**this chap was hard for me to write... i don't talk to my parents so idk how normal ppl interact w their families lolll. sorry if it sucks.

also, a little trigger warning.

Kakashi's dad is mentioned. as a survivor of attempted suicide & having friends/family fall victim to their mental illness, i know it's a topic that can be easily triggered, so i wanted to warn you all.

thanks for reading. i love youuuuu ppl**

•••••

I slowly sat down at my usual place around the table, crossing my legs in front of me. My mom and dad sat across from us while Shikamaru took his spot next to me.

There was an uneasiness in the air as we all began to dish up our own food. The only sound being the small clinks of our chopsticks against each other or against the dishes.

My mom was the first one to break the silence, "So sweetie, how is Naruto's training coming along?"

"Mm, really well."

"Has your shadow binding been helpful?" my dad asked in an eager voice.

I took in a soft breath, deciding to just answer with a small nod. I didn't want to ignore him, but I really didn't want to talk to him casually either.

"It's pretty amazing to watch," Shikamaru chimed in. "Her markings expand around her and then reflect onto whoever she's focused on binding."

"Really? Is that new?" my mom asked.

"Yes, my kekkei genkai has developed a lot."

My dad looked at me with wide eyes, "What else have you been able to do?"

"Oh, um, well Jiraiya told me I'm not supposed to say anything to anyone. He instructed me to keep it hidden for now."

My dad glanced down at his food, a sadness taking over his face at my response. My mom quickly noticed and spoke up, "I'm sure he didn't mean your parents and family."

I shook my head, "I'm not sure what he meant. He didn't specify."

I was really trying to stay pissed at my dad. He deserved it. But at the same time, he's always been so quick to forgive me. And I held such a soft spot for my family.

"M-maybe we could train soon. I could show you some of it," I muttered out in a low voice, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

I felt like such a child sitting here, unable to even talk to my parents about what's actually been going on in my head or in my life.

My father's voice cracked softly as he spoke, "I would really enjoy that... Does that mean you've forgive me?"

Shikamaru instantly glanced over, clearly analyzing me and trying to determine just how I would respond.

"No," I mumbled out before looking at him. He was staring at me with intensity. "But we can work on it."

He nodded as he smiled softly, a visible look of relief on his face. My mom didn't look as pleased. She was so protective over my dad, as she should be, but that didn't mean I had to just forgive and forget.

It was silent again for a few moments, and it was getting dangerously close to being awkward and uncomfortable once again.

Shikamaru kept glancing over at me, making me feel uneasy. Eventually, he sneakily elbowed my side before gesturing with his head to my parents, his eyes going wide in the process.

I let out an exasperated sigh after realizing he wasn't going to leave me alone until I spoke up.

"Listen," I started. "I have to talk to you both."

They both stopped eating, looking at each other before looking at me.

"Ok, go on," my mom ushered.

"Well," I glanced nervously at Shikamaru who was smirking at me, clearly enjoying how unraveled I was. "Uh, I'm...dating Kakashi."

My dad cleared his throat awkwardly before quickly adverting my gaze. At least he was as uncomfortable as I am... And my mom on the other hand, I saw at least half a dozen different emotions cross her face.

Finally, after she processed the news, she smiled brightly, slamming her hands down forcefully on the table, "That's so great!! I didn't know you were ready to start dating!"

"Yes, this is exciting," my dad added softly.

Shikamaru snuck me a quick wink as he smiled at me.

"We have to tell the elders right away!" my mom added. "Now that you're ready, there's so many people we need to set up introductions with!"

"Wait, what?" I muttered confused, but she didn't even bother to stop talking. She was too focused on her own excitement.

"There's at least two men from the Hyuga clan ready to meet you! We've narrowed down everyone from Yamanaka clan, you remember Kenzo right? He's the only one we think would be a good fit."

"Oh! And this is new, but Shikamaru's sensei was brought up a few months ago! He's the son of the late hokage after all. We're considering the Inuzuka clan too. They've really risen in prominence these last years."

My mind was swirling as she kept naming everyone she thought I could marry... Was I not clear? I don't understand what she was thinking.

As she finally finished her list, she looked at me with bright eyes, "So Y/n, where should we start!?"

"I...I don't think you understand," I managed to mutter out. Shikamaru was staring at me with a sad look on his face while my dad just seemed confused.

"What don't we understand?" my dad asked.

"I'm dating Kakashi. As in, only Kakashi."

My mom's smile dropped as my dad let out a sigh...

My mom narrowed her eyes at me, "We gave you an entire list, Y/n! Multiple lists actually!! And you go and start dating someone who was, quite clearly I might add, not approved!? Why would you do that!?"

She threw her hands on the table again, angry instead of thrilled this time around.

"Do you know how important your role is!?" she continued. "You won't just be a clan leader! You'll be a wife! A mother! You have sacred household responsibilities!"

"This means your husband will be required to help lead the clan. What don't you get!? Am I speaking another language or something!?"

I zoned out as she continued to yell at me, resting my head in my hands... I figured it wouldn't go perfectly, but I didn't think it'd end up this bad.

"Y/n..." my dad finally spoke up, catching my attention once again.

"Hmm?" I mumbled out.

"I'm sure you're having fun," his voice was low as he spoke slowly, carefully considering each word. "But given your status, you simply can't date for fun. When you date exclusively, the purpose will be to get engaged and then married."

"And quickly," my mother hissed as she added onto my dad's little lecture.

"Yes. Courtship will quickly lead to marriage," he agreed. "Does that make sense?"

"I love him," I finally looked up to meet their fiery gaze, tears teasing my eyes. "I'm in love with him."

"He's not from a prominent clan," my father reminded me.

"Not to mention his father," my mom huffed.

I was sad before, but when they said those things, my hurt quickly turned to rage.

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" I spat.

"Nothing," my father was quick to interject. "Sakumo was an incredible shinobi. This has nothing to do with him."

My mom scoffed, "We can't pretend that's true. As talented as he may have been, he didn't die honorably."

My father winced as she spoke. I knew he was good friends with Kakashi's dad way back when, and I think she may have taken it too far even for him.

Shikamaru shocked us all when he decided to get involved, "What the hell is wrong with you two!? Y/n tells you she's in love, and this is what you do? Are you fucking serious?!"

"Shikamaru—" my dad started but was quickly cut off.

"No, this is total bullshit! After everything she's been through, she deserves to be happy!! And if you ever paid attention to her for more than 2 seconds or for more than your own selfish reasons, you'd see just how happy he makes her!"

I couldn't help it as the tears flowed down my cheeks. Shikamaru would always be my biggest fan and greatest support. I honestly don't know what I would do without him.

He quickly stood up, "If I was her, I would've ran away too. I can't believe she even came back. I wouldn't have."

With that, he stormed off, leaving the house and leaving us all in shock.

I wiped my eyes as I looked at them. They looked as if their whole world had been shattered. They looked so disappointed in how the events unfolded. Did they not realize how absolutely brutal they were being?

"I'm going to date Kakashi," I tried to restore any ounce of confidence that I could. "I wasn't asking you. I was simply letting you know."

"Y/n..." my dad trailed off in a broken voice. "We're sorry. If you're happy, we'll support you."

My mom immediately scoffed in rejection before getting up and storming off herself. I grimaced slightly as I heard the door slam behind her.

My father sighed as he looked down, "We're not very good at this whole parenting thing... I really am sorry."

I was surprised that he had flipped a switch so quickly. I definitely wasn't expecting it.

"Dad," I said through soft sobs. "I really do love him."

"Is he someone you want to marry?"

I laughed a little bit at his question, "I have no idea. We've only been together a few months now. I know I don't want to be with anyone else though."

He smiled at me, "I'll talk to your mom. It'll be ok, I promise. Maybe you can bring him over for dinner? I don't think either of us really know him outside of the shinobi world."

"I would really love that," I nodded.

My mom popped back into the room, her arms crossed as she towered over us, glaring, "How's tomorrow?"