And The Point Of it All
Part 2
"Oh wow," Sakura said in awe. Every year she come and see the flowers in full bloom and every year, she'd have the same reaction to the cherry blossoms. Full of admiration and wonder. "It seems like they get prettier each year."
"Yeah." Naruto said staring at his love. "They sure do." He snapped out of his mini trace and grasped Sakura's hand stealing her attention. "Come on, the boat is probably ready by now."
Sakura blushed a bit at his touch. It was weird to her. Three years and still she blushed like a school girl touching her crush. She'd guess it made sense though. He made her feel like a school girl with a huge crush.
"Right."
They tightly held hands as they walked along the small bridge over the river. The cherry petals were flying everywhere due to it being almost time for them to disappear til next year, which resulted in the river being almost covered by them. It looked as if it was just a never ending pool of cherry blossoms. It was nice.
"Alright, are you folks ready?" The boat keeper asked.
"We're ready. Thanks!" Naruto thanked.
"Of course." The boat keeper held the boat still as they got on. Once they were situated, he untied the knot and gave a slight push. "Have fun you too!" He waved.
"Thank you! We will!" Sakura waved back.
"What a lovely couple." He murmured to himself.
"The river....it's much more beautiful than I remember." Naruto quietly said.
"You never told me you came here before did you?" she asked.
"No I didn't. But I know that you did so I thought why not hehe." He chuckled.
"Oh? When was the last time you came here? With another girl I presume?" Sakura asked in a teasing tone.
"Actually, you're the first person I've ever brought here."
"Oh really? Am I that special?" She giggled and looked towards the trees on the river bank.
'More than you know.'
Naruto then reached inside of his left pocket and gripped a small black box.
"Hey Saku-"
"Hey look!" She said pulling his attention elsewhere.
"What is it Sakura-chan?"
"They're setting up for the Lantern Festival! I forgot they were having it today, you wanna go later on?"
"Uh yeah sure." He agreed. His hand unclenched the little box. "It's almost noon anyways. Let's finish up this boat ride first"
"Maybe it'll be better to do it there..." He mumbled a little too loud.
"What was that?" She asked.
"Ah n-nothing!"
For the rest of the boat ride, they flowed down the river path in a comforting silence full of loving glaces and cuddles.
Naruto looked down at his soon to be fiance stuffed into his embrace and thought, 'This... This is what I want.'
Later on that evening, the Lantern Festival was just about to start. Naruto and Sakura took an area on the hills not far but close enough to be around the crowd.
"Ok everyone! We'll start the countdown at ten and once we get to one, you'll let go of your lanterns. You got it" the coordinator informed them.
"You have yours ready Naruto? It's almost time."
"Yeah just a second... done! What do you think Sakura-chan?" Naruto turned around and showed her his lantern.
"Uh.... what is that?"
"What is what? Oh my drawlings? It's us together at our first Lantern Festival together!" He explained.
"Ok but why do I have a porcupine on the top of my head?"
"That's not a porcupine! That's your hair!"
"I-I guess..." Their bickering was interrupted by the Lantern festival coordinator coming back.
"Alright guys! It's time for the countdown! Ready?"
"Ready!" The crowd shouted.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
"Let em go!"
Everyone let their lanterns go free into the night sky. When they were far away enough, it looked like a million bright stars just glowing so beautifully.
"Wow...can this day get any better?" Sakura said as she looked on in awe.
"Actually," Naruto said catching her attention. He took hold of her hands and looked straight into her eyes where all the love and admiration could be seen. "It can."
"Naruto what are you-"
"Sakura-chan, you are....the love of my life. You've taught me so much about myself that I didn't even know. You've been with me through and through and I've never seen your faith in me waver even through my darkest days. You're my best friend, my lover, and most importantly....."
Naruto slowly let go of her hands and got on one knee. He pulled out a small black box and opened it to reveal a wedding ring.
Sakura immediately teared up and covered her face.
"My future wife. Haruno Sakura, Will.... Will you marry me?" He asked.
"I-Idiot..." She mumbled as slowly uncovered her red a tearful face. "Of course I'll marry you!" She said.
After hearing those words, Naruto immediately embraced , picked up, and swung her around kissing every part of her face as she giggled. When he finally let her down, he took hold of her ring finger and put it on.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
" Thank you "