Colliding Paths: AU SasuSaku

Bonding with the Nephew

Two months flew by in a whirlwind of preparations and anticipation. As the day of Naruto and Hinata's wedding arrived, Sakura found herself reflecting on her own upcoming journey down the aisle with Sasuke.

In the bustling bridal suite, where Hinata was surrounded by her bridesmaids, Sakura stole a quiet moment with Sasuke by a window overlooking the garden. The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the room.

"So," Sakura began softly, turning to Sasuke as they stood side by side, "walking down the aisle together... it's coming up soon."

Sasuke nodded, his expression thoughtful as he glanced at her. "Yeah, it is," he agreed, his voice low but filled with warmth. "Are you nervous?"

Sakura smiled, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "A little," she admitted honestly. "But mostly excited. How about you?"

"I can't wait," Sasuke replied sincerely, his hand finding hers. "We've been through so much already, and this feels like the perfect next step."

They shared a moment of quiet understanding, their hearts beating in sync with the promise of their future together.

-

The day of Naruto and Hinata's wedding dawned bright and clear, the air filled with anticipation and joy. Friends and family gathered in a picturesque garden, adorned with flowers and draped in delicate fabrics, for the outdoor ceremony.

As the music swelled, signaling the start of the procession, Naruto, beaming with happiness, walked down the aisle with his best man Sasuke by his side. Sasuke's presence was a testament to their enduring friendship and shared experiences.

Following them, Hinata appeared, radiant in her bridal gown, escorted gracefully by her father. Her gentle smile mirrored Naruto's joy, their love sensible as they approached the altar where Naruto eagerly awaited her.

The ceremony proceeded beautifully, with heartfelt vows exchanged between Naruto and Hinata. Naruto promised to love Hinata more than ramen, drawing laughter and applause from the guests. Hinata, in turn, vowed to make ramen for Naruto every day, a promise that elicited smiles and touched hearts.

Throughout the ceremony, Sasuke stole glances at Sakura, his heart swelling with pride and love for her. They exchanged knowing looks that spoke of their own journey towards marriage, reaffirming their commitment to each other in silent understanding.

After Naruto and Hinata were pronounced husband and wife, the guests erupted into cheers and applause. Sasuke offered Naruto a heartfelt handshake and a nod of congratulations, while Sakura embraced Hinata warmly, tears of happiness shimmering in her eyes.

As the newlyweds took their first steps together as husband and wife, Sasuke and Sakura watched from the sidelines, their hearts full of joy and anticipation for their own future together. Hand in hand, they knew that their own wedding day, not far off now, would be a celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of their lifelong journey side by side.

---

With Naruto off on his honeymoon for a well-deserved break, Sasuke found himself shouldering extra responsibilities at work. As a senior member of the police force, he was accustomed to managing pressure, but the absence of his best friend and partner added a new layer of intensity to his days.

The office buzzed with activity as cases piled up and demands for attention increased. Sasuke, always focused and determined, navigated through the workload with precision and efficiency. His dedication to duty never wavered, even as he occasionally glanced at a framed photo of him and Naruto, a reminder of their shared bond and the trust they placed in each other.