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Ok before anyone questions me about this; this was going to be a christmas oneshot between Ino and Neji. Funny how things change huh? I dont know why the girl popped in my head but she did and it goes with my story that came to me. I'm trying to get all this bunnies out of my head so i can think clearly on my other works. So yeah.
Everyone is 9 years older than the shippuuden k? so if they were 30 thier 39. 15 is either 24 or 25 depending on wheres one's b-day and all. So this starts ahh... three or two days away from chritsmas so its safe to say 25 for rookie 9.
Well ahh... this sort of didnt want to stop. reason why its so long. I try to stop a chapter at 15 pages so theres not a lot to read but still there but this kept going and i couldnt think of a place to stop at. lol. sooo 20 pages later i saw a good stopping point and did so. so now am working on the second chapter to get the ball rolling than on to my other works to post all them for you all.
I hope you enjoy!
-Felina
Chapter One: Mission, Christmas, Being Mom.
Ino tapped her pen against the paperwork sitting inside the Jounin office. Why she was there? Well she got back from a mission that should have took longer than it did but her team finished it early. So she made it for Christmas. But the problem was she had given her parents a tripped to Suna’s new beach report for the holiday so they wouldn’t be left at home. Hinata and Tenten were all over at the Uchiha compound getting ready for a family get together with Sasuke and his young bride, Sakura. Most likely Neji and Naruto are over there, Neji being with Tenten and Naruto being best friend of both Uchiha with his soon to be wife, Hinata. Lee probably went with his teammates or because he and Sakura were friends.
Sakura didn’t know Ino was back or she would have asked her to join, even if Ino said no. Ino didn’t want to be stuck alone while the couples did couple things. Well she wouldn’t be alone but she didn’t want to get stuck hearing about some mission or training from Lee. Chouji said she could come back home with him but she knew his wife and newborn was waiting for him and his mother would complain Ino was to skinny and would try to put to much food on Ino. Shikamaru wasn’t on the mission. His family – Temari as well – went to Suna to visit with their extend family there and wouldn’t be back till for another week or so. Sai was Sai… He was on this last mission and sat in the next chair, doing something in his notepad. She watched him from the corner of her eye. He already finished his report but had to wait till she finished hers so they could pass it in at the same time.
Ino stopped tapping when she saw the little bundle move in the corner, lying on the only couch inside the room 12 as Sai stopped drawing and looked up as well. Room 12 is one of the only rooms that had a couch, which was why they picked it for the kid. Just a little girl that was in the area they were attacking. Why did they bring the little mute girl back with them?
The guys they were killing ran inside their house and Ino’s team thinking the town was deserted a while back; attacking the house, causing it to fall down around the men before Sai moved his beasts into the rumble and finished them off. When the group went to check they found her covered by her parents’ bodies, which had pieces of their house through them. How everything missed the girl, they don’t know but the girl had luck, a lot of luck. She was scared, dirty and had some cuts on her but she was alive and they made her an orphan. Two out of three wanted to bring her along a child looking no more than five or six couldn’t live alone like that. So Ino, Chouji, and a indifferent Sai brought the nameless girl with them back to Konoha. They brought the girl to the hospital first but when Ino tried to leave the little thing started fussing after having Ino carried her and feed her the nurses said to just stay. Well she did than took the girl to the Jounin office where Sai stood waiting for her.
Ino thought of bring the girl to a housing place for girls her age but she would get the mental picture of her under her parents. Ino couldn’t leave her alone. Sighing Ino turned back to the paper and began to write everything done. She really didn’t want too, it was her first time leading and was her call to attack the building instead of going inside where the other guys could set traps for them all. Her fault that it happen the way it did. Tsunade would see it that way at least and most likely tell her to find a good home for the girl while Ino took care of her after yelling about not checking for life inside of the house which they all did but with civilians it was hard to tell when ninjas were near by them. Civilians unlike ninjas not work on their charka while ninjas work on theirs and can drown out the feelings of civilians’ charka being near by or in the same room.
Sai just gave her look as she wrote before going back to his drawing. He was there because they wanted to see if Ino could handle being a leader and handle Jounin missions. Ino guessed she didn’t do so well.
“Sai?”
“Hm?” Sai hummed out glancing up at her hushed tone.
“Be honesty… Did I do well on this mission? Does a thing like this happen?”
Sai placed his notepad down before grabbing his report and passed it to her. “I will be telling Tsunade you did well with what you had to go on and had to make the choice between what we did or costing someone’s life or bring a lot of trouble for us. Chouji with his fighting style would need room to do them; he wouldn’t be allowed to do much inside of a house without it falling down around us. Yours are for spying but you do know how to fight one on one but against stronger ninjas you would lose.” Sai said as Ino took his report and read what he was saying. “As for myself I use ink and can fight one on one but again with small space some of my art would not be any help. And if we did go in we would notice right away the small family causing more of a problem. Not to mention the Shinobazu knew it and that was why they took to the house knowing they could attack us as we came in or used the family to keep us from attacking with everything, leaving our minds to worry about the civilians.” Ino gave the report back with a sigh. Sai glance to the child who rolled slightly so her face was facing them again, wrapped up tight with Ino’s cloak. “You made the right choice even if we knew the family was in there. If we had gotten killed the ninja would have killed them anyways. As for your other question it sometimes does. Sometimes you even know their there but you have to choice between your comrades’ life’s and the mission or the people who are being used against you. Don’t go for ANBU if you can’t handle this.” Sai finished picking up his notepad and continued with his drawings.
“Arent you going to your team’s get together?” Ino asked after another few minutes of silence.
“I was invited.”
“Than go ahead. I’ll finish up and bring both scrolls to Tsunade.”
“And the child?”
“Guess I’ll have company for the holiday.” Ino said sighing, finishing the rest of the report.
“You’re going to take the girl in?” Sai asked as he placed his things in his bag. Sai after being around them all has gotten as normal as ninjas can be without being crazy in their terms. Ino smiled thinking of the big differences between civilians and ninjas, small things like ninjas seem crazy to civilians while people who were in the Akatsuki and other little groups are crazy in ninja terms. What would that make them in civilian terms?
“For now yes. I know Tsunade is going to pin her on me anyways so meant as well. Go have fun Sai.” Ino said picking up the scrolls and placing them inside her own bag as he walked out. She gently picked the girl up without waking her and brought her outside. The girls face hidden under the cloaks hood with everything else as Ino made her way to the Hokage Tower, not minding the chilly wind or small flakes of snow falling around her.
At 25 Ino is a newly appointed Jounin, not because she wasn’t skilled enough; no. She didn’t want to become one for awhile. She was happy with her Chunin rank, living with her parents while saving her money to buy a nice house to live in that wasn’t to far from home but far enough to give her space of her own, where she would have a yard to have a garden and a place to have outside parties with friends or where her children could play or even to add on to the house if she needed more room. She didn’t want to rent because that would mean she couldn’t change the place around or add rooms on unless she got the ok from the landlord. She had found the perfect house that had a big yard and the owners were moving to live in Suna where they could be closer to their grandchildren. The old couple was nice enough to keep the house off the market for her and said that when they move, she could have the place and they don’t move for another week after Christmas when their family could come in and help them. It was more than ok with her, she could wait for the house.
Out of all the young ninja in her group she was the only one living with their parents still. Hinata and Naruto keep to the Hyuuga compound while Hinata trained her younger sister to lead the clan so when Naruto became Hokage they could live the compound. Sakura of course was with her husband in the Uchiha compound about to pop out a kid. Shikamaru lived inside his families’ compound but had his own place with Temari. Chouji had his wife and new baby living with him next to his parents’ house while Shino just got his parents old house while they took Shibi, Shino’s dad, mothers house which worked well for all three of them because Kiba let it slip out that his parents were still very active with each other and Shino had found them afew times. Though he let them take everything from the house because of their active life and replaced everything besides the main house wasn’t lived in since his grandmother deaths so they thought that the clan leaders should be inside of it now.
Kiba had his own apartment somewhere in his clan’s walls. Shino says he does have his own place and it looks like he lets the dogs have their way with it. Ino wouldn’t put it pass the Inuzuka.
Lee, Tenten, and Neji had their own places in the village. Neji was allowed to move out of the compound after Hinata took over for her father, which made a happy Hyuuga. Also all the branch members got their seals either removed completely or deactivate though most branch members kept to the way of protectors. The older members of the main branch thought it was stupid and foolish of Hinata to do so.
Ino smiled remembering that day well. Hinata had asked for everyone’s help to stand behind her with it and so the entire rookie nine and team Gai came and backed her up on it.
“You can either step aside, letting me do this for my clan or you can face me and my friends because either way I will free my family members from this seal!” Hinata said standing proudly with her sister and boyfriend just behind her while everyone else formed a line behind them, waiting for the word.
Hiashi stood between the groups but not in the line of fire should it fall to it. He had just gave power to his heiress and got told that she was going to free the branch members even if she had to fight the main branch. He had stood by and watched her take Neji from the seal first and followed them outside to see the young ninja’s of the Leaf staring down the main branch members, willing them to tell them off. It was an eye opener for him to see his heir- no clan leader walk not to the member branch but to the young ninjas and faced her clan.
“Hiashi! This is way we told you that giving her the power now would not bear well for the clan! Listen to her!” An older man said pointing at his new clan leader.
“Daughter, speak with me.” Hiashi said and watched as one came but the one he wanted to speak to stayed, staring back at the glares.
“I will speak father but I speak here.” Hinata said. “I have seen some of this members use the curse on the others for just a small slip. They have become evil to family members and it is because of this and many other rules that the Hyuuga clan is weak.”
“We are not weak!”
“Most of you that stand before me are not even ninjas! The branch members have to become ninjas to protect you! You have the same eyes as them so you could have become ninjas! And while I am Clan Leader there will be no sealing done on anyone! Now you can step aside or we will move you!” Hinata said with the tone that leaders had. Final, no argument allowed tone. Hiashi had smiled that day as he joined his daughter.
“Hiashi!”
“I will help my Clan Leader.” Hiashi said placing a hand on Hinata’s shoulder, smiling down at her. “I will also follow as well…” He whispered to her so that only the ninjas on their side heard.
Ino shift the girl’s weight so she could open the door before walking in. That day everything changed for that Clan. Main members either moved or was forced out of the way and held back by everyone. Naruto went and made a lot of clones and just tackled people. Hiashi helped take the seal off, as said by the clan leader. Main and Branch members were no more and moved around each other without that fear of the curse being used on them. Hinata showed her father and family members that she was strong and come lead her clan to the better and she was. The clan’s doors were open for its members to leave and take housing inside the village but most stayed and took to protecting their leader even if she didn’t need it. Hanabi, last time Ino spoke to Hinata, told her sister that she and Kiba were together and she didn’t want to become Clan Leader, which made Hinata happy for both but it put her on the spot. So now she and Naruto have to work on that problem. Hopefully they come up with something soon. Tsunade have been getting to old to be Hokage and she was going to give Naruto the title soon just to bug the other villages. But what she really meant was ‘He’s been wanting this title for years and has become very strong and loves this village so much she couldn’t think of better hands for the village to fall too.’
Only Ino and Kankuro of the sand were left with no one. Lee had a girlfriend in sand and she was told by Tenten that they acted alike in a lot of ways and the girl even like the color green. Though Ino wasn’t looking for a boyfriend she couldn’t help but know everyone else has someone. Gaara has a girlfriend who is completely opposite from him and they balance each other out. Sometimes Kankuro would joke with her about dating but they both knew it wouldn’t work or at least she knew. No way in hell was she living in Suna and he wasn’t leaving his brother’s side. They fought all the time expect when they agree with bugging someone else but they always end up going at each other. He hated the fact she wouldn’t back down and she would attack right back and she hated how he got on her nerves and treated her like a child or weak.
So that was a close book.
She slowly places the girl down on the couch in front of Shizune’s desk and turn to see Shizune staring questioningly at her.
“Hey.” Ino whispered when she stepped up to her desk. “The team got in awhile ago, had to finish sometimes up. Explain later but could you watch the kid? I need to speak to Tsunade.”
“Yes, sure ahh… right go ahead she should be doing paperwork.” Shizune said with a smile. Ino smiled back before moving her way to the double doors and knocking gently before opening them when she heard ‘enter’. Ino walked in and closed the door behind her before making her way to the desk.
“Finished and here’s our reports.” Ino said passing them over to Tsunade who took them before reading them. Ino stood there waiting for the yelling, hoping it wouldn’t wake the girl up.
“Alright you outlined you would be taking care of the girl till you find a home for her?” Tsunade said looking back up at Ino.
“Your- why aren’t you yelling?” Ino blurted out before slapping her hand over her mouth. Tsunade sighed before taking a sip of her sake.
“I know how it goes on these missions and in Sai’s report says there was no other way unless you faced one of your teammates dying or getting hurt badly and they would have died anyways if you all got killed. I understand you could be feeling bad about it but you already assigned yourself to taking care of the girl’s future so have fun with the brat.” Tsunade says waving her hand at her in dismissal. Ino stared at her before bowing awe stuck before making her way out the doors. She was so sure Tsunade was going to yell and scream at what she did.
“Must be the season…” Ino mumbled before wishing Shizune a good night picking the girl up again and walked out of the tower. Ino made her way to her home before opening the door and closing it with a sigh. She glanced down at the girl to see blue eyes staring back at her. “Hey little one.” Ino said with a small smile, kneeling so the girl could stand on her own. “We’re at my home, you hungry or something?” Ino asked unwrapping the girl from the cloak showing dirty clothes and bare feet. If you cut her blonde hair and cleaned her up, she would be a copy of Ino when she was a child. Maybe that’s why Ino felt a pull to the girl and brought her along but whatever it was she was now the caretaker of this girl.
“We should bathe you first and get you into some new clothes. I think my mom kept some of my old clothes in the basement. Come on let’s go check.” Ino said standing back up and reached down so the girl could grab her hand. Ino would have gone by herself but the girl starts crying when she was around so both of them moved to the back of the house, pass the stairs leading to the bedrooms, pass the downstairs bathroom, pass the entrance to the living room and dining room. They got to the plain wooden door and opened it before Ino turned the light on as they made their way down stairs.
“Wait here, I’ll be right over there, I think that’s where my old stuff is.” Ino said when they got to the bottom step. The girl had a small nod as she put both hands on the handrail watching as Ino moved away to the boxes in the corner. She pulled two boxes off the ones marked ‘Ino’ before pulling into one, finding old storybooks and toys. Ino shrugged before pulling that box to the stairs and grins at the girl.
“Go ahead and look through this one it has books and toys.” Ino said before going back to the boxes leaving the girl staring at the open one she put in front of her. Ino found some old pictures she did and nearly tore them apart but knew her parents would want to keep them as parents liked to do. She also found some photo albums of when she was a baby going all the way up to when she became a Chunin. Her mother loved to take pictures.
Finally she found a smaller box behind everything else that had some baby clothes that her parents wanted to keep as keepsakes for her to use when she had kids plus some dresses that she wore and wanted to keep. She took the plainer but comfortable ones out the rest were to fancy to wear for normal use.
“So this is moms ‘special secret hiding place’ huh? A wooden box in a corner of our basement…” Ino wondered out loud before turning back to see the girl holding a white teddy bear to her chest. “Hey you don’t mind dresses right?” Ino asked holding up the dresses. The girl shakes her head as Ino walked back. “Good because I don’t think ma saved any shorts or pants. For bed you can just wear one of my shirts I guess and tomorrow we can buy some underwear.” Ino said picking up the box after placing the dresses inside. She places the box under one arm, resting the bottom on her hip before taking the girls hand. “We need to name you. Do you have one?”
Shake of the head.
“Do you want one?”
Nod.
“Well ok let’s see…” Who doesn’t name their child? Ino thought before thinking of some names as we walked up the stairs. Ino flipped the switch off before giving the door a kick to close it before making her way to the bathroom.
“Momo means peach!” Ino asked putting the box down and opened the bathroom door. “Hold on.” Ino turned and opened the towel closet and pulled one out before shooing the girl inside while she shook her head. “Alright than, get your clothes off while I draw the water for you. Strawberry or lily?” Ino glanced back at the girl to see her shaking her head no. “Oh no I meant for bubbles and shampoo. Here point to the one you want.” Ino said pulling the different scents out for her. The girl points to the pink bottle. “Alright strawberries.”
Ino poured the soap in after she got the water running and not to hot as the girl stripped her clothes off. “Ok get in and I’ll wash your hair.” Ino said as she stood to take her Jounin vest off placing it on the toilet lid before kneeling back down after the girl got in the tub. Ino helped the girl wash her hair and gave her the facecloth to wipe the dirt off her as she did so. During the whole time Ino gave off names but got always got a ‘no’ after the girl found out what they meant. Finally the little girl was cleaned after the bath water got change two times. Ino made sure the girl was cleaned of all dirt and the poor thing turned into a drowned rat before she let the girl get out. Ino help dried off before wrapping one towel around her body and other that was already in the bathroom around the girls’ hair.
Ino made a note to take her own shower after she got the girl sleeping again.
“Alright let’s made a sandwich for you before going up to my room, you can sleep there till I move out.” Ino said as they walked out of the bathroom, picking the box back up and walking the girl to the kitchen to make a sandwich.
“Alright this is the last name I can think of right now. Yukiko means snow child. It was snowy around where we found you. Good play huh? So what you think? Yukiko and as a nickname we can call you Yuki.” Ino glances down at her ‘shadow’ to see a shrug. “Well it’s something. Think about it and tell me tomorrow. Hope you don’t mind ppj. We didn’t pay anything because no one was going to be here for another week.” Ino said finishing up on the sandwich before placing everything back before smiling at the girl. “Come on follow me up.” She said before she took the plate and box and made her way up the stairs to her room.
Ino placed the box down near her door, letting the girl move in. “Sit at that chair there ok? Here take your sandwich while I look for a t-shirt for you.” Ino said making her way to her closet letting the girl go to her desk and began to eat. Ino threw a plain white t-shirt on her bed before grabbing her brush from her own bathroom. She walked over to the girl and took her hair out of the towel and began to brush it.
“Let’s see your going to need underwear, toothbrush and a hairbrush. I’ll get my friend to do a check up on you as well. Shoes too, the only ones down stairs are baby shoes and they wont fit your feet. Whoops sorry dear.” Ino said when she found a knot with the brush. “I’m just going to call you Yuki ok? You need a name because I can’t keep calling you girl.” Yuki gave a small nod, licking her fingers to get the jelly off. “Ok all done go put that shirt on while I take a shower. I’ll leave the door open.” Ino said pointing to both shirt and bathroom door before going to get her under bedtime clothes.
Ino took a quick shower to get the days travel off before throwing her clothes on and brushing her own hair. When she walked out Yuki sat on the floor playing with some toys with the white teddy sitting near to her. The t-shirt’s short sleeves went to Yuki’s elbows so Ino knew the hem went to her knees.
“You ready for bed? Ok then hop up on the bed.” Ino said turning the bathroom light off before walking over to the main light and shutting that one off too. She quickly turned the lamp on when Yuki made a small sound. “It’s ok… I’ll leave this one on ok?”
Ino went over and pulled the covers down and help Yuki up on the bed and watched as she dragged the teddy bear with her to the other side of the bed before Ino lied down and pulled the covers up. Since they took Yuki the girl had slept with Ino in her sleeping bag so this wasn’t anything new for them. And if Ino was honesty with herself, she found the little Yuki cute when not crying or dirty. The way she latched on to Ino reminder her of Sakura when they were kids; she was shy so very shy. It made Ino wonder if her being mute was something because of the shyness or because she really couldn’t talk. She wasn’t screaming when they moved the bodies off her, just sobbing without sound.
When she was going to find out when she went to Sakura tomorrow with Yuki.
It was Christmas Eve today and stores were going to be busy so Ino decided to go out early buy the things that Yuki really needed before buying some breakfast than to Sakura’s, after all that grab some food at the store and home.
Ino sighed while looking for some socks for the weather as Yuki held on to her pant leg. She pulled plain white ones, red, and blue pairs before putting them in the basket. She moved over to shoes and told the lady what they were looking for. Than the lady that worked there took Yuki’s shoe size before going and coming back with winter boots, slippers, and sandals. Ino thanked the lady as she took the items before heading back to the girl’s area of the store. Ino got four pairs of underwear as well as a toothbrush and hairbrush. She saw the clothes and went over to the area as Yuki held on as Ino got into a shopping spree.
She never had to buy for a little girl before and she got lost in all the things she could get Yuki. She had her trying on pants and shorts with shirts that went with them. Sweaters in different makes and colors followed soon over the changing room door and Yuki came out modeling them for Ino’s approval or dismissal.
Yuki took it all in as if she never had this before but was showing small smiles when Ino made cooing sounds or yelled out ‘Ooooh how cute!’
Ino also found some nicer dresses for Yuki to wear. A velvet long sleeve red dress that had a small bow at the back with its ties hanging down to her knees, it was lined with white fuzz at the hem, neckline and end of the sleeves well the sleeves opened up from the elbow causing a widen opening at her hands. Ino loved it so much that she got matching twin bows for her hair and fancy black shoes. After all the clothes Ino had her try on mittens and got her two coats; one for winter and one for windy days, a hat and scarf that could wrap around her neck afew times.
At the end when she paid for it all she looked down at Yuki and said. “Well I guess this is merry Christmas early for you.” Before they headed out, Yuki wearing her new mittens, winter coat and boots, and scarf and made their way to a restaurant and ate.
Afterwards they went to a store for some food and went back home not wanting to drag all the new things around town before heading back out to the Uchiha compound while Ino talked about Sakura and Sasuke and Yuki listened.
So they found themselves standing outside of a house while Ino knocked on the door.
“Hey Ino! Why didn’t you come over last night! And is this that girl Sai told as about last night?” Sakura said hugging Ino before saying hi to the girl.
“Yeah we picked last night to call her Yuki and sorry but was sort of busy with her.” Ino said as they moved inside. “I was wondering if you could give a check up on her. See if anything is wrong, you know? She doesn’t speak and I wanted to know if it was a normal thing for her or not plus I want to know if she’s healthy.” Ino said taking hers and Yuki’s coats off plus her scarf and mittens before hanging them up.
“Yeah sure want some hot coco? Sasuke and Naruto just had a snowball fight. Hinata is in the living room nursing them up.” Sakura said with a smile, rubbing her belly as she walked to the kitchen. Ino brought Yuki to the living room to see Sasuke laying on the couch holding his head while Hinata knelt next to Naruto, who sat in a chair, grinning at him.
“I so won. Hey Ino!” Naruto yelled waving his arm that Hinata wasn’t healing.
“Hey guys. This is Yuki she’ll be staying with me for awhile. Yuki the guy on the couch is Sasuke. He’s married to Sakura the lady you just met. The lady over near the loud blonde is Hinata.”
“What about me?”
“He’s an idiot.”
“Tch. Kid my names Naruto Uzumaki!” Naruto said grinning madly.
“But really he’s a ramen idiot…” Sasuke mumbled sitting up slowly. “Why did you use ice?”
“Because you used a jutsu and you should have dodged bas- ahhhh… loser.” Naruto said catching himself from swearing in front of a kid. Ino smiled and brought Yuki to the other couch that line the other wall near the door as Sakura came in with hot coco mugs for everyone. After everyone had one and Sakura healed Sasuke’s head she came over and talked with Yuki.
“Hey Yuki, my hand is going to glow ok? While it glows am going to touch you with it but believe me it doesn’t hurt. I’m just going to check inside alright?” Sakura asked and waited for Yuki to nod before doing what she said she would do.
“Hey why would you need too?” Naruto asks after burning his tongue and wiggled his eye brows at Hinata who blushed in return before staring into her mug.
“Just to see if anything is wrong, idiot.” Ino said before taking a sip of her own.
Sakura pulled back and smiled at Yuki. “All done and what a good girl you were! here’s a piece of chocolate.” Sakura said pulling a piece out of her pocket. Yuki smiled and took it. “Well nothings wrong. Maybe she in shock or just doesn’t know why to use her voice yet. Give her time she’ll come around.” She said before walking over to Sasuke, who held her mug. She took hers before sitting as Sasuke rested his hand on her belly, rubbing slowly.
The rest of the time was spent with them talking and joking around about things that has happen when Ino was gone. Ino told them that she found a place before she left and will be moving in another the holidays. Everyone seemed happy for her. At the end Sakura and Hinata was talking about dinner and that’s when Yuki pulled on Ino’s sleeve.
“Oh sorry Yuki, bet you’re hungry huh? Hey guys we’re going to head out now. Yuki’s hungry and am starting to feel hungry myself.” Ino said standing up taking both their mugs, walking through the door to the kitchen with her shadow following. From the living room she heard Naruto say.
“Haha the kids like a duck!”
“Naruto that’s not nice.” Hinata’s quiet voice said, hushing her boyfriend.
“I didn’t mean it badly just saying.”
“Oh Hinata have you figured out what you two are going to do with the Clan?” Ino asked coming back into the room, slapping the back of Naruto’s head as she went.
“Oh yes… we’re going to stay in the compound. The Hokage home is going to stay with Tsunade so it works out for everyone.” Hinata said.
“But piggy you and Yuki stay and eat with us. You two are alone in your house and it is Christmas Eve plus we had the party last night but we’re going to have a dinner here for everyone soon. Don’t worry am not cooking!”Sakura said earning a chuckle from her husband and a kiss.
“Let’s good Sakura, I’ll get it.” Sasuke said as a knock came.
“Well Yuki you want to stay and eat with other people?” Ino asked looking down at her ‘duck’ as Naruto puts it. Yuki smiles and nods but stands closer as Lee comes bouncing to the room shouting about his day, followed by Tenten who punches his shoulder making him stop. Neji came afterwards and went to Hinata and gave her a hug when she stood. Giving greetings to everyone, Ino moved around the room hugging or shaking hands while introducing Yuki to them.
Next the food came and the girls went into the kitchen or dining room to set everything up as Sai came in.
The boys stayed in the living room talking about different things. Surprisingly Yuki went to Sai and latched on to him when he walked out of the room but came running back to Ino and took hand full’s of her pants as Naruto started to yell he wasn’t dickless. Lee started in soon after about how Naruto and Sai scared the little girl away. Sasuke and Neji came into the dining room leaving the bickering to the others but got put to work setting the table.
With the food ready, three guys having sore heads from Sakura, everyone sat down. Yuki had to have some books so she could eat with them. Ino had to stop afew times to clean food off of her or to help her cut the turkey which got her strange looks from Sakura and Hinata but she brushed them off. The food was great, the company was cheerful and everyone seemed to have a good time just eating and talking.
But when eight o’clock rolled around Yuki started yawning so Ino told everyone good night and wrapped Yuki back up before walking out. Half way to home Ino had to carry Yuki the rest of the way and when they got home she was asleep. So Ino gently took everything off, leaving the dress and put her into bed where Yuki hugged her teddy to her chest. Smiling Ino took her clothes off and put a t-shirt on and boxers before walking back down to collect the bags with Yuki’s new things. First thing she did was bring the clothes to the washer in the basement, took the tags off before throwing them inside by colors so they wouldn’t bend together and started it. Next she put the rest in their sorted colors and whites off to the side before bring the hairbrush, toothbrush, and hair things to her bathroom upstairs. She opened them all and placed them where Yuki could reach them before wash the brushes and setting them to the side as well.
She went to the box and pulled the books out, putting them on the lowest shelf so Yuki could get to them before clearing out one drawer and placed the dresses that she had gotten from the basement in it. She kept the toys and stuff animals in the box but put it next to the desk. She went back down and took the shoes out of their bags and brought them to her closet for later use but kept the slippers out and placed them near the bed.
When Ino was sure everything was done and knew she had 20 more minutes before the washer was finish, she went to her desk and pulled out her banking book and put it when she made on the last mission and what she spent and was happy to see she still had enough to buy the house plus furniture for it.
Ino sighed sitting back in her chair looking at Yuki sleeping. She didn’t see why people thought taking care of a kid was so hard. Yuki was an angel when they were out, sure she cling a lot but she didn’t mind. Ino thought it was cute for the little girl to do it. She never had someone to depend on her so fully though. She had a cat once but the thing ran away after a year of having it but her parents had bought the food and litter for it so all she had to do was fed it and clean it when she was home. She wondered what her parents would think of Yuki. Probably fell in love and spoil the girl and be sad to see her go off to a good home. Ino, as much as she liked the girl, knew she could never keep her. She was surprise when she thought of it during supper. But she knew with her taking missions that could take her away for months at a time, she knew that Yuki could never stay with her. Not with this life.
After she buys this house and everything for it she would need more missions to keep it running. She had enough to run the house for two months but she wanted to work and save her money up for when she did decide to slow down and get a life. Besides she was only 25 and single she couldn’t give much to her other than find a nice home with a nice couple, maybe civilians so Yuki doesn’t have to live with a parent leaving and going all the time.
After taking the girls true parents from her it the least she could do. She could even set aside some money for her and hope Yuki forgives her in her part of it.
Ino sighed and moved to her closet again pulling out two bags for Kurenai and little Asuma Jr. Shikamaru gave her his presents for them before he left, saying to give them to the small family. She was going to be back before him and knew she would go there. Well looks like she could go tomorrow and give them the presents early than she thought. Ino brought the bags down stairs, placing them near the door before moving to the basement, placing the wet clothes in the dryer before throwing whites in and setting them.
Little Asuma looked a lot like his dad expect for the red eyes he got from his mother. He has the brown hair, thin but a lot of it. Being nine he was already in the Ninja Academy and loved when his aunt and uncles came and played with him. Ino tried to stop by every time she was home to either play with him and teach him some ninja tricks or got him away from the house so Kurenai could relax and brought him to eat or whatever he wanted to do that day. One thing they found out about him was he had a lot of energy that he ends up making everyone wonder if someone fed him candy 24-7.
Kurenai was heart broken when Asuma died but she had her team and Asuma’s team of ‘brats’ there for her and they all helped her raise and take care of herself and the boy. Slowly she put herself together for them, the baby, and Asuma knowing he wouldn’t want her that way. Even Konohamaru stopped by with his teammates and helped out. So she had a big support team.
Ino already gave presents to everyone else she just liked to wait till Christmas to give them their gifts.
By 11 o’clock had all the clothes washed and folded and put away plus she had some house work and paperwork done. She placed all the clothes they were going to wear tomorrow on the desk. Yuki was going to wear the nice red dress with white fuzz and the things that went with it while Ino will wear a red turtle neck shirt with a green Christmas vest her mother got her and a long black skirt with a small slit up the side to her knee.
Ino climbed into bed gently so she wouldn’t wake Yuki and passed out soon after.
By noon they were fed, dressed and ready to go. During the whole time Ino told Yuki about Kurenai and Asuma. Ino took one bag while she gave Yuki the lighter before taking her hand and walking out. Ino showed Yuki the different stores and where she used to play as a child before making their way to the apartments where the small family lived. Half way there they met Shino who was going to the same place so Ino introduce him to Yuki as they went. 30 minutes later found them at Kurenais door and knocking.
“Hello? Oh hey you two! Merry Christmas!” Kurenai said greeting them and opening the door widen for them to get in. “Oh three… Who’s the little girl?”
“Merry Christmas.” Shino said giving his ex sensei a hug before walking in after taking his shoes off.
“This is Yuki, I’ll explain later. Yuki this is that woman I was telling you about early.” Ino said helping Yuki out of her coat and boots before doing the same for herself.
“Oh well Hello Yuki you have a beautiful dress.” Kurenai said before chuckling as Yuki cling to Ino again, hiding behind her teddy. “And what a cute bow on the bear.”
“Well hey these are for you and Jr. from me and Shikamaru.” Ino said as they made their way to the living room where Shino was holding a present above Asuma who keep jumping up and down for it.
“Fine fine! I’m sorry I do want it! Please!” Asuma said after stomping his foot and crossed his arms.
Shino just put the present down before pulling out another gift and handing it to Kurenai as she sat down on the chair. “Mother sends her greetings and this jar.” Shino said before pulling a jar out as well.
“Oh thanks Shino.” Kurenai said as Ino flicked Asuma’s ear.
“No hello to auntie Ino?”
“Ahh sorry Ino didn’t see you.” Asuma said turning around to give a hug to her before pulling out a board game and a book from Shino.
Ino picked Yuki up and placed her next to Shino on the couch before pulling the bags over, handing the gifts out. “Well fine don’t see me, but remember to thank Shikamaru when you see him, these are from him.” She said giving the presents from the lazy Nara. Before taking her gifts out and giving them out. “And these are from me and Yuki. Asuma say hi.”
“Yo.”
Ino sat down next to Yuki watching Asuma pull into everything before catching Kurenai’s eye.
“Ahh Shino, could you watch the children?” Kurenai said placing her gifts down and standing. “I need to speak to Ino.” Shino nodded and Ino pointed to where she would be for Yuki before walking after Kurenai. Ino sat in the chair nearest to the door so Yuki could still see her before telling Kurenai about the mission and why she had a little girl following her everywhere. She also told her how she was going to find a home for the girl. Ever since they have been talking Ino would come to the older Kunoichi, gossiping or asking for advice or just talking about anything that happen. The two fell into this pattern that dragged Hinata, Sakura, Tenten, and Moegi and the six when find some time to all hang out and sometimes Anko would show up with either Kurenai or Ino seeing how she worked with both girls a lot.
Soon Ino was done and glance out in the living room to see Yuki sitting on the couch with her teddy on her lap but watching the two boys playing the new board game.
“So you’re going to kept her and let her get used to you than send her off?” Kurenai asked pouring some tea in the cups for them.
“You make it sound like I’m doing it to hurt her.” Ino said looking back at her.
“Well it’s going to happen. She already finds something in you to trust. Why not just adopt her yourself?”
“Because she’ll figure out what happen back there when she’s older and hate me. Plus what could I give her? I’m away on missions a lot that takes me far away for long amount of time. And when am not away am busy with K.I.T.F. doing stuff there or helping out at the families shop. I’m 25 for Christ sake!”
“I was only 30 when I had Asuma and I still go on missions and do other things.”
“You really want me to keep her don’t you?” Ino stated staring at Kurenai in disbelief. Kurenai just shrugs.
“Listen Ino, I know I had help, a lot of help from you kids and am very thankful for that and Asuma just loves you all and wants to be like you, follows your lead on about everything. I have been worried for you with your life. I know you got yourself a house now and will be moving in less than a week but all you do is work at the force or go on missions and when you’re not doing that you’re at the flower shop, here with Asuma or doing something to help everyone else. Is that really a life for someone? No one can stand that for long. Even people my age have someone to be with. So what’s wrong with being with the little girl?”
“She’ll hate me later. The best I can do is find her a nice family after the holidays.” Ino mumbled into her cup.
“I don’t think she would hate you. After all you took her in and gave her a life that wouldn’t have had sitting back where she was from. You know as well as I do that she would have died after one night in the cold.”
“I was thinking of another family for her…” Ino protested.
“Well I can see your already took a liking to her and she to you. No one would look down at it.”
“I’m not worried if someone would or not!”
“Fine, you could still take her in or even your parents! They would love to have her since your moving out.”
“I don’t know…” Ino sighed before looking back in the living room to see Yuki and Asuma playing the game while Shino helped Yuki. Yuki looked up and gave a small smile before turning back to the game, moved something making Asuma groan at losing.
“Well just think about what you’re doing.” Kurenai said patting Ino’s hand before walking out back into the living room; bring some milk for the kids and a cup of tea for Shino. Ino pulled herself together before following her and sat down on the couch to see them playing Risk, reason why Shino was still helping Yuki who was still to young to understand the point of moving the pieces around and to roll the dice. With Shino’s help both won against Asuma three times before Asuma got the hang of it and started fighting back.
“I’m going to get this down so well that when I play against Shikamaru I’ll bet him!” Asuma said laughing as he pushed Yuki’s army back. Shino whispered something to Yuki who nodded before he laid down two sets of the cards. “Ahh no!” The boy yelled as Yuki got more pieces and had Shino set them up so it would be harder for Asuma to break through. This continued for awhile before Kurenai sat down next to Asuma and helped him till the end of the game before they moved the game to the table so everyone could sit down and play. Yuki sat next to Ino while those two played together. Shino had his own pieces while Kurenai and Asuma joined together to fight everyone else. Cookies and more milk and tea got served during the time they were there before Kurenai and Ino went in the kitchen and make some food for dinner. Kurenai already had a chicken in the oven so it was just making some mashed potatoes with corn and dinner rolls.
They pushed the game to the side so everyone could eat and talk about the day and other little things. Soon they were done and Ino took the dishes to the sink and washed them for Kurenai as they started another game. Ino brought another plate of cookies out and poured some more milk in the kids’ cups and got more tea for the others before sitting down and took to helping Yuki again. A little near seven, Chouji and his family stopped by giving presents or just talking. Afterwards Kiba came and that’s when Shino, Ino, and Yuki went home because the little apartment got too crowded for them. Shino walked them home, while they talked quietly about the past, telling Yuki about how Ino picked on Shino and Shino put dirt in her food one time when they were her age. Yuki took it in and smiled a lot when Ino slap Shino’s arm lightly making him chuckling.
He left them at the door when Ino opened it. Ino said he could come in to have something to snack on or warm up but he told them that his family was having a get to other at 8:30 and his mother wanted him there early.
So the girls went inside, took off their outer clothes before Ino brought Yuki up to the bathroom and let her soak in the tub while Ino sat at her desk with a notepad, writing about Yuki and everything Sakura said, what she got her and a letter for Yuki when she got older telling her about what happen and where. Ino didn’t want Yuki to think the wrong thing about it all when she was gets older. Of course she felt bad for it but Ino knew what she did would have been by others, at least this way Yuki could live.
Afterwards Yuki brushed her teeth, got dressed for bed and went to bed while Ino read a story. When Yuki went to sleep, Ino went and collected the clothes they wore after taking her own shower and washed them. After everything was done she left with nothing to do but think. Normal at this time her and her parents would be still up talking, eating cookies or some sort of desert. Than they would watch a show or she would head out and be a woman in a bar but she couldn’t leave a six year old by herself.
It been four days since Ino found Yuki and dealt with her and Kurenai was right, she had gotten attached to the girl. How couldn’t she? Yuki was shy but oh so cute and became a shadow to Ino. The girl even looked like her! Of course Ino had blonde, blonde hair where Yuki had more of an earthy blonde, like someone took yellow and rubbed some dirt in it but mixed it so well it looked beautiful. Where Ino had more of an icy blue for eyes where as in Yuki was Blue right before the sun set, that dark blue that faded into bright colors.
Ino wondered what her voice would sound like. Earthy like her hair or airy like her eyes… most likely sweet sounding like a child’s voice was.
But no matter, Ino couldn’t take care of the girl forever. K.I.T.F. and being a ninja and single wouldn’t be right for a young girl to be raised by. It seemed Ino had to keep repeating that over and over again to her and others.
By 10 Ino climbed into bed with thoughts of what to do with the sleeping girl and went to sleep.
By the four day Ino had to check in with Ibiki as were the rules. If Ino wasn’t on a mission and was home she had to check in every few days with him. So Ino got Yuki in red pants with a white t-shirt that said ‘Cutie’ on the front with a duck, making sure to put her winter coat on. It was getting warmer again but still chilly in Konoha. While Ino grabbed her trench coat, slipping it on with her Jounin outfit with her headband around her neck. Ibiki didn’t like her old clothes all that much which made Ino grin thinking back on it but listened anyways. As for her headband, well she didn’t want to put it on her forehead yet but needed to be seen when she walked into the unmarked building that housed the force and ANBU offices.
So when the girls were dressed and in Ino’s case, armed; headed out of the house and made their way to the building, telling Yuki about some things about the building. She didn’t got into detail about it just told her that the building had a lot of strong ninja’s there doing grown up things so she had to stay close so she wouldn’t get lost or in the way because some of the grown ups were grumpy.
Ino really didn’t want to bring Yuki to the ANBU area but what else could she do? Leave the girl alone?
This was her reasoning when she entered the building and went to the front desk.
“Hey Ino Yamanaka for K.I.T.F.” Ino said to the man sitting behind the desk, going over the standard greeting to get checked in.
“Yamanaka?” The man said turning his chair to grab a binder as Ino nodded.
“Also with guest, Yuki age six.” Ino shrugged at the man’s questioningly look. “No babysitter.”
“Alright, here’s your pass and this is the guest pass, sign her in there.” The man said passing Ino the clip on passes needed to get around the building without ANBU jumping down your throats. It wasn’t bad or anything but they didn’t want secrets leaked out or anything. This was ANBU and they wore marks for a reason. Ino signed Yuki in before clipping her tag on her shirt, keeping hers in her hand. Ino’s worked as a key as well. First to the door leading to where only ANBU and the Force went, leading to private rooms where some ANBU left some extra gear or had cots if to tired to leave or on duty. Plus the place had rooms where they could have meetings and a small kitchen with a table if someone was hungry. Than there was another door at the end of the hallway, leading to the main floor of KIT Force. Holding cells were underground with chakra depressors. It also had small offices for main members of the force. Ibiki, Anko and Ino had one each. There were other members of course but Ino only worked with those two when in there. Besides the last guy she tried to be nice to, was way weird and loved the torture.
Ino leaded the way down the hallway to the first door before walking down the other hallway, giving a nod of greeting to a couple of ANBU coming out of some rooms before getting to the other door and opening it.
Right than she pushed Yuki’s head into her coat, hiding her face from the sight of two ANBU beating one guy, who still fought back against them while another ANBU tired to put the cuffs on him. Ino moved quickly to where the offices were; that was to the side before slamming the door shut.
“Yuki sit here ok?” Ino said after reaching her door and opening it. “You need to stay in this room for me dear. Nothing will hurt you or bug ya. Here’s a pencil and paper draw something for me ok?” Yuki looked up at her with scared eyes but nodded. “That’s a good girl. I’ll be back soon.” Ino said before closing the door and locking it. Only Ibiki and Anko had keys to this office so Ino knew Yuki would be fine as long as someone didn’t go ninja on the door. Ino ran back out of the office area to see Ibiki standing there over the once fighting man, yelling at the ANBU.
“I don’t care if this is your first time! You should know the sleeping jutsu or binding jutsu! Don’t act like damn genin!” Ibiki yelled. Ino smirked, knowing she would have said the same thing but with more swears. All three nodded before two took the man’s shoulders and legs as the other went to open doors.
Ino joined Ibiki at his side taking the rear. “Checking in but be warn I got a kid in my office so I can’t stick around long.”
“Don’t need you long. Mist ninja doing spy work near our borders, just in.” Ibiki said in his rough but calm voice. Ino smirked up at him before looking ahead. He was still mad; she could feel it and hear it even if he hid it well but not so mad that heads would roll. She always felt bad for the people who got him that mad. Most of the time it was at Anko even though the two worked well together they fought liked a crazy old couple. Ino thought it was cute.
She never told them that.
“Where’s Anko?” Ino asked as they made their way downstairs, dim lights to give the spooky feel to it with the sound of dripping water. It was done for the ones that were brought in awake, make them fee like their doomed.
“I don’t know, probably out torturing Iruka.” Ibiki said unlocking one of three rooms, leading to a dirty white wall and a metal chair. Ino chuckled while doing a mock wince.
“Poor Iruka.” Ino said when Ibiki turned back around giving him her best sad look as the ANBU went pass putting the mist ninja in the chair before stepping out to wait outside the room.
“You deal with this.” Ibiki pointed over his shoulder to the mist ninja before stepping outside of the room joining the ANBU to look back at her. “I’ll deal with them.”
“Good luck boys.” Ino said to the ANBU. “I got till you’re done, right?” Knowing he was just going to time her. Ibiki gave a smirk as he closed the door. “I’ll be done before you do even start!” Ino challenged him, wanting to get more than a smirk or nod. But nothing came after he close the door but she knew if the ANBU wasn’t there e would be shaking his head, leaning against a wall doing a countdown.
So knowing she only had a few moments with the man she went over and released him from the sleeping jutsu they put on him.
“Good morning sleeping beauty! Isn’t it just a wonderful day?” Ino said cheerfully and loud, knowing he was having a headache from the jutsu. The man just glared, pulling on the shackles that kept him to the chair. “So want to tell me what you were doing on our side of the borders?”
“F...f...”
“Now no need to be rude. Either tell or I force.”
“All done sir and he was should a sweetie!” Ino giggled out, keeping the act of sweet and innocent up even as she spins a kunai on her finger.
“Get him to a cell, Yamanaka get your butt upstairs.” Ibiki said not turning around as he marched out of the door. Ino followed passing the ANBU with a wink. They walked quietly up the stairs, across the main room before heading to Ino’s office. Ino unlocked it and walked in, waving to Yuki as she went to her desk and sat down while Ibiki gave the girl a passing glance before sitting down across from Ino.
“Well nothing much you know? He was going to check out our forces, see if when was a good time to attack. I guess before the ANBU caught him he was gong to change into civilian clothes and catch a ride in the village with the people coming in.” Ino said pulling out a scroll and a pen before writing down everything she learned from the man. Yuki stood up from the floor and came over with some pictures showing Ibiki who gave a smile to her and took them from her to check them out. Ino ducked her head, acting like she wasn’t grinning of the sight. Ibiki to look like a hard ass and a rough guy had a weak spot. And in came in the form of kids. He didn’t do much with it but always lighten up around them and them to him.
Ibiki nodded to Yuki and gave her a smile while telling her the one he liked. Yuki gave him a full, teeth showing smile before running over to her others and showing him more. Seems Yuki drew in her whole book.
Ino finished writing in the scroll and handed it to him before leaving him at the door as the two girls walked out.
“Come back in three days.” Ibiki called to her before she walked out of the office area.
Ino held Yuki’s hand as they walked to the front desk of the building before letting go to sign Yuki out and pass the tags back in. As she was signing them out someone sneaked their arms around her before she felt a head drop down on her shoulder but paid him no heed.
“Hello beautiful, missed me?” He purred out not losing his hold on the senbon in his mouth. From the corner of her eye she saw it move up and down as he spoke.
“Now Genma, why would I miss a prevented old man?” Ino asked giving her pass to the man behind the desk.
Genma grinned before lifting his head up to the man as well. “Hey Genma Shiranui.”
“For?”
“Nothing but the fish knows.”
“Shiranui.” The man said taking Ino’s pass and placing it back within the binder before pulling another out.
“Nothing but the fish knows? That’s lame even for you.” Ino said as Genma moved to lean on the desk, letting her go.
“Whatever you’ve seen Shizune?” Genma asked before giving a nod to the man as he took his pass.
“No I haven’t. She should be at the Tower by now.” Ino said kneeling down to button up Yuki’s coat.
“Whoa now! Who’s this little cutie?” Genma said kneeling down as well to be eye level with the girl. He took his senbon out with one hand before reaching his other out to shake. Ino nodded and Yuki shook hands with him.
“Her names Yuki, she’s staying with me for awhile.” Ino said as she stood back up and button her own. “You got a mission or something?”
Sighing Genma stood putting the senbon back in. “Yeah something like that.” Ino nodded knowing ANBU stuff was left behind those doors. “Well catch you two things later. I got to go change.” Genma said walking to the back door as Ino and Yuki made their way to the front door.
“Yeah you need to change alright!” Ino yelled at him before laughing.
“Enough out of you!”
So there it is!
enjoy!
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