Last chapter, hallelujah! It took me about a week and a half to finish this fic and that's probably a record for me. Though, seeing how it's only seven chapters, I guess that's cheating. I'm actually quite proud of this story and looking back on it; it's probably one of best pieces. Well, here's the epilogue.

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Epilogue: One Step at a Time

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Cherry blossoms rained from the sky as laughter burst into the air. A child no more than eight ran in the gardens of the Hyuuga compound. He slowed, picking up a dandelion and blew upon it, scattering its seeds to the wind to the delight of his four-year-old sister.

He watched the seeds fly, carried by the wind and inhaled, the sweet smell of spring filling his lungs. A door was opened and he turned his head to the sound, a smile breaking out across his lips. "Tou-san!"

Neji stepped aside to let his wife come forth and lifted his head at his title. He smiled gently. "Hello Kazuki."

Kazuki pouted. "You said you'd train with me today."

Neji's eyes softened. "Sorry, there was a surprise meeting I had to attend."

"How is our favorite little boy?" Tenten smiled.

Kazuki rolled his eyes. "I'm your only little boy," he reminded.

"But that doesn't make you any less special."

"So how is everything at the Academy?" his father asked.

"Great! Iruka-sensei says I'm the smartest kid there," he smiled.

"That's wonderful!" exclaimed Tenten. Neji chuckled. Though Kazuki had Neji's looks and personality, every now and then, a bit of Tenten would shine through. 'Speaking of which…'

"Kazuki, where's your sister?"

Kazuki rolled his eyes. "Ayano is back there watching a dragonfly. Babysitting her is so boring. She can't train with me or anything."

"But it sounded like you were having fun with her earlier."

Kazuki cast his gaze away from his mother, a telltale blush on his face. "Hn."

"Besides, your mother hasn't finished teaching her the basics. Just be patient, Kazuki."

"Hn."

"Mommy!"

Kazuki turned his head to see a girl with brown eyes running towards them. Tenten kneeled down and wrapped her arms around her child. "Hi sweetie. Were you a good girl for your brother?" Ayano nodded rapidly and Tenten smiled. "That's great, sweetie." Kazuki rolled his eyes and tugged on his father's clothes. "Can we train now?"

"So eager. Well okay, if you don't want to see me and your mother spar…" Kazuki's eyes brightened. "No, I wanna see you spar!"

Neji chuckled at his son, knowing full well that when faced with that choice, he'd always choose to see his parents fight. He smiled and walked out to the garden with Tenten following, their children sitting on the steps. They walked apart and Neji activated his Byakugan. "Ready, Tenten?" She smirked, pulling out six kunai. "You tell me."

Kazuki stared at his parents, watching with awe at their graceful movements. When he thought about it, maybe this was why he loved watching their parents spar. They moved with such grace that it was like a dance, but he was pulled from his thoughts as a kunai hit the ground. He looked up with confusion as his parents came towards the house. "What? You're done? Already?!"

Tenten laughed and Neji shook his head. "Kazuki, we've been at it for a while now. Even we have to rest every once in a while."

Tenten smiled. "And besides, someone looks a little tired."

Kazuki turned his head to see Ayano's half-lidded eyes as she drooped to the side. He watched his mother kneel down and pick up his sister; a serene smile gracing her lips. Kazuki drew his gaze from the sight and crossed his arms childishly. "You never train with me anymore," he muttered under his breath.

Neji's eyes softened and he placed a hand on his son's head. "How about after lunch?"

"I'm not hungry," he murmured, but his stomach disagreed as a growl erupted from it causing Kazuki to blush. Neji laughed.

"Kazuki, mind over matter won't work this time. Come on, I'll train with you after lunch."

Kazuki turned slightly to his father, an eye open. "Promise?"

Neji smiled. "Promise."

"Okay!" Kazuki exclaimed. Neji smiled and ruffled his hair. "Hey! Stop it dad!"

Neji chuckled and let his hand relax, settling to bury into his son's long tresses. As he stared up at the sky, reveling in the sunlight and the presence of the woman beside him, he had to wonder what he had done to deserve this. After all, not many people can say they'd found that missing piece in their life, but he decided not to question it. He had his wife and children and that was enough for him.