"Dreams that do come true can be as unsettling as those that don't"
-Brett Butler, Knee Deep In Paradise
***
"You'll be aiding Kumogakure in disbanding the militia of troublemakers," Ibiki's gruff voice echoed through the tiny meeting room. There were only three ANBU members seated in the frighteningly small, enclosed space: Ibiki, Tenten and Neji. Ibiki's stony eyes fell on her, "Tenten, I've chosen you, specifically, for this mission. The Cloud ninja are renown for their excellent swordsmanship as well as their lethal hand-to-hand combat. This is your area of expertise. I—no--we need you to quickly quash this small uprising."
"I understand," Tenten respectfully bowed her head. The mask dangled down her back as her single, dark braid glistened under the dim light.
"But, perhaps it's best to use other types of jutsu against these rogues?" Neji spoke up, quickly interrupting the briefing. "Wouldn't it be best to use something out of their comfort zone?"
"Neji, they hail from the Land of Lightning, so they most likely have some skill in other types of jutsu. Besides, are you saying I should use more close-range combat--as opposed to something more long-distance? Like telling me to use taijutsu instead of ninjutsu under these circumstances. It seems to me," he cleared his throat, "that you are recommending I put you in more danger, as opposed to less."
"N-no," Neji stammered, "I'm just saying that..er, maybe we could send someone else, instead of a weapons specialist. What if they expect her?" He was reaching for any explanation. Tenten was practically on edge, waiting for him to scream out that she was pregnant or that she should not be sent on this mission. Either way, she was ready to break his legs. She needed this mission!
Ibiki studied the Hyuuga for some time before continuing, "I'm not sending Tenten alone, if that is what you are concerned about. You are also drafted. As well as a handful of others. You two work well together." He looked from one to the other, "and I have no doubt you will finish this. Quickly. But I want someone who's extremely skilled in long-distance combat. Fight fire with fire, as I say."
Tenten nodded, casting a warning glance at Neji. She wanted this mission, staying in Konoha was torture. Don't you dare ruin this for me! she silently screamed at him. He avoided her gaze.
"But--," he began to protest.
"Do you have something against Tenten's abilities? Would you prefer I send someone in your stead? I don't have to send you, you know. The handful of recruits that I am sending will create a nice, well-rounded infantry. Tenten will be crucial to this mission, as well as the safest," he cast a dark glare at Neji, challenging the clan heir to rebuke his explanation. "I'm going to send Tenten, regardless," Ibiki crossed his arms over his chest, his decision was final. "With or without you."
Tenten felt a daughterly sense of pride toward the head of ANBU. He was a ruthless leader and warrior, but part of him truly did look after the young kunoichi. She almost wanted to punch Neji for his over-protectiveness. It was starting to get on her last nerve--the same nerve that had been so raw these past few weeks. Especially the part where Neji escorted her everywhere she went. Everywhere! It was times like these that she wished she could remember how to convincingly use a shadow clone. Neji hadn't attempted anything like what had happened during their encounter two weeks earlier. But, his mother henning was beginning to grow with each passing week
Tenten was beginning to show more and more, and soon, she wouldn't be able to hide her pregnancy from Ibiki. Right now, her flak jacket was still bulky enough that she did not have to admit to her weight gain. But how long would that last?
"R-right! I will not speak of the matter again!" Neji lowered his head in defeat. He knew he had been bested.
"Good idea, Hyuuga!" Ibiki barked. "You two are dismissed." Neji hurriedly strode past Tenten, beating her to the doorway.
Tenten took her turn to leave, but her commander interrupted her departure. "Tenten, you wait a second."
Tenten looked at Neji, who avoided her gaze as he disappeared down the long corridor. Had he told him? she silently wondered. If so, Konoha would suffer a loss of a great shinobi tonight....
"Tsunade spoke to me earlier this week. It appears that you will only be working for few more weeks," he didn't take his eyes from Tenten's as he spoke. "She warned me that you may try to take missions after that point, so she made it clear that I do not dispatch you after a particular date."
Tenten sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She should have known that the Hokage would suspect the young kunoichi would work past her twenty weeks of pregnancy. "Yes, sir."
"I don't know why that is, as I'm a stupid man," he closed his eyes, a slight smile on his face. "I'll give you four weeks past that, no questions asked. Since I have no idea as to why you can't work past that date."
Tenten gaped at the ruthless leader of ANBU. Could he really be saying this? To her? A direct violation of orders...and from the Fifth? Tenten covered her mouth to suppress her smile.
"Hai!" she bowed.
"Oh, and Tenten...you may want to buy something...er, less constricting if you want me to completely turn a blind eye."
Tenten's eyes widened in surprise, as her head shot up to look at her leader. He returned her stare with stony indifference. There was no longer a hint of a smile on his face, and his scars told her of his wretched past. No wonder he had made it to Commander! she thought to herself. He truly was a skilled actor!
"Thank you, Ibiki-sensei!" she spun on heel, quickly exiting the room, her face burning from her senpai's confession.
Ibiki watched her leave. She was to take over ANBU after he retired, but it looked like that would most likely not happen. He hadn't suggested the prospect to her, and was even more against the idea now that she was with child. Of course Tsunade and Tenten hadn't hinted to it, but Ibiki was skilled in the art of observation--despite his often rough appearances. Besides, Tenten's habit of resting her hand on her abdomen was becoming quite noticeable.
Ibiki smiled at the thought of Tenten as a mother. She would be a fantastic parent. It was too bad her pregnancy would ruin her rise to the top of ANBU. Unless....
He pushed the thought aside. He was in no mood for taking a political stance. It was difficult for a woman to remain in ANBU, especially once she started a family. The toll wasn't so great on men, which set the two genders apart.
But, you could recommend her as a puppet leader! He knew she would not accept ruling without taking part in ANBU-assigned missions. But, she would have other, maternal duties to attend to, and it would take the load off of her as a the leader of ANBU. He pondered the thought of changing the rules and regulations behind Commandership. He didn't particularly want to leave his legacy to Neji—despite the young heir's natural talent. It would become a monopoly to give the future Hyuuga Clan leader complete control of ANBUl. He knew all too much what happened to the Uchiha Clan when their grips penetrated other powerful government branches. Though, he suspected, the Hyuuga Clan was much less power hungry than the extinct family.
"Eh, I'll worry about this later," he groaned to himself. There was still time yet. He would do all that he could to support Tenten's rise as a kunoichi. He would be damned if he'd let a gender barrier prevent something like that for her. She was more dedicated than most shinobi he knew.
He sighed as he thought about the paperwork that was awaiting him in his office. Perhaps he would see if Anko wanted to have lunch with him. She was the only person he knew who shared his love for dango.
Maybe today wasn't looking so bad after all...
*****
*****
Neji was waiting for Tenten when she exited the ANBU quarters, the half-smile still plastered on her face. He raised his eyebrows expectantly.
"Tsunade!" she jerked her head to indicated the previous conversation. She didn't need to say anything more, Neji would understand the context. She didn't, technically, need to tell him anything of what they had just spoken of, but she felt like she owed the dark-haired man some sort of apology for suspecting that he had ratted on her.
"So, he's discontinuing your duties within four weeks' time?" Neji murmured.
"Not at all!" she beamed from ear to ear. "In fact, he's giving me an extra four weeks!"
Neji's eyes momentarily widened. "Is that wise, Tenten?"
"I don't give one spit one way or the other," she continued to grin, despite his obvious disapproval. "Though he did say they would be lighter assignments."
"Well, at least someone is giving you some sort of boundary," he replied triumphantly.
"Hey!" she barked. "I hate being treated like a prisoner—as if I'm disabled or something!"
"Pregnancy is difficult on the body. Just wait," he warned her as they walked side-by-side.
"What are you, some sort of expert now?" she asked, confused by his sudden knowledge of pregnancy.
"I've been reading about it," he confirmed, his face flushing pink. It was her turn to stare, as she was definitely incredulous at his admission. "Stop staring," he hissed.
Tenten was flattered that he was taking an active role in her pregnancy. Though part of her felt the loss of a particular man who should be taking that role. Quit it! Shino doesn't know, so he hasn't been given a fair chance! she told herself. True...but you could change that...
She shook the thoughts from her head, enjoying the momentary company of her best friend. Though some part of her couldn't help but feel like Neji was holding onto some hope that she would forget the Aburame, and perhaps allow him to fill that void.
She patted Neji on the arm. "Thank you, Neji," she replied softly. "I-I appreciate all that you have done. You'll be a good father someday."
He met her gaze, his lavender eyes were unreadable. He nodded, before offering her a weak smile. Her stomach growled, as if on cue.
"Lunch?" he asked, his own stomach growling in response.
"I'm famished!" she was glad for the company--and change of subject. She had a few things to get in order before they left in the morning. "After that, I'll go to see Sakura."
She linked her arm in his, elated that she had a mission ahead of her. They strolled toward the tiny restaurant, as she happily chattered away. Something caught Tenten's attention from the corner of her eye. A blur of fabric. Shino! She turned toward the swift movement, realizing he was closer than she had anticipated.
"Erm, Shino?" her voice was shaky.
He turned his hooded head toward her and her companion, stiffly looking over them. From the angle of his head, she knew he was analyzing the position of their arms. She quickly unlinked her arm from Neji's, placing both of her hands behind her back. The reaction was not missed by either men.
"Tenten. Neji," he murmured, nodding respectfully toward both of them.
"Shino," Neji nodded, his voice curt.
"What are you doing around here?" Tenten attempted to make light conversation.
Shino answered by holding up the brown bag. "Lunch," he answered simply.
"Oh," Tenten said, deflated. Stupid question! Try again!
Before she could muster the courage to carry on a conversation with her former lover, he spoke. "I should continue on. Why? There is a meeting I have to attend in my father's stead," he quickly explained. His voice was hoarse, as if he was holding back. Was he angry? she wondered.
"Oh, yes! You should get going!" Tenten replied, feeling more stupid with each word that left her mouth. "Have a good day!"
"The same to you. Both of you," he replied softly before striding past them and disappearing in a blur of gray.
Neji watched Tenten stare at where Shino had stood only seconds before. She chewed her bottom lip, her eyes filled with pain as she absentmindedly set her hand on her abdomen. Neji felt his heart break into a tiny million pieces. He didn't like to see his former teammate upset. Not over this poor excuse for a man. He felt his own rage boiling as he forcefully pushed open the door to the restaurant, looking at her expectantly.
When she did not move, he finally spoke, "Tenten?"
She looked at him, her eyes watery with emotion. "I-I'm not hungry, Neji. I'm sorry," she spoke softly, offering him a weak smile. "I think I need to lie down." And, as quickly as Shino had disappeared, Tenten followed suit.
Neji was left to eat his lunch alone. And angry.
*****
*****
Tenten awoke from her nap, feeling more rested than she had expected. She decided she would visit Naruto, Sakura and Kushina before she left on her mission. It would definitely cheer her up to see her friends.
Perhaps I'll change out of these clothes for once, she thought to herself, as she perused her closet. She chose a plain yellow dress. It had been one that Ino had bought for her months ago. It had been too large at the time, prompting Ino into a fit of hysterics, as she had tried on the dress to determine the proper size for Tenten. Finding that she was larger than Tenten was an insult, and Ino did not take insults well.
Tenten slipped the fabric over her shoulders, finding the dress to be insanely light and wispy. It provided her more room over her abdomen, as the empire waist was now fashionable in Konoha. She placed a pair of thick tights over her legs, complete with her favorite pair of boots. She had been having fits of hot flashes all morning, so she left the front of her lightweight jacked unbuttoned as she headed to see her friends.
She followed the path to the quaint cabin, and, as she approached, she saw Sakura sitting on a chair as Kushina was pushed in her infant swing by a visitor. She felt her heart jump into her throat as she realized it was Shino!
Sakura spotted Tenten coming down the path, and waved at her friend, "Tenten! What a surprise!" She was smiling too broadly for Tenten's liking.
Tenten saw Shino stiffen at the mention of her name. She could feel her own heart quicken at his response. She timidly approached, pulling at the hem of the dress.
"You look cute!" Sakura beamed. "Your birthday dress," she narrowed her eyes, "Wasn't that a little loose on you before?"
Shut up, Sakura! Tenten hissed in her head. "Eh, I don't remember," she waved her hand dismissively. She could sense Shino's eyes on her, and her ears began to burn. She refused to look at him.
"Hello Tenten," he replied monotonously.
"Oh, hi, Shino," she nodded in his direction, her tone much cooler than earlier.
Sakura wrung her hands, thinking furiously. "So, um, you two want any tea?"
"No. I'm going to take my leave now," Shino stood, his posture betraying nothing of his thoughts or emotions.
Damned man! Tenten thought to herself. So unreadable! She tried to think of something to say—something to keep him there, even if for a minute. She could tell Sakura was doing the same. "Are you sure? Kushina loves visitors.."
"Thank you, Sakura," Shino replied calmly, "But I think it's best that I go." Tenten felt her stomach sink as she realized that she was most likely the reason or his departure. She hadn't realized that he was still watching her.
"What?" she snapped, her tone more angry than she had anticipated. She quickly smoothed her hair, as she tried to think of something--anything--to say to him!
"It was good to see you, Tenten," he spoke quickly, looking around as if something was missing. "Where is Neji?"
She was put off by his question. Why was he suddenly interested in Neji's whereabouts? Did it bother him that Neji was constantly by her side? Part of her wanted to revel in this newfound realization.
She batted her lashes, smiling innocently, "Why do you ask?"
He shrugged, "Why do I ask? I haven't seen one without the other, I assumed he would escort you. That is all." She could see the tiny muscle in his jaw twitch. It was the only sign that he wasn't being entirely honest. Is that really all? she cunningly wondered.
"Oh," the pregnant kunoichi replied sweetly. "I don't know..."
"Give him my regards, when you do see him," his tone was strained, and Tenten looked at him more closely. He looked more gaunt than she remembered--as if he had shed some weight.
"Are you ok? You look ill, Shino," she said, reaching out for his arm as he walked past her. He looked down at her hand, staring at it for a moment. Tenten quickly withdrew it, blushing furiously. Her hand burned from the contact between them, and her heart fluttered as she remembered how he felt beneath the heavy jacket. She could still see every scar from his kikkai.
"I am fine," he said softly. He turned to look at Sakura, "Thanks again, Sakura. I'll come to visit early next week."
"Goodbye!" Sakura waved as he quickly darted down the path.
"What was that about?" Tenten asked, more to herself.
"I don't know..." she, too, stared after him. "I had been meaning to tell you that he had been asking me—in terms that I'm sure he thought were subtle—about both you and Neji," Sakura said thoughtfully. Her green eyes focusing on Tenten, "Any reason why he would be concerned by that? Or any reason why I should be concerned about his questions?"
Tenten blushed, as she shook her head, "No idea." Her voice wavered, as she turned her teary eyes to stare after him for the second time that day.
*****
*****
"Master Shino, you have a visitor."
Shino raised his eyes from the book he was reading. Visitor? At this time at night? "Let them in," he commanded.
"As you wish," came the reply.
The paper screen slid open as the uninvited guest entered Shino's study.
"Neji."
"Shino."
Both men stood in awkward silence. Shino could feel his own anger piquing. He didn't understand why the innocent stranger made him feel so...full of rage. He couldn't help the crude words as the slipped past his lips.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? Do you wish to gloat?"
Neji stared at him, his lavender eyes betraying nothing. "Gloat?" he murmured. "About what?"
"You tell me," Shino replied cryptically.
"I have no idea what you are insinuating, Shino," Neji replied calmly. "But I will not be goaded. I came here specifically to request something from you."
"A request? From me?" Shino raised his eyebrows in surprise. This was not what he had expected from Neji's late-night visit.
The Hyuuga instantly dropped to his knees. "I want you to talk Tenten out of leaving for tomorrow's mission," his voice was strained.
Tenten was leaving on a mission? He quickly fought down the hope that had floated up within him. "Hmph!" Shino replied. "As if I'd do such a thing. What a ridiculous request. She is a grown woman, is she not?"
Neji bowed his head, slamming both fists on the floor. "I'm begging you!" he barked, finally showing some spark of emotion.
Shino's interest was now definitely involved. "Begging me? For what reason?"
"Because you love her! And...s-she loves you—maybe that's enough that she'll listen to you!" Neji met Shino's stare as he fought the words to leave his mouth.
"Loves me?" Shino echoed, caught off-guard by Neji's words.
"Are you really this dense? I expected you to be an ass, but not to be this stupid!" Neji spat. "You do not deserve her, yet here I am, begging you to do something!"
"I don't understand," Shino tried to regain his composure. He suddenly felt incredibly...oblivious.
"I've spent enough time with her to know that she still cares for you, Aburame!" he was clenching and unclenching his fists as he explained himself. "But, I fear for this upcoming mission. For both her life and for.." he trailed off.
"I still do not understand," the bug-nin furrowed his brow in frustration. Should he tell Neji about what he saw that night, weeks ago?
"I had a dream, about three swans in pond. Suddenly a black crow swooped down, taking two away. One remained," his lavender eyes were turning more of a milky white as he pleaded. When Shino did not reply, he continued,"It's an omen, Shino! An omen about death! I've had a foreboding feeling about this mission ever since I dreamt that!"
Shino held very little belief in dreams. They were always so ambiguous—and could be made to apply to every and any aspect of life, if stretched enough. "It was just a dream. It does not concern me," he shrugged.
"Two people will die, Aburame. Two!" he was breathing heavily.
"Two? I do not understand your perceived meaning behind this dream," he replied simply. He could see the fear in Neji's eyes. His own pulse began to quicken, as he could feel the rage and desperation emanating from the Hyuuga. His own kikkai began to stir with interest. It had been weeks since they had been this restless.
"I had a similar dream around the time of my father's death," he confessed, his tone full of defeat. "It....it will be fulfilled. There is no other explanation."
"But two?" Shino was failing to see the significance in this dream. The Aburame felt for the Hyuuga. It must not have been easy to come to Shino with all of his faith put into a brief dream. But..it just seemed so...insignificant!
"Tenten and--" Neji stopped himself before he finished the explanation. He had almost broken her confidence.
Shino's head shot up as he realized what Neji was inferring. "You can't mean—it's not possible! She told me.."
"I have said nothing," Neji spoke quickly. "I am only asking for your help. As someone who is close to Tenten." He watched Shino carefully. "I do not think you deserve her. I truly don't. But, she loves you. No, I think she deserves someone who will be with her, always. Someone like--"
"You?" Shino finished his statement. Amusement was written all over his face.
Neji dropped his head in defeat, "If that was what she wanted, then yes. But it's not!" His eyes burned into Shino's, as he furiously glared at the Aburame heir. "She does not feel that way about me. Only about you!" His tone was filled with sorrow and regret as he stood quickly, bowing his respects. "I'm sorry to interrupt your reading. I have merely asked for a favor, as two men with a common interest. I hope you heed my warning, Aburame."
Shino could only nod as the Hyuuga swiftly exited the mansion. He didn't know how long he had been sitting there; his own mind swirling with thoughts and possibilities. A family. His family! It was still possible. Happiness was still within his reach. He felt angry at his own stupid reluctance to talk to Tenten, to confess how he felt. It was his pride that caused him to build a wall, shielding him from the one person who had always believed in him....
So Tenten was pregnant! She hadn't aborted the pregnancy! He suddenly felt as if his heart was going to burst. The signs had been there, yet he had been so blind! His father's hints. The dress. In the months he had known Tenten, she had never worn a dress. Sakura had hinted at the change in her size, as well. He smiled, knowingly, thanks Sakura, you tried!
But, did he think that Neji's dream would come true? Did he honestly believe what the Hyuuga had confessed to him? How would he broach the subject with Tenten? He had so many unanswered questions—what would he do?
It all came down to whether he was willing to risk losing Tenten. Again.
It was that answer that drove him out into the chilly night.
*****
And it gets good (rubs hands evilly).
And the Action will Ensue!
Thanks to all the readers and reviewers! ^--^