Author Note: Okay, I know this is late, but apparently Ino's mother actually made an appearance in a filler episode of Naruto Shippuden. And she hasn't been given a proper name. Neither the anime nor I have given her a name. I figured since she's making another appearance in my story, I should at least give her one. Unless stated otherwise by Kishimoto, her name will be Shizuka Yamanaka. Other than that, enjoy the story everyone! And have a safe & happy Holiday! ^-^
Kaede stared at her tea with a glazed expression, watching the steam rise from her cup.
'So, Sayu's real name is Yasu…' Kaede sighed under her breath. Since overhearing the truth about Yasu a few days ago, their last conversation wouldn't stop echoing in the back of her mind.
"Does that mean… the way you were acting around me was part of the get-up too? Was it all an act?"
"N-No, of course not!" Yasu quickly shook his head. "I really do like you Kaede!"
'Even though he sounded genuine, it's harder for me to trust anything else he says now. I'm not even sure I want to know what else he could be hiding or lying about.' Kaede lifted the cup to her lips before she took a slow sip of her tea.
"Morning, Kaede," Ino sat down at the kitchen table across from Kaede and smiled. "You glad the Chūnin Exams are finally starting today?"
"Yeah, I guess." Kaede set down her cup of tea.
"You guess?" Ino knitted her brows. "I figured you'd be relieved that the exams are finally starting after all this waiting and preparation we've been doing, especially with that festival that's coming up afterwards. Which reminds me; I gotta remember to ask Sai-kun if he's planning on going with anyone to the festival."
"I've just… had a lot on my mind this past weekend. That's all." Kaede looked off to the side when she noticed a mischievous glint appear in Ino's eyes. A look she unfortunately knew all too well.
"Really, do tell." Ino laced her fingers together and rested her chin on top of them. "This wouldn't happen to have anything to do with Sayu, would it?"
"Well, the thing is…" Kaede began, but abruptly cut herself off as Ino's mother, Shizuka, entered the kitchen.
"Good morning girls." Shizuka smiled.
"Good morning," Ino and Kaede returned the greeting.
"You two are up earlier than usual." Shizuka chuckled as she poured herself a cup of tea.
"Shizune-sensei wants the medical ninja helping with the Chūnin Exams to come in a little early today. She's going to brief us over some last minute instructions. Our work for the exams doesn't really start until the third stage begins, which is the stage where shinobi who've survived the Forest of Death compete against each other in a tournament. So it's sort of a normal work day for us until then." Kaede explained.
"I see, well that makes sense. Would you two like some breakfast before you go?" Shizuka offered.
"Sure, sounds great." Ino smiled at her mother before she turned to Kaede and lowered her voice. "Okay, now what's this about Sayu?"
"I'll tell you later, Ino." Kaede waved off Ino's question with her hand.
"Aw, not this again Kaede," Ino pouted. "Why can't you just tell me now?"
"I promise I'll tell you later, okay?"
Thankfully, the doorbell rang before Ino could prod any answers out of Kaede.
"I'll get it!" Kaede quickly stood up from her seat at the table to answer the door. However, had she known who was at the door, she would've allowed Shizuka to answer it.
"Hey, stranger…"
Kaede stood there silently, suddenly feeling a wave of terror wash over her until she forced herself to open her mouth and reply.
"S… Shikamaru, hey,"
'I haven't seen Shikamaru since I ate dinner with his family last week. Like I need a reminder of that when I'm still trying to figure out this mess with Sayu… UGH, I MEAN YASU! DAMMIT!' Kaede could feel the awkward and tension in the air as she greeted Shikamaru. And judging from Shikamaru's non-verbal cues, he was starting to feel it as well.
"Listen, uh…" Shikamaru coughed into his hand before he pulled out an envelope from his back pocket. "I just came by to deliver something. Apparently, there was a different Courier Ninja delivering the mail today and my guess is that he didn't have the best sense of direction around here. So I somehow got your letter by mistake."
"Oh, I see." Kaede reached out and took the letter in Shikamaru's hand. "Thanks for going through the trouble."
"No problem, I figured I'd do it while I still had time to. I'm gonna have my hands full proctoring these exams this week." Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head.
"I understand," Kaede gave a small nod of her head. "Ino and I… we'll most likely be staying busy at the Hospital and healing the injured shinobi that participate in the exams."
"Yeah, anyway, guess that's my cue to leave. I gotta meet up with the other proctors this morning; the written exam will be starting pretty soon."
"Okay," Kaede watched Shikamaru turn around and begin his walk down the road. He suddenly stopped after a few steps before he turned to look over his shoulder and meet her gaze.
"Hey, when all this Chūnin Exam business is said and done…" Shikamaru trailed off for a moment before he continued. "I'd like it if we had a chance to talk again."
Kaede stared slightly wide-eyed at Shikamaru, but slowly nodded her head in reply before she closed the door.
"Hey, who was at the door?" Ino shouted from the kitchen.
"Delivery boy," Kaede lied, waving her letter in her hand.
The last thing she needed to do was rile Ino up even more by bringing up Shikamaru.
"Oh, is that a love letter?" Ino shot Kaede a teasing grin.
"N-No, geez, is that all you ever think about, Ino?" A light blush crossed Kaede's cheeks before she looked down at the return address. "Hey, wait a minute… this is from my parents."
"Your parents sent you a letter?" Shizuka poked her head out of the kitchen. "I hope they're doing well."
"Me too, it's been a while since we've talked. I wonder how they're doing back home." Kaede opened up the envelope and pulled out a sheet of paper.
Ino waited in anticipation as Kaede read over the letter silently before she slipped it back into the envelope.
"So, what did the letter say?" Ino suddenly inquired.
"Ino, don't be so nosy." Shizuka came out from the kitchen holding a plate of food for her daughter and Kaede, placing them on the table.
"No, it's okay. I don't mind telling her." Kaede smiled reassuringly. "But it looks like I might be going home to visit soon."
"Why, did something happen back home?" Ino looked up from her food with a worried expression.
"You could say that. Apparently my mom is pregnant, so it looks like I'm not going to be an only child anymore." Kaede smiled a little.
"Really, that sounds like wonderful news Kaede." Shizuka smiled and took a seat at the table. "Does she know if it's going to be a boy or a girl yet?"
"She said she told the doctor she didn't want to know the gender of the baby because she wants it to be a surprise this time. Naturally, my Dad is hoping for a son."
"I see; well there's nothing wrong with that." Shizuka chuckled.
"Do you know how far along your mother is?" Ino took a bite of her toast.
"No, she didn't say in the letter." Kaede shook her head before tearing off a piece of her toast. "But she said that she's had to take it easy and is resting at home right now. Since my dad is probably out working now, that's probably all the more reason for me to go home and see how she's doing. Plus, I'm sure she could use the company if she's at home by herself most of the day."
"Well, it has been a few years since you've seen them, right? I'm sure they'd both be happy to see how much their daughter has grown." Shizuka reassured.
"Yeah, it would be nice to see them again. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss them."
Other than the occasional care package from her parents or exchange of letters and/or photos, Kaede hasn't had much contact with them since she's been so focused on becoming a medical-nin in Konohagakure. Now that she was getting news about a new baby brother or sister, it reminded her just how much she was missing out on back home.
"Then you should go see them." Ino urged. "I guess the only question left is, when?"
"I'm not sure, but I know it'll have to be after the Chūnin Exams are finished." Kaede looked down at her food before she picked up her bowl of rice and began to eat.
"So, does everyone understand their instructions?" Shizune stood before the medical-nin assigned to help with the Chūnin Exams.
"Yes ma'am." The group of medical-nin responded in unison.
"Good, you're dismissed then." Shizune ushered them out of the main lobby of the Hospital.
"Well, least that part is over." Kaede mentally sighed in relief.
"Kaede, could I speak with you for a moment?" Shizune motioned for Kaede with her hand.
'Or so I thought…' Kaede nodded before walking towards her sensei.
"I know this is short notice, but the nurse that was assigned to check on Sayu earlier has recently reported sick this morning." Shizune gave an apologetic smile before she continued. "And since you were his original caretaker, I'll need you to resume checking in on his condition periodically."
"Wait, Sayu? But that's not his…" Kaede suddenly trailed off.
'That's right; I almost forgot Lee and I are probably the only ones who know his real name.' Kaede mentally kicked herself for not remember such a detail.
"I mean, he's not… feeling better?"
"Well, judging from his check-up yesterday he seems to be doing a little better. But we just wanna keep him here for observation just few more days before we release him. I'll just need you to keep checking his condition and keep the other nurses posted as well. Fortunately, the timing works out pretty well since he should be released from the Hospital before you have to go help with the Chūnin Exams."
"Um, yeah, I can do that."
'It's not like I've really got a say in the matter at this point…' Kaede didn't really want to face Yasu again, let alone talk to him. She still wanted time to sort out her thoughts about what she was going to say to him. And after hearing news about her family and Shikamaru wanting to talk with her after the exams, there was almost no room for that in her mind.
"Great," Shizune smiled. "There's not much you really have to do for him right now. Just bring his breakfast to his room and give him a quick check-up."
"Alright, I'll go and get started then." Kaede nodded a little.
After bidding Shizune goodbye, Kaede made her way to the cafeteria to get Yasu's breakfast to bring it up to his room.
'No turning back now.' Kaede stared down at the tray as she stood in front of the door to Yasu's room.
After taking a deep breath, Kaede knocked on the door before she spoke. "Ya…I mean… Sayu, I'm coming in."
Kaede opened the door with one hand before closing it, holding the tray with the other.
"Kaede, you're here." Yasu turned his head away from the window to look at her, unable to contain his surprise.
Kaede merely nodded her head before she approached his bed, gently setting his tray on his lap.
"To be honest, I didn't think you'd be back after... well you know." Yasu stared down at his food before he gave Kaede a small smile.
Kaede remained silent, but instead of being put off by it, Yasu took it as his signal to continue speaking.
"For the record, I don't blame you if you're still upset with me for hiding the truth from you. I probably would be too if I were in your place. But I'd be happy to explain everything and—"
"I didn't come here so you could explain yourself to me." Kaede cut Yasu off before he could finish speaking. "It was my sensei's order to come and check on you."
"Oh, I see." Kaede could clearly see the disappointed look on Yasu's face. She almost felt guilty for acting cold towards him. Almost.
"So I would appreciate it if we not discuss what happened last week so I can concentrate while I give you your check-up."
"Okay, I understand."
'I didn't think he'd be so cooperative.' Kaede gently placed her first two fingers on his wrist to check his pulse before she recorded his pulse rate down on a clipboard. Once she finished recording his numbers and completed his check-up, she took a step back from Yasu.
"All your numbers show that you're doing okay. You should be out of here in a few days, but I'll be checking in periodically just to stay on the safe side. I would recommend that you continue to take it easy, but I'm sure you're well aware of that now."
"That sounds pretty straight forward. Thanks, Kaede."
"Don't mention it." Kaede looked down at Yasu with a frown as he clasped her wrist in both his hands.
"Yasu, please don't…"
"Kaede, I want to be honest with you. I know I wasn't being honest with you before, but I want to change that."
"I appreciate you wanting to be honest with me, but I already told you that I'm just not ready to talk about that right now."
"Why can't you just hear me out, Kaede?"
"Will you stop badgering me, haven't you done enough already?!"
Yasu flinched under Kaede's glare as she pulled her wrist out of his hands. But in the midst of pulling her hand free, one of the charms from her bracelet came off and fell to the floor. It wasn't until she saw Yasu looking at the floor with a guilt-stricken look that she realized what had happened. Kaede stared down at the charm below her feet, blinking away the tears that began to form at the corner of her eyes.
"K-Kaede, I'm sorry! I didn't mean…"
"You've done more than enough, Yasu."
Instead of waiting for a reply from Yasu, Kaede picked up the charm from her bracelet before she left the room without another word.