Grandma, Tell Me a Story Chapter 25: Settling Down, a naruto fanfic

Yo!

... And yep, that's pretty much all I can say right now. Enjoy #24 :)

Chapter 24

The sun entered the room through the open window. The small breeze gently tickled Kiba's face as he turned over on his side to put his back to the wind. His mind was awake, but he refused to open his eyes. He still wanted to stay in bed for as long as possible. He moved his feet around the bed and noticed a distinct lack of a certain kunoichi in his bed. He moved his feet around a little more and found Akamaru was still curled into a ball.

Finally, he gave in. He opened his eyes and sat up in his bed. He stretched and looked over at the clock to the side of the bed.

9:42am... Okay, so I guess I didn't sleep as late as I thought.

He ran his hand over his friend's head as Akamaru woke himself up as well. Kiba got out of bed and figured Sakura was downstairs already. It didn't help she was a light sleeper, because she was usually the only one who heard the baby wake up and had to take care of him. She could wake up four times in the middle of the night, and he would never notice, much less wake up from it, unless she woke him up by shaking him to help her. Luckily it's only happened a few times.

After a quick shower, wearing only his towel on his waist, he walked over to his closet and stepped inside.

(Flashback)

"Come in." said Tsunade.

Kiba and Akamaru stepped into the Hokage's office and shut the door behind them. As a usual set-up, Tsunade sat in her chair with her fingers linked and Shizune stood by her side.

"You wanted to see us, Lady Tsunade?"

"How's the baby?"

Kiba was taken off guard by the change in topic but he paid no mind to it. "He's... good. Sakura says he looks nothing like her, but I told her he'd probably inherit her personality."

"I see." Tsunade smiled. "That's good. Tell Sakura when she's ready to reassume her training my door is still open to her."

"No problem."

"Kiba."

"Yeah?"

Tsunade stood up and walked over to a cabinet. She knelt down and opened the bottom one, pulling out a small plastic bag.

"This was your father's."

Kiba immediately took the bag and opened it. It was a Jonin vest. Nothing out of the ordinary.

He looked up from the bag. "But I thought my father's body was never recovered?"

"It wasn't. He left this vest as a memento for you. When Fugaku Uchiha and the Military Police Force conducted an investigation at their home, they found his vest in your room. They put it here as evidence, but it was something we never were able to use to help us find him. I figured now you would want it."

"..." You never told me this, dad. But... maybe it was better this way?

"Kiba?" she asked.

"Oh. Sorry. Thank you, Lady Hokage." he took the vest out and invested it. It had some wear on it, but nothing too bad at all. He could definitely smell his father on it. It was still very strong, despite such a long time being off of a body. He examined the rest of it, only to come to a stop at the vest's left shoulder blade pad. It was like someone wrote into the vest. He looked carefully and saw the words '... And Justice for All.' edged into the vest.

"Thanks again." he said. He got up and left the mansion, keeping the vest in his bag. He really didn't know if he would wear it, or keep it as something to remember his father by, despite meeting him already.

(End Flashback)

And there he was, staring right at the vest. Of course, he had a fully suited shinobi outfit already, so he decided to take that instead, and leave his father's vest in the back of the closet.

He never really wore the full outfit before. Sure when he was made a Chunin he wore the vest for a short amount of time, but it wasn't the full outfit. This time it was, now that he was a Jonin. He looked at himself in the mirror. It was different. He wasn't really sure what to think yet. He thought it made him look a lot older, as if having a kid didn't already do that for him yet.

He walked downstairs with Akamaru by his side to find Sakura cooking. Normally, any other ninja who knew what was happening, specifically Naruto, would be throwing a fit. He really didn't find her cooking too awful. He believed the stories that she was quite bad at it, but being someone who lived with her, he came to find it had taken a vast improvement.

The smell was definitely convincing her cooking had improved. She turned around giving a small smile to her boyfriend before kissing him good morning. At the table sat Kiyosato in a high chair. He had made a mess of his food, as expected from a one year old. The small table that came with the chair was covered with slow warming milk and a few cheerios.

"Aw man, look what you did, pal?" Kiba said, grabbing a paper towel and wiping the table off.

"No!" pouted the baby.

"No what?" he asked confused.

"He's still hungry, probably." said Sakura as she picked up a pan and began shoveling eggs onto a plate. "Scrambled, right?"

"Oh. Yeah, thanks." he stepped over and picked his plate up. Large portion of eggs, two pieces of toast, and a few links of sausage. Kiba turned and sat his plate down, walking over to the cabinet and opening a scooping out two cups of dog food his mother helped him make, specifically for Inuzuka nin dogs. He placed the food into the bowl and set it down as Akamaru began eating, Kiba then sitting himself and began eating.

"You look so different with that uniform now." Sakura said, finally sitting down to join him with a plate similar to his.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I figured it was time I started wearing the uniform. Can't go around wearing all black forever." he chuckled at his last sentence.

"Yeah, that's true. It looks good on you."

"Thanks. It feels... different."

"Like you're actually growing up?" she giggled. He really did look much older. Full shinobi attire, and only eighteen. Clothing really did a lot for him. As for Sakura, she still looked the same. Luckily she was able to help burn the fat away with her chakra, and since she breast fed within his first year, the weight came off in a couple of months. She didn't mind staying home and watching the baby, because she knew someone had to. She just wanted to get back to missions eventually. She felt so behind after a year already.

"Heh. Yeah, maybe a little bit." he then glanced over at Kiyosato who was feeding a cup of apple sauce into his mouth with his already sticky hands. "But I think he's the one who did it."

She nodded. "Mmm, I think you have a point there."

The next few minutes were quiet as the small family finished their food. Sakura took the plates and put them in the sink. She came back and cleaned off the baby's face before picking him up.

"He looks just like you, you know." she said as she held him.

"I'm starting to see it more and more now."

"Well, you better get ready. You need to meet with some of the other new Jonin, right?"

He nodded. "Yeah. I want to get there early incase there's a big wait for a table."

"Who all is going? I heard only a few of us made Jonin so far."

He nodded. "Besides me, just Shino, and obviously Shikamaru, since Temari was the one who invited us. I don't know who else is coming."

He stood up and put his chair into the table. "I'll be home in a few hours probably. It's a small get together more than anything else, so I shouldn't be gone too long."

Sakura shuffled her feet as she looked around and then down at the ground. "... Anything else?"

He looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... is there anything else happening today?"

His expression remained. "Not that I know of. Anyway, I need to get going." he walked up to her and kissed her before waving to his son. "See you guys later." and with that, Kiba and Akamaru were out the door.

Sakura made her way upstairs with a now sleeping Kiyosato in her arms. She walked into their room and sat on her side of the bed. She opened a small drawer and pulled out a small calender. She opened the calender and glanced down at a date she had written down with a red pen.

Anniversary. said the small entry.

And he forgot. she sadly thought to herself. He had just become so... bland at times. Aside from his treat from the other day at making dinner, he really didn't go out of his way to do anything special since they had started dating. She knew he cared, but how much did he really? He forgot their anniversary, what was next? Her birthday, her son's birthday? Did she have to disappear from the house to get him to notice her?

"I just need to get out, that's all." she gently scooped her boy up, and made her way downstairs and out the door to her destination.

X X X

"You're sure it won't be too much trouble?" Sakura asked.

"Oh, no, no trouble at all." said Tsume as she held the sleeping baby in her arms. "Don't rush back. I'm sure you've been cooped up for quite some time in the house."

Sakura sighed. She was definitely right about that. "Tsume. Can I talk to you about Kiba?"

She nodded as she gave her full attention. "Of course, Sakura."

"He's been... not distant, but he just hasn't really done anything special lately. Not just for me, but for the baby, too. I mean, he always comes home when he says he will, I know he works hard because whenever Hinata comes by she always tells me about how Shino and Kiba did this, or Shino and Kiba did that. It's just-"

Tsume placed her fingers on top of Sakura's lips. "It's alright. I know what you mean."

"But then-"

"Sakura, I know Kiba very well. I'm his mother, after all. If there's one thing I know, is that when he puts his mind to something he isn't quite familiar with yet, he puts all of his attention to it. He hasn't been a Jonin for very long. And he's not used to working by himself on his new missions relying on only Akamaru. I don't know about you, but that seems like a big step for one person to handle at such a young age." she sighed but smiled as his traits resembled an all too familiar person in her mind. "He's just like his father."

She nodded, shocked in her mind. Kiba only mentioned his father slightly when she asked him about it. He left a lot of things out, if not almost everything. She didn't press him for information, she figured the trauma of dying once already probably gave him his fair share of scarring, but she knew she had to get him to tell her eventually.

"So he's not?-"

Tsume shook her head. "My son is arrogant, thick headed, jumps to conclusions too quickly, eats way too much, and sometimes leaves the light on, but he's a good boy. And he's definitely without a doubt in my mind, faithful."

Sakura didn't seem completely convinced on her outer appearance, so Tsume decided to reassure her some more. "Sakura. Inuzukas are not... Well, to put it to you simply, we don't have other 'partners' we'll call it."

"You mean you only have sex with one person in your lifetime?"

She nodded. "When Kiba's father died, I was approached by others, don't get me wrong, and they were all very handsome. But the blood of our clan bounds us to our mate. It can never be broken. I could never love anyone like I loved his father. And Kiba is the same way, as is his sister if and when she finds her mate."

Their blood is bonded? That's so strange... Poor Tsume...

"Tsume." Sakura said. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, dear."

"What was... the name of Kiba's father."

Tsume looked down at the baby and back up at Sakura, giving a sad smile. "His name was Kiyosato."

"!" said her face. It made sense now. He named their son after his father after he met him. If that was the case, his meeting with his father must have been nothing short of good. She made a mental note to herself to ask him about it later.

"Tsume... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

"Oh, no, you didn't." she smiled. "I've already mourned his death years ago. He was a good man, and I'll always love him. It's just heartwarming knowing Kiba is slowly becoming more and more like him. The good things, anyway."

"I see." she looked down at her son, still sound asleep despite the conversation. "I won't be out for too long. I'll stop by tonight, if that's okay?

She nodded. "That would be fine. Take your time."

"I will." she stood up and kissed her son's forehead. "Be good for grandma, okay?" she whispered before leaving the house.

X X X

"Man, why is everything here so expensive?" Shikamaru complained.

The four Jonin were still flipping through their menus reluctantly. As congratulations for Shikamaru, Shino, and Kiba all being promoted to Jonin at the same time, Temari insisted on treating them to a nice restaurant. She had invited the rest of the ninjas in their year along as well, including Lee and Tenten. Unfortunately, only Naruto and Hinata were able to attend due to all the others being busy on missions and training elsewhere. It was without a doubt, a good-sized party, and would without a doubt, be a large bill to foot.

"Where's Sakura, Kiba?" Shino asked. Hinata sat right by him. Normally she would be holding onto his arm or his hand, but Shino had told her it would be best to keep that shut away when they were around Naruto. Ironically, she didn't feel awkward being around Naruto anymore. They had come to an understanding. They were still good friends, and they had each moved onto different people, though Naruto kept it a secret... mostly because he hadn't met this person yet. Sakura told him she would set him up on a blind date when she had the time. It was a good move for both of them, but perhaps Shino still felt some sense of paranoia she could go head-over-heels for him again.

"Oh. She's watching the baby right now, so she couldn't make it."

"Are you sure that was it?" Shino asked.

"Well, yeah, why else wouldn't she be able to make it?"

Shino wrote down something on a napkin and handed it to him from across the table. When he opened it, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

You told me today was the day you two had became a couple. Wouldn't that make it your anniversary today?

"AH SHIT!" Kiba yelled, causing an immediate awkward silence throughout the entire restaurant. He slowly turned his head to both sides to notice everyone staring at him. Luckily, a man in the back got the attention of everyone else.

"Ladies and gentlemen it is now 3:00 pm. We will begin our late afternoon jazz session. If you have any requests for the band, please leave a note at the front of the stage. Thank you."

"Perfect timing, huh?" Shikamaru sheepishly said as Kiba sat down.

"Yeah... yeah totally perfect timing." said Kiba.

"That couldn't have been good news." said Naruto sitting next to him. "What did that note say, anyway?"

"Uhh!" Kiba quickly crumbled the napkin and put it in his pocket. "Nothing at all! Just an inside joke Shino and I have! Heh. Yep! Man, Shino sure is a comedian when he wants to be, right?"

Shino looked at him with a completely emotionless face.

"See there he is now!"

His look remained unfazed.

"Anyway." Temari finally interrupted. "Sakura couldn't find someone to watch the baby?"

"Oh, no, she just. Well, actually, I uh." he looked over at Shino who just shook his head. "She was just busy!"

"Oh. Well, because I got Kankuro to watch Aki for us. I'm sure he wouldn't have minded taking care of Kiyosato."

Aki?... Wait a minute, I forgot about their kid, too! Why doesn't Shikamaru ever talk about this kind of thing? Must be a Nara thing.

"If you ask me, I think Kankuro is taking his job as a new uncle more seriously than anything else." said Shikamaru. "He thinks doing funny puppet shows for the baby still gets training in. I think that's just his way of saying he wants to be a part of our little girl's life, but that's not a bad thing in my book."

The music continued to flow in the background. Kiba took a particular liking to it. So much so he thought he had heard the music before, but he figured they were just doing cover songs. Their pianist was particularly familiar. An older looking fellow. But he couldn't quite put his finger on who he was.

Their meal dragged on. Food and drinks were ordered and it seemed to have been going by smoothly. Catching up was always fun. Kiba and Naruto teased Shikamaru about never telling anyone about their daughter, and Temari's constant annoyance at how her husband failed to mention stuff to his friends.

"So tell me, honey." said Temari with an obviously annoyed tone. "Do you tell your friends anything about your family? Or is this a new thing to them?"

"I don't not tell them anything, Temari, they just don't ask." Shikamaru shrugged.

She huffed, obviously bothered by it. Hinata and Naruto giggled at their little argument, which seemed to be common around the village. They were obviously meant for each other, but Shikamaru could never get a moment's peace sometimes without him not doing something, or Temari wanting him to do this.

Sometimes I wonder why I got married... it's such a drag sometimes. Shikamaru thought.

As the ninjas finished their meal, Kiba failed to notice the music had stopped. He quickly got out of his seat and walked up to the stage to talk to the pianist, whom he still could not put a finger on as to who he was.

"Be right back guys! Hi, um, sir?"

The man who was packing up his sheet music into a small bag turned around. He was of average height, and had a light brownish hair color. He wore a professional suit, black jacket and slacks, with a red button-up shirt underneath with a black tie. The interesting thing were his sunglasses. Purple frames.

"Yes, how can I help you?" he said. He had a different way of speaking. He sounded like Tomomaru, but not really. He couldn't tell where he was from, but he was obviously not from around this area, or country more than likely. His accent seemed thinner, much easier to understand to him.

"Well go on then, if you have somethin' to say, go on and say it." said the man as he resumed his packing.

"I listened to what you guys played. I really liked it and... I was wondering-"

"If you're lookin' to book, you'll need to let us know ahead of time. We're actually heading off tomorrow for a wedding we are." he said back.

"Sir, I have a huge, unreasonable request that I should probably not even ask, and-"

"Then don't ask it." he turned around. "Ah I'm just playin'. Go on then, what is it?"

"I can't remember who you are, but I know I've seen your face before. I have a girlfriend. Our... anniversary is today... and I forgot. I guess I'm sort of pulling a fast one on you, but-"

"S'ok. I get what you mean." he said.

"Wait, you know what I'm?-"

"You forgot your love's anniversary, and you want to make it up to her by asking me to play a piece. That sound about right?"

Kiba scratched the back of his head with a big grin on his face.

"Arf!"

"I think I get what the dog's saying." said the man. "Alright, here's my rate. For every hour I-"

"I-I don't... have a lot of money."

The man crossed his arms. "Well, I'm afraid I can't do much for you then." he finally picked his bag up and began walking before Kiba stopped him by jumping in front of him.

"Wait! Wait, please!"

"Look mate, I can't go around doing free shows just because some guy forgets his love's anniversary. That's not my problem." he said walking past him.

Kiba quickly followed him outside, ruffling through his pockets and pulling out all the money he had. "Wait!" he ran up to him again. "This is all I have on me."

The man looked at his money. He wasn't familiar with the exchange rate, but he could tell he wasn't nearly enough. Kiba had a desperate look on his face. As if he were telling this man his entire life story with a mere glance of his eyes. The man sighed. "Alright. Tell me what you want. What song, what time, and the location of the venue?"

Kiba smiled. "Really? Alright! Okay, it's going to be in the fields right outside the village. Don't worry, I'll show you where it is. And I only need one song. You see..."

X X X

Girls liked shopping, right? By themselves, maybe not so much. She felt that jewelry stores popped up only today and would be gone tomorrow, because she had not seen so many before. Especially on today, their anniversary.

Ugh! That man! she thought. She went from being sad to just plain upset. She thought this day out to herself, since all of her friends were busy, would be nice. Some fresh air, some walking around, some time to herself. Except all she could think about was Kiba, and how she wanted to whack him over the head with the frying pan she used to cook his breakfast that morning.

"Two years!" she said out loud to herself, not noticing the shadow approaching behind her. "How can you forget? It's not like we just started going out! I don't even make a big deal out of the monthly ones! But once a year isn't hard to remember!"

"Um, Sakura?"

"WHAT?" Sakura shot around agitated to see Hinata staring at her with a now fearful expression.

"Oh!" she quickly changed her face. "I'm so sorry, Hinata! I'm just... never mind. What's up?"

"Umm... It's okay." she put her index fingers together. "Shino and I were wondering... if you would like to join us and the others. We're all hanging out over in the fields, just reminiscing and stuff."

She blinked. That was rather forward of her. Then again, ever since her and Shino started seeing each other, she noticed she wasn't nearly as afraid. Looks like Shino is a much more encouraging person than he appears to be.

"Sure, Hinata." she said, trying to keep her mind off of Kiba. "I think that would be great."

X X X

Sakura didn't remember the walk being as long as it was. Then again, they had hardly spoken at all. And she was beginning to wonder how long this little shindig they were doing was going to last. It was already dusk, and she knew she had to go pick up Kiyosato in a few hours.

"Hinata? Is everything okay?" she asked.

"Um. Yes, everything's fine." she nervously said.

"Are you sure?" she figured she'd start guessing. "Is everything okay with you and Shino?"

"Y-Yes. There's no problems. It's just that, um."

"What?"

"... Kiba's there with them."

Sakura folded her arms. "Oh, really? So I guess while he's there partying with his friends he doesn't expect me to show up?" she stepped in front of Hinata, who had stopped at this point. "Let's go, Hinata."

But when she turned around, Hinata was gone. Completely vanished.

"Hinata?" she called out loud. But nothing. "Maybe she went to go get something."

She decided to continue on her own. More than likely, the small light in the distance was them, and her soon to be doomed boyfriend.

X X X

As she approached the light, she could see a small stage that was set up. On it, was a tall lamp, beneath it was a man, sitting at the bench of the piano, playing a particular riff, over and over. She couldn't tell if he was practicing, or if he was waiting for something. And he looked so familiar! Who was he?

She got closer to the pianist, who turned his head and noticed her. "Hello there, luv. You must be the one he was telling me about."

Her face was confused. "The one? What do you mean?"

His face looked behind her, and she turned around. When she turned completely, she saw Kiba, standing right in front of her.

"!" she stepped back from being startled.

"Hey." he said.

"Hey..." she replied. "Kiba, did you?-"

"Mhm." he said. "Wasn't easy, had to pull some strings, get this place cleared out, not to mention-"

He was interrupted by her arms wrapping around his neck as she hugged him. "You remembered... Thank you."

"Sakura." he gently pushed her off him and faced her. "I didn't remember. I completely forgot... and I'm sorry. I'm a pretty lousy boyfriend, you don't have to remind me."

The man took that as his cue. Playing his measure one more time, he finally began the song, clearing his throat before singing the lyrics.

There's a calm surrender
To the rush of day
When the heat of the rolling world
Can be turned away

"Kiba, it's okay."

"No, Sakura, it was no excuse for me to be like this. I've been distant... I haven't meant to, but I have. Things with my father, becoming a Jonin, I don't even know when it all fell through. I've just had too much on my mind, and I guess I thought me and Akamaru could handle all of it on our own."

An enchanted moment
And it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior
Just to be with you

"Kiba..." she touched his cheek with her hand. The heated feeling came rushing back to him, right when they were just becoming close. Where did that come from? "I see you all the time now, carrying something you think only you can carry. All I do is watch, and it tears me up inside, because I know that you're hurting."

"Sakura..." he said, pulling her towards him, locking them into a long kiss.

And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best

They finally let go. Sakura spoke up first. "But I understand now. You don't tell me because you don't want to. You're just not ready, and I know how that is..."

"No, Sakura, that's not true. Not anymore. My father... he told me about how he died. He asked me to tell him my life story, so I told him mine. After... I asked him for his. I just couldn't bring myself to say it, because the image of it happening hurt so much."

"Does it still hurt?" she asked.

There's a time for everyone
If they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope
Moves us all in turn
There's a rhyme and reason
To the wild outdoors
When the heart of this star-crossed voyager
Beats in time with yours

Kiba gave a quiet swallow as he started shaking. I can do this. I know I can!

"Kiba?" she asked.

"No..." he said as he slowly began lowering himself. He brought his left leg to a kneel as his right one remained on its foot. He took her left hand into his and looked up at her. "Not anymore."

Sakura's heart started thudding in her chest like it had never done this before. She realized what was going on now. His stance, the music, everything. Was he really going to... ?

"Sakura Haruno... with you, I can do anything. You give me so much power, so much safety, and so much love. You've done so much for me, and you continue to be there for me when sometimes others don't know things are bothering me. You get me... and you love me. You really love me. Just the way I love you." he finally took his chance and reached his free hand into his pocket to bring out a small black case.

"I'm not afraid anymore, Sakura. With you... only you... it all goes away. I know now, more than ever, I don't have to carry the knowledge and loss of my father alone anymore." he then preceded to open the small black box. Sakura covered her mouth up as it opened at what she saw. She knew it. But she still couldn't believe what was happening right in front of her. A platinum ring, three oval stones, her birthstone. The larger stone in the middle with the two smaller ones to the side.

"I don't... have to do anything alone anymore..." he then looked up at her.

"Sakura... Will you marry me?"

Her hands dropped to her sides as her mouth stayed open. He actually asked her. She knew it was coming. In the back of her head, she knew it was coming. She couldn't say anything. No, she knew what to say. But she physically couldn't bring herself to do it. Dammit! Why is this so hard?

She finally gathered up enough strength as a hot stream of tears began flowing from her eyes to the ground. She took her ring finger and slid it into the ring as it fitted itself snug around her finger. She could see Kiba smile now, and by condition, she was now smiling, too.

"Kiba..." she took his hands and raised him gently up to face her.

"Nothing... would make me happier then to become Mrs. Sakura Inuzuka."

"Then does that-"

"Yes." she giggled as she pulled her now fiancee into her arms as they shared their first kiss together as bride and groom to be.

As their kiss finally broke, they turned to face the pianist, still playing away. As he finished the last words of the chorus, he smiled over to Kiba. He mouthed the words 'one more time' to him before playing his piece one more time. Kiba wrapped his arm around Sakura as they stood side by side and watched the man play his final measure together

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very vest

The man stood up as he cheerily bowed at the edge of the stage, receiving the two claps from the only two people watching his performance. Kiba let go of his fiancee and walked up to him as they shook hands.

"Thank you so much for doing this."

"Don't worry about it, mate. Pretty thing you have there. Don't let her go." he then let go and began walking back towards the village.

"Hey, wait, sir! What about the piano?" he looked over at it. It was huge, easily worth thousands.

"Oh, that thing? Keep it. Wedding gift from me. Also, be sure to look inside the piano. I left something for you there."

"Hold on!" he said. "What's your name?"

The man didn't respond as he picked his hand up and waved as he disappeared up the trail back towards the village.

Kiba sat down at the piano and opened up the top like he was told. Inside he found a note.

Kiba,

Today I found out it's not just about money. Music is something we all need to enjoy and appreciate, and not take advantage of our gifts and try to milk money for it. Seeing your determination made me see how moving and inspiring it truly is. Thank you, and good luck.

Reginald Kenneth Dwight (AKA, Sir Elton John)

Kiba sat there for a few minutes. Where had he heard that name before?

He decided it didn't matter. More importantly, what was he going to do with a new piano that he had just left?

Sakura came and sat next to him on the bench. "Well, at least now if one of us decides to play this thing, we'll be able to practice."

He smiled. "That's true."

They both simply sat on the bench, and stared down at the keys of the piano. So it was late, the day was long, the baby was still at Tsume's house, but it was needed. This was needed. Now, more than ever, nothing had made Kiba feel more like a man than right now. She was his world, and he, to her, was just as much.

END

Ohhhhh baby! I HAD to use "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" by Elton John. And you know what? I figured, why not use Elton John himself! Of course... I never really did consider how he would look if he were to be drawn in anime. Oh well. But yay, they're getting married! And we got to get a little bit of insight on how the new Nara family is coming along.

Anyway, some of you may be wondering, "Ah man, Parkway, this is great and all, but where's the action? Where's the adventure? Hell, where's that super cool voting thing you said you'd let us do?"

No need to worry! It will all come in time, I promise! I can tell you that this next chapter will be the LAST filler chapter before we see some awesome stuff pick up. So if you think it's starting to slack, stick around, because it's getting ready to pick back up! Speaking of time... I didn't really have a lot of that these past few days. But what matters is it's up! And I'll be going to bed... now! Please review, and I'll see you guys next time!