Author's Note from Panda: This chapter is dedicated to Chris and his fiancé Amber. Wishing them both the very best for the future. Love you guys.
4 months later...
Naruto looked down upon his squad of 9 sparring trainees from his hill top vantage point. Up here, Naruto was untouched by the frantic three on three on three battle taking place in the valley below, made barren after weeks of near constant skirmishes. He was free to observe at his leisure the 9 Starfleet Security Officers he had forged into ninjas fights together in teams. He saw one team attack all at once with their assortment of ninjutsu and taijutsu. He saw another pair prioritizing keeping their third member safe so that he could weave a deviating jutsu, he being the most prolific amongst his teammates. And the final team smartly chose to back off and let the other two teams weaken themselves.
Naruto smiled in pride. They had come so far in six months...
CRASH
Yet still had so far to go...
Naruto sighed after one of the trainees misjudged how much chakra to pump into his legs and shot off like a cannon ball at his opposing team. He had meant to jump in front of them, not smack head first into his opponent's face.
As this was going on, the man who was casting the jutsu behind his teammates added too much chakra and accidently shot off the fireball jutsu while his lips were still closed.
And still a few more trainees misjudged their own chakra enhanced speed and tripped after their feet moved too fast.
"Stop, stop, stop!" Naruto shouted in frustration.
Everyone stopped immediately, wondering what Naruto had to say.
"Everyone circle up!" Naruto ordered as he contemplated how to break the news to them.
Everyone did as they were instructed. April and Sol sat the closest to Naruto, being the star pupils.
"Alright guys..." Naruto said, addressing them as he would his friends and not his recruits. "There is no easy way to say this, but none of you are yet at the level of ANBU."
There was collective muttering from the trainees, ranging from sounds of shock and outrage to disappointment and self-hatred.
"What about us?" April asked.
"I said none of you, didn't I?" Naruto stated bluntly.
"To be clear!" Naruto exclaimed, regaining his trainer persona. "What you have all achieved here is not to be scoffed at. Even on my home planet, civilian adults do not just become ninjas. They could never achieve the level you have all reached. Not in 2 years, and you have only been training for half a year. For that, you should all be proud of yourselves..."
"The fault does not lie with you; the fault lies with me underestimating the time it would take to properly teach you the ways of a ninja.
There is a reason that shinobi in my world are taught from the age of 5 till 12 on how to become Genin. And that is because there is one aspect of this training that cannot be sped up or overlooked. Something that not even a thousand Shadow Clones can help you master. Physical training!"
"Simply put, your bodies still need time to adapt to your newly discovered chakra. And while you have managed to learn jutsus and even the tree climbing technique, your muscles cannot yet compensate for your constantly flowing chakra. As much as we might wish it otherwise, this takes time. Which means that we must continue our training aboard the Enterprise-E once it is christened in a few days."
"Um...cousin...the Enterprise E gets launched at 0200 hours tonight." April said.
"Wait...what?" Naruto asked.
"You mean you forgot?!" April exclaimed. "I was wondering why you were taking so long! Your wedding starts in less than an hour you idiot!"
"I thought it was on Thursday!" Naruto exclaimed.
"NO! IT'S TODAY!" April exclaimed.
"WHY DIDN'T ANY OF YOU TELL ME?!" Naruto shouted in fear of what Sakura-chan would do to him if he was late.
"WHY ARE YOU OUR LEADER?!" Sol exclaimed.
"BECAUSE I AM THE BEST NINJA IN THE UNIVERSE!" Naruto defended.
"I AM SERIOUSLY STARTING TO DOUBT THAT!"
"Look it doesn't matter. Break down the camp as fast as you can and I'll teleport us over to Starfleet HQ in a snap. Double time it!" Naruto ordered.
Meanwhile in San Francisco, the sun was shining over a perfect spring afternoon in the Golden Gate Park. The only dark clouds were the ones falling over the heads of the bridal party as foretold by the tapping of Sakura's foot.
She was dressed in a beautiful white dress as was the custom on Earth. The dress was sleeveless with a lacy trim over the shoulders, a veil to cover her head like a hood, and plenty of room for her now bulging belly. She had spent all morning applying and reapplying make-up with the help of her team of bridesmaids to try and combat her pregnant hormones making her sweat like a damn pig in this tent set up near the spot where the ceremony was to commence.
"He's late." She stated coldly for all her bridesmaids to hear.
All the women in the tent looked over at Sakura a bit nervously, all except Sally of course, who absentmindedly kicked at the air from atop her chair.
Surrounding Sakura were all her closest female friends she had made since joining Starfleet. Dr. Crusher, Troi, Sally's mom, even Karin was there to help out in the place of her daughter April. They were all wearing matching pink dresses save for Karin.
"He'll be here." Karin assured.
"Yes, I sense a sense of anxiety from Naruto. I think he realized the situation." Troi added.
"He's in the Rocky Mountains. You can sense him all the way over from there?" Sakura asked.
"Yes. Don't you remember me sensing emotions from people on a planet from orbit?"
"I do not and we can look into that later why you and Naruto share the same powers, but until then tell me what my idiot soon-to-be husband is doing." Sakura demanded.
"I don't know. I can only sense emotions. I'm half Betazoid as I've told you before. Betazoids are telepathic and empathic but I only have the empathic abilities." Troi explained.
"Oh, right. Well, still. He'd better have a good excuse for being late." Sakura grumbled.
"I believe April told me she was doing more training." Karin said.
"Of course! Why wouldn't he be doing that!" Sakura all but screamed.
That's when April ran inside looking like she just spent a week mud wrestling with a bear. "I'm here! And so is Naruto!" She cried.
"April! Look at you! You're filthy." Karin scolded.
"It's not my fault! Naruto thought the wedding was on Thursday!" April cried.
"Why am I not surprised..." Sakura sighed.
"Tuesday morning. I told him to be back by Tuesday morning a hundred times!" Sakura muttered to herself.
"Well, you better get cleaned up and fast. this starts in 30 minutes, with or without you." Karin scolded sternly.
"Fine, I'll go jump in the lake!" April said as she dashed out of the tent.
Karin sighed. "What am I going to do with that girl?"
"Mommy, can I go swim in the lake too?!" Sally asked eagerly.
"No you can't." Amanda said sternly. "I spent 2 hours making you look pretty and its almost time for the wedding."
"Aww...but this dress is so...weird feeling..." Sally whined.
"You can change before the party." Amanda said.
"How much longer until the party...?" Sally whined.
"Sally, please be quiet. Mommy has a headache."
Sally huffed before resuming her kicking.
Meanwhile back with Naruto, the maverick ninja had managed to teleport his trainees back to the park before teleporting home for the fastest shower and shave of his life. He gargled mouthwash in the shower while raking shampoo through his locks. By the time he was dry and shaven it was 20 minutes to the opening ceremony.
'Oh no, oh no, oh no!' He thought frantically as he threw on his suit.
'Kit, where the hell are you?' Kurama asked. He was already at the ceremony area guarding Sakura.
'In France! I left my suit there before I went on the trip. Where is the rest of my stuff?!' Naruto thought frantically.
'Oh you have got to be kidding me...you got 20 minutes and Sakura is already fuming.'
'I'm getting my suit on as we speak! I'm just wondering where the rest of my stuff is!'
'In your tent! Get here now-' Kurama was cut off when Naruto appeared before him. The maverick ninja now found himself inside the groom's tent with Kurama and the rest of his groomsmen.
"About time. We were wondering if you had gotten cold feet." Picard said.
"What? Who? Me? Never." Naruto laughed nervously as he opened his tent flap to look out at the massive crowd already seat in front of the alter. A simple wooden bench painted white and overlooking one of the larger lakes in the park. It was upon seeing this tiny little structure with the white curtain trim hanging over it that things began to dawn on Naruto.
This was real.
He was getting married.
"Ooooh boy..." Naruto said nervously.
"Relax, you'll be fine." Riker waved off as he handed him his bow tie.
Naruto took one look at the Earth garment and felt perplexed.
"How in the Hell do I put this on?"
"Here, allow me." Data offered.
Naruto held his hands out while Data tied his bow tie in a flash. With just enough room in the collar to still be comfortable.
"You know how to put those on?" Kurama asked.
"I am programmed with over 400 different variations of the tie, including the bow tie, Windsor knot and double Windsor knot." Data replied.
"Sweet. Thanks, Data." Naruto said as he looked in the mirror, yet saw no reason to adjust his tie. "How do I look?"
"Like a man about to lose his freedom forever." Riker joked.
"Nonsense. Naruto and Sakura are one of the finest warrior pairings I have ever seen. They shall produce many powerful off springs." Worf stated firmly as if that settled the matter.
"It was a joke, Worf." Geordi said.
"What is there to joke about in marriage?" Worf asked, perplexed.
"I agree. Should marriage not be a time of joy and happiness?" Data asked.
'He really is like that ghost skinned bastard, ain't he.' Kurama thought to Naruto.
'Who, Sai? Oh, yeah, big time.' Naruto thought back.
"Never mind..." Riker grumbled. "Are we ready now?"
"Definitely. Is Picard conducting the ceremony or giving away Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked.
"Wait, giving away Sakura? I wasn't made aware of that." Picard said.
"Well, it is the captain's duty to wed his officers under his command." Riker said.
"Yeah, and Sakura's dad is back on Element." Naruto added.
"I would be willing to perform the task of giving Sakura away if it pleases you." Data offered.
"I mean...maybe ask Sakura-chan what she wants." Naruto said.
"It's not the traditional thing to do, but I'll ask." Picard said before leaving.
"And you get up on the alter." Picard ordered Naruto.
"Right."
At 2 o'clock on the dot, Naruto was standing alone on the alter. He looked on the crowd and saw everyone surviving from the Enterprise-D crew was here, along with a few replacements, a handful of the now peaceful Haruno and Uzumaki clansmen, and even Ensign Olivia with her son Joshua (who was for once keeping quiet while awake) and her mother were in attendance.
'Oh boy...this is a lot more people than I thought...' Naruto thought.
'I think the guest list peaked at around 1,200. And only 50 of them are replacement crewmen only here for the christening of the new ship. So yeah, great call on inviting the entire Enterprise crew.' Kurama thought.
Naruto gulped nervously.
'Chin up, you might be able to kill off Sakura's anger towards you by showing off that smile of yours she loves so much.' Kurama instructed.
'That's not what I'm afraid of this time...' Naruto thought before the music started to play.
A thousand heads turned back towards the beginning of the aisle. Where Dr. Crusher was being escorted by Kurama in his Starfleet vest down the aisle to the sweet tune of violins. Following them was Riker and Troi, Riker having a smug look on his face as if he knew he would be getting lucky tonight. Following them was Hajime and a newly washed April wearing a transformation jutsu as a dress. Naruto prayed to whatever God that would listen that April could hold that jutsu until the ceremony was complete.
Following them was Amanda being escorted by Geordi and finally being trailed behind by Worf.
Kurama and Crusher finally reached the end of the aisle and parted ways. Kurama standing on Naruto's right as his best man and Crusher taking Naruto's left as Sakura's maid of honor.
Each of the bride's maids and Groomsmen parted ways before moving to their respective spots right as Sally started walking down the aisle as the flower girl.
The organ music changed and that's when Naruto's eyes went wide.
At the end of the aisle Naruto could see Picard escorting a pink haired woman in a beautiful white dress. As soon as their eyes met, they were alone in the park.
Naruto's heart skipped when Sakura smiled at him. She looked absolutely stunning.
'Holy shit...this is really happening...' Naruto thought in awe and joy. One of his dreams was to marry the girl of his dreams and it was happening right this very moment.
As soon as Sakura saw Naruto's deep blue eyes, all her anger that she felt for him melted away. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo. And that smile...they could have had their ceremony at night and it wouldn't have made a difference. Sakura actually caught herself blushing into her bouquet.
'This is really happening.' She thought giddily.
'And you were worried that it would be too soon.' Inner teased.
'It's still too soon, but I'm so in love with him right now I don't care in the slightest.'
'Then get up there and marry our Baka.'
'I'm fucking doing it, bitch!' Sakura exclaimed in joy as she was escorted up the aisle. She soon found herself up at the alter where Picard handed her off to Naruto.
"Make me proud you two." Picard smiled before moving behind the alter to conduct the ceremony.
The two stood opposite each other looking up and down at each other.
"Hey." Naruto whispered with a smile.
"Hey..." Sakura replied softly.
"You look amazing." He whispered.
"So do you."
"Hey." He smiled.
"What?"
"I love you." He stated with pride.
"I love you too...more than you know..."
Picard smiled at the couple's exchange.
"Friends, family, and crew of the USS Enterprise...it is with great joy that I will perform my solemn duty as captain, to wed Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno. Together, as one, powerful duo that will continue to uphold the traditions of our ways as well as continue to serve and protect under the banner of the Federation." Picard opened.
Picard looked at the couple before him.
"While they have only been with us for a short time, they both have proven that no matter how short life may seem, they continue to surprise us with the love and dedication for one another as well as anyone they care about. Truly, they have the heart of a fierce warrior burning bright within them. Now, with this unification, I'm more than certain that they will continue to surprise us at every turn." Picard paused before smiling at them. "I'm proud to say that they are not only my bodyguards, but two of my closest friends and an inspiration to all, young and old."
"You two may recite your vows." Picard added.
Naruto and Sakura took each other's hands into their own, their eyes never tearing away from one another.
"Sakura Haruno. From the moment I met you...I don't even know how to say it. I was infatuated. I saw your pink hair, your striking green eyes, your charming forehead, and if it was a good day, your smile, and I thought it was the cutest thing in the whole world." Naruto smiled.
"Ever since then I've always wanted to get to know you better. To figure out what it was about that girl that made me want to be with her. To make me pull pranks just to get her attention. And after years of us being teammates, I finally figured out what is was." Naruto sighed. "It was your compassion, your passion, and your big heart the drew me to you. Someone who wouldn't take crap from anybody and would still shed tears for our wayward teammate. I knew right then and there that I would fight for your happiness, even if it wasn't directed at me. It was like this little poem me and Kurama accidently made.
You're so cute and sweet,
Like a cherry blossom tree, you can rest beneath."
Sakura tried hard not to cry. Between his words and her hormones in overdrive, she was very emotional right now.
"And now that you have chosen me. I feel like the luckiest guy in the universe. I love you, Sakura-chan. I love you and our unborn daughter. Now and forever..."
"Naruto..." Sakura sniffed. She tried to hold back her tears, but a few stray ones were let loose.
Listening closely, Kurama could hear about half the crowd wiping their own tears away, couples were holding each other's hands, and little girls were leaning as far forward in their chairs as they possibly could.
"Beautifully said, Naruto." Picard said.
Sakura regained her composure before speaking.
"Naruto...ever since we met, I always thought you were an immature, reckless idiot that I never thought would amount to anything." She started, making Naruto frown. "I'm not done...at every turn, you always ran off head long into a dangerous situation without even thinking twice. You always got in between me and Sasuke anytime I tried to make a move on him...but, anytime he rejected me, you were right there to cheer me up. You risked your life to protect me on countless occasions and you do that even now. As we grew, you always put everyone's needs before your own. Even when I still chose Sasuke over you, you supported me and you never said a word, but looking back on that now, I could tell you were hurting inside...for that, I'm sorry. In time, I realized just what you mean to me...you are the man who kept me grounded when life seemed impossible. You lifted my spirits when I was feeling down. You taught me never to give up. You kept pushing me to reach my goals when I was filled with doubt. I only wish I realized sooner what you meant to me...so...now I will make you a promise of a lifetime." Sakura paused to take his hand into hers. "I promise to always love you and to keep your heart beating until my own grows still. Believe it." She finished with a smile.
Now Naruto felt like crying. It was the most beautiful thing he ever heard her say to him.
Even Picard felt himself growing misty eyed. Worf put away his wet hanker chief before anyone saw him.
"Please bring forth the rings." Picard ordered.
As soon as he said that, Worf's son Alexander came out from behind his father and presented the two golden rings on top of their pillow to the bride and groom.
Naruto and Sakura each took their respective rings, a golden band for Naruto and a golden band with a rose diamond surrounded by emeralds for Sakura. With Sakura's ring being inscribed with Naruto's ANBU codename Ten on the inner side of her ring and Naruto's ring likewise being inscribed with Sakura's codename Chi.
Heaven and Earth.
"Naruto Uzumaki, do you take this woman, Sakura Haruno, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, through the good times and the bad?" Picard asked.
"I do." Naruto smiled his famous smile as Sakura slipped the ring onto his finger.
"And do you, Sakura Haruno, take this man, Naruto Uzumaki, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, through the good times and the bad?" Picard asked.
"I do." Sakura glowed as Naruto placed the ring onto her finger.
"And now it's complete..." Sakura sighed with joy.
"Not yet." Picard said. "By the powers invested in me by Starfleet Command, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss..."
Neither one of them wasted any more time on Picard's speech. Naruto leaned right into Sakura's face while Sakura leaned back and threw her bouquet behind her. Naruto's hands wrapped around Sakura's waist and behind the back of her head while Sakura wrapped both her arms around Naruto to pull him in as close as possible. They both met in the middle and so did their lips. No tongue or fancy tricks, just two lovers pressed together as one.
"...the bride..." Picard finished with a smile. All around him the audience exploded into cheers. Applause rang out from the back of the seats to the front. All of the couple's closest friends were besides themselves. Riker was whistling. Naruto's trainees shot fireball jutsus up into the air to explode like fireworks. And April was jumping up and down after having caught the bouquet.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. And Mrs. Naruto and Sakura Uzumaki!" Picard cheered out.
The crowd was renewed with applause as Naruto and Sakura broke away from their kiss to wave at the friends they had come to see as family.
Not wanting to spoil the mood, Picard keyed his combadge to signal the shuttles to descend from the clouds.
One by one they landed behind the rows of seats. The one closest to the end of the aisle having been decked out with pink and orange drapes and a sign on the back that read: JUST MARRIED!
Naruto and Sakura took it as their cue for Naruto to scoop up Sakura in a bridal carry and sprinted down the aisle to their chariot. Sakura and Naruto laughed as Naruto did his best to shield Sakura from the endless barrage of rice being thrown at them. Naruto was practically skipping by the time he reached the end and helped Sakura get into the shuttle.
They kissed and waved as cameras went off like machine guns.
Finally, the shuttle doors closed and the shuttle took off towards the limits of the stratosphere. Leaving everything in their wake behind.
"Now hear this!" Picard shouted just as the cheering began to die down. "All guests will now be escorted to the Enterprise-E via these shuttles for the after party! The shuttle you have been assigned is the one listed on the card that was left on each of your seats! The shuttles will leave once they are full! If you do not wish to go, please return the cards to the shuttle pilot it was assigned to! The after party will begin in 2 hours inside the mess hall! Dinner will be served! And all non-Enterprise-E personal must return to the ship's shuttle bay by 0800!" Picard informed the massive crowd.
In the newlywed's shuttle...
"I can't believe it..." Naruto breathed out as he stared at Sakura. "This is a dream come true..."
"Yeah it is..." Sakura sighed as she looked into Naruto's eyes before grief weighed them down.
"What's wrong?" Naruto asked, concerned.
"It's nothing...just...I always dreamed that our friends would be at my-our wedding." Sakura corrected herself.
"I know, Sakura-chan. I wish they were here too." Naruto said as he wrapped Sakura up in a comforting hug.
'Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Tsunade say they were going to throw you another wedding when you two get back?' Kurama asked.
'Yeah she did. Plus, she's got that surprise for Sakura later at the party. So don't spoil it.' Naruto thought.
'I wouldn't dream of it.'
"Naruto...look..." Sakura gasped in awe as she pointed out the view screen.
Naruto looked up and felt his jaw drop once he beheld the majesty of the completed Enterprise-E.
It was sleek, slender, and long. A complete contrast to the Enterprise D. The way it was situated just off of the horizon of the planet so that it eclipsed the sun was a sight to behold.
"Enjoying the view?" Their pilot asked over the coms.
"Yea..." Sakura and Naruto replied in awe.
"That's good. You two just sit back and relax. I'll be taking you on a leisurely flyby of Earth's orbit. Unless you both would like to head to your personal quarters now?" The pilot asked.
Sakura shook her head. "How about giving us a fly around the shipyard?"
"Can do." The pilot said.
They flew around to a few of the other ships docked. Sakura had seen a few of them, but one of them seemed new to her.
"What's that one?" Sakura asked as they flew closer. The ship looked plain and very old.
"Ah...that is the museum Enterprise. The first of the line that Captain Kirk commanded."
Looking at the registry, it read NCC-1701-M.
"Wow. It looks so much bulkier." Naruto stated.
"It's over 130 years old." The pilot informed.
"Woah, that one next to it is really old." Sakura said as she pointed out another old ship.
"Ahh...that's the old NX-O1. That was our first Starfleet ship."
"And how old is that one?" Sakura asked.
"Oh...she is well over 200 years old. It was commissioned in 2147. it doesn't even have shields. It has polarized hull plating and photonic missiles."
"Fascinating. Isn't this exactly what you wanted to be doing on your wedding day, Naruto? Looking at old ships like in a museum." Sakura said playfully.
"Honestly, yea kinda." Naruto smiled. "How many people did you need to operate that ship?"
"At any given time, it had a crew of 87 people."
"Really? That's it?" Sakura asked.
"Yup. It's a very small ship in comparison."
They made a few more passes of old and new ships before making a flyby of the top of the Enterprise E.
By then, Sakura was resting her head on Naruto's shoulder. Just letting the two of them enjoy the spectacle.
The shuttle maneuvered in behind the brand-new ship where the aft shuttle bay door opened like a large retractable gate.
"Welcome aboard the Enterprise-E, Lieutenant Naruto and Lieutenant Sakura Uzumaki." The pilot said as they landed in the shuttle bay.
"Awesome. Naruto, help me up." Sakura said as she tried to stand.
Naruto was there to quickly help Sakura up. She was due in less than two months and he couldn't wait.
"Thanks...ouch!" Sakura hissed.
"What? What's wrong?" Naruto asked.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Dr. Crusher said I would be having what is called Braxton Hicks contractions as I neared the end of my term. Nothing to worry about." Sakura waved off.
"You sure there isn't anything I can do to help you feel better?" Naruto asked.
"There really isn't anything that can be done about it. I just have to deal with it until the baby is born."
"Alright. So long as you let me know if there is ever a way for me to pamper you." Naruto said as he scooped Sakura back up to carry her to their private quarters.
"Like I said, don't worry about it..." Sakura sighed contently as he nestled her head into his chest.
Naruto smiled as he carried his 'wife,' he thought giddily.
They made their way through the ship, up the elevator, and to the door of their apartment sized living quarters.
"Before we go in, there is something I've got to admit to you, Sakura-chan." Naruto said seriously.
"What's that?" Sakura asked.
"Well the crew quarters were finished a month ago. So, I kinda sorta snuck came here without telling you and did some renovations." Naruto smirked.
"What kind of renovations...?"
"You'll see." Naruto smirked as he opened the apartment door, only to be surprised when he saw that their living room had already been filled with the same flowers from their quarters back on the Enterprise-D.
"I didn't do this." Naruto stated.
"Yeah, I did." Sakura smirked. "However this was the only thing I did. I didn't notice any renovations."
"You obviously didn't go into the third bedroom." Naruto smirked.
"Wait...third bedroom?"
"Yup." Naruto said as he led Sakura to the hallway that had three doors. One on either side and one at the end of the hall.
"What is that? A giant walk-in closet or a luxury bathroom?" Sakura asked
"Nope. Something even better." Naruto smiled as he threw open the door to reveal a pink room with cute little froggys, slugs, and foxes painted on the walls, the far-right corner stacked with stuffed toys, the far left being filled with a changing station, the closest right corner having a rocking chair next to a night stand packed with books, and at the center of it all was a little pink crib.
Sakura gasped in delightful awe before she started crying.
"Sakura-chan?" Naruto exclaimed. "If you don't like it, we can change it however you want."
"(Sniff)...no... don't change anything..." Sakura sobbed. "It's perfect...I love it...almost as much as I love you..."
"Then why are you sad?" Naruto asked.
"I'm not sad you Baka...I'm happy...very happy..." Sakura sniffed.
Naruto smiled and kissed the crown of Sakura's head as he hugged her from behind.
"Mess hall to Lt Uzumaki." They heard Picard say on the coms.
"Go ahead." Sakura and Naruto replied, then laughed.
"Going to need to work on that...anyway, guests are arriving. Please make your way down here at your earliest convenience. Picard out."
"Do you kinda wish that we could just skip the after party and just stay here together?" Naruto sighed.
"Partly. But we both know that we want to attend that party even more." Sakura mused. She turns to face Naruto and whispered in his ear. "Come on, the faster we get to this party, the faster we can get back to our room. And then you can tear this dress off me with your teeth." Sakura bit Naruto's earlobe.
Naruto smirked. "I love it when you get like this..."
"Enjoy it while you can. After this baby comes out, we won't have any time for love making." Sakura smirked.
"Then I guess I'll just have to plow you until you can't walk." Naruto smirked.
"Down boy. I won't be seen with stains on this dress." Sakura mused.
"Awe..." Naruto pouted.
"Oh stop it. You'll get some later. Especially after what you did here." Sakura smiled.
"Well I can't take all the credit. Amanda and Dr. Crusher were a big help in picking out this stuff." Naruto admitted.
"Okay...but I'm not going to fuck them." Sakura snickered.
'Damn it.' Naruto thought.
"Yeah I figured." Naruto chuckled.
"Now let's go horse dick." Sakura teased.
"Sure thing my insatiable vixen." Naruto teased back.
Later, down in the mess hall, all of the guests were there and Naruto and Sakura were sitting at the head table.
"Man... this is a bigger turn out than I thought." Sakura mused as she looked upon all of the people.
"And not everyone is here yet." Picard said.
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.
"He means me." Sakura and Naruto heard a very unmistakable voice.
Sakura and Naruto both froze. They knew that voice anywhere, but it couldn't be...could it?
They slowly turned around and there she was... Tsunade was standing right before them in an older Starfleet uniform. The top was all red and decorated with many medals and commendations.
"L-l-l-lady... Tsunade...?" Sakura stammered in shock.
"Did you really think I would miss your wedding day?" Tsunade smirked.
"Ah...Commander Senju. So good to see you." Picard greeted. "Although, your uniform is about 30 years out of date."
"My mistake. I should have anticipated this when I left Starfleet 30 years ago." Tsunade replied back with sass.
"Indeed..." Picard mused.
"H-how...are you here?" Naruto stammered.
"Oh sorry. I'm actually still on Element. I'm just being projected here by holo-emitters. The Bozeman paid me a visit and sent me the emitters." Tsunade waved off.
"The Bozeman?" Sakura asked.
"Yes. Old ship too. I'm surprised it's still in service." Tsunade mused.
"It recently re-entered service. It was discovered on accident in the middle of a Tyken's Rift where the Odyssey was caught in a temporal causality loop. They had been stuck in that rift for 80 years, however, for the crew, time never passed." Picard added.
"Crazy." Naruto said.
"Space is full of strange wonders." Tsunade said simply before she got a good look at Sakura's huge belly.
"You look beautiful, Sakura." Tsunade smiled.
Sakura blushed and smiled. "Thank you..."
"Tell me, how is your condition? I want a full medical report." Tsunade eagerly ordered.
"Um...well, my chakra network has all but stopped because this little angle is eating it up. I just started in with Braxton Hicks contractions and I'm very emotional lately. I'm getting very worn out very quickly and my vitals are stable while I'm at rest." Sakura listed off.
"Yup. All sounds normal. It's a shame she won't be born before Christmas." Tsunade mused.
Sakura's eyes went wide. "ACK! I forgot about Christmas!" She exclaimed.
"Oh hey, it is mid-December isn't it." Naruto stated with the same enthusiasm as he would if he noticed that there was a stiff breeze outside.
"Indeed, it is." Picard confirmed. "Am I to assume your world celebrates Christmas as well?"
"Yes. Any excuse our villagers get to hold a festival, they'll jump on it." Tsunade said, knowing that at that very moment reeves and holly were being hung along the streets of the Leaf village.
"I know...it's such a wonderful time of the year. Especially when Mr. Saito has his special candy canes on sale." Sakura gushed fondly.
"Yeah, and you get presents and stuff..." Naruto said listlessly. Making Sakura and the others raise an eyebrow.
"What's with you? You always act like a happy fool at Ino's Christmas party. I thought you loved Christmas." Sakura said skeptically.
"Oh I do...just...I've recently learned not to await too fondly to Christmas." Naruto said cryptically.
Sakura had an idea of why he was being so quiet. "It has to do with Hinata, doesn't it?"
"I don't wanna talk about my ex on our wedding day. Isn't that bad luck?" Naruto asked.
"I... don't think so." Sakura guessed.
"Just tell us. I'm under the impression that dinner hasn't started yet." Tsunade said impatiently.
"Not yet." Picard said.
"Alright..." Naruto gave in. "Hinata wasn't the problem with Christmas, it was her family."
"Aaahhhh...yea, they are stiffs at Christmas parties." Tsunade mused.
"They're even worse at their own Christmas parties." Naruto groaned. "They just sit around eating their traditional food at an agonizingly slow pace. And for entertainment they have the branch members do this really embarrassing dance."
"Typical Hyuuga." Hajime mused while April nodded.
Tsunade looked upon the boy who spoke and raised an eyebrow at the pink hair. "I'm sorry, you are?"
"Hajime Haruno. Sakura's very distant cousin." He introduced.
"Oh good. I was worried that the Enterprise found itself another worm hole and you were Sakura's son from the future." Tsunade said.
"Uh...no... OH! That reminds me." Sakura said in realization. "I did the DNA comparison and, while very minuet, a few of our chromosomes match!"
Picard's and Tsunade's eyes went wide.
"That's the first I've heard of that. When did you discover this?" Picard asked.
"Nearly 6 months ago when we met Hajime. How do you not remember?" Naruto asked.
"I never saw a report on it." Picard informed.
"Oh...oops..." Sakura said sheepishly.
"You mean to tell me...that the clans here are genetically similar to our own on Element?" Tsunade asked in awe.
"Um...yea. I have the DNA results on my tricorder...in my room." Sakura said. 'Damn pregnancy brain...' She cursed mentally.
Picard turned serious. "I need those results as soon as possible. This is the key to Element being allowed to align themselves with the Federation."
"Take care of that tomorrow. Tonight is their wedding night. But you're slipping Sakura. I'd expect this kind of idiocy from Naruto, but not from you." Tsunade said.
"Yea...I've been finding myself slowly turning into him." Sakura sweat dropped.
"Hey!" Naruto cried.
"Oh boy...that's just what we need..." Tsunade face palmed.
"Actually, we owe a great deal to these two." April chimed in.
"Oh? And who might you be?" Tsunade asked.
"April Uzumaki...well...Haruno now actually. Our two clans were at each other's throats, but Naruto and Sakura help bring them together. While there are still sour feelings, the gang fights and rivalries are all but gone."
"Gang fights? I thought Earth had achieved world peace?" Tsunade asked, directing her question at Picard.
Picard sighed. "There are some who do not share that peace with others, I'm afraid..."
"Not so perfect as you always claim to be." Tsunade said smugly.
"I never said it was." Picard pointed out.
"Well whatever. Don't you lot have dinner to eat?" Tsunade said.
"Quite." Picard said as he stood up. He tapped his knife against a wine glass to get everyone's attention.
"Thank you everyone for your patience. It is my pleasure to announce that dinner is served." Picard declared.
At once, caterers filed out of the kitchen doors carrying vast amounts of food on platters and in buffet tubs and brought them to several buffet tables. Meanwhile, personally ordered meals ordered by Picard were delivered to the main table.
Naruto and Sakura received aged Prime Rib with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn with peppered butter.
"Aw man. We should get married every day." Naruto said as his mouth drooled at the look at their meal.
"Seriously... were you dropped on your head as a baby?" Hajime asked.
"Hey! Why don't you spend a month eating nothing but bugs and worms while mastering Sage mode and then tell me you don't appreciate good food!" Naruto snapped, those horrible memories coming back to him like battle scars that would never fade away.
"Easy, man. It was a joke." Hajime said.
April slapped him upside the head. "You don't joke about a ninja's food." She repeated from Naruto's lessons.
"Yes dear..." Hajime sighed.
April gave a thumbs up to Naruto who gave her a thumbs up in return.
"It's a good thing I can't say anything about this because Ino would not be happy that you got married before she did." Tsunade smirked.
Sakura felt her heart tighten as Tsunade mentioning this.
"How did Ino take the news when Sai proposed?" She asked.
"As far as I know, he hasn't yet."
"What? But it's been 8 months!" Sakura exclaimed.
"You're right. It has. Yet I have not heard anything about it."
"What is he even thinking?" Sakura asked.
"Hey, not everyone bounces back from a bad break-up and gets pregnant inside of a week. Some relationships take time to bloom." Tsunade countered.
"I believe that the seeds of their relationship were sewn a long time ago, but was never given the proper light to grow and flourish. Considering the relationship, they have now, despite it being 8 months along, is honestly the strongest bond and symbol of true love I have ever seen." Troi wisely stated.
"Well said, Councilor." Picard smiled.
"Aw shucks. If you're gonna say that, then make it a toast so that everyone can know how great we are." Sakura teased as Naruto clinked their synthehol wine glasses together.
"I believe that is the job of the best man." Data pointed out.
"My, you're a pale looking one." Tsunade mused as she looked at Data. "You look like you have a sudden onset of Jaundice."
"I always look like I am. I am an android." Data informed.
"So they finally got you lot working, huh? Sage knows why they gave you such sickly pale skin though." Tsunade observed.
"I am afraid you are mistaken. I am the only one of my kind." Data said emotionlessly.
"Really? They were talking about building robots to serve Starfleet back when I served under Captain Garrett." Tsunade said.
"Yes, however, Data here was created by the late Dr. Noonien Soong." Picard said.
"I remember him..." Tsunade mused. "But I thought he was killed during the attack of the crystalline entity with all of his research and projects lost forever."
"On the contrary. Dr. Soong was actually still alive until about two years ago when he summoned me back to his home." Data said.
"Data is the first and only android to serve Starfleet." Picard stated.
"Huh...well how about that." Tsunade mused.
About 10 minutes after dinner started, Picard rose from his seat to address the guests.
"May I have your attention!" Picard called out to get everyone's attention. "It is time for the Maid of Honor and the Best Man to give their speeches." Picard announced, gesturing to the two in question.
Crusher looked exited to be giving her speech while Kurama spit out his drink.
'Speech!? Nobody said anything about a speech!' Kurama thought.
'That's what you do at weddings, man.' Naruto thought back.
'I'm not human, remember?'
'Look, just listen to Crusher's and do what she does.' Naruto thought.
'Fine...' Kurama grumbled.
All eyes turned on Crusher as she was handed a microphone.
"Well, I had my suspicions this would happen eventually." Crusher started, earning a few chuckles from the crowd. "From the moment these two came on board, I knew they had feelings for one another. I just never thought Sakura would go and get herself knocked up within the first month of being here."
Everyone laughed at that while Naruto facepalmed and Sakura blushed.
"But...hey, it is what it is. I'm sure we can all agree that we've seen just how much these two mean to each other and how much they love each other." Crusher than turned to Sakura. "I'm happy you finally found the one that makes you the happiest. I wish the two of you a happy and long marriage. Not to mention patience. You're gonna need a lot of that with Naruto and the baby to deal with." She joked.
"Oh believe me, I know." Sakura smirked before looking at Naruto. Naruto just good naturedly raised up his glass to Crusher's toast.
"To the happy couple." Crusher smiled as she raised her own glass.
"CHEERS!" The crowd roared back before everyone took a sip.
Kurama took a big sip of his glass in the face of what he had to do. Why was he just now realizing how many people came to this silly event?
Crusher then handed the mic to Kurama. "Your turn."
All eyes turned to the nine-tailed fox before he could realize what was happening. One awkward silence later, he took the mic in one of his tails and held it up to his snout. He gulped.
"Um...hi..." Kurama spoke into the mic.
'The hell was that?' Naruto asked mentally.
'That's was me giving a speech andyou'reputtingpressureonme!'
'Alright, alright...sorry.'
"So Naruto and Sakura, right?" Kurama said nervously. "Great bunch of guys. I haven't known them long but...actually I've known them both for as long as they've been alive...well actually I've only known Kit, er, Naruto...that long. Although I guess I kinda knew him before he was born. We were technically roommates and he was siphoning off my chakra." Kurama sputtered as he realized what he was saying was confusing everybody.
"Ah...I was in his mother, and he was in his mother. Well actually I was there first. I was sealed inside her when she was a little girl. But I guess we were both put...in...there..." Kurama paused to take a sip of his water. "But hey, she was a good mother. Well she probably would have been if I didn't kill her...Aaahhh..."
Sakura felt like sinking into her chair deep enough that she could disappear from the center table. While Naruto did his best to remain composed. The audience was quieter than any ANBU veteran could hope to be.
"She was still a good woman. Well, she was kind of a bitch. But still a good woman. A good bitch if you will..."
Riker found a whole new world of fascination in his prime rib.
"I mean, take Karin Uzumaki for example." Kurama said, pointing to the Uzumaki matriarch sitting at her table. "Perfect example. She actually looks exactly like Kit's mother. Like I don't know if you people believe in reincarnation, but there you go. It's uncanny. Although you would be way too old..."
Karin's mouth fell open at Kurama's statement. And he still kept on going.
"Well maybe not. Reincarnation can be pretty fickle. Like Kit hear is the reincarnation of this one son of the Sage who created me. And Sakura dated the other brother's reincarnation. Yet they both fought Madara, who is supposedly the reincarnation of the evil brother who is supposed to be Sasuke..." Kurama rambled.
"But ah...Naruto got reincarnated as the good brother. So, that makes him good. Which is what he is...good. Just like Sakura."
'Alright...you're just rambling now. you're confusing and boring a lot of people. Didn't you pay attention to Dr. Crusher?'
'Hey, I'm doing my best alright! This isn't so easy!'
'It IS easy! You're making it difficult! Look, just say what I say.'
'No! I can do this! I just need to calm down or something.'
'Look...take a moment, take a breath and think about what you wanna say.'
'Okay okay...' Kurama said as he took a deep breath. The whole crowd looked on, eagerly hoping that he would put them all out of his misery and end the speech now. Kurama looked upon the crowd and let them all just blend together. An amorphous mass quietly judging him. Then he looked back over at the table of the bridal party. Picard, Riker, Worf, Geordi, Hajime, Crusher, Tsunade, Troi, and Sakura all either looked upon his with embarrassed sympathy or not at all. Until his eyes fell upon Naruto, giving him that determined look of faith he gave to all of his friends.
He believed in him.
Kurama breathed again. He looked down and noticed that he was about to take another sip of water. He threw the glass away and looked back at the crowd.
"Okay look...I don't give speeches. Sufficient to say, I don't get out much." Kurama began. "For a thousand years, I've hated humans. I hated how they looked, smelled, talked, just being in their presence infuriated me. The reason being is just too long to get into and not at all what we wanna talk about on such a happy occasion... Humans have always seen me as a monster to attack or a weapon to seal away. They'd always talk to me in one way or another. Always saying the same thing though... By the third time I was sealed away, I had just given up on humanity. That is until I met Naruto..." Kurama said, slowly regaining his confidence. The crowd's attention began to reignite in intrigue.
"He was my latest vessel. And to save time, he had a really crappy life. The same kind of crappy life I had always lived. The only difference was that he straight up never gave up." Kurama said forcefully. "People would always try to keep him down. You'll never be one of us, you'll never be a ninja, you'll never be important, you'll never be loved. But Naruto kept to his convictions and proved them all wrong." Kurama stated, earning some approving shouts from the crowd.
"He fought furiously for his friends and cried for his enemies. He wanted to create a peaceful world without hatred. Everyone said he was a crazy fool for it. And now our planet is more peaceful than it has ever been in its history. He did that by changing everyone's minds. Punch by punch, word by word. The same way he changed mine..." Kurama said fondly.
"He told me once that he wanted to be my friend. That he wanted to get rid of all my hatred. Built up from a thousand bitter years. I made the mistake of scoffing at him. So he called me his friend. He forgave me for the years of anguish I had inflicted upon him. Both directly and indirectly. He would not back down and so I had no choice but to give in too." Kurama said, as his whiskers started to feel wet.
"I gave in...and he called me his comrade. He said I was his fellow Leaf ninja of Team 7. Equal to him and everyone else he calls a friend. And those words felt so real. Just because he said them. I didn't have a headband or any official approval, but I had Naruto's word. And that was worth more that the word of any Kage or Daimyo. At that moment, until the end of the world, I have a village, comrades, and a friend..." Kurama cried. "They called me and my brothers monsters. I vowed never to let go of my hatred. Yet Naruto made that all fall away..."
"I've never been happier than I have been after I got to know Naruto. Say whatever you want about him. That he's an idiot, he's stubborn, he's a ramen obsessed freak- He saved me from another thousand years of anger, bitterly loneliness, and suffering. He deserves...more than everything good that happens to him. And getting to marry the girl of his dreams that he has been prattling on about since he first laid eyes on her, and that she turned out to be one amazing vixen in her own right...that's just spectacular..."
The room fell back into a hush, not out of cringe this time, but of awe.
Kurama raised up his wine glass.
"To Naruto and Sakura. May their love never die out. May their stories always be remembered." Kurama toasted.
Everyone raised their glasses. "TO THE UZUMAKI'S!" Everyone cheered.
Once everyone had downed their glasses, Kurama sat back down.
"How did I do?"
"That was...beautiful..." Sakura sniffed as she wiped away a tear.
"Yeah, sorry I didn't get more into you. Just felt like a good place to stop." Kurama said.
He then felt a soft had start scratching the back of his ear. "Who knew you could give a speech with such heart and sincerity." Tsunade said softly.
"Yeah well...it's all thanks to Kit. If he hadn't broken my shell..."
"You don't need to tell me that. You have been a huge help to us, both voluntary and involuntary. In fact, I'm tempted to give you citizenship when you get back." Tsunade said.
"Ah shucks. You don't need to do that. That was just something I said during the speech..."
"Maybe I want to?" Tsunade chuckled. Then she got an idea. "In fact, I think I will.
"Will I have to pay taxes?" Kurama asked.
"Pfft...with the money those two are going to have when they're done, you won't need to worry about that." Tsunade waved off.
The reminder of Naruto and Sakura leaving in a little more than 4 years made the mood somber and quiet. In all honesty, the crew will all miss these two dearly as will the two ninjas missing their family away from home.
"Um...Lady Tsunade...about that." Sakura said hesitantly.
"What is it Sakura?" Tsunade asked.
"We, uh...we've been discussing this off and on, but...when our 5 years are completed...we're not sure if we want to leave or stay."
"What? You're just going to leave behind all your friends and family?" Tsunade asked, shocked.
"That's our problem. No matter what we choose, we'll still be leaving good friends who we've come to think as family behind." Sakura said.
"Sakura, this is a question that every Leaf ninja has had to ask themselves after serving with Starfleet. Dating all the way back to the reign of my grandfather. And it's definitely not something you need to decide right now." Tsunade advised her.
"Has anyone ever chosen to stay with Starfleet?" Sakura asked.
"Not that I know of. The records are top secret. Even to the Hokage. I only know that others took on this mission because my master the 3rd Hokage served with Starfleet before me."
Sakura looked down in disappointment. She had hoped that she would have someone from the other side of her decision to talk to.
"Listen. That is a decision you will make years from now. Chin up, it's your wedding day." Tsunade said, trying to cheer her up.
"Yea...you're right. What am I doing thinking about that?" Sakura smiled.
"Of course I'm right. Now enjoy your day, Lieutenant." Tsunade ordered jokingly.
"Hey Sakura, check it out, the cake!" Naruto patted her shoulder.
Sakura turned and her jaw dropped when she saw the cake.
The crowd parted as four security officers came in carrying an 8-layered white cake with an orange and red little figurines adorning the top.
"Holy crap..." Sakura said in awe.
"Where the heck is there a replicator to make a cake that big?" Naruto exclaimed in excitement.
"It wasn't replicated." Picard said.
"My mom made it." April smiled.
"Your mom is freaking amazing." Naruto praised as the cake was placed in front of him and Sakura.
"She likes to bake whenever she isn't working at the university as a historian." April shrugged.
"That's fine but...wow..." Sakura said in awe.
"Attention everyone! The happy couple will now cut the cake!" Riker declared.
Everyone cheered as Sakura and Naruto walked around the table and up to the behemoth of a cake. Standing next to it even Naruto was dwarfed by a head next to the cake. It was even left on the ground.
"Ho boy, ya wanna get on my shoulders or something?" Naruto suggested to his wife.
"I'm in a dress you dunce!" Sakura snapped in embarrassment.
"Well I'm not about to go on your shoulders. You're pregnant and I'm a heavy beast!" Naruto declared.
"Just...get a couple of chairs..."
"No need. Just sit on my tails." Kurama offered.
Sakura and Naruto looked back and were surprised to see Kurama offering them two of his big fluffy tails to sit on.
"Thanks buddy." Naruto smiled.
"No problem. Just don't make it a habit."
"No promises." Naruto smirked.
"Yes promises. After this baby is out of me I will never be so helpless again." Sakura declared as she and Naruto sat down and were hoisted up. Riker handed Sakura a carving knife and the two of them held the blade handle together.
"Ready?" Sakura asked.
"Yup." Naruto nodded.
They both positioned the knife on the very top layer and sliced the knife through the cake right next to Naruto's figurine. Everyone applauded their beautiful cut as they cut a piece for each other.
"Is it me or is this Earth tradition weird?" Naruto whispered so that only Sakura could hear.
"Eh...if it makes them happy then whatever." Sakura whispered back.
Naruto shrugged as he recalled what Riker had instructed him to do. They both scooped a piece of their cake and fed it to their spouse. Naruto had to admit, it was pretty cute to feed Sakura-chan and to be fed by her.
"Oooohh maaan...I wish I had a camera..." Tsunade pouted.
"Don't worry. I'll send you photos via subspace data transfer." Picard stated.
"You'd better. Or else I'll never forgive you Federation bastards for keeping me away from the wedding between my two favorite ninjas. It's bad enough that I can't tell anyone about this." Tsunade said as she watched Naruto smear a little bit of frosting on Sakura's nose and lick it off.
"It's the least I can do for someone of your stature, M'lady." Picard said respectfully.
Tsunade smirked. "Careful, Picard. That silver tongue of yours might give someone the wrong impression."
Picard chuckled a bit. "I'm not really into younger women."
Tsunade was taken aback by his statement. "How...old do you think I am?"
"I'd say...mid 30's."
Tsunade blushed furiously. Why, she didn't know, but she felt her chest warming up. "Aha...well...I'm actually in my late 60's..."
Picard raised an eyebrow. "Really? You don't look a day over 34."
"That's because she uses a special jutsu to hide her appearance." Riker interjected. "Naruto told me so."
Picard went wide eyed. "Is this true, M'lady?"
"Yes. Could you please tell my apprentice to slap Naruto and your number 2 for me?" Tsunade requested.
"You know...true beauty does not lie skin deep. I'm sure you've heard this. It comes from within. No matter how you look, I'm sure you are still beautiful on the inside." Picard stated.
"Yea yea, I've heard that befo-wait...what did you just say...?" Tsunade gasped out on the last part.
"I said that you are beautiful without the need to make yourself look younger."
"I... I-uh...I...um..." Tsunade stammered, completely flustered.
"Have you ever seen Lady Tsunade so flustered?" Sakura whispered to Naruto.
"No, never. What is actually happening?" Naruto asked.
Sakura smirked. "If I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it. She's crushing on our Captain." She whispered.
"What? But she's so old. Old people don't have crushes!" Naruto whispered back.
"Then tell me why Lady Tsunade is blushing harder than Hinata."
Naruto looked again and saw that his wife's words were indeed right on the money.
"Holy crap, you're right."
"When am I not?" Sakura grinned.
"Never as far as I'm concerned." Naruto said as he pecked Sakura on the forehead.
By now, everyone was standing up to grab a piece of cake. The reviews were stellar. Hajime was ready to beg April's mom to stay aboard the ship as a cook before he found April imitating Naruto and smearing a little frosting on her nose.
"Having fun, dear?" Hajime asked.
"I am. See anything you like? Anything...tasty?" She nudged.
Hajime smirked. "You look tasty without the frosting."
"And now?"
"Irresistible..." Hajime said before he leaned over and licked the frosting off her nose.
As the couple giggled, a pair of familiar kids looked over at them in confusion.
"Why do they do that?" Alexander asked Sally as they both stood and ate their slices of cake.
"I have no idea." Sally said.
"Does it make the cake taste better?" Alexander wondered.
"That's impossible." Sally declared as she sank her teeth into another bite of the half red velvet/ half orange creme cake with white frosting.
"Well, how do you know?" Alexander asked.
"Because this is the most amazing-est cake in the whole universe." Sally praised.
"Eh...it's okay, I guess."
"What?! Are you crazy?" Sally accused Alex, almost to the point of being offended.
"I'm not really a huge fan of cake."
"That's crazy, you're crazy! Maybe you're just not eating it right." Sally stated.
"I'm half Klingon, we don't typically have a taste for sweets."
"But you're still half human. You should enjoy sweets. Otherwise, what's the point in living?" Sally asked.
"There are a lot of things to live for than just sweets. Just take a look at Sakura and Naruto." Alexander pointed out. "They live to help others and to help each other. I believe my father would say...'They have true honor that any Klingon or human would die for.'"
"And my grandmother always says, 'eat sweets and be sweet, that's the key to happiness.'" Sally replied.
"Sally...do you honestly think sweets are what got them to be happy?"
"No, it's being sweet to each other. That's how they got each other happy. Eating sweets just makes you happy."
"If you say so..." Alexander sighed.
Sally frowned as Alexander continued eating with disinterest. How dare he scoff at sweets? She wouldn't stand for it. She would show him that sweets were the best thing ever. And that's when it hit her.
Alexander's eyes wandered over to the happy couple, where Naruto and Sakura stayed by the cake to help pass out slices to the guests. His gaze then turned to Kurama, who was entertaining two younger kids with his tails while their parents got them all cake. Then to Hajime and April, who were slipping off into the crowd to do who knows what. And finally, Alex's attention fell back on Sally. The half Klingon did a double take when he noticed what Sally had smeared on her nose.
"Why do you have frosting on your nose?" Alexander asked.
"You said that you didn't like cake and maybe that putting it on my nose would make it taste better." Sally said, repeating her flawless logic.
Over by the cake where the newlyweds were handing out cake, Sakura saw the interaction with those two and smiled.
"That's so adorable..." Sakura gushed.
"What?" Naruto asked as he handed out a slice to an Ensign Engineer.
"Look at Sally." Sakura said.
Naruto did just that and saw little Sally, their flower girl, with frosting on her nose, leaning forward with her eyes closed for Alexander to...was that Alexander?!
"They're not doing what I think they're doing right?" Naruto said astonished.
"Yes, now turn around before more people stare." Sakura ordered, wanting to let those two have their privacy.
Alexander was unsure about this, but Sally seemed dead set on this happening. So... he showed no fear and leaned in to lick the frosting off her nose.
His tongue darted out to lick up the frosting. It was so fast, yet he felt a spark of salty taste shoot up his taste buds. The salt complimented the sweet frosting and enhanced it. He never noticed how good the frosting tasted until now. His tongue retreated back to his mouth and Alexander immediately wanted another taste. It was only after he opened his eyes to look at Sally again did his brain comprehend what he just did, or tried too.
For some reason, his cheeks started burning like he had taken a huge bite of hasperat, he couldn't speak, his stomach felt like he was in zero gravity, and looking at Sally in her pretty eyes made his cheeks burn even hotter.
"S-so...how was it…?" Sally asked, feeling the same kind of anxiety Alexander was.
"It was super tasty..." Alexander said automatically. The two 5-year-olds stared at one another for a minute. Neither one of them said a word.
Finally, at once, they both turned around and ran away from each other, bombarded with feelings they didn't understand.
Sakura and Amanda could only smile. It was such a heartwarming sight.
"ADMIRAL ON DECK!" Someone shouted, making everyone turn to the door to see none other than Admiral Sulu with a group of people carrying musical instruments.
"At ease everyone...I have come with my band to play the happy couple some traditional music." Sulu smiled.
"Is it time for our first dance already?" Naruto asked.
"Not quite. We still have to set up." Sulu said. "Plus, I brought a few of my colleagues."
"Who?" Naruto asked.
"I do believe he means us." Came a deep, raspy voice from the door. Everyone turned to see the living legends who served under Kirk; Spock, Scotty, McCoy, Chekov and Uhura.
"I don't...believe it..."Sakura gasped out.
"A pleasure to see you two kids again." Scotty greeted.
"Bones...?" Tsunade asked in awe.
"Tsunade...it's been a long time." Dr. McCoy said.
"Did you two serve together?" Sakura asked.
"On the contrary, for the first 4 months of her tenure, I trained her in the ways of Starfleet medicine." McCoy said.
"Bones here was the best doctor in Starfleet in his time. To learn from him was an honor." Tsunade said fondly.
"The honor was mine. It's only a shame that Tsunade was forbidden to use her medical jutsu during her years of service." McCoy said regretfully.
"Really? I'm not." Sakura said.
"It's was some political BS held by the Federation at the time. They didn't want me using my medical knowledge that I learned on our non-warp world. Believing it to be inferior at best and witchcraft at worst. McCoy and I fought long and hard to get that law changed for future medical ninjas serving Starfleet. And I'm damn proud it ended up benefiting you in the long run." Tsunade said to her apprentice.
"Quite. She's been a great help to our medical staff and myself." Picard said.
"I'd go so far as to say she is the best assistant I've ever had." Crusher added.
"Agreed. These two even taught us to use Chakra." Picard informed.
"Incredible." Uhura said. "Jiraiya tried to teach us how to use chakra but was never successful."
"Uhura, did you remember to take your memory booster?" Bones asked.
"No he did." Chekov said. "He tried to show us a few jutsus, but we could never tap into our chakra. If we even have any."
"I do seem to recall that, however, because of our age, what Chakra we would have had faded away." Spock said.
"Even you, Spock?" Scotty asked, knowing that Vulcans can live for a very long time.
"I do not require nor do I desire to obtain such power." Spock countered.
"You wouldn't want to be able to walk on walls or create perfect replicas of yourself that you keep the memories of?" Naruto asked. Figuring that a brainiac like Spock would love anything that helped him study more or whatever.
"I believe the use of Chakra requires to be in a certain emotional state, does it not?" Spock asked.
"In certain jutsu's yes." Sakura said.
"Then it would not benefit me. Besides, there are no... shortcuts as the Human term is stated, to obtaining logic." Spock countered.
"I prefer to think of it as using your strengths to overcome your weaknesses." Naruto shrugged.
"You forget Naruto. Vulcans learn from an early age to contain and suppress their emotions." Picard interjected.
"Oh I wasn't saying that his lack of emotions was a weakness. I was referring more to myself. I suck at studying, but I'm a master of Shadow Clones. So, I make a ton of Shadow Clones and I can memorize a text book in a single day."
"I appreciate the offer; however, I do not wish to acquire such a power when my role in this universe is to act as Starfleet's ambassador and to help reunite the Romulans and the Vulcans."
"Reunite?" Sakura asked. "Aren't they two separate species?"
"Let's save that question for another time." Tsunade said. "This is your wedding day, remember?"
"And it is a long story. I will be remaining on the Enterprise for a few days." Spock said.
"As will the rest of us. It is a tradition set by Starfleet as we were the first crew to command the Enterprise." Sulu informed.
"And a damn fine ship she is..." Scotty said in awe as he looked around.
"It's an honor to have you all aboard once again." Picard smiled.
"It's an honor to be here. And to attend your wedding." Sulu said as he bowed to the happy couple.
"Oh no, the honor is ours. We weren't expecting you to come, but this is a happy surprise for us-OUCH!" Sakura exclaimed in pain.
"What's wrong?" Tsunade asked in full doctor mode as she and Dr. Crusher and Dr. McCoy were at her side.
"I-I'm fine...just a Braxton Hicks contraction..." Sakura said.
"This keeps happening. Why does it keep happening?" Naruto asked as he stood by Sakura's side.
"Don't worry, this is perfectly normal. It's her body getting ready to give birth." Crusher said as she scanned Sakura's belly. "Right now, the baby is repositioning herself so that her head comes out first. This is a good thing."
"If birthing is supposed to be natural, why does it hurt so much?" Naruto asked.
"That's also normal." Crusher said.
"You try pushing a life form the size of a small dog out of an opening the size of a chestnut." McCoy added.
"Also because if giving birth was easy, they'd let men do it." Tsunade stated.
"Indeed..." McCoy deadpanned.
"Well I'm fine now..." Sakura breathed a heavy sigh. "What's next on the itinerary for Earth weddings?"
"Dancing then happy hour." Riker said.
"But none for you." Tsunade said firmly to Sakura.
"They have synthehol." Sakura countered. "And more to the point, are you trying to preach to me about teetotalism, Lady Tsunade?"
"You're damn right I am." Tsunade said matter-of-factly.
"Maybe she's right, Sakura-chan. You remember what happened the last time we drank too much?" Naruto said.
"Yeah. The two of us got together which was arguably the best thing to ever happen to the both of us." Sakura stated.
"As much as I wanna hear about that, let's get some music going." Tsunade said.
"Sounds great." Sulu said. He headed over to the band while Naruto and Sakura put away their plates.
"Do you know how to dance?" Sakura whispered urgently to Naruto.
"Probably. Do you?" Naruto replied.
"Probably." Sakura repeated.
"The first song of the night will be an Earth classic." Sulu opened. "It's titled Faith of the Heart."
At that moment, one of the younger guys that Sulu brought with him stepped up to the mic while a few others took up instruments that Sakura and Naruto had never seen before.
"It's been a long road... Getting from there to here..." The lead singer opened up as the others started playing.
The newlyweds instantly found that this song was a good slow dance song so they held onto one another, figuring out how they should start. Naruto held Sakura close by her hips while Sakura wrapped her arms around Naruto's shoulders.
"It's been a long time,
But my time is finally near..." The musician sang as his buddies increased the tune.
Naruto and Sakura started swaying to the tune. Letting the soothing guitar strings dictate their pace.
"And I can see my dreams come alive at night,
I will touch the sky,
And they're not gonna hold me down no more,
No, they're not gonna hold me down,
Cause I've got faith of the heart..."
All the bridesmaids of Sakura couldn't stop gushing and the groomsmen of Naruto couldn't stop grinning. The two of them looked so happy swaying together on the dance floor. As if the 1,000 other guests were a million miles away.
"I'm going where my heart will take me,
I've got faith to believe,
I can do anything,
I've got strength of the soul,
And no one's gonna bend or break me,
I can reach any star,
I've got faith,
I've got faith,
Faith of the heart..."
With each syllable, the two lovers grew closer and closer, each slipping against each other like a puzzle piece.
"It's been a long night,
Trying to find my way,
Been through the darkness,
Now I finally have my day,
I will see my dream come alive at last,
I will touch the sky,
And they're not gonna hold me down no more,
No there not gonna change my mind,
Cause I've got faith of the heart,
I'm going where my heart will take me,
I've got faith to believe,
I can do anything,
I've got strength of the soul,
And no one's gonna bend or break me,
I can reach any star,
I've got faith,
Faith of the heart..."
Sakura now rested her cheek against Naruto's cheek. The same way she had done a lifetime ago when he saved the village from Pain. For Sakura, for the first time ever, there was only Naruto.
"I've known a wind so cold and seen the darkest days,
But now the winds I feel are only winds of change,
I've been through the fire and I've been through the rain,
But I'll be fine,
Cause I've got faith of the heart,
I'm going where my heart will take me,
I've got faith to believe,
I can do anything,
I've got strength of the soul,
And no one's gonna bend or break me,
I can reach any star,
I've got faith,
Faith of the heart,
Faith of the heart..."
For Naruto, this was like when Sakura held him after he nearly died out in the freezing vacuum of space. They were surrounded by the crew, but all he cared about was Sakura, making him feel so warm with her touch. He could fall asleep right then and there, never wake up, and be happy.
"I'm going where my heart will take me,
I've got faith to believe,
That no one's gonna bend or break me,
I can reach any star,
I've got faith,
I've got faith,
Faith of the heart,
It's been a long road." The singer finished.
The guests all applauded as the couple parted slightly to look into each other's eyes.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again..." Sakura sighed contently. "I love you, more than I ever realized..."
"And I love you, more than you'll ever realize." Naruto smiled as he kissed Sakura's forehead.
Author's Note from Panda: Hey everybody, hope you all enjoyed that chapter as much as we did.
For those of you getting burned out by all the lovey dovey narusaku plot lines, we might have just the treat for you. We're gonna be trying something different next chapter. Something more…star treky…
That's not to say we'll do away with the lovey dovey crap entirely, but a reviewer recently suggested this plot line from one of the higher rated episodes of Star Trek: TNG. The concept intrigued me, so I checked it out on Netflix and just had to replicate it. If we love writing it and it ends up well received, we may be recreating more episodes with our own ninja twist.
No way to know when this will come out. I'd hope before Christmas, but assumptions like those always tend to make an ass out of me. Either way, be sure to review, follow, and favorite us if you want to read more of our work. Happy Holidays.