Naruto stood on top of his father's head overlooking Konoha and took a deep breath. He had loved this view since he was a child, and it was still his favorite place in the entire village. He did a lot of thinking here, and he had made love to the woman of his dreams here. A grin crossed his face as he remembered that night; neither of them got any sleep.

Today, though, was the most important day of his life. No…he wasn't being named the Hokage…he wasn't being named the hero of Konoha…he wasn't seeing Sasuke turn over a new leaf. Today was the day that he…that he…

"Naruto!" a voice called out, and the blonde turned his head to see Kiba running towards him.

"What the hell are you doing here?" the Inazuka nearly demanded.

"Nothing…just thinking I guess."

"Are you crazy? You have to be there in thirty minutes! Come on, Hinata's never gonna forgive me if you're late!"

"Henpecked already, are you Kiba? Our little Hinata is quiet strict with you, huh?" Naruto said with a laugh.

"Shut-up, you idiot. You're one to talk; Sakura has you wrapped around her little finger."

'He's got you there, kit' Kyuubi laughed mentally.

"Alright, let's do this!" the blonde said with a bright smile.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Where the hell is my veil, Ino-pig?" Sakura roared across the small living room.

"Shut-up, forehead, I'm putting it on now," her best friend hissed right back.

Sakura was seated in the middle of her parent's living room with numerous kunoichi fussing over her. Hinata and Ayumi were making sure her kimono wasn't too long so she wouldn't trip over it, Tsunade and her mother were checking her makeup to make sure nothing look unbalanced on her complexion, and Ino was putting the finishing touches on her hair so she could set the veil on top of her head.

After the final evaluations passed, each of the women helped to settle the long, silk cloth over her head.

"You look gorgeous, my daughter," her mother said with tears in her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Sakura stood to her feet and turned to look in the full-length mirror Ino had set up on the far wall. She even took her own breath away. Ayumi had done a magnificent job on the kimono; it didn't feel heavy and fit wonderfully. Her mother and shishou had listened to her and not overdone her makeup – just enough to accentuate her natural beauty. Her green eyes were sparkling, and her heart was nearly pounding out of her chest. Yes, this is how she wanted to look on her wedding day.

"I just hope Naruto doesn't pass out when he sees you," Ino teased.

"Don't worry, he won't," Tsunade said with a confident smile.

"How do you know that, shishou?" her apprentice questioned.

"That's simple. Do you think he would dare risk my or worse your wrath for acting like a baka on your wedding day? If necessary, I even instructed Shikamaru to freeze him upright if he starts to faint!"

All the women laughed, and Sakura enjoyed the lightening of the mood. A determined look in her eyes and a smile on her face, she headed for the door.

"Alright, let's go," she said firmly, and her friends and mother followed her.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto stood at the head of a long, white aisle. He loved Sakura's idea of doing this outdoors, and it was a perfect day for it – warm but not hot. A group of their closest friends and family made up the crowd. Everyone had accepted their invitations. He smiled as he saw some of his oldest friends from Wave Country and the great Naruto bridge village. He grinned as he saw Gamakichi and Gamatatsu sitting in the back like two sentinels guarding the ceremony. Gamabunta wanted to come as well, but he and Naruto had both agreed that his presence might be a little imposing.

Running his eyes across the crowd, Naruto saw all the friends he had gained from all his adventures; he'd never have the time to name them all; but he loved every one of them. He smiled as Yukie the snow princess waved at him and winked. Shion was sitting next to her and drawing quite a bit of attention from the male attendees for her exotic beauty and priestess robes.

Naruto felt a small pang of regret that Sasuke was not here, but the teme had made his choice a long time ago, and he would have to accept that. The Uchiha was currently in the middle of a two year assignment on the opposite side of the continent – courtesy of Tsunade.

Naruto saw each of the rookie nine and their families as well. His eyes landed on the head of the Hyuuga clan, the now village elder gave Naruto a slight nod, and the blonde returned it. It was Hiashi who had led the ruling that Naruto's exile be overturned, and after his performance at the Chuunin exams, no council member was going to question that decision.

Sakura had been so happy for him that she'd nearly fucked him clear through the floor that night; her neighbors were complaining about the noise for weeks; but he didn't give a damn.

XXXXXXXXXX

Dragging himself out of that pleasant memory, Naruto saw the second most beloved woman in his life head down the aisle towards him.

Tsunade hated formal wear with a passion, but she would endure it for her wonderful blockhead. Naruto was surprised to see Jiraiya following her down the aisle. For a moment, he wondered if the two Sannin were going to do the ceremony jointly until he watched his teacher take a seat in the front row. He gave an inward sigh of relief.

Tsunade grinned slightly as she reached Naruto, and she saw his eyes asking her a question.

"Don't worry, Naruto, I wouldn't dare ask him to help me do the ceremony," she whispered with a grin.

The final few minutes ticked away, and Naruto composed himself for what was about to happen.

XXXXXXXXXX

A hush fell over the crowd as the musicians began a soft, gentle melody. The blonde's palms were soaked, but he forced himself to calm down.

'Calm down, kit, you feel the same way I would if it was Kyoko walking down that aisle; it's means you're ready.'

'Thanks for the vote of confidence, fox.'

The procession began as Shikamaru escorted Temari down the aisle. Like Naruto, he was dressed in the traditional black outer kimono with a white under kimono. Sakura had chosen a mixture of lavender and cream colors for her bridesmaids' kimonos, and it looked lovely.

The pair separated as they reached the front of the aisle. Shikamaru took his place several steps behind Naruto, and Temari took her place at the end of the opposite side. The next couple was Kiba and Hinata, and Naruto grinned inwardly as he remembered their ceremony a little over a month ago. They both looked a lot less nervous since this wasn't their wedding, and Kiba looked a lot more confidant as he led his wife down the aisle. The pair separated before reaching Naruto, and now, it was Ino and Chouji's turn.

It had caused quite a stir when their relationship had become public knowledge, but Ino vehemently showed that she didn't give a damn about how people felt. When the rumors began to circulate, Ino had grabbed the bull by horns and practically made out with Chouji in the middle of Konoha's market during a busy day. After their public display of affection, Ino had laid down the law and said that anyone who didn't approve of their relationship could kiss her ass. Since then, no one had questioned their seeing one another.

As the couple separated, Ino winked at Naruto, and he returned it. She knew he was waiting to see Sakura.

The second to last couple made their way down the aisle as Gaara escorted Sakura's mother. Once at the front, Mrs. Haruno released his hand and took her seat while Gaara took his place at Naruto's side as his best man.

XXXXXXXXXX

The music stopped and silence fell over the crowd as Sakura's father began to lead his daughter down the aisle. The music began again, but Sakura didn't notice. Her eyes scanned through the crowd at all the people she had met since she was a young ninja until they finally came to rest on the man she had chosen.

Naruto's eyes were locked on her own and never wavered. He looked beyond handsome in his wedding kimono, but he had Ayumi make a very special addition. Embroidered across the back was an incredibly realistic replica of Kyuubi; Sakura's wedding kimono also had a matching embroidery of Kyoko on her back as well. It was a tribute to the couple's closest friends – literally - , and the kitsunes were humbled by the gesture.

Sakura barely felt her father let go of her hand, and she took her place automatically without looking away from her husband. She barely registered Tsunade's words as she proceeded through the ceremony until the Hokage stated that it was time for their vows to one another.

"Sakura…" the Hokage said simply.

XXXXXXXXXX

What happened next shocked everyone in attendance – even Naruto. Sakura bowed her head and calmly knelt down. Placing her hands in her lap in the classic pose of a submissive Japanese wife – something she absolutely was not – she spoke softly yet clearly.

"I promise to do my best to be a good wife to you and make you happy. I promise to never allow harm to come to you – either by others or myself. I know that I have my faults but please accept me because I love you."

Her words stunned the crowd – including the Hokage and even her bridesmaids. Even Ino was shocked at her posture and words. She had never known Sakura to act submissive before, and here she was doing just that – for Naruto.

The jinchuuriki felt his love for his cherry blossom increase ten-fold at her wondrous gesture, but he did not wish her to believe that she needed to act this way with him. It was not who she was.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sakura's head remained lowered until she saw a hand appear in front of her face. Lifting her gaze, she saw Naruto bent forward with his arm extended like a gallant prince.

"Allow me…my lady," he said simply, and she lifted her hand to clasp in his.

Naruto helped her back to her feet but did not release her hand. Getting down on one knee, he laid a soft kiss on her hand and looked up into her now shining, green eyes.

"Sakura-chan, the only thing that would make me unhappy is if you change; you are perfectly imperfect. I love you as you are and will always do so. I promise to protect you and see to it that our life together is as happy as it can be. Never bow your head to me again. You are not lesser than me; you are my equal. Better still, you are my best friend and partner. You are my wife and my other half. Never doubt yourself, Sakura-chan, for you will always have my heart – today, tomorrow, and forever."

By the time that Naruto rose back up to his feet, Sakura had tears streaming down her cheeks, and several members of their crowds had to wipe their eyes. Even Tsunade was not unaffected by their actions.

Naruto released her hand and opened his arms. Sakura stepped forward and straight into the arms that had always been waiting for her. Their faces were inches apart and getting closer. Neither of them heard Tsunade continue.

"By giving your declarations and promises to each other in the presence of these witnesses…" she trailed as she saw neither the bride nor groom acknowledged what she was saying.

"…To hell with the details…you two are married! Now, just kiss for heaven's sakes!" she practically ordered.

Naruto needed no encouragement as he captured his wife's delectable mouth. Her hands sunk into his blonde hair, and their tongues fought an intimate duel.

XXXXXXXXXX

Cheers and whistles went up from the crowd, but the happy couple were oblivious to anything but each other. It was a good five minutes before they managed to peel away from each other, but they both just wanted to start all over again.

"I love you, Naruto Namikaze."

"And I love you, Sakura Namikaze."

Her smile rivaling the sun in its brightness, Sakura reluctantly stepped back out of his arms. At his questioning look, her smile turned into a grin, and she yanked the silk off of her head and shook out her pink hair.

"Finally!" she gasped in relief, and Naruto just grinned at her.

Cocking her head down the aisle, Sakura looked at her husband with an impish gleam in her eyes.

"Come on, baka, let's go enjoy our party," she said firmly.

Giving her the foxy grin that always made her knees weak, Naruto swept her up into his arms and proceeded to dash down the aisle with her.

"Whatever you, Sakura-chan, whatever you say," he laughed as Sakura just rolled her eyes and laughed right along with him.

XXXXXXXXXX

Author's Notes: That's it! I know you guys might have been thinking it should've been more dramatic. Let me say this, this story was only supposed to be a one-shot, and it grew from 20 pages to 180 pages. I really loved this story, and I didn't want to compromise the work by making it longer. I had always thought about the time-skip ending, and I thought it worked out pretty well. As far as the wedding, do you really think that Naruto and Sakura's wedding would ever be normal. With those two, not a chance in hell! I don't think there will be an epilogue; I'm pretty happy with ending it here.