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Epilogue: Sun's Bright Future

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To the coward guest reviewer who won't even use his real username: My Naruto is a wimp and a simp you say? Where have you been half of Shippuden, man? It's literally Naruto SCREAMING and BEGGING for Sasuke! And if that wasn't enough, Naruto DOES forgive easily. Let me introduce you to Orochimaru, top criminal, experimenter of children, practitioner of forbidden arts and destroyer of nations. And guess what, Naruto let his child clone in Konoha despite everyone being against it. Thank you for not using your real account by the way, because PMs are overrated anyway right? Now go read whatever fits your definition of a "real fan's" Naruto is rather than trolling fanfics who you think "degrade" the characters. In fact, if you think this fic degraded the character, PM me why and let's talk over it, but I guess a coherent criticism is beyond your level isn't it? Sorry to those who had to see this. I was a bit frustrated at the moment. Anyway, rant over let's get this epilogue on the way.

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"For conspiracy, for coercion under duress and lack of lawful consent, I, Hatake Kakashi, Rokudaime Hokage of Konohagakure, hereby declare this marriage null and void. Witnessed herewith by Konoha and her people, and pursuant to her laws, shall this mandate take effect immediately. Previous provisions, contracts and engagements related to this union are thus deemed unenforceable, unlawlful, invalid and illegal."

Sasuke's hand tightened against Naruto's as Kakashi addressed the clans. Hiashi on the far left gritted his teeth as Hinata to the other side tried to hide a sob, her eyes looking longingly at the man she lost. But Naruto has eyes for one man only. And it gave the former avenger a sadistic sense of satisfaction as he gave a small smile to Naruto, heart soaring within as those blue sapphires burned brighter than before.

"It's done, Sasuke… I'm… Finally free…" Naruto whispered and Sasuke tugged at him.

"Let's get out of here."

Naruto grinned. "You don't even have to ask, Sasuke."

As Naruto and Sasuke moved to exit the council chamber, Hiashi could not contain himself.

"This is absurd! The whole world was witness to that ceremony! I will not stand idly by while the Hyuuga name is slandered through the mud. I protest this decision, Hokage-sama. There must be some kind of mistake."

"Hiashi-sama, need I remind you that you and the council are still investigation for abuse of powers, discretion and authority. Should you decide to pursue this any further, it would lead to the complete dissolution of the main and branch families of the Hyuuga."

That shut up the man completely, and Kakashi turned to Sasuke and Naruto.

"It's okay, Sasuke. You and Naruto may go. As long as you promise me that someone won't be late for his inauguration ceremony…"

"Like you're one to talk, sensei!" Naruto stuck out his tongue before pulling Sasuke out of the room, eager to leave the stiff and suffocating proceedings behind. "Come on teme, we're outta here… See you old farts!" Naruto laughed as he ran outside, his heart light, his soul free of the darkness that used to engulfed it.

-o-o-o-

The sun was already setting, Sasuke's head was on Naruto's lap as they watched over the village from the stoneheads, this had been their usual rendezvous since they were children, the view of the village that Naruto loved so much loomed beneath and Sasuke watched on, mesmerized as the flashes of orange on the streets below. Naruto's clones were hard at work as they helped repair the damage to the village from the previous conflict.

Despite his rampage, the people of Konoha still viewed him as their savior, from the war, from Kaguya and his presence remained a welcomed sight not just in Konoha but in its allied nations. Their friends and allies realized what happened, and most were in sympathy with Naruto and Sasuke.

Sakura even named the whole affair, a tragic travesty of love and gave her full support to them. It wasn't until the sun has fully set that Sasuke finally gained his courage. He need to explain his side to Naruto… he knew that his old rival was still shaken by his departure, no matter how hard he try to give his best smile. And so, Sasuke caught Naruto's hand that had been caressing his hair.

Concerned blue eyes looked down on him.

"What's up Sasuke?"

"Naruto… about what happened… About why I left…"

"You don't have to say anything, Sasuke. What matters is you're here now. You came back. I'm happy just with that." But Sasuke's hand tightened, his eyes filled with resolve as he rolled to face the other man's eyes.

"No… I think you deserve the truth… You deserve to know. Will you listen, Naru?"

"Alright, Sasuke, I'm listenin'. My ears are yours… in fact.. I'm always yours." Naruto grinned at his joke and Sasuke, despite the tight knots forming on his stomach can't help but roll his eyes.

"I'm serious, Naruto."

"Ohhh when are you not, teme?"

Sasuke sighed as he kissed the back of Naruto's hand as he eyed the basket of food that Naruto had prepared for them. "That night…before I left.. it was the same wasn't it? You always had to go all out."

Naruto smiled, but a tinge of sadness passed at his eyes at the reminder of that night; something that did not escape Sasuke's notice, causing fire of resolve to burn brighter within him.

"I told you that we were over… I told you that I wanted to be free from you." Naruto grimaced at the words, the memory, still fresh in the dark recesses of his mind. "It was far from the truth. I was miserable when I was away from you. Every step I took away from Konoha, away from you… stabbed at my heart. The knowledge of your marriage… is beyond what I could bear. Which is why when Kakashi and Hyuuga came to me, I was already preparing to leave this dimension."

Naruto's hand tightened around Sasuke this time, afraid that such a reality will come to pass.

"So then… why did you leave, Sasuke? If it hurt you that much, why did you allow it to happen? You knew that it was only you stopping the council from marrying me and Hinata. Yet you still left."

Sasuke took a deep breath. "Because I have nothing to give you Naruto. I'm a criminal, a dark stain forever remembered by the world as nothing more but scum… a terrorist whose hands were stained by the blood of innocents. And you…. You were so pure… like the light of the moon on the night sky, the sun that gives light to all. You're destined to be Hokage… you're the one good thing to ever occur in this wretched world of ours. I can't… I can't dare to taint you with my darkness." Sasuke's voice softened as Naruto listened intently. As soon as the Uchiha finished talking, he was met with intense sapphires as Naruto rolled them both to the ground, his hands possessively tightening around Sasuke's waist and neck.

"Uchiha Sasuke… you dumbass… How can you even think that? We both have blood in our hands teme. We killed so many in the defense of our village… of our ideals and comrades. No one could ever be innocent as a ninja. You know… you always talk like I'm a saint, but I'm not. I made my own share of mistakes, too. And god forbid, even if I'm as innocent as you want to believe, I wouldn't give you up either way. I chased you through my entire childhood Sasuke, begged for your life and safety, fought for your safe return to our village… to my life. You were the first bond I made, was it really that hard to believe that I want all of you…. Including your darkness?"

Sasuke listened in shock. He hasn't thought of it that way. The way that Naruto explained it seemed so simple now that he thought about it. And if there's any doubt in his mind now that he could be good for his sun, it all vanished in an instant. A smile grew on his lips. Really… Naruto is beyond believable. And he's all his.

"I guess you're right, Naru. But you're wrong about one thing…"

Naruto looked at him curiously. "ohhh? And what would that be?"

"It's not Uchiha Sasuke… That's Uzumaki Sasuke to you…"

Blue eyes widened at the sudden declaration.

"You mean…"

"Yeah… The Uchiha… doesn't matter to me anymore. It hasn't been for a while. All along, it's you, Naruto. And if you'll have me… I want to build a future… with you. For us."

Naruto's eyes were teary as he looked down on the man in utter disbelief.

"No fair Sasuke… You didn't even let me ask you…"

"Ohh? And what would that be?"

"Well… If you only had stayed that night….you would know. But I guess this is a perfect time as any. I've been keeping this with me since, you know. Hold on, let me get it… Close your eyes, Sasuke. I'm serious!"

Sasuke frowned as Naruto scampered off him.

"I said close your eyes, teme!"

"Fine fine…" Sasuke obeyed and his keen ears heard Naruto rushing around him. He heard two clones materialized as they unloaded the basket that had been sitting nearby. In a few minutes, he heard the clones dematerialized, and Naruto's low and husky voice close to him.

"Okay… you can open them now."

When Sasuke did open his eyes, he looked around him to see a perfect recreation of their last meeting. Ramen, fish cakes, tomato salad and a variety of food laid around him. In front of him, a bouquet of purple lilac, hydrangea and purple rose laid in stark contrast against the cool blue night. And when he looked to his side, Naruto was kneeling on one knee, a velvety box of blue in hand with golden ring in it.

"Uchiha Sasuke… will you marry me?"

Sasuke frowned, so this was what Naruto was planning when last they came here. And a pang of guilt stabbed at his heart at his decision to leave him that night.

"No…." Sasuke breathed out, causing the other to glare in indignation.

"Haah? What do you mean no…Teme… If this is a joke I swear…"

"I mean… you're asking the wrong person, dobe. I'm Uzumaki Sasuke." He smirked at the other's perplexed expression. "Go on… ask me again…"

"Hey… this is creepy you know… It's like asking my brother to marry me."

"Do you want me to say yes or not?"

"Alright fine… geez…" Naruto took a deep breath before asking again.

"Uzumaki Sasuke, will you marry me?"

And Sasuke let out a genuine smile as he kissed Naruto's forehead… "Yes, Naruto. I'd willingly give my life to you."

And Sasuke was rewarded with the brightest smile he ever saw that night.

-o-o-o-

A month later…

"Ladies and gentlemen, people of Konoha… visitors from far and near, allies and dearest friends… we are here gathered to witness this grand ceremony not just to herald a new age for Konoha and welcome her new Hokage, but to join two people in holy matrimony. I, Kakashi Hatake hereby leave the will of fire, Konoha's future to you Uzumaki Naruto, seventh Hokage of Konoha and to you, Uzumaki Sasuke, first shadow Hokage of Konoha. May you two lead us to a glorious new future."

The ceremony was attended by droves of people from all walks of life. The streets of Konoha was flooded as people, both former enemies and allies, came to see their hero, shining his brightest as he seized his dreams and his goal.

The sun of Konoha descends, burning brighter than ever. But its shine can only reach so far because its moon was with it now, reflecting its ever encompassing light even in the darkest of night.

Both sun and moon surges on to the future. Once two previous halves separated by night and day, now joined together in one destiny, one soul, one heart and mind.

This is the story of Uzumaki Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and how the Tainted Sun was cleansed to forge itself anew- a beacon of hope that guides all of ninja world to a bright new future. New enemies may come to challenge their bonds, but so long as they remain together, so long as their love shines bright and their passions burn for each other, nothing will stop them, now and forever.

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A/N: Yay! It's done. A bit short but this is just an epilogue. And I want a little fluff between the two of them. I hope you enjoyed this.

P.S. I don't mind nasty comments, I eat haters for breakfast. But at least have the decency to use your real username so I can at least reply and PM you and explain what you meant with your review for goodness sake. Don't just leave vague comments like how it degraded the characters because trust me, even in my AUs, I always aim to make my characters as close to canon as possible (and that includes the canon dynamics between Sasuke and Naruto). It's not fun to read something without being able to reply and address it you know. I might disable guest reviews if you continue, because it's frustrating having to think about one vague comment all day (which I think is probably your intention in that case, congrats, troll).