In a split second and with plenty of guilt, Mabui sacrifices whoever these girls are to shamelessly stroke the intolerable typical male fantasy for the aid Naruto may provide, asking, "first, are you including harems in your query?"
"Harems?" Naruto starts to ask before he remembers some of the study material he researched before Kurenai began teaching him. "No. I don't think the girls love each other in a harem."
Mabui isn't sure if that's better or worse, however, she comments, "well, it's interesting you should mention that because a core value of non-monogamous relationships is their belief that sexual and relational exclusivity—basically a relationship strictly between two people—is unnecessary to have a deep, committed, and loving relationship."
Quirking his brow, he asks, "really? That's hard to picture."
"Indeed, it's not very common," Mabui claims. "However, I should preface this by saying this is a very nuanced topic with a lot of overlap between the types. Since polyamorous relationships can vary from person-to-person or group-to-group, I'll focus on the three basic styles. There's the Dining Table. In this category, all members, whether you number three or ten, are so comfortable with each other, they can all meet—for example, around the dining table—and connect as well as friends and family can."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Naruto slowly asks, "ten people? In one relationship? Like with love and sex and everything?"
Feeling a little sick in her stomach, Mabui nods her head, 'yes' to each of his questions before stating, "they can spend holidays and activities together, like one big family."
"Hmm… That doesn't sound too bad," a wide-eyed Naruto comments with gasping disbelief. "I've always wanted a big family."
To his credit, Mabui will admit, 'at least he doesn't appear to be a pig about this,' before asking Naruto, "are you a single child?"
"Until until last week, I didn't have any family, at all," Naruto happily tells her. "But then I was lucky enough to find my cousin! Can you believe it? It's been great."
"Oh, Naruto… I'm so happy to hear that," Mabui genuinely remarks, sparing a conflicted thought for her deceased parents; the last of her family. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," he expresses with a nod.
Mabui then continues. "The second style is known as Parallel Poly. Within this polycule, there are individual relationships that know of one another but don't all date one another. For example, you date girl A and girl B but girl A and B prefer not to date or meet each other."
"They won't even be friends with one another?"
"It's up to them," Mabui notes. "Each group is different because everyone is comfortable with different things. Maybe girls A and B are okay with sharing you because they have time constraints. For example, if they have goals that don't allow them enough time to dedicate to a relationship."
"Mmmn," Naruto hums. "I guess that makes sense, but, I'd prefer if people were friends. They can support and help each other. That's what family and friends are for."
Spotting an opportunity, Mabui asks, "do you help your friends, Naruto?"
"Always," Naruto champions before adding a caveat with a smile. "Well, if I can anyway."
"I feel the same," Mabui sweetly responds. "Even now, I'm enjoying helping you with this."
"I really appreciate it," Naruto assures her with beaming interest.
It's exactly the energy she's looking for as she continues. "The third style is the Solo. In this bracket, the individual—you, for example—has multiple romantic relations, whether sexual or not, without the urge to live with any one partner."
"They prefer to be alone," Naruto wonders aloud.
"Yes and no," Mabui responds. "It's not that they prefer to be alone. It's more like they don't believe in the natural progression of exclusivity. So, going from dating to engagement, to marriage, to children, is a natural progression they don't support, even within a polyamorous relationship."
"If I had the option, I'm definitely a Dining Table kind of guy," Naruto admits.
Though she loathes to motivate him, Mabui adds, "I believe so too. Remember, if you do get the option, don't force your partners to be more than they're comfortable with." He accepts her couching without remorse, thanking her for the tip and Mabui only feels terrible for the girls he'll try to swindle in this trial of futility. "After you select what style you prefer, each member of your polycule will then have to figure out how you interact, your values, personal boundaries, domesticity, and future outlook."
"Sound pretty complicated," Naruto notes pensively.
"If you're not in it for the right reasons, it can be," Mabui sagely imparts.
"The right reason is love for each other," Naruto proclaims, surprising Mabui before she nods in agreement.
INO
Opening the door for Karin and Naruto, and Ino immediately appreciates them wearing a black shirt with an orange spiral within a circle at the center. The red-haired Uzumaki wore her black shorts and matching thigh-high leggings while Naruto remained in his orange combat slacks. Though she wonders why they'd choose the same symbol as the one on Konoha's flak jackets, she's more pleased to see how nervous Naruto seems. Ino can't imagine it was Naruto's idea to dress for the evening and appreciates Karin's effort.
After welcoming them in, Ino's content to grab his forearm and pull him before her parents and formally introduce them. At the sight of her rigid father greeting them, Ino empathizes with what he must be feeling as a father, however, she can't deny she's thrilled by such a mundane worry. After the ordeal she went through nearly six months ago, it's a miracle to her she can still be her parent's little girl, if only in their eyes.
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