Hey guys! Welcome to THE END! Never thought this day was coming, huh? An extended Author's note is at the bottom, but welcome to the Happy Ending! (You'll notice some similarities and then a lot of differences, enjoy!)


Years of being on the run, always watching my back, have left me a very light sleeper. Every crunch of a leaf or snap of a branch, I hear it. So, when Sakura slips out of bed and from my arms, I feel it. I keep my eyes closed, listening as she paces softly to the other side of the room, until I hear a quiet sob emanate from her.

"Sakura," I pull myself up, looking for her in the darkened space. She steps to the wall and flicks the light switch, illuminating the room. She stands far away from me, naked, with her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Tracks of tears stain her face and she won't look at me.

"I don't want to lose you, Sasuke-kun," Sakura takes a shuddering breath, "I can't go through that again."

Guilt coils around me like a vice.

"I'm so sorry," I speak softly, but with earnest, "For everything, Sakura. I don't want to hurt you."

"I know," Sakura nods, her voice breaking, "I forgive you."

For a moment I'm stricken. Her words hold me captive and I realize it's because she's the first person to accept my apology. She doesn't diminish it, or tell me to think nothing of it. Sakura acknowledges it, receives it, and pardons me. She's my salvation, and she's already given me my freedom.

Yet, I can't help but feel that I'm trapping her.

"Sakura, you deserve the world," something constricts in my chest and I clench my fists, "Even if I'm alive, I can't give that to you."

"I don't want the world," she laughs bitterly, "I don't need it," she hesitates for a beat, as if debating, "I need you. Alive. I'm scared, Sasuke. Aren't you?"

I don't answer. I'm scared for her. I'm scared for Naruto and Kakashi, for all the things my death will mean for the people I care about most.

"I don't know," I swallow thickly as her eyes finally rest on mine, "But I need you, too."


My hands shake as Tsunade leads me out of the room. She takes me down the hall to the commissary and starts picking out a tray of food, piling various items on it.

"Eat," she gestures in front of her as we sit down at the table in the mostly quiet cafeteria.

"I'm not hungry," I wave my hand as if I can shoo the food away.

"I didn't ask if you were, but you need food, you're shaking."

I shove my hands beneath the table.

"I'm fine, let's just go back inside. I'm ready to talk."

"What are you going to say?"

"What they want to know. If they realize they have our full cooperation, maybe it will change their minds."

"You sound desperate, Sakura."

"I am," I wring my fingers together, "The thought of losing him - ," I shake my head and look away, "If it were Dan, wouldn't you do everything in your power to save him?"

"I did do everything in my power," her voice is thick with sorrow and drips slightly with acidity, "And it still wasn't enough. There are certain things that we just can't help. Eat."

I pick up the onigiri and bite into it, watching as the shadow of his memory plays over Tsunade's face.

"How often do you miss him?"

"Everyday," the pain in her voice is palpable, "Not a day goes by that I don't think of him, or my brother. But, as I'm sure you know, some days are worse than others. I could wake up one day and be able to think fondly about the time we had together. The next day I can't get the image of his blood on my hands out of my head."

"Do you think Sasuke will be pardoned?" I ask after a beat.

"No," she says softly, "But you knew that already."

"Do you think he deserves it?"

"I think that some people don't deserve a second chance, but I'm still not sure if he's one of them."

"Would you give Orochimaru a second chance?"

"No," she answers without hesitation. I feel my heart drop but I don't know what else I expected. Although, her next words shock me, "But Sasuke isn't Orochimaru."

"They think he's as good as. At least, that's what it sounds like."

"They're scared, Sakura. They will do anything in their power to protect their villages from another person like Orochimaru terrorizing them. The Daimyos are right, we'd be placing a lot of trust in Sasuke by having him back here. And people are always going to think the worst of him, he'll carry that with him for the rest of his life," she sighs heavily, her eyes giving a silent plea, "You might feel you love him, but you have to think carefully about whether or not you would want to deal with that yourself."

"You've told me, Tsunade-sama," I avert my eyes because it's difficult to look at her, "I'll stand by his side, not just for him, but for myself, too."

"That's admirable, Sakura, but not everyone might see it that way."

"I don't care," I shake my head, "I'm done talking about this, let's go back inside."

"Are you sure you're ready?"

"No," it's the one thing I am sure of, "But the longer I'm here, the less time I have with Sasuke."


Naruto arrived soon after Sakura had left. We sit in the living room together and I listen while he speaks. His ramblings are a welcome distraction. But try as I might, I can't seem to follow one train of thought to the other. I can't stop thinking about what Sakura asked me this morning. Should I be afraid? Should I suddenly fear death? Now, I feel like I'll be losing something if I die.

"What should I do?" I look up, confused.

"What?"

"Did you hear me?" Naruto's brows are furrowed and he looks nervous, "Hinata's late. What if she's pregnant?"

"Then, you'll be a father," Kakashi deadpans, "Should we have a talk about how babies - "

"Enjoy it," I say suddenly. He looks startled by my response, but the longer the words hang in the air, the more I realize I mean them. He deserves to be happy and raise a family; something he never had through his childhood.

"I guess I just thought kids would be farther down the road," he shrugs, looking forlorn, "And I don't know how to be a father."

"Nobody does, even if they've grown up with one," Kakashi says simply.

We sit in silence, pondering Kakashi's statement. Two sides of the same coin, that's what we are. He never had a family; I lost mine. We had different dreams from the start and now - well, suddenly I find myself wanting what he has. I just want it with someone else.


"Uchiha Sasuke does not negate the crimes he's committed," I feel that I have to say it at least once to be clear of what I'm advocating for. I've gone back and forth within myself too much, "Much of the information you have acquired is true. But he is not solely responsible for his actions; grief is a heavy burden, made more so when a maniacal wanted nin has seduced you with the power needed to exact revenge. Be that as it may, he is not asking for your forgiveness. He is only asking to come home and live in peace."

I realize I'm embellishing. I have to fill in the blanks that Sasuke has left open. He won't give me straight answers; he is not that type of person. He has only just begun to understand his feelings and to voice them. It occurs to me that I may be fighting more for myself than for him. I think I must be selfish because I want him back home so badly that I disregard how it might make others feel. The scar by my hip burns as if to remind me just how far his actions have reached. But I believe that he is reformed; I've seen his remorse.

"And what of the years after Orochimaru's death?"

"He traveled, mostly alone, still searching for the Akatsuki. He was somewhat consciously aware of Orochimaru's presence within him and so he distanced himself in his search. He was fearful that he would hurt somebody," as I say the words, I realize how ridiculous it must sound to them. But he does care. He knows how much damage he can inflict.

"His teammates, Karin and Suigetsu, what of them?"

"I still have no information on that," I swallow thickly. I can't tell them he's unwilling to cooperate. "He has no knowledge of their whereabouts; they split up after Sasuke found Itachi."

"After he killed Uchiha Itachi what happened?"

I try not to lower my head. For some reason I find myself conflicted as to whether I should give the truth or not. Would it be a sign of weakness to them that he attempted to kill himself? Would they see strength if he suffered it from Itachi?

"I found him, injured, and brought him here."

"Injured by Uchiha Itachi?"

"That is unclear," Tsunade speaks up before I can open my mouth. I dare not look at her right now for fear that I'll give something away, but a silent gratitude presses at the forefront of my mind. But then, I think about Sasuke's honesty with me this morning. If he's going to live in the village, he can't start over with lies.

"Do you have any further information you would like to present to the council before we deliberate?"

"Yes," I pipe up before I can think further on it, "You should know," sweat gathers on my palms and all I can hear is the blood rushing in my ears, "Sasuke was not injured by Itachi. His wound was self-inflicted," a thorough hush wraps around the room, not even a surprised whisper is uttered, "He did so because he felt it was the only way to make things right. He assumed he couldn't possibly be of any merit to anyone, least of all himself. He is wrong. With an Uchiha back in Konoha we could establish a pillar of strength within our nations, that would unite, rather than divide us. I implore you to give him a second chance. I can promise you will have his full cooperation."

"We're meant to take your word that he'll comply?" an advisor questions.

"If my word as the Hokage's prodigy means so little, then you've been wasting our time with this trial," I seethe, clenching my fists tightly, "If you never intended to consider allowing him his freedom then why give us false hope? Sasuke lost his entire clan, in a single evening and now he's being unjustly judged by the last bit of family he has," I spit my next words as though the venom within them can do physical harm, "At least I admit my bias."

"That's enough, Sakura," Tsunade says sharply, grabbing my arm and leading me away from the widened gazes. She takes me into the hall, shutting the door behind us, "What makes you think you can talk to them like that?"

"They've already made up their minds, Tsunade-sama. What else am I supposed to do? This is my last chance to speak up for what I think is right."

"I think you've said more than enough," her mouth pulls into a thin line, "Go back to the compound and wait for me there."

"What? No!"

"I doubt those insults helped your case at all so I suggest you go back to the compound and enjoy what little time you now have left with Sasuke."

Her words cut me to the core, but before I can respond, the doors are reopened. An advisor gives Tsunade a brief nod.

"Haruno-san, they wish to speak with you again."

"They do?" I swallow thickly, something between hope and dread pooling in my stomach. I look back to Tsunade as she steps forward.

"Not you, Hokage-sama," the advisor regards me, "Just her."


I follow the advisor back into the stuffy room and take my familiar place in the center. The row of Daimyos scrutinizes me until one leans forward and opens his mouth.

"If Uchiha Sasuke did not think himself worthy of living, why should we?" I pause, mulling over his question; I should have expected it.

"Because it shows he has a moral compass. He knows the difference between right and wrong and he's compassionate enough to recognize that he was wrong, that he caused destruction when he could have acted differently. He assumed we would never take him back because he wasn't worth saving," my throat constricts tightly, but I take a deep breath, "Prove him wrong. Let him know that he's not like Orochimaru and that he still has a place here, in his village."

After a long and heavy silence between us, the rest of the room starts to fall away. The advisors at my sides watch silently, waiting for the Daimyos to speak up.

"Haruno-San," another one addresses me, "It is my understanding that you were unhappy about being shackled with your former teammate after his rescue. Why the change of heart?"

"I hated him for the same reasons you do," I answer simply, the words coming without any need to conjure them, "I stopped thinking of him as a person, let alone as my friend. I convinced myself that he was a monster. And then I had to live with him; I know his pain, his sadness. I'm aware of all his regrets. He's just a person who's been broken too many times in his life. And he deserves a second chance."

My nerves hit as silence falls once more but I straighten my back to still the quake within me. I hope my ability to leave them speechless is a good thing. But they give nothing away, deliberating within themselves, asking perhaps what if they were in his position?

"Thank you for your time, Haruno-san," the Daimyos nod in concurrence, "I believe it's time we made a decision."

"O-Okay," I bow my head and retreat from the room. Tsunade pushes away from the wall when she sees me.

"What did they say?" Her tone is sharp, slightly threatening in a way that makes me think she was fearing for my safety.

"They're making a decision now," I swallow against the lump in my throat. Tsunade pulls me against her, holding me close.

"Go back to the compound," her voice is quiet and soft, "I'll come when they've made a decision."

"No, I should be here," I say thickly.

"No, you shouldn't," she whispers, "You should be with Sasuke."

Maybe she's right. I pull away from her and look to the window. The sun is setting now, it's almost gone. Just like our time. Maybe she is right.

"Okay," I face her again, clenching my fists against the anxiety that threatens to suffocate me.


Sakura walks through the door as we're assembled on the couch, cutting Naruto off mid-sentence. There's a distinct tremor in her gait as she steps toward me but her face is impassive. Most notably, Tsunade isn't with her. She comes to sit on the wide arm of my chair and places her hand on my back. None of us voice the question burning like fire between us.

"They're making a decision now," she says quietly, her fingers twitching against my shirt like she's trying to grasp it. I have the urge to pull her onto my lap and kiss her senseless, but I settle a hand on her thigh instead. I wish I could comfort her, but the only way I know how is inappropriate at the moment. Her eyes don't leave mine and I can see everything warring inside of her. Fear and trepidation fight for dominance, clouding her bright gaze. Somewhere in there is that last little glimmer of hope, but it's dying fast. I want to tell her it's okay, that it doesn't matter, but I know that's not true. She says I make her feel like the most beautiful girl in the world, well, she makes me feel like the only man that matters. So I know this is her world right now, and its crumbling.

"What do we do?" Naruto asks, his voice brittle with concern.

"I suppose we wait," Kakashi leans back on the couch.

"We just wait?" Naruto sounds almost incredulous.

"It's the same thing we've been doing for months," Sakura bows her head, strands of rosy hair falling in front of her face. I can see her breaking, and it's tearing me apart having to watch. Like a revelation, it hits me; this is how she feels. She has to watch me. I stand abruptly, tugging Sakura to her feet.

"I need to talk to you," I command, pulling her away from the living room and toward the back of the house. The guards give us a wide birth, as do Naruto and Kakashi, for which I'm immeasurably grateful to have.

"Sasuke, what is it?" a spike of alarm flashes in her eyes as I back her into a dark corner.

"Even if I die - Especially if I die, I just need you to be okay, I need to know that you're going to keep living your life the way you always have, without me," the words fall out of my mouth in an uncharacteristic heap while these feelings assault me so relentlessly, I find it hard to name them all. I'm afraid for her, I need her, I want - I want everything for her. She can't just be okay, she has to be happy.

"Sasuke-kun, I - " she stumbles and shakes her head, "That's not realistic," before I can respond, she cuts me off, "You're asking me to stop loving you."

"No, I - "

"You are," she shakes her head again, "I can't do that," she traces my jaw with her fingers, watching me with desolate and greedy eyes; a look I'm all too familiar with. Gently, so gently that I almost don't feel her, she glances her lips against mine. She pulls back too quickly, so much so that I follow her lips, pressing her into the wall with a forceful kiss. Sakura is the first to break away again, "I don't know how to stop loving you and I don't know how to live without you, not now. Not after everything," she drops her hands to squeeze mine, "That's happened between us."

"Sakura - "

The door opens and shuts abruptly. She pulls away from me and rushes into the living room, out of my view. I don't follow her.

"Tsunade-sama, have they decided?" I hear the quiver in her voice. There's a long pause that wraps around me like a vice, squeezing me into a void of sheer panic. Blood rushes through my veins in a hammering cacophony that clogs my hearing and I almost don't hear Tsunade's reply,

"Yes," my heart constricts in my chest, tightening unpleasantly as I sink further into this dark corner, "We have some conditions, but he's a free man."

Everything dulls to a low buzz in the back of my mind. Sakura, Naruto, Kakashi, and their reactions become drowned in the cesspool of terror and panic that mingles within me. I'm free? What does that mean? What does that feel like? Am I supposed to stay here? Am I supposed to live out the rest of my days in Konoha with the people I abandoned?

I slide down the wall, fisting the material of my pants tight enough to tear. I shut my eyes to the burn of tears and swallow the sobs lodged in my throat. But it doesn't stop the cold trails of fear that stream down my face. How do I do this? What happens now? I press my hands over my eyes as I shake on the floor. Darkness clouds the edges of my mind and I feel sheer terror take me in its cold, brutal grasp. How am I supposed to live?


"Sasuke-kun," she is not gentle as she pries my fingers apart, excavating what lays beneath. I catch her wide, verdant gaze, unflinching, without fear or worry and she softens, "Oh, Sasuke."

Sakura pulls me against her, pushing my face into her neck and clings to me with a quiet comfort. I grapple for her arm, squeezing tightly, because she's the only thing that makes sense right now, that doesn't scare me. She doesn't speak, she doesn't move, she merely holds me as I cry into her shoulder. I don't know how long we stay like this, safe and warm in our embrace, but eventually I wonder why I don't hear footsteps, why Naruto or Kakashi haven't checked in. But it doesn't matter as much as being with her in this moment.


When her shoulder is wet and the tears have stopped, I kiss her neck and she gives a pleasant hum in her throat. Her fingers weave in my hair, pulling softly until I look up at her. She's smiling at me, unfettered by anxiety and fear; she knows what will happen next. She has the answers.

"I sent Naruto and Kakashi home," she grins wryly, "Naruto didn't want to go, but I figured you'd need some time alone."

"Thank you," I reach up to stroke her cheek and she leans in to my touch.

"I can go, too, if you'd like," her eyes don't leave mine, insisting that she's not looking for validation, only that she cares for my wellbeing.

"I don't want that," I pull myself upright and kiss her chastely. She smiles against my lips and wraps her arms around my neck.

The house is empty when we emerge from our dark corner, no evidence of an entire army having ever come through here.

"Tsunade has let most of the guards go home, the rest are patrolling the grounds. She's trying to keep everything quiet until she figures out how to tell the rest of the village that you're alive," she swallows thickly, weaving our fingers together, "And no longer being persecuted. That being said, they have some stipulations, but we can talk about that later."

"How did you do it?" I peer down at her as we stand awkwardly in this vast, silent living room.

"I don't know," she shakes her head, smiling despite her disbelief, "I just told them everything I could. I told them who I thought you were and who I know you are now. I'm just glad they listened."

"I'm scared," I squeeze her hand, but avert my gaze, finding the notches on the doorway to the kitchen, "I don't know what to do now."

"That's the beauty of it," she leans into me, "You get to figure that out."


THREE YEARS LATER

I tighten my grip on the bag slung over my shoulder, bracing myself as I walk through the gates of Konoha. It feels like I've been away for a lifetime, when in fact it's only been about eight months. Everything's the same here, the streets still lined with people as I traverse the path to the compound. But the dirt that winds through to my home is as empty as ever. The houses still feel dark and foreboding, but I know that feeling will always be here. The memories of this place and everything that's occurred here live within me. Perhaps that's why I've stayed. As much pain as I have here, I know I'd be miserable living anywhere else. It's a reminder of all that I still have, despite what I've lost. It's a reminder that I'm where I belong. Most importantly, it reminds me that it's never too late to start over.

I turn the key and push the front door open. It's just as I left it, except somebody's been around to let light in from the shutters, and to leave a fresh bowl of tomatoes on the table by the couch. I smirk; she knows me so well. I glance at the clock on the wall; her shift should be ending soon.


Despite my excitement, the day whirls by fairly quickly and soon I find myself on the winding streets leading to the Uchiha compound. Eight months without Sasuke, without hearing his voice or feeling his touch. But I'm constantly reminding myself, it's better than the alternative. Since he's been given his freedom, the conditions were for him to take on certain missions on behalf of his village. Now, he's made it home in time for the holidays. I take out the spare key he gave me and unlock the door. Unlike the other times I've come, when he's been gone, the house has warmth now. The aroma of a freshly cooked meal coaxes me from the foyer into the kitchen where I find Sasuke, shirtless and waiting. I run into his arms, a huge, silly grin on my face while he holds me tight.

"I missed you," I kiss his neck, burrowing myself there and closing my arms around his waist. He doesn't reply, letting his actions speak as he pulls me impossibly close, breathing me in, "Are you okay?"

He nods, one hand reaching to tangle in my hair.

"When is your debriefing?"

"Tomorrow morning," he still doesn't let me go, basking in our coveting embrace.

"So I have you all to myself tonight," I smile against his skin and he nods once more.

"After dinner," I don't need to see his face to confirm the smirk on his lips, I can hear it in his voice, "I'm sure you haven't eaten a decent meal since I left."

"I can't help it," I laugh and kiss his shoulder, "Nothing tastes as good as your cooking."


The evening passes with a pleasant pace of leisure, free from harried thoughts and disquieted speech. We sit on the couch, legs tangled, savoring each bite and exchanging quiet words. I tell him every significant and insignificant thing that comes to mind. I scavenge for anything he may have missed in his absence. He listens patiently, adeptly. I tell him about his godchild, how he's already grown so much, how Naruto and Hinata have taken so quickly to being parents. He smiles at that. I tell him about Ino's wedding, about how beautiful the ceremony was. I tell him about how I reconnected with Lui-san, about how supportive he's been in everything. Sasuke takes my hand then, squeezing it, a silent apology for everything he's missed, for not being able to be here. But it doesn't matter, it wasn't his fault. These were the terms dictated by the Kages, but now it's over and done with. He's finally home. It doesn't matter.

The night doesn't end for us. We tangle ourselves in this burning passion, content to spend our hours in languid bliss. We don't stop, chasing release after release, sweat soaked and reeking of sex. I don't let go of him and he doesn't leave my body, at least not for long. I've pulled the fitted sheet off the mattress from gripping it so harshly as he pumps into me from behind. I know I'm losing my voice, each cry and wail of pleasure growing more hoarse. He'll be bruised come morning, scratched even, from where I've held on for dear life. But we don't stop, we only press closer, his hand covering mine, his body hovering above me. More, more, more. I demand from him, and he in turn takes from me. All I know when morning comes is the white heat of desire and the call from my body to his.


"You don't have to come tonight," I smooth my hair down while I peer at him in the mirror. He stands awkwardly in my bedroom, fidgeting with his suit.

"You've spent the last two Christmases alone," he frowns, adjusting his tie.

"I've had my mom," I say with mock defensiveness, but he gives me a look, "Well, if you think of it that way, then I've spent every Christmas alone. You don't have to come tonight if you don't want to."

I stand from the vanity in my bathroom and walk over to him. He smirks at me, but I can see the trepidation in his eyes. The village is aware of his existence now. They know what he's done, and he's felt the brunt of their hostility. That didn't surprise him, even when it came from former classmates at the Academy. What surprised him is that he cares.

"I want to," his fingers fumble with mine, "It's just a party."

"Okay," I grin and kiss his cheek.


Naruto and Hinata welcome us into their house with open arms, overjoyed to see Sasuke joining us for their annual secret santa party. But I don't think anybody else expected him to be there. Our close friends stare as I lead him into the living room, gawking at the anomaly that is Uchiha Sasuke. I can see him stiffen, feel his hand tense in mine, but his panic flies out the window as Boruto runs at him, calling him 'Uncle Sasuke,' with pride. He kneels to greet him, the slightest smile curling the edges of his lips as he listens to Boruto fumble over his words, babbling about the gifts he received for Christmas.

Gradually, throughout the evening, I feel the room grow warmer. It no longer feels as though there's an obtrusive bridge in the room, but I know it'll take more time for Sasuke to truly feel comfortable. I seat myself next to him on the couch, leaning into his side.

"In a few minutes, I'll complain about a stomachache, then we'll go," I whisper.

"Okay," he kisses my forehead in gratitude.


"Thank you for coming tonight," I say after I towel my face off. Sasuke steps into the bathroom, walking toward me until he's backed me against the sink. He presses a soft kiss against my forehead, his hands resting on either side of me on the counter.

"Anything for you," he whispers against my skin then pulls away to meet my gaze. A quiet moan escapes me at his words. I've hopelessly fallen for him. Now that I've experienced what it is to be cherished by him, I know there's no one else for me. I hoist myself onto the counter and link my ankles around his waist. Pulling his shirt off and tossing it on the bathroom floor, I place my lips on the pulse point at his neck, sucking softly. I run my hands along his torso feeling the hardened muscles that have become more defined while he's been away.

"Perhaps I should return the favor," I nip his skin playfully and a low groan rumbles in his chest. His hands move to grip my waist, then slide up under my shirt. He grips my breasts softly, applying a light squeeze and thumbing my nipples. He watches me for a beat as I pant lightly and then close my eyes, letting the feel of his touch engulf me. I feel the pressure of his lips on mine again and I lean into the kiss, tightening my hold on him.

"I want you now. Would you prefer the bed?"

I shake my head, pulling his lips back; I want him now.

"Take me," I laugh lightly as I utter the words, slipping my shirt off and unhooking my ankles to shimmy out of my pajama bottoms. He yanks them over my feet, letting them land by his shirt. Sasuke strokes my opening with two fingers and I shudder under his touch.

"So wet," he speaks through gritted teeth. He shoves the waist band of his pants down over his hardened cock and, in a second, pushes into me. My hands fly to his shoulder blades as he thrusts roughly. He stretches me and carress that hidden part within me that sets me aflame, the head of his cock bumping my cervix. His fingers brush my clit, teasing my pleasure out with each stroke. Limply, my forehead rests against his shoulder, my moans becoming muffled in his chest. I'm going to come too soon; he's not playing fair. I clench my muscles around his length in rapid succession. He groans, moving his hands down to my thighs in a tight grip. His hips snap against mine in a steady, albeit rapid, cadence, breaking my concentration.

"Sasuke-kun!" My voice spikes as I feel the friction draw me ever closer to my impending release.

"Come for me, Sakura," the guttural tone of his words is enough to rip another cry of ecstasy from my lips. I lift my hips as far as the position will allow me, rocking against him until I feel that blinding heat explode in my abdomen. It spreads throughout me until I'm almost numb and shaking from the pleasure, though I feel my walls contracting around him repetitively. Vaguely I can hear Sasuke roar his release and feel his member throbbing against my walls. With all the strength I can muster, I hold him tight against me as we both come shuddering down from our shared high.

There's no one else.

I clutch him tighter, our faces buried in the other's shoulder.

"Marry me," his voice is rough and strained but I can hear him clearly in this little space. I find myself at a loss for speech and freeze in his arms. I try to pull back, to see his face, to scan his eyes, to pinch myself so that I'll know that this is real. He doesn't let me go, his lips are firm against my neck and we're still locked at the hips.

I nod. I nod fervently, almost violently and press kisses against his neck, along his jaw.

"Yes," my words are a gasp, whispered on a breath. "Yes."

Finally he pulls away, his eyes meet mine and something tugs at the corners of his lips but he doesn't give in, not yet.

"Really?"

"Yes," I nod again, a wide grin cracking my face. Before I can see his smile, he captures my lips in an inebriating kiss.

"Yes?" He parts only a breath away.

"Yes," I say happily because I will repeat it as many times as he needs to hear it, "Yes, I will marry you, Sasuke-kun."

"I only see myself growing old and having children with you. I only want a life here if you're by my side for the rest of it," his gaze is earnest and open. His heart is bare before me, only me. I intend to protect it and him with all of myself.

"I'm not going anywhere," I graze my fingers along his cheek, stroking my thumb under his eye. "I don't want anyone but you."

He kisses my palm and slips out of me carefully. Normally I would cringe at the loss, but my heart is so full that it doesn't register what my body might be missing. Sasuke rights his pants, looping the drawstring, then bends to pick up our clothes. He pauses for a moment then hands me his shirt. I raise my eyebrow at him.

"Wear it," he looks a little unsure but continues to offer me the piece of clothing. I smirk and take it from him, slipping it over my head. It's cool from sitting on the tile of the floor but it's big and smells like him. A proud smirk sets over his features and I follow his gaze to where he seems to be looking at the mirror. Turning my head, I can see a small crest at the center of the shirt just below the neckline; the Uchiha fan. I feel the heat rise in my cheeks as the sentiment settles in. This will be my life, as an Uchiha. A grin spreads over my lips and I turn back to Sasuke. He dips his head to brush his lips against mine.

I lace our fingers together as something foreign and warm settles in the pit of my stomach. Sasuke lifts me from the counter, careful not to break the connection of our lips, despite the change in height. He tosses my pajamas into the closet as we step into the bedroom and I don't protest. I'll happily wear this seal and display it with pride whether I'm with him or without. He pushes me onto the bed gently, shadowing my body with his as we come to lay down. His lips move over mine, tongues caressing and hands roaming until we find ourselves lying beside each other in quiet bliss.

He's been home for almost five months now; we still get weird looks and harsh words whispered behind our backs. It takes its toll at times, but we can always come home to each other at the end of the day. We can always find solace in our feelings of devotion and hope in each other's arms. Now, we have the security of a lifetime together.

"Yes?" he asks me again, pulling me against him, his arms winding around my waist. I nod, resting my hands over his and settling against him with closed eyes.

"Yes, Sasuke-kun."


Super sad right now, guys, not gonna lie. Thank you so freaking much for sticking through this with me and if you're just here for the lemons, thanks for enjoying them, I hope they were sour. Seriously though, I can not thank you guys enough. All the reviewers, the followers, the favoriters, the come and goers, were what kept this piece alive and updated (even if it wasn't very often). So, this is the end (insert thanks for all the fish reference).

For those of you waiting on Reflective, I am working through the next prompts but my attention has certainly been diverted by the fourth chapter in that anthology which has now turned into its own story (stay tuned for that one).

It's been real guys, I love you all. Thanks for reading xo