In Bloom Chapter 10 part 2, a naruto fanfic

Ch 10: Sasuke calls this Budding, I call it Believe it ~ Part 2

Sasuke has never had any experiences like this before. Giving his head a shake, he could have sworn he was in some type of Twilight zone. But no matter how much he would shake his head, blink his disbelieving eyes, or give himself small little pinches, the scenery never changed.

When he thought about everything he had been through. All the people who had hurt him. All the times he felt eyes eating him alive. And how he always ended up feeling isolated and alone.

Heassumedthat he would never put himself in such a predicament.

He used to say that he didn't need money, didn't need responsibilities and that he really didn't want friendship.

But…

"Go! Go! Kick his ass, Sasuke!"

Sasuke hadn't met someone like Naruto before then. He never felt this level of comfort, to step into an unknown situation, such as ahang sess'(at least that's what Kiba keeps calling it)until now.

"Kick his motherfuckin-" Naruto was shouting over Sasuke's shoulder as if he was actually miles away. Sasuke should have been annoyed, should have told the idiot to give him ten feet, but instead…

I like him close.

Sasuke felt like leaning into the sound, could feel his breath on his neck. The sensations were causing something that usually laid dormant but only once every few months or so, to stir. He was so in tune with Naruto, that he missed seeing the angel bomb that Kiba sent his way, that sent his first place character, Birdo, flying.

Naruto gave an annoyed click of his tongue, before continuing to shout towards Sasuke victory.

"How are you so good at this. I think you were lying when you said you never played this before-" Kiba grumbled as his fingers continued to fly over the controller, trying to keep his first place spot as the finish line approaches.

"Idiot watch out or you're going to-" Shikamaru tries to warn, before Kiba's character slips on a banana peel, sending him spiraling as Sasuke takes first once again.

Sasuke's side of the screen lights up as he passes the finish line with his character Birdio, who started to celebrate immediately by honking her horned shaped beak and swinging her big diamond ring around for all to see. The character was so different from Sasuke, but Naruto swore that she was the next best character after his own usual character, Yoshi, so he didn't think to question it.

"It's always the goddamn banana peel. Tch." Kiba hissed as Naruto cackled hysterically behind the man, while Shikamaru looked on with a shit eating grin before taking a big dab from his bong.

"Good job, Wifey." Naruto muttered in Sasuke's ear making his face grow red before punching the blond idiot in the shoulder.

"What?! Birdio is married to Yoshi! This is a known fact!" Naruto replied back with a shrug, his hand rubbing the spot were Sasuke had laid a pretty good punch. Even though Sasuke was sure the punch left his arm throbbing, the man was wearing a big grin that was brighter than some of the sunniest days Sasuke had ever seen.

The group of men were rowdy as ever, and somehow Sasuke found himself not being bothered with the noise. Was it because Naruto was there with him, creating some of the chaos? Or was it because Sasuke found himself feeling included for the first time with a group of humans?

He wasn't sure yet, but he did find himself smiling more than his usual dead pan and he did find himself snickering behind his hand quite a bit. Especially when Kiba slipped on that last banana peel allowing Sasuke to place first.

The room was glittered with beer and soda cans. Kiba was the first to offer Sasuke a beer, while Shikamaru offered him the bong.

"Wow, such hospitality." Naruto grumbled as he glanced back and forth at the two vices, looking like he was ready to turn them both away for Sasuke's sake, but Sasuke's choice shocked the hell out of the overprotective blond man.

"Thanks Kiba." Sasuke said as he grabbed the beer can, popping open the can as if he was an expert. Turning to Shikamaru, his lips braced on the edge of the can, he mumbled a quick, "Maybe next time" that had Naruto's thick brows shooting up to his hair line.

Sasuke didn't need the ability to read his mind at all with that look on his whiskered face. His expression was as loud as the color orange he was currently wearing.

The fuck? Since when do you drink?

Sasuke could tell that Naruto was brimming with questions, his eyes watched Sasuke take his first hearty sip with a gaze of concern.

"I usually only drink wine with my family. I've had a few beers here and there." Sasuke said casually in Naruto's direction, before taking another sip at the bitter grainy taste. Faeries tended to gravitate to wine because of the many fruits it is cultivated from, making the taste sweet.

For Faeries, drinking wine was like getting a sugar shot directly to one's veins. It made them happy, and if too much was drank, a bit hyper.

"I'll be keeping my eye on you still." Naruto said as his eyes swept over Sasuke's frame as if he was checking to make sure everything was in working order.

"Lighten up, what are you a momma bird?" Kiba said with a snide smirk, as his fingers flew over his phone keys. Kiba started making chicken sounds, and chuckling, his eyes not even leaving the screen to see Naruto charging at him to put him in a head lock.

"That's a chicken you dumb ass"-

The two men tussled, jabs here, kicks there, Kiba was punching Naruto's large thigh, trying to get the man'squite largebicep, from around Kiba's neck and increasingly growing maroon face.

Sasuke found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place. Part of him, wanting to separate the two men to stop any accidents, injuries, or damages to the apartment, but the largest part of him wanted to see the two men continue.

Was it because he got to see Naruto use his large body with his muscles flexing under the dim crappy light of the apartment? His limbs glistening from the work out and his muscles flexed and cocked on full display, all while his grin was ever present.

Why does he look so…

Sasuke had never felt this way before Naruto. He has never found anyone truly appealing, never checked someone out before. Sasuke never acted like the other faeries (especially Dei)who liked to survey, what they liked to call, "prime" options, with hooded and lustful eyes.

He never once had the desire to watch someone as intently as he watched Naruto. Never once found himself stuck in place, mesmerized by an antagonizing laugh and a victorious smirk as he pinned Kiba down once more.

What would it be like if Naruto pinned…

Sasuke refused to allow himself to finish the thought. He felt like the whole day was filled with half finished, incomplete thoughts, that Sasuke refused to complete. Not yet, at least.

He could feel his body stirring, heating up as he watched. He has never felt like this, especially so out in the open, in front of others before. He started to recall the one time the two wrestled, and how it felt to be under Naruto, and how it felt to be seated on top of him.

Hmm

"Those two knuckleheads stay fighting." Sasuke jumped several feet in the air from the sound, causing the two men wrestling to pause. Naruto giving Sasuke a concerned look while Kiba continued to flail to be let go.

Sasuke assured everyone that he was fine,perfectly fine, he even added, causing Naruto to relax, physically melting at the words as tension left him. Naruto melted state caused Kiba to get the upper hand, which tumbled the two men back into their wrestled chaos.

"Sorry if I scared you." Shikamaru said with a more quiet voice, his voice so low as if he was talking to himself.

"No, its okay. I just didn't hear you." Sasuke said, giving the man a nod to reassure him as well.

"Yeah. That shit used to piss Naruto off when we were in middle school."

"Wait, you knew Naruto since middle school?" Sasuke was once again captured with the knowledge of learning something new about Naruto. He found himself plopping down right next to Shikamaru, even though there was a huge cloud of weed smoking covering the vicinity.

"Yup. We all went to the same school, grew up in the same neighborhood. We weren't always close friends though. We grew really close in middle school. Naruto was hella annoying back then. Loud, always wearing any bright orange monstrosity he could find, literally loved picking fights."

"That still sounds like him right now."

The two men looked over to the two men as Naruto shouted in victory as Kiba called "uncle!" over and over while trying to get away from him. His orange shirt had shifted and raised, showing a very nice view of his abs, which were super defined and chiseled. The deep V looking very sharp as it peeks out of the top of Naruto's loose gray basketball shorts. The trail of fine blond hair below his taut belly, trailing lower and lower.

Wow

"Yeah. I guess it does." Shikamaru said with a snicker, as he took a deep hit from his bong, his eyes growing a bit more red, as he released the smoke in the opposite direction of Sasuke, as if he was trying to be mindful and considerate. Sasuke appreciated the gesture.

He didn't know when, but Sasuke found himself relaxing as he spoke with Shikamaru, as he continued to tell stories of the three of them in their youth.

"We were some bad ass little kids. I swear, if teach said don't do something, we were already half way doing it."

Shikamaru's lips were in a smirk, his eyes glazed over as if he was recalling the many times in their youth. Sasuke found himself laughing through the conversations. The pranks they played on their poor sensei, the times that Shikamaru had to break up a fight that Naruto had either jump into to finish or started himself.

Sasuke found himself wanting to absorb it all, like a sponge. He wanted to know the parts of Naruto that he's never gotten to see or experience. It made him want to learn even more about the enigma, that is Naruto Uzumaki.

The only person that's been able to get me, understand me. The only person that's been able to draw me in and keep hold of me.

"Hey, Shika stop talking about me as a kid!" Naruto hollered over to the two men, his shirt now clinging to him from the small workout. At some point, Naruto and Kiba had stopped their rough housing and was now seated to start a game, one that Sasuke hadn't seen before.

"What? You don't want Sasuke to know how bad you were?"

"I was sensitive! And going through a hard time."

"I'll give you that." Shikamaru said with a nod of agreement.

Naruto didn't turn to look towards Sasuke as he spoke, his fingers flying over the controller as he and Kiba switched over to some fighting game with ninjas. Sasuke's didn't need to see his face to know that the words that were being spoken, were for him.

Sasuke could tell in the way the words left the man's lips. He could tell with just the way he inhaled before he spoke.

Sasuke could feel himself growing warm at the thought that Naruto spoke and treated him differently than the rest. It made him feel special, but also included with the three friends who have known each other for years.

"I was at a dark place in my life, you know. My parents had just died, my father risked his life to protect me from an intruder that had come into our home one night. I was really young at the time, so I didn't really understand why someone would want to go into someone else's home, you know? I thought everyone just had one, a home- ha, I guess I was a bit too naive, huh?"

No one answered, but you could feel the shift in the room. You could feel how each of them we're experiencing Naruto, experiencing the words and scenarios. It was as if they all felt as if they were Naruto, just a small trembling kid, getting the worst experience in the middle of the night.

"I was raised with so much love from my parents, I didn't want for anything for the first ten years of my life. On my eleventh birthday, I lost both of my parents. I almost died by that drugged up prick, who decided to come into our home. My Dad saved me and took him out all in one blow."

Naruto gave a chuckle that was warmer than the temperature that was currently circulating in the room. No sound was made by the men as they listened, only the sound of the clicking of the controller and the random groans of the characters fighting on screen was heard.

"I thought it was really cool at the time. He really was my hero. I didn't know that he took a gun shot to the chest before the hit landed. I just wish I could have thanked him, thanked both of them for saving me, protecting me. I didn't know my mom was the first victim, her phone in her hand as she was calling the cops before she too was shot. So much happened in one night."

"That's why it's always a good idea to tell people what they mean to you, when they are here." Naruto said as he finished the game with a win, before turning to look at Sasuke.

Sasuke thought that his blue eyes would hold nothing but sadness, but instead they seemed hopeful, they seemed to understand something on a deeper level. A level that Sasuke had never experienced.

Sasuke wanted to hug him, to wrap his arms around the man. Sasuke wanted to give the man comfort, even if he seemed like he didn't need it. His heart was throbbing intensely in his chest, making the act of swallowing nearly impossible.

"Shika taught me that." Naruto added with a cheeky grin, which was met with the one finger salute from the usually drooped man.

"I didn't teach you that mushy shit."

"This is the perfect time to go pick up the pizza, but I ain't paying this time." Kiba said hopping up, his eyes looking a bit glassy, as he gave his shoulders a shake, mumbling about dust in his eye.

"Don't get your panties in a twist, I got it." Shika said a grunt as he stood from his seat on their low slumped couch. The man mumbled "what a pain" it was to have to gather his wallet and keys, before following Kiba out.

"Be good kiddos, we'll be back soon." Kiba crooned with a silly grin before being shoved out the door by a grumbling Shikamaru.

Bang.

As soon as the door closed, two sets of eyes met.

"Sasuk-"

He didn't know when it happened, but in a matter of seconds, Sasuke was wrapped around Naruto. The force knocking Naruto to the ground with a startled chuckle.

"I'm sorry. I just… needed to hug you." Sasuke could feel his cheeks begin to burn, his eyes stinging as he held the man close to him.

Sasuke started to shift away, worrying if he made things a bit awkward, but strong tanned arms circled around him, holding him even closer. Sasuke could feel himself exhale at the the action.

"You could have hugged me in front of those two asshats." Lips whispered into dark strands, an amused smirk on his lips as he felt the faerie groan at his teasing words.

"Nah-uh, too embarrassing." Sasuke muttered as he buried his head into Naruto's neck, taking a deep inhale, enjoying the scent of Naruto, even if he was a bit more fragrant than usual.

"You don't need to worry about them. I know they might seem like knuckleheads, but under all that young male bravado, we care about each other. They really are my family."

Sasuke found himself contemplating those words, he could feel the ache deep in his chest as he thought once again about Naruto losing his whole family and his life, as he knew it, as a kid all in one night.

You could have died, Dobe.

Sasuke felt himself whimper at the thought, his eyes producing tears as he hid his face and held the man close.

"I'm okay, Sasuke. Really. I am." The words were meant to be reassuring but Sasuke found himself crying even harder for him. In the mist of his tears, Sasuke realized that he had taken his support for granted.

His mother who has always been by his side, ready to take anything on. His Father with his need to keep Sasuke safe and happy. Itachi with his strong, quiet presence that always reminds Sasuke that he was not alone.

Deidara and Norelle…

What those two did for him just a year ago, and how they have always stayed by his side, even when they were standing against the entire haven. Even when Sasuke continued to push them away.

Sasuke found himself choking on his tears. He knew that once his crying fit had passed, he would feel a bit embarrassed, but he couldn't stop the reaction. Couldn't stop the tears, couldn't stop holding this man close to him.

Once the hiccups turned into deep steady breathes, and once his tears had dried up. Naruto carefully withdrew, his face looking so open, earnest and vulnerable. His blue eyes took in tear marked cheeks and dewy eyes, as his rough thumb glided along the wet trails, wiping the evidence away.

"Thank you." The man simply said as his large hand glided along Sasuke's wet cheeks.

Naruto. I'm starting to realize… you taught me so much.

Sasuke didn't know what to say in that moment, so he did what felt right. He leaned into the warm palm, nuzzling the hand giving the thumb a small grateful kiss.

~ . ~

"Pizza Pizza" Kiba said as he walked through the door, carrying a stack of pies, with a slumped blurry eyed Shika in tow, complaining that he hated having to walk places.

I'm glad those two had sense enough to not drink and drive.

Sasuke was grateful that the pizza took longer than expected. Apparently, their usual pizza joint was packed with other college kids also getting pizza on a Friday night.

"How the fuck do you keep doing that!" Naruto shrieked as he slammed his controller down in defeat. Birdo once again twirling her ring as Yoshi on the opposite screen cried from the loss.

"It really wasn't that hard to beat you." Sasuke said with a shrug, which made Kiba cackle and Naruto glare in his direction.

"I want a divorce." The words were said with glaring eyes, but Sasuke could see the twitching at the corners of his lips, as if he was trying to keep himself from smiling.

"Holy shit, you beat Naruto! I have to see this shit." Kiba said with a shit eating grin as he plopped the greasy pizza boxes on the slightly wobbly living room table, before opening up another beer.

"What happened to kicking his ass, huh Naruto?"

"Fuck off Shika. I'll kick your ass this time Sasuke, believe it!" The two men groaned at the sound of their best friends old catchphrase from when they were in middle school.

"You haven't managed to win the last two rounds. So I don't know how you're going tokick my buttin this one."

"Burn!" Kiba yelled with a howl as he scooped up a fresh slice from the pizza box.

The characters were being re-spawned, Sasuke was given the honor as the victor to pick the map.

"This one looks fun- It's quite colorful-"

"Don't you dar-"

But it was too late.

"Fucking Rainbow road. Why does it always have to be fucking rainbow road." Naruto grumbled, as he yanked out a slice as well, shoving half of the pizza in his mouth right when the screen shouted, "Go!"

~ . ~

"I'm still so surprised that you drink, Sasuke!"

"I'm a big boy Naruto, why wouldn't I be able to?"

The two were now in Naruto's room. Sasuke face had grown increasingly red as the time passed from all the drinking, and the rest of the crew wasn't much better.

What started as a rowdy night, ended with Shikamaru suddenly leaving the room with a mumbled, "tired as fuck." While Kiba's phone rung, and the man gave a lewd grin saying that he was in the mood for some phone sex, which resulted in Naruto yelling at the man to take that shit outside.

Now, Sasuke and Naruto were camped in his room, each with glasses of water. Naruto also brought some fruit for Sasuke to snack on that he knew Sasuke would like. Sasuke ate the veggie pizza(the one Shikamaru usually liked), but Naruto wasn't too sure how processed foods and alcohol worked on a faerie.

Sasuke munched on the pump red grapes as the two talked about the night, mostly Naruto worrying that Sasuke didn't have a good time, or worrying that Sasuke felt peer pressure. Naruto found himself stopping several times, getting distracted by Sasuke's cheeks growing pump as he chewed happily on the grapes that he had brought to his room with them.

Cute. He looks like a chipmunk.

Naruto found himself smiling down at the man in adoration, before clearing his throat with a shake of the head.

"I guess I just worry that you're doing things that you don't want to do. I just want to make sure you didn't feel pressured or-"

"Hey, you really are acting like a momma bird."

Both of Sasuke's hands landed on both of Naruto's cheeks, fingers gliding along the seams of his scars. Naruto gave a grunted sound in slight annoyance, causing Sasuke to giggle, his fingers still gliding along Naruto's skin.

"I'm okay. Really. I had a good time." The words were soft, and reassuring, but the sound of his voice in his bedroom was making the blond man's ears ring.

"Good. Good." Naruto found himself stuttering out the word twice, his face leaning into the soft palms of its on volition.

"I've always wanted to touch these." Sasuke said with slight wonder, as his finger tips glided along the whiskered like scars. Naruto gave a hum, as he allowed Sasuke to do what he wanted. Naruto could smell the alcohol from him, could tell that Sasuke was not drunk but maybe slightly tipsy.

"Did you get them, that night?" The question left Sasuke's lips hesitantly, his eyes looking up to take in Naruto's. Naruto could see the left over pain still shinning in his eyes. He found it so endearing that Sasuke was so in tuned with all living beings around him. It was like he had some kind of magic power.

"Neighborhood cat didn't like me for some reason. I've had these since I was 5." Naruto was sure that his smirk was quite mischievous making Sasuke curious on what kind of rivalry he and this cat had.

"Tsk. Tsk. You poor thing." Sasuke found himself giggling once more, his lips forming words in an almost coo as he continued to feel the skin beneath his finger tips. Slightly raised and bumpy in the deepest parts, but otherwise, quite smooth.

"I used to hate them. They made me feel like I was ugly or like… I was deformed or something."

"I like them. They add character." Naruto found himself snorting at the words that left Sasuke's lips. The alcohol making the faerie's tongue feel a bit more loose than usual.

"What! I mean it. I really do like them. I think there s- uhh" Sasuke found himself slapping his hands over his mouth before he let the last word slip.

Naruto found himself chuckling. He knew exactly what the man was going to say, and it made him feel elated. His own fingers prying at fingers and palms, that were turning a pale green in the comfort of his room.

"I didn't get to hear what you think!"

"Shut up, dobe!"

"Come on Sasuke, you can tell me anything. Don't you trust me?" The man said while batting his eye lashes giving Sasuke a mock innocent look. Sasuke found himself laughing and being met with even louder laughter, it was spilling from them freely. Sasuke plopped a grape into Naruto's mouth giving the loud boisterous man a shush.

"Shh shh! Shika is-"

"Shika sleeps like the dead. We won't wake him. Once he is out, he is not coming out of it until he feels like it. Especially on the weekend." Naruto said while earnestly chewing, his fingers grabbing another grape to pop into Sasuke's open mouth, planning to rebuttal.

"Still… It's bad manners to be so loud when someone is trying to rest." Sasuke gave a chuckle as he chewed the sweet fruit, juices bursting on his tongue, tasting sweeter than before.

"Well then, come here. Come lay down with me?" Naruto said as he plopped on the bed, his hand patting the spot next to him. Sasuke had been trying his best to avoid the bed, was afraid to even look at the bed. But now that it was being presented, the gesture made him quite nervous.

"Uh- Naruto- I don't know."

"Don't worry. The bed is yours for the night."

Sasuke had some many questions that were swirling around in his head.

Where are you going to sleep? I can sleep somewhere else, I don't want to take your bed? What are we going to do on this bed right now?

The last question caused his pale green cheeks to grow warm, tinging with red. Sasuke found himself abandoning the grapes on the dresser, walking over to the bed, his body laying along the dark blue sheets.

They were soft and very fluffy, Sasuke didn't think it would be such good quality. If he was honest, he assumed the mattress would be quite lumpy, but it wasn't. Sasuke felt like he was melting into the bed.

"Comfy, right?" Naruto said with a cocky grin, his body at a safe distance away.

"It is very comfy, not as comfy as mine though." Sasuke said while poking out his tongue teasingly. That caused Naruto to chuckle, the sound was even richer up close, the feel of his breath so close caused Sasuke to remember the dark, the closet, the way lips connected with one another so seamlessly that night.

"I do trust you. I feel like since meeting you, I've changed so much Naruto. I used to think that I would live a quiet life. A lonely life. I was prepared to shut any and everyone out, but you came in and just… changed everything."

"Why would you choose such a life, Sasuke?"

Sasuke gave a heavy sigh, his body growing more relaxed as he found himself once again, opening up, just like a bud preparing to bloom.

Talking to him is so effortless.

"I guess the pressure was too much. I didn't want to be only seen as a seedling maker. I didn't want to be tied to anyone else because of stupid genetic urges. I just wanted…"

"Freedom?"

"Yes. I just wanted to feel like I could make my own choices. Like my choices were right, that they were okay and safe to make."

~ FLASHBACK~

The stream from the waterfall fell heavy unto Sasuke. He was glad that he was able to find one of the hot springs and its waterfall open and empty, which was quite a rarity.

He hoped that the steam would help relax him, but instead it was making him quite dizzy. Was it because he hadn't been eating, or was it because the high and ever present heat from the springs?

"Otuto, you haven't touched your tomatoes. Is something wrong?"

Nothing Nii-san, I'm just pathetic.

That's what he wanted to say to his brother that night at dinner, but instead he gave his usual"I'm fine"and proceeded to try and finish his dinner. He didn't though.

Sasuke hadn't been able to finish dinner for the last month now. And if he tried to force the food down, like he did just a few hours ago, he would be retching it all back up.

He was becomingsick of it all.

Just when he was starting to think he was able to get over the trauma from those disgusting humans, he was now having to sum up the courage to give his body over to a bunch of horny faeries that felt like pumping him full of seed.

Yuck.

And it was done, all in the name of Mother Gaia.

Sure, he could bear through it, but then he knew that all eyes would be on him and his abdomen. Eyes watching to see if his next bloom would take place, or if he would gain a crown of flowers like most faeries who carry.

Never.

Sasuke found himself gagging violently at the thought. He stumbled toward the bank were his clothes sat neatly folded, but nothing came up. He was grateful but also worried that there was nothing left inside him for him to throw up. He was tired of the retching, and the trembling of his body that always followed.

He decided then and there to get out. The steam wasn't helping his fatigue from lack of sleep, and his throat was starting to ache from all the violent retching. The waterfall wasn't as soothing as he once remembered it being, now it felt heavy and overbearing.

It was all just so burdensome.

He quickly grabbed his towel as he stepped out, wrapping his body quickly in case there were prying eyes near by. Because in a haven such as this, there was always prying eyes.

That was another thing Sasuke seemed to not be able to escape from. The paranoia. He felt it everywhere, felt eyes everywhere. He started to wonder if he would ever feel normal, started to wonder would he ever be able to just relax.

But then again, what was normal?Sasuke had to admit with a deep grimace thathe was never normalto begin with.

The sounds of footsteps, caused him to move quickly, he really didn't want to have another meaningless conversation about his bloom of passage being the following day. He wasn't mentally stable enough to go through it.

~ . ~

"Today's the day! Aren't you excited Sasuke!"

Sasuke's mother was flittering around, a giggle following her as she twirled around Sasuke in utter excitement.

"Don't make that face. It's not as scary as it seems. Plus, you know, that's how I met your Father!"

His mother was the image of giddy. She helped Sasuke bath at one of the hot spring areas that was secluded and near their favorite meadow. She then helped him dry his hair, giving him a small and elegant fish tail braid.

She hummed as she added little tiny flowers and vines through the strands, all while promising that it was just the right amount of alluring and captivating.

"Ahhhh! I'm so proud of you."

Sasuke had been debating back and forward on what to do. Well, that's not true. He did know what he wanted to do, but he was so terrified of the consequences.

Will I disappoint Mother Gaia?

My mother will hate me if I don't do this?

What would my Father say? Itachi?

I can't do this.

"I'm so excited for you Sasuke! Today starts the rest of your life, my little tomato! I can't believe my baby is now officially an adult."

But I have to do this. So just grin and bear it.

Damn it.

~ . ~

There has never been someone who hasNOTdone the Bloom of Passage.

Yup, that's right. Sasuke checked.

He spent the last month deep diving into all the books the haven had pertaining to the event, and every single one said things like, "mandatory, honor, and enjoyment". Some of the books harped on mostly about doing what is right and providing seedlings to continue the ever growing population, to please our benevolent Mother Gaia. While other books explained the joys of sex and how the act of faeries frolicking and diving into their pleasures made Mother Gaia happy.

It was all to please Mother Gaia, but Sasuke just…

Can't do this.

Sasuke felt torn, and now that it was the day, the moment of truth, he could feel his whole body shaking. He wasn't the only one in the crowd of faeries who were shaking, either in anticipation or fear.

There was a group of them who were participating, some who were veterans who had participated for the last few years, while others were just as new and green (figuratively) as Sasuke. As expected, his Mother gave him some details, there was roughly 20 faeries, all huddled together ready to participate in the Bloom of Passage.

Blues, browns, reds, greens, a mix of us all swirling together in one place. Sasuke spotted Norelle in the crowd right away, her hair seemed to have grown even longer and bigger in their absence of each other. Her teal blueish green eyes sparkled as she saw him, making her way over to Sasuke quickly.

The two talked, catching up, Norelle even made a few jokes, that made Sasuke feel a bit more relaxed until the sound of the ceremony gong sounded, causing his shoulders to draw right back up to his ears.

I can't do this.

"Greetings my brother and sisters! We are gathered here for such a grand occasion! Today, as all of our new adult Faeries gather to take place in this Bloom of Passage, know that you are pleasing Mother Gaia at this time."

"Praise Mother Gaia." They all responded, all heads bowing to show great respect to the great goddess who gives life.

"Let's get started, shall we! All of you, please line up to partake in the cup of purity and prosperity. For we are the most like our divine Mother when we procreate."

Cup of purity and prosperity, what is that? I was not told about this.

Sasuke could feel his vision starting to darken along the edges as the line continued to move forward. He could feel Norelle's eyes on him as she continuously looks back to check on him. Sasuke is sure that she was saying something, but all he could hear is ringing in his ears.

Its like the sorting ceremony all over again.

"Next."

Sasuke's head snapped up just in time to see the back of Norelle as she walked up to the water faerie that had a small golden goblet that looked old but well kept. There were tall torches surrounding the large pot, the fire dancing wildly under the growing moonlight.

The man dipped the tiny cup into the swirling dark brew, holding the cup to Norelle's lips quickly.

"Drink." He simply said, as he tilted the liquid down her throat without pausing. Sasuke's was no longer able to hid his panic anymore.

"Next."

It was his turn, but he felt his knees starting to knock. He couldn't bring himself forward. He was petrified.

"I said next." The man gave an annoyed click of his tongue, as he walked away from the pot, pulling Sasuke forward.

"There's always at least one, every year." The man mumbled, causing Sasuke to stumble hard to his knees. He could feel the blood leaking from the fresh wound, mixing into the dirt and plants.

Is it too late…

"Tsk."

His palms felt raw and sore. Sasuke was sure that if he looked at them he would see scraps. His vision was still dark, and he felt like he was going to pass out. His lungs felt as if they were working double time.

He tried to fix his mouth to say something, anything.

I can't see.

Please stop this.

I don't want to do this.

"Hey, don't be so rough with him! Are you okay, Sasuke?" He could hear Norelle, see her in the lining of his vision, but all he could do was gasp. He tried shaking his head at her, tried to show her with his eyes the fear, the need to escape.

His body was hurled up to stand, the goblet touching his lips so suddenly. His body went into overdrive.

"No- no please-" The words were soft, but he had said them. But it was too late, he spoke up too late. The liquid was already pooling and traveling down his sore throat.

"Stop forcing him! He was trying to tell me something." Even though his ears were ringing and his choking were loud and pitched, Sasuke could hear the hurt, the anger, the fight in her voice. Sasuke had never heard Norelle sound so furious in his life, he could see her hitting the man in the back as he tried to pry Sasuke's lips open to continue to pour down the rest of the liquid from the goblet.

Sasuke could see a few men carrying her away, and Sasuke felt tears start to fall. His choking now increasing as the liquid continued down.

Down

Do I really have no choice here? Do I really mean absolutely nothing to them?

Sasuke could feel the liquid swirling in his gut, his eyes growing glassy and wet.

"Good. Now swallow." The man said with an almost kind voice, as if he was doing Sasuke a great service. The man's eyes looked Sasuke over with admiration, before stopping on his wet potion covered lips.

Sasuke felt more tears fall, his body growing heavy and too warm. He could see in his peripheral that Norelle was still trying to crawl her way over to him, but her cheeks were wet and her eyes seemed to have hazed over.

"What- wh-" Sasuke was trying to ask what it was they were drinking. He wanted to know why he felt fuzzy, and warm, and strangely relaxed. But those feelings felt surface level, because underneath all those good sensations, he felt a deep rooted pain, fear, and body raking anxiety.

It was so uncomfortable, like an out of body experience.

"Shhh.. It's okay little one." The man said sweetly, as if he was talking to a lover. His hand moved towards Sasuke's lips, as if he was going to wipe them clean for him, and he felt his eyes close and his stomach drop.

"I can't wait to see you in the meadow." He felt artificial warmth and lust, and that surface level glow made the faerie want to scream.

I am nothing.

"No the fuck you won't." The growling heated voice of Deidara caused Sasuke's blurred vision to focus, he could see pink skin, that looked more red than ever. His eyes were glowing intensely in the night, and his canine's seemed longer and sharper, as well as his nails. He looked like he was ready to fight.

"Get your hands off of him." Deidara said with a glare that made the man take a step back. Sasuke could feel his body starting to slump, but he was caught. He looked up seeing his mother's teary face, as she glided her fingers along his strands.

The MC of the ceremony hurried forward, her lips fixed in a disapproving frown.

"What is the meaning of this! You all are disrupting and disrespecting a sacred-"

"Yeah yeah yeah. Sacred my ass." Deidara said with a scowl and a dismissive wave of the hand toward the MC of the ceremony, who was also seen as the second in command of the haven. An elder, one of the oldest in their generation of faeries. They were always taught to give them high respect.

Sasuke could hear the mumbling, some in outrage, some in concern. But more than that, Sasuke could see them, his family, his support. Itachi and Fugaku were standing right along side Deidara, their eyes glowing dangerously under the moon light, long sharp nails, long canines foaming.

"How dare you-"

"Listen lady, I understand that you think that this bullshit is sacred and just, but what I just witnessed was anything but. Sasuke was shaking with fear, anyone could see that he did not want to do this, but that asshole over there, forced that shit down his throat. And you're saying that is all in the name of Mother Gaia, really?"

"Also, we, as Faeries, are taught that those who have the capabilities of blooming are considered sacred. We were taught by you and our elders that individuals who bloom are to be loved, cherished and protected. What I also witnessed was not any of those adjectives." Itachi's voice floating over the crowd, sounding strong, authoritative, and powerful.

"Plus, I heard him say that he couldn't wait to see Sasuke in the field!" Norelle chimed in, her body still crawling and squirming as she tried to get closer to Sasuke.

"I'm sure he was just planting anticipation, my dear." The woman said with a dismissive wave of her hand and a chuckle. The MC gave each of them a glance, her eyes taking in Norelle before nodding to the guards to release her. Norelle made her way over to Sasuke stumbling, her feet moving quickly before moving to his other side, to hold him like Mikoto, Sasuke's mother.

Sasuke for the first time that night felt real warmth in his depths. It was no longer just superficial.

"Sounds more like a threat to me." Deidara chimed back, his eyes watching the woman like a hawk at the ready, his body standing in front of Sasuke acting as a shield.

"There is nothing wrong with sowing anticipation between two parties who are involved in our ritual. I'm sure once this faerie got into the field, he would have enjoyed himself. Isn't that right, young one?"

The woman in question smiled toward Sasuke, her bare feet carrying her closer to the faerie in question as she gave her head a friendly tilt. Mikoto covered her son, giving the woman a glare so fierce, that the woman found herself stumbling back.

"Don't you mean two consensual parties?" Mikoto growled, Sasuke could feel the vibration of anger.

Deidara stood before her blocking her visual and path once more.

"The dilemma is that Sasuke is being made to do something that he does not want to do, and being forced a potion that makes him not able to make reasonable decisions. That potion was forced down his throat, he did not want to drink it-"

"That's right! I heard him say no- ngh." Norelle said with a glare at the man in question, before her fingers clenched at her chest cover tunic. Her body was shaking and her eyes were growing even more out of focus, but Sasuke could recognize a fighter. Her eyes looked determined to see this through, just like Sasuke.

"Where is that loved, sacred this- bullshit you once spoon-feed to us, huh?" Deidara gave his hip a cock, his arms crossing as he feet advanced closer to the woman.

"You are so disrespectful. Once this matter is resolved, you will be put on trail for you lack of respect, and we won't go easy on you! This is a mandatory ceremony that has taken place for generations. Not one faerie, ever in our history, has not done this ceremony. We can not break tradition!"

"Just because it hasn't been done, doesn't mean this makes it right. As a father, I'm sure many of you can understand my deep unwavering concern regarding the disregard of my seedling. We as parents- It is our jobs to protect our young. I can't just sit idly by while my child is being forced and shunned for something that is not right based off of our own faerie rights. It's contradictory." Fugaku said with a stern voice, his eyes cutting over to the man that just forced a liquid aphrodisiac down his son's throat.

"But tradition-"

"Listen, I know tradition. I have been raised here, and my parents have been raised here. I have over 5 generations that have stood by this haven and it's traditions, but we are not that haven we once were. The whole reason this tradition started was to encourage the need to be "fruitful and multiply". We, at the time, we're seen as a dying race, almost on the verge of extinction." His eyes, both fierce and boiling red, were now cutting in the MC's direction, not an ounce of mercy in them.

"My mate is right! We are not that haven anymore. We are thriving and its a large number of us now. Plus, our haven should have never been this way-"

"We can't change traditions and rules for one simple faerie." The Mother of the haven now entering into the conversation, her tunic white with intricate golden patterned stitching, glittering under the moon light and her icy blonde strands seemed even more vivid along her pale green skin. Several bowed as she came down, giving her respect.

"Why should we make an exception for one faerie, who is simply just afraid?" Mother Ruth questioned as she spoke to crowd with a sweet smile, many nodding in agreement.

"I don't care who you are or what you say. If Sasuke says he does not want to do this, we can not make him. That goes against everything we stand for as faeries, does it not?" Deidara was standing in front of Sasuke as if he was guarding him, ready to fight any and everyone who disagreed.

Sasuke found himself starting to relax when he saw Itachi and Fugaku standing with Deidara, flanking him on each side. Now acting as three tall prominent pillar, standing firmly, while blocking everyone from Sasuke presence.

Deidara looked back towards Norelle who was starry eyed, heavy with the potion, but she was smiling and nodding in his direction as if she too was ready to take action. Sasuke could feel the pain in his chest that had been his only friend for the last month start to open up, he could feel himself start to feel safe. Really safe.

Do I really have a say?

Many of the crowd were starting to agree with the young fire faerie. Some even speaking up about their own experiences.

"I remember having to do this, and I was terrified. I really didn't want to do this at all, but I did have a good time. I ended up being glad that I did it, but I did wish that I felt like I had a choice. I think it would have been more special if I was the one to make the decision, you know?" A feminine faerie with big curly hair spoke, she looked over to Norelle as if to ask if she was okay.

Sasuke found himself smiling at the woman, that was Norelle's mother. She continued to look at Norelle for verification, before Norelle simply gave a nod that made the mother exhale.

"I hated this whole experience. I was scared, drugged up out of my mind. The sensations felt good, but I wish that I had control over my body. I hated feeling like I was open for anyone to have me, and I had no say on if I wanted to do it or not."

A couple of masculine faeries stood as the young feminine faerie finished their tale, sitting down in the mist of the swirling colors under bright moonlight.

"At the time, I was extremely excited about my own Bloom of Passage. I was actually first in line. To me, I saw it as a chance to find a partner that I could truly connect with. I remember finding him." The fire faerie spoke as his large hand glided along pale blue skin, before their hands met in an embrace, squeezing before continuing.

"I smelled him first. I knew as soon as I smelled his scent that he was my partner. Possibly even my mated, I was that sure of it. So confident. But when I found him… he was trembling, hiding in a bushel of roses."

"When I turned him over, his eyes looked so glassy and unfocused that it scared me. It really shocked me- seeing him like that. I mean, I drank from the cup too, but for some reason it was affecting him much more deeply than me. Maybe it was because he was so much more smaller than me, I don't know." Other's could hear the emotion starting to surface in his words, as he gave his head and shoulder's a little shake, before continuing.

"But instead of doing what my instincts told me to do, I held him instead and shielded him all night from others. I told every faerie who passed by that he was mine. I couldn't think about what could have happened if I wasn't there."

"You were my knight in shinning armor." The smaller masculine faerie next to him said as he leaned in close, giving his partner a kiss. His pale blue skin and flowered covered silver white hair seemed to glow under the moon, a large seedling bump quite prominent as his lover caressed his bare pale blue stomach with rich red fingertips.

"We never did "complete our ceremony" and we never told anyone either. It remained a secret, just between us. Honestly, I'm grateful for the bloom of passage, but I wish we never met that way. And when our seedling is born, I would like to know that they can have a choice."

"I remember when I did mine…"

Everyone was speaking up, telling stories about how they were effected by the Bloom of Passage. Some good and cheerful, while some were quite sad and heart breaking.

Most faeries stated that they enjoyed it, but didn't enjoy the lack of choice or the fact that they had to drink from the "cup of purity and prosperity", which caused them to not be in control of their bodies.

"That's all fine and well, but not once has this faerie, who you all are causing commotion over, has stated that they did not want to do this-"

"He was shaking! How can you say-" Norelle wailed as he body began to grow too hot and tremble.

"He has not said verbally that he didn't want to do this. So we should continue, we have delayed for too long-" Mother Ruth said with a huff, her smile no longer on her face, instead she seemed to be frustrated, rubbing her temples as if the ordeal had caused a head ache.

"Now, wait a minute-" Fugaku was furious, he could feel his frame shaking.

"My Otuto does not have to do anything-" Itachi had never felt rage so deeply.

"How dare you say-" Mikoto was now fully covering Sasuke with her body, her nails growing longer, ready to protect her treasure, her seedling at all cost.

"Sasuke, do you want to do this?" Deidara was now in his face, Sasuke's vision was getting even more darker, he was having a hard time keeping his wits about him, but he fought it. He fought the need to lay, to allow, to submit. Sasuke fought through the warm glow in his belly, that the potion presented him, forcing himself to be present.

He could feel warm hands along his cheeks, he could see how serious Deidara looked, his eyes glowing red.

"I don't want to do this. Deidara, please help me."

"I will always be here for you." The man said with a nod, their foreheads touching in loyalty, in trust. Sasuke felt his anxiety shaken body relax from the hot forehead that graced his own.

I have a say.

"There you have it." Deidara said as he gather Sasuke in his arms, making his way towards the exit, but before he left he looked back at Norelle.

"Norelle, do you want to do this?"

"Yes. I was scared, but I did want to experience this."

"Okay." He gave her a nod, his body turning back to the exit to leave with a now shaking and shivering Sasuke.

"Mother Gaia would be so disappointed." Mother Ruth said those words as if she was a parent giving sweet wholesome advice, but Deidara could hear the underlining threat. That embarrassingly last ditch effort.

Mother Gaia.

Sasuke could feel the fear creeping back in at full speed. He felt himself shaking harder at the words that had been plaguing his mind, now being confirmed.

I am a disappointment.

"I disagree. I believe that our divine Mother would be thrilled that Sasuke did what was best for his will being. Plus, no one has a deeper connection to Mother Gaia than Sasuke. The way the trees literally move for him, the way flowers follow in his wake to say "hello" every morning, I think Mother Gaia sees him as her child. Dare I say, he has an even deeper connection than any of you." Deidara's eyes cutting through the crowd landing lastly on Mother Ruth with a confident smirk on his lips.

They all knew it was true, that none of them could deny it. They had all seen with their eyes how in tuned Sasuke was with Mother Gaia, had seen how nature seemed to worship his very being.

I agree.

A voice said in Sasuke's mind, as his vision began to fade. The voice did not sound like his own, but it was rich like raw honey, and it was soulful like a song.

"Don't try and stop me. We are leaving rather you like it or not." Deidara's words were cold, his glare even more so, as he continued out of the ceremony, with the Uchiha's behind him. Sasuke's protection squad had done its duty and was now disappearing into the tree lines.

Sasuke ended one of his most fearful moments making faerie history.

~ PRESENT~

"I woke up almost a day later after all of that, confused and lightheaded. I got checked out by the healer, and she confirmed that due to my lack of proper eating and sleeping, the potion took affect too intensely. Which means that if I did participate, I wouldn't probably remember anything from that night."

"Deidara continued to reassure me that no one touched me. He even said that they all took turns watching over me all night long. Apparently when you drink the potion, it not only makes you open to intimacy but it also can cause you to go into an intense pseudo bloom, giving you a higher success rate for pregnancy."

"I was so grateful. That's why I said after everything that happened, I couldn't run away from Deidara and Norelle anymore. The way they stood up for me. I am forever grateful to them."

"I am too. I just wish it never happened and that you didn't have to take that potion." Naruto felt himself frowning, pale green finger tips now gliding along his furrowed brow.

"Don't mention it to Dei. He was so mad that he didn't get to me in time. I later heard that several guards were trying to hold him and my family back, stating that a lot of families get up in arms about a "simple ceremony." But apparently Dei beat up several guards before being able to get to me."

"I think I now have a new respect for him."

"Don't let him hear you say that. He will literally harp on about it for months."

"He deserves too, honestly."

"That's true. He really is an amazing friend. I was so worried after I came to, that he would be kicked out of the haven. I guess you could say Deidara is considered an orphan of the haven. He doesn't have any parents, so he was raised by the haven itself, but he once told me that he always felt like he was being watched. Like they were just looking for an excuse to kick him out."

"I guess him and I have more in common than just our hair color."

"Hn. I never saw either of you that way though. Deidara was always just my friend, someone I learned that I could trust. I ended up talking to my parents about it, but my Dad said that he vouched for him in front of the whole haven after the incident. Made it known that Deidara is with the Uchiha's, and if someone had a problem to come to him directly. Of course, Fugaku scares most of the haven, so they never come to him with complaints."

"Your family and friends kick ass Sasuke! How could you think about leaving them all behind."

"Yeah, they are amazing, but after all of that happened, I found myself wanting to escape to the human world. Where there were no eyes constantly watching me. Plus, I got so tired of feeling like I was causing trouble for my family. They always reassured me that they love me and put me before all the traditions and haven politics, but…. I just felt so guilty and anxious. You know?"

Naruto gave a hum in understanding. He understood where Sasuke was coming from, but he still believed that Sasuke didn't see himself clearly.

"People will do anything for the person they love Sasuke. Allow them to take all of that on, because they chose you and they wanted to. I know I would do the same for you."

The two men sat in that declaration, the words felt like home and warmth for Sasuke.

He didn't know if it was the alcohol or the warmth of the moment but Sasuke felt brave. He wanted so badly to brave. He wanted to really take a chance, he was tired of living his life for others or on pause.

"Naruto, I want to be bold with you. I'm tired of being scared. I'm ready." Sasuke could feel his lids growing heavy, sleep starting to cloud his mind, once he realized how tired he was.

"What do you mean, Sasuke?"

I have to say this. Get it out, Sasuke.

"I like you too, Dobe. I like you a lot."

Sasuke hoped the words came out clearly, because one minute he was wake, and the next he was out like a light. He didn't even know that his words caused Naruto to lay speechless, his blue eyes watching over moon lite pale green skin and flowing dark hair, along his pillowcase.

"I think- it's more thanlikefor me." Rough digits gliding along a soft cheek. Sasuke stirred from the touch, but didn't wake, his head leaning in to the familiar touch. His mind filled with dreams.

~ . ~

"Haa"

Naruto didn't mind the slight twinge of pain in his neck from sleeping on the floor. His hands gripping the wheel a bit too tightly.

His original goal was to get Sasuke comfortable in his bed, so that he would be the only one to sleep on it. The goal did happen, but what Naruto didn't expect was a slightly inebriated confession or all the dirty details of what happened with Sasuke's Bloom of Passage.

Naruto found himself a bit restless throughout the night. He went from being grateful for Deidara yet again, as well as Sasuke's family and Norelle, to wanting to fight the faeries that made Sasuke feel like he couldn't be himself.

Tch, like he didn't have basic goddamn rights to make a choice.

He tussled with wanting to kiss Sasuke after his confession to feeling like a piece of shit for wanting to make out without taking Sasuke on a proper date. Sasuke deserved that. Sasuke deserved to be catered too, to be cared for.

From what Naruto gathered from the story, Sasuke had always been seen as a byproduct for reproduction, as someone who's body could be used for baby making.

Naruto wanted to show Sasuke that he didn't want him for just his body. He wanted him for his brilliant mind, and his wicked sense of humor. He wanted Sasuke for his smile, his laugh, the way he would speak his name with such care.

Naruto had played on the sidelines long enough. He was going to stand his ground and make his feelings known.

There was no Kiba and Shika to interrupt them, and he hoped that Deidara would give them wide birth after the conversation Naruto just had with the nuisance.

"We're here."

"Thanks for the ride." Sasuke's was moving toward the door handle much too quick for Naruto's liking. He found himself grabbing Sasuke's opposite arm, his hands caressing and gliding up his forearm to his elbow.

"Naruto- uh is everything okay?"

"I like you Sasuke. I know you know this. I know I've said it before, but this time I am- I don't know- uh- fuck."

Kami, I sound like such an idiot. Maybe I should have planned out what to say.

"Go on." Sasuke said softly, his finger trailing along Naruto's jaw line slowly, before lifting his chin up to meet Sasuke's glowing tinted green eyes.

"I like that you feel so comfortable with me that you can be yourself. I like that you trust me, and continue to trust me with your life. Sasuke, I find myself a bit aimless when you're not there. I don't mean to scare you- I'm not saying that I can't be a functioning person without you next to me."

"I would hope not." A soft giggle escaping full lips, that looked soft and paler than the rest of his skin with a slight pinkish tone. Naruto found himself chuckling in response, his shoulders relaxing as he continued to speak.

"I thrive with you. I find myself enjoying my life, being curious about things that I never once thought of or gave the time of day. You make me stop and smell the roses Sasuke, and I actually find myself enjoying that."

"I know that you've been hurt before. I know that you are weary of humans, but I hope that you know that from now until the end of time, you will always be safe with me." Naruto found himself saying the last part with such conviction that his voice grew graveled, his emotions causing him to feel choked up.

"I do." Glowing dark green eyes grew wet around the rim, Naruto's fingers moving to wipe at the corners softly.

Naruto could see that Sasuke was finally opening up, his mouth wasn't tense with the need to be clear or precise, his face wasn't cold and guarded. Sasuke looked open and warm, his face leaning into his touch.

"Be mine, Sasuke. Grant me the honor to show you what a real relationship looks said you had resolved yourself to a loveless life, and Sasuke I can't allow that. You deserve love. You deserve to be happy. Will you allow me to give you all of that and more?"

~ . ~

Naruto was really confessing. Sasuke found himself wanting to shake himself awake, but this wasn't a dream or an illusion.

"Naruto.."

This was real.

"Whatever you want from me, it's yours for the taking."

With words so earnest greeting his pale green ears, Sasuke found himself feeling so overwhelmed, like a ballon that had just popped. He felt so many emotions and his thoughts were racing but in that moment, there was no question. He knew exactly what he wanted, and who he wanted.

"Yes. Yes. I want to be with you."

"Yeah? Really?" Naruto looked like he was in awe, like a kid in the candy store for the very first time. Sasuke gave the man's eager eyes a nod, his on lips forming a smile, that he was trying to hide behind a bitten bottom lip.

"Fuck yess! Sasuke you have made me so happy."

The fist bump to the sky made Sasuke laugh, he could see the blonde man outside of his car skipping over to his side as if he was hopped up on sugar. Sasuke was helped out of the car before a pair of big strong arms circled around him, lifting him into an embrace The sun was not yet in the sky, but in that moment he didn't need one. The two of them were making their own sunlight.

"Sasuke! Let's go on a date!"

"Okay!"

His smile, his happiness was contagious.

Naruto chuckled placing Sasuke against his car before holding him close. Sasuke could hear how loud and frantically the blond man's heart was beating, but Sasuke's own heart was beating just as wildly.

I think this is the happiest I have ever been in my life.

A/N: Don't drink and drive. Also the drinking age where I am located is 21, but in my universe I made it the age of 19.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and there is so much more to come!

xoxo

Ci Mai