Hey everyone! It's a new year, and hopefully soon we can turn the page on this awful pandemic!

Oh, and don't go storming government buildings. It's not going to work out for you.

If the party was a celebration before, after Naruto's proposal it became an outright festival. All the adults partied like they were in their teens again. The children danced with them, not fully understanding what happened, just liking to move with them.

Through all of it, Naruto and Sakura just sat together on the couch, holding hands and resting their foreheads against one another as they smiled serenely. They were just content with each other's company; nothing else mattered.

"Great party!" Chouji exclaimed as he exited the door. "And congratulations again!" He waved.

"Thank you so much for coming, Chouji!" Sakura exclaimed happily.

"Thanks, man!" Naruto said.

The jinchuriki suddenly felt a firm clasp on his shoulder. He turned to see Jiraiya smiling at him, proud as ever. "In a million years, I never thought you'd work up the courage!"

Naruto chuckled as he scratched his head. "Well, as I said, I planned this a while ago! I'm just glad I managed to pull it off!"

"Thank you, Naruto." Tsunade came up to him and took his hands. "I'm proud of the man you have grown into. And, I should say I see Sakura as my own." Suddenly, she bowed. "So, please take care of her."

Naruto chuckled nervously as he waves his hands down. "It just feels so wrong to have you bow to me."

"Yeah, it kind of does." Tsunade said to his surprise. Her sweet face then became threatening. "Don't make me regret saying that."

Naruto just gulped. "Now THAT'S the Ba-chan I know…"

"Why don't we head out, Tsunade." Jiraiya said as he took her hand. "I think these two would like to be alone to process everything." The two sanin exited the door.

When no one else came out the engaged couple looked around. "That's not everyone…is it?" Naruto asked.

"I feel like we're missing somebody…" Sakura agreed.

"Mommy!" Hanami came up as she tugged at Sakura's blouse. "Auntie Ino is acting weird!"

"Ah, that's right." Naruto palmed his fist. "We didn't see her out!"

"Funny?" Sakura asked. "What do you mean, sweetie?"

"Here's too thee bride-!" Ino slurred as she leaned back on the couch. Her eyes were droopy and her face was flushed as she swung a bottle of scotch around. Probably something she brought over since the couple did not leave any alcohol in sight due to Lee coming.

"Are you sick, Auntie?" Shinachiku innocently asked.

"Yeah, I'll forever be a bridesmaid and never ever a bride!" Ino seemed to both laugh and cry.

In the hall Naruto and Sakura looked on dumbfounded. "Uh, Sakura-chan, I think one of us should take Ino home."

"I'm on it." Sakura walked over. "Come on, Ino." She said as she pried the bottle from her hand. "Let's get you home."

"Yeah, hoome!" Ino giggled as she seemed to forget to stand a few times as her friend struggled with her. "Home alone! Hehe! Who needs men!"

Initially, Naruto wanted to take Ino home so Sakura would be safe with the kids. But, given Ino's condition, there was no way in seven hells he was going to deal with this drama! Plus, it probably wouldn't do for a newly engaged man to be alone with a lovesick single woman. "Be safe, Sakura-chan." He said as he gathered up Shinachiku.

"Mommy's leaving?" Hanami asked as they watched Sakura sling Ino over her shoulders and walk out the door.

"Just for a little while." Naruto assured the kids. "Come on, I'll give you a bath and read you a story."

"Okay." Sakura groaned as they reached Ino's apartment. "Here we are." Fiddling for Ino's keys in her purse, Sakura found them and let themselves in.

As Sakura laid Ino on the couch, she looked around the apartment. It was kept very nice, certainly nicer than her house. But, aside from a few photos of her parents, it was bare of memories. Something felt off. It was time to talk, and she didn't have the patience for her friend to sober up on her own.

Heading to the sink and half filling a pot of water, she brought it over. She started an operation similar to what she did on Kankuro. Only this time instead of poison, she extracted alcohol. Pulling up Ino's dress, she placed the bubble against her stomach as she extracted what excess alcohol she could from her. It wasn't as obvious as more potent toxins, but she could see the faint swirling to let her know she got them. Sakura only required one bubble for this, as no one could drink anymore alcohol without dying. Well, maybe Tsunade would be the exception. "Ino?" Sakura shook her. "Ino, you need to wake up."

Ino groaned as she finally began to move. "Oh, where am I?" She sounded groggy still, holding her head with one hand and adjusting the hem of her dress with the next.

"We're at your apartment. No need to worry, nothing happened. At least, nothing life altering." Sakura sighed. She then crossed her arms and legs, suddenly looking quite mad with her. "Normally, I wouldn't get mad at what you do in your personal life. However, you brought alcohol to a party where we had children AND Lee. That is UNACCEPTABLE." She told her sternly.

Ino gulped. Hanging her head in shame, Ino sighed. "You're right. And I'm sorry." The two just sat in silence.

"Ino, what's going on?" Sakura asked.

Ino sighed. "There's no other way to put it…I'm lonely."

Sakura blinked. "But…you've gone on a lot of dates."

"Yeah." Ino answered, sneering. "Dates. All with different men. They were fun, but for the long term none of them ever clicked. I don't even remember the faces of most of them over the years, and before you say anything, yes, I was sober through all of them."

Sakura nodded. "Ino, it's okay. I'm not judging you. Everyone's different."

"But I'm so sick of it all!" Ino shouted, throwing her arms up. "Just some pleasure, and that's it! There's no attachment, no stability, no future to look forward to! There's nothing!" Ino sighed as she tried to calm down. "I didn't ever want to tell you like this, but I'm jealous of you. Naruto has not only grown so handsome over the years, but he's kind and loyal to you. And though the circumstances were not ideal, he's the father of your children and you're becoming a beautiful family. And now he proposed to you right after he came back!" Now, Ino was beginning to cry.

Sakura couldn't help but be heartbroken at Ino's predicament. To some it may not have been a big deal, but knowing what she had with Naruto, Sakura sympathized with Ino completely. Walking over, she gently grasped Ino's shoulders. "Ino. I get it. But the problem isn't with you."

"Of course it is!" Ino shouted. "How else do you explain I haven't found anyone!?"

Sakura smiled. "I think it means you haven't found the right one yet."

Ino just looked at her in disbelief. "That's it!?"

"That's it." Sakura shrugged. "You just have to keep looking."

"I'm tired of looking!"

"But have you, really?" Ino tried to respond, but nothing came out. "I'm no therapist." Sakura responded. "But if I may, I think you're just afraid to meet the one, and tried to take the easy way. Ino, Naruto may have always been there for me, but it took me years to fully grasp his feelings for me, as well as mine for him. And as you've said, we've faced many challenges together. But our love makes it all worth it." Sakura got up from her chair. "Take your time to think on this. Your true love is not going to magically fall into your lap; you have to find someone, and be willing to take a chance with them."

As Sakura left, Ino just looked at her hands and repeated the last thing Sakura said to her. "Take a chance?"

"No, that's not the voice Mommy makes!" Shinachiku complained as he and Hanami sat in their beds, protesting their father's style of story telling.

Naruto's brow quirked as he stopped himself from talking back. Looking at the book, he sighed. "I'm sorry, Shina. I'm not very good with witch voices."

Hanami just pouted and crossed her arms. "Why did Mommy go away again?"

"Auntie Ino was sick, Hanami." Naruto said, trying to reassure her for the fifth time. "She's going to be fine."

Just then, they heard the door open. "It's mommy!" The twins shouted as they hoped out of their beds and rushed down the stairs.

"Wait!" Naruto shouted as he ran after them.

Sakura was just closing the door as the twins reached the ground floor. "Mommy!" They shouted as they latched onto her legs.

"Hey! You should be in bed now!" Sakura exclaimed, though she was actually glad to see them.

"Sorry." Naruto said, scratching his head. "I tried."

"Well, they're at least in their PJs and clean; I'd say you did a good job." She turned to her children. "So, what were you doing now?"

"Daddy was reading us a bed-time story." Shinachiku said.

"But he's no good!" Hanami cried.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to train him later." Sakura winked back at him. "I'll pick up after him tonight. But afterwards, he's going to read to you every other night. Got it?" The two looked away, arms behind their backs. "Well?" She said, stern but gentle.

"Yes, Mommy." They reluctantly agreed.

"Very good." Sakura hugged them. "Okay, let's go back up. Mommy needs to go to bed too."

"Yaay!" The jumped in joy, happy Mom was going to be their story-teller again.

The children finally fell asleep, and Naruto and Sakura got ready for bed. "Wow." Sakura breathed as she took her place on the bed as they looked up at the ceiling. "It's so weird. We're finally getting married."

"Mm." Naruto agreed. "We should have done this long ago."

"So, what's the plan?"

Naruto shrugged. "Truthfully, I don't have one. Wasn't sure I would get this far." Sakura gave him the look of 'not quite pissed, but not pleased'. "What?" Naruto said defensively. "All that mattered is that you would say yes. We've got all the time in the world to plan."

Sakura sighed. "Yes, I suppose you're right. We've got so much to discuss…"

"We do." Naruto agreed, stretching. "But, we should go to sleep for now."

"Hold on!" Sakura said. "There's something I need to know. Right now."

"Right now?" Naruto asked.

Sakura rolled onto her knees and looked down on him. "Naruto…what are planning to do about intimacy?"

Naruto's eyes went wide, and he blushed. "Uh…I actually didn't consider that." Naruto gently clasped Sakura's hand as he sat up to meet her. "Sakura, I know you went through a lot. I won't lie, I do want to get that close to you again. But I will never pressure you into something you're not comfortable with. Right now, I just want to be with you the rest of our lives. I don't care if takes until we're both 80 to do it again, I'll be there for you!"

Sakura leaned in and hugged him. "Naruto…thank you. I love you so much." Quickly, she kissed him on the cheek. "Let me tell you then, you won't have to wait that long. Tsunade's been helping me with therapy to help me move past Kabuto. So rest assured, I DO want you!"

Naruto just stared at her wide-eyed, Sakura blushed same as him. She leaned in to kiss him, which Naruto returned. They started out fairly chaste, but then they quickly became heavier. Their hormones went into overdrive as Naruto pulled her closer. Without realizing it, their hands were all over each other. Their hair, their backs…But when Naruto reached Sakura's hips, she yelped and pulled back. "Ah!"

Naruto gasped. "Sakura, I-"

"It's okay!" Sakura assured him. "We both got carried away." Sakura blushed slightly as she felt something behind her. "Whoa." She breathed, turning to see a noticeable bump in the covers behind her. "You really missed me."

It was then Naruto became aware of the hardness between his legs. "Uh. Guess so." It was a long time since Naruto felt this way, and it was incredibly frustrating! "So…"

"We should still wait. Just until the wedding night, I promise! It won't be long." Sakura said as she put her hands together.

"Yeah." Naruto hissed. "I guess it's cold showers in the meantime." He groaned.

The next day, Naruto and Sakura began to plan their wedding while their children played outside. "So, I guess we're going to need a priest." Naruto began.

"Of sorts." Sakura said. "Actually, there was something I had in mind for the wedding."

"Oh?" Naruto asked. "What?"

"I'm thinking of something a bit…outside of tradition."

"Outside?" Naruto asked. "This doesn't involve us doing it in front of our friends, does it?"

Sakura just stared at him, a blood vessel suddenly popping like a delayed reaction. "What the hell are you talking about!?" She yelled.

"It was just something I read in one of Ero-senin's research books!" Naruto said defensively as he raised his hands.

"That's your first mistake right there!"

"It wasn't like that! The characters didn't even do it! It was just something that was mentioned in their tradition, but most refused to do that!"

Sakura sighed as she held her hands up. "You know what, forget it. Jiraiya's books aren't important." Resuming the original conversation, she said "This was something that interested me a while ago, back when we were in Wave. Our second time there."

"Oh?"

"Well, instead of kimonos, we would wear something different. Nothing provocative, just different if that's okay with you."

"Can you at least tell me what I'll be wearing?" Naruto asked.

"A tuxedo."

"A what now?"

Sakura pulled out a picture from a catalogue. 'It's something like this."

Naruto looked at the black suit with the bow tie at the collar. 'Oh? Yeah, I'm fine with that." Naruto looked to her eagerly. "Well, what will you be wearing?"

Sakura seemed to think about it for a minute as she put a finger to her chin. "Hmm…" She then looked at him mischievously. "Not telling." She said, sticking her tongue out.

"What!?"

"It's a surprise."

"I don't like surprises!" Naruto complained

"Yes, you do. You pranked people all the time when you were younger." Sakura corrected him.

"I don't like it when I'M the one surprised!" Naruto shouted frustratingly.

"Uh huh." Yuji nodded on the phone. "That's right. I know you're all busy and famous, but the bride to be is a really big fan of yours…"

Iori walked in, wondering what her boyfriend was doing. "Yuji?"

"You will!?" Yuji shouted over the phone. "Thank you so much! When? We don't have an exact date yet, but I'll be sure to tell you ahead of time!" He paused as he nodded. "Sure thing. You have a nice day, and thanks again!" Yuji hung up the phone.

"Yuji, who were you talking to?" Iori asked.

"Oh, one of my old clients from last year." Yuji explained. "I saved his and his friends lives. They were so grateful, they insisted they owed me. So, I decided to capitalize on that favor. Figured they would be willing to participate in Naruto and Sakura's wedding, and they agreed."

"Yuji, that's so thoughtful of you!" Iori clapped her hands. "So, what is it you asked for?"

"Secret." Yuji winked at her.

Iori just stared at him, the only sound they heard was the cracking of her knuckles. "You didn't hire a bunch of strippers, did you!?" Iori growled.

Yuji chuckled nervously. "Uh, Iori, that's for BACHELOR PARTIES." Yuji then saw flames appear behind his girlfriend as her bangs flew like flames as well. "And I wasn't planning one for Naruto-sensei either…."

A lot of shouts could be heard from their apartment, in particularly from Iori shouting at him to hold still.

"So, these are the things you want in the wedding?" Naruto asked as he looked over the list.

"Well, these are things that are SUPPOSED to happen with this type of wedding I want." Sakura said, starting to look embarrassed. "If you're not comfortable, we can forget about them…"

"No no." Naruto assured her, petting her hand. "I want this to be the wedding you deserve. And for me, that means anything that makes you happy."

Sakura nodded. "Thank you. But this will be your wedding too; if there is anything you don't like about it, you deserve to be heard. We're going to make a lot of compromises; I'm okay starting now as long as it means we can both be happy."

Naruto leaned on her. "Thank you, Sakura. I'm moved. I'll admit, I'm a bit caught off guard with all this. But, it's kind of fun too."

Naruto turned back to the list. "Okay, so…we need a flower girl?"

"A little girl throws flowers on the carpet." Sakura said. "Hanami will be perfect."

"Yeah, that should be fine." Naruto agreed. "And what's this? A best man?"

"Apparently, it's a friend of the groom, usually the best friend, who presents the wedding ring." Sakura said, before her face fell. "Naruto, I know for you, that would be-"

"I know, Sakura." Naruto sighed. "I won't force the issue."

"So, what are you going to do?"

"I'll think of something." Naruto said. "And it says we exchange vows?"

"Promises." Sakura said. "We're going to need time to write those."

"Why can't we just say 'I love you'?" Naruto blurted. Sakura just gave him a death glare "Uh, I'll always be there for you?" Naruto gulped.

"Naruto, you better put more effort into your vows then that!"

Naruto was sweating profusely now. "Yes Sakura-chan!"

"I'm bored." Houri Nara complained as she stared at the Shogi board.

Shikamaru sighed. He had been trying to bond with his daughter over a game of shogi. She caught onto the rules and basic strategies quite quickly, and remembered the rules perfectly. Of course, he could still beat her easily, but he figured he should let her get a bit ahead. She could do it, but she wasn't catching interest in it the same way she did. "C'mon, Houri. You could beat me if you put your mind to it."

"I wanna play my Mimtendo Button!" She suddenly said.

Shikamaru's brow quirked. "Not now! This is good for your brain!"

"I want my Mimtendo Button!" She cried again. This time she smacked the board, throwing the pieces off the board.

"Not with that attitude you won't, young lady!" Shikamaru shouted, finally loosing his temper.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. "Shikamaru, go get the door please!" Temari shouted from the kitchen.

Shikamaru rubbed his temples, and stood. Quickly collecting the pieces and board, he said "I don't have time to deal with this! Just wait here in your room!"

Shikamaru sighed as he set it down on the table and approached the front door. Opening it, he saw Naruto. "Oh. Hey." He said nonchalantly.

"Hey." Naruto waved nervously. "Listen, I can see this is a bad time. I'll just-"

"Well, you're here now. If you leave now, you'll just keep coming back at another bad time. Might as well get it over with."

In the living room, the two them were seated in seiza by the chabudai table. "So, what can I do for you Naruto?" Shikamaru asked.

"Well, it's kind of hard to explain." Naruto said nervously.

Temari then arrived, holding out a tray of green tea for both of them. "Thank you." Shikamaru said as he took his.

"Thanks." Naruto said as he took is. "Sorry, but you seem stressed."

Shikamaru sighed. "It's nothing. Just got into a fight with Houri is all."

"I'd thought the two of you would get along." Naruto said in surprise.

"Sometimes. In some ways, she's like me. In others, she's like Temari. And others I have no clue where those weird ticks of hers come from!" Shikamaru sighed. Sipping some tea, he took a deep breath and said "It happens. I'll get over it. I'll have to or I'm not going to survive child number 2."

"Ah, but that won't be for a while, right?" Naruto asked.

"Depends. Do you consider 7 months a while?"

Naruto's eyes widened as he suddenly spat his tea out. "You're having another baby!?"

"Kami, Naruto! I can't call you a sage with such manners!" Shikamaru shouted, noting the mess on the table.

"Ah! Sorry!" Naruto said apologetically as he soaked up the tea with the hot towel left for them. "But, how could you not tell us!?"

"Temari just found out last night. We're still in a bit of a shock." He groaned.

"B-but, it can't be that bad, right? I mean, kids are a joy to have…right?"

"Occasionally." Shikamaru sighed. "But it's a lot of work."

"Sorry." Naruto said. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

"Sakura's already been helping quite a bit; Houri enjoys playing with your kids. It takes a little off when we need it. But I guess you missed out on the hard parts."

Naruto looked at his reflection in the tea. "Believe me, I wanted to stick around for those hard parts. I wouldn't have traded it for anything if I had a choice."

"I wouldn't have either if I were in your shoes." Shikamaru said, almost contradicting his earlier complaints. Putting down his cup, Shikamaru said "Let's save family talk for another time. You came here for a reason. Is it about the wedding?"

Naruto nodded. "Sakura wants to have a different kind of wedding. And I have a favor to ask of you."

"Oh?"

"In this wedding, the groom is to have a best man to present a ring. Usually, the best man would be the groom's best friend. To be honest, the first person that comes to mind…I'm not even sure what we are to each other anymore." Shikamaru nodded. He had half a mind to tell him to give up on Sasuke, but on the other hand he was being helpful to the village behind the scenes. "I had to give it some thought, and I realized what a great friend you've been. I haven't realized it before, but we've been through a lot together. You advised me, you fought at my side. And for years I went on about Sasuke instead. I won't lie part of it was because of the promise I made to Sakura, but I did genuinely want him back." Naruto sighed. "Kami, this is the platonic version of what me and Sakura went through."

"What's your point?" Shikamaru asked, looking bored as usual.

Naruto collected himself. "Shikamaru, YOU'VE been my best friend, and I didn't even realize it. Would you do me the honor of being my best man?" Shikamaru stared at him blankly. Naruto sighed. "I understand. Thanks for hearing me out anyway."

Naruto turned to leave. As he was preparing to exit the room, Shikamaru responded "Of course I will, idiot." Shikamaru said. "You're my best friend as well."

Naruto turned around, genuinely surprised. "I thought Choji was your best friend?"

"A man can have more than one best friend, can't he!?" Shikamaru snapped back.

Naruto began to chuckle. "If those are the rules you want to live by." Naruto suddenly embraced Shikamaru, patting his back. Shikamaru only gave an irritated look. "Thank you, Shikamaru!"

"I still don't think we're at the point of hugging." Shikamaru groaned. Even so, he returned it with a pat on the back.

Kakashi sighed. He hadn't been on a mission for a while, and thought he would be content to catch up on his reading. But he felt unfulfilled. Something was missing in his life. "Ugh. Maybe Jiraiya's writing has slipped a bit. Not that I would tell him that to his face."

He suddenly heard a gentle knock on his door. Closing his book, he thought "I hope it's something important." "Coming!" Kakashi got off the couch and to his door. There, he was greeted by a surprise. "Sakura!"

Sakura was in front of his door. "Hi, Kakashi-sensei. Is this a bad time?"

"No, no! Please, come in!" Kakashi ushered her in. As Sakura took a seat, Kakashi got a cup of tea ready. For a ninja like him, it was no issue. "Katon. Ocha no Jutsu!" It was an ancient jutsu back when they had just discovered the application and generation of fire. It wasn't useful for combat. But it heated the water instantly as he poured it into a tea cup, and quickly mixed it. "I'm sorry for the wait. I usually don't anticipate company here at my apartment."

"I feel bad that we didn't come to visit more often." Sakura said as she took the tea cup and sipped. "Thank you."

"Don't worry about it." Kakashi said as he took his seat at the table. "I rather like my solitude here. So, what can I do for you?"

"Naruto and I have been planning for a…different…sort of wedding."

"How so?"

"That's actually why I'm here." Sakura said. "One of the requirements for the bride is for the father to walk his daughter to the groom."

Kakashi's eye widened. That was going to be a problem. "Did you ask your father?"

"No, we haven't spoken since our fight." Sakura sighed. "And I know he wouldn't approve to begin with, so I'm not bothering to ask him." Sakura turned to look him in the eye. "Kakashi-sensei…I would like to ask you to walk me down the aisle."

Kakashi paused, and he was glad he didn't pour a drink for himself. "I…I…" Sakura could see him shake. "I'm honored you would ask me." Kakashi finally said. "But I'm not sure I'm qualified…"

"Don't sell yourself short, Kakashi-sensei." Sakura assured him. "True, you weren't the best sensei, but you were OUR sensei. You looked out for us, you showed us the basics, and did your best to influence us to make Naruto and I into who we are now. Whatever the imperfections of our time together, we wouldn't trade them for anything." Sakura then looked at him pleadingly. These weren't the puppy eyes of a child; these were the eyes of a woman who wanted a complete family. "Please?"

Kakashi looked at his clenched hands. Some part of him told him to turn her down, he didn't deserve this honor. But he pushed back. "Maybe I don't." He told himself. "But I will not let my self-pity dishonor Sakura." "Of course I will." He finally answered. "So long as that's what you really want."

Sakura jumped across the table, and hugged him, catching him completely off guard. "Thank you, sensei."

Kakashi gave her a pat on the back. "So, any requirements?"

"You need to wear a suit."

Kakashi nodded. "Easy enough."

"Oh, and when you walk me down, the mask needs to come off."

Kakashi nearly jolted up. "What!? Is that a rule?"

"Not specifically." Sakura answered honestly. "But I will not have it on my wedding day."

Kakashi twiddled his fingers. "Maybe we could use a genjutsu?"

"Do you want me to find out if you are? Because I can." Sakura sighed. "You know, when we were kids, we wondered why you covered your face. We used to think you were disfigured worse than Ibuki. Combing through the records, I know that there is nothing wrong with you. If it will cause problems, you can cover your eye. But if anything else on your face is not visible, I'm blaming you for ruining my wedding."

Sakura's face suddenly turned very dark. "By any chance, have you watched a reality show called 'Hanajira?'"

Kakashi gulped. "I don't even own a tv…"

"I suggest you check it out. And think about what would happen if you pull any shit with me." Sakura's face suddenly turned bright and cheery again. "Thank you so much, Kakashi-sensei!" She left like nothing was wrong.

However, Kakashi was left trembling. "She's become even more terrifying than Tsunade-hime!"

"It's coming together…" Sakura sighed as she leaned against Naruto's shoulder.

"Yeah." Naruto said. "It certainly is. I can't believe it's almost here."

Sakura nodded. "I'm so happy. But, I'm scared too."

"Not as much as me." Naruto retorted.

"Doubt it." Sakura scoffed.

"We'll see, I guess." Naruto said. "Anyway, I got most everything ready on my end. You?"

"I think I'm set." Sakura said. "And with the things we will need, we can probably start in probably 3 weeks. Maybe less."

"Let's keep it to three, please!" Naruto blurted out. Realizing what he implied, and seeing Sakura's vein popping (among other things) he said "Sorry, sorry! I can't wait to get married to you! This wedding, it's…it's just giving me the jitters. Think I feel more comfortable…"

"Let's just change the subject before we say things we'll regret." Sakura groaned, placing her finger on his lips. "I've learned to love your idiocy, but for the wedding, I'll have none of it. Got it!?"

"Yes dear." Naruto muttered. Sensing she finally calmed down, Naruto then realized he forgot to asked her something important. "Hey, Sakura. After the wedding…where do you want to go?"

Sakura's face suddenly turned red. "Uh…uh…I didn't think that far ahead." Sakura confessed.

Naruto took a moment to clear his throat. "Well, if you didn't have anything in mind, I've an idea."

"Oh?"

"The place where I trained is quite lovely." Naruto said. "During my training breaks, I worked on making a cabin there. A summer retreat, if you will." Naruto turned to smile at her. "The downside is that there is literally no one else there. No people, at least. But, it's still pretty relaxing if you like that sort of thing."

Sakura squeezed his hand. "I think that's perfect."

Naruto leaned in and kissed her. "EWW!"

The two looked to see their children staring at them, Hanami in particular gagging. "Oh!" Naruto tried to act surprised. "What's up kids?"

"It's almost dinner time." Shinachiku said. "Mommy said we would be having macaroni!" He jumped excitedly.

"You're right, Shina." Sakura said as she stood up off the couch. "I did. We lost track of the time. I'm going to go start now."

As Sakura headed for the kitchen, Naruto sighed. He did love his children, but if he and Sakura were going to restart their relationship, he had a feeling they were going to need to be alone.

Especially if their passions were going to reignite.

As Naruto and the kids anticipated their meals, Sakura walked in with their plates. As she made sure everyone received their meal, she said "Okay, remember what we do before eating, right?"

The kids and Sakura put their hands in prayer, as did Naruto. "Ikamatsu!"

As they ate, Shinachiku asked "Mommy? Why are you and Daddy getting married?"

"Because I love your mother very much." Naruto answered for her.

"Then how come I and Shina are here?" Hanami asked.

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.

"Everyone says when two people get married, they have kids." Hanami said. "But if you and Daddy are not married, how are we here?"

Naruto began to panic as he tried to think of an explanation appropriate for young children. "Uh…well…"

"Uh, the storks brought you to us early!" Sakura suddenly said. "We've been thinking about getting married, word got around and there was some miscommunication and the stork factory thought we WERE married!" Sakura continued after downing her water, as if hoping it was sake. "Anyway, at first I was going to correct the mistake, but you were both so cute and I couldn't say no!" She said as she put her hands together on the side of her head.

The children looked at her like her explanation was the most normal thing in the world; Naruto was worried she had gone nuts!

"Oh." Hanami shrugged, going back to her dinner.

"Then why didn't Daddy want us?" Shinachiku suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Naruto said.

"Why didn't Daddy stay?" Though he wasn't crying, both parents could see he was getting really upset .

"Shina." Naruto leaned towards him with a straight look as he cupped his chin. "I didn't WANT to leave. You two were the greatest people that came into my life. I…I made a terrible mistake around the time you came to us. No one was hurt…but someone could have been. I had to train to control myself to guarantee everyone's safety, yours and Mom's included."

Shinachiku grabbed his arm. "Did you miss us?"

"Every day." Naruto whispered, smiling and rubbing his son's head.

"A flying elephant?" Naruto asked as he sat on the bed.

"Yeah. They got the storks idea from an anime about a flying elephant." Sakura said as she brushed her teeth in the bathroom. "All the circus animals had their babies delivered to them by storks carrying them in sacks. I guess they did it because they didn't want to show young children how gross being born can be. It was quite cute actually."

"I have so many questions about what you've been showing our kids." Naruto sighed.

Sakura came back in the room as she suddenly tackled Naruto. The two laughed, feeling their relationship was slowly changing back to what it once was. "Sakura-chan, I'm trying to control myself. You're not making it easy for me!"

"Easy for you? Do you have any idea how hard this is for me?" Sakura chuckled.

After sharing a laugh together, Naruto helped Sakura sit up. "Sakura, you sure you're okay with this?"

"What do you mean?" "I can tell my absence has effected them. Do you think it's okay for us to just leave them?"

Sakura sighed, brushing her hair. "I thought about it, and I admit, it worries me too." She then grabbed Naruto's hand. "But sooner or later, they have to learn we won't always be there. And we need that time alone."

Leaning her head against his shoulders, she said "They'll be fine, I'm sure of it. Yuji and Iori will be looking out for them."

Naruto sighed. "If you say so. I 'm just trying to be a responsible father."

"And you are." Sakura assured him. "Trust me. I know they're only three, but both Hanami and Shinachiku are stronger than they look. They'll make it."

The three weeks have passed, and Naruto's residence was suddenly filled with their friends. Most were used to wearing kimonos on special occasions like these, but their invitations specified suits and dresses. They had to admit, this was a wedding unlike any they had been to. But they couldn't deny their excitement for the couple-to-be.

"It's about time." Chouji said, his wild hair tied into a pony tail. "They should have done this long ago."

"Should have, could have…but here we are now." Ino said. "That's all that matters right now."

"Ugh. Weddings are a pain." Shikamaru groaned "Wish everyone could just elope and get it over with."

Ino suddenly held her hand towards her laughing face. "Oh my, I'm sure Temari would love to hear you say that to her-"

Shikamaru suddenly clamped her mouth shut, shushing her. "Why don't we focus on more important matters?" Shikamaru pointed to a dressed-up Naruto. He was as handsome as ever, dressed to kill…and looking like he was about to piss himself.

Shikamaru walked up to him. "Hey…you okay?" He asked.

"What does it look like!?" Naruto hissed nervously. "If anything goes wrong, one thing, everything is ruined and it will be my funeral!"

"Ah." Shikamaru said. "Everything's fine then."

"What the fuck are you talking about!?" Naruto exclaimed, trying to keep his voice down. "You were calm as a willow for your wedding!"

"On the outside." Shikamaru said. "Inside, I was just like you. Temari just taught me how to internalize my emotions well before the event. I just wanted to make her proud."

Naruto brushed his hair back, taking a deep breath. Seeing he was not convinced, Shikamaru said "Look, Naruto. The waiting is the worst part. It will be over soon, I promise you. Everything's going to be fine.

Naruto just looked to the home-made alter, and back to the outside. "I hope you're right."

Mrs. Haruno waited outside the motel room her daughter booked the night before. That was when Kakashi appeared. At first, she didn't recognize him. "Is she ready?"

Haruno nodded. "Yes, but she's nervous."

Kakashi nodded, and made a shadow clone. "Go with him. Please make sure the groom has got himself together." Haruno held onto the clone's arm as they disappeared in smoke.

Kakashi then knocked on the door. "Sakura, it's me. Are you dressed?"

It took a moment for her to answer. "Yes."

Kakashi opened the door. His eye widened as he saw Sakura, sitting on the bed facing the window. "Wow. I've glanced at many weddings, but by far you are proving yourself to be the most beautiful bride I had ever seen."

Sakura's lip quivered. "What if this doesn't work out?"

Kakashi's eye widened. "Did you two have a fight?"

"No." Sakura sniffled, alarming the copy ninja. "But I've seen what happens to others. Divorce, affairs…"

"You stop yourself right now." Kakashi commanded her as he sat next to her on the bed. "You know Naruto is not that kind of person. If you two weren't meant to be, we wouldn't be having this conversation now." Touching her shoulder, he said "Of course you two are going to have hardships. All relationships do. But I have faith the both of you will make it through." Seeing Sakura remained unresponsive, Kakashi sighed. "Do you want me to tell Naruto to call it off?"

"NO!" Sakura stood and shouted, throwing her arms down. "I want this, but I don't know what's wrong with me!"

"Breathe, Sakura." Kakashi rubbed her hand. "You are the bravest and most accomplished kunoichi I know. You overcame adversity, endured tragedy, much more than anyone as pure as you had too." Kakashi said. "This is just another mission. One you only have to do once. And I have the utmost faith in you succeeding."

Nothing more was said between them. "You ready now?"

Sakura sighed. "I guess as I'll ever be."

"Well, let's go then."

"Hold it!" Sakura put her fingers together. "Kai!" She then placed a finger on Kakashi's nose. She sighed, smiling. "You really went maskless."

"Hey, I promised didn't I?"

Yeah, I'm cruel to cut it off here. But I think this is as good a place as any to end it all here for now. Until then, see you all next time!