Sorry for the wait guys! My internet hasn't been working well. I hope you like the epilogue but I kinda ran out of ideas towards the end so I think it sucks but enjoy ^^

It has been six years since the war with Obito and Madara. There is a new generation of shinobi but the ones that were in the war still remain. Most were forgotten but others were remembered. Either they lived successful lives as shinobi, lurk in the shadows, retired, or died.The new generation of Shinobi hear the wondrous stories of all the brave shinobi wanting to be as strong as them. The annual chuunin exams are once again upon the great Leaf Village.

The last time that they were held, the third Hokage was killed and the village was attacked. The genin who were in that exam are now all Jonin or higher never forgetting that day. Tsunade had retired just a year ago leaving a new younger man in charge; Naruto Uzumaki. He had proven to be an excellent leader and was recommended right away. One thing he wanted to do first was release Sasuke Uchiha from prison but took longer than he hoped. A whole year it took, and now he was to finally be released.

"Sasuke Uchiha, by the orders of the Hokage, you are to be released." A prison guard had said.

Sasuke got up from his bed and walked out of his cell. He was escorted out of the prison and handed into the hands of his brother Itachi. For a while they walked in silence until one spoke up.

"Does it feel good to be out of jail?" Itachi said.

"It feels different."

"Just wait til you get to the village. A lot has changed."

"Such as?"

"Well, I didn't think it could happen but the village is even happier and filled with life. Positive energy everywhere you go. There hasn't been an attack at all in years and have been no rouges from the village. It's amazing. It seems that the world is at peace for once. It's not perfect but better than it was." Itachi explained.

"Is Tsunade still the Hokage?"

"No, she retired a year ago."

"Who's Hokage now? Kakashi?"

"No, Naruto is."

"Figures,"

"He actually had competition. Even though everyone agreed to have him, he said he wanted everyone to have a chance at it. It was between him, Kiba, Kakashi, and Mariah."

The mention of Mariah made Sasuke's heart jump.

"Kiba volunteered while Kakashi and Mariah were recommended. They weren't very thrilled but had to do it. Mariah almost won but Naruto ended up winning. It was a tough vote between everyone."

"How is Mariah?" Sasuke asked hesitantly.

"Well...you'll have to see for yourself. No one really sees her, maybe a few times a month."

"Why?"

"She's busy with things."

"She probably has a kid with that Tadashi guy," he thought angrily.

"We're almost to the village, you'll see her soon. It has been six years so I bet you'll have a welcoming committee."

"Great," Sasuke replied sarcastically.

Once they arrived at the village, Itachi was right; all of his friends were waiting for him except for Naruto and Mariah. He received many hugs from them. Everyone looked much different. They all had aged throughout the years, new scars, and some girls were pregnant such as Ino and Hinata. Unlike them, Sasuke's look never altered thanks to his Uchiha genes.

"Alright everyone, I have to take Sasuke to Lord Hokage." Itachi said.

Everyone pouted but understood.

"I know what you're thinking. Ino is married to Sai, the one who replaced you on team 7 and Hinata is married to Naruto, that's their second kid."

"Hn,"

Once they reached the office, Naruto gladly opened the door himself with a bright face.

"Sasuke!" He greeted pulling his teammate into a big embrace. "Finally! That took forever to get you outta there!"

"Get off me you dope." Sasuke protested pushing him away.

"Still have that same attitude eh Sasuke? Well let's get down to business. The new elders have decided that you'll be living with Itachi and you will be watched by an ANBU twenty four seven until we say you're good, deal?"

"Who're the new elders?"

"Kakashi-sensei and Grandma Tsunade of course!"

"Who's the anbu?"

"Itachi, I think you know who I'm thinking of."

Itachi nodded then disappeared. Soon there was a poof of smoke revealing a female ANBU wearing a dragon mask.

"You called Lord Hokage?"

"Yes, you'll be watching Sasuke here." He said with a smile.

The ANBU looked over at Sasuke taking in his appearance as was Sasuke with her. She had short black hair with red streaks in it. He noticed that her ear was pierced on her cartilage. She wore a traditional skin tight ANBU shirt which was short sleeved revealing her ANBU tattoo and many scars.

"You can take off that mask, you won't need it."

"But Lord Hokage,"

"Do it,"

"Fine," She sighed.

Sasuke couldn't help but be curious on what she looked like. He wondered why Naruto chose this particular ANBU to watch over him. Once she took off her mask he observed her. She had an eyebrow piercing along with a lip piercing and now noticed the small gauges she had on her now revealed earlobes. Her eyes were the last thing he had noticed. Once he saw those eyes he knew exactly who she was.

"Mariah?" Sasuke thought.

"Now, I want you to follow Sasuke around 24/7 not letting him out of your sight."

"Why me?"

"Because you're the best of the best and I can trust you."

"Naruto, I refuse."

"Too bad, I'm Hokage and you have to do what I say."

Mariah then growled at her new Hokage in annoyance.

"Temper temper Mariah. This is a mission and you must accept it."

Mariah was silent for a moment.

"Fine,"

"Awesome! Now, take Sasuke out for a stroll. It's been a long time since he's been here."

"Yes Lord Hokage." She said bowing.

She then stood up straight facing Sasuke.

"Let's go," She said walking past him.

Without a word he followed her leaving Naruto with his famous grin on his face. Mariah and Sasuke walked through the village in silence ignoring the looks that they have been receiving. Sasuke took in Mariah's appearance as they walked. He noticed that she hasn't grown an inch since he last saw her but everything about her has.

For one thing she looks even skinnier than she was; she looks like she's nothing but skin and bones. Her hair has defiantly changed; she's back to her original hair color and the streaks like when she was genin also with the piercings. The gauges are new though but he kind of liked them. By the way she was treating Naruto it seemed that she was back to her old cold self. It seems like she reverted back to when they were in the academy. Her face was now paler than usual, much paler than his. He noticed that under her eyes were purple rings indicating that she's been sleep deprived. He thought that she got over her insomnia long ago but most likely she got it again.

"What happened?" Sasuke questioned.

Mariah ignored the question not even looking over at the Uchiha but only looking at the road in front of her. Sasuke didn't like the feeling of being ignored so he quickened his pace standing in front of her.

"Answer my question."

"Why should I?" She challenged looking straight into his eyes.

Just by her eyes he could tell that she's in pain. The look in her eyes were the same from when she was a genin back on team 7.

"You're different."

"I'm the same Mariah,"

"No, you're not the Mariah I knew."

"Then who am I?"

"You're the Mariah from the academy, not the Mariah from team 7." Sasuke stated.

"Well you're not the Sasuke from team 7."

"Oh? Look harder."

As Mariah looked at Sasuke she realized that he was right. The cold blooded avenger she once knew from when he was in Taka was no longer there but the Uchiha she had fell in love with was there.

"I told you so. What happened?"

"None of your business."

"Something had to have happened in the years since the war. You said you had to heal and it looks like you didn't. You got worse."

"Nope, nothing at all."

"Mhm, sure."

"Glad you believe me." She said turning around.

"Where are we going?"

"Your house. Itachi is waiting for you."

"I thought we'd walk around more,"

"No,"

"Why?"

"Stop being annoying."

"Not until you answer my question." Sasuke demanded.

"Why do you care?"

"Because I-"

"You what?"

"Nothing,"

"Look who's not answering questions now."

It was silent after that. Once they reached Sasuke's house it wasn't as silent. Itachi opened the door happy that his little brother is finally home. As Itachi and Sasuke caught up, Mariah sat on the couch bored out of her mind. She was glad that Sasuke was out of her hair for a little bit but she had to stay with him every day until Naruto tells her otherwise.

"So am I suppose to stay here with you guys or did Naruto leave you in charge of him during the night?" Mariah asked Itachi.

"You're with him 24/7 Mariah. Naruto knows you can do that."

"Oh how joyful."

"He chose you for a reason."

"Yeah, a stupid reason which won't work."

"Oh stop being bitter." Itachi laughed putting a hand on her head.

"It's just how I am."

"I have a mission soon, I trust you'll make sure my brother stays out of trouble."

"Don't worry,"

"It's my job to worry."

"I know, just go on your mission." Mariah said swatting his hand away.

"I expect everything to be fine when I get back."

"Oh hush, you know I'm responsible. They didn't make me captain for nothing."

"They don't know you like I do."

"That was a long time ago."

"You're still the same."

"No,"

"Believe what you want Mariah, take care of my brother."

"I will," She said as Itachi headed out the door.

Sasuke then came in after getting settled in his room looking around for Itachi.

"Where's Itachi?"

"He had a mission."

"For how long?"

"Who knows?"

"So you're watching over me all night too?"

"Yup,"

"What about sleep?"

"I don't sleep,"

"You use to,"

"Well things change."

"What happened to you?"

"None of your business Sasuke, now go to bed. It's been a long day."

Having enough of her attitude, Sasuke turned around and went back to his room while Mariah stayed out in the living room. She listened as Sasuke closed the door and laid in his bed unmoving. She knew that he was exhausted from the journey which he most likely hated because his chakra was drained by chakra cuffs. She laid on the couch staring up at the ceiling for the rest of the night listening for Sasuke trying to escape but he stayed in his room all night.

After a few weeks of watching Sasuke, Mariah has been irritated and moody. He entered the living room seeing Mariah in the same position he left her in.

"Are we just going to stay inside all day?" Sasuke questioned.

"I would prefer to, but Naruto has other plans."

"Like?"

"He wants me to take you to see all your friends to catch up."

"Wonderful," He replied sarcastically.

"Hey I'm not happy about it either."

"Why?"

"I don't associate myself with anyone anymore except for Itachi. Before you ask, it's because I have more important things to do."

"So this is how you've become after the war?"

"What?"

"You've shut yourself out just like you did back in the academy. You turned into what I once was. You are now me and I am now you; funny how that has turned out."

"You know nothing!" Mariah lashed out.

"Something happened that caused you to be this way."

"And you'll never know; you are nothing to me."

Her words hurt Sasuke but he knew that she was talking big.

"You say that now,"

"Let's just go, everyone is waiting."

"Shouldn't we eat first?"

"We're having lunch with them; Naruto included."

"Lunch?"

"You slept in,"

Mariah got up from the couch and headed towards the door with Sasuke following. As they walked through the village, Sasuke couldn't help but observe Mariah. Her eyes were focused on what was in front of her and never looked around to enjoy the scenery. She would never look straight forward the whole time; she use to look around taking in her surroundings. Sasuke looked up and saw they were heading towards the BBQ and could hear everyone's laughter.

When they entered, everyone turned around with a smile on their faces.

"Sasuke, Mariah!" Naruto shouted excitedly.

Mariah gave a small wave towards everyone but nothing else. Mariah sat between Naruto and Kiba while Sasuke sat between Naruto and Sakura. The atmosphere around them was awkward. No one has seen Mariah in years since she joined the ANBU and usually she kept to herself. Everyone has seen Sasuke at least a few times in the past few years but no one knew what to say.

"Alright!" Naruto spoke up. "Now that everyone is here, Sasuke, welcome back to the village!" He said with his famous smile.

Everyone agreed saying welcome back to Sasuke. He only nodded not wanting to say anything. Everyone looked towards Mariah seeing her staring at the table with her head resting on her hand looking bored out of her mind. They knew she didn't want to be there and only came because Naruto ordered her to.

"So Mariah, how's the mission going?" Naruto questioned.

"Irritating,"

"Aw don't be that way Mariah. Sasuke isn't that bad!"

"Says you,"

Everything got silent after her comment. Everyone looked at each other all thinking the same thing. Mariah has seriously changed over the years and they all knew why.

"Well let's order some food! I'm starving!"

"Naruto, you never change." Sakura sighed.

Everyone laughed at Naruto's behavior then ordered their food. Everyone had the usual order of BBQ but Mariah settled for dumplings. They all chowed down on their food while engaging in conversation with one another. Some even got Sasuke to talk but not Mariah. She would only reply with one word answers or noises. She hardly ate, three bites at the most. Sasuke watched as she only stared at her food. He knew that she was depressed about something causing her not to eat and to shut herself out. He knows that everyone else knows why but he can't ask them if she's here. If one of them tried to tell him she would just glare to make them shut up.

"So Sasuke, how does it feel to be back in the village?" Kiba questioned.

"Better than a jail cell," He replied.

Everyone chuckled at his response not really knowing if he was joking or serious. Naruto looked at Mariah seeing her staring off into space. He reached over and took a hold of Mariah's free hand that sat on her lap. She snapped out of her little trance and looked over at Naruto who gave her a smile. He gave her a light squeeze and she couldn't help but give a little smile in return. She mouthed 'thank you' to him and took another bite out of her dumplings. Sasuke noticed this and couldn't help but wonder how Naruto got Mariah to smile.

Once lunch was finished, mostly everyone had to go either because they had genin to train or children to take care of. Mariah offered to pay for the bill but Naruto paid for it instead trying to make up for all the times he made his friend broke for paying for him. With a sigh, Mariah led Sasuke out of the restaurant and walked around more in the village.

"Is there anything else we could do other than walk around?" Sasuke questioned.

"There's nothing else to do."

"There has to be something. What do you usually do?"

"Go on missions."

"Anything else?"

"Train,"

"Then train."

"You don't have any chakra but I guess we could just use taijutsu."

"Better than walking around."

"Well how about I train and you spend time with Itachi."

"You said he's on a mission."

"I can feel his chakra, he's with Naruto."

Mariah and Sasuke walked to the Hokage tower and could hear Naruto talking to Itachi about his mission. Mariah knocked on the door which Naruto answered with a 'come in'. They walked through the door and greeted Naruto.

"Lord Hokage, may I have a word?"

"Sure Mariah, Itachi you can take Sasuke home."

"You're dismissed Itachi."

Sasuke and Itachi left the office and Mariah turned to Naruto.

"Can Itachi take over for the mission? This mission is boring and not getting anywhere."

"It has only been a week Mariah."

"I don't care, please take him off my hands. I can't take it anymore."

"Why? All you're doing is watching him. It's just like back in the day."

"I don't want to remember that."

"You have to let this anger go Mariah, you're holding everything in and now it's looking for a way out."

"I just don't want to watch him anymore. Get someone else to do it."

"Everyone else is busy. They either have kids or Genin of their own. I'm sorry Mariah but you're the only one available."

"How many times are you going to bring up kids and genin? Everyone brags about how great their genin are and kids. Can't they talk about something else?!"

"I'm sorry, I forgot."

"Yes, you forgot; everyone forgets."

"Listen Mariah, this'll be good for you. Just stop shutting in your emotions and let them out. I know it's hard but it has to be done in order for you to be happy."

Mariah was silent for a moment but turned around to face the door.

"Just see if anyone else can do it."

*With Sasuke and Itachi*

Sasuke walked beside Itachi in silence with Mariah on his mind. Itachi noticed his brother's silence and knew exactly what he was thinking.

"You're wondering about Mariah?"

"Yes,"

"What do you want to know?" He questioned knowing what his brother was thinking.

"Why she's acting like this. What has changed in the years I've been locked up?"

"A lot has happened Sasuke. After the war, she was happy but at the same time she wasn't. Everyone could tell that she still loved you and wanted to be with you but she forced herself to move on. She thought she found happiness and for a while, and she did. Everything though, went wrong. It was like a flashback of her childhood."

"What happened?"

"You'd have to ask her yourself. She's the one who knows everything that happened. She hasn't told everything to anyone. Naruto tried to get it out of her but she refused, she even kept it from me."

"What makes you think she'll tell me?"

"She still cares for you Sasuke, she just won't admit it."

"How do you know?"

"I've known her for a long time Sasuke. I was the brother she never had; she trusted me with everything. She's just shutting everyone out now, I believe that you're the only one who can break through her walls."

"How-"

"I just know Sasuke, trust your older brother."

Sasuke was silent for the rest of the walk home taking in Itachi's words. He just assumed that Mariah's feelings had faded over time but according to Itachi, he was wrong. Once they arrived home, they saw Mariah already laying on the couch waiting for them. Itachi headed into his room knowing that he was not needed.

"Can we take a walk?" Sasuke asked.

Mariah looked up at Sasuke in question but got up from the couch heading for the door. By now it was dark out and the moonlight was shining down on the village. As they walked, people were heading inside which gave them complete privacy.

"So why'd you want to go for a walk? I thought it was boring?"

"I have to talk to you and I want answers."

"Oh boy."

"What happened?"

Knowing what he meant, Mariah stayed silent not answering him. Frustrated, Sasuke pinned her to a tree looking at her with a stern face. She looked straight back at him not backing down.

"What. Happened?"

"Nothing,"

"Itachi told me that something happened."

"Why should I tell you?!" She shouted.

"Every day in that damn cell," He started, " The only thing that kept me sane and gave me hope of getting out there..was the thought of seeing you again. It was the only thing that kept me going. I wanted to just break free or even die but I knew that I wouldn't be able to see you then. I just wanted to see you but you never came. Every time I heard that I had a visitor, I just thought you would come at least once but you never showed. It broke my heart but I never gave up hope. I didn't want to believe your letter but now I guess it was true. When I heard that I was being released I thought I'd see you there waiting for me or even to escort me but no. You were too busy being an ANBU and didn't even want to follow Naruto's orders.

You broke my heart Mariah Kira. I know that I have broken yours a lot in the past but I wasn't in a right place. I'm now trying to make up for it but you've shut everyone out and won't let anyone in. Can't you see Mariah? I'm still in love with you. I've always been. I can't go a day without thinking about you. I missed you so much while I was locked up even when I was with Orochimaru. All I wanted to do was see your face again, hear your laugh, smell your scent, say I love you, and feel the warmth of your lips against mine. Please Mariah, let me in. If you don't want to be with me then at least let me be your friend; that's the next best thing. Please, let me in."

Mariah could hear the pain in his voice. She looked up into his eyes seeing the pain that he has been holding in. Tears weld up in his eyes threatening to come down. Sasuke was trying to hold them back but they started to flow down his face. His face showed a broken look one that she hasn't seen for a long time. Mariah then felt tears of her own streaming down her cheeks. He didn't deserve this, no one does.

"Sasuke, I'm sorry." She choked.

She reached her hand towards his face and wiped the tears away with her thumb.

"It's just been hard these past years."

"Nothing is easy."

"I know,"

"What happened?"

Mariah let out a breath. She looked away from Sasuke and towards the sky deep in thought for a moment.

"After I left you that letter, I tried to convince Tadashi to move on but he just never gave up so I decided to give him a chance. I felt guilty because I believed that I was just using him as a rebound and trying to replace you. We went on a few dates but I kept my distance not wanting to lead him on and just hurt him in the end. Whenever someone said they were going to visit you, I just couldn't bring myself to. Part of me wanted to see you and be with you but the other part didn't want anything to do with you. I missed you so much Sasuke but I was in denial saying that I didn't love you anymore.

After a few months of being in the village, I was finally given a mission with Tadashi. Lady Tsunade sent us to the Demon village to free the people there and to initiate a peace treaty. Throughout the journey I realized a lot of things and that was that I did have actual feelings for Tadashi like I did for you. As the years went on I became an ANBU along with Tadashi and our relationship deepened. We were both in love but we knew that you still had a place in my heart.

On one of the missions I was injured and Lady Tsunade found it fit to give me a vacation from being an ANBU. Instead, she assigned me a team of genin fresh out of the academy. Rika, was small for her age but was tough, tougher than Sakura. Seto was a very smart kid, he didn't like to fight but when he had to that kid was an animal. Miko was a harsh kid but a huge softy once you got to know him; they were some team. Originally, it was until I was better but over time I grew fond of them. I trained them for a year watching them get stronger and stronger; they reminded me of us.

They were good kids, very smart and talented. I treated them like they were my own and they thought of me like I was their mom. Once they were ready, I signed them up for the chuunin exams. They were excellent. The best out of everyone from the village. Amazingly, all three were promoted to chuunin and refused to leave my side. We were assigned missions together; they refused to be with anyone else." Mariah then stopped and stared into space for a moment as a tear fell from her eye.

"One day, we had a B ranked mission. It was only to aid a team of genin from the Lightning village who were ambushed by Jonin but something went wrong. We arrived at the rendezvous point but it turned out that it was all a set up. A rogue shinobi sent a fake letter to us asking for help. We were ambushed by S ranked criminals...there were too many. Before I knew it...they were gone. I tried everything I could but...I couldn't save them. One of them paralyzed me and forced me to watch. Seto, he was sliced in half, Miko was stabbed to death, and poor Rika....she was...tortured a way no woman would want to be tortured. I...I lost it. I entranced them into Tsukuyomi and before I knew it, they were dead. I blamed myself for their deaths. I sealed their bodies and made sure to bury them in the Leaf."

"Mariah I-"

"Don't, It's not over." Mariah interrupted.

She let out a shaky breath and carried on.

"After the incident, I was back in the ANBU. I couldn't bring myself to face anyone after that so it was for the best. About a year later, I found out that I was pregnant." Mariah smiled weakly and put a hand over her stomach. "Tadashi and I were so happy; I couldn't wait to be a mother. I just wanted to give birth so bad even though I was only two months pregnant. Even though I was excited, only a few people knew about it. Only Itachi, Naruto, Sakura, Tsunade, and Kakashi knew of it. Just like Naruto, my child had to be kept a secret. If an enemy found out about my child, they'd want it for themselves.

I was ordered to stay inside unless I had someone with me. It was a big deal having a Kira half demon child. Tadashi was out on a long mission when I was four months. I just wanted him to get home because I was starting to get lonely staying in the house at all times. He was suppose to only take three days, a week at the latest. He...never came back. A recon team was sent out and came back with their bodies. There was only one survivor. He said they were ambushed by a group of rogues and couldn't handle them. Tadashi died protecting his comrades until his last breath.

Once again another loss in my life. Everyone I cared about was being ripped from my life. I was devastated about his death but I had to stay strong for the baby. I found out that I was having a girl...I named her Rika. My little Rika, I already knew her future. She'd grow up to be a strong shinobi just like me and wanting to be just like me. She'd excel in everything and be just like me but her childhood would be better than mine was. Things just don't go as I plan though, I lost her. I had a miscarriage. That was the last straw for me. I had lost everyone and I couldn't handle losing anyone else so I shut myself out. Whenever I love someone, they die leaving me here to feel the pain. I can't Sasuke, I can't lose anyone else!"

Mariah's eyes were overflowing with tears; she had been hurt so many times she couldn't bare it. Sasuke looked at her as she crumbled. He now regretted pushing her for answers but knew that she needed to let them out. He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as she cried. He rubbed her back finding himself joining her in her sadness. Both needed to let out their emotions but Mariah needed it more than anyone. Everything soon got silent; Sasuke looked down and saw that Mariah had passed out. He lifted her up and carried her all the way back to his house.

When he entered the door, Itachi looked up from the couch and saw Mariah in Sasuke's arms.

"What happened?"

"She told me everything then started to cry and passed out."

"I told you you'd get through to her."

Sasuke shrugged and went over to his room placing Mariah down on the bed. Once she was on his bed, he sat beside her grasping her hand. He looked at her tear streaked face and saw that she was relaxed, more relaxed than she has been since he came back to the village. For the rest of the night he held her hand waiting for her to wake up but soon he also drifted to sleep.

Once morning came, Sasuke woke up only to realize that Mariah was no longer in the bed. He exited the room heading towards the kitchen only to find Mariah sitting at the table eating cereal. She didn't look up when Sasuke entered only stared at her food trying to pretend that he wasn't there. Sasuke sat down at the table across from her staying silent. It was quiet for a while until Mariah spoke up.

"Sorry about last night," She muttered quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"For being weak."

"You weren't weak, you released all the emotions that you have had bottled up for years. You were going to explode sooner or later."

"I didn't expect that you would be one I'd spill my guts to. I thought it would be Itachi. Why do you do this to me?"

"Do what?"

"You make me feel like I can tell you anything, I feel like I can trust you, I don't want to be far away from you, all I want to do is be with you, and talk to you. I get irritated when girls check you out and how people look at you like you're a traitor. You're making me feel so many things that I don't want to."

"Why don't you want to feel them?"

She stayed silent. Sasuke got up and sat next to her grabbing her chin so she would face him. She averted her eyes to the floor refusing to look at him.

"Is it because you're scared?" He questioned.

Mariah still didn't answer and still looked away.

"Mariah, look at me."

She then looked up to meet his eyes.

"Are you scared of your feelings?" He asked again.

"Yes,"

"Why?"

"I don't want to be hurt again."

"You can't live in fear Mariah, don't let it consume you. It would keep you from doing anything. What if you were scared of being killed? Would you let that fear take over making you retire from being a shinobi? Is that how you want to live your life? Living in fear? The Mariah I know would face her fears."

Mariah was once again silent for a while still looking into Sasuke's eyes.

"Sasuke,"

"Yeah?"

"Can we start over? A clean slate?"

"What do you mean?"

"Let's just introduce ourselves again and build a friendship. Then we'll see what happens from there."

"Sounds like a deal."

Mariah smiled up at Sasuke as he returned it. Mariah then got up from her chair extending her arm.

"Hi, my name is Mariah Kira. It's a pleasure to meet you." She introduced.

Sasuke smirked and chuckled but got up and shook her hand.

"Nice to you Mariah, I'm Sasuke, Uchiha Sasuke."

Years have passed since Sasuke and Mariah started over. The two had grown closer and closer. Mariah opened up to everyone else and slowly reverted to her old self which everyone was happy about. After a few months, Sasuke and Mariah had began to date which no one was surprised about. Later they then married having two kids.

"Kokoro, Ryuu, time to go!" Mariah called from down the hall.

Two young children ran down the hall way racing towards Mariah.

"Mom! Ryuu stole my notebook!" Kokoro whined.

"Did not," Ryuu said sticking his tongue out at his sister.

Mariah sighed looking down at the two children. Kokoro stroked her long black hair as tears welled from her blood red eyes. Ryuu was standing next to her telling Mariah over and over that he didn't do anything as he flicked his black hair out of his dark eyes.

"Ryuu, I know you stole her notebook. She wouldn't be crying if she were lying. She's not the best actress and she's just like her dad, tough and strong."

"Please, she's a baby." He commented.

"Ryuu, we're going to have a talk about this when your father gets home."

That shut him up which made Mariah smirk in victory.

"Now, go get her notebook and give it back. You know that it's important to her."

"Fine," He huffed.

"Kokoro, get ready for school. You don't want to be late on your first day."

"Okay,"

Mariah rose to her feet and watched as the two went upstairs. She then heard the front door close. She looked over to see Sasuke walking towards her.

"How was the mission?" She asked.

"The usual, it was simple." He said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"We have to have a talk with Ryuu again."

"What happened this time?"

"He stole Kokoro's notebook."

"Now I wonder where he gets that from."

"What?"

"He's just like you Mariah,"

"I didn't steal from people making them cry."

"But you do enjoy the misery of others. Remember that sleepover?"

"Ahaha well, that was funny."

"To you maybe but I think you made Sakura pee herself."

"Psh she deserved it."

"Come on, let's get the kids and send them off to the academy."

"Kids, let's go!"

Once they were ready, Mariah and Sasuke escorted the twins to their first day of school. When they reached the academy the two were a little hesitate. Mariah knelt down in front of them putting her hands on their shoulder.

"It's okay, you'll both be fine. I know it's scary but you'll make new friends and learn a lot then before you know it, you'll get to be ninjas like your Father and I. The academy is where your father and I met."

"Okay," They both said.

Both gave their parents a hug then went off to the crowd of children awaiting to be assigned to their homerooms.

"You don't think they'll separate them right?" Mariah asked worriedly.

"No, don't worry so much. Even if they are separated, they'll make friends."

"Yeah but, I would like for them to make friends first then be separated. They're never separate from each other."

"Stop worrying, now let's go home and enjoy the silence for once."

"Yeah, the house hasn't been silent since we had those two."

"I love you Mariah Uchiha."

"I still need to get use to that haha, I love you too Sasuke Uchiha."

whelp that's it guys! I spent so much time on this story! It's my most popular and i really appreciate all of your comments and votes! Don't forget to check out my other stories! My story "His Approval", my Itachi love story "in love with my best friend", and my Kiba love story "It was fate" i have many many more stories to come so keep reading!

9-16-18
Hello everyone! So it's been a few years since I finished this series and many people have asked for another book. Im happy to write another but I need some ideas for sasukes journey and maybe other chapters as well. Please message me of any ideas that you have or suggestions.
If I do write one it might take a whike but i'll get it out there when im finished with His Approval and it'll probably be just short mini chapters