Empty Eyes: The Sequel

Chapter 44

AN: I was going to end this story by fifty chapters and do a third, final book. HOWEVER, I find that I lose more readers the more I separate books in the series' that I've written in the past/am currently writing, so I'm just going to extend this one to the very end!

Hope you enjoy, and thanks for reading!

Over the next multiple days, Sasuke and I didn't talk much. In fact, I didn't speak to any men. Us women were focused on Hinata's wedding and our plan to save Itachi and Temari from their marriage. When the wedding day finally arrived, everyone was debriefed on what steps to take if and when an enemy showed themselves during the high-publicity event. In an attempt to lure the Amegakure vampires, the castle doors were less guarded than usual.

Unlike Ino's wedding, Hinata actually had a colored theme. Fittingly, it was lavender and dark blue.

The bridesmaids, Ino, Tenten, and I, were all in the same dress as well. It was dark blue, long-sleeved, and form-fitting to the waist, where it flared down in elegant waves of tule. The style was graceful and reserved, much like the bride-to-be, but still complimented the female figure nicely.

Tenten styled my hair in romantic curls with a thin braid pulling my bangs back to be tied with a lavender ribbon at the back of my head. As I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I could only think that the styling made me feel like a storybook princess. Ino certainly fit that criteria with her flowing blonde hair and flawless features.

"I hope Neji doesn't say anything to me tonight," Tenten mused concernedly.

Having her makeup done by a hired professional nearby, Hinata said, "I thought you liked him?"

She frowned with her chocolate brown eyes focused on the ribbon she was expertly curling into my hair, "I do, but he hasn't spoken to me since Obito's rescue. I saw him a couple of times in town, and he completely ignored me."

I scoffed, coming to a stand because she'd finished styling my hair, "After treating you like he has, you should be looking for him so you can give him a piece of your mind."

Ino giggled theatrically, nudging me out of the way with her hip and guiding Tenten to sit in the chair I'd previously been in, "Ladies, I love you, but you're novices. Let me tell you what to do tonight."

The brunette girl blushed when the blonde began unbraiding the intricate hairdo she'd done, running her fingers through Tenten's hair to untangle it, "We're going to make you look so irresistible, all the men will ask you to dance."

When I shared an unsure glance with the maid, Ino sighed, "Do I have to explain it where you can understand?" she huffed, "All men are possessive, no matter how much they try to deny or hide it. If he sees others giving you attention, he'll feel threatened. Neji won't have a choice but to approach you."

Tenten's blush remained, but she grinned, "Well, you did land yourself a prince, so I'll take a chance and follow your advice. Make me look pretty, please!"

Later on, it was time to line up for the wedding to begin. The Inuzuka man held my hand in the crook of his elbow. We partnered since Kiba was Naruto's best man, and I was Hinata's maid of honor. Tenten and Neji were next, followed by Ino and Sasuke.

Seeing the irritated look on the prince's face whenever my sister was close by was humorous because she talked ten times more than me. Usually, I'd feel bad for him, but he never apologized for pretty much calling me an emotional mess, so I didn't.

"You look beautiful tonight, Sakura," Kiba whispered so as not to draw attention in the quiet hallway. We were all waiting for the cue to begin walking.