A/N: Per the Random House Japanese-English dictionary: Inori means 'Prayer' and Inochi can mean 'Most precious possession or person', hence Ino's quips to her father.
Evening Fireworks & Morning Sunshine
Ino had been dreading this conversation for months now, she'd done every in her power not to even broach the subject. Unfortunately, her father finally did: "So, have you been thinking about what you're going to name my grandchild?"
"Granddaughter," Ino interrupted. "I asked Sakura if she could tell me the baby's gender."
"Granddaughter," echoed Inoichi, "that's okay. So Ino, did you come up with anything yet?"
"Nothing you want to hear." She replied, "Dad, I'm not continuing the tradition, and that's that."
"You could name her Inori." He regarded her with a serious expression.
"Inori?" Ino narrowed her eyes, "As in, 'my prayer for a grandchild was answered when my daughter got knocked-up in Suna'."
Inoichi flinched; his sharp-tongued daughter had hit her mark. However, he recovered quickly, "Then how about calling her Inochi?"
"That comes off like 'my daughter practically named my most precious illegitimate grandchild after me'." Ino crossed her arms against her chest. "Look Dad, it's just not gonna happen." Out of the corner of her eye she could see her mother walking up closer and thought, She's probably going to intervene if this gets any worse.
"Don't you want to make me happy?" His body language didn't even come close to happy, more like getting ready to bully her. "And I'm not the only one you have to think about. What about Shikamaru? I'm sure he'd uphold tradition."
That was it. Ino let it all come out in one tirade. "Shikamaru may be wussy enough to bend to this kind of pressure, but I bet if Temari comes up with a name that isn't in the tradition, she'll win." Ino's hands went to her hips as she stared up at her dad. Her future daughter filled the space between them. "Besides, there isn't going to be a third generation team Ino-Shika-Cho. Sure Shikamaru's baby is due close to mine, but you seem to forget about Chouji. He doesn't have a wife or girlfriend, and as far as I know he didn't do anything in Suna to regret. So unless he suddenly starts to spray his seed with wild abandon…"
-WHACK- with lighting speed Misao slapped her daughter's face. It also looked like her father had been thinking of doing the same.
Ino bowed her head while rubbing her cheek. "I'm sorry, I deserved that, I was way out of line."
Misao took Ino into her arms. "I'll support your right to name your daughter anything you like. Now stop getting so worked up, it's not good for either of you." She turned and wagged a finger at Inoichi, "And it's not good for you either." She turned back to Ino, "Don't you have an invitation to see the Hokage tonight?"
"Yeah, but I'm not sure I really want to go."
"I think you should go, Chouji's supposed to be coming over to be your escort." Her mother looked at her with a serious expression. "Think of it as apologizing to him for something he doesn't even know you said."
"Oh, why did I go out here with you tonight?" Ino groaned, "Look at me, I'm fatter than you are." She put her hand on her pregnant belly. The soft blue material of her top emphasized her shape as she pressed it against herself.
Chouji rolled his eyes; she knew how he hated the 'f' word. He took a deep breath and let it out with a sigh before he spoke, "I was hoping you'd stop wallowing in your self-pity long enough to have some fun. Your friends will be there, and at least you'll have Temari to commiserate with."
Ino hissed through her teeth. She didn't want to remind him that Temari was married to Shikamaru and in this state. The man she had once thought she wanted was back in Suna, and obviously had forgotten all about her or he would have sent for her by now, even if he didn't know about the baby. She looked down at herself again.
"I hate my body," she muttered.
"Stop it, Ino." She looked up to see Temari with Shikamaru waiting just ahead of them by the main complex. "Sakura told you to try to get past these emotional and hormonal imbalances of yours. She's told you that of all the expectant mothers she's worked with, she never seen any whine as constantly as you."
"I still say that Sakura doesn't take into account my theory that Ino's vanity is a contributing factor to the problem." Shikamaru stood there with his arms crossed.
"Shika," Ino growled, "did I ever tell you that you've got a mean streak? Besides, Sakura has nailed me for being superficial in my complaints."
"I'm not mean," he replied, "I'm just a realistic observer of life."
"Yeah, but may I remind you that you'd still be an observer instead of a participant if a few of us hadn't staged an intervention," Chouji interrupted.
"For which we are both grateful." Temari smiled and squeezed Shikamaru's hand then paused, "He's moving again." She pulled Shika's hand to her tummy which was every bit as large as Ino's.
"She's moving," he insisted back with a smile, "bet that's an elbow, just like you use it."
"That's only when you try to steal my covers," Temari teased.
Ino rolled her eyes. I can't believe it, they almost sounded cute.
They went inside and started to climb the stairs. Ino and Chouji followed them. "So, you two are still arguing that," Ino shook her head, "I'm just happy I asked Sakura to tell me, so I know mine is a girl." She knew all about Shika's perfectly ordered life, he'd talked about it once when they were out on a mission. If he'd just think about it, he'd realize it was already half gone just by the fact he'd married Temari: She had some kick ass jutsu and she didn't hesitate to put herself out front in a fight. Odds were she'd die first. So if Temari was right about the baby's sex, his perfect image for his life would be totally shattered: Poor Shikamaru. She smiled to herself, That would serve him right.
"Hey Ino," Chouji's voice drew her out of her thoughts, "snap out of it, we're here."
They were on the roof of the central complex, where a small gathering was set up. The Hokage and Shizune were there, as well as Sakura and Lee who had brought their three children with them. Four-year old Ishi was the image of his father, even his level of seriousness already. The twins, Hinagiku and Himawari were a little harder to place as far as their features went. Both girls had their mother's eyes and hair color, the younger, Hinagiku was a fairly pretty little girl, while Himawari's hair that fell about an oversized forehead that prominently featured a slightly more feminine version of her father's eyebrows. Their personalities were total opposites: the cute one who you would have thought of as a delicate doll was almost too energetic, tearing around trying to keep up with her brother, while the other was shyly cuddling up to her father, trying to stay out of the way.
Ino was always amused when she saw how different those three were. It made her wonder what kind of child her daughter would be. If she had a stubborn streak like her father…Well, let's not dwell on the possibilities.
Sakura walked up to them just then, "Why don't you make yourselves comfortable? I know when I was a far along as you a little down time was always welcome."
Suddenly Ishi was along side them pointing. They looked over to see Naruto walking across the way to them, with Hinata on his left side, his arm around her waist, and on his right side was Sasuke with whom he was holding hands.
"What, you didn't bring the boys?" Sakura asked.
"Sorry, we didn't realize that this was going to be a family outing," Hinata spoke for the group, while Naruto grinned looking slightly embarrassed, "they're with their aunt Hanabi."
"I hope she'll let Takehiro watch the fireworks tonight."
Ino thought how strangely that whole three way relationship was set up. Naruto was married to Hinata, and apparently loves her. They have two sons; the older Takehiro had just turned two was about 3 months older than Sakura's twins, the younger Shigeki, had just turned one over a month ago. But what was strange was last July Naruto came home with the biggest news to hit Konoha in years. He arrived at the gates with Sasuke and apparently they were just as much in love with each other as Naruto was with Hinata. The three of them had been living together ever since. Sasuke and Hinata with what amounted to a time share of Naruto. It still confused the hell out of her that Sasuke was into… Don't picture it, don't.
"So is that what we're here for, just the traditional 'Founder's Day' firework display?" Ino muttered.
"No," Tsunade came up to them. "What I really brought you all here for is to express my appreciation for all that your little group has done for the future of Konoha." She gestured to the area of chairs, "Make yourselves comfortable, I should have just enough time to say what I need to say before the fireworks start."
Everyone found a place to among the chairs that were arranged about, except for Sakura and Lee who had spread out a large blanket a got their children to settle down on it with them. Himawari was now sitting on her mother's lap.
The Hokage began to speak again "I want to thank some of you for your efforts in bringing some new and potentially interesting blood into our village." She smiled warmly at Shikamaru, Temari and Ino. "I'd also like to announce in about seven months time we may see the arrival of something precious to our village." She gestured to Sasuke, Naruto and a vividly blushing Hinata. "I wish you success in your attempt to revive the Sharingan."
Sakura jumped up with her daughter still in her arms. "Congratulations," she then gave Naruto one of those looks, "I kind of had the feeling Hinata was… So, why wasn't I the one you told first?"
"Aw, Sakura you know how it is," he laughed with his arm arched up to reach behind his head. Then the first of the fireworks went off above their heads.
Ino shook her head she still couldn't believe that trio, but apparently Naruto had gotten the other two to do the deed. That must have been an interesting string of events. For just a moment she tried to picture it, she shuddered. What enticement could Naruto have possibly given those two…?
"Are you cold, Ino?" Chouji who was sitting in the next seat leaned over to put his arm around her.
"No, I just suffered a violent attack on my mind's eye." She replied, smiling at him, "I think my little space heater is doing all right at keeping me warm."
"Hey, little space heater," he bent forward and gently rubbed Ino's belly; "I think your mother is trying to give you a funny name." he laughed.
"You idiot," Ino was trying not to laugh, as she swatted at his arm.
A noticeable ripple moved beneath the hand and Chouji laughed even harder; "That's right! Let her know that she can't pick on Uncle Chouji like that."
"She's not on your side." Ino pouted, "She wants your hands off me. In fact, she was probably turning her back to you."
"I'm sorry Ino," he apologized and settled back into his seat and turned to his snacks.
She smiled her little victory smile, I'm still in charge at least as far as Chouji is concerned. "Ryokou loves her mama," Ino said, "and would do anything to help her."
"You've decided on a name?" Temari looked over at them.
"Well, since Sakura told me she was a girl, it seemed I best be prepared. So I really took the time to consider the possibilities, and Ryokou seemed like the right name. The two of us have been on quite a journey together." For once she actually smiled as she regarded her body.
"Well this is a revelation," Shikamaru said, "who'd have believed you have such an insightful side to you?"
No one noticed as Chouji half raised his hand.
Chouji carried Ino home. Though she weighed more than she ever had in her life due to her pregnancy, she was hardly what he'd consider a burden. In fact his heart felt so light as he held her it was like he was gliding. It delighted him that she was so at ease that she had nodded off before they were half-way back. As he entered the final block of their trip he kissed the top of her head, when that got no reaction he said, "Hey sleepy-head you're almost home."
"Sorry," she muttered, "but, you know this is surprisingly comfortable." She snuggled her head back into his shoulder.
"Fine, I'll get you upstairs too." He sighed, but a slight curl of a smile formed at the corners of his mouth…
As they reached the top of stairs the door opened and Inoichi stood there. "Do you have any idea what time it is?" His initial expression was stern, but it softened the moment he saw Chouji gently putting Ino down to stand on the landing. "Well anyways, it's just after midnight, I was starting to worry…you know."
"Sorry Dad, I..." She started, then paused, "Hey wait, you said it's after midnight." She turned to face the man who'd carried her. "I get to be the first one…Happy Birthday Chouji. Thanks, for bringing me home." She gave him a hug. "I guess we'll see you later for the traditional birthday lunch."
"You go and get some sleep." He smiled and half turned toward the stairs, "Goodnight Ino." Suddenly he turned back, slightly crouching and waved at Ino's belly "Goodnight Ryokou." Then he really grinned as he stood up again then took off down the stairs.
Inoichi looked at his daughter, then at Chouji, then back to her again.
"Dad, I can explain." Ino started.
"Ryokou, huh?" he smiled "No, I actually think it's a good name…considering."
As Inoichi settled into next to his wife to sleep, he said softly. "You win, he absolutely adores her. As hard as it is to believe, I can't understand why I didn't notice it before."
-Flashback- (earlier that evening)
"I don't care what time you get home, just have fun." Misao smiled at Ino and Chouji as they started down the stairs.
Inoichi shut the door and turned to his wife. "You still got it, babe." He had a strange grin on his face.
"Got what?"
"Those lightning reflexes. I haven't seen you slap someone like that since…well let's just say Ino's never seen it until tonight." He studied her face, "Why'd you react so strongly, and don't say it was to prevent me from doing the same. Although we both know she was way out of line."
"I couldn't bear to hear her talk about Chouji like that…especially now." Her blue eyes met his. "Haven't you noticed?"
"What?"
"He's positively crazy about her…about Ino." She brushed a pale strand of hair out of her eyes. "You really didn't notice?"
"But she's…Is that even possible?"
"Why couldn't it be?"
"No guy in his right mind would fall for a girl under those circumstances," Inoichi shook his head, "it's way too complicated."
"Believe what you will." She raised her hand in a slightly exasperated gesture.
-end Flashback-
"You doubted me." Misao giggled as his arms wrapped around her.
"I should know better after all these year." He muttered
"Yes, you should." Again her amusement was demonstrated in a soft throaty laugh.
"But I learned something I'm not going to share with you until morning."
"Oh? Is this retaliation?"
"I know our granddaughter's name." it was his turn to chortle.
Misao sighed, "And you always wondered where she gets her attitude from."
The traditional lunch Yakiniku Q was a little awkward as far as seating. It took a little bit of work to settle Ino and Temari into comfortable positions around the specially made tables. Ino sat next to Chouji and across from Temari. Once they were down the group settled into their usually routines. Shikamaru and Ino always made a point of saving up for this, remembering how Asuma's wallet was greatly depleted after treating for similar outings.
It wasn't long before the first round was gone. "Dammit you brute, that was my piece." Temari hissed as she learned how quickly the man could move when he wanted something. "Are you trying to deprive my baby of sustenance?"
Chouji just raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Don't worry there's still more." Shikamaru put a hand on her shoulder, "This is one contest you can't win," he lightly kissed his wife's temple, "Chouji always gets the last piece of each batch. It's a battle he's never lost."
"We'll see." Temari glared; If there's one thing I love it's a challenge.
Every round Temari tried her best to beat him to the last piece. Every time she failed, Next round for sure. Not that she wasn't getting her share of the food, she made a point of getting some as soon as it was ready, then challenging the BBQ obsessed shinobi. It also helped that Shikamaru had decided he'd had his fill and would snatch a couple of strips to place on her plate. Ino too had called it quits and was just watching the show.
Two more rounds went by only increasing the former Suna kunoichi's frustration. Losing was not something she liked at all.
"Well, I think this is going to be the last round." Chouji said with a very contented smile crossing his face.
Last chance, I can't lose, Temari made ready for this final contest, Focus, I can do this.
A mere moment later two pairs of chopsticks met in the air tangling above an empty grill.
"What?" two voices chimed in shock.
Suddenly all eyes at the table faced an unlikely victor: Ino.
She was still chewing when she realized what she had done. After swallowing she gasped, "Oh-my-god," and looked at the astonished faces surrounding her. An awkward silence ensued.
Chouji leaned toward Ino with a scowl, then threw an arm around her pulling her against him. His other hand proceeded to rub her belly. "Ryokou must have really wanted that piece badly to make you do something like that." He burst out laughing.
Ino giggled too, but for an entirely different reason. "That tickles."
"It does?" he changed the way he moved his hand. "I thought this was tickling."
The long haired kunoichi proceeded to laugh even louder as she leaned against him. Then after a moment, "Stop it, please stop, before I do something embarrassingly inappropriate."
A serious expression crossed his face as he let her go. "I'll help you up then." He stood to give her a hand up. She disappeared off in the direction of the restrooms.
After a moment of quiet: "So your winning streak is finally over." Shikamaru commented on the situation.
"Yeah," Chouji nodded, "But I can't think of anyone I'd rather have lost to."
"So at least you can say it was a memorable birthday lunch."
Would have been more memorable if I'd been the one to beat him. Temari glowered.
When Chouji split off from them after they had dropped Ino off, Temari finally spoke to her husband about something that had been bothering her for quite a while now. "He's in love with her isn't he? Why in the world doesn't he just go and tell her?"
Shikamaru let out a heavy sigh. "I know it seems so straight forward to you, but it's not."
He took her hand, "You and me, we both wanted each other. We just didn't know how to say it, when we did that rest fell into place naturally." He gave her hand a squeeze. "I know something happened between them years ago. She was his first and, as far as I know, only experience and whatever occurred was both wonderful and terrifying to him. He started to tell me, not mentioning who the girl was of course, but I figured it out by how he looked at her after that. I don't know how to describe it: ecstatic yet feeling like a failure." His head shook, "There aren't words."
Temari frowned, "But it should be obvious how much he cares for her by now. He's always there when she needs someone."
"I don't think she's capable of seeing it. She's also not the kind of person you start pushing this kind of idea on to, she'll resist it with every fiber of her being. If you say it's good for her, she'll do the opposite in an attempt to prove you wrong. This past year has been particularly hard on her ego. I've told you about how she thought she wanted Sasuke, and then add on whatever happened to her in Suna…" He met her eyes, there's so much I want to say…but how can I. "She's been hurt so deeply, I think she won't be able to open up that way to anyone for a while. Give her time, who knows, the baby might teach her a new way to love. Maybe then she'll be able to understand." He stopped at their door step.
"I hope you're right." Her teal eyes showed some sympathy.
A few days later Temari joined Ino for the weekly trip to the cake shop. Chouji and Shikamaru were off on a mission. They were sitting there talking about anything and everything that came to mind, except, of course, the topic that Temari had been cautiously steered away from by her husband.
"So, have you finally narrowed down your choice of names?" Ino regarded Temari over her half eaten white chocolate raspberry slice. "You're running out of time."
"We keep spending more time debating the boy/girl thing and what would be appropriate under those circumstances." Temari picked at her lemon chiffon slice. "At least the 'Shika'-whatever option has been dropped thanks to your preemptive strike of announcing Ryokou as your daughter's…" she paused, and put her hand against her swollen abdomen "I think someone is being restless today," beneath her hand a slow ripple moved from left to right clearly visible due to the tightly stretched olive t-shirt she'd chosen to wear.
Ino was pretty sure it was one of Shikamaru's tees. "Either that or the baby decided it doesn't like lemon as much as you do." Ino chuckled. The times she been here before the former desert ninja had always ordered something flavored with lemon.
"I really do think it's a boy, the way he moves reminds me of his father, it seems almost lazy." Temari smiled "I'm hoping he's going to be a little early, it would be funny if he ended up with his uncle's birthday."
Ino almost dropped her fork, "Which of your brothers'…"
"Kankurou's is May 15th." She looked out the window. "I really miss him sometimes, he wasn't always the easiest person to get along with but he'd back you up with everything he had in a fight. I'm sure he's waiting on this news, who knows maybe it might make him think more seriously about settling down. He's always been a little too free and easy. I'd be surprised if he's spent more than one night with the same girl."
Ino had stopped listening, all she could think was: Don't let Ryokou share his birthday, please don't let me have this baby on May 15th. That would just be too much to handle.
Temari looked up and saw Ino's expression. "Are you all right Ino?"
"I'm sorry, I just got lost in a moment of realizing how little I really know about Ryokou's father."
"If you told me who he was, maybe I could fill you in a little." Temari smirked.
"Nice try, we've been through this before," Ino shook her head, "I'm just not comfortable with the idea, because there's just too much that went wrong at the end."
"Yeah, I suppose I'd feel a hell of a lot different about Shikamaru if he'd have dumped me like this." She looked straight at Ino, "I do admire your courage; I think I'd have gone totally berserk."
"Thank you, I guess."
Since she hadn't had the baby in the proceeding days; Ino spent the whole day of May 15th in fear of going into labor. She had her parents terribly worried, because all she wanted to do for the whole day was avoid moving. If I don't do anything then the baby won't want to do anything either…calm, I'm totally calm. Let's just go back to sleep for a while, sweetie. She rubbed her tummy in a gentle massage.
Halfway through the day Misao brought Sakura in to see her.
"What's wrong?" She sat on the side of Ino's bed, "Your mom came to get me. She said you haven't been yourself today."
"I can't tell you, it wouldn't make sense." Ino buried her face in the covers.
"I know you've been unhappy with your body during all this, you've hit that point where you think this is never going to end." Sakura tried to sound sympathetic, "If you want I could help you with that, I could induce you today."
Ino's hand grabbed Sakura's wrist, "Don't even think about it." She growled, "This will not be Ryokou's birthday."
"This isn't like you at all." Sakura was taken aback by her friend's reaction, "Why are you acting like this?"
"I'm scared," Ino awkwardly raised herself up, "I've been trying so hard not to show it but I'm scared. Scared I won't be a good parent." She was trying to fight back her tears, "Scared her father's going to find out about her and take her away from me. Scared that no one will ever love me the way Lee loves you."
"We all have moments of fear and doubt, you just can't let them over take you." She put her arms around her friend. "It's all right, I'm here and your parents are right outside this door if you need them. You have other friends as well if you need them just say the word and I'll get who ever you want. You'll be fine. I know how strong you really are."
Ino just open up and cried into Sakura's shoulder for the next ten minutes. Then when she was done she walked out into the family room, hugged her parents, and asked them to forgive her for scaring them so.
-Two days later-
"Thanks for letting me know, Shizune," Chouji said as he started charging as fast as he could to the Yamanaka residence. If the neighbors hadn't already heard what had happened in the pre-dawn hours, they certainly would know after watching him barrel down the street that morning. He went to the family entrance instead of the store front and banged on the door.
In short order Inoichi answered it. "Hello Chouji," he smiled, "what brings you here so early?" He tried to suppress a laugh.
"Can I see her?" he asked.
"My daughter or my granddaughter?" A mischievous light played in his eyes.
"Both I guess, if that's possible." Chouji looked around as he came into the house.
"Even if Ino was sleeping, you probably woke her up." Inoichi laughed, "I've never seen a guy who wasn't family this excited over a baby." He led the way back toward Ino's room, and gestured for Chouji to tap on the door, then walked away still amused.
Sakura opened it. "So you're the noisy one." There was a hint of delight in her green eyes, then she looked over her shoulder, "We have our first visitor." Then back to Chouji "Come in, but you can't stay very long. She'll need more rest."
"I'm not a total invalid!" Ino's voice protested.
Sakura moved out of his way.
"Hi," he said almost shyly as he took in the scene. Ino was sitting up in bed, her hair braided loosely, so it was out of her way.
"I should have figured it would be you," she shook her head.
Sakura went over to the corner of the room and came back with a tiny bundle. She stood in front of Chouji, "So, do you want to try holding her?"
He held up his hands in a 'no thanks' kind of gesture. He'd avoided holding their late sensei's son until he was much older. He'd been terrified, besides Hinata and Ino had been much more interested in doing things like that. "I just wanted to be among the first to meet Ryokou." He then did a little flutter of a wave with his fingers. "Hi Ryokou." He looked at the little face and the head that was crowned with chocolate brown fuzz.
"Are you sure you don't want to try holding her?" Ino asked in a half teasing way.
"She's so little. I don't want to hurt her."
"Chouji, you're one of the gentlest people I know." She looked at him with all seriousness.
"Don't be afraid," Sakura held her out toward him. "Lee was terrified the first time I put Ishi in his arms. It didn't take him long to get the hang of it. This is something you might need to know someday, like if you ever have any children of your own." She raised an eyebrow in an unspoken question, but gave a reassuring smile.
"Okay," he said, still sounding nervous, "show me what to do."
"It's all about support." Sakura showed him how to use his hands and arms, and soon he had Ryokou in his arms. The baby looked even smaller against his bulk.
"I'll be right back." Sakura slipped out of the room. There was a slight smirk sliding across her features.
Ino continued to watch as Chouji just stared at the baby with awe.
"She's really amazing," he paced back and forth at the foot of the bed, then looked up, "you're really amazing, Ino."
"Did you just come here to share this deep philosophy of yours with me?" Ino grinned at him.
Suddenly the baby started to fuss and Chouji panicked, almost looking like he'd drop her. Is this noise normal? Luckily, Ino had her head together and reached out the fastest way she knew how: she possessed Chouji. Fortunately he was one of the people she could communicate with in this state.
"Calm down," said her voice in his head, "here, I can't hold this Jutsu too long; I'm beat, let's just put her in my lap. Now, you just be ready to stop her if she moves in the moment after I do the release."
Suddenly, Ino was back in her own body and moving to pick up her wailing child as Sakura came back into the room.
"How are we doing here?" Sakura looked at Ino.
"Well, I don't know what type of cry this is yet." She looked at her friend with one of those expressions that just whimpered 'help'.
"Don't worry it will come with practice." Sakura smiled, "And speaking of such, I'm sorry to end your visit Chouji, I think Ryokou might be hungry, and Ino has much to learn."
Chouji left the room blushing.
He came back to visit for as long as he could each of the next two days. Then the Hokage assigned him to fill in on a mission with Kiba and Shino. They got really tired about him telling them about Ryokou. Shino made one simple comment when Chouji was out of ear shot to Kiba. "It could be worse, if this was a week or so later we could be hearing about both Ino's and Shikamaru's kids."
Finally, Kiba snapped "If you like 'playing daddy' so much why don't you just get down to it and ask Ino if she'd get together with you."
Chouji blushed and replied, "I don't want to risk the chance that if something goes wrong our team will get split up." The real issue he knew was that no matter how much time he'd managed to spend with Ino he could never get the courage up to even bring up the subject.
"So instead, you're just going to wait around and see if she ever figures you out." Kiba hissed, "She was the wild girl of the village up until this happened, since the kid's real father is in Suna and not here, you might just have a chance if Ino's looking for stability in her life now."
Chouji looked at Kiba for a moment. "Wait a minute, what are you saying?"
"You know stability, someone supportive…"
"No, the other part," He looked at Kiba, "Wild girl?"
Kiba's eyes got wide, "Oh man, you mean you didn't know, what kind of rock have you been living under all these years?" He snorted, "I had me a piece years ago, sooner or later the odds had to catch up with her…"
Shino's hand landed on Kiba's shoulder. "I'd shut up now, if I were you."
Chouji fists were clenched and he was visibly shaking from anger as he glared at Kiba. Maybe I kind of knew but hearing you talk like that…
"Okay, maybe I'm wrong." Kiba waved his hands in front of himself as a sign of surrender. He's not as easy going as I thought he was.
Shino had to keep an eye on both of them for the rest of the mission.
Shikamaru and Temari's son was born a week after Ryokou. Unlike Ino, they had their baby at the Konoha medical center. They didn't think it would be a good idea to have a midwife over to their apartment. It was a night Shikamaru would never forget, it confirmed all the things he feared about women. He had never realized the depth of Temari's swearing vocabulary. A few of the words he was pretty sure he had never heard before but knew they had to fall into that category because of the way his wife spouted them during contractions. Maybe they were some sort of Suna slang.
So after it was all done, they named their son Hajimeru. They had come up with this in honor of Temari's new beginning in Konoha. They'd considered using Hajimari if the child was a girl. It also seemed appropriate because they had already talked about eventually having a second child. Although after these final hours, Shika was wondering if his wife would even let him touch her again.
A few hours later after Temari had gotten some rest she seemed a little more like her normal self. Shikamaru reflected on what they had gone through to be together and somehow he felt a need to apologize for what he had put her through.
She looked at him with surprise, "I thought you would have learned enough to know that this is considered part of the normal process. I guess you father didn't warn you as well as I thought he would." She laughed, "I was in pain, true, but you don't think I really meant half the stuff I said. Hell, I hardly remember much of it at all now."
Smile, don't look at the ceiling. Don't even speak the word 'Troublesome'.
A/N: If you didn't catch it by the way Ino said it 'Ryokou' means 'journey' as in 'travel, trip or tour.' And Hajimeru means 'to cause, to start.' (Hajimari & Hajimaru also have approximately the same meaning.)
Irony #2: I named Ryokou partially because I liked the name, but when I found out it's meaning I was doubly delighted. When I found out Ino's VA is named Yuzuki Ryouka, I was amused that it was as close as it was…you know kind of like Mary and Marie are close in feel.
To my reviewers: Awaii, shannny2k, shelvesinthecloset & Shubaltz Crazist. Thank you for your ongoing support!! (Even if the majority were leaning toward Ryokou being a boy.)
