A/N: Hello, hello! Let me start by thanking you all for the great response I received for my last two stories. It led to the creation of this one. For those of you who don't know, this story is the last part of a trilogy; the first of which chronologically is 'Where His Contentment Lies', followed by 'Return and Reciprocate' and then finally, this. I recommend that you read those before this for better comprehension of some things but it can still be read as a separate story too.

I got a lot of input from you all regarding what I should include in this sequel. Some wanted to see what their relationship might've been like after they got married, some wanted to see what happened before their marriage, some wanted to see me write the proposal. Some wanted to see a pregnant Sakura lol. Some of you suggested really unique things too like their honeymoon, Sakura's equivalent for Sasuke's forehead poke and more. So, I tried to include as much of all that as I could. The first 4 chapters of this story will show their pre-marital relationship and the proposal. After that, I will include one bonus chapter showing their relationship after marriage. Whether that will be set before or after Sarada's birth, I still haven't decided.

Important:
1) This story alternates between Sakura's POV (point of view) and Sasuke's POV.
2) This chapter begins with Sakura's POV.
3) .-.-. marks the end of one POV and the beginning of another.
4) Thoughts and flashbacks are in italics.
5) Words that are emphasized are also in italics.

Enjoy!

Sakura paced out of the kitchen, draping her white coat over her arm. With one last glance at the mirror, she stepped up to the door and twisted the handle, pulling it open.

Emerald met onyx.

'Sasuke-kun!' she exhaled.

'Good morning,' he smiled.

'G-good morning,' she blushed.

He had been waiting outside her house. Again. Sakura knew she should have gotten used to it by now but the sight of him outside her door still made her jump... every time.

'D-did you wait long today?' she asked worriedly.

He shook his head.

'You should've… just come in,' she continued.

Sasuke smirked. 'Soon.'

Sakura beamed.

'Come on,' he continued as he took a step towards the street and motioned her to follow. 'You'll get late.'

She nodded and the two started walking.

It had been almost eight weeks since Sasuke's return and for the past seven or so, almost every morning, Sakura had walked out of her house to find Sasuke already waiting there; at the door, or leaning against a wall, sometimes, sitting on the grass in her front yard. He would then walk with her, all the way to the hospital; sometimes chatting, sometimes just silently. He would drop her off and then dart away to whatever business he had to deal with that day, only to show up again right before her shift ended and then, he would walk her back home. On some days, he had even visited during her lunch break. Sakura had expected things to change after the events following his return but this… this she hadn't even imagined. This was perfect. Her life was perfect.

'Did you eat?' questioned his deep voice, just as it did every day.

'Yes, Sasuke-kun,' Sakura sighed playfully.

He smirked. 'What did you eat?'

'A bowl of cornflakes,' she replied.

'All of it?'

'Yes!' she stressed. 'I'm sure you still haven't eaten though, right?'

Sasuke looked at her guiltily. 'No.'

'Why do you do this, Sasuke-kun?' she groaned.

'Don't worry,' he sighed. 'I'm going over to the dobe's for breakfast after dropping you off.'

Sakura blinked. 'Really?'

Sasuke rarely ate any breakfast these days, let alone with people. The idea of him going to Naruto's to eat was certainly a pleasant one though.

'Hn,' he nodded.

She smiled. 'Say hi to him and Hinata for me!'

'Aa.'

As they entered the busier part of the village, his good hand curled around her wrist before sliding down to lock with her own. This was something he had made a habit out of too. It seemed like an effort to establish her as his in everybody's eyes, or so Sakura liked to believe. She blushed at the thought. They weren't bound by vows like Naruto and Hinata, they hadn't labelled themselves an item like Sai and Ino. They were just… Sasuke and Sakura. And they would always belong to each other.

Sasuke stopped, indicating that they had reached the hospital. Sakura reluctantly untangled her hand from his.

'Alright then,' she smiled. 'See you later, Sasuke-kun.'

Sasuke brushed aside her hair and planted a firm kiss on her forehead. 'Take care.'

Her lips parted. Now, that was something he didn't do every day. What exactly had she done to earn the extra amount of affection? Before she could voice that thought though, Sasuke had bolted off. And so, she just smiled and turned to enter her workplace. A familiar face, at the entrance, caught her eye. And suddenly, it all made too much sense.

'Hitoshi-san,' mused Sakura.

Sasuke hadn't been acting overly affectionate, he had been acting possessive.

'Oh, Sasuke-kun,' sighed Sakura.

.-.-.

Ding.

Sasuke withdrew his hand from the small button situated next to the door of Naruto's newly constructed house.

After a few seconds, the door swung open to reveal the woman who had recently become his best friend's wife. Nothing had surprised him more after his return than the fact that the dobe had actually gotten married. He had missed the wedding but he certainly hadn't missed the opportunity to use his dark sense of humor when choosing the wedding gift. He had gotten a fabric painter to design a special mini t-shirt for whenever the idiot would have a kid.

'What did you want me to write on it again?' the man had questioned in disbelief.

'My Dad is a dobe,' Sasuke had emphasized.

Naruto's reaction had been priceless. And Sasuke was sure he would return the favor when the day arrived. A day that, if all went right, would be just around the corner.

'Good morning, Sasuke-san,' greeted Hinata, bringing him back to the present.

Sasuke nodded politely. 'Morning.'

She stepped aside to give him space and he walked in.

'TEME!' he heard a familiar voice scream out and the blonde head of his friend popped out of the living room.

'Naruto-kun has been waiting for you,' chuckled the Hyuuga before walking back towards the kitchen.

Sasuke snorted.

'Come here!' urged Naruto and Sasuke complied.

He strode into the living room and found Naruto sitting at the table, smiling eagerly.

'Morning, bastard,' he said as Sasuke took a seat opposite to him.

Sasuke grunted in response.

'We're having ramen for breakfast!' grinned Naruto.

Sasuke sighed. 'Why am I not surprised?'

Naruto chuckled. 'Hinata makes the best ramen! I am so lucky to have her!'

'I… I have to talk to you,' began Sasuke, a faint blush creeping up on his cheeks.

'Huh?' blinked Naruto. 'About what?'

Sasuke's relationship with Sakura did not have a title right now. He didn't call her his girlfriend because, in his opinion, that would be demeaning. She meant more to him. Wife probably wouldn't be enough either; the right word simply did not exist. But marriage was something that would bind them in a manner that nothing else could. And he wanted that. He wanted her to be his in every possible way, and he wanted her to have the security of him being forever hers too. He wanted to marry her. He just needed to figure out how to propose first.

'Food is ready,' chanted Hinata as she entered the room with a tray.

Both men turned to her as she walked up to the table and carefully placed three large bowls of ramen on it. She then set a pair of chopsticks next to each bowl, before finally taking a seat next to her husband.

'Well, let's dig in!' Naruto beamed, grabbing his chopsticks and starting like there was no tomorrow.

Sasuke picked up his sticks and began eating as well, as did Hinata.

'Oh yeah,' spoke up Naruto, swallowing a mouthful of soup. 'What did you wanna talk about, Sasuke?'

Sasuke gulped down some noodles. He cleared his throat.

'I…,' he said hesitantly. 'Sakura…'

'Sakura-chan?' blinked Naruto and Hinata turned her attention to them as well. 'What about Sakura-chan?'

'I… want to…'

'Want to what?!' demanded Naruto impatiently. 'Tell me already, bastard!'

'I want to…'

He just couldn't bring himself to say it. His cheeks were on fire now.

'Propose,' finished Hinata.

Yes! Wait, what? How did she know? Sasuke turned to find Hinata smiling at him. He covered his face with his hands.

'PROPOSE?!' bellowed Naruto, standing up. A grin broke out on the blonde's face as realization suddenly hit him. 'You and Sakura-chan are going to get MARRIED!' he shrieked. 'You're going to have KIDS! I'm going to be an UNCLE!' he gasped. 'Hinata! You're going to be an aunt!'

'Shut up, dobe!' Sasuke yelled, also getting to his feet. 'I don't even… I don't even know how… to propose.'

'Ohhh so, you want our help! That's why you're here today!' concluded Naruto.

'Yes,' muttered Sasuke, sitting back down. 'You've already done it, so you'd know…'

'Well, not everyone is as smooth as me, you know,' smirked Naruto, also taking his seat again.

'Please,' chuckled Hinata. 'Don't listen to him, Sasuke-san. You'll do just fine. Sakura-chan will surely say yes.'

'I just want… her to feel special,' Sasuke sighed. 'How did the dobe do it?'

'I'll tell you!' said Naruto excitedly. 'I… looked into her eyes,' he started, turning to Hinata. 'And told her that… Hinata, I want to be with you until the day I die. And she understood.'

Hinata blushed.

'Yeah, I… I can't do that,' admitted Sasuke.

'Just do something nice for her, Sasuke-san,' advised Hinata. 'In your own way.'

'Hey, I know what you could do!' gasped Naruto. 'Cook a huge bowl of ramen for her and put a ring in it. She'll find it after she finishes the whole thing.'

Sasuke stared at him. 'No,' he deadpanned. 'The proposal is supposed to be for Sakura, not you. Dobe.'

'Actually, Sasuke-san,' began Hinata. 'Leaving out the rest of what Naruto-kun said, cooking might actually be a good idea. A lot of girls think it's very romantic if a man cooks for them. I'm sure Sakura-chan will be impressed too. Maybe you could invite her over and arrange a cozy, little dinner for the two of you. It'll set the mood just right for a proposal.'

For once, the idea actually didn't seem half bad to Sasuke. It would be quiet and private, just the way he liked. And he did know how to cook so, that wouldn't be a problem. Dumplings. Sakura liked dumplings. He could try to make those. Perhaps some rice balls and salad too.

'Hinata,' began Naruto awkwardly. 'I can also cook for you tonight, you know.'

'That's okay, Naruto-kun,' smiled Hinata. 'I like cooking for you.'

Sasuke groaned. 'Cheesy.' He stood up. 'Thank you for the meal,' he nodded at Hinata. 'Later, dobe.'

'Wait! We haven't even sparred yet!' complained Naruto. 'Why are you leaving already?'

'Ingredients,' was all that Sasuke said before walking out the door.

.-.-.

Sakura yawned as she walked out of the hospital, done with all her work for the day. It had been a busy one and she was now ready to just drop down on her bed and drift off into dreamland. She closed her eyes, imagining the comfort and found herself almost falling before a strong hand clamped on her left arm and forced her to stand.

'Sakura, are you okay?'

Sakura shook her head and opened her eyes. 'Sasuke-kun?'

Of course. He had come to pick her up again. Just like he always did.

'You okay?' he repeated, concern obvious on his face.

'Y-yeah,' she nodded. 'I'm just… tired,' she yawned again. 'Had a lot of patients today.'

'Should I carry you?' he said.

The question seemed to cut through all of her drowsiness and she now felt fully alert.

'N-no, that's okay,' she blushed. 'I can walk.'

Sasuke picked her up anyway.

'Sasuke-kun!' she gasped, turning her head in all directions. 'They're all looking at us.'

'Let them,' he stated. 'I don't want you falling along the way.'

'I'll be fine,' she insisted. 'Really.'

'Be quiet,' he smirked.

Sakura couldn't help but obey. Sasuke had this certain way of commanding that ensured he always got what he wanted. The stares people were shooting at them were embarrassing though. Sakura tried to shift her attention to the path they were walking on.

'Wait,' she spoke up. 'Why are we taking this route?'

'We're going to my place,' announced Sasuke.

Sakura gaped. His place? They were going to his place? Sasuke had never invited her over before. He had never really come inside hers either. She had assumed he thought it was too soon for that right now. So, the fact that he was taking her to his place, just out of the blue, was certainly surprising. But she didn't want to risk upsetting him by asking why. She didn't want him to feel like she didn't want to go, because she really did. She had always wondered what Sasuke's new apartment looked like.

'How far is it?' she asked instead.

'Not very,' he replied. 'We'll be there soon.'

'Okay,' she grinned.

He looked down at her. 'You hungry?'

'I am,' she sighed.

He cleared his throat. 'I cooked.' And she saw his cheeks flush a little. 'For you.'

'What?' Sakura couldn't help but gasp. 'Sasuke-kun! That… that's… thank you!'

And Sasuke smiled.

.-.-.

He had made her happy. The fact that he had cooked for her had made her happy. He was off to a good start. As they arrived outside the door to his apartment, he finally let her back to her feet. He dug inside his pocket and took out the key. After unlocking it, he pushed the door open, waiting for her to enter first. Sakura smiled at him as she walked in. He followed.

'You have a nice place, Sasuke-kun,' she complimented, looking around.

Suddenly, he felt very, very nervous. 'I'll… I'll re-heat the food,' he mumbled before dashing into the kitchen.

'Wait, Sasuke-kun!' he heard Sakura call after him. 'I'll help.'

And within a matter of seconds, she had run up to him. Her fingers brushed against his as she took the plate of dumplings from his hand and his anxiety shot up further.

'You… you made dumplings!' she beamed.

Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, trying to mask his awkwardness. 'I know you like them.'

Sakura giggled before pacing up to the microwave. Sasuke exhaled.

Soon enough, everything was ready and they sat face to face at the small table in the kitchen.

'All of it looks so great,' inhaled Sakura.

'Try it,' said Sasuke. 'If it tastes bad, let me know. We'll order some take-out.'

'I'm sure that won't be the case,' she chuckled. 'Alright, let's eat!'

She used her chopsticks to transfer some salad onto her plate and picked up two rice balls too. Sasuke looked on apprehensively.

'Aren't you going to eat?' she laughed.

'You first,' he said briefly.

She took in some salad and then bit gently into a rice ball. Sasuke could hear his heart drumming in his chest. He saw her lips curl up.

'Sasuke-kun!' she exclaimed after swallowing her food. 'It's delicious!'

'Really? You like it?'

'Yes!' assured Sakura. 'I can't wait to try the dumplings.'

Sasuke sighed of relief. Everything was going according to plan.

'Oh yeah,' started Sakura again and he saw her face scrunch up a little.

He wondered if the aftertaste was bad.

'After dinner, I want to see that book you told me about. The one with the flower meanings.'

'Oh,' he blinked. 'Sure.'

A few days after his return, Sasuke had taken Sakura to their old training field and they had spent hours there, talking. He had told her more things in that one day than he had in the previous eight years of knowing her. He had talked to her about Itachi, about his clan's massacre. He had explained each of his decisions to her. He had also talked about his journey, the different things he had seen and done. He had told her about the little girl he had met, the one who had reminded him so much of her, and also about that little boy she liked, the one who was remarkably like him. And finally, he had told her about his meeting with the old lady who had given him that book. She had hugged him for the longest time that day.

'Sasuke-kun,' she called out, snapping him out of his thoughts. 'You're not eating! Here,' she said, putting some food on his plate herself. 'Eat.'

Sasuke smiled at her before picking up his chopsticks and doing as he was told.

Warm smiles and playful teasing could sum up how the rest of the dinner went. Now, Sasuke was rummaging through his drawers to find the book Sakura had asked for earlier. And Sakura was comfortably seated on the couch in his living room, waiting patiently.

'Finally,' mumbled Sasuke as he found the item.

He walked out of his bedroom and into the living room, waving the book around to declare that he had found it. He then plopped down next to Sakura and handed it to her.

'Here,' he said.

Sakura looked at it with wonder before promptly opening it. And then, in less than a second, her head was on his lap and she lay there, easily reading from page to page. Sasuke felt his ears heat up as she stopped to look up at him. She beamed before shifting her eyes back to the book. She had never done this before and Sasuke was beginning to question why. It made him feel so nice, so at home. She looked so peaceful and her hair had spread out beautifully over his thighs. He couldn't stop his hand from reaching out and touching the soft, pink strands.

A recent memory popped up in his head. He had been walking to Ichiraku's with Naruto when the blonde had told him something unbelievably absurd, yet amusing.

'I'm not kidding, teme! Girls really like it when we play with their hair.'

'I don't believe you.'

'Really! You should try it with Sakura-chan. Hinata always gives me a kiss when I do it, hehe.'

The heat had now spread throughout Sasuke's body. Sakura had never kissed him. And he had wondered at times if she was waiting for some sort of signal from him. What if this was it? What if the dobe had been right?

Sasuke experimentally ran his fingers through her hair, before looking down nervously. Her eyes were still fixed on the book.

'Stupid dobe.'

Sasuke sighed. If he couldn't even get her to kiss him, how would he ever get her to accept his proposal? Suddenly, Sasuke felt sick. Was she even ready to get married? Was this too soon to ask? Reluctantly, he shoved his hand into his pocket, careful not to disturb Sakura. He felt around for the small box he had been carrying for a couple of days now. He swallowed as he wrapped his fingers around it.

'Sakura…,' he began, turning his head to his right.

He figured looking at her would just make him more nervous so he chose to stare at a wall instead.

'I want to… do you…,' he stopped and exhaled. 'Let's get married.'

And then, it was quiet. He closed his eyes, dreading the reaction that would follow. It didn't come. He opened them again and looked down at her.

He tilted his head back and rested it against the couch. He sighed. She… had fallen asleep.

A/N: Well, there we go! Hope you liked it and if you did, please leave me a review! :3 The next chapter will be posted within 1 week. Happy New Year! ^^