So ehem *peaks out from behind computer chair* hello all :3 its been about a month now right? I'm so sorry. I um...okay yea i'll shut up, explanations are at the bottom. Here is the long awaited Epilogue :) I hope you enjoy it!
I do NOT own Naruto, but it owns me...*sigh*
Chapter 24: Epilogue
With a sigh Sakura placed the small cup of water in her hands on the table and stood from her place on the couch. She approached the tall form of Itachi who was standing with his back to her, looking out the window.
"Itachi, stop it." She said softly before wrapping her arms around him from behind and laying the side of her face against his warm back. He was tense as he continued looking out the window, watching as a few villagers hurried by on their way to the shops. After a few seconds Itachi relaxed his muscles only a small amount before letting out a sigh of his own.
It had been two and a half weeks since they settled into Sakura's small one bedroom home. Her bedroom was cluttered because of three people's belongings being stuffed into one small room. Sakura didn't seem to mind though. Until they could figure something else out Itachi, Sasuke and Sakura would share the bed and small living quarters.
It had taken two full weeks for Sakura to convince both Sasuke and Itachi that the younger was ready to go back to the Academy. Sasuke had been very hesitant, worried people would find out who he was. It was irrational especially because none of the younger kids would even know what Sasuke and the Uchiha's even looked like. Finally Sasuke had agreed to go back. Today was his first day and his poor older brother was worried about him.
"You think he will fit in okay?" Itachi asked quietly, breaking his almost fifteen minute long silence.
"Of course he will," Sakura said without hesitation. "Sasuke is strong, Itachi don't underestimate him. Going back to his lessons will be good for him. He needs a sense of normalcy again."
"Tch, nothing about what happened two weeks ago was normal, Sakura." Itachi almost snapped. Sakura frowned and pulled away from him.
"If you regret coming with me Itachi just say so, maybe we can figure out a way for you to go back or something. You don't seem happy so who am I to keep you here." She bit out moving toward the table and picking up her water. She made her way into the small kitchen, dumping out the water and placing the cup in the sink. She felt Itachi's presence behind her so she wasn't surprised to turn around and find him rather close to her. The look in his eyes was intense and she didn't speak, waiting for him to make the first move.
"Don't, Sakura." He said his voice serious as he pressed close to her.
"Don't what? Ever since we have come here you seem tense and stressed. You don't seem happy."
"It's not coming here that made me unhappy. And it has nothing to with you either," He said and the emotion that swam in his bottomless dark eyes made Sakura sure he wasn't lying. "I lost my family and my best friend. I hurt in a way that I've never hurt before." He said fisting the fabric in the middle of his shirt tightly as his eyes closed. He stopped speaking for a moment before opening his eyes again and locking onto Sakura's emerald orbs and speaking again "And thinking about the pain I am feeling I hate the fact that Sasuke is feeling the exact same thing, only worse because he doesn't know why it happened or who did it. He is forced to accept that his family is gone just because they are gone. I'm worried about him and I want to be there for him. I don't want to let him go too far away from my protection I just…" he sucked in a shallow breath before continuing "I know I can't baby him. He needs to be strong and he never will be if I'm always there to shelter him from any and all harm. But he's-"
"He's your baby brother, and the only blood family you have left." Sakura finished for him. His eyes widened a slight amount before he audibly swallowed against the lump that had slowly started to form in his throat from the time he started talking.
"Yes he is and I love him. I can't bear the thought of losing him."
"Itachi," Sakura began reaching up to cup both sides of his face. He placed his own hands over hers as his dark eyes stared back at her while she continued. "He will be fine. You're right, you can't baby him. He needs to make mistakes and he needs to learn from them on his own. You can still be his all-knowing older brother and you can give him the sharp push he needs whenever he needs one but that's it. You are his father figure now. You need to raise him the right way," Sakura paused and swallowed against her own emotions as they welled up in the form of tears in her eyes "You need to take care of him and raise him how your mother would have wanted you too." Tears welled in Itachi's eyes also but he refused to let them fall.
"You're right." He said nodding, making Sakura drop her hands only to rest them on his hips. He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. When he pulled back the smallest hint of a smile twitched at his lips. Sakura's heart flipped at the sight, she had missed that expression. She hadn't seen if for too long.
"If I stray from the right path will you be here to get me back on track?" He asked her seriously. She smiled at him and nodded.
"Of course, you know I will."
000
Weeks turned into months and the missing pieces of Sakura's memory gap had slowly been put back in place. The question of how Sai had been placed on her team instead of in ROOT was answered. It turned out that the time Danzo had actually spent in jail was around the same time he should have recruited Sai but seeing as he was not able to do that, the boy was never taken and instead was placed in the academy. Sakura also found out that Kakashi was still their sensei and they still preformed their many missions together. Naruto had gone to train with Jiraya for two years and had since returned. Much to Sakura's happiness Naruto hadn't changed one bit and all though his bond with Sai wasn't even nearly as close to the bond he shared with Sasuke originally it was still there. Naruto considered Sai a close friend and Sakura was happy about that.
000
**2 months after the time travel**
"So Itachi, have you made your decision?" Tsunade asked from her seat at the desk. Itachi stood straighter and looked seriously at her.
"I have Lady Tsunade," he said before relaxing slightly as he thought over what he was about to say. "I have decided, after much consideration, that I do not wish to return to ANBU." Tsunade sat there in silence after hearing what he said and with a sigh she stood and rounded the desk to stand in front of him. She extended her hand and spoke.
"As much as I'm displeased to hear this, Uchiha, I understand completely. This is a new start for you and you should take full advantage of it," Itachi grasped her hand in a firm grip offering her a small smile. "However," she continued pulling her hand away and leaning back against her desk in a relaxed stance. "If you do not wish to remain in ANBU what would you like to do? I'm afraid 'retire early' will not be an acceptable answer because a skilled shinobi such as yourself is sorely needed." She said with a small grin. Itachi smirked.
"That wouldn't have been my answer anyways. As for what I want to do, well I'm not really sure. I was planning on leaving that up to you to decide. If you wish to place me on a team or assign me a genin team I will accept it." Tsunade's eyes widened slightly before a smirk of her own graced her face.
"A Genin team huh? That's not a half bad idea," She said tapping her chin with her index finger. "Well for now I will think it over and let you know.
00
"Mm, 'tachi!" Sakura moaned arching her back, her naked chest brushing up against his as he thrust into her over and over. It had been a while since they had been intimate and the feeling of him so close, filling her completely again, was like coming home. His heavy breathing in her ear sent shivers down her spine in the most delicious way. She was close and she felt his lips trail down the column of her neck nipping and sucking at the sensitive flesh.
"Sakura," Itachi moaned, his hips pushing into her harder as they both fell quickly toward their release. Itachi groaned lowly into her neck when her inner muscles clenched around him as her orgasm claimed her, his name on her lips. Her arms tightened around his shoulders as he pushed into her three more times before stilling and emptying his seed against her still clenching walls. With a small exhale of breath he pulled out of her and laid down next to her. She immediately snuggled into his warm side while he pulled the blanket over them both. The silence in the room went on for a few minutes before Sakura spoke, her voice soft as she traced patterns on Itachi's chest and over his hard abdominal muscles.
"Itachi?"
"Hm?"
"Where do you see us in the future?" She asked curiously. He tightened his one armed hold on her as he thought over his answer. The answer swirling around in his head made him hesitate. They had only been together a total of seven, almost eight months now and he didn't want to freak her out by going too fast. Itachi didn't have much experience with this stuff but the fact that they felt so passionate about each other and had only been together for a short time made him decide to just tell her.
"Honestly?" He asked rhetorically. "I want to…marry you one day." He said. Sakura lifted her head from his warm chest to look at him wide eyed. He bit the inside of his cheek as he waited for her response, hoping it was a good one. The tenseness in his chest released the moment he saw a smile curl against her lips and she laid her head back down, cuddling as close to him as she possibly could.
"Good," she said "I happen to feel the same."
No more words needed to be said and the couple slowly drifted off to sleep. They had only two more hours before Sasuke would be home, which was plenty of time for a nap.
000
**1 year after time travel**
"Forehead! Why didn't you tell me sooner!?" Ino asked slightly peeved that her best friend had been holding out on her.
"Well Kyōdō needed to be told first. Now that he knows and is happy about it I can tell you," Sakura explained. Ino smiled.
"I'm happy for you Sakura," she said truthfully. "He sure took a long time to propose though," she grumbled sounding annoyed. Sakura grinned.
"I knew long before he proposed that he wanted to marry me," Sakura admitted with a small blush.
"Have you guys set a date?" Ino asked taking a small sip of her drink as she looked at Sakura expectantly.
"Pig, he only proposed a week ago give us some time to think about that." Sakura laughed as Ino rolled her eyes.
"Well he isn't getting any younger, how old is he now? 28?" She asked with a raised blonde brow. Sakura rolled her eyes.
"Something like that…" Sakura trailed off before rolling her eyes "And don't start on the age difference again Ino. I don't want to delve into that with you again. Age is just a number, we love each other," she flashed her ring at her best friend as a way of pointing that out "Obviously."
"Yea, yea, yea. Just know though that I want to help you plan the wedding," she said with a pout. Sakura grinned.
"Every detail?"
"Totally every detail," Ino answered with her own grin. Sakura laughed.
"I'm okay with that," she said honestly.
000
**1 year 7 months after time travel**
"Itachi!" Sakura squealed when she was lifted up into his arms so he could carry her over the threshold of their home. The wedding had been beautiful with all their closest friends in attendance. It was quiet and took place in a small area outside the village. Everyone was overwhelmingly happy for the couple and Tsunade herself seemed to be the most pleased out of everyone. Her apprentice looked beautiful and so happy. Her white wedding kimono was gorgeous with its pink flowers embroidered along the bottom, trailing up the skirt to her waist where it connected with a light pink obi, tied in a large bow at the small of her back. It was a beautiful wedding fit for a beautiful couple. Ino was pretty damn proud of herself.
Once they made it to the bedroom she was set lightly on her feet and she fussed over the slight wrinkles in her kimono.
"Don't bother with that, wife." Itachi smirked stepping closer to her and kissing her softly under her ear. Sakura shivered at the sensation and her eyes fluttered shut as her hands gripped Itachi's sides as his kisses moved south, down the column of her neck before stopping to suck on her sensitive skin.
"Mm, why shouldn't I bother with it, husband?" She asked, her voice breathy. She felt his lips smile against the now lightly marked skin of her neck.
"Because I will be removing it from you in a moment or so…" he explained shortly before gripping her hips tightly and lifting her off the ground. Sakura squealed in surprise as she was tossed on the bed only to erupt in a fit of laughter as soon as Itachi playfully threw himself onto the bed next to her, making their bodies bounce. Suddenly Itachi was hovering over her, his eyes intense.
"Thank you, Sakura," he said with a serious look on his face.
"For what?"
"Everything. For everything you have done for me, for my family and my little brother. Most of all thank you for making me happy." Sakura smiled softly and cupped each side of his face in her hands.
"I love you Itachi. You are my everything," she murmured laying a soft kiss against his lips.
"And I love you..." he paused, humour in his eyes "Pinky," he grinned, laughing softly at the half-hearted glare Sakura shot him.
000
**2 years after time travel**
"Congratulations, Kyōdō!" Sakura cheered laying a small kiss on the side of his head. He pouted slightly at the embarrassing display before smiling up at the two most important people in his life. His older brother was beaming proudly at him as he held his new leaf headband signifying he was now an official genin at the age of nine years old. The teammates in his squad were a couple years older than him but because of Sasuke's amazing display of skill he moved up faster than the other students, much to Itachi's happiness.
Naruto was their squad Jonin leader which meant he was eventually filled in on the whole Sasuke situation. He threw a fit and ranted at Sakura that he knew it was the Sasuke he remembered but after he calmed down he came to the realization that Sakura had little choice in the matter when it came to lying to him. He was just happy they eventually did tell him.
"So Kyōdō," Itachi began as the three of them began walking toward home.
"Kyōdō!" Cried a young girl running up to Sasuke. There was a huge smile on her face as another boy ran up next to her. Sakura instantly recognized them as Konohamaru and Moegi, Sasuke's new genin team.
"Yea?" Sasuke asked a small smile on his face.
"We were going to go out to eat as a team to celebrate, do you want to join us?" Moegi asked enthusiastically. Sasuke looked up at Itachi and then Sakura.
"Can I go, Papa?" Sasuke asked Itachi quietly. Itachi smiled and ruffled Sasuke's dark spiky hair.
"Of course you can, just come home when you're done. Sakura and I have some good news to tell you." Sasuke eyes widened at what Itachi said before he nodded and took off running after his two teammates.
Itachi sighed and Sakura sidled up next to him and hugged him from the side. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close as they watched Sasuke disappear around a corner.
"I'm excited to tell him," Itachi admitted as they both turned around to walk home, Sakura still clinging to his side.
"Really?" She asked frowning "Because I'm a little nervous." Itachi chuckled and leaned down to lay a soft kiss on her head.
"Don't be, I'm sure he will be happy."
00
"I'm home!" Sasuke yelled dropping his bag on the floor by the front door. As he walked through the living room he had to dodge the boxes that littered the floor. Most of them were empty and the young boy figured they had gotten some unpacking done today. Sasuke liked the new house. They no longer had to share a bed. He had his own bed now. It took them a while to be able to get another house because money was tight for the first bit but eventually they did it. Sasuke came into the kitchen to see both Itachi and Sakura sitting at the three person table, each drinking cups of tea.
"What did you want to tell me?" Sasuke asked eagerly. He sat down in a seat in between the two adults who had twin smiles on their faces. Although Sakura's looked strained. Was she…nervous? The boy couldn't tell so he looked at Itachi expectantly.
"Well we have some good news," Itachi began. Sakura's voice cut in before Itachi could speak again and with a sigh she grabbed Sasuke's hand and her smile looked slightly less strained as she spoke again.
"I'm going to be having a baby," She said and Sasuke froze his eyes wide as they bounced back and forth from looking at Sakura then to his brother.
"So I'm going to be an Uncle?" Sasuke asked after a long moment of silence. Sakura swallowed and nodded waiting for another reaction. Itachi reached across the table to grab her hand in a way of comfort. She visibly relaxed when a brilliant smile curved Sasuke's lips.
"Really?" He asked looking at Itachi. The older man chuckled and nodded. "That is so amazing! I can't wait." Sakura gave a long sigh of relief, her green eyes twinkling with happiness.
"I'm so happy to hear that!" she said moving her hand to Sasuke's head, ruffling his hair slightly.
"Keep in mind though, to everyone else this will be your brother or sister. Sakura and I have spoken about it and to avoid confusing our son or daughter you will act as a big brother to them, does that sound fair?" He asked. Sasuke, whose smile still hadn't left his face, nodded enthusiastically.
000
** 2 years 5 months**
"Boys!" Sakura called up the stairs to Sasuke's room "Lunch is ready." Sakura sighed tiredly as she rubbed her extended stomach. She was five months pregnant now and the baby was being pretty active today. She returned to the kitchen to finish dishing up lunch for Itachi's genin team just as little Kura spoke up from her spot at the table.
"When is Itachi sensei coming back?" She asked curiously. Sakura smiled as she placed a plate of food in front of the girl.
"He should be home in a few-"She was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. "-There he is right there." A moment later the pounding of small feet came from the direction of the stairs and Rintaro and Yuko bounded into the kitchen full speed, nearly running right into Sakura. Sasuke walked in a lot more calmly before sitting down at the only empty chair left at the table.
Sakura finished serving the kids their lunch as Itachi appeared in the doorway before making his way to her side. He wrapped his arm softly around her, pulling her close and softly kissing her temple as a greeting. He left her side to move closer to the table and interact with his squad. Sakura watched as he laughed with them and ruffled the boys' hair.
Sakura was happy he decided to take on the task of being a jonin leader, it suited him far better than ANBU did. Skill wise, Itachi belonged in ANBU but personality wise, jonin leader was far better for him. Just watching him these past months, interacting with his team she knew he loved kids. It gave her hope that her unborn child would grow up being beyond loved by both parents and everyone around them. She was excited to bring this child into the world.
"Eat up quick guys, then you need to go home and pack." Itachi said smiling as he stood up from where he had been kneeling next to the table.
"Pack?" Rintaro asked sounding confused as he shoveled a spoonful of rice into his mouth.
"Oh do we have a mission, Itachi-sensei!?" Kura shouted excitedly.
"We sure do, Kura," he said with a smile. "We leave in three hours."
"Yay!" The three of them cheered before eating their food faster.
000
**2 years 8 months after time travel**
"Ahh," Sakura groaned throwing her head back against the soft cushions of the couch as Itachi's thumb drove up roughly into the arch of her aching foot.
"Sorry," he said lessoning the pressure.
"It's okay, for the most part it feels good just you were a little rough that time." Itachi nodded and continued to softly knead the sore muscles.
"How are you feeling today?" He asked a slight frown on his face.
"Good just, uncomfortable. I'm ready for our little man to come out now." She said with a laugh as she rubbed at her rather large stomach, feeling the familiar kick against her hand. The child was very active this past month and it was wearing Sakura out. She had a sneaking suspicion that their baby was a boy but both she and Itachi had decided to wait and be surprised when he/she was born. Itachi didn't bother to guess the sex like Sakura had. He would be happy with whatever.
"Would you like to go for a nap before I go out?" Itachi asked with a small smile knowing her answer before she even said a word.
"Ugh! Yes please!" She said enthusiastically making her husband laugh and place the foot he had been rubbing back on the ground. He stood and bent over to put his arm under her knees and his other arm around her back, lifting her into his arms with relative ease.
"Don't you dare drop me, Itachi!" She squeaked gripping his shoulders tightly. Itachi gave her a look before rolling his eyes and beginning the trek up the stairs.
"As if I'd drop you." He said with a laugh "Don't be so dramatic."
Sakura pouted, her bottom lip jutting out. "Well it's just, I'm a lot heavier than usua-" Itachi cut her off with a soft kiss.
"I don't care about your weight. All I care about is you and our child and that you are both happy. You are still just as beautiful as the day I met you." He said with a sincere smile as they entered their bedroom.
"Itachi…" Sakura sniffled "You know my emotions are all over the place why do you have to say stuff like that? You're going to make me cry." She said with a tearful laugh.
"As long as they're happy tears I'm okay with that." Itachi murmured placing her down onto the bed. He kissed her temple and was just about to pull away when he felt a tug on his arm. He looked down at her smiling face, her quiet tears gone.
"Stay with me?" she asked still smiling. Itachi sighed but couldn't keep the smile off his own face and nodded, climbing into bed with her.
000
**2 years 9 months, 1 week after time travel**
Sasuke paced back and forth in front of the door and had been doing so for about an hour now.
"Sasuke, stop already," Naruto said with an eye roll. "Pacing will not make them come any faster."
"I know that!" The young boy growled "I just want to see my new niece or nephew." He said freezing when he heard the familiar click of the front door as the knob was turned. Sasuke jumped out of the way just as Itachi opened the door and walked inside. He held the door open for Sakura who slowly walked in after him, holding a small bundle in her arms. Sasuke immediately noticed the colour of the blanket and warmth spread through his chest. He was excited and nervous. Would he be a good big brother/Uncle?
"Kyōdō," Sakura said as she handed Itachi the small bundle. Sasuke watched his brother carefully arrange it comfortably in the crook of his arm. Itachi leant down to Sasuke's height and the boy immediately peaked into the folds of the blanket. "Welcome your new little sister, Akemi Uchiha." She said softly watching with a smile as Sasuke's eyes lit up with wonder.
"Akemi…" he said with awe "My new little sister." He lifted his finger to run it down her soft cheek.
"Would you like to hold her?" Itachi asked curiously. Sasuke's eyes widened as he looked up at his brother.
"Really?" he asked, his excitement growing. Itachi nodded
"Of course. Just go sit on the couch and I'll place her in your arms okay?" Sasuke enthusiastically nodded and bounded over to the couch taking a seat on the opposite end from Naruto, who was looking at them all with a smile on his face.
After Sasuke was situated on the couch Itachi carefully placed his daughter into his little brother's eager arms.
"Make sure you are always supporting her head okay?"
"Why?" Sasuke asked curiously as he did as he was told.
"She is too small to support it herself right now. She will be like that for a little while." Sasuke nodded at Itachi's explanation but never took his eyes off Akemi. Her eyes were closed and her brow was smooth as she slept. She had a small tuft of black hair on her head and her arms were resting up against her chest, wrapped up completely in her blanket. Her tiny fists were clenching and unclenching and she wiggled slightly in his arms but Sasuke never loosened his grip on her. She was beautiful, that was the only word that came to Sasuke's mind as he looked at her.
"She is isn't she?" Itachi asked softly from his spot kneeling in front of Sasuke. Sasuke hadn't realized he said that out loud but he still refused to take his eyes off of her. Suddenly her eyes fluttered open to lock on his own dark orbs. His eyes widened as he took in the colour. They were a dark forest green, a small bit darker than Sakura's eyes but not nearly as dark as Itachi's. Her eyes took in Sasuke's features a bit longer before she came to the conclusion she wasn't in her mother's arms anymore and her once smooth brow crinkled slightly, her eyes welling with tears before a loud wale escaped her toothless mouth and the tears spilt down her chubby baby cheeks.
Sakura had just been about to tell Itachi to take her back when everyone froze as Sasuke began to speak.
"Shhh," he said softly as Akemi continued to cry "Akemi, it's okay you're big brother is here to take care of you. I won't let anything hurt you," He continued calmly as he rocked her slightly in his arms. The little girl's eyes widened slightly and her crying hiccupped to a stop as she gazed at her big brother's smiling face. Her eyes began to droop shut again as if she understood and believed Sasuke's words and she quickly succumbed to a restful sleep. Sasuke reveled at how warm she was and she smelled amazing. He had never held a newborn baby before. He knew though this baby was special. He needed to be a good example for her to follow. He needed to protect her from anything and everything.
It was some time later before Naruto decided it was his turn to hold her.
"No." Sasuke said snippily as he hugged her closer to him.
"Come on, aren't your arms getting tired?" Naruto asked with a laugh.
"No they will never get tired. You can't have her. No one is allowed to hold her besides me, Itachi and Sakura." The younger boy grumbled. Sakura and Itachi laughed at Naruto's wide eyed expression.
"Now Sasuke, you can't hog her all to yourself," Naruto grumbled right back.
"He's right, Kyōdō . It's okay you can let Naruto hold her."
"But, he's an idiot, what if he drops her."
"Hey! You brat-" Naruto started before Itachi cut him off.
"I have faith that Naruto is capable of holding her and if I deem him incapable I will take her back, okay?" He asked amused at the already protective older brother nature that had taken hold of Sasuke. He remembered that feeling from when he was young. It always amused his elders and now he could see why.
"Ugh!" Sasuke groaned before begrudgingly nodding his head "Fine." There was a sigh from Sakura before she spoke
"And Naruto, you really have to stop calling him Sasuke." Naruto pouted as Akemi was placed in his arms.
"I like calling him Sasuke though." Sakura raised a brow at him and he rolled his eyes "Fine I'll try to stop."
000
**10 years after time travel**
"I can't believe this is happening," Itachi groaned as if in pain. He watched his little girl walk away toward the Academy building, her long hair swaying in the breeze. Her hair was rather unique, at the roots it was as black as Itachi's but as it went down the obvious pink hair could be seen. It almost looked like highlights because her hair wasn't solid pink it was choppy with the colour. It looked beautiful just like the rest of her. Her smile was as bright as Sakura's and her eyes were a dark green as if a mix of both parents.
She also seemed to have both of her parent's personalities, sometimes she had a wicked temper, like Sakura. Although at other times she was calm and collected, just like her father.
"What?" Sasuke asked scratching the back of his head as they watched Akemi disappear behind the front doors.
"My baby," Itachi cried again a playful pout on his face "She is all grown up."
"She is," Sakura agreed, gripping Itachi's arm as she tried to kill all the emotions bubbling up inside of her.
"I remember her first word," Sasuke said with a grin. They all turned away from the building to head home. Itachi glanced at his younger brother, their eyes level with each other now. Sasuke was eighteen now and Itachi was surprised at how tall the boy had grown. He was only an inch or so shorter than Itachi now, much to the older man's annoyance.
"Of course you would remember it, it was your name she said," Sakura said with a laugh.
*Flashback*
"Open wide, Akemi," Sasuke said enthusiastically as he pushed the spoon passed her lips. She gurgled happily and swallowed.
"KyKy!" Cried the one year old happily clapping her hands. Sasuke's eyes widened at the sound.
"Did you just try to say my name?" He asked incredulously. "Ky-ō-dō," Sasuke said trying to help her sound it out. Her little brow furrowed as if in concentration.
"Kyo…" she started before slapping her tiny hands onto the table. "Kyky!" She said again with a look that dared Sasuke to correct her. Sasuke laughed loudly and lifted her out of her chair planting a soft kiss on her messy cheek. She giggled girlishly as she fisted Sasuke's dark hair in her hand, tugging softly.
"Kyky, Kyky!" She cried over and over the biggest of smiles on her face.
"You make your Aniki so happy, Akemi," Sasuke laughed setting her back down softly.
*End of Flashback*
"That was so awesome," Sasuke said with a grin.
"Oh!" Sakura said suddenly "What about her first steps? That was nice too." Itachi rolled his eyes.
"Nice for you, slightly embarrassing for me."
"Oh please Itachi, the meaningful moment overshadowed your embarrassing moment."
**Flashback**
"Um Sakura!" Naruto called from the living room sounding anxious.
"Sakura get in here!" Sai called quickly. Sakura dropped what she was doing in the kitchen and hurried to the living room only to stop short and gasp, her hand flying to her mouth at the sight of her baby girl standing up on her feet. Sakura knelt down a little ways away from her and called to Akemi, her arms held wide in welcome.
"Itachi! Get down here quick!" She yelled in the direction of the stairs. "Akemi, come here, baby," Sakura said softly as the child smiled and took one wobbly step toward her mother.
"What!? What's wrong!?" Itachi asked his voice panicked as he entered the room in nothing but a towel around his waist, his hair was dripping wet from his shower as it fell down his back. His eyes widened and his panic disappeared when he saw Akemi.
Unfortunately the shock of hearing her father yell had made her lose her balance and topple over onto her butt with a thud. Sakura hurried over to her and pulled her into a standing position again before backing away and asking her to come closer again. Her father's panic completely forgotten she smiled at her mother and took another wobbly step toward her goal. Tears pricked Sakura's eyes at the sheer determination she saw on Akemi's face as she took one small step at a time. Sakura felt Itachi kneel behind her calling out more encouraging words.
It didn't take the child long to reach her parents and she fell forward into Sakura's arms only to be picked up and spun around. Akemi laughed joyously at the excitement in her mother and father's eyes. They showered her with praise and kisses making her giggle at the way it tickled.
**End of Flashback**
There was a small amount of silence between the three of them as they reached their home.
"I can't believe it's been ten years since we arrived here," Sasuke said with a frown. "It feels like it all happened yesterday." Itachi nodded in agreement before wrapping his arm around Sasuke's shoulders while doing the same to Sakura and pulled them both close to him.
"It has been a while," he agreed "But I don't regret one second of it. I'm happy we did what we did." He laid a soft kiss against the side of Sakura's head before letting them go and ruffling Sasuke's hair. "So, excuse me for changing the subject, but when will we be meeting your girlfriend?" Itachi asked Sasuke with a raised brow. Sasuke's eyes widened and his cheeks instantly turned red.
"I…we…it's not like that," he said sounding beyond flustered.
"You should bring her over for dinner this weekend," Sakura said casually. Sasuke's cheeks turned an even brighter red, spreading to his ears at this point. Itachi had to stop himself from laughing.
"I…" he sighed and rolled his eyes "Ugh, fine," he pointed at Itachi, a glare on his face "I swear Itachi if you embarrass me I will end you!" Sasuke threatened seriously. Itachi laughed and reached up to pinch Sasuke's cheek.
"Wouldn't dream of it little brother."
BLEGH SO SORRY FOR LONG AS SHIT A/N but I have a lot to saaaaay e_e
So before you all ask...YES the attack with Pein/Nagato totally happened...I just didn't feel the need to write it because if I'm being completely honest I wasn't FEELING this chapter...at all which is mostly why it took me so long to get out. The attack happened when Akemi was still a baby. Itachi and Sakura were out of the village and Sasuke had to take care of her throughout all that. Naruto was still the hero and stuff but yea. I know with the way I did things the times didn't line up and for that I'm so very sorry. I do sort of regret doing it all the way I did but my need to be different from everyone else had to go and screw that up xD oh well. I know you guys didn't mind it and some of you loved it so I'm not overly worried.
ANOTHER BIG reason was..Shingeki No Kyojin believe it or not and for those who don't know it by its Japanese name (Attack on Titan.) that bitch sunk its heart wrenching talons into my poor heart and refused to let go...I rewatched every episode then read a shit ton of Fanfictions about it and ugh! It controlled my life for this past month. I still love it but I feel like I've gotten the unhealthy obsession part of it out of my system xD thankfully.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!
So as for whats coming next from me I will be taking a small break I don't know how long but its not going to be a ridiculous amount of time I assure you. Next thing that will probably be coming from me is a new story called Nymphomania. I am collaborating with the lovely Burnt Red its going to basically be a series of one-shots with no real update schedule. Sakura X Harem which means Sakura with a different partner every one-shot. The chapters will more than likely not be connected and could be different universes all together. That is basically a side story for Burnt Red and I to update when we please.
Next will be me starting on the one-shot requests I got a little while ago :3 I cant wait to get started on those! But yea that's pretty much it :P
AS ALWAYS THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS STORY,YOU ARE SO INCREDIBLY AMAZING AND I LOVE YOU ALL! For those of you who have been with me since the beginning you are the reason this story made it to the finish line so thank you! If you are new well your support means just as much as everyone else's this is the most successful story I have every written so thank you!
Reviews from previous chapter:
joys: I'm so happy you like it. I'm hoping you found the epilogue satisfying :) thanks for continuing with your support I appreciate it so much! :)
Snowsky7263: I figured as much which is why in the end I did decide to write an epilogue, I hope the loose ends are more or less tied up now! xD thank you for your review! :)
Hoshino820: AHH wow im so honoured that my story was one of the few you actually follow! And that you enjoyed it so much! Thank you so much! :3 I hope this epilogue didn't disappoint, thank you for your support! :D