- I love you, Naruto - my voice came out in a pleading whisper. - Don't send me away.
- Please don't cry, darling. - His voice was a caress against my despair. - If I could, I would spare your tears for the rest of your life.
I choked, the air coming in irregularly.
- I'll never see you again. It's all my fault...
Naruto pulled me into a tight hug. And at that moment, I knew. It was the end.
- No, it's my fault. I should have asked for your hand that night in your room.
I kissed his cheek and then the tip of his nose. He ran his hand under my hair and, with a gentle gesture, joined his lips to mine.
So serene, so right. I knew for sure that, whether married to Sasuke or anyone else, no one would ever make me feel the way he did. It wasn't as if my presence made him happier; it was as if I was his world. There were no explosions, no fireworks. It was a slow flame, burning from the inside out, unhurried, but so intense.
- Do you think you'll go back to him? Sasuke?
I didn't want to talk about Sasuke now, but the thought consumed me.
- It will take time for me to get involved with someone else.
The silence lengthened as Naruto rubbed my fingers carefully.
- What if I write to you?
- If you write, you should tell Hinata.
He ran his fingers gently over my face, as if touching me with immense care.
He was saving me.
It was either that or give my hands to Karin. It was either that or see me destroyed. Away from him, my life meant his death.
- I love you...
***
I adjusted the dress with trembling hands.
- Isn't it a bit too luxurious for the occasion?
- Not at all. - Samui insisted with a confident smile.
It was late afternoon, but the clothes we'd chosen weren't for just any event. The dress, Kakashi's latest creation for me, was a dark, almost noble blue. The long sleeves seemed to match the tone of the approaching evening. I was about to return to my small village and, if my memories were correct, the snow was already starting to fall outside. To top it off, a flowing cloak awaited me, perfect for the moment I stepped off the plane. Its high collar would protect my neck from the biting wind. My hair was tied up in a braided bun - simple but elegant. I saw myself, for a moment, as a version of Izumi, but with the pink and green tones that made me unique. I looked beautiful. It was as if I had a farewell before me, a farewell to Prince Suigetsu and all the others. And Sasuke, would he follow me home?
Rin adjusted my hair clip, which was a shade lighter, making my eyes shine and the heat rise to my face. I took her trembling hands in mine and, looking at the three of them, spoke, my voice breaking.
- I'm sorry... for that day... - I didn't want to cry. - I'm sorry I acted like that.
Shizune couldn't hold back her tears and threw herself into my arms.
- We'll always remember you. - she promised, her voice full of emotion.
Don't forget, Shizune. I needed someone to remember me.
- Oh, God... Kiss Kakashi when you get the chance, for me. - she said, laughing through her tears. Shizune pulled away, blushing. - And stop cheating at poker!
I held Rin's hands and she smiled shyly.
- Send me pictures of your wedding to Obito. I know you'll look stunning.
Rin hugged me and, looking at Samui, I concluded:
- Take care of them, Sam. I'm counting on you.
We came together in a tight embrace, the warmth of our goodbyes filling the room.
- I'll miss you. - They all said, almost in unison.
- I'll miss you too. - I replied, my voice breaking.
As we walked away, the three of them headed for the door, standing together for a moment before bowing to me one last time.
Over the last few days, I had wanted to leave so many times. But now, with goodbye about to happen, I felt an unexpected sadness squeeze my chest.
I walked down the corridor, descending the marble steps with heavier steps. The great hall awaited me ahead, with huge doors that represented the end of one phase of my life and the beginning of a new and unknown journey. I looked up at the top of the stairs, hoping with a hint of hope that someone would appear there. Someone specific.
I bit my lips, feeling suddenly dizzy. No, I wasn't going to cry.
He wasn't there. There was more for him to do than just stand there waiting for me. But, somehow, he would still think of me from time to time, and that, somehow, comforted me. It had been real.
I imagined the children he dreamed of having with me, running up and down the steps, screaming and jumping. They would be Hinata's children now, and the Gods knew that the castle would need the sound of their laughter. I imagined a little red-haired girl or boy, to remind him of his mother, who had left him long ago. Kazumi, that would be her name. But she wasn't my daughter, she was Hinata's now.
- Sakura?
I gasped, almost tripping over my own feet as I turned around. There he was, at the other end of the hall. With his prince's suit, prince's smile, prince's eyes and that characteristic way of walking that only he had.
"I love you" - I wanted to shout, but I didn't move a muscle. I didn't breathe any louder as he shortened the distance between us.
- You're absurdly stunning.
I didn't say anything. I just watched him; lost in the gaze he offered me.
Suddenly, he cleared his throat and remembered why he was there.
- I spoke to my grandmother yesterday. She thought the slaps you gave Karin were unforgivable. But she agreed that they were both unsettled by what happened to Miss Ino.
I remained silent, stunned.
- Do you want me to explain what's going on?
- Please," he said, his voice low, almost pleading.
- I've decided that what happened was just an upset, something that will never happen again. I beg you, please, don't hurt my sister again. - His words floored me, as if the ground had disappeared from under my feet.
- What? - The incredulity made me hesitate, not knowing how to react.
Then he touched my face with his fingertips, as delicately as if I were made of porcelain.
- Just stay. - The softness of his voice enveloped me, and for a moment, everything around me disappeared.