"Only you, Sakura" has been posted. There's a bit of smut; but I doubt anyone will complain. "Summer's End," the last chapter will be up soon. Enjoy, Pinkboy Naberrie.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Only You, Sakura
Thursday September 20, 2000
51 Days after Project Blood-Moon
Tsunade's Beach-House, Destin Florida
On the night before uncle Hiruzen and aunt Biwako returned to Wisconsin with Asuma and the kids, the inhabitants of Tsunade's house threw them a going-away party.
Orochimaru, Kabuto, and Iruka; who'd been permitted to use his Navajo Sorcery for the occasion prepared an incredible dinner of Soba, Yakitori, Curry, Rice, and Sukiyaki.
It was the best food Naruto and Menma had eaten in a long time; Sasuke and Sakura said the same. Even Kazumi; who'd not regained his taste for human food enjoyed it.
When dinner finished, everyone went out onto the beach to have a squirt-gun fight with Konohamaru and Kurenai who'd both wanted to end the summer in a "big way."
However, as Menma was headed out the back sliding doors with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura; Hiruzen placed a hand on his shoulder and said "just a minute nephew."
"Uncle Hiruzen?" Menma asked; unsure of what to expect as he joined the man on the front porch. "What's up?"
The edges of the teen's headband were fluttering softly in the breeze and he was wearing an apprehensive expression.
Hiruzen was silent for a moment before he smiled and said, "as you know, your aunt and I will be going back to Romania, after we finish visiting with our grand-kids;
"And I didn't want to leave without giving you your gift."
"M-my gift?" He asked; confused.
Hiruzen ruffled the boy's dark hair and said, "you've really grown up over the summer; and the two of us agreed it'd only be right if you had one."
"H-had one?"
Menma was growing more confused by the second. He could faintly hear the sounds of his cousins and friends playing behind the house; it made him feel super anxious.
Hiruzen, who seemed to know what he was thinking said, "it'll only take a second." He bit his thumb and used the blood to summon a large black bird with emerald eyes.
It crowed loudly and perched itself atop Menma's shoulder.
"A bird?"
"His name is Takamaru," Hiruzen explained. "He's a messenger hawk. We gave Nawaki one just like him when he was sixteen. I hope you'll write to us after we've left."
"Thanks uncle Hiruzen," Menma said; grinning as Takamaru nudged his cheek with his beak. "It's great; but you know if you ever want to talk, all you have to do is call."
Hiruzen smiled and said, "I know it's old-fashioned. It's a different world from when I was your age; but you can understand the sentiment, I'm sure."
Before the man could stop him, Menma stepped forward and hugged him around the middle. Hiruzen was so stunned that he couldn't say anything.
When the boy pulled away he said, "It's going to kinda suck not having you guys around. It'll take some getting used to. Naruto won't say it, but he feels the same."
Hiruzen regarded him fondly and said, "you're a lot like Minato when he was your age. The only real difference is..."
"That hair; yeah I know," Menma said; grinning again. "It's taken some getting used to. I've been a blonde my whole life.
"Still; at least it's easier for people to tell me and Naruto apart now without him having to wear his lame emo clothes and headbands."
He laughed and Hiruzen chuckled; but then the man's smile faded. It looked like there was something else he wanted to say, but thought better of it.
"Why don't you head back now; I don't want you to miss the squirt-gun fight. You guys have been planning it all week."
"What about you?" Menma asked; smirking slightly. "You aren't going to try and win with your cane again?"
"Don't worry," Hiruzen replied mischievously. "I'm going to use my bad-ass cane this time. I'll be there."
Just as Menma was turning to leave, Hiruzen said, "oh, and just one more thing before you go nephew."
He turned back around to find Hiruzen in his elderly form. He'd lit a cigar and their was an impish smirk on his face.
He pointed the cigar at him and yelled, "don't you dare go having a baby with Sakura while we're away, you hear me!
"They say when cousins make babies, they're born retarded! I don't want our family's next heir being born with no eyes and three heads!"
"Hah; very funny uncle Hiruzen," Menma said; suppressing a laugh. "You and aunt Biwako are a real riot." He headed back into the house with Takamaru.
Hiruzen returned to his young form and leaned over the black porch railing. He gazed up at the setting sunlight shining through the palm trees and sighed.
"So Minato," Hiruzen said quietly. "You still haven't told Kushina or the boys about what really happened while you were away have you?"
Minato didn't say anything. The two men were sitting on the porch steps while Konohamaru and the twins chased Iruka through the lawn.
The trio had managed to talk him into playing freeze tag with them; a decision he regretted because it looked like he was going to have a stroke.
Sasuke and Sakura were standing nearby; holding their sides and laughing like crazy. They didn't know how much more the man could take.
Alongside the house, Kazumi and Ino were huddled close beneath a palm tree; whispering in hushed voices while Ino giggled like a simpleton.
Kurenai had said more than once that there was something going on between the two of them; but it was difficult to tell for sure what it was.
Hiruzen sighed and said, "you're going to have to tell them sooner or later. Princess Bathory might be gone; but Kurama is still on the loose."
"I know that uncle Hiruzen; but there's nothing we can do. He escaped with the help of that cat Matatabi. There's no use worrying them yet."
"What was it he said to you again?" Hiruzen asked. "He said he'd conquer the world," Minato replied. "And from his tone, he wasn't kidding."
"Tsunade sent a message with Temari to give to Raja; and I've written to Lady Terumi and the other Werewolves. We'll all keep a close watch."
That night, after everyone was asleep, Menma did his best not to wake anyone as he tiptoed through the dark house and exited through the patio screen door.
The soothing ocean breeze hit his bare skin the moment he stepped onto the beach. It was a clear and comfortable night so the moon and stars were all visible.
He found Sakura already in the ocean waiting for him. She was gazing at the stars and her bare body and hair were swathed in moonlight; she was beautiful.
She smiled when she saw Menma stepping into the water. "Hey Sakura," he grinned, walking over to her. "Hey," she said softly, sliding her arms around his neck.
There was a longing look in her eyes, but it looked like there was something she wanted to say.
"What is it Sakura?" Menma asked her quietly. "Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing's the matter; it's just..." She blushed. "I know it's stupid but...
He ran his fingers through her hair. "Tell me; whatever it is, it's fine," he said.
"Well, it's just; the morning after we first slept together you joked that you had a girlfriend back home."
She had a serious look on her face now; like she was about to cry.
"So I was just wondering. There's not anyone else is there?"
"Sakura, I..."
"B-because if there was...I d-don't think...I d-don't t-think I could h-handle it."
Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She buried her face in Menma's chest.
"Menma...I'm so in love with you I can't stand it; and just the thought of not being with you...I don't think I could..."
"Sakura," he said. "Sakura look at me; you're being stupid again."
When she looked up at him, tears were still falling softly from her eyes.
He looked into her eyes and said, "there was never anyone else Sakura; I mean that. You're the only girl I've ever wanted.
"There's only you, Sakura; and I'll stay with you, as long as you'll let me."
He pulled her close and kissed her. Their kisses started off slow and then got faster until Sakura parted her lips to give Menma entrance.
He rubbed their fronts together softly under the water and she moaned quietly into his mouth.
But he eventually pulled away from her and said, "let's go upstairs."
"Huh?" She asked; slightly disoriented.
"I don't want to risk your Dad catching us. He was still passed out drunk with Nawaki in the parlor when I came outside, but you can never be too careful.
"I still don't think he likes us sharing your bedroom. It was only because of your mom that he's left us alone."
Menma grabbed their clothes off of the seashore and they returned upstairs to Sakura's room.
As soon as they were inside, Menma claimed her mouth in a hungry kiss; and they made out until they reached her bed.
They pulled off each-other's clothes and slid underneath Sakura's covers. "Sakura..." He whispered against her mouth once he was inside of her.
"Menma..." She moaned quietly.
"Sakura, I love you."
He hugged her tightly and murmured, into her ear, "I love you so fucking much; there'll never be anyone else."
The next morning, Menma and Sakura awoke to the sound of Tsunade's excited screams. Moments later, doors throughout the hallway began bursting open.
The two cousins threw their clothes back on and darted out of the room; following everyone else down the pinewood stairs to see what the commotion was about.
Naruto and Menma got into a shoving match halfway down about who was going to be first, but Kurenai and Sakura pushed them both down the remaining steps;
so they all arrived downstairs at the same time. Everyone spilled into the sitting-room where Tsunade was holding a letter and screaming at the top of her lungs.
Dan was standing next to her, holding a coffee with one hand and his heart with the other. Iruka stumbled over to them and said, "My Lady, Lord Dan; what is it?"
The man took one glance at the letter and nearly fainted. Biwako and Hiruzen burst into the room next and Biwako snatched the letter out of her niece's hand.
Sasori and Deidara, who'd been sleeping in the lounge were the last ones in the room. They both looked exhausted and Deidara's hair was a wreck; Sasuke had
no doubt the two had smashed the night before. Biwako read the letter to herself and starting screaming; Hiruzen had to hold her up to keep her from collapsing.
She let go of the letter and Naruto and Konohamaru dived for it. However, Sakura hit them both over the head with her fist and snatched it before it hit the floor.
Both boys cussed at her angrily but she ignored them. Everyone huddled around to Sakura to see what it said. Minato, Kushina and Asuma looked more excited
than their kids to find out what it said. Sakura recognized the handwriting right away; and she started reading it aloud:
Dear Lady Tsunade,
I know it's been a while since we've seen each other, but I couldn't help
hearing about your money troubles. When I'd found out you'd lost your
manor and gambling yachts, I couldn't believe it. You should've written
to me so I could help you; because years ago, you and Dan helped me.
The Wasabi Family will always be in your debt. That's why Clarissa and
I agreed we had to do everything we could to help you. The attached
check below should be enough to reimburse you for everything you've
lost. There's no need to thank us. Just think of it as a repayment for all
the things you did for us when we were in need. Tell Sakura that we send
our love. We'll have to get together sometime and gamble on table-Sake.
Your sister and her husband are welcome to join us; they still hold the
record. I'd love to settle the score with them. Hope you and your family
are well.
Your old friend,
Boss Jirocho -
CEO of Wasabi Industries
When everyone saw the amount on the check, they were ecstatic. Kushina and Minato were embracing; Sakura and Menma were kissing; Naruto and Sasuke were
laughing hysterically; Orochimaru and Kabuto were stomping their feet; Shikamaru and Ino were dancing together; and Konohamaru and Kurenai were giving each-
other high-fives. Tsunade who'd finally managed to regain her composure lit a cigarette and uncorked a bottle of Sake. They were finally going to return home.
How much do you guys want to bet that Tsunade will just gamble that check away? Just kidding. Thanks for reading "only you, Sakura." Pinkboy Naberrie.