3

It was once again Wednesday and Ino had been avoiding Sakura all week. She didn't want to have to answer any questions about her and Naruto. Working at the flower shop however put her in an easy to find position and it wasn't too soon that Sakura found her. There was going to be hell to pay now.

"How could you Ino? How could you bring that, that thing, to the club with you? I don't want you around him anymore."

Ino crossed her arms and glared at her supposed friend. How could she say those things about Naruto? He had never been anything less than kind and considerate to his friends and loving to those he really cared for. She didn't know where this was coming from.

"Really Sakura, there is no need for you to worry. Naruto and I are just friends at the moment. And even if we were more than that, you have no reason and no right to tell me what I can and can't do."

"Ino trust me. You don't want to get involved with him. He's not...normal."

"You know, Sakura, I don't know why you're telling me all this. You had no complaints about Naruto until Sasuke came back. In fact you were blissfully happy with him and his son."

"My son Ino. He's my son as well."

"Actually Sakura I think you gave up that right three years ago to be called his mother. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work."

"Fine Ino. You just keep messing with that demon. You'll find out eventually that he isn't what he seems. And I'll take care of my son one way or the other."

Ino scowled and folded her arms across her chest. What the hell was all that about? Naruto may have a demon in him but he wasn't the demon. They had established all that years ago. There was more to this than meets the eye and she would be sure to get to the bottom of it. She'd go talk to Naruto after she closed up the shop.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

On the way to Naruto's house Ino was deep in thought. Why was Sakura being such a bitch about the situation? Maybe it wasn't smart for Naruto to sing that particular song last night but he had every right to be bitter. She was the one who abandoned them not the other way around. Still she'd called Naruto a demon and that bothered her. The Kyuubi to her knowledge was still locked up in his navel. And Naruto was never anything but kind to everyone, hell, even little kids loved him. He was like a magnet for children. Little boys loved his frog summons and Gamakichi was a popular fixture around the park when Naruto and Hikaru were present. His fox summons were popular with the girls and it wasn't uncommon to see a family of fox kits being cuddled and petted. Genmaki sat by Naruto's side and carefully watched his charge play with the other children. It was such a common sight that nobody thought about it anymore. Ino smiled at the thought of Naruto being thought of as normal for once, a fixture in the community instead of an eyesore. Thinking even further back she remembered the first time Naruto brought little Hikaru to the park.

It was just after lunch and there were children playing all over the playground in the park. It seemed time froze and everyone looked up to see Naruto and Hikaru walk onto the field. All the adults looked at him with sadness in their eyes. Ino in particular felt bad for him. She was there with her little cousin. It had become public knowledge what had happened between him and Sakura and he had their sympathies. He had become a living legend among the populace of Konoha for all his many battles and good deeds and almost everyone respected him. Their children had heard stories of the golden haired shinobi and all idolized him but they had never seen him in person. He was tall and muscular and stood out like a sore thumb. All eyes immediately swung to the mini-me version hiding behind his legs. With his equally golden hair and pink tips it was easy to see who his parents were and the whiskers on his cheek left nothing to the imagination either. Naruto and Hikaru found their way to a bench and flopped down and were immediately swamped by a multitude of wide-eyed children. Eyes swung from him to his lookalike to the small fox in Hikaru's lap and they were bombarded by questions. Naruto looked down at his son to see that he had a tight grip on Genmaki and a look of curious fear in his eyes. He wanted to play with the children but they were scaring him at the moment. Poor Genmaki was having trouble breathing and the look on his face sent Naruto into a fit of laughter. All questions ceased as they watched the broad chested shinobi throw his head back and laugh. Finally done he turned his head back to the throng of children who had all plopped down on the grass. He looked out of the corner of his eyes at the parents who were all intrigued and wondering what would happen. He smirked and gave the children his full attention.

"Now then little ones, what do you want answered first?"

"Who are you? Are you the one known as the Golden Cyclone?"

"Yes I am. My name is Uzumaki Naruto and this is my son Uzumaki Hikaru. We came to the park so that he could make some friends and play with you. Would you let him do that?"

A chorus of yeses rang out. After all it wasn't every day you saw a living legend and he asked you to play with his son. That question answered they turned to others.

"Where did you get the fox? Can we pet him?"

"Genmaki is his name. You can pet him if he lets you. And he is my summon and my son's guardian. He protects Hikaru when I'm not around and is a member of my family."

"A summon? I've never heard of anyone having a contract for a fox summon. Iruka-sensei said that the contracts for Konoha were the slug, snake, and toad summons."

Naruto let out another belly laugh and nodded his head.

"That is correct little ones. Those are Konoha's summons. However, I am special and have a contract with the foxes. When Hikaru is old enough it will pass to him. But I have also signed the contract for the toads and I still use them on occasion. Gamabunta is a nice old toad and his children are friends of mine."

Wide eyes and slack jaws were what greeted his eyes.

"You are the Toad Sennin? But how can you have two contracts? That shouldn't be possible."

"I've told you I'm special. The toads like me and let me have a second contract. Normally I would be forced to cancel my contract with the toads but this was a special case. Here I'll demonstrate."

With that he stood up and moved to a part of the park that had a good-sized clearing. He bit his thumb and yelled 'Kuchiyose no Jutsu'. A cloud of smoke poofed into existence and after a few moments Naruto was sitting on top of a large orange toad smoking a pipe.

"Oi Naruto. Why did you call me out here? And who are all these children? Oi Hikaru! I haven't seen you for a while kiddo. Come here and give Uncle Gamakichi a hug ne?"

Not waiting for the boy to respond Gamakichi snapped his tongue out and grabbed the boy drawing him back in. He flicked his tongue and Hikaru landed flat on top of his nose sprawled out spread eagle. Naruto snickered at this until Hikaru jumped up and began yelling at Gamakichi while stomping up and down on his forehead.

"Uncle Kichi why'd you do that? You could have killed me you stupid frog! If you weren't daddy's friend I'd pound you into the ground."

Both Naruto and Gamakichi bellowed with laughter at this while all the adults and children stood by dumbfounded. Hikaru was fast becoming very popular in their minds. Not many had the guts to yell at a summoning creature nearly fifty times your size. All was quiet for a few moments until Genmaki started yipping, letting Hikaru know he needed to come down. The boy leapt off of Gamakichi and rapidly descended to the ground, getting a collective gasp from the crowed that thought he'd get hurt until Gamakichi's tongue snaked out and caught him at the last moment. After setting him down, Gamakichi looked up at Naruto and winked and poofed out of existence. Naruto looked down at all the children and smiled.

"Now all of you, go play. Have fun."

Sighing, Ino shook herself out of her memories. 'He really is a lovable guy. I really want to get to know him better.' She kept walking until she reached Naruto's house. Creeping slowly she made her way to the window where she first encountered him and heard him talking to Genmaki again in that growling, guttural language. She sat outside and folded her knees to her chest and waited to be let in. She knew that Naruto knew she was out there. He was simply biding his time. Soon, the growls and yips stopped and the window was thrown up. A tan face popped out and grinned at her.

"Coming in Ino? Or are you going to sit out there all night and catch your death of cold?"

She shrugged and crawled inside. He scolded her and told her to use the front door next time. She merely smirked and said she liked the window better. He gave her a lopsided grin and flopped down on his favorite chair and motioned for her to sit. She took off her shoes and curled up on the couch with her feet underneath her. She didn't even know where to begin but luckily for her, Naruto hated silence when he was comfortable.

"So what brings you to my humble abode this time? You already got another date out of me, what else can I do for you?"

"I want to know...what secret you're hiding."

His eyes bugged out and he thought quickly. 'Oh shit. I better think up something quick. I don't trust her enough to tell her the truth yet. I really want to but I can't.'

"Um, Ino. I can't tell you all my secrets yet. I want to get to know you better before I do that. You might not like me if I divulge everything at once."

"Naruto, I know about the fox. We all do. I don't hate you for that. I want to know why Sakura calls you a demon. She said that you're a monster. I want to know why before I get more involved with you. I don't want to be dating a serial killer or something like that. I want to know why."

"Sigh. Ino I can't tell you yet. Believe me when I say I want to but I just don't trust you enough yet. I want to so badly. I...I feel at ease around you and we've only gone on one date. I feel at ease around you just like...just like I used to with her."

That last part came out like a whisper, but Ino heard it. She was so stunned that she didn't even notice Naruto getting up and moving to the couch. She was knocked out of her stupor when he put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. She let out an audible sigh and melted into his side. It had been so long since she had felt the comfort of an embrace without worrying about the guy being a pervert and trying to cop a feel. She turned her head and breathed in his scent. It was earthy with a hint of...what was that smell? It was animal-like...oh right, the fox. He smelled like a fox. She'd heard Kiba say that before. She let out another sigh and heard a deep chuckle and realized what she was doing. She shot away from him as far as his arm would let her go and blushed a scarlet hue. He merely looked at her like it was natural.

"Ino, since you seem to be gung ho about getting to know me and maybe be in a relationship with me, you need to be able to accept all the aspects of my life. My secrets are something that changes the dynamic but above all I would want you to get along with Hikaru. He already likes you, but I want you to like him as well. Heh, he thinks you're pretty."

"Well at least he and his father have good taste. I'd like nothing better than to get to know Hikaru. Even if we don't work out in the end, I'd at least like to get to know the son of a friend. Where is the little ankle biter anyway?"

"You mean you haven't noticed? He's been here all along. And I thought you were one of the best with genjutsu. Ok son come out."

The wall in front of the couch suddenly shimmered and out stepped Hikaru and Genmaki.

"Hiya pretty lady. My name's Hikaru and this is Genmaki. Say hello Genmaki."

"Hello Lady Yamanaka. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Ino blinked a few times and then stood and bowed to the two of them. They both bowed back and a smile graced all their faces. Ino took in the looks of both of them; Hikaru with his pink and blonde locks and whiskers and Genmaki, who was in his fox kit form. The grin on Ino's face got bigger and bigger and once it looked like it was going to split her face, Hikaru and Genmaki gulped. They had seen that look before and it always led to one thing.

"OH MY GOD! YOU TWO ARE TOO CUTE!"

With one swift motion the two were drawn into Ino's chest and smothered in a hug. Both were making exaggerated faces and screaming to Naruto to get 'the crazy lady off them.' He couldn't really since he was too busy trying to breathe from lack of air from laughing. Finally after a couple of minutes and a gagging boy and fox turning blue (something that should have been impossible due to Genmaki's fur) Naruto hauled Ino off the two of them and sat her back on the couch while Hikaru and Genmaki caught their breath. After the excitement wore off they all sat down to talk.

Ino found that Hikaru was a very bright little boy. Naruto was teaching him chakra control and several jutsu. He didn't have the large reserves that Naruto had when he was that age but with his father's guidance he was already high Genin level and he wasn't even in the academy yet. It seems that Naruto didn't want his son to have the 'education' that he did so he was teaching him everything he could at home to avoid any possible problems, like someone purposely misleading him on how to do something right. He was learning all of Naruto's jutsu but hadn't started on genjutsu except for the invisibility cloak. At the ripe old age of seven he was already a taijutsu aficionado. His father's style was purely bestial and relied on fast strikes and moving with fox like precision. Lee had stepped up to the plate though and was teaching the boy his style in between missions. He took to it like a fish to water. Naruto just beamed with pride listening to his son extol his accomplishments. Ino couldn't help but feel a little proud herself even though she hadn't had anything to do with him...yet. She figured she could help the boy with his genjutsu, especially if she was going to be around more. Now it was her turn to talk.

Hikaru sat enraptured listening to the beauty in front of him talk. He found it funny that she used to beat his dad up when they were younger and thought it hilarious how many funny stories Ino had about Naruto. All the pranks he used to play on people, his loud boisterous declarations about being Hokage, his fights with Tsunade (which Hikaru already knew about since Tsunade had already beaten it into Naruto that her grandchild was to grow up respectful unlike a certain other blondehaired, bewhiskered brat), and his legendary status among the people of Konoha.

"But Miss Ino, I know all about daddy and the things he's done. I want to know about you. Who are you and what do you do?"

This took Ino aback. She wasn't expecting to be grilled by a seven year old about her past. She thought for a second and decided to give the academy answer to the question.

"Well my name is Yamanaka Ino and I'm the same age as your father. I like flowers, arranging flowers, and listening to your daddy sing (which got a blush from Naruto that didn't go unnoticed). I dislike close-minded people and those who hate others for things they have no control over. I also don't like secrets (giving a pointed glance over to Naruto who had shifted his gaze to the window). My dream is to one day have a family and be the best interrogator in the Interrogation Corps. My hobbies are reading and hanging out with my friends when I have the time."

"Wow, cool. But what kind of ninja are you? What do you specialize in?"

Ino gave a glance at Naruto that screamed 'what have you been teaching this boy?' and sighed.

"I specialize in going inside people's heads. Literally. I can send my soul into another person and take over their body and make them do things. While in there I can read their thoughts among other things. I would never do that to anyone I know though. It's a huge invasion of privacy and although I really want to know what your daddy is hiding from me, I won't do it. That ability is what makes me a shoe in for Ibiki's position when he retires. Unlike him, I don't have to resort to...unnecessary force to get the information I want."

"WHOA COOL! So you're like a mind reader?"

Ino giggled at this. Apparently the boy had also inherited Naruto's ability to simplify everything as well.

"That's it in a nutshell. That's my special power besides genjutsu. I'm not one much for taijutsu and my ninjutsu is...kinda sub par."

"Daddy can help you with that. He has lots of time on his hands since he only does S-rank missions. He says they pay a lot even though he doesn't need the money since Grandpa was rich and his books bring in a lot of money."

Unfortunately, Naruto wasn't quick enough to clap his hand over Hikaru's mouth before he said anything about the books. He really didn't want to have to explain his extra income but with Ino staring at him curiously he knew he wasn't getting out of this easily.

"So Naruto...what kind of books do you write?"

"Daddy won't tell me what he writes but he says I can't know until I'm older."

'Damnit when did his mouth get uncovered?' "Um I don't want to tell you yet?"

Quirking her eyebrow, Ino narrowed her eyes and gave him a pointed look. Knowing what kind of books he wrote wasn't such a big thing to know was it? Especially if she might have read them before. Seeing that he wasn't getting away with not answering he sighed and gave in.

"Remember how I'm the Toad Sennin now? Well that kind of entails a lot of things. One of them being an author in your spare time."

"And? What do you write?"

"Um, as part of my apprenticeship with Jiraiya, I had to take over his spy network and his...research."

"His research? What do you mean by...oh, Oh, OH!"

NARUTO was the author of Icha Icha! She had read quite a few of those books in recent years and had really appreciated the turn in the series. Going from nothing but mindless sex with a plot thrown in, it had changed to a plot with lovemaking and occasional mindless sex. It was infinitely better written than when Jiraiya had been the author but his successor to the series had turned it around and it was no longer shameful to admit that you read the books. They still weren't appropriate for children but they were now more...accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially couples. The new author had a section in the back of every book with suggestions to spice up a love life. Ino blushed at the thought of doing some of those suggestions with a certain other blonde, which didn't go unnoticed by Naruto. The realization that she was obviously a fan brought a smirk to his face.

"Ino have you been reading Icha Icha? Why yes I believe you have. So care to tell me what you think of my stories? Would you like an autograph? Any suggestions?"

Genmaki saw the perverted side of Naruto coming out and decided now was the time for Hikaru (whose head looked like a tennis ball going back and forth between looking at his daddy and the pretty lady) and him to make a hasty retreat before things got out of hand.

"Um Lord Naruto, I believe that Hikaru and I will go outside and practice his genjutsu now. Come along Hikaru. It was nice meeting you Lady Yamanaka."

"Ino please. Call me Ino, Genmaki. We'll be seeing more of each other in the future after all and we should be as friendly as possible. After certain...revelations, I know that I'll be around more. Bye Hikaru. I'll see you later."

Hikaru saw the devilish grin on her face and was about to ask what she meant, but Genmaki transformed into a fox the size of a greyhound and drug him out by his collar, kicking and screaming the whole way. Ino watched dumbfounded until she felt two arms encircle her around her shoulders and felt someone breathing by her ear. She wasn't prepared for that and nearly collapsed onto the ground. Fortunately for her Naruto had a good grip on her.

"So Ino, you never answered my question. Do you enjoy my stories?"

Turning a shade of red that would have made a twelve year old Hinata say 'damn', Ino nodded her head. She wasn't just a fan, she was a HUGE fan and had sometimes fought Kakashi for a copy of the books. Who would have thought that Naruto of all people would have been such a romantic and a pervert at the same time? That's when a thought hit her and she narrowed her eyes in victory and that smirk crossed her face again.

"So Naruto does Kakashi know you're the author of Icha Icha?"

"Um no. I don't think so. Why?"

Seeing the puzzled look on his face just made her victory all the more satisfying. She turned in his arms and threw her own around his neck. Smiling sweetly she looked into his eyes.

"Because you know about Kakashi's slavish devotion to the series and its dirtiness? Hmmm, I thought so. He was visibly upset when the dirty, dirty scenes gave way to lovemaking and an actual plot. Now then what would he do if he found out that the reason for his precious little orange books' changes were his former student? I think you'd have a lot to answer for. And I don't think he's the only upset one."

Naruto visibly blanched at this. People hounding him for the details of the latest story before it came out he could handle. People suggesting things he could handle. An upset Kakashi who had been denied his smut was something he didn't want to face, even if he was a Sannin. He had changed the direction of the series because of his own personal tastes and the sales had skyrocketed when women figured out it was now as accessible to them as men. Hell, even Jiraiya had loved the new direction (the man was a hopeless romantic at the center of his perverted heart) and had promptly asked for the first book, signed, of every issue. But he had toned down the filthiness in the books and some hated him for it. Kakashi would be one of those. He looked down at the impish smile on Ino and began to sweat.

"What do you want in exchange for silence Ino?"

She crooked her finger, motioning for him to bend down. He complied and when his chin was even with her eyes she grabbed his collar and jerked him into a kiss. It was awkward at first but eventually his surprise was beaten down and he got into it. Her eyes shot open when he deepened the kiss and she realized that he did indeed have the experience to write his novels. They broke the kiss and she looked up at him dreamily.

"That was demand number one. You're a great kisser by the way. Demand number two is more dates. Demand three: you have to sing to me whenever I want. Demand four is up to you but you know what the consequences will be if you don't comply. I want us to date and be seen in public together. If we continue down the path we're on, after two months I want us declared a couple. Understood?"

He nodded dumbly and was jerked into another kiss. Neither saw the two small shadows in the doorway, grinning like lunatics. Hikaru closed the door and they walked outside to work on his genjutsu.

"Daddy looks happy doesn't he Genmaki? I haven't seen him smile like that since before mommy left."

"Aye he does look happy. Now listen to me Hikaru. You're a bright boy and I want you to let these two work this out on their own. DO NOT under any circumstances tell Lady Yamanaka about your father's appearance under that henge. Do you understand?"

Hikaru nodded and went to work on his cloaking jutsu. If it made his father happy to date Miss Ino, wouldn't complain. He was smart for a little boy and he knew that his daddy needed someone to love. A small smile lit his face up. Maybe, just maybe if the two of them worked out, he'd have a new mommy.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Breaking yet another kiss, Ino put her hands on Naruto's chest and said she had to go. He was disappointed but they both had things to do the next day. He walked her to the door and ushered her out with a promise to call her up for a date later in the week. Another quick peck on the cheek and she was gone in a whirl of leaves. Naruto shut the door and went looking for his two charges. He found Hikaru asleep leaned up against an equally knocked out Genmaki. Chuckling he picked them up and brought them inside. Having nothing better to do, he began to work on the next volume of Icha Icha, with a blonde haired heroine with a pony tail.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ino made her way home and took a shower. She thought about the night's events and decided things were going in a good direction. The only thing that bothered her was Naruto's big secret, but he had promised to reveal it to her in good time. Flopping down on her bed, she thought of how sweet Naruto was and how his past was such a mystery to her. Narrowing her eyes she thought back to how Sakura had divorced him and only after several months of trying, had she been let back into their circle of friends, albeit reluctantly. Ino still had never totally forgiven Sakura but to promote peace she tolerated her. Steeling her resolve, she decided that tomorrow she would go and talk to Sakura and once and for all get her side of the story. Looking to the bedside table she saw a familiar orange book. The thought of who wrote it in her mind made her blush and she grabbed the book and opened it to where she had last been reading. Her appreciation had gone up tenfold in the past few hours for the series. With the blush still on her face, she began to read about Akira and Kagome and how they were able to overcome social status to be happy while still maintaining an active bedroom life.