Hello again dear readers,

I know that I have made this last last chap a terrible delay (working on my latest sequel to sequel Wedding Dress Trauma and other stuff…) so sorry.

Yup, this is the very final. Hope you enjoy this as I try to sweeten the ending as much as possible and I wish to express my sincere thanks for following this story with me and supporting me along the way.

Thank you! T.T

Hope you can continue to support me in my future stories. See you when I see you! :D

WARNING: very, very long chap ahead and…there might be a slight…ahem…along the way still this is a K rated story! No inappropriateness pls (unless it's in your head…hehe) :D

Enjoy!

Black Butler

Extra After Story

Of white; that wedding dress she is in. There is nothing more pure than the colour she is in and nothing more beautiful she could be.

Of red; that rose bouquet. She represents so much like of the rose she closely held; thorny yet a gentle princess.

Of green; stared those precious emerald eyes drowned in sadness that pierces through her veil. It is clear that she is not happy and will never be.

The black butler countered her wailing eyes with his onyxes.

'What can he do?' is a question he always asked himself and all he could find was 'Nothing'.

Because no matter how much they tried to deny, romance between princess and butler is still a fairytale; it ends today and very soon she will walk down the aisle to the altar, this story will vanish into the times of history, so does their love.

It has to be.

The butler watched the female before him parted her lips where words hesitate at her tongue and tears hung as she continued to stare at him. He could not bear to watch even if he could not take his eyes away from his lover, this is the last she is his.

"It is time, Your Majesty."

He had to let her go.

Immediately, she broke down into tears along with everything she is. How hurtful she is to him; loving her is the biggest mistake in his life yet it was the one thing he desires the most. He will never regret loving her that he swore.

Gently he held her face causing her to stare at him with hopeful eyes; what can he do?

He is nothing but a mere butler. A servant. It is beyond his capability to defy a King. All he could do was to retract into the shadows…

"Speak to me…" was her whispering request.

But what should he say?

He planned not to speak unnecessary words during this last minute. He wanted to see her as a beautiful bride even though it is not for him at least not to shed tears and move on.

They both have to.

Therefore, this is for the last. He had to kiss her this last kiss before saying 'goodbye' to his lover even they were to be separated by her veil. This is the best he could give her.

"I love you…" he said after.

"I love you very much…" the pink haired female replied. "But if you don't wake up you're going to be late!"

Huh?!

"Wake up already Uchiha!" the butler heard her clear and the minute he responded by opening his eyes, there she is.

Laid beside him with her cheerful emeralds staring straight at him, Sakura greeted with her happiest smile and that her unruly morning pink hair is cute as ever; his opinion of her remains no matter how many times he would wake to see it.

"Morning," she uttered in tender voice with all her love for him displayed obvious. He stared in mute with confusion.

This is…reality?

"I didn't know that you can talk in your sleep," Sakura's warm touches and her giggles are all too real. "And it was really sweet of you."

"Pinch me," he bluntly said.

"Hm?"

"Pinch me, Sakura," again and surprisingly, the daring female claimed his lips to fulfill his request. She is wholly sweet and it grew thick as they continue to indulge.

Sasuke assured himself that THIS is real. It IS reality and he confirms all that was just a dream. He had been having these 'nightmares' for few nights already and everything seemed so real and every morning he had to recollect himself.

How scary.

"What's the matter, Sasuke? You looked worried," she said, hugging him as they shared a pillow.

It is becoming of a morning habit, where they allowed time for them to snuggle a bit especially during colder mornings. It's nice having each other although it does sound wrong.

Come on, a butler spending nights with a royal and on the same bed?! Moreover, it has been who-knows-how-long they have started this and it has been a secret! What would happen when the people out there caught news about their little affair?

Although the Minister and both Naruto and Hinata knows this well enough but it won't be long when it gets to the others.

But who cares! Love is simply blind!

And do not get the wrong idea! NOTHING has YET to happen between the couple. It's just some simple activity called sleeping together!

"No…" the Uchiha quickly replied. Sinking himself into messy pink bundles, he inhaled every of her scent possible while treasuring every second that they could spend together.

Because he is afraid; chances are uncertain in the future.

Their future…he started to see less about it; blurry and uncertain, full of doubt and fear. How long can he assure himself that every time he wakes Sakura will be by his side?

He is afraid that THAT one day, he'll have to let her go…just like what it was in his dream.

"Sasuke!" Sakura's suddenness snapped him out.

"Y-Yes?"

"You are ignoring me!" she pouted, annoyed.

"Forgive me, I have not paid attention."

"Hmph! I do not know what nests in that head of yours but I definitely won't forgive you if you dare hide something from me!" she bossed.

"I wouldn't dare, please do not worry," his assurance revived her smile. "What is the matter, Sakura?" he had to ask and his question had her turn quiet momentarily.

"Sasuke," she initiated to gain his full attention and by him looking into her eyes proves it. "Do you love me?" abruptly.

"You know I do," Sasuke said confidently.

"For how long?" Now what's this weird question that starts popping out from her mouth so early in the morning? Is she still half asleep? "For how long will you love me, Sasuke?"

And she is serious about it. There is no way he could avoid her.

"How am I supposed to answer you, Sakura?" he thinks she's crazy.

"Will you love me tomorrow? The day after tomorrow and the next?" she's definitely sleepy!

"Sakura…I cannot tell you how long I can love you. But. As long as I could still say 'I Love You' to you, I will continue to give myself to you, my lover…" he kissed her hand.

Sakura smiled,

"Then ma—" but before she could finish…

BARGE!

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" Naruto came rushing without bothering to knock or not that he had the time to when he brought urgent news. "T-The King! He arrived right at the door!" he panted.

"What?!" the pink haired royal is no less shocked. "Crap, I have forgotten to reply his letter!" cursing her own carelessness.

"And he had brought gifts! Loads of them!" said the blonde butler. "And His Majesty is rather eager to see you."

Sakura understood what it meant and to her this isn't something too surprising coming from some King who tries to court her. Well, King or not, she's going to be honest. What point is there to lie about her having Sasuke already?

But.

"Naruto is Her Majesty rea—What the?!" Neji came barging in next and turning bashful the minute he caught sight of the lovers still in bed. "Could you both PLEASE consider about the situation, the King is already at wait in the courtyard!" here comes the Minister.

"You are supposed to knock, Neji and it wasn't even a minute since Naruto came informing," Sakura had no choice but to get off bed. Sasuke too immediately left, the Hyuuga somehow ensures it.

"And why the hell is HE here?!" Sakura snorted in dislike referring to the King.

"Manners your Majesty…" Neji has a terrible headache when it comes down to it. "His visit is uninformed to me either I had troubles getting things prepared. I guess he could not wait until your reply, he is serious about you, Sakura."

That is BAD news!

"You know I won't. I already have Sasuke," she proudly said. Not much of the right thing.

"And also about that, you mustn't mention such. Please be reminded about your status, your every word counts!" said Neji sternly.

"But I also don't want to lie. What's wrong of being honest so that we won't waste time!" she said while Naruto gets her prepared.

"Absolutely not!" countered the Hyuuga again not when Naruto interrupted.

"Haven't you heard Mr Minister; forced love is no love! So what if he's King!" Thumbs up for the blonde to the Hyuuga's displease. Oh boy, here they go again…

"I do know what it is, Uzumaki. We are dealing with royalty here, excuse me!" Neji wouldn't stand for the noisy blonde.

"So you're telling Sakura to marry some random guy for the sake of her own status? I won't buy it!" the butler is so going to get it.

"He's a King, not some random guy!"

Naruto may be noisy with his own principles but somehow he may be right at times. It is customary that royals marry royals in order to preserve their high socials and at the same time draws a clear line that royals don't marry servants…

How old but it's still a rule…

"I forbid you to speak unnecessarily, butler!" Neji snapped. Bumping the blonde's head with his fist then turned around to face Sakura. "I cannot not agree with the noisy one here but for the time being, please bear with it Sakura. I'll try to come up with something."

He may be stern but overall Neji is still the considerate kind.

Down at the courtyard by the table accompanied by his butler a man sat in wait; presumably that is the King. Wore her best and carried her grace as Queen, Sakura glided her way into making her presence noticeable. No less did the graceful man quickly stood on his feet to acknowledge her arrival and held her hand.

"You are as radiant as many words spread past and even the more when your beauty meets the eye," then placed a gentleman's kiss on the top of her hand.

Sakura forged a smile. No matter how much she disliked this, she had to put up the good act for some present were watching especially the King's butler.

"You flatter me, Your Majesty," redrawing her hand.

"I am sincere, Sakura."

My, he called her by HER name. Now that's what a surprise is called!

"Sakura?" she made herself sound questioning.

"Ah, is it not to your preference? Forgive my rudeness, I thought it was more comfortable for you," the King was immediately apologetic.

"Oh no. Please do, Your Majesty," which was also to the King's relief.

"For you," he continued to please her with a bouquet of flowers. Sakura could not help but to thank with a radiating smile.

"I also need to apologize for my sudden arrival without advance notice. I was too eager to meet you, I couldn't wait any longer for your reply although I should have waited…," the King plainly confessed. Moreover, what surprises Sakura most is that he doesn't sound too King-y; like a man who's desperate to ask for a date.

"It's alright," she kindly smiled to him causing him to shade slightly red. It seems that he IS eager to know her.

With a mountain of presents he brought, the bouquet and his well-prepared speeches, the King indeed is serious about her. It would be so much convenient if she were to tell him about her lover? But that won't do, considering Neji's advice earlier.

How she wished she was still ordinary and she could make things all the more easier. It would take her some time to deal with Mr King, no?

"Pardon me, Your Majesty," Sasuke bowed a bit for his sudden intrusion.

With his sole left hand, he skillfully lifted a tray of confections and teas to be served; he is a natural for professionalism. The King himself is no less impressed either.

"What a peculiar butler you have, Sakura," commented the King; noticing Sasuke's outlook. "I have never seen such."

"Though he's like that, Sasuke is a very capable butler!" Sakura defended spontaneously. She takes it seriously whenever her precious butler is being picked on by words.

Sasuke quietly worked without bothering any of her.

"Actually the purpose of my coming is that," the King approached closer to Sakura, held her hand and knelt before her. "I wished to have your hand in marriage, my lady."

Sasuke froze a while.

The pink haired royal could not help but to stare blankly at the man with his proposal. This is far too sudden even so that she anticipated that one day things will come to this but…so soon?

Moreover, this King chose the 'perfect' timing to say it.

Sakura didn't dare look away from the man who eagerly stared at her from his humbled position. Did he expect an immediate answer from her this instant? Don't be silly, this is an important proposition!

And she is confident that she heard her butler sigh bitterly, even if he didn't, she could imagine his heart twist. She wished that Sasuke wouldn't have heard this.

Even so Sasuke too should have anticipated this. He should have been prepared to face this day. He knew that their relationship is far more fragile than anything else and far more difficult to achieve.

Yet.

Both would want to keep their promises for each other and believe that maybe…just maybe a miracle might turn out on them…again. Like how he managed to twist fate and live after a rain of bullets pierced him that day.

"Sakura?" called the King.

"Y-Yes…?" bring her senses back into reality.

"Your answer?"

"I…"

"Do you have someone else in mind?" the abruptness of such of a question startled Sakura innerly.

Sasuke stiffened a bit; he tried not to show too much of his emotions. His heart raced, so fast and hard that it his chest started to hurt and his ears rung loudly with uneasiness, anticipating her predictable answer: No.

This, is the beginning of the end of their relationship. However…

"Yes I do!" her voice is clear and so does her head.

Sasuke jerked upon her answer.

She had him thrown into self-struck and pure joy at the same time. Still he had to maintain his composure as a butler and it irritates him whenever he reminds himself of being watched.

No less did the King jumped by Sakura's direct reply as she expects him to be. Alright! A one hit KO! Saves time from beating around the bush and save any useless lies.

"I deeply apologize for all your hassle and time. As my butler told me that 'forced love is no love'; this I agree. Therefore, I cannot accept you, Your Majesty." Sakura curtsied.

Another hit KO! Take that Mr King and go straight home!

Not when that nosy Minister and her butlers tend to show up from their hiding,

"I deeply apologize for Her Majesty's rudeness, Your Majesty. Her Majesty is simply not thinking straight today," the Hyuuga stepped in. "I've prepared the necessities for Your Majesty's lodging. Please feel free to stay."

The King smiled, staring only at the pink haired royal who rejected him recently,

"Oh I will, thank you, Minister and I will stay until I am able to win your Lady's heart."

WHAT?!

No! No! Go home already!

"I am sure you won't be able to, Your Majesty. Now please ret—Hmmpf!" Neji thinks Sakura is far too noisy for her own good.

"I am terribly sorry, Your Majesty." He apologized again.

"Alright! The challenge is on! Whosoever my Lady is in love with, I shall win him over. Fair and square! Hahaha!" he laughed in excitement.

Meddlesome King!

Sakura thinks this is more troublesome than she thought it would be…

And days passed swiftly after that; lonely days they were,

Water…Water…Water…

Giving generous amounts of water, the Uchiha butler is much satisfied especially when his beloved rose plant is healthily in full bloom and during this peak of the season, it bloomed much more beautifully.

Pink.

He particularly grew it and he started this latest hobby ever since he returned. There is no other colour more beautiful than this. However, no matter how much he would love it; just like this potted rose plant, it will have to wilt away in time.

It is short love.

He understood that even when Sakura is currently too stubborn to admit; he believed that one day, she'll have to let go the relationship between them. And it seems 'the end' is drawing close so soon.

Sasuke sighed, gently caressing the velvety petals of his pink roses.

Kiss!

"Whoa!" the butler yelped when the pink haired female's sudden appearance startled him greatly. "Sakura…it is bad manners to do that." She grinned at him.

"I did call. You were just too deep in thought. Did I startle you?" she clung onto him, throwing her love all over him.

"Yes. Both this and THAT," he meant her earlier confession. "Sakura—" the female threw herself into hushing him with her lips, he just nags too much.

"I miss you so, Sasuke…" she uttered lovingly in his ear and he too feels the same way, terribly it was but what can he do…

Sasuke pulled her away, frowning lightly at her when she's not taking him seriously. She has been taking the lead in their relationship these days and she is having all her fun over him; kissing him anytime, anywhere!

"Sakura!" he growled, blushing. "This is not the time. Someone might see us."

"Let them! I said I have a lover didn't I?" bumping foreheads with him.

"You can't just say things without consideration, Sakura. You are Queen now." Why must he sound like Neji?

"I say things WITH consideration because I am Queen, Sasuke," she snuggled around him. "I love you, there's all there is to it." Oh great…she's killing him even when she is being selfish.

Sasuke reacted by embracing the female even if it is only with an arm, he will wholly show his love for her. How can he not love her? It is his wish and after they had struggle so much and far for this.

"Don't worry, Sasuke…" Sakura muttered. "I'm sure things will be alright for us."

She is assuring him?

He admits that he is no less happy about it. Just so the possibility…

"Ah, Sakura!" It's the King!

Hurriedly, Sasuke broke his close contact with the royal female bearing the fact that it is inappropriate for servant and master to indulge in an intimate relation. He is terribly afraid for them to be seen like this, he had no choice but to push Sakura away which was to her dislike.

"Your Majesty…" Sakura tried to hide the tone that she was annoyed and least welcoming towards the approaching man.

"Ah, you are here too," the King noticed Sasuke who immediately bowed respectfully, not that he cared. "I was searching for you, Sakura. It is time for tea. I would love to have you join me so that we can spend more time together."

If this King doesn't insists this much, Sakura might not bother accepting the invitation. After all he is still a King and that she is rather annoyed about that little 'rejection' she got from the butler.

"I am honoured, Your Majesty," to the King's delight.

And tea was served with the best confections aren't at its best when it wasn't with the best person to have with; Sakura had no other choice but to display a smile towards the King who's at his jokes. It weren't amusing though, not when she's at her frets especially when her butler was standing behind her like her obedient puppy.

His constant silence is disgusts her but what can he do; he is just a mere servant, it is not like he could join the conversation among royals. Sasuke know that and so does she but the fact annoys her.

'I hate him! How dare he—' she mentally scolded.

"Sakura? Sakura?"

"Huh? What?" snapping out of her own thoughts.

"Are you feeling alright? Is the sun too hot for you?" the King was concerned, the fact that they decided to have tea in the open like this; in the middle of the garden with the sun and wind altogether.

It's the first time that Sakura had ever have tea in such fashion, it's nice to have something new once in a while but it wasn't totally enjoyable…without the person she truly want to enjoy with. Wouldn't that be unfair towards the King who had gone through the hassle just to set this up for them? However, as he said earlier, he wanted a fair fight with the person she has eyes for. Unfortunately, Sasuke doesn't seem to be in for the challenge, he isn't in for it thinking that he isn't eligible.

Currently that face he is making; even without her seeing it directly, she know that he is trying to give up…instead of trying to fight for her, he chose the other route out. That butler!

Wasn't he the one who invaded her heart and now that he sees he's on the disadvantage side, he's decided to give in? No way!

"Sakura? Sakura?" the King called worriedly again due to her diverting attention.

"Ah, sorry…" she quickly apologized for her rudeness when being called back time after time, the opposite man doesn't seem to mind and the turbulence in her mind was clearly read. "I am sorry…I guess I don't feel too well…"

"I can clearly see it that my Lady isn't too well these days, in here…" the King directed to his chest; the heart. Is she really that obvious? Sakura sealed her lips. "And I already have a good guess who's the lucky man might be…"

Sasuke stiffened; he was confident that he was being careful these days. Moreover, he hadn't been with Sakura since the King's arrival. How was he found? If their relationship is exposed…he might not see her ever again even if he just wanted to serve her for the rest of his life.

"It is Hyuuga-san, isn't it?" said the King.

Of course not! That guy has Ten Ten though the King was partially right, Sakura did had a crush on him previously. She spoke nothing but smile.

"I knew it! I knew it!" happily like a child the King exclaimed. "It's normal for my Lady to fall for someone so capable, moreover, handsome!"

Sakura continued to smile; now it's not the time to speak truthful words. She doesn't know why she can't be honest like the last time she was, her protective senses are kicking rather effectively today.

Or maybe…she didn't want to mention about him at all.

"But," the King spoke in a darker tone. "Isn't he a servant?"

Servant; that word rung louder than the rest.

It seems that Sakura's instincts are correct earlier and did it also struck her tongue numb defenselessly. She could not argue the fact that he is and in the point of view of royalty, that phrase still stood tall:

Royal-servant, a forbidden love.

Sakura lowered her eyes in detest then she didn't see it coming; when the sparkle of an expensive ring was presented before her as the King knelt gentlemanly before her, proposing,

"Will you marry me, Sakura?" his second attempt with sincerity.

Servant; because of that identity, the King thinks he has won? Sakura portrayed a blank expression, she just don't know how to react. The King is a kind and gentle man however…

'Say something, Sasuke!' was her false hope, knowing it will never happen because he is a mere butler, a servant! It saddens her greatly when her hopes were just a lie. Therefore, she had no choice. "Please give me some time, Your Majesty…"

A possibility…How it stung the butler; but what can he do?

The King's lips formed a small smile,

"Of course, my Lady."

That butler; watching his handsome broad back emphasized by his neat tail coat, Sakura followed him. Now that they are alone, it is her chance for her to straighten things out with him. For the past days that they weren't able to meet, it seems like their relationship has gotten loose; it is fragile after all.

But what she hated the most is that Sasuke has begun to give in more easily, it wasn't him at all when she recalled how it him who yearned for her love and now that he thinks it was wrong, he regrets it?!

Is he allowing her to be taken without a fight?!

Thinking about it made the pink haired female burn in dissatisfaction,

"Stop right there," her cold order halted the male upfront.

Sasuke did not bother to turn around, he doesn't want to knowing what would their conversation lead to.

"Look at me!" another stern order.

The butler stood unmoving; he heard rampaging footsteps approaching from behind him, within seconds he saw raging green eyes piercingly staring at him. And the next was her brutal pull of his coat followed by a delicate kiss.

A kiss so passionate, so yearning, so irresistible…

How much Sasuke missed the tenderness of these lips and Sakura's unconditional loving embraces. It was only days and yet it felt so long. She missed him dearly and he missed her even more.

Again, what can he do?

"Sakura…we'll be seen like this…" suddenly he pulled away due to his fear though the corridors they were in are completely empty, he wouldn't be too sure about that. It will be terrible trouble if someone were to see them.

Sakura hated it; how he pulled away, shove their feelings aside even when he is terribly desperate in craving for their sharing affection. However, she cannot blame him alone, she too is at fault; falling in love is a fault.

Yet, it is an uncontrollable thing; they are after all humans.

"I don't care! I don't want to care!" she hugged him tightly.

His words were causing a twisting sourness that welled in her chest; it is sad and painful at the same time. She wished to cry when no tears allowed her, she wanted to scream but why waste time screaming when she only can have little time to love him.

"I…love…you…Sa…su…ke…" her confession of a misty voice meant only for his audibleness. "I love you. I love you. I love you…I love you…" muffled in his collar.

She really wanted to cry the more she repeated those words when it was responded by Sasuke's tightening embrace. He knew without her saying it, he understood the depth of it without the need of repetition, he knew her sufferings…

All because of him. It was his fault to love her in the first place and dragging her with him in this suffering.

He kissed her hair, her head and wherever his lips could reach of her. Although they could not be together, the very least he could do is to drown her in his love before sending her away…

The night was sweeter than any other when love plays the major part between the two lovers; wishing that this would be an endless night, freeze time and let tonight last for an eternity. How nice if there were such sorcery that could stop time for them.

They kissed. They embraced each other. They made lots of love together. Hoping that this once would last them for a life time…That was what Sasuke think it should be.

"I love you…" he uttered beside her ear where pink bangs strayed. Sakura did not reply as she met a pair of deep eyes that she loved so much.

"If you weren't a butler…" she closed her eyes. "If I weren't of royalty…"

If.

Sasuke sighed at it,

"There is no 'if' Sakura…" he said in loving whisper. "If I weren't a butler, if you weren't royalty, we wouldn't have met and loved. If it weren't for 'if', we wouldn't have existed, so do our love."

He is right.

Without 'if' things won't be the way it is and with 'if' things are harder than it seems. This world is filled with complexities and constraints. IF there weren't, how nice would it be but without IF people wouldn't learn how to treasure. No one will feel precious. No one would love.

If.

Is a beautiful word after all…

Then let there be 'if' so that they can treasure tonight if it is for the last.

"Things are going to be alright for us…" Sakura muttered inaudibly.

Whisper. Whisper. Whisper.

"What's going to happen now, Her Majesty is missing."

Whisper. Whisper. Whisper.

"Where is the search party?!"

Whisper. Whisper. Whisper.

"What if…Her Majesty…"

"Don't utter nonsense, Her Majesty will be alright!"

Loud whisperings had been going about for past days since the missing of the pink haired Queen yet no one seems to be seriously concerned about it. Hey come on, a royal is missing in action, aren't the council should be at least do something?!

Dark brows furrowed in distress not until Neji's words rung in the back of his mind again,

'Don't worry, Sakura is alright…' that was it. He personally informed him the other day; him only.

How could he not worry when his beloved pink had disappeared out of his sight without warning?

Especially when after they shared a night together, Sakura was missing from bed the next morning. An empty pillow was all he could see beside him and since that time, an empty pillow was all he got to see every morning. It is unsightly.

His heart aches whenever the emptiness never ceased to torment his heart; was it because he wanted to give up and now his wish was 'granted'?

'Where are you Sakura?' his heart wailed regretfully, feeling the tears that leaked inside of him. Not when…

"Oh dear, oh dear. I wonder if I am the reason of Sakura's run away…" it's the King. "Oh, it's you, Mr butler," the King addressed friendlily.

Sasuke bowed respectfully.

"What's your name, Mr butler?" out of the blue.

"I am Uchiha Sasuke, Your Majesty."

"Sasuke," the King somehow liked it. "I must have scared Sakura away, huh? I wonder if she'll never come back…" he sighed.

Never? Sasuke would never hope for that.

"Her Majesty will definitely return," Sasuke replied with confidence earning a smile from the other male.

"You sure have faith in her, don't you?"

"I believe Her Majesty must have a reason for her sudden disappearance, she is not someone irresponsible to leave behind anything," said the butler.

"Should I expect this from a favoured butler of hers? Or perhaps that you're deeply in love with your own monarch that you speak words of intended favour?" Sasuke held a gasp the minute his ears caught that, he tried his best to remain composed.

The King found out?!

And the air coming from the sovereign man changed ill towards the butler. Sasuke had to hold his tongue before he speaks unnecessarily to cause further harm in such situations.

"Cat got your tongue, butler?" the King toned in dislike; the butler mustn't speak. "You think I wouldn't know? Don't forget that I am King, I know everything…" he growled; so his purposeful intention of mentioning the Hyuuga previously was an act of deception?

Sasuke lowered his head.

"Speak, butler! Do you think you could remain silent forever and now that you're exposed?!" the King is furious. "Admit it, Uchiha Sasuke that you are the lover Sakura spoke of. You are in love with Sakura, aren't you?" grabbing the butler by the collar.

It is expected for the King to be this furious; the sense of his royal pride that has lost to a mere servant. Sakura chose this servant instead of him. How infuriating the truth can get.

Now that it has come to this and the King himself forces him to admit, Sasuke had no choice but to do as ordered,

"Yes, it is true. I am in love, no, I have fallen too deeply for Her Majesty…" with a hint of agony in his throat, he truthfully said.

It was difficult yet it felt as if a burdening secret has lifted from weighing him. It felt good to be honest.

"Please, Your Majesty…" Sasuke started to begged. "I may be nothing but a lowly servant but I…truly am in lov—"

"Hahaha!" the King suddenly burst into laughter.

"Y-Your Majesty…?" Sasuke is clueless.

"Sorry," the King regained his composure. "Really, I wasn't too happy when I found out it was you, I was like: I can't believe I lost to some weird butler!"

"I can take full responsibility, Your Majesty…but please spare this shame from Her Majesty…," bowing. In the end, Sasuke had to protect her pride; it is his sense of duty as her butler.

"Are you going to give up?" the King's comment surprised the butler. "Aren't you disappointing?"

Sasuke couldn't answer. How is he supposed to answer? As long it is honesty coming from deep within, it doesn't matter if he is confronting a King, right?

"No," he said. "I never wanted to. IF I had a choice, I wished to be with her to the very end. Not as her butler…" in a sullen voice and the littlest of his determination had earned him a pat on his shoulder.

The King smile at him, with his friendly gesture of encouragement,

"Then don't show that face, it is misleading…"

Sasuke etched a small smile of thanks.

"Tell Sakura honestly what you think. The choice is yours to make not given…" the King said lastly with a resembling big grin like Naruto's. "Now go, Uchiha Sasuke! Go fight for your love!" he said in a surprisingly energetic way.

This is so not a King's character.

"Ah, come on don't look at me like that. If you don't want then you want me to start rivaling again?" the King joked. "Royal-servant relationship is disagreeable but it still existed and I am proof of that love because I am the son of the maid my father loved."

Oh…

"Really? That's the first I've ever heard…" that voice.

"Toruhiko!" the King exclaimed cheerily.

Wow, he could actually differentiate between the twins when Sasuke needed a second to confirm. The King dashed towards the graceful female, kissed the back of her hand and held it.

Hm…? Is that what Sasuke think it is? Now that's quick.

"Why are you standing there dumbfound for, Sasuke?" said Toruhiko. "Get to your feet and start packing!"

"Packing…?" the butler is utterly clueless; it has been the whole morning too.

"Duh! You're fired. Now get out of the palace," she bossily said.

"Fired?! I am to serve Her Majesty, I can't leave yet," the butler retorted.

"I don't want a butler like you, I have my own," again she bossed with a hand on her hip.

Wait a minute, does Toruhiko know what is she saying?

"I am the new Queen now, Tamane relinquished the title to me," said Toruhiko again. If that is so then…

Where is Sakura? Don't tell me Toruhiko…

"Hey, hey. Stop nesting silly ideas, I am no villain in this story, not today and never will. Tamane is my sister for the rest of my life!" the 'new' Queen swore. "And Tamane is not coming back to the palace either so you can quit wasting time loitering in here."

"Where is she?" Sasuke desperately asked.

"That Hyuuga! He is getting forgetful after he is engaged to his brunette, spending too much time with his girlfriend and cause havoc in my palace! I told him to tell you yesterday but…argh, whatever!" Toruhiko complained firstly, sighing. "Tamane is 'out' there; she's waiting for you…" and she means by the outside world.

Later Toruhiko handed the butler a train ticket.

"This will lead you straight to her, you'll understand once you get there…But she said that only when you decided to truly love her…"

"Thank you, Toruhiko…" Sasuke smiled, preparing to leave.

"Do come back for my coronation and wedding with Tamane, brother!" Toruhiko shouted. That's new; Sasuke blushed at the end of that new title she had given him out of the blue, how mischievous this girl can get now.

Sasuke left without thinking twice.

Leaving on the train that Toruhiko gave him, Sasuke began to think what is in stored for him at the end of his journey. What was that Sakura wanted from him or probably it was what she wanted to give him.

Why leave the palace?

Why quit being Queen?

Isn't she being a too selfish? Throwing away all the importance of things when she pleases, not that Toruhiko seem to mind.

Sasuke could not help the fluttery feeling that welled in his stomach as the train got faster, closer to his awaited destination. That is not for him to fret until he gets there according to Toruhiko.

And the train ticket that she gave him was to somewhere he could hardly remember travelling to although he rarely travels. All he knew that it is the last stop.

Hours and hours later,

'Last stop. Thank you for riding with us, have a nice day.'

By the cue, Sasuke immediately got down from the train. The last stop, his heart chanted.

Indeed the place was to his expectations. There is nothing here only but the scenic mountains, far off forests, fields and housings ahead.

A village?

The sun is already setting, painting the day of a soothing orange; guess there is no other choice but to head down to some place for lodging to spend the night. Just in case he could not find what Sakura wants him to…

And the fact that this place do seem familiar or was it his imagination?

Red.

Was the first thing Sasuke sees when he managed to approach the village gates; red decorations everywhere so do houses were beautifully decorated with ornaments of that same colour.

A festival?

'Just in time for a festival, huh…' he mentally thought about his luckiness. 'I hope I won't be much of a bother…'

He ventured into the village where surprisingly there were not many people around still he had to ask the minute he spotted a woman who was currently too busy to turn around.

"Um…Excuse me, ma'am. I was wondering if there are any rooms to spare for travellers during this hour?" Sasuke politely asked.

"Well, you are just in time for a wedding—Sasuke?!" the woman turned around.

"M-Mother?!" the raven haired male burst aloud. "What are you doing here?!"

"What took you so long to get here, Sasuke?!" ignoring him, his mother dragged. "Don't just stand there, quickly get prepared this instant!

Sasuke is extremely clueless and he is being made at it the whole day! This is frustrating!

"Could you please explain to me, what is going on, mother?!"

"Stupid boy! I just don't know what our kind and beautiful princess sees in a stupid boy like you! Don't turn her feelings into vain. The Uchiha family is too blessed to have her part of the family!"

"Huh?!" okay he is seriously out of this. He understands nothing about the situation he is thrown into but one thing is for sure; Sakura is here. He had to see her. "Mother, where is Sakura?"

"Her Majesty is at the river bank I guess…Now, don't just stand there go to her!" Mikoto gave a slight encouraging thrust.

Sasuke left running; every step he took, he knew it would take him closer to that waiting pink haired female and his journey seemed so long. And another funny thing is that he knew where the river bank was without bothering to ask…

This little village is much too familiar yet it his memory could hardly recall. Where is this place? Why is his mother here anyway? He didn't bother to ask earlier when he was desperately needed to see his beloved princess.

The sun is already setting into a deeper shade of orange while allowing the clear river waters flow gold and the plains paint the same, vast enough to invite the country breeze to sweep by. Sasuke quickly searched in this dim of day until he finally spotted that small female figure standing under a tree, he navigated himself towards her.

"Sakura!" the female reacted towards his call, she smiled as he approached and she didn't expect him to pounce on her, embracing her tightly with the strength of one arm.

Sakura returned it equally, inhaling her lover's scent; a mixture of him and his cologne is very ensuring that he is for real. He finally came, she smiled to herself. This sensation is all too refreshing especially when the chilly gust took off creating an aerial barrier of time, they must indulge in this fleeting moment until Sakura decided to take things into a serious turn.

Before that, she could not help but keep missing that jet black hair matching Sasuke's identical eye and his porcelain skin; he is fair for a man and is smooth in her touch. He too could not miss this opportunity to indulge again; it was only days yet he was this missing.

At last, he found her.

Seeing her gentle smiling expression, those pink bundles dancing along in the rhythm of the wind and her white dress, he could not help but to stare at her simple beauty.

That white dress. How remindful when Sakura is in her wedding dress in that 'nightmare'. How afraid he was when he dreamt that she is to be wed away.

Again and again…What can he do?

But this time he had to make it clear; he does not want her to marry anyone else except…except…Ah, he cannot say that he had the rights to decide for her. She is after all his princess and he is a butler…

"Where have you been, Sakura? Do you know how worried sick I was?" Sasuke said, Sakura smiled lightly as a reply. "Why did you come to a place like this? If you want to come here, you could always tell me. I can accompany you."

His worrywart character is all pleasantly to see; with the fret that etched his brows, the fear in his eyes and his solid hold, Sakura could not help but to fall in love all over again.

She smiled lightly as a reply.

"Sakura…?" worried dark brows arched. He does not understand at all and with her mouth sealed like that replaced by a smile, it started to infuriate him. "Say something, Sakura! It's not funny to run off like this without a word as if you disappeared out of my life!" he raised his voice unintentionally but it was a good once-in-a-while giving a piece of his mind.

And she was glad that he did.

"Aren't you the one running away, Sasuke…?" the pink haired female finally said. "Aren't you the one trying to give up on us?"

Sasuke could not defend himself at that,

'What can I do, Sakura…? I am a butler…' his mind fretted then he said. "I don't want to give up on us…I don't want to…"

"Then marry me."

Sasuke's head perked at that abrupt statement; a reversed order, isn't the man supposed to be the one who asks?

"Since you don't have the rights to ask me to marry you then within all my rights and by order, I want you to marry me," Sakura asked in a blissful smile; since he can't fight for her, she fights for him…

"Before that, come greet your father."

Subsequently, she brought him to face small old grave that sits at the foot of the tree they are under. This is…?!

In a split of a flash, frozen memories in distant time began to emerge from the back of his mind. He started to remember; this grave, this river and this village…He knew them all; this is the origin of the Uchihas. It is the root of peace for the Uchihas before they were made butlers. His father found 'peace' here…

How nostalgic these could be, in a gush Sasuke reclaimed those memories he had locked away. It was painful to see that tombstone before but it isn't now…in fact he was glad to see it again. The sight of his father's grave tells him that he is still alive and free…all because of a certain pink haired female.

He is glad that she brought him here; she had the power to make him face his fears when it wasn't too fearful after all…

No.

Sakura gave him new strength to face fears.

"Thank you, Sakura…" he uttered, it soothe his wounded soul.

"I will do whatever I can to help you, Sasuke even if by means of throwing away everything else…" she smiled beamingly at the raven male.

"That is going to make you sound selfish."

"Love is selfish and I never thought of attaining powers right from the beginning; I am still the simple girl from the lower community. I am still Haruno Sakura," she made herself clear that she is no Queen, no Princess, just her… "And you are Uchiha Sasuke, your blood lies here in this village. You aren't supposed to be a butler from the beginning."

And tell him that he is the same. He is no butler, he is an Uchiha, he is only a man.

In this village, they are of no one. They are equally humans; man and woman in order for them to admit their love's existence. Sasuke finally understood Sakura's hassle and she made him think that he is a fool and a coward. He loved her but he bound his heart with the excuse of the ruling edge.

Love was never forbidden; it is the matter of wanting or not.

The King had it right big time.

Sakura held his hand and a silver ring with her other,

"Will you marry me, Uchiha Sasuke?" like a man; because of his cowardice, she braved herself so much, to be both wo-man.

How shameful of a man he is she made him. This cannot go on, it will hurt his pride. Sasuke took the ring from her.

"Eh? What are you doing Sasuke?" she stopped him.

"I…I am a man, you can't ask me that!" he blushed.

"This is too big for me. Here, this is mine," she took out a similar one which was smaller as she says. "It's not too pretty though I took days to craft them myself."

Indeed, the rings are exteriorly rough and of amateur's work but it holds a worth of a life time.

"Wait, wait. Since I proposed first, you should at least answer!" Sakura blushingly pouted. Sasuke chuckled.

"I do," then without another word, Sakura slipped in the ring on is finger. Sasuke jerked a little in surprise.

"Oh, it fits! It's a perfect fit!" the pink haired female cupped her mouth happily.

Then going down on one knee, it is Sasuke's turn to propose,

"Sakura…I have nothing to give you except for my love. I do not want you to regret choosing me but I do not want you to choose others either and I am sorry for being a coward…" he swallowed in pause of his speech.

"So, marry me, Sakura."

He tells her.

"Of course."

Sakura brought herself uttering in the raven man's face before she swooped down to kiss him and he joins her, taking it to a deeper level. Tearing apart, she stared down at the gleaming ornament on her finger.

This is the start of her new title, she smiled contentedly at the fact of it.

"Alright, now that's settled we can start on something new!" she picked up a cheery manner breaking the sentimental atmosphere.

"Something new?" Sasuke tried to follow.

"Yup, I decided to settle in this little place. It has a nice view and peaceful, I think it's definitely suited for our young ones! What do you think?" the raven haired male blushed at bit at her latest proposal, he drew a smile inching up to his cheeky lover.

It has been a while and within these five years of his absence, Sakura had definitely matured and grown from the day he first met her. She is now a woman and is leading him…

"Whatever you do just take me with you, I'll follow…" he planted a kiss on her forehead. "But first thing first, I want to properly marry you. Please be my bride."

And he means that he wished to see her in a wedding dress; like in his dream as HIS bride.

"You don't have to say it, I've prepared everything. Please marry me tonight…" and Sasuke replied her request with his lips.

Of red; worn in the colour of the Uchihas, of tradition and origin.

Of red; her lips were flawlessly painted with.

Of red; flower ornaments had decorated the lighter shade of her hair emphasizing her natural beauty.

Of green; her eyes stared through her thin red veil with sheer happiness.

Everything was in its total opposites from the dream Sasuke once drew fear at.

Tonight, the full moon peerlessly shone in the velvet dark night above the land where a joyous event is taking place; it is a perfect night and so does the bride. She is nothing more beautiful being clothed in the reddest and sat on the edge of the bed where the room is also at its reddest.

Nervousness could not leave Sasuke as he approached closer to his waiting woman and that she is watching him with her glossy red lips smiling at him behind her veil. Finally, he lifts up the thin barrier to clearly meet his wife.

His wife.

Sasuke had never thought he is able to give this title to her. It was Sakura who made it all real. In the end, it was her who saved him, freed him, loved him…

How surreal can this be when it is real for real.

"How long are you going to stare, Sasuke?" Sakura derailed his chain of thoughts.

"Ah, sorry…You're too beautiful, it's like a dream…"

Pinch!

"Ouch!" the raven male yelped when she grabbed his cheek forcefully.

"Is this a dream now?" she asks.

"No. I just can't believe that I got to marry to the princess who's beyond me."

"And you did."

"Yeah," he smiled sheepishly.

"Now that I am your wife," she said proudly of that new title. "Aren't you going to make new vows to me like you usually do?"

He chuckled at her mischievousness,

"I guess I should…" he knelt down on one knee before her, holding her hand. Their rings gleamed in the littlest presence of light; it's the proof of their binding relationship. "I vow to follow you for as long as you need me to even to the next world."

"Nah! We probably won't know who we are by then," she's right. Who knows what will happen by then. "Just don't make me regret choosing you, butler."

She teasingly said.

"I will do my best, Your Majesty," he joked.

"So will you do your best tonight too?" Sasuke blushed at her high expectations of him. He could not help but grin,

"Of course…"

The End.

Thank you so much for reading! :D

If you can REVIEW this last chap for me, I thank you very much! Your support is much appreciated.

(Your reviews will be read no matter how long this story has ended…)

Please continue to support my other stories (if you can)! Thank you! :D

Wish everyone a HAPPY VALENTINES!