The Man He Was, The Father He Should Have Been
"I'm going to be a terrible parent." Temari sat bolt upright in bed. "I can't do this Shikamaru. I'm not going to know how to look after our baby, I'm going to -"
"Your going to go back to sleep because it's 3 am." Shikamaru found his wife's hand. "'Mari, you're gonna be a fine Mum, just sleep would you?"
"But I don't know how to be a parent." Her voice hitched. "It's not exactly like mine were great examples."
"Your Mum died, you can't exactly blame her. And your dad," He paused. "That's a different story I guess."
"He was a rotten father." She swiped her hand across her cheek, trying to get rid of the tears. "He literally only cared about his job. After Gaara was born, Kankuro and I barely saw him. I don't even think Gaara called him Dad." She took a deep breath. "I don't want to end up like him. He turned his own son into a weapon." She burst into tears. "Kami, what if I ignore my children? What if I get so busy with my missions and I -"
"Temari." Shikamaru manoeuvred his body so he was sitting behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Stop worrying. We have six months before the baby is due. And it's not like were going to go through this alone. Your brothers, my parents, Kurenai-sensei . . . Heck, Naruto and the others will probably try to chip in. We're going to be fine, got it?"
she leaned her head back so it was resting on his shoulder. "Promise we'll be fine?"
"Have I ever broken a promise to you?"
Yes, I went a little of track, but they are so cute :) I know. No excuse. Although the 4th Kazekage, Van Hoenheim and Grisha Jaegar could probably start a club.