Hello my lovely readers it has finally come, the end of this story. It's sad to know that this is goodbye and I want to tell you how much I appreciate your support with this being my first story I ever posted. I never imagined that I would get as much followers and favorites as I have had and I just want to thank you soo much. I worked so hard on this last chapter, I honestly didn't think I would finish and make my friday deadline since this week got really hectic for me in real life. I hope you enjoy this last chapter and thank you for sticking with me until the end.

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I sadly don't own Naruto or anything related to Naruto. If so Sasuke would have never ran off with the snake pedo and Itachi would still be alive.

'text' means thinking

I also wanted to mention the ages right now as to not cause any confusion, also if you want to see some of the pictures for some of the things I described in the story you can go to my profile and check out the pictures.

Sasuke: 18

Naruko:17

Chapter 10: The End

"…ruko"

"Naruko, wake up"

'Who's there?'

I looked around and saw nothing but darkness; it was as if my eyes were closed off to the world yet I had them open. I kept hearing a gentle voice that sounded painfully familiar but could not recognize it in the current daze that I felt. As I continued to hear the voice call out my name I noticed my surrounding become lighter. It wasn't long before light began to seep through the darkness igniting small patches with color. Soon the darkness that shrouded everything it came across was shattered by the voice of that person who was still calling out to me. Everything slowly came into focus revealing a brightly lit grassy meadow. The sky was a perfect blue without a cloud in sight. There was a breeze that gently caressed the grass and bright flowers causing them to lightly dance. I sat on a hill that overlooked the meadow under the shade of a vibrant green tree.

'It's so pretty here'

'I must have fainted'

The meadow stretched as far as the eye could see in every direction. There wasn't a single building to disturb the beauty of the nature that grew there. The peaceful silence that existed ceased when rustling could be heard. The noise continued until it abruptly stopped and a dull thud and a clang of metal could be heard. I turned my head to my left and almost screamed. I gripped my mouth tightly to hold in my horrified scream, there next to me was my worst nightmare. Sasuke's onyx orbs bore into my own crystal ones as his lips set stretched into a smile.

"You're finally awake Naruko" he said softly.

He sat slightly hunched over holding himself up with his hands in front of him. His clothes were torn in various places showing his pale skin marred with blood. Wounds big and small covered his body bleeding out without stopping. He was soon covered in blood from head to toe. His hair was matted down in some places and sticking to his face with blood in others.

"S-Sasuke, what happened to you?" I asked holding back a sob.

"You can't protect me forever" he spoke as his endless eyes stared at me.

"Oh God No, this is all my fault" I said as I broke down crying.

I hunched myself into a ball, burying my face in my lap. I wrapped my arms around my knees and cried my heart out. I muffled my noise with the material of my dress not wanting to cause more of a burden to Sasuke. I knew this was a dream but it felt too real to ignore completely. It was everything I never wanted to face in my entire life.

"I never asked for your protection you know" spoke Sasuke.

My sobbing turned into a few stray tears that would not stop. I looked up at Sasuke while whipping my face clear.

"You didn't have to, I would do anything to keep you away from harm Sasuke. You're the person I care about most in this world" I spoke looking at him.

His face went from a small smile to a frown. "You say that yet you ignored me and left alone in the dark," he said.

"I did it to protect you! All I ever do is cause you trouble; I thought you would be happier if I wasn't in the picture. I was trying to give us a new chance at a happy life." I said looking down.

" By trying to protect me you brought down even more danger for me and yourself" he spoke as he fisted the grass near him.

" I know and I'm sorry! But you don't know what it was like that first time you were injured. You could have died Sasuke and what for? All because a deranged bastard kidnapped me, I kept telling myself it was my fault you were injured. If you weren't involved with me you would have never gotten hurt trying to save me. " I said fighting back tears.

" I can handle my self fine," he said with a tight voice.

"I still can't place you in danger Sasuke, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did. You have to understand me and learn to leave me alone, you'll be better of without me." I said looking sadly at all of his wounds.

"Is that what you truly want" he spoke quietly.

"Yes, it's what I want." I lied looking away from him.

"Fine, have it your way" he said standing.

I looked up at him as he picked up his sword and strapped it on. He walked down the hill at a slow pace not looking back once. I sat where I was; I knew it was for the best and that this was all a dream meant to steel my resolve. I watched him as he got a bit further from where I sat memorizing his image for when I woke up in the hell that Nagato had me in. I held my breath as he stopped suddenly about halfway from where I was seated and the bottom of the hill. He turned around and faced me, his once onyx eyes now a violent crimson.

"By the way" he said looking straight at me.

"I remembered everything and I'm going after Nagato" He spoke as he raised his sword and quickly plunged it trough his chest causing rivers of scarlet to flow from his wound.

"SASUKE!" I screamed horrified as I sat frozen, my legs not wanting to take me to him.

I watched helpless as his body crumbled to the floor, sword still in place before slowly turning into dust before it reached the ground. The wind began to pick up and scatter the dust particles through out the meadow. The only thing left of Sasuke was his sword that lay in the spot where his body once was, staining it with his blood.

Naruko's eyes opened violently as she gasped for breath, she sat up quickly only to hunch over in pain. Mizuki who had been standing near the window rushed to her side to stop Naruko from moving any more. As soon as Mizuki reached her Naruko latched her hands on her wrists holding them in a vice like grip.

"Naruko are you alright" spoke Mizuki gently prying her hands from her wrists.

" Sasuke he, he and blood and Nagato and he stabbed him self and, and.." trailed off Naruko as her repressed shudders grew and she began to cry.

"Naruko it's alright, it was all a dream" said Mizuki while comforting Naruko.

" That's right, Sasuke's safe and I'm still with Nagato. He hasn't come for him yet." She whispered trying to relax.

Mizuki looked at Naruko with shock and paused for a moment before speaking.

"Naruko, you don't recognized where were at?" asked Mizuki.

Naruko looked around the nicely decorated room she was placed and noticed it was too clean and furnished to be one of Nagato's rooms. Her gaze then traveled to her arms and she noticed her wounds were properly bandaged and taken care of. She glanced up at Mizuki with a questioning glance before she spoke.

"We're in the Uchiha Palace Naruko, you're safe now"

A look of relief washed over Naruko's face before one of terror briefly replaced it. Naruko opened her mouth to respond to Mizuki but before she got a chance to speak the door opened. There in the door way stood the Namikaze family along with Kurama. Naruko stared at her family who she hadn't seen in months and broke down in tears.

"Naruko, sweetheart" gasped Kushina as she rushed to embrace her daughter.

"Mommy" she said as she embraced her mother.

" We were so worried about you Naru" spoke Minato embracing both his wife and daughter.

"I thought I would never see you again, I was so worried about what Nagato would do to you" she spoke while shuddering.

" It's ok baby, were here now and nothing's going to separate us anymore" spoke Kushina.

"Don't worry about Nagato anymore, he won't be able to hurt you anymore" Spoke Minato looking at his daughter.

"Did- did you kill him" spoke Naruko in a small voice.

"No Sasuke beat me to it" he spoke.

At the mention of Sasuke Naruko froze in her mother's arms. Kushina think her daughter was worried about Sasuke quickly continued after her husband's claim.

"Sasuke's fine honey and speaking of which, I have to go inform him you're up. Come on Minato let's go," she said standing and pulling her husband with her out the door.

"I'll be going too, I wanted to speak with queen Mikoto some more" spoke Mizuki and quickly exited the room.

Naruko was left alone in the room with Kurama who she hadn't noticed in her shocked state. She sat in her bed rigid until Kurama place his hand on her shoulder. Breaking away from her terror, Naruko looked up at Kurama before taking his hand in hers.

"Kurama, you're always here when I need you" she spoke while looking at their hands.

"But I wasn't there when you were being held captive" he spoke while looking at her bent head.

"It wasn't you're fault, it wasn't anyone's fault" she spoke while looking at him with a caring look.

"I still failed you and that's the truth but Sasuke who saved you deserves your avoidance to end" he said looking at Naruko with a pointed look.

" I want to be able to but I can't, I only put him in danger and this proves my point. He's better of without me and his memories of me" she spoke slipping her hand out of Kurama's and sitting with her knees up.

"You mean you don't know?" said Kurama with a bewildered look.

"Know what?" she said muffled from her place on her knees.

Kurama stayed silent as he heard steps outside of the room getting closer. He looked at Naruko giving her a gentle smile and walked towards the door.

"Kurama don't leave me!" she said urgently.

"I'm sorry Naruko-Sama but this has gone long enough. You need to end this for both your sakes" he said as the door to the room opened and revealed Sasuke.

"Hello Sasuke-Sama, I was just leaving" Spoke Kurama

"Hn, hello Kurama, my brother was looking for you he said something about skinning a fox for missing their training session." Spoke Sasuke walking into the room.

" I guess I better go find him" spoke Kurama with a sheepish look before stepping out of the room.

Sasuke stood a few feet from Naruko's bed and watched her as she looked at her hands. He stood there for a few seconds waiting for Naruko to say anything but all she did was stare at her hands.

"How are you feeling?" he said at last.

"Why did you go save me, I told you to stay away from me" she spoke with a flat voice.

Sasuke was taken aback with what Naruko said, he didn't expect her to still try to avoid him like she did before his memories came back to him.

"Hn, and do what leave you to die at Nagato's hands" He sneered.

"I didn't need your protection, all you did was place yourself in danger for a complete stranger" She spoke while glaring at Sasuke.

"You could have died Naruko! Does that mean anything to you at all, I was worried about you and rode out in the middle of the night while still recovering to get you back" He spoke with a growl.

"What did you say?" she said eyes widening.

"I remembered everything a few weeks ago while out with Kurama. It wasn't until the battle with Nagato's forces that I fully remembered you. I had to sneak out of the palace to go find you because everyone was more worried about my condition than finding you after I remembered you" he spoke.

" You fought Nagato while injured, it was precisely this danger I was trying to keep you away from Sasuke" she yelled. " Don't you see that all I ever do is bring you harm, you almost died once and I don't want to repeat that ever again."

"Don't you see that by running away from me all you do is put yourself along with the rest of us in more trouble. If you weren't so distant in the first place Nagato wouldn't have kidnapped you so easily, we could have been around you to protect you. How do you think your parents felt when you went missing how do you think I felt, you were gone for so long and when I finally remember you it's only to realize your gone once more" yelled Sasuke with a look of anger turning his onyx eyes slightly red.

Both Sasuke and Naruko were silent taking in what each other said. Naruko looked from Sasuke's angry eyes down to her hands once more and hid her face behind her golden hair. This however did not hide the tears that were making themselves down her face and onto the bed sheets. She couldn't stand to look at Sasuke being so angry because of her. Soon her shoulders began to shake slightly but no sound escaped her lips. Sasuke took a deep breath before walking over to Naruko's bead and sat on the edge of the bed. He gathered Naruko in his arms and rest his head on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry about yelling," he whispered.

"You had every right," she said while rubbing her tears away.

"I didn't mean to, it just angers me that you can't see how much I love you and how it kills me inside every time you push me away" he spoke.

"It's not like I want to stay away from you," she said quietly.

"Then don't, no matter what danger comes your way I will gladly face it if it means I can continue to see you enjoy yourself each day" he whispered.

" I've acted so stupid," said Naruko

"I have an idea how you can make it up to me" spoke Sasuke.

"What's that?" said Naruko looking up at Sasuke.

" You'll see," said Sasuke with a smirk.

"I didn't miss this side of you," grumbled Naruko while pouting.

Sasuke just chuckled at her behavior before resting his head back on her shoulder.

"I'm glad to see you all got my message" spoke Sasuke entering his father's study. There sitting in a few chairs were his parents and Minato and Kushina sitting quietly.

"Why is it that's you've called for us son?" asked Fugaku looking up at Sasuke.

" I wanted to tell you something that requires everyone here to know" Spoke Sasuke.

"What is it Sasuke?" asked Kushina

"I've known for a while about your arrangement" spoke Sasuke with a frown.

"Who told you this Sasuke?" asked Mikoto.

" No one, I found out by myself." He said

"Sasuke that was a long time ago and no one expects you two to complete it," said Minato.

"Hn, although I don't like the fact that you did this behind our backs, I wanted to tell you I plan to fulfill it" he said

Gasps went around the room before Mikoto stood up and hugged her son. Everyone else sat with pleasantly shocked looks on each of their faces.

"When?" asked Mikoto pulling from her son.

"Tonight, I'm going to need your help with some preparations," said Sasuke.

"We'll take care of everything Sasuke" spoke a smiling Kushina

"Thank you" Spoke Sasuke

"Well let's get a move on" said Mikoto as she took her husband by the arm and pulled him out the room.

"Right" said Kushina pulling Minato with her as she followed Mikoto out of the room.

Once the rest of the room's occupants left the room Sasuke walked out and headed out towards the stables. He readied his horse before setting to the nearest town; he strode into the village and headed towards the center of the village. He dismounted his horse and tied it to a near by post before walking into the shop. The shop was a moderate size that housed many precious gems and stones behind cases. He gave slight nods as the people bowed for him as he passed them. He continued walked to the back until he came to a counter with a man looking through boxes. His ash blonde hair fell in his face obscuring anyone in front of him from view. Sasuke cleared his throat slightly to get the man's attention.

"Prince Sasuke, it's great to see you," he said looking up.

"I've come for what I've ordered" Said Sasuke.

"Of course, one moment please" he spoke before standing and heading towards a door located behind him.

As soon as he disappeared he came back holding a blue velvet box with gold trimming.

"Here you go Prince Sasuke, it's just as you ordered" said the man holding out the box.

Sasuke took the box from the man's hands and opened it, he gazed at its contents before a closing it quickly.

"Thank you" said Sasuke looking back up at the blonde while handing him a sack of money.

"It was my pleasure" smiled the blonde haired man taking the money.

Sasuke slipped the box into the pocket of his pants before striding out of the store. He walked up to his horse and untied him before getting back on it and riding once more. He rode as quickly as possible eager to get back to the palace and arrived a few hours before sunset. He quickly dismounted letting the palace staff take his horse back to the stables as he walked inside the palace. Once inside he walked towards his room but was stopped by his mother.

"Everything is in place for dinner Sasuke" she said

"Thank you mother" he said quickly as he left to his room.

Sasuke quickly disappeared into his room to get ready for dinner narrowly missing Naruko being ushered to Kushina's room. Kushina sat her daughter in front of her vanity table and began to search for various things. Mizuki when to the wardrobe and picked out a dark forest green gown made of silk. The bodice of the dress was the same green shade covered with a golden pattern. Hanging with the dress were two long arm pieces that had the same golden pattern on the portion that was held by the arm. The sleeves extended out and fanned out in the end creating a tail effect.

"Mommy what's the occasion?" asked Naruko as Kushina fixed her hair into curls.

"Can't we just celebrate our baby being back with us and being a family once more" Spoke Kushina as she gathered hair from the sides of Naruko's head and twisted them together creating a ring running around her head before clipping it in place.

"Oh, ok," said Naruko as she stood up from her mother's vanity.

"Come on Naruko" said Mizuki leading Naruko into the restroom.

Mizuki helped Naruko change into her dress before sliding the arm pieces over her arms. She inspected Naruko before taking some of her golden locks and placing them in front of her chest. Giving a smile she ushered Naruko out into the room.

"Oh you look absolutely gorgeous," gushed Kushina.

"Thank you" said Naruko

"Well let's get going shall we," said Kushina ushering her daughter out of the room.

The three women walked towards the dinning room where they found the Uchiha's and Minato and Kurama sitting at the table. The dinning room has been decorated with multiple flowers varying in shades of red, orange and yellow. Kushina and Mizuki left Naruko's side just as Sasuke approached Naruko from behind. He tapped her shoulder and she turned and smiled at him.

"You look lovely," he said

Naruko looked at Sasuke and took in his appearance from his neat black pants, tie and coat and cobalt shirt.

"You look handsome yourself, " said Naruko

"Well now that we're all here I have something for you" said Sasuke

"What is it?" asked Naruko looking at Sasuke Confused.

"Naruko" Sasuke began pulling the blue box from his pocket.

"No matter what happens nothing will be able to separate me from your side because I will always love you" he said getting down on one knee.

Naruko took in a sharp breath as she stood looking down at Sasuke.

"So why not make it official? Will you marry me Naruko?" asked Sasuke opening the blue box in his hand.

Naruko gasped as she gazed into at the box's contents, there inside was a beautiful diamond ring. The ring was a normal silver band that held a diamond within the petals of a blooming flower. The ring was accented with small diamonds along the band and the petals of the flower. Naruko covered her face with her hands as she looked at the ring.

"S-Sasuke, I, are you sure?" she said with a shaky voice.

"Naruko, I love you more than anything in this world and nothing will ever change that," Said Sasuke looking up at Naruko with an honest expression hinted with worry.

"I…Yes, Yes" Said Naruko as tears of joy ran down her face.

Sasuke smiled as he slipped the ring on Naruko's delicate finger. He took her hand and kissed it lightly before standing and embracing her tightly.

The quiet occupants of the room burst into cheers of joy as the flocked to the happy couple. Hugs and congratulations were given to the couple as the chef and maids poured into the dinning room to serve the food prepared for the occasion. Excited chatter could be heard echoing throughout the castle walls all evening.

Sasuke: 19

Naruko:18

~ One year later~

The Uchiha palace was decorated like a palace straight out of a fairytale. White flower arrangements decorated the palace grounds and halls. Great green arches with white roses stood making a path leading into the gardens that were in full bloom. There were white orchards on both sides of the arches separating them from the rows of chairs. The chairs were covered in white fabric with a golden bow tied around the back in a bow. Leading into the gardens under the arches was a white rug that extended into the center of the gardens where an arch with both white roses and orchards stood. Towards the left of the middle arch were a couple of chairs that were occupied by a string courted and a harp player that stood ready to play at any minute.

Royals upon royals began to arrive at the Uchiha palace in their carriages. Each making their way into the gardens to take a seat in one of the many chairs found there. Many of the guests were buzzing with excitement as they looked around at the beautifully decorated gardens. Many of who were excited to be invited back to the Uchiha palace that since the disappearance of Naruko had not held a single event involving other royals. Sasuke Made his way down the arches to stand in the middle of the garden where the priest was standing waiting for the ceremony to get started. He stood under the arch looking around to find his family in the front row along with Kushina giving him encouraging looks. He waited patiently until the last of the guests arrived and took their place. It wasn't long before the Quartet began to softly play their music announcing the entrance of the bride.

The flower girl began to walk down the Isle sprinkling orange rose petals down the isle. The petals looked like little suns against the white canvas of the rug. Behind her came the ring barer holding a white pillow with a golden trimming and resting on top of the pillow were a pair of golden rings. Sasuke Looked at the entrance of the arches and his breath was stolen at what he saw. Naruko entered from the arm of her father looking radiant as ever, Her golden tresses were done in an elegant bun with a few pieces framing her face. Her strapless gown framed her upper body perfectly and spilled outward from her waste. There was an embroidery pattern running from her waist to the hem and the bodice of the dress. Soon Naruko stood in front of him with Minato handing her arm over to him.

"Take care of her Sasuke," He said smiling

"I will," he said taking Naruko's hands into his.

Naruko smiled at him brightly as they turned to face the priest.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony" spoke the priest.

"Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace."

Silence rang throughout the gardens as they waited for the priest to continue his speech.

"Sasuke, wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I do," he said smiling softly as he slipped the gold ring on Naruko's finger.

"Naruko Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I do" spoke Naruko as she slipped her gold ring on Sasuke's finger.

"With this Ring I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. You may kiss the bride" spoke the priest closing his bible.

Sasuke took Naruko into his arms gently as he pressed his lips to hers gently while closing his eyes. Naruko's eyes fluttered closed as she held Sasuke in her arms. They shared a sweet kiss filled with the love they had for each other before parting at the eruption of cheers. The happy couple turned around and smiled at the crowd of guests as the lead the way into the indoor reception in the ballroom.

The ballroom was similarly decorated as the gardens but they held the addition of bursts of orange roses in the centerpieces of the tables. On one side of the room were all the tables fort he guests along with the food catered by the palace chef. On the other side of the room was the dance floor with the same string quartet and harp player from before, facing the dance floor. Sasuke lead Naruko into the dance floor for their first dance as the quartet began to play a soft classical piece.

"How does it feel to be Mrs. Uchiha?" asked Sasuke with a smirk on his face as they twirled on the dance floor.

"I don't know it hasn't really sunk in yet," said Naruko with a smile

"Hn, is that so" he said, a twist a turn.

"I'm too happy to think about anything else, all I ever wanted has finally come true," she said looking into Sasuke's eyes.

"As long as you're happy, I'm happy" said Sasuke leaning in for another kiss.

"I am," she said smiling while leaning to meet Sasuke halfway.

Sasuke:27

Naruko:26

~ Nine years later~

Laughter could be heard echoing all around the gardens as multiple footsteps could be heard running around. Naruko was sitting down on the ground with her eyes covered leaning against a tree. She sat under the shade of the tree with skirt of her pale blue dress tucked underneath her.

"Eight, nine, ten, here I come," She said as she uncovered her face and stood up.

She began to look around the gardens behind trees and around bushes but could not find what she was looking for. In her haste to find what she was looking for she failed to see Sasuke arriving from the entrance of the gardens. He stood at the entrance as he watched Naruko searching the area. He smiled slightly at her before hearing a noise coming from behind a bush near him. He walked over and lowered himself to the ground behind the source of the noise.

"What are you doing?" he asked

The two occupants hiding behind the bush turned around with big smiles on their faces as they caught sight of Sasuke.

"Daddy!" whispered the children

"We're playing hide and seek with mommy," said the little boy with blonde hair and black eyes.

"It's mommy's turn to seek, want to play with us daddy?" asked the little girl with black hair and blue eyes.

"Hn, sure" said Sasuke looking at his children, "But…. You should know I'm on Mommy's side," he whispered.

Sasuke suddenly scooped up both children in his arms and walked from around the bush holding down the squirming kids.

"Look who I found" announce Sasuke once he was close enough to Naruko

Naruko turned from looking behind another bush to see Sasuke holding their two children.

" Yuuzuki, Yoshiko I found you, I win" said Naruko smiling at her struggling children.

"That's not fair, daddy helped you" pouted Yuuzuki puffing up his chubby pale cheeks.

"That's cheating mommy," said Yoshiko with a slight puff to her tan cheeks.

"It's not cheating, your father and I will always be on the same team" said Naruko smiling at their children.

"That's right," said Sasuke putting the kids down and walking over to hug Naruko, "Mommy and daddy will always be the best team" he said

"Nuh- uh I bet you can't catch us" said Yuuzuki as he stuck his tongue out before taking his sisters hand and running off. Yoshiko smiling as she ran with her younger brother to hide from her parents.

"Hn, you have some exhausting children," said Sasuke with a smile as he nuzzled Naruko's neck.

"My children? Their yours too you know," said Naruko with a smile as she stepped away from Sasuke.

"Hn, of course they are, who else would they have gotten their intelligence and good looks from" smirked Sasuke.

Naruko laughed turned around to face sasuke and held her hand out for him to take.

"More like stubbornness" she said as Sasuke clasped his hand with hers. Sasuke chuckled as he and Naruko walked out of the gardens and into the palace to look for their rambunctious five year olds.

Thank you so much for reading my story and I do hope you enjoyed it. I hope you send one last review with your comments I felt like I disappointed so many people with my previous chapter since I got no feedback from it. I'm just a pessimist that way, anyway I hope to see you again soon with my next story when ever that may be.

Review please :)