A/N: My… gosh! (gaps) Thirteen (!) pages it took me, but now it's actually here – the final chapter. Man, I can't believe this story is coming to an end already! (starts bawling)

First off, of course… MONUMENTAL thank yous for those insanely awesome reviews you've left! (HUUUGS, showering all kinds of treats) Gosh, how good it feels to notice that you seem to enjoy this story as much as I do – THANK YOU! (grins, then starts jumping all over the place with joy) Anonymous reviewers and 5Angel, as per usual response to your review can be found from underneath the chappy. (grins)

The updated list of the timeline of the flashbacks is still under the chappy, btw, in case ya'll need it.

Awkay, because I'm sure you'd love to see how this one ends already… Let's ruuuumble – I truly hope you'll enjoy the final chappy! (glances hopefully, fingers crossed)


CHAPTER 8: Epilogue – It Always Ends With Goodbyes


/ Naruto was seven when he met Sasuke for the very first time. He was explained that the Uchiha had lost his whole family only days ago, and the boy was still in a shock – he'd need to be careful with the raven. Of course they should've known better than to think he'd listen.

Showing no caution or hesitation, he walked up to the boy – who was currently sitting on his bed – and sat without a permission. "Hey. You're new here, right? I've lived here, like, forever – if you want someone to show you around, I'm the best option."
Sasuke's eyes finally lost their glazed look for a moment when the boy glanced towards him. "Hn."

He arched an eyebrow, far from impressed. "Is that all you can say? You're as old as me – you can do better, right?"

There was no reaction, but he wasn't discouraged. And so it went for two months – he kept talking persistently to the Uchiha, and the other sometimes left his shell for a fleeting moment. Then, as summer was about to start and he was once more babbling excitedly, a breakthrough occurred.

"You're too loud", Sasuke complained in a voice that clearly hadn't been used for a long time.

He snorted, childishly insulted for a brief second. "Well you've been too quiet. It's been boring to talk to myself all the time, you know?"

Sasuke shrugged, looking away. "I… haven't felt like talking before this."

His eyes widened, and he felt more proud of himself than ever before. "Are you serious?"

Sasuke rolled his eyes.

The gesture didn't shatter his excitement, pride and hope. "Well, since you feel that way…" He grinned brightly, although he knew it revealed his two missing teeth. "Best friends forever?"

Sasuke didn't actually smile – as he came to learn later, that was something the Uchiha did hardly ever. But the onyx eyes that'd been filled with rage, guilt and grief softened while the boy nodded. "Yeah. Forever."

It was a collision of two souls that'd already gained far too much damage. But sometimes two most fragile things mold together and create something that lasts through absolutely everything. /


December 14th, 2006


Milan


News reporter Shizune's eyes and face were solemn while the news broadcast started. "I'm reporting live from Milan." She gestured towards the old mansion behind her. "Two hours ago several gunshots were heard from that mansion behind me. The police hasn't reported what has happened yet, but based on the information available thus far it's most likely that there has been several victims – it's suspected that the FBI is involved." She held a tiny pause. "Stay tuned for further details."


Kakashi had seen many horrifying, nightmarish things during his long career – such that might've shattered a lesser soul. Nonetheless his heart was pounding furiously while he made his way into the mansion, almost unwilling to find out what would lurk inside.

It'd been only two hours, but nonetheless he feared it was too late.

The first and one of the most heartbreaking things he found awaited not too far from the entrance. There, on the ice-cold stone floor, Kotetsu had slumped next to a corpse that was covered by a white blanket. He didn't have to ask who the victim was – the way the bloodied brunet shuddered with his head buried to his hands and the knots that formed in his stomach spoke loudly enough.

His eyes stung and he blinked several times, not finding words.

Damn it…

"Kakashi." Genma, their Italian contact, seemed far paler and more solemn than usual. "I'm glad you made it here this fast."

He glanced towards the body. "Izumo?" He was careful to keep his voice so low that Kotetsu wouldn't hear. Not that his voice would've worked that well, anyway.

Genma shook his head. "His throat was sliced. It was cruel, but thank god at least fast." The man spoke so quietly that he had to strain his ears to hear. "He died in a matter of seconds."

He nodded, most definitely having the exact same thought as the other. Like that would make things any better… He then pushed his mind firmly elsewhere – this was no time to get sentimental, as much as a part of him would've wanted to. "What about the others?" He frowned. "Weren't they using bulletproof vests?" They hadn't been that careless, right?

Genma snorted rather bitterly. "Do you really think they helped with those bullets? Even steel wouldn't have been enough." The man's expression made him feel even worse. "Neji… was shot, badly – he was rushed into the hospital. Gaara was taken with him, I think he was in a shock." The man's eyes flashed. "Kakashi, Sai's a traitor – he shot Shikamaru to the shoulder. Shikamaru insisted to join the group looking for Sai and Kabuto, though. Gaara shot that four eyed freak pretty badly, so we're searching through hospitals, health centers and shelters." The man then pulled in a deep sigh. "Naruto, Sasuke and his daughter, Sora… They're still in one of the main halls. It's impossible to separate them or to tell which one of them is hurt or maybe all of them."

He nodded, feeling a heavy weight on his shoulders. "I… guess I should go to take a look at them." With that he started to walk forth. "Thanks for the report."

"Wait, I wasn't finished." Genma's eyes darkened. "Kiko, that other traitor… She's dead – Sakura shot her. And Orochimaru was shot to the head, we believe by Sasuke or Naruto. We don't know if that bastard will survive."

He nodded. "Good", was the only thing he could say before starting to walk on.

There was no mistaking as to in which room the trio was – a group of six very confused policemen was stood by the doorway, obviously unsure about what was the proper next move; barging in or perhaps leaving. When peering in, he felt his heart break a little despite everything he'd ran into over the years.

There, in one very tangled mass on the floor, was the trio Genma had mentioned. Sasuke's eyes were closed. Even from where he was standing he could tell the man's breathing was erratic while he held hysterically crying Sora with one arm while the other was wrapped loosely around Naruto's neck. The child cling to her father as though to a lifeline, whereas Naruto had wrapped both his arms around the Uchiha. The blond's eyes were dazed and wide – it was obvious just how terrified the young man was of losing what he was holding. Sakura was trying to talk to them without much success.

Kakashi could immediately tell what'd worried Genma. There was what looked like gallons of blood around the trio, and it was impossible to tell to which one it belonged. All three of them were pale and probably injured.

Not having the slightest clue as to how this situation would end, he fought back all his emotions for the time being and approached. Sakura seemed utterly relieved when seeing him – apparently the situation had been turning into something she couldn't handle. "Hey", she whispered, appearing more tired than ever before and half above her age.

After greeting her with a nod he focused on the trio. Apparently Sasuke wasn't completely oblivious to the world, after all, for the man opened his eyes and gave him a mistrusting look, taking a firm hold of his daughter. "I know you're hurt", he stated, carefully keeping his tone such that wouldn't make the Uchiha even more defensive. "This has been a long, hellish night, but you need to let us help Naruto, your daughter and you. There are medics waiting to get to see you – let them help." He wasn't lying. As soon as he'd give a call three medics would appear, but he didn't dare to do a thing without the Uchiha's approval.

Sasuke frowned. "How can I trust you?"

"'s okay, Sasuke." Naruto's voice was muffled because his head was by then buried to the Uchiha's hair. "Kakashi and Sakura are okay – they won't hurt us."

Very slowly, warily, Sasuke let his hold of the two others break, although his daughter looked as though letting go of her father was the hardest thing she'd ever done. Kakashi muttered his command, and in seconds the medics appeared.

He was pleased to discover that his first and most bitter impression had been the incorrect one. Sora had a wound – most likely such made by a bullet passing by – on her arm and she was clearly in a shock, but otherwise she seemed unharmed. "Dad!" she yelped in a heartbreaking tone while she was dragged away.

Naruto also didn't seem badly hurt. There was something that looked like a gunshot wound nearby the blond's side, another, smaller wound on his thigh and he was obviously exhausted, but the man managed to stand with the aid of a medic. Blue eyes were filled with worry when they met Sasuke's. "What about you?"

The Uchiha gave a "Hn" while holding his bleeding shoulder. The other wound on the raven's head was most likely also painful. "I'll be fine. Just go and take care of yourself, okay?"

Naruto nodded, although the gesture seemed reluctant. "I'll see you soon, okay?" Kakashi wondered if those words convinced even the blond.

As soon as the Uzumaki and the child – who was crying heartbreakingly – had been taken away, Sasuke's eyes dimmed and the man passed out, probably more out of exhaustion than anything else.


December 19th, 2006


Milan


Sakura had never been as exhausted as she was on that day.

For the past five days she'd been struggling to keep everyone sane – including Naruto, who was going out of his mind because he wasn't allowed to see Sasuke, Kotetsu, who tried valiantly to act like he was alright and failing miserably, and surprisingly enough Gaara, who'd been nothing but a ghost since those events. And to top it all, she had to try and come to grips with the fact that she was about to become a single mother, as well as cope with her breakup from Neji. Morning sickness didn't make matters any easier.

She sighed heavily, shaking her head.

It was incredible, really, how easily such a group of strong people could tumble down.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door of Neji's hospital room – only to run into a sight she wasn't comfortable with yet.

There, right beside a still unconscious Neji's bed, sat Gaara. The redhead wasn't talking or moving, the man barely breathed and blinked, and if she hadn't known better she would've thought she was looking at a statue. Gaara seemed unhealthily pale, and it was easy to tell he'd lost a lot of weight. She wondered if he'd moved from his spot even once during the past days.

She fought the urge to sigh, moving her gaze towards Neji. The brunet didn't seem to be doing any better than the redhead. "So… No change?" As though she hadn't known already – she'd heard the staff murmuring about a lost cause.

At first Gaara didn't react at all. Then, very slowly, the redhead shook his head barely traceably. She'd never seen another pair of eyes as dull as the redhead's, and the sight chilled her.

The man's dead eyes and lack of response were the last straw – at that moment she snapped, having been strained to extreme for days. "Gaara." It was unbelievable how much force she was able to summon to that name – enough so to make the redhead look at her. She swallowed thickly before managing to speak. "Neji… He truly cares about you – far more than he ever cared about me. He told me so himself. So…" She took a deep breath. "So, if you care about him at all in return, stop wallowing in self-pity. I know it hurts, but he's never needed you as much as he does now." With those words, the ache caused by the sight before her becoming too much, she turned around and left the room.

-

After he was left alone, Gaara remained unmoving for about a full minute, simply staring at Neji's unconscious face. Then, so suddenly that he shivered with surprise, a new jolt of energy struck him. He had a feeling his eyes flashed.

Sakura was right – it was time to do something.

"Look…" He swallowed, finding his voice and throat rough after so many days with so little speech. "I know I'm… lost, badly. But… If you wake up, I swear… I swear I'll try to find help and get better, because…" He blinked when his eyes stung all of a sudden, gesturing towards himself. "I'm… I'm sick of this, okay? I… I want to get better, but… I can't do it alone." Gosh, how hard it was to say those words…! "I… I need you. So please…" He trailed off, the crushing weight of his words wearing him out.

He wasn't sure if he was imagining things, but he could've sworn Neji's eyebrows fluttered ever so slightly.


Naruto's eyes opened – he wasn't sure what'd cut his dream so abruptly, but all of a sudden he was wide awake, staring at the hospital's roof with nearly incredulous eyes. He frowned.

What…?! Then a thought came to him. Have they finally come to their senses and decided to discharge me?

"I can't stay long, so I need you to stay quiet and listen carefully."

His eyes widened, and before he knew it he was in a sitting position, meeting a pair of black pools he'd missed so much it didn't even make sense. "Sasuke." He then blinked. "How…?"

The Uchiha snorted. "Do you really think it's that hard to knock out one guard?"

His head dizzy from surprise and staying in the bed too much, he pushed himself out of the bed and walked up to the Uchiha. It felt almost surreal that the man he'd been dreaming and thinking of constantly was actually there, right before his eyes.

Then, without thinking at all, he wrapped his arms around the other man and pulled him as close as humanly possible, taking in the familiar scent nearly desperately. Because even before it was voiced, deep down he knew why the other had come. Yet, he couldn't keep himself from hoping… "Why… are you here?" he asked in a nearly choked tone.

He felt very cold when Sasuke pushed him slightly further. The man seemed chillingly solemn. "I… came to say goodbye."

He couldn't speak, could barely react with anything more than a change of expression. Those simple words had struck him speechless and paralyzed.

Sasuke winced a little. "Please, don't make this any harder – you know I can't stay."

He throat was very tight and choked all of a sudden, and it took his all to keep tears and emotions under control. "I just…" Suddenly a hint of anger appeared. Why the hell couldn't fate be fair on them, for even this once? "I don't want you to be taken away from me again, okay?" He couldn't even look at the Uchiha, instead focused on the man's pale hand, which was for the time being securely in his. "I don't want to lose you, damn it!" His voice sounded exactly like a child's, but he barely even noticed.

"I know." Something he couldn't recognize lingered in Sasuke's eyes. "I don't want to do this, but if I go to jail there's no telling what'll happen to Sora. I hate this, too, but this is the only choice."

He swallowed laboriously, feeling like the world itself had been crumbling around him. Damn it, this was just like those two times the Uchiha had left the orphanage… "I'll… I'll see you again, right?" Because there's no way in hell I'm saying goodbye to you again.

He finally looked at the other's face. Sasuke seemed to come close to smiling, although not a trace showed. "Yeah. And I'll make sure you know when the time is right."

He nodded. After all, what else could he have done when the choice wasn't yet again in his hands? By then the lump in his throat was so huge that he could barely breathe.

Sasuke seemed to be fighting against something, come close to scowling. "Don't look like that. This isn't the end of the world." Then, so suddenly and unexpectedly that it seized the little breath he'd had, the man gave him a kiss that left absolutely no room for doubt. It shocked him, for once in a good way – it was the first time the Uchiha made the first move. Once they parted, onyx eyes looked into his as though memorizing. "Stop worrying. Everything will work out, I promise."

He couldn't speak, couldn't even breathe. And when the Uchiha turned around to leave he closed his eyes, fighting with his all against the urge to scream.

It wasn't until several seconds after the man's departure the tears finally came, hot and bitter.


On another side of the city, Kakashi – who'd been leaning rather lazily against the wall of a practically abandoned building – let his eyes move towards the sounds of approaching steps. Seeing Sai, he gave a curt nod of acknowledgement.

"Did they buy it?" Sai inquired.

He nodded. "They have no clue – as far as they're concerned, you're nothing but a traitor." He couldn't help feeling a tinge of ache. This was one of the parts of his job he hated.

Sai nodded this time, seeming to relax a little. "Kabuto doesn't seem to have any doubts, either – it's only a matter of time before we'll catch him and his associates. We're leaving for Krakow tomorrow"

"Good." He wished dearly there'd been something more he could've said, but nothing further came to his mind.

With that Sai turned around and started to walk away. If they'd been seen together, it would've been fatal to the younger man – it was for the best they met briefly.

Just before the man was out of earshot, he spoke once more. "Be careful, alright?"

Sai paused for a moment, then lifted his hand and walked away. In seconds the man was out of his sight.

After about thirty seconds he managed to function again and pulled out his cell phone, then picked a familiar number. It was Iruka's.

His eyes were somewhat stern when there was finally a response. "It's me." He took a deep breath. "Look… I've had some time to think, and… I know what you've been saying, but I think we should talk once I get there."


Outside the hospital, Sasuke felt like crumbling under the weight that'd been laid to his shoulders after the nearly crushing goodbyes. The feeling didn't get any easier when Juugo emerged from the hospital, holding Sora's hand.

The moment she saw him his daughter smiled brightly, then sprinted to him, hugging him so tightly that it took his breath away. "Dad!" Some tears could be heard from her voice. "Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

He ruffled her hair uncharacteristically gently. "I know", he murmured. "I missed you." He then looked towards the other man with harsher eyes. "Did it go well?"

Juugo nodded. "Yes – no one saw a thing from how busy the staff is, and it looks like they haven't noticed your disappearance yet. It's only a matter of time before they'll catch on, but for now we're safe."

His tense muscles relaxed. Good news, for once…

As two cars appeared, however, the tension returned.

It was time.

His chest was heavy while he pried Sora into letting go of him and looked at her directly to eyes. "Look… I know I'm asking a lot, but you need to be a brave girl again, alright?" He was feeling so much at one go that he was fairly sure his eyes were slightly dull as he looked at her. "Go with uncle Juugo and aunt Karin – I'll take a ride with uncle Suigetsu and meet you in Torino, alright?"

Sora frowned, appearing far from pleased. "You promise?"

He nodded, and might've tried to smile if it hadn't been against his nature. "Now go. We'll meet again soon, alright?"

Before he even realized what was happening Sora had wrapped her arms tightly around him, obviously unwilling to let go. It hurt him a little to actually feel how hard she fought against breaking into tears.

"Okay, kiddo, time to go", Juugo stated while taking the girl's hand. It says something about Sora's state of mind that she didn't retort against the nickname. The other man's eyes were hard with several emotions when they met his. "Be careful, alright?"

He nodded, not trusting his voice at the moment. It was more painful than he'd known to expect to watch how Sora was all but carried to a car. He wasted thirty precious seconds with watching how the car disappeared before his eyes hardened.

It was time to move.


A dark feeling rising in the pit of his stomach, Naruto – who'd been all but frozen until then – frowned and shivered before starting to make his way towards the window.

No, nothing could've possibly been wrong anymore, but…

A strange, painfully bittersweet feeling filled him as he watched how Sasuke glanced towards the hospital once more – as though momentarily toying with the thought of coming back – then hopped into the fire-red car parked nearby.

He wished he could've brought his lips into forming something, anything, even though the Uchiha couldn't even hear anymore. Somehow he felt that far too much had been left unsaid, although words had never been important with the two of them.

His eyes stinging hellishly and his stomach hurting almost more than he could bear, he prepared to turn around – until something even his darkest nightmares hadn't warned him of happened.

There, right before his stunned, teary eyes, the car Sasuke had just disappeared into exploded with a deafening blast, and greedy flames wrapped what was left of the vehicle into their destructive embrace. In a blink everything was lost. The whole world stopped spinning.

At first he couldn't do anything from the overpowering shock he was in, but then…

Without him managing to realize what was happening his legs gave way, bringing him down to the floor the exact second tears blinded him. He gasped desperately for air while his chest hurt from lack of oxygen and so much more.

He never understood that the inhuman screech came from him. "SASUKE!"

Then he knew nothing more.


December 25th, 2006


New York


Needless to say, the past days had been far from pleasant to the group of trainees.

Although the doctors had – with a lot of reluctance – let Neji be moved to New York for a better care, the man was still unconscious and in a critical condition. Due to the Hyuuga's state of health and for several other worries especially Sakura and Gaara had far too many dark thoughts to allow them to celebrate, and Shikamaru was still recovering although he tried to put up a brave front.

Then, of course, there was Naruto. During the past days the blond had turned into something that was closer to a ghost than a real, living person, and the group was terrified that they were losing him completely. He'd just lost his most precious person, the one who'd always fueled his determination. They could only wonder if even he was strong and stubborn enough to push himself through something so devastating – or if he even wanted to.

That rather late evening, however, they all agreed to pretend that everything was all right while they spent time in the FBI's office, sipping egg tot and talking lazily. None of them had families in America to celebrate Christmas with, so they'd chosen to spend it together – plus, it was a good way to keep an eye on Naruto.

"You know, I think Christmas is overrated", Shikamaru announced, looking rather impassively towards the decorations scattered around them. "A waste of money, that's what it is."

Despite everything Sakura managed to smile, albeit rather feebly. "I don't know. I think the decorations and all are kind of cute." So saying she managed snatch a tiny, red elf's hat seemingly out of nowhere and placed it rather roughly to his head. She grinned a little at the result. "Well how about that – it suits you."

Shikamaru glanced at her moodily. "Try dressing me up again, and I'll show you exactly what I think about Christmas."

To Naruto, all this was getting too much. He hadn't been left alone for almost a second for the past days, and with all the painfully sweet memories of Sasuke the holidays brought to his mind his head was about to blow up. He'd have to get away before he'd crack and break down in front of his friends, who already had more than enough to deal with.

And so he got up slowly, starting to leave and trying to ignore the others' worried looks. "Don't worry, I'm okay. There's just… something I've gotta do", he answered to their questioning, worried looks. "And I'd prefer doing it alone."

Sadness could be seen all over Sakura's green eyes. "Naruto…"

The blond interrupted her with an obviously faked smile. "It's okay. I'll see you later." And so the man had left.

Rubbing his skull, Shikamaru groaned faintly. "Troublesome…"

Gaara's tired eyes darkened. "Hn."

Just then all three of them shuddered a little when the room's door was opened without a knock. After a moment Iruka peered in, appearing rather agitated. He cast a somewhat surprised look towards the hat Shikamaru hadn't taken off yet before speaking. "We just got a phone call", he announced. "Neji woke up. We're allowed to go and see him soon." The man then frowned. "Where's Naruto? I thought he was here with you."

"He… just left", Shikamaru – the only one of them able to speak – replied. "I think you know where to find him."

Iruka nodded rather solemnly, then left.

After a couple of moments Shikamaru finally managed to breathe properly as relief flooded in, and he had to fight back a smile. He and Neji had never been overly close, but they were friends nonetheless – it was good to know the man was getting better. "This… is huge, huh?"

Gaara didn't seem to even hear. Sakura's dazed expression stated that her thoughts were far away. "Hmm."

He decided that it was time to lead her thoughts elsewhere. "So… When are you going to tell Naruto?"

She snorted, seeming somewhat exasperated. "He… already lost Sasuke." She sighed heavily, watching the room's door. "How should I tell him that one of his best friends is leaving?" As soon as they'd come back to New York three days earlier, she'd requested to be transported to another city's training program. How was she supposed to be staying with all the mess between her and Neji, and her soon to be showing pregnancy that'd only cause damage? Almost instantly she'd been answered 'yes'. She'd be leaving early in January.

Shikamaru groaned, rubbing his face with one hand. "Troublesome."

They were both surprised when Gaara moved all of a sudden, appearing determined. She arched an eyebrow. "Where are you going?"

The redhead seemed to restrain a sigh. "There's… something I promised to do. It's time to keep my part of the deal." With that the man left the room.

-

Gaara's body seemed to weight a ton while he knocked on Kakashi's office door. "Yes?" came a response, much too soon to his liking.

He swallowed thickly, then entered and closed the door after him. He didn't bother with pleasantries or formalities. "I… am sure you've noticed the results of my recent drug tests. And…" He steeled himself, and met the man's eyes. "I have a problem."


While the rest of New York seemed to prepare for celebration, Naruto didn't become affected although this was usually his favorite time of the year.

His blue eyes were uncharacteristically dull and defeated as he let icy wind slash him while he stood by a certain memoir mark. It was for those beloved who'd been buried elsewhere, who couldn't be greeted with candles and tiny statues.

Sasuke… hadn't been given a grave, not even a proper burial. The car had been destroyed so badly that nothing had been left. The once strong and fiery Uchiha was now nothing but dust in the wind.

Even now, that thought alone was almost enough to bring tears to Naruto's eyes.

"I… I miss you", he whispered while caressing the stone although it hurt. His eyes stung, but he refused to give in – Sasuke would've hated seeing him in tears. "And… I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I couldn't…" He trailed off, realizing that his vocabulary didn't include proper words.

It was around then he became aware of just how silent it was when everyone else had already left – he must've stayed for hours already. His friends were most likely getting worried – they'd been worried since that day. They never said it out loud, of course, but he saw the truth in their eyes – they wanted the old him back, they wanted him to stop being the shadow he'd become. They didn't even recognize him anymore.

He would've wanted to scream at them, but he no longer had the will for such.

Sasuke… Sasuke was gone, far out of his reach. How could life ever feel the same again, how was he supposed to act like nothing had ever happened?

"Naruto?" Iruka's voice was soft, as was the man's hand when it was laid gently to his shoulder. There was a moment of silence as they both got lost into gloomy thoughts. This place held far too many painfully memories to both of them. Eventually the brunet steeled himself. "I… know it hurts, badly – almost more than you can take. But… You need to start moving on, little by little. I think it's what he would've wanted you to do."

He couldn't speak, for there was an apple-sized lump blocking his throat and it felt like someone had thrown sand into his eyes. "Hmmh."

Just then his eyes spotted something he probably should've seen a long time ago. He frowned when light coming from candles sparkled on something metallic. Then, as realization started to sink in, his eyes widened.

It… was a pendant, a very familiar silvery half of a heart, abandoned nearby the stone.

For the first time in days he managed to smile through tears that finally weren't those of ache and longing.

Iruka, of course, couldn't know his thoughts. He sensed the man's worry for his sanity. "Naruto? What's wrong?"

Without really knowing what he was doing he outstretched a hand and balled his fist around the precious jewelry, then brought it close to his furiously thumping heart. "Nothing", he murmured, his voice atypically soft. "Nothing's wrong anymore." There was finally hope – how could something have been wrong?

He felt Iruka's nod and the man's suspicious eyes on him. "Let's go home", the brunet all but murmured.

He obeyed, his thoughts entirely elsewhere.

Sasuke could actually still be out there.

Now all he could do was wait and wish for the best.


That night, ignoring the hospital's rules, Gaara sneaked into Neji's room without anyone noticing, slumping heavily to the chair placed beside the other's bed.

He'd been sitting there for an hour – wondering what in the world he should do next – until he felt someone looking at him. Turning his gaze, he met Neji's half open eyes. He didn't realize he'd taken the brunet's hand until the man squeezed back.

His mouth opened, but in the end no words came so they settled with just looking at each other, enjoying the moment and the fact that they were both finally there.

For the first time in a long while they were both smiling.


February 13th, 2007


New York


Naruto had always been extremely bad at waiting, and especially the past couple of months had been absolutely excruciating for him.

He'd taken Sakura's rather sudden departure far harder than he'd expected – they'd been friends for so many years, and although he understood her decision well being without her felt strange, especially now. Also, Kiba had moved out of their shared apartment not too long ago. It was exactly three weeks ago Kabuto was arrested, allowing Sai's reputation to be cleared, and only a week later Kiba had started acting strangely. He was more than happy about the two of them finding each other again – not only was Kiba happier than he'd ever seen the man, but he also didn't have to worry about Sai anymore. Plus of course, as the biggest and darkest of his concerns, was Sasuke. The Uchiha was alive – he knew that with such certainty that it took his breath away – but hadn't given a single trace after leaving the necklace. He couldn't help wondering if something was wrong, and he feared he'd lose the last of his sanity before getting answers. Despite his friends he felt lonely.

That day, however, he focused entirely on something else than his own problems. He gave Gaara a look while escorting the obviously thoughtful redhead towards the huge room in which a NA-meeting was about to take place. (1) "So… Are you ready?" He already knew the other wasn't; Gaara would've wanted Neji there beside him, but since the brunet was still in a rather feeble condition in the hospital – suffering from an infection along with other complications – he and Iruka had to do.

The redhead, however, nodded valiantly, taking a deep breath. "Yeah. I… will be." The man looked towards him with rather serious eyes. "Thanks for this, but I can take it alone from here."

Getting the hint, he grinned and nodded. "Okay. Good luck, and remember to call me as soon as this is over, okay?"

Gaara nodded somewhat stiffly, then turned around and started to walk towards the open double doors. He couldn't help smiling as he watched his friend go.

At least someone was on the right track.

He then turned towards Iruka to keep sad thoughts at bay. "C'mon, let's go. I'm sure he'll do just fine."

-

As soon as they were out of the building and their roads had parted, Iruka shuddered slightly when his cell phone started to ring all of a sudden. He groaned when recognizing the number as Kakashi's. Hadn't he already told the man that he needed time? "Now what?"

But for once the phone-call wasn't about them. When the conversation ended he was deadly pale, and shivered slightly.

How was he ever going to tell this to Gaara?


By the time he got home, Naruto was so exhausted that he felt ready to collapse. That's why the mailman who entered the building almost right behind him managed to startle him. "Mr. Uzumaki?" The man handed him an envelope. "This one's for you."

He arched an eyebrow. He never got any mail – who'd sent this to him? "Thanks."

His suspicion grew as he examined the envelope. It had no stamp or addresses – only his name, written in a familiar handwriting.

His heartbeat picking up, he rushed forth and managed to reach the mailman, who looked at him with startle. "Hey, who gave this to you?"

The man seemed puzzled. "Some… chick with a freaky hairdo – she made me swear I'd give this directly to you. Why?"

He was no longer listening. His hands had never trembled the way they did while he ripped the envelope open, and fished out the contents. He could've sworn his eyes watered.

For there, right in his hand, was an airplane ticket to Kyoto.

He knew it could've been a trap – although a comatose, feeble Orochimaru had died in a hospital several weeks earlier of pneumonia, the man's employees might've been out to get him. But nonetheless he didn't hesitate – his heart knew better.


February 14th, 2007


Kyoto


It was already almost night time, and Naruto was yet again exhausted from the flight he'd just taken, but apparently that something inside him was wide awake, for his feet held no hesitation while leading him. He frowned when noticing where he'd ended up.

It was a beach – a very abandoned, at the moment icily cold beach, where not another soul had most likely been seen for days or even weeks.

What the hell was he doing there? What in the world had made him think that…?

Then, just as hope was leaving him, he felt a tingle he knew so well his heartbeat shot up. Faster than his head would've approved he spun around – and grinned radiantly at what he found.

There, on the other side of the beach, stood none other than Sasuke Uchiha. With the darkness, snow-covered sand, bright stars and velvet colored waves the pale, dark-haired Uchiha seemed almost surreal, and the sight made a distant part of him wonder if he was looking at nothing more than a ghost.

But then again, he barely managed to care whether the sight before him was real or not – the mixture of longing and joy bubbling inside him was too much. There was a bright grin on his face as he started to dash on.

That night, Uzumaki Naruto seemingly vanished from the face of the planet, leaving behind only a short letter to his friends.


'I'm sorry about leaving like this, but I think we all know I've never exactly shone when it comes to making rational decisions. I really hope you'll understand one day.'


New York


'Kakashi and Iruka, whatever mess there's between you two, work your way through it. You love each other too much to just let go – even I can see that. And take care of Kotetsu. I know how he feels, and he's not going to make it through alone. You kept me sane, so I'm pretty sure you'll succeed with him as well.'


It was rather late that night when there was a knock on Kakashi's door. With a frown he went to open – and blinked at what he found. "Iruka?"

His eyes weren't fooling him; the man was indeed there, obviously freezing and showing an expression he'd never seen before.

His frown from before reappeared. "What's wrong?"

Instead of responding, Iruka wrapped a pair of arms around him and held on tight. After a moment's shock he didn't hesitate to return the hold even more tightly, as thought he'd attempted to protect the other.

Neither of them slept that night.


May 31st, 2009


Michigan, USA


'Sakura, if you ever get to read this, let go of the past and be happy. You're one of the strongest people I've ever met – I'm sure you can do that.'


Sakura groaned when the sound of birds chirping woke her up inhumanly early that morning, and brought both hands to her face. "I'm gonna poison those damn things…"

"That's what you always say." The kiss planted to her lips calmed her down miraculously. "But in truth you enjoy watching them too much to harm them."

She huffed. "Hmph. But they're still demonic things."

Prying her eyes halfway open, she met her husband's – Lee's – smiling face. "I love it when you're cranky in the morning."

She arched a suggestive eyebrow. "Oh really?"

She had no idea what might've happened if the room's door hadn't opened up just then, revealing a somewhat embarrassed and hesitant looking little boy.

Although Aki had inherited her eyes and a lot of her personality, his hair and occasionally showing flashes of his characteristics reminded her a lot of Neji. But those flashes didn't hurt anymore – she'd long since moved on from 'what ifs'.

"Mommy, daddy, I had nightmares", Aki explained in a child's tone. "'Wanna sleep with you."

Lee grinned, making room. "Hop in, then."

Aki grinned with excitement and relief, obeying gladly.

Sakura couldn't help smiling as she looked at the two – her whole life – fooling around as soon as the child had jumped into the bed

Everything she'd ever wanted was right there.

How could she have been anything short of happy?


New York


'Shikamaru, swallow your damn pride and call Temari already – we both know you love her, so don't let her slip through your fingers.

Gaara, be strong and dare to live your life. I'm sure Neji's already waiting for you to take that step.'


Gaara kept his eyes closed while he sat in the backroom of a tiny chapel, preparing himself for the soon to be starting wedding.

He smiled faintly when feeling Neji's familiar, comfortably cool hands brushing his stone hard shoulders. "You're stiffer than a violin's string", the Hyuuga murmured with something close to disapproval. "Don't tell me you're this nervous."

He snorted. "Are you really expecting me not to be? Nothing's the same after this." He sighed heavily, leaning back as the other man's touch moved to his hair and face. "I didn't sleep at all last night, you know? I couldn't stop thinking about you."

Neji gave a sound of amusement. "I can't even imagine how hard it must be for you to admit something like that."

He made a gruff sound, still not opening his eyes. "It's your damn fault I care about you too much." Some years ago he would've been too proud to admit such, but now he didn't bother to care – after all, it was just the two of them present.

Neji caressed his hair in a way he'd always loved, barely even touching yet doing something so intimate it made him shiver. "Hn." The man's daydream light, oddly cold kiss felt good.

Just then loud sounds of people approaching came from the hallway, and he wasn't feeling cold only because of the kiss anymore. He tried to fumble for Neji's hand, but couldn't find it.

Not yet, his mind begged.

As though sensing his feelings that couldn't possibly show from his face, Neji kissed him again, then whispered to his ear. "You can do this. Don't you remember how you went through the rehab, then struggled your way back to the FBI's training program? You're tougher than you think." Another kiss was placed to his lips, as cool and sweet as the previous one. "That's what I love about you. So go – I'm counting on you."

He grit his teeth to keep unwanted noises from coming, and would've desperately wanted to gasp for the breath he'd lost. "I love you, too." Gosh, how much pride it took to admit that!

"Gaara?"

He opened his eyes slowly, reluctantly. Neji was gone – instead he met the eyes of Shikamaru and Temari, who were holding hands. "Who were you talking to?" the brunet inquired.

He swallowed laboriously, not looking towards the brunet. Of course Neji couldn't be there, his head reminded him bitterly. Two days after Naruto's departure the inoperable internal damage that'd been deteriorating little by little became too much – in the silent hours of the night the Hyuuga faded away from him as though never having been there. Neji was…

His eyes narrowed a little at the thought. "I… was talking to no one", he finally managed in a voice that wasn't his. "No one in particular."

There was a moment of silence before Temari spoke. "So, in case you're done talking to yourself, are you ready? Matsuri and the guests are already waiting for you."

As they were about to leave the room, he turned his gaze once more. He could've sworn he saw Neji leaning against the wall with a wistful look and a small wave before the brunet disappeared into the rays of sun.

'Good luck.'

For a moment he felt this almost unbearable urge to run after the brunet, to caress and hold on tight although he knew it was impossible. But then he managed to control himself, although it hurt almost more than he could take.

He'd already been hanging on to the past long enough – he owed this, to both of them.

And so he headed towards his unknown future, with his dear guardian angel watching over him.


Kyoto, Japan


'As for me? Don't worry. For a decade I've only had one half of the heart, but now it's finally full. And you know what?'


Wind played with Sasuke's long, loosely tied hair as he sat on a small orphanage's porch, watching how Sora played nearby with five other children – two girls and three boys. Although he tried to hold it back, a tiny smile appeared to his lips.

It was a year and a half ago he and Naruto had opened up this orphanage. It'd been the blond's idea and he'd protested at first – after all, they were forced to use faked names and they were supposed to live as unnoticed as possible. But when the children had arrived, he'd found himself facing quite a change of heart.

His life in the orphanage under Danzo's care… had been pure hell. At least he could try to make sure these children would have it better.

Rather comfortable shivers went through him when he discovered he had company. Before he realized what was happening he'd been enclosed into Naruto's warm lap and the blond was playing with his raven locks – apparently the man loved his new hair, enough so to drive him close to the point of insanity with this constant fiddling. "Why so thoughtful?" the other man inquired.

He gave the blond an easy access when the other kissed his neck. "I've been watching Sora and those two boys, Kouta and Tiko. I think we'll have problems soon." Kids grow up too damn fast, he mused darkly.

Naruto grinned when pulling him into his arms and holding on tightly, protectively. "Yeah, I guess we'll have to have a long talk with her and those boys soon." The blond then glanced towards him. "Are you okay? You had a lot of nightmares last night."

He sunk into his thoughts for a moment.

About six months after their reunion, Naruto had managed to persuade him into going to see a therapist. He'd been far from thrilled, of course – someone poking around his head was the last thing he wanted. And the beginning hadn't been easy. It wasn't until he'd met his eighth therapist did he finally start to crack open, piece by piece – and when the damn had been broken, nothing had been able to stop it. The road to opening up all those old, scarred wounds had been hellish, and he was still far from done, but at least he finally felt like a normal human being. Orochimaru, Danzo and all the shadows were slowly yet surely sliding into the murk of his past, because now he actually had a future waiting for him. And even with the nightmares that still appeared to haunt him from time to time, for pretty much the first time since his earliest childhood he was actually happy. That was an accomplishment he could've never imagined achieving.

The smile he'd managed to smother for his pride's sake almost reappeared. "Yeah", he murmured in an uncharacteristically soft tone, leaning closer to Naruto's warmth and feeling the man's heartbeat against his back. "I'm okay." And this time, he wasn't lying.

As though hearing his thoughts, Naruto gave him one of those smiles he'd learned to love, placing his chin above his head. He didn't bother to fight back, instead closed his eyes and relaxed more completely than he'd ever thought possible, trusting the other man with his all.

How could he not have trusted someone who'd practically followed him to the afterlife – who'd been strong enough to chase him for all those years, who'd cared about him enough to forgive all the pain he'd put the blond through?

"What do you say…", Naruto all but whispered. "... if we stretched the morning a bit and just rested here a little?"

This time, he didn't fight against the tiny grin. He didn't open his eyes. "What do you know…", he murmured, halfway asleep. "Sometimes you have good ideas."

Naruto chuckled, kissing his hair. "Why you…"

In a matter of moments he was asleep, the restless night before having exhausted him.

He had no unpleasant dreams.

-

They, of course, didn't see how Sora glanced towards them. A bright smile found it's way to the girl's face.

-

Another person was also observing them, from so afar that they couldn't possibly see him. There was a smile on Iruka's face while the man turned around and started to walk away, coming to a realization that his watch was over.

It looked like the two runaways were doing just fine.

As he was walking his cell phone gave a familiar ring tone that was reserved for a particular person. His smile turned into a different kind. "Hey, 'Kashi."
Kakashi chuckled. "Well someone's in a good mood." The man's tone then changed to a worried one. "Where are you? Kotetsu came home an hour ago."

For a moment he thought about telling Kakashi everything, but decided against it. "I… wanted to see some old friends. Don't worry, I'll be home before nine."
He could almost see Kakashi's grin. "I'll keep the bed warm." Coming from the silver-haired, that was as good as 'I miss you' or 'I love you'.

He smiled once more. "I'll see you soon." With that he hung up, coming to a conclusion that all necessary had been said. It'd taken several years to fix the damage of past, but now silence and unvoiced words were no longer a problem between them.

Just before they were out of the reach of his eyes, he turned around once more to see Naruto and Sasuke still asleep in each other's arms.

Perhaps now, he mused, those two tormented souls would finally live in peace with this new life they'd created.

Turning around once more, he kept walking to leave the two alone into their own world. He never saw them again, but somehow he had a feeling that they ended up just fine.

Some stories must have a happy ending, right – especially those that start out so very bitterly and tell about stolen hearts.


'I think I'm finally going to be happy.'


Owari.


1) NA = Narcotics Anonymous


A/N: (sniffs) And so it's over. Gosh, I seriously can't believe this!

Thank from the bottom of my heart for reviewing, listing and reading this story! I've absolutely LOVED writing this story, and it's been unbelievably rewarding to know that you guys have been looking forward to new chapters etc. as well. (HUUUGS, and hands over huge baskets full of all kinds of treats) You guys are the best, you know? (grins)

Awkay, because my computer is still going crazy on me and I'm scared to find out its next move, I'm starting to tune out now. PLEASE, do leave a review before you jump on to the next story, so I'll know what you think about this ending!

Once more THANK YOU! I really hope I'll c ya guys again later.

Arigato, peace and take care!

And of course, have a great, insanely fun summer!


Timeline of the flashbacks:

At the age of eight, Naruto and Sasuke meet for the first time. (chapter eight)

At the age of eight, Naruto and Sasuke go to school together. (chapter six)

At Naruto's ninth birthday, Sasuke gives him the 'legendary' heart pendant. (chapter three)

At the age of nine, Naruto gets beaten up by bullies and Sasuke avenges. (chapter seven)

At the age of around ten, Naruto and Sasuke play together outside the orphanage. (chapter one)

At the age of ten, Naruto hurts himself and Sasuke helps him. (chapter five)

At the age of eleven, Naruto and Sasuke sit on the orphanage's roof, talking about wishes. (chapter three)

At the age of a little over eleven, Naruto visits obviously distraught Sasuke in the hospital. (chapter four)

At the age of twelve, Naruto comforts Sasuke after Itachi's death. (chapter five)

At the age of around thirteen, Sasuke comes to the orphanage, acting all weird, and Naruto senses something's wrong. (chapter two)

At the age of thirteen, Sasuke leaves the orphanage for a while. (chapter six)

At the age of around fourteen, Naruto and Sasuke have that freaky bathroom scene. (chapter four)

At the age of fourteen, Naruto and Sasuke have a rather bizarre conversation which ends with them jumping to a lake. (chapter seven)

At the age of fourteen, Naruto and Sasuke… share a very, very hot night. (chapter two)


5Angel: My gosh! You've honestly enjoyed this story THAT much?! (gasps, blushes, beams and gives a bear hug) I'm absolutely out of words here, ya know? Thank you!

That final piece was one of my favorites as well, along with that line - I'm absolutely thrilled to hear you enjoyed it as well! (grins) That whole scene was kind of devious, though - such dark shades under a carefree surface... (smirks evilly)

Loads and LOADS of thank yous for the absolutely baffling review!

I seriously hope you'll find the next and (sniffs) last chapter just as good.

-

yays: My GOODNESS - you can't even imagine how happy you've just made me! (grins from ear to ear) I seriously can't believe someone could enjoy something I've written, and to that extend... (gasps, faints, then hugs)

Ah, I'm pleased to discover that you were wondering the exact same thing I did! Those guys are professionals - they shouldn't be careless enough to go without bulletproof vests. And they didn't. (grins) Don't worry, the next chapter shall answer ya!

And what the heck is Sai up to?! (quirks an eyebrow)

Mountain sized thank yous for the fantastic review!

I really hope the last chapter won't disappoint ya.

-

stuckinthemidleofnight: Heh, guess what? The wait is almost over! If my computer agrees to cooperate with me, it'll appear in less than an hour. (grins)

Monumental thank yous for the review!

'Hope the last chapter turns out worth the wait.

-

Grey's: Don't kill them, hmm? (grins somewhat evilly) We'll see, we'll see... (screams and runs from several thrown weapons)

Ah, how great it is to hear you've enjoyed the story thus far! (grins with joy)

Gigantic thank yous for the review!

'Hope you'll stay tuned for the last one.