Promises Remembered

Part 2 Chapter 2

Part 2 Chapter 2

Aiko

His first night without her

The slug on her lap shuddered and made a soft cry, her voice small. "Oh. My Mistress has gone"

She didn't need to tell them. The agonized wail that could only have come from Kakashi could be heard from across the apartment. Genma tightened his grip on her, leaning in closer and pulling her hand up to his chest.

Aiko's heart broke as she listened to Kakashi. It wasn't fair. How could Hana—Sakura—just be gone? "Oh... Kakashi." Her free hand flew to cover her mouth, stifling a sob. "Oh no..."

"The baby will need tending to, Miss. But, perhaps give them a few minutes. Oh dear... poor things."

Squeezing Genma's hand, Aiko tried to get control of herself. She sniffled and wiped at her face, swallowing hard. "Okay." Genma sat up, meeting her gaze as she took several slow breaths. "Okay. I can do that." She tried to think. What did they need? "Hana... um. I mean, Sakura? She told me recently that she had everything they needed."

Reflecting on the conversation now, it seemed intentional. Like her friend had needed her to know specifics. Where she had put the bottles, the formula, nappies... it had been couched in a cheerful explanation of all the 'nesting' she'd been doing, but now...

"There are clean bottles and formula in the kitchen, in the cabinet above the rice cooker. Little..." She forced a harsh breath past the emotions threatening to make her cry again. Hana... Sakura had taken so much care with everything. "Little outfits in the dresser in their room, and nappies and wipes in there too. In a basket near the bed. Genma."

He sat up, waiting for orders. "What do you need?"

Damn. This was not the right time for this at all. Leaning over, Aiko pressed a chaste kiss to his lips before standing, setting the slug back on the couch. "When we get home—" They would have one home now. He'd asked her to move in. Right. This was not the time for big emotional realizations. "We need to talk. Okay?"

A fond smile lit his handsome face. "Sure thing, babe. What do you need me to do until then?"

She nodded. "Right. Go to the Hokage. If she was a clone, then... there won't be a... a body?"

She stumbled over the words and looked down at Katsuyu for confirmation. The slug seemed to nod. "I don't know what to do about that. There will need to be arrangements made, and surely he won't want to... Oh." Beginning to feel overwhelmed, Aiko pressed her hands to her face.

"I can do that." He stood and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her hands back from her face. "I'll talk to the Hokage and sort all of that out. You stay here and help Kakashi. Stay the night, however long they need you, yeah? I'll be back in a few hours."

With a heavy sigh, she relaxed against him. One thing at a time.

"They're going to be okay, Aiko."

She sniffled. This was all so sad. It wasn't fair. "I hope you're right."

"I am." Dropping a quick kiss to her cheek, he left to do what she'd asked.

"Okay. Katsuyu, was she able to feed him at all?"

The slug waved her eyes. "Yes. But I imagine he will need to eat again soon. Will you have any further need for me?"

Aiko shook her head. "I don't think so. Thank you for all of your help."

"Goodbye, Miss." And with a poof, the small slug was gone.

<KSK>

Genma