Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 5

He was tearing up, which made my own start to form.  "Okay... don't do that.  I'm going to need you to suck that up."

He chuckled and wiped them away.  "Okay."

Ryo got me in a chokehold while Aya scowled at me.  "Since when?"  I blinked at her question.  "When did he propose?"

My mouth formed an 'o'.  "About 3 months ago, when we first got to the Sand."

Her eyes got wide.  "And you didn't tell me."

I smiled softly at Itachi.  "We wanted everyone together, so we made plans."

Hinata giggled.  "So, you asked to be here when Naruto returned to the village."

I nodded.  "Observant."

"Then, you gave them a hard time, so we would be here."

I smiled at Konan.  "Exactly... whe-"

I looked to see Pein, Minato, and Ibiki leading Itachi elsewhere.  "Don't mind them..."  Ryo trailed after them, and I frowned.  "It's a man thing."

She pulled me to a corner, and somehow, all the females knew to follow.  I looked around suspiciously, and Aya giggled.  "So..."

I frowned at her.  "So?"

She leaned in.  "How did he propose?"

I blinked.  "Why?"

Hinata giggled.  "Was it romantic?"

I pursed my lips.  "Uh... define romantic."

Konan rolled her eyes.  "Was it at a dinner with flowers or something like that?"

I shook my head.  "I ran away from everyone once we made it to the Sand.  He found me and proposed."  Everyone looked shocked.  "Fine, I'll show you."  I opened my mind, showing me fleeing the Sand and being caught.  Then the waterfall of fire and his proposal.

Sakura swooned.  "That was perfect!"

I tilted my head.  "Why?"

She gaped.  "That sunset... that waterfall..."

I blinked at her.  "That's pretty normal for us..."  Everyone was surprised.  "What?  We've seen sun rises and sunsets all over together...  Over mountains, seas, and waterfalls.  I enjoy them, so he watches them with me.  However, he always seems more interested in watching my reaction..."

Now, some of the women had nosebleeds.  "So perfect..."

I frowned.  "I don't get it."

Chihiro hugged me.  "We don't expect you to."  She pulled me away from the group.  "I'd actually like to speak with you in a more private setting later..."

I looked at her curiously.  "Why not now?"

She smiled softly.  "This is your night, no working."  She hugged me tightly.  "I'm so happy for you.  Never thought you would say yes."

I felt him come back into the room and looked towards him, curious.  He smiled softly and turned back to the men.  "He was surprised too, actually."

She giggled.  "How did you react?"

I looked at her.  "I said yes."

She shook her head.  "Did you scream or jump for joy?"

I showed her his proposal again...

"Kunoichi... will you marry me?"

I looked down at the ring and back at him.  "Yes."

The biggest smile I'd ever seen him have spread across his face.  "Yes?"

I smiled back.  "Yes, Itachi, I'll marry you."

He lounged, and I withdrew from her mind. She was smirking.  "I don't know why he puts up with you."

I tilted my head and felt a familiar arm wrap around me and lips on my head.  "I like it."

She smiled up at him.  "You know every guy who wants to propose in here will have to beat you."

He chuckled.  "She makes it easy."

I smiled.  "See, I'm romantic all on my own he just stalks me."

Chihiro looked between us and shook her head.  "You two..."

We turned and behind us was Izumi, smiling.  "I'm happy for the both of you."

I looked up at Itachi, who nodded towards her.  "Thank you."

She nodded as well and went with Chihiro.  "So... we have to commit mass murder together for her to back off?"

He chuckled.  "Jealous?"

I tilted my head.  "Of what?"  Suddenly, we were on the roof, and I looked up at the stars.  "You know me well..."

"Hn."  He sat pulling me into his lap as we looked at the sky.

I felt his chakra signature and smiled.  "I'm happy you came, Little Brother..."

Itachi tensed, and I looked behind him into blood red eyes.  "So, you finally proposed... thought you'd never get around to it."

I stood and pulled Itachi up to face him.  "Sasuke..."

I was on the verge of tears. I was so happy.  "I thought you wouldn't... after..."

He smiled at me softly.  "I almost didn't, but you said it was important.  You were right... happy I could hear the announcement."

I smiled at him, tears spilling over.  "Thank you, Sasuke."  I looked at Itachi, who was staring at his brother.  "I'll give you some time..."

I jumped back through the window.  "Hey, Sis!  Where were you... why are you crying?"

I smiled and wiped my tears away.  "Nothing, Little Bird."

He pursed his lips.  "Where's Itachi?"

I laughed.  "How do you feel about this, Naruto?"

He grinned widely.  "I never thought you'd say yes, but I'm really happy about it.  Now he'll really be my big brother!"

I chuckled.  "He was always your big brother as I was always Sasuke's sister." 

People around us tensed as Sakura became instantly depressed, but Naruto only had a hint of sadness in his eyes.  "I'll bring him home, Sis.  He can't fall for Orochimaru's plan."

I smirked.  "Orochimaru has no clue what he's up against, but that's for another time."  Arms wrapped around me from behind, and I looked into Itachi's eyes.  How is he?

He smiled and kissed my forehead.  Better... thank you...

As the food started to be served, Mikoto pulled us to the table.  "Itachi,  you must make sure my future daughter eats... she's so small..."

He chuckled, and I rolled my eyes playfully.  Itachi... this was perfect...

He played with my ring under the table.  Yes... it was...