The music was loud and the hall packed, but the happy, bubbling atmosphere made it bearable for Tsume Inuzuka as she sat in a chair to one side, watching her son and his new wife slowly spin around the dance floor. It was a fast song that was on, but neither seemed to notice- either that, or they just didn't care- and as much as the Inuzuka woman was unhappy to let go of her little boy, she was incredibly happy that he had found someone to love. Watching them reminded her of when her husband was still around. The thought brought a sad smile to her face, and made it harder to let go.

"You can say or do what you like to me, but I love Kiba and I'm not going to let him go without a fight." Hotaru's words had surprised Tsume at the time- she had seemed a serious, stoic girl that wasn't one to express her feelings, but her resolve seemed firm as she stood in front of her. "I'm sorry that you don't like me, but Kiba does, and that's enough for me."

Tsume sighed, gaze softening as Kiba murmured something in his new wife's ear and she smiled slightly and rested her head against his chest. The bride had been flushed all evening- Tsume knew she wasn't one for public displays of affection. The awkward way she held herself during the speeches (in which Kiba didn't seem to want to keep his hands to himself) showed that much. Or perhaps she was just happy?

It was clear that Kiba was so happy that he was giddy, at least. Tsume hadn't seen him smile so much since she presented him with Akamaru all those years ago.

"It's hard, isn't it?" she looked up, seeing that Akasuna no Sasori, the ex Akatsuki that also happened to be her daughter in law's older brother. It was obvious from the look on his face that he shared her sentiments.

"I didn't realise it would be quite this difficult to let go." she murmured, and Sasori continued to watch the newlyweds. He sighed.

"I guess all we can do is leave them to it, and let the chips fall where they may." he smiled slightly, but something in his eyes showed incredible sadness. Tsume wondered if that was how she looked, too. "They don't belong to us anymore. They're the new generation, after all."

"I'm worried about Sasori..." Hotaru mumbled to Kiba as they danced. The brunette glanced over to where he saw his brother-in-law and Mother talking, and frowned slightly.

"Don't think about that right now. Enjoy yourself." he smiled at her slyly, "Hotaru Inuzuka."

She blinked and flushed, "U-urusei!" he just laughed, bending down to kiss her. Cheers and a few wolf whistles went through the watching guests, and the song drew to a close.

"Okay, the first dance is over! Everyone is welcome on the floor!" The DJ said cheerfully, and Kiba was brought out of the reverie brought on by the sight of his blushing bride by a tap on the shoulder.

"Mind if I cut in?" Sasori asked, smiling, looking handsome in a black tuxedo. "I want to dance with my little sister on her wedding day."

"Sasori, quit saying weird things." Hotaru muttered, but couldn't help but smile. Kiba went and pulled his Mother up to dance, and pretty soon the floor was full of people.

"We've come a long way, huh?" Sasori said softly, seeming somewhat sad as he reminisced, "It can't really be so many years since you were that doe-eyed crybaby who clung to me all the time."

"You're one to talk." Hotaru muttered, but was unable to feel annoyed on such an amazing day. "You've changed a lot too. You're way more open now than you were back then."

"I am?" he seemed puzzled, and Hotaru couldn't help but laugh. He hugged her tightly. "Don't forget about your ONiichan now that you have your new fancyman, though, will you?"

"Fancyman? What are you talking about, baka?" she snickered, but her throat was thick, "Kiba's anything but fancy, he still eats ramen with his fingers if he can't find any chopsticks." they both shared a laugh a moment, and then she smiled softly and returned his hug, "How could I forget you, anyway? You're my only family. Even when I hated you I still loved you."

That set him off. He buried hiis face in her neck, crying like a small child, chest aching. Hotaru sweatdropped, but patted his back and stroked his hair, the way he liked it. They knew each other better than anyone else ever could, and both were sad to be seperated. The scene represented their relationship perfectly- they behaved as though Hotaru were the elder sibling rather than Sasori. Despite this, a large part of Hotaru wanted to just hold onto Sasori and never let go.

But, just like the song, their time together had to end. Hotaru danced with many people that night, ranging from chlidhood friend Gaara, to both Naruto and Sasuke. All of the people who were important parts of her life were ushered onto the floor, and Hotaru felt that it was almost like giving her closure. Finishing one chapter of her life to start a new one.

One in her new home, with her new husband, and a new family to add to the old.

The wedding was, quite nicely (or at least, Hotaru thought so) finished with most of the adults and teenagers alike getting drunk out of their brains. Not the most elegant way to finish it, but the waiters and waitresses were quite pushy with the wine and champagne- probably because they were charging by the bottle. Both Hotaru and Kiba were feeling very fuzzy before they even realised what was happening, but it only served to brighten their already very good moods. It also helped loosen up the usually stiff Hotaru, and she found herself laughing and joking along with all of her friends in a way that was very unlike her.

She felt it in the morning, though.

"Ow..." she sat up from the floor, realising that she and Kiba apparently had deemed the bed unworthy the night before since they lay next to it in a tangle of bedcovers and pillows. She winced and untangled herslef, realising that she had no idea where anything was in this house and cursing. It was small, one storey with only one bedroom, but plenty for a newlywed couple. It's kitchen and lounge were merged into one room with a bathroom in the far corner, tatami mats covering the floor rather than carpet, but it was theirs. They had their own home to start a family in, all to themselves, and they were happy with it.

Hotaru glanced at the ring placed on her finger, then to Kiba, who lay face down on the floor, snoring. She smiled, then, rather unceremoniously, kicked him to wake him from his deep sleep. He jumped and growled, "Few more minutes, Okaasan..."

She snickered somewhat giddily, and hit him again, "Morning to you too, Husband."

He bolted upright, then cursed, clutching his head. "Itaiii..."

He looked round, noted the woman sat, arms folded, smirk on her face beside him, and immediately grinned, catching up with the current situation. He grasped her in a tight hug, laughing, "Why the heck are we on the floor?"

"Apparently the bed's surplus." she said in reply, humour in her voice. He pulled back so that he could look at her- he wanted to remember every detail of this morning, the first morning waking up next to his new wife. Just thinking that sentence brought a large smile to his face. Grinning like a madman, he just stared at her, causing her to fidget awkwardly, blushing. "What?"

"My head's killing me." he laughed, and she couldn't help but smile. She was just as happy as he was, despite the killer hangover.

"Mine too, that's why I woke you up." she looked embarrrassed, irritated at having to ask for his help, "I have no idea where anything is in this house. Where're the pain meds?"

He stood up and pulled on a t-shirt and boxers, while Hotaru opted to simply pull on his shirt from  yesterday and her underwear that she had apparently discarded. She could shower and freshen up later. He offered his had to her with a smile that made it impossible for her to refuse, and weaved his fingers with hers as he guided her through their new home in the Inuzuka complex. They had bought the place several months ago, but decided together that they should move in after the wedding. Their friends and family had helped to furnish it.

Even swallowing down the awful tasting pills with water was a strangely enjoyable event for them, in their situation. Spying a carton of apple juice in the fridge, Hotaru grabbed it and then wandered through the house, looking for somewhere to relax while she waited for the medication to kick in. She spied a couch with the small TV that had once been in Kiba's room, and went and laid down on it, settling comfortably.

"Room for one more?" Kiba asked, having quickly located his wife after she had wandered off. Hotaru complied, sitting up, then laid back down, resting her head in his lap. He absently twined strands of her hair around his finger as she channel-surfed on the television.

"Kiba?" she said into the peaceful air of the room, making sure he was awake before she continued. He hummed in acknowledgment. "Now that we're married, what next?"

Kiba blinked in confusion, wondering what she could mean. Then he smiled, "Why does there have to be a next? I'm happy like this for now."

Hotaru rolled to look up at him, surprising her spouse with the degree to which she smiled, "I'm glad you think so."

- - -

Ok... It's short, but sweet, right?

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