Yes, I know it's a tad short, but it was the best I could do for the moment!

MMM (reviewer): I love rockin' your heart ;)

Thanks for the lovely reviews! I'm having fun with this coupling. For reals. Please R & R!

For the second time that day, Tenten had managed to catch Shibi off-guard.

This time, however, his surprise was visible in his features. Tenten could see his brows raise as his eyes widened behind his glasses. His mouth momentarily hung open in shock, as he processed what she had just shared.

"A-are you sure?" he cleared his throat, his momentary shock immediately erased from his face.

"Quite sure," she smirked in satisfaction. She could detect a slight tremor in his hands as he attempted to regain his composure. She rather enjoyed taking the man by surprise. She was still rattled by what he had just shared with her.

Shibi's eyes quickly flew over Tenten's figure. She's not showing, he thought, she must not be far along.

So, his son and the young ANBU were having coital relations after all. Though sex was not discussed in the shinobi world, it was a common occurrence among the older ninjas. Often, in the heat of the moment, two companions would share intimacies while away on a mission. It was not necessarily a romantic endeavor—more like a way to alleviate tensions and frustrations that had surmounted on the assignment. He had even heard of it happening between shinobi of the same sex, though he knew of no one who would admit to it.

He had not suspected that Tenten would allow for the courtship to turn intimate so quickly. Shibi was much less confident in his son's knowledge of the female species and anatomy. His son was always a loner, his friends very few in number. No one wanted to associate with the Bug Ninjas of Konoha. Nothing had changed from when Shibi was a young shinobi. Part of him felt saddened by the thought. Somehow, Shibi thought, Shino had managed to catch the heart of this young lady. He felt his mouth upturn, and he quickly stopped the tiny smile from making itself known. He felt a swell of pride toward his son: Shibi would be a grandfather!

His mind quickly raced over the matter-at-hand. There would be a marriage, most definitely. The Aburame family upheld the older traditions. Shino could not have a child out of wedlock; it would go against the morals of the clan. Shibi, himself, had not followed that code with Hotaru—but they were luckily married before she had fallen pregnant the first time. No, his son and this woman would be married as soon as Shino returned—before Tenten began showing signs of her progressing pregnancy. He quickly decided that he would send out a female kikkai to track his son, delivering the message to return as quickly, and safely, as possible.

The older Aburame's mind began to wander over the prospects of having a grandchild. First, the child must be exposed to the kikkai, as survival of that endeavor would provide an adequate heir. Part of Shibi wanted to keep the child as far away from that ritual as possible. If he were going to have an heir—if Shino were going to have an heir—he did not want to risk that child's life. He knew that injecting the tiny human with the kikkaichu would equate to a life-threatening task. Though Shibi knew it was rare that a child died from its inabilty to accept the responsibilities as as hive for the insects, it did occur. Would Tenten have suitable genes for such a gift? His throat tightened at the thought of losing an infant under such circumstances. Would Tenten be able to deal with such grief? Would she accept the clan's heritage—even allowing the ceremony to take place? Did she want to marry Shino? Was that her intent? His mind was rifling through these thoughts when her voice brought him back to the present.

"So you see," she growled, her hands balled into fists at her sides, "you cannot believe that your clan is cursed. That...I will die as my predecessors had. I will not accept that fate. I will not!" Her eyes were filled with tears as her voice became thick with emotion.

It warmed Shibi's oft-chilled heart to hear her speak so fervently about her fate. Perhaps his own regrets in regards to Hotaru's death had driven him to resign his destiny to fate. Perhaps this same denial had also fallen onto his son, burdening Shino immensely. He suddenly began to feel as if there was some hope for the near future--as if Tenten had been able to bring that feeling back into his life. He looked more closely at the young warrior kneeling in front of him.

"You are not far along?"

She shook her head. "Two months, perhaps a little more," she admitted. "Which explains why I am not showing. Yet."

Shibi nodded his understanding. "Which is why Shino has no idea?" he inferred.

She lowered her eyes, her face turning pink. "No," she whispered. "I couldn't bring myself to tell him. I'm afraid that he'll push me to terminate the pregnancy."

Shibi understood. "I want to make absolutely sure, before we discuss this any further, you are positive about this pregnancy?"

"Sakura confirmed it," she met his eyes, despite the dark glasses masking them.

Shibi knew that Sakura was an astute medic-nin. She was, after all, the pupil of Tsunade—a very gifted and renown physician in the ninja world. "I see," he whispered. He realized he had not gone to visit the young Kushina in some time. He made a quick mental note to visit the goddaughter of his own son. Perhaps Sakura could offer advice...

"Are you displeased?" Tenten replied softly, her eyes watching his every movement. She was studying him as if he were an enemy, utilizing her ANBU training to analyze him. Something about his tone made her feel that he wasn't entirely disappointed with the thought of having a grandchild. That prospect made her hopeful.

"No," he whispered. The scene in front of him becoming blurry for the second time that day. He willed the silent tears to disappear. He could feel his kikkai humming excitedly as his heart swelled with pride.

Tenten smiled brilliantly, her features softening, "I am happy to hear that, Shibi!"

"There's something else," he replied calmly. It was more of a question than a statement.

Tenten blinked, realizing she was staring at him, a smile stupidly plastered to her face. "Oh! Yes," she remembered why she had approached the older man. "I need your help. Please!"

He sighed his understanding, "You wish for me to speak with my son?"

"I think that it's best if you talked to him first," she spoke quickly, her meaning evident.

Shibi comprehended the task-at-hand. He assumed that she would tell him about the pregnancy after Shibi had spoken to his son. Still, he wanted to make sure that was her intention. "What will happen after I speak with Shino?" he asked, his eyes narrowing behind his dark glasses.

Tenten could not see his suspicion, but she could hear it in the inflection of his voice. She turned her head slightly, "I will tell him about the child, of course."

"And?" he pressed. Surely she does not think that they could have a child out of wedlock?

"And..?" she echoed.

"The marriage." Shibi replied matter-of-factly. "My clan does not condone bastards, Tenten."

"Bastard?" she hissed. "This child is no bastard!" Her face grew red with anger.

"Ah, I see your ANBU training does you no justice when discussing your illegitimate offspring. If I am correct, you are trained to be emotionally unreadable," the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

Tenten blinked, her mouth hanging open. Is this some sort of joke? Is he toying with me? Her thoughts were a jumbled mess. She was almost positive that she had seen a hint of a smile only moments before. Now, however, his face was an unreadable slate. He was giving her a headache. How did her life turn upside down so quickly?

She sighed, "Just what is it that you want from me?"

Shibi was finally getting somewhere. with the weapons specialist. "You will marry my son," he replied simply.

She had a feeling he would resort to this option. "It's not that easy!" she growled. "You don't even know if that is what Shino would want," her stomach sank as she thought about her lover. What would he think about her carrying his child?

"Shino," Shibi chimed in as he thoughtfully rubbed his chin, "would not have engaged in such...acts if he had not been aware of the consequences."

Tenten's eyes widened in surprise, "You can't be saying--"

Shino raised his hand. "I am saying that it is not like an Aburame to become intimate with just anyone. Our attraction is not solely based on physical appearances, Tenten. Our kikkai must also agree to a suitable match. There are many requirements that must be met in order to take a mate." Smell, taste, feel...he would not list them to her. It would be too unnerving, he was sure.

"Y-you m-m-mean," she began to stammer, "that his intention from the beginning was to make me his wife?" She didn't care that her mouth was so rudely hanging open.

"I am merely saying," he replied calmly, "that we are very picky lot. As I said before, an Aburame does not choose just anyone with which to become intimate."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing! She had never really thought about marrying Shino. Ever. Sure, she was completely head-over-heels for the man, but it was just the beginning of their relationship! And, of course, it had to be complicated by pregnancy. They had practically been inseparable since that fateful mission, aside from a few missions here and there. Peace had fallen upon the land since the downfall of Akatsuki, so ANBU's assignments had been few and far between. The Hokage had been handing out vacations like they were candy.

Shibi was carefully watching Tenten's reaction. "Take that how you want to, Tenten."

She had the feeling he was observing her every movement. She stared back at his dark glasses. Her eyes fell over his pale chest. She could see faint markings littering his chalk-like skin. Perhaps they are remnants of where the kikkai release themselves from their host's skin? she quietly pondered to herself.

Had the kikkai really chosen me as a potential mate? she silently wondered. Shino and Tenten had been dating for approximately four months, give or take-- much too early to think about marriage and...forever-ness. Though, even after such a short period of time, she had never felt this attracted to anyone. Sure, she had harbored a crush for Hyuuga Neji for a few years' time, but that had dissipated by the time the two teammates had become jonin.

But, her relationship with Shino was nothing like her the one she had with Neji. She couldn't imagine her life without Neji, but more because of her sisterly-love for the Hyuuga heir. When she thought about it, even after only a short period of time, she found she could not imagine her life without Shino, either. But this...this...was because of something more. Something real. She genuinely cared about the Aburame. Was it possible she was in love with him?

But, was Shibi really going to force her into marrying Shino? No one can force you to do anything, she reminded herself. She did not want to upset the balance in the Aburame clan simply because the two younger shinobi had been careless in their actions. Maybe she could buy time. Maybe she could think about it. Did he want an answer right now?

Shibi was becoming impatient with Tenten's silence. He was more anxious by the thought that she was carrying his son's child. His grandchild. Each time he mulled over that thought, his stomach felt as if it was filled with butterflies. Even his kikkai hummed musically from under his skin. He had never imagined it possible to feel so elated about something so unexpected!

"Well, Tenten? Do you find my bargain agreeable?" he spoke slowly.

She blinked. "Huh? Oh. Agreement?" You sound like an idiot! He's going to think you're an ingrate—that you don't deserve to be taken into such a well-respected family!

He ignored her confusion. "I will talk to my son. I will tell him about his mother, as you have asked. I will not mention anything that you have confided in me. You have my word," he promised.

She understood the offer. "Then you have my word that I will think about all that you have said," she replied hesitantly.

"This is not a joke, Tenten. You would disgrace this family. Is that what you want?" His voice was abrupt.

She felt as if she had been slapped in the face. "N-no! It's not what I meant! I just....it's just a huge decision. And both Shino and I have to talk about it!" Her voice was becoming more shrill as she attempted to explain her feelings on the issue.

"It's not something to discuss," he explained. "It's something that must be done. Do you not love my son?" Tenten blushed furiously at his question. She could feel his eyes on her face as he awaited her answer. He raised an eyebrow in anticipation. "Well?"

"I...I...I don't know!" she yelped, her ears burning from the pointed question.

"I see," Shibi whispered.

"I don't even know how Shino feels about me!" she shot back, her eyes flashing their challenge.

Perhaps by allowing things to happen on their own accord, it will work out, he thought. "Remember what I said, Tenten." It was all he said before picking up his pen. He stared at her as he allowed the pen's tip to hover over the parchment.

Remember what I said.

She knew exactly what he was referring to, though she would not allow him to see her recognition. Instead, she nodded—her entire body feeling numb. This was a mess! It was her mess! No, hers and Shino's. Shit.

"Thank you, Aburame-sama," she bowed slightly as her feet carried her across the wooden floor. As she was about to exit, Shibi's voice interrupted her escape.

"Oh, Tenten?" his voice was much sweeter. Tenten cringed. She knew that whatever it was, it would not be good.

"Yes?" her voice was soft as she weakly replied.

"Pack anything you wish to take with you. What may that be? Necessities, clothing, anything you may need in the upcoming months."

"Excuse me?" she turned to look at him, confused by his cryptic speech.

"From this point on, you are carrying an Aburame. You will be under constant surveillance as well as weekly checkups. This is not negotiable. If, as you say, my family is not cursed, then this will merely be a precaution. But, I would prefer to be prepared," he explained. He quickly continued before Tenten could interrupt. "Years before Shino's birth, I had built a studio for Hotaru. I keep up with maintenance, and it is still habitable. I would advise that you stay there, for now. At least until I speak to Shino."

Tenten gripped the frame of the doorway, her knuckles turning white with fury. "Y-you are going to keep me prisoner?" she spat. Her voice wavered with her anger.

Shibi spoke calmly, his back to Tenten. "You are no prisoner, Tenten. If, after I speak to Shino, you decide that you wish to leave, then you are free to go. I rather think you will like this small space. It is quiet and has a respectable garden surrounding it." He looked up, his face illuminated by the dim candle light from his desk. Tenten could see the emotion on his face; he was fondly remembering Hotaru's joy during her time in the tiny house.

This time, when he spoke, his voice was much softer. "I'm merely trying to help, as you have asked. I would feel comfortable having you so close, in case anything were to..." he trailed off. He did not wish to finish his statement. He did not wish to jinx her pregnancy. He did not wish to revive the curse. If that was what it was.

Tenten resigned herself to defeat. She was in no mood to argue. He was right: she had asked for his help. The young woman nodded quietly, though she knew he could not see her tiny act of acceptance. "Fine," she muttered under her breath. "I will do as you request."

As quickly as she had run into his study and changed his life, she disappeared. Shibi smiled to himself as he was overcome by thoughts of his future days being filled with his grandchild's laughter.

Please be wrong, Shibi, he begged. Please be wrong!