AN: Whooo, sorry this took way too freaking long to write. That and I started taking my creative writing courses here at college, and I can tell you, they can be a real ball-buster in the writing department. Now, I did have my sister ghost writing for a bit, but when that wasn't working (because she ended up getting busy with art), I took it back. But I'm really sorry for the delay. I know, it's been almost a year since I updated, and that's not cool at all. And I know you guys kind of hate me for it (don't lie). Anyway, this chapter is extra long just for that (nearly 30 pages). And it's filled with light hearted humor, and some serious stuff towards the end. And I know, it might seem that I've kind of diverted from the plot, but trust me, I haven't. Part 2 is just really long, and sorry about that. Anyway, onto reviews.
To miss-classy-and-sexy: That's what's good about this story. All the quirky relationships. And trust me, they are about to get better.
To ThomasDrovin: Thanks for understanding, and yes, my sister is very cool. Also, 1. Why wouldn't Cordi allow it? She's somewhat laid-back and understands who he's walking down the aisle with. And 2. No, Neji and Sai are straight up gay for each other. I'm pretty sure I'm not bringing Sherie back either. Her bit's done.
To Sonictiger: Well, thanks for not listening to the rat monkeys. And if they tell you to not give a good story a chance again, beat them off with a stick. ;) And make sure you have you full of chocolate milk, just don't spit any on your screen when you read some of the jokes.
To GrimSpeck18: I miss you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! And where is my email? Just kidding. I know our lives have been incredibly crazy lately. Give me a call when you can, because it's just been exciting on my end with everything going on.
To XXxliaaxXX: My sister loved your review, because she's a bit of a narcissist, and Rox is mostly based on her. But she wanted to thank you. Also, I'm really glad you liked this story, and I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as you've enjoyed the previous ones.
To Tenshi-Ookami64: All I can say is wow. It takes me more than a week to read all of Legendaries, which is kinda sad since I wrote it. The fact it took you to read all 550 some pages in 2 days, just wow. That must mean I've written something really good, because I can only devour writing like that if it's freaking amazing. That, or you're just a fast reader. But for my ego's sake, I'm going with the first one. And for that, thanks! I'm really happy you like it. I too get the moments re-reading this story going "WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAAAAAND!" But everything is in here for a reason (most of it is to add a little drama, but mostly conflict. And without those, it wouldn't be worth reading). I just hope this next chapter does the rest of the story justice. I know it will definitely have those scream at the screen moments that we love so much.
To Hellfire Putten Ninja: I couldn't have said it better myself.
Now I wanted to thank the people who just added this story to their favorites/alerts. This Girl's On Fire, Hellfire Putten Ninja, Hershey gurl, Moonlight Kyuubi, tristan9, Unknown Faith, nekoumori, Tenshi Ookami64, XXxliaaxXX, Sonictiger, and vohlm. Thanks for adding this to your faves, and welcome to the family!
Chapter Twenty-One: Marriage and Family
The next morning started bright and early… for some people. Rox rolled over in bed, stomach uneasy and face hot. Shikamaru had already gotten up and showered. She'd told him she didn't feel well and he'd let her sleep. Currently, he was in the bathroom, shaving. The smell from his after shave hit her nose and immediately she sprang from the bed to the toilet, upending the bile that had stirred in her queasy stomach.
Immediately, Shikamaru was beside her, holding her long brown hair away and rubbing soothing circles in her back. Rox was in a state of shock as she fell back against him, trembling. He leaned over and flushed the toilet for her, before turning to her and asking, "feel any better?"
"I… I threw up," Rox stated, eyes wide as she stared at the toilet. Shikamaru smiled faintly at her before rising and wetting a wash cloth in cool water and putting it against the back of her neck. He helped her stand so she could wash out her mouth at the sink. When she was done, she put her hands against the marble counter top and stared at her pale face in the mirror. "I never throw up…" she whispered, still in shock.
"Maybe… you're a little hungover?" Shikamaru offered.
"I didn't drink last night. I promised Lynne so she wouldn't be the only sober one…" she replied, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
Shikamaru frowned at her, puzzled. "What about food poisoning?"
Rox sighed, putting her forehead to the cool glass of the mirror. "Wouldn't you be sick too? We ate the same thing last night right? And wouldn't I have gotten sick earlier?" She asked.
"Not necessarily. My food might have been prepared a little better than yours. Also, salmonella takes 12 hours to make you sick. If it is salmonella, then it's the right time," he replied. Rox groaned and pulled away a little from the mirror. She had a few tears running down her cheeks. Shikamaru immediately wrapped his arms around her, concern in his eyes. "You'll be alright, Rox. I'm sure by the time the wedding starts you'll be feeling better." Rox nodded, looking more miserable as the seconds ticked by. "Why don't you soak in a bath and I'll go downstairs and find you some ginger tea?" Shikamaru offered, putting a hand to her cheek and wiping tears away with his thumb. Rox nodded slightly and she turned to the bath tub.
Shikamaru made sure she was settled into her bath before leaving the bathroom and heading downstairs to the kitchen. Gaara was there, sipping a cup of coffee. He looked up and nodded at the shadow-user in greeting. Shikamaru nodded back, before entering the kitchen searching for ginger tea. Upon finding a package, Shikamaru filled a pot with water and put it on the stove to boil. Tiredly, he walked around the counter and sat on a barstool next to his soon-to-be brother-in-law.
Gaara noticed the packet of tea in the Nara's hand and looked at him questioningly. Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his free hand over his face as he said. "Rox was sick this morning. Ginger is the best thing for settling an upset stomach."
"Hangover? The girls were pretty drunk when they came in last night," Gaara inquired.
"She said she didn't drink last night. She didn't want to leave Lynne out," Shikamaru answered. "I think it might be food poisoning."
Gaara frowned, "I'd hate to think that. We had some of the best chefs in Suna cater our dinner last night."
Shikamaru sighed, "I don't know but something had to cause her to get sick. I've never actually seen her get sick before…" Gaara nodded in agreement and took another sip of coffee. The shadow-user eyed the redhead for a few seconds before asking, "you ready for tonight?"
Gaara was quiet for a moment before he turned to the Nara, a smile on his face. "I don't think I could be more ready." He was silent for another moment before he added quietly, "I'd do anything for Cordi."
Shikamaru smiled back. He understood exactly how the Kazekage felt.
"Ugh… I'll never drink again…." Cordi groaned as she rolled over in bed, palms of her hands pressed into her eyes. She had a splitting head ache and the world tilted slightly, causing her stomach to roll unpleasantly. She'd never drank as much as she had last night, and it was really biting her in the ass.
A knock at the door caused Cordi to groan again and respond with a miserable, "what?"
"It's Temari, open up!" She said through the door, sounding ungodly chipper.
"I don't want to see anyone!" Cordi growled. Nobody should be happy right now… not when she had such a headache.
"I have something you might want," Temari taunted. Cordi groaned again but managed to roll out of bed and stumble to the door. Upon yanking it open, she glared at the blond woman smiling down at her. However, she was holding a bottle that was full of some sort of potion that smelled absolutely revolting. She offered the bottle to the fire user, who looked at her as if she was insane. "It's a hangover remedy. Trust me, this will make you feel better."
Cordi eyed her suspiciously but took the bottle and upended the contents into her mouth. It tasted better than it smelled, but only slightly. She gagged a few times before managing to get all the liquid down. Shoving the bottle back into Temari's hand, she went into her bathroom to rinse the taste out of her mouth. Amazingly, the headache began to vanish within seconds of taking the concoction. She looked at Temari in surprise, who was smiling at her.
"I assume you feel better? Anyway, Ronni, Fred, and Lynne are downstairs, ready to start getting ready," Temari said before heading downstairs herself.
Ten minutes later, Cordi descended the stairs in jeans and a tank top. They'd be spending the day getting mani-pedis, their makeup done, and their hair styled. Ronni, Lynne and Fred were already there in the entryway. Fred currently had a scrunched, disgusted look on her face, as if she just swallowed something absolutely repulsive. Temari was standing by her, a glass in her hand.
"You ok Fred?" Cordi asked as she stepped onto the ground floor. Fred nodded and after a second she sighed.
"I just gave her the hangover remedy," Temari stated.
"Yeah that shit tastes awful!" Fred exclaimed, tongue sticking out and cringing again. "The headache is gone but the taste-! UGH!"
Cordi smiled and pointed to a door down the hall. "There's the bathroom, why don't you wash your mouth out? It'll be much better if you do, I promise." As Fred darted down the hallway, the fire user turned back to Lynne, Ronni, and Temari. "Do you guys know where Rox is?"
"She's not here yet?" Ronni asked, puzzled. Rox usually got up before any of them. Temari shook her head.
"Alright, well I guess we'll wait for her in the living room," Cordi sighed. They hadn't taken two steps before there was a knock at the door. Temari went to answer it and on the other side of the door, stood a pale and sickly looking Rox. Immediately Cordi was by her side, ushering her into the house, and to a seat. "Rox! Are you ok?"
Rox frowned at her sister as she said, "I threw up this morning…"
Stunned silence descended on the women gathered, eyes wide and mouths slightly opened. Except for Temari, who watched the five in puzzlement. "What's wrong with that?" she asked.
Cordi turned to her new sister and explained, "The last time Rox threw up… we hadn't met Fred and Ronni yet." She turned back to her sister and hugged her, muttering things like, 'it's ok,' and 'you'll be ok.'
"Wait… did I hear that right?" Fred asked, walking back into the foyer. She got a numb nod from Rox. "How did you react to that?" she inquired, as it was pretty common knowledge that Rox had a fear of vomit.
Rox's frown deepened, "I… was really surprised, and I cried…. But that's it."
"Huh, and I was expecting you to scream your head off and try to get away from yourself," Lynne remarked and smiles formed on the girls' faces.
"Why do you think you got sick?" Fred asked.
"Shikamaru said it could be food poisoning, and that really is the most logical answer," Rox replied.
"But, we had the best chefs in Suna cater last night and no one else is sick," Temari argued, perplexed expression on her face.
Ronni sighed and put her hand on Rox's shoulder, "well, do you feel any better now?"
Rox shrugged, "a little. The ginger tea Shikamaru gave me helped."
Cordi had not said a word once Shikamaru's name had been first mentioned. Temari was right also, that food poisoning was not very likely. There was a more logical answer that neither Shikamaru nor Rox would even think to consider. "Rox," Cordi said quietly, immediately gathering everyone's attention. "When was your last menstrual cycle?"
"And peppermint!" Hinata called after him as he was shutting the hotel room door. Naruto let out a sigh. Hinata's cravings were getting more ridiculous by the day. Last night, he found her snacking on dry ramen and watermelon slices. He hadn't been sure what to make of it as his stomach churned awkwardly at the sight. And the morning sickness hadn't subsided yet. He knew his morning breath made her sick, so he figured the cinnamon and peppermint gum she wanted him to get was for his breath. But the fish tacos and tomato sauce she wanted, he was positive, were for her.
The market wasn't far from the hotel, so he walked down the block to the store. The doors dinged as he opened them, announcing his entrance. He slowly perused the aisles, looking for the tomato sauce and fish tacos. The first thing he found was the sauce.
The bell rang several times loudly, drawing his attention to the front of the store. He peered around one of the aisles to see Cordi and the bridesmaids hustling to the hygienic aisle.
"Hurry up!" one of the girls called.
He inched over toward the aisle, making sure he was silent as possible. He didn't want them knowing he was there. He saw the group of girls staring at the pregnancy tests intently. "Well, how many should I get?" Cordi asked, reaching for one. Naruto's eyes bugged. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing.
"Well, you never want to get just one," Fred chimed in. "False positives are a bitch."
Cordi nodded looking at the shelf. "Get five," Rox ordered with a small nod.
"PFFT!" Lynne stepped forward. "Don't get stingy, Cordi! You're marrying the Kazekage. Get TWENTY!" She quickly reached into the shelf, and swept its contents into her arms.
"Lynne!" Temari balked.
"Oh, hush! I know Gaara's a little frugal, but if he knew he might have a new addition to the family, I'm sure he wouldn't mind fronting the money," Lynne stated walking back down the aisle to the cash registers.
Temari bit her lip, before following her, "Fine! But if he gets angry when he finds out you guys spent so much on pregnancy tests, it's on you!" The others followed behind slowly.
Rox looked at Cordi appraisingly. "So, how do you think he'll take it?"
Cordi tapped the box between her fingers and bit her lip. "Good, I hope." She returned Rox's gaze. "How do you think he'll take it?"
Rox pursed her lips. "Screaming for the hills?"
Cordi shook her head, "I doubt that. But if he did that, I'd have to kill him for ruining my wedding day."
Naruto swiveled around the other side of the aisle, seeing them get in line for the register. Ronni was holding another pregnancy test, shaking her head. "I can't believe you're gonna be a mom."
"You can't believe it?" Cordi barked, "I can't believe it." She handed the man behind the register the cash, then pulled away the bags. She turned around to the bridesmaids, holding up the bags, "Let's test these babies out!" It was silent before she muttered, "No pun intended."
Naruto continued to watch silently as the girls exited the store, hurrying to the spa day they had planned. Naruto realized his breathing was off as his mind raced. They were going to tell Gaara about the baby at the wedding. Knowing Gaara, he'd most likely freak out. He was going to be publicly blind-sided. But Naruto knew it wasn't his place to tell Gaara. And not talking wasn't really his strong suit.
He shook his head free of the thoughts about Cordi's pregnancy. "Just forget about it," he muttered to himself. He quickly found the fish tacos, and went in line for the register, grabbing the packs of gum Hinata had requested. He quickly paid, and rushed back to the hotel.
As soon as he walked in, Hinata swarmed him. "It's about time you got here! I'm starving!" She yanked the fish tacos and tomato sauce out of his hands, and proceeded to rip open the packages savagely. Naruto just nodded awkwardly, before looking at the clock. 10:30. He was late.
"Shit, Hinata. I gotta go," he sighed, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Hinata just nodded, continuing to devour her taco. He left her to her strange foods, and walked down to the Kazekage manor, his mind tormenting him with the knowledge of Cordi's pregnancy.
He knocked on the door, only to have Kankuro open it quickly. "Welcome to the party!" Kankuro laughed, pulling Naruto into the foyer and escorting him into the living room where everyone was sitting, drinking sake and tea. Kankuro grabbed Naruto a glass, and showed him a chair.
Immediately, Naruto began to finger the rim of his cup, and focused on the liquid inside. He could feel Gaara's eyes on him, but he didn't make any notion that he would look anywhere else. Cordi should be the one to tell Gaara. He'd remind himself. But that just kept circling to Gaara should know before the wedding so he's not blind-sided. To But Cordi won't see him until the ceremony. And back to Cordi should be the one to tell Gaara.
"What is it Naruto?" Lee asked, who sat next to Kankuro and Shikamaru on the couch.
Naruto lifted his gaze for a bit and shook his head fervently. "It's nothing."
Kankuro's eyes narrowed. "Doesn't look like nothing."
Naruto shook his head again and pursed his lips. "Seriously, it's nothing."
Gaara rolled his eyes. "You've always been a terrible liar, Naruto."
As soon as Naruto's gaze shifted to Gaara, he knew he couldn't hold it in. "Cordi's pregnant," he blurted, then downing his sake quickly. He heard Kankuro lean forward, and he could feel Gaara's heavy gaze. "I mean, I think she's pregnant." Naruto went back to fingering the empty cup.
"What do you mean, you 'think she's pregnant?'" Kankuro asked.
"I mean, when I was at the market, getting stuff for Hinata this morning, I saw Cordi there – buying pregnancy tests," Naruto stated strained. He grabbed another glass of Sake and downed it like the last one. "Shit," he rasped around his burning throat.
It was silent for a bit before Gaara asked eerily calmly, "You're sure they were for her?"
Naruto shrugged, "They were talking about how you would react to finding out about 'an addition to your family,' word for word. So yeah, pretty sure." Naruto then pursed his lips tightly looking around. Kankuro's gaze shifted worriedly toward his brother. Gaara just gave an awkward nod, and left the room, running his hand through his hair.
The group was awkwardly silent as each of the guys fingered their cups. "Way to kill the buzz, Naruto," Shikamaru muttered, leaning back and taking a sip of his tea.
"Sorry! But I couldn't just hold information like that in!" Naruto snapped.
"What aw you talkin abou?"
The group looked to the entryway of the room, seeing Yukina standing there, rubbing her eyes. Kankuro smiled and shook his head, "Nothing sweetie." He quickly looked at his watch, muttering, "Crap. Hey, I gotta take her to Temari's."
The group nodded as Kankuro got up, taking his toddler out of the room. He turned back saying, "I'll see what information I can gather. Meanwhile, make sure Gaara doesn't do anything stupid. He's probably even more nervous now than he already was, Naruto."
"Hey!" Naruto snapped.
Kankuro smiled then stated, "I'll be back!"
Rox sat at the kitchen table of Temari's apartment, five pregnancy tests resting in front of her.
"Are they seasoned yet?" Fred smirked, sitting next to her. Rox shook her head.
Cordi came out in her mud mask, and smiled holding the pregnancy test box like a model. "EverSure Pee-Stick. The most sophisticated piece of technology you will ever pee on," she drawled like a voice actor reading a slogan for a company. Rox smiled a little while Fred and Lynne, who was behind Cordi in a similar mud mask, just guffawed.
Cordi sat down, tossing the box in the middle of the table. "So, how long until we know?"
"Anytime now," Rox sighed, spinning one of the sticks on the end. As it revolved, a blue symbol appeared on the center of the stick.
The girls at the table leaned in as it slowly stopped spinning. A blue plus sign. "Does that mean –" Fred began to ask. Lynne quickly grabbed the box.
"POSITIVE!" she sang, before chanting, "YOUR EGGO IS PREGGO! YOUR EGGO IS PREGGO!"
"Positive?" Temari and Ronni chimed in, leaning out of the bathroom. When they saw Fred and Lynne dancing around Rox, chanting, they quickly joined in happily.
Cordi hugged Rox and jumped excitedly, while Rox just held her hands over her mouth. Everyone stopped when they noticed Rox had begun to cry. "Rox, what's wrong," Cordi asked, pulling away.
"Yoshino – I mean, we can't go back now. Not with a baby," Rox sobbed, shaking her head.
"And why the hell not?" Lynne asked.
"Yeah, you have us. She can't hurt you," Fred stated.
"But what if she shuns the baby from the rest of the family, or Shikamaru," Rox cried, "Or what if she just treats the baby horribly. I can't let that happen."
"Hey!" Cordi snapped, shaking Rox a little. "All you have to worry about is if Shikamaru's okay with it, not that there would be a problem or anything! And if Yoshino even thinks about treating my niece or nephew badly, she'll have the Kazekougou to deal with. Understand?" Rox nodded, with a sniffle. "Plus, you guys already got married against her wishes. Sometimes a baby can make it all better."
"Yeah, remember Schustiens?" Ronni asked. "One family was Catholic, and the other was Jewish. They did not get along one bit until the first kid was born."
Rox nodded again. "See? You'll be just fine," Cordi smiled. "Now dry your tears!"
Rox wiped away her tears, and smiled. "My eggo is preggo," she began chanting. Everyone began dancing and chanting "YOUR EGGO IS PREGGO!" like before.
A knock sounded at the doorway, stopping all chanting. They stayed silent, looking at each other as someone knocked again. "TEMARI!" Kankuro shouted through the door. "Open up!"
Rox looked at everyone shocked, as if surprised to remember there was a world outside their chanting circle.
"UHM, HOLD ON!" Temari called just before mouthing, "Put those in the trash!" The girls nodded quickly, and began to hustle, taking the positive pregnancy tests to the trash can, which was situated next to the door. As the girls finished rushing around, Temari mouthed, "Act natural!" She swung the door open, seeing Kankuro frowning, holding Yukina in his arms.
"You didn't have to clean the house. She's seen it dirty, you know," he grumbled.
Temari smiled sardonically as she took Yukina. "Yeah, well we didn't want her making a mess with nail polish, did we?"
Kankuro narrowed his gaze as he said, "Ri-ight." He held his hand behind his back as his other hand reached for the door knob. He seemed to pause strangely for a bit before awkwardly adding, "Well, I should be going. Be a good girl, Yukina." He opened the door and stepped out, "I'll see you guys later."
As soon as he was gone, Fred asked, "What was that?"
"I don't know. Kankuro's always been weird," Temari stated, shaking her head as she took Yukina back to her room. Cordi shrugged and followed her back, along with the others.
It didn't take long for Kankuro to get back to the manor. He quickly got back into the living room, standing in front of the group. Gaara had come back in the room, and his leg was seriously twitching in impatience. "They said you were getting intel," Gaara reasoned nervously.
Kankuro smiled reaching in his back pocket. "I scored this from the trash can." He quickly handed the pregnancy test to Gaara.
"But how did you get it?" Lee asked, amazed.
"I used my chakra strings," Kankuro stated as if it were obvious.
"Yeah, but how did you get it without them noticing?" Naruto pushed excitedly.
Kankuro looked at him strangely. "It's called being a ninja. You should try it sometime."
Naruto rolled his eyes, and slouched back down.
"So, she really is pregnant," Gaara stated breathily.
"Pardon?" Kankuro asked, turning to his brother.
Gaara gestured to the test. "It's positive." He bit his lip, as he set the test on the coffee table. He leaned back, putting his other hand under his nose and chin, as if contemplating something.
"But, you're going to be a father. Isn't this good news?" Lee asked.
Gaara looked to the center of the floor. He took in a sharp breath as he lowered his hand and stated, "The last two women to give birth in this family have died." He licked his lips and shook his head. "I'm not afraid of becoming a father. Just – I just was hoping our marriage would last longer than only nine months."
Shikamaru shook his head. "Gaara, you can't know she'll die in childbirth."
Gaara looked away with a shrug. "And you can't know she'll live." The living room was silent. No one knew what to say to that. Gaara just nodded dejectedly, and left the living room again.
"Oh, well done, Naruto," Kankuro muttered.
"What did I do?" Naruto asked appalled.
"Told Gaara Cordi's gonna die!" Kankuro snapped.
"I did NOT!" Naruto defended. "I said Cordi bought a pregnancy test! You affirmed that she was pregnant! And HE insinuated that she was going to die!"
"Just shut up," Shikamaru grumbled. "None of you are helping."
"But Shikamaru," Lee interjected, "Kankuro is wrong!"
"I'm saying arguing about it has no point," Shikamaru snapped. "Trust me, if it were Rox, I'd be worried about the same thing!" He let out a sigh before muttering, "Just let him worry and figure things out with Cordi." The boys were silenced by his schooling, so he sighed, "I'm going to get dressed. I'd suggest you do the same. We have to leave in a bit for pictures." With that, he too left the living room.
Kankuro shook his head and left Naruto and Lee in the living room, walking upstairs to Gaara's room. "Gaara?" he asked opening the door. He frowned as he saw his brother turning the wedding band he bought for Cordi between his fingers. Kankuro felt his heart drop a little as he walked over and stood in front of him, arms crossed.
Gaara didn't look up as he remarked, "I guess I should be apologizing to you."
Kankuro's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Gaara pursed his lips. "When you were getting married – to Matsuri. I," he breathed out slowly before nodding, "I was an ass."
Kankuro shrugged. "It was understandable, though," he reasoned.
"Still," Gaara muttered, still playing with the ring, "I should have been happy for you and I was – selfish."
Kankuro shook his head. "Gaara, why does it matter?"
Gaara shrugged, looking out the window. "Just – I feel as if I've been put in your shoes from your wedding day. And – I don't know."
Kankuro could only blink. "You think this is your fault?" Gaara looked down, as if ashamed or disappointed, confirming what his brother just asked. "Gaara –" Kankuro tried to find something to say, but the ridiculousness of the statement left his voice wordless.
"It is my fault, Kankuro. I mean, maybe if I hadn't been an ass about you and Matsuri, this wouldn't be happening now," Gaara tried to argue.
Kankuro waved his hand to stop him. "Gaara, how you felt on my wedding day has nothing to do with Cordi's pregnancy. Alright?" Gaara opened his mouth to argue, but Kankuro held up a silencing hand. "It's not your fault Cordi's pregnant."
Gaara looked at him very confused. "Are you saying I didn't impregnate her?"
"No, that's not what I meant," Kankuro sighed, rolling his eyes. He lifted his hands in small circling motions, looking for what to say. "Look, pregnancies happen. It's a fact of life. So, that's not your fault."
"But if I had actually been sincere at your wedding…" Gaara started.
"Cordi would still be pregnant now," Kankuro finished, "And we'd be having a completely different conversation about how you actually feel, instead of trying to pin a reason on a feeling from three years ago!" Gaara shook his head and returned to looking out the window. "Just because Cordi is pregnant, doesn't mean she'll die."
"You don't know that," Gaara muttered, shaking his head.
"Gaara, it's actually very rare for a woman to die in childbirth now," Kankuro stated, nodding his head.
Gaara looked at him in disbelief. "Kankuro it's happened twice in a row with our family!"
Kankuro bit his lip, before explaining, "What mom had was a rare condition from scar-tissue build up. Matsuri was bed-ridden because she was seventeen and small for a woman giving birth, which caused trouble. Cordi is not small, and definitely not too weak to carry a child to term." Gaara just stared and Kankuro blankly, which was the reaction Kankuro didn't quite know how to counter. Kankuro sighed, shaking his head again. "Gaara, you have to have faith that everything will work out fine. You just have to take everything step by step. Just focus on the wedding now." He paused to see if what he said went through. Gaara nodded lightly, putting a small smile on Kankuro's face. Kankuro turned to leave, but turned quickly before shutting the door, "And get dressed. We've got to leave soon."
The procession had started with loud music. The groomsmen entered first, then Gaara was to walk in, then wait for the bridesmaids and Cordi and Shikamaru, who was escorting her in. Kankuro was holding Shikamaru's spot next to him so the line didn't get weird when they'd have to exit the hall. The first in was Naruto, then Lee. Kankuro then walked down, giving a wink to Gaara just before.
Then it was Gaara's turn. His hands felt clammy as he took his first step into the Great Hall. He wasn't surprised to see that there was a huge turn-out for his wedding. All the focus was on him as he walked. The hall was packed with Feudal Lords of the Wind Country and their families, council members and their families, the new Sand Village elders, many high ranking ninja, Cordi's students, and all his friends from Konoha. Baki sat in place of where Gaara's parents would have been sitting, holding four white Desert Lilies. Confused, he looked over to where Cordi's family would have been, only to see a large bouquet of yellow lilies tied to the end of the bench. It took him a little bit to realize that they were there to symbolize each family member that wouldn't be at the wedding. Baki held a lily for his mother, his father, and his uncle. He thought about the last lily, confused, but shook it off as he stood next to his brother.
Kankuro smiled as he whispered to him, "How you holding up?"
Gaara let out a nervous breath and nodded. "Better. Thanks by the way, for earlier."
Kankuro shrugged. "It was my turn anyway."
Cordi stood in the back of the hall, constantly reminding herself to breathe. Her nerves and excitement were getting to her head and stomach, as her insides twisted and turned uncomfortably. She watched with baited breath as Yukina skipped down the aisle, tossing her flower petals from the basket with glee. Temari being the tallest stood at the end of the group of bridesmaids. Next was Fred, then Lynne, Ronni, and Rox, who had a nervous smile on her face.
Shikamaru, who had his arm linked with Cordi's looked at her with a slightly tired smile. "You ready?"
Cordi took in a nervous breath and nodded. "Uh-huh." As he took a step forward, she stopped, putting a vice grip on his arm that she was linked to. He turned giving her a strange look. She licked her lips nervously before saying, "Make sure I don't fall, or trip, or something?"
Shikamaru just blinked before he let out an amused smile and small chuckle. "Yeah, I think I can do that." She nervously nodded again as she took her first steps into the hall. Yukina had just finished throwing her petals and was being picked up by Kankuro.
She looked to Gaara, who had a small smile growing on his face as she got closer and closer. She knew her A-line champagne dress made her look gorgeous. Her hair had been tossed onto her head in an up-doo with ringlet wisps falling against her face. Her cathedral length veil slowly dragged behind her with the train of her dress. She smiled, seeing Gaara looking perfect in his tux.
They were in the front of the hall sooner than she expected. Gaara was smiling at her, and she at him.
The council member officiating the ceremony looked at Shikamaru plainly. "Who gives this woman to this man in marriage?"
"I do," Shikamaru stated.
Cordi smiled at him as her new brother leaned in, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for doing this," she whispered.
"No problem," he smiled. He looked at her a second longer then nodded, whispering, "You'll make a great mother." He squeezed her hand as he began to walk to his place as she just blinked at him confused.
Her brain somewhat stopped, forgetting about the wedding. Mother? Had she missed something? Her brain couldn't quite fit the puzzle pieces together as she just blinked in confusion.
"Cordi," Gaara whispered, clearly hoping not to draw any attention to the delay. She turned to look at him, noticing his hand was out, waiting for hers. She shook her head with a small chuckle, putting her hand in Gaara's as she stepped up to be with him. She turned lightly, handing her bouquet to Rox, who smiled reassuringly at her. She returned, placing her other hand in Gaara's and letting out a slow breath with a smile. He grinned at her and nodded. They were getting married.
They followed the officiate numbly, repeating after him and speaking when asked. But their eyes never left each other's. After their vows, the officiate presented an elegant bottle, along with two others. One bottle held blue sand, the other white. It was clear the blue sand was meant for Gaara and the white for Cordi. They picked up their bottles of sand, and as directed by the officiate, poured them into the elegant empty bottle as the officiate said, "Life's moments are as grains of sands, forever moving and shifting in the winds of time. Today, Gaara Subaku and Cordelia Turner, you are making your eternal commitment to each other, blending the sands of your lives together. The separate vessels of sand you now hold represent your lives until this moment. And from this moment on, as the sands blend together, you shall become one. A family created." The mixed sand had turned to a light sky blue.
As they set the bottles down, Kankuro and Roxanne stepped up, each handing their sibling the rings while the officiate introduced the blessing of the rings. He then nodded to Gaara to start. Gaara nodded, gently taking Cordi's left hand and sliding the ring on her finger as he said, "I, Gaara Subaku, give you, Cordelia Turner, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."
Cordi smiled, and as the officiate directed, took Gaara's hand and replied, "I, Cordelia Turner, give you, Gaara Subaku, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you." They both smiled at each other, letting out a smile relieved breath.
The officiate smiled and nodded before announcing, "By the power vested in my by the Fuedal Lords of the Wind Nation, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Gaara, you may kiss your bride." And without hesitation he did. The kiss was sweet and gentle. The recessional flared to life loudly, announcing their time to leave. They broke their kiss apart, and nearly ran out of the hall. A carriage waited for them outside to take them to the reception. They quickly climbed aboard and rode off laughing.
"Thank god that's over," Cordi sighed, slouching down. She looked at Gaara impishly before saying, "Now, I can get fat." Gaara's grin fell to a simple smile. She looked at him oddly before stating, "You know that was a joke, right?"
"Yes, but – I just want you to know," Gaara started nervously, "I'm ok with it."
She shot him a strange look. "You'd … be ok … with me getting fat?" What was it with people speaking weirdly to her today? Gaara just looked at her blankly, as if he'd fallen into word trap, and wasn't quite sure how to get out. She pursed her lips strangely before asking, "Gaara, are you trying to tell me you're into fat chicks?"
"No, I mean – anything that's going to happen, as long as you're by my side, I'm ok with it," he reiterated, clearly hoping to get his point across.
Cordi smiled. "Awe, that's so sweet." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and pulled away smiling. He looked as if he expected something, but was waiting on her. "Hey, could you help me un-pin my veil. I really don't want to dance with it, and having people step on it, and killing my neck. It just doesn't sound like a good idea."
Gaara's shoulders sank as he frowned at her. He shook his head, rolling his eyes and letting out a small exasperated sigh. "Sure," he muttered, reaching up to pull pins out carefully.
As Cordi and Gaara pulled into the reception, they could see their wedding party already there waiting for them. They walked to the doors, staying out of sight from the crowd of friends waiting for them to join the party. The MC of the venue the Subakus had rented out began introducing the wedding party to the others present. "Matron of Honor, Roxanne Nara, and Flower Girl, Yukina Subaku, escorted by Best Man, Kankuro Subaku." Rox and Kankuro walked in with linked arms, Kankuro holding Yukina's hand with his other hand, while each of them waved to the crowd, Yukina waving very shyly. "Maid of Honor, Ronni Butler, escorted by groomsman, Shikamaru Nara." They walked in, Ronni smiling and waving, while Shikamaru looked slightly bored. "Bridesmaid, Lynne Belfoco, escorted by groomsman, Rock Lee." Lynne waved excitedly to the group as Lee beamed to everyone, laughing about the "youthfulness" of the room. "And bridesmaids, Winnifred Butler and Temari Subaku, escorted by groomsman, Naruto Uzumaki." As Naruto walked out, Temari and Fred on each arm, he smiled and swaggered like a pimp into a club. Fred and Temari smiled, but were clearly nudging Naruto to move faster. "And lastly, allow me to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Gaara Subaku!"
Cordi let out a breath with a smile at her new husband before they took their first steps into the party, getting cheers and woops from several of their friends, Naruto and Lee being the loudest. As Gaara and Cordi entered the dance floor, they circled around the area for a bit before coming together in a slight embrace. They waited for the gentle guitar to start playing the song of their first dance. Cordi beamed up at her husband, and he back at her. She hummed along with the lyrics as they tried their best to not step on each other's toes with each graceful step.
As the bridge of the song came up, Cordi leaned into Gaara as they twirled. "Cordi, I know," Gaara whispered gently in her ear.
She lifted her head to look at him strangely. "Know?"
He nodded then leaned in again, "About the baby," he whispered, pulling her into a turn.
She pulled away lightly, making it look as if it were part of the dance. "How?" she gasped.
Gaara pulled her back in, and explained, "Naruto saw you guys at the market, and Kankuro snuck a test out of the trash can."
Cordi was looking about herself almost frantic. "Sh-Shikamaru, does he know?" Gaara smiled and nodded, rolling his eyes a little. "Dammit, Naruto," she cursed, licking her lower lip.
"Cordi, it doesn't matter," Gaara stated, as they twirled. "I couldn't be happier. I mean, I'm worried about it, but it makes me happy knowing we – are going to be parents."
Cordi just blinked at him, her mouth agape and shaking her head. She let out a small chuckle as the song twinkled out its final notes. Gaara turned and began to lead her off, but she didn't budge, making sure to keep him on the dance floor. Gaara turned back to see her seriously struggling to keep her composure. She slowly pulled him back into a slight embrace as the next song began to play and other couples, like Rox and Shikamaru and Kankuro and Fred, entered the dance floor.
Cordi and Gaara began to sway as Cordi chuckled. Gaara just looked at her very confused. After a bit, Gaara just rolled his eyes and asked, "Do you mind sharing with the rest of the class, Cordi?"
"It's Rox," Cordi smiled ironically. Gaara just looked at her even more perplexed. "I'm not pregnant."
Gaara looked up, cocking his head as the puzzle pieces came together in his head. Cordi could see a small, slightly relieved smile appear on his face. "So," he slurred, "not pregnant?"
Cordi shook her head with a smile. She laughed before asking, "So, that whole thing about not caring if I become fat?"
"Only if you are pregnant," Gaara muttered with a laugh as he shook his head.
Butterflies fluttered in Rox's belly as she and Shikamaru watched Gaara's and Cordi's first dance as husband and wife. She was still trying to find a good time to tell him about the baby, but she'd barely spent more than five seconds in his presence since the morning. Soon, she and Shikamaru, as well as Kankuro and Fred, were supposed to join the newlyweds on the dance floor.
Gaara and Cordi looked to be having a conversation, Cordi now smiling openly when only moments before she looked surprised and confused. Every word they shared was not overheard because of the music and people couldn't read their lips because they didn't remain still.
Maybe the best time to tell Shikamaru would be during their dance? People wouldn't be able to hear them, but neither would the focus be solely on the two of them. The only problem with that scenario would be the emotional response and how that would affect their dancing.
Across the dance floor, Kankuro emerged from the crowd, hand-in-hand with Fred – who still looked surprised that she'd been asked to dance, but elation made her face glow. Rox smiled at the two before taking Shikamaru's offered hand and being led onto the dance floor.
As she and Shikamaru began their dance, Shikamaru studied her, frowning. "Rox?"
Rox looked up at him and blinked, so wrapped in her thoughts that she was actually a little surprised at being addressed. "Yes?"
"You seem really distracted. Are you alright?" he asked.
Rox exhaled. It had to be now. "Shikamaru, I have something I need to tell you," she started. Shikamaru stayed quiet, letting her speak. That was one thing she loved about him. He listened to everything she had to say without interrupting. Now she just had to get the words out. Maybe she should try that 'inhaling and then let what's on your mind out in one breath' thing she'd read about years ago. So, she took a deep breath and said, "IfoundoutthismorningI'mpregnantandthat'swhyIwassosick."
Shikamaru stared her, face blank as he tried to decipher what she said. Finally he let out a short laugh, "I'm sorry, I don't know if I heard that quite right. Could you repeat the sentence?"
Rox let out a nervous laugh. "Sorry… I'm just really nervous."
"What have you got to be nervous about? Rox, it's me you're talking to. You can tell me anything," Shikamaru replied, smiling at her.
"Alright…" Rox said and took a shaky breath. "I'm pregnant, Shikamaru."
Then the rarest of things happened. Shikamaru's composure was fractured. His eyes widened, his mouth opened as if he had something to say but couldn't get the words out, and he missed a step in the dance that he had meticulously learned and practiced, sending Rox into a small awkward spin away from him. She pulled back into his arms, trying to recover from the miss-step. She gently tried to lead, hoping he'd get back into step. She quietly scoffed to herself, "I'm really glad we took those dance lessons!"
A small smile formed on Shikamaru's lips, despite the still dazed expression in his eyes. Rox gently put a hand to his cheek, smile leaving her face as anxiety took hold. "Shika, you're not upset are you?"
At the question, the dazed expression in his eyes vanished. He closed them and sighed as he leaned his head down to touch his forehead to hers, finally leading once again. "Of course I'm not, Rox. I always planned on having kids with you. I just need to wrap my head around how this happened so quickly."
Rox laughed quietly in relief as she replied, "well, when two people love each other—"
Shikamaru let out a bark of laughter as he pulled away. "No, I know how it happened. I just don't know how it happened," he reiterated. Rox tilted her head slightly to the side, perplexed. "Yeah that made about as much sense as what you said earlier," he laughed lightly.
"About, yeah," Rox replied, smiling. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but I only found out this morning and I didn't see much of you today until now…"
Shikamaru shrugged, "actually I was already told about a pregnancy." Rox stared at him wide-eyed and surprised. "Naruto saw you guys at the market buying the tests. He just assumed it was Cordi and couldn't keep his mouth shut."
"Sounds like Naruto. I just wish I didn't have to tell you so publicly," Rox sighed as she looked around the room. Surprisingly, very few people were watching them, and the few that were – like Ronni, Fred, and Temari – all had knowing smiles on their faces. "I hate being the center of attention…" she muttered to herself, loud enough for Shikamaru to hear.
He smirked at her, before directing her into a spin and then a dip once she was back in his arms, as the song ended. Rox could barely hold in her surprised gasp. "You hate being the center of attention, huh?" he asked before kissing her. Their lips lingered together for a few moments before he pulled away, smiling. "You know, I don't much like being the center of attention either."
Madara prowled down the hallway before he barged into Katsumi's workshop. Katsumi looked up calmly for a second, then moved her calm gaze back to her project. "Katsumi, would you mind explaining what is taking you so long?" Madara asked calmly. But Katsumi could hear his angry undertones.
"You know, I've been asking her the same fucking thing?" Hidan snapped, looking at the girl who was slowly sewing skin onto his hips. "Didn't you say this would only take you a month?"
Katsumi shifted her cool gaze to the Jashinist before venomously replying, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize how many small pieces you have."
"What do you mean SMALL, you bitch!" Hidan snapped, lifting his almost done torso up with his one full arm.
Katsumi just smirked and continued working.
"How long?" Madara asked coolly.
Katsumi shook her head with a shrug. "Maybe months. The problem with meat puzzles is everything looks the same, but the pieces don't always mesh."
"Well, hurry it up you piece of shit!" Hidan snapped, "I want my fucking revenge on that Nara bastard who did this to me."
Madara quickly stepped up next to him, and forced him by his jaw to lie back down. Madara leaned in close with a dangerous growl, "I didn't bring you back for your petty revenge. You're here because I want your skills killing one of these women in the prophecy. Now, know this. If you even think of disobeying me, you will beg for the days you were stuck in that hole, for I can do so much worse than you have even dreamed." Madara stood up as he shoved Hidan back down, making his insecurely stitched head bounce off the table. Madara let out a sigh, the turned to Katsumi before ordering, "Hurry it up." He turned walking out of the room, muttering, "My patience is wearing thin."
AN: So I hope that tickled all of your fancies (made you guys happy). The song I thought of for the first dance was "I See the Light" from Tangled (awesome movie!). But that's not entirely important. What IS important is that you guys remember to review! Thanks!