A Walk in the Park-

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Thirty Four-

To Our Future

Sakura-

Our time at the beach was nothing short of perfection. There were no worries, just fun. Luna kept us running and playing when we weren't tangled up with each other. This time alone with Sasuke only reminded me of all the reasons I loved him so much.

Itachi came by for dinner the night before we were set to return home. The three of us talked until late in the night when I ended up falling asleep leaning against Sasuke on the couch. I'd had so much fun… but all the fun I was having proved to exhaust me each day.

The next morning I woke up in bed, wrapped up tight in his arms. His scent engulfed me immediately and I hummed against his neck. There was no better way to wake up and no way I could go without this little piece of heaven.

Before we left we made a promise to each other to get away more often. To make time for us and us alone… and Luna of course. We still had our whole lives ahead of us and there were many more memories to be made. I looked forward to every moment, even the hard times that we'd have to fight through. I'd fight through anything for him and I knew he would never give me up either.

Once we were home life returned to normal. I had to go back to work and Sasuke was spending most of my work hours at the shop. He was busy tearing his car apart before going about rebuilding it. Something he said he always done after a race.

I was only working three to four days a week now but I always missed him like crazy on those days. Nothing made me happier though than when he met me inside to walk me out and take me home with him.

We made sure to have dinner with my parents once a week and I'd almost hit the floor when Sasuke had taken it upon himself to invite my parents to his home for dinner. Mom and Dad agreed all too easily and Itachi was more than pleased to cook dinner for everyone.

That was a fun night. It meant a lot to me for my parents to be so supportive of my relationship with Sasuke. They adored him, and they adored Itachi as well. Of course they fell in love with Luna instantly.

I was happy. So happy. Sasuke had made me feel things I never knew possible and yet he still blew my mind by making me even happier with the more time that passed. He was so special, so important… and he was all mine.

We went to the park as much as we could, almost every day. We gave Luna all the attention she deserved. Even on the days I couldn't go to the park with them, Sasuke still took her. We gave Luna her bath together and that was always a fun time that ended in us being soaked and laughing until our stomachs hurt and we were left breathless. Anytime we got like that Luna would bark and howl as if she didn't want to be left out.

I loved those two unconditionally. They meant so much to me, even since the first day they came into my life. I had Luna to thank for bringing us together, for barreling into my life and allowing me to meet the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

It was so easy to picture myself marrying him, having his children and spending everyday together, getting even closer, falling even deeper in love and making the most precious memories together. Forever.

When these thoughts filled my mind, I'd hold him a little closer and he never questioned me. He would hold me as well, placing the softest of kisses upon my head while the two of us remained in a thoughtful silence.

I knew Sasuke was just as happy as I was. I knew he loved me as much as I loved him. We were definitely on the same page and that made my desire to be there for him, to make him happy and care for him until the day I took my last breath all the more real.

Nothing needed to change. I was my happiest just like this. As long as I could visit Sasuke at the shop and have him pick me up from work. Have our park time, sit on our bench and watch Luna run around when we weren't playing with her. To fall into bed with him every night. To wake up in his arms. There was nothing else I needed. Just us. Forever.

Sasuke was literally on my mind every second of every day. It was so bad that I didn't care one bit about keeping our relationship as private as possible. Now, I didn't elaborate on our relationship when I spoke of him, even though I considered our relationship close to perfection. But, I spoke of him often. Ino had become a good friend and I babbled endlessly about Sasuke if I ever had the chance. When it came to Hinata though, I was comfortable enough to get a little more personal.

I enjoyed listening to her about her newlywed life with Naruto. Even Sasuke had been talking about it since our return, because he was happy that his best friend was so happy. I hadn't known this before, but Naruto had problems being alone since his parent's deaths. It was why he ended up with his own room at Sasuke and Itachi's. Why even though the bachelor party was at Naruto's home, he ended up coming back with Sasuke that night.

Now, Naruto had Hinata. He would never be alone again and when Sasuke confided in me about all this, I couldn't help but cry. Naruto was a dork. He was a goofball, but I loved him. He was Sasuke's dorky goofball friend and that meant he was mine as well. He was Hinata's husband now, so I was close to him in more ways than one. So, even knowing Hinata was there with him now, I talked to Sasuke about him and I going to spend some time with the two of them.

I knew that Naruto would be ecstatic to have Sasuke around, he always was. The two of them even ended up having a 'guys day out' while Hinata and I were working one day. I never bothered asking what they did, because I figured it either had something to do with food or cars and there was no reason to ask.

The more days that went by, the more I realized just how great- no, perfect things were. As much as I strove to make Sasuke happy, he did the same for me. We had date nights, where he'd take me out to eat somewhere nice and we would both dress up. He always outdressed me, even if he swore otherwise and I'd always end up swooning and falling head over heels all over again.

"Why are you so perfectly beautiful?" I'd ask, because in all honesty, he was.

"Hn." He'd respond, holding me tight and burying his face in my neck. "I've got nothing on you."

Even after all these months of being together, he could still make me blush so effortlessly. Sometimes he would turn me into a shy mess and other times, I couldn't help but want to take control. I had a thing for wanting to drive him crazy and make him want me even more than he always did.

We always had a good time together and we never got tired of each other. For a while I feared that Sasuke would get bored of me, but he only seemed to want me around as much as I wanted to be with him. The chemistry between us was undeniable and had only grown stronger over time. I had no doubts that we would be just this happy forever.

I was back on night shift for a couple weeks. When I got off in the mornings instead of nights, I'd walk to the park and open up a book until Sasuke joined me. I enjoyed my reading time, especially since he had so many books in their home library that I hadn't read.

I had just started the book I'd been dying to read for so long. When I looked at it I had to laugh at the memory of finding it that day, dropping it in the heat of the moment and forgetting about it for so long. I was smiling happily as I opened it up, eager to dive in to those words.

As much as I loved reading, I didn't make time for it anymore like I did before meeting Sasuke. It wasn't even often I was at the park without him but when I was, I would enjoy what now felt like a past time for me. It also helped pass time by before he came and as excited as I was to read, I was always more excited for Sasuke and Luna to show up.

He was distracting enough that I read much slower than I used to, my mind so easily drifting to him. I was so hopelessly in love that I'd spend far too much time daydreaming about him when he wasn't around. It was a shame really, but then again… I liked having him as a distraction.

He'd be here soon enough and I was so excited that I'd had to have read the same sentence three times over before my mind finally processed it. No matter how short of a time we were apart, I was always so ready to see him. Even if everyday at the park was so similar to any other day we were there, I missed him. I wanted him there, and my Luna girl as well.

Sasuke-

I took a deep breath as I glanced down at Luna. She was the picture of calm confidence, tail swinging back and forth in excitement. It was another one of those rare moments in my life when I was nervous and this time I had every reason to be. Today was the day I would ask Sakura to be mine . . . forever. I looked down at the emerald engagement ring in my hand, my mind flashing back to the moment I had picked it out.

Naruto had lost his mind when I told him I wanted to propose, tearing up at the thought of me following in his footsteps. It was obvious he would be the best man and I was grateful to have him with me as I chose which ring to give the woman I loved most in this world.

"Why an emerald?" Naruto had asked after we had left the jewelry store.

"It was the only option." I explained. "A diamond is too common, she deserves more than the default."

Naruto smiled and shook his head. "Haha, I figured that much. We did the same thing for Hinata. But I thought for sure you'd pick a ruby or maybe a malaya garnet, ya know? The pink ones."

"I considered it, but once I saw this I knew it was the one." I smiled softly,

picturing Sakura's face as she wore it on her ring finger.

The round stone was the exact shade of her eyes, despite not being able to capture the warmth they always held when she looked at me. I kneeled down next to Luna and put the ring back into its black box. Then I placed it in a small pack, giving it to Luna to hold in her mouth.

"What do you say, girl? Shall we finish this the same way we started it? Together?" I asked and she pawed my knee, her tail swinging with more enthusiasm.

I stood and turned my attention to our bench where Sakura was waiting, book in hand as she read the pages. It was much cooler now than when we first met. She wore a pair of jeans and a long sleeved red shirt that looked beautiful on her. She was beautiful. Always. I adored her. I wanted her to have the world . . . I wanted to be the one to give it to her. For a moment I could do nothing but stand back and admire her, reminiscing over everything that had gotten us to this point. So easily, I could picture how bright and beautiful our future together would be.

Just like her.

"Ready Luna?" I asked and her ears twitched. "Hn."

Luna padded over to Sakura quickly, careful not to drop the bag. I slowly followed while Sakura cooed at the husky. She took the bag and looked up at me in question, a smile on her lips.

"Hey you." I greeted and took my place next to her.

Sakura giggled, her eyes returning to Luna quickly while she rubbed her with one hand and held the bag in the other. "What's this about, Luna girl?" She asked, though her eyes darted back to me.

Luna barked and I smiled. "You'll have to open it and see. Luna never gives any hints, ever mysterious like a certain someone."

"Oh yeah?" Sakura chuckled, shaking her head as she opened the bag and pulled the small box out to gaze at it.

She looked a bit puzzled, but her attention was solely on that velvet box as she opened it and I moved off the bench to drop down on one knee.

"A-ah…" She squeaked the instant she pulled the box open, her mouth falling open as she turned to look at me slowly, one hand covering her open mouth the instant she saw me. "Sasuke,"

I gently took the box from her, taking the ring out and holding her hand in mine.

"Sakura . . . my love, my kitten." I tease to ease some of my nerves. "I knew when I met you that you were something special. Though I never could have imagined what you would bring to my life, what I would realize was missing. Now that I've finally become whole, I can never go back to the way I was before. I'm in too deep Sakura and I want to get deeper.

"I want to wake up in the mornings with you by my side, smiling that smile at me. I want to go to sleep with you in my arms and hold you close. I want us to bicker and tease each other, calling one another out on our bullshit." I laughed. "Though I think I get called out a lot more than you do. I need you by my side to support me and tell me when I'm wrong.

"I need you to make me better and be more honest with my feelings rather than closing myself off. I need you to stay with when I'm weak and when I'm strong. I need you to cheer me on as I cross the finish line and tackle me in that bone crushing hug. I want to spend everyday with you in this park, watching you play with Luna.

"I want to live out the rest of my life as the luckiest man in the world with you by my side. I love you, Sakura Haruno." I told her and lightly kissed her finger tips. "Would you be my wife?"

Tears were streaming down her face as she watched me, absorbing every word and savoring every second. With her free hand she wiped her eyes and nodded, sniffling in a feeble attempt to stop her quiet sobs.

"N-nothing would… Make me happier." She cried, her hand trembling slightly in mine. "I love you, Sasuke… so much. I want all the same things. With you. Forever."

A fond smile found my lips and I slipped the ring on her finger, forever claiming her as mine. "Well then, Mrs. Uchiha. I'll take that as a yes."

"Shut up and come here." She said, tugging me close to her and crushing her lips against mine.

My arms went around her waist, pulling her up as I spun us around. I could hear Luna in the background barking happily. We had finally reached this point. I could only wait and see how our relationship would deepen and evolve from here just as it has in the past.

"You're stuck with me now." I reminded as I rested my head on her shoulder. "I'm never letting you go."

"As if I'd let you." She muttered, holding me tight.

This was without a doubt one of the most important moments of my life. Falling in love and being able to call this amazing woman mine, I can't say enough how lucky and how grateful I am. It's impossible to imagine what my life would be like if I had never met her and I have no desire to. She's everything I ever wanted and more, what I never knew I could have.

I was still taken aback even though we had said before we would always be together. Now it was more than just sweet promises, it was a connection and love that took many forms. Nothing would be the same and would only grow from here on out. I was really building a life with someone- a family.

After my parents had passed, just the thought of love and family bonds made my heart ache. It was hard for me to get close to anyone with the thought of them one day leaving when I least expected it. Family was something I was scared to have, never wanting to go through the pain of losing it again. Yet here I am taking that risk and opportunity with Sakura.

In all honesty, a part of me was still afraid but I won't let it stop me. I could do this, I wanted to do this with Sakura. I wanted to be happy and to make her happy. I wanted to have children, as many as she wanted and love them all unconditionally. I wanted to have grandchildren and great grandchildren as I grow old. I wanted it all and I was ready to have it with Sakura, to have a future.

That night I had a talk with Itachi after dinner, Sakura and Luna heading to my room to get ready for bed. It was impossible for someone as observant and nosey as Itachi not to notice the ring on Sakura's ring finger. He had picked her up and spun around, telling his "little sister" how happy he was that it was official, she was an Uchiha now. Then he had pulled me into a hug and I nearly suffocated. I would never admit it, but it was nice seeing him so excited about something.

We were currently sitting in the living room on the couch. For awhile neither of us spoke, the silence comfortable as unspoken feelings passed between us. A small smile was on his face even though his eyes were closed.

"I told you so." He mused, amusement coming off in waves.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling back at him. "So you did. I suppose you have decent instincts about these things. How long did you suspect I would ask her to marry me?"

"That's a secret." He insisted and looked at me, suddenly more serious. "Are you . . . happy Sasuke?"

My brow furrowed and I frowned. For some reason this question seemed odd coming from him, as if he thought I wasn't happy before when it was just the three us, counting Luna. "I was always happy, Itachi. Now it's just . . . different. More . . . more than I ever thought possible."

"Hn. I understand." He said. "I'm glad, little brother. Your happiness has and always will be at the forefront of my mind."

"Stupid aniki." I scolded lightly. "You should worry about your own happiness. You've sacrificed enough for me."

Itachi reached over and flicked my forehead, a little harder than usual. "Foolish little brother. You are asking the impossible. I will always put you first, though I won't have to worry as much now that I have a little sister that will help me look after you."

"No, now you just have two younger siblings to look after you in your old age." I teased, smirking when he shook his head.

"You are hopeless." He sighed, taking the words right out of my mouth.

We talked for a few minutes more before we headed to bed. I found Sakura already under the covers, Luna curled up by her side as she pet her head. Looking at them now I had to admit defeat, Sakura had stolen Luna for me after all. Yet I couldn't bring myself to want it any other way. I got into bed with my girls and brushed Sakura's pink strands out of her face, her green eyes opening.

"Hey you." I whispered, kissing the tip of her nose.

"Hey." She whispered back, smiling her prettiest smile all the while.

"I don't know about you, but I'm still taking it in. Mrs. Uchiha." I stated, loving the sound of it.

"Still jumping the gun too." She giggled. "We're not married yet, Mr. Uchiha sweet ass."

I chuckled and took her hand in mine. "Not yet, however that doesn't make you any less mine, kitten."

"I've been yours since you first made Luna tackle me with love."

"Ah, so you knew about that?" I asked, caught red handed.

"Not until now." She laughed a full and happy laugh.

"Hn." I grunted, impressed she got me like that. Point Haruno, no Uchiha now.

"I can't wait to tell my parents." She told me as she admired the ring on her finger, her soft sweet smile turning into a grin that made me fall in love with her all over again, her happiness becoming my own.

I kissed her finger tips and brought her attention back to me, her smile getting brighter if possible. "About that, they may already know."

"Huh?" Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"I asked them for their blessing." I confessed, hoping she wouldn't be disappointed at not being able to give the news to them herself.

"You did that?" She asked, lips remaining parted in her surprise. "Sasuke…" Tears brimmed in her eyes then and I kissed her forehead. "And just when I thought I couldn't love you anymore."

I pulled her closer, mindful not to squish Luna between us, and wiped her tears away. "I love you."

"I love you more." She promised, her hand cupping my face as she leaned in and kissed my lips softly but meaningfully. "Forever." She added in a whisper when she pulled away, leaving just a breath between our lips.

"I love you most, for as long as possible." I responded, closing my eyes. "Forever."

We would have each other forever, but this . . . this was only the beginning.

A/N:

Wow... it feels like this story has been a part of us forever and yet... it really hasn't been too long. We are both so thankful for all of your support during this Walk in the Park.

This is the last chapter before the epilogue. We did a lot of thinking on how we wanted to end things and nothing seemed more perfect than this proposal.

We really hope you enjoy this final chapter and look forward to the epilogue. This fic is very special to us and it's been all the more fun having all you lovely reviewers tag along. We can't wait to see what you guys think. The next A/N will be a little longer but we don't want to say too much here, so on to the questions!

Is it possible to have more? Like maybe some chapters after the actual story that show different things we may have missed?:

Tyy: Absolutely! We actually have one one-shot already written that will be added to this fic after the epilogue is out of some future SasuSaku :) (And we plan to do even more in the future!)

Kana: Yeah, this story may only have one chapter left in the story but its not really over. We don't know how much more we'll end up adding to it but we have one piece that is for sure coming your way

Do you plan on including Sarada here or is it just gonna be Luna til the end?:

Tyy: Ahhh... this shall be answered in the epilogue, so I'm not gonna spoil this just yet.

Kana: Why must you ask such good questions? Lol, we can't even answer. The last chapter is sooooo good, we can't wait to post it but we will cause we want to make sure all of you have enough time to read it and get your questions in.

So yes, any last minute questions you want to get in, send away! We're really looking forward to any and all reviews because it means so much more being here at the end.

Thanks so much as always, for being here up until now and moving forward with us. We love you guys!

Til next time...

-Kanatyy