The shadow princess

Chapter 41

[Nara Shikamaru P.O.V.]

Holding my son in my arms, closely against me, I stand near the window of his bedroom,looking outside. "Toocha" Shikadai mutters. "Toocha" he says again. "Yeah. Toochan is here" I press my lips onto his head, cradling him slightly. "Shikamaru?" I turn slightly as I hear my wife's voice. "It's early, have you slept at all?" She asks as she walks over. "I have, a bit" I say. "You worry too much" Temari sighs. "You saw how my mother is acting toward Shizuka. How can I not worry?" I sigh. "Shizuka can handle herself" Temari smiles. "I know she does" I look outside. "You know, all this time when she couldn't get pregnant. I could feel her pain when I saw her. I could literally feel it. Though she tried to act happy when Shikadai was born I could just feel her pain" I say. "And when she told me she was pregnant I was so happy I could burst" I look at Temari. "And now I just worry. Isn't what okaasan says not getting to her too much, is she taking enough rest, is she eating well. Is Kiba taking good care of her" I sigh and smile. "It just means you're a good brother" Temari says. "I hope Shikadai and our little nephew form a good bond, like brothers you know. That'll really make me happy" I say. Temari strokes Shikadai's head. "I don't think you have to worry about that" she smiles. I softly kiss Temari. "Thank you for being an amazing wife and spending time with my sister" I say. "Don't thank me. I enjoy spending time with her, now that she's starting to be happy again. She's fun to be around" I smile. "Yeah" I say softly. "I have to go" I hand Temari our son and kiss her again. Then I kiss my son and leave the room.

I knock softly before entering Shizuka's office. "Hey, I brought you some tea" Shizuka looks up from her paper work and sighs as she leans back in her chair. "Thank you" she says as I put the tea in front of her. "How are you doing?" I ask. "Fine, busy" Shizuka takes the tea in her hands and looks at me curiously. "So I heard Kiba has a night shift" I say. "He does" Shizuka says carefully before taking a sip. "I don't know if I'm comfortable with you being in that house alone" I say. "I'm a good shinobi. I can take care of myself" Shizuka says amused. "I know, but you're also pregnant" I say. "I've got the dogs to tend to" I say. "You know as well as I that Kiba has made sure they have everything they need for a long while before he left" I say, placing my hand on my hip. "What are you saying really?" Shizuka asks. "You're having dinner with us tonight" I say smiling. "There's  no way I'm going to get out of this huh?" Shizuka sighs. "Not really no" I say amused. "Fine"  Shizuka rolls her eyes. "Thanks for the tea" she says taking another sip. "Is that your way of sending me out of here?" I grin. "Absolutely" She says. I chuckle. "How is your nausea?" I ask. "Its much less" she says. I smile again. "Good" I say. "If there's anything I can do" I say. "You can leave me alone so I can work" Shizuka says. I chuckle. "Yeah yeah" I say. I turn around. "I'll come get you when I'm ready to leave" I say.  "Yeah yeah" Shizuka says. Chuckling I leave her office. "Hey Shikamaru" I look and smile. "Shizune, how are you doing?" I ask. "Good? How's that boy of yours?" She asks. "Growing up too fast" I chuckle. "Kakashi-sama has summoned you" Shizuka smiles. "Coming" I say.

I look at Shizuka as she's thinking about her next move on the Shogi board. It's been a while since we've played. Soon I hear kiddy footsteps and I see Shikadai running toward us. I frown slightly when I see him stumbling but Shizuka catches him. "Be careful there little fella " she says before she starts tickling him. His laughter makes me smile. "Say goodnight Shikadai. It's time for bed" Temari says as she walks up to us. Shikadai hugs Shizuka tightly. "Night" he says cutely. "Goodnight little fella" Shizuka says kissing his head. Then he runs over to me. "Goodnight" I say as I kiss him. Temari then takes him in her arms and as she walks away he waves at Shizuka. Smiling she waves back. "You're good with him" I say when she finally makes her move. "Well, he is my only nephew" she says. "Don't Hana and Genma have a kid?" I ask. "That's a girl" she smirks. I chuckle. "Right" I say as I counter her move. "This isn't going to become a thing now is it Shikamaru?" I look up to her. "Bring me here every time Kiba has to work at night?" Shizuka asks. "Hmm. Wasn't planning on it, but maybe it's a good idea while you're still pregnant" I say. I scratch my head when she wins. "How can you still win? We haven't played in so long" I say. "I'm that good" Shizuka grins. She groans as she gets up. "I'm heading home" she says. "Allright, I'll take you" I say. "No need. Thanks for the hospitality" she says. "Don't be silly Shizuka" I say placing my hands in my pockets. Shizuka smiles slightly. "I hope our kids get a close bond. Like brothers. Like we used to have" I say. Shizuka sighs, steps toward me and lays her hand on my arm. "We still have a close bond. You're my twin after all" she says softly. "And i think they will" I smile. "Yeah. Let me walk you out" I lay my arm around her shoulders and walk with her. "Be careful" I say as we reach the front door and press a kiss on her forehead. "Thanks for the food Temari" Shizuka says. "Of course" Temari says as she lays her hand around my waist and I lay mine around her shoulders. "Be careful" she adds. "Bye" Shizuka says as she leaves.