Of Armor and Pink Petals

Chapter 30

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

The day of the wedding, Sakura was running around, helping Mito to gather things and arrange others details for Ama. She barely had time to get home and change before the wedding, so she ran.

In her house, she gathered everything she needed and went to change. Her hand caressed the red fabric and she smiled. They had really gone all out for her to feel at home. Which she did. Her smile dimmed slightly when she thought about the night waiting for her. Maybe if she was lucky she would be able to clear whatever happened with Tobirama the other night... and everything else. Shaking her head, she put on the kimono. She would welcome anything that would happen tonight. She would try to enjoy her time here and make the most of it. Looking in the mirror, she met her eyes, determined.

Sakura's smile was back on her face when she came out of her bathroom with her new kimono. She really felt like this was as close to home as she could ever be considering the circumstances. Looking on the desk, she gently grabbed the pink and emerald necklace that had been given to her on her birthday and after a moment of hesitation, she put it on. If this could help him realize that she was open to talk about the situation, she would wear it. Lie. She loved the necklace and what it represented. Sighing, she grabbed pins and put her hair up in a loose bun, leaving two strands of hair to frame her face. No make up this time.

While working on the finishing touch of her hair, Sakura was startled by a knock on her door. Walking out of her room, she went to it and opened in, knowing she was almost late. Hopefully, this would not be a medical emergency. Not knowing who could be on her front porch at this time, her eyes widened when Madara, wearing a dark kimono with the Uchiha crest embroidered on it was there, staring at her.

"Madara! What a surprise! What are you doing here?" The man tilted his head, taking in the sight of her, and shrugged.

"I told you I would accompany you to the wedding had the situation with Tobirama not been resolved by then, and I intend to keep my word." Sakura's heart warmed up and she gave him a bright smile. What a great friend he was. She had forgotten about his offer with everything that had happened since then. Bringing a hand to her heart, she sent a grateful look to him.

"Thank you... Give me one minute, I need to do a few things and I will be ready shortly." Turning around to go back in the house, she missed the soft smile that Madara gave her, seeing her family's symbol proudly standing on her back. This had been a great decision.

She went inside, tied her obi properly, made sure she looked presentable and came back moment later. Sakura accepted the arm he offered her and together, they walked to the temple, making their way inside, passing many people who were gaping at them. When they walked by Tobirama, Madara could not help the smirk that found his lips when the young Senju's crimson eyes zeroed on the crest on Sakura's back. Maybe, just maybe Hashirama, Mito and he planned the whole thing without telling the man. It was well worth the reaction they had from him. Now he would wonder what clan put their hands on her...

Tobirama was walking up the stairs of the temple when he saw her passing by. Hanging on Madara's arm. His traitorous heart leaped out of his chest when he saw the colors she was wearing and when he saw the clan insignia on her back. He did not even know which clan it was, which was even more troubling since he prided himself into having a great knowledge of them. They had claimed her so fast!

Taking in another glance of her he had to admit that she looked gorgeous. The thing he was not so fond of was the way all the men around looked at her and her backside. He realized at that moment that he was not the only one who could see her and appreciate her beauty. He had lost his claim on her it would seem. Anger flared in his heart and powerful chakra probably leaked out of him, since a large hand landed on his shoulder at that moment. He did not have to look to know that his brother was the one dragging him inside.