Wow, over 30 reviews! Thank you so much for your kind words!!

I know that this pairing isn't everyone's cup of tea, so thank you for being so open-minded!

Unfortunately, there is some anonymous reviewer who has been flaming Tenten-Shino fics...

I just delete these idiotic comments, as they are just that--idiotic.

I have no problem with a flame (or more) as long as you have an account, and I can reply.

But this is just cowardly and immature. Get a life.

To those of you who are read this FF: thank you from the bottom of my heart :)

****

"He actually suggested that?" Sakura asked, turning to look at Tenten. It was as if even she couldn't believe that Shibi would suggest such a thing. She studied the brunette through green eyes as the newly pregnant kunoichi slouched on Sakura's couch.

"Yep," she replied, splaying her fingers and studying her nails. "Hey, Sakura, does pregnancy make your nails grow faster and stronger?"

"Um," Sakura replied, amused by her sudden inattention. She poured the hot liquid into the two cups before placing the tinkering china onto a tray that was already holding sugar cubes, honey, and lemon. She turned and carried the refreshments toward the living area.

"I guess it could," she smiled. "I didn't noticed that with Kushina."

Tenten shrugged. She squinted at her fingers. It was the first time she had ever seen the white edges of her nails. She dropped her hands to her sides, sitting up to accept the proffered teacup.

"Thanks," she sighed, inhaling the spicy aroma of the warm liquid. It made her mouth water.

"So, what are you going to do?" Sakura asked, her tone filled with concern. Tenten glanced at the pink-haired medic. She understood that Sakura was concerned about her daughter's godfather and his feelings. But, it was apparent to Tenten that Shino was not being exceedingly acceptable of her own feelings.

"I dunno," she sipped the liquid, burning her tongue. She set the tea back on the tray. "Hot," she mumbled, fanning her mouth with her hand.

"Sorry," Sakura's brow rose apologetically. "I meant to warn you."

Tenten slumped into the couch, closing her eyes. "I don't know what to do, Sakura! He basically stormed back after his conversation with Shibi and told me I had seven days to plan our wedding. A week! Our wedding! Did he ask if I even wanted to marry him? NO!" Shino's manner of speaking was beginning to rub off on her. She cringed at the realization.

Sakura smiled her understanding. "Did you try to talk to him? Tell him this?"

"I have. But he's practically indisposed. I leave messages with the hired help, but hear nothing. I even waited outside of his apartment. When he finally returned, he was short with me, telling me he was 'very busy'." She rolled her eyes. "I'm frustrated and tired of his attitude. It's already been a few days!"

"I see," the young Haruno murmured, staring past Tenten. Shino hadn't been over to see Kushina in the last few days, either. Perhaps he realized he was being unreasonable, and was concerned that Sakura would also chastise him. Perhaps he didn't want to be reprimanded. Perhaps he wanted to act like a child.

"I mean, marriage is a big deal. No---it's a huge deal! I wasn't even asked. I understand the implication that this," she gestured toward her non-existent belly, "has on his family's reputation. But, he could at least speak to me like an adult!" Her face was becoming redder as she spoke.

"I don't even know if I'm ready for marriage!" she threw her hands up into the air. "Hell, I don't even know if I'm ready to be a parent!"

Sakura could see the unbridled tears forming in her chestnut-colored eyes. The medic moved from her seat on the chair to one adjacent to Tenten. She placed a hand on Tenten's knee, sending invisible pulses of calming chakra into the young woman.

"I know," she whispered softly. "I wish I could tell you something, but I haven't seen him. I'm not sure why he's acting like this. It's actually quite unlike him—or what I would expect from him. But, it is a lot for someone to handle, especially after as much as he's been through."

Tenten nodded, her mouth upturned in a frown. A silent tear fell down her cheek; she reached up to wipe it away. Sakura continued. "Maybe if you try to see it from his point-of-view--"

"But he won't see it from mine!" she leaned her head back. "I have no one. My family has been dead since I was a child," she hissed vehemently, "he at least has his father. And now I'm going to have a baby! I need him to be supportive of this, but yet he won't talk to me. I didn't ask for this, Sakura! We both have equal responsibility in this creation. Unfortunately, it's my body that gets shot to hell carrying the thing."

Sakura giggled.

"What?" Tenten snapped, her eyes still shut. "You think it's funny that my own boyfriend—the father of my future child—is acting like a two-year-old? I sure as hell don't. I'm tempted to tell him what I think about him. Hell, I'd storm into the Aburame clan's meetings—in front of those old coots—and tell him exactly what I think. See what they do then!" A small smile began to form on her lips.

"That's probably not the best idea, Tenten," Sakura speculated.

"I suppose not," she sighed. "But what am I going to do? Do you think I should listen to Shibi's suggestion? Would it work?"

"I'm not sure," she shrugged, pushing a strand of pink hair from her face. "Perhaps it will work, I do not know Shino as well as Shibi. Maybe he's right." She was quiet for a few moments, softly chewing on her lip. "But, I believe in talking to the other person," she conceded after a few more moments of silence.

"So you're telling me you and Naruto were all chatty after he found out you were pregnant?" Tenten challenged through narrowed eyelids.

Sakura blushed. Of course everyone had seen Naruto moping around Konoha after his return—and subsequent realization that Sakura was pregnant. "No," she stared into her cup. The light danced off of the cloudy liquid. "That's why I'm telling you to talk to him. To not make the same mistake that I did."

"Hmph," Tenten grunted, grabbing her cup and gulping the sweet, lukewarm tea. She held the cup between her fingers, turning it slowly. "Sakura," she interrupted the comfortable silence.

"Hmm?"

"How long until I begin to...uh...show?" Tenten asked, her cheeks flushing pink.

"Show?" Sakura echoed, before her eyes widened in realization. "Oh!" Her eyes flew over Tenten's stomach—it was still flat as the day Sakura met her, years earlier.

"Usually at about ten weeks, the uterus—and baby—move above the pelvis girdle--" she began to explain.

"In real people's terms," Tenten smirked.

"Oh, yeah, sorry," Sakura grinned. "I'd say any time after ten weeks. Everyone is different."

"Hmph," came the reply. So anytime soon, Tenten thought to herself.

"So you should start seeing changes soon," Sakura replied softly, as if reading Tenten's mind.

"Great," she moaned. "Either way, marrying Shino won't change the fact that everyone will know that I was pregnant when we married!"

"So you do want to marry him!" Sakura pressed, glancing sideways at the visitor.

"Don't start!" she yelped in reply, turning her face away from Sakura. "Maybe I do," she admitted shrugging. "It may be nice to have a family."

Sakura nodded, she understood. Not personally, but through Naruto. He was an amazing father, immediately falling into his daily routine as a parent. It was surprising, considering he had grown up without parents of his own. Sakura felt a slight pang of sorrow for the young woman. She had a wedding to plan, too. At some point. Right now, she was still adjusting to her new life as a mother. And it didn't help that she wanted as much of her pre-baby body back before she donned any wedding attire.

"I'm sure he'll come around," Sakura responded, realizing that her hand was still on Tenten's knee. Perhaps she had overdone the relaxing impulse. Tenten had gone from angry to accepting of a marriage...command.

"Whatever you did....thanks," Tenten grumbled, nodding toward Sakura's hand. Sakura blushed, realizing her actions were so easily read.

"You're welcome," she mumbled. "I-I just wanted to help you relax—you know, for the baby."

"Sure, sure," Tenten replied. She looked around the tiny cottage. "Where's Naruto and Kushina?"

"Off visiting Tsunade and Jiraiya. Grandparents have duties, too!" Sakura smirked.

"So they are delegated as grandparents, are they? Do they know this?" Tenten mused. She knew that her self-chosen protege did not like to reveal her true age.

"Not at all," the medic answered innocently. "Not at all."

Tenten stood, returning the tiny gold-rimmed china to the bamboo tray. "Thanks for the talk, Sakura." She stretched her stiff muscles. She had spent the last two days training in the forest behind her tiny prison.

"Leaving already?" Sakura asked, surprised. She enjoyed the company. She knew that Tenten probably wanted to avoid Ino—who was on her way over to visit her best friend. Ino could, at times, ask all the wrong questions.

"Yeah, I have something I need to do."

"Made a decision already?" Sakura could tell that Tenten had indeed come to some sort of realization.

"You could say that," she yawned. "Expect me to be moving back into the village," she forewarned.

Sakura sighed, realizing Tenten's determination. "If you need anything, let me know." She may not entirely agree with the weapon master's decision, but she would support it either way. Besides, Shibi had to have some sort of reason for his suggestion to Tenten, right?

"Oh, Sakura?" Sakura's head shot up, as she realized that Tenten had said her name. "Would Ino be agreeable to planning a wedding....you know...if needed?"

Sakura looked at Tenten through narrowed eyes, what is she up to? She hadn't shared, entirely, what Shibi had discussed.....

"Sakura?"

"Oh! I'm sure she would!" Sakura confirmed.

Tenten stared thoughtfully. "Good. That is definitely not more forte." She shared a smile with Tenten. "Thanks again!" she waved as she disappeared through the doorway.

Sakura stared after her. "I hope she knows what she is doing," she whispered to herself, as she downed the rest of her tea. If not, then it's going to get ugly!


Shino was quietly chewing his mouthful of curry rice noodles. Shibi was doing the same, though his noodles were without the curry seasoning—unlike his son, he detested spicy foods.

"How—how is the wedding planning coming along?" Shibi asked, cutting through the thick silence at the table.

"I do not know. I left it for Tenten," Shino replied, monotonously.

Shibi studied his son. So he has still not spoken to her? "Maybe she would like help with such an important ceremony, my son."

Shino did not answer as he silently chewed his mid-afternoon meal. Shibi sighed, deciding to not push his only child. Shino had been friendly with his father, but Shibi knew that Tenten was not receiving the same kind of cordiality from the young bug-nin.

"Your kikkai tell me you are still upset," Shibi replied bravely. He watched Shino's fingers tighten around his chopsticks. The muscle in his jaw twitched.

"I am fine, Father."

"If you say so," Shibi shrugged. "I would at least hope you are speaking to Tenten. She deserves that much. She is carrying the future heir of this clan." He knew he was pushing Shino's buttons, but he was becoming increasingly annoyed at the young man's immature demeanor.

"What happens between me and Tenten does not concern you," he replied flatly. "She is busy planning our wedding."

"Oh, am I?" Tenten smiled sweetly as she quickly approached the table. Shibi watched Shino stiffen. So, he hadn't realized she had entered the dining room....

"Tenten," Shibi nodded.

"Good afternoon, Shibi," she replied, intentionally omitting the formality in her greeting.

"Shino," she smiled toward the young man. "We have things we need to discuss. I would like to talk to you."

"You may speak to me here," he replied calmly. Shibi could see the sweat beading on his forehead, and he was sure that—from the brief glance that Tenten sent his way—she did as well.

"Very well," she chirped. Shibi had to bite back a smile. He enjoyed the way she could be so cunning when necessary. It was, after all, her duty as kunoichi.

"We need to discuss the wedding," she offered, waiting for his response.

He did not look at her as he laid his chopsticks near his bowl of spicy noodles. "What would you like to discuss?" His tone betrayed nothing of his thoughts.

"Well, for starters, about how it's not going to occur," she responded, the smile still spread on her face as she held her hands behind her back.

Shino's face was still stony. "I'm sure you can handle anything that may—," his face suddenly furrowed in confusion as his head quickly turned in her direction, "what did you just say?"

"No wedding," she shrugged, her face becoming serious.

"Surely you can't mean that!" Shibi cut in.

"Like hell I can't!" she met the older Aburame's eyes. Shino's mouth had opened a few times, as if he were going to speak. Each time, no sound came out.

"I've decided that I do not wish to go through with such charades. Let's face it, Shino, you are only demanding marriage to save your family's good name. I understand that. But, I've done a lot of thinking these last few days, while you have been avoiding my requests at an audience...."

Oh, she's good, Shibi thought mischievously. Very good. He felt a slight pang of guilt for having a hand in this, but Shino deserved it for the way he had been acting toward his lover. Even Shibi would not conduct himself in such a manner.

"You are not serious," Shino replied, reaching for his chopsticks, his tone calm. Tenten's face briefly collapsed in exasperation, but she quickly recovered.

"I am not joking, I assure you," she inclined her head toward him. "I have thought a lot about what you had said..you know...before...." Shibi could see the sadness in her eyes as she spoke. He knew that it was not entirely an act, but rather, her own sympathy toward his son. He felt his heart soften for the young woman. "I've decided that, as you, I do not wish to have a child."

"Tenten, you are emotionally compromised--" Shino began. He returned his eating utensils to the tabletop—though a bit more forcefully than he had anticipated.

"Perhaps I am, but I have had a lot of time to think about what you have said. You are not ready to become a father, nor do you want a child. And, right now, neither do I. I have a career to tend to, and do not wish to ruin that. I have already spoken with the physician, and it is not too late for me to terminate the pregnancy." She shrugged, "So, I wanted to let you know my decision before I make it permanent."

Shino said nothing as he listened to her explanation. Tenten could not infer anything from his body posture. She could see the sweat beads on his face, but it told her nothing about his thought process. She had a strong urge to shake some sense into the young man. She clenched her fists behind her back, where he couldn't see. Shibi had remained silent the entire time.

"Are you sure?" the older man asked, his brow furrowed in concern. "Is this what you really want?"

"What I really want?" Tenten mused. "I don't think much consideration has been given to that." She shot a glance toward Shino. "Do you disagree with my decision?"

Part of her was screaming for him to tell her 'no'--for him to hug her and tell her that he was sorry. But, in true Shino form, he remained silent. Finally, he spoke. "If that is your decision, I will not argue. Why? Because you are capable of making your own decisions."

Damn him! Tenten thought furiously. She almost wanted to throw a kunai through his damn heart. How could he hurt her so much by saying so little?

"Fine, then it is done?" Tenten replied, her voice thick.

Shibi looked at Shino. "Are you sure about this, Shino? Your own child?"

"I cannot argue with her, Father. If it is what she wants, who am I to tell her anything otherwise?"

"It is your life," Shibi caved, glancing at Tenten. She nodded quickly.

"I will be moving back to the village. I appreciate your hospitality, Shibi-sama. You have been very understanding. I hope that I may visit you from time to time...." Even with the inference of the end of their relationship, Shino's pride would not budge.

"I am very sorry for the inconvenience I have caused this family," she finished. As quickly as she said it, she turned on heel and exited the room. Shibi studied his son: Shino was sitting very still, his face betraying nothing.

"I hope you are happy with her decision," Shibi told his son. "It is not too late to go after her," he replied as he pushed himself from the pillow."I am going to take a nap."

Shino was left alone in the tiny room; his face still holding its stony resolution. The only indication that he felt anything was the tremor in his hand as he attempted to continue his meal.