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Epilogue 3/3

"It's winter," Sasuke pointed out, then added in an afterthought, "and it's cold."

They were walking back home, and though it was early, they had both agreed they wanted to say goodnight to the girls before moving this date to a more… comfortable place.

When Sakura started dating her boss, Sasuke Uchiha, she never pegged him for a romantic.

Correction: he was not a romantic — not in the same way people were used to.

He didn't serenade her with lovely words. He didn't shower her with flowers or expensive gifts – not that she cared about that. He didn't do great gestures like you see in all those romantic movies.

Well, you get the gist.

Sasuke Uchiha's 'acts' were in a completely other level of Romance. He was so thoughtful that, in most days, Sakura believed his mind could be sexier than his body, if that feat was even possible. Therefore, it was a surprise – a welcoming one though – when he took upon himself to take her out every week since they got together.

If Sakura was being honest with herself, between working, being a mom and a wife, she craved these moments that were only theirs – or even only hers. She didn't mind the destination or if they were leaving the apartment at all, as long as they were having some quality time together to balance their demanding schedule.

Sometimes, he'd nudge her to do something by herself or with Ino; her husband knew exactly when she was in need for a little 'me' time. Sakura believed that he became so tuned to her and her moods (after six years), that he'd pick up on little things that others wouldn't notice.

"So?" She challenged with an arched eyebrow.

"You don't eat ice cream in this kind of weather." He observed dryly.

"Who says that?" Sakura asked, genuinely curious. When his replied came as a glare, she looked him up and down, rolled her eyes, and probed, "are you the Ice Cream Police now?"

Sighing noisily, her husband waved her away. "Just get a cone and eat it quickly; we're almost at home and if any of the girls see it…"

Sakura bumped her shoulder against his arm playfully, then proceed to order a strawberry cone. "I'm sure you can hold two cones until there."

"I could," he replied, sliding a hand in his pocket while the other found its way to the small of her back. "But it's late for treats, and it's almost their bedtime."

She scoffed, a hand moving to her hips. Looking up to find his eyes, she asked, "When did you become the responsible one?"

"Tch."

Remember that whole 'daddy thing'? Yeah, Sakura quickly found out that it was nothing fleeting nor pure luck. Sasuke was a wonderful father, the instincts came naturally, and sometimes he was a more responsible parent than herself – which irked her initially, but now it only served as tease material. Not to mention, how all this messed with her hormones too, making her inwardly swoon every time.

They walked back leisurely, basking on each other's presence. They developed this quiet habit of walking at night, sometimes in completely silence, others sharing a thing or two.

Soon enough, their building came into view. Sakura was still working her ice cream cone as ordered, making sure that the experience was especially torturous for her dear husband. It was a miracle that she didn't get brain freeze yet. Serves him right, she thought as she swirled her tongue around the cold mound devotedly, licking her lips slowly afterwards.

After the hating game ended, another (healthier) one begun. Sasuke Uchiha loved to see her squirm; to tease her to a point she'd be puffing her cheeks in exasperation or she'd be flushed from head to toes. And although, she had taken her time to get used to this new energy between them, Sakura didn't wait long to tease him back.

With the way he was sending her heated glances – and sometimes his signature death glare too – Sakura knew that it was working. The hand on her lower back had moved to secure her hip, and she could feel his fingertips digging into her flesh even with all the layers on the way.

Sakura had half a mind to forgo the game and push him against the elevator's wall right there, right—

"Hey! You two lovebirds," Ino called from the hallway's sofa, where she had a front seat view of the elevator's doors. "I'm still here!"

"Ino!" Sakura jumped a few feet away from her husband and walked towards her friend.

She loved her best friend to bits, but Ino could be too nosey and blunt most of times. To avoid possible awkward moments in the future, where her friend teased her relentlessly about their sex drive, Sakura unapologetically ignored the blonde's mischievous gaze and tried to stir the conversation to safer topics. "Thanks again for your help."

"Of course," Ino replied, walking towards them. "However, I still don't understand why you don't hire a nanny or a sitter, you can pay it, Uchiha."

"Nobody is good enough for his Princesses." Sakura said as she crossed her arms, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Oh? I feel honored then," the blonde brought a hand to her heart, feigning surprise.

That was nothing new though. Their friends often joked about the fact that Sasuke didn't trust a soul to watch over his family for a few hours. Even Fugaku joined them once, saying something about sheltered kids, much to Mikoto's chagrin – if she had her way, everybody would live under the same roof, since Nana Mikoto couldn't stay away of the little ones for too long.

Sakura, never one to impose, made sure to balance the babysitting schedule between the Uchihas, Ino, and the Uzumakis (Naruto and Hinata started dating around the same time Sasuke and Sakura did and now they were married).

"Did any of my daughters hire your services this time?" Sasuke asked, sounding slightly exasperated with the prospect of a possible attorney's bill.

After the first time, when Sayuri single-handled her own adoption, there were a few more occasions where Ino's services were requested, including one or two situations involving 'unfair penalties' (read: grounded for something silly).

"No, there were no matters that needed my advice – this time." Ino replied, lawyer tone in check. "However, my goddaughter has my number on speed dial."

Her friend and her husband exchanged a heated glare and Sakura sighed. These two were too protective for their own good.

"I'm going to check on them. Good night, Pig." Sakura hugged her friend, leaving Sasuke to walk her to the door.

Taking off her high heels, Sakura walked slowly towards the bedrooms, afraid to wake their babies up in case they had already fallen asleep. With the stealthy only a mother could have, she leaned on the doorframe and peeked inside, still unnoticed.

The scene she found inside was utterly heartwarming, the most adorable thing she had ever seen – she was biased to say so, she knew, Sakura was their mother after all. These two girls – no, angels – were the most precious things she had, and right now they were just reminding her why.

Sayuri was sitting by the headboard cuddling her little sister. They were whispering and moving her hands energetically, enjoying each other's company.

Sarada was a surprise. Sakura remembered when she found out she was pregnant; she panicked for an entire day, trying to find a way to tell Sasuke why she was 'sick'.

You see, she should have known better, but Sakura completely ignored the clear signs, thinking she had the flu. It explained the sleepiness and the loss of appetite in the morning. So, she went with it.

Sasuke told her to stay at home that day, and a few hours after his departure, Shizune had showed up to check on her, medications and take out in hand. She was sure this was her husband's doing – the way he cared for them always brought a smile to her face, reminding her of everything they went through together.

As Sakura recited her symptoms and the past couple days to her coworker, a light bulb switched; they both figured out at the same time, Sakura trailed off and stared at Shizune, mouth agape in shock. One hour later, they confirmed the theory with a pharmacy's test.

They were recently married. Sayuri dropped the adoption bomb on Sasuke a couple weeks ago, and now this? They didn't talk about children. She knew he wasn't opposed, and to be honest, she dreamed of a little raven-haired baby since the possibility of being in a relationship with Sasuke came up.

But, was he ready? Did he want another kid?

It turned out that Sasuke was a family man through and through. As soon as Sakura stuttered the news, there was a moment of silence in which she almost freaked out. But then, Sasuke was hugging her and whispering things that made her a sobbing mess in the same instant – she blamed the hormones, of course.

Her second pregnancy was like a mini vacation compared to the first one. She had the opportunity to really enjoy being pregnant without worrying if she'd have a roof over her head the next month or if she's be able to cover all the baby's needs. Having someone completely supporting her emotionally – well having a family to support you through every step – also made a huge difference.

Sakura glowed through each month, though the one they found out it was a girl, she did even more. Sasuke had told her they should name the baby after her late mother. The gesture itself was beautiful, and she told Sasuke so, thanking him for considering her feelings. Sakura didn't think it would be right though, to subject the baby to the burden the name could possibly bring.

Besides, she couldn't name the baby even if she wanted to… that same day, Sakura proceed to tell her husband how their eldest had named the little one already.

Sakura was reading a book that morning, comfortably on the couch, when her daughter decided to join her. The girl slouched around the pillows; her head rested on Sakura's thigh while a hand was laid on her round belly. Sayuri was talking to the baby, a habit she picked up since Sakura started showing, the tiny hand drew little circles around the navel as she continued to narrate her day to her little sister.

The story finished and Sakura was half-paying attention and half-reading when the girl said, "and how was your day, Sarada?"

"Sayuri, sweetie, who's Sarada?" Sakura asked, tilting her head to the side to look at her daughter.

"My baby sister, of course!"

Did she hear that right? Their little demon just named the baby…

"Did you choose this name? On your own?"

"Yes, it was obvious, you know?" Sayuri sat up, eager to explain her choice. "Our names all start with 'Sa': Sakura, Sasuke, Sayuri. And now, Sarada!" The girl was clearly delighted, very proud of her decision. "Besides, Sarada is a beautiful Princess name."

"Oh god," how did she explain this without hurting her feelings? Taking a deep breath, Sakura started with the truth – a little refined, but still the truth. "Baby, look at me. Mommy and Daddy were supposed to choose a name for your little sister – together."

"Oh," Sayuri whispered, raising a hand to cover her mouth.

"It is a really beautiful name though." Sakura offered with a soft tone, showing that she was not mad. "I'll talk to your father later."

The memory faded, leaving behind a fond smile. It was a story that they liked to reminisce from time to time – the girls were growing up so fast.

Afraid to eventually get caught, Sakura slid down the doorframe and ducked, straining her neck to the side to listen to their hushed conversation.

That was how Sasuke found her a minute later.

"Why are you…" her husband trailed off, examining her crouched position as she peeked through the bedroom door. "…hiding?"

"Shh!" She brought a finger to her lips, then decided to look up at him to gesture her answer. Changing her mind as she took in his figure, Sakura whispered instead, "Oh, where did you find him?"

He was carrying their cat like a baby, the pet purred as Sasuke scratched behind its ears. This was another one of Sasuke's surprises; a new addition to the family which earned him many points with Sayuri (and herself too). The cat met all 'requirements'; black fur, white paws, and green eyes.

"Guess."

That could only mean, "your pillow again?"

"Yes," Sasuke hissed, glaring down at the sleepy cat.

"Like I explained the other day, Sasuke, Mr. Mittens has taken the role of alpha male in this family; it's only natural if he sleeps next to me."

"I am the alpha male in this family." He snarled back, genuinely offended by her words.

Sakura couldn't help but roll her eyes. Men and their need to be dominant in every situation. It was really entertaining how a cat could both amuse and irk her husband. One moment he was holding the cat and treating it like a son, then the other he was hissing at his cat-like behavior.

"Tch."

"You can prove me that later," Sakura winked, arching a pink eyebrow suggestively, knowing that this would calm him down and boost his pride at the same time. "Now hurry and come see this."

He dropped the cat to the floor, and just as planned, Sasuke straightened his posture, carrying himself (and his ego) smoothly towards her.

"What is it?"

"Just peek inside."

The girls were still snuggling, fluffy pillows around the headboard supported them in a sitting position. The comforter was pushed at their waist and Sayuri had a book opened in front of them. The girl eagerly pointed at pictures here and there, explaining to her little sister what each one meant. Sakura suspected it was a photos album.

Sarada's eyes, as dark as her father's, were wide and taking in every detail, following her sister's finger attentively. Both girls were curious, a trait that helped strengthen their sisterly bond tenfold.

Sasuke was leaning against the doorframe now, just above Sakura, looking thoughtfully as the girls talked.

"Ok Sarada, the story I'm about to tell you, it's really, really, special." Sarada clasped her hands, already excited to hear one of her sister's stories. "I'm sure you'll love it.

"I'm ready, tell me!" She exclaimed, looking away from Sayuri when a new addition joined them on the bed. "Oh, Mr. mittens, you arrived just in time!"

The girls made room for the cat, opening their arms in invitation. The cat strolled to them, sprawling its limbs between both girls' laps. They giggled in unison, and Sakura couldn't help but grin along.

"This story starts in a cold day of December—" Sayuri started, a hand gesturing along the words as the other petted Mr. Mittens.

"Wait, wait!" Sarada shouted, extending a hand to hold Sayuri's. "What's the story's name?"

"This story is called," their little Munchkin hummed, thinking for a moment. She squeezed Sarada's hand when she found the answer she was looking for. "The Princess and the Grinch."

Sarada cooed, urging her sister to go on. "…December had just arrived, the first snowflake had barely touched the ground, and the holidays were just around the corner…"

Nostalgia filled her at that moment, a feeling of pure joy overtaking her senses. Sakura looked up and found Sasuke already smiling.

She was so damn happy.

Sakura felt as if she had come full circle; she had accomplished everything she dreamed of. She had her wonderful babies, who were the kindest souls she'd ever met. She had her dutiful, awesome (and handsome!) husband, who was her best friend (and boss too). She loved her job. She had a family again – their small one plus the Uchihas. What else could she wish for?

And other than her hard work and determination to succeed, she had to thank him for it too.

"Sasuke," she whispered.

"Hn."

He didn't tear his eyes from the scene, but Sakura knew she had his attention. She carefully got up, making room for herself under his chin, his arm came to hold her waist automatically. On her tiptoes, Sakura looked at his dark, beautiful eyes, seeing all the love they held.

"Thank you," she said, raising a hand to cup his cheek. "For everything."

She heard as he inhaled slowly, then looked down at her. He kissed her forehead, humming softly while his lips touched her skin. "Hmm."

Thank you, it said.

A/N: Okay, that's a full wrap my friends! TwT

Hello! Thank you for patiently waiting for this last part of the Epilogue. I confess that I had a hard time writing it, either because of lack of inspiration or because I was reluctant to let this story go. I didn't want to say good bye after working on it for the past 5 months.

I hope you enjoyed the last part!

I had a few reasons to start and then finish this holiday project. One, I wanted to give something to the fandom and my readers (because in December 2019, I completed a year of writing, though my early drafts are not online. And I improved so much since my first one-shot that I was eager to celebrate this).

Two, there's never too much content, right? No matter if this story doesn't appease all audiences, there were thousands of views and several people leaving positive comments about it.

Three, representation! I'm sure there are single-moms/parents in this fandom and their story needs to be told as well. I have a couple cousins that are single mothers, one of them was a teen mom to top it all, and I know she refrains herself from reading because she's tired of fairy tales, you know? She said she doesn't see herself in the majority of the stories these days. So here's to you, G & F!

Four, like I said in my first author's note, not every relationship is perfect and not every family is perfect, and maybe that's where you'll find the most beautiful love stories. s2

Now, some statistics because I like them very much :P

56.229 words from Chapter One to Epilogue 3/3

48.062 words until their first kiss!

154 Microsoft Word Pages.

Document started on August 19, 2019 at 10:55 AM

Document finished on January 4, 2020 at 7:45 PM

And lastly, the "thank you's":

I'd like to say thank you to my friend Birkie, for her support when I brought up the idea of doing this project. She supported me through it all, encouraging me to try even though I knew this could be not well received (flames were expected since day one). Thanks for your continuous support and kind words of encouragement M! s2

I'd like to say thank you to my friend Sloshi, who helped me through so much already (including a recent writer's block). She gave me advice when I needed and told me to continue when I thought I couldn't. She taught me that I should write what I want. She taught me that no matter how my story is received, I should continue writing, not changing a thing. Thank you E! s2

I'd like to say thank you to my husband as well, since he supported me through the two weeks were I dedicated every free minute of my time to wrap this story, reviewing and posting the chapters every day. He didn't once complain, and for that I fell a little more in love with him :)

I'd like to say thank you to all you guys; the readers that favorited and followed this story, the readers that left me their feedback in reviews (all of them made me smile for rest of my day), the silent readers that read the story as well.

A special thanks to the ones that took their time to leave me a little something:

Forever Unicorn, Readingpanda12, ScaredUselessPillow, Aaron (Sreyashi Saha), Dattebayodobe, Cboylan, RD-chan hokage, Kgan222, indahae, ChronicallyChill, ScarletASV, Cinnamunk, Masami Aomame, Mia, AyaneSelznic, Guest22, Moonchi1d, Pattypattotie, JoyellMark Klimek, hitomiam. And all positive Guests!

Thanks for your kind support :)

And thank you for following me on this journey!

See you on our next adventure/story!

P.S.: I miss this AU already :(

xoxo