So I KNOW it's literally been almost 9 years since I updated this. My younger daughter will be 10 in Feb. I have gone through 2 major breakups and I faced several harrowing bouts of depression. I want you guys to know that I have never stopped thinking about finishing this. I have read this every couple of weeks start to finish, hoping to continue. After me and the father of my children broke up in 2011 I literally just stopped writing for years, I just wasn't able to be creative in any way. I started writing other stories which are nearly as long as this before that happened and I just got stuck. I didn't publish anything else ever because I didn't want it to be like with this one where it had such a big gap of time if I couldn't write. I have added little bits over the years but this past week I just became very inspired and I have an ending, with some comical parts from Sakura and Itachi's kids in the future. Thank you for everyone who has reviewed and favorited this fic, it was my first major story for this pairing and it will always be dear to my heart. I always hold out hope that fics I read that were never finished might one day still be completed and I hope this gives you guys some hope too. 3 Last chapter should be up before the end of the month.
"Even if I hadn't been a child, I never would have believed something like that. It's probably why I blocked it out of my mind," Itachi said.
"Sakura? Sakura is adopted? How did her father's blood match?" Sasuke asked.
"Stroke of luck?" Kakashi suggested.
"Then we're all of the same bloodline? I mean she's a full blooded Mimoto and we're both half? Then half Uchiha? How could we be so much stronger than all of the other Uchiha then?" Sasuke questioned.
"Tell mommy?" Mitsuki asked.
"We'll tell mommy later baby," Itachi said, kneeling down. "I suppose I should have Rin do that blood test. You and I need to give her samples to compare," Itachi said to Sasuke. The younger Uchiha nodded.
"How are things going as Hokage?" Sasuke asked.
"Pretty good so far. It's going to take a lot of time and work to uphold this treaty. All the major countries have agreed to keep in contact as we go through the transition. I spoke to Nagato about this, but the other Hokages wish to inspect his injuries to make sure he no longer poses a threat should he decide not to uphold the treaty. Konan and him have been together for a while now and I'm sure she'll help him in Rain. With Konan in his life I'm sure he'll be one of our strongest allies. I know having the kids at our meeting made a great impact. Mitsuki was the one who convinced the Tsuchikage that I was being honest with my intentions for peace despite our previous skirmishes," Itachi said.
"I'm glad to hear that," Kakashi said.
"I'm glad so many people we thought we'd lost are turning up; first Rin, then Konan. Despite all the suffering we've faced in the quest for peace, we're being rewarded," Itachi said, smiling at his little girl and at Sasuke.
"You want me to lend a hand?" Kakashi asked, seeing how Itachi yearned to spend some much deserved time with his family.
"I would appreciate you standing in for a little while. I'd like to talk with Sakura and maybe start some of our wedding plans before things get too hectic. I was hoping Sasuke might babysit," Itachi said looking at his brother.
"Of course I will," Sasuke agreed. Kakashi bid them farewell and headed off to catch up on the local current affairs. Sasuke and Itachi picked up the groceries Sakura had requested and as silent as a ninja should be, took Misaki and her things from the apartment. It was a pleasant surprise for Sakura to wake up to the smell of dinner. She was shocked to find Itachi preparing said food, but was pleased all the same.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company in a time such as this?" Sakura asked.
"To whom, and that would be Kakashi. Sasuke has the kids. It's just you and me tonight," Itachi said. He poured her a glass of wine and while he told her of the summit and the progress they were making they ate. When they both felt a little fuzzy Itachi walked over to her side of the table and got down on his knees next to her chair. She hadn't been wearing the ring since they'd sent Mitsuki and Misaki away. She kept it on the nightstand beside their bed and he had took it this morning upon stopping home before making his way to the hospital. He took her hand in his, and caressed her fingers, seeing the happy tears well up in her eyes.
"Itachi," she said softly, smiling. He put the ring on her finger and kissed her hand.
"You're everything to me Sakura. You save lives every day but you didn't just save my life, you saved my soul. You gave me two beautiful daughters. I can't imagine for a moment my life without you. I want to be with you forever, and I want you to marry me," he proposed.
"I will," she accepted. She joined him on the floor, pressing a wet kiss to his lips. She had her way with him right there on the floor. She didn't know if it was his words or the proposal, maybe it was the wine that made this time different, but it meant more than any time before that. He wrapped her up in his arms and took her into bed, where she curled up on his chest.
"I have to tell you something," he said into her hair.
"Anything," she said.
"I know who you really are Sakura, like who my mother told us you were," Itachi began, feeling her out. She tensed for a moment but continued to listen without a sound. "Nagato said he heard my mother's name was Mimoto Koumu, and that name brought back memories but I couldn't remember from where. With Kakashi's help I remembered," he added.
"What do you remember?" Sakura asked. He explained it the same way he had explained it earlier to Sasuke. She wasn't sure how to feel but she was grateful. "I was always meant to be a part of your life it seems," she whispered in his ear. He curled up around her and kissed her face and shoulders.
"You don't know how indebted I feel to you. My parents and yours knew it would end up this way, but we didn't. It's your feelings for me that brought us to this point, not fate. One decision could change the whole future and all of your decisions brought us together. This peace is not thanks to me or Sasuke or my parents; this peace is because of you. You had the strength to hold to your convictions while every one of us wavered and lied and did things that could have destroyed this vision of peace. You gave me my life back, and you gave me Sasuke back. You've given me two beautiful daughters and a chance to make a difference in this world. I love you more than you may ever be able to comprehend," Itachi said. He wiped the tears off her cheeks and kissed her again.
"You gave me a reason to hope. It's because you trusted me that I was able to any of this. I love you Itachi," she whispered. He kissed her again, reveling in the thought of his future with her. The fact that he had a future was all because of this girl, and he would spend the rest of his life making sure she was happy.
"I will always love you Sakura," he whispered into her hair, pulling her close. They woke in the morning to a knock on the door.
"I'm sorry to bother you sir, but the elders insist that you come to the Hokage tower. We're received some communication from the other countries. It's only routine so there's no need to worry," the ANBU at the door revealed.
"Aa… Alright, I'll be there within the hour," Itachi said. Sakura stood in the doorway of the bedroom in just her undergarments. Itachi bit his lip as he looked her over.
"Going somewhere?" she asked.
"You're going to ruin my self control you know," Itachi commented. She smirked turning halfway around.
"You coming?" she asked, looking over her shoulder.
"I only have an hour. Don't you want me to eat before I go?" Itachi asked. Sakura's lips curled up into a grin as she nodded. She motioned with her pointer finger for him to follow her and he obeyed, making love to her again before getting showered and dressed.
"I'll pick up the girls and we'll have Sasuke over for dinner alright?" Sakura said as Itachi put on his socks.
"Sounds good to me. We should invite Kakashi and Rin too," Itachi suggested.
"Mm, you're right. I'll see if Karin will come too. It'll be good for Sasuke," Sakura agreed. She put together something quick for breakfast and kissed him as he left. She sighed as his hand left hers and he disappeared into the distance. Once she cleaned up a little she headed to Sasuke and Naruto's apartment. Naruto was out of course with Hinata, but she was shocked to find Karin there playing with Mitsuki.
"I hope you don't mind. Sasuke had his hands full and he didn't want to bother you guys. He asked me to come over to help him and he passed out early and Naruto said I could stay in his room," she explained.
"It's not a problem. He's probably better off not taking care of both of them at the same time. Misaki is quite a handful herself but Mitsuki is usually pretty well behaved," Sakura said.
"Yeah," Karin said with a nod and a laugh.
"It's actually my good luck to find you here. I was having a few people over for dinner and I wanted you to join us. I know Sasuke would like to have someone there, and I know you're still getting used to things here. The girls seem to like being around you so," Sakura offered. Karin had up until this point politely refused to intrude, but something this time made her say yes. She could tell Sasuke was hurting, hiding something inside him. She could barely tell it was there when Sasuke was with his nieces, but she wanted so desperately for him to open his heart to her.
"Sure. I don't have any plans tonight," Karin agreed. "Actually, if it's alright, why don't I come by a little early to help you," she added. Sakura smiled and nodded.
"That would be lovely," Sakura said. Mitsuki clung to her leg, nuzzling her knee. Karin handed Misaki and their baby bag to her. "Tell Sasuke about dinner, and tell him I said thanks," she said softly, waving as she shut the door.
Karin came early as she stated she would, and while Sasuke and Naruto played with the girls she confided her feelings to the pink haired woman. Sakura put her at ease with words of assurance and encouragement concerning Sasuke. She explained that Sasuke had been through a lot, but he was looking for someone to trust with the great weight on his heart since she could not. It wasn't long afterward that they were together. It took nearly a year to work out all the details and stipulations of the treaty in which all the greater and lesser countries were made equal. Sakura insisted to Itachi that she had waited this long for him, and she could wait for her wedding until peace was secured, no matter how long it took. Pain was deemed no longer a threat and was allowed to continue his rule over Rain Country, with Konan by his side.
Though Itachi spent a lot of time in the other countries he had made sure to be home for Mitsuki's 2nd birthday and finally Misaki's first birthday. For the occasion he had bought Sakura a beautiful white dress and insisted on doing all the preparations for their friends and family for the party. Her father came to spend some time with her and Misaki while Itachi worked out his secret plans. Sakura laughed but relented that she would not be able to convince Itachi to let her help. Her father led her through the village and as they passed the Uchiha complex he stopped.
"Do you think all the buildings are falling apart?" he asked.
"I'm sure. Itachi's next project will be destroying and rebuilding here, opening it up again for the people of the village. It will be good bonding for him and Sasuke," Sakura said.
"Uncle!" Misaki squeaked in her arms. Sakura jumped when Sasuke popped up in front of them.
"Want to take a walk?" Sasuke asked his niece. "I want to show you where me and your dad grew up, if that's ok Sakura." Misaki reached out and Sakura let Sasuke take her.
"Sure, we weren't heading anywhere until Itachi reveals this big secret. What do you know about that anyway?" Sakura responded.
"Oh it will be a huge surprise I promise," Sasuke said with a smirk.
"Well since I won't be getting any info about that from you, how about you tell me how things are going with Karin," she said.
"I'll go on up ahead to give you two some privacy," her father said and the pair fell back a little. Misaki squirmed and Sasuke let her down to run ahead as well.
"They're going well. We recently discussed the events in the forest. She's been very supportive. It's a comfort to know she's there. She loves me. I think maybe..." Sasuke started.
"Maybe you're ready to say it to her?" Sakura asked. He nodded his head.
"It feels like it's ok now. I feel like I've finally let go of you Sakura. There was a time I thought that would never happen, that the pain of losing you would overtake me. I knew that we weren't meant to be together. I was genuinely happy that you and Itachi were together and I knew after the forest that I would have someone to lean on but it still seemed so foreign to me, to have these feelings for another woman and not you. I suppose time does heal all wounds, but love does as well. Itachi is only back because of you Sakura. I have a hole filled in my heart that used to be filled with hate. You did save me and I will never be able to repay you for sacrifices," Sasuke said.
"You already have Sasuke. You came home, you fought for our home, you're amazing with my children and you've forgiven Itachi. There is nothing else I could ask for from you, except maybe when you think my nephew is gonna come," she teased. He twitched and made an awkward noise.
"Let's not rush anything, huh?" he said.
"Wait your mother said-"
"Aa... I know. It's just not the right time to make an announcement," Sasuke said, turning red.
"Congratulations though," Sakura said, squeezing his shoulder. She saw her father and Misaki turn the corner of the building at the end of the path and her daughter squealed.
"You look beautiful Sakura. I want you to have this. Mistuki and Misaki saw this in the market and I grabbed it for you," Sasuke said, pulling out a long hair clip with a butterfly and a green gem. She pulled her hair back on one side and clipped it.
"It's beautiful, thank you," Sakura responded. As they too turned the corner Sakura gasped and covered her mouth. Mitsuki ran up to her with a bouquet of flowers and her father took her arm. Tears filled her eyes as she looked upon the sight. Where Sasuke and Itachi's house had been was a rebuilt house with Sakura trees growing along the perimeter. All her friends were gathered in chairs on either side of the walk up to the house. Itachi stood with a suit near the entrance under an arch wrapped with vines and blooming flowers. Tsunade stood beyond him and Sasuke moved up to take Karin's arm and walked up the aisle together, Sasuke to his brother's side and Karin to the other, followed by Kakashi and Rin, then Naruto and Hinata. Mitsuki took Misaki's hand and walked her down while both threw petals on the ground. "Did you all know?" Sakura asked her father.
"It wasn't easy keeping it a secret. Itachi said if he disguised it as a party for Misaki you wouldn't catch on. Are you happy?" he asked.
"This might be the happiest day of my life," she said tearfully. He brought her to the beginning of the pathway and walked with her until she reached Itachi. He took her hand and wiped her eyes with the other. Tsunade preceded over the ceremony.
"You may now say your vows," she instructed.
"Sakura, our relationship was fate. We were meant to be together from the very beginning. There were so many obstacles in our way and even when I had my doubts you maintained your resolve through all of them. Your love pulled me out the darkness I had shrouded myself in. Your love reunited me with my village, my brother and my children. Your love gave me the ability to fight for the things I couldn't imagine living without and ultimately bring peace to the shinobi world. I am thankful that I let you in and I intend to spend the rest of my life repaying your love with my own. I will cherish every moment of our life together and I hope this ceremony is one small step toward making up for the time we've lost. I love you Sakura," Itachi said.
"Itachi..." Sakura said softly, unable to stop the tears from leaking out. "I was definitely surprised. I guess that's something I should get used to. Since we've been back together here in Konoha, you've spent every moment you could making up for lost time. For a while it felt like our time was always given a time limit. So many things tried to pull us apart but you're right, fate wanted us together, and here we are. Everything I've endured was worth the suffering to be here with you now. We can finally have everything we wanted together. We finally get a happy ending and I will cherish every moment of our time together. You have already given me everything I need in return just being here, loving me and our family. I love you Itachi," Sakura said. Itachi took both her hands in his own and when he looked at her she was the only thing in the world.
"Will you be my wife Sakura?" he asked.
"If you will be my husband," she replied. Mitsuki ran over and handed her father a small box. He took out another silver band and Sakura took one out as well. They put them on each other's fingers and Tsunade pronounced them married. People cheered and threw rice and Itachi kissed Sakura, pressing his lips softly to his bride.
"I'm sorry it took so long to get here," he apologized.
"I'm not. It was perfect," she said, smiling at him. He picked her up in his arms and carried her into the house as Sasuke opened the door. Inside were tables set up with food. Their guests followed them in. Mitsuki pulled Karin in with her, over to her parents.
"Kazuya!" she yelled brightly to them. Karin turned bright red as did Sasuke who followed close behind. Itachi looked at his brother in wonder.
"Really?" he asked.
"We didn't want to tell anyone yet," Sasuke said, as Mitsuki ran circles around Karin and her parents.
"Especially not on your big day," Karin managed, still beet red.
"No, that's amazing news. Maybe we'll be doing this again soon then?" Itachi responded.
"Don't push Itachi. They're going to take things at their own pace. It really is amazing though, what a child brings to you. Look what Mitsuki has brought to us," Sakura said, yanking up her daughter as she ran by. She giggled.
"I just want him to be here already!" Mitsuki said.
"It will be some time before that. For now let's keep that between the family," Sasuke requested. Mistuki nodded.
"I promise," she said. Misaki though she had been quite difficult as a baby had since mellowed out, following her sister around and quite often, drawing close to Kakashi and Rin. She liked to play with the copy nin's headband and touch his scar. Kakashi had joked that having her around so often had started baby talk between him and Rin. They had discussed having a small ceremony as well once the peace talks were ironed out.
"It's a new generation coming now, we've got a bit to wait for our next two though huh?" Itachi teased.
"Indeed. Let Karin have some of hers first," Sakura joked back.
"How about we get through one before we mention more?" Sasuke demanded. A band arrived shortly after and the revelries went on late into the night.