#holidayfluff

Authors Note:  Hello readers! Welcome back! For this story, Inoichi is alive for plot purposes (also he should be alive, but that's a rant for another time). I made Ino's stories all angsty so I wanted some nice fluffy stuff for her and Sai. There's a part in the story that gets a little spicy but nothing explicit, you can use your imagination for that. :D Enjoy!

Chapter 9:  The List (Sai/Ino) 

Sai restlessly shifted back and forth in bed. They were staying with Ino’s family for the weekend and so far it had gone well. It has been a wonderful evening with the Yamanaka family and he was thankful that they welcomed him into their home and that they’d accepted his relationship with Ino. They were good, kind and intelligent people and it was easy to see why his Light turned out to be so wonderful. 

Moments like this made him wonder about his own lineage and family. Who his parents were. Whether they were alive or if they even cared that he was. Despite it all, he didn’t harbor any ill will towards them. He’d like to believe that if they had a different choice they would have taken it. 

He sighed shifting again. It had been months since he’d slept apart from Ino. Aside from missions where sleep was a luxury, he was used to her comforting presence right next to him. Keeping him warm and the nightmares at bay.  Despite the blankets wrapped around him, he felt cold without her. It was her parent's house so he’d respect their rules. Besides, he wasn’t sure whether he was more afraid of her mom or Inoichi. So he clutched onto his pillow a poor substitute for his Love, and willed sleep to come. 

As he began to succumb to sleep he heard a faint knock on the door so quiet that he’d have to be a skilled ninja to hear it. 

Curiously he opened it surprised to find Ino standing there. 

“Ino?”

“Can I come in?” Wordlessly he stepped aside allowing her into the room surprised when she sat on the bed. 

“Everything okay?”  He asked concerned her presence making the room feel much warmer.  

“Yes, just missed you is all.”  She admitted. When he’d kissed her goodnight at her door she couldn’t help but wish that she could follow him down the hall. Her parents and their darn traditional ways. It wasn’t as though she and Sai hadn’t been together for years now. The explanation they'd given her was that they had to be apart because they weren’t married yet. It was such nonsense. Part of her wondered if this was a test. 

Sitting next to her he kissed her softly appreciating the gesture. 

“I did too. I’m not used to sleeping without you.  It’ll be okay though. I’ll see you in the morning.”  He tried assuring her but she shook her head. 

Her arms wrapped around him and she gazed up towards him.  “Do you really want me to go?” She pouted and damn if those eyes didn’t make him weak every time. 

“It’s your parent's house.” He groaned as she slowly ran her hands through his dark hair. 

Her eyes sparkled with mischief under the moonlight. “Ugh, they’re just being annoying.  I don’t think they actually care. Besides, it’s much more fun this way.” She grinned placing warm kisses along his neck. 

He’d read about something called the Naughty and Nice list and truth be told he’d gladly be on the former if he got to be with his beautiful girl. Besides, he’d been good and nice all year. 

They were skilled shinobi. She could easily sneak back to her room before anyone was the wiser. At least that’s what he told himself as Ino lowered them to the bed spreading hot kisses along his jaw towards his chest. This was much better than being cold and all alone. 

Ino grinned looking down at her handsome artist. “I love you Sai.” 

No matter how many times he heard those words his heart still fluttered in his chest.  His hand went to tangle themselves in her hair to bring her down into a heated kiss. “I love you too Ino.” 

Yes, this was very nice. 

 *

**

“You know your daughter ended up in Sai’s room last night right?” The Yamanaka matriarch asked her husband who just chuckled.

She’d gone early that morning to retrieve something from her room to find the bed empty. It didn’t take a genius to figure out where she was. 

“Of course she did.  She’s her father’s daughter.”  He shrugged. Sai and Ino had been together for years now and lived together. It was more for his amusement that he kept them apart.  It was fun to play the overprotective dad once in a while.  

“He’s a good kid. They both are, besides they’ll be married soon enough.”

She seemed surprised by the statement. “What do you mean?”

“The poor thing has been so skittish which is saying a lot for a former Anbu. He’s going to ask us for permission to propose.” Inoichi couldn’t be positive but he studied and observed human behavior for a long time now. It was obvious how much Sai loved his daughter and that marriage would soon follow. It had also been Sai’s idea to come spend the weekend with the Yamanaka family. He’d have plenty of time to muster up the courage to ask. 

His wife nodded excited about the prospect of wedding planning and grandbabies. Thus, she wasn’t the slightest bit annoyed that her daughter was still sneaking around like a teenager. 

 Ino woke up with a smile feeling Sai lay kisses on her forehead. “Should I try to sneak back to my room?”

Surprising her he shook his head wrapping his arms tighter around her. “No, then it would be like I’m embarrassed or ashamed which I would never be.  I’ll accept any repercussions your parents may have.”  Feeling her soft skin against his fingertips made any consequences worth it.  

Ino just stared at him stunned, her heart melting.  She rested her head against his chest his heartbeat her favorite symphony.

  The Yamanaka’s greeted the couple at breakfast without missing a beat.  Ino knew her parents and something felt off. She knew that they knew. It was impossible to get something past them.  She'd tried and failed many times.  They would be here at least two more days and she wasn’t going to do this sneaking around the entire weekend. 

Surprising them she slammed her hands on the table.  “I slept in Sai’s room last night and I’m going to sleep there tonight and tomorrow!”  She announced to Sai’s utter mortification.

Her parents just sent her a look before returning to their food.  “That’s fine Sweetie.” She stared at her father in shock seeing amusement in his eyes.  His daughter could be so dramatic but he loved his girl.  

“If it gets me closer to grandbabies I don’t care what you do.”  Her mother responded causing Ino to blush brightly.  

“Mom!”  Ino yelled embarrassed.

Sai smiled to himself watching the family, his family interact.  Yes, this was very nice as well.  

Chapter 1:  Mistletoe (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 2:  Snow (Chouji/Karui)

Chapter 3:  Fire (Sai/Ino)

Chapter 4:  Peppermint (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 5:  Cookies (Chouji/Karui)

Chapter 6: Lights (Sai/Ino)

Chapter 7:  Deer (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 8:  Presents (Chouji/Karui)

Merry Christmas Eve from my corner of the world :D Enjoy some fun, fashionable fluff for Ino Shika Cho.

Chapter 10:  Matching Sweaters (InoShikaCho)

When they were younger, each year  Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji had been forced into tacky, itchy and far too warm matching sweaters. Their mothers claimed that it was to build clan unity and team bonding. Their fathers provided no reprieve as their wives had strong-armed them into wearing those same horrendous clothes. There was some relief in that they were all suffering the same fate.  They were all too afraid of the collective power of the three clans matriarchs that the sweaters stayed on all day. This was despite how much they complained and tried to lose them. 

At the end of the night, they’d all take a picture together. The mothers looking all too proud, fathers clearly there against their wills and the children with silly faces their version of a silent protest. Despite how ridiculous they all looked each family would display that photo proudly in their home. 

 As the years passed the tradition continued. In spite of loss, death, tragedy, and war InoShikaCho would find themselves dressed in the most obnoxious sweaters Konoha had to offer.  Now that they were older Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji would rotate responsibility for finding the matching family sweater. Each year it became a competition for who could find the ugliest one.  There would be flowers, butterflies and way too many deer. Some years the sweaters would light up, make sounds or jingle each time you took a step. Some years they were more solemn or more vibrant.  No matter what they looked like, they always took that one family picture altogether.

As their families expanded their partners joined in on the tradition. Sai, Temari, and Karui loved the tradition as they collectively had very few this is one that they could get behind. Sai’s selections were always colorful and bright. Temari’s paid homage to Suna or her jutsu and had colorful prints of fans. She loved it so much that she included Gaara and Kankuro and would send them the family sweater. They would then take their own photo. Karui’s were their favorite as the sweaters seemed as soft as the clouds from where she hailed. The sweaters were obnoxious, the photo chaotic but they were happy and together. 

 *

**

“I don’t understand the point of this.”

“What a drag.”

“This isn’t fashionable at all.”  

The three couples smiled at one another as their children complained.  They could easily see their younger selves in those annoyed faces. When they were smaller this was far easier. Now that they were older their protests were louder and more vocal. 

“Quit whining!” The three matriarchs demanded and it was enough to instill fear and silence. None of them were stupid enough to face the wrath of the InoShikaCho mothers. 

So they took their picture. Three different families connected through something stronger than blood. Their bond was forged in fire and founded on trust, sacrifice, and mutual respect. And while their children may not understand it quite yet moments like this would only solidify that bond. 

 The grandparents sat in the center faces bright and beaming thankful for silly traditions that had lasted through the years. Images of those that had passed held in caring hands.  Their children gazing adoringly at their partners. And their children sulking, with annoyance present on their faces.

3 generations present each bringing with it their own legends and experiences. 3 generations strong in the midst of loss and destruction. 3 generations that would survive and endure to ensure many more to come. 

Chapter 1:  Mistletoe (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 2: Snow (Chouji/Karui)

Chapter 3: Fire (Sai/Ino)

Chapter 4:  Peppermint (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 5:  Cookies (Chouji/Karui)

Chapter 6: Lights (Sai/Ino)

Chapter 7:  Deer (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 8: Presents (Chouji/Karui)

Chapter 9:  The List (Sai/Ino)

Continuing my ficlet collection we have another quick story!  Enjoy some fuzzy, fluffy stuff for Shikamaru and Temari! 

Chapter 7:  Deer (Shikamaru/Temari)

One of the things that Temari loved most now that she was living in Konoha was observing the deer play in the snow in the Nara clan forest.  There were deer in Suna but she never had time to enjoy them the way that she did here. Between missions and meetings, she’d ask Shikamaru if they could spend just a little time out there.  It always made her think about how different their childhoods were. While she was training to be a machine of war for Suna, he was spending his days with his mother and father in meadows with wildlife.   

Shikamaru was always happy to give in to her requests and they’d spend afternoons lazing about together just them and the deer.  He treasured the fact that they so quickly accepted her into their herd. The deer were just as much a part of the Nara clan legacy and he was glad that she recognized that as well. 

He led Temari a little past the entrance to the clan forest where there was a small barn. He explained that while they didn’t typically house or keep any deer they had the space and facilities needed for medical care. 

“I was tracking her for a while and I could kind of tell that something was wrong. She’s pregnant so I brought her in just to make sure that she could deliver safely.” He explained to Temari as they entered the stable the expectant mother was in. While naturally skittish the doe seemed to recognize Shikamaru and allowed them to approach. 

Shikamaru kneeled in the hay. “Hello girl, how does the mom to be feel today?” He asked her gently patting her head and feeding her pellets. He placed some in Temari’s hand and she tried not to laugh feeling the doe take the food from her. While it was occupied he placed his hands on the expectant mother’s stomach.  He shook his head with a sigh. 

“The baby turned.  She’s too close to delivering. This is going to hurt girl but you can do it.”

“How can I help?” Temari asked concerned patting the doe’s head. 

“You’re going to have to hold her for me.”  Shikamaru directed preparing tools to help with the birth. 

Temari nodded whispering. “You can do this girl.  You’re strong.” 

Shikamaru felt his heart melt seeing how sweet and gentle his normally coarse Sand Princess was. 

He had to shake off thoughts of their babies so that he could concentrate. He’d help with breached animals before but it was still a very challenging process and he wanted to make sure baby and mom came out of it alive. 

“Okay let’s deliver this baby.”

*

**

Temari rested her head against Shikamaru’s shoulder as they watched the new mother fawn over her baby.  It was a rough experience for both but they came out of it well and alive. 

“Shika, you did a great job.”  She complimented him wrapping her arms around his waist.  If she wasn’t already so in love with her genius nin she would have fallen for him there in that stable.  He was calm and focused in the same way that he analyzed a Shogi board. When that determination was present in his eyes there was nothing in Heaven or on Earth that could stop him.  

“Thank you, Princess, you being there helped a lot.  They look happy.”

She nodded resting her head against his chest her thoughts turning towards their future and babies.  She hoped that their child would learn to be just as gentle and talented as her Shika was. Perhaps a little less prone to whining but still kind and brilliant.  And as fierce and determined as she was.

Once they were sure that mother and baby were settled for the night they made their way back home hand in hand.  The delivery took a while that the afternoon sky had already turned dark allowing the stars to light their path. 

They watched as a powerful stag appeared from the clearing followed by a beautiful doe and their fawn. The family regarded the couple before darting into the night leaping so far that it looked like they were flying. Temari stood there breathless enchanted by the sight. 

Shikamaru looked down seeing the wonder in her shining eyes. His arms wrapped tightly around her his lips catching hers in a warm kiss. 

When they separated he held her tightly against his chest snow falling around them. 

“So what do you think about babies?”  He asked nervous but hopeful.  They'd been talking about the idea for a while now and it seemed like the right time.  A child from his Princess would be an incredible gift.  

“As a general rule I don’t like them, but if they’re ours I love the idea.” She grinned her eyes sparkling and it was easy for him to imagine their child and their future in her eyes.  Chapter 1:  Mistletoe (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 2:  Snow (Chouji/Karui)

Chapter 3:  Fire (Sai/Ino)

Chapter 4: Peppermint (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 5:  Cookies (Chouji/Karui)

Chapter 6:  Lights (Sai/Ino)

Authors Note: Hello everyone!  I have a new ficlet collection for Team 10 that features all those things we think about during the Winter season and the holidays.  Most of the stories won’t explicitly state that it’s Christmas time but it will feature some element of Christmas or holidays.  It’s supposed to be the 12 Days of Christmas but I started late…oops  Either way, enjoy!  

I had to change how I posted this because updating each chapter here and on A03 was too much work.  I’ll update this post as I add a new chapter :D

Chapter 6:  Lights (Sai/Ino)

When Ino was younger, during this time of the year, her father would take her to the village and they’d stroll along familiar paths that had been dressed up in a million tiny lights.  The village would come alive gleaming and glowing. She could stare at them for hours drawn to their colors and warmth. It felt like they would dazzle and shine just for her. She would race ahead of him chasing the bright colors while he just chuckled and did his best to catch up with her. 

They would walk hand in hand looking at each display then get treats and talk about which ones were their favorites. 

Her eyes would sparkle and he’d tell her that of the millions of glowing lights she shined the brightest. 

She would then fall asleep while he carried her on his back as the brilliant lights illuminated their way home. It was a treasured tradition that they shared no matter how crazy their lives got or missions they’d been sent on. They always walked together amongst the lights. 

 This year when Ino saw the displays going up and strands being strung on roofs and windows she felt her heart breaking all over again. The war had stolen her father from her and along with him robbed her of a precious experience. The idea of walking along well-known paths without his hand in hers felt too tragic and so she turned away from it. She barricaded herself in her home refusing to believe that they could continue this tradition without him there. Her mom, Shikamaru, and Chouji tried to reach her knowing how much it hurt, but they couldn’t pull her out of that dark place. Her daddy was gone and she had no one to look at the lights with, she wanted to be sad.

 Ino stared out the window the moon's glow the only light shining in her dark room.  This wasn’t right, he should be there alive and well. Right now they should be bundling up in jackets and scarves ready to make the trek out there.  Nothing about this time of the year felt normal and she didn’t know if it ever would. 

Her eyes peered curiously seeing movement just outside amongst the trees.  It moved far too swiftly and was just a little too large to just be an animal passing through.  Part of her wished that it was some rogue ninja because she wanted a fight.

“Who’s out there?”  She demanded her kunai ready.  From the shadow emerged a familiar face carrying a bundle of lights.

“Sai?”  

“What’s going on?”

“I know that this time of the year is going to be rough because you’d go with your dad out to see the lights.  This year I thought that I’d bring the lights to you.” She was stunned speechless as she looked towards the trees behind her and along her roof.  There had to be hundreds of little lights that he meticulously hung just for her.  

“We’re all worried about you and no one expects you to be happy given everything that’s happened.  I know that your dad wouldn’t want you to be miserable either.  I know it’s not the same but if it’s okay with you maybe we’ll just stay here, together.” The tears ran down her face when she threw her arms around him. She sobbed into his chest tears of frustration, sadness, and appreciation.  She couldn’t handle going out to look at the lights but she didn’t want to forego their tradition completely. This was a happy medium.  

“Sai...I just…”

He gently brushed away her tears before placing soft comforting kisses along her head.  “Don’t say a thing. You’ve always been my light, this time let me be yours.”  

She helped him with the final strand and once they were all illuminated she stood there in wonder while they shimmered and shined in the once black space.  She knew that her dad would have loved to see her home decorated this way. This time, they really were just twinkling for her.  

Sai took Ino’s hand in his giving it a comforting squeeze.  The warm glow framed his sweet Light so wonderfully.

Ino stood there enchanted by the view finally allowing herself those memories that she pushed away.  She could see her father’s smiling face and bright eyes, amongst the lights, those arms that held her so lovingly.  By doing this Sai allowed her to feel his presence again. To know that it was okay to mourn but not completely forget.  She’d let him be her guide, her light forward. And she knew that if he was alive he’d more than approve of Sai as her life partner. 

They sat there hand in hand the lights shining brightly before them. Sai would occasionally brush away her tears and listened as she told him fond memories. When he was in the Anbu he remembered passing through and seeing the elaborate lit-up displays.  For as much as he would have loved to go see them, he never let himself dream that far. He wouldn’t push, but maybe one day she’d be ready to take that stroll with him. 

 Ino's arms wove around him hoping he knew just how much this meant to her.  “Thank you, Sai. This was the best thing anyone could have done for me.” He drew her into a kiss, the bittersweetness of the moment overwhelming but still somehow wonderful. 

“He lives in you, his light has always been inside of you and one day you’ll pass it on to our little one.”  Her bright blue eyes shimmered beneath starlight and a million twinkling bulbs hopeful and excited for when that day would come. 

 *

**

“Are you all bundled up Inojin?”  Ino kneeled in front of her son adjusting the cap on his head.

He clapped excitedly.  “Yes, mommy!” He’d seen the displays start to go up and tonight it was finally all ready.  

“We’re going to start at the top of the hill.  When I was your age your grandpa took me up there and you could see all the lights.”  She explained excited that he was old enough to enjoy the experience. Her heart felt full knowing that she was now going to be sharing this tradition with her son.  

“Do you think he can still see them from where he is?”  The innocence in his question made her heart stop and with a watery smile nodded kissing his forehead.

“Yes, baby.  I’m sure that he can.”  

“Are we ready to go?”  Sai asked with a smile holding a hand out for each of them to take. Ino kissed her husband so very grateful for his love over the years.

“Ready daddy!”  Inojin took his father and mother’s hand in his swinging them as they made their way towards the village.  

They trekked up to the top of the hill and once the displays came into view Inojin’s eyes widened in wonder. That joy and amazement of seeing them for the first time present in his face. 

Ino stared down at her son his bright blue eyes shining, reflecting the dazzling displays. She wondered whether this is what her father saw when she looked up at him so many years ago. 

“Ready?”  Sai asked one of her hands held safely in his and Inojin’s. They both looked at her with such love that she could see light shining from them. 

Ino nodded with a smile. “Yes.” 

Chapter 1:  Mistletoe (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 2: Snow (Chouji/Karui)

Chapter 3:  Fire (Sai/Ino)

Chapter 4:  Peppermint (Shikamaru/Temari)

Chapter 5:  Cookies (Chouji/Karui)