A/N: There's a brief stretch of this chapter where the misspellings are very deliberate. I'm sure you'll figure out where.

Disclaimer: I don't need a special occasion to celebrate Kishimoto's Naruto. I just need to occasionally state that he has all the rights to his creations and I just embrace the opportunity to introduce a few original characters to the mix once in a while.

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Of Dates, Duty and Birthdays

So it was about two months later, on Chouji's birthday that it finally did happen. Shikamaru, Ino, and Temari had decided to take him out for the traditional lunch to celebrate. Since Chouji wouldn't have been happy without Ryokou along, Hajimeru and Tsuzuki were also part of the group. They made sure they reserved a back corner in Yakiniku Q since three children under age four in a group could be quite disruptive. Well, maybe Ryokou by herself wouldn't have been, but when she was with the boys even her perfect child image could show a little tarnish.

They were all happily eating and drinking, occasionally Ino or Temari would attempt to challenge Chouji for a given piece of something, but never seriously. Most of the way through their lunch it happened: just as he picked up the last piece of pork for himself, Ryokou spoke up: "Oooohhhh, I was gonna ask for that." Chouji froze. Everyone looked on in disbelief; only once had someone come between Chouji and his barbecue…and oddly enough that too had been blamed on Ryokou.

"Are you serious, Ryo-chan?" He stared at her then back at the piece of meat he held in his chopsticks.

"It looked special…" the brunette child said. She looked like she was going to pout for a moment.

Chouji continued to sit there like he was caught between two worlds. For a moment nobody knew what to do. Finally, Ino leaned over and whispered into her daughter's ear.

Ryokou's face suddenly brightened. "I forgot, you're special too, it should be yours. Sorry." She gave him a really big smile.

"Awww." Everyone at the table was caught up in how cute she was at the moment.

That smile is the best birthday present ever, but I better not to announce that aloud. Chouji thought, I've got to do this: today.

After they finished their lunch together, Chouji said his goodbye to Shikamaru, Temari and the boys. He then turned to Ino and Ryokou, "Can I walk you home?"

"Sure." Ino raised an eyebrow, it was curious that he asked, normally they would have just fallen into talking as she walked home with Ryo.

So they went back to the flower shop. Ino had a suspicion that something was up since Chouji was unusually quiet as they walked. Ino opened the door for her daughter, "Ryokou, go on inside to Grandma. I want to talk to Uncle Chouji for a moment."

"Okay! Bye-bye, Uncle Chouji," she flashed a smile again.

"See you soon, Ryo-chan," he fluttered his fingers at her.

As soon as Ryokou was inside Ino let the door shut. "Okay, so what's up?"

He looked at her with surprise. "What do you mean?"

"You normally don't ask to walk me home, it just sort of happens. Also you're more talkative when we're together, that means you have something on your mind."

"I guess I do," he straightened his posture, "Ino, I was wondering…if…if…"

"Come on, Chouji you can say it," she tried to be encouraging.

"Wouldyougooutwithmeonarealdate?" his posture reverted to normal.

"Could you say that a little slower?" she said softly with a bemused expression. She was pretty sure she knew what he'd said but wanted him to say it again anyway before she answered.

He took a deep breath, "Would you go out with me on a real date?" The swirls on his cheeks deepened in a slight blush.

"What did you have in mind?" she looked him over. It was always kind of charming when he acted so shy.

"Nothing fancy, maybe dinner and a movie." He met her eyes. There was a glimmer of what could only be called hope within them.

"Sure, why not, it could be fun." She hugged him, "Thank you for asking. Oh, and don't go thinking I said 'yes' just because it's your birthday. So when are we gonna do this?"

"Unless we get a mission, how about Thursday?" Chouji looked at her with genuine excitement on his face.

"Sounds good," Ino said, "see you then, if not sooner."

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Three evenings later, he came over to her house a nervous wreck. He was running every scenario of what could go wrong in his head: Ryokou's sick, Ino's sick, he loses his wallet, Ino has a bad hair day and refuses to see him… Finally he made it to the Yamanaka's, climbed the stairs and knocked on the door of their residence over the flower shop.

Inoichi promptly answered. He had one of those smiles on his face like he wanted to say something, but had been told not to. "Please come in Chouji, get comfortable, Ino's still getting ready."

Oh no, it's gonna be the bad hair scenario, Chouji swallowed, maybe I should just go home now before the screaming starts.

Misao seemed to notice his nervousness and said, "How about a snack while you wait?" and handed him something small by his standards. That was okay, because if anything was going to calm him down, it was something to eat.

"So," Inoichi started "you're really serious about going out with just Ino tonight? No Ryokou as a buffer zone between you and Ino's temper?"

His wife swatted him on the shoulder.

He looked at her with chagrin, "I swear she behaves better when Ryokou's in earshot."

Chouji shook his head, "It's not like I don't know what she can be like, we are teammates."

"Of course he knows. He's just using his father's prerogative to give you a hard time." Ino had just come out of her room. She was dressed comfortably: teal colored blouse, black skirt, long turquoise socks with a ruffled edging, nothing too flashy and her hair was perfect held back in a teal colored wrap.

Ryokou was right behind her. "Hi, Uncle Chouji," she smiled.

"Hey Ryo-chan, you don't mind my taking your mom away for a few hours?" He smiled back at her.

"As long as you bring her back." The child came over to arms wide ready to hug him.

"Of course," he replied as he picked her up and embraced her, "But you've got to be good for your grandparents while we're gone."

"Yes. I'm a good girl."

"Always?" Ino took her daughter from Chouji and kissed her forehead.

"Always," she smiled at back.

Ino pushed a brown strand out of her daughter's eyes before handing her off to Inoichi.

"Bye, sweetheart," Ino said.

"Bye Mama, bye Uncle Chouji," Ryokou waved both her arms, almost smacking her grandfather in the face as her enthusiasm got the best of her.

Chouji returned her wave with the little flutter of his fingers that he'd always given her since she was born, and then they were gone.

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They walked through the street, Ino holding onto to Chouji's arm. "This almost seems strange," she commented, "usually I do this when we're trying to pretend to be a couple on missions."

"Would you rather have me put my arm around you?" he asked.

"Shoulders or waist?" she replied with her own question as she looked up at him.

She saw the slight blush cross his face. "You had only thought shoulders, hadn't you?" she teased. "Sometimes you come off as too sweet and innocent for your age." She giggled then took his arm and put it over her shoulder as she leaned against his side.

They walked along just enjoying the early May weather. "It really is a pleasant evening." Chouji smiled, "Looks like it's going to be clear later, maybe after the movie we can check out the night sky."

"We'll see how things go, okay?" Ino tried to be cautious not knowing how stargazing would hit her tonight. There were a lot of memories she had tying that activity to Kankurou. Maybe it's time to try to get past some of that.

"I guess we're here, huh?"

They had just made it to where they had agreed to go for dinner. It was her father's favorite sushi place. "Did I ever tell you I briefly dated the owner's son? Apparently I was the only girl he ever found interesting, but better than that, once he admitted his true calling he tried hitting on Shikamaru a few weeks later," she laughed.

"If it's okay, can we try not to mention your past conquests? I just don't want to start looking at who knows how many guys in that 'Is this rival fully in the past?' way," Chouji frowned.

"But Chouji, think of all the experience I gained from that," she teased. "Besides Bunpei found his 'Mr. Right' around the same time Neji hooked up with Chisa."

As it turned out, Bunpei himself was acting as the official greeter that evening. He raised an eyebrow briefly when he saw who Ino was with.

"So are things still happy with you and your pretty boy?" Ino asked him quietly as he led them to a table.

Bunpei smiled and nodded, "He'll be taking over for me soon. He just got back from a… umh, side trip and is making himself presentable." The black haired man pushed his glasses back into position.

"I'm so glad the two of you are still together. You suit each other so well," she smiled back, and then it was time from him to return to his station.

Chouji just looked at her for a moment. "Is this always going to happen?"

"What? He is a nice guy, so what's wrong with me wanting him to be happy." Ino smirked, "At least you can't be jealous over him…or his honey."

The rest of their dinner was a little more normal. Chouji seem to order in traditional Akimichi quantities, Ino talked him into having some sake with her. They enjoyed themselves quite a bit. Ino did her part of behaving by not drinking enough to get drunk.

When it came time to leave and they walked out, a different black haired greeter smiled from behind his own glasses. His pale form looked very attractive in his silvery gray and black outfit. With polite formality, he wished them both a good evening.

Just as they made it to the street Chouji stopped dead. His head turned back to look toward the door. "That was Sai, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Ino grinned, "isn't it delightful?"

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They chose to go see an action drama film. It turned out to be one of those that the action was so exaggerated at times, it was laughable. They didn't hold back when it came to that either. The people around them found them so annoying, they were asked to leave about fifteen minutes before the movie was over. That was okay, they were still laughing about it as they walked back toward Ino's home. All in all, they definitely got their entertainment value out of it.

Chouji stopped a few blocks before her place. "Well, the sky is every bit as clear as it promised to be earlier. Do you want to look at the stars for a while?" They were in a small courtyard with some park-type benches around.

Ino almost decided against it, then determined that she shouldn't let the past hold her back. "Sure, why not?" she gave him a warm smile.

So they sat there side by side just checking out the night sky. After a few minutes, Ino leaned herself back against his chest and he put his arm around her. They stayed that way for just a little while but it got Ino to thinking maybe it was time for her to reconsider her life up to now. It was exciting to want something, but sometimes you had to re-evaluate what you really need. Maybe that's where she was now…she almost started to drift off.

"Hey Ino," Chouji's voice almost startled her, even though he spoke very quietly, "I think it's time for me to get you home."

So they went the remaining way back to her place. "Chouji, I had fun tonight. I certainly can't say I've ever been asked to leave a movie before." She gave him a hug and a kiss that teased every so slightly. "I think it would be fun to do this kind of thing again, say next week?"

"If we're not on a mission," he added.

"Well, then we'll just have to make sure we have a contingency plan, won't we?" She laughed, "Good night." She opened the door and stepped inside.

For his walk home Chouji simply reveled in the memory of the gentle brush of her lips against his. That was for me…not for appearances on a mission.

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Their next date went by Ino's planning. She met up with Chouji at one of the tavern-style restaurants a few blocks from her house. "Sorry, I didn't have you come to the house first," Ino said as she walked up to him, "but I can't always have Ryokou getting all excited before I head out with you."

"She got that wound up about it?" Chouji seemed taken aback. He tried as hard as he could to picture Ryokou misbehaving…it didn't come easily.

"According to my father, yes," she replied, but then smirked, "at least for her."

"Yeah, I guess her acting up is a normal child's everyday behavior." He laughed. "Your parents probably can't handle that, it's been too many years since you were little." His inner voice was positively gleeful, Ryokou's exited that I'm dating her mama.

"So why don't we go on in?" she smiled. "I think I could use a drink."

They settled into a booth and ordered their dinner and drinks. Tonight Ino's drink of preference was beer. "The street vendors at these concerts tend to sell beer, so I figured why change what I'm drinking partway through the evening," was her comment on the situation.

When they finished their meal they wandered about a third of the way across town to where the street concert Ino wanted to go to was. The warm-up act was okay but they weren't particularly inspired. So Ino went and got more beer, so by the time the band she'd come to see was on, she was really fired up. That was fine because, if nothing else, she knew Chouji would get her home in one piece. Before you knew it Chouji seemed to be enjoying himself. He actually recognized a couple of the songs that the headliners played.

The one thing that Chouji did find a little off setting was when the band played one of their love songs was that Ino, in her drunken state, rubbed against him in a provocative manner. "Settle down, Ino," he said in an agitated tone. He tried to steer her to a more normal position along side of himself with his arm around her so she wouldn't get him stimulated in a way he felt wasn't quite ready for tonight. Not yet, I want things to be perfect…

"Doun'cha want to dance with me," she almost leered.

"What you're doing isn't what I call dancing."

"Maybe later, then?" she mussed-up his hair with one hand, then slipped out of his arms and went to get another drink. Since they had a really great spot it was up to Chouji to hold on to it.

And out of the crowd came Kiba. He appeared to be even drunker than Ino. "Oooohhhh man, are you gonna get yooou some tonight. She is soooo all over yooou."

"Don't even go there. I'm not going to take advantage of her when she's drunk."

"Yooou are such a good boooy Chouji," Kiba laughed, "I dounn know how yooou stand yerself. See yaaa." He disappeared back into the crowd almost as quickly as he had appeared.

Chouji glared after him and strangely enough wondered where Akamaru was.

Ino came back, her latest beer in hand. "Did I miss much?"

"Nothing worth mentioning."

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By the end of the show Ino had a serious buzz on. She was also barely able to speak because of all the shouting she did every time the band played a song she liked.

She was clinging to Chouji and rubbing her head against his side. "I doun wanna go home just yet." Her voice was just barely louder than a whisper. "Ya know summwhere we can go an be alone?"

Chouji took a deep breath, and let it out like a sigh. "Ino, I can't. I mean I'd like to, but you are so drunk. Well, let's just say this isn't the way I want it to happen between us."

"But it's beeeen such a looong time for me. I reeely, reeely wanna, pleeese, oh Chouji." Her blown out voice squeaked in an annoying way.

"I'm taking you home now, even if I have to carry you," Chouji said.

"Yeaa! Take me, take me, Chouji," her voice cracked as she threw her arms around his neck.

She obviously misunderstood what he said; he was just grateful that she couldn't say anything very loud right now. He was pretty sure people would have stared if she said that last line with the volume her enthusiasm implied. He did pick her up however, since it was the fastest way for him to get her home.

A few minutes later he set her down and she looked up, "I thought yooou said you were takin' me home with yooou?"

"No Ino, I said I'd take you home…Your home." He took her arm, "Come on, let's get you upstairs." He helped her stumble up to the door.

"But I want yooou, Chouji," she whined.

"Not like this, Ino."

"Don't I at least getta goodnight kiss," she gave him a pout.

"Okay."

She flung herself into his arms and if he hadn't grabbed the handrail fast enough they probably would have fallen back down the stairs. He had to admit the kiss felt good even if it tasted of beer. The grope she gave him after a moment startled him out of it.

"Ino, get in there." He noticed that the light had come on in the house. He realized that her parents probably heard the sound of him smacking into the wall when he stopped their near fall. I bet I'll get an earful from Inoichi about this at some later point.

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Two days later, they were called into the Hokage's office for a mission. Before they went in, Ino caught her teammates in the hall. "Shikamaru," she asked, "can I have a moment alone with Chouji?"

"I guess," he walked ahead of them, "I'll meet you up by the office."

Ino turned to Chouji, "I'm so sorry about how things ended the other night." She looked at him, her embarrassment obvious on her face. "I'd like to ask your forgiveness, I didn't realize that I'd go all drunken slut on you like that. When I thought about how I'd behaved the next morning I felt awful."

"It's all right. I know you weren't quite yourself." He put his hand on her shoulder.

"And thank you for being such a gentleman." She said softly, "By the way I couldn't have apologized to you yesterday if I had wanted to: my voice was totally gone."

"That would have been my guess," he smiled. The two of them started to walk down the hall to join Shikamaru. Then Chouji stopped and looked at her, "I just realized, this mission, you're not going to be home for Ryokou's birthday."

"Sooner or later this had to happen because we live a shinobi's life. We raise our families to understand these realities and accept them." She looked at him, sadness clearly visible on her face, "It doesn't make it hurt any less."

Chouji gave her a hug, "We'll just have to find something extra special to give her while we're away."

They continued their walk down the hall.

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They ended up with an escort mission into Kusa no Kuni. It noted that their route could take them through one of the other major cities in Hi no Kuni. However they decided to avoid it on the way out, because it would be easier to protect their client, Junjiro, away from crowds.

The man was apparently famous for his clothing designs and was going back to the first major town in Kusa no Kuni. He had come out to Hi no Kuni seeking new inspiration; he had somehow managed to do this with no escort. However, since he had completed his newest set of designs, the main objective was to prevent them from being stolen before he could get back to his base of operations. This would probably be an uninspired mission since, as far as they knew, no one was aware of his presence in Konoha.

Except, of course, Ino had a fascination with the fact that this was the Junjiro, he was famous as far as she was concerned. So at least for two of them this was just another mission. As they headed out they planned their route and figured it to be about three and a half days.

The first two days proved to be completely uneventful. That is unless you counted the fact that Ino spent a lot of time talking to their client. She was asking his advice on all sorts of things related to fashion. Chouji found that he was feeling just a touch jealous.

The third day was when they were finishing going around the city. "If we get past this day I'm betting we're in the clear," Shikamaru said, "because after tomorrow we'll be in your home territory."

About mid-afternoon their luck ran out. They ran into a group of five Kumogakure ninja who were apparently hired expressly to get the designs. Fortunately, they attacked in a three – two pattern. Shikamaru promptly held the front three with his Kagemane no Jutsu, while Ino targeted one of the two in back with her Shinranshin no Jutsu. Chouji helped to clean up the groups and in short order the fight was over.

Junjiro looked over their handiwork with great appreciation. In particular he had watched the part of the battle that Ino had pulled off. "That was magnificent, such skill and beauty, I'm inspired." He took her hand and kissed it, "I must show my appreciation when we get back to my headquarters."

Ino said nothing; she just seemed a little embarrassed by the attention.

That night when they camped, Chouji muttered to Shikamaru, "I don't care if it's our mission to protect him, if someone shows up on my watch I'd be sorely tempted to turn over his designs, so he won't be so 'appreciative'."

"Watch it with the bad attitude, you're starting to scare me," Shikamaru replied. "You just might get a reputation, and lose us some missions. The jealous boyfriend routine is not your style."

"Come on, you know me better than that, I'm just blowing off a little steam." Chouji frowned, "I'd never do anything that would break-up our happy team."

"Anyways, if you behave maybe we'll go through the city on our way back. You can probably talk Ino into a date while we're there." Shika patted his friend on the shoulder, "Stop looking so gloomy."

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Shikamaru had once again taken last watch. He didn't think it was cold enough for Ino to be heat seeking. So as the dawn approached, he was pleased that she hadn't done anything that would shock or embarrass their charge, especially the way Chouji was talking. We do not need that kind of trouble on this mission.

Ino was the first of the others to wake. Shikamaru came over to her and gave her a hug. "This is Ryokou's birthday. I hope she has a good day with her grandparents. Maybe Temari will go over there and visit today…I sure hope she thinks about it. I bet seeing the boys would cheer her up if she's missing you."

"Thank you," Ino smiled in a melancholy way. "I hope you're right."

"Hey, on the way home we'll go through the city. You can probably find something unusual as a special present for her there."

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Soon they were all on the move for their final part of their journey. Before noon they had made it to Junjiro's hometown. He decided he would take them to lunch at his favorite café in town before they returned to his headquarters. Ino made a point of sitting next to Chouji so she could try to rein him in a little.

When they finally made it to Junjiro's offices, his employees immediately surrounded him. They anxiously inquired as to where he had been with no word. He laughed and told them he had found his inspiration for his new collection and pulled his portfolio out of his pack. The crowd cheered. All and all, it was a strange scene.

He turned back to them, in particular to Ino, "If you just accompany me into my office for a few minutes, I'll get your village's payment for your services."

She looked from him to her teammates, then shrugged and followed him into the office.

Shikamaru watched Chouji's reaction carefully. Don't get too riled

Ten minutes later, the door opened. Ino turned politely back to Junjiro and bowed. "Oh don't thank me," he laughed. "Thank you and your village for getting me home safely." And with that they were done.

They hit the road figuring that they could easily make the city before nightfall.

"So what was with that 'come into my office' thing, Ino?" Shikamaru asked, because he knew Chouji was dying to know.

"That," Ino smiled, "is a secret."

Dammit, maybe I shouldn't have asked. He looked at both of companions. Chouji did not look pleased.

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The city was impressive. It was hard to believe that this place was so close to another county's boundary. They barely managed to find a room for the night. And that was it, just one room that barely had enough space for them all.

"Hey Chouji," Ino turned to him, "do you want to go check out this place a little tonight?"

"You mean go out?"

"Well, why not?" She smiled, "There might be something fun to do out there."

"Sure, I guess I've got nothing better to do tonight." He turned to Shikamaru, "You won't be offended if we leave you here by yourself."

"Nah, I can manage by myself just fine," Shikamaru replied. "Just don't get drunk, we do have to hit the road some time tomorrow." Good-luck.

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So Ino and Chouji had a night on the town, although there was some window shopping as well, since they both really wanted to find things to take home to Ryokou.

They found a nice restaurant and ordered conservatively, at least for Chouji, because they had decided they'd try their luck at the movies again. "You've got to try one of these," Ino said as she picked a piece up and held it out to him. Chouji blinked with surprise. "Com'on," she smiled, "Open up."

This was like one of his little fantasies come true. He accepted her feeding him the tidbit offered. He actually took a little longer to savor the moment along with the food. Who would have thought that earlier this same day he was getting worried that she might have been more interested in their client than him?

When they finished their meal they just made it back to the theater in time to catch the movie they wanted to see. This time they picked a totally different genre: a romantic comedy. Again, Chouji was pleasantly surprised when Ino snuggled up to him during the show. This was probably the reason they made it through the movie without getting thrown out this time. He definitely did not want to do anything that would change the sense of serenity that had come over him this evening. He wanted them to always be this comfortable around each other.

After the show Ino turned to him, "So what do you say to going out for a drink?"

"Just one, right?"

"Yes, one and only one, I promise." She smiled, "I don't need Shikamaru getting pissed off at me."

"Oh, so you're scared of him, but you're not scared of me." Chouji shook his head.

"There is nothing scary about you, my dear," she laughed, "but Shikamaru's got Temari."

He joined her in her laughter, but part of him was thinking: Does that mean I'll be as scary as him if I get you?

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They came back to the room at what they considered to be a reasonable hour. "We've got a problem," Chouji said as he took the first look around, "Shikamaru's asleep on the couch you'd claimed."

"He must have been reading something pretty boring," Ino commented as she saw the book on the floor along side him.

"You want me to move him onto the bed?" Their original plan was that Ino got the couch while the guys shared the bed.

"No, it's okay, we can share," she grinned at him.

"You will behave yourself, won't you?" Chouji regarded her cautiously, even though he knew she'd only had one drink, he was now also well aware of her past. "I just don't think I'm quite ready for that step yet."

"How about I just say I'll try to behave?" Ino shrugged, "You know I can be a little unpredictable while I'm asleep."

"Don't remind me, I still want to know what you were dreaming about that one morning."

"I have no idea what dream you're talking about." She batted her eyes at him and gave him a coquettish smile. "Anyways, we've just been on a date and you've walked me home. Don't I get my goodnight kiss?"

"Come here." Chouji smirked at her, "You're so troublesome."

"Oooh, doing Shikamaru impersonations, how did you know my secret turn on?"

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Shikamaru woke up first; he groggily looked about. He found the book on the floor then looked over to the bed. He did a double take, and pulled himself up to a sitting position. He could see that Chouji wasn't wearing a shirt and all he could see of Ino was the side of her face. No wait, he also saw half of one of her hands just barely sticking outside the covers, and resting gently on Chouji's chest. No way, those two couldn't have possibly…not with me sleeping here.

Suddenly Ino shifted around still obviously asleep, pulling her self tighter against Chouji's side. This time Shika could see that she was still dressed, but she was also doing something slightly dangerous: She moved her leg so the knee was gently resting in a place where it was bound to get a reaction…and apparently already had because Chouji's eyes snapped open.

"Ino, Ino wake up." Chouji started to whisper to her. Then he noticed Shikamaru watching the situation unfold. "Com'on Ino wake up." He gently shook her shoulders then realized shaking her also resulted in the rubbing of her knee in that same very sensitive area.

"Well good morning to you too," she teased. "Feels like you've changed your mind about behaving yourself," she started to wiggle against him.

"Ino, Shikamaru is awake and watching." Chouji looked just a bit embarrassed.

"Always knew you were a voyeur, Shika," she said an amused tone.

Chouji put his hand against her shoulder and gently flipped her on to her back next to him. "Quit playing, Ino," he was slightly annoyed, "this is not the time or place."

"Besides, it's time to get ready to face the day," Shikamaru said. "I believe you were planning on a little shopping before we head on home?"

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Shikamaru even got caught up in the shopping trip because Hajimeru's birthday was only a week after Ryokou's. It was kind of exciting seeing the unusual things you could find here. Before they knew it, the afternoon had arrived. Shikamaru and Chouji had both found items they felt were appropriate for both birthdays. Ino had found something she liked for Hajimeru, but Ryokou's gift still eluded her.

"One last place guys, please," she whined. "I have a good feeling that this will be the one."

"Tell you what, Chouji and I will meet you in that restaurant across the way. We're going to get a real lunch before hitting the road." Shikamaru looked at her, "If you're not done by the time we are, we're coming to get you."

"Okay," Ino looked at Chouji hoping that he would find a lot of things he wanted to check out on the menu to buy her as much time as possible, "See you soon." She smiled as she ducked into the store.

Shika and Chouji walked across the street and settled themselves in. Before you knew it, a cute waitress was flirting at them as she took their order. When she walked away Shikamaru laughed, "So you think she's hitting on me or you?"

"I think she's just looking for a better tip." Chouji said matter-of-factly, "Although she did raise an eyebrow when I picked my fourth item, so maybe she likes men with hearty appetites."

The waitress came back with their drinks, gave them a smile, then went on her way again.

"So what's really going on with you and Ino?" Shikamaru regarded him.

"In what way?"

"Last night, the two of you, and her comment this morning about you behaving yourself," Shikamaru had a very serious expression on his face. "You're crazy about her, but when you're given the opportunity to be with her, it sounds like you hold back."

"It's hard to explain, I mean I want to," he looked at little nervous, "but some part of me… this is going to sound dumb." He hesitated for a moment then continued, "I don't want to be with Ino because she's horny and I happen to be convenient. I want it to be because she genuinely wants to be with me." He looked into the depths of his drink, "I mean, I've been with her before when it was just for kicks, and some part of me always regretted that choice, and not just because it ended so awkwardly." He frowned, "Am I just wanting too much?"

The waitress showed up with their food, but she took a moment to ask, "Do you need anything else?" and smiled then winked at Shika.

"No, we're good," Shikamaru dismissed her. He then waited until she was far enough away before he continued their talk. "It's a tough call Chouji; sometimes you just can't wait for things to happen, you have to make them happen. You and Ino showed me that back in Suna when you got me into that library."

He looked up from his lunch, "So what are you recommending? I won't to accept her advances if she's drunk and clingy again. I just can't do that, it's not my way." Chouji shook his head then continued to eat.

"I'm not saying you should, but if a non-drunken opportunity comes up I'd take a chance on it and see what arises," Shikamaru responded.

"Are you making puns?" Chouji looked up.

"Maybe," Shika smiled back, "you feeling better about things?"

"Maybe," he tried to keep a straight face then snorted with laughter.

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They were nice and picked up a to-go item for Ino, and as things worked out she was coming out of the store just as they left the restaurant.

"Successful mission?" Chouji looked at the bag she was carrying.

"I think so." She smiled noticing the small bag in Shika's hand, "What did you get for me?"

"Something Chouji assured me you like."

"Well thank you both then." She reached out to Chouji, "Can I have my pack so I can stash this before I eat?" He handed her the pack, she tucked her bag into it then slung it on her back. "Okay, now I'm ready for lunch."

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The rest of the trip home was uneventful. They made it back to Konoha by late afternoon two days later. After checking in at the central offices, Shikamaru split off to head home to his boys, with a promise that he'd stop by tomorrow with the whole family to see Ryokou.

"I'll see you tomorrow too." Chouji made ready to go as well.

"Oh no, you're coming with me." Ino grabbed his arm, "You'll be like an extra gift."

He blushed.

They walked back to the Yamanaka residence holding hands. As they got there, they could see the shop was still open. "Let's see who is downstairs first," she tugged him along after her.

As soon as they got through the doorway they heard the delighted shriek, "Mama!" and Ryokou flew across the floor of the shop. She leapt into Ino's arms in a big hug. Then she saw who was also there and she cried out, "Uncle Chouji!" Unfortunately, it was in Ino's ear.

"Oww, honey that hurt," but Ino gently kissed her daughter while considering if she should check for permanent hearing damage. "Sorry I missed your birthday. Did Grandma and Grandpa do anything special?" She could see her mother behind the counter waiting.

"We had a really yummy cake and I got a pretty dress and…and…I missed you Mama." The girl hugged onto Ino again. Then she looked her mama in the eyes and said, "Can I hug Uncle Chouji now?"

Ino smiled and turned with her daughter still in her arms to look at Chouji, "Sure Ryokou, whatever you want."

The girl let go of her mother and spread her arms out to him. "Hey Ryo-chan," Chouji took her out of Ino's arms and into his own then swung her around. "How's my favorite girl?"

She giggled then said, "I thought Mama was your favorite."

He looked her in the eyes, "I'll let you in on a little secret: your mama's not a girl, she's a woman, so you're still my favorite girl."

"Okay," Ryokou giggled again, "but Mama's your most favorite of all."

"I guess," he looked over at Ino.

"So anyways, Ryo," Ino got her attention, "do you want to see what we got you for your birthday?"

"Yes."

"Okay then, Uncle Chouji is going to have to put you down so we can get stuff out of our packs."

As the brawny man set her down, Inoichi came over. "So welcome back."

Ino was already digging into her pack. "Hi Dad." She pulled out bag that seemed to have several boxes in it. "You go first, Chouji."

"Okay," He pulled out a box and handed it to the girl.

She untied the ribbon and lifted the lid, "She's so cute!" She smiled and pulled the toy out of the box. It was a rust-orange colored stuffed kitty, she hugged it to herself. "Thank you, Uncle Chouji, she's my favorite color!"

"You're welcome," he spoke gently, "I saw her and thought she'd be happy with you."

Ryokou gave him that big smile again. He crouched down to kiss her on the forehead, and then she tried to hug him with one arm while holding her new precious kitty in the other.

"Okay, this is getting too cute for its own good." Ino stood over them hands on her hips, "Ryo, don't you want to see what I got you?"

"Oh yes, Mama," she chirped as she came to her mother's side.

Ino handed her a small box, "This is the first part. I thought you might like something for a big girl."

Ryokou opened it. Within was a pair of small hoop earrings that were a metallic version of the girl's favorite color.

"We'll see about getting your ears done in the next few days." Ino carefully took the box from her daughter's hands. "Now here's part two," she gave her daughter a larger box.

Ryokou opened to find a small collection of clothing items. Most in her favorite rusty orange color range. But the item that caught her the most was a fleece hoodie that actually had cat-style ears on it. The girl looked from the hoodie to the kitty and back again. Ino giggled at the surprised delight in her daughter's eyes.

"Now you can look like your kitty's mommy," she smiled as she helped her daughter put the hoodie on, pulling the hood up onto her head. Ino then gave her daughter a big hug. "You are just too adorable. Although I do want you to promise you will not wear it every day. We'll just have to find another way to make you look like kitty's mommy."

"Okay Mama," Ryokou beamed.

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Ino and Chouji took Ryokou out to her favorite place for dinner. She happily wore her hoodie and brought her kitty along. Ino sat with her daughter on the same side of the booth and spent the whole time watching to make sure Ryo didn't get food all over them the first day.

As they walked home they were on either side of Ryokou, the girl held her mama's hand with kitty in her other hand, but looked happily back and forth between the two of them. When they made it up the stairs to the residence, Ryokou smiled and said, "Goodbye, Uncle Chouji, see you tomorrow."

He fluttered his fingers after her.

As soon as the girl was inside Chouji looked at Ino and smiled, "Well that was clever of you, tying our two gifts into one."

"Sometimes things work out in a way that surprises you," She replied. "I saw what you got her and had a feeling she'd adore it, so in an attempt not to be upstaged, I saw the hoodie and trusted my gut reaction. I'm just glad it all worked out as well as it did. I just wish I knew what she really wanted for her birthday." She looked at him, "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow." She gave him a kiss and they held each other for a moment more. Then she said softly, "'til tomorrow."

"Goodnight Ino."

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Ryokou insisted on wearing the hoodie again the next day when Shikamaru's family came over to visit again. "Look at my kitty," she showed Haji and Zuki as soon as they came in the door. "I'm her mama."

"You're not a kitty Ryo," Hajimeru frowned, shaking his dark haired head.

"I can be if I wanna," she argued back.

"You look like kitty," Tsuzuki added with enthusiasm.

A short while later they were all on their way to the cake shop. Ryokou decided she wanted to hold Chouji's hand as they walked along. Ino walked on her other side. Zuki was in his mother's arms. He rested his head against hers making it hard to see where Temari's hair ended and his began.

Hajimeru walked along side his father at first then ran ahead to get in between Ino and Ryokou. He looked up at Ino, "I'll hold your hand, Aunt Ino." She smiled and reached down to him. Soon they made it to their destination.

Wakana was all smiles as this scene of domesticity walked in. They claimed a large table and let the kids order their own items, although they did look a little jealous that Uncle Chouji got to have three pieces.

When Ryokou was through with her piece of cake she stopped and went over to show her kitty to Wakana. "See. I look like her mama." She pointed at her ears and smiled her winning smile.

"You are just the cutest little thing." The counter lady patted her on the head, and then asked her a simple question, "So did you get what you wanted most for your birthday?"

"No," Ryokou looked her, "I wanted a little brother or sister…or maybe a daddy."

Ino started coughing violently as she nearly choked on her drink. Chouji patted her back as Shikamaru and Temari exchanged amused smirks.

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Hajimeru's birthday went by as a much safer event. He was perfectly content with his gifts. Plus, he already had both parents in his life and a little brother. He had absolutely no interest in having a little sister.

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A/N: Thanks to all my readers and especially to my reviewers: Awaii, shelvesinthecloset, Shubaltz Crazist, & Vampire-Tomato-Countess, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.