The day had arrived.
Weeks of planning and prep that had thrown the bride and groom. They had initially thought it would have been a small family thing, but when you run two of the most prestigious buildings in Konoha, people show up.
People show up.
By the hundreds. They had to call in the Akimichi, her aunt and uncle, and Suzu's restaurant to have enough food. Suzu's family showed up. (Suzu was a second cousin to Sakura!) Council people who frequented the restaurant showed up, new artists showed up. Half of the entire force showed up. Kakashi Hatake showed up and she screamed in excitement. Naruto showed up, a personal invitation from Suzu as a thank you for bringing them together and if that doesn't say anything about her character...
At this point, they made it a public event and moved the location to the Uchiha's biggest training ground. A bunch of kids from school showed up. People who read the newspaper article showed up. At this point she gave up trying to count them all. The chatter was loud and extensive but filled with excitement.
Because the more the merrier.
The oak trees swayed in the breeze of a near cloudless day. The white tents stood strong and lovely draped with mint green and white flowers. Supplied by Ino's family of course.
Her father was laughing with some of the officers. Her mother was talking with some of the ladies from Shika's clan. People of all different creeds and backgrounds were hear today. A civilian girl laughed at Shisui's joke, some desk nin were crowded around the real Kibbles, petting him. What a show-stealer.
And then the Hokage arrived.
He was dressed in his robes as usual, his pipe in hand. He smiled and waved and grinned as Fugaku came over to say hello. She couldn't hear what was being said, but the smile on her fathers face sealed the deal.
She took a deep breath before dipping into her senses. She was overwhelmed in seconds-in the best way possible. So many people here and all of them were excited beyond belief. They couldn't wait to see the bride, and have some of the undoubtedly free food. Some were ready to burst with joy, and others thought the decorations were beautiful. It was the best vibes she had ever felt-ever. A professional photographer, one who had gained membership at the Institute, had volunteered to take photos and was currently standing in the back.
No bad apples in this bunch.
And then Akira appeared. He looked like a model with his hair combed back and light green classy dress suit. His face was clear and glowing, his grin brighter than the sun.
People rushed over to offer congratulations to him, love thrumming off of his chakra in waves. She felt her pores cleanse themselves. This was such a turn from the depression she felt two years ago.
Akira was alive.
She grinned, the atmosphere literally infectious. But then the conversation died down, and everyone got to their seats. She shuffled into position, white dress dusting the grass and green flowers at hand in her basket.
Soft music was picked up by the band, spreading out over the now nearly silent crowd. All eyes on her in the back. Her heart thrummed in her throat as she took a deep breath.
And stepped forward.
She tossed a handful that was carried into the crowd by the breeze. She tossed a handful towards Ino, showering her family. She smiled from ear to ear as she did so, dark curly hair braided with mint green roses.
She laughed as she caught a few on the Hokage's hat, the crowd laughing softly and giggled when one landed in Shika's open mouth. Sasuke walked carefully behind her, carrying a ring with him.
And then there was her father. He was sitting in the front row, and she was approaching the end of the aisle where she would go to stand next to her mother and the other bridesmaids. He looked on proudly, a smile on his normally stoic face.
She saved the last handful for him.
She knew her time was up when the heads turned away and gasps rose from the crowd. Suzu was arm-in-arm with one of Akira's close uncles, walking down the aisle. Not a single eye wasn't on the stunning woman-a masterpiece, Akira had called her.
Tasteful makeup, sparkling green eyes that matched a green rose pinned to her bosom. Mint hair tumbled over one shoulder like a waterfall, and a flowing white dress with a tint of mint rippled in the breeze. The most beautiful thing about her was the smile curled where a humored smirk normally was.
Everyone had eyes for her-but her sight was only on the man with warm brown eyes.
She floated as if in some dream. When she finally made it to the alter, she let go and walked up the wooden steps by herself.
Akira held out his hand to Suzu. When she took it everyone let out a sigh. He helped her up as the vows were initiated and Miko couldn't help but think this wedding was bigger than the amassed people. This wedding was symbolic, the love that triumphed over social boundaries, it giving way to something beautiful. Two people who were unlikely to ever meet, suddenly looking into each others eyes like they could see the entire world.
Two people, who personified not the only the unification of two loves, but the unification of the Village and the Uchiha. Meeting in the middle. This, this was progress in it's purest form, love trumping hate.
Tears fell from her eyes. Akira was an amazing man.
"I do."
"I do."
They leaned over, kissing on the lips and eyes sliding shut. The crowd abruptly burst into deafening applause.
Who knew a guy with only one hand could single-handedly do so much?