Here we are, to the final chapter of Under the Rising Spring!

I really want to thank everyone for the support that you have given me with this fanfiction! I hope that I will continue to improve my writing and create more stories that you guys will continue to read!

Also, can I just mention that we are finally getting somewhere really interesting with the Boruto anime? I mean, I haven't had super high hopes for it, but I've been interested enough to still stream it on my VRV app weekly, and we are finally getting into the arc that Boruto the Movie was based on. I wonder how exactly they plan to adapt it into the anime? And what changes they plan on making to it. They already added a third Otsotsuki character, so this will be interesting. Also, how about that new ending? I just downloaded the full version of the song and it is just stuck on repeat! It was beautifully done! For the most part, I have been pretty optimistic about Boruto despite all the complaints that I have read about it. I'm really hoping that it becomes a good story on it's own!

Chapter IX: Posterity

Their first time was the floodgates that almost had kept Sakura and Sasuke holed up at her place for the remainder of time that Sakura had taken off work. For someone who hated showing affection in public, the person that Sasuke was when they were intimate was a whole different experience. He was possessive and dominant, and had been a quick learner of how to send her hurtling to cloud nine. Just thinking about it made Sakura's cheeks flush a red shade. The bliss that Sakura felt when she was with Sasuke was addicting, and the fact that she had to return to work and leave Sasuke to his own devices was putting a damper on her mood.

Sakura wasn't exactly shocked when she returned to her office to see that her medical paperwork she had left waiting to be done had nearly doubled while she had been taking a small break. Nevertheless, it didn't stop her from letting out an exasperated groan. When she had walked back into the hospital, everyone excitedly greeted her, but Sakura could just not muster up that same excitement they had. She usually did, but right now she really wanted to just be with Sasuke… however, maybe the break was a good thing. While they had been together, Sakura didn't dare bring up the subject that ate at her in the back of her mind. When was Sasuke going to leave again? And where exactly would that leave their new found intimate relationship? The thought of being away from him for days, months, and even years threatened to tear the seams of her heart apart. This new step in their relationship still came with some insecurities that she probably wouldn't be able to entirely overcome for a little while.

How would she be able to approach him about it?

Settling herself at her desk, Sakura grabbed her favorite pen and pulled the first paper she had to look over in front of her. She was glad that she wasn't on duty today since she had to go work at the children's mental clinic later in the afternoon, so she was going to have to get through as much paperwork as she could, and try not to think to hard about Sasuke, though it was going to be difficult, for more reasons than one.

The hours seemed to go slow, despite the fact that Sakura was able to get through the majority of the paperwork that she had to file and look over. She had grinded away at them, hoping that they would keep her distracted, and in some ways, they did. The morning had finally sunk away, and Sakura realized that it was lunchtime, and probably time she headed over to the mental clinic. She hadn't seen Ino in a while, and she was sure that Ino would probably have a million questions to ask her, though Sakura would be happy avoiding her best friend's interrogation. Ino wasn't exactly the type that was quite about things.

After leaving her office in a satisfying organized manner, Sakura left the hospital, bidding farewell to the other hospital staff, somewhat surprised to see a dark dressed figure that she instantly recognized waiting for her right outside the hospital. Sakura couldn't stop the immediate flutter in her heart and flush to her cheeks upon seeing Sasuke.

"Hey Sasuke -kun, I didn't know that you were going to drop by." Sakura greeted, smiling at him. He turned to her the moment he heard her voice, his face lightening from his usual stoic facade upon seeing her.

"I wanted to see you." He replied.

"You saw all of me this morning." Sakura giggled. Sasuke might has well had been living with her at this point, and he was less than happy that she had to leave him to go to work this morning.

"It's lunch time." Sasuke diverted, ignoring the fact that the pinkette was teasing him.

"Where do you want to eat?" Sakura asked, knowing that this was Sasuke's way of saying he was taking her out to lunch.

"Wherever is fine."

Sakura knew that she wasn't going to get a different answer as Sasuke began to walk off with her following beside him.

"What have you been doing today, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked, making conversation as they headed towards the market.

"I sparred with Naruto this morning." Sasuke replied. "Which I'm regretting."

"Why?" Sakura asked, despite the fact that she knew that it was because Naruto had most likely bugged Sasuke for details about the two of them.

"Hn. He's an idiot." Sasuke grunted, which only confirmed Sakura's suspicion. Those two were still so easy to read like a book. They really hadn't changed too much.

"If it makes you feel any better, I know that Ino is going to bug me once I step foot into the clinic after lunch." Sakura replied, amused.

They stopped in front of Sakura's favorite dango shop as this was usually the place Sasuke took her anyway. They quickly went in to order take out before heading out towards the clinic. Sakura was okay with this. She would walk somewhere quieter than try to sit and eat in a noisy place with Sasuke who wasn't much of a crowd person to begin with. There was silence between the two as Sakura ate, though she could feel a tension between them. Had Sasuke been thinking about the same thing that she had?

"Hey Sasuke-kun, thank you for lunch." Sakura began, breaking the silence. The weather today really was beautiful as it was sunny and warm. It was definitely Spring.

"Ah."

"I was thinking... " Sakura began tentatively, "That we should talk. About you going away I mean. Not like right now but -"

"Sakura." Sasuke tried to interject, but she continued to ramble on.

"Maybe like after I get off work or something -"

"Sakura." Sasuke said again, his tone a little more rough, getting her attention.

"It's just… I -"

"We will talk about it. Later." Sasuke confirmed. "I know you've been wanting to talk about it. Since that night." he added.

"O-okay."

The children's clinic was now in view as the two of them stopped a few feet in front of it.

"I'll see you later tonight." Sasuke said, his tone softer, but his expression stoic. However, Sakura could see that there was some sign of distress in his eyes.

"Okay Sasuke-kun." Sakura replied, not wanting to make him feel any worse. "Thanks again for lunch."

She gave him a smile, waving to him as she hurried inside the clinic.

Sasuke watched as Sakura's retreated form disappeared behind the doors of the children's clinic that she had started with Ino Yamanaka.

He had a feeling that as soon as she would return to work, she would probably bug him about his leaving, as she probably didn't want to get into that discussion while they were just enjoying their time together.

While Sasuke had thought that sparring this morning would help him get his mind off of that, and the fact that for the first time in his life, he really didn't want to be apart from Sakura, Naruto only succeeded in doing what he does best - pissing him off as his best friend.

"Well, look who crawled out from under a rock." Naruto teased. Sasuke had been sitting at their favorite training ground, Kusanagi in his grip as he sat with his legs crossed waiting for the dobe to show up since they had agreed to spar as soon as Sakura returned to work.

"Hn."

"Seriously though, I was beginning to worry." Naruto continued. Sasuke knew that he was still teasing him, and his patience and tolerance for it was less than existent.

"Is that because you've never lasted that long?" Sasuke insinuated, raising himself up from off the Earth. Immediately Naruto's face flushed red from embarrassment at how quickly this conversation had turned around.

"Whoa, okay wait, wait, wait -" Naruto began, almost as if he was clueless "You mean you and Sakura-chan -" This was immediately followed by Naruto making fake gagging noises at the idea of his two friends doing it. This elicited a death glare from the Uchiha, and Naruto could obviously feel the murderous like aura from him. He was so immature sometimes.

"I mean whoa dude, like, I'm happy for you guys and all, you know?" Naruto finally said in earnest. He was rubbing the back of his head, his usual tell tale sign of his discomfort on topics. "I mean, I can't blame you, it's the best feeling in the -"

At this point, Sasuke was quickly stalking off towards the middle of the training grounds. Sex was the LAST topic that he had any interest in talking to Naruto of all people about.

"Hey Sasuke wait!" Naruto called out, chasing after the quick moving Uchiha.

"So you guys are… really serious now, aren't you?" Naruto asked. As much as Sasuke didn't want to talk about it, he could tell by the tone of Naruto's voice that he was just being his nosy concerned friend.

"It's what Sakura wants." Sasuke replied nonchalantly.

"Well that's been obvious for some time." Naruto sarcastically replied, rolling his eyes at him. "But you know that's not what I meant."

"I want Sakura to be happy."

"Again, your dodging the meaning." Naruto argued.

"She's more than I deserve." Sasuke added. "But she chose me anyway."

"Have you talked about leaving?" Naruto began, changing the topic. It was obvious that Naruto wasn't going to get any more elaborate answers from him, and settled for what he already knew. Sasuke was happy that Sakura had chosen him and still does.

"No, but I know she's going to bring it up."

"Well you know Sasuke, you can't just bed a girl and leave her." Naruto joked, though he was dead serious. This caused a serious scowl on the Uchiha's face as if he was challenging Naruto to step out of line one more time and see what happens.

"That's really none of your business." Sasuke growled.

"No, not really, but you know that's not how I do things anyway, especially when it comes to my two best friends. Are you really planning on leaving her behind this time?" Naruto asked seriously. "Especially after that?"

Sasuke stopped, as if the gut wrenching feeling he had been trying to numb seared through his being. The thought of not being with Sakura in that way, of not seeing her…

It was damn right terrifying to the point that Sasuke felt almost frustrated at just how attached he had become to Sakura.

However, Sasuke Uchiha was a logical being.

"I can't ask that of her. Not for me." Sasuke admitted. Naruto frowned.

"You don't have to."

"I don't know how long it will take, but you, Kakashi, and I all know that I am the only one who can do this."

"Sakura does too. Have you thought of that? Have you thought about the fact that maybe she wants to support you? That she doesn't want you to be alone? Sakura is the type of girl that she would tolerate her loneliness, but she thinks only of you!"

There was silence between the two while they stood opposite of each other, almost in a stand off before Naruto continued.

"Sasuke…" Naruto began. "You should ask Sakura to become your wife."

Sasuke was surprised at the bluntness of his friend. Did Kakashi put him up to this?

"Look, I know it's not really any of business and all, as you seem to enjoy reminding me of that, but I think what you and Sakura need is to get out of Konoha… and I think that there is absolutely no way you would do that without her being your wife."

Sasuke was a little taken aback at the sincerity of Naruto's words, especially since the two of them typically liked to duel it out to display their feelings, but he knew that this wasn't something that Kakashi had put him up to.

The universe was cruel sometimes, but Sasuke could feel the deep desire in his heart winning.

Without further conversation, the two began to spar.

No matter how much Sasuke tried, he couldn't get that conversation out of his mind. This whole time he had been back, Naruto had been cheering him on, bugging him to move forward with his relationship with sakura, and trying to help him despite the fact that his ego disliked it.

Would it be better to just get this conversation he knew he was going to have with Sakura over with?

While the pinkette was a very understanding person, her patience and temper was something that not even he or Naruto would tamper with. On more than one occasion he's heard Naruto mumbling about never pissing her off again in fear of her brutally tearing him apart. While Sasuke found it amusing, there was truth behind it.

Would she even agree to his terms though? Would it be too soon for her? Sasuke hated when he felt insecure.

He didn't know why, but the idea of her travelling with him as just a girlfriend just didn't seem right. Not to mention, his pride dictated that it be made clear in some way that she was his, and that he would protect her tooth and nail. There was really only one way that he felt would even serve as a warning to others - he wanted Sakura to wear his clan's symbol, the uchiwa fan, on her back proudly displayed.

Sakura sighed, trying to regain her composure as the doors closed behind her as she disappeared into the clinic and out of Sasuke's sight. His gaze was so intense sometimes, almost as if he could see through everything and it made her feel as if there was nothing she could hide from him.

She was a little frustrated at herself now for pushing the subject of him leaving. Sasuke was not the type of man to be pushed into something, and she knew that, however, it was just eating at her. She had been okay with him leaving the first time, but to be honest, she didn't know if she could handle it this time, not after everything they've done. Not after the fact that not only did she give all of herself to him completely, but he had done the same. Not after coming this was eating her alive.

"Well well well," a familiar voice sounded. "I see you've come back to light of day."

Sakura looked up to see Ino with a mischievous smirk on her face. Sakura groaned.

"I was dreading coming into the clinic today, just so you know." Sakura complained, causing Ino to feign an offended expression.

"What why? Why would you dread seeing me?" She snickered. "But of course you're giving me all the details! It's obvious you and Sasuke did the dirty!" She exclaimed, almost too happily. This caused the pinkette to immediately clamp her hand over Ino's mouth.

"Ino, shut up!" Sakura threatened, her face red with embarrassment. "There's children here!"

"So what! I never get to see you! It's not like the kids know." Ino whined, pulling Sakura into her office and shutting the door.

"There, now spill. Please tell me the famed Uchiha is good in bed! You're practically glowing!"

"Ino!"

"What? I mean come on Sakura! After all, us women deserve to be absolutely pleasured by our men."

Sakura was positive her best friend had no shame. She had to thank the gods that Sai had fallen in love with her because she could be far from easy to deal with, even though it hasn't changed her love of juicy gossip.

"I don't know, he's the only one I've ever been with. It's still so new." Sakura admitted quietly.

"Was it his first time?"

"Oh my god, Ino. Why are you asking me that?"

"Because I'm curious! I think it's so cute if you were each other's first time!"

"Well… I think so. I guess I didn't ask." Sakura sheepishly admitted.

"Seriously? You didn't ask? I mean did it seem like he knew what he was doing?"

"Um…"

The sound of knocking at the door couldn't have come at a better time as relief washed over Sakura. Ino huffed before opening the door, mouthing a silent 'we are not finished' to Sakura.

"Miss Haruno, Miss Yamanaka, your patients are here!" Their receptionist informed them.

"Okay, tell them we will be right there!" Sakura replied, giving Ino a look.

"Your off the hook for now forehead." Ino teased, as she exited the office after the receptionist. It was indeed time to get to work.

Sakura had forgotten that today she would be seeing Mika-chan for the first time since running into her at the market. It seemed like it had been quite a while since she had seen the little girl.

Walking into her patient room, she found the young girl sitting quietly on her favorite chair in the room, humming to herself. However, her face lit up with excitement upon seeing Sakura.

"Haruno-san! You're back! Are you not sick anymore?" She asked as if genuinely concerned. Sakura realized that even during the week she had been back before taking time off after the cherry blossom festival, she hadn't had the chance to see Mika-chan. It really had been a long time. Obviously, Mika-chan was kept in the dark about the truth of her condition.

"Oh yes, I am feeling much better! I am sorry I've had to be away for so long! I've missed seeing you!" Sakura exclaimed, happy.

"I missed you too! Though I heard that handsome guy you were with at the candy store is your boyfriend! How come you didn't tell me before?" Mika huffed. The look on her face was cute as she tried be frustrated. Sakura laughed.

"Well, we weren't together yet. I guess a few things have happened. Who told you?"

"I heard some of the other boys talking about it! They said that he was really cool and want to be cool like him some day!"

"Is that so? I guess he is pretty cool." Sakura grinned. The honesty of little kids made Sakura happy.

"Do you think you guys will get married someday?" Mika asked. Immediately Sakura's heart felt like it skipped a beat.

"Um, I don't know." Sakura answered. It was strange how one question from a young child could suddenly make you wonder and question things. "I don't think either of us are quite that far into things yet. Marriage is something that two people who really know each other and want to be together do."

"Don't you want to be together forever though? You're the prettiest girl I've ever met!" Mika asked, genuinely puzzled. What would be the best way to explain such a thing to a little girl?

"Mmmm… I do love him. A lot." Sakura admitted, smiling. "To me, he's my special person I've always wanted to be with."

"Even before you were boyfriend and girlfriend?"

"Yes. He's someone that I have cared about for a long time."

"You really love him! I can tell." Mika confidently deduced. Sakura chuckled.

"Someday Mika-chan, you will understand all this yourself when you find someone special… but now, we need to get to work! Tell me what's happened these last few weeks!"

This little girl reminded Sakura of something that she had wanted since she was a little girl.

She had always wanted to become Sakura Uchiha.

The anxiety and insecurity about all the questions and feelings swirling around in Sasuke had been hindering him all day.

He was casually leaning against the wall of the children's mental health clinic waiting for Sakura to finish up so that they could go home together. It was their routine.

Naruto had given him a lot to think about today.

Sasuke had decided that when Sakura brought it up next, so long as it was in private, they would get the conversation of him leaving over with, but he dreaded it. He didn't want to hurt her. He wasn't sure if he would be able to handle her disappointment, or making her cry if she did.

Not only that, but now he was questioning something else entirely to top it off.

Would Sakura even want to marry him?

Sasuke was getting lost deeper in his own thoughts, not realizing that Sakura had walked out of the clinic, noticing him.

"Sasuke-kun! Thanks for waiting." She greeted as she came over to him.

Sasuke was immediately snapped out of his own thoughts upon hearing her voice, though he could detect a slight apprehension to it.

"Let's go home." He stated, pushing himself off of the wall that had been supporting him.

"I'm definitely hungry!" Sakura admitted, trying to keep the atmosphere light. Sasuke waited for her to lead the way.

"We can cook dinner." Sasuke suggested. Sakura began to walk in the direction of her apartment with Sasuke in tow.

"Mmmm… sounds good. What did you do this evening?" Sakura asked.

"Nothing much. I looked over some stuff regarding my clan." That was a bit of a lie. Sasuke had spent the evening mostly in deep thought trying to sort his mind out.

"Well, I guess that makes sense." Sakura agreed.

"How was work?" Sasuke asked, glad that she didn't ask more about his evening.

"The usual. Remember that little girl we ran into at the candy shop a few weeks back? I saw her today. I guess she found out from some of the other boys that you are now my boyfriend." Sakura chuckled. "She kept asking if we were going to get married someday."

Sasuke about choked on his own spit. The universe really did hate him.

"What… did you say?" Sasuke asked, trying to keep his composure.

"Well… I mean, I guess… well it wasn't easy to explain… I told her that marriage is something that two people who really love each other and want to be together do."

"Ah."

"But you know, it's not something I'm opposed to doing young… If I knew that person was the only one for me."

Sasuke's heart felt like it was going to rip cruelly out of his chest. Sasuke didn't even know how to respond to that. They walked in a tense silence for a little while before Sakura spoke again, her voice quiet.

"Sasuke, what about you? Would you ever… want to get married someday?" Sakura's voice was shaking a little. Sasuke could tell that it was a nerve wracking question for her to ask him, but she did anyway.

"It's not something I've thought a ton about." The disappointment was so clear on Sakura's face that Sasuke couldn't directly look at her, "but maybe someday." he added, almost hastily. If only he could make her understand.

"Oh." Sakura's reply was barely above a whisper.

They were at her apartment now, as she unlocked the door for the both of them. They went in, taking off their shoes and things before Sakura headed into the kitchen without a word. Sasuke could tell that he had upset her. He knew that wasn't probably the answer that she wanted.

"You said… we could talk about you leaving." Sakura brought up calmly as she began to work on making tea.

"Yes. I did." Sasuke sighed. This probably wasn't the best time to have this conversation, even if they were in the privacy of Sakura's apartment… but he guess he couldn't be surprised given his response on the prospect of marriage.

"How soon?" Sakura asked. Sasuke frowned at her shortness and bluntness.

"I haven't really planned that yet… but sooner than later, Sakura." Sasuke answered.

"Especially since that time?" Sakura asked. Sasuke knew she was referring to the incident a few weeks ago. Sakura was smart enough to pick up on those things and what they meant.

"Yes. You know I can't stay knowing that something like that is out there." Sasuke confirmed. So far, Sakura hadn't become distraught over this conversation, but he knew that if things continued she most likely would.

"I know that, but you have zero intentions of taking me with you, don't you?" Sakura accused. She refused to look at Sasuke, and Sasuke could only guess it was because she didn't want him to see the expression on her face.

"You have a life here, Sakura." Sasuke stated. That was clearly the wrong thing to say.

"What does that matter Sasuke-kun?!" Sakura snapped. "I might be a good medic ninja, but being a ninja and working isn't my only goal in life!" Well, saying she was a good medic ninja was a little bit of a understatement. Sakura was a renowned medic ninja, and it was almost silly to Sasuke that she would refer to herself so little in that way.

"I know it's not." Sasuke replied, trying to keep his composure as the frustration began to build.

"Then why do you refuse to take me with you?!"

"It's not that simple, Sakura." Sasuke sighed, frustration now evident as he ran his hand through his hair.

"Your wrong! It is!" Sakura challenged. Sasuke hated the way that he both liked and disliked the way this annoying woman challenged him.

"It's not! It's not a life a luxury, there's constant danger, and it's not something-"

"I don't care about that!" Sakura quipped. "Don't you think I already know that?!"

"Then you know that you are better off here! You're safer here." Sasuke argued. The mention of her safety seemed to have calmed Sakura down a little as if she was seeing a little bit of his reasoning, but she was a stubborn woman.

"You're being selfish!" Sakura accused quietly, catching the Uchiha off guard. What did she mean selfish? Couldn't she see that his reasoning for everything he did was because of her?

"Sakura I-"

"Have you stopped to consider what I want? And yeah, I'm selfish too - believe me, I know I am. I know that what I want prevents me from being somewhere where I can save so many lives…" Sakura trailed off. "But I'm a person too. I have a life to live too!"

Sasuke was losing this battle. It seemed that he was always losing this battle with Sakura.

"You know I can't ask this of you." Sasuke growled in frustration, rubbing his temples with his right hand.

"You're not. I'm asking this of you, Sasuke-kun." Sakura begged quietly. "I don't want to be seperated from you anymore. Please, don't leave me behind."

Damn this annoying woman. She broke through every wall that he carefully placed. He couldn't even really argue that she couldn't hold her own out there. The truth was, no matter how much the logical side of Sasuke begged him to oversee it, he didn't want to be apart from Sakura either.

"Sakura," Sasuke began. He took a deep shaky breath in as he knew what he was going to say betrayed every logical and reasonable thought he ever had. Sakura wore a fierce expression on her face, but the calmness of his voice and tone caused it to change to a softer one. "I have one condition if you won't take no for an answer." This was the condition that he had firmly set, but with her breaking down her walls and demanding to be a part of his life, this was the only way he could agree with it.

Sakura's face lit up, almost in relief and a little bit of confusion as she waited for him to tell her his condition.

"Marry me."

Sakura wasn't sure how long she stared at Sasuke, and she was pretty sure that her mouth was gaping like a fish out of water with no sound or words coming out.

Sasuke's expression was dead serious, but she could see the insecurity and anxiety as clear as day in his eyes. For the first time in her life, her mind was blank, as if it just couldn't process the two words that her ears had just heard out of her lover's mouth.

The silence and standstill seemed like an eternity before all of a sudden it seemed like Sakura's mind jumpstarted.

"Y-you want me to-" Well, maybe, she still couldn't form logical sentences. "I- what- I thought- I"

Sasuke began to seem slightly amused at her being speechless.

"You want me to be your wife?" Sakura almost squeaked as she finally formed a coherent sentence.

"If you want to do this with me, then marry me Sakura." Sasuke repeated.

"I thought it wasn't something you-"

"I lied. If I told you the truth, there would have been no chance at convincing you." Sasuke admitted, "though it seemed that it was a futile attempt anyway." he added in a grumble. It seemed like there was a long silence before Sakura answered him, though in reality it was only the span of a few seconds. Sasuke felt hot.

"Then yes!" Sakura replied, her voice quivering. Sasuke looked at her and swore he saw the most beautiful smile, though she was crying.

"I'm sorry, I know I'm crying it's just… I-I" Sakura sobbed. She felt Sasuke grab her, pulling her to him as he wrapped his right arm around her small frame.

"Sakura," Sasuke said softly, letting her sob into his chest. "Thank you."

"You're serious?" Kakashi asked, almost in disbelief that both Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha were standing in his office, asking him to marry them.

"Yes." Sasuke confirmed.

"Kakashi-sensei, I know I'm asking a lot but I-"

"No, Sakura, don't worry about it." Kakashi interjected. "To be honest, I'm relieved. We will find suitable replacements for you. You do not owe your happiness to the village, Sakura."

"I know… but I can't help feel… at least a little selfish." Sakura replied.

"When do the two of you plan to leave?" Kakashi asked, in all seriousness. He watched as Sakura and Sasuke's eyes met for a brief second before they both turned their attention to him. He had always known that there was something about the bond that these two shared, though it was much more obvious when it came to Sakura.

"As soon as possible." Sasuke began. "There's not really any reason for us to stay here any longer than we have to."

"Well, I'm sure that might have been a different story if the two of you weren't going together." Kakashi observed, eliciting a glare from the Uchiha, even if the statement was true. Sasuke would have definitely lingered longer, and doing so would have made things even more difficult with Sakura.

"Well, Sasuke's not a problem, but at best, I can probably clear up Sakura's duties in a couple weeks. Luckily, lady Tsunade already agreed to come back and help out in case this did happen." Kakashi revealed.

Sasuke couldn't say that he was surprised that Kakashi had already thought out a way to deal with this possible scenario.

"You did?" Sakura asked, almost in disbelief. She would have to have a conversation with her master before she left.

"I did… In terms of your wedding though…" Kakashi continued, moving to a different topic.

"We don't want anything big." Sakura began, giving a quick glance to Sasuke before continuing. "Honestly, we would have been fine with eloping but… I know Naruto would never let us live it down."

"True." Kakashi agreed. "Do you have a day in mind? Luckily for you guys, I don't have any missions set up for Naruto right now, and I can send someone else in Hinata's place for the time being."

"Do you think we could, later today?" Sakura asked. Kakashi was a little surprised at the suddenness of their timing. "We want you to marry us."

"Clearly you two have talked about this? Have you already talked to Naruto and Hinata about it? What about your parents, Sakura?" Both Sakura and Sasuke nodded. "Figures. I will clear up my schedule. I'm honored that you want me to. Though, I can't say I'm not curious how your parents took it." Kakashi added.

"Actually, surprisingly well." Sakura said, giving a small laugh. "In the end, they just want me to happy." It was a little bit of a lie, but Sakura didn't really want to go into all the details at the moment. Her parents weren't exactly thrilled that she planned to leave the village with the infamous Sasuke Uchiha, and were somewhat surprised, but after Sakura was able to talk to them about everything in honest, they had decided to agree to everything.

"Good. Okay, do you have a place in mind?"

"We were thinking up on Hokage mountain. It's a good view of the city, but also I don't think we will be bothered there… we want a night ceremony."

"Okay. Well then, I guess that puts the time around eight. You two better go get ready then. Don't worry about the paperwork for it. I will get it ready and have you both sign it before you leave."

"Thank you." Sasuke said. He was honest in giving it.

"I'm happy, for you both." Kakashi replied. Sakura and Sasuke gave him a bow before leaving his office.

Kakashi couldn't help but think that this was definitely their style.

"I'm really happy for you, Sakura-chan." Hinata said, helping Sakura into her white wedding Yukata. Since Sakura didn't want to be seen going through town in it to avoid raising suspicion, the girls decided that they would get ready up on the mountain in the small storage building that was located up there.

"Thank you, Hinata-chan." Sakura replied, smiling.

"I am glad that your feelings were able to reach your special someone." Hinata continued as she tied Sakura's red Obi around her waist, fastening it. While their wedding was in so sense traditional, Sasuke did request that they wear more traditional clothing. It was a custom in his clan, and Sakura couldn't help but agree. Not that anything about their relationship was traditional to begin with.

"I honestly… can't believe it's happening. It still feels a little like a dream." Sakura admitted. Hinata had curled her hair prior to them coming up here as Sakura had wanted it pulled back with strands left to frame her face. While short hairstyles left less options, she still wanted to do something special.

"I think that it's great, that you are going to travel together. It suits you both I think." Hinata encouraged, beginning to work on Sakura's hair. Her mother had given her a special hair pin to wear that she had worn herself. Honestly, Sakura was a little surprised that her parents didn't want to be a part of the wedding, but they understood the intimacy that this wedding held. Her mother promised they would celebrate later.

"I'm a little nervous though." Sakura revealed.

It seemed that Hinata was going to say something else, but a knock came at the door.

"Hina-chan, is Sakura-chan ready? It's time!" Naruto's voice was easily recognizable.

"Dude, I can't believe you are basically eloping!" Naruto exclaimed. This was the first, and probably the last time he would ever be helping Sasuke Uchiha dress. It wasn't exactly the preference of either of them, but it's rather hard to get dressed in something as elaborated as a wedding yukata on your own. The two preferred to just pretend like it wasn't a big deal.

"Just be lucky Sakura convinced me to invite you." Sasuke snorted, teasing his friend.

"Like I'd miss this for anything!" Naruto scoffed. "I'd hunt you down!" Sasuke knew that he literally meant that too.

"Hn."

"Seriously though, I'm glad you are taking Sakura-chan with you. I can't believe you actually manned up and asked her!" Naruto chuckled, while Sasuke shot him a glare.

Sasuke had decided to donn a blue yukata with the symbol of his clan embroidered on the chest of it. Hinata had been so kind of embroider it for him. In this sense he wanted things to be traditional.

The two stayed silent until Sasuke was fully dressed. They didn't necessarily need to speak a ton in order to know what the other one meant. The fact that Naruto and Hinata were the only ones outside of Kakashi to be invited to their wedding spoke volumes of how much Sasuke valued their friendship, even though he was unable to attend theirs.

"Well, I'm going to go see if the ladies are ready. I'm proud of you, Sasuke." Naruto said, in a seriousness. "So make Sakura-chan happy! Or I really will have to kick your ass for real!" He added as he walked off. Sasuke smirked. Naruto always had to try and get the last cool word in.

Sasuke made his way over to the little spot that they had decided to get married. The view of Konohagakure was breathtaking to say the least with the sun setting behind them. A few more minutes and it would disappear behind the forest mountains in the distance. Hinata had managed to get a few arrangements of flowers from the Yamanaka flower shop without them suspecting anything, and Sakura had wanted candles to be lit and decorate the area. He couldn't be more grateful that his future wife had wanted something so simple. It reminded him yet again of why he loved Sakura Haruno.

"Yo." Kakashi said, almost as if appearing out of nowhere.

"It's not like you to be on time." Sasuke greeted. This caused the silver haired man to give a small laugh.

"Well, as fond as I am of being fashionably late, this is important after all." Kakashi replied.

"It is." Sasuke agreed. He watched as Kakashi reached to pull something out of his pocket and Sasuke immediately dreaded what he was almost sure it was.

"So I was thinking-" Kakashi began but he was quickly cut off by Sasuke.

"No way in hell." Sasuke replied, his face flushing red. The famous dirty books that old man was into was in no way going to give him pointers on how to pleasure a woman.

Luckily before Kakashi could continue that conversation any further, Naruto came running up to them.

"Okay, Hina-chan and Sakura-chan are going to be coming any minute now." He said. "Dude, Sakura-chan looks beautiful."

Almost as if on cue, both Sakura and Hinata appeared and Sasuke for a moment couldn't breathe.

Sakura looked absolutely otherworldly. Sakura had always been beautiful in her simplicity and exotic features, and she was about to be his.

She was about to become Sakura Uchiha.

Sasuke couldn't believe that they were here. That he was here in his life. If it wasn't for her or Naruto, he would have never known this feeling that took over his whole being as he did in this moment. For the first time, he felt at peace and a flutter of excitement in his heart.

"Sakura." He called her name as he reached his hand out to her that she took as she came closer to stand beside him. Hinata found her place beside Naruto as they stood off to the side to witness them.

"Okay, let's start." Kakashi began. "I Kakashi Hatake, the sixth hokage of Konoha, am here to preside over the union of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno in becoming husband and wife, and one family. May you both be a pillar of strength to each other, find comfort in each other, and fill each other's existence with love. Do you have vows to exchange?"

Sasuke had almost completely tuned Kakashi out as he was lost in Sakura's beauty until she gave his hand a squeeze. Crap, the vows. Sasuke Uchiha was not really a man of words, but he would say how he felt to Sakura, at least verbally on this day.

"Sakura. You know that I am a man of few words, but I promise you - I will protect you with all that I am, both body and soul. I can't promise that I will always be a perfect husband, but I promise to give you all I have. I love you."

Sakura's face was flushed, her eyes glossy from tears that were probably threatening to spill. Sasuke knew those words meant more than he probably realized to her.

"Sasuke, I have always loved you. I have always known the good person you are deep down. You are someone so precious to me. I promise to always love you, and take care of you. I promise to always support you and be there for you. I promise to always be a home you can come back to, and to be a light on your darkest days. I promise to share all your burdens with you. I promise I will do all that I can to make you happy."

The sincerity in her words sent Sasuke's heart racing, thundering in his chest. She had said much more to him that he had to her, but nevertheless, Sasuke knew that those few words were more than enough for Sakura.

"Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, I pronounce you husband and wife."

Sasuke leaned down to kiss Sakura, who now shared his last name. He didn't care that Naruto, Hinata and Kakashi were there to witness it.

Sakura was his wife.

He was going to spend all night treating her like a goddess.

They broke apart from the kiss, to see everyone grinning at them.

"What are you waiting for, take her home Sasuke!" Naruto teased, clearly implying something less than innocent. Sakura playfully punched him in the arm, though Sasuke had half a mind to knock the idiot out for real.

"We've been married less than a minute Naruto!" She scolded. "Treat your wife. She worked hard today, you know?" This caused both Naruto and Hinata to blush.

"Your vows were beautiful." Hinata congratulated. "You make a beautiful bride, sakura-chan."

"I couldn't have done it without your help, Hinata-chan. Thank you so much." Sakura replied, pulling her raven haired friend into a hug.

Naruto went to pat Sasuke on the shoulder in a brotherly gesture. Sasuke gave him a small smirk.

Kakashi had been happily watching him former students. They really had created something out of themselves. He had never been prouder of who they all had become.

"Kakashi sensei, thank you." Sakura thanked as they turned their attention to him. Sasuke shot him a knowing glance. Kakashi didn't expect for the Uchiha to verbally thank him, but knew that he was.

"I'm happy, for all of you. You have all made me proud." Kakashi admitted, smiling underneath his mask. He meant it.

Chatting for just a few more minutes, Naruto, Kakashi, and Hinata encouraged Sasuke and Sakura to get going. It was completely dark now, and they had to clean up the flowers and candles after sending the newly married couple off.

It was a bit unceremonious, considering that Sasuke only had one arm, but he grabbed an unsuspecting Sakura, pulling her up over his shoulder as she squealed and laughed. She had a second to wave before Sasuke flash stepped them home. It was dark, so the chance of them being seen was fairly slim.

When they arrived into Sakura's apartment, Sasuke carried his new wife to their bedroom, gently laying her on their bed. Her hair was a little disheveled from the speed in which he got them home, but she still looked absolutely beautiful.

"Sakura." Sasuke said, his voice almost coarse as he kissed her. His desperation and need were clear in the way he kissed her. Sakura couldn't help but immediately respond, her desperation and need matching his.

"Sasuke-kun. I love you. Thank you, for making me so happy." Sakura said as she continued to kiss her husband. He stopped for a moment however, pulling slightly away from her to rest his forehead with hers, both their breathing heaving.

"No Sakura, thank you… for everything." Sasuke confessed, his eyes locked with her viridian ones. "I meant it. I promise to love you with everything that I am."

Sasuke resumed kissing her. He had zero plans of sleeping any time soon.

Sakura was his. She was everything that he needed, and Sasuke was excited to start his life with her. He knows he isn't deserving of everything she is offering him, but he can't help but feel lucky at the fact that he had a second chance. He had no idea that this woman who he had meant as a somewhat vain and selfish, naive girl had turned into a strong, smart, capable and beautiful woman who was now his wife.

Meeting Sakura Haruno had changed his life forever.

Ugh, well I'm hope that this wasn't a totally terrible ending guys! I decided that I might add a small prologue of them leaving on their adventure, depending on whether or not you, the readers would like one!

I hope that I was able to convey the proper emotions through this chapter.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to read Under the Rising Spring. It has certainly been an interested journey as my first fanfiction story! I know that I probably have made you suffer through reading plenty of grammatical errors, but I am hoping to continue improving my creative writing.

Please leave your final thoughts and reviews!

Until next time,

-RayneAurelie