Bonjour everyone! Oooh look at me getting all French on your asses :P

After a lot of thinking, I have decided that this will be the final chapter of this story I'm afraid. I tried to make it two different chapters but I couldn't write enough to make it worthwhile splitting it up so I merged the two chapters into one. I'd rather have one long chapter than two shorter ones anyway. I hope that's not too bad for you guys.

I'll save all my thanks until the end. Get your tissues ready people! Here is the final chapter...enjoy!

The Blossom of The Leaf Blooms Twice

Chapter 27 - To The Future

Sakura hadn't known what to expect in the way of extravagance in regards to her wedding day. But that hardly mattered now. The fact that she focused on the most as she tried to get herself together was that she was finally entering into a lifelong commitment with the man she loved. She didn't care if she was getting married in a barn or even in a kennel as long as Kiba was the person who was beside her. Her heart would not stop beating at an insanely fast rate as she stared out of the window and into the snow covered grounds that surrounded the Inuzuka Marriage Chambers. She couldn't have asked for more perfect weather; many dreamed of having a white wedding and now everything about it would be white. The snow was soft and free of all but a few trails of footprints which belonged to either her fiancé or the councillors who would be marrying her later that day.

Her stomach flipped at the very thought of being Mrs Inuzuka. The feeling of excitement had not even dulled since Kiba had plucked up the courage to ask her. Every time she thought of the life that the pair of them would share she couldn't help but grin. Her hand gently rubbed her now ballooned stomach. Of course, they wouldn't be alone for too much longer. Only two months separated them from the arrival of the three beings that would become their entire lives. The gifts that she was blessed to have been given by him. Sakura couldn't express her gratitude to Kiba for making her one small wish a reality. She had all but given up on becoming a mother until that man came bounding into her life. He truly was incredible; no-one could have done for her what he had done. They had been through more than your average couple and it had done nothing but strengthen them. In a way...she was happy that she had suffered earlier in life. That way, she felt as if she had earned Kiba's love rather than just taking it for granted.

Sakura heard the door open behind her but she didn't turn around for fear that whoever had entered would see her crying, "Shizune...I'm glad you're here." she smiled, wiping her eyes.

"Um...We aren't Shizune."

Sakura's emerald eyes widened at the deep tones which could only belong to one man. She refused to look around at them in case they weren't real but she could have sworn that his voice sounded just like..."Dad...what are you doing here?" she asked, not even hiding her mixed emotions now. The tears streamed down her face as she saw the reflection of her parents in the window right in front of her face. The shock of pink hair that belonged to her plump father stood out against the whiteness of the snow, just like hers did, "I...I thought...you..." she cursed her inability to speak through her tears.

"Trust me Sakura." those were the ever harsh and cutting tones of her mother's sharp voice which made her grimace as if she were in pain, "We are not here to suddenly tell you that we approve of your life. We are here because your brute of a fiancé-"

"Stop right there mom." Sakura snapped, turning to face them. She watched as their eyes dropped to her stomach. She could see the distaste in her mother's eyes. Of course she would disapprove of sex before marriage, especially if it resulted in pregnancy. It was her daughter who had done it after all, "I will not have you insulting the man I love and the father of my children...Not today." Her voice was firmer than she'd thought possible considering that she was crying. Strangely enough, her father's expression was so much different to his wife's; gentle and, dare she say it, happy. Four years had separated them, in that time she hadn't seen the pair at all. She attributed it to the fact that he held different views to her overbearing mother.

"Sakura..." he said, "I thought you couldn't get pregnant."

"How did you-" she began only to be cut off.

"Your fiancé told us about the attack when he came to ask permission to marry you." he explained softly. He didn't want to anger his daughter, unlike his wife. No matter what she may have done, she was still his daughter and that fatherly instinct would never fade. He didn't know how his wife could fight it so easily, "How long?" he asked.

"A few months." Sakura answered, "Inuzuka pregnancies last only about five months."

"Lucky for some." her mother spat, still looking resentful, "But trust you to go against everything we taught you and get yourself pregnant before marriage. Don't you know how you protect yourself?"

"You think this happened because I was careless?" Sakura spat right back, "I knew what I was doing mother!"

"I'm sure you did." she said, "But I don't trust that...man. Someone as handsome as he is has to have trouble keeping it in his pants. How can you be sure he'll stick around when they're born?" Those words stung Sakura more than she would dare to let on. She walked past them and scratched the now whining Saisei who had awoken from her slumber.

"You think that little of him?" she asked before turning to them, "Kiba loves these children as much as he does me." Both of her parents were taken aback by the belief in her voice. Akemi looked back at the night that Kiba had visited them and smiled softly. It was obvious from the way he had been so infuriated with them that the dog nin cared very deeply for his wayward daughter. That was part of why he wanted to be at the ceremony, "An Inuzuka marriage is for life, mom."

"Oh spare me." she sighed, "I've been through the 'till death do us part' shit."

"I MEAN IT LITERALLY!" Sakura's voice boomed, "Once the marriage rituals are completed...Kiba and I will be bound to each other for the rest of our lives. We will be unable to love another person as much as we do each other." Sakura's heart and face softened at the thought of that and she took a deep breath, "It will be impossible for us to betray each other."

"How can you be sure?" Akemi asked.

"Because our chakras will be bound together." Sakura explained, reciting what Tsume had taught her, "It will cause him pain to be apart from me for too long. The same with me." She thought back to Kazuya running away; it was a testament to his strong will that he didn't give in to the pain. At the merest mention of her ninja lifestyle, Hanako turned her nose up before looking at the woman's bump.

"I take it your...children will be shinobi too?" she asked.

"If that is what they want then yes." Sakura said, "I won't force them to do anything."

"Trying to make us feel bad are you?" Hanako smirked, "You still could be an incredible singer Sakura. You could still give up your shinobi life and be safe."

"And then you'd welcome me back?" Sakura asked.

"With open arms."

"Then I'd rather stay a shinobi." Sakura frowned, much to the older Haruno woman's surprise, "I earned my title of Hokage and I have a village to protect. I will not give that up just because you deem it unladylike." Her eyes blazed with the same tenacity that her paternal grandmother had shown when she had been alive. Akemi knew very well that Sakura was like her reincarnation and would never back down on this matter. That was part of her that he was secretly proud of.

"But you will be the wife of a clan leader." Hanako said, folding her arms, "How can you help to lead a clan when you're preoccupied with running Konoha? You have duties as of today."

"I also will have a husband who understands my situation." Sakura ground through her teeth.

"Don't grind. You'll ruin your teeth." Akemi frowned.

"Kiba will take on the majority of the workload. That's his duty." Sakura said, her eyes flicking to the door as it opened once again. Tsume stopped as she saw the standoff between the three Harunos. She had heard it before she had even entered the chamber and it had bothered Kiba that they were there. He didn't like either of them and was actually pleased that Sakura's legal name was Hatake now.

"Is something wrong Sakura?" she asked, never taking her eyes off the civilian duo before her.

"No Tsume-san." Sakura sighed, "Akemi and Hanako were just leaving."

"We're still your parents!" Hanako shouted, "Address us with respect you ungrateful swine!"

"You aren't my parents actually." Sakura said with a smug expression, "You haven't been for the past three months. I am officially and legally known as Hatake Sakura. Not Haruno." That was a punch in the gut to both of the Harunos. Their daughter had disowned them. Had things really gotten that bad that she felt the need to disconnect herself from the rest of her family? Akemi couldn't help but let his eyes tear up a little upon hearing that, "I never thought you would turn up." Sakura elaborated, seeing the devastation in her father's features, "Inuzuka Clan law states that my parents must be present at the ceremony. Unsure of whether you would actually accept my marriage...I changed my name and now Shizune and Kakashi are my legal parents."

"Sakura..." Akemi said, utterly heartbroken, "I'm s-"

"Come on Akemi, we're not wanted." Hanako snapped, tugging on her husband's shirt, "Sakura is no longer a burden on our name. We have no business here."

"NO!" Akemi shouted, wrenching himself from the grip of his wife, "Don't you see what's happened to our family Hanako? It's been torn apart! Our daughter changed her name to get away from us!" His tears began to fall and guilt took over the plump man's body. Tsume could smell it and Sakura could feel it radiating from him as he hung his head, "What kind of a dad have I been? I let prejudice cloud my eyes." Sakura raised both of her eyebrows, just as shocked as Hanako was to hear this outburst from the normally quiet and reserved man, "Sakura...honey..." His eyes were begging as he looked up at his daughter, "Please...please reconsider this! I don't want to lose you again. Not when this should be the happiest day of your life!"

"..." Sakura stayed silent, "What do you want me to do?"

"I want to be a real father to you." he sighed, "And I want to start by being there for you on your wedding day, honey." Sakura reached out and embraced the man as tightly as her belly would allow.

"Dad...That would be wonderful." She smiled into her shoulder. Tsume cleared her throat.

"I'm afraid that's not possible." She said, "The arrangements have been made for Kakashi and Shizune to help with the bonding." Sakura sighed.

"I don't care." Akemi said, "I just want to be there. Please Tsume-san...I want to be here for Sakura." The Inuzuka felt the sincerity and the hope radiating from him and sighed.

"It's highly unorthodox but I think I can swing it." she said.

"Akemi!" Hanako protested, "Where did this come from? I thought we were agreed that we didn't want a shinobi for a daughter."

"How can you carry on like that?" Tsume spoke again, this time her voice held the harshness that Sakura herself had once experienced. Her brown eyes were blazing with anger, "Obviously you and your husband have a lot to sort out between yourselves but I will not allow it to ruin my son's wedding. Do I make myself clear? Haruno-san...Either you can join your husband and respect our clan traditions or you can leave."

"I'd rather die." Hanako spat.

"I can arrange that." Sakura's head turned to find the livid forms of Kiba, Kazuya and Hana stood at the door. None of them obviously believed in bad luck from seeing the bride before the ceremony since Kiba's eyes were locked firmly on her, "I really don't think Sakura would mind either right now."

"Kiba..."

"Butt out!" Hanako shouted, "Our family affairs are not the business of a pack of mutts!" Sakura's eyes widened and she moved as quickly as possible. A guttural roar was ripped from each of the four Inuzukas as they leapt for the unsuspecting woman. She obviously hadn't realised the strength her words held, especially that particular one. Kiba's eyes had turned completely feral; nothing of his former self was in them as he struggled against Sakura's raw strength. She wasn't allowed to use her chakra against him for fear that she might damage the children but she was able to hold him back.

"Dad!" Sakura called over, "Get her out of here before Kiba and the others kill her!"

"They wouldn't..." Akemi breathed.

"Trust me, they would." Sakura said, "Mutt is the biggest insult you can give an Inuzuka and mom just said it on sacred ground. By all rights - OW! Kiba! You're hurting me! - She should be dead!" The pink haired man nodded and pulled his wife out of the door at the back of the room.

"I'll see you soon Sakura." He said, "And make sure you tell them I'm so sorry for what she said."

"Of course." Sakura grunted, "As long as she doesn't set foot on the Inuzuka Compound again we'll have no problems!" She continued to wrestle against four enraged Inuzukas who were trying to get their claws and teeth into the older Haruno woman but were settling for the younger daughter instead. Kiba's teeth sank into Sakura's neck, drawing blood and she screamed, "KIBA! FUCK! STOP!" Saisei, Akamaru and Kuromaru were barking up a storm as they tried to help their soon to be new alpha female fend off attacks from her new family. Sakura wrapped her arms around Kiba and pulled him close to her, ignoring the searing pain in her neck from where he'd ripped the skin with his fangs. He didn't know what he was doing; his primal nature had taken over, "Kiba...Kiba stop this now." she said firmly as she gripped him tightly but he just kept squirming.

"Let me at that bitch...I'll tear her limb from limb!" he roared, glaring at the door.

"Why are you still here?" Sakura screeched at her frozen father who hadn't yet fled with her mother, "Get going!" Akemi didn't need telling a third time and he rushed his wife out of the building. Sakura was panting by now, fighting against Kiba without chakra was so damned hard it was unbelievable, "She's gone Kiba...she's gone!" she assured him. Sakura smacked him around the head and glared at him as she channelled chakra into her vocal chords, 'Sorry guys...I had to.' she thought regretfully before opening her mouth and letting rip with a huge, piercing scream which caused all of the canines and their handlers to recoil, clutching their ears in intense pain. The glass windows cracked with the sheer volume and strength of Sakura's chakra enhanced voice.

"What the fuck?" Kiba groaned as he clutched his head. Sakura was relieved to hear the normal tones to his voice, "Why did you have to scream like that Sakura?"

"Because you were trying to kill my mom!" she reprimanded.

"That bitch had it comin'." He snarled, standing up. His eyes were furious until he saw and smelled the blood oozing from Sakura's neck, "HOLY SHIT!" he shouted in a blind panic, "Your neck! How'd it get like that?"

"You bit me." Sakura said.

"I...did what?" Kiba gasped, "Oh fuck...Tell me I didn't...Oh please Sakura tell me I didn't hurt you!" Sakura looked away from him and he punched the wall beside him. He rushed to embrace Sakura gently, raising his calloused fingers to her neck and running them around the large wound. His canine teeth bit into his lip as he stood face to face with the result of his rage, "Sakura...I'm so so sorry. I never meant to-"

"I'd rather you hurt me than my mom." Sakura said.

"And I'd rather have killed her like I should have rather than hurt you." Kiba frowned, disgusted in himself. He could taste Sakura's blood on his lips from when he had bitten her. It was horrible and made him feel sick just thinking about it.

"It's nothing serious." Sakura sighed, "I can heal it later if I have the chakra left."

"No stinkin' way Sakura." Kiba said, "We'll bandage you up and Shizune can take a look at you later." He knew Sakura had pushed it by using even that slight bit of chakra to repel them. With three children inside her, her chakra was being divided up and used to protect and nourish them constantly. Sakura didn't have enough chakra to do anything too strenuous. That was why Saisei wasn't up to fighting standard yet. She hadn't been able to train with her. Kiba motioned for his family to leave so that he could tend to his fiancée's wound. He was lucky that Sakura had only just begun getting dressed since that made it so much easier to patch the woman up, "Baby...I am so sorry for doing that to you." he sighed as he wrapped the bandage around her torso after gently removing her bra, "It's inexcusable."

"My mom provoked you." Sakura said, cupping his cheek gently. Kiba was comforted by the lack of anger in her eyes but he still felt the guilt.

"As the next clan leader and your fiancé, I'm supposed to protect you." Kiba said, running his fingers over the bandage, "Instead I lose it and hurt you. I'll never live that down." Sakura's lips pressed against his in order to silence the pity party that he'd initiated. None of what had happened was in any way his fault. Her mother was to blame and that was that. Kiba's hands gripped Sakura's shoulders and pushed her away gently, "Sorry babe, I don't want to get carried away with you. Not here at least."

"Oh yeah." Sakura blushed, "I'm sorry, that was thoughtless of me."

"Nah." Kiba smirked, "You were very thoughtful Sakura. It's just that I want to save it for our honeymoon." Sakura giggled at the thought of what he had in store for her later on. Even in her heavily pregnant state, Kiba's libido was not wilted one bit. He actually had more of a craving for sex now, if that were possible, due to the fact that Sakura's scent was three times as strong as it usually was. Kiba kissed her softly again before rubbing the bump for good luck and patting her on the behind, "Have you seen what you're wearing yet?" he asked.

"I have." Sakura grinned, "I must say, it's beautiful Kiba. I never knew you had it in you."

"What can I say," Kiba shrugged, "I'm good at all forms of pleasing women." Sakura rolled her eyes and hit Kiba around the head before pointing at the door.

"You'd better get going mister." Sakura smirked, "It's bad luck to see me in my wedding stuff." Kiba laughed and waved it off.

"Did I ever tell you that I don't care about luck?" Kiba asked, "All my luck was used up in finding you and getting to become a father." Sakura laughed and hugged the man tightly.

"You're so cheesy." she smiled into his shoulder. Kiba gently moved her away before going to take Sakura's wedding kimono off the mannequin in the corner of the room. He hoped that it fit her properly; after all, he'd had it adapted to accommodate the large ballooning effect that Sakura's pregnancy had had on her. Sakura hadn't been lying to herself when she had said it was beautiful. Only Kiba could make clan pride look so amazing. The kimono itself was the traditional white but on the back there was a decorative version of the Inuzuka Clan marking. Intertwined with each other were the kanji for both 'Kiba' and 'Sakura', symbolising their unity as a married couple.

Being careful to avoid damaging her shoulder further, Kiba gently slipped the silky material over Sakura's arms and around her body. He took his time to make sure that it looked absolutely perfect. He'd have nothing less for this woman today. Sakura was actually thankful that it partially hid her bump. On the photos she wouldn't look too massive. Kiba's large hands managed to tie the crimson obi around Sakura's stomach to hold it in place, "Do I know my baby or what?" he smirked as he hugged her from behind. His eyes were tearing up at just how beautiful the pinkette looked. He couldn't have felt more love for the woman if he tried, "You're...no beautiful doesn't even come close anymore." he sniffed.

Sakura was able to hear the pride in Kiba's voice and it made her entire body tingle. He wasn't yet ready but she knew it wouldn't take him long. Men had it so much easier than women did when it came to dressing for special occasions. She wondered if Kiba would also be wearing a kimono or whether he'd go for a more western tuxedo. Either way, Sakura was sure she'd be almost unable to keep her hands off him for too long.

"You can go if you want, hun." Sakura smiled softly, "I've got to do my hair and makeup anyway."

"Sakura..." Kiba asked, "Can you not bother with that stuff? You're too gorgeous to need it anyway. And I can smell you better if your hair's down."

"At least let me do something with it." Sakura sighed, threading her fingers through the strands, "I might just surprise you." Her smirk was naughty and got Kiba excited. His golden brown eyes flashed and he kissed Sakura breathless.

"As long as you're just pure Sakura, I can deal with a little primping I guess." Kiba smiled, "After all, how many times does a woman get married to a guy like me?"

"Forget cheesy. You're a conceited ass." Sakura laughed, swatting his head lightly, "Get going. You're pushing our luck as it is."

"I know, I know. All that tradition stuff." Kiba said, "Although...there were some traditions you were more than happy to get rid of, eh Sakura?" His smirk told of the dirty thoughts that were racing through his mind and he had to duck to avoid the hairbrush launched at him from his loving fiancée, "Alright, alright Sakura! Jeez I'm goin'." he laughed before darting out of the door, leaving Sakura to get herself together and finish herself off.

XxxXxxXxxXxxX

Being stood at the altar was perhaps one of the most terrifying situations that Inuzuka Kiba had ever been involved in. He couldn't stop his nervous shaking, even as Akamaru nuzzled up against him. With a lack of Shino being there for him, Kiba had the white dog as his best canine since the Inuzuka Clan would be able to understand him anyway. He hadn't liked the evil twinkle in the dog's eye ever since he asked him but Kiba was sure he wouldn't embarrass him too much in front of everyone. The elders were beginning to take their positions in an arch around the altar at which Tsume would stand to conduct the ceremony. Each of them had taken the time to congratulate Kiba on his getting married yet he could sense that some of them were less than happy with whom he had chosen.

"You can always run you know?" Kazuya's voice joked from behind him.

"Yeah...And Sakura would kill every single one of us." Kiba laughed, "That won't ever happen, no matter what."

"Is she alright?" he asked, "That bite looked nasty."

"Yeah. She's just tarting herself up now." Kiba rolled his eyes, "I told her not to bother since I like it better when she's natural but...you know women."

"I do hope that's not a complaint I hear from you, pup." His mother smirked from the altar as she raffled through the many sheets she had perched on there, "Remember, without women, you men wouldn't exist."

"True." Kazuya smiled, "And that's why we love you so much."

"Hmm." Tsume pursed her lips before another smile broke out across her face, "Kiba...I may not have said this before but...I'm so very proud of you. I really am."

"Ma, you're gonna make me cry." Kiba teased, trying to hide the truth behind such a statement. His mom hadn't really ever told him that unless he'd really achieved something, so having her say that at this time was extremely touching for him. The older woman could see the emotion that was swimming in her son's eyes and smiled, knowing that he was going to be happy with Sakura from then on in. Her eyes flicked up and scanned the now filled hall until they picked up on the nervous presence of someone waiting outside the main chamber. A smirk crossed her face. She did not want to keep the councillors or Kiba waiting any longer.

"I think we had better get this show on the road." Tsume said. Kiba straightened up immediately as he saw her nod her head to the guards standing on either side of the door. He felt strangely relaxed for a man who was about to be married.

The massive wooden doors were slowly pulled open and what Kiba saw took his breath away. Sakura's once straight hair had been curled loosely and left to fall into position. It framed her face perfectly and accented the serene smile which she wore. On her arm was the rather dignified looking Hatake Kakashi wearing a traditional black kimono to match his own wife's. Even behind the man's ever present mask, his pride and grin were visible even from the altar. The Copy Nin had never seen Sakura looking so absolutely radiant and completely relaxed in his life. When her eyes had locked with Kiba's, her smile had widened ever so slightly as she took in his appearance. She wasn't surprised to see the man in a kimono. With the dance and the fight later, it would not be easy for him to move in a tuxedo that would have been too restricting.

Kiba was stood on the top of a small flight of stairs which led up from where the congregation of Inuzukas was sat. One man who wasn't an Inuzuka sat at the front, crying as he saw his daughter pass him. Sakura was literally floating down the aisle, her creamy legs being shown by the opening in the side of the kimono every time she took one step. The music which played was grand and made Sakura feel important yet it was oddly feminine to make sure that everyone knew that the next alpha female had arrived. Every Inuzuka eye was locked on Sakura which was a little unnerving, but she couldn't afford to show any fear. As dictated, her eyes locked with Tsume's and she maintained it until she felt Kakashi's arm unhook from her own. The man who would be playing her father that day took his place in the arch of Inuzuka elders along with Shizune.

"You look stunning." Kiba whispered to her, his voice sounding completely awestruck.

"You're not too bad yourself." Sakura smiled. That was an understatement; Kiba looked more handsome and authoritative than she had ever seen him. Even his hair seemed to want to bow to his will today, tame as it looked. Sakura could feel the natural instinct to look away from his intense eyes rising but she knew that she couldn't; not if she wanted everyone to accept her. Upon seeing the look in her eyes firm up, Kiba's smile turned into a proud grin before he turned to his awaiting mother. To Sakura's surprise, Tsume looked as if she were on the verge of tears herself. That made it much harder for Sakura to suppress her own emotions.

The music eventually died down and Tsume was able to speak, her voice thick with emotion, "Today the great Inuzuka Clan marks the occurence of two important events. As of today, Inuzuka Kiba, heir to the title of Alpha Male, will inherit the leadership of our illustrious clan along with his intended life mate, Hatake Sakura."

Sakura swallowed and felt Kiba grip her hand tightly. Tsume's hand rose to point up at a hole in the roof above Kiba and Sakura, where the light from the lunar eclipse was shining through, "The moon today bares witness to the coming of a new era for our clan. The couple you see before you have overcome many obstacles that were placed in their path in their quest to find each other. As Clan Leader and a mother, I could not be more proud to call the man before you my son."

"Not many of you agree with Kiba's decision to marry Sakura." she continued, "I must admit, I was one of the most adamant in refusing to let it happen. But, as I am sure you can all agree, the love shown between these two people is strong. May the pair of you be blessed throughout your entire lives together with peace, fertility..." her eyes flicked to Sakura's abdomen, knowing that that would already be taken care of, "and prosperity. May your children grow strong under your guidance and the clan prosper and flourish with your combined leadership." Sakura and Kiba both kneeled to the ground and bowed their heads while the woman performed a sacred blessing on the pair of them, "Rise so we may complete your bonding."

"Place your hands atop on another." Tsume instructed in a booming voice as she came down from her podium. Her hand lay atop their's, "Now the vows must be exchanged. Starting with you Kiba."

"Sakura..." Kiba began with a cheeky smile, "You and I never realised until recently that we were always destined for each other...When we were just seven, I chose you as my mate." Gasps were heard from the congregation. Such a thing was unheard of at such a young age but Kiba carried on, "Some may think that I was too young...That I wasn't ready. But I see this as a testament to the woman I chose."

Sakura's eyes were becoming blurred with tears as she heard Kiba's speech.

"Your chakra was strong enough, even then to provoke such a powerful instinct within me." Kiba said softly, "While we grew up, we took separate paths but ended up together at last. This allowed you to grow into the woman I see right in front of me today. Intelligent, strong and a great leader." His spare hand cupped Sakura's cheek and wiped away the tear that fell, "I tell you how much I love you each and every day, but it's not enough. Not even close. My promise to you Sakura is that I will protect you and show you just how much you mean to me until and beyond my death. I swear that on my life and the title of Alpha. I am yours."

Both Tsume and Sakura were crying silently at the sincere words coming from Kiba's mouth. Sakura's lip was bitten from her trying to stifle her sobs. From Tsume's hand two strings of chakra wrapped around Kiba and Sakura's hands; one for each promise Kiba made to her.

"A-and you, S-Sakura?" Tsume stammered.

Sakura took a deep breath before speaking, "We...We've been through so much over the past year. I've always asked so much of you, be it to seemingly betray everyone you know or help me dethrone a dictator. Each and every time I asked, you did it without as much as a moment's hesitation..." She took a look into Kiba's eyes again and saw his embarrassment, "I never actually got a chance to say this but...Arigato Kiba."

"You've been there through everything with me. You've been at my side, watching and protecting me." Sakura continued, "I've caused you heartache, pain and suffering yet you chose to love me anyway." Kiba's eyes overflowed at this as he shook his head to deny what she was saying, "I don't regret it though. Strangely enough, I'm glad all of this happened. I gave both of us a chance to mature and grow into who we are today."

"One thing I do regret though..." she sighed, "Is that it took me so long to see you. I'm sorry for that Kiba." With everything off her chest, her heart began to feel so much lighter. Kiba sniffed and suppressed a sob while his eyes overflowed, "Now it's my turn to be by your side. My turn to watch you do what you were meant to do. My promise to you Kiba matches yours to me. I swear on everything we have, everything I am and will ever be that I will protect you with my life. This clan is my life now and you won't have to lead it alone. I will be right here by your side. Always."

Tsume smiled softly at Sakura as two more tendrils of chakra wound around their hands. Kiba and Sakura winced slightly as they burned into their skin, branding them for eternity with their lifelong promises.

"Inuzuka Kiba, Hatake Sakura. Do you accept the promises made to each other before the council here today?" she asked.

"I do." both smiled, crying quietly through their happiness.

"Then I hereby bind the two of you to your word." her voice boomed, "With the binding, Sakura, you renounce the Hatake family name. You will forever be known as Inuzuka Sakura!" The woman's tanned hand was removed as the burning sensation faded from the pair's hands. Kiba took no prompting to pull Sakura into one of the most heated kisses she had ever experienced. His scarred hand caressed her cheek and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Sakura smiled into the kiss as she heard the congregation cheering below. When the pair had to break apart for air, Kiba rested his forehead against hers and the pair laughed together. Tsume, who was blushing intensely, turned the pair to present them to the congregation. Even though Kiba remained standing, Sakura bowed deeply to everyone present which earned another roar of approval. Sakura's bow had just shown the utmost respect to their clan and their traditions. Kiba smiled at her, pride oozing from every pore.

"Now...the ceremony is far from over." Tsume said, "We must first solidify your connection further with the sacred dance of the wolf. This will merge your chakras into one, bonding you to each other forever." Sakura took Kiba's hand as Tsume led the pair past the council and through a pair of double doors that led into a colossal antechamber which had no roof to it. A circle was carved into the solid ground that they walked on. A light dusting of snow crunched beneath their feet as Kiba took Sakura to the centre of the circle. Akamaru bounded up to the pair, wagging his tail happily. He was now able to take part in the ceremony. With Sakura stood in the exact centre of the circle, Kiba and Akamaru moved to the outer ring. Sakura's smile was calm and serene again while Kiba smirked, looking wild and untamed. He was admiring the way the wind caught Sakura's hair and clothes, making her look ethereal in her beauty. He and Akamaru began to stalk around the outer ring of the circle in opposite directions to each other. It started slowly at first until both of them leaped into their individual Tsuugas and began to circle the pinkette at top speed. Sakura had been told that before Konoha was founded, Inuzuka males paraded themselves in a similar manner to attract their mates. It was a show of strength and speed, the two key elements of an Inuzuka's makeup.

The spinning pair reared up and changed directions, moving in the shape which symbolised infinity thus carving it into the floor around Sakura. While this was to signify that they would never be parted, it was also a test of trust for Sakura. She needed to trust that neither Kiba nor Akamaru would hit her with the attack so she stood with her eyes closed in the centre and allowed them to race past her. Kiba's promise to protect her gave her complete faith in him and Akamaru.

When both of them stopped, Kiba was directly behind Sakura. Now it was her turn to move as he tried to wrap his arms around her. This part she loved as it gave her a chance to tease her husband. Sakura span out of his reach quickly and winked at him with a smirk. Kiba's features began to turn more feral as a smirk crossed his face. He raced after Sakura and their movements began to depict the challenge that an alpha female must pose to keep her husband at his strongest. With Sakura keeping just out of Kiba's reach each time he tried to grab her, Kiba was supposed to learn and grow, forming new strategies to make her his. Only when he captured her would Sakura be bonded to Kiba completely.

With Kiba taking the challenge, both of them began to glow with the aura of powerful chakras. Both auras took the shapes of wolves' heads, Kiba's being crimson while Sakura's was pale green to match her healing chakra. Power and serenity met in a fusion of movements that took the audience's breath away.

"She's enjoying this too much." Tsume muttered to Kazuya who was smirking.

"At least we know Kiba will be kept on his toes." he replied.

Kiba's face was knitted into a frown, becoming annoyed by the elusive nature of his woman. Sakura's serene smile was enticing yet aggravating. He needed to finish this soon and make her his for life. He also knew that due to her pregnancy, Sakura was tiring out quickly. When her attention moved for a second, Kiba raced to capture her. Sakura found her feet being knocked from beneath her as she was finally scooped up into Kiba's arms.

"Never leave me again." he growled as his cheek nuzzled her affectionately, "We belong together from now on." Sakura nodded and the pair shared a kiss, their wolf auras merging into one before returning to their host bodies. Both Kiba and Sakura felt the additional connection with each other the moment the caught each other's eyes again. Sakura felt like she could feel everything that was bubbling inside her new husband, "I love you Sakura."

"Love you too." she smiled, resting her head against her husband's chest.

XxxXxxXxxXxxX

A panting and scratched up Tsume grinned as she held up Kiba's arm to everyone in the clan. Kazuya raised Sakura's high into the air too, "As the former leader of the Inuzuka Clan, I hereby present to you the new Alpha male and female, Inuzuka Kiba and Inuzuka Sakura!" Roars and cheers of happiness rang through the chamber and were thoroughly deserved by both Kiba and Sakura. After a hard fight, both of them had finally earned the right to lead. Sakura leaned her head onto Kiba's chest as he proudly wrapped his arm around her and greeted his clan as their new leader.

A new era was coming and Sakura was proud to be a part of it.

XxxXxxXxxXxxX

The reception for the wedding had been a hotbed of drinking and merriment for everyone involved apart from the bride herself who had disappeared completely once she had greeted everyone. Her friends assumed that the pinkette had been merely overwhelmed by everything that happened that day and decided to give her some space. Kiba however, knew otherwise. Underneath her immense joy was a shred of sorrow and regret in her heart that kept growing inside her until she gradually hadn't been able to take it anymore. After about an hour of her being missing, Kiba decided that he needed his wife by his side and excused himself from the festivities. When Kiba stepped outside, it didn't take long to find Sakura amongst the falling snowflakes. Kiba approached slowly, unsure of why Sakura had decided to be alone. Then a quiet sob reached his ears and he rushed forwards.

"Baby...Honey I'm here. What's wrong?" he asked. The dog nin didn't want his wife to cry on her wedding day, or at all even.

"She's not here." Sakura wept, turning into his chest and dampening his kimono with her tears.

"Who?" he asked, rubbing her arm gently. He looked up to see the area that Sakura had been looking out towards. The Konoha Cemetery. What his wife was missing on her wedding day was her shishou telling her how happy she was. Sakura would never get to see Tsunade smiling at the news of the children. Sakura never said anything but Kiba could guess that she had wanted Tsunade to be there to witness her children growing up, "It's Tsunade-sama isn't it?"

"Yeah." Sakura sniffed, "I-I miss her so much Kiba. It hurts so much not having her here to see this."

It broke his heart seeing Sakura like this. Kiba was even more in tune with Sakura's emotions now that their chakra was bonded together and he could feel her emotions like they were his own. Mingling with his own sadness upon seeing the woman he loved crying, Kiba's bottom lip began to tremble until he bit down on it. He wanted to say something to comfort her but he couldn't for fear of the damn holding his emotions back bursting. He knew Sakura would never judge him for crying in front of her but with her feeling so fragile right now, he didn't feel like now was the right time to fall to pieces himself. He settled for pulling Sakura close to his warmth and rubbing her arm comfortingly.

"Tsu-Tsunade-shishou...She was a-always there through the biggest moments of my life." Sakura cried, "Not having her here...I can't believe it's only just hitting me now."

"It-It takes time to g-get over it." Kiba stammered as he tried to console her without his own feelings getting the best of him, "I'm sure that if Tsunade-sama were here, she'd be so proud to see you now. I know I am at least." Sakura's breathing was still unsteady as she tried to stop herself from crying, "Tsunade will be watching over us from wherever she is and will be able to see the fine wife, alpha and mother that you become."

"Damn...How do you know just what to say to make my pain go away?" Sakura sighed, gripping his kimono gently and leaning her head against his chest so that she could look out over Konoha.

"I love you. That's why." Kiba said, "My connection with you runs deeper than ever now. I'll always know you better than anyone. My purpose now is to make you happy."

"Your purpose is to lead our clan." Sakura corrected him.

"What use is that without someone I care about deeply by my side to share it?" Kiba asked, "Please don't dwell on the past too much. Look to what will come next. The future that we have together." His hand fell to her stomach, "And the family that will grow as a result. Focus on that for me." The Inuzuka tilted his mate's head up to his and kissed her deeply; one of many more to come, "Now...I want to have you all to myself." He smiled, "Can we sneak away for a bit?"

"Kiba you pervert." Sakura sighed before a smile crept onto her face, "My old house is empty right now...We can go there for a while." With a kiss, Kiba teleported the pair away in a flurry of snow.

Childbirth.

Kiba had always been told how beautiful and joyous it was. All he could think now as he watched his own wife screaming with the pain of the three little buggers trying to force their way out of her was that he was glad he was a man. There was absolutely no capacity for him to have to suffer such horrible pain. The pain in his right hand from where Sakura's immense strength had completely shattered the bone was nothing compared to what she had been going through for the past kami knows how long. Sweat was rolling down Sakura's face as she tried her hardest to get the last of her three children out of her.

"C'mon baby, just one more." Kiba whispered gently to her.

"Don't tell me what to do!" Sakura screamed, "You did this to me! What the fuck was I thinking wanting this?"

"You were thinking we'd have three beautiful babies of our own." Kiba answered gently, "I need you to hold on for me, okay? We've got two...all we need is the third to make an appearance." Sakura's scream signalled the coming of the final baby. Kiba's groan indicated the damage now being done to his forearm with Sakura's newly elongated nails digging into his flesh. It was now he was cursing the fact that she took on so many of his physical traits. He was glad it wasn't her teeth though. They had to be the sharpest he'd ever seen from an Inuzuka.

"You're...You're right." she panted before being told to push again by Shizune who was trying her hardest to make Sakura's ordeal as easy as possible. The wife of the Copy Ninja refused to let anyone else be the midwife for Sakura's children since it was her duty as Sakura's 'mother' to deliver these children safely into the world as Tsunade had done for her.

"Okay Sakura..." Shizune said urgently, "I want you to push hard one last time for us."

"Oh fuck do I have to?" Sakura groaned.

"Please Sakura, just do it!" Shizune shouted, levelling a glare at the woman. Sakura, despite being in pain, was still able to be a child when she wanted to be. The final scream that erupted from the pinkette would make Kiba hard of hearing for the next few minutes. Everyone who was waiting outside was wincing, most of them in their early twenties and not yet considering children. Sakura's shrieks were not doing anything for poor Hinata who had previously liked the idea of children. If Sakura, the toughest kunoichi in Konoha, was screaming in pain, how bad would it be for her?

"FUCKIN' HELL!" Sakura screamed one last time before the sounds of crying were heard and the pain finally subsided. Much to Kiba's surprise, the first thing Sakura did was laugh quietly, "It's over..." she sighed happily.

"You did it honey." Kiba grinned as he watched Shizune weigh the last of his children.

The raven haired medic finally allowed the pinkette to be acquainted with her kids with a soft smile on her face, "You have two boys and a girl." she informed them, handing two of them to Sakura while handing the little girl to her father. Kiba couldn't believe it was really happening. His daughter was so small he was scared he might drop or break her easily. He smiled down at the tiny human being, pride flowing through him. His finger gently caressed the girl's cheek where the typical Inuzuka marking would go when they got to one year old. That was the first milestone he would face with his children, making them full Inuzukas.

"They're beautiful." Sakura smiled. Her sons were exactly like their father with the naturally tanned skin of the Inuzuka clan but one of them had a small patch of pink hair at the front of his head mixed in with the brown. At least she knew how she and Kiba would tell the otherwise identical boys apart. They all looked so big and healthy, definitely taking after their dad. Sakura was relieved to know that his genes had been more dominant than her own; she couldn't have lived with herself had one of them had a full head of her bright pink hair. Shizune approached Kiba and began to heal the arm that Sakura had all but destroyed in her pain ridden state, "I'm sorry I did that to you..." she sighed, looking for Kiba's eyes.

"Sakura. How can I complain about that when you've given me the most amazing gift in the world?" he asked. That was when Sakura noticed small droplets falling onto her daughter's lightly browned skin. He hugged the girl closer and laid a kiss onto her forehead. The small Inuzuka reacted to her father's chakra and snuggled closer, as if she were trying to seek him out and nuzzle him. Kiba had never felt such intense emotions in his life. He had a family, "Pass me the boys, babe." Kiba sniffed, swapping his daughter for his youngest son who had the pink tuft, "Ha...He smells like you do Sakura." he said.

"How did I miss that?" Sakura asked, "My nose, thanks to your chakra, should have picked that up."

"You're so accustomed to your own scent that you didn't notice it." Kiba smiled, "I can tell that this boy will be a lot like his mom just from his scent."

"I'll stamp that out of him." Sakura joked, "Well I think our daughter's gonna be a definite daddy's girl."

"As she should be." Kiba grinned.

Shizune finished healing as much of Kiba's arm as she could but the bone was too badly damaged to heal completely. The rest would have to happen naturally, "Kiba-san, I'm gonna have to put your arm in a cast so it can heal properly, okay?" she asked. He nodded, quietly watching his youngest son sleep soundly in his arms, leaning into his father's embrace similar to how his elder sister had, "Have you thought of names?" Shizune asked.

"Oh crap." Kiba grimaced, "I totally forgot we'd have to do that!" His wife and Shizune both chuckled quietly as Kiba tried to quickly think of some nice names for his kids.

"Inuzuka Kanna is a nice name I think." Sakura said, "For the girl..."

"Gah! I can't think of any for the boys!" Kiba whined before pouting. He felt like he was failing in his duty as a dad.

"I guess that the boys are going to have to wait a little bit longer for a name." Sakura sighed. It didn't really matter though. She wouldn't rush Kiba to name them since she knew that he would just need a little time to adjust to being a dad. Shizune smiled. She and Kakashi had a little trouble naming their own son but they had done it eventually. The medic decided to leave Sakura and Kiba alone with their children for a while. After all, they deserved a little peace and quiet. Of course, the next thing was teaching Sakura to breast feed. Oh the joys of being a mother. Sakura edged over and let Kiba lie on the bed beside her. They just sat in silence, admiring their children with nothing but love in their eyes. Sakura's gentle finger ran through the pink tuft on her youngest son's head affectionately, "After so long...they're finally here."

"I know...It's great isn't it?" Kiba smiled, "I can't believe how small they are." He never called anything cute or adorable but if he did, Kanna and her brothers would be the very epitome of those words, "Now I have more lives to protect." he said. A jolt ran through Sakura's brain. What her husband had just said combined with seeing her children before her, sleeping peacefully, made her think about her role in her children's lives. Would she really be able to be there for them if she were Hokage? She honestly didn't think she could since the position was a full time job. It didn't just go away at night when she went home. It would only go away if she died. The dangers of her job could take her away from the newest additions to her clan. Sakura couldn't think of anything more painful or horrible for the life of her, "Hey. What's got you smelling all worried? They're fine." Kiba smiled, nuzzled Sakura softly.

"Kiba, I don't know if I can do it." Sakura said.

"It's a little late to be thinking that don't you think?" he teased.

"No...I'm prepared to be a mother. It's my other job I'm concerned about." Sakura sighed, "I don't know if I can risk my life like that anymore now that they're here. I have to protect them and I can't do that if I'm working all the time or...or..." Kiba placed a finger on her lips to silence her.

"Honey, I understand." he said softly, "But you're an excellent leader. The village is a better place now that you've taken over."

"I don't want to miss them growing up." Sakura sighed, "Being Hokage will take me away from them. I'll hardly ever see you or them." Kiba completel understood her dilemma and had every sympathy with her. At least his leadership job wouldn't take him away from his family. He was based inside the Inuzuka Compound and could see the kids whenever he wanted. Sakura wouldn't be able to just drop everything and leave the Hokage mansion at the drop of a hat, "Maybe when they're older I can take up the position again but they need me too much right now. I spent my years wishing I could be a mother and I'm not going to miss out on it."

"Of course." Kiba smiled, "Whatever you do, I'll support you. Who would you have hold the place for you?"

"Naruto." Sakura said, "He was the original candidate before Shikaku threw my name into the mix. And I think he'd be more than happy to take over for a little while."

"That dobe'll be over the moon." he chuckled, "He's waitin' outside you know? Do you wanna see everyone right now?"

"We'll have to face them sooner or later." Sakura said, "But only a few at a time though. Naruto, Sai, Ino and Shino and Hinata first. I don't want a lot of noise." Kiba nodded before carrying one of his kids to the door and inviting the few people inside. Naruto immediately rushed to Sakura's side with a worried look on his face. He'd never heard such blood curdling screams in all his days as a shinobi. Hinata was by Kiba's side with Shino congratulating their teammate. Shino was the first of the group to allowed to hold Kiba's children. He was a little wary about Naruto since the shinobi wasn't really known for being delicate. But he was surprised to see how gentle the blond was when he held his only daughter in his arms as one of her uncles, "Beautiful isn't she, Naruto?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah...She has to get it from her mom." Naruto grinned, "After all, her dad's an ugly-"

"OI!" Kiba growled, "Don't start Uzumaki or you won't lay another finger on my kids again!" Sakura was also glaring at him which made Naruto apologise quietly.

"Naruto...I want to ask you something." Sakura said, taking her daughter back from the blond, "Um...I want you to hold my position as Hokage until the kids are older." Naruto's cerulean eyes nearly bulged out of his head when Sakura said that. He'd been expecting a babysitting request not being asked to be Hokage.

"Sakura-chan, are you sure?" he asked warily, "I mean, you're doin' a great job."

"I know that but I want to see my kids grow up first." Sakura smiled, rubbing her eldest son's cheek, "Maybe when they enter the academy in seven years I'll consider retaking the position or even becoming an active kunoichi again." Naruto threw his arms around Sakura and hugged her as tightly as he could which she took as an acceptance of the position. Of course the council would need some convincing but none of them could deny that Naruto was capable and that she had a right to care for her children. Kiba smiled softly at her, proud of Sakura's devotion to her family. He knew he'd hit the jackpot when he'd married her and was looking forward to raising a family with her.

The whole village was gathered and excitement was buzzing throughout the streets as they waited for Sakura's to address them for the final time as Hokage. Of course none of them knew what she was going to tell them but it had to be important. When Sakura approached the edge of the Hokage Mansion's roof, she was dressed in the formal Inuzuka Alpha Female robes that Tsume had had made for her. She was also carrying two of her children with Kiba by her side. Cheers erupted from below as she smiled down at them.

"It's been a long time since I addressed all of you like this." Sakura called out, "And I'd like to thank you all for coming today."

"As you can see, I've been blessed with three beautiful and healthy children." Sakura smiled, looking at Kiba. It was obvious that he wasn't used to being in front of so many people since he was nervously fidgeting and blushing deeply, "What I have to say is driven by my desire to see them grow into strong people. I want to have a hand in their development and unfortunately, being Hokage hinders that effort."

The shinobi gathered had fallen silent. Everyone got the gist of what she was saying.

"I have decided that, for the time being, I shall no longer be Hokage." Sakura said, "But this is only temporary! When my kids enroll in the academy at the age of seven, I will return to some form of duty. Maybe not Hokage but definitely as an active kunoichi. Until then...The person who will be the Nanadaime Hokage instead will be Uzumaki Naruto!" It seemed that everyone approved of the choice since everyone was clapping and cheering. Even her daughter was gurgling in approval, "Well...it seems Kanna approves too." she grinned before turning back to Naruto, "Get over here you baka!"

"Hi." he said shyly as he bowed to the rest of the village, "How's everyone doin'?"

"Naruto will hold my place while I spend time with my family and helping my husband lead our clan." Sakura informed them, "But rest assured, you are in good hands. And I won't be too far away either. My promise to protect each and every one of you still stands even should I never reclaim my position as Hokage. It's the least I can do." She stepped out of the way, "Now then, show your appreciation for the new Nanadaime Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto!" Sakura laughed as Naruto blushed at all the cheering. Kiba stood by her side, tickling his youngest son whom he had decided to name Kouhei because of his calm and quiet nature. His older brother was named Yasei because he was a lot more rowdy. Yasei also liked to pull on his father's hair whenever he got close enough. Strangely, he never dared to do it to Sakura. It made Kiba feel a little like he was being bullied.

"You sure he's gonna manage?" Kiba asked, seeing Naruto floundering.

"He's a little overwhelmed but he'll get used to it." Sakura grinned, "I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time before he'll be ordering us around like he's been doing it for years."

"Like hell I'm takin' orders from him." Kiba scoffed. Sakura smirked before lifting Yasei up to Kiba's head, allowing him to grip his hair tightly. Kiba whimpered pitifully as his son's insane strength nearly ripped it from his skull. In the two months since their births, Kanna, Yasei and Kouhei had all grown much stronger. This was a time when Kiba's pride was mixed with a desire that Sakura hadn't passed that particular trait onto them, "Sakura! Get him off me!" Kiba begged, "I'll listen to Naruto!"

"Good. Come on Yasei, let daddy go." Sakura said softly, giggling along with her eldest son. Yasei was giggling and clapping happily.

"You're mean." Kiba pouted, pointing at his son. When Yasei gave him the innocent smile that Sakura had given him so many times, the clan leader ruffled his son's chocolate brown hair. He looked at Sakura who was chuckling. Kiba moved forward and kissed her softly, "That goes for you too, meanie." he smirked, "I'll have to punish you later."

"Whatever Kiba." Sakura shrugged, trying to hide her attraction to that statement. She squeaked when Kiba pinched her behind.

"Whatever Kiba-sama." he growled in her ear.

After giving his speech, Naruto turned to look over at Sakura. Kiba had one arm around her and it was the first time he'd ever seen the Inuzuka looking at a woman with such pure adoration. Naruto's smile grew as they kissed softly. No matter what Sakura had been through before getting together with Kiba, the Inuzuka would never let her go through it again. For that he'd always be grateful. He hoped that Sakura would be happy for the rest of her life with him.

After all, it was the least that she deserved.

I feel so pathetic...I actually cried writing this chapter. Not because of the actual stuff I was writing but because of how attached I've become to this story. Well...I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter/story as much as I loved writing it. You have all been absolutely amazingly supportive of me and my writing and those who stuck with me to the very end have my eternal love! But as much as I love that, you know what I've really loved about this story? It's that some people have reviewed saying that this story converted them to KibaxSakura. Just thinking that my writing did that is enough to make me bubble over :D Thanks guys!

Victoblerone, minniemousemom, Black-Blue Moonlight Neko and earthbender068 deserve to have this chapter dedicated to them for being just amazing! I love everyone who has ever reviewed, alerted or faved this story. You all rock!

I will eventually do a sequel to this story but it won't be posted for a while. After I finish Love Me, Sakura, I'm going to expand my repertoire further by delving deeper into some of the following pairings I have the first chapters written for:

ItachixSakura
KakashixSakura
SasukexSakura (I decided to challenge myself! Sakura's slightly more badass in this one)
NarutoxSakura
KibaxSakura
ShikamaruxSakura
KibaxShikamaru

It's a lot of stuff to get through and I want to focus on that before I write the sequel to this. I'm sorry to everyone who wants it quickly but that's the way it is I'm afraid :( I'll probably work on the yaoi one first :D I've got some great ideas for Shikamaru's jutsus. I love being creative!

Once again, thank you to everyone for being so supportive. So...For the last time on this story, please review :)

See you all soon,
Eternal :)