AN: I'M BACK BITCHES! It's been 3 years, and I bet you all never thought you'd get to see what happens next. I bet a lot of you all thought I was NEVER getting back to this. Well, my book took long enough to write, and it is now published and available on Amazon! GO BUY IT! It's called Midnight Over Moores and is available in Ebook or Paperback. I want to sell 200 copies before I publish it to hard back. I'm going to see if I can do a sales deal with Amazon since I'm finally getting this chapter out for you all to buy it. It's the first of 3 books, and the second book is still in planning stages (It's suffering from "Middle Book Syndrom" ie the plot isn't as good as it should be, but it's getting there). But while I'm still planning, guess what's getting my attention. You guessed it, my fanfictions. I've already started on the next chapter for this.

To be honest, I published my book back in March, and I immediately planned to post. But it had been 3 years. And I was more than a little lost when I started picking up what I had already written of this chapter. Not that I don't have a plan, but my concept of time in this story was a bit thrown. So, I had to do a lot of re-reading to catch back up.

On top of that, it's been 3 years and without me noticing, I've become an adult. *Le Gasp!* What I mean is, I have graduated from college, got a job in an office with a window with a really nice view, with my own desk and computer, and a 40 hour work week. I actually do my taxes now. I got married. I got MARRIED. He's another writer (not into Fanfictions, though) and he is honestly the funniest guy I've ever met (for example, while we were dating, I asked him to edit a chapter of my book that was awkward with a lot of smiling and nodding. He then sent me a gif of Jack Nicholson smiling and nodding really creepily "In honor of [my] unedited chapter" once edits were finished. I still laugh about this when I think about it). And my husband and I just bought our first house. A HOUSE. I'm a home-owner. I don't know what happened, but the change was so gradual. When I started this story, I was just entering college, and now I'm an official adult. It's kinda weird to think about.

Anyway, that's me. Despite all these changes in my life, I still plan on finishing this story. I promise.

I know I usually write back to the reviews and thank the new people who have followed this story since the last chapter, but it's late over here, and I don't have the time or patience to filter through 3 years of emails to respond this time. Next chapter, I'll respond. But now it's just been too long, and I don't want to delay you further.

Remember to buy my book on Amazon!

Disclaimer: I don't own the obvious stuff. That belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

*Warning, Lemon ahead. (But what's new?)

Chapter Twenty-Two: Prospective Visions

As the last round of songs of the reception began to play, Naruto walked over to Gaara, who was enjoying a beer with his brother and Lee. "So, did she finally tell you?" he asked, nudging an elbow into Gaara's side with a smirk.

Gaara's teal eyes looked over his impish friend intelligently before he smiled. "Yes. Yes, she did tell me that her sister is pregnant, and I'm going to be an uncle … again."

Naruto's eyes went wide. "What?" he asked, his gaze full of confusion. He shook his head dramatically before almost shrieking, "WHAT?!" He spun to see Shikamaru and Rox walking over, sipping on some soda. "Shikamaru, why didn't you tell me you were going to be a dad?"

Shikamaru's eyebrows rose at the blonde Hokage as Rox's eyes bugged. "Who told you!?" Rox snapped, her frown growing on her face. "Who else knows!?"

Shikamaru scowled at his boss as he muttered, "Great Naruto, yell that a little louder. I think my parents in Konoha couldn't quite hear you."

Naruto covered his mouth as he muttered a "Sorry."

Kankuro was the first to step forward from the group, clapping a hand on Shikamaru's shoulder with a grin. "Well, congratulations. Trust me, becoming a father was one of the best things to happen in my life," he finished, his gaze shifting over to his daughter Yukina who was dancing with Fred, his heart warming a little at the sight.

Shikamaru nodded, patting the puppeteer's hand with a returning smile. "Thanks."

Kankuro smiled with a nod and a wink. "Now, I need another beer," he stated, excusing himself to the bar.

"I, too, must extend my biggest congratulations to you two," Lee added with a smile, holding up his beer.

Before Gaara could say anything, Naruto jumped back in, saying, "Look, I'm really happy for you guys. Honestly. But I should know when I have a pregnant ninja in my ranks. If I sent you out on a mission because I didn't know, I would be in BIG trouble if anything happened." He glowered as he looked at the shadow manipulator and his wife. Naruto let out a huff as he ordered, "Rox, you are now on maternity leave, no if's, and's, or but's." Rox opened her mouth to argue against it, but he held up a hand to silence her as he turned to Shikamaru. "You, Shikamaru, will start leading her team."

Shikamaru frowned. "What about the Chunnin exams? I'm supposed to be coming back here soon to start helping plan."

Naruto shook his head. "I will appoint a new ambassador."

Shikamaru quirked an eyebrow at the Hokage as he asked, "Is there time for that?"

Naruto scowled until something visibly clicked in his mind. With a smirk, he turned to Gaara and asked, "How do you feel about Fred?"

Gaara shrugged, "She's nice. But I'm not sure what you're getting at."

"No," Naruto glowered at the Kazekage. "I mean as the new ambassador. She's good friends with Kankuro … and Cordi. She's incredibly organized and creative. I think she'd be perfect to help set up the Chunnin exams. What do you think?" Gaara looked at his friend oddly as Naruto kept gesturing to his brother. When it was clear to Naruto that Gaara was understanding his gestures, Naruto stepped forward, grabbing Gaara by the arm, and walking off to the side.

"What're you …" Gaara started.

Naruto cut him off. "The prophecy," he stated, his hands held out as if he expected Gaara to understand.

"What about it?"

"It's happening!"

Gaara eyed him speculatively. "Didn't we have this conversation yesterday?"

"Guh!" Naruto groaned, stomping a foot with exasperation. "Work with me here! If Fred is here helping take care of the Chunnin Exams, hanging out with your brother all the time…"

Gaara seemed to get where Naruto was going this time, and with a nod finished, "Kankuro and Fred will finally get together, completing what must happen for the prophecy."

Naruto held up a triumphant fist. "Yes!"

Gaara frowned as he pointed out, "There's a flaw in your plan."

"What?"

"We don't know if Fred even has any feelings for Kankuro."

Naruto shook his head. "Doesn't matter. They're friends, they'll hang out. Eventually, Kankuro can get her to like him." When Gaara didn't look convinced, Naruto added, "Look, it will never work long distance. But if I order her to stay here, and visit here on a regular basis, then there's a chance. We don't know when this apocalypse is going to happen, and if this is the only thing between winning and losing that battle, I'm gonna do it. Are you with me?"

Gaara shook his head with a shrug, giving up. "Fine. Fred's the new ambassador."

Naruto jumped up with a squeal. "Good. That's settled." He paused with a frown as he added, "That reminds me. I've got something for you."

"What?" Gaara asked, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall.

Naruto reached into his jacket, pulling out a scroll and offering it to him. "I need you to read and sign this before you leave tomorrow."

Gaara scowled at him. "You're giving me paperwork – on my wedding night?"

"Uhm," Naruto muttered pursing his lips, "Yes?"

Gaara continued to scowl at him. "Why are you giving me paperwork on my wedding night?"

"Because I couldn't give it to you before hand, as it wasn't finished being written, and I need it back before you go tomorrow," Naruto explained with a slight frown. When Gaara didn't take the scroll from him, he offered it again. "Are you going to take it or not?"

Gaara smiled sarcastically before stating, "Well I kind of had plans."

"It's important!" Naruto frowned. Gaara shot him a reproachful glare, causing Naruto to sigh. "I mean, unless preventing the apocalypse in ways other than setting your brother up isn't on your agenda." Gaara just continued to scowl at his best friend before swiping the scroll out of his hands and walking away wordlessly.

As he walked over to Cordi, she turned to her husband questioningly. "What was that about?" she asked, watching Naruto waltz over to Fred and giving her an order to stay in Suna as the new ambassador, since Shikamaru was taking over Rox's team, and would be too busy to fulfill his original duties.

Gaara showed her the scroll as he tucked it into his jacket. "I've been given some paperwork for tonight. Naruto says it's important."

Cordi scowled. "Important? Naruto wouldn't know important if it bit him in the ass!" Gaara frowned at her. "Fine," she sighed, "But Naruto is going down as the worst cock-block in history."

On the backs of their dragons, it didn't take long for everyone to get home, Naruto and Hinata were carried by Aleera, as Cordi had requested. Gryffin carried Rox and Shikamaru. Nessie flew back Ronni and Kiba. Cherokee had stayed in Suna with Fred, waiting for Aleera to return and show her the best hunting areas around the desert.

As they landed in Konoha, Roxanne noticed an older version of Shikamaru waiting for them at the front gates, and her heart dropped. Shikamaru had warned that morning, after a bout of morning sickness, that he wanted to share the news with his father at least. Rox wasn't so sure it was a good idea, even though they had Sakura confirm that morning before they left that she was indeed pregnant, and had prescribed her several supplements.

"I don't want to do this, Shika," Roxanne urged as they slowly descended to the Konoha gates. The prospect of seeing Mrs. Nara about this news was freaking her out. Shikamaru opened his mouth to say something comforting, but was stopped as Gryffin landed in front of the gates, and Shikamaru's father stepped forward with a smile.

"Welcome back," Shikaku called up to them as the other dragons landed.

"Father," Shikamaru called back down as he slid off Gryffin's back. He held his hands out to catch Rox before setting her on the ground. He stepped forward with a smile, pulling his father in a hug. "It's good to see you."

"It's good you're back," Shikaku replied as he pulled away from his son. He turned to Roxanne with a proud smile and said, "I'm sure you have joined the family." Roxanne nodded nervously, her smile holding back all her nerves just barely on the surface. "Good. You're mother wants to see you both." Shikamaru's expression fell at that.

"Dad …" he started.

"To apologize," Shikaku finished, his hand up silencing his son. "I was able to talk her out of her previous rage, and she's now proud to have a daughter who at least is a ninja for Konoha and actually lives here."

Rox's eyes were wide with fear at that prospect. Feeling her tension, Gryffin growled a little. It's okay, Gryffin. I can handle my mother-in-law.

Are you sure?

J-Just go.

Gryffin huffed, but listened to Rox before shooting up into the sky, the other dragons following him once the ninjas had dismounted them.

"Well," Shikamaru stated, a hitch in his tone telling Rox that he, too, was nervous. "We actually have some news."

Mr. Nara gave them a strange, yet curious look, before he gestured to the Village, towards the Nara compound. "Why don't we get home, then? You can tell us both." Roxanne nodded blankly as Shikamaru began dragging her along to the house. "Maybe this news will cheer her up."

"Is mom doing alright?" Shikamaru asked, eyeing his father's calm demeanor. "When we left, she seemed very upset."

Mr. Nara nodded with a sigh. "Yes, but she was not pleased you decided to elope."

Shikamaru frowned, "She didn't give us much of an option."

Mr. Nara laughed, "Yes, well, she's still your mother. And being your mother, she felt ignored."

Shikamaru gave a small, exasperated grunt. "Yes, well, being her son, I felt forced. Neither one of us wanted to elope." Shikaku shrugged as they reached the gate to the compound, and he went to unlock it.

Roxanne took this chance to pull Shikamaru aside. "I really don't think this is a good idea," she stated nervously, eyeing the elder Nara as he opened the compound doors.

"Look, they should know that their going to be grandparents," Shikamaru reasoned. Roxanne could handle delivering the news that they eloped to Mrs. Nara, but she was completely unsure about how either of them were going to react to them having a child, especially since they'd only been married a few weeks. God, this was nerve racking.

"I'm totally fine telling your dad that he's having a grandchild in like a café or something. But do we really have to tell your mother now?" Shikamaru frowned at her. Roxanne pouted. "What? She's scary. And you know that."

"But still," Shikamaru countered, "she's my mother. She has every right to know just as much as my father does." It buzzed before the gates slid open to reveal the Nara compound gardens and Shikamaru's childhood home, and Shikamaru put a calming hand on her shoulder. "If anything happens, I'm with you. You understand." Roxanne nodded nervously as Shikamaru guided her into the compound.

It wasn't long before Mr. Nara stopped them before they reached the sitting room. "I hope the news you have is an apology for your mother, even though I completely understand and agree with your decision to elope. And that she still has a new daughter-in-law to be who agrees to have a traditional wedding ceremony in the Nara compound, as she had been dreaming of since she had you, would also be wise," Mr. Nara said with a small, hopeful smile. "Any more, and she might not take it well." Roxanne and Shikamaru shared a look. Oh, they had more news alright. And a traditional ceremony on the compound had not even crossed their minds. Not after Mrs. Nara had put up such a fight on them just being engaged. Mr. Nara noticed there shared glance, and his face fell, "There's more news isn't there?" Shikamaru just pursed his lips, giving his father a knowing look. "Shit," Mr. Nara whispered. "Well, your mother is in here, and she has tea set up. So let's join her before it cools."

Mr. Nara slid open the door to see the Nara matriarch kneeling next to a small table, a steaming teapot with mugs set on a table. She had a genuine smile on her face as she looked at her husband and son. Then her gaze fell on Roxanne, her smile getting smaller with a twitch. She got up from her spot and walked over to Shikamaru, her arms wide. "Welcome home," she greeted kissing him on the cheek.

"Hi, Mom," he breathed back, worry twisting in his gut.

Mrs. Nara moved from him to Roxanne, who picked at her nails nervously. Mrs. Nara pursed her lips with her neck going stiff as she seemed to control her breathing. "You're one of us now," she bit through a not so sincere smile. Roxanne couldn't say anything. Her stomach was in knots. Mrs. Nara gestured back to the small table, "Please, have a seat."

Shikamaru grabbed Roxanne's hand, guiding her to the small table and giving her hand a small, but comforting squeeze. They knelt by the table as Mrs. Nara began pouring the tea into each mug. She set the teapot back in the center of the table before settling back down in her position.

"So," Mr. Nara started, grabbing his tea and taking a small sip, as did Mrs. Nara, "you say you have news."

Shikamaru nodded, giving Roxanne's hand another squeeze. He let out a nervous breath. He and Roxanne seemed to share the same thought. The pregnancy and labor was going to be easy compared to telling his mother. Roxanne squeezed his hand back, giving him a small nervous smile. "Uhm, how do you feel about being Grandparents?" Shikamaru asked bluntly, figuring it was better to rip off the bandaid rather than drag it out.

Mrs. Nara stopped mid sip, her eyes closed, as if she froze in position. "Honestly, I feel we're a little young, but …" Mr. Nara started, only stopping when it was clear something clicked in his brain. He looked at his son and his daughter-in-law. "You're pregnant?" he asked, his eyes wide with excitement and wonder, a big smile slowly appearing on his face.

"Yes," Shikamaru smiled, his joy shining through his eyes as he looked at his father. He shifted a hand over Roxanne's belly, which Roxanne covered with her own protectively. "We are having a baby."

"This is fantastic news!" Mr. Nara exclaimed. "Honey…" he stopped, seeing his wife still hadn't finished her sip, but her eyes were slowly opening as she focused on some point along the ceiling. "Honey, you'll burn yourself if you don't put down the tea," he said carefully.

She did as he said, her lips bright red from the heat. Her gaze shifted from the ceiling to the table as she placed her mug on the wood. "Pregnant," she breathed. "Now it makes sense." It was silent as she seemed to process the news. "My Shika is having a baby … out of wedlock?"

Shikamaru gave her a weird look and replied, "No, Mom. We got married in Suna. Remember?"

"That's why you asked her to marry you?" Mrs. Nara asked, trying to piece it together. "Did she tell you she was having your child, and you proposed. And when I said no, you eloped."

"No, Mom. It's not like that," Shikamaru defended.

"How else do you explain it?" Mrs. Nara snapped, her eyes red and her mouth in a pout. Roxanne gave Shikamaru's hand another comforting squeeze as his mother tiraded on. "All of a sudden, you propose to a girl we barely know. And when you don't get our blessing, you run off to another village and elope with her. And not even a month since you proposed, you show up on our doorstep, telling us she's pregnant?" Her eyes were wild and confused. "Where did I go wrong, Shikamaru? Why would you let this – this woman trap you?"

"Mom, it's not like that. We just found out …"

"Stop lying, Shika!" she growled. "Just tell me where I went wrong raising you. Because I can't figure it out for the life of me!"

"Mrs. Nara," Roxanne tried, "your son is telling the truth. He's been nothing but a gentleman …"

"Be quiet, you," Mrs. Nara snarled at Roxanne. Roxanne couldn't control the tear that went down her cheek. Damn hormones.

"That's my wife, Mom. You can't speak to her like that," Shikamaru snapped, standing up. "Come on, Roxanne. We're leaving." With that, he grabbed Roxanne's hand, dragging her up and out of the compound.

"I can't believe those two," Mrs. Nara hissed, stomping out of the room with a huff, slamming the door to the hallway shut.

Mr. Nara sat in the sitting room, Mr. Nara's mouth pursed and his eyes tired. "Well, that went well," he sighed, stroking his beard.

Fred lounged out in the Kazekage living room, a book by someone named Jaraiya wrote. It was smutty, definitely not her usual genre, but she couldn't put it down. Now she understood why her sister was addicted to these book. She laughed at the silly squabble two characters were having when she heard the front door close. Fred closed her book, steadily getting up from the couch and walking over to the entry way, wary of any intruders.

She jumped out with a "Hah!" eliciting a rather girly and hilarious scream from Kankuro as he jumped. "Oh," Fred laughed, "It's just you."

"J-Just me?!" he snapped. "What are you even doing here? Weren't you supposed to go back to Konoha?"

Fred shook her head nonchalantly. "I'm taking over Shikamaru's role as ambassador for the Chunnin exams, since he's covering Rox's team while she's pregnant."

Kankuro frowned. "Right," he muttered, "Okay." He paused as he remembered Naruto saying something along the lines of working something out with Gaara. Of course Naruto would jump at this, even though Kankuro made it clear he wasn't even entirely sure where he and Fred stood. "You have any plans for dinner?"

She eyed him strangely, cocking an eyebrow at him, "You mean like a date?"

"N-no," Kankuro stuttered out. "I mean, I was coming home anyway for a sandwich …"

"I'm just yanking your chain," Fred smiled, giving his shoulder a friendly punch. "I'd love to."

Kankuro's heart eased as a relieved grin reached his eyes. "Great. There's an awesome restaurant not far from here."

Fred gestured to the door cheerfully. "Lead the way."

Kankuro walked out of the mansion, Fred following close behind on the sandy streets of Suna. His hands were stuck firmly in their pockets as they walked. "So," Fred started awkwardly, "where's Yukina and Temari?"

Kankuro shrugged as he answered, "Temari's taking care of Yukina mostly while I play regent for Gaara while he and Cordi are on their honeymoon. So, she's at Temari's apartment."

Fred laughed, causing Kankuro to give her a weird look, and she waved him off. "Sorry. It's just that it's weird. Out of everyone," she paused with a sigh. "It's nothing."

"No, what is it?" Kankuro urged.

Fred sighed with a small chuckle. "It's really nothing. Just it's weird thinking about Cordi married. I mean, back home, Cordi couldn't get anybody. Then bam, we're here, and she lands the Kazekage?"

"Well, she did help him … us both, through some troubling times," Kankuro defended. "Gaara really loves her …"

"Oh, I don't doubt they love each other," Fred argued, waving away his comment. "That much is very obvious. Just the fact we had to slip into an alternate dimension for her to find love. I mean, how lucky is that that it actually happened?"

Kankuro licked his lips nervously, trying to think about his answer to this question. She was right, but he wasn't sure where she was going with it. "Yeah, it's pretty lucky," he replied awkwardly as they stepped into the restaurant. He held up two fingers, signaling to the hostess that he wanted a table for two. The hostess nodded, grabbing the menus and leading them to a table in the back. As they sat down, he asked the bartender for a round of drinks. A beer for him and a margarita for her. After he straightened himself out, Kankuro added, "But maybe it's not actually lucky. Maybe there's some semblance of fate in it."

"The prophecy?" Fred filled in.

Kankuro shrugged. "Maybe."

Fred shook her head as the waiter came back with their drinks. Fred took a large refreshing sip before saying, "I think she just stole my luck."

"So, you don't think it's fate?" Kankuro filled in.

Fred rolled her eyes with a laugh, fingering the sword in her drink that was stabbed through a pineapple. "Well, while the past couple years have definitely tested my beliefs, but no, I never generally believed in things like fate or destiny. Coincidences happen every day. Just because you and I like the same color or are both into painting doesn't mean we're soulmates."

"Well, what's your favorite color?" Kankuro asked with a smirk.

Fred raised an eyebrow at him flirtatiously, "Green."

Kankuro smiled cheekily, "What a coincidence, mine's Orange."

Fred laughed as Kankuro tapped his fingers against the table, smiling at Fred's positive reaction to his horrible joke. Fred looked him over, really for the first time without his face paint and make-up. She was surprised how much he looked like a blend between Gaara and Temari. His dark brown hair fell over his forehead in a wispy way. His skin was actually clean and well taken care of. And his eyes held a fierceness in them that was mellowed out by his good-natured smile.

"What?" he asked, suddenly a little nervous as he reached for his face. "Do I have something on my face?"

"No," Fred laughed. "You just look different without your usual get-up on your face."

He scratched the side of his face by his ear with a smile. "I hope good different."

"Yeah," Fred smiled, "like normal." She looked away, shaking her head to clear her thoughts of the warm and fuzzy feelings his smile sometimes gave her. She hated when she got those feelings. They never ended how they should.

The waiter came over, taking their order. A burger for Kankuro, and a grilled chicken for Fred. Fred sighed, taking another large sip of her margarita as the waiter left. "Well, whoever 'manipulation' is, I'm sorry."

Kankuro looked at her weirdly, tapping his beer bottle. "You don't have an idea who 'manipulation' would be?"

Fred shrugged, shaking her head with a frown. "I know everyone thinks it's you. But I honestly have no idea. As far as I know, he could be some lawyer ninja." Kankuro eyed her oddly, his confusion at what she said clear on his face. "If that's even a thing," she muttered, pulling the sword out of her drink and chewing down on the pineapple.

"I don't think it is," Kankuro laughed.

"Whatever," Fred waved off with a laugh. "Look, I'm not exactly like all my friends."

"What do you mean?" he asked, genuinely curious. He actually leaned forward, waiting for her answer.

"I was never a fan of this show, comic, whatever," Fred answered. "My friends got here and knew who everyone was, what their jobs were, their specialties, their powers, and their stats. I got here, and I have no idea who anyone is. I didn't have a specific group of people I wanted to meet from this world. You know?"

Kankuro's brow furrowed and he licked his lips. "Maybe, yeah. You mean like Cordi was a fan of Gaara's from the show."

"And Rox was a fan of Shikamaru's," Fred added, "And Lynne was a fan of Sasuke's, and Ronni, from what she'd seen of the show, liked Kiba. I didn't like the show."

Kankuro leaned back, intrigued by what she said. "Really?" Fred nodded. "You didn't watch the show at all?"

"No," Fred answered. "And somehow, everyone who did ended up with the one person they liked in the show." She paused before she finished, "But, I never watched the show." She shrugged before she added, "They've tried to set me up with guys here. But they suck at it." Kankuro laughed and Fred shook her head. "It's not their fault. I used to be the one doing the setting up at home."

Kankuro eyed her carefully. "How so?"

"I was the one who knew all the guys at home," Fred answered plainly, taking a sip of her drink. "You know, before I got here, I was considered a catch. Tons of guys wanted to date me." She sighed with a frown, as she looked down at her drink. It was empty. She gestured to the waiter for another one. She was starting to feel the effects of the first one, but she didn't care. "I mean, do you know how many times I've been laid since we got here? Go ahead, guess."

Kankuro kicked back his beer awkwardly. He needed to be a little drunker for this conversation. He set the bottle back down as he replied, "I dunno. Twice?"

Fred let out a bark of laughter. "I wish! Try zero." She looked around, "Where's our food?"

Kankuro looked around until he saw the waiter walking over with it. "It's coming."

Fred shook her head, placing her head in her hand. "Honestly, that's what I think is just so goddamn weird." Kankuro looked at her, taking in her pensive frown as the waiter placed the food on the table. He asked the waiter for another beer, keeping his eyes on his companion. She looked honestly frustrated about the prospect. She dropped her hand on the table, her palms open. "I mean, really, what kind of horse shit is this that we get transported to another dimension, and Cordi is now getting more action than me?"

Kankuro let out a bark of laughter. "That's ridiculous."

"It's true though!" Fred laughed back. "Don't believe me?" He shook his head, grabbing his burger and taking a bite. "Well let's look at you, huh? I mean, Cordi told me you used to get around."

Kankuro froze mid chew, eyeing her skeptically before swallowing and licking his lips. "Well, yes, I did have my fair share of relationships."

"Right," Fred continued. "You got around before we got here. Since we got here, who's had more sex? You or Gaara?"

He coughed a little, focusing on the table. "This is a little awkward."

"You don't have to say," Fred sighed. "I already know." Kankuro's eyes bugged at that, but Fred ignored him and continued, "Honestly, though, how long has it been for you?"

"Honestly?" Kankuro asked. Fred nodded, her verdant eyes trained on him. He sighed as he said, "Since Matsuri."

Fred smiled. "See, you're in the same boat I am." She looked down at her untouched chicken and frowned. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make dinner awkward."

Kankuro shook his head, closing his eyes. "No, it's alright." He took a bite of his burger before he asked, "So, was there someone at home?"

Fred sipped her margarita before answering, "No. I was never a 'relationship' person. I mean, I'd date guys, but never anything official." She took another sip of her margarita, sloshing its contents around. "Kinda like now, but without the physical stuff."

"So, you're available?" Kankuro stated.

Fred gave him a smirk. "Well, it's not like I could go home anyway. So yeah."

Several drinks later, Kankuro and Fred decided it was time to get home. Kankuro paid for dinner and guided Fred back to the Kazekage residence. Kankuro and Fred stood outside the front door as he tried to unlock the door. As soon as the door opened, he held it for her, gesturing her to go in as he said, "M'lady."

He looked down to her green eyes, which were looking at his lips. She leaned up to him, planting a warm kiss on his lips. A small surge went through them through that kiss. She pulled away quickly with a nervous smile. "Sorry. I thought maybe…"

Kankuro cut her off by pulling her into another kiss, her eyes fluttering closed along with his. He pressed his tongue against her lips and she opened them, pressing her tongue against his. His hands snaked around her, one hand around her waist and the other up her spine and shoulders into her loose ebony locks. Fred lifted a leg around him only to cause them to lose their balance, being caught by the doorframe at Kankuro's back.

They broke off their kiss with a laugh. "Maybe we should go inside," Kankuro commented with a chuckle.

"Yeah," Fred breathed, awkwardly ramming her hands in her back jean pockets as she stepped through the front door. She turned to see Kankuro step through the door and lock it before she launched back on him, pinning him against the wall. Her mouth on his as she held his collar close. She let out a small moan as she massaged her tongue against his. Her hands moved around him to grip his muscular back. His hands were all over her as well as he guided her to the kitchen. She broke their kiss to jump on him, her legs wrapping around his waist as he steadied himself, his arms snaking around her waist as she continued to kiss him. He maneuvered them to the kitchen table, lying her down across it. He left a trail of kisses down to her hear, then down her neck, as she pulled his shirt up, exposing his mesh netting underlet.

He stopped, his eyes closed as she held his shirt up above his belly button. "We shouldn't be doing this?" he said breathily.

Fred looked up at him with surprised green eyes. "Why not?"

He looked at her, his eyes a little sad. "You've been drinking, and I don't want to take advantage."

Fred blinked, a small smile coming to her face as she lifted herself up to kiss him again. It was only a peck, but as she pulled away, her green eyes connected with his dark brown eyes as she said, "I'm sober enough to know I want this." She moved to kiss him again, her lips and tongue meeting his. Through the small moments of separation, she breathed out a small, "Please. Take me, Kankuro."

He opened his eyes to look into hers, their noses and chests and groins touching. Her legs were still wrapped around his waist, and her hands were fiddling with the rope holding up his pants. In her emerald eyes, he could see that she was serious. She wanted this. She wanted him. He kissed her again, grabbing the hem of her shirt and lifting it deftly over her head, exposing her mesh tankini and a bright turquoise and black leopard print bra underneath. She did the same with his shirt, pulling it off and discarding it on the floor. He ground into her, feeling the heat her womanhood was giving off. He undid her pants easing them off her legs, showing off her white lacy thong.

He moved his hand down to her heat, moving the g-string aside as he felt her wetness. She mewled out a moan as his finger stroked between her opening and her clitoris. Her fingers feverishly undid his pants, letting them drop to the ground, leaving his boxers in place. She sat herself up as her fingers fiddled with the elastic waistband, working them around his member then down to his ankles. He stepped out of his pants and boxers deftly. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling his member close to her opening. She lowered a hand to his member, stroking him, eliciting a growl of ecstacy from the Sand ninja. He removed his hand from her, placing it on her shoulder and pushing her gently to lie back on the table and to brace himself. He pushed himself in, a loud guttural moan coming out of Fred. He lowered his face to her cleavage, grabbing her mesh bay his teeth and pulling it up above her boobs. He freed one of her breasts between pumps and started sucking on her exposed nipple. Her hands gripped at his scalp as she ground in rhythm with he. "Oh, God, Kankuro," she breathed. He moved another hand down to her clitoris, massaging it with his middle finger, earning a lusty gasp from Fred. Her moans started rising in pitch as she felt her climax getting closer. He could feel by her womanhood clenching around his member that she was on the cusp of orgasm, and he removed his hand from her clit, pushing himself up and thrusting deeper as he moved his mouth to hers, drowning out her moans with his mouth, his hands taking care of her recently abandoned nipples. He felt her nails on his back digging in as he felt her scream in his mouth, her womanhood spasming around his member. Every pump he gave sent her over again and again, driving him crazy until he felt the knot building in his stomach release, and with his own loud half groan half growl in her mouth, he released his load, driving her into another orgasm from the pressure of his ejaculation.

They sat there, breathing hard as they looked at each other, a new understanding for the other shining in their eyes.

Lynne stood on a field with her friends, watching the horizon. It was hazy, but she could see the large group of people coming. As the sky darkened behind the oncoming group, red storm clouds appeared swarming behind them. It was an ominous sight, but she understood exactly who they were. The Akatsuki. As her friends began to run into battle, she stayed behind, unable to move. As the loud clashing of kunai sounded, there was a loud uproar as eight of the nine tailed beast were summoned. The apocalypse. That's what she was seeing.

It was obvious her friends were losing, until a buzzing sound whistled through the battlefield, getting louder and louder until there was a large pop.

Lynne awoke with a start, kicked awake by her babies. She reached a hand to her larger than normal belly, rubbing it softly in hopes they would calm down. Sasuke snored beside her gently, his hair disheveled and hanging in his face. It had almost been a month, and the newly married Kazekage and Kazekougo were due back to Suna anytime. In the meantime, heavy duty planning for Ronni and Kiba's wedding was going on around the village.

She moved gently to get out of bed, so as not to wake Sasuke, but that didn't work out so well. He stopped snoring, and she heard him stirring. "Hey," he grunted, barely coherent, "what's wrong?"

Lynne shook her head. "It's nothing. I just had a nightmare, so I'm getting some water."

Sasuke blinked with a frown. "What was the nightmare about?"

Lynne let out a sigh as she began to tell him about the battle she saw. About the tailed beasts and the Akatsuki. How she froze on the battlefield. And how they were losing. And how something happened that stopped the battle. She didn't know what, but it was important.

Sasuke chewed on the inside of his lip. "You need to tell Naruto."

"No," Lynne laughed. "It was just a silly dream."

"It sounded more like a vision than a silly dream to me," Sasuke responded, his sharp gaze on hers.

"Maybe," Lynne sighed. "But I've never had a vision like that."

"We should still tell Naruto," Sasuke stated.

Lynne huffed, "Fine. But only after the doctor's appointment tomorrow. I don't need to be thinking about the end of the world when I'm getting my blood pressure checked."

AN: I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Remember please follow, favorite, and above all REVIEW! And lastly, please check out my book Midnight Over Moores, available on Amazon in Ebook and Paperback.