A/N: Ugh, new rotation is horrible! When people tell you surgeons can be egotistical and very condescending, they are right! How can one week make me uber-depressed? If I could have one ability, it would be mind-reading! Seriously, I need it to get me through the next three weeks :(

Anyway, here's the next chapter, sorry for the wait! Hopefully it's not too boring!

Enjoy & Happy Reading! Thanks for supportin' Shino/Tenten, folks!

Read and Review :) Hell, let me know what super power you would want!

Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto.

*****

Tenten rolled onto her side, pulling the covers over her head as she did so. She groaned loudly, not wanting to leave the warmth and softness of her own bed. Her own bed! She had slept in her apartment last night! It was a sour reminder of a mission gone wrong. She felt as if the past few days had been nothing more than a bad dream.

"Don't wanna get up," she moaned to herself as she squeezed her eyes shut. The sunlight made the inside of her eyelids burn red, as if in warning. She knew that Tsunade and Shizune were expecting her to arrive at the hospital for her check up.

Her mind wandered to Neji; she would visit him after her appointment. She prayed that his condition didn't deteriorate over night, though Sakura had promised to send word if that happened. There was also the matter of her post-mission debriefing. Tenten was in no rush meet with either the Hokage or Ibiki. She inwardly cringed when she thought about how Ibiki would react to her irrational behavior. She had been emotionally compromised, which was forbidden in her profession. No member of ANBU was to act on his or her emotions, but she had done just that. She had allowed Neji's condition to govern her actions—an unspeakable and grave error on her part.

There was also the fact that she was pregnant. Ibiki had made it clear that he intended to keep her as far away from the fighting as possible. It was unusual for the ANBU leader to take a member's well-being into consideration when outlining a mission, and she knew that Ibiki had taken care to do so. Tenten was aware that she should have been more careful--more prudent--in her actions. She was no longer the only life in danger due to her actions--there were two other lives to worry about as well. It wasn't uncommon for a kunoichi to become pregnant while on active duty, but the village's well-being came first. Every shinobi—male or female--had each taken a vow to protect Konoha with their lives. That oath was to be upheld in any and all circumstances that may encompass a shinobi's life—including pregnancy or death. Some women chose to leave their profession upon becoming pregnant, while others decided to uphold their duty to their village. Pregnant kunoichi on the battlefield weren't unheard of either, though most did not broadcast it, even if they were showing.

Giving up her profession was not something Tenten took lightly: her duty was to protect Konoha as both a kunoichi and a member of ANBU. If she wanted to stay at home and revel in her pregnancy, she would be no different than an ordinary civilian. A civilian! The thought put a sour taste in her mouth. She was a proud kunoichi—one of the best that Konoha had ever seen! She couldn't allow the result of her own actions to interfere with her duty to the village she swore to protect.

She felt slightly guilty at her selfishness. Perhaps she wasn't fit to become a mother. Maybe she didn't care enough about her children's well-being. No, she thought, Sakura chose to go after Naruto, and she was pregnant as well. She reminded herself that Sakura had loved her own child. But she had a way to protect her unborn baby in the chance that she lost her life, Tenten reminded herself. The pink-haired medic had created a sort of protection for her unborn child, allowing the fetus to live even if Sakura had been killed. Tenten had not thought about such things when she agreed to continue her duty in ANBU. Of course, she never considered her mission a danger to her well-being or her unborn babies. She had merely considered it another day in her life. Another distraction from her sorrows.

An uncomfortable pressure brought her thoughts back to her other responsibilities: the two babies who were slowly developing in her womb. Her children. Despite her weight gain, the reality of her pregnancy hadn't entirely sunk in. It wasn't until she felt that first tiny flutter—the first sign of life inside of her—that she realized that she had to watch out for more than just herself. Maybe as her pregnancy progressed, she would become more protective of the living beings that she carried. Maybe she was a late bloomer with her maternal instinct.

"Twins," she grumbled as she threw the covers from her body. She sleepily pushed herself from the bed, her toes grazing the cold tile of her floor. She stared at her stomach, squinting to see if she could detect the movement beneath the skin.

"I can't even take care of myself, how will I take care of two of you?" she whispered. When she received no detectable response, Tenten squinted around her apartment. The sunlight a tell-tale sign of the hour. It was past noon. Her eyes flew open as she realized the time.

"Shit!" she yelled as she sprinted into the bathroom to shower before her she made a public appearance.

"Tsunade's going to kill me," she groaned, as she quickly braided her sopping tresses.

Her fingers danced through the familiar motions as she secured the thick plait. It fell down her naked back as she searched her closet for something to wear to the hospital. She spouted profanities as she was unable to button her pants over her slightly expanded abdomen. Her shirts were much tighter than she remembered, as well. She grumbled as she pulled the only dress she owned from her closet, telling herself that it was apparently time to do some shopping. She thought Sakura had said something about having old maternity clothes she could borrow.

"Maternity," she grimaced at the thought. "Bah!" She quickly smoothed her hair with her hands as she glanced in the mirror. Had her hair always been this shiny? She turned her head from side to side, reveling at how lustrous the dark chestnut locks seemed. Her face was pale and the dark circles under her eyes were obvious signs that she needed more rest. She shook her head.

Now isn't the time to worry about how you look! she silently chastised herself. She quickly moved for the door, pulling it open and stepping outside. Her hand hesitated on the knob as she was pulling the door closed behind her. A few feet from her door stood a very agitated Aburame. Tenten angled her head, her eyes wandering over Shino as he paced back and forth, softly muttering to himself. His face was slightly ashen as he stared at his hands from behind dark glasses.

Why is Shino pacing in front of my door? she quietly wondered. How did he know I was still here?

"S-Shino?" she stammered in confusion as she slowly closed the door to her apartment. Tenten could almost swear that Shino looked...nervous. Her suspicions were confirmed by the subtle jerk of his body as he was taken by surprise. His posture immediately became more rigid as he recovered from his momentary digression.

"Tenten," he nodded, his voice smooth and calm.

"What are you doing outside my apartment?" she blurted, her brow knitted in confusion.

"I was waiting," he explained quickly, offering no more.

"You're pacing," she pointed out, nodding toward the minor divot in the ground.

"I was?" his eyebrows disappeared behind his glasses. "I do not think that I was pacing."

"Well, you were," she sighed, shaking her head. "But you never answered my question."

"Why am I at your apartment?" he repeated slowly as he shoved his hands into the deep pockets of his jacket. Tenten had the distinct feeling he was buying time.

"I wish to escort you to your appointment," he answered as if it were a matter of fact.

Tenten's jaw fell. "M-My appointment?"

The Aburame nodded, "Yes. You have an appointment at the hospital. I wished to accompany you...is that not acceptable?"

Tenten was taken aback by his sudden confession and pro-active attitude. She hadn't expected to walk outside and find him waiting to walk her to her appointment! She quickly reminded herself to breath when Shino raised an eyebrow in question. "I-I guess that's acceptable," she mimicked his manner of speech.

She looked at him more closely, "Are you sure? I don't need you to come, you know. Don't feel obligated."

His expression fell slightly at her words as he stiffly nodded, "I understand that you don't need me, but I wish to go with you...for, er, support."

Tenten smiled at his explanation. Sakura had obviously spoken to him. "If you really want to....I guess it couldn't hurt."

"Couldn't hurt?" Shino echoed, confused.

Tenten shook her head. "Nothing, just an expression. Come on," she grabbed his arm as she took off at a hurried pace. He quickly fell in step beside her, saying nothing as they headed toward the hospital.

Tenten watched him from the corner of her eye. "How long were you waiting outside my door?" she asked.

"Only a few minutes," he answered, looking over her clothing choice. She felt her face flush as a small smile of amusement twitched at the corners of his mouth.

Tenten turned to face him, thrusting her fists onto her hips. "Explanation, please."

It was Shino's turn to avoid eye contact. "My kikkai," he replied softly, his ears turning pink. He had obviously hoped she would not ask that question.

"Your what?" Tenten strained to hear him. His barely audible words sank in seconds later, and her sharp intake of breath could be heard.

"You were watching me?" she roared. She glanced around nervously as a few villagers looked toward the young couple.

Shino shook his head, "Please do not go to extremes, Tenten. I was merely concerned. Why? Because you have a lot of stress. That is all."

"Extremes? You sent one of your bugs to spy on me," she hissed as she strode off. "And, yes, I have been stressed! No thanks to you!" A pained expression crossed his face.

He met her pace, "I know that I have not been acting inappropriately--"

"Is that all, hmm?" Tenten rolled her eyes as her pace quickened.

"And you have been acting maturely as well?" he replied to her interruption, his tone sharp. Tenten opened her mouth to speak, as her face turned bright red. Shino raised his hand, "No, I do not wish to argue. Right now, you must get to the hospital, as the Hokage ordered."

Tenten said nothing, forging on angrily. Damn him! she inwardly hissed from next to him.

***

***

"Two of you, huh?" Shizune turned toward the ultrasound machine, hiding her smile.

Tenten silently fumed. She could hear the amusement in Shizune's voice. "Not willingly," she growled.

Shizune turned toward them and raised an eyebrow as Tenten sat on the table, her back to the Aburame. The bug-nin remained silent, his face a stony slate despite Tenten's harsh words. The medic approached the table.

"Please lie down," she gestured. Tenten followed the command, as Shizune slipped a sheet beneath Tenten's dress. She pulled up the hem of Tenten's skirt, revealing a slightly protruding abdomen.

"I'm getting fat," Tenten mused, her cheeks red from her vulnerable exposure. She avoided Shino's appreciative gaze. Shizune's eyes darted toward the young man, but his expression told her nothing.

She looked over Tenten's stomach, "Some women would die to be as small as you at nearly twenty-four weeks." Shizune squeezed the cold gel over Tenten's abdomen. The kunoichi gasped. "Sorry it's so cold," Shizune murmured as she reached for the doppler.

"May I ask a question?" Shino's voice was deep.

"Sure..." Shizune replied, mild amusement on her face. Tenten looked almost shocked at Shino's interest.

"The gel," he pointed toward it. "What is its purpose?"

"Oh," the medic laughed nervously, "it helps me get a clear picture."

"Picture? I do not understand what you mean," he answered, his brow creasing in confusion.

"Would you just shut up and let her do her job?" Tenten's sharp reply rang out before Shizune could answer Shino's question.

"My, aren't we snappy?" Shizune tsked as she winked at Shino. She pointed toward the screen, "Just watch here." Poor boy! she thought.

Shino silently nodded, swallowing hard. Tenten turned to stare at the black screen, awaiting the tiny forms' appearance. Within minutes, a fluttering movement was visible on the screen as Shizune manipulated the doppler across Tenten's abdomen.

"That's the heart," the medic murmured as she pressed her finger against the screen. She squinted, "Hang on..."

The doppler climbed a bit higher on Tenten's stomach. "I'll be damned," Shizune exhaled loudly. "There's a second heartbeat!"

Tenten groaned, "I was hoping Sakura was mistaken."

Shizune nearly dropped the instrument, as she glanced excitedly at Tenten, "Sakura knew?"

Tenten licked her lips. "Yeah, she said something about sensing the chakra coming from me. She put her hands on me and suddenly knew."

"Damn her!" Shizune scowled. Of course Sakura would be able to tell all of that without using technology!

"T-those are their hearts?" Shino's voice was soft as he stood and slowly approached the table where Tenten was lying.

"Yup, exciting isn't it?" Shizune chirped as she continued to examine Tenten.

"Easy for you to say," Tenten grumbled. "I just found out I'm carrying twins!"

"You'll be fine," Shizune patted her thigh. The medic's face suddenly lit up. "You want to do this?" she asked, holding out the doppler to Shino.

"Me?" he asked, his face pale. Tenten could see the moisture beading along his hitai-ite.

"Sure, all you have to do is move this along her stomach. Like so," Shizune instructed.

"What?" Tenten asked, glaring at Shino. She could see the gentle tremor of his fingers as he reached for the doppler. He took it in his hands, glancing nervously at Tenten.

"D-do you accept?" he swallowed hard as he glanced at Tenten expectantly. She immediately felt her resentment fade as her eyes wandered over his face. He was nervous! Aburame Shino was actually uncertain and anxious! As long as she had known the bug-nin, she had never seen him lose his cool. His demeanor had always been one that exuded confidence; he was always calm and collected. Tenten softly nodded, her scowl replaced by an encouraging smile.

"It's OK, Shino. You can do it." The pregnant kunoichi didn't know why she had suddenly melted under his gaze, but she felt all the better for doing it. Shino nodded, a small smile spreading across his face. Tenten was almost certain that it was a smile of excitement and eagerness. His expression metamorphosed from apprehensive to confident as the doppler surface touched Tenten's abdomen. Within minutes, Shizune had pointed out every body part to the new parents. Neither Shino nor Tenten were aware of the smiles that spread across their faces. The medic-nin thought it wise not to ruin the touching moment.

"Do you want to know the sexes?" Shizune suddenly asked, as she looked between the two shinobi. They returned her gaze with mild confusion.

"The babies' gender," she replied calmly. "You know, boy or girl!"

"I-I hadn't thought of that," Tenten replied, glancing nervously at Shino. He said nothing, staring at the tiny heart that beat on the screen. "Shino?" she asked softly. "What do you think?"

Shino looked at the hand on Tenten's abdomen. He removed the doppler, handing it to Shizune. "I think that it should be up to Tenten," he cleared his throat, avoiding his former lover's gaze. "Why? She has carried them for nearly two months without help from me. I'm a father only in name, not in practice. I would only be interested in knowing the gender if their mother wishes it to be so."

Tenten stared at Shino in amazement. She hadn't expected such an eloquent speech from him. She felt a sudden kick in her lower abdomen and her hand immediately covered the area as an uncomfortable look crossed her face. The action wasn't missed by Shino, whose concern was evident to both women.

"Tenten? Are you ill? Is everything well?" He anxiously looked over the young mother, unsure of why she looked to be in pain of some sort.

Tenten nodded wordlessly as Shizune understood. "Looks like someone wants to be found out!" the medic smiled. "Got quite a kick on that one!"

"Kick?" Shino murmured. "They are moving? They can...do that?"

Tenten smiled, "They've been moving for some time now." She brought both hands up to her abdomen as a flurry of movement washed over her.

"I-I didn't know," he replied deflated at his lack of knowledge. He looked crestfallen by the new information.

Tenten understood his disappointment. "How would you know?" she asked, a crooked half-smile on her face.

He turned to look at her, his head turned slightly, "I do not understand."

"Well, how could you have known? I hadn't told you, silly," she explained.

Realization crossed Shino's face. "I see."

"Here, feel," Tenten replied, reaching for his hand. "Right here."

Shino dropped his head in concentration, his fingers warm against her sticky skin. Tenten felt the movement before Shino, and she waited for his reaction with excited curiosity. She could see his eyes widen from behind his glasses as his mouth opened slightly in amazement. He gasped, a small smile of realization spreading across his face. She thought he had never looked more handsome than in that moment of complete awe and recognition. He drew his hand back quickly, looking at Tenten in excitement.

"I-I felt something!" he breathed, his chest heaving from the excitement. It was as if his fatherhood had just been solidified to him. It was the most awe-inspiring moment he had ever experienced.

"That'd be one of them," Tenten couldn't help but smile at Shino's contagious enthusiasm.

"What does it feel like? For you?" he blurted out of curiosity. It was the second time that Tenten had ever seen him out-of-character.

"Like something is trying to escape from here," she pointed at her stomach, chuckling softly.

"Does it hurt?" he glanced at her stomach, where their hands were rested on top of one another. He brought his other hand up to cup her rounded stomach.

"It doesn't hurt. But, it does feel weird," Tenten thought about his question. "I kinda like it."

Shino said nothing, a dumbfounded look plastered on his face. Tenten wished that she could take a picture of him at that exact moment. "I think they like you," she whispered.

"I haven't been there for them. Or you," he murmured as he traced patterns on her abdomen. A pained look took the place of his earlier excitement.

"I haven't been the most reasonable, either," she admitted, patting his hand.

"OK, you two, I'm not here to hear confessions. Do you want to know the genders or not?" Shizune interrupted the scene in front of her.

Tenten met Shino's expectant gaze over his glasses. The dark eyes were filled with longing, regret, and silent apologies. His silence relayed more emotion than his words ever could. He was not a man of eloquent speeches or romantic gestures. No, he was a man with faults and a painful past. He was a man who deserved a second chance. Tenten closed her eyes, reveling the quiet tenderness. She opened her eyes, turning toward the black, empty monitor.

"Yes," she whispered. She could feel Shino's hand tremble over her abdomen. He had obviously not been expecting her decision.

"A-are you sure?" he whispered weakly, unable to contain his excitement.

Tenten avoided his gaze. "Dammit, just tell me already!" she barked as Shizune smiled knowingly.

A few moments passed as Shizune moved the instrument across her swollen abdomen. The medic-nin's eyes narrowed as she examined the findings on the screen. Tenten could feel her heart race as she awaited the knowledge that Shizune would soon share.

"Well," Shizune smiled as she lifted the doppler and wiped the gel from Tenten's stomach. "You ready for the final results?"

"Ready," Tenten's voice was raspy with emotion.

"You're almost to your third trimester," Shizune replied happily, pausing for effect.

"Get on with it," Tenten urged, as Shino remained a silent spectator.

"Congratulations, you are going to parents of one of each!"

"One of each?" Shino murmured in amazement.

"Yup, a girl and a boy," Shizune beamed as she patted Shino's hand. "Congrats, dad!"

Tenten said nothing as she stared at the blank screen--where two heartbeats were recently evident. She hoped Shizune and Shino couldn't see the hot tears that silently slid from the corners of her eyes, splashing the hospital floor.

***

***

Tenten's mind wandered amongst a flurry of thoughts as she and Shino exited the hospital. They had yet to speak about the events that had occurred during her office visit or any future plans. Following the ultrasound, the medic had spent time more closely examining the infants for any possible congenital defects or other such issues that would be devastating to the fetuses' health. By the end of the visit, Tenten was both overwhelmed and exhausted. Shizune had told her to go home and get rest—that she would inform the Hokage of the results from Tenten's check up. She had been thankful for the medic's compassion, feeling saddened that she had never truly tried to get to know Tsunade's former apprentice.

Shino did not argue when she wished to visit Neji after their visit with Shizune. He patiently waited in the hall as she visited with her best friend, who was still in a coma—but doing better, according to the nursing staff. Both Sakura and Tsunade were nowhere to be found, and Tenten relied on the rest of the staff to give her a prognosis for the Hyuuga heir. She spent the two hours talking to Neji, telling him about the events that had occurred over the past few days. Her only response was the shrill beeping of the monitor. Despite her annoyance with the noise, it was the only thing that told her that Neji was still alive.

His color was much better than the night before, and his skin was warm to the touch. She had asked for him to squeeze her hand if he could hear her, and she wiped away the tears when he never responded. The homely nurse that had checked in on him told Tenten that he would be taken off the ventilator the following day--as he was able to breath on his own. Though it was only a minor improvement, Tenten was ecstatic at the news. She had asked about signs of brain damage from his injuries, but the nurse couldn't answer her questions. Only time will tell, she had told the young kunoichi. It was a grain of hope in Tenten's bleak vigil.

Shino had been loyally waiting for her when she left Neji's room. He said nothing as he wiped the tears from her face. He knew that Neji's condition was taking a toll on her, and he would be there for her in her time of need. Never again would he abandon her--the very thought of it pained him. The silence hung between them as they exited the hospital. The sun was lazily setting behind the hills as they slowly walked toward Tenten's apartment. She was lost in her thoughts when Shino took the initiative to speak.

"Tenten?" he called out, his eyes focused ahead.

"Hmm?" she replied half-heartedly as she enjoyed the short walk.

"Can I make a request of you?" He stopped walking and looked over her carefully.

"Request?" she repeated hesitantly. "Yeah, I guess so," she answered as she glanced down at her hands.

"May we stop by to see my father? Why am I asking this? It is because I would like for him to hear about his future grandchildren. From you," he explained earnestly. "I know it's a lot to ask from you, and I do not deserve your kindness--"

"OK," she whispered, interrupting him. His head jerked toward her as his eyes widened from behind his glasses.

She sighed sadly, "I think Shibi is owed that much. He had been looking forward to becoming a grandfather."

Shino nodded wordlessly. He was taken aback that Tenten's informality with the elder Aburame. What had had she confided in his father? "I think it would make him happy," Shino agreed.

"He's a pain in the ass, but I think it would be a nice gesture," Tenten confirmed, smiling mischievously.

"Are you sure? I know you've had a long day--"

"It's fine. Let's do it before I change my mind," Tenten quickly replied. She wasn't in the mood for a million questions. Especially from Shino. The only questions would be coming from her for him.

He reached out and grabbed her hand, tenderly pulling her in the direction of the Aburame Manor. She didn't have the energy to resist his sudden contact, allowing him to gently guide her to his home. She inwardly smiled as the familiarity of his touch. They had a lot to discuss, but she found today's actions promising. She hadn't expected him to be outside of her apartment this afternoon, and she hoped that he wasn't doing all of this out of guilt. Was it too much to hope that he may want a family after all? She pushed the thoughts from her head as they walked next to one another. She risked a quick glance in his direction: they had a long way to go before she could think about a possible future together.

They had reached the threshold of Shino's home. Before they entered, he turned toward her, staring at her in the fading daylight. "Tenten," he began, licking his lips. She thought it was cute that he was becoming to easily flustered. "Are you sure about this? I don't want you to feel like you have to do this."

"It's fine," she rolled her eyes. Why was he acting so nervous all of a sudden?

"You look beautiful," he blurted, his ears turning red from his inability to control his thoughts.

Tenten's shock must have been evident by the look on her face because Shino began to explain himself immediately. "I'm sorry. I do not wish to offend you. I know that when women begin to show during their pregnancy, they often think they are not as desirable."

"You were doing so well," Tenten sighed. "But then you started to sound like Sai."

"Are you saying I should keep my thoughts to myself?" he sheepishly scratched his head.

"I'm saying that you sound like you are reading this crap in a book," she shook her head.

"You said you were fat earlier, right?" he asked suddenly. "I wanted you to know that I do not find you to be so. I find you to be just as beautiful as when I first met you." Despite the lack of light, Tenten was sure that he was blushing.

"Thanks," she muttered, unsure as to how to take his sudden confession. "I appreciate it."

Shino nodded, as he reached for the door, pushing it open ahead of her. She stepped inside, noting that it was dark inside the foyer. There was no one to greet them as they entered the giant house.

"He is most likely reading in the library," Shino murmured as he gently led her to Shibi's favorite reading location. As they approached the library, Tenten could see the bright light fanning outward from the gap under the sliding door.

"What's your father doing?" she hesitantly asked as she noticed the flickering shadows that cut through the light from beneath the door.

Shino said nothing as he closed the distance between him and the door with a few hurried steps. He drew the door aside, revealing the large family library. Tenten gasped at the unexpected sight within the brightly lit room. It was an immediate answer to the question Shino had ignored.