Author's Note: Wow, I never thought I'd reach the end of this fanfiction because I've had so many ups and downs through the past three years. I have to thank everyone so much for their support. You guys have no clue how much it means to me! This chapter isn't as long as quite a few of the others in this story, so I apologize for that. I do hope the ending I have will satisfy everyone though. Without further ado, the last chapter of Forgiveness! Hope you enjoy! (Please do read my last author's note at the end!)

Sasuke lay awake in bed, silently pondering over the events of the past few weeks. He wasn't quite sure exactly what time he woke up, but he knew he'd been staring at the ceiling and thinking for a few hours at the very least. The sun hadn't even begun to peek over the horizon when his eyes first fluttered open, but now the sun shined brightly into the cabin room. In response, he placed an arm over his eyes to shield them.

His right leg twitched and Sasuke lazily peered under his arm with one eye to see the appendage that just a week ago was broken and useless to him.

After the hideout's collapse, Kakashi had immediately sent a message back to Yamato and Tsunade, along with the other village leaders, informing them that the threat was neutralized. Word traveled very quickly among the neighboring villages and nations, as the first village the shinobi reached upon turning from the destroyed cave whooped and hollered with joy as the heroes entered. The ninjas decided to take refuge in the village to recover, after being offered multiple times of course.

It'd been a week Sasuke presumed, maybe a little longer, since they'd come to the cozy village to rest before returning to Konoha. They'd be leaving later today, the Uchiha recalled.

After the first few days the ninjas took temporary residence in the quaint little village, they all came together and discussed aspects of the mission that were left out even after Kenshi and Sakura's explanations. Sasuke remembered telling the other ninjas of Kurushimi and Kenshi's past and their reason for going after him. A small smirk played on his lips when he recalled Kakashi's exasperated comment about having to repeat all those details amongst others when filling out the official mission report.

Even with the threat posed by Kurushimi and Kenshi gone, Sasuke had yet to feel at peace. Many questions and thoughts battled to be at the forefront of his mind over the past week or so. As a result he isolated himself from the rest of his comrades to think over everything. The questions and thoughts ranged from his impact on Kenshi's final decision to Kurushimi's "mind control", as he dubbed it. There was one thing present in his mind that sat above all the rest of his ideas; the other jumbled thoughts couldn't even compare.

Sakura.

In the midst of pondering all the many things that stayed in his mind over the past week, Sakura Haruno remained at the very front. Sasuke stayed away from everyone after their discussion, including her. Sakura left him to wonder about the various things on his mind, as she knew how he was and what he needed to do.

Sasuke was certain of it, his feelings for Sakura. The Uchiha had always forcefully pushed them to the back of his mind, even when he unexpectedly met her in the caves upon going alone to sacrifice himself. After the occurrence he attempted to put them back under lock and key. The feelings always pried at their restraints afterwards. They'd finally been able to escape their confinements again when he caught sight of Kenshi's sword through her chest. Everything poured out at that point, when he believed her dead. In all honesty he'd been a little surprised with himself. In that moment though, Sasuke truly didn't care about his previous stoic image.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Ah," Sasuke hummed loudly, signaling for the person to come in. He eyed the door lazily as it creaked open.

Sakura poked her head through the wooden doorframe before fully entering. She watched as Sasuke immediately arose from his relaxed position on the bed and turned his attention to her. "How is your leg?" she asked, a small grin lifting on her lips.

"It's a lot better," he answered shortly.

Sakura's smile faltered. She could tell something was still on the Uchiha's mind. "That's good," the woman nearly whispered. "Well, I just came to tell you we're departing shortly." Her eyes lowered when he made no response. She'd wait until he was ready to talk about things, Sakura told herself. Disappointed, she slowly turned to exit.

"Sakura," Sasuke called. He waited until she halted and offered her attention before speaking again. "He was right you know," the dark-haired male said while hanging his feet over the edge of the bed. "Kurushimi," Sasuke continued. Standing, the last of his clan made his way towards the window and peered downward at his gathering comrades.

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked while taking a step forward.

"I did it willingly," he stated, watching the others prepare to leave through the window. "I gave in. I allowed myself to be overtaken by the darkness."

"But," she started quietly, "you said that he pushed you into the water." Sakura was referring to Sasuke's explanation to the group of what happened inside his head. "Then you were grabbed by lots of hands and were forced down."

"I didn't tell you everything," Sasuke declared. "When I was being dragged down, there was a moment where I was thinking of stopping, just letting go. I thought you were dead and I wasn't thinking straight. So I let it happen. I gave up and let the darkness, Kurushimi, have control. I wanted them to hurt. They killed you, I wanted to kill them..." Sasuke trailed off and thought about how much hatred he held in those few moments. It was enough to hand himself over to Kurushimi, even with the short amount of time he willed his hatred and rage to reign.

Sakura remained silent for a moment at Sasuke's words. "But you came back in the end. You fought against it and won. Sasuke, I know it's hard but you have to learn to forgive yourself. Taking all the blame doesn't help. Please stop blaming yourself," Sakura practically finished with a whisper.

"I don't blame myself," Sasuke proclaimed, whipping around to face her with a firm gaze. "I don't feel much guilt over it, because they hurt you. Do you know why I started to fight back?" he asked, taking a step towards the pink-haired woman. "I could hear your voice telling me not to quit." Sasuke paused and his gaze fell. "I could've hurt you and everyone else if I continued... You saved me again Sakura. Thank you."

A frown remained etched into her lips.

Sasuke perceived what the medic was thinking about. "I can't ever forget my past actions Sakura. But I can forgive myself enough to move forward," he explained. After dwelling on the past for so long, Sasuke decided it was time to look forward to the future.

Sakura's eyes perked up a fraction, her lips setting themselves into a straight line. "Then, what you said when you thought I was dead... Sasuke, what do you truly feel for me?" She stared into his onyx orbs expectantly. The Haruno needed an answer. The kisses, the proclamations of love, was it just the spur of the moment, or were there actual feelings behind them?

A low sigh left Sasuke's lips as he walked forward until he stood directly in front of Sakura. Gently clasping his hand in hers, Sasuke gave a small smile. The years of rude treatment he offered her came to mind. What a jerk, a fool, he had been. He couldn't believe himself, how blind he'd been to his own growing feelings towards this woman. "Every word I said was true. I love you Sakura..." He could see the tears threatening to spill from her emerald orbs as he continued. "I thought of you so much when I was away. Then I came back. I felt something more than a friend does every time I was around you. I've never felt this way for anyone else and I never will. You deserve so much better than me... I want to make you happy..."

"You idiot!" Sakura shouted before throwing her arms around Sasuke and drawing him into a tight hug. "I am happy. You just being here makes me so happy. It's only ever been you... I love you so much Sasuke and I always will..."

"I know," he whispered with a grin, rubbing her back soothingly. Sakura did deserve better, it was a fact. It was part of the reason he'd held himself back for so long. He denied the both of them happiness in doing so. Sasuke knew he was ready to move on from his past now, even if he wouldn't forget it.

"Marry me," he said suddenly.

Sakura immediately leaned back and stared at him for a moment before releasing a chuckle. "Of course I will."

Sasuke could feel his cheeks growing hotter. He hadn't meant to say it aloud and make everything awkward. Romance definitely wasn't his strength, but he thought of this as quite a new low for him in that area. "I'll propose for real when we're back in Konoha," he offered, ashamed of himself for being so lame. Now he'd have to worry about getting a ring as well...

Sakura put her hands on the sides of his face and chuckled again. "I don't care Sasuke. This is perfect enough for me," she said before bringing him down into a kiss. She could feel him grinning against her lips, which in turn made a grin grow on hers. He leaned back, pressing his forehead against hers, the two of them smiling and catching their breath. Before long he pulled her back into another gentle kiss, his hand coming to rest on her neck.

"Come on guys! We're all ready to g-!" Naruto shouted upon entering the room. He immediately stopped when he caught sight of the pair kissing. The Uzumaki laughed as they broke apart, flustered and fuming. "You two can do that later. Let's go!"

"Naruto!" Sasuke and Sakura yelled in unison.

"Ugh! So! Heavy!" Naruto panted with each step he took. Luckily for him, the swelling in his cheek, courtesy of Sakura, had nearly disappeared. He halted to adjust the falling straps of his backpack, trying to push them back up to his shoulders.

"What in the world did you pack in that thing? Just take it out already. You've been complaining the entire trip home. It can't be that important," Kiba chastised.

"Heh, why don't you shut it and worry about yourself!" Naruto bit back as he continued to struggle. "Besides, you'll find out soon enough!"

Hinata frowned and shook her head at her husband. They began to talk in a hushed manner as others followed in shaking their heads.

Sasuke rolled his eyes and glanced at Sakura, who smiled and also took to whipping her head back and forth. Sakura had been pulled aside by Ino and the rest of the women to talk and excitedly go ever wedding plans when the Haruno first announced it. She'd just come back to his side and Sasuke was glad to have her company again. Feeling someone's watchful eyes directed towards him, Sasuke tilted his head to see Kakashi gazing at him with a raised eyebrow. The Uchiha frowned, but instead of shying away he reached for Sakura's hand, clasping it in his. Sakura flashed a smile at him as she in turn clasped his hand in hers. Sasuke let a smirk lift on his lips, knowiing that Kakashi held a smile under his mask as he turned away.

"We are almost there! I can see the lights in Konoha!" Lee declared excitedly. "Come Tenten!" he hollered at his teammate. "Let us hurry back on our palms and make Gai-sensei proud!" the male finished as he flipped so that he stood on his hands.

Tenten groaned and slapped a hand to her forehead as Lee continued urging her to copy him.

As the ninja in the green jumpsuit announced his sighting, Konoha came into view. Everyone quickened their pace, ready to be back in the village. Before long the shinobi from Suna and Konoha stood on the edge of the Hokage monument. To their utmost shock, they were met with roaring cheers and thunderous applause from villagers and ninjas of all countries.

"Ha, looks like they set up a party for us!" Kiba announced excitedly when he noticed the colorful decorations scattered across the village. "About time I get some appreciation for all my hard work!" he added with a toothy grin.

"Naruto!" Hinata called worriedly.

The rest of the group turned as the woman rushed towards her husband who was crouching and setting something up. The Uzumaki's unzipped backpack sat close by him.

"Oh boy," Kakashi groaned as he caught sight of the object the blond was fooling with.

Naruto lit the match and brought it closer to the string that would set the massive firework off. "I didn't get to enjoy this at the festival because that weirdo Kurushimi showed up before I could light it! What better time to celebrate with it than now!" he exclaimed as the fuse was lit.

Hinata came to a halt, her mouth wide open with terror. It was too late, she failed to reach him in time.

Bang!

The firework shot up into the air with a whizzing sound, leaving behind a bewildered Naruto. The future Hokage sat up and shook his head, trying to remove some of the dirt from his face. He stumbled to his feet and watched the night sky in amazement as Hinata took hold of his arm and made sure he was okay.

Everyone stared as the firework separated into multiple fireworks that flew in different directions. With boom after boom, explosions of color lit up the starry night sky in different patterns and shapes.

Sakura turned her head to the side as Sasuke put an arm around her, drawing the kunoichi closer to him. The corners of her lips lifted upwards upon seeing the small smile he held and the glimmer in his eyes. She shifted her attention back to the sky and laid her head on the Uchiha's shoulder. Sakura had never been happier. She was here with the man of her dreams, watching the beautiful display of color up in the heavens. She was his, and he was hers. Nothing could top this moment for Sakura.

Sasuke had never felt better. He couldn't recall the last time he was at peace like this. If he had to go through the many years of pain and loneliness once more, he'd consider it to be worth it if even for just this moment. It was all worth it to be with Sakura. There was no where else Sasuke would rather be.

Author's Note (PLEASE READ): I know this was shorter than usual, I apologize again. I wanted this last chapter to be just about Sasuke and Sakura and closing things out with them. I hope that everyone enjoyed though. I'm very happy but also really sad to finish this, my first fanfiction. Three years ago, I started this before I was even in high school. Now I'm a junior about to be a senior in high school. It's been a long journey full of fun and learning as a writer for me. I've quite literally grown up with this story, but I've especially grown as a writer. This story is far from perfect, I know. I cringe reading some of the first few chapters fourteen year old me wrote, haha. I do want to thank everyone again for your support, whether you've been with me from day one or just started reading this recently.

To answer someone's question in a review, I do not plan on writing a sequel for this story; however, I do have another SasuSaku story in the works if anyone would like to keep an eye out for it. Forgiveness was a learning experience for me and I hope this possible upcoming story can be a big learning experience as well and I hope that I can make that story better than this one, but I will put my main focus onto Family Struggles since I've been neglecting it for a while.

Thank you everyone who followed, favorited, reviewed, sent constructive criticisms, and sent positive notes for this story! Please tell me your final thoughts and any constructive criticisms you have to help me, even if you just want to PM me! I will answer all PMs even if I don't get to them immediately. Thank you all for being with me on this wonderful journey!