Trying to make short work of this whole updating thing. I want to be throwing chapters at you guys so fast that your heads will spin. But seriously, I miss writing and I'm hoping quick updates will help me get back into the swing of things. Let's hope that the next update doesn't take a whole month.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

Chapter Four

"Long time since I had breakfast here. Man I've missed this place," Tenten sighed contently, pushing away her plate and patting her stomach.

I rolled my eyes, unable to help but smile as I sipped at my coffee. Signaling to our waiter that I would need a box for my leftovers, I teased, "Well, if you didn't decide to leave me for good we could be going all the time." She chuckled, throwing back the remainder of her orange juice in one gulp as she tossed out, "It wasn't you why I left babe, it was the chance for opportunity. Got a really great job offer but it's not the same when I don't have my best friend to kick it with."

I smiled at her comment, turning to our waiter to take the bill before Tenten snatched it right from my fingers.

"Give it here," I said sternly, brows furrowed as she flashed me a silly little grin. Slapping down her card and sliding it to the waiter, she sat back, crossing her arms proudly. God she was such a child. Sitting back, I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed, "Thanks. You know you didn't have to. I could've paid."

She only shrugged, taking the bill back from the young man with a smile. As he left, Tenten flipped over the receipt and tugged at the piece of paper taped to the back. Grinning, I playfully teased, "Oh? Did a certain someone leave you his number?" Looking up from the paper, her eyes met mine and a wicked grin flashed across her lips before she handed it over to me, "Nope. But you just did."

Eyes going wide, I snatched the paper from her scanning it over carefully. Sure enough, it read:

To the gorgeous young lady with stunning blue eyes,

It was my pleasure to serve you and if it's not too forward, I'd like to take you out for coffee one day? Feel free to text me.

-Malcolm

Sure as day, his number was scribbled beneath the message with a little heart added for good measure. "Oh God," I groaned, folding it and putting it in my purse as I rose from the table. Clearly amused, Tenten chuckled, following me out to the car, "So what do you think? Going to call him?"

Rolling my eyes, I climbed into my car, watching as she went to her own, "Yeah. I'm sure he'll be thrilled when he finds out I have a kid and that I'm at least five years older than him."

Another laugh rolled off her tongue as she shrugged, "Never know, he could be the fatherly type. Besides, everyone knows age is just a number doll." I waved her off, watching as she pulled away, stupid smile still on her face. Now that breakfast was over, I suppose I could go to my parents and pickup Ryu. It'd been awhile since I had stopped by and with nothing else to do, now was as good a time as any.

I made the quick half hour trip up the road, grinning when I saw my brother's car parked outside. Looks like the little pain was home for once, no doubt corrupting his nephew.

I still kept a spare key on me, not bothering to knock as I kicked off my shoes by the door and proceeded to plop on the couch, resting my head on my father's lap. "Geez, it's like 1:30, why are you still sleeping?" He grunted, fingers running through my hair. Suddenly the sound of glass breaking came from upstairs and I instantly arched a brow to signal my confusion.

"Ganpaaa! Uncle Chiro broke somethin!"

"No I didn't! You shut up!"

"And he said a bad word!"

My father sighed, massaging his forehead as he gave me a scowl, "Because those two have been driving me insane since last night." I couldn't help but laugh as I reached up and patted his cheek, "Quit stressing old man, your hair is going to start getting gray soon."

My mother's laugh came from the kitchen as she peeked over at us, "Too late for that sweetheart, your dad's already been having back troubles."

The information came as news as I looked up at him, obviously concerned. He chuckled, ruffling my hair, "It's nothing serious Princess, don't look at me like that. Mom's staying on top of me, doctor's say I should take it easy for a while. Managed to get a few days of vacation from work." I relaxed a bit, rolling over to face the TV.

My father's health never ceased to concern me, no matter how many times he assured me it was nothing. I was always on guard, prepared in case something went wrong.

"Boys! Come downstairs, Ino's here," my mother announced my presence a little sooner than I would've liked. Well, for my brother at least. I was more than happy to see my son after not having him for a whole 24 hours. Unfortunately, Ichiro was the first downstairs as he jumped and sat on my back. Little shit thought he must've weighed ten pounds.

With him being a complete health nut, he had entirely too much muscle weight for this to even begin to feel comfortable.

"Get off you loser! You're heavy," I hissed, wiggling around in an attempt to throw him off of me. He chuckled, relaxing his whole weight onto my back and sighed, "Nah, I won't. You're losing your touch sis, I'm not that heavy."

"Are you kidding! You weigh like 500 pounds you ogre! Get off!" I snapped, twisting my body causing us both to fall onto the floor. He chuckled, pinning me down and sitting on my stomach to keep me in place. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, he made that disgusting hacking sound with his mouth and hovered over me with an evil smile.

Eyes wide, I struggled, knowing damn well what he was trying to do.

"I swear to God if you spit in my mouth I'll kill you!" I was frantic at this point, hips moving erratically trying to throw him off. I looked at my father for help who only pretended not to notice, bringing his mug to his lips. Some father he was. Was he seriously going to let this happen?

But just in time, a small bag collided with Ichiro's head, causing him to roll over in pain. Pout on his face, Ryu rushed over to me, climbing into my arms. I smirked evilly, pushing my brother back onto the floor as I pressed a kiss to Ryu's cheek. "See? This is why he's my new favorite." Ichiro frowned, rolling his eyes as he stuck his tongue out at Ryu who only mocked him.

"Oh, thanks for the help Dad," I huffed, throwing a pillow at his head playfully. He laughed, waving me off to join my mother, "Anytime Princess."

Making my way into the kitchen, I sat Ryu down on the counter, watching as my mom washed dishes from breakfast. "Need help with anything?" I offered, looking around to see if there was anything I could help with. Knowing my father and brother were pretty much useless, every time I visited, I was sure to see if she needed me to do anything.

Setting the last of the places in the dishrack, she hummed, looking around herself, "I don't think so dear. I need to run out to the store but I can go on my own."

"I'll go with. I wanted to talk to you about something anyway," I told her, taking a paper towel from the roll and wiping up Ryu's hands that were covered in soap from the dishes. I couldn't take my eyes off him for a second without him getting into something. Felt like growing up with my brother all over again.

My mother smiled, nodding as she helped Ryu down and ruffled his hair. "Sounds good."

Stooping down, I asked carefully, "Do you wanna stay here with the boys while Mommy and Grandma go to the store?" He shook his head, hands tugging at my shirt, "I wanna go too Momma." My father made his way over, leaning against the wall, "Come on. You don't wanna watch football with Grandpa?"

"No!" He whined, clinging to my leg. Not intimidated, my father walked over, snatching him up, "Come on don't be a brat. You don't want to hang out with your lame old mom do you?"

Clearing my throat, I snapped, "Hello? Right here, thanks." He chuckled but it quickly faded when Ryu began squealing, limbs flailing as he reached for me. My mother walked over, swatting my father in the head, "Let the boy go, Inoichi." He grumbled something to himself but still complied with my mother's orders and released Ryu who instantly scrambled into my arms.

"Geez, like mother like son huh? You both are such spoiled brats," Ichiro mumbled as we walked through earning a smack upside the head from our mother.

I flashed my tongue at him, grabbing my purse and Ryu's bag as we went to the car. Fastening him in, I joined my mother in the front seat. Thankfully she had a DVD player in her car as well as I popped in a random movie for him to watch. I didn't need him focused on the conversation I was about to have with my mother.

I glanced back, watching as he happily eyed the screen, thumb in his mouth.

"Alright shoot. What's wrong sweetheart?" My mother quickly asked, giving me no time to catch a break. Biting my lip, I turned to face her as I whispered, "I don't know what to do mom." I could feel my voice breaking piece by piece. "He doesn't know about his father and I don't want him to. Am I wrong?" I asked, looking at her for guidance.

One thing I appreciated about my mother is that she was very honest with me. Brutally so sometimes. But it was always for the best. Instead of sugarcoating things, instead of lying to me and telling me what I wanted to hear. She told me what I needed to hear. Her eyes flickered up to the rearview mirror, watching Ryu who was still blissfully unaware of our conversation.

With a sigh, she started slowly, carefully choosing her words.

"I had you a lot younger than when you had Ryu, Ino. I was in your position sort of. I didn't know if your father was going to be the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, I didn't know if he'd help support you, I was afraid like you are now. But I took the chance, and fortunately, everything worked out." She paused, coming to a light before turning her attention to me.

"I'm not saying you're right but you're definitely not wrong. But I want you to think about this, either decision is going to affect him in one way or another. You can try to convince his father to be in his life, or you can do what you're doing now. The best you can. At the end of the day sweetheart, his happiness matters too. Make sure whatever you choose, you're doing it for him. If it doesn't work out, you can at least say you tried, right?"

I listened to her words, turning to face Ryu as he giggled at the screen.

Lips pulling into a smile, I nodded. Facing forward, I squeezed her hand when I felt her grip my own tightly for reassurance. "We'll get through it together. You're not alone dear." I relaxed at her comment, feeling completely at peace for a moment. It had me hoping during that moment, that I was at least half the mother to Ryu as my mom was to me. And if I hadn't been sure, I turned around once more to see Ryu pat both hands over his lips before extending them to me with his arms wide and a huge smile in what I recognized as his own way of blowing me a kiss.

I couldn't have asked for a better answer.

"Why'd you call me here? Finally came to your senses," he questioned, sly smug already nauseating me to no end.

I had taken my mother's indirect advice and called for Deidara to meet me for lunch while I was on break. I already regretted asking him here in the first place and his arrogant teasing wasn't helping the situation any. But I could shake this. I was here for one reason and one reason only.

Without wasting anytime, I told him, "You need to spend time with your son."

The comment caught him off guard. He lowered the glass from his lips, gently setting it on the table as he folded his arms in front of him. Leaning forward slowly, he asked, "I'm sorry. What was that?" Teeth clenching and fists tightening, I bit each syllable out coldly, leaving him no room for questioning, "I said. You need, to spend time with your son."

"Oh, so now he's my son? I thought you didn't want me to have anything to do with him," he calmly replied, not intimidated at all by my tone. I sucked in a breath, knowing fully well that he was right. I didn't and even now I was questioning whether or not I had made the right decision but I had to remind myself again that this was for Ryu, not for me.

Regaining some stability, I nodded, "I didn't. I wouldn't be here if I didn't have to be. He needs to at least know your face. You can't be that cold-hearted to not even want to see him."

His jaw tensed as he looked away, eyes narrowing at the wall. They didn't waver long before finding their way back to me. Brutally honest, he said, "I told you I didn't want any damn kids Ino. That shit isn't for me. Do I look like the kind of guy who wants to be tied down with a kid?" Nails digging into the table and in a hushed voice, I leaned in and snapped out, "I didn't make him by my fucking self. You're just as responsible. If you didn't want any then you sure as hell didn't act like it. I guess your pull-out game wasn't as strong as you thought."

"Watch yourself Ino, you forget who you're talking to," he warned, eyes cold as he held my icy gaze with one of his own.

For a minute we simply sat like that, earning disapproving stares from the rest of the small cafe. Other than the fact that he clearly wanted nothing to do with his own son, I knew this is the real reason that it would've never worked out. We were both too stubborn and headstrong for each other. Arguments like this broke out all the time and I had eventually had enough.

I broke eye contact first, knowing I was only seconds away from wringing his neck. Frustrated, I rubbed at my head and slowly worked back into my preferred state of calmness.

"Listen," I began, "If you're pissy with me that's fine. I'm not exactly fond of you myself. However, he's your son and he should at least be able to spend one day with you. Is that seriously too much to ask?" I waited for his answer and it seemed like I'd be waiting forever. I was surprised to see him place down $20 on the table more than enough to cover the food.

Rising from the table, he walked around before sliding his hands over my shoulders slowly. I wanted to gag, to smack away his hands but I didn't need to cause more of a scene. Carefully leaning down to my ear, he whispered, "Nah, I suppose it isn't. However, don't think I'll play my part without you playing yours. You'll hear from me soon."

Those were his final words as he brushed his lips against my cheek. I turned to watch him leave and it only took half a second for me to understand exactly what my part was. And another second to understand that I was almost certain that I wouldn't be able to play it.

Nervous couldn't even begin to describe my anxiety right about now.

Today was the day. The first day since he'd been born, that Ryu would meet his father. I wasn't too fond of leaving him already with anyone other than my parents or my brother so I was pretty much on edge. I'd be monitoring him closely, I had made it clear that his first time with him wouldn't be without me watching him like a hawk.

So here we were, at the park waiting for Deidara to show up.

I kept a firm grip on the back of Ryu's jacket as he excitedly tried to run off and play with the other kids. His whines were a cross between excited and frustrated when he realized I wouldn't be letting him go just yet. My phone ang in my purse, causing my heart to stop for a second before booting back up slowly.

"Hello," I answered, already knowing who was on the other line.

"I'm pulling up," he told me before hanging up.

Oh God I wasn't ready for this. My heart was picking up speed and I started to feel sick all over again. Maybe I had made the wrong decision. Was I honestly ready for this? Plenty of kids grow up in a single-parent home and end up fine right? But they all weren't my kids. Just this one. Maybe his story would be different. So I'd try for his sake. Sure enough, I gate to the playground opened and closed with Deidara walking in, looking around before he spotted us.

He nodded at me once he walked over before glancing down at Ryu who was completely oblivious to his presence.

Knowing what I'd have to do, I stooped down beside him, pulling his hoodie over his head. "Mommy, I wanna play too," he turned to me with a frown. Weak smile forcing its way onto my lips, I nodded, "I know baby, but listen. I want you to meet someone first. Okay?" He whined, tugging more as he watched the other kids rip and run about.

"Honey listen...please?" My voice softened as I held his hand tightly.

My tone calmed him as he ceased his tugging, and turned to face me completely. That's when he noticed Deidara standing behind me, hands in his coat pocket. His eyes were wide as he backed away slowly, hands already starting to cling. Brushing his hair, I shushed him softly, "It's okay. Ryu, sweetheart, do you know who this is?"

"He's a stranger, Momma," he whined, hiding behind me.

Hearing that word literally tore me to shreds on the inside. Two years and he'd never once seen his father's face. And the first thing he says is that he's a stranger. It shouldn't have to be like this. He should know the man who contributed to him being here. If later on he decided he wanted nothing to do with him, fine, I could live with that.

But they both needed to get used to each other, and today was going to have to be that day.

Rubbing his back, I sighed and carefully told him, "This, sweetheart, is your Daddy. Do you understand?" He blinked at me, then at Deidara who honestly looked uncomfortable just standing there. He slowly inched from behind me but remained at my side faithfully. I turned to Deidara, motioning him to join me. He looked reluctant but nonetheless, followed my orders.

I'd never seen such a look on either of their faces before.

It was honestly, probably the most fascinating thing I'd ever seen. The way their eyes studied each other for the first time, familiarizing themselves with the others face. It the situation hadn't been so serious, I would've laughed at how the way they bunched their eyebrows and frowned looked so much alike. Elbowing Deidara in his side, I urged him to say something.

"Hey Buddy," he started in the most sincere way possible, "I'm your Dad. Can I have a hug?"

Ryu took a step back, eyes hard as he tried to climb into my arms. I shook my head, pushing him towards Deidara slowly. "It's okay. Didn't you want to go play? Maybe your Daddy will take you to play. Does that sound fun?" He stared at me, eyes pleading and I nearly scooped him up then and there and took him home. But I needed to see how they interacted with each other, to make sure the next time they met, things would run over smoothly.

Then, to my immediate surprise, Deidara picked him up carefully, resting Ryu on his arm. I waited for tears but they never came.

Ryu only watched him some more before making a grab at the chain around his neck. I thought Deidara would smack his hand away, complaining about how he didn't want him slobbing all over his fancy gold chain. But I was surprised yet again. He smoothly tugged it over his head and placed it around Ryu's neck. His face showed no emotion but I could tell he was deep in thought.

To see his own son for the first time in two years must've taken a lot to take in. But that's what happen when you miss out. I could only hope seeing him would make him want to be more involved.

Suddenly Ryu's attention was no longer on his father but the kids happily playing in the sand pit a few feet away. I nodded for Deidara to put him down so that he could join them. But the second his feet touched the ground he was hesitant. Instead of turning to me however, he face Deidara and tugged on his pants leg before pointing at the little box of sand, "I go play too, Daddy?"

I bit my lip, eyes already welling with tears. The man beside me looked shocked above all else as he ran his fingers through his hair and nodded, "Go ahead little man. Go play."

He happily smiled, rushing off as he joined in with the other kids playing with small trucks in the sand. Quickly brushing the tears from my eyes, I motioned for him to join me on the bench as we sat and watched him closely. Without looking at him, I asked quietly, "How does it feel?" He didn't answer me, only choosing to lean forward, hands folded in front of his face as he sighed.

He needed a moment. And I'd give it to him. I'd let it all sink in because in just five minutes I think he realized the mistake he made.

Sitting up slowly, he shook his head. "I didn't expect him to call me Dad." He admitted softly, hands folded in front of his face, "God, he looks just like you." Without putting much thought into it, I carelessly admitted back, "He has your smile too." His lips twitched sadly as he shook his head again, "Fuck man. I didn't know, Ino. One minute he calls me a stranger and the next he says…"

His voice trailed off as he completely lost himself in whatever storm that was currently invading his mind. I could tell all sorts of gears were turning as he pieced together everything he learned so far.

There was nothing left to say. Nothing that needed to be verbally explained that he couldn't already feel. So we sat. Never uttering another word as we watched Ryu play for almost an hour until he had finally had enough. Small hands coming to rub his eyes, he tiredly whined, "I'm sleepy, Mommy." Using a wipe from his bag, I cleaned up his hands before combing through his hair, "Okay, we can go home now."

Hoisting him up, I grabbed his bag and turned to Deidara, suddenly remembering his words from lunch the other day. Softly, I asked, "When do you need me to stop by? I can get a sitter for him or-"

"Mommy...is Daddy coming home too?"

I paused, eyes wide as I quickly looked between the both of them. He sleepily rubbed at his eyes again, waiting for an answer that I didn't even have the courage to tell him. Thankfully, I didn't have to. Walking over, Deidara placed his hand on top of Ryu's head. Small smile of his lips, he playfully ruffled his hair, "Nah, not today little man. Next time, okay?"

Ryu nodded slowly, resting his head on my shoulder. I gave Deidara a knowing look which he understood, signalling me with a slow nod. I turned to leave, only to hear Ryu softly mumble, "Buh bye, Daddy."

Tears stung my eyes and I slowly turned to see Deidara standing there with a small frown on his lips as he waved at Ryu. His eyes caught mine and before I could run away, he called after me, "Ino. You don't need to stop by...I'll hold up my end." I nodded, turning to leave. I all but rushed to the car, fastening Ryu inside swiftly all the while still trying to keep myself from breaking down.

"What's wrong, Momma?" He asked, eyes curious as he reached up to wipe the tears from my face, "Are you sad about Daddy too?"

I choked out a laugh, fingers combing through his hair as always. "No baby, I'm okay. Don't worry." He didn't look too sure but let me pull away to close the door before claiming the driver's seat. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, eyes shut as I tried to breathe. Quickly pulling out my phone, I typed in a number and pulled it to my ear, praying that she'd answer.

"Hey! Long time no see, what's up?" Perky voice sounding on the other end.

I couldn't help the sob that slipped past my lips, quickly rushing out, "Sakura...I need you to come over. Please."

It was quiet for only a minute before I finally heard her speak again, "I'm on my way."

All done. Finally finally finally, after many many moons, I have found the ever elusive motivation. Such a wicked one she is. Always making me struggle to provide for my children, which is you guys of course. Very sweet/touching chapter or something like that. Hope you all enjoyed, updates will be flowing in soon. Read and reviewssss.