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You Must Believe in Spring
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Seasons In-Between


Saturday, March 29th 10:15 AM ST/1:15 PM KST
Suna, Haruno Residence

Mebuki and Kizashi looked as if they were going to burst with joy. Not only was Sakura back in Suna for her birthday, she had brought company.

"It has been so long since we have seen you," Mebuki beamed as she brought more food to the table. "Both of you," she added.

"You really should visit your mother more often," Kizashi 's eyes sparkled. "She doesn't cook like this unless you are here."

Naruto and Sakura chuckled as Mebuki rolled her eyes at her husband.

"And why would I cook like this unless she was here?"

"That's an egg-celent question," Kizashi speared his omelet while Naruto snickered.

"Don't encourage him," Mebuki sighed. "How long will you be here?"

Sakura took a sip of her orange juice before answering

"Naruto will leave in a week or so, depending on work. And I guess now is a good time to tell you – I have been asked to go back to the Konoha Branch for a while."

"Back to Konoha?" Kizashi blinked. "When?"

"Within the next couple of weeks."

"So soon?" her mother sank into her chair.

"Yeah," she smiled apologetically. "I know it is sudden, but it can't be helped. The good news is," she reached for the hot sauce and handed it to Naruto, "I've already requested time off in to come back and visit – probably in August."

"Well that is something," Mebuki poured a large glass of milk and handed it to Naruto.

He took it with a questioning glance but then alarm quickly spread over his features as he turned bright red, and he began to chug the glass.

They all waited while he finished.

"Forgot about your home-made hot sauce," he coughed.

"Eh?" Kizashi picked up the bottle and studied it. "This isn't even the strong one. Let me go get you the real stuff."

Sakura smothered a chuckle while Naruto did his best not to facepalm.

Mebuki grinned.

"It's always good when you come to visit, Naruto."

"Gee," he smiled weakly. "Thanks."

"Here it is!" Kizashi returned triumphantly. "But first," he lifted his glass. "To Sakura – Happy Birthday, sweetheart!"

"To Sakura!" they chorused, and Sakura's eyes misted over. That is until Naruto forgot about the hot sauce again – and then she laughed until she cried, and thoroughly enjoyed her day.