Disclaimer: I didn't own Naruto when I first wrote this story and I certainly don't now either.

Dedication: To everyone who read, reviewed and suffered through the horrible spellcheck-less story this once was.

Category: PG-13, Sasunaru

SASUNARUSASUNARUSASUNARU-

What happens when it's just...over?

The final steps to return to Konoha were a lot harder to take then the first steps out. That is, because now I would have to see the faces of the people I betrayed. Their looks of anger, ignorance and... Pity. I don't want to see him either. He is the last person I ever want to see again. I know I will, but I'll avoid it at all moments possible.

Though I'll never admit it to him, he is truly the only person I am afraid of. Fear because it is only him who had the power to save me from making the biggest mistake in my life. Fear because it is him who I will never accept what I've done.

Hope...is something I've lost faith in, or maybe I just never had any to begin with. Hopes and dreams are what are supposed to make up your life happy, and I've never had any. He does though. So many hopes and so many dreams. Maybe now, if even from a distance, I can see a few of them come true. After so many years and training and strengthening, I finally achieved my goal. A goal that I would never wish on another person.

"One more step and you'll be dead." I tensed immediately before relaxing and then stiffening again. Though his voice had changed over the last four years some, and it was covered by a mask, I would never forget it. It was the last person I ever wanted to see but the first person I thought of each day as I awoke. Uzumaki Naruto.

"State your name and purpose for being here. As well as what village you represent. Failure to do so will result in injury before you will be contained and brought before the Hokage of Konoha."

"I am returning from a long journey. I represent the village of Konoha, a jounin shinobi."

I flinched as a shuriken whizzed by my cheek. I was amazed more then anything, it had been a long time before anyone had managed to surprise me and I hadn't even sensed Naruto moving.

"I said report your name."

"Uchiha Sasuke."

"Very well. The Hokage will wish to speak with you then. Please proceed to the headquarters."

The coldness in his voice didn't surprise me really. He had been like that since he'd been forced to kill Orochimaru and return me to the village. It stung though to feel it coming from him, the only person who could really affect me. Just as quickly as Naruto had appeared, he was gone.

SASUNARUSASUNARUSASUNARU-

Naruto POV-

"Tsunade-baaba, Sasuke has been seen approaching the village. When asked his purpose he replied to be returning from his journey. I reported for him to come here immediately."

"Hmm. Well, that ought to make things around here a bit more interesting."

"What was that?" I asked.

"Oh nothing. Thanks Naruto, you can return to your headquarters now, or if you wish you can remain here for his questioning."

"I wouldn't stay here if you forced me to."

"So you say as much. But regardless, you're free to go. Ja."

"Ja."

SASUNARUSASUNARUSASUNARU-

Back to Sasuke's POV-

"So our last Uchiha has finally returned. Does this mean you've reached your... goal?"

"Hai, Itachi has been... dealt with. Konoha will never need to fear his wrath again."

"Hmm... It's not his wrath I really worried about. More like a certain fox boy..."

"What was that?"

"Oh nothing. Just the ramblings of an old woman. So are you to finally here to remain or are you going to disappear on us again one of these days?"

"I am here to remain. Is it to much to ask to hear about what I have missed?"

"No, have a seat Sasuke-san. It's going to be a long story."

"Hai..."

"To begin, I'll tell you to listen to the entire story before making any judgment on anyone. I'm not going to bother telling you what went on with anyone except Naruto, as I doubt you'd care much anyway. For the more simple facts, Naruto is the captain of my hunter-nin's, while Shikamaru commands the ANBU. It is a position many felt he probably deserved years earlier then he ever got it. You're very lucky that Naruto protected you."

"Nani?"

"It is only because of Naruto's trial on your behalf that you were not pronounced an S Class missing ninja. Regardless that I knew where you had gone, it would have been for other's protection. Had Naruto not risked everything he had - he would've been sent to kill you."

Before I could even fully grasp this knowledge a yellow and red blur streaked past me, and leaped upon Tsunade-sama.

"Grandmother!" It cried hiding itself behind her. "Don't let the mean man get me!"

"Where is the brat? I swear I'm going to hang her up by her toes Tsunade-sama! If she wasn't Nar-... why hello Sasuke. Nice to see you've finally returned."

"Kakashi, Tsuki-chan is behind the chair."

"Noooooo!" "Tsuki" cried, while attempting to make a run for the door, unfortunately for her, Kakashi managed to catch her.

"Remind me why I baby sit this brat again? Me. Kakashi."

A sniffle brought his attention down to the small girl he was still holding on to around the middle.

"But Uncle Kakashi I thought you loved me."

"Hai... remind me why again you little pain?"

"Because of Daddy?"

"No, you can think of a better reason then that."

"Because I'm so utterly cute and adorable?"

"No...That wasn't it either..."

"Grandma! Make him be nice to me." Tsuki cried as I sat there in complete amazement. Something about this child captivated my attention. Her blonde hair was pulled back into two long pigtails, and her big blue eyes made her tear-drop confessions nearly irresistible. I couldn't help it though, just seeing a small girl in Kakashi's arms and the idea of him of all people babysitting was completely amusing.

"Who's he?" Tsuki suddenly pointed to me and stopped trying to wiggle out of Kakashi's arms as she had been previously doing.

"That, Tsuki-chan is Sasuke. You remember being told about him right?" Tsunade spoke to her.

"Haiiii! He's the man that Daddy has a piktmm nmm" Tsuki started to say before a hand was clapped over her mouth. I looked up to Kakashi more then slightly confused, why did this girl know my name? Just who was she?

"Tsunade-sama, Kakashi-sensei...who is she? And why does she know who I am?"

"I was rather hoping to get to Tsuki later on in my story, but like her father, when she's around nothing goes as planned."

And suddenly...it all clicked. My biggest fear upon returning to Konoha had come true.

"She's Naruto's daughter isn't she." It wasn't a question. I already knew the answer. It was obvious now, her face shape, the exact color of her eyes... whoever the mother was... but that thought stopped. Just who did Naruto finally choose?

"Hai... his and Hyuuga Hinata's."

If heartbreak could be heard, then a thousand mirrors would be heard shattering.