Epilogue~

"I'm home!" A voice echoed throughout the house.

"We're in the kitchen!" Saya called back. She leaned down and checked on the baking cookies before huffing impatiently and shutting the oven door.

"Hey, Mom."

Saya stood up straight and turned around to receive a kiss on her cheek. Now sixteen years old, Tenshi was practically the same height as her. "It's good to see you, Tenshi. How was your mission?"

"Oh, you know, same-old-same-old." Tenshi ran a hand through his hair, walking to the table. "Hey, squirts." He greeted, ruffling the twins heads before taking a seat.

"Hey!" Both Kaoru and Hikaru protested, looking up from one of the series of scrolls Saya and Itachi had. The twins, at the age of thirteen, were the second oldest children in the family and had the genetic raven hair. Between the twins, Kaoru's eyes were a more greener-blue, while Hikaru's eyes were a more bluer-green. Like every other twin, they were very close and therefore, were on the same team.

"Really?" Saya asked curiously, leaning against the counter, "Even in the ANBU you still think missions are boring?"

"I didn't say boring." He waved his hand in the air, "Just not that exciting."

"It'll get exciting, just wait… How about you two?" She redirected to the twins.

"We have our first A-rank mission coming up," Hikaru said.

"So we're going to learn as many Jutsus as we can." Kaoru finished.

"Just remember-"

"Any fire jutsus are done above the lake." Both Kaoru and Hikaru recited.

"And be careful." Saya smiled, then suddenly tilted her head to the side, "Where's Mitsuki?"

The twins looked at each other, as if silently questioning which one of them was watching their little sister. "Uhh…"

"Right here!" A seven year old girl bounced into the room, her braided ponytail swinging behind her. "Nii-san!" She cried happily, spotting the extra head at the table.

"Hey, Miki." Tenshi greeted, standing up so the little girl could launch herself into his arms. He patted her head fondly as she gave him a hug.

Saya smiled at her children. Now, if only Yuuki were awake…

"Mommy…" A tiny voice called out by the doorway. She smiled at the familiar voice and walked over to the six year old girl that was clutching a stuffed wolf tightly to her chest.

"Hi, sweetie," Saya said, picking Yuuki up, "You done with your nap?"

"Mm-hm." The little girl nodded weakly, rubbing her eyes.

"I'm baking some cookies, would you like one?"

"Yes, please…" Out of all her children, Yuuki was the shyest and most quiet one. If you had to compare her to another, you would think of Hinata.

"Why don't you take a seat, and I'll get them out."

"Okay…" Saya set her down and watched her run to her oldest brother, her arms wide open. Tenshi smiled and lifted her up so she could sit on his leg.

She had a smile of her own as she turned back to the oven and removed a tray of cookies from inside. The scent of hot, melted chocolate filled the kitchen. She swore she heard the sound of a stomach or two growling."Okay… eat up." She said after scooping the cookies onto a plate and setting it done in the middle of the table. "Be careful – it's hot."

A series of, "Thank you, Okasan" was sent her way.

"You're welcome." Saya snatched a cookie from the table, before returning back to her spot against the counter top, chomping down on the chocolate filled cookie. "Mmm." She hummed in appreciation as the sweet touched her tongue.

"Something smells good." A deep, husky voice said from the doorway.

Saya beamed at the sight of her husband. "Welcome home, love."

A number of, "Welcome home, Otousan!" greeted him.

"I'm home." Itachi replied, a small smile on his lips, but his eyes were focused solely on his beautiful wife.

"So? How is everything?" Saya asked as she walked up to him, catching his hand and leading him out of the kitchen and down the large hallway.

"Good. The mission was easy enough. And when I went to report to the Hokage, Sasuke was there too. He said he'd return before dinner."

"Okay. How is Naruto handling being Hokage?"

"He's as hyper as ever. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"Hmm… Are you tired?"

"No." Itachi stopped suddenly and pulled her close with their entwined hands, catching her behind the back with his other arm. Onyx eyes met aquamarine ones, and held, both owners captivated by the other. Saya smiled at him, causing his heart to skip a beat. He returned the smile, and she felt her heart speed up a bit.

"I love you." The words left her lips in a mere whisper, but passionate all the same.

"I love you too." He said, and he leaned in, capturing her lips. "My beautiful, perfect Saya…" He sighed in bliss.

She felt warmth flood her cheeks at his words. "You're such a charmer, love."

"Only for you." Saya laughed as he lifted her off her feet and spun her around in a circle by the waist.

When her toes finally touched the ground, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, expressing how happy she was. Itachi chuckled and smiled at her as he led her towards the garden with an arm around her waist.

"I saw Tenshi hanging out with Suzuki when I came back from the mission."

"You mean Naruto and Hinata's daughter?" Saya smiled, "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Itachi chuckled, "Sasuke slipped out that he and Melody have been dating for a while."

She took a sharp intake of breath while her eyes widened at the same time, "Really! That's wonderful!"

Itachi smiled. They stopped in the center of the garden and he leaned down to pluck a red rose from one of the many rose bushes. Saya watched patiently while he picked the thorns out of the stem, and smiled brightly when he presented to her. "Thank you, Itachi." She mumbled sincerely as she took the single red rose. His hands closed around hers, making Saya look up at him. Itachi just stared into her eyes, a natural smile upon his lips.

"I love you, Saya." Despite the smile he had, the words come out serious and completely from the heart.

Saya smiled, feeling that warmth spread through her from his words. It would blossom from her chest before flowing to all parts of her body till she felt like she was floating. "I know," She said, staring deep into his eyes, "And I love you too, Itachi… With all my heart."

Soft lips that were curved slightly, as if smiling, pressed against hers gently.

"I know."

~Owari~