Note to the reader: This might be a looong chapter because this is the last so please bear with me. Thank you guys for reading and supporting this fanfic! I love you all!

Summary: Are you afraid that sometimes best things in life ask for an exchange?

CHAPTER XII- Feared Unfolding Path

Seconds of waiting for Sasuke's recovery became minutes. Minutes became hours. Hours became days… weeks… months… memory… For the past six months, Sasuke had fully recovered: Four months recovering and two months completely recovered. It was near end of summer and the plants had gone weary because of the days of high temperature. Fall was fast approaching—proven by the foreign wind blowing from the north. During that cool month, Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura had often visited Gaara's grave. They would stay for minutes, gazing at the carved name of that person who gave his heart to Sasuke—literally and emotionally.

"So they weren't medical papers," Sasuke stated after much reflecting, "but transplant papers." He recalled the time when he bumped into Gaara a day before the civil war.

Sakura smiled to herself, "You keep on saying that every time we go here."

"Really?" Sasuke appeared oblivious. They continued gazing at the gravestone when a hand gently dropped on Sakura's shoulder. Her head turned followed by Sasuke.

"Hey Lovebirds, you're here again." It was Kakashi with the same smile concealed behind his untouchable mask.

Sakura finally turned to Kakashi and bowed slightly to show respect to the Lieutenant. Sasuke, however, raised his brows. "So, you've been stalking us." He coolly replied and placed his hands in his pockets. "It's been a while Hatake Kakashi."

"Sasuke!" Sakura hissed at the corner of her mouth.

"That's alright Sakura," Kakashi smiled at the Uchiha who automatically faced away, "it's just his natural way of greeting."

Sakura forced a relieved laugh and looked down on her sandals. Silence combined with the melodious rustling of the drying leaves. Her eyes suddenly moved to see Kakashi who took a look at Gaara's grave. His sheepish eyes somehow showed graveness and comprehension. He nodded once to the grave and then turned to them again. "Actually, I came here to tell you something." This was addressed to Sasuke. "Uchiha Itachi is looking for you."

"So you're not arresting him?" The younger inquired with his eyes at the rose bushes at the father side of that meadow.

"Arresting him?" Sakura's eyes questioned both men.

"He was accused of killing the Uchiha clan." The lieutenant muttered.

"But did he—?"

"I don't know." Sasuke interrupted. "And I do not believe whatever they say."

"That's the reason why Itachi goes from city to city. We're still hot on his tracks but I think he's getting better since he has new notorious friends under his belt." Kakashi continued. "And Sasuke, no, I am not arresting."

"Why?" Sakura asked.

"Let's say I owe him something." The silver head winked and then added, "By the way Sakura, are you familiar with Dr. Tsunade?"

"Tsunade-sama?" the pink head was obviously enthusiastic about it. "Of course! She is the best doctor!"

"Your teachers recommended you to her since she is looking for an apprentice."

"But, I was not informed."

"Maybe I'll leave Sasuke to explain that." Hatake eyed the Uchiha and moved his foot back. "Well Sasuke, it's your turn to speak. You've been too silent."

Sasuke's shoulders jerked upon hearing Kakashi's statement. His sharp eyes turned mellow and in a flash, faded into sharpness once more. The two teens watched Kakashi walk away from them with a small book clasped in his hand. The breeze made the lieutenant seem to glide gracefully through the meadow. His exit made such an impression that they realized that they were still to talk only after seconds of staring.

"Sasuke?" Sakura's emerald orbs found so much fondness in those unpredictable onyx eyes. "What is it?" Sasuke wasn't speaking at first but he obliged soon after.

"I spoke to your teachers," he muttered almost inaudibly, "about doing a recommendation for you."

"You did that? I mean, why?"

"You've been studying for all these months and I thought you deserve something better." Sasuke looked sideways and was red. "This is like a gift."

"You didn't have to—I mean—thank you! You're doing so much for me—"

"I just felt that I needed to give you something." He interrupted.

"There's a lot of time—"

"So you don't want it?"

Sakura pouted and looked so cute. Her lips formed a smile as she replied, "Of course I want it!"

"Don't ask me those silly questions anymore then." The Uchiha averted his gaze. "I am supposed to drive you to Tsunade's hospital next week to surprise you… but that Hatake…" the next words were pure curses and murmurs. Sasuke became silent soon after and was surprised by the sudden feeling of gentle, soft hands around his arm.

"You see those roses?" the sweetest voice was like music to his ears.

Sasuke nodded and smiled as the image of the blood red petals danced in front of his eyes.

"They're lovely aren't they? Too bad it's already fall."

The Uchiha tilted his head to see Sakura's placid face from top view. "Let's go." The pink head nodded and sighed while her attention was still on the roses.

"You know what? I'll promise you something." Sasuke started moving away from the spot, pulling Sakura at the same time. "One time, I'll lay you down on a bed of roses." There was some kind of malicious tone in his voice that made Sakura reply.

"What do you mean by that!" She playfully pushed the raven head away from her.

"Was there anything wrong with my statement?" Basing from his rare happy smile, he seemed to be keeping himself from laughing.

"You're mean!" the girl was burning redder as she stomped towards him. The boy, however, just took her by the wrist and pulled her away.

The next morning was a school day and regretfully, it was the last one of the first semester. Sakura was still early even if she had to remind Sasuke over and over again to wake up. He was not a sleepy head before but his body seemed to require more rest since the operation. Though she did not show it, she was anxious about Sasuke getting weaker… and more depressed. She couldn't describe how pitiful and mild his eyes were whenever his classmates did field trainings without him. Kakashi, for one, was saddened by the fact that his best and favorite student couldn't join. The Uchiha, on the other hand, had prevented anyone to discern what was paining him for he never wanted to look inferior in his lifetime. Dr. Haust had strictly forbidden anyone connected to Sasuke to let the young Uchiha do anything tedious or risky.

"Your new heart could support your body but your Charlatan intake had damaged your system too much even though you had stopped taking it." Dr. Haust reminded sternly. "Take care of yourself now."

Sasuke opposed the idea for days until he miraculously learned to give up. Perhaps he was growing tired as well…

Realizing that she had been in deep thought again, Sakura shook her head. Then, she felt a light tap from behind. She was first to arrive and it was unusual for someone to arrive seconds after her. She turned her head and her back length hair followed like a silky cascade. Familiar round black eyes. "Oh, good morning Lee." She noticed that the boy swallowed a lump pf air before replying.

"Sakura, good morning,"

"You're early," she said while turning her chair to the side to have a more comfortable conversation, "something new?"

"Nothing…" Lee watched the faint ray of the sun glimmer in Sakura's eyes. "It's just you're early so I came as early as possible." He paused to know if Sakura would respond but he continued after portending that she would just listen. "Vacation is near—too near actually. That's why I want to," Lee became pink, "spend more time with you."

Sakura lost the words she was to articulate and she looked burdened of thinking what to reply. She parted her lips, smiled, looked away shamefully and tried to speak again. The boy noticed how awkward she felt so he decided to fill in the dead air with something abrupt.

"I love you Sakura!" There was burning sincerity in his eyes.

Sakura was struck by what Lee confessed all of a sudden. Her insides shook out of pity and she wasn't able to answer right away. She bit her lip and then parted them to let out soothing words, "Lee, you're a good friend. You've been really nice to me—"

"I understand." He spoke softly as his eye lids lowered half way down his eyes. At that very moment, someone entered the room and halted at the door way. Sakura raised her eyes to see who it was and found out that it was Sasuke. He was just looking at her in the eye when the Uchiha continued on his way to his seat which was far from Sakura's place.

"It's because of him, isn't it?" Lee continued. "Your heart already belongs to him right?"

Sakura sighed and said softly, "I'm really sorry," before turning her seat towards the board. Soon after, other students arrived. The silence was replaced by laughter and jokes. Some were announcing their plan of shifting to other courses while others were proud to say that they'd be leaving the school for a better one. At that moment, Sakura realized that the letters from 'Shino' had already stopped since the return of the army. She curiously looked around but of course, since Shino wanted himself concealed, he obviously would not want himself seen there.

On the other hand, Naruto, Shikamaru and Chouji went into the room. The three were awfully silent, especially Naruto who had his eyes averted whenever his eyes tracked Sakura. Sasuke's back. He thought as his fist clenched out of jealousy. And I'm no one once more.

"Hey guys!" Kiba surprised the three with a slap at their shoulders. The quadruple cut-class-tandem was reunited once again. "Let's go to my house this evening." He told them with much enthusiasm. "You could even stay overnight if you like and—" He jabbed Naruto rather hard at the rib. "I'll introduce you to Hinata. Have you heard of her?"

Naruto's eyes became slits upon hearing the name. "Hmm… no…" But Inuzuka Kiba was already gone before he heard the blonde's answer. He had quickly stood beside Sasuke who was quietly sitting as if in deep thought.

"Uchiha Sasuke," the split-eyed student called half of the attention of the Uchiha, "you mind joining us this evening at my house?" There was no reply. "Oh, probably you won't join because you're not much into these things."

"I would come." Sasuke answered. Kiba was waiting for a leer from him but it was rather unusual for him to be that serious and quiet. He looked at him, not smiling even though his invitation was accepted. He shrugged and proceeded to Sakura and Lee who were happy to be invited over so they quickly agreed to come.

By eight in the evening, someone was already knocking on Kiba's gates. He was carrying a pail of water when he rushed to the gate to check who it was. It was Chouji and Tenten who found themselves on the same road to Kiba's house. "You two are pretty early." He commented and guided his guests to the entertainment room. The others followed soon after and all of them ended up in the same room. The guests were the following:

Tenten: "Wow, your house is big." (She walked in with Kiba and Chouji)

Chouji: "Hey Kiba, do you have chips there?" (He looked around.)

Kiba: "Yeah, at the cabinet to your right."

Chouji: (He opened the cabinet.) "Wasabi flavor…?"

Kiba: "Yep."

Chouji: (He groaned and opened the pack without any choice.)

Ding dong!

Kiba: "Wait." (He exited and went back in with Shikamaru and Naruto.) "They're here."

Shikamaru: (He looked around.) "Where are your parents?"

Kiba: "They went off." (He heard the door bell again so he had to run to get the visitors.)

Shikamaru: (Mumbled.) "Good… I hate women…"

Naruto: "Wow… I never thought Kiba had this large house!" (He checked every corner of the room.)

Kiba: (Returned with Ino, Sakura and Lee.) "Hey Uzumaki Naruto! Don't touch the vases!"

(Everyone turned to put the blonde under observation.)

Naruto: "What vase?" (He accidentally pushed one. Others shouted out of shock.)

Lee: (He ran into the room and swiftly caught the vase.) "Be careful Naruto." (Everyone sighed.)

Sakura: "Lovely house! I have always loved Japanese styling." (She greeted every one else.) "Hi."

Every one: "Hello!"

Ding dong!

Kiba: "Maybe that's Sasuke." (He went away and came back with Sasuke.) "I am right, haha!"

Uchiha Sasuke looked around the room for seconds before speaking. "So all of you are here."

Naruto suddenly forgot about the embarrassment of toppling down Kiba's vase. He took a bold step forward and pointed his finger at the Uchiha. "Kiba!" He was not looking at Inuzuka but at Sasuke. "Why did you even invite him over!"

Sakura looked at the Uchiha as if asking him to be cool. Well, he was calm and unusually quiet for the past days but those facts actually scared her. What if Sasuke was keeping all his anger within him and was about to burst? Little she did know, Sasuke noticed her speaking look. His eyes left their contact with Naruto's and came in connection with it again in a blink of an eye. Sasuke shrugged and leered, "Why Naruto? Do you plan of locking yourself in a room with Kiba?"

That sounded really despicable. Chouji was forcing Shikamaru to handle the two but the blonde retorted first. "Excuse me Mr. Nice Guy!" Naruto's fists were now clenched. "I am not like you who take women and men to rooms and have a good time! Maybe you're the one who plans on taking Kiba home." Feeling the rise of victory in his spine, Naruto crossed his arms. Kiba, however, was not blushing furiously.

"You just gave me a good suggestion Uzumaki." Sasuke began walking towards the low tea table. "I might as well get drunk and then entertain the boys all night." Now, all the male figures in the room blushed.

"You can't do that!" Uzumaki's voice was louder.

"Why?" A trapping question plus a mischievous smile equals Sasuke's trademark. "Do you want to have a one on one session?"

Naruto was already scarlet because of fury, disbelief and slight discomfiture. It had been in his head for the past years: How could Sasuke keep on walking amidst the crowd after speaking of his sexy, pride-sucking statements? No one seemed to be disgusted with the Uchiha's words. It is just to prove that they all know Sasuke as someone naturally cunning and seductive… and the descriptions fit him better than anyone else.

The blonde automatically glowered and slumped back to the floor. Continuing the damned conversation was a waste of energy and saliva… especially that he was trying to debase Sasuke. The raven head, on the other hand, didn't look that proud even though he had defeated the blonde. He went back to his silent mode and sat beside Sakura. After that, the others moved normally and comfortably once more. Happiness and boisterous laughter filled the air because of the stories being shared. They disclosed their humiliating experiences, childhood, happy hours, and melancholic times. Among all who shared, Sasuke had opened up most of the sad stories. He spoke at different intervals, speaking phrases of whatever came to his head and the listeners were the ones who tried to connect the details to form a story. Of all the listeners, Sakura definitely understood the life in between the lines of his phrases.

When Kiba stood up to get a bottle of saki, the door bell was heard again. He quickly left the group and came back with two more guests and his dog, Akamaru. The chortle gradually subsided upon noticing the new comers. One of the guests was a girl with a very timid demeanor. She had a bluish hair and silvery white familiar eyes. The other one was a dark brown haired teen with round black shades and a grey shirt with a high open collar. "Guys, I would like you to meet my other friends." He turned to the girl and said, "Guys, Hyuuga Hinata," and then he turned to the boy, "Aburame Shino."

Sakura's eyes were definitely round. Shino? The guest had the same features with the one she was writing too. She looked around and noticed that Naruto was a lot paler and was perspiring really hard. It was as if he had seen god in front of him. Sasuke was not looking well too. His eyes were fixed on Hinata who was looking at the blonde through subtle meaningful glances. What if he recognizes me? What if he continues courting? She took a deep breath and watched Shino anxiously.

"Guys," Kiba caught everyone's attention, "let's go to the hot spring shall we?"

The hot spring was, of course, not the natural one. But the features were the same: from the stone steps to the misty environment everyone expects when in a Jacuzzi. There were also bushes planted around to keep the place looking fresh and natural. The boys and the girls were separated with a large wooden barrier. The boys, composed of Kiba, Naruto, Lee, Chouji, Shikamaru, Shino and Sasuke, were at the right side of the large warm body of water. The girls, composed of Sakura, Ino, Tenten and Hinata, were at the left side. The conversations at the different sides of the pool were faintly heard so eavesdropping was quite useless.

"It's already crowded here." Naruto was first to complain after only some seconds. "May I go to the other side?"

"Of course not." Shikamaru replied in an easy, relaxed way. "The girls are there."

"May I stay indoors then?" the blonde spoke again. The air was hot but Naruto was just too warm to the skin.

"Why? Is there something wrong?" Kiba inquired.

Naruto looked sideways and caught the attention of the silent Shino. He froze and felt that he was to die right then and there. How could this be? I only made that Shino up! He looked at Shikamaru who preferred to look at the wooden barrier than to help him. And now there's a real Shino with the same features as the Shino I made! Am I dreaming! Naruto's head was filled with questions as his eyes seemed to see death in the form of Aburame Shino who was right beside him.

"Uzumaki," Shino finally spoke with the right modulation of voice that only Naruto heard, "is there something you want to tell us?"

His head jerked wildly to Shino's direction only to find out that he was hallucinating. He was making up Shino words in his head. His eyes suddenly faced the barrier and then he sighed. Sakura-chan might be troubled right now…

Mean while, the girls were having a greater time than the guys. The three were interviewing Hinata who found comfort in the midst of the strangers. They were talking about "cute things" and their dream guys.

"Are you related to Hyuuga Neji?" Ino asked.

"Yes, actually we're cousins." Hinata replied with a soft voice.

"It's just too bad that he disappeared." Tenten seemed a lot depressed. "Do you know what happened to him Hinata?"

The Hyuuga girl shook her head as if embarrassed that she didn't have any idea where he was. Sakura, however, looked deeply into Hinata's eyes. Sasuke somehow had something to do with Neji but why wasn't he telling her anything until now? She bit her lip and lowered herself until her lips were already under the water surface.

"Tell us your type of guy." Tenten offered to lift up their spirits.

Hinata's pointy fingers met a couple of times before she smiled in a mortified way. She had been silent for almost a minute when she finally parted her lips and muttered words. "I like those men who do not give up or take back his words. He lives to fulfill his dreams without faltering. I really like those who sacrifice themselves for others' sake. And, I like a man who—" she forced a bashful smile, "is like…"

Everyone was waiting for her to say the name.

"Neji?" Tenten inquired but the Hyuuga girl shook her head.

"Sasuke?" Sakura suggested but her reaction was the same.

"Shikamaru?" Ino asked but Hinata smiled and said a soft "no".

"Then who?" Sakura appeared pretty interested.

Hinata felt herself burning and was about to faint. "He's Na—"

Splash!

The girls shouted upon being surprised by the commotion they heard. Something dived into their part of the pool and it seemed something big. They crowded at a side and only took a look of what it was after some seconds of panting. One by one, the girls proceeded to the unidentified object and gasped.

Blonde hair… towel… six cheek scratches…

"NARUTO!" Ino bellowed and quickly tightened the knot of her towel. The body was not responding for a few seconds and then before they knew it, the blonde had sprang to life and jumped to Hinata.

"HOT! HOT! HOT!" He cried out as he sprang from the water to the Hyuuga girl. They fell once again into the water and immediately, Hinata fainted upon seeing that it was Naruto.

Hyuuga Hinata opened her eyes to see the girls around her. She realized that she was placed in the bed for a more comfortable rest. She sat upright and asked what happened. Ino explained that Naruto accidentally (and perversely, she added) embraced her upon recoiling because his face was directly in contact with the hot water. Hinata blushed slightly and glanced at Naruto who was being laughed at by the guys.

"It was an accident!" Naruto cried out and it seemed no one believed him.

"Really?" Shino articulated.

The blonde seemed to be a covered by a negative twenty degree blanket of snow for he froze upon hearing the word from the real Shino.

"I think Hinata is better." Kiba secretly smiled to Shino. "You don't need to worry."

"Have they met before? It's like Hinata knows him already." Shikamaru observed how Hinata looked at Naruto from afar. The blonde was still explaining his side though no one really cared to listen. ("I didn't mean it! I just didn't feel comfortable that's why I needed to go!" Naruto's words were heard as background.)

"Maybe Hinata did see him. I just don't know with this person." Kiba nodded to the blonde's direction.

Sakura was actually having a fun time with the funny events of the evening but then she noticed something missing. She looked around and found everyone in the room except Sasuke. She approached Kiba and asked him, "where is Sasuke? Is he with you guys?"

Kiba appeared unmindful of Sasuke's absence as well because he looked around too. "He was with us. I just don't know where he went now."

Sakura thanked him and looked around once more. She opened the door to the inner garden (A garden in a plot of land the middle of the house.) and let the cool breeze comfort her relaxed feet. She was barefooted as she stepped down the few steps of the short stairs to the small garden. Everyone had changed into evening robes for a more comfortable stay. She looked perfect with the kimono-like robe which enveloped her slim body well. Her hair was tied up (like Anko's) and there were stray bangs shaping her face. As she went down, her silky hair moved with the wind. She looked like an angel who innocently got lost in the land of a devil. And perhaps it was the other way around… The devil was lost in the sight of her.

Sasuke was in the shaded part of the garden where he could freely observe his angel walk on the garden. He watched her feet bend slightly as she stepped ever gracefully on the grassy ground. He saw every detail of her movements and reflexes as she looked around for something she was looking for. He took a pack of cigarettes from his robe pocket. He looked at it and then glanced at the angel who was still in search of something. He needed to stop—for her. His fingers dropped the pack and it attracted the angel's attention.

"Sasuke, there you are." The angel smiled and approached him.

"Come here Sasuke! I'll protect you just come here!" a woman's voice echoed in his head.

Sasuke shook his head and then continued watching the steps of the angel.

"M-mom… no… I'm afraid…!" it was his own voice.

"Come here my son," the woman's voice was shaking as well but firm, "I'll stay with you."

"He'll kill us Mom! Hide with me!"

"Listen to me Sasuke—"

He uncontrollably stepped back deeper into the darkness. His lip trembled as his fist clenched. The angel anxiously stared at him and then extended her open palm. "Sasuke?"

"Sasuke!" the woman's voice was his mother's and he feared that he'd hear her scream again.

"Mom!" he saw himself, years younger than he was now, opening the doors of the cabinet where he was hiding. His mother was gone. His onyx innocent eyes observed the dark corridor and saw nothing but he smelled something… bloody. His eyes rounded with fear. "M-mom…?" he uttered—almost inaudible. There was no answer. His feet began walking towards the other end of the corridor. The windows of the corridor showed traces of fingers on the wooden floor. Fingers drenched in blood… whose blood? Sasuke quivered upon feeling the cold sanguinary environment under his little feet. He trotted… and faster he went… until he heard a piercing scream before he even reached the door at the end of the passage. He slowly opened it and saw two corpses…

"Sasuke, are you alright?" Sasuke felt a gentle hold around his wrist. He quickly came back to reality as his eyes became engulfed by those beautiful emerald orbs. "Your temperature is too high." He saw her raise her palm up to place against his forehead.

The trail of blood led to his mother's and father's corpses. There was a man with a long black hair who was right in front of him. The killer raised his hand up with a gun in hand.

Sasuke flinched upon feeling Sakura's touch. The pink head noticed the reflex action. She slowly placed her hand to her side and then pulled Sasuke out of the dark corner. He noticed how she surveyed his stressed face and his obscure eyes. She was his angel… in the midst of a devil… in his image. "What are you doing there? I've been looking for you."

"I was doing nothing." The raven head looked away and gazed at the lovely night sky. Haruno looked up to the sky as well and then asked.

"Sasuke, you have always looked up to the sky and to the sea in that way. Is there anything wrong?"

He shook his head and replied, "I don't know… it's just that… I can hear the sea calling my name and the sky… the sky seems to be welcoming me." He didn't even understand what he was talking about.

"Look at me Uchiha." Sakura placed her hands against his cheeks and faced him to her. "You think too much. Come on, let's go in. Kiba is going to serve saki. And please," she paused and leaned her head against his neck, "tell me whatever bothers you." The Uchiha brushed his palm against her arm to show that he was alright. The two interlaced their fingers as the held hands. They went together into the house and joined the others in the drinking session.

The rest of the group was already around the low tea table drinking small amounts of saki. Sakura and Sasuke joined them and took their shots. They began chatting while drinking until that chat became a drinking competition between Kiba, Shino and Naruto. Kiba had two bottles before he fell back, red and hyper. Shino and Naruto were being cheered by the rest as they fought for the most number of saki bottles.

"Go Shino!" Shikamaru clapped his hands as he winked at Naruto who was flustered by Shikamaru's change of side.

"Dammit!" Naruto increased his speed of drinking to outdo Shino but he felt dizzy upon doing so. Everyone watched the blonde drop his fifth bottle before he fell into a deep sleep. The audience laughed and congratulated Shino for being the best drinker. Everyone backed him up except Sasuke who appeared challenged. The Uchiha began drinking five bottles without almost any pause. After doing so, he opened another bottle and raised it to challenge Shino another drink. Everyone was in high spirits once more and they were cheering both sides. Shino opened his own bottle and the two began drinking once again.

"Come on Sasuke!"

"Go Shino! Beat him flat!"

"Drop dead Shino!"

"Kick his ass! Come on!"

Before they even realized it, they were all intoxicated by a couple of more bottles. Even the audience seemed to be included in the challenge for they were voluntarily opening more bottles and emptying them in fifty seconds flat. Sasuke and Shino were still having their shots and now they had emptied ten bottles each. Shit! That was the only reaction Sasuke got in his mind for he couldn't think of anything else. He suddenly dropped his eleventh bottle and fell asleep. Shino followed after some seconds. Chouji and the rest moved the four drunken people into the boys' room when all the while, they were drunk themselves. The boys were laughing hard as they closed the sliding door and left the four girls cleaning the table.

"Those boys don't know anything but have fun and sleep!" Ino complained as she put away the emptied saki bottles.

Sakura chuckled as she wiped the table clean. "Boys will be boys right?"

Hinata nodded slightly as she fixed the bumped furniture.

Tenten finished washing the dishes and went back into the entertainment room. "Let's sleep shall we?" The four girls went into their room and fixed their futons before falling into deep slumber. The night became colder, nevertheless, more comfortable. The boys were already snoring and the girls were continuously shifting from one position to another but they still kept their distance. The door of the girls' room suddenly slid open and silent, careful footsteps approached the pink head. The intruder crept close to Haruno's body as if trying to get heat from her. He embraced her tight and breathed against her neck. Sakura slightly opened her eyes and saw a pair of familiar pair of handsome eyes.

"Still awake Sasuke?"

The man nodded. "Let me stay."

She pulled the comforter over them both and they snuggled under the covers. The atmosphere was cold but, of course, it was warm that night.

END

Actually, I thought that I would be able to finish this story in this chapter. -- And I never expected this chapter to be this long. What came to my head? I don't really know. Haha! Now, I am sure that the next chapter will be the last one. Perhaps it will be a lot shorter but anyway, I just hope that you will enjoy it still.

Thank you guys! I hope to have you still with me until the last chapter.