Author's note: This is the FINAL chapter;

A whole chapter written in SAKURA'S POINT OF VIEW.

Hope you enjoy this final piece and its length…Er…haha…and THANK YOU FOR READING!

Thank you for your endless support throughout this Sweet Seventy series, hope it has been a story worthwhile to read till the end and as for me…it has been so much of fun writing.

I hope you had your share of fun as well and it has been great pleasure to receive all those wonderful reviews. It was both lovely and motivating.

I hope to see more reviews as part of my learning tips to create better writing structure and ideas.

Everyone is a teacher!

Moreover, receiving reviews weren't just about receiving them but making a new friend or acquaintance. It was an exciting journey throughout and it was wonderful. I hope as well get to meet and interact with more people despite wherever! Love the computer and the internet!

Thank you so much!

I hope to write more in the near future! :D

(Warning: Be prepared for a very long chapter!)

SUNNY DAYS!

(Sweet Seventy)

Finale

.

SUNNY DAYS!

.

Do you remember?

How we fell in love. How we were naïve?

I think we still are. Reflecting on how each day we fought for our freedom and space for our love grow.

And every day whenever I woke up before you, I saw you gently snoring in the midst of your dreams and I would be watching, ensuring your every breath exists. I made sure you're breathing before I took my eyes off you.

Then I would look into the mirror of myself.

There.

I saw me.

The little me before my eyes.

No matter how many times I would stare at 'it', never did that queasy feeling fail to surface inside of me. It was indescribable, a combination of emotions.

But whatever it was, I knew I am alive. Every breath I made was real.

.

.

.

.

Fugaku.

Mikoto.

Itachi.

Sasuke.

They were the people who had that identical jet black hair and eyes. They had fair skins despite their genders and they were tall. They held distinguished air around them as they gathered and staring at each other with stranger's eyes, they didn't seem too foreign from one another. In fact, they had a strong feeling between them.

It's a bond.

They were the Uchiha family.

Always despite the time, the days they were separated. All it took was one reunion to mend the connection between them and watching them standing tall in front of one another cannot stop my heart from acknowledging one fact.

It's a place I didn't belong.

A circle I was unable to enter, not with the being I am, not with the worthiness I lack.

From this distance, I stared.

Away from the dark haired male I loved, Sasuke-kun was beautiful from here and he made it all beautiful no matter where he was. Alongside he was with those beautiful people as well.

That moment,

I felt an instant distance which told me that we were very different. But.

We weren't too far apart; our hearts were synced. From time to time I would be spared with glances he stole from the private conversation the Uchiha family were having. I could see he wasn't paying much attention towards Mikoto and Fugaku. Itachi was at lead; he did most of the talking like an elder brother would and the Uchiha couple listened with their hearts of awe.

They were parents at heart.

I clearly saw the honest expression on their faces.

Mikoto was smiling tenderly with her eyes fixated at her eldest; without aggressiveness and fearful behavior, she could be as gentle and docile, like a true mother.

On the other hand, Fugaku,

He may be expressive-less and didn't display any hints of emotion, I could see he was suppressing a smile. I saw by chance a crook which slipped out of his control at the edge of his lips proved he was a proud man and a father to both his sons.

I observed the man in his wheelchair.

Despite his sitting position, I was able to imagine his standing physique and I believed from the broad of his shoulders, the length of his limbs he was manly. Itachi took after him and Sasuke-kun shared a little of that trait when he had part of his mother's femininity.

Chuckled to myself, I didn't realize this point until I was allowed to distinguish between the Uchiha children. And I was confident that Sasuke-kun as well inherited his mother's gentleness.

I was again thankful that my husband took after her.

Standing here,

I waited.

I didn't expect Sasuke-kun to return to my side any quicker because this moment was important for the four Uchihas. It's a reunion. Therefore, that was one of the reasons I couldn't interfere with my existence. No doubt, I wished to be part of them. As I said earlier, it wasn't my time to shine.

The thought of it drove my mind to a corner, brought me to various thoughts and one of them made me think that this meeting reflected a battle, where my beloved raven was out there fighting for what's important to us and I was here waiting for his victory.

And I began believed in these fantasies were real. I succumbed into my own delusion and started to fear for the worse. I feared that Sasuke-kun might never come back to get me.

For that second, I became stupid again. Silly me.

I assured myself and fought those unnecessary thoughts and took to embrace a more positive light. I couldn't help myself to fear, it was me as human; a woman. Moreover, one thing was never truer.

Waiting for him was ever lonely.

Again and again, I reassured myself that these family gatherings were just as long as forever and there was nothing to fret about.

Was it me or was it by nature as a wife, fear would visit as often and about everything?

I sarcastically let out laugh inside of me. A loud one too.

So what was it anyway?

It didn't took me long to figure out the answer, nope, there wasn't one anyhow. It was just a random feeling that was…unnecessary.

Chuckle.

All that fear for loneliness got washed away when Sasuke-kun gazed at me with a smile. He didn't care if he was in the middle of a conversation neither did he cared about his manners; he made me felt important and selfish.

The language in his eyes that spoke voicelessly; I understood.

Smiling back at him, I loved him with all the love I could put in one gazing reply.

And in return, the whole Uchiha family turned towards my direction. Itachi was sweet to offer me a smile which in contrast to Mikoto and Fugaku; they alienated my existence.

They weren't ready.

I understand.

To be honest, I was jealous.

To watch them ignited an element of negativity in the back of my mind. I was seriously envious at Sasuke-kun, Itachi, Mikoto and Fugaku. They were able to become a family.

The perfect family.

Which I never had with the Harunos.

Which I can never have with Sasuke-kun.

Exclude the fact that Itachi had lost his memories of the past as son and brother. Exclude the fact that Sasuke-kun had dedicated his duties towards Brown's. Both found their individual paths, so different, so not Uchiha. Then,

One day.

This day.

They became a family again.

I was very, very, very envious that my senses grew numb from being too absorbed observing them.

"Oi."

I slowly turned towards the ungentlemanly caller behind me. There was no meaning to provide him with instant attention when that rude silver haired male didn't deserve it.

Suigetsu was staring at me with monotonic gazes.

If I recall we were never in good terms from the beginning, if there was, I couldn't remember at all and I would not initiate any manners towards a man who wouldn't begin first. Despite I learned my etiquette and passed with flying colours, I was able to distinguish whom was worthy for it and this man doesn't!

"What?"

I shot him with an equal of monotone.

He was one of those living creatures that hit my nerve every time he was present. And whenever he opened his mouth,

"I am waiting, princess."

"For what?"

I had no time to use my head when I was too irritated and shot a mouthful of bluntness back at him.

"You can't be serious for us to wait for them. They are going to talk for a long, long time, princess and I am not going sacrifice my time with unproductive waiting."

Suigetsu had his point right. He was at the brink of erupting out of low impatience and currently, he glared at me for wasting his precious time daydreaming on my own.

"Come on. It's not like they are going anywhere! They are having a chit chat and after they're done, your boy will be flying back to you!"

I couldn't help but to admit that he was right. Stubbornly, I asked with pouted lips,

"Where are we going?"

He didn't bother to answer me.

Instead, he took advantage of the pockets of his jeans, shoved his hands inside them to hide away from the weather. I copied; I was too absorbed in my own thought to realize my hands were freezing. It was got colder as the day dimmed into the late afternoon. Spontaneously, I wondered if Sasuke-kun was warm enough to withstand the weather for I was sure he carelessly wore lightly from being hasty this morning, I reckoned.

"Oi!"

Another rude call.

It instantaneously snapped me back into reality; my bad, it seems that I had taken quite the habit to easily wander off in seconds. This time, Suigetsu was glaring at me with knotted brows. His impatient gesture showed how he disliked waiting and he waited for me when he should have left without other concerns.

I was grateful at that.

He didn't appear to accept my apology as he turned around and proceeded with wherever he wanted to go but inside, I knew he didn't mind. Obediently, I followed; not wanting to cross him any further since he tried to be nice.

I was two steps behind, accurately I deduced.

We didn't talk for sure.

I was like follow the leader and decided to strike no conversation with him. He's hot headed and irrational, therefore, there was no benefit to forge a closer bond with him, I thought. And the individualistic moment gave me the opportunity to observe the guy at my front.

Suigetsu was comparatively tall as the Uchiha brothers and with his hair silvery and growing out of shape enhanced a little bit the gentle side of him. It should have. However, this male didn't seem to export the character though.

It made me wonder if he already had a lover. If so, I would be most curious to his choice. Or perhaps he was overly devoted to Itachi that he had no time to spare searching for one.

My hypothesis quickly applied to Itachi as well, I helped myself to a silent laugh at the thought of it.

"I don't see what was funny to snicker like."

I didn't realize that the male before me stopped until he made that rude comment. He was practically staring and I didn't bother much to retort.

"You're creepy."

Never thought he would test my patience in this fashion and I spontaneously defended myself.

"What do you care?"

He snorted at the bossy remark I made.

I thought he would proceed afterwards but as we stood there, minding no time to rush, we continued to stand there at the pavement side. I wasn't sure why but we just…did. Watched the world passed us by as we rooted ourselves still in peaceful silence.

Wasn't he who rushed me earlier?

I didn't utter a word until he spoke out of my expectations,

"How were you?"

I stunned for a shortly; it was almost unconvincing. I stared at him with widen eyes out of surprise. He reactively frowned to the fact that I was teasing him. I giggled then replied,

"Um. Good?"

He lifted a silver brow which told me that he was uncertain of my answer. I sighed quietly, gazed up into the skies of grey before smiling back at him.

"I wish to have a baby for Sasuke-kun…"

His face enlightened a while but immediately faded away when he realized he was misunderstood.

Wish.

Present tense.

Here I go again, sulking at my failures. It was a troubling thought that haunts and that I bottled them up to myself.

But…

I wanted to tell someone. I wanted an outlet to them, be relieved of them. It was part of my weakness that I habitually kept the bad things to myself without considering the fact that I should speak it out. Now, little by little I took the chance to learn how to tell others about it. I could feel better this way.

Not Sasuke-kun, anyone else but him.

Funny wasn't it?

It was by instinct that I wished not to inform him about my miseries or worries because I love him and I wished not to burden him any further with petty concerns. But sooner or later he would know.

And that's how we end up crying and sobbing for each other. Just like how we did an hour ago.

Haha.

I felt we were funny. Like a marionette in a play stringed by fate's hands.

"You know…You were a lucky charm."

Suigetsu didn't direct his gaze at me as his eyes took off to someplace else as he spoke; I was greatly surprised at his claim when he unexpectedly said. I was sure my eyes were wide like saucers staring at him, curiously anticipating him to continue.

"I always thought you were annoying. You tried to break my brotherhood with Franco by mending the bond between him and Sasuke."

He said a little irritated.

"I carefully kept my relationship with Franco still someway somehow it wasn't as perfect I thought it was…I knew deep inside of him, he had doubts. Franco unconsciously became…Itachi. He had a place to return to…and a family to reunite with."

And,

"At first, to me it was a bad thing. But to Franco…despite I was jealous, I think, it was good for him."

The sliver haired male sighed heavily at his feet. I could see dark ringlets which circled the lower of his eyes; he must have travelled long enough to be worn out like that. I could praise him for his endurance as compared to my weaker self.

Lastly, he turned to me with plain expression then said,

"You were Franco's lucky charm as well as his brother's."

At first, I didn't know what to say. I was too astounded by his opinion towards me that sounded so foreign and unbelievable. On the other hand, I knew he was sincere despite his gruffness and outlook.

I let out a blush; I wasn't too used to praises especially from this male and loudly giggled.

"What should I say?"

Really, I've got no idea what to say. Suigetsu looked at me as if I was the stupidest creature alive, scratched the back of his head and clicked his tongue.

"Suit yourself."

I wasn't sure of the reason but I was confident that his cheeks grew rosy before tearing his gaze away from me. That easily embarrassed nature resembled a person I knew; my husband. It would take a soft man at heart to possess such qualities and it brought me a smile at the fact.

Be it Suigetsu, Itachi or Sasuke-kun.

I was suddenly hailed with an abundant feeling of luckiness for the men around me were gifted with a pure heart.

Oh, not forgetting Uncle Brown and my dear bulter, Sa-chan.

I was too lucky to have met them all in a lifetime.

Therefore, I should be ever grateful. Having a child or not, doesn't sound too important in the end because…it's Heaven's gift. I have no say to His wishes and I shouldn't greed too much for all I already have.

Siiigghhhh…

It wore me out a lot to have so much in mind lately. I felt my lower back grew sour the next minute and my body was heavier as well. I was too tired to even mention it and sighed again.

Suigetsu noticed.

"Hey, are you okay?"

His voice contained worry and I bet my face would have turned pale as I saw his panicking figure. He quickly supported me when I tripped on my own careless footing; I was forcing myself to stay strong. I stubbornly refused his assistance.

It's happening again, I reminded at heart.

"Hey, let's get you somewhere to rest."

That, I nodded agreeably but before we could depart,

"AUNTIE SAKURA!"

Suigetsu's curious expression allowed me to affirm that I wasn't wrong to whom that shrilled voice belonged to. The next moment two children came wrapping themselves all over me. The silver male stunned.

I giggled both at him and towards the children's embraces.

They were Ino's adorable little tykes!

I was so happy to see them as I completely forgot being weary and not for long, I saw a rushing blonde woman both hands occupied with shopped goods. She never quit her habit for over shopping.

"Hahh…hahh…Two…little rascals…Hahh…hahhh!"

I laughed to my heart's content at the sight of Ino.

She seriously had a breath to catch before she had the chance to nag at her rambunctious children. Her hair was utterly messy and a little smudged in her make up. I was amazed that the golden beauty had the capability to run in deadly high heels.

Ino playfully pouted at me for finding her amusing.

"Not funny, pinky."

Her monotonous warning wasn't threatening at all. I made another giggle before straightening myself and failed to do it perfectly when the tiredness robbed my strength away again.

"Are you alright, Sakura-chan? You don't look too good."

My blonde friend could be rather sensitive to the littlest things around her; I tried not to show perhaps my face had paled judging from the feeling that I am quite out of breath right now.

"You really look terrible, Sakura-chan. Do you want me to call Sasuke-kun?"

I frantically shook my head to stop her from doing so. I could see she was a little taken aback from my exertive expression and quit searching her phone in her bag. She somehow understood my speechless facial language as she crouched over to me and said,

"Okay. I won't call him."

She said with an extended smile on her lips.

"Say why don't come over to my place to rest a bit then? You can wait at the shop and I've got snacks too."

I smiled thankfully at her offer. The radiant female was kind as ever; there's a reason for her gifted blonde hair.

I smiled at those thoughts before I travelled a distant journey not too far from here. Ino took us all in her lead along with the children who adored me and with Suigetsu who quietly followed behind. I did felt bad for leaving him alone when I selfishly occupied myself with the kids but I also did wonder if he enjoyed himself a bit just by watching.

Ino was rather curious about him but I assured her with a brief explanation. She somehow understood the complexity our relationship. She shrugged her shoulders and paid no further attention towards him but me.

When I peeked at Suigetsu, concerned, he was actually staring from his high point of view; it startled me due to my inferior angle. He may be blunt but I was sure he had no ill intention to make that glare. To hide my rude behavior, I afforded a smile.

He breathed heavily through his nose and shrugged his shoulders. A blunt man indeed he was.

I giggled at heart.

.

.

Resting at Ino's place; the Yamanaka family flower store. A place I would stop by on few occasions with Sasuke-kun to pick up a bouquet or two for my mother's grave.

This place…was ever surrounded with flowers. All sorts, all colours.

It would be hard for me to particularly describe the place with words when there were too many details to inscribe that it was endless. The aura in here was ever mysterious; I couldn't tell which feeling it was or could I place a name for the spirit that touched me whenever I paid my visit.

There would be life in every stem and stalk as if they could talk.

It would bring a smile upon my lips and I would never know when I did. Sasuke-kun would tease me that moment. It would be an embarrassing experience and a never-ending habit.

I listened to Ino's entrepreneurial talent and her friendly vocals towards her customers behind these thickened plants as I sat to savour in cookies and cakes she served earlier in this mini lounge.

Shrouded with big blossoms and greens, this place was especially reserved for private indulgence.

I played with the children; we teased each other quietly and laughed quietly so that we would not wake the sleeping silver haired male on the other side.

The fatigue finally got him.

Suigetsu fell fast asleep on the comfortably laid out couch. In folded arms and crossed legged, he set onto a voyage of dreams. Always the serious man, I thought to myself at his stiff posture. The children and I shared chuckles as we listened to him snore in slumber.

We didn't mind and continued to play in the world of our own.

Sharing laughter with these little ones made me fresh pieces of memories I failed to have during my childhood and it felt as if those missing fragments were filled in. I watched the two kids smiled in their imperfect set of growing teeth. I watched the siblings wrestled among themselves for a toy. And I also watched how they childishly played in games of their age.

Those were wonderful scenes that I didn't have.

And they were wonderful experiences I gained to feel being a parent. If I were to be.

My eyes simply traced the carefree movements of those two bubbly children as they swift off to their mother's side the moment she entered our little sanctuary. They clung themselves all over the blonde and each lovingly received a peck on their cheeks.

A smile crept its way up to my lips simultaneously envy drew by as well.

Considerately, Ino sent her children upstairs to permit some quiet time and some friends-time just for the both of us to talk. I smiled; a gesture to greet her return and casually she took a seat next to me.

I noticed she had matured so much more than the years we were teenagers of high school. Her blonde hair remained long as ever, loosely braided aside, her smile was ever wonderful and when she did, she bore a motherly figure to it.

Oh, not to mention she had a wrinkle more at the edge of her eyes! Oops…

No matter,

Compared to me, I was the same as ever.

It's not a good thing and I could be envious at the Yamanaka girl who managed to be a woman.

The difference was too great to not notice.

While we shared on various topics, I snacked on my portion of cake and before I knew it I was finished. It was exceptionally good and my taste buds were craving more for this distinctive flavor of Ino's home-baked. Without any sense of hesitation, I stretched out to reach for Suigetsu's share.

"Since he's snoring away, I wouldn't want this good stuff to go to waste!"

I said and stuffed a fork-full of cake into my mouth.

I didn't realize that Ino was particularly staring at me with surprise; she didn't mention right away until I was almost done with Suigetsu's piece.

"Is that thing really good?"

She asked me out of the blue of silence.

I nodded vehemently then said with my mouth loaded,

"Why?"

She looked at me as if I consumed the wrong thing.

"Erm…It's like…so sweet?"

I denied and she wore a puzzled expression the next. I didn't question when I was concerned in consuming the lasts of my food. It's the appetite and it got me before I got ahold of it.

Now that the blondie mentioned it, I began to feel the lingering sweetness that made up that very confectionary on my tongue. It was so sweet, surprisingly I didn't refused a single bite due to the unexpected crave.

Politely I placed away my empty dish and in return I sipped my tea which I instantly backed away from the bitterness that struck my tongue unpleasantly. There wasn't a sugar bowl served to my disappointment.

"Can I have some sugar, please?"

I directly asked and Ino reactively looked at me with another surprised before she started laughing with her mouth cupped being considerate not to wake the silver male.

"I am impressed with your drastic change in appetite!"

She laughed a lot to bear droplets at the edge of her eyes and wiped them away. I couldn't understand the logic to her amusement. Was my appetite that sugarless?

I sat there without a clue, staring blankly at her my mind went absent a little while.

"Ino…"

I began in my littlest voice. She looked at me attentively but when I remained silent for too long she mercilessly poked me on the forehead. I was thrown off balanced and flopped.

"Hey! What's that for?!"

I shrieked but it was another sight of amusement to the blonde. She didn't care that she was loud and it woke Suigetsu; Ino laughed to her heart's content. The silver haired male couldn't be bothered, submitted to the drowsiness and returned into slumber again. But I stared at her.

Aside from the thought that I was clueless about the fact which tickled her mind, laughing, I couldn't laugh at all. I couldn't keep up with her not because I was stunned, not because I didn't find it humorous, I…

I wasn't capable to.

It was all so sudden when I started to cry.

I didn't mean to get emotional. I didn't mean to break down in tears. If it wasn't for this blonde, a lifelong friend, I wouldn't show my weakness. With all I've got, all I've withheld inside and all I've endured, I decided bawl them all out.

I didn't care if I wrecked my composure or smudged my makeup.

I didn't care if Suigetsu was watching; I noticed he was awake now and through an eye he secretly cracked open, he peeked while he pretended to be asleep. He didn't interrupt and was considerate enough to give me some space to relief myself on a lent shoulder. I needed this despite I hated this I was desperately in need of this.

Sorry I couldn't be the strong person everyone thought I was.

Sorry I couldn't hold back my tears.

Sorry for being helpless.

Once in a while even a heroine needed her rest, right?

I continued to bawl my eyes out in the embrace Ino considerably spared me; her slender arms which wrapped me completely enable me to feel secure. It was entirely different than the ones Sasuke-kun gave me; there was a strong feeling of intimacy in a different form.

The way she randomly patted and stroked my back and the way she softly hushed me as I cried; she was wholly motherly. I had never…never felt this way in a long, long time and it made tears stream down my face more.

Mommy.

I am in pain. Stuck in an endless turbulence of life.

Ino continued to hush me and she gently swayed me in a soothing rhythm as if she was cuddling a child to sleep. I had to admit it calmed me a lot.

"Silly girl…"

She whispered in my ear with tender tone.

"Ino. Oh, Ino…Oh, Ino…"

I muttered without thinking as I sobbed and I heard her hushing reply while she patted my head.

"I know you Haruno Sakura… I know you cannot fly… I know you cannot lift a truck… I know you can cry... I know you are human... I know you're just another ordinary woman in the street."

She pulled me away,

"So why try so hard?"

And she pulled up a smile meant for me.

"Sasuke-kun's there for you, no?"

She said again but I wasn't able to say a word when she spoke up again,

"I…"

"I don't know what happened between you and Sasuke-kun. But I know that the two of you needed a good night's rest and the next day, it's all like a nightmare to wake up from."

"How I wish it was that simple…"

I sighed tiredly,

"I guess you wouldn't understand…"

"I don't have superpowers but I have eyes. Your face told me all about it or I should say you're becoming easier to read, Sakura-chan. A woman in love is obvious and I know…it IS that simple."

I seriously had no clue what this woman was talking about. She wore a smile that I could read a hidden message out of it;

Have courage.

I smiled and wiped tears off the edge off me that grew dry and sticky. I wanted to tell her that I was not courageous at all if it wasn't for Sasuke-kun. Ino somehow had telepathic powers than superpowers; I got the feeling that she already got what I had in mind therefore she reached out and gave my hand a squeeze.

"Hey."

She began once more; her brilliant set of teeth was ever mesmerizing to see.

"I am going to treat you and Sasuke-kun a vacation. It may not be as exclusive but I want the two of you to get out of this world and into the world of your own. Go to a far, far away place that no one knows and forget about everything for a while. How's that sound?"

I was speechless.

I couldn't say anything more but stare at her not because I grew stunned, I was robbed off my voice to express gratitude. How could I convey this huge gratefulness I currently felt to this woman?

I don't know, I don't know, I don't know! I was too overwhelmed by this relationship called friendship.

"And my husband agreed to the idea too!"

She proudly mentioned.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I wanted to say them but my lips were just as stubborn and frozen to remain silent. I couldn't feel any part of myself or could I control my motions or emotions; I cried.

Like a selfish child, I let out another round of tears. My feelings were messy and I just couldn't understand myself any longer when all I knew was that I wanted to cry as much as I could. I wanted to pour everything out, destroy all the unhappiness that I held in and after this I wanted to become someone stronger.

I needed the courage to stand by Sasuke-kun's side who I believed is fighting for us.

I needed to do the same; pour in the same effort so that we could be equal.

"Ino…Thank you…Thank you…Ino…"

While I clung onto the golden haired female, I said my thanks in tears and she rubbed my back as usual. There was an interval of silence between us and the serenity was priceless as we were cradled by immeasurable nature. Surrounded by the smell of greens with a hint of floral fragrance as flowers were displayed at the front of the shop, I permitted my mind to laze off into emptiness as I continued to cling onto Ino. She minded me not and I selfishly took advantage.

I enjoyed the comfortable position I was in until Ino spoke up surprisingly,

"You can quit pretending to sleep, Mr Silver."

So Ino did realize he was faking it and she had not considered to let him slide. An honest woman for the rest of her life and hated broken promises and empty ones would see worse. She was a woman of her own policy and I respect that.

'Mr Silver' quitted his act and opened his eyes; they were clear and fresh after a short nap. Suigetsu didn't bother to be shy about being caught red handed for peeping at us and he sat up straight.

"The name is Suigetsu."

He corrected with a straight face and hunched forward to refresh himself with some tea which I believed had turned cold. He didn't hesitate to complain about his missing slice of cake. He turned his daggered gaze at me;

"Little thief."

He branded me the first thing without proof although the truth was obvious. Indeed it was me. I gobbled it out of desperation to subdue my sugar crave and I had planned not on apologizing at all.

Above everything else, he was one thing; rude!

This male never had the gentleman's traits in him. Completely different from Franco whom I find it a little too much as well. Anyhow, Suigetsu would not win many women with that sharp tongue of his, that's my thought.

Or perhaps I might be wrong?

Let's leave that at that. I couldn't indulge too much in a topic about a small man such as him. I directed my attention towards Ino instead. The blue eyed beauty kindly served the silver male another slice of her homemade complemented with another hot cup of tea.

Suigetsu subsequently grinned victoriously at me. I lowered my eyes to counter him.

"I want another slice too, Ino!"

Jealous, I tried to beat him but the Yamanaka female refused my request and told me that I had too much for the day.

"But it's just so good. I'm hungry for sweets."

I tried reasoning still she firmly refused me and told me,

"I appreciate the favourite but I suggest you should hold it in for now. Candy isn't on the list of your diet I remember. Are you sure you're feeling okay, Sakura-chan?"

"Never better."

In the end, I still got no cake but Ino's words struck me. One thing scary about that female was her incisive instincts. I realized my excessive liking towards sweets out of the blue. However, I wasn't aware of the cause of it.

Was my body changing again?

Perhaps I needed to pay Ochima-chan a visit soon.

.

Time flew past as quickly as the wind and despite the evening was young the sky dimmed early. There still was a lingering presence of light, the last that glowed behind the building before it vanished within minutes. Street lights were already alit and shops brightened up. For some reason I saw many couples hand in hand as they loitered in this darkened hour as if it was meant for romance.

I temporarily drew my attention away from the envious sight.

Ino and her two children stood at the exit of the shop just to bid both Suigetsu and I goodbye. The two little ones waved energetically; their adorableness urged me to scoop down for another snuggle. Their giggles and puffy cheeks were my favourite.

I thanked for her hospitality and said goodbye to my blonde friend; she gave me a final hug and waved at me with a smile.

"Drop by if anything. I'm always around!"

Ino shouted towards me from the distance I had travelled with Suigetsu. I replied loudly as well before I completely set out returning to Brown's with the leading silver male.

We didn't talk much like we did. Not even walking side by side. It was not like I minded it at all. But I did minded when we had to pass by countless of couples. As I said earlier, it was an exceptional day whereby so many love birds showed up and demonstrated their relationship to the public eye.

I quickly walked; held an envious heart within, I strived to reach home as soon as possible. I knew Sasuke-kun would be waiting for me. I was relieved as well as grateful the moment when Suigetsu received a text from Itachi saying that it was appropriate for us to return.

I wanted to go home so badly although time at Yamanaka Flowers was enjoyable. I wanted to look at my dear dark haired raven, listen to him on whatever he had to say and I wanted him to cuddle me to sleep on our cozy bed. We could enjoy a light dinner by the oven heat and watched a bit of comedy on our small old television.

I wanted to do all these things with him. The daily routine that we usually did before all these things hailed on us and derailed us from our simple happy days. I was sure those were fair and simple days so why…

Why couldn't we keep them till the rest of our days?

I chuckled at myself for being silly again. It would be as if I was asking: why was the world round?

I hated when I was left lonely with my thoughts; it made me feel stupid listening to the voice in my own head. Heheh…

But whenever I gaze upon the face of my dear lover, I tend to forget everything I had in mind; my weary, my worries, completely…

Like a child I rushed up to the raven male I saw standing outside of Brown's, Sasuke-kun readily crouched with opened his arms to get me and the next I felt my feet left the ground when he regained his height.

Granddaddy was watching.

Itachi was.

Mikoto.

And Fugaku.

Sasuke-kun and I; no doubt we look weird. How we held each other and the way we exchanged a passionate kiss. It has become a habit of my dear raven when we were shortly separated and he would gently caressed the back of my head in the sense of worried he had for me. And I would tell him that I was fine and that I was at Ino's.

He smilingly nodded at me after I said so and he didn't asked another word or hinted me anything about the contents on their earlier discussion the Uchiha family had. But I saw a smile.

He had this smile, small and hidden that I saw its existence at the corner of his lips that read good news.

I couldn't wait to ask him about it. However, as Haruno Sakura, I prefer to wait and let it happen. I do love surprises and excitement despite I could somehow guess accurately.

Sasuke-kun gave me another kiss. Not as long but equally meaningful.

He didn't care if the Uchihas were looking or granddaddy or Laila or Kiba or Suigetsu. He intentionally made that kiss not to display his love in the eye of others but especially meant for me;

No matter how disgusting we may look.

No matter how weird we were.

He would kiss me in front of anybody, everybody!

Because.

It's me.

I blushed; the heat on my face quickly travelled to my ears. I could imagine how I look right now along with the grin that grew so wide I felt my cheeks hurt. I was happy.

Then we were politely interrupted. It was Fugaku.

Aa, I see him. He was Sasuke's father as well as my father-in-law. At heart I thought, he should deserve my respect despite I had yet to be accustomed towards his presence; it was more to a distant acquaintanceship. When he stared at me intensely I could feel his curiosity digging deep from the inside of my eyes, it was a hard to avoid situation and it would be simply rude of me to turn away. Therefore I gazed on no matter how much nervousness had crept up on me.

It became too much until I decided to take a break as I peeked at my husband for ideas of what to do next.

Sasuke-kun smiled at me and without telling me, he placed me back onto my feet. I was slightly surprised when I didn't expect to leave his arms as quickly and when I wouldn't want either. I would admit that I was acting childishly being clueless and fearful in the presence of strangers.

Especially Mikoto.

She didn't hold back the chance to glare at me whenever our eyes met. Hatred and detest was all she had installed in me although she was more composed and restrained than her earlier behavior. I could say that it was because of Fugaku. At least, the atmosphere turned a little quieter that it was before.

Granddaddy was silent. He didn't utter a word ever since the second I returned into the scene. He simply stayed silent as if he was waiting for an event to take place. Kiba was the same.

Laila who stood next to Mikoto was as well the same but she was hesitant to make contact with my gazes and took effort to avoid them. I couldn't blame her and I won't. Sasuke-kun was simply lucky to have an admirer and I was simply lucky to be chosen instead. With pride, it was something that I could proudly say it aloud.

Aside from those, in a split of a second, I heard Fugaku's calling. Indeed something was about to take place, I smiled at heart. His call was crisp and clear and pronounced my name flawlessly though it was the first time.

There was no tone of intimidation I assure myself. In fact, it was warm and kind just like how his facial expression had softened. That moment I felt the sensation of being afraid got washed away, forgotten; replaced by courage.

I had the courage to stand before the man I thought fearful.

Fugaku was beyond my means of prediction. Out of my expectations of a person whom I thought he would instill more dread. It was the complete opposite.

He held out a hand and in his eyes he expects me to take it right away. Of course I was unsure and I was honest to show confusion as well as hesitation. Again I turned to the male beside me, the man who held my hand tightly; Sasuke-kun put up a smile which told me I should go to his calling father and very gently he lead me to the man in the wheelchair.

I easily met those dark eyes.

Black.

Like Sasuke-kun's…No…Sasuke-kun's like his; they were unimaginably mysterious but it had a clear light to it. Seeing them put my heart at ease. I could quickly discard away the nervousness and doubt.

I was in good hands.

It was a phenomenal moment the time when Fugaku's hand closed around mine. Like any other men, his hand was large similar to my husband's except his skin was dry due to age and surprisingly there were callouses that I felt through this touch.

I dressed my face with a smile to portray my comfort and acceptance in this intimate session. I had completely lost the ability to be afraid. Really…

Because this man did it.

Like Sasuke-kun,

He was a born miracle.

The way we gaze into each other's eyes, trying our best to understand each other's thoughts and our hands that connects; I felt the heat whereby a new bond has taken place to form itself.

Between me and him.

I began to feel the life of a new father.

This prolonged quietness was as though we had engaged in a silent conversation. He didn't even bother to introduce himself when he began abruptly,

"The weather is getting cold, isn't it?"

There was friendliness and fondness which coated his words and I nodded strongly at them. I couldn't find an appropriate reply.

What should I say?

And he didn't give me the chance to make effort when he did it again; abruptly, gazed up into the sky, closed his eyes and breathed in air of the chilly weather. He took his time despite people around him were watching his peculiar behavior.

So when he opened them once more, he turned to me and said,

"Nice to meet you Sakura."

And,

"Thank you for taking care of my son for me."

I…

Really had no words to express but receive this man's gratitude. Those few simple words and his emotions that channeled through my hands as he held them firmly had great power.

So great that it was impossible for me to depict it immediately. But I could say this;

No one…

There was no one who told me that I was worthy.

I love Sasuke-kun and that was an eternal fact I held in belief. At last, someone…acknowledged it. But that wasn't just it. Fugaku paused and without me anticipating a single word he was about to say,

"Welcome to the Uchiha family."

I felt a grasp.

Never thought that I could be so speechless. My jaw didn't hang agape but I knew it was loose when I lost control of my senses when the suddenness that crashed upon me. What Fugaku said was almost unbelievable yet…

I made it.

The only feeling I had when tears silently trickled down my cheeks while I stunned on the spot. I don't think I had ever felt this emotional. It was joy.

Sheer happiness.

How could I identify it in words to tell this feeling that I had? It had a sensation called…

Finally.

Would anyone understand such flavor I spoke of?

Haha.

I didn't laugh aloud. I held back my every voice. I only cried.

Sasuke-kun was right beside me. He held my shoulders and buried his face on the left of my neck as we both shared this moment right here. Our feelings were mutually connected and we bore the same tears, the same happiness and the same relief…

Finally…

I knew.

For my dear Sasuke-kun to break down in tears with me, to fall beside me and embraced me like never before. It was a rare sensation that only this moment had to offer us.

Fugaku watched us and smiled for us as he continued to hold my hand. I knew as well he was grateful too. The look on this man told me that he had journeyed a long way in time to arrive to this day as we did.

And Mikoto came up to place her hand on her husband's shoulder. The silent woman remained speechless; she took glances at her son and me. I didn't smile. The tie between us has yet to exist but I believed that soon…

Maybe one day we could actually have tea together.

I could not guarantee that to happen but I pray what I had envisioned would come true. Us as a family would gather and we could talk freely. Time.

Pray time would allow it.

I would pray hard that we would come to accept one another.

.

I know that we weren't fond of each other.

But Heavens brought us to meet no matter.

It's something we could not alter.

I couldn't even understand either.

However,

If it has to be it has to be.

I'll accept.

Because I knew it's something I could not run away forever.

It's destiny.

And it's totally cheesy.

I know it wouldn't be easy.

At least, I would love us to be family.

.

.

Mikoto:

Mom.

Mother.

Mommy.

Okaa-sama.

How desperate I wished I call you from my own lips.

No one would ever know the longing and eagerness that I held at heart to call someone 'mother'. No one would ever understand the bitterness of losing the woman who had gave me the significance of life. No one would ever understand the loneliness and emptiness I grew up isolated at a corner. No one would ever understand how I survived many years of cold winter without that warmth which the other children had.

I never had the chance to fully appreciate it.

Not until I met Sasuke-kun.

Therefore, I was sincerely grateful.

To the person who gave Sasuke-kun his existence.

Mikoto.

I would hold back these words until the day I gained acceptance so for now, at heart,

Thank you... Thank you... Thank you...

.

.

That evening where all of us stood in the cold became a memory etched in my mind. It felt like a drama and it felt too real to be real. Most importantly, everything, all that roller coaster ride, the hurricane and fighting vanished completely. It was all too peaceful to be real and thankfully it was.

All of us dispersed later on, moved in separate ways. As for Sasuke-kun and I, we stood at the door of Brown's and it felt too empty all of a sudden after everyone had left.

Granddaddy was the first to leave back to the mansion right after an urgent call. I didn't get the chance express my gratitude when he rode off without a glance of what's behind him. He was too much of a busy person and to be here was exceptional.

I had an intuition that it wasn't only because Sa-chan succeeded to convince him, it was something more. I may not be accurate from this point on however, if I could believe that this was true, I was glad it was;

Granddaddy came for my sake.

There was no other reasonable argument that could be more befitting. So,

If that was what it was; I had to thank him. Personally.

Regardless, that man; granddaddy was never a person who one could easily decipher.

Heheh.

"You're creepy."

I turned to the man who actually made effort to jest in this moment with me. I wasn't surprised…not much, a little, yes. Overall, I was happy he did.

Sasuke-kun smiled at me with broadened lips. I could tell that he was utterly relieved. Much, much more relieved. As so am I.

"But I am glad you are."

Subsequently, he crouched down to meet my eyes. He stared into my emeralds hoping to completely read me in an instant. I assure him that I was all open for him to take whatever he needed. Yet he wasn't satisfied. Not until he claimed my lips.

I was a little embarrassed from the fact that my lips were dry due to the weather despite I knew he never minded much about the trifle matters. I felt his hand behind my head to pull me closer so that we wouldn't end with just a simple kiss. He intentionally deepened it till I did my best giving all my breath to prolong as much.

We broke off, he was considerate of me and he feared so much that he would hurt me. He would never want to, not a single strand of hair of mine.

He was too considerate, I thought.

So I pulled him instead. One more time, I forced my lips on his. I want him to know that it wasn't only him who was desperate. I was too.

It was 'we'.

Not just 'him' or 'me'.

We were partners in crime, in life.

Therefore, it's not just 'either' or 'or' but 'and'.

I had signed up for this adventure with him and I planned to walk the long way and ride the rough tides altogether.

So let's go, Sasuke-kun.

"Sakura-chan."

He uttered my name in velvety whisper. His voice that aged into a golden tune made music in my ears. I gently blinked in reply to show that I was listening.

"Sakura-chan."

He uttered again in that same melody. I blinked again. And I didn't realize that this went on and on for a while.

"Sakura-chan."

"Sakura-chan."

"Sakura-chan."

And each time he did, his face was closer to mine until I felt his breath that tickled the surface of my lips. He didn't kiss me but carried on mentioning my name as though he was a recorded machine.

I giggled and hushed him with my hands but he tore them down and without any of my anticipation he swooped down to dive in for my lips. Like a predator he viciously took what he wanted.

I let him.

It was something he should have. Something he deserved.

"I am tired."

I never thought he would say something that would kill the mood after the kiss. I laughed aloud.

It was still early but…who cares. We had a long day and I think we deserve a nice snuggle. It was what I wanted too.

.

.

.

.

.

AIRPORT

It's a little cliché to say this but…yeah…

So here I am again in this cheesy place where I would bid my farewells and had thoughts that I might not see those people I came to send off any sooner. Well, yes. I couldn't predict how long I get to see Itachi and his silver haired partner the next time.

I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head; no.

And it wasn't just those two.

Granddaddy and Phil were leaving as well. Despite the Haruno duo would board the private jet, they stayed for as long as Itachi and Suigetsu board their flight. It gave me a little surprise because that impatient elderly man had never considered to 'wait a while' in his entire life.

Seriously, I had anticipated that he would have left before anyone noticed him since he was in a hurry last evening, little did I expect him to remain in the country for as long as now. Maybe he had something to tell me, I thought curiously. And taking Phil with him was also another major surprise.

That little brother of mine didn't seem to be bothered at the fact about it rather he was willing and excited for some reason. Anyhow, I was glad that he was alright with it.

Above everything else, I didn't expect Franco to leave as soon too. Itachi; I mean, he just got here!

And now he decided to leave?

I chuckled to whatever he had in mind and I had no right to complain either. However, his abrupt drop-by act had done us many good and helped us a load.

Sasuke-kun,

By my side, held my hand, he stared straight into his brother's eyes; long and deeply with the thought that he would miss that long haired Uchiha again. I would too. That male was a like a shooting star who appeared and gave us a miracle to turn tables around completely.

That tough struggle back then, I still could not shake off the fact that it was…over. All those troubles seemed to be forgotten in an instant the moment he showed up.

Whatever that Itachi and Sasuke-kun had said when the Uchiha family gathered, I had no idea neither I asked for details. I didn't. Not even did I attempt to pry in the contents of their conversation as I just let it be. I left to Sasuke-kun to decide whether to tell me or not.

All I did…was look upon his face.

Last evening, his facial expression was utterly relaxed and it was completely free. It was all I need to know. His every gesture and expression had hinted me a good deal of information and I knew it was good. Therefore, I didn't ask. I needn't ask.

And one more thing;

He was very satisfied of whatever he done and said back there.

Itachi too.

Both brothers…I did think that they made a wonderful team. Whatever they had undergone without my knowledge and whatever Sasuke-kun had done, I was proud. I felt so proud. How should I say this?

Hahah. I wasn't sure either…

Most importantly, my marriage to Sasuke-kun was saved and I became part of the Uchihas; semi-officially I guess since I hadn't gained Mikoto's favour yet. But, I am on my way…

Uchiha Sakura.

Hehe.

Sounded weird…but I love it.

It's a chance given to change my name; thanks to Granddaddy's permission and thanks to Fugaku's acceptance. Even if I didn't get the chance to change my name, this insignificance couldn't change the fact that I am married to my husband.

And.

Even if I wasn't married to Sasuke-kun, it couldn't change the most important thing; the tie in our hearts.

I smiled, feeling a little victorious and felt bad as well. I didn't mean to win over Mikoto but…

"Sakura-chan."

My thoughts snapped back to meet the daylights of the morning that shined through the clear glass of the airport and listened to the sound of random announcements though centralized speakers. Above them all, I heard Itachi's call.

Our eyes met.

And he maintained that intimate moment where our gazes exchanged in perfect wavelength he lowered himself to my level so that we could talk better. He smiled at first. He was one of those people besides my husband who had a certain charm whenever their lips curved. I wasn't particularly in favour of my so called brother-in-law but honestly speaking, yes, Itachi has it.

Moreover, the moment he speaks…

I got the feeling that every lady he met would instantaneously become heads over heels for this man. Franco indeed was a charmer no matter what he did even if it was the simplest. As for me, well…if I had no husband, I think I would have done the same.

Let's just let whatever I've said slide.

Hehe.

Currently our eyes were clashing in favourable sense. Before he spoke, he opened both his hands to me. I knew he wished for me to take his and I kindly did. I gently place both my hands on top of his, Sasuke-kun wouldn't have minded I believe and as expected, Itachi held my hands.

He gave me a light squeeze as he broadened his smile and now, a little bashfully. When he did, he tore his eyes away from mine to hide his embarrassment that drew him over.

Then he regained his courage and said,

"Out of so many women I've encountered yet…you," he paused. "If you weren't married, I swore you would have been the woman I'd fall for."

And I swore that my cheeks lightened redly. Because I felt the heat!

My face was fuming out of bashfulness. I failed to guess that he had the guts to spew those words out loud in public and in front of my husband. In spite Sasuke-kun was calm about it I could feel his darkening aura of dislike emitted from him beside me.

My dear jealous Sasuke-kun.

I simply laughed aloud on the spot at Itachi's honesty. I thanked him.

"I am flattered and I believe your lips could flatter a better person than me," I said.

Itachi blinked where his long dark lashes flicked gracefully and the sight of his loose long bangs made him gentler. He then smiled while he lightly shook his head in denial to me.

"Unfortunately, there isn't," he muttered softly.

"Don't be silly! I am sure there's someone else," and he shook his head again.

"I hope you'd be the one and only in this world."

Really, I had no more words to battle with this guy. He was no a womanizer or a flatterer. Itachi's just…Franco and Franco's just Itachi. They were the same man and the only man we all came to love.

I was casted off by those simple thoughts for the second without even realizing that I long worn a smile.

"And you know what Sakura-chan?"

Itachi gave me a light squeeze, it instantly drew my attention. I looked into his glimmering set of onyxes.

"You're more beautiful than I've met you the last time."

I rolled my eyes at his sweetened words and scolded him a bit to buy myself some insurance from my jealous husband who was exceptionally silent right now. Really, Itachi ought to be more perceptive to the atmosphere around him. But I think he had a hint and decided to fool around a little.

"I am not joking, my dear," he insisted when I rejected more of his flattery. "Did you get a new hair cut?"

I shook my head. Duh, no! I didn't had the time to visit my personal stylist since the past few months and I had to admit that my hair was getting out of hand to groom it myself although Sa-chan didn't complain.

"A new make up?"

"No..."

"Gained weight?"

"No!" I replied out loud; how dare he!

Erm…did I?

I shook my head again and again hoping to have that long haired male to stop his unproductive guessing. Unfortunately, he didn't seem to get a hint. He continued while holding the bottom of his chin then perked,

"Then I think it's the air around you." He was confident at first, "Are you sure you don't have something new about you?" I saw him raise a curious brow I rarely see and replied,

"I don't think so."

I assured him that I was the same and always will be. Still he was persistent. He must have isolated the word 'quit' in his dictionary. He made a look; showing how he dug deep in thought while he retained his gaze at me and after he did,

"Then I think it's,"

He quickly got beside my ear and whispered. I almost gasped in surprise from the ticklish sensation and the words he uttered.

"Um…I don't think so that's it…" I said in saddened voice.

"Really?"

He sounded confident himself when it should be me who knew myself the best. No?

I nodded.

"Well…it's not unusual that you may not know. But. I think it is."

He smiled brilliantly at the end of his statement that I could not oppose him with any other words but a smile as well. He just blew me off my feet and gave me moments of joy. Be it if it was honey-coated words or truths that he had said, it made think it was worth a smile.

"How sure are you?" I asked with an eyebrow raised, unbelievingly.

He paused shortly and uttered in whisper,

"Intuition."

I laughed at that. Seriously, this man…

"My professor told me I am good at it. Moreover, I am a doctor, aren't I?"

I laughed more.

Sasuke-kun was eyeing at us with daggering stares. He intentionally did without hard feelings. At times like this, my cute raven would like to remind anyone else his 'position' as husband and it's a cute act, in my opinion.

It wasn't for long when Suigetsu walked up and said,

"Franco, we need to board now," he reminded bluntly.

I knew it was time and Itachi knew as well and he knew he had done his best to delay as long enough to stay. I felt his hands tightened around mine, not wanting to let go. I could tell he would miss us once he left and before he would,

"Sakura-chan," I responded to his tender calling. "May I hug you for the last time?"

I wore a bright expression and strongly nodded.

He didn't wait for me to be prepared; skillfully with a light jerk, he pulled me into his embrace. He hugged me. He really hugged me with a lot of effort and he wouldn't miss to hold me closer and took whatever memory he could make out of every moment.

As for me,

I would miss him as well…this brother of mine.

Even if we couldn't meet any sooner.

Even if we couldn't meet by coincidence.

I wish him all the best; in whatever he wanted to do, wherever adventure would take him and whoever had to be for I knew that this man was the opposite of Sasuke-kun and no man could ever bind him who was as free as the wind that travelled endlessly.

It's a gift.

So the moment we came to the end of our embrace, I could feel his fleeting soul which already left the spot where his body stood smiling at me. He could never be kept.

"Oh," Itachi's brows twitched. "Before I leave, may I kiss you, Sakura-chan?"

I grew rosy red on the cheeks when I hardly expect him to be abruptly straightforward like that. Of course it would be impossible even if it was a farewell request but Sasuke-kun didn't seem to mind. My husband shrugged his shoulders when I turned to him for permission; I guess he wasn't too jealous that I thought he was.

He believed in me and placed whatever faith he had to trust my decision.

And so, I tenderly placed a kiss on my fingers and pressed them onto Itachi's lips. This way, it would be special. That was what I thought.

I could see the long haired male was taken back from my conduct; the simplicity of it was a whole lot meaningful than a peck on the cheek. Itachi laughed merrily as if he was the happiest.

"If you could give it to me directly I might consider staying, Sakura-chan."

That was the kind of jest I knew he would pull; I never take his word seriously even when I knew he was serious about it.

Before I could reply, Sasuke-kun scooped me into his arms as though to keep me safe and away from his brother's unnecessary pursuits. He was patient enough to last as long.

"You may return to wherever you came from now. No one's stopping you neither Sakura-chan."

Jealousy.

And I liked it.

Itachi playfully clicked his tongue and that after, picked up his belongings from where he left it and stood by Suigetsu.

It was time for that carefree man to be off.

He waved and Suigetsu briefly raised a hand then I came to watch their backs; broad and manly as they paced towards their boarding gate and I continued to watch them as they presented their tickets before entering those parting glass doors.

Those two.

So long.

Suigetsu moved on until he disappeared at a corner and Itachi who followed suddenly stopped without the silver haired man knowing. That raven looked over his shoulder and at us;

For the last time, he gave us a salute. With his hand in the air, he waved, his back at us and walked more into the distance, he continued to wave without looking back a second time until he disappeared as well.

Itachi left.

And my dear Sasuke-kun, again, shed tears. My dear tender baby boy, loving and tender as ever. I kissed his forehead slightly covered by long black bangs and stroked his neck.

"Sis!"

It wasn't the end for us to be here and Itachi wasn't the only one who would be leaving; we almost forgot the fact that there was another waiting pair.

Phil and granddaddy.

My jolly little brother stared at me with those eyes full of glitter and life and whose innocence was beyond reach, untainted by the rules of the House, yet. He would one day inherit the Family; it's a fact. So for now, let him be as innocent and ignorant.

"Sis! Sis! Sis!"

Phil called out to me energetically, hopping when he tried to reach out to me from this height. Sasuke-kun quickly put me back to my feet and Phil clung onto me. He ruffled his silky black hair while I smiled.

This little one would be leaving as well, I thought.

I wasn't too afraid of not being able to see him unlike Itachi. But just in case this little man would be too absorbed in his new adventures that granddaddy decided to take him into and forgot all about me.

I am selfish I honestly state that. Everyone has it and I am no different.

So if I could hog Phil to myself and make him stay around, I would love to do so. However, Phil would always be Phil and I would be me. We had separate lives so would our destinies were meant for us explore.

"Sis! Look sis!"

Phil dug out a set of bells of three stringed in red.

"I went to the temple with Bolt and Himawari the other day, Uncle Naruto brought us and we made wishes and each of us got bells!"

"Really?" I wasn't faking my surprised expression when I didn't expect Phil be agreeable with the Uzumaki kids. "But you've got three."

"Bolt and Himawari gave theirs to me yesterday. They knew I was leaving when grandpa came to pick me."

I smiled and caressed his head. I was glad.

Glad that he managed to make friends with the two children when I recalled he was too afraid and defended his acceptance against them. I was actually worried as well of his social and people friendly behavior.

Haha.

I sounded like a mother. After all, he is my brother. I accepted that relationship.

"And I promised to play with them the next time I come back and we'll go to the beach!"

I giggled and he wasn't finished.

"And the car ride! I want to go on a car ride Sasuke-nii promised me."

Sasuke-kun crouched to us. He stretched out an arm to mess up the boy's hair. Phil didn't seem to mind and he liked it. Their warm interaction put a smile onto my face and I admired the beauty of its existence. The two boys had become buddies and the instance of it made me out of place between them.

It's alright.

"I'll get that license and the next time you come visit, we'll go, okay?" said Sasuke-kun.

"OKAY!" Phil nodded excitedly and the two of them played among themselves.

It's beautiful I said. Their relationship was simply beautiful.

Granddaddy didn't spoke much except he watched us made promises and forged bonds. It was as simple as that by just communicating with one another and it needn't a whole lot of time when the moment was right for us to. Did he felt envious of us?

I hope so.

Because I wished he would take the first step and join us.

He would need time, I understood.

"Granddaddy."

I walked up to him with proper manners and posture. Faced him with a straight back and confident eyes. The elderly waited for me to speak as usual without taking any effort to begin first, expressionlessly he listened.

"Please take care of yourself. And Phil."

My words were formal and stiff I knew. It was the only way to convey my message to this domineering man. I thought it was. However, not today…

"Thank you… Thank you for everything you've done for me. Thank you for coming. Thank you for stopping by. Thank you for giving me a choice. And thank you for accepting Sasuke-kun."

Wholeheartedly I said.

"I hope that granddaddy will visit more often and we could go on car rides together too."

There.

I said what I wanted. Out of restraint and formalities, out of rules and regulations and out of being a Haruno but myself.

I did it.

"If…I have the time."

It was more than enough of an answer from him. He had changed. He had given others a chance as well as he had given himself. I could proudly say that I was glad to have him as my predecessor. It wasn't too late for him to change; better than none.

Not just him.

We all did.

We just didn't realize…that the things we have done, the decision we made even if it was the smallest; it brought big changes into someone else's life. Like how granddaddy did to mine.

.

The way he stood there and the way I stood here,

It was as though we had arrived to a crossroad;

Where our minds met, our feelings met.

Because we have changed.

Even if it was the smallest change; we still did.

And it was amazing.

.

.

Look.

.

.

Just look at the beauty from the fact that we had changed.

Because if we hadn't,

We wouldn't have the courage to be braver, we wouldn't dare speak our minds and,

We wouldn't do anything for each other.

.

.

So.

.

.

I hope,

We would get the chance to sit down and talk over trifle things, useless things and laugh over simple things…

One day.

.

.

I would be patient.

Long enough for that time to come.

Fingers crossed.

.

.

"Sasuke-kun."

My dear raven man turned to me with gentle in his eyes. He kissed the corner of my lips briefly that was befitting of this moment. It was only us. When all those who needed to leave left and those who idled showed us no concern.

In this space in the middle of the public crowd, together we had done what we needed to do. And we listened to rushing footsteps, noisy luggage rollers dragged along the marbled floor and last-minute reminders to those who should board their flights, we stood here.

In the middle of all this hustle and bustle, we seemed weird and crazy. We had all the time in our hands to make the best out of it and we chose to be here, stood unmoving in the midst of the circling world.

"Hm?"

Sasuke-kun finally uttered to show interest of what I had in mind to tell.

I sighed a little and slowly closed in to hug him, encircled my arms around his neck.

Whenever he held me high from the ground like this, he would hold me tight, selfishly even when I knew I was weighing him weary I wouldn't want him to drop me back to my feet. I loved it how I couldn't feel my legs and I loved how we were more intimate this way when it only takes a whisper to listen to each other.

So I would whisper beside his ear,

"I love you."

From this angle, I saw his facial muscles contracted upwards where his cheeks lifted to form a smile. Lastly, it was colour. The always-so wonderful blush of a colour illuminated his pale skin.

I loved how he was ever embarrassed at the slightest.

"I love you."

Again.

His face was red by now at my second attempt and the peeked at me from the corner of his eye. He was at loss of ideas of how to react when he was desperate to hide his bashfulness.

I'd say it's alright; because I wanted to see the beauty of his colour. I forcefully held his cheeks in order to keep his gaze still at me from turning away. I forced him to read my mind and I bravely forced a kiss on to his lips.

It has been too long since we became too intimate to stop pursuing deeper in our passionate romance. There were too many unhappy matters that hailed us and that it almost torn us apart.

Right now I was glad. To be able to feel his burning skin from the heat of embarrassment, to be able to intake the smell of his natural scent and claim those chapped lips from the lack of moisture.

And peeling away from our kiss, I intentionally said again,

"I love you, Uchiha Sasuke."

And I would proudly say it again and again and again when I have to. As long as he exists in my vision, thoughts and heart…he would be the only I've got to sacrifice everything.

Sasuke-kun smiled as he sighed through his nose,

"It's Haruno Sasu—"

"Uchiha Sasuke. That's who you are even if granddaddy didn't give it back to you. Moreover, the man I've fallen in love with and married to is…Uchiha Sasuke."

I didn't know how to explain myself better but I definitely wanted the best for Sasuke-kun. He paused silently as he indulged at thought for a bit then came up with the wildest idea,

"Then…would you mind being Uchiha Sakura?"

And an idea I loved to hear.

I wanted to shed tears of overwhelming joy. But how could I ruin this importance by doing the unnecessary.

"I've always waited…"

We held each other and he spun us around.

Round and round just like the world went. Our world was spinning at a miraculously joyful moment. We were happy. Very.

.

.

How long did it take us to be completely confident with each other?

Love each other without restraint, without obstacles and that we listened to our hearts.

Long enough, I'd say.

So let's do what we wanted to do.

Make ourselves happy.

It's all about us.

.

.

Remember the day we sat next to each other in class?

It was the first time we met and we started off as friends?

I knew you disliked me from at the beginning of us and I knew that you tried to dislike me;

You just couldn't.

And me,

I never disliked you.

Not a single bit even when our opinions clashed.

Instead, I admired you.

I admired you a lot, Sasuke-kun.

Like how you were the fastest when you raced.

How your hands had the ability to make candy.

How you made hot chocolate exceptionally tasty.

How you view things differently.

How you were made of a big heart.

Compared to you,

I had nothing to impress anyone except the burden of my name.

Compared to you,

I couldn't feel my own existence.

For you carried a certain grace; something that attracted my attention and that my mind couldn't let go.

It signified how important your existence was to me.

Always.

.

To be able to meet you,

Was a gift.

.

Including the flaws you were born with,

You were the greatest gift I've ever received.

Even when there were better things and people out there.

.

I think,

.

You're just…perfect.

Perfect.

.

.

Everything that you do, you gave your best efforts.

I saw it when no one did.

From making sweets to driving cars.

I knew you gave your every best to defeat fears and failures,

It took some time.

Nevertheless,

You did it.

.

I watched my husband as he dashed from the other side of the driving grounds from where I sat waiting for him; with his happy and excited demeanor while he waved a thin sheet of document in the air, I knew what it was.

"Sakura-chan! Sakura-chan!"

I could hear him now from this distance and soon when he got over, he threw himself over me.

"I passed! I passed! Look!"

He showed off his new driving license and I almost laughed at his photograph attached on it; he looked kind of silly. Anyway, I was proud.

That one fine morning the moment he shot up from bed, he told me he had to get that license and he practiced with a little guidance from Sa-chan. I thought he couldn't make it;

Uchiha Sasuke was such an unpredictable man sometimes. Heheh.

"I did it, Sakura-chan."

Sasuke-kun broadened his smile and mine grew from his influence. I tucked away loose bangs that were growing too long for him and gently stroked his beautiful dark eyebrows.

"Congrats, my hero."

He chuckled at me with tints of red across his cheeks. He hugged my waist and buried his head in my stomach. He was tired from stressful drills and exam pressures. It was now all over and even a hero needed to retire.

"Let's go for a car ride…," he muttered audibly before I heard the sound of his peaceful snoring.

He was fast asleep with no concern of his position and location. I'll let him take his rest. While I did, I enjoyed the weather and the sky where I saw a flock of birds that travelled across the vast blue in their habitual formation. Then those unpredictable shape-shifting clouds and as well I observed the behavior of small stray animals which passed the grounds.

Was it this peaceful before to actually read the details?

I turned my attention to my sleeping baby boy. He held me; locked his arms around me that I could disappear to nowhere while he slumbered away. He was worried that I would vanish like air without telling him.

I chuckled at heart and thought,

.

I was able to see so many things because of you.

For the peace in my heart you created was immeasurably precious.

.

Sasuke-kun,

.

Remember That time?

When I was almost breathless?

The atmosphere was so noisy and messy during that moment, I thought it was annoying.

But out of all noises,

I heard you.

Even when I was too tired to open my eyes,

I heard your desperate voice that called out my name.

So precisely.

I could never forget when all was dark there your voice pulled me back from hell.

I was revived.

.

I didn't want to die.

I couldn't afford it.

I swore to myself that I had to live not for my sake.

It's for a big crybaby boy.

.

Sasuke-kun,

I heard your crying.

It made the dying soul hard to leave.

And not just it, I found that,

This life,

Was too precious to put it to waste.

Even if I were to be blessed with longevity,

If there was no you,

It's just as wasteful.

So,

Could you weigh how attached you were in my life, Sasuke-kun?

The every ounce of life I breathed in this world was priceless to begin with and I had never regret choosing to stay alive by your side.

.

Rest assured,

I'll always be there when you open your eyes, dear hero.

Sweet dreams.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

"I said it is okay. You don't have to follow. Sasuke-kun and I will be fine by ourselves."

"No, I cannot be relaxed unless I follow, Sakura-sama."

"Please, Sa-chan. Can't you understand simple words for this once?"

"I do understand but I simply cannot accommodate."

"Grrr! Sa-chan! Quit being stubborn and marry already!"

This…was just some plain and ordinary conversation that Sasori and I were having since this morning and it would drag on for hours when Sasuke-kun and I had plans to go on a drive to Uncle Brown's new home.

Yet,

Both Sasuke-kun and I were stuck at Brown's for hours hoping to get past that worrywart of a butler who showed up at the worst time ever!

Why?!

"And why must you persist that I take a bride, Sakura-sama? Was my service not good enough for you?"

Oh, boy…Here he goes again. I felt my head throb.

"You know that I can absolutely not leave your side, I promised your mother to always watch over you. If I marry, who would take such responsibility? I fear that there isn't a single butler at the House would and I am getting worried at that too. I have no successor and all those newbies are just not up to the task. I am seriously worried at the welfare of the future! And what if anything happens to me, my duties would be left unfinished! I couldn't show my face to the ancestors!"

And he turned around; his pale face was scary!

"Please don't take to heart of what I am about to say Sasuke-san. It's not that I do not trust in your driving skills but still, yes I highly doubt your skills when you were too new at this and I am simply worried about both of your well-being. I certainly cannot allow anything to happen! It isn't just by duty to keep both of you safe but as a friend. Moreover, think about the distance! It's extremely far away from here!"

Done?

I rolled my eyes as usual at and Sa-chan knew I would rebuke.

"It's only an hour's drive."

"It's because it IS an hour! You'll never know what will happen within that span of time!"

Sa-chan continued to rant. I wished he would quit being so annoying!

"I insist coming!" very annoying!

"Take a hint, Sa-chan! We're going on a lovey dovey car ride!"

I scolded as I stomped my feet. I hated it when he didn't take me seriously.

"I'll stay perfectly silent at the back then. You won't notice I am there."

"That's not the point!"

"S-Sakura-chan. Sasori-san. Let's not fight, okay? We won't take the car then," Sasuke-kun interrupted us; he tried to make peace between us,

"NO, WE ABSOLUTELY MUST TAKE THE CAR!"

Both Sa-chan and I said unisonly and we instantly zipped up, staring at each other. The coincidence was just…amusing. I burst out laughing.

In the end,

Sa-chan won our argument and tagged along. But. In the most exaggerated fashion.

Would someone go lengths to bring a team of bodyguards where a numerous shiny black cars escorting our small newly bought car.

Compared to the countless luxurious automobiles at home, this one was exceptionally comfortable. Well, it's a second hand…which Sa-chan didn't like the most due to its safety precautions and comfort and the colour of it; yellow.

Sasuke-kun decided to own a car with his savings and I chipped in a little to bring about our very first car. It's nothing too fancy but a simple and meaningful vehicle that could take us anywhere.

Anywhere…

I sat in the front, next to Sasuke-kun as he drove; I watched him. He was no doubt nervous of his first long drive. We promised to take this slowly, cared not of the hours, cared not about Sa-chan and all those escorts behind us. We travelled at our pace.

With the windows down, I heard the sound of the wheels that ran and the engine that roared and the strong winds blew in at our faces and messed our hair. We laughed at the sight of ugly state. And we continued to journey along with this happiness at heart.

I'd say,

There was an indescribable freedom in me now. The one which gave me wings to choose. Just like how the uncatchable breeze I tried to capture with the force of one hand but only to feel it rush past between my fingers.

No defined places to go, no place it could not go.

Like how we are.

Sasuke-kun,

You made me unbelievingly happy that I found it unreal. I had not thought I could live in a dream and I never thought that I could live in reality of dreams. Though we went through the bitterness,

It was all done and past.

And Sasuke-kun,

For working hard enough for us to feel this taste of freedom.

.

Thank you so much.

.

Let's go;

To places we couldn't even pronounce,

To the ends of the earth or,

To the next world.

I want to follow you.

Wherever you go,

Please bring me with you.

Promise?

.

.

.

"Aa! It's you! Welcome!"

We were greeted with delighted faces of the people in the village and the doctor who came up to us to receive our arrival; he was glad to see us.

Sasuke-kun apologized for his rude behavior from the previous visit, the doctor paid no mind at it and so did was Uncle Brown, he informed us. We smiled.

Uncle Brown, always the better person.

"I am so glad that you came," said the doctor as he tried to tidy himself;

He was covered in dirt since he was helping out at the garden with some of the old folks who waved at us.

I waved in return and so did my husband. We returned our attention towards the doctor after that and listened to what he had to say,

"I didn't want to mention this but…as a physician I had to."

"Uncle Brown…D-Did something happened to Uncle Brown, doctor?!" Sasuke-kun launched forward without realizing it.

I understood the feeling just like how my heart began to race uneasily at the doctor's words. The atmosphere was stiff as we anticipated with fear. The doctor inhaled a bit,

"Calm down, nothing major has happened I assure you." However, "Ever since Mr Brown moved in, he didn't appear to behave well. Stubborn, yes, when he refused to take his prescriptions and was very much hardworking at village work."

My heart relaxed a little after listening to him. It was nothing serious but I could sense that it wasn't all good as it sounds. Sasuke-kun was silent; I could understand what he must be feeling.

Guilt.

He knew he shouldn't have left things hanging in the meanest way. Especially when it was Uncle Brown who would be the one feeling everything. It was bad.

So bad.

There was a lengthy silence before that raven male next to me lifted his head to speak,

"I would like to see Uncle Brown."

And the doctor agreed, nodding.

"Sakura-chan…"

My dear husband called out to me and held out his hand; it was an invitation, to accompany him as he wished to be helped to fight another of his fears he wasn't too confident in.

For me, I was glad to be his chosen partner. Therefore, I took his hand and we were brought to the fields of a small village that was located past a few thickened trees.

There.

We saw him.

The sight of Uncle Brown working as hard as the others in the paddy was breathtaking. We heard him talked and laughed with another fellow villager as they guarded the herd.

That man. He talked like Uncle Brown, laughed like Uncle Brown and all he did was a copy of Uncle Brown; however, we knew that he wasn't the man we wanted. The air around him was different.

No matter, we approached him. Close enough, Sasuke-kun called,

"Uncle..."

Both men turned around after they broke off their vivacious conversation. Uncle Brown was surprised we saw and his mouth was agape. He was struggling with words that he couldn't recall who we were, we knew. We didn't blame him one bit.

It's alright.

Sasuke-kun stared at him and I felt his grip tightened from the spilling emotions that he couldn't express currently.

"You're…S…S…"

Uncle Brown.

It's okay if you've forgotten our names. As long as you remembered us; it was more than enough. It was enough.

We understood you. We heard you, Uncle Brown. However the man didn't quit to try,

"Sa…Sa…"

It's okay Uncle Brown. Really. But when he did, it was…amazing,

"Son!"

I could see that Sasuke-kun was thrown into speechlessness; the happiest of its kind as he froze.

"SON!"

Uncle Brown came up to him and threw his arms over my husband. He held the raven tightly in his arms as his brows curved inverted.

"I am so glad…I am so glad that you're alright," Uncle Brown began to shed tears with a smile when he pulled away from the embrace and held Sasuke-kun's face;

"There's nothing to be afraid now. We've crossed the border now, away from the war and we'll live a better life from now on. I am sure of it. We'll be happy…Happy…"

My dear Sasuke-kun cried along.

He didn't care about Uncle Brown's worsened condition as I had felt the same; he held the elderly man and everything else seemed unnecessary. He wouldn't consider the fact that Uncle Brown's memories had grown unorganized and fazed from reality when there's nothing more important than the breathing man himself.

Nothing was ever important than Uncle Brown being here!

Those were Sasuke-kun's thoughts as he sobbed beside the man he would call father.

Above everything else,

Uncle Brown had no other in mind besides his beloved raven boy that he forgot about the rest of his memories; he had nothing in mind besides the love for that young boy he adopted; he had nothing in mind besides being a family with Sasuke-kun.

Sasuke-kun was the whole world to him and his to Sasuke-kun's.

That's that.

How guilty.

How utterly guilty Sasuke-kun was; he regretted that he rudely left Uncle Brown and left him with saddened emotions the other day. It was an act of insolence he could not see reason to forgive. He couldn't forgive himself but Uncle Brown did.

Because Uncle Brown chose to forget all insignificances.

Look, feel it…The power of forgiveness was unfathomable.

"We will...We are…Father…"

I listened to his murmur between his sniffles.

"I am sorry…I am so sorry for being stupid. I was stupid…"

Uncle Brown hushed the raven he cared dearly; he stroked Sasuke-kun's hair like a young boy. Their reunion; I could be envious right away from the sight of them. It wasn't anything that anyone could achieve.

I was happy for them.

"Uncle…"

Sasuke-kun roughly wiped away his tears as he pulled away. Uncle Brown responded by listening to what he had to say. But before that, Sasuke-kun turned to me and I understood the moment he nodded.

Quickly, I dug out a present box that Sasuke-kun and I prepared for Uncle Brown.

The elderly man again responded but in a curious manner when he received our gift with both hands. It was something that we picked when we passed by a store and decided that it was the perfect Christmas gift.

"May I?"

Uncle Brown immediately undid those red wrappers and he was more curious the time he saw a wooden box. He looked at us for the last time before he revealed its content.

"This is…"

My husband and I exchanged glances as well as smiles when we saw the elderly's speechless surprise. Indeed it looked what it was,

A diary.

With a classic maroon coloured leathered cover and there attached a copper buckle on its fastener. It was the only one in the store we found browsing the window, almost isolated from other fancier gifts yet it was the most old fashioned and meaningful gift just right for Uncle Brown.

Delicately, Sasuke-kun placed a hand onto his then said in an all too passionate whisper,

"If you worry you'll forget…just write down. Write them all down no matter how insignificant. Write about the weather, the time, breakfast, tv shows…Anything. Just anything you want, Uncle…"

And,

"As long you think it's something meaningful to you, just write. I'll be there to read. You don't have to worry about forgetting anything anymore. Let your worries go but remember that I'll always be by you…I'll remind you…"

Finally in the almost inaudibly,

"Don't worry."

I saw Sasuke-kun gave Uncle Brown a light squeeze of insurance. A responsibility he made up his mind to shoulder. Me?

I joined my husband and stuck out my hand on his. I signed up for this as well. Why? Ain't that a silly question;

We ARE family.

.

Uncle Brown,

Know this,

That you were the kind of someone I've never met before not until I met you.

.

Honestly,

I've lived life in the darker shades of the living,

Where there was no genuine emotions, behaviours or words from those who existed around me but,

Hypocrites, liars, swindlers, cheaters, so many more,

The many faces of people that masquerade their envy, greed and pride.

It was harsh world to grow up in and I thought I would be one of them one day.

It was all Sasuke-kun.

A single touch of innocence made me realized that I had failed to learn many other things besides whatever the Harunos desired me to do.

I had forgotten myself.

I had lost the flavour of love since Mommy died.

Isolated.

.

It was all Sasuke-kun.

Most of all,

You,

Uncle Brown.

You were the condiment to everything that was sweet including the being you made out of Uchiha Sasuke.

.

For

.

Each tear you shed,

Each candy you made,

Each hand you reached out to,

Was for the sake of others.

.

I thought it was stupid.

I never believed to sacrifice myself for someone else.

Not completely.

.

I think,

.

It was about time that I admit that I am doing it…

.

I learned it from my husband.

.

And it was from you, Uncle Brown.

.

It was all smiles for us in the end. Even if it was bitterly at the start with all those emotional rides, we overcame them. And it was time to rest; head back and enjoy some of the sweetness we could find and make.

So let us make as much as we could.

We entered the building where all those folks lived. Doctor escorted us and we were introduced to the residence of this place; elderly people and this was a caring place for them to be assured of their future days.

Most of them gave us their best greetings and smiles the moment we passed them;

The feeling was another of a kind, special in kind and it would bring about a smile anytime. I was presented this kind of joy for the first time and the moment when we touched, there was a huge gush of warmth ran through me.

Their aged skin, wrinkled and dry and their fingers that felt so fragile. It was the touch of a gift as I held this elderly woman's hand. Her toothless smile was something I had never imagined to contain beauty.

I smiled to her.

"Dear child, thank you for coming to visit," she told me while she held my hand. "May you be blessed with many happy days."

Oh…I couldn't describe the heavy sensation that sat on my chest so suddenly at the end of her words; it was a blessing to receive. I sincerely thanked her.

"And you too young man," she turned to Sasuke-kun and reached out to caress his cheek. "May you be blessed with many happy days as well with your wife, family and children."

I was impressed at this elderly woman who could actually tell despite our misleading appearances that we never looked like a couple. Guess we just couldn't beat the instincts of the elderly and it made me wonder what sort of world they had been through in their youth.

Sasuke-kun smiled and thanked,

"Thank you."

It sounded blunt to me even if he tried to mask his inner thoughts well, I read easily read them.

Children.

A common word that was much of a taboo to both our ears.

It was.

The smile that I kept hidden in my heart finally found its meaning to surface to the corner of my lips at the word and thought that it should be time for us to kick away such a taboo and move on.

Sasuke-kun got a little startled when I touched his arm; his thoughts drifted. We began to exchange glances. He tucked away a hair that went astray and gingerly touched my lower lip; he smiled later as though he discovered something new out of me. I playfully bit his finger and we laughed.

I liked the sound of his mirth; the one that resonates exquisitely, the only one, his.

There was nothing that could make everything beautiful if without the essence of love. It made me susceptible to happiness and sadness at the same time; it was the sort of bitter-sweet kind of emotion that could drive me insane and it had driven me all out to be someone.

My love,

I hope my existence as well had given you the equal kind of happiness. And I would want to give you more.

More.

"Sasuke-kun."

"Hm?" his gentle response.

"There's something I need to talk about."

Yes.

I needed to do my part. For the both of us, I had a part to share and take responsibility.

The two of us quietly sneaked out into the veranda where we could be alone. We left the merry group inside and flee into a dimension of our own as we took the adventure further in the plains from the veranda.

We didn't go into the forest ahead; we allowed the natural panorama depicted our surrounding. We were as though sucked in the heart of the greens and watched from above the monochromic sky that neared snowfall.

Like any other time we shared this sacred privacy we were permitted with, we absorbed all the moments we could that was accommodated for us.

Sasuke-kun returned me into his arms, we giggled as he swung me in circles and held me like we were first in love. The colour of red shaded the surface of our porcelain cheeks and that his was intense. I even felt the heat from it when I reached out to love them with my hands.

We were just in love.

So much that I was almost robbed of my memory to tell him what I needed to. But every second we expensed in this intimate togetherness was addictive to let go. Even what we were doing was on common occasion, we still did and we had no intention to break away unless the world ends now.

If we were to meet world's end, I guess, I would die standing right here with Sasuke-kun holding me and we would give ourselves to the swallowing earth then our bodies would burn in molten magma. Let it burn.

Let it burn into a bright flame and shall it represents our passion for each other.

Let us be one with the world that may be reborn after its self-destruction and fertile the new reborn world that may come.

Heheh.

I liked the adventures of my own imagination sometimes that could be quite epic.

But if I were to die now, I wanted Sasuke-kun to know this before that could happen,

"Dear…"

I called him distinctively that he was surprised at it and bumped foreheads with him to create the appropriate mood.

"Yes?" he muttered.

"I am sorry."

I hushed him placing my index on his slightly parted lips to prevent him from saying 'what for'. I guessed it, right? I knew. So I wouldn't want to hear another word that would cut me short. He was curious as he looked at me with searching eyes in mine.

Patience my love,

"I am sorry…" I apologized again. "For all the sadness I caused. I thought it was the best but it only reflected my selfishness. I took pride in account as well, it was shameful…" and heavily exhaled.

And I continued to rant my guilt and that wasn't only it;

"I know Sasuke-kun…I saw you... How you worked hard, became a man from the days I met you in high school as a teenager who was a runner and a basketball player. Since those days, you were cool. I always…think you are."

"Sakura-ch—"

"We've come so far, Sasuke-kun."

I immediately cut him short. I stared at him in his beautiful dark irises as I held his attention at my lead. I would not allow myself to be interrupted.

"So please forgive my stupidity, forgive my selfishness, forgive my pride and also…please forgive who I am and what I failed to change." I said with my voice that died away, "Let's start anew. It's not a 'start' but let us put the past behind us and make tomorrow a day to look forward to. Every day."

He smiled at me bashfully where his ears could sear in his own heat any time. He wasn't a man who would cope with compliments and that was one of his cute traits.

"Most of all…thank you; for choosing me, for loving me, for doing anything for our sake and thank you…for holding on."

We locked lips. I was sure that he heard every word I confessed and by heart, he remembered them even there was a hidden meaning behind them.

I love this man.

I utterly love this raven.

I absolutely had fallen too deep to breathe in air.

I learned a lot.

So much since we forged this bond.

May the skies be grey or colourless, to me, it was a wonderful world have lived in with you Sasuke-kun;

"And I am not finished," I restrained him from taking our kiss any further. I wouldn't get the chance to speak if we were too indulged into one another.

"Sasuke-kun, I believed in something new; that if we were to do our best and good, we will be granted."

He nodded agreeably to my statement and he was curious once more as if he had a clue that I had something hidden from him. I grinned.

Therefore, it's time for me to tell him the truth. I whispered in his ears and he jumped at the end of it.

"REALLY?!"

I nodded with a blush.

"For real, Sakura-chan?! I'm…I'm going to be a d-dad?!"

I nodded again.

"I'm really going to be a dad?! I really going to be a dad?!"

"Yes! Yes! Yes! You are, Uchiha Sasuke!"

"Haha…Haha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

I cupped my ears when Sasuke-kun laughed thunderously into the vast skies. He was happy. I was thankful he was while he was; I could feel the pulsation in his chest that his heart which pounded. I could feel it when I placed my hand on it and the feeling was heightening. I couldn't control them. I couldn't control those crashing waves of emotion filled of happiness and excitement.

I love his reactions. I loved his responses. I loved his expressions. I loved so much and so many things about this guy.

I am just in love.

That's all…

"I am going to be a dad! I am going to be a dad! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOH!"

Sasuke-kun was awesome.

.

The winds were howling as we conversed on this breezy day. It was like a miracle that swept by.

We travelled and we arrived,

To a destination,

Where there was no name,

Where there was no one,

Where there was nothing,

Except,

That we had journeyed.

We took the road to arrive to this day and,

The days which passed were long and rough.

We learned a lot along the way,

That,

To love, to be loved and loving someone,

Could be hard.

.

There were many storms and droughts that tested our endurance.

We pulled thought,

Only the half of it, because,

Right now,

Here,

It was only the beginning of the second half of whatever would test us again.

Until we couldn't walk,

Until we turned wrinkled and grey,

We would continue to struggle in this chosen decision and face challenges we had to brace for.

Until then,

Sasuke-kun…

Let us work hard together.

.

.

.

From the first snowflake which fell,

We vowed under the winter sky,

That we would do our best,

.

We would do what we wanted to do and what we needed to do in order to not regret; it would be alright not making the perfect decision. As long as we wouldn't regret, it was the right decision.

Therefore,

.

Let us be better partners;

.

.

In crime,

.

.

In love,

.

.

In parenthood.

.

.

.

We were one step forward in life.

.

.

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But wait,

This wasn't the end of our story.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I couldn't call it a close before we visited mommy's resting place.

It may be silly to mention so but we paid our respects despite the winter that was already upon us and the land once again covered in snow. Every single thing that lay on earth was blanketed in white.

We geared up with the warmest apparels and stuffed our new basket with the stuffs we needed for a wintery picnic.

I even found my favourite picnic blanket which we abandoned since that rainy day as we ran. It was totally ruined due to the bad weather and dirt but it was okay, we bought a new one and I liked the new pattern that was virally trendy these days.

That wasn't all.

Together, we brought along our new treasure;

Our little baby boy.

We found him in one of those unwanted boxes left out in the Brown's Pan-ya back alley one afternoon when Sasuke-kun took out the trash and he heard cries, that was how we came to notice.

It wasn't out of sympathy alone that brought us to the decision to adopt him; it was Sasuke-kun;

"I want to do what Uncle did for me. I want to open this door for this little guy…just like how Uncle gave me a chance."

I smiled.

Very cliché.

Very beautiful.

It was a recycle of generosity and empathy. It was what the world needed more.

Uchiha Sasuke; would make the next history of heroes in the book of this young baby child. And may it continue…for a long, long time.

Oh! We had yet to give him a proper name. We brainstormed and it was the toughest decision to make but for now we called him Junior.

Know why?

I almost forgot to mention that the infant had deep black hair and recently we got a peek at the colour of his eyes and they were green. I clapped my hands excitedly. As though this child wasn't made like the one that currently resides in my tummy.

Heaven sent him.

HE specially made him for us from the above and brought him down when the time was ripe. Another angel has descended into our circle.

Welcome to the family.

.

Dearest Sasha.

.

.

Mommy…

.

Although you have passed on from this world, your name that remained never failed to make me believed that whatever we the living did, you were watching.

I believed that you enjoyed the flowers every time we brought and lay them by the solid that engraved your name.

I also believed that you always waited for someone to pay a visit and while at it, you would watch the world pass by in time.

I believed you now had powers as well.

The one which I imagined that could make miracles because I hoped that whatever goodness that happened to me, it was you who bestowed them upon me.

I made myself believed that.

So please, mommy…

Please continue to watch over me, Sasuke-kun, our precious Junior and our soon-to-arrive baby Sarada.

That's right,

The life in my stomach would be a girl and Sasuke-kun was speechlessly excited about his new little girl.

.

We were gifted a boy and a girl, each.

What perfect family we were to be.

.

Thank you;

.

Ochima-chan; for all these long years of giving me the chance to be human, girl, woman and mother.

.

Itachi or Franco; for the wonderful instinct and to meet you was an exploration of wonders and mystery.

.

Fugaku and Mikoto; I had said this too many times but I had to say that I am grateful for the ones who made Sasuke-kun alive and that he was given to me and that I arrived to this day of happiness.

There may still be a barrier between us but I knew, slowly our acquaintanceship would disappear and we all would join into a circle in the name of Family.

One day,

Soon.

.

Friends; to all those that entered our lives, everyone…was individually awesome!

.

Daddy, Philia and Phil; my family that I came to accept and without them, there was no beginning to begin with. And Phil, we were waiting for your next visit and we would go for that promised car ride.

.

Granddaddy; I may be an Uchiha now, to me, changing my name had no significant effects to whatever I wanted to do. I am still Haruno Sakura no doubt and it couldn't change the fact that I was born with it.

Most importantly,

Thank you for your permission in giving me a choice.

.

Last but not least and the most, most, most important being alive and lived in my life.

Sa-chan.

There would be no words I could wholly express the gratitude from what I feel and there would be not enough words to completely express the gratefulness that I bore for everything you had sacrificed for me.

You were never a caretaker, butler or friend to me.

Much more.

Something that trespass those shallow bonds that failed to describe our relationship.

Not connected by blood but by the stars that marked our destinies.

We were meant to meet.

I was glad.

Thank you Sasori.

I really hoped that you would find a bride one day.

Soon. As soon as possible. As quickly too!

I wasn't saying that you were fussy and noisy but I would love you to be in touch with love as well. Just like how I did.

.

.

.

Looking upon the skies, where those ice crystals that began to fall. I smiled.

And I shouted.

Hope that my voice reached Heavens.

Hope that They heard my gratitude.

It was a silly doing but I think it was worth being silly.

.

Sasuke-kun joined me.

The both of us unified our voices and continuously called to the Above;

There was no one around us.

Nothing.

.

Just the four of us.

.

Yes…

It was a family I dreamed of, it was granted.

And I envisioned it that our days ahead,

.

Will be sunny.

.

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This…is happiness.

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It's something new.

.

Newer.

.

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.

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Everyday.

.

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End.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING!

It was an awesome experience to write this many pages and words for this final chapter. Thank you for your patience!

And support!

I had a wonderful time with the whole of this story. I apologize that it took me so long to complete all the chapters when there were so few of them. I hope had a wonderful time yourself as well.

Anyway, I hope for this final piece may earn your liking and if possible REVIEW for this. Private messages are available for me as well.

(I will continue to check out your reviews even when the story goes into time and hopefully reply you in a PM. Yeah!)

Any pointers to give? Just pop them in.

Despite this is the end of THIS story, I am not done with my writing adventure. There are just too many stories stuck in the back of my mind yet so little time to get in touch with the keyboard. I hope you would stick around and check them out when I get to publish them.

Again, THANK YOU FOR READING!