PASSING SEASONS

Passing Seasons

The sun was shining brightly that summer, the surroundings bursting with colour and life, just perhaps a little tired from the heat. The trees were green with healthy leaves, the meadows lush with tall almost yellow grass and flowers reaching towards the sky to catch every drop of sunshine the sun was offering, even the fields were in full bloom, rich with golden grain. The landscape was screaming summer, only the rivers, which were still filled with sweet, fresh water, cooling whoever took a sip, seemed to go against the laws of summer to be drained and dry, and were instead streaming full.

Laughing children played in the river, jumping in and swimming around, drinking the water and screaming as they played tag, and raced through the water, challenging its laws of power. A few mothers and fathers washing the clothes in the river enjoyed the view of their children having fun, and laughed at their behaviour, while chatting and gossiping in the meantime. Some men, boys and girls were diligently working on the fields, some training, and some lazying around, enjoying the serenity the day was offering.

It was a late Sunday, just a few hours before the Summer Festival. Many students, teachers, and other villagers were the ones responsible for the organisation of the event; some practiced their performance, some were preparing the food that would be waiting on the stands, and others were putting together the stands, the low stage, the big drums – everything needed for the festival. Younger ones were decorating the village, working on big and tiny origami dragons, fish and birds, and tiny flowers, hanging them all around the village to welcome the beauty of sunny days and warm breezes. Naruto was among his young pupils, helping them making origami with his big hands and clumsy fingers, messing up a lot, but laughing happily as the children patronizingly scolded him, but then patiently showed him how it is done correctly. Students practised their music already, so it echoed around the village, making the elders and young listen up and enjoy the beautiful sound. Even Naruto closed his eyes for a moment to take in the sound, and when he opened them again, his eyes focusing on someone not that far away, he could not help but smile in embarrassment, scratching the back of his head shyly.

''Teacher! Be careful with that!'' a young boy scolded him again, as a paper bird flew from Naruto's hands, and the man quickly apologized, and worked with them again. The younger ones didn't notice it, being too absorbed in their work, but Naruto's eyes glanced up and back down every now and then, his cheeks flushing rosy with every passing second. Sakura smiled to herself. She's been watching him for some time now, and only now did he notice. As always, he seemed to have trouble concentrating when she was around, but this time it only made her more amused. She was helping out with the stage, a hammer and saw in her hands, a headscarf holding her hair back, and sweat dripping down her bright face.

''You two are really weird.'' Ino scoffed next to her, hammering a nail into the wood, and blowing her cheeky hair strands away. Sakura glanced at her for a moment, catching the amused smile and rolling eyes, but was soon watching the ever so blushing Naruto again, making him giddy and nervous with just one look. ''Not my fault.'' Nevertheless she smiled, having no idea what her friend was talking about.

Ino shook her head. ''You stare at him like that one moment too long, and he might faint.'' And as if on cue, Naruto messed up an origami again, his pupils shaking their head at his clumsiness. Sakura burst out laughing and finally continued with her work. ''I'm pretty sure he's just excited for the festival.''

Ino snorted. ''Of course. And him behaving like an idiot as soon as you look at him has nothing to do with it, eh?'' she shook her head again, wiping the sweat from her forehead. ''I mean, I knew that you two had some sorts of crazy connection, but I'll never understand this… Madness… or whatever it is, that you show for each other.''

''It's not madness.'' Sakura grabbed a few nails, holding one with her lips while hammering another.

''Oh, pardon me – love – you two being so insanely in love with each other th-'' Ino laughed when she caught Sakura's glare and quickly blushing cheeks, and patted her friend's shoulder. ''Don't worry, Sakura-chan, everyone was waiting for you two getting your act together and make it official. Poor Kakashi thought you might never release the boy from his suffering.''

Sakura huffed but said nothing. She had nothing to say really – she didn't see Naruto in that way before – but now… Just one glance at him sent her heart into a fit of uncontrollable thumping against her ribcage – and that made her breathe a lot harder than she had thought possible. She had never felt like that before. Never ever before.

Ino sighed at her friend's dreamy expression again. ''Just go and take a break, Kami-sama. These fluttering hearts around your head are making my head spin.'' She took all the tools from Sakura's hands and pushed her towards her boyo. She laughed at Sakura's sudden shyness and sudden need to hide, and only pushed her harder. Finally, Sakura made her way towards Naruto, staring at him like he were the only person in the world. He seemed… Bright… Glowing… He seemed to shine…

With each step she made, her heart fluttered faster, and soon she had to gulp to stay calm. He noticed her half way and stopped in shock, standing up a moment later. The children looked up at him in surprize, then at her, and smiled when they saw her.

''Miss Sakura!'' they called and welcomed her into their little group, letting her sit next to Naruto on the grass. ''Hey you guys. How is your work progressing?'' she asked, looking at their enthusiastic faces, then finally at Naruto, who was now gazing at her lovingly, only making her knees weak.

The children yelled over each other what they were doing and showed her all the paper figures they managed to do. They didn't notice her hand safely clasped in Naruto's. Sakura's chest filled with warmth and excitement as she felt the boy she felt so much for so close to her, smelling his perfume. She only caught a word of two from the children, but kept smiling at them, nodding at appropriate times to show she understands what they are saying. And only after a long explanation from the children and after she demonstrated she knew how to make a few figures, was she able to ask for some Naruto's time. ''I promise I'll make sure he comes right back.'' She told them and giggled as they all reminded their teacher to not run away.

''I promise I won't.'' Naruto finally managed to say, before following Sakura, holding her hand and looking at her dreamily, his heart still having a hard time believing she loved him. But she did. There was no doubt. She made sure he knew. When they were finally a little further away, mostly hidden by trees, Sakura turned his way, giving him her sweet smile that melted his heart and brain into a puddle. ''How has your day been so far?'' she asked, stepping closer, enjoying the effect she had on him. Naruto was obviously too nervous to handle the situation and only stuttered. Sakura giggled at the adorable, slightly shaking boy in front of her and pulled at his hands to bring him closer. She stole a sneaky kiss and pressed her nose into his neck, hugging him tenderly, charging her life batteries with his presence. He hugged her right back, his big arms wrapping her into his bear-chest, snuggling his face into her hair, and breathing in her wonderful scent.

''I missed you.'' Came his muffled voice from above and Sakura realized that she could get happier with just a word of affection from him. ''I missed you, too. Even though it's been just a few hours of seeing you from afar.''

He chuckled, pulling away slightly and kissing her lips the way he always did – taking his time, and taking everything she offered, giving it all back. His lips sipped at her, his hands pressing her closer, letting him enjoy the softness her body offered and all the little noises she made when he kissed her. She was beautiful. She was a goddess. And she decided to share all she had with him. He could feel her hands around his neck, her fingers playing with the tips of his hair. ''Kami-sama… Sakura-chan…'' he started, out of breath once they pulled away, gazing at each other with red cheeks and dazed eyes. ''I… I must ask you… After the festival… After the dancing and eating and all that… Would you… Would you stay the night? Would you spend the night… with me?'' His voice faded into a frightened, but very hopeful whisper, his eyes bright and gazing at her with so much love, it was almost stifling.

She knew what he meant; it almost stopped her heart, but she rather liked to play with him a little. ''Hm? I was sure I did that quite often.'' And she did. Only not… Not like that… If it happened, it would be the first time.

Naruto seemed even more nervous now, blushing and stuttering, but still completely captivated by the sight, by the presence of her, and by the sound of her voice. She watched him trip over himself for a moment longer, before she finally smiled, gently, slowly, placing her hands on his cheeks and pulling him down for a slow kiss. ''Of course, I will, Naruto.'' She whispered, looking him in the eyes, letting him know that they were on the same page. His breath hitched and for a moment it seemed he might burst – burst with feelings and unspoken thoughts and wishes, before he caught her lips again, his hands shaking. Sakura was trembling, too, now, excited for the night to come – excited to spend it awake in Naruto's arms.

And after the Summer Festival lights finally faded into the morning, the sound of music fell asleep, and the origami stopped floating in the breeze, Sakura led Naruto through the door of her room; the night quiet, people asleep. It was a warm night and they spent it together on her futon, slowly removing layers of clothing and letting hands touch the skin of each other. Hungry kisses and voices of pleasure took them through the night and as morning came, Sakura knew she had long forgotten about the dark eyes that were now a friendly sight here and there. Only blue ones kept her chest tight. Only the golden hair made her fingers tingle as she touched them. Only his foxy voice reached her ears and made her sigh in content and need for more. Only Naruto was the one she wanted in her arms, touching her skin, and kissing her lips. Only he could make her feel like that. And only she could make him feel like that. That summer and many summers later, they still enjoyed each other like the first time.

The seasons passed again, Sakura's heart beat for the fox that slipped into it and held it tightly. They walked the path together and were later joined by a little fox and a little vixen, both a version of their parents. And as seasons passed, life went on, but love remained. It remained fully bloomed until their time came to go – again together.

Just like spring flowers.