In the great words of Frodo Baggins: "It's over. It's finally over."

Nearly two and a half years since I started this story, and here lies the final chapter. I cannot believe the rollercoaster that this story has been for me. Many a time, I doubted I would be able to finish it. But with the incredible support that my reviewers have given me, I've somehow been able to finish this story. I honest to god would have given up about 2 years ago if it wasn't for you all. In saying that, thank you so much to the lovely people who reviewed last chapter. There weren't many, but I expected and deserved as much after making you all wait so long:

Alipiaoca
Strawberrys000
Spatulaxoxo
Falynn1993
Ladyrouge214
xxxemiko . itooshixxx
Lilac Queen
watchingtherain1
xJustxAnotherxGirlx
river of the sand

Your reviews all meant the world to me, so thank you :)

Dedication: everyone who has read or reviewed this story. Whether you've stuck with me from the beginning or jumped in somewhere along the road, your support was invaluable. So thank you :)

I'll Never Say

.:{*}:.

Epilogue

My dearest Hinata-chan,

It has been a while, ne? March already, and it feels like only yesterday I said goodbye to you and left with Sasuke for the little shack in the forest. You remember, the one you escaped to, when Otogakure invaded Konoha? Sasuke has renovated it, and now it's like our own little paradise away from the world. If you ever get the chance, I would love it if you came to visit.

The events of the past year come to me in a blur. So much has happened since last January. Then, my father was alive. I never knew any life outside of Konoha. My dream was to marry Neji. Sasuke didn't even exist in my world. And now, only fourteen months later, I am to raise a family with him.

I don't think I ever told you, Hinata-chan. I am with child! And about six months along. My whole body is swollen and everything aches, but I feel that this child is a blessing. Sasuke is so eager to be a father, and I cannot tell you how excited I am to be a mother. He always holds his ear against my belly, and smiles as our little one kicks, as if in greeting. He is so over protective, he barely lets me move without keeping his hawk-gaze on me. And yet, I feel glad for it, even if it does become tedious at times. I know that what he does is only out of love. We have decided that if it's a girl, we will call her Yue, after Sasuke's sister, and if it's a boy we will call him Katashi, after my father.

I miss you so, Hinata-chan. I miss our walks and our talks. I miss Konoha, I truly do. And I know that Sasuke misses Otogakure. I believe that, once our child is born, we shall visit both places. My heart yearns for your embrace, Hinata-chan, and it yearns for the little koi-fish pond in Otogakure. But at the same time, this place, here in the forest, is my home, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love listening to the birdsong in the mornings, and the rustling of the trees as the wind blows through their branches. I feel more at peace here than I ever have anywhere else.

I have heard that Naruto and you are to be married! I send you my greatest congratulations, I am sure that you and Naruto couldn't be happier, and I couldn't be happier for you. How are Neji and Tenten? They seemed so fond of each other last time I saw them. Give them both my love. I wish them nothing but happiness.

How come the peace-makings with Otogakure? I know that Itachi was most keen to be at peace with all three nations: Konoha, Otogakure and Sunagakure. Hopefully through our unions – mine and Sasuke's; Itachi's and Temari's, peace will be achieved. I hope that I never have to see another war in my lifetime, nor let my children or my children's children experience it. My memories of war and its consequences are ghastly – something I would never wish upon another soul.

And yet, despite my memories and my worrying about the peace negotiations between our three great nations, I cannot help but feel tranquil in my small piece of heaven. The days are simple and idle, and Sasuke and I grow closer with every passing day. Sometimes I ask him if he regrets his decision to give up his crown to be with me, and he always says that if he were given the option a thousand times over, he would take it without thought a thousand times again. Our child grows strong in my belly – she or he kicks proudly, even as I write this. The very feel of it sends flutters of happiness through my heart. It will be a strong child, that much I know already.

It grows dark outside, and Sasuke has just walked through the door. He gives you his love as well, and tells me that his brother, Itachi, married Temari not a week past, and Kankuro, Gaara's (May he rest in peace) elder brother, has begun training to assume Sunagakure's throne. Apparently, he is a natural at it.

And now, I must bid you the fondest of farewells, my dearest Hinata-chan. Please give my love to Naruto, Neji and Tenten. I look forward to the day when I might see you all again. Until then, all I can give you is this letter and my best wishes. I wait for the day that I may give it in person.

All my love, Sakura.

.:{*}:.

Fin

.:{*}:.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has read this story and to everyone who has yet to read this story. There will not be a sequel, I'm afraid. I don't think I have the energy to undertake another story of this caliber again. It's by far the longest story I've ever written, and is probably the longest story I'll ever write.

That being said, if you could please leave me a review letting me know your thoughts, I will be forever grateful. No matter what they are, I'd love to hear them.

So, thank you for reading!

Much love, SapphireRivulet xoxoxoxoxoxo