Kenshin and Akane came down the stairs with relaxed expressions, chatting softly as if they'd just finished a casual conversation. Yukari, who was setting the table with the lemon cake Suu had brought, glanced up and asked, "What took you two so long?"
Akane shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, I just had to show this brat something," she said, jerking her thumb toward Kenshin.
Suu raised an eyebrow, curious. "And what might that be?"
Akane smirked. "A gift for someone. For the Rinne Festival," she said, her tone final. "And since it's a gift, I can't say what it is."
"Well, whatever you were doing, it was taking long enough," Ino teased, crossing her arms and grinning mischievously at Akane. "From the time you two spent up there, anyone would think you were up to something."
Akane waved a dismissive hand, her tone casual. "What could I possibly be doing with my little brother? I just had to show him something, that's all."
Ino faltered for half a second before letting out a light chuckle and waving it off. "Fair enough, I guess," she said, though her mind raced.
Kana, eager and cheerful, took the lead in cutting the lemon cake. She made twelve even slices, ensuring everyone got two pieces. "Let's dig in!" she exclaimed, passing the plates around.
The room filled with light chatter and laughter as they enjoyed the cake. Ino, however, couldn't fully relax. Though she kept up appearances, her mind raced.
She couldn't comprehend how Kenshin and Akane were so composed, their dynamic so effortlessly normal and sibling-like after what she had overheard.
There wasn't a hint of awkwardness or guilt between them, and Ino found herself struggling to meet Kenshin's eyes, the memory of his faint moans still fresh in her mind.
And Akane? Ino refused to even think about what she might have been doing in that room with him.
Suu, who had been quietly observing, caught her daughter's subtle unease. She glanced at Ino several times during the conversation, her expression calm but knowing. When their eyes met briefly, Ino gave her a slight shake of the head, silently begging her not to say anything.
Suu's gaze softened, and she offered an almost imperceptible nod before redirecting her attention to Kana, who was enthusiastically talking about her mission tonight.
After a while, Kana leaned forward from her seat, a playful glint in her eyes as she addressed Kenshin. "Ken-chan, can you make dinner tonight?"
Kenshin, reclining casually, smirked and shook his head. "Nope. Why don't you make dinner, Mom? I've been making dinner for years, it's your turn now."
Kana gasped dramatically, clasping her hands in front of her chest. Then, with a soft, almost angelic pout, she leaned closer to Kenshin.
Her big, shimmering eyes looked up at him as she pleaded, her voice sweet and innocent. "Please, Ken-chan? Don't you want Mommy to have a special dinner her big man made with love? Especially before my big mission?"
Her tone, combined with her expression and her naturally childlike charm, was so disarming that even Kenshin, who was used to her antics, couldn't hold his composure. His face turned bright red as he instinctively looked away. "That's not fair, Mom!"
"That level of cuteness… it's not good for my heart," he muttered, his voice flustered. "It's lethal."
Seeing an opportunity, Akane, sitting on Kenshin's other side, leaned in with a similar expression and tone, tilting her head slightly for added effect. "Please? Nee-chan wants a special dinner too, for mommy's big day."
Kenshin turned his head cautiously, glancing at her, but instantly regretted it. Akane's attempt at cuteness wasn't as natural as Kana's—it carried a subtle allure that made her appear more captivating than innocent.
His face grew even redder as he pinched his nose, feeling the telltale sting of an impending nosebleed.
"Alright, goddammit!" Kenshin exclaimed as he shot to his feet, his voice strained. "I'll make dinner! But nobody's allowed to help except Aunt Yukari!"
Yukari rose with a faint chuckle, her hands clasped gracefully in front of her. "Kana-sama, Akane-sama, please don't do that to the poor boy. He could actually die from your 'lethal cuteness.'"
That was all it took for Suu, who had been biting her lip to keep from laughing, to finally burst out, her laughter filling the room.
Ino, however, remained quiet, her gaze fixed on Kenshin as he hurried to the kitchen. The image of him nearly getting a nosebleed after seeing Akane's face refused to leave her mind.
In the kitchen, Kenshin grabbed a tissue and plugged his nose, muttering under his breath as he tried to calm his racing heart. Yukari entered a moment later, a faint smile on her face as she observed him.
"You have it rather hard at times, don't you, Kenshin-sama?" she said softly.
Kenshin sighed, his face still bright red. "You don't know the half of it, Aunt Yukari. The way Mom acts—she's cute, sure, and I love it. But sometimes it's hard to believe she's a real person. It's like she was designed to be cute beyond what should be possible for someone her age. Not even kids are that cute most of the time."
Yukari chuckled, stepping beside him as he rolled up his sleeves and began prepping ingredients. "Well, I think your mother would be delighted to hear that, though it's probably best you don't tell her. She might take it as a challenge to be even cuter."
Kenshin groaned lightly, shaking his head. "Please, don't give her any ideas."
Turning his focus to dinner, Kenshin began mentally listing possible dishes while Yukari quietly assisted, her calm presence a welcome contrast to the lively chaos of the living room.
In the living room, Suu was still trying to compose herself, though her laughter kept bubbling up every time she remembered Kenshin's flustered reaction. She wiped her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief.
"It's not every day you see a son getting that embarrassed because his mom is too cute," she said, still chuckling. "And Kana-san… honestly, it's hard to believe you're the mother of two teenagers. The way you act, it's… actually impressive."
Kana beamed at the comment, tilting her head playfully. "Why, thank you, Suu-san! It's important to keep things lively, don't you think? And besides, Ken-chan enjoys my cuteness too much."
Ino, sitting beside her mother, managed a small laugh, more from Suu's infectious amusement than her own thoughts. She couldn't shake the unease gnawing at her, though. 'How could Kenshin and Akane act so... normal?'
The contrast between their outward dynamic and the truth she had overheard earlier was too much for her to reconcile.
Her gaze shifted to Kana and Yukari. What unsettled her even more was how both of them seemed fully aware of the situation and yet entirely unbothered.
It wasn't just acceptance—it was as if Kenshin and Akane's relationship was the most natural thing in the world to them.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Kenshin opened the fridge and took stock of the contents. After a moment of thought, he closed the door and turned to Yukari.
"With this many people, I think hot pot would be the best option," he decided. "It's quick, convenient, and we can make plenty. But we'll need more meat. I'll go out and grab some."
Yukari nodded, already setting to work preparing the vegetables and other ingredients. "Leave it to me, Kenshin-sama. I'll have everything ready by the time you're back."
Kenshin grabbed his wallet and made his way through the living room, casting a brief glance at Kana and Akane.
Both of them smiled at him innocently, as if they hadn't just flustered him into retreating earlier. He groaned internally and hurried out the door.
The butcher shop wasn't far, and Kenshin arrived quickly. The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a warm demeanor, greeted him with a polite nod.
"Ah, you're the young man from the Hidden Rain, right? Transferred to the Leaf recently?"
There was a faint edge of caution in the shopkeeper's otherwise welcoming tone, a sentiment Kenshin was used to. The Hidden Rain's reputation still lingered in people's minds. He didn't mind, though—right now, his focus was on dinner.
"I need enough meat for twenty people," Kenshin said simply.
The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow, surprised. "A big party, eh? Well, in that case, I'd suggest you take a bit extra. You don't want to run short with so many guests."
Kenshin considered this before nodding. "Good point. Add enough for five more people, just in case."
The shopkeeper smiled and began preparing the order. "All right, just wait a bit, young man."
A short while later, the man handed Kenshin several large bags packed with beef, chicken, and lamb. Kenshin paid and thanked him before making his way back home, the weight of the bags barely slowing him down.
Back in the kitchen, Kenshin set the meat on the counter and immediately got to work chopping it up. Yukari, who had already prepared the vegetables, smiled approvingly.
"You're quick, Kenshin-sama," she remarked.
He shrugged, focused on his task. "It's nothing. Let's get started."
Once everything was ready, Yukari headed to the living room to let everyone know.
"We're having hot pot for dinner," she announced with a smile. "Please get seated at the table."
Kana clapped her hands together in delight. "Hot pot! That's perfect!"
The others began moving toward the dining area, the lively atmosphere continuing as they chatted and joked.
Ino, however, remained a little quieter, her mind still preoccupied with thoughts she couldn't fully express.
Suu gave her a knowing glance but said nothing, deciding to let her daughter work through her thoughts at her own pace.
As everyone settled around the table, the atmosphere remained warm and lively. Yukari brought a portable stove from the kitchen, setting it up while Kenshin placed the steaming pot of broth in the center.
Akane and Ino immediately stood to help serve the ingredients, and together with Kenshin, they distributed the neatly arranged trays of thinly sliced meats, vibrant vegetables, and other hot pot essentials.
Once everything was ready, the group sat down. Akane naturally chose the seat beside Ino, and Kenshin, without much thought, sat on Akane's other side. Ino's heart sank slightly, but she forced herself to smile, determined to keep her unease hidden.
The meal began with laughter and friendly chatter. Akane occasionally picked up pieces of meat or vegetables with her chopsticks and fed Kenshin—a casual, almost absent-minded gesture that spoke of their closeness.
While nobody else seemed to think much of it, Ino couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. She knew the truth behind their dynamic, and every small act of affection between them only reinforced what she had overheard earlier.
Akane, as sharp as ever, occasionally glanced at Ino but said nothing. Her calm demeanor made it impossible for Ino to gauge whether Akane knew about her eavesdropping or was simply observing her.
After dinner, Kana stood up with her usual cheerful energy. "Well, since Ken-chan and Yukari made dinner, it's only fair that I handle the cleanup!"
Ino, desperate for some distance from Kenshin and Akane, quickly offered, "I can help, Kana-san. Please let me."
Kana began to refuse with a lighthearted smile, but Suu intervened, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Kana-san, let Ino help. After all, we're not just guests—we're family friends now, right?"
Kana hesitated briefly before agreeing, though her reluctance was apparent. "All right, but only if you promise not to overwork yourself, Ino-chan!"
Before Ino could respond, Akane interjected, her tone as casual as ever. "If Ino is helping, then I'll take over instead of Mom. You deserve to relax a bit, don't you think?"
Kana didn't argue, having clearly enjoyed her conversations with Suu, and Ino had no choice but to accept Akane's presence. She forced herself to maintain her composure as they gathered the dishes and carried them to the kitchen.
However, for just a fleeting moment, her mask slipped, and Akane's sharp eyes caught it.
In the kitchen, as they started washing the dishes, Akane leaned in closer to Ino, her voice soft but cutting through the ambient clatter. "Did you hear us? Upstairs? In my room?"
Ino froze for a moment before turning to Akane with a confused expression. "What are you talking about?" she asked, feigning ignorance as her heart pounded in her chest.
But Akane didn't let up. She leaned in even closer, her tone low and teasing. "Don't forget—I'm applying for Jonin right after the exams. Even if I'm not a very strong sensor, I can still sense when someone's nearby. I know you came upstairs. You stopped right outside my door."
Ino's breath hitched as Akane continued, her voice carrying a hint of smugness. "And that's why I made him moan just a little bit louder. Enough to be heard from outside." She licked her lips, an otherwise inconspicuous act that made it clear to Ino exactly how she made him moan.
The memory hit Ino like a wave, her face turning bright red as she recalled the faint sounds of Kenshin's moans and the sound of Akane's mouth working Kenshin's cock.
Her composure crumbled. She couldn't keep up the facade anymore—not in front of Akane. Her trembling hands tightened around the dish she was scrubbing, and she avoided looking at Akane, but the heat on her face betrayed everything.
Akane smirked faintly, tilting her head. "I thought so." She didn't press further, but her knowing look lingered, making Ino's discomfort grow.
Despite the tension, Akane's expression held no malice—only amusement and an unsettling confidence.
Ino's hands trembled as she turned her attention back to the dishes, but Akane's voice cut through again—this time softer, with a pleading undertone.
"Ino… please understand," Akane began. "I know it feels weird to you, maybe even disgusting. But I love him. With all my heart. You know I don't say things I don't mean."
Ino kept her gaze on the dish she was scrubbing, her throat tightening at Akane's tone.
Akane continued, "If you can, could you try to look at us like you'd look at Maki and Daichi? God rest his soul. Just… as your friends. Nothing more, nothing less. Because I know what we're doing is wrong, but it's not something that can be helped. It's… deeper than you might think."
Ino nodded slowly, still not meeting Akane's eyes. "I know that, Akane. I really do. But that's not the point. It's still way too early for you two to be… like that. People won't take it nicely. Especially not our friends."
Akane nodded in understanding. "I get that. And I'm not planning on announcing it to the world or anything. I just wanted the people closest to me to know. So they could help us… if they chose to."
Ino finally looked up, putting away the plate in her hands. "Who else knows?"
Akane tilted her head, thinking for a moment before listing, "Mom, Aunt Yukari, and Maki. Actually, Maki was the first to figure it out. Kenshin told Mom when they were headed to the Rain. We were a little worried about explaining it to Aunt Yukari, but she turned out to be surprisingly chill. She didn't even ask why."
Akane added casually, "Then there's the Hokage and Shizune-san. Oh, and sensei too. And I think that's about it. I didn't tell Kakashi-sensei, but I think he's mostly figured it out by now."
Her tone was so relaxed it was as if she were discussing the weather, not the people privy to one of her deepest secrets.
Ino let out a soft chuckle, rubbing her temples. "That's not the issue, Akane. It's your attitude. How are you so… casual, so normal, minutes after doing something like that?"
Akane shrugged with a small laugh. "You know, I wondered the same thing when I was single. But when you're in a relationship—you just… flick a switch between that and everything else. As long as you're not... you know. You just don't have issues with it. If you get a boyfriend, you'll understand."
Ino rolled her eyes, shaking her head with an exasperated smile. Unsure whether to laugh or cry at Akane's nonchalant explanation, she gave Akane a playful punch on the shoulder.
"It's not a matter of 'if' I get a boyfriend, in that case. It's a matter of 'when'. I just need someone who can actually hold my interest. Good-looking, caring, intelligent, and above all, someone who wouldn't throw away his own village just for revenge."
Akane chuckled. "That's not too demanding. I'm sure you'll find someone. And the last part—you mean Sasuke, right?"
Ino nodded, her expression clouding over. "It's not like I still have a crush on him or anything. It's just… sad. Here we are, having fun, preparing for the festival and everything, and one of our friends is out there, with an international criminal, hunting his own brother. And then there's Naruto. Traveling across the world with a Sannin, trying to bring that friend back."
Akane smiled faintly. "Naruto probably would've loved Kenshin. But I'm sure he wouldn't be too happy about seeing his first crush living with him."
Ino let out a genuine laugh at that. "No kidding. After Naruto got tired of hitting on you and getting beat up every day, he set his sights on someone much more doable—Sakura. But the poor guy still failed."
Akane smirked. "At least he learned to aim more realistically, even if he couldn't get the girl. Hopefully he'll come back bit more mature. Then he might be able to get an actual girlfriend."
Ino glanced at the ceiling, her tone wistful. "I wonder how Naruto's doing now. We haven't seen that idiot for so long."
"I just hope he's not the same shortie as before," Akane replied. "Hopefully, he's grown a bit in these two years. What was he? Four foot nine?"
Ino chuckled. "Yeah. Meanwhile, you were the class tower at five foot three. And now what are you? Five eight?"
"Five eight and a half," Akane corrected with a grin.
Ino waved dismissively. "Half an inch doesn't matter."
Akane smirked, her tone teasing. "Oh, it matters. Trust me, it's not every day you get to be the same height as the boy you're kissing—and the boy isn't short."
Ino's smile faltered, her cheeks tinged pink. She avoided Akane's gaze and muttered, "Can you… not mention that stuff too much around me? It's awkward. At least let me get used to it first."
Akane's playful demeanor softened, and she nodded apologetically. "Sorry, Ino. I'm just so used to being completely open about it around the house that I forget most people would feel uncomfortable. Thanks for being so understanding."
The two girls fell into a comfortable silence, quickly working through the dishes together. Ino felt a surprising sense of ease now, the earlier tension dissipating.
When they emerged from the kitchen, they found Kana, Yukari, and Suu chatting idly in the living room. Kenshin sat nearby, watching them with a small smile.
A mischievous grin spread across Akane's face. Moving stealthily, she crept up behind Kenshin and pressed her ice-cold hands against his neck.
"Gah!" Kenshin jumped, his body shuddering dramatically. "Nee-san!"
Akane laughed, her voice full of mischief. "You can walk off being impaled several times, but you can't handle a little cold?"
Kenshin rubbed his neck, still shivering. "There's a difference between injury and evil."
Everyone burst into laughter at his expense. Kenshin shot Ino a pleading look, his eyes practically begging. "A little help here?"
Ino crossed her arms and gave him a sly grin. "What's in it for me?"
He groaned. "You're seriously going to bargain right now?"
"Absolutely," Ino replied smugly. "Besides, if you can't handle your own sister and need someone else to save you, you're better off on your own."
Kenshin sighed, smiling despite himself. "You're lucky the cats aren't here. Otherwise, this house wouldn't even be a house anymore. It'd be a circus."
Ino tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "Cats? It's normal to have pets. Why would that turn it into a circus? I like cats."
Kenshin turned to her with a serious look. "The cats in question aren't normal. They're my summons, and they can transform into humanoid forms. Not ninjutstu, an innate ability unique to their race. One of them is obsessed with me and fighting, and the other… well, I can't exactly complain about that one."
Ino raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's wrong with the other one?"
Kenshin chuckled awkwardly. "Let's just say she's… pretty chill. Except for the fact that she almost murdered me the first time we met."
Ino blinked, processing this new information. "Wait, seriously? Your summons can turn into people? And one of them is... obsessed with you?"
Kenshin nodded, his tone resigned. "Welcome to my life."
As the evening stretched on, Suu glanced at the clock and noted the time. She turned to her daughter, who was chatting with Akane. "Ino, it's getting late. We should head home now."
Ino nodded, standing up and dusting off her skirt. "You're right. Thanks for having us over, everyone. Goodnight!"
She and Suu exchanged farewells with everyone before stepping out of the house. The Uchiha compound was quiet as they walked along the moonlit path, their footsteps echoing softly in the empty streets.
After a few moments of silence, Suu spoke up, her voice casual but curious. "So, why were you so flustered earlier when you went upstairs to check on Kenshin and Akane? And what was with the sudden rush to the bathroom?"
Ino's face turned a bright shade of red as she remembered the incident. She quickly looked away, trying to compose herself. "M-Mom, please don't bring that up. I can't explain it right now."
Suu raised an eyebrow, amused by her daughter's reaction. "Oh? And why not?"
Ino hesitated, fidgeting with her fingers. "It's just… what I did in the bathroom… It's something I shouldn't have done. That's all I'm going to say."
Suu hummed thoughtfully, deciding not to press further. "Alright, I'll leave it at that. Just remember, if you regret it, then that's completely fine. You just had to relieve yourself. It's not something wrong, but be careful 'where' you relieve yourself."
Ino exhaled, relieved that her mother didn't pry any further. "Thanks, Mom."
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Once again, thank you everyone for your continued support and power stones. And as always, please give me your power stones and comment your opinions. They make a big difference and motivate me to write more.