Hi everyone! Thank you so much to everyone who PMs and reviews. I love hearing from you guys and I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. I hope you enjoy this next installment.

"I can't believe the nerve of that woman," Beki shook her head and scoffed. "Leaving a message for me at the desk that she's at her boyfriend's house."

"To be fair, you were planning to do the same," Neji shrugged.

"I'm nineteen!" Beki threw up her hands. "She's twenty-seven! By default she should be more considerate and responsible than I am."

Neji contorted his face with disgust. "It makes me uncomfortable that your mother is only three years older than me now."

Beki shuddered. "Not as much as uncomfortable as I am that I'm the same age as Konohamaru now. That kid grew like a weed."

Neji put an arm around Beki's shoulder as they walked. It was a beautiful night: not too hot or too cold, with just enough of a breeze to be refreshing and not chilling. For Neji it seemed like a lifetime ago, but only this morning he had been struggling to find a reason to live. Every waking moment was misery incarnate. Neji had to force himself to see his friends, to train, to interact with his new fiancé. He had felt like a jellyfish, moving along with the current with no plan or purpose. In less than twenty-four hours, the love of his life had been resurrected and Neji learned he was going to become a father. Suddenly, everything came into focus. There was a fire burning inside his heart, clearing away all his doubts and sorrows. Neji had a job to do: protect and provide for his wife and their child. Nothing else mattered. He didn't want to worry Beki but Neji knew there would be resistance. That was his problem to deal with and not hers. Between the pregnancy and her injuries, Beki had enough on her plate.

When they reached Hinata's house, Neji led her upstairs to her room. Hinata was inside putting fresh towels in the bathroom. The bedroom was almost exactly as Beki had left it. There were a few cosmetic changes, such as the sheets and comforter had been switched out, but the furniture and their arrangement were all the same. All of Beki's belongings were gone save for a few framed photos. Hinata had set them on top of the dresser as a small modest shrine to their memories. Beki had to wonder if they had been too painful to put away.

"I'm sorry," Hinata pouted. "If I had known you were coming back I wouldn't have touched anything."

Beki shook her head. "There's no way anyone could have known. I even thought I was dead."

"Hanabi ended up taking most of your clothes. She's used them and grown out of them by now," Hinata explained. "There were a few odds and ends I didn't know what to do with. Like your jewelry box. I think I tucked them in a box in the attic."

Beki smiled knowingly and hugged her friend. Any other person in the same situation would have just given away or thrown out someone else's precious belongings. What did Hinata care about the framed picture of Beki's parents on their wedding day? Or her jewelry box with trinkets and bobbles from all over the world that held no meaning to anyone else? It was respect, perhaps, or maybe a strange way of preserving Beki's existence in Hinata's memories. As they years dragged on and the memories became foggy, those few articles would confirm that yes, Beki had been there, and not just some made up person doctored into their photographs.

Hinata rubbed Beki's shoulders as she pulled away. "Tomorrow I will get up early and try to find it. It would probably make it feel more like home in here with your belongings returned."

"Don't worry about it, Hinata," Beki grinned. "It feels like home already."

Hinata walked towards the door and glanced back towards Beki and Neji. "Are you staying the night, Neji?"

Neji shook his head. "I would love to, but I don't feel like we should just yet."

Hinata nodded. "Father doesn't know Beki's back. Do you want me to come with you in the morning to talk to him?"

"I appreciate the offer but I don't believe the conversation will be pleasant." Neji grimaced.

"Alright, I'll leave you two be. I'll be downstairs if you need anything." Hinata walked out of the room and gently closed the door behind her.

"You're leaving me?" Beki hugged Neji from behind. He turned to face her with a sigh.

"I feel like I would be pushing my luck if I did," Neji ran his fingers through her hair. "Like you said earlier, I do still technically have a betrothed."

"So you're trying to be noble even though you've knocked up another girl?" Beki cocked her head.

"The girl who is carrying my child is my previous fiancé," Neji pressed his forehead against hers. "Who would have already been my wife if I had my way."

"True," Beki shrugged. "I just think its silly to play the chaste card."

"I would have taken you in that hotel room in a heartbeat," Neji kissed her. "I just think its reckless to play my hand within view of my entire family."

"You'll be a good boy for the night, I get it." Beki sighed. "It's just hard for me to let you go now that I finally have you."

"That's my line." Neji kissed her again, this time with finality. Beki's lips were soft and her body seemed to melt into his as he held her. Despite all the obstacles ahead, Neji was at ease. This was all that mattered. Beki was all that mattered. After a few blissful moments, Neji let Beki go. She walked him to the bedroom door with a forlorn sigh.

"Goodnight, Neji."

"Goodnight, my love."

The sound of the door closing behind him let Neji know he could let his shoulders droop. Tomorrow morning was probably going to be the hardest fight of Neji's life with the highest stakes. If he screwed up, his life was over. This was his one shot at true happiness and it was all on him. Yuki couldn't bail him out, Hinata couldn't help, not even his father's ghost would be any good this time around. It would be hard but Neji would have to get a good night's sleep. As much as he wanted to try to come up with Hiashi's arguments and counter them beforehand, a fresh and rested mind was a better weapon.

He came downstairs to see Hinata at the kitchen table. She had a laundry basket of clean folded clothes which she was taking out item by item and holding them up to herself. Hinata would examine each piece and then set it in either one of two piles.

"Lady Hinata," Neji said as he crossed the threshold into the kitchen.

Hinata looked up at him and then back at the piles. "Beki wasn't kidding when she said she only had a duffle bag. I figure she has the basics, but it may be a while before we can get into town and take her shopping properly."

"You were going to lend her some?" Neji cocked his head.

Hinata nodded. "Its hard to tell what will fit because our bodies are so different."

"It's a kind gesture, Lady Hinata, but an unnecessary one," Hinata gave him a confused look and Neji instantly realized he had let too much slip. Was it okay for him to be the one to share the news? Hinata was Beki's best friend, then again, Neji was her cousin and the baby's father. No. Beki should be the one to tell her. There had to be an artful way out of this. "You know how much she likes shopping. I think that will be one of the first items on her to do list since there are so many shops that are new to her in town."

Hinata's eyes lit up and she smiled. "You're right! That would be a lot of fun. I could take her out tomorrow and show her around."

"This gives you déjà vu, doesn't it?" Neji looked towards the stairs. "It seems like yesterday this weird girl from Getsugakure was going to be rooming with you and we were having to show her the sights."

"If I recall correctly, you felt quite differently about Beki back then." Hinata chuckled.

"Sorry everyone isn't you, Hinata, and knows their one true love on sight," Neji folded his arms. "When they were four."

Hinata balked. "I haven't...I didn't..." There was another moment of her floundering for a defense before she finally gave up. "Fine. Yes. I always knew Naruto was the one."

"I guess I knew for a long time, too." Neji agreed. "It just took me a while to admit it."

"That runs in the family, I think." Hinata said as she started packing up the clothes. "So, you'll speak with father in the morning?"

"Yes. I'm going to make a request of him that I don't believe Hiashi will be happy about." Neji shuffled uncomfortably. "I think it may get worse around here before it gets better."

Hinata nodded. "I'll keep Beki far from the chaos. I'm already formulating our itinerary. There's that nice coffee shop near the academy. She'll love the pastries there. Then there's a handful of clothes stores, the tea shop, and then I think I'll take her by to meet some other old faces."

"Bring her by the Hokage's office if you can," Neji suggested. "I guess Yukihana is running around with him."

"You mean Yuki beat Beki to abandoning her at the hotel to be with her boyfriend?" Hinata blinked.

"Yes," Neji sighed. "Yuki always was the faster of the two."

...

The next morning, Neji rose at dawn. He showered and dressed in an attempt to be as presentable as possible. He walked outside into the crisp morning air and took a deep breath of it. Try as he might, Neji had barely slept. Knowing Beki was alive, merely a short distance away, drove him crazy. There was no position that was comfortable and the bed seemed cold and empty. He kept picturing her lying asleep, shivering or crying out in night terrors. Neji would activate his Byakugan to check on her only to find Beki passed out face down, sound asleep in her pillow. As soon as he was reassured Beki was all right, his mind would wander to what awaited him in the morning. Hiashi would be furious. Neji had done his best to be a good nephew, to represent his family's values and preserve their honor in all things. Something told Neji that would mean nothing in this conversation.

As Neji walked towards Hiashi's office, where he usually would have been working for at least an hour this time of morning, a though nagged at Neji repeatedly. If he really wanted to, Hiashi could force Neji to marry Miyu. As soon as Neji thought the tragedy of his birth was behind him, he would be reminded of his second-class status. With only a few words, Hiashi could compel Neji to follow an order against his will or die. All Neji could do was try to get his full case out before Hiashi gave the order. He hoped his hard work would earn him at least a patient ear.

The sounds of papers rustling within the room set Neji's hair on end. His fate was waiting on the other side of this door. Neji knocked, was called to enter, and opened the door to his destiny.

"Neji," Hiashi glanced up from the morning paper with a look of mild surprise. "Are you being called out on a mission this early in the morning?"

Neji shook his head. "No, sir. I was hoping to discuss a personal matter with you."

Hiashi set his paper aside while motioning for Neji to take the seat across from him. He folded his hands and leaned his forearms on his desk. "Is this in regard to your betrothed?"

"In a way, yes and no," Neji could feel his mouth going dry and cursed himself for not at least having a cup of tea before he came. The matter had seemed too pressing to sit, but now that he was in Hiashi's domain Neji's disrupted morning routine and lack of sleep were catching up to him. Hiashi was watching him expectantly. That was good. If Neji could just keep it together and explain the situation calmly he had a much better chance of success. "I don't know if you have been made aware, but Tsukimori Haruka has returned."

Hiashi's expression was unreadable. "Are you referring to Hinata's friend, the former ambassador, or is there another girl with the same name I was unaware of?"

"Hinata's friend. It seems after the war Beki and her mother were found and rehabilitated. They made their way into town yesterday." Neji explained.

Hiashi nodded. "Hinata will be pleased to hear that. The two were close. She was never especially friendly with any of the local girls her age."

"Lady Hinata invited Beki over to her home so they could catch up, which I believe is their plan for today." Neji explained.

Hiashi tapped his hands on the desk and returned to his perfect posture, placing his hands on his knees. "I believe I understand your reason for coming to see me." Before Neji could respond, Hiashi gave him a look that could bore through glass. "You are here seeking permission to terminate your betrothal to Miyu in favor of resuming the previous arrangement?"

Neji didn't balk. "Yes, sir."

"This may not be a surprise to you, but this is the second time I have made arrangements for your marriage to Miyu. Her family is well respected and related to the Hyuga," Hiashi explained. "In acknowledgement of your previous achievements and in consideration of your personal happiness, the family and I weathered the embarrassment of backing out of an honor bound contract."

This wasn't sounding good. "But sir-" Neji began but Hiashi held up a hand for silence. Speaking out of turn was rare for Neji and earned him a scathing look.

"I can understand and sympathize what an emotionally distressing situation this must be for you. In the past, you were intimate with Miss Tsukimori. She was your first romance and men always tend to reflect fondly on their first loves. The situation has changed, however. You aren't a teenage boy anymore. At your age you should understand the need for placing personal desires behind your responsibilities and obligations to your family."

Permissive silence followed.

"Sir, with all due respect, Beki and I didn't drift apart or go through a soft breakup. She threw herself in the way of certain death for both myself and Lady Hinata. Her heroic efforts were rewarded with a status of missing in action and presumed dead. To her, barely a few months have passed since the Fourth Shinobi World War-"

"Excuse me?" Hiashi's brows knit.

"Beki and her mother were locked in ice. It took them several years to devise a plan to heal Beki's mortal wounds. She's only been free for a month or two." Neji explained.

Hiashi pressed a hand to his chin. "So then Miss Tsukimori is still about nineteen years old?"

Neji nodded.

"Although I can appreciate and applaud her sacrifice, and I will be sure to thank her when I see her in person, that's even more reason why this is a terrible idea," Hiashi added. "Before the war, the two of you were close in age and shared many life experiences. Since her death, you've grieved her loss and varried on. There is a significant age difference now. Inherently within that age difference is going to be a difference in both maturity and priorities."

"I've met with her," Neji replied. "Everything is the same. She is exactly the person I fell in love with and my feelings for her have been unchanged all this time."

"Your feelings are unimportant, Neji," Hiashi folded his arms. "You have always been responsible and mature for your age, the exception being situations in which Miss Tsukimori is involved. I'm afraid based on that and the obligation you have to Miyu and the Hyuga, I must decline your request."

"That's unacceptable to me, sir." Neji's heart was racing. He had never defied his family. As a member of the branch family, this was a dance with death.

There was a nearly imperceptible twitch in Hiashi's face at Neji's objection. It was merely a ripple in a calm pond and was almost immediately erased. "Neji, do not make me order you to obey."

"Beki is pregnant from before the war. Part of the reason it took them so long to rescue her was determining a way to save both the mother and the child." This was Neji's trump card. He had hoped that through reasonable discourse, Hiashi would come around and concede. That was an unlikely possibility as it would mean Hiashi accepting shame and humiliation for the family. This, though, was an ultimate weapon. Unfortunately, Neji was jumping in front of a bus and taking Beki's reputation with him, but it was all he had left. And he knew it would work.

"What?!" Hiashi's voice raised slightly above his usual low volume. He was stone faced but his eyes were wild with fury. "Are you telling me she's carrying your child?"

"Yes." Neji stared his uncle down. He didn't need to say anything. Neji knew the options Hiashi was now faced with: either honor the marriage contract with Miyu and leave Beki to birth and raise a Hyuga as a bastard or allow Neji to marry Beki and legitimize their child while getting egg on the Hyuga's collective face over breaching the contract a second time.

"Unbelievable." Hiashi's jaw set as he stewed where he sat. He had been staring off, through Neji rather than at him. A moment later, the sharpness in his eyes returned. "There will be consequences for you if this is the path you decide to take."

"I understand that." Neji had relaxed somewhat. "And I am prepared to face them."

"Then let me explain what your options are, Neji." Hiashi spoke and the room somehow seemed darker. Neji was tempted to clench the fabric of his pants but he remained neutral. He couldn't appear weak now.

...

"Beki," Hinata took her seat gingerly, balancing her fruit tart in one hand and coffee cup in the other as she did. "Can I ask you something?"

"Shoot," Beki said as she set her items on the table and then plopped in her seat.

"Why...why did you sacrifice yourself during the war?" Hinata asked. At learning Beki had returned from the dead, Hinata's mind had been fixated on whether it was possible. Meeting with her friend confirmed it was true and left Hinata to deal with all the strange and complicated emotions that followed. Things had quieted down and Hinata had time to process; questions were beginning to bubble up to the surface.

"There's a couple of reasons," Beki lifted her cup and took a tentative sip of the fragrant liquid. "The obvious one is that you and Neji are important to me. You're like a sister to me and he's the love of my life."

"The second reason?" Hinata asked.

This was hard for Beki to answer. The truth was something Beki hadn't even openly shared with her mother. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, after the Three Maidens had returned, Beki had started hearing Mother's voice. Or rather, Kaguya's voice. After she had recovered some, during one of the few evenings she spent with Orochimaru, the sanin had explained the events of the war following Beki's demise. As he described the tale of the God Tree's return and Kaguya entering the world, Beki could only conclude that the seductive woman's voice she had heard was none other than the mother of all chakra. Part of Beki had been tempted to share that information with Orochimaru. Then again, she was afraid he would want to conduct experiments on her, so she kept it to herself.

Kaguya, or Mother, or whatever she was called, had been able to control Beki. She changed her, compelled Beki to do things against her will. If Beki hadn't intentionally sacrificed herself, there was no telling how much longer she would have withstood Kaguya's crushing influence. It's likely Beki would have eventually killed the friends she had been willing to die to protect. Beki shuddered at the thought. There was a chance that the Allied Shinobi Forces may have been decimated further if Beki had lost control.

"Let's keep it simple and say being around the Three Maidens wasn't good for my mental state," Beki said at last. "I think because of our genetic connection or something they...they were affecting me."

Hinata was unsure how to respond. It was clear from her hesitation that Beki was withholding something. It was difficult to determine whether Hinata should press further. As she considered her options, something else in Beki's behavior drew her notice. In all the years Hinata had known her, Beki had taken coffee almost intravenously every morning. Yet here, at the best coffee shop in Konoha, Beki had ordered herbal tea. "Honey, does caffeine interfere with medicine that you're taking? Or is it because of your kidneys?"

Beki screwed up her face as though she hadn't considered these options. "Yes?"

"It's just weird for me to not see you guzzling coffee like it's going to be illegal tomorrow," Hinata said as she took a sip of her own delicious hot coffee.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you," Beki laughed. "I'm pregnant."

Hinata jumped, filling her mouth with molten liquid, forcing her to either spew said scathing coffee all over her expecting friend or scald her entire esophagus. Hinata chose the latter. She gasped for air and doubled over, putting her head on the table as she worked through the pain. A few other customers noticed but after a cursory glance payed her no mind. Someone was always getting scalded in a coffee shop.

"Shit, sorry," Beki gave her a worried look. "I should have waited until you were done drinking."

"You're pregnant?!" Hinata hissed. "Did you get back early to hook up with Neji and are just now showing up at my door?"

"No, silly, from before the war." Beki took another nibble of her Danish, as though this were the most logical situation in the world.

"You're telling me you got pregnant, went to war, were frozen in ice for four years, and now you're...?" Hinata gave her a confused look.

"About two, almost three months along?" Beki pursed her lips as she though. "There's abouts. I'm not sure if either the whole frozen-in-ice thing is going to affect the speed and development or what. It should be a fall baby, one way or another."

"This is...this is big. Congratulations." Hinata sat back in her chair. As the news set in, her eyes grew wide and she let out a prolonged "Oh."

"'Oh' what?" Beki asked as she sipped her tea.

"I was going to lend you some clothes and Neji told me not to. Is that because he knew?" Hinata asked.

"Aw, he's sweet, letting me tell you the news," Beki beamed. "Although to be honest he probably would have given it the appropriate pomp and ceremony I seem to fundamentally lack."

"Well, I can't say I blame you. It seems to run in your family. I'm fairly certain your mother would have just hawked a positive test at us." Hinata folded her arms.

"More like would have dragged us in the bathroom to watch her take the test," Beki snorted but Hinata gave her a grossed-out look. "She has some serious boundary issues, I tell you what."

"I can't imagine her surprise, coming home to see her boyfriend has become the Hokage," Hinata shook her head.

"Oh, it was hilarious." Beki grinned. "Mom doesn't like the spotlight. I mean, she does, but not in that 'societal prestige' sort of way. She wants to be known and feared, not followed by paparazzi or having people hassle her about what shampoo she uses."

"That's understandable." Hinata said. "Is that going to affect their relationship?"

"Maybe," Beki shrugged.

"Neji was telling me you haven't seen your mom since you got here?" Hinata asked.

"Yeah, apparently she just like, moved right in with Kakashi or something," Beki shrugged again, this time with a note of passive aggressiveness in her voice. "It's not like I'm her daughter and she knows I'm pregnant and it might have been nice for her to support me through this process-"

"Shhh," Hinata reached out and pat Beki's hand. "I'm here for you. If you want, we can stop by his office and make sure she hasn't just gotten arrested or something."

"That's a good idea," Beki nodded. "With Yuki incarceration is always on the table."

...

"This is a difficult decision, Neji," Hiashi stared him down. "I know that at times we think we fully understand a situation and make our decisions according to that perceived truth. Learning about the consequences can sometimes change our minds."

Neji was pale. His expression was unreadable, as though had just had to pick between the electric chair and a firing squad. "I'm certain."

"Well then," Hiashi stood. "Let's go share the bad news with everyone."

...

"He's on his lunch." Shikamaru folded his arms.

"Hi, Shikamaru, nice to see you," Beki gave him an exasperated look. "It's me. Beki. Back from the dead."

"Wow, I'm so surprised and immensely glad to see you." Shikamaru's voice was practically dripping with sarcasm. "I know you're here to see the Hokage and I'm telling you he's on his lunch. Come back in thirty minutes."

"Is my mother up there?" Beki asked.

"Yes." Shikamaru's expression was unchanged. "She's up there with him."

"Well, I kind of need to talk to her. Do you think that you could go up there and ask her to come down?" Beki kept her voice steady. Sometimes she wondered if Shikamaru was difficult with her on purpose.

"Look, Beki, if you wanna go up there, feel free," Shikamaru threw up his hands. "I personally don't like walking in on people indisposed but you've never had a thing about nudity."

"Ew!" Beki recoiled. "You're kidding me!"

Shikamaru stood to the side of the stairs and motioned up the stairs with an "after you" exaggerated flourish. With a frustrated and somewhat disgusted sigh, Beki stormed up the stairs.

"MOM!" Beki shouted on her way up, hoping that would be enough of a clue for them to get somewhat decent. "MOOOOM!"

Beki grabbed the handle out of habit and groaned loudly as her arm refused to cooperate. "If you're in there, can you open the door?"

Within moments, the door opened to reveal the Sixth Hokage. Beki blinked in surprise, then she peered into the office beyond. Yukihana was seated at a small table beside the Hokage's desk with a diner bento box in front of her.

"Oh, hi Beks," Yuki grinned as she took another bite.

"Hello, Beki," Kakashi stepped aside to allow her access.

Without meaning to, Beki immediately compared the current Hokage's office to its state back when Tsunade was reigning. It was better organized and cleaner, yet somehow that made the space feel sterile. As a matter of preference, Beki liked spaces that had personal touches. It gave a room character and a lived-in feel. It may have been her ambassador upbringing or perhaps, at its most basic, her shinobi training kicking in. Knickknacks and photos were clues into a person's life. They gave insight into the owner's thoughts and preferences. Subconsciously taking in and knowing about Tsunade had made Beki more at ease than she was here in Kakashi's space. The only personal identifiable items she could detect were a single framed photograph facing his chair and her mother.

"Shall we jumping right in to how you backdoor abandoned me?" Beki put her hands on her hips and gave her mother a frustrated look.

"Sweetheart, the Hatakage and I have a lot to discuss," Yuki's expression was calm. She ignored Beki as she mouthed back "Hatakage" in confusion. "In the middle of his regular duties, we have to figure out what we're going to do about our peculiar legal status."

"Honestly, the most above the table option would be to report in to Getsu," Beki folded her arms.

"That isn't an option at this point," Yuki propped her elbow up on the table and rested her chin in her hand. "Think about it: you're in a delicate physical state but you're probably the only internationally renowned shinobi in Getsu history. Its unlikely you would regain your old position as ambassador, however I don't see them just letting you live out your life in peace. They'll want you working in media or public relations. With your disposition that wouldn't end well."

"So what, we take on pseudonyms and live as ronin?" Beki asked.

"Fortunately for you two, I'm in a unique position to create new identities for you." Kakashi spoke and Beki nearly jumped. He had been so still and silent in his chair she had nearly forgotten him. "There would be stipulations, of course. More so for you than your mother. Asou Yukihana technically died nearly two decades ago. After the Fourth Shinobi World War and other similar catastrophic events, its unlikely many shinobi who would recognize her from the past would be alive to identify her now. On that same token, even if they are, the real Asou Yukihana would be well into her forties. Yuki could easily claim to be a distant relative or completely unrelated altogether."

"But me..." Beki shuffled uncomfortably. "I had a prominent position and was well known to a lot of people of authority in other shinobi villages."

Kakashi nodded. "Good. You follow."

At the sight of Beki's gloomy expression, Yuki tapped the desk to gain her attention and gave her daughter a smile. "Don't be so glum. We figured it would be best if you just stayed within Konoha's borders."

"I mean, traveling is off the table for me anyway until my body levels out," Beki folded her arms. "Not too much of a sacrifice there."

"You won't be able to work in any capacity within the government, either," Kakashi watched her as he spoke. It was an old habit and practically unnecessary in this situation. Kakashi was accustomed to checking for tells that a person was lying as he spoke to them. Beki took after her mother in that during casual, friendly conversation the girl read like a picture book. "To prevent any accidental contact with anyone who might blow your cover."

"That's reasonable." Beki nodded and gave a polite bow. "Thank you for taking care of all this for us."

"There is one more thing." Kakashi's voice wasn't unfriendly but he spoke with an authoritative tone. "You may no longer use your Maiden powers. They are far too easily identifiable as yours and yours alone."

"You have nothing to worry about, Hokage sama," Beki gestured towards her back. "Those stakes that Obito guy shot through my kidneys trashed them. I've got a pair of transplants that aren't acclimated to dangerously high temperatures. I go Burned Maiden and they crisp."

Kakashi glanced at Yuki, who nodded in assent. "She's got a bun in the oven, too."

"MOM!" Beki stomped her foot.

"What?" Yuki scoffed. "I'm helping build your case for you."

"That's incredibly personal information-" Beki spat.

"That I'm sharing with the Hokashi, who is kindly risking conflict with a foreign shinobi power to give us safe harbor," Yuki cocked an eyebrow. "Getting a little rusty at your foreign policy, Beks?"

Beki could only fold her arms and pout. Kakashi glanced back at Yuki again, his eyes wide in surprise. "You're serious?"

"Yeah. She went to war pregnant and didn't know it," Yuki explained. "They caught the pregnancy and managed to save them both."

"Congratulations are in order, I suppose," Kakashi took a deep breath. "Well. That will be a little additional paperwork."

Yuki shrugged. "Forging medical records isn't that hard, I bet."

"There have been a few hospital fires." Kakashi shook his head. "No forging necessary. We're in the habit of saying 'hey, the originals to these burned up. Here's the copies we had at home'."

Yuki raised her left hand and set it on the desk. The whole conversation, Yuki had used her right hand for everything. Beki caught sight of the source of Yuki's limited mobility: a shiny pair of handcuffs securing her to the desk.

"Whoooa," Beki balked. "Are you handcuffed?"

"See, here's the thing," Yuki gestured to Kakashi. "He's got a theory: either I am an imposter and with twenty four hour surveillance, I'll eventually slip up and Kakashi will kill me on the spot-"

"Or she's the real deal and I'm never letting her out of my sight again." Kakashi had begun to peck at some forms on his desk.

"How can he conduct business with you here?" Beki gestured at her mother. "You would laugh out anyone who dared come in here to hire help."

Kakashi gestured to a small pill box on Yuki's desk. "Earplugs."

"But if she is an imposter, aren't you worried about her peeping on paperwork?" Beki cocked her eyebrows.

Yuki leaned down and picked up a screen, similar to those used by students taking tests. It was a crudely constructed piece made of several manila folders taped together. "Boom. Instant privacy screen."

"How does this fly?" Beki stared in awe.

"You would be amazed what it takes for a situation to be considered 'strange' here," Kakashi said casually.

After a few more minutes of pleasant but empty conversation, Beki excused herself. Hinata had been talking with Shikamaru as they waited. Both glanced up as Beki as she made her descent. Shikamaru cocked an eyebrow quizzically but Beki shrugged.

"Sorry to disappoint you. It was incredibly decent in there."

Shikamaru sighed and shook his head. "Sorry. I saw the handcuffs and I ran."

"I don't blame you," Beki glanced back over her shoulder. "They really are an odd pair."

"So how did you two come back from the dead?" Shikamaru looked her over. "Your corneas aren't black and pale as you are, your skin isn't all patchy. It isn't the Edo Tensei, then."

Beki shook her head. She explained her and her mother's rescue for what felt like the millionth time. Shikamaru was sharp, so Beki was extra cautious to avoiding any information that might identify her saviors.

"Welcome back," Shikamaru sighed. "Try not to cause too much trouble, okay? All that stupid childish bullcrap you used to pull was fine under Tsunade, but the situation is different now. The entire ninja world, the big five, are under a tentative peace agreement. Kakashi's good, but I don't think he's good enough to iron out a KIA shinobi from another village taking out a kage with bakery products on his turf."

"Duly noted," Beki folded her arms. "You don't have a lot to worry about. I can barely use my arms now."

Shikamaru blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I can't rotate my arms or elevate them above my waist," Beki explained.

Shikamaru got a dark sparkle in his eye and suppressed a smirk. "Good to know."

Beki rolled her eyes. She could only imagine the hell maze of doors and simple climbing puzzles he was devising. "Come on Hinata. I'm starving."

"Okay," Hinata smiled as she took Beki's arm supportively. "What sounds good?"

Beki tasted her mouth pensively. "Salt. And meat."

"Does hibachi sound good then?" Hinata asked. "That would probably be the best option if meat is what you really want."

"Yes!" Beki punched the air. "Or a barbecue joint." As they walked towards the part of town that held the most dinner restaurants, Beki held her hands against her lower back. "You know Hina chan, its weird. I'm normally a chicken or a fish person but all I want right now is red meat."

"Maybe your body is repairing damage and building new muscle. It might be looking for the extra protein to facilitate healing." Hinata offered.

"Let's hope that's what it is," Beki rubbed her belly. "Because if that's not it I think I've got a tiny carnivore in here."

...

Shortly after dark, Neji mirrored Beki's journey to the Hokage's office. To Neji's surprise, the long enduring kage had gone home on time for once. Luckily for Neji, he ran into Shikamaru as he was locking up for the night. He gave Neji the directions to Kakashi's house and a "good luck" based on how awful Neji looked.

There wasn't enough time. Neji's mind was racing with all the possible outcomes, poring over his choice and the consequences that came with it. It had been a pebble dropped in a pond, the ripples racing across the water and cascading over the waterfall at the other side. This was the first step to a resolution. Neji didn't know how to feel. He was going to go to Yukihana with a simple apology and a world crushing request.

As shallow and aggressive as the woman could seem, Neji knew Yuki had a solid grasp on traditional clan life. Before the war she had come to his rescue with the last betrothal scandal. She approached Hiashi on his own ground and matched him evenly. If anyone could understand Neji's predicament, as well as the options he was offered, it would be her. The only thing that complicated her understanding was that it affected her daughter's future.

At last, Neji reached the stately but simple Hatake residence. He knocked on the door, hoping that the recently reunited au pair weren't off having dinner somewhere, like Neji wished he could be. After a few moments, he heard soft laughter as footsteps approached the door. Yuki swung it open unceremoniously, half expecting to see her daughter on the other side. The moment Yuki's eyes fell upon Neji the laughter died on her lips. Just by looking at him Yuki could tell something was off. She frowned, her brows knitting as she spoke in an even tone:

"Beki is not going to like this."