Caranril: Some juicy-ness between Kaori and Sasuke in the epilogue! Woot!

disCLAIMER: While I do not own Naruto nor any affiliated subjects therein, Kishimoto-sama does and therefore he owns my soul.

Epilogue: The World Still Turns

The mirror reflected a woman she did not even recognize: a white dress with a lace applique on the bodice and down the back. A blue lily crowned the knot of hair behind her head, which spilled excess hair across her shoulders. Kaori gripped the bouquet of blue lilies as Ino fussed with her hair.

"I can't believe this is happening," Kaori said with a dry mouth.

"Believe it, dear," Ino encouraged. "Every girl should have the chance to experience this."

"I'm so nervous. What if something goes wrong?"

Ino sighed. "If anything goes wrong, it'll be because of them, not you."

"Then I know something is gonna go wrong," Kaori grimaced.

"Don't do that! You'll mess up my hard work." Ino wiped the smudges from the lipstick.

"Ino, am I doing the right thing?" Kaori asked.

Ino faced her seriously. "I'm very proud of the person you've become. If you just learn how to moisturize, I'd say my work is done."

Kaori laughed nervously. "Okay. Thank you."

The door opened, and Hinata stepped in. "It's time, Kaori-san."

Kaori swallowed hard. "Here goes nothing."

The smell of lilies filled the air, as did the slight tang of Iruka's cologne. He looked just as nervous as she felt.

"This is insane," he muttered.

"Yeah, but what else could we do?" She smiled, and he shook his head. He looked very smart in his blue tux. His hair was cut to a respectable length, no longer fit to tie into a ponytail. It still stuck out a little bit, as if it wanted to be in that eternal ponytail, but it just made him cute. She was so lucky to be walking down the aisle with him. Well, the proverbial aisle, since the ceremony would take place outside. As the music started, Kaori felt a rush of adrenaline. Iruka squeezed her hand encouragingly, then held out his arm, which she took. They stepped through the doors and glided through the ranks of Shinobi. She caught several familiar faces smiling at her, and she beamed right back. This was not too bad at all. Then she caught Sasuke's eyes, staring at her with that knee-weakening, heated gaze of his. She almost tripped, but Iruka's strong arm kept her from pitching forward and staining her white dress on the grass. Then they split apart and went to their respective places to watch Kurenai's son toddle down the isle with the rings.

The music suddenly swelled, and Shinobi stood at attention to honor the grooms. Kotetsu stepped out first, snazzy in his tuxedo, yet wearing an outrageous tie with yellow, pink, and green splattered all over it. When he reached trio up front, he turned and grinned at Izumo, who sauntered forward as if he owned the place. Kotetsu's father gave him away, for Izumo's mother died long ago and his father was being cared for in an asylum. His tux was immaculate, until he reached the front and everyone could see the buttons on the backside to open a flap for "easy access." Laughter of amusement and groans of disbelief filled the ranks before they applauded for the couple. Kaori and Izumo watched the ceremony from their respective places as Maid of Honor and Best Man. The kiss that sealed the marriage between Izumo and Kotetsu was fierce and quick. The following roar of applause and stomping feet and whistling carried all the way back into town.

The reception rocked, quite literally, for Kotetsu pulled some strings and had hired Sunagakure's touring band, Shukaku's Secret. It seemed Kankurou owed him one. The wedding cake was shaped like the Konoha leaf symbol, with the pair of groom figurines in the center of the iris. Izumo broke out the sake, and Tsunade bossily reminded several Shinobi that they had missions tomorrow, in turn downed several bottles herself.

Kaori found and shook hands with several people and thanked them for coming, something she could not have done a year ago. Naruto, Hinata, Ino, Neji, people who were important to her. But shehad yet to see Sasuke in the mob of people. Curse Izumo and Kotetsu for having so many friends! Then she saw him, standing out of the way, watching her with his fiery eyes.

"What?" she wondered, approaching him carefully.

"I'm just thinking of how amazing you look and I can't wait to get you out of that dress."

She laughed. "If I look so amazing, why would you want to take it off?"

Sasuke pulled her close so no one else could hear him. "Because I know you look even more amazing underneath it all." He gripped her shoulders and gave her a smouldering kiss. Before she could return it, he let go and stepped away.

"Better get done with things quick. I'll be waiting."

Kaori stared after him, pondering his sneakiness. He gave her a taste and left her wanting more, just like always.

"Wow, Kaori-haisha, seems like you'll be getting some tonight too!" Kotetsu said cheerfully, throwing an arm around her shoulders.

"We're just all so lucky!" Izumo commented, draping his arm from the other side.

"Guys, you're heavy," she complained.

"See, Izumo, I told you to lay off those cream cakes. I'm not the only one who thinks you're heavy," Kotetsu chortled. Izumo smacked the back of his head. Kaori turned around and threw her arms around their necks.

"Thanks so much you guys," she said fondly. "I've never been in a wedding before."

"Maybe one day you'll be in your own, Miss Future-Uchiha?" Kotetsu said, wagging his eyebrows up and down.

"W-what no!" Kaori stepped back. "Somehow I doubt that's on...anybody's mind."

"You never know," Izumo said positively. "I had no idea that for years Kotetsu thought about threesomes with me and Anko until this last mission when he woke up with a boner."

"Izumo!" Kotetsu's hand flew to Izumo's mouth. "'Scuse me Kaori. This boy needs to be punished." Izumo whined as Kotetsu dragged him off, but Kaori had a suspicion that it was not an unhappy sound.

"Kaori-san." Tsunade stepped forward, red-faced and slurring slightly. "I just wan'ed tell you that we are almos' done with the network. Soon you and Temujin-san can speak face-to-face. Or Sakura. Or Kakashi-san. If he can talk. 'Sbeen 'most six months now, but didja know, Kaori-san? He was in love with you."

"Okay, Tsunade-sama. I understand." Kaori sent her on her way, but did not give much credit to her drunken words. She faced several such people who wanted to talk to her but could not form very coherent sentences thanks to the sake. Izumo and Kotetsu were nowhere to be seen, but she thought she heard moans coming from the men's bathroom. What horndogs. They could not even wait til they left the wedding. As the party died down, Izumo and Kotetsu finally returned to say farewell, heading for a honeymoon cruise in the south sea. Kaori and Iruka took care of the remaining guests, calling cabs, arranging rides, and instructing the cleanup. It took them hours to finish, and Kaori was exhausted. She doubted Sasuke was even still awake; it had to be close to one in the morning. Iruka gave her a kiss on the cheek as they parted ways, promising a place in his wedding ceremony in February.

Her sigh echoed in the empty streets. It was warm for an October night, which was wonderful for her attire. Any later in the year and they would have had to have the ceremony inside.

She reached Sasuke's apartment, which she had pretty much considered home since his birthday in July. All she wanted to do was take a relaxing bath and go to bed. Her feet hurt from those accursed heels.

To her delight, the lights were all off, and candles lit the living room and bathroom. A hot bath was already drawn, which meant he knew she was on her way home. She could smell lavender bath oils. After a wonderful soak, she ventured out of the bathroom, expecting to see Sasuke asleep in bed. Instead, he sat on the couch in his boxers, elbows resting on his knees, mouth resting against his folded hands, and staring at her with those eyes. It sent shivers right through her.

"You didn't go to bed?" she asked approaching carefully, knowing he may attack her any moment.

"I told you I'd be waiting," he said gruffly. "Took you long enough."

"Sorry Iruka-sensei and I had to clean up and make sure everyone got home. There were a lot of drunk people."

"Iruka had you before me," Sasuke muttered.

"What?" Kaori yelped as Sasuke used his inhuman speed to get behind her and pressed her down to the floor. He leaned over her.

"If I had been your teacher, would you call me Sensei?" he said huskily, sniffing along her collarbone.

"Teach me something, and I'll call you Sensei," she taunted, crunching herself into a ball and kicking with all her might. She managed to kick his hip, but he evaded the strongest part of the move. They stood facing each other in fighter stances. Kaori could barely breath, trying to predict his movements. As usual, he was too fast for her. He ended up herding her to the bedroom, where she used her last resort. She untied her bathrobe and let it slip off her shoulders. Sasuke froze mid-stride, practically drooling. She smirked. This worked every time. She grabbed his shoulders and heaved him against the bed. In the two seconds he was stunned, she climbed onto his lap and returned the kiss he had given her at the wedding. His hands slid up her thighs to her naked waist and pulled her down as he ground up. Heat met heat, and they moaned into each others mouths. Kaori slid a hand between her legs palmed the growing lump in his shorts. His breath hitched, and before he could react, she slid her hand through the slit and grasped him tightly.

"You're gonna make...me lose...control," Sasuke gasped.

"That's the point, Uchiha," she smirked, kissing down his neck and along the muscles in his chest. "You're so much fun when you're lost...Sensei."

Sasuke growled and shoved Kaori back so he could stand. He grabbed her wrists and bent her over the bed, leaving her behind deliciously exposed. He leaned against her and drove his throbbing groin along her backside.

"Wha-what?"

"You're a bad student," he panted in her ear as his fingers stroked down her back. "I'm the one in charge here."

"Hai, Sensei!" She lifted her butt higher in response, pressing into his hardness. This was bad, because if he did not stop himself now, he would lose control and she would get the upper hand.

He leaned in and kissed her shoulder. "Remember that dream I had that you and Juubi peeked at?"

Kaori looked at him over her shoulder, her greys eyes glinting. "How could I forget?" She rolled over and wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in tightly.

"Fuck me, Uchiha. Fuck me hard."

Sasuke needed no other encouragement. He was on her and in her as soon as he could shed his boxers and tug on a condom. He closed his eyes for a second, noting that each time they made love, it got better. Then his eyes opened again so he could watch his lover's face as he did what she commanded. Hard.

Time always seemed to slow when they had sex. Which was wonderful, because he wanted it to last. He felt through the hot haze that she upended him so that she could be on top. Always wanting to be in control. If he was thinking straight, he would smirk. All he could do now was moan, because this new position drove him insane. As time stretched and they reached their limits, he came first, groaning as hours of waiting finally released. Kaori begged for him to finish her off. In the throes of his own climax, he managed to give that hot spot at the apex of her thighs a firm caress. She rode him as her entire body rolled with waves of pleasure.

"Sasu...sensei!"

Sasuke pulled her sweating bodey tightly against him, still slick inside of her. If this was not the happiest moment in his life, then the next time would be. And the time after that, and the time after that. He could not be happier with anyone else. He reached for the comforter and pulled it over them.

"Hey. You're gonna marry me someday," he commanded.

"Aye, Sensei," she murmured, slipping into an exhausted but content sleep.

"That's my girl." He snuggled into her hair, a smile on his face as he imagined Naruto's reaction to his best friend getting married:

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

"Ehhhhh?!" Naruto's jaw dropped to the floor. "You're getting married?"

Sakura's digital image nodded, a slight blush prettying her cheeks. "We don't have a date set, but we want you to come to the wedding. Everyone from Team Kakashi."

"You and Temujin," Naruto sighed, shaking his blond locks in disbelief. "What could you possibly see in him?"

"Plenty that you don't have," Sakura jested, sticking her tongue out.

"Haha fine," Naruto conceded, "just let me know and I'm totally there!"

"Hi Sakura! Sorry I'm late!" Kaori bowed to the camera.

"Oh no, that's fine!" Sakura waved her hands. "I'm sure you have plenty to do, training for next year's Jounin exams and all."

Kaori threw Naruto a dirty look. He shrugged, as if to say I'm not responsible for my mouth. Sakura caught her glance.

"Ah, well, I asked how things were doing, and he was really excited because he gave you pointers for training, so it's really my fault for making him spill the news."

"I just hear you and Temujin are getting married," Kaori beamed. "Congratulations!"

Sakura blushed again. "Thanks. Um, is Sasuke coming?"

"I'll bet he's still recovering from last night," Naruto said loudly, pointedly. Another glare from Kaori's direction.

"I see." The conversation continued awkwardly before Sakura passed the hot seat up to Temujin, who greeted the Konoha pair with a very happy smile and good news on their end of the mission. The latest development was a public school in Port Lost, and the orphans on the streets had a shelter to return to from school. It was difficult getting people to change their ways, but bit by bit, Temujin saw results.

"Who knows? Maybe one day we'll open up a Ninja Academy!"

"Ooh, then could I come teach?" Naruto asked excitedly.

"Idiot, you're gonna become Hokage," Kaori reminded him.

"Oh right. Then you go be a teacher, Kaori!"

Kaori pondered this. "I don't know. I never thought I'd go back..."

"I certainly don't expect you to come back, Kaori," Temujin said quickly. "But in reality, you would be an excellent asset to this community. It'll help others who are also different stand proudly."

"Are you done saying all that mushy stuff?" a voice said dryly from off-screen.

"Hai, Hatake-san." Temujin bowed in his farewell and moved for a very familiar face. That is, a familiar mask and eye.

"Long time no see," Kakashi said, smiling his eye-smile and lifting a hand in greeting.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto and Kaori cheered in unison, then looked at each other and giggled.

"You should see Kurenai-sensei's son now! He's so big!" Naruto began, then proceeded to dish out all the latest from the Konoha gossip chain. Kaori nodded, adding an item here and there, but mostly allowing Naruto to carrying the coveresation.

"Have you found a girlfriend yet, Sensei?" Naruto pried, leaning in eagerly.

Kakashi scratched the back of his head and lowered his gaze. "Of course not," he laughed. "Although Kaoru-san is still following me around."

"Kaoru?!" Naruto stood suddenly. Kaori's stomach plunged. The name brought back bloody memories.

"He's not a threat anymore," Kakashi reassured, "but he swears he's in love with me. Kind of annoying, actually."

A knock at the door turned their attention, and Shizune entered with a summons for Naruto. Once the new year passed, he would be training under the Elder Council for succeeding the position of Hokage. Before that happened, however, there was a lot of paperwork to go through. Naruto gave his best regards to Kakashi and patted Kaori's shoulder as he left, leaving her and Kakashi alone, so to speak.

After an awkward moment of silence, Kaori spoke up, "Izumo and Kotetsu got married a few weeks ago. I was the Maid of Honor and Iruka-sensei was the Best Man."

"Is that so?" Kakashi leaned back, a far-off look in his eye. "I thought those two were too close to be just friends."

"They love each other very much," she agreed.

Kakashi leaned in. "I bet you looked very nice in a dress."

"Eh? Who said I was wearing a dress?"

"Naked then?"

"What?! No! Who would be naked at a wedding?"

He leaned back again. "I would. Plus my mask, of course."

"Then you wouldn't really be naked. Has anyone seen under your mask?"

"Obviously, my parents, because believe it or not, I wasn't born with it on. Also, Ichiraku-san and his daughter. It's a long story."

"Naruto, Sakura, and I tried to see under his mask, and in the process of hiding his face from us, they saw." Sasuke snapped the door shut and leaned against it.

"Obviously not that long," Kakashi sighed. "Hello, Sasuke."

"Kakashi." Sasuke nodded.

"Psst. Hey! He can't see you." Kaori jerked her head towards the camera, which didn't quite reach as far as the door. Sasuke stepped forward and sat next to Kaori.

"Hey old man."

Kakashi sighed again. "I see you haven't changed."

"Oh I've changed plenty," Sasuke scoffed.

"In what ways?" Kaori asked curiously.

"In what...? Whose side are you on anyway?"

"Mine." Then, from Sasuke's look, "Yours?"

"You're so gonna pay for that," he promised, leaning against her with a will to fight.

"Ahem." Kakashi mildly watched them. "I imagine this conference costs money, so if you guys wanna fight, better to just turn off the equipment."

"Oh we weren't going to fight," Sasuke promised, he focus still entirely on Kaori. She reached around and tickled his side, making him jump and regain his senses.

Kakashi cleared his throat again. "So you're both going out...for the Jounin exams?"

"Yeah, next year, since Kaori's probation will be over too." Sasuke shrugged. "Rank isn't really important to me, but Naruto insists that if he's Hokage, I have to be Jounin. Either way, he'll just tell me what to do."

"Naruto as Hokage," Kakashi mused. "Even after all this time, I still can't picture it."

"He can do it. He's Naruto," Kaori said matter-of-factly.

"That he is." Kakashi glanced off-screen. "It seems our time is up. I think we'll be doing this again next week?"

"I have a long-term mission next week, so you won't see me," Sasuke said.

"Uwah, you're gonna be gone so long," Kaori whined.

"Don't be such a girl," Sasuke said fondly, pulling her head toward him and burying a kiss in her hair.

"But I am a girl," she retorted.

"Ahem!" Kakashi rubbed his throat. "Sorry. I think I'm coming down with a cold."

"Liar," Sasuke muttered.

"Anyway, if you want to talk to me next week, Kaori-san, I'll be here." Kakashi smiled, his expression somehow sad. "We can talk about anything."

"It's a plan," Kaori smiled back. "Bye, Sensei."

"Bye, Kakashi."

"Goodbye." The screen went dark. They sat together in silence for a few minutes, each to their own thoughts.

"Don't go falling in love with him while I'm gone," Sasuke said, attempting to make it sound like a joke.

"Dumbass, of course I won't," Kaori snorted, thumping him on the back of the head with her palm. "You'd better not save some exotic beauty's life and fall for her helpless figure."

"Who's the dumbass?" Sasuke pulled her into a headlock. "Don't you realize that you're an exotic beauty?"

"Haha, no way," Kaori protested, her voice muffled by his grip.

"Yes way." He released her from the headlock and gave her a big smooch. "And after the big money I'm going to make on this mission, I'm going to buy you a ring to prove to the world that you're my exotic beauty."

"Huh what?" Kaori stared at him with wide grey eyes.

"Idiot. I want to marry you. Is that so hard to believe?"

Kaori lowered her head. "It's not that, it's just...I never thought hearing you say that would make me so happy."

"How would you like to be Uchiha Kaori?"

She lifted her head and beamed at him. "That sounds okay."

"Do you know how many women would kill to have Uchiha in front of their name?"

"I do know, and that's why I'm saying yes. Although despite what they may think, it won't be the end of the world." Kaori kissed his cheek and pranced off the couch.

"Where are you going?"

"I have to see if Ichiraku-san will hire me for a short-term position. I don't make nearly enough money for a wedding dress, much less a wedding. Time to start saving!" She continued prancing out the door, singing a sea-shanty with a fairly pleasant voice.

"Uchiha Kaori." Sasuke rolled the name around on his tongue a few times before decided that he very much liked how it tasted. Very much indeed.