Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto :D
My apology for very late update, Damn that typhoon! Floods are everywhere! Been so busy helping my mom and brothers to fix a lot of things here in our house… sighs* I just hate bad weather!
Anywayz…
Thanks for the wonderful review :) I just get an inspiration again upon continuing this story…
So I'm back for the 5th chapter hope you like it..
Wanted: A good Beta to help me in this story.. waaah! I'm running out of vocabulary! Please help me!
P.S. I'm open for any suggestions :D
Chapter 5 : Welcome Present
"Don't worry Ino, It's going to be fine."
Hana gently tapped her shoulder with a soft smile. Honestly she really don't like the idea of being away from her son for a week, she already said no to Tsume and Hana last time when they came over and ask her permission to take Ichirou with them for an important Inuzuka Clan gathering that will going to held in another village. But this event is very important for the Inuzukas, Tsume told her that they have to let Ichirou to attend the ritual and vow as a sign of pledge of being a first born Inuzuka of this genertion, as the son of Kiba. For he will be the next leader of the clan. Sadly, That gathering is strictly for Inuzukas only, no exceptions, even her as the child's mother. That information makes her feel more distress. Wishing that Kiba is there… But she can't do anything about it. It is a clan's tradition. Now she's starting to accept the conditions of being a mother of the future clan leader.
"But Ichirou is too young to accept the pledge."
Ino groan, feeling heavy while packing her son's things.
"Ino, I know exactly how you feel as a mother, don't worry we'll take care of your son, I promise."
"I just hope that you will still stick to your promise to me Tsume sama, I don't want to push my son by anyone at this early age, I just want him to enjoy his childhood, playing and doing the things just like the other kids at his age."
Her voice cracked, she bit her lower lip fighting the urge to cry. How she loves her son so much. And If she has another choice she will definitely don't let Ichirou to attend that gathering.
"I want to enjoy this days with my son, because he will never be a child forever."
There she goes! A melodramatic mother stikes again. Tsume fondly caress her back with assurance.
"Hey! We're not going to kill your son for pete's sake! Don't worry, I love my grandson as much as you do, I will do anything for him, to protect him, and yes, I'm not going to break my promise to you. Another three years before we start to train him."
Ino just nodded and wiped the tears on her cheek.
"Mommy I'm sooo excited!"
Her award winning drama was interrupted by Ichirou, the boy is already dressed up, Ino can see how excited her son is, the big grin and the cheerfulness in his eyes is definitely priceless. She pouted her lips as he kneels down to him.
"So excited to leave me here alone? Hm?"
She pouted even more and gave him a puppy eyes while brushing his brown hair with hair fingers. Ichirou looked at her with much bigger beam.
"You're not alone mom, I told Kenji to take care of you while I'm away… And please don't look at me like that you look horrible."
The three adults couldn't help but laugh at the kid's charming response, Ino just hug him tightly and planted small kisses all over his adorable face.
"Just behave yourself at the gathering ok? Don't give you grandma and auntie Hana head ache okay? Don't talk to strangers, don't skip meals, don't be so clumsy, sleep well and don-
"Mommy… here you go again." The kid rolled his eyes and sulk.
"I'm a big boy now mommy I can take care of myself!"
Ino couldn't help but smile to her sons gesture as he continue to mumble, she mentally shook her head thinking how time runs so fast, looking at her son now makes her remind of Kiba, his voice, boyish grins, and sulks and most of all his complains when she's starting to get upset.
"I just want you to stay calm and relax mommy, I will be okay I promise."
"And of course his assurance"
She jokingly pouted her lips in return as she gently brushes his brown hair looking directly to his eyes.
"Mommy will miss you my Ichi..."
The little boy gives her a warm embrace that makes her heart melted even more.
"Going to miss you more mom., I love you."
"Oh I love you more baby."
"Bro, take care of our mom while I'm away okay?"
Ichirou said with a wide boyish grin, Kenji just mope in return.
"But of course I will!"
"Hey! Don't worry I will come back soon! Don't be sad, mommy will surely take you to the festival tomorrow I'm pretty sure."
Kenji's eyes widened in excitement, he really want to come with them and felt upset when Ino explained to him that Ichi can't go with them.
"Is that true mommy?"
The little Hyuga quickly ran to Ino and gently tugged her dress waiting for an answer with a puppy eyes.
"Yes, of course."
Ino replied with a soft smile.
"Wow! We're going to the festival! We're going to the festival!"
The boy runs excitedly around the village gate, Ichirou joins and playfully runs with Kenji.
The three adults just watched them happily. Seeing those kids in their innocent and cheerful gestures gives them an unexplainable happiness.
"Okay! Okay! Enough for the play we have to go Ichirou."
"Okay grandma!" The kid rushed to his mom to have a goodbye hug.
"Bye mommy!"
"Bye baby!"
"There you go!" Ino smiled as she finished dressing up Kenji, a simple white robe fits the little Hyuuga, she tied his long brown hair loosely at the end, and she mentally shook her head. "He is indeed a replica of that stupid bastard."
"Do I look handsome mommy?" She paused for a moment, and yes she must admit that Hyuuga Neji is quite good looking to have an adorable son, she gritted her teeth in annoyance upon remembering that person.
"Mommy?" Then she regains her composure, she smiled sweetly and planted a kiss on a boy's forehead.
"But of course son, you and Ichi are the most handsome boys in the whole world!"
"And you're the most gorgeous mommy in the world!" She playfully pinch his nose "Oh thank you!" she quickly fix her purple floral kimono, they are preparing to go to the festival.
"Yosh Let's go, the fireworks will start at eight."
"Yey!" The boy excitedly runs to the door and wearing his slippers on, then the blonde follows him and they started to take a walk to the main streets of the village. The night seems to be inviting for the town people of Konoha, there are lots of colorful street lights along the village, the smells of tea and street foods is in the air, they can actually feel the feast. Everyone on the streets is rushing to the area of the fireworks display. A lot of souvenir items, toys food carts are around the place. There is also a small Ferris wheel and carousel at the center. Ino couldn't help but smile to see the amusement from Kenji's lavender orbs. How she wish that Ichirou is here with them. But seeing Kenji's excitement and amusement just simply made her feel happy, she doesn't want to ruin his happiness just because she misses Ichi and besides she also wants to take this opportunity to have a break from a stressful missions and duty as a jounin.
"Hey kiddo!"
"Uncle Lee!" The boy swiftly hug the certain Konoha's green beast, Lee has been very close to Kenji, and if he has a spare time after his mission he make sure that he will come to visit his former teammate's child. Same with the others, like Shino Skikamaru and Chouji. They always spend times for the kids.
"I have something for you and Ichie." Lee handed a two animal mask to Kenji, a panda and a dog mask.
"Wow! Uncle! Thank you! I like this panda! I will give this dog mask to Ichie when he arrives."
Rock Lee gazed at Ino. "Where is Ichirou?" The blonde just waved.
"He's with Tsume-san, they have this clan gathering."
"Oh I see, oh Ino did you heard about the news?" She was just about to ask when they got interrupted by the loud sounds of the fireworks.
"Mommy! Mommy! Look! Let's go find a good place to watch!" Kenji quickly grabbed her hands and leads her to the nearby up slope area, perfect for fireworks gazing, Like the Hyuga kid, she got mesmerized with the fireworks that she already forget about Rock Lee's last statement. She just sat on the bench and let the kid be seated on her lap. She just can't help but smile every time that Kenji got so excited by the fireworks display. Her heart warmed when the boy suddenly hugged her.
"Hey?" She lovingly messed his hair.
"What's with the hug? Do you want something?" A sweet smile flashes on her lips.
"No mommy, I just want to thank you for bringing me here." Her heart just got warmer when the kid gave her a kiss on a forehead.
"Oh Kenji that was so sweet! Come on enjoy the show, were going to have a long night ahead, do you want to ride on the Ferris wheel and carousel after the fireworks?"
"Really mommy?" His eyes just got widen in excitement. She nodded in response her genuine smile is still on her face, fondly watching her boy's anticipation.
"I just wish that Ichirou is here." The boy exclaimed, almost sulking. She just let a small smile.
"I wish that too, but you know, your brother is also having fun too with grandma Tsume and aunt Hana, so don't worry okay? Let's just enjoy the feast."
"Okay mom."
As she promised, right after the fireworks they went to the ferris wheel and carousel, Ino found herself enjoying with 'her' son, The happiness on his face is absolutely priceless and that made her feel joyful and excited just like a child. They also went to the water balloon booth, went shopping, she buy new set of clothes and toys for the kids, She gave everything that Kenji wish for. They took some light snacks before heading home. Ino have a small laugh watching Kenji almost fell asleep while walking.
"Hey! Hey! Don't sleep! I can't carry you home! See I'm carrying a lot of stuff here!"
"I'm not sleep walking mom." She laughs even more upon hearing the boy's sleepy voice followed by a soft yawn.
"That's what you got for being over excited! You get yourself tired running all over the town." The boy just frowned.
"Mom, I'm so tired."
"Stop complaining- She was interrupted by a loud thud nearby, her protective instinct kicked her as she quickly grabbed Kenji's hand, the boy suddenly froze in panic.
"Mommy… I'm scared." Kenji embraced her leg, she grabbed her kunai and get herself ready to attack.
"Who's that?" Then a man with the Anbu Uniform appeared in front of them, he raise his left hand giving her a sign.
"I'm just passing by Yamanaka-san."
"What the hell?! You scared me to hell! Whoever you are! Don't you ever scare a woman like that! You even scared my son! You stupid dimwit!" She shouts in fury while caressing Kenji's shoulder trying to calm the frightened child that was about to cry.
"It's okay Kenji, See? It's just an Patrolling Anbu, there's nothing to be scared of, come on lets go."
The Anbu just remain standing in front of them, which pissed Ino even more.
"Will you get out of my son's sight? Can't you see you freakin scared him! Get out of the way! Damn it!"
"My apology Yamanaka-san, do you want me to escort you and your 'son' home?"
It was a deep voice, Ino is well aware that Anbu are trained to change their voices to conceal their identity, but what really got her thought is the sarcasm when he mentioned the word son, that made her more irritated.
"Hell no! Just get out of my sight! Now!"
"Mommy, let's go home."
The boy tugs her dress, Ino just sighs in relief seeing that Kenji is already calm and not afraid anymore.
"Okay, let's go, do you want me to carry you?" The boy shook his head.
"No mom I'm okay, I can walk." She then started to walk ignoring the Anbu in front of them. She is fully aware that he is still watching them, she just shrug and continue to strides to her house.
"That bastard!" She mentally hissed.
"Good night mom." Kenji still manage to kiss Ino goodnight even though he's almost half asleep, the blonde just give him a warm smile and covers him with a blanket, she decided to let him sleep on her room since the boy ask her to stay with her while Ichi is away. She turned off the lamp shade and sleep beside the little Hyuga.
Not aware of an intent stare from a certain man, standing outside her window. The man with the Anbu uniform. He took the mask that covers his face, not keeping his sight of to sleeping blonde and "her" son.
xXx
"Are you sure that you want to stay here? You can stay with me at the office if you want."
The boy shook his head in response, "No mommy, I will just play here." Ino momentarily stops thinking if it's okay to leave Kenji at the play ground that is just a few meters away from the school academy.
"Oh! Common mommy! Don't worry I will catch up to you later after this, see Isagi and Mamoru is here we're going to play hide and seek!" The boy is referring to the kids next to him, and Ino knows them as her boys playmates. She just sighs and nods for approval.
"Just be at my office before lunch okay?"
"Okay mom! I promise!"
That was just she wanted to hear, she then headed to the interrogation department. It was good thing that things around the village are running smoothly, no criminals for this whole entire week so it's safe to bring Kenji to her office. But she still have a lot of things to do at her office, she just shrugs and started to check on the files on her table. Only to get pissed with the bunch of love letters coming from her suitors, she irritable toss them to the nearby bean. It's not that she became a man hater of something, she just finds those guys taking advantage of her, thinking that she's desperate to engage with another relationship after she got widowed. Some of them are her fellow shinobi, some are civilians, and there are also some business men. Well she's still young and gorgeous, and she must admit, her trademark never fades. She never failed to take care of herself particularly her body and her looks even if she's already a mom, it is because she's still engaging for a seduction missions as a konoichi, where in her beauty is the most powerful weapon. That's a very important thing for a female shinobi like her.
She then became pre occupied of her loads of office works that she almost forgot to take her lunch and Kenji, she hurried herself to the playground, thinking that Kenji already forgot that it's about time for lunch, to her dismay the boy and his playmates are nowhere in sight. She fights the urge to get worried, she just continue her search to the training ground, to the academy she even checked her office thinking that the boy is already there. She dash herself to the flower shop but he's not there also, she didn't pay much attention to Inoichi trying to scold him, asking her why did she left the kid unattended instead of leaving the child to the shop. Now she's on a stage of panic, she rapidly runs to the Hyuuga complex and got disappointed when she heard that Hinata and Hanabi is away from their mission.
She rushed again to the main street, feels like she's going to lose her mind thinking where is Kenji at this very moment. She just stopped her tracks when she saw the glimpse of the certain boy that she's desperately searching; he's inside the barbecue house. She quickly runs inside the restaurant.
"Kenji!" It was her loud voice that surround the area, the hell she cares for the others people, she is so damn mad this time, tired running around the village, almost killed by her panic attack.
"M-mom. . I"
"I've been looking all over for you! I've been to the playground to the shop all over the place! What are you doing here?! You even promise me that you will come to my office before lunch time! Don't you know that you got me worried to death? Ha! Kenji!"
"Answer me! What are you doing here?! And who brings you here?!" It seems that she really scared the poor kid, because this is the first time that she raises her voice to him, the little Hyuuga started to cry.
"I.. I'm sorry mom." The boy murmur between his sobs, he then quickly runs to her and hugged her, that simple gesture from her boy suddenly took her anger away, she bended and face the sobbing child.
"It's okay, don't cry I'm not mad anymore, and I'm sorry if for yelling."
"I'm sorry mommy If I got you worried, I was about to go to your-
"He's with me Ino."
It was a low, cold, authoritative familiar voice, the voice that made her stop dead on her tracks, voice that she wishes that she would never hear… ever…. Again. Her heart pounded vigorously as her blood rises in full of wrath, she grabbed Kenji's arm possessively as she rose and face the certain Hyuuga Prodigy. Her eyes are like a thunder lightning that looking straight to the lavender orbs in front of her. There are so much words that's running to her head, words that she wants to scream to his face.
"How have you been?" Neji finally says.
A tight slap landed on his face.
"Stay away from my child Hyuuga Neji!"
Before he could react, Ino quicky take Kenji out of the restaurant, not minding the scene that she made and the cry of the child that she's carrying. Her fist is tightly closed, she could almost hear the knuckling sounds of her fingers.
Ino finds that formal, piece-of-shit line so ridiculous. He leave this poor child over three years ago without any single word, without realizing that the old bastard Hyuuga Hiashi is very much willing to throw this innocent child to the orphanage, and now he returns and asks her how she has been? Damn unbelievable! A lot of damn things are running to her mind, she headed straight to the flower shop.
She tiredly slammed herself to the couch still carrying Kenji that already fall asleep from crying. She gently placed the boy beside her. Thank Kami that her father is not around to ask a million question. She rested her head and momentarily closed her eyes, trying her very best to calm, She then lowered her eyes to the sleeping child, she smiled bitterly as she caressed his forehead, taking a few strands of his hair on his face. Ino bites her lower lip to keep it from trembling, feeling a crushing weight in her chest.
"He's going to take you away from me."
She bit her lower lip, warm tears flows on her cheeks. Reality hits her, this is the moment that she actually wish that will never happen, she already have a good plans for the kids future, she's already looking forward of getting old with "her" children. That she will focus her life to the kids alone. But this is reality, she closed her eyes, she just can't stop her tears from falling, she can't help the sound of her sobs.
"Even if you cry blood you can't just escape the fact that he is the father, Mendokusee Ino stop crying."
Ino stiffened, as she set her gape to Shikamaru and Chouji, she is undoubtedly worn out that she failed to notice her former teammates.
"That was quite a scene." Chouji said while eating potato chips.
"We saw everything, tsc! Troublesome woman!"
"So all this time you knew that… that stupid bastard has arrived?" Ino looks at them questioningly.
"Hey! We just saw him with Kenji on the restaurant, we were actually surprised about what we saw, so we end up thinking that you and Neji already talk, things just got more confusing when you arrived and made a scene." Chouji explained.
"Oi Ino, I'm we're not here to bash you about what happened earlier-
"He only gets what he deserves! We all know what really happens! And don't blame my response about what happened! Argh! He deserves a million slaps!" She snarled as if she's turning into a monster.
"Tsc! We are here to remind you that Neji is the father, I know what you've been trough raising Kenji all by yourself, you take care and love the kid like your own child, but you see-
"I know Shikamaru…" She cuts him… she sadly gaped at the sleeping child as she continued.
"I already knew about that from the beginning, ever since I decided to take care of this kid, it's just that I'm not yet ready." Her voice cracked
"I even forgot to train myself for this moment, It's so unexpected.. He just can't come and get his son as if nothing happened! For pete's sake Shika!"
Shikamaru gave her a soft tap on her shoulder. "I already told you about the consequences Ino, I know that you have a very good heart especially for children ever since you gave birth to Ichirou, I'm not blaming you for taking the responsibility for this child, you just did what you think is the right for Kenji. But you see… he's back, probably to face his responsibility for his son. We all knew what he went through."
"We were just on the same situation! I'm not that stupid to accept that bullshit excuse!" Ino retorted.
Shikamaru let out a deep sigh.
"Just talk to Neji when you are ready, take your time to think and stop crying like a baby."
"Mommy… are you still mad at me?" Her thoughts were suddenly disrupted, she's still thinking about Neji's sudden appearance. She almost forgot the food on the table that she just keeps on staring at, she shook her head and regain her composure.
"No Kenji, I'm not mad at you." She slightly pressed his nose and gave him a warm smile, and then she started to eat.
"Mommy.."
"Hmm?"
"Why did you slap my dad?" It was just a casual question that made Ino feels like she wanted to faint.
"W-what made you think that he is?" Her voice shivered, she was so shock, While the little boy just simply stared at her chewing his food, and gave her a slight confuse look.
"He's my dad right? I remember you called him Hyuuga Neji, and he is the man on the picture you gave me right mommy?" The boy rolled his eyes and started to top his cheek with his finger, it's like he was thinking or something. Kenji's questions and actions leads to suspect Ino that Neji did not told the kid yet.
"What happened earlier baby? When I left you to the playground?"
Instead of answering her question, the boy pouted and rested her arms on the table.
"Is that my daddy?"
Ino mentally rolled her eyes how she wish that this little Hyuga is not this smart just like the other kids like his age. Just recently recovered from her shock she managed to regain her composure.
"Okay, I will answer your question later, just tell me first what happened earlier you know that you got me so worried, I was looking for you all over the village don't you know that?"
She made sure that she sounds like pleading to stop the kid from asking the most crucial question of her life.
"Uhm.. I was walking on the street to go to your office and he saw me, he asks me where I am going, I told him that I'm hungry and I'm going to see you to have lunch then he offered me to have a lunch with him instead at the barbecue house."
"I told you Kenji, never talk to stranger right? Why did you choose to come with him?"
The boy shook his head. "I think he is not mommy."
She frowns. "And why is that?"
"Because he has the same eyes like mine and aunt Hinata and aunt Hanabi and grandpa Hiashi and the others from the Hyuuga complex." The kid answered with a wide grin.
"Kenji… promise me not to do that again, don't talk or go with someone you don't know okay?" She pleaded.
"Okay mommy I promise." That made Ino smile genuinely.
"And what else? Did he say something?" The boy stopped for a moment and think.
"Well, nothing much mom, he just ask me about you." Her brows twitched.
"Me?" The boy nodded.
"He asked me about my mommy and I told him it's you." She swallowed.
"I told him that I have a brother, I have two grandpas I have one grandma and aunties."
Ino feels like she's having a head ache. She gently rubs her forehead. Heck she's sure that she has no any single regrets on allowing Kenji to call her mommy, now she's doomed with the complications.
"Mommy why did you slapped him? Do you hate him because he brought me to the restaurant without asking permission to you?"
"I cried because I feel bad for him, I thinks he's nice."
"And you called him-
"Kenji stop, I'm having a severe head ache, just finish your dinner and were going home." She said firmly. She had enough of this question and answer that she started.
"But—
"No buts! Finish your dinner! We're going home." The boy frowns as he continues his meal.
xXx
hahaha I just made Ino a little bit OA this time :)
Haist! I really need to expand my vocabulary! I need HELLPPPPPP!
Lols! I'm almost finish for the next chap :)
Expect another update by tomorrow :)
Please review..
-shishucoh-