less plain.

Once my makeup is complete, I'll need to change into my dress. It's floor length, dark green, satin, and mermaid style, with a slit cut up one side to the upper thigh. Everyone's dress is the same material, shape, and color, but the tops have slight differences to offer a sense of individuality. Mine has a strap on the left shoulder but otherwise is relatively simple. After all, it's not my day to shine.

Inwardly, I know I should only be thinking about Neji and Tenten, but being surrounded by such beautifully crafted bridal attire and decorations made me as green as my dress. It's been over a year since Naruto and I moved in together. Each day I spend with him, Hanabi, and Shinzo makes me so happy I could cry. That's why I feel like such an awful person for wanting even more.

How selfish can I get?

Logically, I know the blue-eyed man loves me, and he's assured me a few times, both warranted and not, that there isn't anything to worry about, but I can't help it.

Only two of us don't have beautiful rings on our fingers: me and Matsuri. I glanced over at the shy brunette, who was having her hair curled nearby, and recognized the uncomfortable expression on her almost sad face. She's undoubtedly having just as hard a time as me.

Truthfully, we all know Gaara bought a ring just weeks after she woke from her coma. Temari helped him pick it out and told everyone, even though her little brother asked for it to be kept a secret. The only one who doesn't know is Matsuri herself. Gaara's just waiting for the right time. According to his sister, he has already planned a specific day.

What if those two get engaged before Naruto and me?! Sighing softly, I closed my eyes and tried to calm down. It's unhealthy, not to mention rude of me to think of things that way.

"And…. Finished. You look beautiful!" The artist snapped me out of my anxiety-induced daze.

Smiling gratefully, I slightly bowed toward her as I rose from my seat, "Thank you for the help."

The sound of Tenten being corralled into a makeup chair met my ears, but I didn't look back. Instead, I found the garment bag with my name on it from the rack by the wall and took it into a changing room. Sakura was already inside, shooting me a short glance before returning to her task of trying to zip up the back of her dress.

The pink-haired woman's dress was sexier than mine. It had a triangle cut-out below her breasts that ended above her navel, showing a sliver of her toned midsection in a way that remained classy. She initially opposed the dress, but Tenten and Ino refused to let her pick a different one.

"Here, let me," I hung my bag up and wandered over to assist her.

They're correct that the woman looks gorgeous in the dress, too. Sakura looks slender, feminine, and chic. Add flawless makeup and hair to the attire, and even I'm in awe of her beauty. Sasuke's not going to be able to take his eyes off her, that's for sure.

Once properly zipped up, she motioned for me to begin changing so she could assist me if needed, "Thanks, Hina." I offered her a warm grin but didn't verbally respond. When I slid my dress on, Sakura zipped up the back without waiting to see if I wanted help. Then we wordlessly put our shoes on, a pair of three-inch, green, velvet heels with a strap around the ankle made of elegant pearls.

I glanced at the pinkette's hand as she worked on tying the small bow at the back of the shoe. Sasuke couldn't have found a more perfect ring. It was a soft gold band manipulated to make it look like vines and leaves were climbing the sides before elegantly leading off to a few small, delicate flowers and a large round diamond centered masterfully. Tiny pink sapphires decorated the miniature flowers, leaving the overall appearance to suit Sakura to a tee.

I'd never tell her this because she'd only stress about it, but the Uchiha man had to have spent at least five thousand dollars on the piece of jewelry. I know so because I've been so obsessed with whether or not Naruto will ever propose that I've done a little browsing to torture myself further.

"Oh, Hinata, thank God! Can you see if the guys have anything to eat in their dressing room? Tenten overdid it," Ino put her hands together pleadingly, blue eyes wide and watery. Behind her, Temari was trying to keep hold of the bride's hands so she wouldn't mess with her hair or makeup while the artists worked. Tenten was drunkenly complaining, voice wavering and slurred.

An opportunity for a breath of fresh air outside the busy room came as a relief, so I nodded and excused myself.

A frown found itself on my mouth once I was alone, walking through the long hallway toward the venue lobby in search of one of the guys. The makeup made my face feel heavy and weird, and the fact that the dress was sleeveless in the dead of winter didn't offer any comfort.

"H-Hina!"

Naruto's surprised voice pulled me from my stupor, making me realize I'd arrived in the lobby, where he and Sasuke were standing near the table holding the guest log.

My heart all but exploded in my chest. He looks incredible. I don't recall seeing him wear green before, but it suited him surprisingly well. Seeing him in a suit isn't all that odd because of his job. This is a tuxedo, though, and it makes me want to pull him into one of these empty rooms to show my appreciation for the visual dessert.

Then Naruto was holding my hands, standing before me with wide eyes, "You look so beautiful!"

Blush arose on my cheeks, "You look handsome." Typically, he'd bashfully fidget with his messy hair or try to laugh it off, but his hair was tamed for once, slicked back out of his face, so he simply continued to stare. I couldn't feel the cold anymore because his unrelenting gaze made me panicky.

Nervous, I glanced between him and Sasuke, who watched us with an annoyed expression as though he thought we were too corny. (Like he has any room to talk! When he's with Sakura, he's an entirely different person. She can barely lift a finger if he's around because he won't let her.)

"Do you guys know where I can find some food? Tenten, uh…. She had a couple drinks."

Neither man said anything or moved until Naruto tore his gaze from my face to shoot the Uchiha man a glare, "You heard her, Pretty Boy. Go find some food!"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, but he headed down the hall to the room the guys were preparing, "Just wait until this wedding's over, Dumbass."

When he was out of earshot, my boyfriend faced me again, his lips tugging into the handsome smile I'm so used to seeing. He leaned down to kiss me, a warm-sounding hum rumbling his chest. The way he's acting isn't all that out of character because he's a big fan of offering words of affirmation, but there was something different about the look in his eye when he pulled back.

"Naruto…. Is everything alright?"

His grin fell before he laughed sheepishly, kissing me quickly once more and releasing me, "Just a little anxious, I guess. I've never been to a wedding before, much less been a groomsman."

All of us attended two dress rehearsals, but I can understand where he's coming from. To cause disruption, unintentionally or not, on one of the biggest days of someone's life would be an awful experience for everyone involved.

"Hinata, you look great!"

The two of us turned to see Kankuro approaching, a white box in hand, as Sasuke walked beside him with a frown. The elder Subaku brother looked me up and down before elbowing Naruto in the ribs, "Bro, you better lock 'er down soon, or I'm gonna make a move."

My face paled rather than blushed as he unknowingly brought up the thing that's driven me crazy over the past few months, "I-Is that for Tenten? Here, I'll t-take it. Thank you!" "Oh, yeah! It's donuts-"

Without waiting for further pleasantries, I accepted the box, turned, and walked briskly back to the bridesmaid room. I felt like an idiot immediately because those three men are probably wondering what the hell's wrong with me.

Ino snatched the box away the moment I stepped inside, "Good, it's pastries. She'll sober up in no time!"

The champagne warmed my cheeks as I watched dozens of couples dance in the center of the floor. Tenten and Neji's wedding went perfectly with the new husband and bride amidst the others. The reception hall was large, with white tables scattered throughout. Most of the guests and wedding party were either dancing or at the open bar drinking. Subtle party lights flashed and colored the room, but the actual venue's lights were dimmed low.

Matsuri sat beside me, looking about as tipsy and uncomfortable. Gaara and Naruto were getting another round of drinks, leaving us to wallow in our self-pity in their absence.

"Am I stupid for wanting to just elope with him or something? I know we're only eighteen, but I-I mean, it's Gaara. There's no one else…." The two of us have bonded more since she woke from her coma than ever before because of our shared relationship anxiety.

I tried to be reassuring for her sake, "We shouldn't rush. We're still young. Besides, you deserve a wedding, not a courthouse marriage." I should really take my own advice. It's not like we've been dating for years upon years. I'm only upset about it because my other friends are doing it. It wouldn't be on my mind if they weren't all engaged.

That's a lie, of course. Even if every single one of our friends were simply dating, I'd be fretting over whether or not Naruto will eventually ask for my hand. How can I not? I mean, my life is a million times better with him in it, and I love him more than anything in the world. The thought of him someday leaving is enough to send me into tears, and it hasn't even happened yet!

The DJ didn't play another song when the fast-paced one ended. Instead, he picked up the microphone and cheerfully announced, "It's time for our lovely bride to toss the bouquet! All eligible women, please come to the center of the dance floor!"

I rolled my eyes, shoulders slumping further, only to squeak when Matsuri grabbed my arm tightly, "C'mon! One of us is getting that bouquet!" When she's drunk, she's an entirely different person. It's almost as if she adopts her future sister-in-law's personality.

Sighing, I tossed back the rest of my champagne and let her drag me out to the floor, where more than a dozen other ladies were excitedly grouping up.

Tenten looks stunning in her off-shoulder, lace, long-sleeved, winter-style wedding gown. She was the picture of happiness as she beamed at us all, "All I ask is that if you girlies are gonna fight over it, let us know now so we can record it!" A warm wave of laughter filled the room from the ladies around me and the rest of the guests, who were standing around us to watch the traditional event.

Matsuri released my arm as the bride turned her back to us, preparing to toss the elegant bouquet of roses.

My instincts screamed to observe carefully so I could snatch it out of the air, but as I stood there, I realized something. I don't want to catch it. No, because then Naruto might propose only because he feels pressured and obligated. I want to be his wife, but only if he makes that decision on his own.

That's what love's all about, right? Respecting and caring for one another, even if it means suffering for the other's sake.

A wave of calm and acceptance came over me, my lips tugging into a small smile as the crowd began counting down from ten, my gaze falling to the floor in a daze. I can wait forever for Naruto if that's how long he needs. In the meantime, I'll continue doing my best to give him a happy life. Lord knows I appreciate everything he brings to the table.

Suddenly, I became aware that the room was silent rather than cheering like I expected because Tenten should've tossed the flowers already. When I lifted my gaze from the floor, the air in my lungs evaporated. My new sister-in-law stood before me, the bouquet in her hands like an offering.

Tears were in her eyes, smile as wide as can be. I accepted the item unconsciously, brow furrowed confusedly. "Wh-What's…?"

"Hinata." Naruto's voice suddenly came from behind me.

Startled, I nearly dropped the flowers and fumbled to get a firm grasp on them as I turned. The image I've been dreaming of was before my eyes. The handsome blonde man was on one knee, a pretty diamond ring nestled in a dark blue box in his hand, and a look of nervousness on his face.

This time, when my grip failed on the bouquet, I didn't bother trying to catch it. It fell silently to the floor as I brought my hands to my mouth in disbelief.

"I don't come from a good family. I suck at cooking, and I'm a real ass in the morning."

Tears welled in my eyes, and my hands shakily fell to my sides. They thickened when she realized the blue-eyed man was trying not to cry, too.

His voice wavered as he continued, "Not a day goes by that I don't wonder how I managed to get a woman so far out of my league." A few soft laughs dusted the quiet air from the onlookers, but I could only focus on Naruto.

"I promise to love you, Hanabi, and Shinzo 'til the day I die, so please say you'll marry me!"

Then I was crying, nodding, and allowing him to put the ring on my trembling finger. The crowd surrounding us clapped and cheered, but it was all background noise. As soon as the piece of jewelry was in place, I glanced at it before meeting my new fiance's gaze and throwing my arms around his shoulders to kiss the living daylights out of him. He smiled into it, arms firmly wrapping around me.

An hour later, once the shock managed to pass, Naruto pulled me down to sit across his lap when I returned from the ladies' room. I grinned happily, kissing his cheek with a hand on the opposite side of his neck.

He made a warm sound, holding my wrist loosely, "Sorry it took so long. I've had the ring for over six months. I just couldn't gather the courage to ask!" Naruto's voice was raspy and a little shy. Obviously, he'd been drinking because he gets all romantic and cheesy when drunk. Well, more so than usual.

My hand slid up his neck to cup his jaw, turning his face toward me, "I love you." I kissed him. When I pulled away, a slight red charmingly tinged his cheeks.

After a moment's pause, he tilted his head and beamed, "Let's get married soon, okay? I don't wanna wait!"