"What?" Lee and Guy blurted in unison. They even blinked in unison. Both pairs of dark eyes stared at her, incredulous at the news.

"Tenten-chan, what did you just say?" Lee brushed his traditional bowl-cut hairstyle from his face.

Tenten's cheeks burned. She did not want to repeat herself. "You heard me just fine," she replied as calmly as she could. She used her chopsticks to push the noodles around the spicy broth, ignoring their awkward stares. She risked peeking at Neji, who was also staring into his bowl, though his eyes did not betray his thoughts. She wondered if he, too, needed her to repeat herself.

"A baby? Our Tenten is having a baby?" Lee's voice was almost stern. He looked at Guy, who said nothing.

"That's what I said," Tenten sighed, tossing her chopsticks aside. She leaned back, her eyes wandering over the awed faces of her former sensei and her former teammate. Senpai and protege were quiet for a moment, staring at one another in a silent battle of wills. Tenten began counting down in her head....3...2...1..

"The springtime of youth has finally spoken!" Guy cried out joyfully. Almost immediately, tears sprang to his eyes. He pulled Lee into a hug, which the younger man reciprocated with equal admiration. They held one another, rocking back and forth as tears streamed down their faces.

"...we are going to be fathers..."

"..such a joyous occasion..."

"...our Tenten-chan..."

"...will sparkle with youth..."

"Why did I think this was a good idea?" Tenten whispered to herself. She glanced at Neji. The young Hyuuga heir was still staring into his bowl. Noodles weren't that interesting, right?

"Neji?" she whispered. "A-are you alright?"

He looked up, his lavender eyes still unfocused. "Yes, Tenten. I am fine."

She opened her mouth to speak, but Guy interrupted. "He will be named Might Guy—after the most handsome beast in the village." Lee nodded vigorously.

"Yeah, not going to happen," Tenten rolled her eyes. "Not in a million years. Besides," she peeked shyly through her lashes, "he might be a she."

"Oooh, a little girl who will blossom into a beautiful, youthful woman," Lee cooed. Tenten could practically hear the wheels turning in his head.

"The power of youth in full bloom!" Guy squealed, as he reached for Lee's hand.

"This is getting awkward," Tenten whispered to herself as she watched the two men hold hands over the tabletop. Too weird!

"I'll say," Neji spoke softly. Tenten looked toward him, and he gave her a shy half-smile.

The young kunoichi returned the warm gesture. "Thanks, Neji. It means a lot," she murmured. "Just don't mention 'springtime' and 'youth' in the same sentence, ok?"

Suddenly, the feeling of warm hands on her abdomen and the wide-eyed horror on Neji's face sobered her. "What the hell are you two doing?" she hissed, as Guy and Lee were both kneeling at her side, their hands hovering over her slightly rounded abdomen.

"Feeling for the first signs of life!" Lee enthusiastically chattered.

"Like hell you are," Tenten pushed both of them away by their faces.

"Please, Tenten, do not mess up my hair. I put extra time into getting it to look so smooth and glossy," Guy sulked. His lower lip jutted out as he pouted with his eyes. "I was only trying to be a good father..."

"For the record, you are not the father," she glared at her former sensei.

"Yes!" Lee grinned high-fiving an invisible guest.

"And neither are you!" she shot an equally vehement glance toward the taijutsu specialist. "Do either of you even know how babies are conceived?"

Lee looked to Guy, hoping for an explanation. "You've got to be kidding me," Tenten's mouth fell open in amazement.

"Of course we know how babies come about," Guy flashed a trademark smile. Tenten thought she could see a tiny sparkle gleaming off of his teeth. She blinked, and it was gone. Guy continued, as he waved his finger in the air, "But I consider myself a second father to any child you may have!"

"And I will be the third!" Lee chimed in.

"Oh. Great," she groaned, though she couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm. Even Neji was shaking his head.

"You two are something," he replied stoically.

"Please, Tenten-chan?" Lee's eyes were moist with emotion. Tenten glanced around, just to make sure that no one besides the four of them were present. She was glad that Guy had invited them to his house, so that no one would be around for this.

"Alright," she sighed deeply. She was going to regret this, she knew. Almost as immediately as the words left her mouth, the two green beast twins were covering her abdomen with their hands. She rolled her eyes at Neji, who just watched the scene solemnly.

********

********

"Tenten-chan, would you like me walk you home?" Lee hopped up and down, still excited from the night's events.

"Thanks, Lee, but I think I'll be fine," she replied calmly, patting his green-clad arm as she did so. She lifted her hand, eyeing his attire. She leaned in, "You know, Lee, as the possible future godfather to my child, I think it may be advisable for you to perhaps, you know, find new attire."

"What do you mean?" he asked, all ears at the mention of the word 'godfather'. He missed Tenten's use of the word 'possible'.

"Well, I just think it would be easier for me to make a decision in regards to that issue if I weren't choosing between mirror images."

"Oh, I see," Lee nodded vigorously. "The most handsome man will win the title of godfather..."

"Exactly," Tenten agreed, hoping that this would be the push Lee needed to pull himself from Guy's shadow. "And I think you have what it takes, Lee."

"Thanks Tenten-chan!" he smiled. "I will glow with coolness so as to not disappoint my future child!"

"Not your child," Tenten's shoulders drooped. This would soon become troublesome if the dynamic duo insisted on referring to Tenten's child as their own. It would, in fact, reflect badly on her reputation.

"And what are you two discussing? Springtime of youth? Friendship of men? My good looks and charm?" Guy grinned. Neji was at his former sensei's side, rolling his lavender eyes. Tenten suppressed a snort.

"All of the above," she smiled charmingly.

"Ahh, you are so radiant in your youth," Guy beamed. "I'm so proud of you!"

"I agree with sensei!" Lee hovered around them.

"You know, Lee, you are on equal footing as Guy, you don't have to refer to him as sensei," Neji told him matter-of-factly.

"Well...I...er...I guess.." Lee began to stammer, as if he had just been hit with a ton of bricks.

"And," Neji leaned in, "you can drop the ridiculous outfit. Not getting chicks, I'm sure."

"But, I like the green!" Lee squeaked weakly.

"Well, then, at least the leg warmers?" the Hyuuga asked with mock seriousness. "For Tenten's unborn child."

"Of course. Anything for youth," Lee bowed deeply. Guy watched the hushed conversation with confusion.

Neji winked at Tenten, who understood exactly what was occurring. "I"ll walk you home, Tenten," he spoke as if it were a command.

"As you wish, your highness," she retorted mockingly.

"Good night, my children!" Guy waved. Lee hovered around the doorway, obviously not ready to call it a night. Tenten was sure they would have a battle of wits—or some other competition to see 'who is the coolest Green Beast', as Lee called it.

"Oh, and you two...," Tenten addressed the green twins. They perked up, hoping she was ready to declare who would be deemed godfather. Guy had all intentions of starting a friendly competition with his protege--beginning that moment. "Keep this to yourselves. For the time being. I...wanted you to be the first ones to know, as I'm closest to you three."

"Oh Tenten-chan!" Lee cried as he hugged Guy. Another round of tears signaled their emotional tryst.

"Let's go, before this gets even more weird," Neji attempted to steer Tenten down the street.

"And they are off into the sunset of parenthood," Guy said into the darkness of the night.

"Indeed, Sensei," Lee whispered. "They are so cool!"

******

******

"Those two are ridiculous!" Tenten breathed excitedly. She knew them over-the-top, but this was too much. "I-I can't believe how they reacted."

"Well, how did you expect them to react? No one was prepared for that news," Neji said softly.

"What?" Tenten was aware of the sadness in his tone. "Are...are you angry?"

"Angry?" he repeated, more to himself. "Of course not. What's to be angry about?" he cast a lavender look in Tenten's direction.

She blushed. "Um, nothing, I guess. I...I...,"she began. "Look, I know this is unexpected—awkward even—but I'm already almost four months into this, so I have to deal with it!"

"That long?" Neji murmured. "I had no idea."

"Yeah, well, I wanted to keep that to myself. For a while, at least."

"You could have told me," he stopped walking, looking at her as the pale moonlight spilled onto her face.

"I know," she admitted. "But...but part of me was in shock, too!"

Neji nodded his understanding, continuing their nighttime stroll. "I suppose I do not need to ask who the father is?"

"That is correct," Tenten growled, her face reddening as she spoke.

"And how is he taking it?"

"Well...um...well, you see..." Tenten stammered. She reached for her key, hiding her face from her ANBU confidante.

"He doesn't know?"

"He does...well, more like he did," Tenten argued.

"Explain yourself, Tenten. This is not like you." His hands were on his hips, and a stern look was set upon his face.

"Would you like some tea?" Tenten gestured into her meager apartment. She was met with a look of confusion from Neji. She sighed, before explaining. "It's...well, it's kind of a long story."

*******

*******

"I see," Neji replied, his eyes filled with concern. "So he does not want a child..."

"That's not it!" Tenten replied quickly.

"It seems to me, that it is it. Has he spoken to you since?" he watched her intently as he worded his response.

Tenten's eyes dropped to the floor.

"My point exactly," Neji replied, his tone triumphant. "How despicable a man."

"Don't speak of him in such a manner, Neji!" Tenten tried to keep her voice calm, but she was surprised by Neji's response. It was unlike him to voice his opinion so openly.

"And why shouldn't I? Here you are, pregnant and alone. And where is he? Nowhere to be found. That is not how a man—a father—should behave."

"Well, it's not like he really knows that I'm still pregnant," Tenten confessed, her face flushing.

"What?" Neji's eyes flew open. His soft purple irises bore into her.

"I...I told him I was terminating the pregnancy. He has too much to deal with, and I thought that maybe...maybe by doing so, he would try to talk me out of it."

"You maintain some shred of hope that he would suddenly want you to have his child?"

"Not exactly. Look, I can't share the details, but he has had a lot to deal with. His past, more specifically, his mother. It's been difficult for him. And this all happened at once."

"We all have had difficult pasts, Tenten!" Neji's voice was becoming louder. In an instant, he was standing in front of her, his fists clenched at his sides. "From the moment you started dating him...I knew you were doing yourself a disservice. That man is not capable of treating you as you deserve--" his eyes were becoming less purple, and more white. The veins on the side of his head were starting to become more prominent.

"And who are you to tell me about how I deserve to be treated?" she hissed, immediately jumping to her feet. They were inches from one another, lavender glaring at chestnut.

"Because," he began. "Because I know you!"

"Sure! We've only been teammates since we were children! I've trained with you, rooted for you. Cared for you! And yet, you never even noticed me—much less, Hyuuga Neji, do you know me!"

Neji gaped at her, his eyes slightly widening at her words; his irises instantly returning to their normal violet shade. Tenten realized she had spoken hastily, and could feel her ears becoming burning with embarrassment. She dropped her gaze to the floor. "I-I"m s-s-sorry, Neji. I spoke prematurely. I--,"

The rest of her thoughts never left her mouth. Instead, her lips were crushed in a hungry kiss. Her mind was cloudy—a jumbled mess of what was occurring. Neji was kissing her? Neji was kissing her!

It had been something she had dreamed about almost every night during her teenage years. But, after time, she realized that it was only that—a dream. The strong-willed Hyuuga would never take an interest in a lowly, orphaned kunoichi. So, she fought to become stronger--it was the only thing she could control. It led her to become a jonin, followed by ANBU. She had been so elated when she had made it into ANBU, and even more surprised to find that, months later, Neji had joined her. It had been exciting to have him at her side again. But, it was a different kind of feeling—one of camaraderie. Not the familiar, old yearning and lust that she had harbored for so many years. She had come to look at Neji as an older brother, shedding her childish hopes for his romantic interest.

Yet, here she was, her body entangled with the handsome Hyuuga. His hands were in her hair, his mouth illustrating his need, his concern. She could feel her heart race, her face flush. His own heart was pounding in his chest, and his hands trembled as they held her. She could feel her body mould into his. Her stomach pressed against his---

"NO!" she whispered, pushing him away. Her lips still tingling from the contact.

"I'm sorry, Tenten," his voice was thick, his speech was drawled. "I shouldn't have!"

"You're damn right, Neji!" she barked. She raised her fingers to her lips. So many nights...so many dreams...of that kiss. "I don't know what you're trying to do, but I...I just cant!" she could feel the tears flooding her eyes.

"I...I care about you, Tenten. I've always cared about you," he spoke softly as he avoided her tearful stare. "I supposed I always knew you cared about me, as well. And I used that. I used that to keep you by my side. And when you joined ANBU--"

"You were lonely," she knew how he felt. It was exactly how she had felt when he had grown in power, leaving her behind.

"Yes," he whispered. He looked at her face, taking a step forward. "I shouldn't have taken advantage of you—then..or now."

"At one time, I would have welcomed it, Neji," she confessed. "But that was a long time ago. I've since moved on." She reached out to touch his hand. To comfort him. She looked into his eyes as her tears silently streaked her cheeks. He drew his hand away.

"I'm so sorry," she sobbed.

He took a few steps, pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry, Tenten. For hurting you. For causing you pain. For taking advantage of your friendship. Any pain I may feel from your confession is my own fault. I've cared about you for much longer than I had allowed myself to see. And now, it seems my realizations have come too late," he murmured into her hair. He took a deep breath, memorizing the familiar honeysuckle scent of her silky hair.

A soft sound interrupted his words. Both Tenten and Neji turned toward the door, realizing that the wind had pushed it open. Outside, crickets were playing their night's lullaby, as if they were mourning for the demise of a relationship that was never to be.

Neji held Tenten at arm's length, looking into her tear-stained eyes. "I will support you, no matter your decision. And," his eyes fell to her stomach, "if you ever need me..."

"Thank you!" she sobbed as she pulled his hand to her chest. "You are a good friend."

He cringed at the word, but he understood. "You...you really care about the Aburame?"

"I do," she nodded as a pained look crossed her face. "I truly do."

"You care about a man that has no interest in your well-being?" his face hardened, as he realized that Shino had yet to see how Tenten was doing. Despite the fact that she had lied to the bug-nin, Neji felt that it would be respectable to check in on the kunoichi. Didn't he love her as well? How couldn't he?

"Please don't..." Tenten sobbed again, wiping her eyes.

"My apologies," Neji replied solemnly. "I will try to be more respectful. Despite the fact that I may disagree with his current actions."

"Have faith in him," Tenten murmured. "He needs it most right now."

So do you, Neji thought as he sadly watched the breakdown of the woman he yearned for. It hurt to see her so fragile. He had no idea that she had been hiding such news. He had known that she was dating Shino, and found himself jealous of their new-found relationship. It was that fact that had initially prompted him to re-evaluate his feelings for his comrade. When he had noticed the weapons master and bug-nin were no longer spending time together, he had pondered the idea of confessing to her. He was going to confess to her tonight, he had promised himself that. But, her own confession had thrown a wrench into his plans, deeply concerning the Hyuuga.

When she had spoke about Shino's absence, Neji had been hopeful. He had acted prematurely, however, only promoting Tenten's fragile state of mind. He was ashamed at his carelessness. But, he would wait and see what would become. He pulled her to him as she heaved with sobs. He closed his eyes, inhaling her precious scent.

He would wait for her.

******

******

Shino sped from Tenten's apartment, angry at what he had seen. It had been weeks since he had last spoken to his lover, and he knew that it was unreasonable for such a time lapse. He had been initially been angry, he knew. And that clouded his vision. But, after a few days, he began to ache for Tenten. He missed her touch, her smile. He missed her. His pride was keeping him from rushing to her side, where he truly wished to be. He kept reminding himself of her betrayal. It was his pride that stood in the way.

After another week, he began to pine for her. He felt as if something had been ripped from his life, from which he would never recover. The emptiness hadn't dissipated, as he had initially hoped. Instead, it grew into a void that devoured any shred of enjoyment he could fathom. A third week passed, and he realized that he couldn't live without her. He loved her.

She had told him she would terminate the pregnancy, and he had believed her. But with each passing day, he felt a pang of regret. Perhaps he had wanted a family all along, but was too afraid of losing her—as if Tenten were some sort of collateral for finding true happiness. His own father shooed the idea of their family being cursed, and, after a few weeks, Shino began to dispel the delusion as well.

It all came back to her. He thought about her constantly. He smelled her on every article of his clothing. He even dreamt of her. He couldn't erase her from his life, as he thought he could so easily do. He had begun to have nightmares about their unborn child, furthering his shame at having allowed her to end the pregnancy. Part of him wanted to believe that Tenten wouldn't go through with it—as she had so ardently denied during an earlier argument.

But, he couldn't bring himself to find out. His pride had melted to shame. After almost three weeks, he was slowly being driven insane by thoughts of the weapons kunoichi. It was as if he was coming off of a very strong addiction.

He needed her.

Pride pushed aside, he found his legs carrying him to her house. Her door had been slightly ajar, which had surprised him--especially so late into the evening. The chill of the air should have been enough to ensure the door would be closed tightly. He peered inside: it was the same apartment he had been to so many times before. It felt so familiar—so right.

He pushed the door open, slightly. He could see the familiar entrance-way. He allowed his eyes to wander through her apartment....until he saw her. She had a visitor! Hyuuga Neji. Shino froze where he stood, unable to tear his eyes away from what was playing out in front of him. He could see the Hyuuga's arms wrapped around Tenten, holding her against his body.

Shino could feel the bile rise in his throat, as the room suddenly began to spin around him. He had to get away. He quickly turned and ran from her apartment.

How had she moved on so quickly? And with the Hyuuga! He had always suspected that the young man harbored feelings for Tenten—though she had admitted to giving up her school-girl crush years earlier.

Right now, it looked like the crush was being revisited, especially by the way Neji's arms were wrapped around Tenten's waist.

The stinging in his cheeks made Shino realize that he was in the middle of some very thick brush. He stopped his escape, his chest burning from the exertion. The cold air had stung his cheeks, and he could taste the bile still in his throat.

The mental picture flashed in his head one more time: Tenten and Neji!

It was too much. With an agonizing cry, he leaned over and vomited.