Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 24

I appeared at Itachi's side, slightly disappointed that he didn't react, except to catch me before I hit the ground. "Couldn't help yourself, could you?"

I smiled up at him. "You know me... I thrive in chaos."

He chuckled and looked past me. "Sasuke..."

Sasuke averted his gaze. "Hn."

I pushed away from Itachi and punched Sasuke's shoulder. "Be nice, you two... see you in a bit."

I left the room and went down a couple of passageways. When I made it to my designated area, I grimaced as eager eyes fell on me. Aya rushed to me. "What in the hell were you doing? You're late."

I pouted. "Was considering not coming, but someone caught me, so now I'm here." I looked at Chihiro sitting beside the vanity. "How are you feeling?"

She giggled. "Good as new... now sit so we can get you together."

I plopped into the chair. "Will you two never tire of trying to dress me up?" They grinned at each other before turning to me. "Ugh... fine."

Three hours later, I looked into the mirror, butterflies fluttering in the pit of my stomach. "Thank you guys..."

They looked up from their places, smug, for once they had won part of the battle. I was in a long kimono of the palest lavender, golden phoenixes embroidered along the seams. My nails were no longer the dark hues I had grown accustomed to. They were now tipped in white with a golden border. Chihiro had braided my hair in such a way that it looked like a crown with a waterfall of curls down my back.

She pinned Kushina's hair pins into it nearly in tears. As much as I protested, I was in heels, the same lavender as my dress, I could not fathom how Aya had managed to find them. They had convinced me to put on eyeliner and light lipstick, but I frowned as I looked in the mirror. Something was missing. I rummaged through Chihiro's things and pulled out what I was looking for. I carefully applied a golden line above the black and sat back, liking the results. It accentuated the golden ring Kurama left around my right eye at the age of four.

There was a tentative knock at the door, and Aya pulled it open as Chihiro began to fuss over my hair again. She was more nervous than I was. I smiled at Pein and Minato through the doorway. Minato stepped in. "Ready?"

I spun in my chair. "Are you?" He chuckled also close to tears. "Don't do that..."

He shook his head, and I looked at Pein. "You look beautiful..."

I twirled. "Think so?" I saw his shadow of a smile and looped my arms in theirs. "Where's Ibiki?"

They guided me into the hall where he stood, holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers that matched my kimino perfectly. "You look good, brat."

I smiled and took them from him. "These are perfect..." Now I felt a lump in my throat, surrounded by the men who were my fathers over the years. I blinked back the tears, knowing Chihiro would kill me if I messed up what little makeup I had on. "Okay... let's do this."

They escorted me to a large entryway, and I heard a soft melody through the door. I took a breath to calm my trembling. As the doors opened, I was met with proud stares, but I focused on one set of eyes at the end of the aisle. His expression went from worried, to astonished, to joy and lust. I smiled at him softly as I saw him blink rapidly, subtly wiping his eyes as everyone's attention was on me.

We started down at an achingly slow pace, but I went with it. I felt unrest and looked at Naruto on the other side of the altar, glancing back and forth between me and Sasuke, who was behind Itachi. Remember your promise, Little Bird...

He shook himself and looked at me, a smile on his lips. I remember...

I nodded at him, and we finally made it to the altar. Tsunade smirked down at me. "Who gives the bride away?"

"We do." The chorus of proud men around spoke before each shaking Itachi's hand. He held a hand out to me, smiling, and I took it. I looked at Sasuke, who averted his gaze, but I didn't miss the happy look in his eyes.

The procession was a blur, but I didn't care for remembering those details. What was important in that moment was the man standing across from me. We said our vows and exchanged rings, and he raised an eyebrow impressed by what I had for him. It was a simple silver band, diamonds along the center, stopping at where our clan symbols were intertwined.

Tsunade's voice cracked a bit. "You may kiss the bride."

Itachi leaned in and kissed me hard. I pulled back, smirking. Patience, Uchiha... We turned to those gathered to witness, and I noted every woman was in tears, even Konan. The sight was beautiful, and we went back down to ailse into the area that was set up for the reception, and we received our guests, all happy for us.

Minato had recovered from the tears I saw earlier, but Naruto was ugly crying when he approached.  I took a step back. "Ruin this dress, and I kill you, brat."

He wiped his face and hiccuped. "I'm just so happy for you, Sis."

I nodded and patted his head. "Thank you, Little Bird."

Minato dragged him away and returned, eyeing where Sasuke was standing off to the side with his mother. "How'd you manage that?"

I smirked. "I have my ways, Old Man."

He looked over at Naruto, who was purposely keeping his distance. "Yes, I see."

I looked up at Itachi, who nodded, and we left him. "Mikoto... you look amazing."

She turned and started a new stream of tears. "You look perfect. You both do..."

I blushed slightly. "Thanks..." I looked at Sasuke. "And thank you for coming as well... it means the world to us."

He smirked. "Couldn't miss your big day." He looked between us. "I'm really happy for the two of you, but..."

Itachi shook his head and held out his hand to him. "We understand." Sasuke took it, and we were outside of his new hideout.

I hugged Sasuke. "Be safe, Little Brother."

He hugged me back, hard, and looked at Itachi. "Take care of her."

Itachi hn'd in response, and I released him, finally allowing myself to cry. "If you need us... we will come, promise." I pulled him down and kissed his forehead.

He blushed and nodded. "I know."

We watched him go, knowing what awaited him soon. Itachi pulled to him and kissed the top of my head. "He'll be okay."

I smiled at him sadly. "I know..."