My Dear Princess

Epilogue

Time never stopped moving. It never slowed. This only became more prominent over the years, especially having a little one growing up. The Leaf was now the most prosperous kingdom in all the lands. This was all thanks to the kind and noble rulers. Sasuke the king, and Sakura the queen.

The people's respect for them had only grown over time, for they were fearless, considerate, and always striving to make their people happy. Always doing all that they could to make their kingdom the place to be. After ruling for nine years, they'd accomplished many things. They were well known, and loved by many people, even extending outside of their homeland.

But, nobody loved them like their eight-year-old daughter.

The name given to her was Sarada, for she was a natural born leader, a visionary… a guiding light to a brighter future. Her life as princess of the Leaf was very much different to the one Sakura had known. Sarada was a free sprit and there wasn't a soul who didn't love her. She was known far and wide, never hidden or neglected, even though she was a prodigy, a growing legend all her own.

Instead of looking to her with fear, the people looked to her with hope and admiration. Like her mother, she would be a healer, a lover, and a fighter if she ever needed to be. Young as she was, she loved her people as dearly as her parents did. She was raised with the utmost care and affection. She was the kindest child, and it was plain for everyone to see.

Today was her birthday. There was to be a grand celebration. Sakura had made her way to the girl's room early that morning, her husband right behind her. They had made it a point to wake at the crack of dawn to catch her before she was up for the day, but neither of them were surprised when they opened the door to her room and found her bed already made, and their little princess nowhere to be found.

"Goodness… she's up earlier than usual."

"Told you." Sasuke smirked at his pouting wife, having told her the night before this would happen.

While they were busy laughing together over this turn of events, Sarada was running through the castle halls on her way outside. Every castle worker she passed was greeted with an excited wave and a bright smile, while she was showered with happy birthday wishes. With each one, she became more excited about the day ahead. For this was the day she was born, everyone was pleased to celebrate with her, and her mama and papa had promised her a special surprise.

She knew her parents would be up early today and looking for her. So, she hoped to get back before they came to find her. There were a handful of very important people she just had to see. Once outside, she sprinted across the castle grounds, through the beautiful gardens and out towards the closest houses.

It was early, the sun just rising, but many people were already awake, and greeting the young princess as she ran by them with all her might, just like she would any other morning. It was only when she finally made it up the front porch steps to the house she was so excited to get to, that she finally stopped running, breathless. Her obsidian eyes were dancing with happiness as she knocked loudly on the door.

Only a second later, the door opened, revealing her dearest Uncle Itachi before her. He was wide awake and dressed for the day, as she knew he'd be. She giggled as she jumped towards him and he lifted her up effortlessly, hugging her to him with a bright smile.

"My, my… it's the birthday princess. I thought you would have been too busy this morning for your old uncle."

"I'm never too busy for you, Uncle Itachi!" She promised sincerely as Itachi brought her in, closing the door behind him before sitting her down.

"We have to keep quiet though… Aunt Izumi and baby Ichirou are still sleeping."

"Oh…" Sarada whispered and nodded. "I know. Not everyone wakes early like us, right?"

"Right." Itachi chuckled lightly and turned away from her.

"Where are you going?" She asked as he started to walk away.

He turned to her, smiling a secretive smile. "Just wait right here, okay?"

"Kay!" She clasped her hands together and watched him go, rocking on her feet excitedly for the whole time he was gone.

Itachi returned a moment later, carrying a box, wrapped beautifully in pink and white. Sarada jumped up and down excitedly as he handed it over.

"Oh, thank you. Thank you so much!" She was so excited, but still managed to keep her voice down.

Her uncle laughed. "You haven't even opened it yet."

"That doesn't matter!" She told him seriously as she took the offered gift and hugged it tightly to her body. "Do you mind if I save it for later?" She asked hopefully, big dark eyes looking up to him curiously.

"It's your gift, princess." He shrugged, already knowing she would do this.

She closed the distance between them and hugged him and the gift happily. "That's why you're my favorite." She whispered. "Just don't tell Uncle Shisui."

"Your secret is safe with me." He told her as she released him, already backing up towards the door.

"I have to go now… mama and papa will be looking for me soon."

"I know. Don't stay out too long. It is your birthday after all."

"Yes sir." She smiled her most precious smile at him and then she was gone.

Sarada was disappointed not to be able to see her aunt and baby cousin yet, but she understood that they needed their sleep. Her uncle told her countless times about this, and she knew she had to be respectful of them. Besides, they would all be coming to see her soon enough.

Her mind drifted from them as she arrived at the house next door and wasted no time in announcing her arrival with another round of loud, excited knocking. Uncle Shisui never slept, or at least this is what she assumed. He never looked tired no matter what time she visited him, and he was always happy to see her, just like her uncle Itachi.

"Is that my little princess? I wonder…"

She giggled when she heard him on the other side of the door. "Of course it's me, uncle Shisui. Open up!"

He opened the door, feigning surprise. "You come see me even on your birthday? What a pleasant surprise."

"I come see you every morning!" She told him meaningfully just before he swooped her up and hugged her.

"I know you do and I'm glad you made it this morning… because I have something special for you."

"For real?" Sarada giggled, burying her face in his neck as he carried her through his living room and into the kitchen.

"For real… and I know you'll love it."

"Me too." She beamed up at him as he sat her on the kitchen counter. He turned away from her to grab a small confection box that sat just on the opposite counter.

Sarada sat the gift from Itachi on the counter next to her to accept the small box Shisui handed her. They exchanged a smirk before she opened it, already knowing what was inside. Every morning, he always had her favorite treat. A pink macaron. But today, it had the cutest bow on top. She grinned at him as she pulled it out of the box.

"Thank you so much, uncle Shisui." She took a big bite happily, knowing she was cheating since not having her breakfast yet. She knew her mama and papa wouldn't give her a hard time though, because today was her special day. "This is already the best birthday ever." She told him happily as she continued to eat the sweet treat.

"I hope you don't think that's the only thing special I have for you."

"It's not?" Her mouth fell open in disbelief.

Shisui laughed as he pulled a small box out of his pocket and showed it off to her. "And this one is just for right now. I have something even more special for your ball tonight!"

"Wow! You're so sweet… That's why you're my favorite." She told him with a giggle and he came over and plopped his hand atop her head. "But, don't tell uncle Itachi!"

"Never, princess." He laughed. "Now, open it."

She gave him a sharp meaningful look then and he held his hands up in defeat, knowing she had to finish her treat first. Sarada had already known her uncle Shisui wouldn't let her take her gift home without opening it, like uncle Itachi would. But, she was fine with that.

Once she finished her treat completely, she unwrapped the small box and opened it, obsidian eyes sparkling in delight as she pulled out the tiny silver charm. "It's a teddy bear!" She declared.

"Well, you wanted one… and your father refused to let me get you a real one. So, this was the best I could do."

"Uncle Shisui." Her eyes teared up then. "This is the best of the best… the most special teddy bear in the whole wide world."

"Aw, kid." Shisui hugged her tight against him then, willing himself not to fall prey to her charms. "You better get going now, I know you snuck out before your parents got to see you… didn't you?"

Sarada sighed then. "Sorry. I'll go straight home."

"Good girl." He told her as he picked her up and set her down to her feet. She grabbed her unopened gift while clutching the teddy bear charm to her chest.

"Thanks a lot, uncle Shisui. See you later!" She gave him a big smile before running out of the room and leaving his house.

He never thought he could love a kid so much.

More people were awake now, and Sarada knew better than to be rude, so even though she was in a hurry to get back home to her mama and papa, she still took the time to speak to everyone that spoke to her and thank them kindly for wishing her a happy birthday.

She was breathless, but grinning broadly as she ran into the castle, skidding to a halt when someone stepped in front of her. She managed to stop just an inch away from running into the man and then she was suddenly picked up into the arms of her uncle Naruto.

"Uncle Naruto!" She squealed before peppering kisses all over his cheeks. "I wasn't sure you'd be home today!"

"You think I'd miss my sweet princess' birthday? Not on my life."

She giggled happily, eyes dancing as she admired him. "I'm so happy. Thank you so much." She laid her head on his shoulder, happy as she could have been.

"You've always been so precious… thanking me just for being here. I could cry."

"No! Don't cry." She leaned her head up to pout playfully at him. "If you cry, I'll cry…"

"Oh well, we certainly can't have that. Why don't we celebrate by seeing what I got you for your special day?"

"You got me something?" She gasped.

Naruto laughed as he carried her through the castle towards the large back doors. Sarada remained silent, though giddy on their way. She closed her eyes when he instructed her to do so. Once outside he sat her down carefully, the softest of smiles gracing his lips.

"Okay, you can open your eyes now." He said, keeping his eyes on her.

Sarada opened her eyes excitedly and the instant she seen the white pony right before her eyes she squealed and jumped up and down. She looked to her uncle Naruto with the most admiration before hurrying to embrace him.

"I can't believe you got me a pony ride!"

"Well, you can certainly ride it… but the gift is the pony itself." Naruto chuckled.

"A whole pony?" She couldn't believe it.

Naruto just shrugged as if it were no big deal and Sarada couldn't stand still in her excitement. She took a deep breath and composed herself though before slipping her teddy bear charm in her pocket and walking over to the pony to pet it.

"I want to ride you… but I have to see mama and papa now. I promise I'll be back, okay?" She rubbed the pony's nose before looking back to her uncle Naruto. "This really is the best day ever."

Naruto held out his hand as she left the pony reluctantly and started walking towards him. She took his hand and skipped happily by his side on their way back in. Once inside she released his hand and gave him a bright smile.

"I have to go to mama and papa now… but, I'll see you in just a little bit. Okay?"

"I'll be here." Naruto promised and then watched her run off with a smile on his face. That little girl was the picture of innocence, and the deepest love.

There was a reason everyone adored her.

Sarada was certain her mama and papa would be in their room so that's the first place she would go. She ran all the way, beyond ready to see them. She was running late, so she knew they had probably already noticed she was missing. They were very smart and they caught her most days anyway. They never got mad, in fact they encouraged her to be as free as she wanted, to go as she pleased. Sarada was smart too though, and she knew her mama and papa knew this, and that was why they had so much trust in her.

"Mama, papa!" Sarada called as she knocked on their bedroom door.

"Mama is downstairs waiting on us for breakfast."

Sarada jumped, whirling around to face her father who'd appeared out of nowhere unexpectantly. "Papa! You frightened me…" She sighed.

Sasuke smirked and leaned down to her eye level. "Forgive me for that. I heard you knocking… but I was in your room waiting for you."

"You were?" She giggled and took his hand, pulling him across the hall and into her room. "I have to put this up for safekeeping." She told him seriously, taking her unopened gift to her bookshelf and then taking the small charm she carried to her bed, where she carefully placed it under her pillow.

"Gifts already?" Her papa asked, seemingly impressed.

She shrugged as if she couldn't believe it either. "Well… I went for my morning visits…"

"I know." He smiled softly at her and gestured her to come on with a wave of his hand. "I hope Shisui didn't let you spoil your breakfast though."

"Sir?" Her cheeks turned red and she fidgeted, but Sasuke only laughed to himself.

"Nothing, sweetheart."

They entered the dining room and Sakura was there alone, smiling at them immediately upon their entry. Sarada laughed happily as she ran towards her mama, hugging her tightly. The child was more thankful for the people in her life than any gift she could ever receive, though those gifts did make her happy. She had so much to be grateful for, and she knew it.

"Mama… this is the best birthday ever. I love you… and papa… and my whole family."

"We know… and we all love you, Sarada."

Sarada took her seat while looking from her mama to her papa as he sat across from them. It was always her who sat at the head of the table, for as long as she could remember. Mama and papa insisted upon it. Breakfast was served quickly. Sarada whispered a thank you and then started eating excitedly. Even if she sneaked a treat from her uncle Shisui every morning, she always made sure to eat her breakfast. Because of that, her mama and papa never complained.

"Oh," She sat her fork down and looked between her mama and papa carefully. "there's something I need to tell you both."

"Oh?" Sakura raised a brow curiously while Sasuke just watched her, waiting.

Sarada nodded enthusiastically. "But, papa… you have to promise not to say anything."

Sasuke stiffened at this, dark eyes flickering to his wife before he gave Sarada a firm nod. "Alright."

"Uncle Naruto is home now… and he… got me a whole pony."

"A pony?" Sasuke asked, brows pulling together and lips falling apart.

"Did he?" Sakura was surprised and impressed even.

"He did… I hope I can ride it after breakfast…" She trailed off, black eyes round and hopeful as she looked from her mama to her papa expectantly.

They could only smile at how adorable she was and agree without thinking twice. It wasn't often they denied her anything she wanted, or ever really. Though Sarada was wise for her age, and very considerate. She never asked for things she shouldn't have and today was her special day. If her uncle Naruto got her a pony and she wanted to ride it, she would get just that.

The day was flying by. After her pony ride, Sakura walked with her back to her room, where she had to take the time to get dressed for her ball. Sarada's favorite part of being a princess was getting to dress the part. She loved the fancy dresses she only wore on special occasions. Today, mama had a new and beautiful red ballgown for her though. Sarada's little body swayed back and forth in her excitement as her mama fixed her long hair in a fancy braid and clip.

Sarada thought she looked like a pretty princess, but nobody was as beautiful and graceful as her mother, at least this was what she thought herself. Once she was ready she took the time to admire her mama for the queen she was. She wore a pale pink gown that fit her impeccably, her long hair was fixed up similar to Sarada's, but Sarada thought she was stunning. So light, and pretty. She adored her mama so much.

"What is it?" Sakura asked her with a smile after she'd been staring at her for the longest time.

"You're so pretty, mama." Sarada told her with the cutest smile before hugging her tightly.

Sakura giggled then. "Not nearly as pretty as you, my princess."

A knock sounded at the door and Sarada released her mama then. "Is that papa?"

"I bet it is." Sakura told her, giving her back a gentle push.

Sarada hurried to the door and opened it, dazzled eyes widening as she took him in. He stood before her in a suit and tie, she only saw him so dressed up a few times a year, and it only thrilled her more each time. Her mama and papa made quite the pair, for as beautiful as her mama was, her papa was just as handsome.

"Ready to be escorted to your ball, my princess?" He asked while offering her his hand.

"Thank you, papa." She gushed, blushing in all her happiness as she took his hand and then looked back to her mama, holding her free hand out towards her. "You too, mama."

Sakura grinned at her daughter as she took her hand and together the three of them made their way out of the room. They entered the ballroom on the second floor, stepping onto the inside balcony that overlooked the entire room which was filled, every single person from the kingdom there. Sasuke and Sakura stood back, releasing their daughter's hands and giving her the slightest of nods to go ahead.

Sarada was smilingly brightly as she walked gracefully to the start of the stairs. Everyone that was sitting stood to applaud her arrival. She waved slowly at them, taking a moment to observe all her guests from afar before she looked back at her parents. They were both smiling so lovingly at her, that she couldn't help but turn and run back to them, hugging them both at once.

When she released them, she hurried down the stairs without looking back. All three of her uncles stood at the ready, all three of them willing to fight each other to get to her first. Especially Itachi and Shisui, but they seemed to be on their best behavior. That only made it worse for Sarada though, because she couldn't choose only one of them, so in the end she didn't go to either of them, and this had her parents laughing.

It was a great event and Sarada remained thrilled throughout the evening. She was always a happy girl and that only made the people adore her more. Every gift she received dazzled her but soon enough she was overwhelmed and so happy she could only cry and thank everyone again and again.

The king and queen were exceedingly proud of their daughter. She had a heart of gold and since the day she was born, she'd became the hope of so many people. One day, she would come of age, she would marry a suitor of her choice and she then she would rule. While her parents did dread how quickly time was passing, they were thankful for each day that she grew, only becoming more wise, more graceful, more considerate.

That night as Sasuke and Sakura tucked her into bed as they did every night, they couldn't contain their smiles as she yawned tiredly and smiled sleepily at them. She thanked them for the umpteenth time of the day and every little face she made had her parents melting with their love for her.

"Before you go to sleep, your father and I need to tell you something." Sakura told her while softly running her fingers through the girl's hair.

"Oh… is this the surprise you mentioned?"

"It is." Sasuke nodded.

"What is it?" Sarada asked eagerly, despite the sleepiness she felt.

Sasuke and Sakura exchanged a soft look, uncontainable smiles pulling at their lips. "Well," Sakura began. "soon, you're going to become a big sister."

"That's right." Sasuke said as his hand came to rest on Sakura's stomach.

"A big sister?" Sarada shot up in bed, eyes wide and mouth agape. "We're going to have a baby?"

Her parents laughed. "Yes, we are." Sakura told her happily. It had certainly been unexpected, but a blessing nonetheless.

"What do you think about that, Sarada?" Sasuke asked, already knowing this would excite her. She'd been asking for a sibling on and off for the past few years.

"I think… I think…" She trailed off, voice cracking and eyes watering up. "I think I'm so happy… Th-this is the best day… ever." She sniffled and tackled her parents in a hug. "Thank you… mama… papa…"

Sasuke and Sakura could only hold their happily sobbing daughter and each other as well. For the longest time, their family had been complete, but now they would be welcoming another member, and they were all so grateful.

…

With Sarada finally sleeping soundly after a long day of fun, Sasuke and Sakura were now in their own room, changing into their nightclothes, both of them ready for some rest of their own. It had been a busy day, but one they enjoyed very much. There was nothing that pleased them more than seeing their little princess so happy.

Once they were settled into bed together, Sakura snuggled close to her husband and he wrapped his arms around her, loving the way her body felt so perfect against him. If anything, after all this time, their love and faith in each other had only grown. Life was as blissful as it could have been. The two of them had been through a lot together, wonderful times, and horrific ones. But together, they were always able to find happiness.

"Sakura… you know… I don't think I've thanked you enough recently."

"For what?" Sakura grinned at his neck.

"For everything. For stumbling upon my house all those years ago. For giving me the opportunity to care for and protect you. For falling in love with me and allowing me to fall for you. For becoming my wife and even my queen. For giving me our beautiful princess and this new blessing growing inside you. For being you… for loving me… for being all that you are, and all that I've ever needed."

"Sasuke…" Sakura sniffled, tears spilling from her eyes as she held him a little closer, a little more tenderly. "You don't need to thank me for anything, ever. If anybody deserves to be thanked, it's you. My life never even started until I met you, and I've been so alive ever since. You can't even imagine how happy you've made me. I love you. I love you desperately, irrevocably, unconditionally. Forever."

"Forever." Sasuke concurred.

A/N:

It's really over. I'm totally crying. I seriously can't believe it. Lol.

Thanks again for everything! Each follow, each favorite. Every review and PM.

I really hope you've enjoyed the story! I have... and I really don't know how to feel about it being over.

Well... I can't even think of anything else to say... so I'm going to sulk now while I post...

Thanks for reading My Dear Princess.