Here lies the last chapter of Don't Let Me Go. I'm both incredibly sad and happy. Sad that this is ending, happy over the reception. You guys... Seriously, you've just been amazing :) With that said, there's a few people I'd like to give a shout out to in thanks for your support. If I could put down every reviewers name, I seriously would, but that would take ages, and I know that you guys just want to read. These guys and their reviews constantly brought a smile to my face, either from your never ending support and compliments or just the fact that you came back every update and decided that my story was worth your time to review. Here's to these people! In no particular order...

iCanbEYOURrUKIA
kartoonkitty
river of the sand
moni-neechan
Brandi.N
Naruto-and-Avatar-lover
iNINJA
Animelover351
HinatasHelper
BlueSkyKite
Just me (anonymous reviewer, but I've known this lovely girl since, like, birth, and just having you support and review this story was so appreciated, you'll never know :D)

Last but not least, my beautiful, smart, amazing and talented friend, Inkheart Buddy, Editor and Soul Mate, Amy, without whose help, I would never have gotten this done, and without whose unlimited patience, I would be six feet under. I love you so much lovely, and this story is dedicated to you :D

I know that there are so many more of you, and I'm sorry I can't thank you individually, but know that I am so grateful for every review, favourite, story alert, favourite author and author alert, it just makes me want to bawl! Seriously, I can't thank you enough! This story is dedicated to every single one of you.

One more thing (sorry). A few of you have asked about a sequel, and quite honestly, I don't know if I have it in me. I have a few story ideas swirling in my head, and if I did write a sequel, it wouldn't come out for at least 6 - 8 months, but I don't know if this story has an opening for a sequel. Believe me, I've thrown ideas around, I even have a very very basic plot! Whether it would be written or stay a figment of my imagination, I can't say. And that's about it.

Disclaimer: I, musoninjaRAWR, solemnly swear, that I do not own Naruto...For now...

Sasuke's name was soon cleared of all charges. The Elder Council voted a five against two win. His saving Konoha had saved him. So had his removing many of the threats of the Test Subjects Orochimaru had made. Killing Kabuto had set many people's minds at rest. He had also supplied the names of all of Orochimaru's hideouts and safe houses, so that the Shinobi of Konoha could go and remove the threats there.

Sasuke refused to move back into the district where his family had once lived. He said that it held far too many memories that he'd rather forget. So he and Sakura bought a house just outside of Konoha. It had a little fruit and vegetable garden out the back, Sakura and Oak trees littered the yard. Creeping vines clung to the walls in a few places.

Eight months later, Sakura gave birth to a little girl. They decided to name her Aya. Three months after Aya's birth, Sasuke and Sakura got married, in a small ceremony. Sakura didn't really like things that were too extravagant.

Sasuke soon started looking for a job, but was ordered to do the Chuunin and Jounin exams first. Sasuke was furious, and Sakura was in hysterics. She found it hilarious that even after all he had done, he was still technically a Genin. Within six months, Sasuke was an official Jounin, and he joined the ANBU. Within a month, he was made a captain.

Five years later, Sasuke and Sakura had had another child. This time a boy, and they had called him Kaito. Sakura was heavily pregnant with twins, and was swearing that she would never have any more kids, and that if Sasuke wanted more, he could damn well carry and birth them himself. Naruto and Hinata had gotten married and were trying for children. Cho and Kiba were still together, and Sasuke had learnt that Kiba was planning on proposing soon. Ino had found happiness in Sai, saying that 'At least he looks like Sasuke!' Sakura had punched her for that, but they soon made up.

Two years later, Tsunade retired from being Hokage, claiming that she had enough money to gamble into the next life, and enough Sake to last her a good few weeks. Naruto was voted as the next Hokage, and complained about paperwork for the rest of his life. Sasuke and Sakura had had their twins: A boy and a girl. They called the boy Kaito, and named the girl Mikoto, after Sasuke's mother. Sasuke was trying to convince Sakura to have more children, and Sakura didn't want to hear any of it. They had enrolled Aya in at the ninja's school, where she was coming first in the class. Naruto and Hinata had had a little girl, whom they called Suki. Cho and Kiba had gotten married and had Aika train to be a medic.

Seventeen years had passed since Sasuke had been welcomed back into the village. Sasuke had convinced Sakura to have more children, and they now had seven beautiful children. Three boys and four girls. Aya was sixteen years old, and breaking hearts left, right and centre, much to Sasuke's annoyance and Sakura's amusement. However, she refused to let Aya out of the house in the clothes that Ino bought for her; Sakura thought that it was better that Aya leave something to the imagination.

Kaito took heavily after his father, even though he had his mother's eyes. He was constantly brooding, and Sakura hoped that Naruto and Hinata's daughter Suki would bring Kaito out of his shell. She had noticed that whenever Kaito was around the thirteen year old, he was more prone to smiling.

Nao and Mikoto were in constant battle. They were currently tied for first in everything that they did, and they were very grumpy at that. It drove Sakura crazy when they fought constantly, but she knew that of all her children, they were closest, just by the little things that they did. Like when there was a thunder storm, Nao would go to Mikoto and comfort her, because Mikoto hated loud noises.

Their fifth child, and third little boy, Taro, was a lot like Aya: A heartbreaker. He was only ten, yet Sakura could see the makings of trouble stirring in him.

Their last two children were little girls. Chie, who was named after Sakura's mother, was seven, and starting at the academy. Chie was like their hippy child, and was a total free spirit. She reminded Sakura of Shikamaru. Chie had inherited Sakura's pink hair, but had her father's dark eyes.

Takara, their youngest daughter at age four, was her daddy's little girl. She was the spitting image of Sasuke, and loved to follow him around, trying to do everything he did. It always made Sakura laugh to see Sasuke trying to do chores around the house, or get ready for work, and always have to watch out for Takara, so that she didn't fall over and hurt herself.

All in all, Sasuke and Sakura were happy and content. Sasuke had the happiness, life and love he had always desired. Everything was basically perfect. Sakura was happy, and that made him happy. He had seven beautiful children who were his life.

Naruto and Hinata had three children, a girl and two younger boys. Suki looked exactly like her father, but had her mother's personality. The two boys, Eiji and Hama, were complete trouble makers, just like their father. Hinata was constantly worried for her father's health when the two boys were over and he tried to teach them how to use their Byakugan. Sasuke was just glad that it was the daughter, not one of the two boys, that had worked her way into the heart of one of his children.

Cho and Kiba had two children: an eight year old girl named Mai, and a six year old boy named Hikari. Mai and Chie were inseparable, being best friends and doing everything together. Sasuke had noted, with some worry, that Hikari and Takara were getting quite close. When he mentioned this to Sakura, she turned a stern face towards him and said "Oh? And what are you going to do about it if they do end up together, hey? I'll tell you what: Nothing! Just be grateful that it's a sweet kid that is friends with Takara."

Sasuke decided that he would just keep a watchful eye over Hikari, and maybe have a stern word or two with him when he got older.

It was evening when Sasuke got home from a mission. He had been away for two weeks, and had missed his family like crazy. He could hear two people in the kitchen, three people upstairs, one person in the living room and two people out the back. He went to the living room first, and saw Mikoto reading a book. He quietly snuck over to her and gave her a bear hug, which took her by surprise.

"Papa!" She cried happily, before Sasuke put his finger over his lips, signalling her to be quiet. She quickly caught on, mimicking him, before, with a giggle, she wrapped her arms around his neck in a warm embrace. Sasuke gave her a kiss on the cheek, before moving to the kitchen.

Aya and Kaito were there, Aya washing up, Kaito stacking.

"Hey, papa," Aya said, without turning. Sasuke smiled. Even with his chakra completely masked, she could still sense him.

"I must be getting out of shape," he said in good humour.

"Not really, papa," Aya replied, turning with a smile on her face. "I couldn't sense you at all. I could just tell it was your footsteps." Sasuke smiled at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, which she returned. "How was the mission?"

Sasuke sighed. "Troublesome and annoying." Aya nodded, knowing that this was basically his way of saying 'it was a complete waste of time.'

Sasuke turned to Kaito. "Still immersed in teenage - hood, Kaito?" He asked, smirking.

"Hn," was his reply. Sasuke chuckled and ruffled his sons hair. Kaito glared at his father, trying to flatten his black hair back to its usual way.

Sasuke went outside and saw Nao and Taro sparring. He stood there a moment, watching them. Taro seemed to be getting frustrated when Nao continued to be able to get a hit in, and he couldn't touch him. Sasuke walked up to Taro. Nao, upon seeing his father, ran up to Sasuke.

"Did you see me, father? I've been practising with Naruto while you've been gone, and he's been teaching me these awesome moves!" He seemed very happy with himself. Sasuke chuckled again.

"Nao, what have I told you? Naruto's all brawn and no brain. He only ever concentrates on the best moves, but he never realises that sometimes it's the small things that help you win." He walked over to Taro. "For example," he leaned closer to Taro's ear and lowered his voice so that Nao couldn't hear. He whispered something into Taro's ear, and Taro's smile grew wide. Sasuke stood back and walked to Nao. "Give him all you've got." He smiled at Nao as Nao smirked at Taro.

Nao charged at Taro, gathering chakra into his hands and spreading it all over his body. If he were to hit Taro in that state, well… Let's just say his mother would have her work cut out for her.

Taro stood there, arms crossed, a light smirk on his lips. When Nao was merely a metre from hitting him with painful force, Taro sidestepped him, spinning around and kicking Nao in the back, sending Nao flying into a tree.

Nao got up out of the wreckage, rubbing his head. "What the hell, Taro?" Nao was pretty pissed, that much was obvious.

"Papa told me to do it!" Taro tried to defend himself, running to hide behind his father in fright.

"Father!" Nao cried angrily, charging at his father, gathering more chakra through his body.

"That's enough from you, Nao," Sasuke said, holding Nao at arm's length. "That was a very powerful jutsu you just pulled. I'm proud that you mastered it in two weeks," he praised. This seemed to calm Nao down a bit. Sasuke realised that he had just wanted his praise. "You're doing brilliantly, Nao. Just make sure to work on the smallest things as much as the big attacks. You need balance. You can't have one without the other. Master both, and you'll be a force to be reckoned with." Nao grinned at his father, and went off to practise some more. "Half an hour, Nao! Then I want you inside!" He turned to Taro. "That was almost perfect, Taro. Just don't be afraid to act. That's the one thing that is letting you down. When you practise with your siblings, don't be afraid to give it your all." He mussed his hair, and Taro nodded at him, smiling, before going off to join his brother. "Half an hour, boys!" Sasuke called, before walking back inside.

He walked up the stairs, and saw Sakura in the room that Chie and Takara shared, putting the two girls to sleep.

"Papa!" Takara cried happily, jumping into her father's arms. A similar cry was heard from Chie, and they sent him falling back into a sitting position. They climbed over him, battling for the first hug. He heard Sakura chuckle softly, and walk towards where he was being attacked by his two youngest daughters.

"Hey, stranger." She said good naturedly, prying Chie off Sasuke, and tucking the girl into bed. Sasuke hefted Takara into his arms and lowered her into her own bed.

"It's time for sleep, my treasure," he whispered to her, giving her a kiss on the forehead, before going to Chie. "Time for sleep, my darling," he said to her, kissing her forehead, and going back to lean against the doorframe, watching Sakura. He didn't know how she did it, but even after seven children, she was fit. He shook his head, not knowing how she managed it. But, he thought, even if she wasn't as fit as she is, she'd still be beautiful to me.

He listened to Sakura sing the two girls a lullaby. It was the same one she had sung to all of their children.

'Your little hand's wrapped around my finger, and it's so quiet in the world tonight
Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming, so I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light
To you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret
I'd give all I have, honey, if you could stay like that

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up, just stay this little
Oh darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple
I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart
And no one will desert you, just try to never grow up, never grow up.'

Sakura quietly left the room, turning off the light and closing the door softly behind her. She felt a pair of arms encircle her waist, and Sasuke's mouth kissing her neck. "Hey," she said, turning around and putting her arms around his neck, giving him a kiss and embracing him. "You're back early."

Sasuke smiled into her hair. "Of course. You wouldn't expect me to be late, would you?" He had missed her like crazy, but as usual, he hadn't realised just how much he had missed her until she was back in his arms.

She shrugged. "I suppose not. Was that you earlier? The one who was trying to encourage Nao to kill Taro?" She felt his rumbling laughter and took this as an assent. "I thought so. Don't you think I have enough to do at the hospital, without having to repair my sons as well?" She berated him softly. He was still laughing and she frowned. "Not funny, Sasuke Kun," she was starting to smile herself, but wouldn't let him see it.

"You're trying not to laugh," he told her. She denied it of course, so he pulled her away from him for a moment, so as to see the smile that she was desperately trying to hide from him. "Told you so."

"Oh shush."

xXx

It was midnight, and the children were all asleep, as Sasuke and Sakura stepped out of the house, leaving a protective line of chakra around the house. They entered Konoha, and walked towards the graveyard. Today marked seventeen years since Aya had died, and like every year past, they had come to pay their respects. Sakura was carrying a pink carnation in her hand, Sasuke was carrying a blue periwinkle. They laid the two flowers on the grave, and sat before the tombstone. Sakura rubbed away some of the weeds that had gathered to reveal the writing on the stone.

Hirata Aya

A shining rose,
Amongst the darkest of thorns.

They sat there in silence until dawn, when they stood up and walked back home, hand in hand.

"Sakura, I'm thinking of retiring from ANBU. I want to take a job that doesn't run a high risk of life and death every time I go. I think I'll just go back to doing missions," Sasuke said, raising a thought he'd had for a while now. He loved the challenges that ANBU presented, but it was too much risk. What would happen if one day he didn't came back home? How could he leave Sakura to raise seven children on her own?

Sakura was silent for a minute, until "if that's what you want to do, then do it. It'll be nice to have you home more often." She smiled at him. "Just make sure that that is what you want to do, okay?"

"I want to be at home with you and with the kids more. I hate going out on a mission, knowing that there is a chance that I won't come home." And besides, he really did want to spend more time with his family. Sakura threw him a smile. She couldn't tell him how happy having him home more often made her. "Sakura?" He suddenly said.

"Hm?" She gave him her attention with that noise.

"Arigato." He said simply. She looked at him, confused, and he explained. "Arigato for not giving up on me. I put you through so much, and you kept letting me back in. Thank you for that."

Sakura smiled at him, giving herself into his embrace, before kissing him lovingly. "How could I give up on you, when you were so lost?" She asked him.

Sasuke smiled back at her, one of the few times where the smile reached his eyes. "Still, thank you for not giving up on me. Arigato for not letting me go." They were out the front of their house, and Sasuke removed the defensive circle of chakra.

"I'd never let you go, Sasuke Kun." She said simply.

Sasuke smiled, and kissed her, before taking her hand and shutting the door to his home, and stepping into the comfort and warmth of his world of happiness, family, love and life.

And there we have it. I really hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing and posting it. I'd love to hear your feedback. Basically, I'd love to hear from you guys! I have so many people who favourited, and yet never even sent me a 'hey'. So yes, that's my one little ask of you (apart from no flames).

Wow... After having posted this for the past two and a bit months, it feels almost a bit... Surreal, for it to be over. Keep an eye out for my next story, I'll Never Say. I'm having good vibes with that one, although it won't be finished for around another two months at least :P Again, thank you so much for all your support, I'll never be able to thank you enough.

And with that, I conclude this story. I wish you all a great day, night, week, year and life. Happy reading! Thank you, and goodnight.

- musoninjaRAWR xoxox