A/N: OMG! This is the LAST chapter of Broken Life. Thanks a bunches to all of you who have read our story since the very beginning and stuck with it through the end. We love you for that!!

We are completely amazed at how much this story affected some of you. This story was meant to be relate-able in so many levels to many people, and we think we got that point across. There really are people in our everyday lives who go through this and keep it all hidden for fear of the truth coming out or other reasons. Child abuse, sexual abuse or any other kind of abuse is NOT acceptable. And while we go on living normally and care-free, there are others out there who are suffering quietly on the inside, not knowing who to trust or who to go to for help. For those people out there, please know that it's okay to let someone in and help you. This will only make you stronger in the end and let you know that good people do exist.

Yeah, some of you teared up while reading this story and shared with us your feelings, and we also appreciate that. And you were all pretty pissed off at Kenji and wished he could die a slow, painful death. But then we all have to remember that he doesn't even exist (thank god for that) but there are people who are like him in the real world. And that is just plain cruel.

And now- the bittersweet closing of one hell of a story.

(Sorry for rambling so much. And we don't mean to offend anybody)

Chapter 16- Final Closure

I've told myself many times that this was happening to me because I deserved it. What he did to me was just harmless punishment for the "bad things" that I did. But I didn't know better then...But now I do. What he did to me messed me up in so many ways. Both physically and emotionally. My life will never be the same because of him. Years from now I'll probably relive this nightmare, waking up drenched in my own sweat. And I'll scream. Scream for all the pain I felt, all the blood I lost, all the tears I cried, all the smiles I faked, and all the lies I ever told because of him. I don't think I could have made it through without my friends, who gave me support when I felt like I was falling.

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The trial was excruciatingly hard for me. I had to sit down on the witness seat and testify against Kenji in front of everyone. I had to say EVERYTHING that bastard did to me. Sasuke was there. I knew he couldn't stand it; me talking about how Kenji abused and raped me. I could tell by how his hands curled into fists.

FLASHBACK:

"What else, Sakura? What else did Mr. Takishi do to you?" asked my attorney.

I looked down at my lap, trying to control my sobbing. Then I spoke into the microphone in a shaky voice,"He'd watch me with those eyes of his. It was like... if he could see through my clothes. Then h-he.... he'd always lick his lips and try to grab me." A pause. "I'd run away from him, but then he'd get me and start hitting me. He'd get mad at me....for being disobedient, I suppose."

"Disobedient? What do you mean by that?"

"If I tried to defy him, he'd yell and hit me. He'd call me nasty, horrible names."

"What kind of names?" my attorney asked. She was a middle-aged woman with absolutely no fat on her body.

"He'd call me a bitch, a whore....stupid," I replied.

"Can you tell me about the night he raped you?" she said.

"If you want the truth, everyday he raped something from me. He stole my childhood and gave me a false sense of security in my own home. Mentally, he completely messed me up. Everyday was a fight to not lose myself to his sick, twisted mind games. But I do know for certain that he did rape me on two occasions."

"Okay, and when did these two incidents occur?"

"Once when I was thirteen and then the other time was a few months ago." My heart was beating faster. I didn't want to talk about those nights.

"And you didn't tell anyone, is that true?"

"Yes, I was too scared. And K-Kenji had threatened me." The sound of his name was like bile in my mouth.

"Sakura, can you-"

"No, no, no. I don't want to."

"Can you please try?"

"I-I can't."

"Please? Just try. I know it's not easy," she said.

I wiped my cheeks and avoided eye contact with everyone. I knew Kenji was watching me, hearing what I was saying. He'd probably get turned on by

this, that sicko. "I was asleep on my bed when he woke me up. He was drunk, I could smell alcohol on his breath. I could tell what he was going to do....I pleaded for him not to. Then he started kissing me. K-Ke....he was pinning me down so hard, I couldn't move. I was trapped. I felt his tongue inside my mouth and I....I bit his tongue. It was the only thing I could do."

Tears were running down freely. My eyes were red from the memory. I couldn't continue. It was too hard for me. I've spent so much time trying to forget, and now I have to talk about it. No. I'm not strong enough.

"Sakura, you need to go on," my attorney said.

I looked up and saw Sasuke's face. His mouth was in a thin line, but his eyes communicated to me across the distance between us. He was telling me it was okay, I could do this. I'm strong and brave now. I have to prove to Kenji that I'm not that weak, little girl he took advantage of.

I took a deep breath and continued," It was a battle between us. He kept hitting me as I struggled to get away from him. I was crying so much....then he took our clothes off. He touched me, his hands bruising my skin. He forced himself on me....and afterwards, he got dressed and just left. Like it didn't even happen."

"And where was your mother when this happened?"

"She was out of town, visiting my sick grandmother," I answered. I looked over at my mom. She was sitting there among my friends, clutching her purse tightly.

"Alright. So, because of this rape, you became pregnant? Yes?" my attorney asked.

"Yes."

END OF FLASHBACK

Kenji was enjoying the whole damn trial. I looked up at him once and saw that creepy smile on his face. His eyes, though, looked dead. Because he knew he was a doomed man. Twenty years. That's what he got. He got sentenced to twenty years in prison for child molestation, rape, kidnap, and third degree murder for my baby. He'll be well into his sixties when he gets out. That is if his cellmates don't kill him first.

I didn't stand up off my seat and cheer, but I felt relieved. This hellish nightmare was going to be over and he was going to be locked up. Except...Kenji wasn't so happy about that. He went insane.

FLASHBACK:

"The accused, Kenji Takishi, is being sentenced to twenty years in prison with no chance of parole for good behavior," the judge said.

I was sitting next to Sasuke who squeezed my hand lightly. "You did it Sakura," he said. "Kenji finally got what he deserves."

"Yeah," I said. "I'm just glad that he'll be far away from me."

Just as the prison guards were about to handcuff Kenji again, he struggled against their strong grips and yelled," Sakura! Sakura, I still love you! Wait for me! Don't go fucking with that Uchiha! Do you-." The strong guards dragged him all the way to another room where his voice couldn't be heard.

Everyone in the court room was silent. They were probably surprised to see Kenji like that firsthand. I heard the lawyers talking amongst themselves, murmuring something about psychotherapy. Oh God, I already feel sorry for the therapist who has to deal with him.

"Sakura," my mom said, placing a hand on my shoulder. I stood up. "I'm so proud of you honey, for what you just did. I know it was hard for you...but you did good up there." There were tears in her eyes.

"I didn't think I'd be able to do it," I said, smiling weakly. "But he's locked up now, where he can't ever get me." I was leaning against Sasuke for support.

"You know they're going to put this in the newspaper," Ino said. "Are you ready for that? Are you ready for other people to know?"

"Ino! Now is not the time to mention that," Tenten said.

"No, no, it's okay," I said. "People were going to find out one way or another. You know how gossip spreads in this town."

"And if anyone has a mean comment to say about you, they have to deal with us," Naruto said. We all laughed half-hearted.

"Well Sakura, we'll always have your back, you know that," Ino said. Everyone else agreed.

"Yeah, and I'm extremely grateful," I said, fighting back tears. Hinata gave me a much needed hug.

"Everything's going to be fine now," she whispered into my ear. I nodded my head.

"We should probably go home now," my mom said. "You are all welcomed to come to our house for some coffee and bread."

Then we left, leaving Kenji and everything else behind us.

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Two months later...

"So...have the nightmares stopped Sakura? They're not bugging you anymore?" Kakashi asked me. Ever since the truth came to light, I've been going to extra counselor meetings with Kakashi. I'd rather talk to him than some therapist I don't even know.

"Yeah, I think so. They come unexpectedly, but I haven't gotten one in almost a whole week," I answered. I watched silently as Kakashi wrote something in his notebook. It was almost full with writing. "Are you ever going to tell me what you write in there?" I asked.

Kakashi looked up and through the weird mask he always wears, I could see he was smiling. "No," he simply said.

"You are cruel," I said as he chuckled. "You know it's going to bug me for the rest of my life. Whatever did Kakashi-sensei write in that book of his? Hmm...I guess I'll never know."

"Ok, ok, back to the topic. These nightmares are actually common in people who have experienced traumatic events. But since they've stopped...well, momentarily, at least...I guess it's safe to say that you've finally overcome your traumatic experience," Kakashi said. I sighed in relief. "But there is still one more thing I'd like to talk about."

"Hm? What is it?" I said, shifting in my seat for a more comfortable position. I think my butt went to sleep a loooong time ago.

"Your father," he said.

"Oh," I said quietly.

"From what you've told me, he left you and your mother eight years ago. He didn't leave a letter or anything, so you don't know where he is."

"He could've at least called," I said, more to myself than Kakashi.

"Right. But he didn't. And I know you have some unresolved conflicts about that. In order to fully end this chapter in your life, I think you have to get rid of all your ghosts. Metaphorically speaking, of course," Kakashi said. "I know you miss your dad, and....what I'm trying to say is that you need to move on the only way you know how."

"You want me to find him, is that it?" I said. "Don't you think I've thought about that? Well, I have. But I have no clue where to start looking. You wanna know why? Because he just left. No note, nothing at all." I was so aggressive as I said this; almost blaming Kakashi for suggesting something so useless.

"It was just a thought," he said.

"I'm sorry," I said, suddenly feeling ashamed. "Look...it was a nice thought, it's just...I do miss him. A lot. He was a great father and I loved- love- him so much. I thought he loved me too...but why did he have to leave like that? I don't understand....we were a family." Kakashi handed me a tissue and I realized I was crying. "Thanks," I said.

"No prob," Kakashi said. "I'm just here to listen and give out crappy advice, or so my students say."

"Your advice isn't crappy," I said. Then the bell rang. "Argh. Science with Gai-sensei."

"That class must be....youthful," Kakashi said slowly. I rolled my eyes.

"Bye Kakashi-sensei," I said, getting my stuff and exiting the room. A few minutes later and I entered my science classroom. Sasuke was already sitting down in his desk, still a little sweaty from P.E. I sat down next to him.

"Hey," he said, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.

"Hey to you too," I said. "What did Anko do to you guys?"

"She put us through an extremely difficult obstacle course. Our punishment for yet another one of her boyfriends dumping her," Sasuke said. "How'd your meeting go?"

"Fine," I said, not wanting to talk about it too much. I still haven't told Sasuke about my nightmares because I don't want to worry him. It's over....I should just let that whole mess go and move on. But how do you move on from something that tormented you for so long?

"Are you okay?" Sasuke asked. I love how he can read me so easily, although sometimes (like right now, for example) it sucks. Because it means I have to lie to him.

"Yeah. Just tired, I guess. The teachers are filling our minds with too much educational crap. I had way too much homework last night," I replied.

"Same here, but it wasn't really that hard," Sasuke said.

"Of course not boy-genius," I said, smiling at him. He smiled back. Then began the endless, youthful babble of Gai-sensei. Finally, the lunchbell rang.

"C'mon," Sasuke said, taking my hand and pulling me up from my seat. I thought he was going to take me to the cafeteria (where we usually go for lunch) but instead, he led me to an empty hallway.

"Sasuke, the cafeteria's that way," I said to him, pointing in the other direction.

"I know," Sasuke said with a sly smirk. "I just want to ask you something."

"Ooookay," I said, curious. "What is it?"

"Spring Break is next week and I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to a small island off the coast of Japan. My family owns it, but no one's been there in a few years," he said.

"Are you being for real?" I asked, processing everything he had just said. Wow.

"Yeah. As real as I've ever been," he said.

"Yes," I said automatically. "I want to go with you. I just have to ask my mom and...." I drifted off, knowing my mom's response already. She would make things really difficult. "Does she even have to know about this?" I asked.

"Sakura, I'm sure she'll notice you being gone for a week," Sasuke said.

Wait a minute....

"A week? We're going to be there for a whole week? Just the two of us?" I said.

"Is that a problem? We can always leave sooner if you don't-"

"No, no, no. A week is perfect," I said with a smile. "It'll be romantic, you'll see." Sasuke leaned his head down to my lips and that one moment was just focused on how wonderful that kiss felt.

"I really hope my mother will let me go," I said.

"Me too," Sasuke said.

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I took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen, where my mom was busy looking over tax papers. Her pink hair was swept back in a graceful bun and her eyes were concentrated on a piece of paper scribbled with numbers. I walked up behind her and put my arms around her shoulders. I gave her a kiss on the cheek as she punched in some numbers on the calculator.

"Hey sweetie," she said. "Dinner is in the oven, if you want some. I'm still working on these damn taxes."

"Then maybe it's a good thing you're not an accountant," I said, sitting down beside her. Okay, it's now or never. I've got to do this. And if she says no....well, then....urgh, she has to let me go.

"Aren't you hungry?" mom asked.

"Not really," I said. "Actually, I have to ask you something important."

She finally looked up at me. I guess the sound of my voice gave it away, because she immediately tensed up beside me. "What is it?" mom said.

I gulped and told her. "Can I go with Sasuke to his family's island during Spring Break?"

My mom was silent as she took it all in. Then she blinked a few times. "I'm assuming this was all his idea, right?"

"Yeah," I said, not knowing if this was a good thing or not. I'm surprised she hasn't flat-out said no. Maybe there's still a chance she'll say yes, crazy as that seems.

"And how long would you be staying there?" she asked.

"Um... a week," I replied.

More silence.

"So....can I go?" I asked again.

"I don't know Sakura, what do you think?" she said harshly.

"Is that a no?" I said, confused.

"Maybe. I've got to think about this more," mom said.

"What is there to think about?" I said, getting frustrated by the second. "Just tell me if I can go or not."

"Sakura, please understand that this is a serious situation. I just can't let you go with your boyfriend to some secluded island for a whole week and not worry what might happen to you."

"You can trust us, mom. We'll be sleeping in separate rooms," I said.

"Oh, that makes me feel a whole lot better," she said sarcastically. I could see I was losing this fight. I had to act fast and convince her.

"Mom, can I please go?" I said. "Look, everything will be taken care of. Sasuke will pay for my ticket and stuff. You won't even have to spend a dime. It'll be like a free vacation for me. And, besides, I know you wanted to visit your sisters and this'll be the perfect opportunity for you to spend quality time with them and bond again." She looked at me, considering.

"So, what do you say?" I asked, biting my bottom lip.

"You make things sound so easy," mom said, stroking my hair. Then she sighed before saying," Fine. I guess you can go."

"Yay!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!" I squealed, showering my mother in a thousand little kisses.

"But there will be rules you'll have to follow while you are there. Okay?" she said. I knew there'd be a catch.

"Okay," I said.

"You have to call me at least twice a day so I can check up on you and see how you're doing. And you better be on your best lady-like behavior. Got it?" mom said.

"Yeah, I got it. And don't worry, I promise I won't behave wildly," I said.

"Okay, then. I want to talk to Sasuke as well," she said.

"What?" I said. "Why for?" That was completely unexpected.

"I need to have a talk with him, that's all," she said.

"But-"

"Go eat your dinner before it gets cold," she said.

I can't believe it. My mom totally just cut me off.

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One week later...

Ino and I were in my bedroom. She was helping me pack and, boy, did I need help. "I still don't feel comfortable wearing a bikini," I said as I watched Ino put a small two-piece in my duffel bag.

"You have an amazing bod, Sakura, so you're entitled to look sexy for your boyfriend. Besides, I don't know what the big deal is, it's been two months. You have your old figure back," Ino said.

"Don't....you're making me feel guilty."

"But you didn't even want it."

"I know. I feel so selfish for not even caring that it died. But I guess it's all for the best," I said, a little sadly.

"Do you need a hug?" Ino asked me.

"No, but I do need sunblock. Have you seen it? I don't want to burn," I said, looking for my sunblock bottle.

"Here it is," Ino said, finding it. She put it in my bag. "So, when are you and Sasuke leaving?"

"Two days from now," I replied, folding some shorts and putting them in the duffel bag. "We're only going to be gone for a week or so."

"Wow. You are so lucky Sakura. Really. I mean it. Sasuke is a great guy and you deserve to be happy with him," Ino said. "Speaking of happiness...." She wagged her eyebrows at me.

"I-I don't know," I said, slightly blushing. "Do you think it's going to happen?"

"Oh, it is so going to happen," Ino said. "Remember? I am the love doctor. It's like I have ESP." I started to laugh.

"Should I bring a dress?" I said, after my laughter died down. "Who knows? We might go somewhere nice."

"Hmm...how about....," Ino said, raiding my closet,"...this one." She picked out a red halter dress that ended a little below my knees.

"Perfect," I said, taking it off the hanger and carefully folding it. "I'm so excited. Can you believe it? A whole week just with Sasuke." I sighed dreamily.

"Yeah. And while you're there in 'Paradise island' the rest of us will be stuck here," Ino said, with a sour face.

"Trust me, if I could take you with me, I would," I said.

"I'd just ruin the whole trip. I'd feel like a third wheel or something," she said, flipping through a magazine that was on my bedside table.

"Did I tell you?" I said, packing in some sandals, "My mom and Sasuke had a long talk yesterday night. He came here for dinner and afterwards, my mom sat him down on the couch and practically interrogated him. I felt so bad for him."

"Whoa. What did they talk about?" Ino said, forgetting about the magazine and throwing it on my bed.

"It was so awkward. My mom was nagging on him to make wise decisions and stuff," I said. "He left after that. And my mom had this smug look on her face, as if she really made an impression on him. Pch."

"You know what? I truly believe that your life is getting better," Ino said with a genuine smile. I smiled back and continued packing.

Maybe it has. Everything's been going good for me now, and I keep worrying something bad will happen, just because it always does. Until then, I'm going to enjoy every minute of this blissful 'dream.'

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Later that night, as I was brushing my teeth, my mom came into my room for an important talk. I thought she wanted to continue our previous discussion from a few days ago, but I was mistaken. She wanted to talk about my dad, which was weird because we hardly talk about him.

"Sakura, dear, I know that when your father left, it tore you up inside. And we've never really had a chance to talk about it because...well, I thought you weren't ready to know the truth," she said with a nervous smile.

"Truth? What truth?" I asked, confused. "Mom?"

She took out an old, folded paper from her jeans pocket. It was a letter. "Your father wrote this when he left. He wanted you to read it."

"How come you've never shown it to me before?" I asked, feeling betrayed.

"Sweetie, I-"

"No! How could you just keep this from me? All these years...I thought he just abandoned us for no reason. But all this time, he had written me a letter," I said, getting teary-eyed.

"Sakura, please don't be mad at me. I-I thought you'd be too young to understand, and I didn't want you to be anymore sad than you were," she said in her defense.

"Give me the letter," I demanded. "I want to read it."

"Here," she said, handing me the letter with shaky hands. I took it from her and quickly unfolded it, reading what my dad wrote eight years ago.

Hey Princess, by the time you read this, you probably won't like me very much. And I'll completely understand. You might not understand exactly what's going on with your mom and I, but we just can't be together anymore. I've been a bad husband. I really didn't want you to find out like this, but I've been seeing another woman and I've fallen in love with her. I'm leaving- somewhere far away from you two- so I can finally marry this woman and start a new family with her. Your mom and I decided that this would be for the best. I'm sorry Sakura, for all the pain I might be causing you. You'll always be my little angel and I hope you'll find happiness.

Love, DAD

I crumbled that letter into a ball, tears falling down my cheeks. What a bunch of crap. So this was why he left? He was cheating on mom with another woman and wanted to have his own family with her. Because of him, mom met Kenji and all this happened.

"Who was the other woman?" I asked icily.

"His old girlfriend from high school," mom replied, trying to keep her composure. But I could tell it was eating her up inside as well. "Oh, Sakura," she said, sitting down next to me on my bed and giving me a much needed hug.

"I hate him!" I exclaimed, crying into her shoulder while she patted my back. "I hate him so much." Maybe even more than Kenji, if that's possible. "Do you know where he is now?" I asked.

"No...I was so mad at him back then that I didn't even bother to keep tabs on him," she said. "But if he wanted to see you again, he could've always come and find you here."

"He's probably forgotten about us," I said. My mom stayed silent, patting my back. "He's probably living in some nice house with his new perfect family. If his kids only knew how heartless their father is, abandoning his wife and daughter."

"Sakura-"

"Do you know how many times I wished he would come back to us? He never did and now he never will."

"Sakura, if he can forget about us, then we can forget about him as well," mom said.

"Forgetting does make the pain go away, I guess," I said.

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Forgetting and forgiving are two entirely different things. I could forget about Kenji and what he did to me, but I could never forgive him. Same with my dad. The two men in my life- and they both disappointed me shamefully. Now all I have is my mom, who deserves to be treated way better.

"What's wrong Sakura? You look sad. This is suppose to be a vacation," Sasuke said, leaning over me and blocking the sun.

"Sasuke, can't you see I'm trying to get a tan?" I said, purposely avoiding his question.

"Don't change the subject. You can't weasel your way out of this one. C'mon, tell me. What's wrong?" he asked, poking my side. I sighed, giving up.

"Okay, fine. I'll tell you. I miss my mom," I said. "We were actually getting along for once, then I had to leave. I don't know, I guess we bonded even more over something so...so awful. Weird, huh?"

"Not to me," Sasuke said, piling sand on my legs.

"What are you trying to do?" I asked curiously.

"Trapping you," he said.

"What!" I said, unable to move my legs from the sand. "Sasuke!" I laughed, trying to get mad at him, but I couldn't. He patted even more sand on my legs and waist. Damn, he worked fast.

"Now, as my prisoner, I demand that you give me a hundred kisses if you ever want to be set free," Sasuke said with a conniving smirk. I pouted at him childishly before flinging my arms around his neck and showering him with kisses. My hands graced his bare chest greedily and desperately, relishing in the feel of his hard abdomens. Sasuke was more sweet towards me, although his hand did brush against my breasts on more than one occasion.

We stopped after awhile, the heat and lack of oxygen finally getting to us. "Let's go for a swim," Sasuke suggested. "Then I'll take you out to eat at one of my favorite restaurants. How does that sound?"

"Perfect. Although I wish you would stop spoiling me like some princess, Sasuke," I said, brushing the sand off my legs. He chuckled and scooped me up, running to the ocean shore. I didn't anticipate it the water to be so cold. I shivered in Sasuke's arms.

"Sakura...you're clinging on to me," he said, looking down at my face.

"It's s-so cold," I said, trying to keep my teeth from chattering.

"I'll keep you warm, then," he said, holding me tightly as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and floated. I smiled to the sun, savoring the moment.

Hours passed in complete bliss as we wasted the day lost in each other. Once the sun was setting down, we decided it was time to get ready for dinner. I went to my room and took a quick shower to get the sand out of my hair. I was satisfied to see the faint tan on my skin. At least it was noticeable. I put on the red halter dress and paired it with black sandals. I went for a bold look and painted my lips red. I stuck my hip out and struck a pose in front of the full-length mirror.

Once I was finished I walked to the common room where I saw Sasuke sitting on the couch, obviously waiting for me. "Ready to go?" he asked, standing up.

"Yeah," I said, trying to clasp a bracelet on my wrist.

"Here, let me help you with that," Sasuke said. "You look beautiful, by the way, just like an exotic mermaid."

"Thanks," I replied. "So, where are we going?"

"To the best seafood restaurant in town. We have to take a small boat ride to the mainland, but it's only about fifteen minutes away," Sasuke said, taking my hand. We walked to the dock and got inside the motor boat. Fifteen minutes later (just like he said) we were on the mainland.

"Be careful," Sasuke said, holding my hand as I stepped out of the boat. Once my feet were on solid ground I was good and balanced.

"Geez, you're acting like I'm some fragile doll that's going to break at any moment," I teased. There was some truth to it though. I think it's because I've been hurt too much in the past that makes Sasuke want to protect me and keep me safe. It's really sweet of him.

Hand in hand we strolled the lighted streets. I was in awe at the beauty of the little town. It felt so authentic. It would be the perfect place to grow up at. Sasuke and I talked and laughed, passing many houses and stores along the way. We finally reached the restaurant. I don't know what I was expecting -probably something nice and fancy- but the restaurant was local and it seemed casual enough that I didn't feel awkward in my simple red dress. Sasuke looked amazing as usual with denim blue capris and a deep green shirt.

"Wow, I don't even know what to get," I said looking at the menu. I was fully aware of some drunk guys staring at me from a table nearby. I tried to ignore their stares, but one of them caught my eye. He looked too familiar. With a gasp, I hid my face with my menu.

"Sakura? What's wrong?" Sasuke said, oblivious to what was going on.

I can't believe it. This can't possibly be happening.

"N-Nothing," I said, anger clouding my mind. That man...it may have been years since I've last seen him, but I can never forget that face. That man was my father.

"You're lying. Something's obviously wrong and I want to know what it is," he said.

"I've suddenly lost my appetite. Can we leave now?" I said. Of course, this would have worked if my stomach hadn't decided to growl right then. Damn it.

"It doesn't sound like you've lost your appetite," Sasuke said, leaning back in his chair. I gave him one last desperate plea with my eyes.

"Please, Sasuke, can we just leave? We can eat somewhere else if you want," I said, trying to compromise with him. I could hear someone wolf-whistling at me and was disgusted to see it was a middle-aged man with a thick mustache and balding hair.

"Are they bothering you? I can tell someone to make them leave," Sasuke said, staring at the men as well with equal disgust.

"No, I don't want to cause any trouble," I said. I just want to get out of here. As much as I want to yell at my dad and put him in his lousy place, he means nothing to me now. He decided to leave my mother and me; he completely abandoned us to live a better life with his ex-girlfriend. No, that man doesn't even exist to me anymore. He doesn't even deserve me acknowledging his presence and yelling at him.

"Fine. We'll go somewhere else," Sasuke said, sounding a bit irritated at either me or the drunken men. I don't really care though. We stood up to leave.

"Hey, pinky, fooorget about that pretty boy of yours and come haaave a fun time with me. Ya won't regret it," a man crudely said, slurring his words. I turned around and glared at...my father. Everything I said earlier went out of my head.

"Aren't you ashamed of yourself? Don't you have a wife and family at home? What must they think of you now, huh? You're nothing but a pathetic old drunk," I said coldly.

"Ah, sweetie, that's a meeean thing to say," he said, taking a sip from his beer. "It's okay though, you're not even thaaat good looking. Hahaha." He started coughing madly then.

"Watch it, I don't appreciate the way you're treating my girlfriend," Sasuke said.

"Ooo, I'm scared," my father said. His buddies joined him in laughing. I just looked at him, disappointed. How pitiful.

Sasuke, on the other hand, had enough and grabbed my dad from the collar and lifted him up from his seat so they were at eye-level. "It's creeps like you that should be locked up in jail. Sadly, most of you are still walking freely on the streets, waiting for your next innocent victim," Sasuke said menacingly.

"H-Hey, put me down," my dad said. I stood beside Sasuke, waiting for my father to recognize me or something. But he didn't. Guess he really was too drunk...or maybe he just doesn't remember me.

"Apologize to her," Sasuke said, shaking him.

"........."

"I said apologize!"Sasuke shouted. By now, people were looking at us. Great.

My father briefly looked at me before he mumbled, "I'm s-sorry."

"Now say it like you mean it," Sasuke ordered.

"I'm sorry! Okay, there, I apologized. Happy?" my dad said. Sasuke glared at him, then punched him in the stomach. I winced.

"Son of a bitch," my dad muttered on the floor, clutching his stomach. I grabbed Sasuke's arm, pulling him away.

"Hey! What's going on here?" a waiter said, coming towards us.

"C'mon Sasuke, let's go," I said, tugging him. He looked at me and we quickly got out of that restaurant. We didn't stop until we were two blocks away.

"That wasn't necessary," I said after a while of silence.

"Sakura, did you hear what he said? You don't deserve to be put down like that," Sasuke said, staring ahead. I sighed.

"Well, I'm learning to ignore some things. And you should too," I said. "So, where to now?"

"There's a nice little restaurant nearby, I think," he said. I could tell he was still mad about what happened. I frowned, knowing this date was ruined.

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After we ate, we went back to the boat. It was nighttime by now and I was staring at the moon. It was so bright tonight, and so lovely. I looked over at Sasuke and saw that he was brooding. I carefully walked over to him and put my arms around his neck. "Sasuke, I love you and all, but you should seriously get over it. That guy wasn't even worth it," I said.

"Maybe not. But-" he said.

"But you should control yourself," I said. "You can' t keep fighting people because of me. Can you promise me that?" Sasuke looked into my eyes. "Please, I've made so many promises for you, can you do this one for me?"

"I...of course," he said reluctantly. "But I'm only doing it for you."

I smiled and gave him a kiss on the mouth. When we broke apart Sasuke said,"Did I ever tell you how wonderful you look in that dress?" I started to laugh. Sasuke may be charming and sweet, but I've never heard him be romantic-ish before. It's so weird, but in a good way. "Are you laughing at me?" he said with a raised brow.

"No, no," I said. Beyond him I could see the huge mansion we were staying at. I've never realized just how rich Sasuke really is. But even if he were poor, I'd still love him with the same intensity and amount. I kissed him once more, the air between us pouring with hot passion.

"Sakura, we should stop," Sasuke said in between kisses. His mind might have said to stop, but his body was wanting more. I could feel it.

"We should...but we don't have to," I said. "Sasuke, I think I'm ready."

"Are you sure?" he asked, pausing from kissing me. I searched into his eyes and saw everything I loved about him. He had accepted me when I hadn't even accepted myself yet. He didn't care that I wasn't perfect and he saw me through my darkest hour. He knew about my past and still wanted and loved me.

"Yeah. I want to do it," I said, sure of my answer.

Sasuke looked at me one more time, still undecided. But I knew he wanted to do it just as badly. Just then the boat landed on the dock. Sasuke quickly tied it to the rope and helped me out of the boat. We walked to the mansion where Sasuke said to me in a low whisper,"Wait for me in your room." Then he left upstairs. I stood there for a few seconds then hurried to my room. I went to the bathroom, just looking at my reflection. I was smiling like an idiot in love.

I didn't know what to wear, but decided it didn't really matter since our clothes were going to be off anyway. I sat down on my bed, twirling my hair nervously. I stopped when I heard Sasuke knock on my door. I stood up and opened the door for him. We stood face-to-face, silence between us. It was dark in the room, the only light coming from the moon through the window.

Sasuke stepped inside wordlessly and cupped my chin in his hands. My head was spinning out of control with thoughts. And his stare was unnerving.

"I'm scared," I said after a while.

"Of what...me?" Sasuke said, almost hurt.

"No, it's just...No one's ever looked at me that way," I said. "It makes me feel special."

"That's because you are," he said.

And then it happened. Sasuke picked me up bridal style and carried me to my satin-covered bed. My heart was thudding loudly in my chest as Sasuke bent down to kiss me softly on the lips. I realized he was trying to calm me down a bit; I was that nervous. But I couldn't help it. I was embracing myself for pain, nothing but pain. Only, it never came. Sasuke was being so gentle and loving with me, I eased myself into the mold of his body.

I was aware and lost at the same time. All I was conscious of was the feel of Sasuke's body and his wonderful touch. My beautiful dress lay on the ground along with Sasuke's shirt. My hand reached for the zipper on his pants, but he quickly stopped me.

"Wait...just...hold up," Sasuke said, pulling a condom out of his pocket. He took off his pants and boxers and put the condom on. I just stared. Sasuke looked so beautiful naked. I kissed him.

"I love you Sasuke."

"I love you too Sakura. Always."

We were a tangled mess, with both our naked bodies intertwined together. I felt sweaty from Sasuke's body heat, but it felt good. It all felt so good. But it was moments later when Sasuke entered me with a banging thrust that I realized how good it could really feel. He kept thrusting and thrusting and I honestly thought I would break, but I didn't want him to stop. Because he was also the one thing that was keeping me together. I moaned loudly, I hate to admit. At first I thought I could control it, but I guess you can never control the sounds you make when you're making hot and passionate sex.

Once we both climaxed, we just laid in bed together, breathing roughly. My face felt flushed and my body was sticky with sweat. My head was on Sasuke's chest and he was tracing the outline of my lower back. It felt too peaceful to ruin the moment with simple talk. So we just laid there, looking into each other's soul and loving everything we saw there.

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"Wake up dum-dum. Breakfast is served in bed today," Sasuke whispered in my ear. I groaned, still wanting a few extra minutes of precious sleep. I pulled the covers over my head and realized I was completely naked. I quickly opened my eyes and remembered the events of last night. Sasuke and I had sex. Wonderful and passionate sex, may I add.

I felt the covers being lifted off my head and met Sasuke's face. I blushed. "Sakura, are you alright?" he asked gently. His eyes were the color of the sky on a dark cloudy day. I noticed he was already wearing his boxers and I could smell the aroma of eggs and bacon.

"Did last night really happen?"I said in a quiet, shy voice. I was afraid it was all a dream, but he nodded his head and stroked my hair.

"Do you regret that it happened?" Sasuke asked.

"No," I said honestly. "It was perfect. Thank you Sasuke."

"For what," he said.

"For being kind and gentle with me," I replied. I sat up and gave Sasuke a kiss on the lips. "I love you so much."

"I love you more," he said with a confident smirk.

"Oh, really?" I said, smiling back. "Then prove it."

And he did.

-----------------------THE END----------------------

A/N: Phew!! It's finally really over. Sorry for taking forever to finish and we apologize if the ending is crappy or whatever. And now, to tie off any loose ends, just in case you were wondering.

1. Kenji goes to jail, but he is so crazy and fucked up in the head that he gets put in solitary confinement. He spends the next twenty years going crazy and rotting in jail, talking to himself and physically injuring himself (jeez, what a sadomasochist). Anyways, once his time is up he is put in an asylum where he eventually dies from choking himself to death.

2. Sakura and her dad meet each other again, only this time he is sober and recognizes her. He tries to apologize to her, but she doesn't listen to his crappy excuses. Although she does mention that she is happy and getting married soon with her long-time boyfriend of six years...

3. Once Sasuke is eighteen he moves out of his house and decides to venture out on a new business, not wanting anything to do with his brother Itachi. The business successfully picks up. Sakura goes on to college to become a nurse and also helps out as a motivational speaker to pregnant/abused girls, telling them her life story and giving them courage to face better lives.

4. Sakura and Sasuke get married and have three children: 2 girls, 1 boy. And as cliche as it sounds, they live happily ever after. :-)