#chouji fluff

Song: Fall into me - Forest Blakk

The day that I met you

The world had just spit me out

.

Where you came from, Heaven was promised to those who fell for the cause, but hell was reserved for those who were enemies, traitors, or cowards. It was as easy as that and as difficult. Because where do those go that don’t die?

You had turned to the closest hidden village, hoping against all odds that they would not spit you out.

.

Konoha had been just a name before then, attached to even more names.

Orochimaru. 

Sasuke Uchiha.

The Uzumaki Clan.

Just a few steps into the village you saw a group of Shinobi standing together. A woman with blond hair and two men. Your eyes followed them as you walked past, always on edge, always on the lookout. 

A butterfly flew past you, tiny blue wings fluttering in the wind.

The bigger one of the two men held out his hand for the tiny creature, let it rest on his fingertip with a smile on his hand.

When he noticed you staring, you turned and fled.

.

Sure I'd never be found

Then you saw me for me

.

It’s not easy finding your place like Konoha.

Everyone knows everyone and gossip is almost as important as regular training.

Two months into your time here you earn yourself the name “ice princess” because you never show emotion.

Don’t they know that it’s dangerous to be vulnerable?

Haven’t they fought too?

.

“Do you want some?” Choji asks from his place by the fire. He offers you some of the stew he’s been preparing.

It’s the first time one of you has broken the silence since leaving Konoha for this mission.

You shake your head and watch him take the first spoonful into his mouth.

He sighs blissfully and smiles, offering you the bowl again.

“It’s not poisoned.” He tells you. “I tested it.”

You dig in this time, shame curling in your stomach at him having found you out. But shame is quickly displaced with the warmth of his food. It’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted, rich in flavor but even richer in meaning. 

Despite his size, Choji’s the first to make space for you.

His eyes might not be as powerful as others, but he’s the first one to see you for what you are.

.

You said close your eyes

I got you now

.

You don’t eat food unless you’re sure it’s not poisoned.

You don’t sleep or sit or stand with your back to the door or the window. 

You don’t talk unless directly questioned.

And as if it’s nothing to him, Choji has molded himself around you.

On missions, he offers you his food after he’s tried it. 

At group dinners he asks if you want to share your portion, claiming that the portion sizes will be too big for you anyway.

On the rare occasions that you have to sleep in a room with the bed placed between the bed and the window, he curls around you like a giant shield.

He asks questions. Just to hear your answer.

.

“Did you prefer the tomatoes or the peppers?”

“Can you taste the curry powder?”

“What does that cloud look like to you?”

“Did you sleep well last night?”

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Fall into me and I'll catch you, darlin

We'll dance in the street like nobody's watching

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Relationships used to be for different people.

People who could go to bed without worrying if they’d wake up tomorrow.

But somewhere along the lines friendship blurred into something more, and trust grew into love.

You’ve learned to let go, knowing Choji will be there to catch you.

.

“I’ve prepared some Bento’s.” He tells you in the morning before he leaves for a mission. “Eat the one with fish first. Mother expects you for dinner tomorrow.”

“Why?” You ask, ignoring the looks you’re getting. You’d rather drop dead than not see him leave properly.

Choji snorts. “She likes you. She wants you around for dinner like usual.”

“But you’re not going to be there.” You remind him, old fears rearing their ugly heads again.

He takes your hand in his, his large palm swallowing yours.

His eyes are warm when he looks at you, able to melt the ice around your heart any day of the year. 

“I’m not the only one who cares about you. I’m just the one who loves you the most.”

.

I'm drunk on your voice high on the moment

I'd fall for you twice if that's what you wanted

.

Your laughter rings through the room, a carefree sound.

Choji’s snorting in tune, clearly more amused by your reaction than Choza’s story. 

After all, he’s heard it again and again.

Your laughter is much more pleasing to him and his hand finds yours under the table.

“Has Choji told you about the time he managed to bring a whole cake onto a mission?”

Chouza asks. “The fifteenth generation isn’t the only one who can tell some stories.”

You shake your head no, still trying to gather yourself after your laughing fit.

Under the table, you press his hand three times and he can’t help the lovestruck smile breaking free. 

You haven’t been able to say it yet, words scaring you more than actions, but you’ve told him in your own ways how you feel.

He knows, his parents know, your friends know that you love him, that he loves you.

There’s a ring in the first drawer of his nightstand, a folder of possible apartments he wants you to look at, and your toothbrush in his bathroom at his parent's house.

He’d fall for you twice if that’s what you wanted and he’s able to wait as long as you need.

You’re his and he’s yours and that’s all that matters.

.

I'd give you my life from now 'til forever

I'm falling in love with you

Over and over again

.

Your wedding is a small affair.

Chouza is the only one left standing of the fifteenth generation of Ino-Shika-Chou, unable to keep from shedding tears when he hears your vows.

“I give you my life. From now on until forever. I am falling in love with you, over and over again.”

Your voice doesn’t shake when you speak, your hands secure in his.

You have been through war together.

After this, everything else will be easy.

.

And I knew my heart wasn't mine

On the day that I met you

My whole world came alive

.

You’ve fought a war, learned to survive in situations that would kill anyone else, have won the fight against eating disorders and paranoia.

But parenthood is a different kind of fight.

There are mornings when Chouji sits by your bed and has to beg for every sip of ginger tea you’re forcing down.

There are nights you sneak out of the house to sit with Chouza, wallowing in a fit of survivor’s guilt.

Some days you miss being Anbu, other days you’re afraid of ever going back. 

Some days your body grows and your heart seems to shrink until the only thing that’s left is the love for Chouji and Chouji alone.

.

Love doesn’t have to be like diamonds.

It doesn’t have to endure pressure to earn it’s worth.

But when it endures it gains a preciousness never imagined.

You’d given your heart to Chouji years ago, felt it beat in his hands where it was safe whenever he smiled at you.

But the day that you met your child, the world came alive again.

You found meaning in the eyes of those you loved.