I DON NOT OWN NARUTO.

This is the last Chapter and is super LONG. (Like 17 pages on Google Docs) Enjoy!

Read and Review Please!

"Oi! Bastard! Let's fight so I can show you I'm more badass than you in front of the girls." Naruto's words were slurred. He leaned heavily against a sober apologetic Hinata.

"You don't got it in you idiot!" Sasuke's voice was equally slurred in challenge.

"Come on Naruto. Time to get you to bed. You've had way too many drink tonight with dinner. Sorry guys, but thanks for coming. Hope you have better luck with Sasuke."

Sakura smiled lightly as she watched Hinata drag Naruto out the doors before turning her attention to an unstable Uchiha.

Sasuke and Naruto had decided a drinking contest to see who dropped first was a good idea.

Neither man had dropped but Sakura and Hinata agreed letting them carry on would be hurtful to their pride in the morning.

Sasuke held onto the bar with a white knuckle grip as he attempted to stand. His hair stuck up more than normal due to all the sticky drinks and had run his hand through his hair during the escapade. His clothes were just as disheveled as his hair. Sakura bit back a laugh when his feet finally found the floor and he went into a wide stance with out stretched arms to stay upright.

Reaching to his arm glossy dark eyes met amused green. "Come on Sasuke."

Sasuke shook his head up and down animatedly as he allowed Sakura to babystep him toward the door.

"Sorry about their contest." Sakura threw an apology over her shoulder to the owner who was starting to stack chairs.

The bar had emptied over an hour ago when last call was shouted over the bar. The four had been the only straggling customers.

Sakura allowed Sasuke to lean his head on hers while she supported most his weight around her shoulders.

Fishing through Sasuke's back pocket her fingers latched around the metallic keys, "Mmm Sakura you're tickling my butt." Sasuke voice was deep drawl that sent a blush to warm her ears.

Sakura knew Sasuke was beyond wasted to have just Said that and it took all self control not to laugh.

Rolling green eyes she hit the starter button and the BMW roared to life and it's halogen lights flicked on. They had thankfully only parked a little ways down the street.

Opening the passenger door Sakura let Sasuke flop inside. Dark hair fell over his eyes as his head slumped back against the headrest and he released a sigh of content.

Sakura buckled him in quickly before hopping behind the wheel.

Taking a deep breath she took in the counsel of the car to familiarize herself before shifting into drive to maneuver the slushy snow. By the time she pulled onto the main drag she knew Sasuke was passed out as his head lolled against the cool window.

Driving slowly Sakura allowed herself to enjoy driving for the first time in a few years. Once she had moved into her old apartment she had always walked to work, not needing a car. Now that she sat behind the wheel she smiled to herself, it felt nice to have the ability back. Sure she was getting used to not walking and having Sasuke drive her around but being able to actually control the car was something enlightening.

'I should ask Sasuke to let me drive more often, or just get him really drunk.'

Pulling into the designated parking spot Sakura placed the BMW into park and killed the engine. The still lit radio clock displayed it was 3:30 in the morning.

Sakura winced at the time. Climbing out she quickly gathered her drunkard and locked up the car before hitting the elevator that couldn't move fast enough. Exhaustion was biting at her legs and holding up Sasuke was getting harder. The doors dinged open and Sakura quickly leaned Sasuke against the wall with a huge sigh of relief to not support him on the ride up.

Getting off the elevator Sakura practically dragged Sasuke's dead weight to the door before opening the door in record time.

Leaving the door to hang open Sakura flopped Sasuke onto the side of the bed before going back to lock up the main door.

Slowly stiripping from her jacket and dropping her purse she wasn't surprised to see the Uchiha still in the same spot.

Untying his boots Sakura carelessly tossed them aside before unbuttoning his pants which soon joined his boots and jacket.

Pulling back the covers Sakura maneuvered her man to get under the comforter.

Taking a moment to just breath she wiped away a sheen of sweat that had formed on her forehead. Sakura was slowly itching at her eyes and she refused to fight it. Taking off her tight jeans she too climbed beneath the comforter and intertwined her bare legs with Sasuke's.

Sasuke unconsciously pulled Sakura flush against his chiselled chest in his strong arms. Tired green eyes finally succumbed to sleep when the smell and heat Sasuke radiated wrapped around her.

Late morning sun poked through the small gap in the closed curtains making Sakura groan. She didn't want to get up yet.

Sakura peeled open drowsy green eyes when the sound of rustling caught her attention. Sitting up in bed she rubbed sleep from her eyes and yawned before processing a very motivated Sasuke.

"How are you even functioning right now?" Sakura's voice broke with another yawn.

Sasuke smirked at the just woken up version of Sakura. Green eyes were still hazed with sleep while her pink hair fell around her shoulders.

"I don't really get hangovers. I can get super wasted with only bad headaches the next day. Something I loved having in my genes while in college actually."

Sakura laughed as Sasuke continued to search his closet a moment longer. Pulling out a clean pair of workout shorts he freely changed as Sakura continued to stare and wake up.

"Where you going Sasuke?"

"I figured you could use the sleep after last night so I was going to go train at the HQ gym. I didn't mean to wake you."

Leaning forward Sakura bit her lip, "Can I come?"

Sasuke still had yet to introduce her to the other Guardians, saying they were on missions or something. Maybe if she went she would see some other members.

Dark eyes studied hopeful green. "Yeah sure. I don't see why not. I'll go make some food and wait for you."

Sakura almost jumped with excitement instead she hopped from the bed and straight to the shower.

Sasuke blandly went through the motions of making a light breakfast.

Steps on hardwood had dark irises turning toward a very unexpected sight.

Sasuke felt himself swallow hard at the woman smiling innocently back at him.

"Yea I so just changed my mind. We aren't going to the headquarters with you dressed like that. If we do I might beat the shit out of any guy there who looks at my girlfriend." Sasuke's voice was low and hungry as he drank in the sight.

Sakura had her hair pulled into a ponytail while she sported an orange workout bra that she had gotten at Victoria's Secret. Toned legs were clad in tight black running shorts and sneakers. Her outfit let little the imagination and Sasuke had a hard time thinking straight. He almost prowled over to his woman and locked them both inside for some special exercise when the smell of burning food caught his attention. Switching off the gas stove Sasuke managed to save the slightly burnt bacon.

"What do you mean?"

"I have a better place to train more private."

Sasuke continued plating the bacon and scrambled eggs.

"Where at?"

"My parents house. My father had demand Itachi and I learn to fight in fear that something might happen to us. Nothing ever did but we learned none the less. My father had an entire training wing built both inside and out of the house."

Sakura pursed her lips in disappointment at being denied again the opportunity to meet other Guardian members.

"Hey no pouting at the kitchen counter. I know I Said we could go but I was serious. If one guy looked at you too long I might get overly jealous."

Sakura's eyes went wide, "Did an Uchiha just admit to possibly getting jealous?"

Sasuke's voice dropped sexily, "I don't like sharing you." Sakura felt heat rush to different areas of her body at Sasukes words.

"Eat up pinky we have training today."

"And the bossy man I know returns."

Sasuke and Sakura lightly laughed before downing their food and heading out.

The ride over to Sasuke parents still left Sakura in awe of the countryside. Climbing out of the car she inhaled deeply to cherish the smell of pine trees and cold winter air.

Instead of going through the front doors Sasuke led Sakura around the back of the house.

Opening a set of double doors Sasuke quickly flipped on the lights and hit a switch to open the curtains.

The couple took a moment to absorb the vast training room. Hardwood floors were sporadically covered with mats. Four wooden support beams held up the high roof which had a few ropes dangling down onto the floor.

A wrap around window let sun pour into the room.

Sasuke let his bag drop loudly snapping Sakura from daze.

"Let's get started."

Sweat trickled down Sakura's brow and had formed a sheen over her body. Stepping back Sakura dodged a punch from Sasuke before rising her leg to his ribs where Sasuke effortlessly brushed off her kick.

It had been two hours of nonstop training. Sasuke had decided that Sakura needed to work on her fighting, and so there they were practicing hand to hand.

Sakura went to throw a pick jab to the chest when Sasuke simply caught her hand in his.

Sakura tried pulling out of his grip but he only smirked at the attempt.

Sasuke dropped out of his stance and stood towering over a heavy breathing sweaty Sakura.

"That's not fair Sasuke."

Sasuke's eye brows lifted in amusement.

"What's not fair, life or the fact that we've been basically slapping each other for two hours?"

Sakura stood to her full height as she dropped out of her stance. "Two hours of this and you're not even breaking a sweat. I'm over here sticky and gross. Like do Uchiha's not sweat or something?"

Sasuke squeezed Sakura's fist he still held onto, "We are human Sakura we do sweat. Today was more about sharpening your skills rather than mine. I want to make sure you can still put up a fight."

A loud beep resounded from across the room, Sasuke kissed Sakura's hand before dropping it and ran toward his bag.

Sakura watched him check his pager before taking out his phone and leaning against the wall.

Dress shoes clicked against the hardwood echoing softly changing Sakura's point of interest.

Fugaku walked toward her in casual dress pants and a button up shirt.

"I must say I haven't been in here since Sasuke and Itachi were younger. Good to see it can still be useful. How's the hand-to-hand coming along Sakura?"

"Oh, um, good I guess. I don't think I'm much of an opponent to Sasuke though."

Fugaku shook his head, "You can't have thoughts like that when it comes to fighting. If you let yourself think you aren't good enough then you have already lost. I pushed Itachi and Sasuke when they were younger to never be less than the best especially when they stood in this room. If someone were to attack, you have to believe in yourself to win the fight for your own life."

Sakura continued to stare at Fugaku so he continued.

"For the first few blows you need to gauge your opponent and make them think you only strike in one area. If you constantly jab to the torso they'll only look to block those hits. The trick however is when you feel like you've got the enemy believing your single shots go for quick lower blow. Trick your opponent because combat is both mental and physical."

Sakura absorbed the news just as Sasuke began walking back over.

"Ready for another round pinky?"

Fugaku smirked before backing away to watch.

Green determined eyes locked onto steady black. Both lowered themselves into a wider defensive stance.

Neither moved for several heartbeats before Sakura took a cheap shot toward Sasuke's abdomen which he quickly stepped away from. Sakura continued her onslaught of torso offensive blows while Sasuke easily dodged each. Sasuke continually watched her form and would lightly tap her in areas she left open for attack. Sakura didn't realize it but Sasuke had tapped her less and less over their session, Sakura was unconsciously learning and getting better.

Sasuke smirked at knowing she was a fast learner and was managing to actually hit him hard enough sometimes to hurt. Not that he'd openly admit it.

Sasuke pulled out of his thoughts in time to block a strong uppercut to the jaw. Sakura was small but had more hidden strength than most women.

Sakura continued her aimless punches before deciding it was time to test Fugaku's advice.

Sakura took a hard shot toward Sasuke's cheek which he leaned away from as Sakura faked a blow to his abdomen. Dropping low Sakura smiled when Sasuke blocked the fake blow before she swiped her leg out and knocked out Sasuke's feet.

Sasuke landed hard onto the floor in confusion and before he could figure out what happened his father's thunderous laugh bounced off the walls.

"Very good you two. Ha Ha Ha. Oh very nicely done."

Sasuke climbed to his feet and smiled at Sakura. "Good job pinky. Looks like my old man still has good advice to give."

Sakura felt her chest swell with pride, never had she been praised. Having Sasuke and his father do it was a nice foreign feeling.

"Alright you two Mikoto has lunch ready. Sasuke I hope you still remember where the showers are. Both of you get cleaned up and come eat I think you've knocked each other around long enough. " Fugaku made his way through a door leading into the house.

Sasuke and Sakura quickly showered and changed before making their way into the main house.

"Sasuke, wait. What is up with your dad?"

Sasuke stopped in the hallway and turned to Sakura.

"I mean he was nice to me and you. Laughed he even gave me advice to knock you over."

"My father and I still have decent moments it's not always war between us. What happened in the training room was who he really is."

Sakura looked at Sasuke waiting for more of an explanation.

Sasuke sighed, "My family tends to put up the menacing deadly front to people we don't like or are just meeting. It sort of a way to feel people out before we decide if we become civil. We created the whole threatening aurora to keep unwanted people at arms length. Does any of this make sense yet?" Sasuke knew Sakura was smart so he really hoped he didn't have to rephrase things.

"No I get it now. I mean you were all prickly and cold toward me in the beginning but once I worked past that I got to see what a softy you are."

Sakura poked teasingly at Sasukes side and he had to resist the urge to 'hn.'

"Let's just get some food."

"Yes bossy."

Sasuke pulled out Sakura's chair before seating himself. Kabuto came out and quickly filled everyone's glass with their desired drink before heading back into the kitchen.

"So Sakura I hear you managed to knock my son over. Fugaku Said it was quite an event to see." Mikoto sipped her mimosa while trailing her smiling eyes over the couple seated across the small table.

Sasuke allowed his attention to fixate on playing with pink hair. He didn't care if his family tormented him with this story as long as Sakura smiled.

"I just took the advice Mr. Uchiha gave me. I was really surprised it worked. I hadn't landed a single good hit until I got the advice." Sakura's voice was filled with excitement as she spoke. Sasuke continued to run his fingers through her damp short hair but Sakura was too excited to mind.

"Just Fugaku if you please Sakura. Mr. Uchiha makes me feel like I'm being addressed by my old receptionist."

Kabuto came out with four plates of food and Sakura's stomach growled in appreciation.

"Thank you Kabuto. And thank you Mikoto and Fugaku for having me join you."

Mikoto lazily waved away Sakura's words, "You don't have to thank anyone. You can come by anytime especially if it means Sasuke comes to visit as well. As far as I'm concerned you're practically family after all this time Sakura."

Green eyes widened slightly in shock.

"It almost sounds like you want us to move in mother."

"Oh you know I would love for my boys to come live with us again."

Sasuke and Fugaku 'hned' together.

The rest of lunch was mostly Sakura and Mikoto laughing and talking while the men listened in silence.

"I must say Sakura I'm truly glad you met my son. You make everyone here very happy and we consider you family so don't ever feel uncomfortable. Stop by anytime." Mikoto smiled lovingly at her son and Sakura.

Fugaku patted Sakura's shoulder, "Keep working on your combat and soon you'll be knocking over every opponent you meet."

Sakura's smile brightly before saying a final goodbye and following Sasuke out to the car.

Sasuke opened the passenger door and planted a kiss on Sakura's head, "My family is in love with you."

"I can tell. I had fun today though thank you."

"Don't thank me Sakura when you had a good time. As long as you smile and I can be the one putting it there then I'm doing something right."

Sakura shook her head with a smile and climbed into the car.

"It amazes me how time changes people."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Just thinking back over the past months everything has gone from a crap start to bearable. I mean you especially. You practically hated being my babysitter in the beginning, but now we go over to you parents' house and have a good time."

"I never hated you."

Sakura barked a laugh, "Um, then what would you call the jerky asshat attitude I was subject to when I first walked into this new life."

Sasuke shot Sakura a pointed look, "That was me doing my job. Sure I'll admit I was more of an ass then than I am now but if being a jerk keeps my objective in sight then so be it."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Well if it's any consolation you can still be bossy even though I know the real you."

Sasuke smirked, "Yes you do."

Sakura's phone vibrated in her pocket signaling a text that was from her father.

There is going to be a casual holiday press conference on the first floor of my building. Sasuke and Naruto are to be ready as guards only, I want you by my side for the news cameras. Wear simple clothes no one dresses up for these things. It starts at five today be there earlier.

Sakura threw her head back against the headrest. Before Sasuke could ask what was wrong Sakura shoved her phone into his hand. It didn't take long for Sasuke to exhale in frustration.

Sneaking a look at the clock Sakura was glad they both had showered at Sasuke's parents house because it was four o'clock already and by the time they hit the city it'd be almost 4:30.

Sakura continued to run her fingers through her hair in an attempt the calm the air dried waves that had formed. Reaching into her purse she quickly applied some mascara when Sasuke laughed lightly.

"You know you don't need the makeup."

"As much as I'd love to agree Sasuke I don't think anyone else will. Besides you and Naruto have to guard the stage front while I deal with my old man. I need all the confidence I can get from this mascara tube."

Sasuke pulled the BMW down a side alley to park and hide from the mass of press in front. Sakura got out the car and walked toward the side entrance casting Sasuke one last look. Even though he was going to be right in her line of view Sasuke would still have his back to her during this conference.

"Hey Sakura!"

Snapping from her thoughts she was scoped into a tight hug from the energized blonde Guard.

"Hi Naruto good to see you recovered fast from you drinking last night."

"Oh yea Hinata had to whip up a few hangover remedies." Naruto sheepishly rubbed the back of his head before Sasuke hollered to him from the trunk of the car.

"What's in the trunk?"

Naruto laughed, "Our gear. Sasuke keeps his back up stuff in his car plus he has to change into the uniform."

Sakura have Naruto a weird look making him explain further, "Guardians are supposed to wear the black suit and tie MIB get up."

Sakura finally took in Naruto's all black attire before he ran to meet Sasuke.

Cold winter air blew through Sakura's pink hair and comfortable outfit.

Stepping inside the warm building Sakura heard faint sounds of a crowd down the hall and took a moment to gather her confidence. Straightening her brown leather jacket and black cashmere sweater Sakura kicked snow off the tops of her knee high boots.

One deep breath and Sakura bravely made her way toward her father's loud voice as he calmed the gathered press and guest speakers.

Ten minutes into the conference and Sasuke was on the verge of ripping out his hair as he blocked out the pointless Q&A session. Add in a female photographer that had been snapping endless pictures of him since she sat down in the front row and Sasuke was gritting his teeth.

Dressed in his Guardian uniform which consisted of an all black suit and dress shoes Sasuke glared annoyance at the female behind his blacked out sunglasses. He wanted to peek a look at Sakura sitting on the stage behind him but used his self control to keep eyes on the front. Naruto was guarding the other stage corner most likely grinning at everyone, Sasuke snorted at the image of the idiot blonde.

Sasuke's hidden eyes scanned the crowd, he had been suspicious of the two guys leaning on the back wall. The two sported dark jeans grey hoodies and hats that obscured their faces, their IDs flashed names to different magazines but their aurora sent up red flags.

Lifting his hand Sasuke tapped his earpiece and whispered into the mic, "Hey guys we have two possible bogies against the back wall. Grey hoodies with baseball caps. Be on alert."

Lowering his hand Sasuke allowed his eyes to scan the room again while the other Guardians acknowledged his warning.

Naruto and Sasuke were the only guards inside but at least four others were monitoring the crowd outside.

Sakura was knotting her hands together below the table while her father continued to soak up the attention in the room. The conference had been going on for awhile and keeping a fake smile plastered to her face was getting exhausting. The occasional flash of a camera would blind her and the headache forming in her temples was unwelcome. She was getting antsy both from the attention and close proximity to her father. Inhaling slowly Sakuras attention focused on Sasuke's black hair when he shifted on his feet. A real smile itched to her features when she thought about how those dark locks felt under her touch.

A bang sounded against the entrance door making everyone in the room stop to look. Another secession of bags sounded outside as screams filtered through the door. Sakura felt her body tense. Before she could blink the entrance doors shot open followed by cracks of gunfire.

Panic seized the room and people immediately got low and ran any direction they thought safe.

A hard grip on Sakura's arm had her turning wide green eyes onto her father.

"Move Sakura! Head toward the back exit you came in I'm right behind you!" Kizashi's stern voice had Sakura almost running to the exit. Adrenaline filled her veins and Sakura didn't realize her father had been pushed to another exit until she burst out into the alley.

A hand quickly fisted Sakura's hair pulling her flush against a solid body and she froze.

The alley was slightly darker now that the sun was setting. Puddles and clumps of snow littered the alley as cold air filled the small gap between buildings. A car idoled somewhere distantly while Sasuke's was still parked across from Sakuras position.

The person holding Sakura took a deep inhale of her hair before exhaling with pleasure, "You are still so sweet. Just like your namesake you smell divine."

Sakura felt her chest stall, only one man had ever referred her to a Sakura tree.

Sai.

Sakura mentally cursed before demanding her body to move.

Throwing back an elbow jab her attacker released his hold long enough for Sakura to head to Sasuke's car.

Almost touching the door handle Sakura wanted to smile, but the relief was ripped away when a fist knocked into her ribs and sent her sideways.

"It's not nice to hit Sakura."

Sakura placed a hand to her ribs before stumbling to an upright position. Breathing heavily she took in the same man she had seen at the cafe. She hadn't been imagining him that day.

"Sai, I don't know why you're here but it's not safe. People with guns are shooting up the block and-"

"I know." Sai's simple reply had Sakura go very still. Emotionless dark eyes studied Sakura like they always had. "Besides I'm the one who hired them for this exact pupose."

"I've come back to you. We can be together again and this was the only way I could get you to myself. We have to leave now."

Sakura backed away when Sai advanced, "Sai I'm not leaving with you. Whatever you thought we had doesn't exist. It never did."

Sai pulled a gun from his waistband and held it up.

Fear laced Sakura's veins and she screamed as Sai advanced, "Sasuke!"

"Don't lie to yourself anymore my love I'm here to take you home."

"I am home-"

"No! No you're not Sakura. I'm your home not that trashy Uchiha."

Sai was standing in front of Sakura now with a fake smile lacing his tight features.

Sakura felt her body move on it's own accord as she landed a good jab to Sai's throat.

Taking the moment of opportunity Sakura started toward the alley opening when her feet were knocked out from beneath her.

Breaking her fall with her hands Sakura didn't have time to recover when a booted foot connected with the other side of her ribs.

Rolling over fast Sakura got back on her feet and noticed the gun was back in Sai's waistband.

Throwing a punch at Sai's abdomen was quickly brushed off.

"I don't have time for this my love."

As Sai spoke he quickly winded Sakura with a jab to the chest before hitting her jugular pressure point.

Sai easily caught Sakura's dead weight and popped the trunk of his car which had been parked there idoling patiently.

Sasuke searched frantically through the crowd of bodies for a shock of pink hair but her never saw it. The two bogies he had spotted had shot off rounds inside after the doors had busted open.

The chaos of people trying to get away was killing Sasuke's tolerance level.

Neji's voice filled Sasuke's earphone, "Sakura is in the east alley it's been confirmed by her father. They got separated. Any available unit close by needs to respond!"

"Copy that. It's Sasuke I'm heading toward the exit door now."

Sasuke ran and shoved past people on his way toward the door.

His name being shouted unmistakably by Sakura and Sasuke moving a whole lot faster.

Sasuke crashed through the exit door in time to see Sakura's pink head of hair disappear into a car trunk.

"Stop right there!"

Sasuke had his gun aimed calmly to a strange man's back.

Fire ripped through Sasuke's veins at knowing Sakura was in a trunk.

Forced laughter had Sasuke's vision turn red. 'This freak thinks this is funny!?'

"She doesn't need you anymore Uchiha. She's always loved me I just have to remind her."

"Hands up asshole." Sasuke's voice was a low threat as the other man turned around.

Sasuke would have been amused at his similar dark eyes and hair if the situation was different.

"You can't protect her like I can or love her like I do. I would have never found her if she hadn't been all over the papers. Dont worry I'll take care of her little Uchiha."

The strange man moved fast as Sasuke continued to absorb his words and before Sasuke knew what happened a gun was aimed back at him.

Sasuke felt his finger press against the trigger. A loud bang echoed off the alley walls.

Sasuke was sure he had made the shot but his gun had never actually fired it had been the other gun instead.

Sasuke felt the wind rush from his lungs as he free fell backwards.

His entire world went dark as the cold ground rushed up to meet his back.