#baruto

Naruto meets with his wedding planner.

Naruto was Laughing out Loud, but he wasn't sure if it was in excitement or pure panic. In front of him laid a dozen renderings of potential butterfly clouds that could accompany him as he entered his wedding. They featured Swallotail butterflies with various wing patterns swooping around him from different angles—Should they enter from his right, left, or from above his head or by his knees? Should their be one swarm or two? He looked happy in the many depictions of the day, at least.

CONFESSIONAL, NARUTO: Hello Konoha! My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I'm getting maaaarrried this summer!! It's both mine and Sasuke's second weddings, but we don't like to focus on that part. I just want to plan the perfect celebration of our love.

"I suggest these Painted Lady Swallotail butterflies. They're beautiful, and their orange wings will look great with your color scheme," Naruto focused on the close-up photograph of the Painted Lady Swallotail Butterfly his wedding planned pointed to. "You'll notice that they have long tails when compared to other butterflies. The purpose of this is confuse bats and other animals that may use echolocation," Shino, the wedding planner, explained calmly. "You wont have to worry about that on your wedding day, though."

"I did not notice that," Naruto rubbed the back of his head.

CONFESSIONAL, NARUTO: It's embarrassing, but when I got married to my ex-wife, Hinata, she planned all of it. Every single thing. I just showed up, and I didn't even show up on time if we're being honest. We had a little divorce party and she planned that too. I didn't realize how many decisions went in to every tiny detail.

"Sasuke said he might be able to be here this afternoon," the earnestness in Naruto's voice made Shino wince, "so I'd really like to wait and get his opinion. Especially on the more expensive stuff." Naruto eyed the fee schedule associated with the butterfly options.

"We can decide on the butterflies now, then. Maximum of $1,200.00," Shino didn't smile because he never smiled at Naruto, but he gave Naruto's hand a nice calming pat.

Naruto's sigh was cut off by his phone buzzing. A photo of his fiancé, Sasuke Uchiha, lit up his screen. The photo was one from long ago, back before they got together, but it made Naruto smile. The Sasuke in the photo had no idea what happiness they would get to experience together.

"Hey babe, are you calling because you're on your way home?" Naruto knew that wasn't the case. He could imagine Sasuke sitting back in his office chair and rolling his eyes.

CONFESSIONAL, NARUTO: I'm lucky and I get to be a stay at home dad. Of course it makes me sad that Sasuke can't be home more often. He's a workaholic! But I get it, he takes pride in his work and he's driven. I'm marrying him, his good and his bad. And I can't enjoy his money if he doesn't go to work! Ha!

"No. I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm calling because I haven't left the office yet," Sasuke didn't sound sorry. He sounded distracted and like he was rapidly typing an email. "Do you need me for this?"

"You said you'd be involved! Our wedding, which we are having together, is in three months! I want your opinion!" Naruto said it for the one-millionth time. "Do you really want me to spend $1,500.00 on a butterflies for my entrance?"

"I want what you want," came the familiar reply. "And if we're spending $1,500.00 on two seconds of a full weekend of activities, I should definitely go back to work."

CONFESSIONAL, NARUTO: Will people understand that I was making a joke? Oh no. I just say stupid shit sometimes.

"It will be around forty seconds of fluttering directed by a wrangler, I believe, before the butterflies will disperse into the environment," Shino corrected.

"You don't want what I want. I want a spectacle, you said you wanted simple," Naruto smiled as he argued. He ignored Shino for the time being.

"I want what you want," Sasuke reiterated. "Get the butterflies. I can still pick up the kids later tonight so you can go to Ino's thing. I'm gonna go now." Naruto let out a loud groan to serve as his farewell and hung up the phone. Sasuke always let him hang up the phone first, even if he was calling to bail. Another thing Naruto loved about him.

"Did you know that the reason butterflies have nobs at the end of their antennae is to help them keep balance and to help with them smell and taste? I'm sure they will put their little antennae nobs to good use at your wedding, what with all the dancing guests and sweet food," Shino's monotone sounded happier than prior meetings.

"You know, I think I need some time to think about the butterflies," Naruto tried to let Shino down lightly.

CONFESSIONAL, NARUTO: Shino is one of the best event planners in Konoha. It's going to be the wedding of the century.

Sakura drops her daughter off at Hinata's house.

Sakura brushed her bubblegum-pink hair behind her ear as she processed what her daughter, Sarada, had just told her.

"Of course I can help you carry in your project, sweetie. Hinata and I are on good terms, I enjoy seeing her," Sakura wished she were a better liar.

"No you don't," Sarada inherited her father's eye roll, and Sakura had to actively focus on the car bumper in front of her to avoid screeching.

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: I married Sasuke Uchiha when I was only 23 years old. I knew that he was an ass back then, but I got pregnant and he was rich and handsome. I convinced myself that I was the luckiest girl in the world.

She inched slowly down the street and sighed as she took the left into the Hyuuga Estate driveway instead of the right to her home. The gate didn't take long to open and Sakura soon found herself parked and seatbelt unbuckled.

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: Now I know that the luckiest girl in the world is my daughter, Sarada, because I am determined to give her everything she could ever need. She wont have to rely on a man for anything.

Before she could face her fate, Sakura’s phone rang. Her heart soared as her boyfriend’s face crossed her too-complicated iPad-like dashboard. 🐈‍⬛💅🏻KANKURO😍🫦 was displayed prominently above his photo, which featured his naked torso.

“What the hell, mom?” Sarada was horrified.

“Language!” Sakura frantically poked at the screen to get the image to go away. “You’re fine, you’re fine. It’s just his shirt that’s off. Everything is fine.”

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: Ugh, I got the car in the divorce. I don’t know how to use the damn thing.

“Hello? Babe?” Kankuro’s voice came from all around them.

“Everything is fine! Hi! I’m dropping Sarada off at Hinata’s!” Sakura yelled into her phone.

“Everything is not fine, strange man!” Sarada also yelled. The sound of Kankuro’s laughter filled the car.

“Okay, I need to go—” a knock at Sakura’s window broke off her goodbye. Hinata, ever the good hostess, had come to great them at the car. Hi there you two, Sakura could make out her greeting through the window.

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: Sakura and I are best friends. We have been for years. We met back when we were on our first marriages, when our kids were on the same pre-k soccer team and we would watch them chase the ball around in their cute little mob.

“Mom, get off the phone with your boyfriend!” Sarada hissed as she slid down in her seat. “You said you’d come inside.”

“Oh my god, I am literally in the process of hanging up,” Sakura was not keeping her composure. “I’ll call you in fifteen, okay?”

“She’ll call you in ten. I’m getting out of the car,” Sarada made good on her word, showing a surprising amount of strength as she hoisted her volcano diorama inside the imposing house.

“I’ll let you go, babe,” Kankuro chuckled again before the line clicked off and KATSEYE resumed. Sakura’s stomach did several silly little flips at getting called babe again. She let herself have one more moment to compose herself before throwing the car door open and rounding over to Sarada’s passenger side door, giving Hinata only a polite nod for now. Reaching into the back seat to grab the various chemicals Sarada claimed were necessary, Sakura smacked her head on the car roof as she climbed backwards out of the seat.

"Oh, let me help you!" Hinata flew towards Sakura and fluttered around for a moment while Sakura collected herself once more. The brief cheerfulness Kankuro’s laugh brought her immediately dispersed.

"No," Sakura and Hinata both winced at Sakura's snap, "no, I have it handled. Thank you." Sakura added. That was nicer.

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: Of course, our husbands having an affair put a bit of damper on all our relationships for a little while.

Sakura strode past Hinata and into the open-plan kitchen Hinata actually used herself, as opposed to a chef. The show-off. Hinata watched her go with her eyebrows raised high.

She made eye contact with her wife, TenTen, who was perched in the second floor bay window and looking as scrumptious as always. TenTen made a gagging face. Stepping inside to follow Sakura, Hinata suppressed her giggles.

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: Naruto and I are still on great terms. Life is complicated and we've forgiven each other's mistakes. I'm happily remarried to TenTen, and I'm thrilled that Naruto and Sasuke get to have their happy moment now. I understand that Sakura isn't in that place though. Yet.

The pair made quick work of organizing their children's' science materials on the counter. Sarada had already made herself at home in the family room with the Uzumaki-Hyuuga’s trio of children.

“Who was that on the phone?” Hinata tried to sound casual.

“Oh, that was just . . . A guy,” Sakura pressed her lips together to contain a smile. The silence that had settled over the pair left too much room for self reflection, and Sakura began to chatter. “It was just a guy I’ve been talking to. For a couple of months.”

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: My boyfriend, Kankuro, and I agreed we would keep things quiet, just because it’s still early and we’re both feeling a little shy about introducing each other to our families. But telling someone who doesn’t know him doesn’t count, does it?

“That’s great!” Hinata gushed, “Let me pour you a coffee, I want to hear about all about him! How did you two meet?”

“Well,” Sakura hesitated for only a millisecond, “he’s Temari’s brother, but Ino actually introduced us. She thought we would bond because—you know how I really like clowns? Well he really likes puppets. Which are not the same thing, but Ino’s theory was that they’re the same kind of sinister, and I guess she was right about something because we’ve been great so far! He just made me a little puppet with clown make up!” She giggled and leaned her back against the counter.

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: It’s nice to hear Sakura talk about good news.

“That’s so lovely!” Hinata basked in Sakura’s joy. “What does Sarada think of him? Are you bringing him to Temari’s birthday party tonight?”

“Oh, uh, no,” Sakura’s stomach plummeted and her face reddened. She suddenly remembered she was in what was now considered enemy territory.

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: Kankuro thinks its too early to meet Sarada. And I mean, I would love to bring a date, but going to his sister’s birthday party together sort of gives us away, doesn’t it??

“No, he’s busy tonight. And I have to be over to Ino’s early for moral support while set up is happening.” She fake checked her watch, which had been broken for years but remained beautiful, so had been demoted to bracelet status. “I should get going, really. I promised I’d be over as soon as I finished with school pick up.”

“Ino is setting up herself?” Hinata’s surprise acted as a temporary balm on the sting from Sakura’s rejection.

“No,” Sakura snorted. “I meant giving her staff moral support. She’s there to destroy morale, I think.”

“Oh, well you better get going then,” Hinata laughed at a joke told by Sakura for the first time in a long time, and she beamed. “I’ll see you tonight?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll see you tonight,” Sakura bobbed her head. She patted the counter awkwardly. Gone were the days of goodbye hugs. After bidding good bye to her daughter, she whisked herself away.

"Is she gone finally?" TenTen's sweetheart-shaped face popped into the room. "I'm hungry. As is the hoard of children."

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: It’s important to all stay friends for the kids’ sake. We’re making progress. Slow progress is still progress.

Sakura slammed the car door shut and pulled up Kankuro’s contact again on the car monitor. She gazed at it for a moment before remembering the multiple cameras pointed at her, and clicked call with a blush.

“Hey there,” Kankuro didn’t make her wait long. “Do you have time to grab coffee before you head over to set up for Temari’s nightmare?”

“Make it some tea and yes! Yay!” Sakura loved spontaneous boyfriend sightings. “I need to verbalize a lot of feelings about the whole Hinata/Naruto/Jackass situation before I see them again tonight.”

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: I mean, no, I didn’t lie to Hinata exactly. I did tell Ino that I would come over as soon as I was free. Maybe I exaggerated the urgency a little. I’m trying to focus my time on the people that matter to me is all.

Ino throws a birthday party for Temari, which is attended by Hinata, Sakura, and Naruto.

Ino had outdone herself. She sat near the extravagant flower display she and Sakura had lovingly curated, and took in the work of art that was her home. It resembled a concert venue by the time guests arrived, what with the step-and-repeat set up at the door and temporary stage constructed in the back yard.

CONFESSIONAL, INO: I live a fantastic life. My husband, Sai, is beautiful. Our children are beautiful. Our house is beautiful. I, myself, am beautiful. I am truly living the life of a princess.

Her Second Assistant had only dropped one tchotchke while in the process of zhuzhing, which was a new record for him. And it had been when Sakura arrived and Ino screamed to greet her, so she couldn't really judge. She wouldn't make him reimburse her this time. Sakura stood nearby, naturally protectively of their flower creation.

CONFESSIONAL, INO: And I played Princess Tabatha, an iconic role, in the original television show and its reboot when we got picked up again. So, I know how a princess should be treated.

Her phone now read 8:17 and Ino once again had to channel her charitable energy. The party had started at 7:30, and the birthday girl was still no where to be found. Snapping her fingers at a waiter, she summoned her third—fourth?—glass of wine.

CONFESSIONAL, INO: Shikamaru and Temari have been married for over a decade, and I've held out hope that entire time that she would help him be a timely person. But it seems I need to accept that neither friendship nor true love can defeat Shika's laziness.

A commotion near the door caught Ino's attention for a second, and then Sakura was there covering her line of sight.

"They're here. Can you tell if He's with them?" Sakura looked distressed, and Ino's heart sank for her friend. She signaled for someone to bring Sakura a drink too.

"I couldn't see, I don't know who just walked in. I told you Sasuke’s little assistant RSVP'ed no for him though, so he better not be here," Ino assured her friend. Not like one more person here would really matter. "Who's they? Just Hinata and TenTen?"

CONFESSIONAL, INO: Ino: Don't get me wrong, I like Hinata and TenTen. I invited them to my birthday party. But if we're choosing sides, I'm on Sakura's. Producer, off camera: Do you mean Temari's birthday party? Ino: What? Oh, yes. My party for Temari's birthday.

"Hinata and Naruto," Sakura corrected, dismayed. "And TenTen. Of course they carpooled here together. Best Friends Forever."

"How annoying. At least they're here. Even if they're late. I threw this whole party for Temari, and she's literally going to be the last to arrive," Ino commiserated. "How rude is that? There is a banner over there saying Happy Birthday Temari, and no one named Temari is here to appreciate it."

"My name is Sakura, but I appreciate the sign," Sakura promised absentmindedly. She very pointedly did not turn around and look for Hinata, Naruto, or TenTen. She actively ignored the fact no one asked if she wanted to car pool. The wine was making this task difficult, so she added, “Hinata, Naruto, and TenTen look like the like the sign.”

"Thank you, honey," Ino pulled Sakura into a side hug. "Temari does this every year. I put in all this effort to celebrate her existence, and she poo-poos it every time. Why do I even bother?" Ino asked, exasperation clear in her voice. "Even Gai and Kakashi have made it here. And Kakashi once showed up to my Annual Holiday Dinner Party at the start of dessert."

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: Ino can be intense, but that includes being an intensely good friend.

"You bother because you're kind, and you care about Temari. And you like throwing parties," Sakura gulped her wine. “God, and talking of people not showing up, I can’t believe Kankuro wouldn’t come with me to his own sister’s birthday party.”

“Why didn’t he just come and you two pretended to not be dating?” Ino pointed out what she thought was a clear solution.

“I suggested that! I thought it would be hot! But nooooo, he doesn’t want to role play in front of family, or whatever,” Sakura gestured with her glass wildly, spilling some wine down her arm. A drop rolled down to her elbow, tickling her. “Sasuke never wanted to role play either,” she was suddenly lost in thought. Ino took over her wine glass.

Temari, the birthday girl in question, sat in her car down the block, accompanied by her husband and a burrito bowl. The bag of side chips were long gone.

CONFESSIONAL, TEMARI: Look, I appreciate Ino’s effort. I just hate parties. They have a lot of things I don’t enjoy, like noise and people. And talking to people. And hearing other people talk. And I’ve communicated this to Ino very clearly, more than once.

“We should go in already so we can leave. If we’re in before 8:30 we can leave before 10:00 without getting a call the next day,” Shikamaru bargained with his wife.

CONFESSIONAL, TEMARI: But I love my stupid fucking husband. And he loves his friends like his family. So, fine. To my birthday party I will go.

“Ino still complains about Kakashi showing up late to her holiday party late every time she sees him, and that happened six years ago. We’re getting a call tomorrow,” she shoved the last couple bites in her mouth with unnecessary aggression. Her beloved husband laughed at her as her reached into the back seat.

“Maybe this will cheer you up. This is a gift from Kankuro,” he presented her with a small, plaid gift bag with yellow tissue paper shoved hastily at the top. “We bought them at the gas station yesterday after your first birthday lunch.”

Temari reached in and brought out four little nips of whiskey. She cackled and tossed one to Shikamaru.

“Oh, you’re so generous,” he grinned back at her. Cracking the plastic bottle open, he raised it in a toast, “Here’s to you, ‘Mari. You’re the best at everything. I am reminded every day how lucky I am to be with you. I love you so much. Dai loves you so much. And I promise to make sure you don’t have to give a speech at this party.”

Temari downed the first whiskey shot and was thankful she had an excuse for the tears in her eyes. Her face felt hot, and she had to remind herself to not turn fully away from the camera in the back seat.

CONFESSIONAL, TEMARI: Yeah, yeah. My brothers and I had a rough time growing up. But I don’t have too much to complain about now, do I.

Hinata giggled while she watched TenTen try and fit a whole crab cake in her mouth. Naruto had already successfully done so, and was cheering her on quietly. A waiter appeared with Hinata’s requested lemonade, and Hinata was content.

Another flurry of camera flashes happened at the step-and-repeat as more guests joined. Close by were the stars of the night, the Naras, who had just scored 4/5 on the wine guessing quiz. Catching her eye, Temari wobbled over to their bar table. She had one hand wrapped around her husband’s arm and the other around a “Birthday Girl” wine glass..

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: Temari is a bit of a light weight. It surprises me every time.

“Happy birthday! Do you think either of you can fit a whole crab cake in your mouth?” Hinata asked as they hugged.

“Absolutely,” Temari was confident.

“No, the texture would make me fucking gag,” Shikamaru was less so.

“Hi,” Sakura suddenly appeared. “Happy birthday.” She stood stiffly, not close enough to rest her fresh wine glass on the table, but close enough that all those around it could see her blank stare. Her unfocused gaze rested on the floral table topper, which matched the display she helped Ino with earlier.

“Thank you,” Temari leaned her forearms against the table. “You good, girl?”

“You guys don’t invite me to carpools anymore,” Sakura announced her thoughts. She was met with silence, until Temari began to laugh. Her husband pulled her closer, and she tried to suppress her snickers. Sakura continued to stare.

“What do you mean, Sakura?” Hinata feigned ignorance.

“You guys all walked in together. You guys car pooled again? Like you do to the girls’ swim meets?” Sakura continued her line of thought.

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: My fatal flaw is that I get incredibly confrontational when I drink too much red wine. It’s so embarrassing.

“Yeah, of course we do. We live around the corner from each other,” TenTen leaned down to place her elbows on the table and prop her chin in her hands. “Saves gas.”

“HEY TEMARI!” Ino’s voice rang out over the crowd, making several people turn around. “HIII BIRTHDAY GIRL!” Temari winced.

“I live closer to you than he does,” Undeterred, Sakura pointed at Naruto. “I live across the street.”

"TEMARI? SHIKA?” Ino kept waiving.

“Alright, we’re gonna go say hi to Ino,” Shikamaru sighed and took Temari’s hand. She audibly groaned as he led them towards Ino’s waiting gaze.

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: At least Ino has the same flaw.

“I’m sorry, Sakura. I wanted to invite you today. I agree that would have been fun,” Hinata frowned.

“Then why didn’t you?” Sakura asked haughtily. Hinata paused.

“Well, today you said you had to leave right away to come help Ino,” Hinata carefully answered the question. TenTen tried not to laugh.

“And the swim meets? I had a little time so I went and got coffee quickly with Kankuro before I came here and we were talking about—” Sakura’s speech was cut off.

“You literally told Hinata you had to rush out to come right here and help out,” TenTen interrupted, exasperated. Hinata shushed her.

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: I didn’t think Temari’s birthday party was the right place for a big confrontation.

“What?” Sakura looked at her confused. “No, I got coffee with my boyfriend. And I was talking about how I missed you guys so—”

“Sakura, I’m sorry but you did say you had to leave today. I invited you to stay and you declined. I guess to get coffee with your boyfriend,” Hinata cut in, and TenTen practically cheered. “I don’t think its fair to be upset about anything from today.”

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: But I didn’t appreciate the guilt trip. We’re both responsible for our relationship.

“Oh my god, just listen, I was talking to Kankuro before I came here and—ohhhh, oh, shit,” Sakura interrupted herself this time.

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: SO embarrassing.

“I’m confused,” Naruto chimed in.

“Okay, I did have to get here early. I set up the flower display. And I did go get coffee with Kankuro, but quickly, you know, and that’s why I had to rush, because I had to meet him, and then also be here—” Sakura rushed to explain herself.

A loud screech marked the fourth time someone interrupted Sakura. The group whipped around to the source. Ino and Temari stood across from one another, arms crossed and nostrils flared. Shikamaru was rubbing his forehead, sitting on a nearby chair. He gave a signal of some kind to one of the catering staff.

“Oh no, Ino . . ." Sakura was magnetized to the scene, pulled by Ino’s distress. TenTen threw her hands in the air.

CONFESSIONAL, NARUTO: I’ll be honest, I have no idea what just happened.

Ino had been alone at her own party. She hated being alone, especially at parties, and especially, especially parties she hosted. Then Temari and Shikamaru did show up, and they didn’t even come find the host, herself, to say thank you for hosting my birthday party. She had to find them. And now they had had a full conversation at the party Ino threw for her, and Temari still had not yet said thank you. Not like she meant it. And Ino’s head was swimming, and there was no place to sit down, and her husband was no where to be found. Sai had also not complimented her hard work.

“I am sorry I have not expressed the proper amount of gratitude for your absolutely selfless act, Ino,” Temari’s tone was dry as the chardeney in her glass.

“I just wanted you to feel special! And you refuse and refuse! You refuse my love! Everyone rejects my love!” Ino stomped her foot like he eldest son, Inojin, would when he was a toddler.

“I am not rejecting you just because I don’t like group activities, Ino! You take everything so personally!” Temari launched into what was a familiar refrain.

CONFESSIONAL, SAKURA: I’m not happy Ino and Temari got in another fight. But, I am relieved they took the focus off of me.

“I was just trying to do something nice!” Ino threw herself over a chair someone had provided. “Oh, thank you,” someone placed a full baguette in her hand and told her to eat. Were those on the menu? She couldn’t remember.

“Yes, this feels super nice, thanks again Ino,” Temari rolled her eyes.

“Don’t poke at her, babe.” Shikamaru groaned. “Let’s go find something to eat too.” He reached for his wife, but she jerked her arm away, crossing them.

“I’m not poking at her, she’s being ridiculous and I’m responding,” Temari turned her attention to her husband while Ino regained her strength.

“You’re right, let’s go find some food—” Shikamaru’s placating was cut short.

“Shikamaru!” Ino was suddenly on her feet, baguette in hand. She used it as a pointer to emphasize her arguments. “I am not being ridiculous! I spent significant time and energy on this party! It has all Temari’s favorite foods; it has a wine guessing station where Temari can show off; I canceled my normal DJ and tried to find a local band you’d like! And you can’t even say thank you!” Her attention bounced between Shikamaru and Temari.

“Alright, alright, everyone’s feelings are valid. I’m sorry I said you were being ridiculous—” Shikamaru tried to dissuade Ino.

“Don’t apologize! She IS being ridiculous,” Temari would have none of it. “And I did say thank you! Multiple times!”

“You rolled you eyes and sighed while you said it!” Ino had reached peak screech.

“Not the first time I didn’t!” Temari had thrown her head back and was speaking directly at the sky. “The first five thank you's were genuine!” Shikamaru let out a big sigh.

CONFESSIONAL, NARUTO: Hey, Ino said there would be entertainment. I didn’t realize it would be herself.

Ino launched the partially-eaten baguette into the air. It met its target with force, bounced off of Temari’s forehead, and hit the ground.

CONFESSIONAL, HINATA: Sometimes things happen when I’m out and I remember I could just be at home.

There was a moment of silence before the chaos started. Temari shrieked. Shikamaru called for Sai. Ino cried. Sakura cried louder. Ino’s first, second, and third assistants tried and failed to convince the party goers to drink water. Eventually, the party ended.

CONFESSIONAL, INO: Now she owes me a thank you and an apology.

CONFESSIONAL, TEMARI: Man, I am so glad Ino threw me that party. I just can't wait for next year's.