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Step 17: THE 'TERM OF ENDEARMENT' Pt5 of 5

We're back to square one: the guys are on their own, Sasuke has a new girlfriend to parade around school, and Sakura and Ino are back by themselves. It's a mess! Even worse, Sakura's Debutante Engagement Ball is a few days away. Will Sasuke and Sakura be able to cope with the outcome they've chosen for themselves? Will Sasuke really be able to repay his debt when Kabuto is obviously not to be trusted? With so much to be suspicious of, the rest of the group decides to take matters into their own hands to right the wrongs in their whole friendship. Alongside kidnappings, hot rescues, waltzing, and monsterous gang fights, how long can hidden feelings and self-lies stay before the desire to just be happy shines through? Who's willing to give their life? Their love or future? It's Ino's last step. Does that mean the end of it all or the final key to a happy ending?

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"If I wasn't so afraid I would've told you..."

"I would've told you… I like you," I finally admit to myself, watching Sasuke and everyone outside the window.

I turn back towards my ball gown. It still sits perfectly on my hangar, ivory and all. This must officially be THE BEST procrastination story in terms of putting on this dress.

Big breath in. Big breath out. "It's time."

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Kakashi gets off the horse carriage and is met by his wife, Kana, shortly after Sasuke makes it to the others in front of the mansion. The crowds are still clapping at the court's arrival. "That ran surprisingly smooth," Kana says suspiciously as the clapping dies down. While the birthday girl hasn't made her appearance, the arrival of her handsome entourage and boyfriend made the crowd ecstatic. Kana couldn't deny that. "Where'd you go?"

"Just wanted to pick the kids up," Kakashi shrugs, his face also surveying the yard.

Kana still looks skeptical. Kakashi and everyone definitely cut it way too close. Especially with me (even if Mom didn't know I wasn't there).

Still, with all the main entrances over, everyone reconvenes inside the mansion for the rest of the ball.

Sasuke, Naruto and the gang all stay together, like a giant field trip group. It's almost like prom in a way, but SUPER better. The way things look, you can practically forget they were just in the hugest struggle of their lives less than an hour ago. Laughter and words are exchanged among them as they loiter the usually hallow ballroom – now a huge marble cave of blue bloods and string instruments. And food.

Definitely way beyond prom.

Kakashi is busy making his way through the unusually crowded ballroom to find the infamous kids. "There you guys are," Kakashi says, a little tired behind his mask. "Sasuke." Kakashi reaches into his suit pocket and pulls out a velvet ring box, sparking a lot of attention from the others who gather around an irritated Sasuke. "Okay this," Kakashi tiredly holds the tiny box, "-is the engagement ring. Don't lose it."

"Right."

"Here's the plan," Kakashi continues to Sasuke, though the others in their circle seem to be listening in. "They'll make an announcement first and introduce Sakura formally. Stay together because some time afterwards they'll call for another announcement, and that's the Proposal."

"Oh my gosh Sasuke's gonna propose?" Ino grins in their little huddle.

"It's just for show," Kakashi says. "You two will walk to the top of the stairs in front of her bedroom corridors where everyone can see you. That's where you'll kneel down, say these lines I wrote for you inside the ring box – Sakura has the same piece of paper upstairs - and that's it."

Sasuke nods. "Simple enough."

"It'll be like a sentence or two long. Like I said. It's just for show, and you guys can break up later or whatever. I'll take care of it later."

Somehow hearing that assurance makes Sasuke feel uneasy. Like he doesn't know whether he wants to be cornered by this engagement or to just… let it flow. "Thanks Kakashi," Sasuke nods as he's finally handed the ring box. He tries to open it discretely to get the little speech note inside, but the others are already gasping at the ring – much to Sasuke's annoyance.

"DAMN THAT'S A RING?!" Kiba exclaims, a little too loudly. It's such a huge ring. "…. DAMN!"

"Holy crap that's huge," Shikamaru notes.

"That's a 30 carat ring," Kakashi says with a few bags under his eyes. He leans his head in, particularly towards the teen holding it. "Don't lose it."

Sasuke's unusually nervous. "R-Right."

"H-How much is 30 carats?" Naruto mutters to Kiba, who can only shrug.

Even without a laptop present, Neji reveals a small replacement touch-phone (courtesy of Tenten) and holds it up in front of him and Naruto and Kiba with a number estimate typed in. The two boys blink first before reacting. Kiba just gasps without sound, his mouth open wide until he stumbles back – only to be caught by Naruto and Shikamaru.

"Yeah, don't lose it," Neji says bluntly to Sasuke.

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Meanwhile upstairs, I'm finally dressed in my gown, looking into my full body mirror for what appears to be the zillionth time since I snuck back through the window. And it isn't because I know I look alright (because I do).

"You'll do fine," Sai assures, coming up behind and squeezing my shoulders. Sai had come in a while ago to help with finishing touches - making sure I had earrings, tiny blemishes and cuts covered up on my skin, not a hair out of place and not a spec of dirt – all instructions from Kakashi.

"Sai?" I say, turning around with a weak expression. "I can't tell you how appreciative I am that you're here. Kakashi told me how you covered for things while we were out."

"Hey I offered remember? In case you forgot I watched you get kidnapped out of here," he laughs. I shake my head, resisting the laugh. He holds a finger under my chin to lift my unconfident face. "But for what it's worth, you look good for not taking a second shower."

Finally back to our old selves, I swat his hand away and walk towards the doors. I listen in to the sound of the live orchestra downstairs. Sai comes up behind me. "How long until I can finally show my face you think?" I ask.

"Not too long. Your mother told me to make sure you were presentable so it shouldn't be too far along." He notices my uneasiness near the door. "So I hear you and Sasuke will be faking it one more time tonight." I arch my eyebrows at him. How'd he know? "Your dad," Sai answers knowingly.

Of course. "Yup," I admit, feeling a little twisted inside at the word 'faking'. I used to hang on that word all the time in the beginning, to remind us, everyone who knew, that it was just temporary. Now… I wish it could last longer.

"Did you manage to tell him how you felt?" Sai asks, sincerely wanting to know.

"Sort of," I say, glancing at where I think my feet would be under the gown. To be frank I wonder if Sasuke even remembers I kissed him, while he was trying to kill me. (how weird does that sound?) "By the end of tonight though we'll be just friends."

"You're kidding me."

"Nope," I sigh, not hesitating to hide my disappointment. "It's our final arrangement."

"He doesn't return your feelings?"

It's not that… right? Before I realize it I scream up in agony. "AAAAGHH!" And I sink down the door to the floor – where it's much more comfortable - and the gown cushions around me. Sai takes a seat beside me as I cover my face in my hands. "I like Sasuke so much... I hate how after this entire afternoon I'm still stuck in square one."

"You're telling me."

I laugh, dropping my hands. "He hasn't said anything… I don't blame him, after everything I put him through," I finally accept. I take a deep breath. "You know what, Sai? I did everything I could. I saved Sasuke, made amends with my friends… That should be enough right?" Then why don't I feel complete?

Sai shrugs, not knowing the answer. "Sometimes 'enough' never leaves you content."

And sometimes content is as far as you'll ever get. "Yeah," I sigh. What a backwards Cinderella ending. I feel so low – even lower than I'm sitting. But, I can't complain about anything.

"I'm sorry there's nothing I can do for you."

"You've done a lot," I assure Sai, holding his face quickly with my hand. I can't believe he's listened to me all this time.

"Then do me this one favor," Sai says, taking my hand from his cheek and kissing the top of it. I feel nothing for Sai, but the gesture sends goosebumps. He glances up at me with pleading eyes. "Enjoy yourself this fine night with Sasuke. Because for the hour of the night, you are the belle of the ball. You are dating this princely man that you rescued. Even if it won't last past midnight, this is your happy ending. Revel in it." His eyes knowingly glaze over. "Be in love."

Be... in love...

That's probably the best advice I can get all night. With a squeeze of my hand, Sai smiles and stands up, pulling me along before checking his watch. "Almost time?" I ask nervously. His nod sends butterflies everywhere around my stomach. "Any more advice?"

"When you walk out there, keep your head high," Sai asserts, like one of Mom's courtly instructors who taught me etiquette as a young girl. "Now I know you don't think this way, but you have to believe you're above the people. Above the blue bloods – because you are. You're the center of attention. It is your birthday and engagement party – and your prom if you look at it that way." Wow. "Your radiance is higher than anyone else's. Your complexion brighter than any other girl. Your eyes deeper and more open to anyone who dares to look into them. If you see their gaze, then surely they see your essence."

Sai turns me around towards my closed doors, and I take another deep breather.

"Sasuke is in love with you," he whispers behind my ear. Part of me wonders if he's saying that out of my requested coaching or if it's a truth – but that's just myself giving false hope. "Let yourself fall high."

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"Attention!" Kana calls, hitting her small wine glass with a spoon like a bell. She stands on the first few bottom steps of the grand staircase, and soon all eyes are on her. She wears a wide smile. "Hello everyone, and thank you for coming to celebrate my daughter Sakura's 18th birthday!"

Cheers follow as the music dies down, with sophisticated claps and raises of glasses taking its place.

Kana nods. "And now, without further adieu, may I present, my daughter, Sakura."

With her gloved hand raised, two attendants for the party make a double-door entrance for me from my bedroom. My two doors open from the outside, and orchestrated music starts from the live band somewhere in the ballroom again. I'm standing at the top, leaving the confines of my room, dressed in the ball gown Mom prepared for me.

And just like Sai coached, I hold my head straight and high.

I knew I'd be getting stares, so I tell myself I must keep staring forward at the window above the front door, all the way across the room. But I can't help but feel the eyes of my friends – of course they're all clustered together. I've seen them surprised before out the window, but seeing them now, in the ballroom dressed like royalty, adds to the realness of the moment. And the music only enhances the fairytale.

"Wow…" Naruto stares alongside Sasuke, who's still taking it in.

Sasuke has no words, but his eyes and eyebrows are just slowly raising as he stares in awe. The entrance itself is heavenly. We've been through some weird episodes that require me to wear odd things – dresses, cute costumes or outfits, makeovers, all of it. But this time, there was something different about the beauty he saw. Like a finale for a princess.

I stand, as nervous as I could ever be at any formal ceremony, whether that be graduation or a birthday party appearance. My gown is ivory, almost white like a wedding gown. It's satin, with beads and lace and tulle underneath for volume. The sparkles embedded around the bodice shine more so under the ballroom light. It feels light, yet, safe. (and sweaty hot). My arms are bare of any gloves or jewelry, and with light natural make up and fixed hair (thank god Sai) I feel beautiful. Plus just seeing Sasuke's reaction makes me feel even more so, that I fluster a little.

As rehearsed, I walk down the stairs by myself, looking forward with occasional glances down to make sure I don't fall. I CAN NOT see my feet for my life, and if I trip now the guys will never let me live it down. Nor will my mother.

Closing in on the last few steps, I see Naruto nudge Sasuke's arm as a reminder to walk up – the guy too busy staring. I laugh a little inside.

Sasuke makes his way past the crowd to meet me. Almost to assure me I don't have to be alone. Once I'm down, I release the bottom part of my gown and I'm met with Sasuke's white gloved hand and princely smile. This is my first time seeing him in his costume, and I'm actually pretty surprised at how handsome he looks in it. I almost blush and look away.

"If we're gonna play this we better play it right," Sasuke whispers to me, ever so courtly.

I can't help but smile back at him, gently accepting his hand. "Yeah."

The uplifting waltzing music carries us through a parting in the crowd as we close in on the center of the ballroom, assuming a familiar dancing stance as we waltz in a box. It's just us and no one else, and somehow I feel the pressure of being watched. It's like I've never danced with Sasuke before.

"Come on," Sasuke says close to my face. "If you look that nervous you'll make me look like an asshole."

"S-Sorry."

Sasuke arches his eyebrow. "Come on that was easy. No witty remark?" Unable to even make a comeback at that, Sasuke just sighs and with his hand behind my waist pulls me closer, receiving cheers from the girls watching from the onlookers. "We're going to be fake-engaged, remember? At least look like you're into me."

Why am I such a nervous wreck? "We've never had this many people at the mansion before, and all watching," I admit lowly – not that anyone can hear our small conversation. Still, Sasuke had a point. Haven't I learned anything from all these months of fake dating and acting in love?

Sasuke's hand comes under my chin and he pulls my gaze into his onyx eyes effortlessly. I hate how his expression is as stoic as it always is. "Pretend they aren't there. It's just you and me," he says with a bit of a half smile.

Blushing is inevitable. "Since when did you become so princely?"

"Since I played the real life Beauty-and-the-Beast," he jokes, referring to the whole warehouse incident. That joke makes me laugh a little, too, and Sasuke smiles at his small success.

I never knew I missed Sasuke this much before – the dating part. It feels like forever since we've actually pretended. And it reminds me how much I will miss it after tonight.

Soon, other couples start to join in on the ballroom dancing, but all my attention remains with Sasuke. Mostly because when I look away, Sasuke automatically takes my chin to face him, usually saying some sultry remark that I'd normally smack him for. He does this about three times before I just laugh over and over.

While watching the first dance, our friends are on the sidelines, watching with content expressions. Even Itachi and Mikoto Uchiha on the sidelines are watching happily. Ino and Hinata are holding hands in pure bliss at the cute scene. "This is so adorable!" Ino squeals.

"Adorably great blackmail," Naruto grins, holding Neji's phone and taking pictures of 'Prince Sasuke' actually waltzing. "Haha."

"Hey Hinata let's dance," Kiba offers, holding his hand out to his own princess, too. Hinata gladly accepts and the two go to join the waltz. I can see the two from the corner of my eye.

"Aw," Tenten watches.

Neji can see Tenten watching a little enviously, and the Hyuuga walks up behind her. "Do you want to dance, too?"

"S-Seriously?" Tenten asks, a little surprised Neji would initiate something like that.

Without warning Neji entwines his hand in hers, lacing their fingers together in a surprisingly cheesy move from the usually unemotional Hyuuga. Neji smiles a little bit. "Come on."

Naruto, Shikamaru, and Ino watch in disbelief as Tenten is swiftly whisked away to the dancefloor hand in hand with Neji. "Neji making the first move…" Ino blinks. "I never thought I'd see the day."

"Yeah," Shikamaru and Naruto watch as the new couple disappears into the crowd of waltzers.

With just the three of them, Naruto looks around and realizes it is just the three of them. (clue). Shikamaru realizes so too and sees Naruto's face. Shikamaru tries. "Don't-"

"I'm gonna go find the food table," Naruto interrupts plainly, obviously leaving him alone with Ino. The two try to stop Naruto but he's already gone. And now, it's just them.

The waltzing music remains in the background as Ino stands uncomfortably beside Shikamaru. She hugs her arms, her gown suddenly too tight. It's almost like peer pressure that they're supposed to dance, too. Ino rubs her glove covered arms, feeling suddenly really warm.

"Take a walk with me," she hears from Shikamaru.

Ino's head pops up, and she looks to her pony-tailed friend. "Huh?"

"We look like a couple of losers just standing here," Shikamaru says, rubbing his neck. He begins to make his way out of the crowd. "Let's go explore the mansion. Maybe we can find something else interesting around." Ino hesitates following until Shikamaru realizes she hasn't moved yet. He looks back with that same lazy expression. "You coming or what?"

Ino looks thoughtful, but eventually she gives in and follows after Shikamaru. He waits for her with a small smile before they ditch the main ballroom.

While waltzing hand in hand with Sasuke, I can see Shikamaru making off with Ino out of the ballroom. Aw. "I wonder where those two are going," I smile as I give my arms and break and lay them around Sasuke's neck.

"Hn," he scoffs. But he's pretty happy for his friend, too – and just as glad he can relax his arms as well. His hands rest on my waist, and I feel a small blush. "Say, while we're sort of alone," alone being a sarcastic keyword. We're in a sea of waltzing couples.

"Yeah…?"

"And we have this chance to talk," Sasuke continues slowly, a little tongue tied himself. "About when we last said goodbye that one night…"

That's the night we 'broke up', the day of the skate competition when I was still figuring out my feelings. How can I forget? "Guess we couldn't avoid that topic forever" I say for the sake of something. Our feet keep dancing, but instantly I feel all alone with him again, and all the noise around us fades. "I'm sorry I did that."

"It was a mutual thing," Sasuke admits lowly. "I didn't run after you." Would you have?

I look up slightly, feeling that guilt all over again, just like when he transformed under Orochimaru's serum. He was angry about that after all. Why else would his emotions have overtaken him like that? "When you kissed me in your room?" I bring up bravely. "It was confusing… Whatever 'thing' was happening between us, I couldn't tell if it was because I was pretending to feel that way or because I was really…."

My voice trails off, and Sasuke waits for me. "Really…"

I bite my lip. It's happening again, me unable to say my feelings. "Either way," I say, never finishing the previous sentence, "this is probably for the best. I won't ignore you guys again I promise," I laugh bitter sweetly. "Just, after tonight, no more pretending?"

Sasuke looks understanding, but I can tell he really wanted to hear what I was going to say before. "Is that really what you want?"

"I want to stop pretending to be what I'm not," I tell him. "You and I aren't really going out. I'm not really a skater chick and we're…" not really in love…? I sigh, omitting that. "You and I will be single again after tonight. Friends," I assure, more myself. "At least maybe that way it'll clear things up. For me." I reassure that part because I have no say in how Sasuke feels. After all this, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't like me anymore. "So let's promise, right now," I say positively. "No more faking, no more pretending."

Sasuke keeps his face, but nods in promise. "No more pretending."

Alright Sai, are you happy? I said how I feel.

Well, kind of. I said how I want us to feel.

That mutual deal adds to how everything will literally be over tonight. I mean, we'll all still be friends, and we can all hang out without the pressures of undercover skating when we're at Sasuke's or acting like first class snobs when we're at mine. We'll be okay.

As I take in my sad revelation, I don't realize Sasuke just staring at me. Deeply. He has the most beautiful eyes, and they're just gazing into me. I finally look back up at him. "What are you thinking of?" I try to play off.

He doesn't say anything at first, just keeping me entranced, slowly and somehow closer than I think we are. "I'll miss pretending, too," he confesses frontly, and I honestly don't know what to say. And he said 'too'. Can he read me that well?

"Really."

Sasuke nods solemly, wearing that seemingly emotionless look he always has on. When I think he'll say something else, I feel his hand come up beside my cheek and tilting my head slowly, with no fighting from my end, he gives me the most gentle kiss.

It doesn't feel intruding. I feel like a fairy tale. And this feels… bitersweetly sad.

The sound of our lips paring echoes as he backs away slowly, looking at me with those pooling eyes again. He... Did Sasuke just kiss me? "W-What was that for?" I manage out.

"I had a feeling we would't really need to do that anymore after this," Sasuke says to me in a voice only I can hear amidst our stilled dance hold. "Personally I like making out with girls, but…" but…? "Kissing you I'll remember."

It's impossible to prevent the blood rising to my cheeks.

Sasuke smirks, having succeeded in embarrassing me. He scoffs, "You know you'll miss making out with me."

I hate how he can manipulate his composure to however he pleases. I keep my gaze stubbornly to the side. If I'm as red as a tomato, I'm not giving him the satisfaction. "… I will," I admit hesitantly.

This reluctant confession catches Sasuke by surprise too.

After a moment, I feel his grip on my waist and my hand grasp a little harder as we resume our dance with awkward yet pleased smiles.

Naruto watches alone from the sidelines as his crush and best friend dance together, exchanging words known only to us. It's a little bittersweet. In the end Sasuke got the girl, and Naruto is sincerely happy for them. Yet, he stands alone at the party while the rest of his friends are paired off. Talk about forever alone. "You go, Uchiha," Naruto sighs, leaning against a marble pillar.

While surveying the ballroom from his watch-site, Naruto spies a red headed woman wandering in the crowd. She wears a beautiful but modest gown, but she looks oddly familiar. Naruto has to squint his eyes until he recognizes those familiar blue eyes he inherited from her as well.

Kushina Uzumaki feels herself being watched and looks around until she spies a blond by a marble pillar – a teen she last remembers wearing the identity-hiding hoodie.

Naruto looks just as surprised by her presence, but back to reality she smiles at him, covering her mouth with her hand in shock as tears start to form. Naruto's own eyes well up a little as he forces his feet to move forward and go meet with his long awaited mother.

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Elsewhere in the Haruno mansion, Ino and Shikamaru meander through the surprisingly empty halls. Other large rooms are in use for the ball, such as the Parlor room and such. But deeper in the mansion, they've finally found quiet amidst all the royal chaos. Occasionally they'll pass a hung mirror amongst the hung paintings and lamps and Ino will catch a glimpse of herself in her reflection. She's only seen herself once for a few seconds before boarding the carriage to the ball.

"Haruno's mansion is a lot a bigger than I thought it'd be," Shikamaru notes, not even knowing where they're going anymore.

"We're not lost if that's what you're afraid of," Ino assures. "I know my way around if you ever wanna get back to the party."

"That's fine. I like this," Shikamaru remarks. "It's less to deal with."

Ino twiddles with her gloves. Most of their walk is silent, but a comfortable silence. Ino's a naturally talkative person, so 'comfortable silence' is pretty new to her, and surprisingly pleasant. "I wonder what'll happen with Sasuke and Sakura… You think they'll ever really go out?"

"Who knows," Shikamaru replies honestly. "And at this point I don't really care. I still have a headache from when I was fighting that demon lady."

"You? I'm the one who took her down," Ino argues with a pout. "You were busy playing Sleeping Beauty."

"Heh," Shikamaru scoffs, amused.

Ino rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. "Seriously. You guys have no idea how to play prince-roles at all. Us girls found you under the warehouse, came in and saved your butts; Sakura even saved Sasuke I swear I feel like all the girls did all the work this time."

'What nerve', Shikamaru notes in his head with a slight glare. "You act like we have all this experience with women."

"Haven't you guys ever had girlfriends before?" Ino scoffs.

Shikamaru actually thinks about it. "Sasuke mostly. Kiba's had flings and so did Naruto – not really. Neji probably not."

Ino's a little surprised by that answer. Before she met them, they were the hot badasses of Leafville High who had all the girls' attention. She never knew much of their dating lives and assumed it was just, perfectly attainable for them. "And you?"

Shikamaru's face scrunches up. "Are kidding? Of course not. Who wants to deal with relationships? Haven't you seen what Sakura and Sasuke go through? And they were only fake dating."

A vein pops on the side of Ino's temple along their walk. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Dating's too much work," Shikamaru complains, cracking his neck. "You're either too clingy or too jealous, you don't know whether to remember monthaversaries or anniversaries and all these other stupid couple-dates throughout the year. Anything you do has to go through the girl otherwise it's considered 'cheating' – plus dates cost money."

"Well of course," Ino says for that last point. "But dating's not always like that."

"Haven't you ever had a boyfriend before?" Shikamaru scoffs.

"… No," Ino admits in embarrassment, though this catches Shikamaru's attention. "But it doesn't have to be that complicated…" she mutters. "Like, anniversaries are fun and all but, that's because you just wanna celebrate being together – Whether that's once a year or a month or every day, isn't going out with somebody just about being happy?"

Shikamaru's pretty stricken by Ino's sentimental speech; even more so Ino's great point. "That was probably the least blonde thing that's ever come out of your mouth."

"You could at least try to be nice to me today."

Shikamaru laughs, seemingly enjoying messing with Ino. Now he knows how Sasuke feels.

Ino sighs along their walk, imagining what it must be like. "I guess it's just a matter of waiting for the right person that you'd be willing to put up for all that cool and annoying stuff."

"Dealing with you this past year feels a lot worse than dating could ever be," Shikamaru finishes to that nice sentiment, causing Ino to stop in her tracks at that third insult.

Seriously? Could this guy be any more blunt and rude? He's practically worse than Sasuke.

Shikamaru keeps walking without Ino, but stops about three or four feet away. His back remains turned, and his hands in his pockets. "But with that in mind…," Shikamaru continues off, "… dating you probably shouldn't be as troublesome," he mutters loud enough for Ino to hear.

Ino's head and ears perk up as she stares at Shikamaru's back in disbelief. Did he…

"You've given me a lot worse to handle while we were friends, so, going out wouldn't be that annoying…" Shikamaru's rubbing his neck by now, but Ino's still just standing still, staring at his back. He's actually trying to ask her out, in his own stupid way.

"I-I…"

In the midst of that long speechless silence, a vibration from Shikamaru's pocket goes off from his temporary disposable phone, given by Kakashi. He turns sideways to read the text. "It's Neji," Shikamaru says to her. "He says they'll be doing the proposal soon so we should meet the others back in the ballroom."

"R-Right," Ino stammers.

Shikamaru begins to walk forward, probably knowing the way back to the main room. Guess I've been turned down after all. What a drag… I shouldn't be that surprised.

They walk a few steps like that, Shikamaru in front and Ino trailing slowly behind. Only the sound of her high heels echo down the warm green halls, but suddenly they pick up behind Shikamaru. Before he can place his hands back into his pockets, Ino saves one hand and he feels her velvet glove over his bare hand.

Shikamaru looks back at a flustered Ino. She looks surprised at first but looks away, stubbornly red. "Y-You," she starts, the smallest she's ever felt. Her one trademark bang hangs loose from her braid and over her eyes. "I… I'd put up with you, too," she says embarrassingly. "Together, I mean."

As cool as Shikamaru is at playing things off, he figures to give themselves a break this time and he holds Ino's hand properly, leaving it out of his pocket. Their fingers intertwine like they've seen couples do, and it just feels right. But even the lazy skater can't avoid turning a little warm in the face. "So, are we going out now?" Shikamaru asks awkwardly.

"You asked me out, didn't you," Ino pouts, a lot more awkward about this. It's amusing to Shikamaru – makes him feel less of a dweeb.

Shikamaru smiles and holds Ino's hand tighter. They can already hear the sound of people down the next turn of the hall. "Don't couples usually kiss or something after they start to go out?" he asks.

Ino's hand shakes a little. The last time they kissed was in Shikamaru's hospital room. That was a total make out session out of pure spontaneousness. Somehow this seems harder. She stops them both. "L-Let's get it over with before we go back to the ballroom."

"You make it sound like a chore when you put it that way," Shikamaru frowns.

"J-Just hurry up!" Ino complains, causing Shikamaru to look at her with that 'troubled' look. Well, he signed up for this, he supposes.

Shikamaru stands in front of her, both not really knowing what to do. It's not like they haven't kissed before. "Don't look so nervous. You're gonna make me loose the balls to even do this," Shikamaru says to try and lighten the mood. Ino smiles a little, and they close in closer and closer, purely innocently anxious.

After they finally close the gap in a short, innocent kiss, they break off, equally as surprised and warm. Those fireworks that Ino and I used to dream about during freshman year, she finally understood it. She stares back at Shikamaru, looking into a reflection of her own surprised stare. "Wow…" she thinks out loud.

Shikamaru laughs a little, amused by the reaction. Though he's just as stunned by how electrifying that was.

Seeing him smile, Ino smiles too. His hand touches her beautifully lit face, and suddenly all the awkwardness disappears. "I've been wanting to do this for a long time," he says a bit more confidently. With that the new couple connects lips once more, kissing with much more vigor and romanticism. His hands slowly holding her jaw, and her arms slowly snaking around his neck. They may have been at a ball, and Ino may not be the rich heiress, but it was like he was kissing a princess.

It's a beautiful beginning.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Sasuke and I have been confined to the ballroom dancefloor since I got announced – like, an hour ago. Almost like a presentation piece. I kind of can't wait for the horrid proposal just so we can get out of this stupid box waltz. Sasuke and I have exchanged quiet jokes about it, like we're on some guard duty for the party, stuck in a routine of steps.

Thankfully, Kakashi appears again to our rescue. He nudges Sasuke's arm after smuggling through the other dancing couples. "Hey. It's almost time. Do you have the ring I gave you?"

My eyebrows raise between Sasuke and Kakashi. "You gave him a ring?" I ask Kakashi.

"He has to propose with something, Sakura," Kakashi says to me like I seriously just asked that question.

"I got it," Sasuke assures. I watch him crack and loosen his shoulders. He must be as relieved as I am. The guy's been holding out my hand and raising his elbow for an hour straight. But Sasuke holds his hand out to Kakashi and they shake hands. "Thanks for everything, Kakashi."

"No problem," Kakashi smiles under his mask before Kakashi makes a quick disappearance out of the waltzing circle.

I feel like I'm about to faint. "Well, this is it." And frankly so does Sasuke. "You ready for the jump?" I ask him.

"I have no idea," he answers honestly with a shake of his head and a timid smile, making us laugh. My knees are shaking underneath all these layers of my dress. As if sensing so, Sasuke rubs my arms up and down. Even if his hands have those white gloves, his touch tenses me a little. In a good way. "We'll be fine. It's like a skit in school; we're just reciting lines."

"… Yeah," I nod, trying to imagine it like that. Man… It's my first engagement and I'm supposed to think of it like a school play.

But Sasuke's assurance pulls me forward, and hand in hand we try to find the front of the ballroom again. As I'm walking through the dancing, being gently led by Sasuke, I try to savor it. As tired as I am from the dance, I wish so much to be back in it. Because now, our fake-dating is over. We're ending it, ironically, with a proposal, to which I'll fakely say yes and…. That's that. I wonder if Sasuke can sense me staring into his back, thinking how I wish we had longer.

"Sasuke wait," I call, forcing us to stop as we come near the marble stairs.

"What is it? Your mom's-"

Before Sasuke can rush us back into reality, I cut him off and just hug him, burring my face in his shoulder. Sai would lecture me about ruining my make up, but I don't care. I'll never be this close to Sasuke again, and it's killing me.

Sasuke is taken back by the sudden gesture. "Sakura."

"Thank you, for everything this past year," I mutter, not letting go or looking up at him. "I'll never forget this, Sasuke."

After a moment, Sasuke returns the hug and rubs my back. Thank you, Sakura. Without another word, we break the hug and look at one another. He knows it's over. We've played our parts. Now we've got to finish it. It's then that Sasuke's hand reaches for mine, holding it. He looks at me deeply, and I know the feeling is mutual.

Sasuke and I walk up the stairs, strong and hand in hand, as the music and dancing dies down.

My mom calls for everyone's attention to advert to the top of the staircase again, and claps encircle the room as Sasuke and I walk up with weak knees. (Geez that saying is SO real right now). Sasuke and I stand with both hands still holding each other's as we stand in front of the corridor of my bedroom. All eyes are on us below the stairs, and = I can see our friends with Kakashi at the base of the staircase with the best front view.

It'll be fine. Kakashi wrote us lines. We just have to say them and that's it.

Hell, Sasuke's going to be doing all the work anyway. All I say is 'yes'. I shouldn't be so nervous. So instead, I suck in my gut and apologize mentally to Sasuke for my sweaty hands – thank god he has gloves. He and I turn towards one another, ready for our last performance.

As we were told to do in Kakashi's instructions, Sasuke kneels down on one knee, earning 'ooohs' and small cheers from the younger of the crowd in the ballroom below. I can hear Tenten and Ino squealing the most.

Sasuke has his right elbow propped up by his knee, almost as if he were really a prince bowing to a princess.

Just say your lines, Sasuke...

But for a while, he's just staring at the bottom of my dress, looking thoughtful. Very thoughtful. Yet nothing is coming out of his mouth. Was this the plan?

The silence obviously confuses the crowd, as much as it does me. Tiny murmurs go on below.

"What's he doing…?" Naruto mutters, squinting his forehead.

I can hear Sasuke exhale. "Sakura..." he finally begins, and my throat catches. That's not part of Kakashi's lines. He was supposed to start with I have loved you since the day we first met- or something along those very specific lines.

Lines Sasuke clearly isn't reciting.

"I know we've only been going out for less than a year," he plays, "but… here we are… are your mom's party… dressed like this."

Everyone seems to be buying it so far, but I am freaking out inside my head behind my placid smile. THIS IS NOT THE SPEECH. I try to mouth subtlety to Sasuke, 'What are you doing?', but he seems to disregard me. What makes me more nervous is that he's coming up with this off the top of his head.

"I know it was hard dealing with me," Sasuke says slowly, still on one knee. "And I'm pretty sure you know how hard you are to deal with, too." That line receives some laughter from the party goers. "But, we stuck it out - all your mom's crazy chores and, all my friends' antics." The others catch Sasuke's one-second glance. "I thought I liked you before but, being here now, with you, I realize…" Sasuke licks his lips then looks at me straight in the eye with that Uchiha confidence. "I realize… I've fallen in love with you."

What…

he…

he's…?

… Okay. NO ONE suspects anything - but me, the others, mostly me - we are SO mind blown right now. I can already sense Ino's bugging out eyes; Kiba's mental cursing; Hinata's trademark gasp.

Even dear old dad was surprised. "Kakashi you didn't write this for him did you?" Shikamaru whispers with wide eyes.

Kakashi looks just as curious. "I'm not this sentimental," Kakashi replies. Although, he has different things going through his mind. Earlier, when he told Sasuke and I about starting the proposal in a few minutes, he shook Sasuke's hand.

"Thanks for everything Kakashi," Sasuke says beside me.

"No problem," Kakashi says quickly, to go report back to his wife. However as he was leaving them, he felt something in his hand, and took a quick look.

It's the wedding ring Kakashi gave to Sasuke to propose with.

Kakashi had his own guesses. Was Sasuke going to leave? Not propose? Bail? It looked very likely, but Kakashi decided to let things play out. Sure Sasuke wasn't ever really going to be his son-in-law, but he trusted Sasuke. And now he has (for once) no clue what could happen.

Meanwhile I'm standing as still as a statue while Sasuke speaks up to me. But, I'm still in shock. He can't be serious. Is he just making this up? I-I don't know. He doesn't really mean this does he? He… loves me? "Sasuke…."

The side of Sasuke's mouth twitches. "I don't care whether you're some intimidating heiress or that I'm dirt-poor middle class scum," he tells me. "And while I don't know what I've done to deserve someone like you, I want you to know that I've saved every good and bad moment between us since the start of all this… I've learned that you're fun, smart, funny, disgusting, embarrassing…" I laugh in-between, trying not to cry. "Just… Amazing…"

"Is he really saying all this?" Ino utters, squeezing Shikamaru's arm.

"Sasuke…-"

"Let me finish," he begs, pleading with his dark eyes. I bite my lip. "I-I can't imagine spending any more time without you after this," Sasuke admits, remembering the days after our break up. He licks his dry lips, as I try to search his eyes for any sign of sincerity. And for once, I see no doubt… or sarcasm… no lies or regret. Just, desperateness, and the question of 'please believe me.'

What is he doing to me?

"You drive me insane," Sasuke says. "Y-You, cause me to second guess everything I used to know and go by. The way I handle my problems, the way I handled girls, my friends. You."

I sniffle a little, politely staying silent until he finishes.

"I've tried so hard not to but, no matter how hard I tried to get out of feeling this way… I really have fallen in love with you, Sakura Haruno…"

In love?

There he goes once more. The way Sasuke says it again, to me, saying my name. There's no way… Even though I'm not allowed to move, my hands go up to my face to cover my shaking mouth. I can feel my eyes tearing up, and I have to remind myself to breathe. We must look so convincing, and the Sasuke I know would never talk so formally or cheesily, but… I, I think he really means it.

Sasuke hasn't broken eye contact with me since. By now, he's already taken out the ring box from his pocket. He's about to open it, just like how Kakashi showed him. He holds the closed velvet rectangle up to me in the classic proposal stance. His eyes look nervous, but sincere.

I realize now, Sasuke meant every word he just said.

There is utter silence in the ballroom, where even a pin could be heard if it were dropped. Everyone's waiting for him to open the box and propose.

"No more pretending right?" Sasuke says loud enough so only I can hear.

At first I'm confused, but when he opens the ring box my eyes widen and the tears fall. It's the same ring Mikoto gave me, the same one I returned to Sasuke after we went our separate ways. And on a yellow slip of paper which supposedly held Kakashi's instructions, instead written on the back in marker and in Sasuke's sloppy handwriting is 'Will you marry me for real?'

No one else is close enough to see the ring or the note in the tiny box, but Naruto squints and he sees it. His jaw hangs as the others realize what just happened. "Holy crap…!" Naruto squeals in a hushed whisper, him and Kiba hanging onto one another. "HOLY CRAP…!"

I can't believe you, Sasuke. How could I say no? My hands slowly raise to cover my open mouth, and the tears I've tried so hard to keep in my eyes begin to cascade. "Y-Yes!" I manage out, trying to sound clear but, obviously failing now that I'm crying. "Yes…!"

Grinning like an idiot Sasuke stands up and everybody cheers the loudest I've ever heard. I cover my face to hurry and dry my tears while giving Sasuke a hand to slip the ring on. He puts in on my left ring finger, and his mothers' ring fits perfectly. No sooner after Sasuke just grabs me in a hug and I return it too, squeezing him like it's the last time. The side of my head rests into his chest and I'm heaving out of joy and, god knows.

"I can't believe you!" I cry in a gasp, still hugging him tight and trying to hide my crying from the masses. I kind of feel like jumping, too. OMG. "I can't believe you did that!" I sob inbetween laughter.

"Me neither," Sasuke pants, still high from the event. I can feel him panting from all that anxiety.

"OMIGOD THEY'RE REALLY TOGETER!" Ino screams as their group just all screams. Kakashi and the other cool kids like Neji and Shikamaru have to cover their ears, but even they can't help but laugh and smile at this amazing ending.

Sasuke and I remain in our tight knit hug, only to hear our loud friends rushing up the stairs. Before we can even get out of our own embrace, Naruto just tackles us in the hug joined by everyone else around us. Everything's so loud and hot I can't tell if I'll go deaf first or faint from heatstroke.

"Agh," Sasuke groans as I laugh in-between cries. It feels like we're being dogpiled all around. "This was a horrible idea."

"Yeah," I wince, feeling the weight of everybody, but at last no one can hear us. Everyone's screaming too much from joy. "We should talk later," I smile weakly, only to see Sasuke return the same hopeful look before Naruto elbows his head. Oh god, haha.

Once the party resumes and our huge group of friends venture down the staircase, (finally) Sasuke and I take that moment to sneak into my room for some well-needed privacy (and blessed air conditioning).

"Ah," I sigh, closing my door. The lights are off, but my room is well lit by the moon light from the infamous window Sasuke always sneaks in through.

Sasuke laughs, catching his breath too and removing his white gloves. "God it's a lot cooler in in your room. We should ditch the party and just stay here."

"As much as I would love to do that, they'll be looking for us soon," I point out, walking towards Sasuke.

"Um, I uh, meant everything I said back there," Sasuke says before he loses nerve.

"You mean during your 'proposal speech'?" I blush, not that nervous anymore. "I sort of caught on half way." Somehow, our hands find their way around each other again. "That uh, wasn't what Kakashi wrote on my lines."

"Yeah," Sasuke laughs, gulping again as I lace our fingers together.

"Did you mean that 'other' part, too…?" I ask quietly. "Do you… really love me?"

"Most would call it being over the top but… Yeah. I do," Sasuke admits, as much as his pride will allow him to. "And I'm not faking it I swear."

"You better not be," I joke as I punch his arm, wearing a weak 'ow' from the mighty Uchiha. Instead, I just go and hug Sasuke again, enjoying the feeling of just having him. And I'll never have to be scared about letting him ago ever again. "So, is this it?" I ask hopefully. "Are we really doing this?"

"You mean going on dates, carrying your books, dinners with parents…"

"Romantic late-night phone calls, candy and flowers, making out…?"

"Ooh, that last part I kinda like," he says lowly as he playfully pins me against the wall. I laugh as he presses his body against mine through the gown, and we just enjoy the irony of this all. Oh my god. We seriously made it. "I can't believe this is actually happening," Sasuke says to me, our foreheads touching. "It's so unreal."

"I know," I whisper, feeling jolts of butterflies everywhere. "Almost as unreal as the fact that all of Ino's stupid steps actually led up to this." Sasuke's laugh catches his breath, too. "Wow… I actually have a real boyfriend now."

"That's the part that's so unbelievable to you?" Sasuke asks amusingly in disbelief. "We capture bad guys, you save me from turning into this freaky monster, we're partying in a giant mansion with the richest people in the city, and you're surprised about having a boyfriend?"

I shrug honestly. It's true. "Yeah." Sasuke rolls his eyes, not that he minds anyway. "I had this mindset that tonight would be…"

"Be what?"

I look down, embarrassed. "I thought it'd be my last night to act like I still liked you."

"Well," Sasuke starts. "It doesn't have to end tonight."

I smile up at him. It feels like a dream. "So, what now?"

Sasuke scoffs a little. I can feel his breath me. "I've actually never gotten up to this point in a real relationship before so I'm just as lost as you are."

Apparently we've been playing with each other's hands this entire time, but I look up into his onyx eyes for the first time since he's pinned me to the wall. "I love you," I finally say. It's so quiet, but the three words echo between us.

Sasuke stares at me, in this type of shock I've never seen him in before, but his eyes settling into mine. "…Say it again," he asks quietly to me.

His request makes me melt a little. "… I love you…" I repeat breathlessly.

Sasuke laughs softly, our hands squeezing each other's. "Again…" Our lips are so close and slowly my eyes close as we go to close that gap.

"I love you…" And finally, I feel myself falling into a whole new experience of liking or even loving somebody. Our lips finally connect, and I revel in how soft his are. How gentle, yet deep and sensual he is. I feel his hand under my jaw, as my hands frame his own. We kiss with abandon, as if this was what we were meant to do all this time.

No matter how passionate or gentle our kisses go on for, it all just feels so loving. Is it because we're officially dating now? Or because I know he loves me? Or is it because I can finally accept I love Sasuke, too? Either way, it feels perfect.

Finally we slow to small, little pecks that I sort of don't want to stop. But, we stop, and I'm caught between the wall and Sasuke and slow breaths that turn into smiles.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Back down at the ballroom, Mom's cheesy classic taste in music has finally changed from that waltzing ballroom stuff to some upbeat acoustic rock music I used to imagine dancing to at prom when I was a little girl. I'd be surrounded by best friends because we'd all be dateless, and be having a grand time nonetheless.

But here, and now, I'm dancing with my brand new boyfriend with friends closer than family around us.

Actually, Kiba beat me to my first dance when the song started – not that Sasuke minded. It was kind of fun, being whisked away like that. Kiba and I dance in the center, arm in arm. "So you and Uchiha," Kiba says with up and down eyebrows. I have to laugh. Kiba kisses my forehead, surprising me into a blush. "About fucking time, princess."

Before I can even get the chance to react to Kiba, I get passed in a twirl towards Neji, who's a much calmer dancer than Kiba. I didn't even see Neji. I land automatically in his hands, both at my waist and palm. "I see all of you guys have been keeping busy," I say impressed before Neji can corner me with some remark like Kiba.

Neji scoffs, dancing in a waltz box with me. "I'm glad things worked out for you."

I can see Tenten watching happily from the distance. She's so cool. "I can only hope the same for you and Tenten."

"I'll ask her out soon," Neji tells me, my eyes slowly opening wider. Neji enjoys my reaction, but with a content smirk he sends me into another partner.

Shikamaru politely cuts in as I land in his hold, and I see Neji walk back up to Tenten to dance with her. I see a simple smile on Shikamaru, who's unusually relaxed. "You look happy," he notes.

"I feel happy," I agree, so light on my feet. "I'm dancing with my best friends."

Shikamaru squeezes my hand and shoulder and with not too many words needed, he sends me off to my next partner with a smile. Naruto, who is ever so graceful with me in our well-deserved dance. I couldn't have wished for a better friend than Naruto. "I've been waiting for a dance with you all night," Naruto teases.

"Haha," I grin, this dance being the most fun so far. "This all feels like a dream."

"It does for all of us," Naruto lets me know. "Look at us. You literally brought us all out of this suburban ghetto and into Cinderella's palace."

"Perks," I shrug playfully. We laugh. He's right. They were just a rag tag group of skaters who messed around a car garage with so much disdain for women once. Now, we're even worse, haha.

"Thank you."

I arch my eyebrow. "What for?"

Naruto leans near my ear. "For enchanting all of us." Naruto sneaks a kiss to my cheek, and twirls me. Then just when we think Naruto will pass me back over to Sasuke, before I can grab Sasuke's hand I'm pulled back by another dancer, Itachi – thus giving Naruto and Sasuke both hilarious after-expressions.

Oh god, Itachi did not just do that, haha. "So the Haruno Princess got her happy ending after all," Itachi notes victoriously to me as I dance with the older Uchiha.

Somehow it's not surprising he'd cut in after all. "Yeah."

"So will you be marrying my little brother any time soon?" Itachi noses in.

I blush reluctantly. "Probably not soon," I laugh nervously. "We're still eighteen."

"Figured," Itachi nods, leaning in rather 'romantically' from an onlooker's perspective. With his mouth near my ear (in yet another awkward Itachi moment), "So does that mean you and my brother are really going out now?"

My eyes widen. "You knew?"

His head backs up amidst our dance. "That you two were faking it?" OH MY GOD. Itachi just smiles. "I better see you more often at the house. Our mother's grown rather fond of you." I blush. "Plus I like our talks – particularly because Sasuke doesn't."

"Hah," I can't resist. "I'll be there."

Without another word, he spins me and pushes me forward into what I think is the floor – but Sasuke's right there to catch me, just as surprised. We both look back at Itachi with different expressions: me confused and Sasuke just, the way he always looks whenever Itachi's around.

But Itachi bows out, and we turn back to each other and finally get to dance again. Looking around, I can see the girls all with their respective partners. Kiba and Hinata look totally in love. I think she just may destroy the pervert in him yet. As for Tenten and Neji, I'm sure they'll come along soon. I mean, come on – if Sasuke and I can get together surely they're not too far behind.

And then we can see Shikamaru and Ino dancing. We sort of cross one another along the dance floor and Ino leans over towards me while still in Shikamaru's arms. "Shikamaru and I are going out now…!"

"No way!" I grin as we part in a turn, having totally not expected that.

"Nice," Sasuke congratulates with a sly grin to Shikamaru as the two boys spin their partners until we separate in the dancing crowd.

In the distance, I can see Naruto seated with Kushina (who I secretly sent an invitation to a few weeks ago). I was hoping they'd finally get to meet. Naruto isn't even hiding underneath a hoodie anymore. I bet they're catching up on a lot right now, by the looks of them. Naruto looks up and sees us, and I swear he mouths thank you one more time to me. I mouth back a 'you're welcome.'

"Who's that?" Sasuke asks.

"Naruto's mom," I smile, totally throwing Sasuke off. Bet he didn't see that one coming, ha. His expression is priceless.

Sasuke lets out a breath, smiling at me. "Dating you is going to be so weird."

I arch my eyebrow. "We've been 'going out' for how long now? What more could you possibly be surprised by?"

Sasuke closes in on my forehead, so we're dangerously close again. "You tell me," he says slyly. "So I recall there being the perk of making out now that we're dating?"

I can't help but laugh. Boyfriend or not Sasuke's still Sasuke in the end. "Did I say that?"

Sasuke smiles and pulls me into another kiss. "But hey, just because we're going out now doesn't mean I'm waiting on you hand and foot okay?"

I scoff. "Oh please. If I do that then I won't have time to fetch you your sandwich from the deli."

Sasuke almost laughs at our old sexist joke. "I'm going to love calling you my girlfriend."

My arms snake around his neck in our twirl. "And you my boyfriend…"

And, well, that was how this whole ordeal of 'us' came to end. Or begin rather. I dunno, that's what most girls say at their happy endings right? Or beginnings? Ugh, it never made sense to me.

Surprisingly enough after the ball and the warehouse and all that cool stuff, summer was pretty slow. No secrets, no debts, no trying to convince someone you're in love – it was pretty, sound. (I mean there was junior prom anyway).

The 'Leafville' Badasses had officially integrated girls into their group, as if we weren't already, psh. Plus, I hear Tenten will be transferring into Leafville high for our senior year. Haha, you have no idea how funny it was when Neji found out. I think that 'stoic and indifference' thing he has going on is slowly starting to go away. Oh, and he got a new laptop, too. Of course.

As for Kiba and Hinata, sadly Hinata will be going to an all-girls school overseas in London, which brought Kiba to tears. (it was so sad) But Kiba promised to wait for her until they can be together again. I have good faith in them. But we're all pretty intent as a group in keeping Kiba and his perverted tendencies down from any other women this year. Haha, they'll be fine. Especially with Neji around Kiba.

Oh, but how can I forget. INO! Ack, I can't believe she's finally dating Shikamaru! They fit pretty well. Actually, ironically enough, they transitioned into the 'couple' thing pretty fast. They actually look more like a couple than Sasuke and I do – going on romantic dates, fancy and sentimental gifts, anniversaries – who knew? Ah well, she's happy, Shikamaru's happy (I think; he never looks happy). And who knows where they'll end up?

As for Naruto, who's constantly made fun of for being the only technical guy without a girl, I totally disagree. Naruto is living proof you don't need a significant other to be happy. I think him being reunited with his long-thought-to-be-dead mom is more rewarding than any girlfriend for him at the moment. Even cooler: Konohamaru gets to spend his entire summer break with Naruto so he has his hands full, haha.

Nonetheless things between Sasuke and me haven't changed as drastically as we all thought. We still bicker (a lot), and he still likes to abuse my mansion with the guys when I don't want them (a lot). He calls me poser, I call him duck-head, he makes fun of my clothes, and I, well, I threaten Sasuke that I won't kiss him. That pretty much makes me win almost any fight. Haha! It's great – we're a perfect team.

As for Mom, she's the same as ever. But she loves pushing Sasuke and me closer together than totally needed. 'Buying me sexy lingerie' and coupons for condoms – to which Kakashi and I can only react in exasperation.

What is a little different now is how I'm like bffs now with Mikoto Uchiha. We love having 'girl talk' and ganging up on Sasuke together, almost like how Itachi is sometimes, haha. It's fun. Oooh, and now that Naruto is on reunited talking terms with his mom again, Kushina's ramen shop has become our new eating place over the summer – especially since its pretty close to Anko's Garage.

And the perks of really actually dating are coming through. Making out with Sasuke whenever I want? Hell yeah that's awesome. And we still have little moments of surprise sometimes, little sparks of jealousy and misunderstandings – but it's all healthy I believe. I, I love him 3 And if you're curious about the sex, well, to be honest we haven't gotten there yet surprisingly. (I mean we are technically engaged). We're holding off, or at least I think we are.

That's the plan, but who knows, haha. Which do you think is stronger, hormones or the brain? I'll let you guys decide.

I wouldn't mind losing my virginity to Sasuke, whether that's any time soon or much further on later. Either way… I'm happy. We're all happy. And whether that's fate, or luck of a coin-toss, my story proved alright. I believed, and now I'm enjoying my spoils. Hopefully if ('when' according to everybody else) Sasuke and I have a kid, when they have to go through this '18th birthday engagement' thing, they'll have a blast about it like we did. I'm not all for enforcing an arranged marriage, but the adventure towards it or away from it seems to spark an interesting story.

And um, well, I guess I covered everything. Ino's steps, the rising action to the resolution, all clichés covered - cheesy monologue of what happens after the perfect-princess ending. Ooh, moral and lesson to depart to those who enjoyed Sasuke's and my 'love story'.

Even when things look bad, whether you believe in 'It's for a reason' or 'Fate' or the 'Reality just sucks; deal with it' philosophy, I think if you believe enough in truly wanting to be happy, instead of just always having some deal or sad thing going on, then you will be happy. The chessy stuff will come, you'll get the guy or the girl; Just… want to be happy and work your ass of for it.

Heh, guess that's it.

"The End."

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Tumblr: sammakesamess
DeviantArt: MemorySoul

Well, here inlies the end. I apologize for taking so long to bust out the ending! I kept wanting to change it, and make it better, and inbetween all that came school and jobs and whatnot - art school's been so rewarding to me, and I want to put an end to this amazing ride of a story for us all - finally. I know so many of you have been waiting, literally months!

Thank you for your patience, and willingness to even still read!

The comic's still under development and I'm so excited for it! Storyboarding page layouts and whatnot. It's a lot of fun.

And also because part of me still can't let go of this story without a little bit of closure, I'll be working on a small one-shot series of epilogues for each couple in the story: basically what happens for each pairings' happy ending. For Sakura and Sasuke, Kiba and Hinata, Ino and Shikamaru, Tenten and Neji. Maybe even for Naruto? Who knows. They'll be only a chapter each, and sort of correlate with one another. If you're interested keep an eye on this story!

That aside, Merry Christmas to everyone!

Thank you for sticking with me all these years

Thanks for the journey

Thank you for the wonderful support in your reviews or review - each has made a difference in the story and to me

And good luck to all you readers and your endeavors of love, life, writing, and fanfics!~ No matter how old or young you are, fanfiction and cheesy romance stories like this are always a welcome get away. Be safe, be proud, keep writing you guys!

MemoryWritter