Steadfast

The wedding day. It is said to be one of the more pressing rites of passage in a young woman's life. A drastic event that serves as a milestone or even an event to check off one's bucket list. It is not something to be taken lightly. Marriage is sacred. It is special. It is a monumental occasion.

And Sakura has to remind herself of this while pinching herself frequently and swallowing down the urge to vomit every ten to fifteen minutes. This was her day, as unbelievable and nerve wracking as it way, this was it.

"Honestly forehead, if you keep frowning like this, we'll never get finished in time…" Ino had been both a saving grace and monster for the trembling Haruno. Really, Sakura had no idea how she would've survived if not for the constant encouragement and verbal beatings from her blonde best friend.

Currently in the process of applying a face of makeup on the bride-to-be, Ino couldn't help but inwardly smile at her friend. Sakura had always been rather helpless in any and all areas of beauty. While she had this kind of exotic appearance, the pinkette just didn't have the artistic prowess to enhance her beauty or even show it off.

Praise the heavens she at least agreed upon growing out her hair for the ceremony. Ino was certain she'd be unable to stomach those choppy uneven pink locks for this occasion.

"I'm sorry! I'm just…—."

"Nervous? Do tell." She had to hold back a scoff. So maybe she was still a bit bitter about losing Sasuke to Sakura. She'd only been pinning after the boy since she was a child. Longer than Sakura, she'd like to add. But the blond was intuitive enough to know that Sasuke barely even looked her way. Hell, Sasuke barely looked Sakura's way. But when he did, she could see it. The underlying hints of affection he locked away deepdeepdeeeep inside his heart. So she conceded defeat.

"It's just…I can't believe this is really happening, you know? I mean…it's Sasuke. Sasuke." Ino just groaned, rolling her pupilless eyes before murmuring for the woman to close her eyes while she brushed her lashes with mascara.

"You've been saying that for the past six months. I think I get it. It's a pretty big deal. I'd honestly be concerned if you weren't at least a little nervous. Just…I hope he makes you happy, Sakura…" There was a silence that unnerved the blonde and for obvious reasons. She'd seen and heard enough about Sakura's relationship with Sasuke to know that it been nothing short of toxic for the pinkette. The two had never even been on a date or so much as kissed.

"Yeah, me too…"

For Sakura's part, nervous wasn't a proper term. Apprehensive or even anxious would be better. She'd like to call it typical wedding jitters, as her mother described her unease but even she knew that wasn't it. This marriage would follow her for the rest of her life. She'd always be tied to Sasuke and while there was no question of whether she loved him, in her mind's eye he probably saw her as a means to an end.

'No no, I can't think like that anymore. I've had six months to get over this feeling. Now's the time to lock it away…' Or at least try to.

Six months ago, Sasuke appeared out of the blue. No one had seen or heard from him since that whole moon fiasco. Admittedly Sakura was a little sad she missed seeing him but having him at her doorstep completely erased those feelings. For a while she just stared him almost as if she couldn't believe he was right in front of her.

"Sasuke-kun!" She'd cried before succumbing to a mass of stutters that amounted to nothing more than raw excitement mixed with surprise at his presence. And he regarded her silently with an odd glint in his normally unreadable eyes before inviting himself into her apartment. She obliged him, of course, offering tea and scurrying off to the kitchen when he agreed with a barely audible grunt.

Then he did the unthinkable while she was grabbing cups from her cabinets. They were white, ceramic tea cups, a set gifted to her from her mother when she moved out. Six in total.

"Sakura," she tensed, fingers grazing the outer rim of one cup. She hummed in response. His voice sent chills up her spine. His tone was indiscernible. She couldn't pick up any hints alluding to what he might be starting to say.

"Marry me."

She now had five cups in her set.

It took a good while for her to get over the shock. Even longer for her to stop staring at the silver band adorned on her left hand. But she felt happy. So much that when Sasuke left the next day, promising to return in six months' time, she was fine with it. The pinkette was practically walking on air for the next 180 days.

And then he came back the night before.

"So what'd you two do last night?"

"H-Huh?!"

"Ah, Sakura! I told you to keep your eyes closed! Now there's mascara everywhere! Dammit, forehead! I have to do this eye all over!"

"Sorry!"

Finally satisfied, Ino allowed Sakura to take a look at her handiwork. She had to hand it to herself, Sakura looked like every woman was supposed to on her wedding day. Like a living, breathing, work of art. Sai would be so proud of her. Sakura's eyes were, by far, her best facial feature. A lot of work was put into not only making them pop but bringing out some of that hidden green pigmentation.

Her lashes were long and pink, easy to stain black along with her lash line which she extended with a short wing, enhanced by dusty pink eyeshadow. And of course, the lower lash line was traced with red. A traditional feature of most brides.

Her lips were a gradient mixture of pink hues, complimented by her naturally pale skin. She'd dusted Sakura's heart shaped features in a lighter foundation, giving her that pure white bride aesthetic that most women in their village would kill for on their wedding day.

"There. All finished. I have to say, I really outdid myself this time. But only because you deserve to look better than me at least once, forehead." Unable to resist the playful jab at her friend, Ino chuckled and placed her hands on the girl's thin shoulders. But when she peered into the reflection and caught Sakura's eyes brimming with tears, she had to blink back her own.

"C-Come on forehead, don't cry now. You'll mess up all my hard work…"

"Ino, I…thank you. Really, for everything. I wouldn't be able to go through this without you." Sakura really did try her best not to tear up but having Ino as a pillar of support for so long, she couldn't imagine a day without her.

After dabbing the tears away, she graced her best friend with a much needed embrace before continuing to get ready. The ceremony would be starting soon. And while they both agreed on a small wedding, just their closest friends and Sakura's parents, Sakura wanted to be sure everything was perfect.

Tenten and Hinata arrived with Sakura's shiromuku and, along with Ino, helped her get dressed. The white garment was trimmed in red, barring the Haruno clan symbol soon to be replaced by the Uchiha fan at the conclusion of the ceremony. She held the replacement garment Sasuke had given her upon his return the previous evening, fingers tracing the finely woven texture of the red and white fan. The robe was lightweight, made of silk. Yet as Sakura held it, she couldn't help but feel the heaviness of its meaning.

She'd soon be responsible for restoring the once great Uchiha clan. It seemed like a huge responsibility for her. Even still, she couldn't help but smile while thinking of the children she would one day mother and nurture alongside Sasuke. Suddenly, those earlier feelings of nervousness didn't seem as prominent.

"…-kura? Sakura!"

"Huh?"

"Geez, you've been spacing out a lot," Ino chided, knocking lightly on the poor girl's forehead before smiling in an understanding way. Sakura grinned despite herself, rubbing a hand over her byakgou seal while facing the blonde plus Hinata and Tenten.

"Aha, I guess I'm in awe right now."

"Mm. Well…it's about that time so we're going to head out. Good luck, Sakura!"

"You look great, Sakura. Like the perfect bride!" Can always count on Tenten to give an enthused compliment. Even more so now that she and Lee had been spending a lot of intimate time together. He's rubbing off on her. In a good way.

"I'll meet the two of you out there." And that was Hinata who, to Sakura's surprise, had played almost as big a role as Ino in all the wedding preparations. The former Hyuga heiress and now wife of Naruto presented Sakura with her wataboshi.

"If I may…"

"S-Sure…" It seemed strange but not out of place or unwelcome. After all, she and HInata had become very good friends over the years. She liked to thank Naruto for that.

"I feel as if I am indebted to you, Sakura…" She began, aligning the white hood with the collar of the shiromuku. Sakura stilled, unsure of what the woman could be referring to.

"If it wasn't for your encouragement to me and guidance to Naruto-kun, I'm not sure we'd be in the position we're in now. You truly are a great friend to both him and myself. I cannot thank you enough for all that you've done. Something this…it's the least I can do."

"Hinata…"

"I still remember what you said to me that night. As women, we have to encourage one another. So…so if you ever need someone to talk, my door is always open." When Sakura gave those hopeless romantics a push in the right direction, she was in no way expecting to be repaid. That's not why she did it in the first place. She figured if she and Sasuke couldn't have their time then another long overdue, obvious couple, deserved to blossom.

"And same to you, Hinata. Thank you."

Sasuke wouldn't call himself nervous or anxious or apprehensive. He wasn't particularly happy or excited. To him this was just any other day. Well, that wasn't completely true. He supposed the occasion held significance to him. After all, it's not every day you get married and take the first steps into restoring your clan.

Yes, it had been a goal of his since he was a child. And while the better portion of his life had been spent on the avenging aspect, the restoration still held its place in the back of his mind. He always knew he'd get to it at some point. Just like he always pictured Sakura at his side in the process.

He'd swayed from the path, at one point he even abandoned it. But she never did. She never left him, never gave up on the idea of 'them' even when all the signs told her to. Even when any rational person would've dropped him like the bad habit he was. Honestly, he at times cursed his younger self for being such a problem for her. For all the unnecessary pain and heartache he'd been responsible for.

Now was the time to make up for it, he supposed.

"You ready?" That would be Naruto's artificial hand clamping down on his shoulder, tone matching that bright grin etched on his face. His eyes brimmed with excitement and why wouldn't they? Besides Kakashi, Naruto was the only person who knew Sakura and Sasuke better than anyone. He was their biggest supporter.

"As ready as I'll ever be." He huffed, tugging slightly on his montsuki. The garments were thicker than he was used to. Though he supposed he didn't mind. The haori did have the Uchiha fan on the back. He just hoped the ceremony was short so he could get out of these heavy clothes.

"Meh, you better lighten up for Sakura-chan'ttebayo. I'll always say she deserves better than you—,"

"Usuratonkac—."

"—but I guess you were kind of made for each other. Just don't make her sad anymore." One could say Sasuke carried a chip on shoulder for Naruto's relationship with Sakura. He watched the way they worked together. He knew Naruto once carried a flame for the pinkette and even heard she'd confessed once upon a time. It took him awhile to recover from that, as much as he hates to admit it. But Sakura just seemed so natural around Naruto. So much like herself.

She wasn't like that with him.

"I know."

Naruto left with one last encouraging pat and soon Sasuke was alone, waiting for Sakura to join him to begin to procession to the shrine. She'd requested an outdoor wedding. It was spring in Konoha and the cherry blossoms had just bloomed. It was no coincidence he picked this time to come back. And they say Uchiha's aren't romantic.

"Sasuke-kun…?" He'd been glancing out at the path they'd soon walk down when her voice rung in his ears like a bell chiming for the first time. It was somewhat timid, light, but audible. Pleasing to the ears yet striking all the same. In fact, he stilled before turning his gaze toward her.

A breath hitched in his throat and that one visible eye widened but only a fraction.

Yeah, he had a lot of making up to do.

The march was quiet, save for a few birds chirping about the area. Neither minded the silence, though. It was comfortable. And even though Sakura was nervous, it barely showed. For the moment Sasuke locked eyes on her, she felt good. It was an indescribable feeling but if she had to pin a name on it, she felt accepted. Like his eyes had been closed on her for all this time and he'd finallyfinally seen her for her. Sasuke could probably have any girl he wanted but he chose her.

That thought alone caused her to grip his arm just a tiny bit tighter.

The ceremony just seemed to drag on in Sasuke's mind. It was terribly redundant and slow. Especially the sansankudo. To make matters worse he'd never liked the taste of sake. But he'd uphold the tradition for the sake of his clan and Sakura even though she too grimaced at the burning sensation that came from consuming the alcohol.

Soon after they exchanged rings which wasn't as awkward as he thought it would be. His lower left arm was artificial after all but Sakura slid the ring on with ease. It was almost as if she treated his hand like it was the real thing and maybe she convinced herself that was case to make the process as smooth as possible. He watched her face as she held his large hand within her smaller ones and noted the obvious signs of contentment expressed both in her eyes and smile.

This was fine.

"Omedetou gozaimasu."

"Omedetou gozaimasu('ttebayo)!" Cheers and claps erupted from those present as the newlywed couple turned, facing their guests for the first time. Sakura was the picture of happiness and Sasuke, well, he looked content in his own way.

"Go on and kiss her, Sasuke!" Leave it to Naruto to say something so unnecessary, is what Sasuke thought. This ceremony didn't require a kiss to seal the marriage. And he didn't do public displays of affection. Everyone should know that. Sakura knew that. Still he knew in the back of his mind she was might've been hoping for such a gesture.

"Naruto, th-that's not…" She moved to protest but stopped, feeling her hood being pushed back by his hands. The look on his face was scarily solemn and despite the implications brought on by this act, she couldn't help but feel frightened. He looked so serious but the longer she gazed at him the more Sakura came to terms with the fact that he was nervous. And her heart, as frantic as it was, grew soft in wake of his carefulness. So her eyes closed, waiting with patience for their lips to finally meet.

But the moment never came.

Instead a shrill scream filled the air. Sakura felt something was off and not just from the shriek. When she opened her eyes, instantly the sight of Sasuke's spinning Sharingan struck her as well as what snatched his attention.

Hovering above, exuding a menacing aura of murderous intent was none of than the rabbit Goddess herself, Kaguya.

"But…but how…?" Sakura was utterly mortified. Was this a nightmare? It had to be. They sealed her away years ago. She should by back where she belongs but why was she here and now of all times?

"Naruto!" Sasuke acted fast, lightning screeching from his right hand as he called for Naruto to join him for what he hoped would be a short battle. He shot Sakura a short glance, nodding for her to get safety. He in no way doubted her capabilities. But if she were to get hurt he'd never forgive himself for allowing something like that to happen.

"Sakura, hurry!" Ino called, having already ushered the pinkette's parents a safe distance from what would soon be a battlefield. And with great hesitance Sakura took the first of many steps toward her the blonde, leaving Sasuke and Naruto to do what they do best. It was hard, though. For she'd never turned her back on them. They'd always fought together.

"I don't…I can't leave them!" Firm she remained, unwilling to fle. She may've slacked a bit in her training over the years but she was still one of the strongest women in all of Konoha. The byakugo seal hummed to life as lines erupted from the diamond, soon fading from purple to black. Readying herself, narrowed eyes focused on the wayward body of the above goddess, watching her weaving in and out of her teammates attacks and waiting for an opening.

"You cannot have him…"

Sakura stiffened as if fear or some other strong emotion trapped itself within her body, halting all movement. A voice manifested inside her mind. A sinister tone that honestly made her ill. With terror filled eyes she turned to the assumed culprit only to catch the goddess glaring down on her with such intensity her knees began to tremble.

"Sakura, go!" Sasuke noticed her slowed movements and instantly urged her to leave but that look on her face struck a chord within him. She looked frozen stiff. As if she'd seen a ghost or worse. He knew he couldn't afford dawdle or worry about her right now. His main concern was getting rid of this woman. But he still couldn't shake that look.

Something was wrong.

Instead of going on the offensive, Kaguya skirted around all three of them. Her attacks were limited, mostly defensive and counter measures. They couldn't seem to land a hit on the woman nor did she appear to be aiming to harm them in anyway. This was nothing at all like their fight in the war and Sasuke had grown increasingly frustrated.

"Dammit! What the hell is she doing here?!" As had Naruto. He grunted, landing beside and panting Sasuke whose hand still chirped with Chidori. Soon they launched a joint attack with Naruto's rasengan. Only Kaguya avoided that as well, choosing to shift between dimensions, leaving the two to land quite a distance away from where they originally stood.

They kept their guard up, willing to bet she'd try to separate them once more. Only this time, Sasuke had perfected dimensional travel. He'd eventually find his way back if such were to happen. Beads of sweat eased down the sides of his face as he waited with baited breath for the portal to appear.

"…Sasuke-k–mmph!" Mix matched eyes shot to Sakura. Hands, white as a sheet, had latched on her body as Kaguya appeared from behind the pinkette. Slowly, he could see her veering back into the portal and taking Sakura right along with her.

"No! Sakura!"

"Sakura-chan!"

She struggled, both unable to break free or use any of her strength to loosen the grip on her body. She tried with all her might to at least reach out to Sasuke. To touch him. But he only seemed to grow farther and farther away no matter how fast he ran or how much she extended her arm.

"Sasuke-kun! Sasuke—!"

She was gone.

Kaguya took Sakura.

A/N: Ah, I've returned somewhat. Ever since I got back into Naruto, I haven't been able to shake writing for Sakura especially since she's way more incredible than she was a few years ago. And SasuSaku is canon! We've come such a long way, it almost brings tears to my eyes~. Now, onto the chapter. Here are a couple of notes that should help with imagery and all. I used Shinto weddings as a format for Sasuke and Sakura's marriage. The shiromuku is an all white garment typically worn by the bride during the wedding ceremony. The wataboshi is kind of like a veil as it's shape keeps anyone but the groom from seeing the brides face but it's only worn during outdoor weddings because it keeps dust and such out of the bride's face, or it's supposed to. The montsuki is darker garment the groom wears. You can do more research on Shinto weddings if you'd like but it isn't really necessary to understand this chapter.

Anyway, the second chapter is in the works annnnd yeah. That's about all I can say right now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to many more!