Tamiri's Notes: Here is chapter three sorry for the lateness. Things just kept happening.
Nianini: Thanks for you review, sorry about the mistakes I do try but writing these chapters at ungodly hours in the morning don't help. I would gladly send you the chapters for you to read them and go over any mistakes if you are willing.
Rel:Thank you very much. I could also send you my chapters if you want. I am so happy you like my story since I enjoy yours so much. I am glad you like the development of Shino he is a tough guy to get through.
Dreaming101: Thank you!
Hinata's Heart: Thank you for liking my story however let me clear a bit of a misunderstanding. Shino doesn't talk in riddles, in the original Japanese anime his way of talking is stating a question and then answering it. Most normal people would never ask the question or leave it unanswered. Perhaps because of this he is mostly ignored when he is speaking in the anime.
Chibi Tenshi sama: Thank you!
And to all the peoples who added me to their favorites thank you!
Chapter rating: PG-13 for sexual innuendos and violence
Disclaimer: Naruto is copyrighted by their respected owners I don't own anything.
Chapter Three: Illicit Affair
Shino was standing in the office, in front of the man he was set after. The office was great with western furniture and large windows were behind the large oak desk, most likely imported. Shiro beside him was fidgeting slightly as the older man's gaze bore on them. Nakamura was a man in his early sixties, with a mustache and white hair with a couple of strands of black. His deep blue eyes had wrinkles giving away years of wear.
"Your wife has sung praises about you," Daichi said getting up from the leather chair. He grabbed the cane and walked with a slight limp, perhaps an injury of his youth. He dusted off his suit jacket.
"She admires me greatly," Shino said not the least bit intimidated by the man's gaze.
"The boy seems too old to be your son," Daichi observed, Shino had to teach Shiro not to be frightened so easily.
"He is a distant relative of mine he along with another girl have been adopted by my wife and myself," Shino explained.
"You have children of your own a little girl and an infant boy right?" Daichi said, Tenten had never informed him of their suppose children. He could see that the man had control of who and what when it came to himself. A technique to frighten him but it didn't affect him. Two he counted were hiding in this room since he entered. Apparently Daichi didn't let just anyone enter his organization and since Tenten was hired so easily to be staff he must leave frivolous domestic affairs to Makoto the head of staff.
"Your influence extends far Daichi-sama," Shino said.
"Your first son, I only had girls myself unfortunate circumstances. Married them both off, good men I found them," Daichi began, wanting to lure him to a false sense of security, a psychological trap. "Wanted a son to carry on my business you know but I have a nephew. My wife's sister's child, has an eye for business. So tell me Shino what are your plans?" Daichi asked.
"My plans you ask? Teach my sons to be shinobi," Shino answered.
"Ah good, to follow in your footsteps, if I hire you, your girls may have a chance to marry good men also," Daichi assured.
"That would be much appreciated," Shino said.
"So why was it you two left?" Daichi asked.
"Our families did not agree with our union," Shino explained.
"Gave up your position as jounin and moved here with your family you are a man who has priorities," Daichi complemented.
"I am honor to receive your praise," Shino said.
"I must think about this further as you know I cannot just let anyone be hired. I will send for you with my decision," Daichi said.
"Thank you for granting us an audience," Shino bowed. As he and Shiro were about to turn the knob of the dark wooden doors the guards attacked Shiro. Shino pulled the boy towards him quickly taking two kunai and knocking the attacker's weapons with a 'ding.' Before the thud of the weapons dropping could be heard Shino already had a counter attack. The sound of two people in pain could be heard as their positions were given away. Each man was holding either an arm or a shoulder, blood dripping into the pattern rug.
"You give dangerous tests to your would be employees," Shino stared at the satisfied looked Daichi had.
"Congratulations you are hired," Daichi said.
"You have hired me, why? Because you are satisfied with my performance," Shino let go of a shaken Shiro.
"Starting now you will take the place of one of my personal bodyguards,"
"The one who was killed, correct,"
"This samurai was sent by one of my enemies and as you already come to the conclusion my only business isn't just casinos and hotels," Daichi walked once again behind his desk. The men groveling in pain were dismissed with a simple wave of his hand.
"You engage in an underground weapon's operation," Shino said.
"Yes so you heard the rumors, I cannot have it fall through. I have many clients waiting for the first shipment. I expect to have your utmost discretion,"
"You have my word sir," Shino assured.
"After all unlike most of those I have employed you have the most to lose," Daichi threaten.
"You have no need to be wary, why? Because I will eliminate any of your enemies," Shino assured.
"I will need you in the casino in Palm street I expect you there in an hour. You may leave," Daichi sent them away. They exited and after the door close Shiro let out a breath. They saw Tenten standing just down the hall. She was wearing her maid uniform a deep navy knee length dress with a white frill apron, on top of her usual hairstyle was a white maid cap.
"How did it go?" Tenten asked.
"Other than almost getting killed it went really well," Shiro answered.
"Killed? What happened?" Tenten asked in urgency while checking Shiro for any injuries.
"Nee-san I'm fine," Shiro said while taking her hands of his face.
"Shino?" Tenten demanded.
"Daichi-sama has a usual way of testing his new guards that is all," Shino answered. "We are heading to one of the casino's I will see you at home," Shino was stopped by Tenten's hand.
"Shino take care of Shiro," she said softly.
"Do you doubt me? Don't underestimate my ability to protect our son," he said and he turned to leave.
"See you at home nee-san," Shiro bid her farewell. Tenten stood watching them leave with her heart beating fast. Was this what they called motherly instinct? Tenten turned to the basket of clothes she was to hang in the mistress's closet. She walked to the room in question her thoughts running as to whether Shiro would be safe. She shouldn't worry Shino was an accomplish shinobi, part of a prestigious clan, and a man of his word. When she was just starting out she would dismiss such worries as something an overly cautious adult would have. She knocked on the door and when there was no answer she proceeded inside. She hung the clothes her thoughts still adrift when the door opened.
"Excuse me madam, I will just finish this up and be on my way," Tenten said to the woman. Said woman was named Nakamura, Kimiko wife of her current employer. She was much younger than her husband in her 40's actually, and was a stunning woman with ebony black hair tie in a bun. From the countless beauty products in her elaborately craved vanity she valued her looks. She was wearing a long transparent nightgown with an equally long robe tied around her waist. She eyed Tenten mischievously, the smiled and shook her head.
"You're the new girl?" Kimiko asked.
"Yes madam I am," Tenten answered wary of her gaze.
"Makoto was wrong about you. You aren't as plain as she described," she said heading towards her canopy bed.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Trust me child most women don't see you as a threat but you have a certain charm that attracts men," she smiled as she lay on her bed. Tenten wondered how this conversation came about, so Makoto thought she was simple looking. What did she cared what that woman thought? And what charm was she talking about it wasn't like she had men lining up to be with her back at home. Ino was every man's fantasy, Hinata was just a living doll, Sakura was an exotic gem and she was just Tenten, tomboyish and every guy's friend Tenten. Kimiko laughed and shook her head once again. "Don't worry about it, so tell me about yourself, Tenten right?"
"Yes Kimiko-sama?" Tenten asked, now why was she so interested in her? There were probably about thirty maids all having the various duties of cleaning, cooking and attending to the masters so she could just blend in with the crowd. The reason she was so interested in her must be Shino, of course she wasn't present when she spoke with Daichi about her suppose husband's expertise in battle but word travels fast.
"So you're married, I married when I was just a teenager," Kimiko reminisced.
"Yes, a really long time ago," Tenten did not like Kimiko's behavior. It was condescending almost as if she were trying to relate to her in a way her tiny mind could understand. "Yes I am happily married with four children," Tenten answered with a fake smile. If Kimiko thought her simple then she will play the part.
"My four little ones, I had two myself," Kimiko said.
"Two are adopted madam,"
"Very kind of you and your husband must be hard to support them," Kimiko grinned.
"Not anymore we were blessed to be hired into your household," Tenten was no longer facing her instead concentrating on the task of hanging up the various articles of clothing.
"I met your husband on the way here and the little boy. The child was very cute and your husband was quite dashing," she said with a playful smile.
"Dashing? Shino could be your son," Tenten thought slightly disturbed.
"Shino is very handsome," Tenten agreed, but did she think it was true? Perhaps, Shino always looked like a walking tent so no one could judge. Now that he was more casual she had to admit he could attract women. The glasses added an edge to him that women thought of as mysterious though his personality was something else entirely.
"Ho, so how is he?" she asked.
"I don't understand," Tenten genuinely didn't know what she was talking about.
"In bed child, come on you do have two children with the man," she leaned forward.
Tenten's face turned red. How was she supposed to know how Shino was in bed? It wasn't like she actually did anything with him. In fact they couldn't stand each other and they hadn't even properly held hands. "Keep it vague Tenten," Tenten thought to herself. "He is good," she answered.
"Details dear," Kimiko got up and began to undress. She threw the nightgown and robe to Tenten and went to the adjacent room. She heard the shower turned on and Kimiko's order to come inside. "You know how long does he last, what sort of positions etc," she said from the shower her silhouette showing from the curtain.
"He lasts enough to satisfy me," Tenten said meekly. This conversation was beyond embarrassing; here she was trying to imagine how it would be like to have sex with Shino. She didn't want to know that much detail about his life, he could be a virgin for all she knew. He hadn't made it clear when Shiro made the comment about his sexual life, just to mind his own business.
"Knowing you its probably traditional positions, pass me the towel," Tenten did as she was told and she came out into the bedroom again and proceeded to dress. She put around herself a corset and had Tenten help tie it. "Now make sure it is tight," she explained as Tenten pulled as hard as she could. Putting her foot on her back she tightened by pulling the strings. How she could live wearing this thing was beyond her. "Great, you have good strength, from now on you will help me dress," Kimiko looked at herself in the mirror.
"As you wish," Tenten answered she hoped she wouldn't ask anymore awkward questions.
"He is probably very dominating judging from his personality and the last time you two had sex was?"
"Never, and it wasn't ever going to happen you nymphomaniac," Tenten thought bitterly. "Not since Jiro-chan was born," she said softly.
"And how long ago was that?" Kimoko pondered.
"Ten months,"
"Ten months, that is almost a year! How do you expect to keep that man around if you hadn't done anything since your child was born," Kimoko said giving a heavy sigh while Tenten help her put on her dress. It was long and tight fitting showing her shoulders and pushing up her breasts.
"A lot has been going on with us being separated from our children and moving here," Tenten explained.
Kimiko brushed her hair and from the mirror looked at Tenten with disapproval. "Don't expect him to stay faithful," Kimiko said while eyeing various hair accessories.
"He could do whatever he wants. It's not my business what he does or not do with other women," Tenten wanted to roll her eyes. "We deeply love each other I am sure he will remain true," Tenten said.
"Well then I will help you," she said sounding oh so charitable.
"How?"
Kimiko smiled her dark eyes full of mischief. She got up and looked through one of her drawers. There she took a little green dress; it was v-shape with frills on the top and transparent. The matching panties left barely anything to the imagination. "Something one of my girl friends gave me a while ago, never had the chance to wear it, so you can have it," Kimiko said.
"Thank you?" Tenten said not liking where this was going.
"Tonight when you get home after you put the children to bed you wear this little number,"
"No way, I'm I wearing that!" Tenten thought her cheeks having a slight blush.
"Make sure you two are alone and have the older boy watch the little ones for the night. Be playful, pose around for him a little, and he won't be able to take his hands off you," she winked.
"I don't want to be a bother, Shino will come home from work exhausted," Tenten said.
"Child this is your marriage we are talking about," Kimiko shook her head. "Tomorrow is Sunday the staff's day off. So you must do something after all your husband is still a man," Kimiko commented. Sometimes Tenten thought Shino belonged to another species but he was human despite her and Shiro's efforts to find proof otherwise.
"I will try Kimiko-sama," Tenten said and debated whether or not to tell Shino this tidbit in today's status report.
"I best hear from you," Kimiko giggled as she left the room. Tenten bowed as she left and looked at the offending garment in her hands. She wouldn't be caught dead wearing it much less prance around it for Shino. She walked out to the hallway to continue her duties and walked onto the laundry room to leave her basket. She heard a loud thump and a groan of pain just outside the laundry room. Tenten immediately went out to investigate and saw a young man rubbing his head.
"Are you alright?" Tenten offered her hand.
"Ouch, yes hopefully Makoto-san didn't hear that," he mumbled as his took Tenten's hand. "Sorry about that, I am Tadao delivery," he smiled. Tadao was a young man in his mid twenties, dark blond hair and blue eyes. His height just passed Shino by an inch or so making him tower over Tenten more.
"Tenten, housekeeping," Tenten smiled back. Tadao had a friendly approachable air to him and not to mention he was very good looking.
"Thanks for the help Tenten-san, you're new here aren't you?" he asked.
"Started working a couple days ago actually," Tenten explained. "That was some fall you had there," she observed.
"Ha Ha, I am a bit clumsy," Tadao said sheepishly.
"A bit?" Tenten teased.
"Well more than normal folks," he admitted. "Luckily I didn't make a mess," he sighed.
"Makoto-san would have been very angry," she said.
"Please don't tell," he put his hands together and begged.
"I don't know," Tenten said in a sing-song voice.
"Now Tenten-san you wouldn't get me into trouble," Tadao said.
"Don't worry about it," Tenten laughed. "You must be pretty busy," Tenten commented.
"You wouldn't believe, this party is driving me nuts," he said and they started walking towards the kitchen.
"What's this party about anyways?" Tenten asked, the reason she was hired was not yet clear to her yet.
"Apparently many business associates are coming to celebrate Daichi-sama's hundredth hotel opening in Moon country," he explained.
"My I may have my work cut out for me," she thought out loud.
"I think we all do," Tadao said not knowing the real meaning in her words. At the moment his stomach growled.
"Did you eat yet Tadao-san?" Tenten giggled.
"Unfortunately I had to skip breakfast today," he said.
"It is about lunch time, care to join me?" Tenten offered. Tadao blushed as he sat in the kitchen table watching Tenten cook.
"Tell me about yourself Tenten-san," Tadao leaned in curiously.
"My name is Tenten, I live in Moon Country and I work at the Nakamura mansion," she joked.
"You tease me too much Tenten-san," Tadao complained.
"It isn't fair that you don't tell me about yourself also," Tenten turned around and pouted. Tadao shifted his eyes his face reddening again.
"My name is Sasaki Tadao, I am from Fire country, and I recently moved her a couple months ago now you," he urged.
"Like you I am from Fire Country and I moved her almost a week ago," she saw Tadao frowned.
"You don't reveal much do you Tenten-san. I am beginning to think you don't like me," he said.
"Fine I live here with my children-" before she could finish Tadao interrupted in surprise.
"You have children!"
"Ah yes four," she reddened and quickly turned around to continue cooking.
"Four, but...but…you're so young," Tadao stuttered.
Children she knew was a major deterrent for many young men seeking a mate. While on this mission there will be no men approaching her now that she has children and was married. "It's a shame he is really cute," Tenten thought miserly. "I tend to get that a lot," she laughed nervously.
"And their father?" he asked hesitantly.
"My husband, he works here also as a guard," she said and that was the deal breaker.
"I see," Tenten could hear the disappointment in his voice. "Tenten-san whatever it is your making smells delicious. I am jealous of your husband," he said.
"I'm a good cook," she boasted and though the children seemed to enjoy her cooking Shino never once complimented her for it. That was to be expected, Shino wasn't one hand out praise easily still she wanted her pretend husband to be a little affectionate. They enjoyed a pleasant lunch despite Tenten's inner lamenting that they couldn't be more than just friendly co-workers. Afterwards she finished her work for the day and was surprise when Tadao offered to walk her home. The sun was setting and the pleasant golden hue of the sun made the island look even more beautiful. "Thanks for the offer you really didn't have to," Tenten smiled at the man next to her.
"There isn't any problem we do live in the same general direction so let's keep each other company," he smiled back. They walked in silence, Tenten holding a bag that kept her uniform and the lingerie that Kimiko had given her. "Tenten-san I was wondering…" he started.
"Yes?"
"If we could have lunch again," he said.
"I would love to," she grinned as the reach the front of her building. A bundle of silver bumped into her screaming.
"Mommy! Mommy!" Yukiko demanded to be carried.
"Mama!" Jiro reached for the same attention. Tenten was more than thrilled when she first heard Jiro call her mama and the commotion it caused in their household was something akin of winning the lottery. The only one not excited was Shino dismissing it as 'an imitation of Yukiko's vocal patterns.' Tsubaki looked at the stranger while holding her brother and Aoi looked with apprehension.
"What a welcoming committee," Tenten laughed as she held Yukiko. "Tadao-san these are my children, Tsubaki my cousin, my little ones Yukiko and Jiro and our family dog Aoi," Tenten introduced.
"Hello nice to meet you," Tadao smiled at the children.
"Hello," Yukiko said while her head was on Tenten's shoulder. Tsubaki offered her right hand and Tadao didn't seem to understand the gesture at first and hesitantly took her hand.
"I see you greet the western way," Tadao said. "Your cousins are very cute, I see they get their looks from their mother," he said and saw Tsubaki smile and nodded.
"Tadao-san flirting with a married woman," Tenten taunted.
"I am only stating fact, right Tsubaki-chan," Tadao saw Tsubaki nod her head in agreement. "You're awful shy aren't you," he noticed.
"Tsubaki cannot talk," Tenten said in a more serious note.
"Oh I'm sorry," he said and Tsubaki shook her head.
"Thanks for walking me here Tadao-san I hope to see you at work soon," Tenten beamed.
"It was a pleasure. If you don't mind may I take you up on the lunch again tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?" Tenten tilted her head.
"You and the children picnic at the beach? Unless you have plans with your husband I understand," Tadao said quickly.
"No, Shino and I made no plans," Tenten said and saw the girls perk up immediately at the thought.
"Then if you don't mind and it won't be any trouble, will you accept?" Tadao said hopefully.
"Yes, I don't see the harm. Tomorrow at the main beach?" Tenten smiled.
"Definitely!" Tadao said and with that he departed. Tenten looked at a grinning Tsubaki still holding Jiro ever wanting Tenten's attentions.
"Mama!" he demanded.
"Jiro-chan mommy is coming," Tenten put down Yukiko and picked up the other child. "Let's go inside," the girls headed inside Yukiko animatedly singing 'picnic' as she went up the stairs. Tsubaki immediately picked up her notebook and pencil and wrote quickly to show Tenten.
'I never been to the beach here,' Tsubaki looked up.
"Why?" she asked.
'Too scared,' she scribbled down. The both sat down on the living room couch and Yukiko started rummaging through her bag.
"They were after you weren't they? The authorities," she saw Tsubaki nod sadly. "Why didn't you turn yourselves in? They could have provided you with shelter," Tenten asked.
'We were at first going to turn ourselves to the orphanage,' she started her hand hesitating as she wrote.
"Then why make up this story?" Tenten inquired.
'We were going to be separated,' she explained.
"They wouldn't separate you and your brother? Would they?" Tenten subconsciously held on to Jiro a bit tighter.
'Yes, Jiro and Yukiko would have been adopted easily since they are still small,' she explained.
"You and Shiro are too old. Shiro probably would have been given an apprenticeship and you would have had to wait till given a job when old enough if you weren't adopted first," Tenten let out a sad sigh. They were hiding in the forest and living on the poverty line to be together. She could see why they were so afraid any childless couple would at once pick Jiro because of his cherub like looks. Yukiko would've eventually had forgotten the older children as well and lived with her new parents with no knowledge of who she was or where she came from. The pain of losing the little ones would have been too much for them to bear. "You don't have to concern yourself anymore. I will make sure that you won't be separated from your brother," Tenten promised.
'Thank you nee-san, I don't know what we would do without you,' Tsubaki wrote.
"Mommy, put the pretty dress," Yukiko held the green atrocity she was suppose to pose for Shino.
"No Yukiko-chan, mommy can't wear that," Tenten said nervously.
'You would look great in it,' Tsubaki grinned mischievously.
"Tsubaki-chan you don't know the indentions of this thing," Tenten said gravely.
'Seducing Shino-nii-san,' she wrote.
"Shiro's been saying perverted things to you again hasn't he?" Tenten said she was going to have a talk with that boy.
"Mommy put it on," Yukiko waved the garment back and forth.
"No, no, you two I told myself I wouldn't be caught dead in it," Tenten asserted.
"Arf! Arf!" Aoi barked.
"Aoi don't tell me you're on their side too," Tenten groaned.
'There are only women here,' Tsubaki assured.
"Jiro is a boy," she reminded.
'Jiro-chan is a baby, and besides it will be fun,' Tsubaki smiled as she showed her what she had written.
"Alright, Jiro-chan you will be the only man to see me in this," Tenten faced the infant who reached to touch her face. She put him on the floor and went into the adjoining bedroom to change. She felt uncomfortable in it and not the least bit sexy. The underwear was creeping up in places it wasn't supposed to and she felt very drafty. She went outside and saw Tsubaki clap in approval.
"Mommy looks pretty," Yukiko complimented.
Tenten spun a little to show off, "Do I look like a knock out?" Tenten asked.
'Tadao-san won't take his hands off you,' Tsubaki wrote.
"Tsubaki! Such naughty thoughts," Tenten gasped, Shiro was being a bad influence on her.
'Shino nii-san won't appreciate this Tadao-san is a much better match for you,' Tsubaki showed her writing.
"You think, Tadao is cute," Tenten smiled. "Tadao take me," Tenten said in a low voice attempting to be sexy. Yukiko found the pretend play very amusing and started to giggle. "I am yours Tadao-kun," Tenten could see Tsubaki laughing making small noises from her. Their fun was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Shino and Shiro.
"Nee-san?" Shiro said at the doorway.
"Get out!" she screamed throwing a cushion within her reach. The door was immediately closed and Tenten ran back to the bedroom.
"Can we come in now?" Shiro asked slowly opening the door to see Tsubaki grinning widely and Yukiko in a fit of giggles.
"Care to explain," Shino said to Tsubaki at the unexpected sight of seeing his teammate dressed in such a revealing matter.
'Your marriage is on the rocks,' Tsubaki wrote still grinning. Tenten dressed more appropriately, came out embarrassed.
"How is it our marriage is failing? We are not intimate," Shino looked at Tenten whose cheeks were still tinted with red.
"Kimiko-sama feels that we should spice up our marriage and gave me the lingerie," Tenten explained.
"That cougar lady?" Shiro said.
"Cougar?" Tenten looked at Shino.
"She on the prowl for a young pup rarr!" Shiro made a paw with his hand.
"She's after Shino? I knew it!" Tenten exclaimed.
"And her nephew bends the other way if you know what I mean," Shiro wiggled his eyebrows.
"How do you know?" Tenten asked.
"He was checking nii-san out," Shiro answered.
"No way! Checking Shino out!" Tenten laughed, if anything Shino was a great example of shinobi masculinity. The thought of such a stoic man getting looks from another man was too amusing.
"Shiro, that is enough," Shino said.
"Mission report nii-san," Shiro smiled innocently.
"So what else happen?" Tenten asked sitting on the couch and again putting Jiro on her lap.
"Daichi-sama doesn't completely trust me yet why? I haven't had a chance to prove myself," Shino explained.
"Kimiko-sama doesn't suspect a thing. I think she wants to get close to me to have some sort of affair with you," Tenten told her conclusions.
"Has this happen before? Yes, I believe I am not the first man she has taken an interest in who works for her husband," Shino told.
"She seems like the type to go for 'dangerous' men. Wants the thrill," Tenten mused.
"You could use this to your advantage nii-san," Shiro contributed.
"She doesn't seem like the kind to deal with her husband's business," Shino was leaning back on the couch.
"But her nephew does," Tenten said.
"As uncomfortable as it may be. I must accept some of his advances," Shino said in distaste.
Tenten felt pity for Shino. He was already sacrificing much by not wearing his usual garb but now has to accept a man he was clearly not attracted to for the sake of the mission. "You are aware of the party at the end of the month," Tenten said.
"Yes, it will be when we end this," Shino told his plan.
"I also heard something nee-san," Shiro said in a serious tone.
"What is it?" Tenten asked.
"While I was messing around with one of the gambling machines, I heard that some weapon's specialist will be coming that day," Shiro said.
"Weapon's specialist?" Tenten said aloud.
"Something about prototypes for new revolutionary weapons and this specialist wants Daichi-sama's support," Shiro explained.
"We must rid ourselves of this specialist also," Shino stated.
"How will we be doing this?" Tenten asked.
"We must create chaos during the event," he said.
"And then we will strike," she finished.
"Shiro has much technological prowess he will take care of the electricity," Shino commented.
"No problem," Shiro assured.
"Wow Shiro I didn't know you knew about technology," Tenten commented.
"I use to hang around one of my uncles a lot. He was really into inventing stuff," Shiro explained.
"So that crazy fan in the shack you were living in was your idea," Tenten concluded.
"It wasn't crazy I thought it was quite ingenious," Shiro said proudly.
"Can we get back to the task at hand," Shino said. "Tomorrow Shiro and I must accompanied Daichi-sama on some business," Shino begun to explain.
"Well if Kimiko-sama's asks we made crazy monkey love," Tenten said reluctantly ignoring Shino's perplexed look.
"If that is what it takes to make us a believable couple the yes we did become intimate," Shino agreed to their story.
"Mommy and daddy no fight anymore," Yukiko asked.
"Honey, does it bother you?" Tenten asked.
"Mommy and daddy don't like each other. Daddy and mommy should love each other. Daddy Yukiko-chan will be a good girl if you love mommy," Yukiko explained.
"Yukiko this isn't about love-" Shino started.
"Don't Shino. Mommy and daddy care about each other. And don't think daddy doesn't care for you because I know that he does right," Tenten looked at Shino as if daring him to say something otherwise.
"Yukiko-chan, nii-san cares for us he just has a weird way of showing it. You know daddy is weird," Shiro teased. Shino knew they were trying to alleviate the child's concerns. He didn't know what sort of trauma she would receive if she knew that his "love" was only a façade for the sake of the mission. Somewhere Yukiko has become attach to them and their pretend family had become real. This will not go well when it is time for them to part.
"I will start dinner okay," Tenten smiled leaving Jiro to his sister and inviting Yukiko along to help. Tsubaki soon followed Tenten and placed her brother to crawl on the floor. Shiro was dozing off on his seat his head drooping slightly. Aoi was carefully monitoring the infant's movements as he creep towards the couch Shino was sitting on. Jiro pulled himself up and walked while holding on the edge of the couch. Shino watched his 'son' make hesitant steps towards him. Shino had little interaction with the youngest child and had left much of the child care to Tenten. He was curious however of how the child wanted his attention. Jiro touched his knee and held on to his leg. One plump hand reached for him and Shino concluded he wanted to be carried.
"Ah," he insisted. Seeing as most were engaging in other activities he picked him up. He had almost forgotten how small children can be at that age as his sensei's son was now a rambunctious four year old and he only passively visited them. Shikamaru had taken it upon himself to watch Kurenai's son and his team had accepted it for the best. "Pa-pa-pa, papa," he said reaching for his glasses.
"You may not touch my glasses Jiro," Shino said stopping his hand.
"Papa," he repeated.
"Jiro-chan called you papa," Shiro said rubbing his eyes.
"He believes I am his father, why? Because Yukiko insists it is so," Shino said.
"I know you have provided us with much but you don't like us do you?" Shiro said pale eyes looking at him sadly.
"You are aware that I am not here to like or be liked," Shino said, Jiro began to reached for his hair instead.
"I know it's all for the mission. And I am grateful that you are giving us the tools for fending for ourselves but won't you consider taking us with you," Shiro said.
Shino adjusted Jiro from his journey to pull his hair to his lap. "You already know my intentions," Shino said.
"I know, but you realize we really do like you. You're pretty cool you know, can't we change your mind?" Shiro pleaded, trying to soften him up.
"Shiro, where are you parents? Your insistence is arising suspicion," Shino said quietly.
"My mother died when I was born," Shiro started.
"My condolences," Shino said.
"Don't worry about it, and I really don't know where my dad is," Shiro explained.
"You have mentioned other family members where are they?" Shino asked.
"I don't know either…my older brother and everyone else I don't know where they are or if they are even alive. Everything happened so fast. One day I had everything the next I am begging for food on the streets," he said sadly.
"What of the other children?" Shino asked, as Jiro comfortably leaned on his chest.
"Yukiko-chan lost her mom too a couple months after she was born, she was really sick. And her dad was a soldier who turned civilian. She was with me when we got separated from our families. I met Tsubaki and Jiro-chan a day later," Shiro told, confirming Shino's ideas that the children did come from relatively well off families before meeting poverty.
"You have all known each other for some time, why? You and Tsubaki are very familiar with each other," Shino observe.
Shiro blushed, very much like he was used to seeing Hinata do and his pale eyes shifted. "She's my fiancée," he said softly.
"Your family's idea correct?"
"Yes, after Tsubaki's parents died she and Jiro were taken in by her dad's sister and her husband. Her uncle happened to be good friends of my dad so they arrange the marriage," Shiro explained.
"You were upset, why do I say this? You are not the type to take it passively," Shino said.
"Of course I was upset. I didn't want my wife to be chosen for me but Tsubaki is really pretty like a doll, and kind and smart…" he sighed. "But our engagement will end," Shiro said.
"You see no point in it now," Shino offered.
"And I don't think she feels the same way," he looked sadly towards the kitchen.
"Tsubaki will still go through the engagement, why? Because she won't break a promise," Shino pointed out.
"I don't want her to marry me out some promise my dork of a dad made with her uncle," Shiro said.
"Why call him such?" Shino asked.
"Because those two made a promise when they were kids that they will have their children marry each other. They wanted to be 'brothers' but they both had boys," Shiro smiled a bit at the memory of his father's childhood promise to his friend. "That doesn't matter now nii-san, I think I know how to mold charka now!" Shiro said excitedly getting up from his seat. Shino noticed the change in subject and decided to let it pass for now. Perhaps the event that torn him away from his family was too painful to recall. Shiro put his hands together and held the seal. He closed his eyes and concentrated the way Shino had taught him. Shino could feel the energy radiating from the boy and had to admit he was a quick learner. He was afraid that since he lacked the prolonged training from early childhood it would prove difficult for him to master any ninjustsu. There was a sudden shift of concentration to his feet and Shiro pointed at the wall in front of him. "I am going to walk up and on the ceiling," he boasted.
"Is setting a lower standard for yourself better? Yes, you will run into less of a chance of getting injured," Shino explained.
"Don't worry I have this cover," Shiro began to walk up the wall and towards the ceiling. He walked to the kitchen where he heard Tenten gasp in surprise.
"Shiro! Get down now! You just began training!" Tenten yelled.
"Me too mommy!" Yukiko shouted in excitement. Before Tenten knew it Yukiko was mimicking Shiro's stance with her hands and started to run up the wall and towards the living room.
"Yukiko!" Tenten went after the child as she ran happily upside down.
"Daddy look!" Yukiko giggled wildly.
"Yukiko!" Shino startled exclaimed, and stood up quickly as he saw the small body fall head first to the floor. He commanded his insects to gather and catch her. The black cloud of buzzing beetles caught Yukiko seconds before hitting the floor.
"Goodness," Tenten took the child from the beetles. "Yukiko don't ever do that again. You're still just a baby," Tenten reprimanded, though Yukiko wasn't far off other shinobi who were promoted at the tender age of five. Those, nevertheless, were other times and the risk of sending someone so young is too costly.
"It seems our daughter is a prodigy," Shino called back his insects.
"It seems so," Tenten smiled as she held Yukiko close seeing Shino hold Jiro who was once again preoccupied with reaching for his glasses. "She gets that from my side of the family you know," Tenten teased.
Tamiri's Notes: Holy on a sandwich I am done! After several external drive crashes later, losing half the story and having to threaten Verizon for internet it is done. Shino is still a pain in the neck character to write with his weird way of talking. Could have him talking like everyone else but that would be the easy way out. Grammar mistakes, forgive please since I went over these pages several times. Now that I have updated, I expect some progress in some of my favorite Shino/Tenten stories! You know who you are! Get to writing! See you in chapter four!