His feet had quickly carried him, putting him at her apartment in a matter of minutes. He stood, silently, outside her door, breathing heavily from the exercise. He made a mental note to keep up with his morning training, as it seemed a few weeks' of neglect had made him slightly worse for wear. Shino knew that his lack of diligence in his training was due to his recent, more sullen behavior.

He had known, when they parted from her temporary abode on the Aburame compound, that the relationship had completed its course--not that he agreed with the notion. He did not argue or fight for it, despite his heart screaming bloody murder for him to do. Instead, he allowed her to walk away as his kikkai hummed a sorrowful melody. Breakups occurred constantly, and who were they to be any different from other couples? His heart would heal, and he would move on--or so he thought. What he hadn't anticipated was to feel so dull and lifeless without her. They had only been dating a short time, yet he couldn't help feeling like part of him had died as she walked out of his life.

But, Shino hadn't expected their lives to take that sort of turn, either. No, he never expected the possibility of becoming a father—or even considering becoming a father! He had always just accepted that he would be the freak bug ninja that everyone whispered about, but rarely wanted to befriend. He was grateful for his old teammates. Hinata and Kiba had been wonderful companions these past number of years. Even after Team Eight went their own separate ways, the three still found time to see each other. Though, as of late, Kiba and Hinata spent more time with one another, often excluding the third teammate. Despite being hurt at first, he knew it was not intentional on their behalf. He understood this even more after he had begun seeing Tenten on a regular basis. He finally understood the selfish thrill of something new and shiny in his life.

These past handful of months had been wonderful and, yet, painful for his emotional well-being. He had been given the chance to know what it felt like to be wanted—to be loved, unconditionally. Tenten never confessed her love, outright, but he could feel it, and that meant more to him than he could ever tell her.

He suddenly felt nostalgic. This was the exact same feeling that had overwhelmed him when he asked her out for the first time. He smiled as he remembered how nervous he was when he had approached her.

***

"Tenten," he bowed as she was coming from the practice fields with Neji in tow. It became obvious that Shino had wished to speak to Tenten alone, and she nodded for her former teammate to go ahead without her. Shino could sense Neji's hesitance to leave her with the bug-nin.

"It's alright, Neji," she had spoken to her friend, most likely hoping that her verbal prompting would be more encouraging. "I'll catch up with you later."

She wiped her brow with the towel, slightly disappointed that Shino had caught her at such a disadvantage, he supposed by the way she tried to smooth her hair from her face. "S-Shino! I haven't seen you since--" she began to chatter away nervously. He found it endearing.

"Since the mission? Yes, indeed that was the last time we were in each other's company." He studied her as he pushed his dark glasses up the bridge of his nose. He saw her glance around, still slightly unnerved by his constant eye protection, no doubt. She wrung her hands.

A rare half-smile formed on his face, and he saw her brows raise in observation. She was often as reserved as he, and he relished her drop in defenses in his company. Maybe it was the sudden news that he would be a godfather to Naruto's child. Or maybe it was Sakura's kind words. Either way, the confidence he needed urged him forward.

"Would you like to meet for dinner sometime this week? Why? Because I would like to get to know you better," he began to explain in his usual manner of speech. He knew that some people were put off by his odd speaking habits, but she was not one of them. His hands were shaking slightly from the realization that he had just asked the beautiful and gifted kunoichi to dinner. A date, no less! And she could refuse...

"Sure," she replied softly. He tried to remain calm, his kikkai silently celebrating for him.

"If you will, please inform me of what night works best for you. I am free on most nights," he began.

"Tonight."

"Excuse me?" his eyebrows rose out of shock. He hadn't been sure he had heard her correctly.

A slight flush crossed her cheeks and the bridge of her nose as she glanced at the ground. She raised her warm chocolate eyes to his, softly repeating herself. "Tonight is fine."

"Tonight," he echoed carefully, as if concerned she would change her mind. When there was no indication he had misheard--or she had misspoken. He confirmed it, "Tonight it is."

"Seven. My place. We can go out from there," she smiled, a rare and beautiful thing for Tenten. Shino knew he was witnessing true beauty in its oft-concealed form. She was in ANBU—she was emotionless and ruthless. She was deadly. And now, she was his date.

Shino risked an awkward smile of his own, "I feel like you are ordering me to your place."

Tenten's face suddenly became serious, all emotion wiped from the pale slate. "Are you not agreeable with what I have suggested, Shino?"

"It is fine," he smiled, flattered by her concern that he may be put off by her command.

She walked past him, the smell of ginger and tea leaves wafting around him, he could faintly smell the sweat on her skin. He felt his stomach flutter with the realization that he would be spending his evening with her! His first real date!

"I look forward to seeing you," she casually called over her shoulder. "Later." It was a promise.

Shino watched her walk away, confidence in each step. He knew, then, that he would lover her.

***

Turned out, he was right. Weeks of no contact couldn't stop his heart from aching. He was unable to push her face from his thoughts. He could still smell her on his clothes—even after they had been laundered. The random, long chestnut-colored hairs that he would find in his jacket always made him smile—as if it were a reminder of how lucky he truly was. And right now, he was going to repay her for her sacrifice. He would get down on one knee and beg her to alleviate his torture. His pain. He would win her back.

He raised a hand, finding himself shaking terribly. He closed his eyes and tried to even his breathing. His mouth was dry. It will be alright. You will be alright. This is where you are supposed to be, he silently told himself.

He knocked, lightly at first, waiting anxiously for her to answer his call. When she didn't respond, he knocked again, louder this time. More forceful. No answer. After a few minutes of the vicious cycle, he heard the landlord unlatched their door. She peeked her withered face out of the doorway, focusing her fading gray eyes on Shino's face. She blinked a few times, realizing who was at her tenant's door at such an hour.

"Oh. It's you," she mumbled groggily.

"I'm sorry to wake you," he bowed.

"Haven't seen you in awhile," she muttered under her breath, tsking at the hour. "You do realize the time, don't you, boy?"

"I do, and again, my apologies. But I need to speak with Tenten," he answered calmly.

"Well, sonny, you're too late. She left an hour or two ago. She dropped off the rent payment before she left," the old woman explained. "So you're too late." She stepped back, slamming the door behind her.

Shino was left outside of Tenten's empty apartment, as the landlady's words slapped him in the face: too late!

He flashed his way from her apartment, hoping that his next stop would prove to be more fruitful. There was no use dwelling on an old landlady's words, after all. Not if he could help it.

*****

*****

"Can't help you, boy!" Ibiki growled as he leaned on the door frame.

"I realize that you cannot tell me specifics," he nodded his understanding, "but I need to speak with her. Even if you just give me a location."

"Look, I understand what you are trying to do. It's touching, really," he carefully studied the young Aburame. He had a feeling that this was the man responsible for Tenten's current condition and ever-so-impending leave of absence. He had always thought that the young woman would end up with the Hyuuga heir—even after he had joined ANBU just to be at her side. Maybe he was wrong about Tenten's taste in men, but who was he to judge? He was pushing middle age, and had yet to settle down. Though he had a feeling that his physical appearance had more to do with that...

"Can't this wait until she returns? She can't use any sort of distraction right now. She's the foundation of this mission, you know." Of course he didn't know, but Ibiki wanted to get his point across without having to become irate. What was it with these damned, young shinobi thinking they could waltz right into ANBU Headquarters and demand information, or prisoners? The latter was Naruto's case. Damn, he still had to pay that little bastard back for that stunt! The blonde girl--Inoichi's daughter--as well.

"It can," he admitted, "but it is for my own, selfish reasons that I cannot wait." He remained tall, staring at Ibiki. The older man felt a slight paranoia—he always hated the Aburame's funny habit of keeping their eyes covered, even at night. It was as if they had some weird deformity and needed to hide their eyes.

"You could ask the Hokage," Ibiki offered, "but, she'll tell you the same, Aburame."

"I assume she will," he conceded.

"Besides, you don't want to go wandering into the mansion this soon before dawn," he nodded at the sky. Wisps of dark purple and blue were creeping over the horizon.

Damn, Shino thought to himself, I took longer than I thought to reach Tenten's apartment. He had lost track of time after Neji left the Aburame compound. He supposed he needed the time to push himself to seek out his former lover, to overcome his selfish pride.

"I'm sorry, I can't help you," Ibiki yawned. "I got more important things to worry about. Like the safety of my team. Not some young upstart that can't get his feelings in order!"

Shino felt his face flush pink, abashed at how well Ibiki could read his current situation. He knew of Ibiki's legacy, and was deeply impressed by the man's intuition. "I-I understand, Ibiki-sama!" he bowed before turning to retreat into the early dawn.

"You got those bugs, don't ya?" he heard the older man growl.

Shino nodded, unsure of what he was insinuating. Ibiki shrugged, the scars on his face remaining as still as the emotion on the man's face. "Just don't mess up my team's mission. Or it's your head," his expressed cryptically.

Shino stood in awed silence as the door slammed, echoing into the stillness of the early morning. He smiled grimly, as he tried to piece together the puzzle Ibiki had left him.

*****

*****

The dawn began to peek through the treetops as he sped along the familiar path to Naruto and Sakura's place. He could see a faint glow from the window, and he knew that Sakura, at least, was awake. He hated to do this, but it was something he felt was necessary. The two jonin had become a permanent part of his life these past six months, and he trusted them with his entire being. It was difficult to let someone in, especially for Aburame Shino. They were the only two he truly trusted with the information of what he was about to do. Where he was about to go.

He rapped, lightly, on the door. He could see the shadows cast by someone walking toward him. He heard the latch lift, as Sakura swiftly pulled the door open. She was wearing a soft, green robe, and holding a swaddled Kushina in her arms. The tiny baby's head was covered in patches of light red hair. She was contentedly resting in her mothers arms. Shino stood, stiffly, as Sakura carefully looked over him with weary eyes.

He watched as her eyes became rounder, and recognition sprang into her features. "You know!" she gasped.

It took him a minute to understand her words. A grim smile spread across his face, "I do. I suppose you also were aware of Tenten's condition." He felt slightly betrayed by that thought.

"Medical knowledge, especially regarding patients, is not something I could share with you," she met his gaze. "I am sorry, Shino."

"I understand, and do not hold any hard feelings toward you," he nodded. "I'm merely here to give you something."

"Give me something? What's going on?" she asked, shifting the child to her other arm. Kushina began to grumble her disapproval in a way only an infant could.

Shino handed the thin envelope to her, his own seal marking it in red wax. Sakura took the tiny paper parcel between her fingers, turning it carefully. "A...letter?" she looked at Shino, confusion in her eyes. She awaited his explanation.

"I need you to give it to Tenten," he replied calmly, "in case anything were to...happen."

"What's that supposed to mean?" her brow crinkled in concern, her voice was becoming louder. Kushina mewled her distaste at her interrupted slumber.

"I, too, can keep secrets, Sakura," Shino smiled softly, eyeing the tiny infant. "I'm just concerned, that is all," he offered cryptically.

"You're leaving," she tsked, immediately understanding the change in his chakra pattern. She was a medic, and she could read subtle hints in the body's ambience. She narrowed her eyes, as she gripped the door, "Let me get Naruto--"

"That will not be necessary," Shino interrupted. "Why? Because I will be taking Kiba with me."

Sakura eyed him suspiciously. "Naruto would be more than happy--"

"I'm sure he would, he is a good man. But, right now, he has more important things to worry over," he nodded toward the tiny, swaddled package in Sakura's arms. Sakura followed his gaze, pulling the warm, needing body toward her own.

"I'm still worried, Shino," her voice quavered.

"Do not worry for me, Sakura," his tone was resilient as he spoke. "I will be fine." He couldn't take his eyes from the small infant in his friend's arms. "Could I ask one more thing of you?" he looked up, his brows swooping down behind his glasses.

"Anything," Sakura whispered.

"Can...can I hold Kushina?" he murmured.

Sakura's eyes widened in shock. He had never asked such a question before! It was true that he had yet to hold the young infant, and Sakura had conjectured her own theories of that issue. Perhaps he was afraid he would drop her, perhaps he disliked children, or perhaps he was afraid he would want a child of his own. She never pushed the notion, accepting Shino's more distant approach to godfather-hood.

"Of course," she smiled warmly, as she lifted the infant from her arms. "Make sure to support the back of her head," she instructed. "Her neck is still a bit weak."

Shino took Kushina with shaky hands, his own uncertainty written on his face. He was silent as he stood, holding the tiny human away from his body.

"Go ahead, pull her toward you, she's not going to electrocute you, you know," Sakura encouraged. "She's just a baby, Shino." The corners of Sakura's mouth twitched at she spoke. Shino suspected she was making fun of him.

Regardless, he did as he was instructed, coddling the infant to his breast. He could feel the warmth of her tiny body against his. His kikkiachu stirred from the addition of chakra to his being. Shino studied the baby's tiny features. She opened her bright eyes, slowly focusing on his face. A small, toothless smile lit up her chubby cheeks as she cooed softly. Her eyes closed, and she snuggled her head into him—or so he imagined. He used the crook of his arm to support her, taking his other finger and stroking the soft skin of her cheek. He had never really seen her before, and his heart ached from that knowledge. Women always spoke about how beautiful babys are, and he had never understood why such a tiny human could elicit such a maternal response. Until now.

He gasped as the tiny fingers, with their equally small nails, closed around his finger. She continued to make noises as she dropped her hand to her side, pulling Shino's finger with it. He couldn't take his eyes from her face. A sudden realization washed over him, and emotions he had long since buried were brought to the surface.

"It's kind of amazing, isn't it?" Sakura softly spoke, watching the interaction with interest.

"That doesn't....it doesn't begin to explain it," Shino's voice was hoarse.

"Are you alright?" Sakura placed a caring hand on his arm. She smiled at her daughter, "Kinda makes you want to have one, huh?"

"Not necessarily," he answered, his voice thick. "But, it does make having one a bit more exciting." With those words, a smile spread across his normal, stoic features. Sakura couldn't help but allow the tears to spring to her eyes at the tenderness of the moment.

"You'll be a great father, Shino. I've told you before," she whispered, wiping her eyes.

"Thank you," his voice cracked as he handed the tiny being back to her mother. "For this." Kushina wailed her disappointment at leaving Shino's arms.

"I-I have to go," he murmured, after a moment of watching Sakura rock the baby back to sleep. His heart stung with each wail that left Kushina's lungs. He had never experienced anything like this. He suddenly found it difficult to leave.

"I know you do," Sakura cooed, as she gently swayed her arms. "The offer stands. You can take Naruto. I don't need him," she joked lightly.

"Unacceptable," Shino answered, a half-smile still on his face. "But thank you."

Sakura held up the tiny envelope, "I'll hold onto this, just in case. But you better come back in one piece. Or I'll be coming to find you this time." He smiled, weakly, as she slowly closed the door. "Be careful!"

He didn't trust himself to speak, only nodding as Sakura and the baby left his sight.

*****

*****

"What the fuck do you want?" Kiba moaned, rubbing his eyes.

"You reek of dog, Kiba," Shino muttered.

"Thanks!" the young Inuzuka smiled, the red fang tattoos crinkling with the movement.

"I need your help," the Aburame spoke, as he towered above his former teammate.

"My help? What for?" he grumbled, obviously not enjoying the early morning request.

"I need your nose."

"Join the club. It's in high demand," the dog-nin yawned, stretching his limbs. He looked at Shino's more gaunt complexion. "Holy shit! You look like crap," he eyed the man momentarily. "You're not kidding!"

Shino shook his head, "I need to track Tenten."

"That sounds a bit stalker-ish, Aburame," he drawled, as Akamaru sniffed Shino's shoes.

"She's pregnant," he answered simply. He didn't have time to waste on explanations and theories.

Kiba stared, open-mouthed, at his friend. "Fuck, man! Congrats!"

"I'm telling you this with the utmost confidence," Shino nodded, indicating that Kiba was to keep that information to himself. "I will explain everything along the way, if you'll agree to help, that is."

"Why don't you use your bugs?" he scratched his his unruly dark locks, looking at the bug-nin through heavy lids.

"I could," he confirmed, considering the words that Ibiki had also uttered, "but it will take too long. You're a much faster bet." Shino could see the pride in the Inuzuka's eyes as the dog-nin realized that he was a valuable asset. He enjoyed being the leader of the pack, and Shino used this knowledge to his advantage.

"You bet your ass I am!" he grinned, toothily.

"So, will you aid me?"

Kiba looked at Akamaru, who returned the stare. Shino silently wondered if the two were having some sort of conversation. "I don't have all day, it is crucial we leave as soon as possible," he broke the silent meetining.

"Yeah, yeah, quit rushin' me!" Kiba spat. "Always so bossy!" He stretched one last time, before looking out into the daylight. He could see the slight tremor in Shino's movements; he could smell the fear on Shino's skin. It allowed him to sense that something was about to go down. And whatever it was, it couldn't be good. Kiba enjoyed danger, and it had been a while since he and Akamaru had been in any real danger.

"Is this going to be dangerous?" the dog-nin asked, his tone slightly hopeful. Shino nodded, he knew it was what the Inuzuka wanted to hear. Hell, he'd tell his friend that he was the damned Hokage if it would help Shino's cause.

A slow, deliberate grin spread across Kiba's face, "Lemme get my stuff, and we can be on our way. Then you'll tell me everything, Aburame."

Thanks for sticking with me with this story. I know it can be a tad boring, but I'm going to put some action in here!

Love you readers and reviewers! You are all amazing!

Enjoy!