When Renji returned home, Meimei was still busy in the kitchen. His father had taken his mother and the newborn twins back to their room to rest. Alone, Renji leaned against the dining room wall, quietly watching Meimei prepare dinner.
He felt warmth in that moment, a rare peace. It was as if time had slowed down just for them. Taking a deep breath, he couldn't hold back the restless beat of his heart. He stepped into the kitchen and said, "Let me help you. We'll do it together."
Meimei was surprised, but she didn't refuse. She had already sensed his gaze, and truthfully, she enjoyed being admired by the man she loved. If he wanted to help, all the better she wanted more moments like this with him.
The kitchen was filled with the fragrance of food and the subtle air of romance. Even Takuma, under Ran's watchful eye, didn't dare step out of the bedroom. The last thing he wanted was to ruin the moment between the young couple. Ran, eager for grandchildren, would have murdered him with a glare if he had.
After a hearty dinner, the family chatted warmly. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Renji rose to open it and found his good friend Retsu and the chubby Uchiha Hahan. That jogged his memory, there was supposed to be a party tonight.
"You're here to take me to the party? Can I bring someone?" Renji asked.
"Of course. We're all bringing someone. We still have to notify others. Grab Zibing and Sho while you're at it," said Hahan before he and Retsu left.
Renji returned and told Meimei, "Retsu and Hahan organized a party. Let's go. It should be fun."
Takuma added, "Go on, you two. Youth gatherings are always lively. Let Meimei make some friends."
"Should I prepare something?" Meimei asked, a little shy but curious.
"Just go enjoy yourselves. Takuma, the dishes are yours tonight. You two have fun," Ran said.
After a quick tidy-up, Renji and Meimei left hand in hand.
Ran watched them go and smiled. "They look perfect together."
Takuma frowned. "Don't you think this is a bit fast? They've only known each other for a short time."
"You don't understand anything. Wash the dishes," Ran replied, heading back to her room.
Renji and Meimei stopped by Uchiha Zibing's house, but Sho answered the door. After hearing the invite, Sho readily agreed to attend. Renji then summoned his ninja hound, Blackclaw.
"Yo, long time no see, leading lady. Headed out for sweets?" Blackclaw purred, rubbing against Meimei.
"Haha, not sweets. We're going to a party. The road's long, we'll need your help," Renji said.
He lifted Meimei into his arms and leapt onto Blackclaw's back.
"Alright then, off we go."
Thanks to prior experience, Meimei quickly adjusted to the ride and even let out bursts of joyful laughter as they traveled.
They soon arrived at the party. Many were already there. Yan was unsurprisingly the cook, working furiously over food. Xingye was boasting to some friends and his fiancée, bragging about his courage in battle as if he hadn't spent half the time cowering.
When Renji arrived, everyone came to greet him. He even showered Xingye's fiancée with compliments about Xingye, making it sound like the man had been indispensable to the mission. Xingye waved it off with an air of false modesty, pretending to be a wandering hero longing for the next adventure.
Yan rolled his eyes, muttering to himself, You coward, I won't even call you out. Better just keep cooking.
Soon Duantian and his wife arrived, looking every bit the model couple. Renji teased him, "Senior, you're late. Don't tell me you were rehearsing at home first." Xingye immediately burst out laughing.
Duantian blushed but quickly shifted the topic. "Enough, little brother. My wife is shy. This lovely lady beside you must be your bride?"
"Yes. This is Meimei. We'll be married soon, within a month or two," Renji said proudly.
Meimei blushed deeply but smiled warmly. "Hello, I'm Meimei. Please take care of me."
"Damn, you're really tying the knot. I thought I'd beat you to it," Xingye said.
Their banter lightened the mood. Before long, Retsu and Hahan returned, each carrying bundles of fireworks.
"Hahaha, now that we're all here, let's make it loud!" Retsu shouted, jumping around excitedly. His girlfriend trailed behind, wiping his sweat and fussing over him like a mother.
Hahan joined Yan at the cooking station, and the two culinary masters of the clan competed fiercely. Their girlfriends helped wash vegetables, the teamwork smooth and natural.
After feasting and laughing, Retsu handed each couple a firework. Together, they lit them and shot them into the sky. Couples hugged passionately under the shower of sparks.
Renji held Meimei close and whispered in her ear, "You never need to be afraid again. I will protect you."
Meimei hugged him tightly. "I want to be a ninja too. I want to protect myself. I want to be strong like Aunt Ran. I don't want to be your burden. I want to stand beside you forever."
Renji looked into her eyes and nodded. "Then be ready for hardship. A ninja's path isn't learned in a day."
"With you, I'm not afraid. Hehe." She buried her face into his chest.
Together, they gazed at the exploding fireworks above.
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