Kelso here. Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up. This chapter was a little difficult for me. In the next couple chapter, be prepared for a lot of Sasuke and Sakura fluff. Also just to warn you, the lemon will be coming up soon. Thanks for reading. Please review/ give feedback if you want to.

Chapter 18- A Favor Paid

The hall was silent. So deathly quiet you could hear a pin drop. It was freaking Sakura out. She didn't want to wait but she knew that she had too. She knew, but the suspense was killing her. Figuratively.

"It's not that hard of a decision here buddy. Make up your mind already!" thought Sakura.

The guest watched. Heads flicking back and forth between Sakura and the last elder. They were also eager to know. They wanted to know whether or not; they have a reception to go to or execution to watch. People were brutal but that's what you get for having a village made up of mostly ninjas. Things just aren't pretty.

The old man cleared his throat. He started to shuffle forwards; like his feet are refusing to work. The elder was as slow as a snail. Someone was moving to help him. The old man would wave him off. He was dragging out their death sentence.

"Before I give my vote. I have a story to tell," rasped the old man. Sakura dubbed him Raspy.

Everyone turned to him. The hall was still. The people were hushed. They wanted to know. It would give the town great gossip.

"Once and only once has this clause been called before. One hundred years ago. By me," explained Raspy. "I was in a similar situation as these two youngsters are now. The woman I loved was being forced to marry. I called the clause.

"So?" How does your situation relate to hers?" snapped Silver.

"Do not interrupt me little girl!" snapped Raspy. "You will not disrespect the one who voted you as an elder."

Sakura snorted.

"At least someone else shares my views of her," thought Sakura.

"As I was saying. The woman I loved was being forced to marry by the orders of the elders at the time. I invoked the clause. The voting turned into a tie," said Raspy. "The man who granted my love and I freedom was a Haruno. Your great-great grandfather. He was a very generous man."

The old man wheezed and starting coughing. Sakura looked at him. Really looked at him. She could tell. He didn't have much time left. Sakura could. Working in the hospital long enough would do that. He was pale and fragile looking. Grey hair and shaking hands.

"I always wanted to return the gratitude of that day. Ironically enough. It has been twenty years to this very day," wheezed Raspy. "It is his great-great granddaughter standing before me. I vote for life."

"Thank you," mouthed Sakura.

Raspy motioned her towards him. Sakura walked to the stairs and climbed. She went over to him. Raspy started to speak,

"Ms. Haruno, I want to give you some advice. From a very old and lonely man," said Raspy. "Hold onto each other love. Cherish each other. You don't know how lonely it is when they are gone. I lost her on a mission. I have never stopped thinking about my Kyoko. No once. Take care of each other. Don't ever forget that," wheezed Raspy. He started coughing. Struggling to breath. Then he collapsed. Sakura caught him in her arms. She would not let this man die.

People screamed in cheers. Not aware of what was happening. Ino and Shikamaru were hugging and kissing. Tsunade was smiling. She wouldn't have to watch Sakura die. Naruto and Kakashi were part of the crowd cheering. Tenten was with Neji, comforting him.

Sakura tried to help him on her own. While everyone was celebrating and not aware. Sakura was trying to save his life. She pumped him full of chakra; she tried to start his heart. Sakura tried and tried. She knew that she was too late. He was gone. Sakura looked at his face. Her tears were flowing down. She couldn't hold the tears back.

He died smiling.

A hundred years. This man lived for a hundred years to repay a favor. He finally had his final wish. Finally was free. He could see her again in heaven. Sakura started to cry. Cry for the man that saved her. That saved Sasuke. She looked Sasuke. Thanking the man over and over for saving their lives in her head. She knew it was to only repay a favor, but it was their lives he saved. They could live free and happy thanks to him. They could live in the village that held their childhood memories. Together.

Sasuke walked over from where the ABNU were. The guards didn't hold him back. There were other people to protect. Besides they didn't care about a man that was claimed to be free.

"I will not let this slide!" screamed Silver. "She dared challenged the elders and the old man let it slide! They should be put to death! Everybody knows it! Why aren't we doing anything to punish them?

"Get out of the hall. You will not disrespect that man's last wish. I will not have it as long as I'm Hokage!" bellowed Tsunade.

"Make me. I am an elder. I can do as I please," snapped Silver. She was being a child about it. Everybody in the hall could tell.

"ABNU, please escort her out," said Tsunade.

"I can leave on my own," said Silver.

"You do that," said Tsunade.

"Don't let the door hit you in the ass," thought Tsunade.

Silver snorted. She stomped out of the hall. Feeling like a child being punished. No one heard from her again.

Sasuke saw his woman on the floor; holding the old man in her arms. He walked to her, and took her from the old man. Sasuke gathered his woman into arms. He comforted her while she cried. They were free. Free to have their happiness together. Free to get married. To live. To love. He looked at the man who saved their lives. He said a prayer for him. Hoping the old man would find comfort in heaven. With his beloved in heaven.

Thanks for reading. Please review/ give feedback, and look forward to the next chapter. I hope I'll be able to get the chapter up tonight. But we'll see.