"What is this?" Tenten warily glanced at the sea of familiar faces. The once-roaring conversation was slowly becoming to a low murmur as the guests realized that newcomers had arrived.
"This?" Shino pursed his lips as his brows dipped below his dark frames, "It was intended to be an intimate gathering." He gestured for her to enter the room, a guarding hand on her elbow. "But it turned into something akin to a gala, I suppose. I am sorry." She was taken aback by his explanation, and before she could open her mouth to give her opinion on the matter, a familiar voice shouted her name.
"They are all here...for me?" she whispered. Shino nodded.
"Tenten!" Lee gleefully ran toward her, smiling from ear-to-ear. "You look radiant in your blossoming motherhood!" he bellowed as he tried to wrap his arms around her in a friendly hug. She managed to hold him at bay with an well-placed palm to his forehead. His arms flailed in the air as he failed in his attempt to embrace her. Tenten caught the brief curve of Shino's lips from the corner of her eye. He, at least, was amused by Lee's behavior.
"Lee, act like a normal human being for once!" Tenten sighed, rolling her eyes he gave up on his endeavor. She felt slightly guilty as he clasped his hands in front of his face, smiling as tears streaked his face. Part of her wanted to cave to his intentions, the other part wanted to hit her former teammate. A sharp feeling of anxiety washed over her as she realized Neji was not here to make a humorous comment about Lee's 'crazy actions'.
"Man up, Lee!" someone shouted, interrupting her wallowing. She thought it was Kotetsu, but she couldn't be sure.
Tenten glanced past the green-clad jonin to see that their interaction had caught the attention of everyone in the room. A few people were pointing, while others were shaking their heads in amusement at Lee's outlandish, and perfectly normal-for-Lee, behavior. She could feel her heart pound as she realized that every pair of eyes were on her. She suddenly felt very vulnerable. And very pregnant. She turned to glare at Shino. He had invited almost everyone in Konoha!
His face was a blank slate. He licked his lips, "I..er, may have gone overboard, yes?"
She nodded, "Definitely. We'll talk later." It was a warning with which she would not follow through. She knew that rumors of her pregnancy would have quickly swept through the village. Most likely, it was no longer a secret. She sighed, deciding to feel comfortable in her slightly revealing dress.
Shino squeezed her hand reassuringly, as if he understood her thoughts. He felt guilty at having surprised her with this many guests--especially given the recent days' events. The idea had sprung upon him the night before, and he had searched out Ino the following morning, asking her to quickly put together the tiny gathering. He should have known the kunoichi would, instead, organize a soiree. But, he thought it was important for Tenten to enjoy a night surrounded by those she loved and cared about. Especially with Neji in his current state...
"Tenten, you do look exhilarating in your springtime of motherhood," Guy smiled as he approached.
"It is good to see you," Guy grinned as he put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She didn't shrug off his contact.
"You are the Guest of Honor, Tenten," Guy grinned. "Come and celebrate the gift of life with your friends."
Tears were glistening in his eyes as he spoke. She could see the remainder of his thoughts—and everyone else's—as they hung in the air: In your time of need. Sakura had most likely briefed them on Neji's condition, so she would not have to discuss her best friend's condition, as no one would ask about Neji. Lee wiped his nose on a dark green sleeve. She turned to face her former sensei. Gift of life. Yes, it was what she had been given. It was what she was passing onto the next generation. She hesitantly glanced around the crowd--her eyes falling on the faces of her comrades, teachers, and friends. They were all here for her. For her. A strained smile crossed Tenten's face as she looked from her former sensei to her former teammate.
"You two need to cool it," she warned. "Enough of your crazy talk! Just act like normal human beings for once. No more crying!"
"Yes Tenten-chan," both Lee and Guy bowed. Guy flashed her his trademark smile, giving her a thumbs up. The rest of the room broke out in raucous laughter—obviously familiar with the two Green Beasts' antics.
"Lee, let's leave Tenten to dwell on motherly things," Guy cooed.
"Oh yes, Sensei! She has much to prepare for!" Lee nodded vigorously.
"Shino?" Tenten whispered as they disappeared into the crowd, she shook her head as she stared after them. The bug-nin raised an eyebrow in expectation. "Please promise me that our children will stay far away from those two." The bug-nin's lips twitched, as the a hint of a smile formed on his lips. Their conversation was cut short as Naruto and Sakura approached them.
"Tenten! You look pregnant!" Naruto joked as he handed Kushina to Sakura. The child tugged on her own curly, strawberry-blonde hair as she studied Tenten with bright blue eyes. When the baby saw Shino, she reached a chubby hand for him, cooing in recognition. Tenten inwardly cringed as a bubble of saliva grew on the child's lips.
"She missed you," Sakura smiled, holding Kushina upright so that she could see her godfather.
"And I, her," Shino replied as he reached out a finger toward the chubby hand. Tiny fingers closed around his, and Kushina gurgled--the clear fluid spilling from her mouth. Sakura quickly wiped the mess off of the baby's chin.
"Here, hold her," Naruto said, handing his daughter to Shino. "You could use the practice," he grinned at Tenten.
This time, Shino did not hesitate as he cradled the delicate girl in his arms, his hands steady as he held his goddaughter. Tenten smiled tenderly at the sight of Shino cradling the young child. She reveled at how quickly Shino's stony demeanor had melted as he stared at the tiny being. She couldn't help but smile at the exchange. She met Sakura's green eyes, and the medic-nin winked at her.
"Went to the hospital today?" she asked, looking over Tenten. Though it was brief, Tenten could see the slight twitch of her eyelids and the soft curl of her fingers as Sakura silently evaluated her friend.
"Stop it," Tenten hissed knowingly.
"I can't help it!" Sakura confessed, "I-It's what I do!" She blushed at her indiscretion. Of course it was impolite to evaluate fetal parameters—especially in such a public setting!
"I know," Tenten sighed, accepting that Sakura only meant to be of help. She was just tired of people babying her--treating her differently because she was pregnant.
"Boy and girl," Tenten caved, answering Sakura's unspoken question. The pink-haired woman smiled her congratulations. Tenten quickly glanced at Naruto, hoping to change the subject. "How's Kage training?"
"Not what I expected," he grimaced, running his hands through his spiky hair. "There's so much paperwork," he whined. "Who would have known?" The tiny group laughed at Naruto--he was definitely not one to be left with the intricacies of such work.
"Maybe I should re-think this whole thing..." he winked at Sakura, who lightly punched him in the arm.
"Quit being a damned baby," Kiba growled as he approached the two couples. His nose wrinkled briefly, "Oh man, someone shit themself."
Sakura's eyes widened as she quickly grabbed Kushina and whisked the baby off to change the dirty diaper. Kiba grinned, calling after her, "I was talkin' about Uzumaki! This Uzumaki!" He jabbed a thumb toward Naruto.
"Hey!" Naruto shot back. "I was just about to say something nice to you, too!"
Kiba grinned, and Tenten looked more closely at the Inuzuka. He looked bulkier than usual--something about his jacket seemed off. Suddenly, there was movement, and a tiny, furry head popped out over the zipper. Tenten gasped, jumping back in surprise. It was a puppy! A puppy that looked almost identical to Akamaru!
"Y-you--" Tenten gaped, pointing at the animal. Naruto was engaging the unfamiliar canine animal in a staring contest as he bent down to examine the newest addition to the Inuzuka clan.
Kiba scratched the pup's head. "Yup, meet Kanomaru. He should look familiar!" The young canine yawned, its tongue curling as it revealed a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. It appeared to be disinterested in Naruto.
"No way!" Naruto whistled as he inwardly considered the yawn a mark of defeat. He had bested the Inuzuka pup in a battle of wills. "You mated Akamaru?"
"Well, I didn't! My crazy ass mom did! Turns out," he glanced at Shino, "someone talked the buyer into giving this little guy back to my family. Though, the guy never asked for his money back."
Tenten glanced at Shino, but his face told her nothing. She reached out to touch the miniature Akamaru, ruffling his fluffy mane, "He's cute!"
"Hey now! Don't you baby him! He's going to be strong, just like his dad!" Kiba smiled fondly at the now-napping pup in his jacket. Its head was hanging over the zipper as its body moved with each sleep-fueled breath.
Tenten laughed, "You look ridiculous. Like an over-protective dad!"
"Have to be," Kiba agreed, "if he's gonna grow up to be as awesome a nin-dog as his father!" A slightly pained look crossed his face. Shino reached out and laid a reassuring hand on his former teammate's shoulder.
"Thanks, man," Kiba softly replied. "For everything."
Tenten watched the interaction with mild curiosity. She had a feeling that Shino had something to do with Kanomaru's new owner, but she would have to save her questions for later. Naruto looked from one man to another, obviously not getting the silent messages that were being relayed all around. He scratched his head in confusion.
Kiba caught her curious stare. "How's Neji?"
"Doing the best he can," she whispered, her smile failing her.
Kiba nodded, "He'll make it. He's a tough guy. I know what it's like to lose your best friend, but I get the feelin' you won't have to deal with that." Tenten was at a loss for words, suddenly surprised by Kiba's kindness. Especially in regard to Neji. Perhaps the past few days' events had changed him.
Naruto remained silent for some time. He was visibly troubled by the events that had occurred in Kumogakure. His voice was soft when he finally spoke. " I would have went with you, guys."
"No, Naruto. That would be unacceptable. Why? Because you have a child to be concerned about. It is not fair to pull you away from your new family for selfish reasons," Shino quickly answered shaking his head as if the notion was preposterous.
Selfish reasons? Tenten glanced at the Aburame heir. He did not meet her gaze. What were his selfish reasons? She was suddenly hit with the realization: she was! Shino was still in love with her! She felt her heart race as she recounted their most recent interactions. How could she be so blind as to not see that? Of course he still loved her! On top of it all, he had been so gentle and attentive today at the office, and he had planned this for her. She felt a warm swelling of emotion in the pit of her stomach....
"Not even Hokage yet, and he wants to save the world!" Kiba rolled his eyes, a slight grin revealing his sharp incisors.
"Hey! I was just saying I could have helped!" Naruto pouted. "Besides, it would be nice to do something other than signing documents! Oh man! What am I gonna do?"
"You're going to make an excellent Hokage some day, Naruto-kun," Hinata interrupted, as she approached the group. She looked at Tenten, smiling at her friend, "Congratulations, Tenten! I'm so happy for you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier."
"Yeah, Ten!" Ino chimed in as she followed close behind.
"Don't you ever go away?" Kiba asked the Yamanaka as he draped his arm over his Hinata's shoulder. The Hyuuga blushed slightly, attempting to hide it as she reached out and tenderly stroked Kanomaru's head. The pup whimpered slightly, his head disappearing into Kiba's jacket.
"Mongrel!" Ino spat, half in humor.
"Thanks!" Kiba grinned. Ino stuck her tongue out at him. "You know, Ino, I haven't taught Kanomaru to mark yet...maybe...."
"Gross!" she gagged as Kiba howled with laughter. Tenten shook her head; she missed the rare moments. Ever since she joined ANBU, she partook in less of them. Maybe this was just what she needed. But, how had Shino knownthat?
"Thank you all," Tenten began, her voice thick with emotion,"for being here."
"Don't thank us," Naruto spoke up, "thank Shino, he invited us!"
Tenten glanced at Shino, saying nothing as his ears turned red. He must have misread her, because he immediately began to defend himself. "As I had told you, I only intended a few--"
"A few?" Tenten stared around incredulously, her smile playful. "There are dozens of people here! Some I haven't seen before! And why on earth would you ever invite Lee and Guy?" The tiny group broke out into laughter at Tenten's good humor, despite Neji's fight for his life. Sakura slowly returned with Kushina, who was now reaching for Ino's long, blonde hair.
"We wanted to congratulate you," Ino smiled as she glanced at Tenten's stomach. "On the future additions."
"Thanks," Tenten muttered, sending a sideways glance at Sakura. She knew that the medic-nin must have spilled those beans. "Next up will be presents and a baby shower," she grumbled darkly.
"Oooh!" Ino squealed, clapping her hands together.
"Cool it, Pig!" Sakura warned, pulling the now-damp strands of slobbery Yamanaka hair from Kushina's grip. "No one wants you to plan their baby shower!"
"Says you," Ino pouted.
"Tenten!" Izumo approached the small gathering, putting his arm around her. "Lookin' good!"
"Yeah, for carrying this joke of a shinobi's baby," Kotetsu chirped, as the group broke into laughter. Even Shino joined them, much to Tenten's surprise. She was glad that at least someone did not know she was carrying twins.
"Where's the food?" Kotetsu interrupted, looking around. "I'm starvin'!"
"Aren't you two supposed to be guarding something? Like a village?" Naturo asked.
"Oh, yeah, that," Izumo waved his hand. "We wanted to see Tenten!"
"Of course," Tenten rolled her eyes. "Get your asses back out to the gate before I drag you there."
"I'd like that, you know," Kotetsu's eyes gleamed.
"Don't make me get Ibiki..." she warned.
"You wouldn't!" His eyes were round.
"Try me!" She couldn't help but laugh at their childish antics.
"Fine, we're going. Just happy to see you healthy!" Kotetsu grumbled as he grabbed a sweet roll on his way out.
"Those two are something," Naruto muttered under his breath, shaking his head in mock exasperation.
"Gonna be your assistants someday," Sakura replied, smiling as she watched Kushina's eyelids grow heavy.
"Not mine!" he groaned, looking at the two misfits. "I'm gonna fire them! It's the first thing on my agenda when I become Hokage. Mark my words!"
***
***
Shino had walked the last of the guests to the gates of the Aburame compound, and Tenten was enjoying the comfort of the plush chair as she rested her feet on a nearby stool.
"Ah, our Guest of Honor," Shibi's voice carried through the expansive room.
Tenten smiled, her eyes still closed. "Shibi-sama. I expect you knew of this gathering, as well."
"There is no need for formality, Tenten," he reminded her, as he rubbed his beard between his thumb and forefinger. Her abdomen was much more swollen since he had last seen her. "And to answer your question, yes, I did."
She softly shook her head, leaning back into the pillowy chair. She could feel Shibi's scrutinizing gaze, but she did not care--she was pre-occupied with motherly things. She felt a slight ripple of movement under her hand. She returned the gesture by lightly pressing back. It somehow made her feel more connected with living beings inside of her--it was like some secret communication that only they could share.
"I hear you saw Shizune today," Shibi's voice was low as he took a seat in the empty chair beside her. "My son acted accordingly, I presume."
"He did," Tenten nodded, her eye still closed. She was concentrating on the slight movement in her abdomen. The babies had been restless this past hour, and she wondered if she had overexerted herself.
"He has changed much in these past months," Shibi murmured as he lifted his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I think he has....grown smarter."
"He has," Tenten agreed, a fond smile curling on her lips. "I am surprised by the sudden change, I have to admit. He is more excited about having children than I am!"
"Children?" Shibi repeated, his head angled so that he could see her over his glasses.
A blush crept across her cheeks as she opened her eyes. She avoided his gaze, staring straight ahead as she spoke. Her voice was barely above a whisper as a new, more knowing smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Twins, Shibi. I'm having not one child but two—a boy and a girl."
From the corner of her eye, she could see his mouth open, but words failed him. His hand trembled as it held his drinking glass. She reached out to him, her hand resting on his arm. Tenten had never seen Shibi so taken aback in the entire time she had known him. He was always calm and collected, much like his son. His face suddenly paled as he reached his hand up to his heart, clutching the fabric of his robe. A strained smile spread across his face. Tenten shot forward, her eyes scanning him briefly.
"A-Are you alright? Shibi?" she asked, suddenly worried that he was having heart trouble. She began glancing around for Sakura, before remembering that she and Naruto were the first ones to leave.
"Alright? I'm more than alright!" he whispered hoarsely. "Tenten, you have given me the greatest gift anyone has ever known!"
It took Tenten a few moments to process his words, realizing that he was not ailing--he was happy! No...he was ecstatic!
Shino had returned to the study, realizing that Shibi was there as well. He glanced between his father and his former lover, raising an eyebrow in question as he drew closer. Tenten opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted as Shibi suddenly stood. In a blur of movement, the older Aburame pulled his son into a tight hug. Shino stood stiffly as his father embraced him. He was not used to such gestures, especially not from Aburame Shibi. Tenten's eyes were round with surprise: it was rare for any Aburame to display affection so openly, and Tenten knew she was witnessing a miracle. Shino hesitantly reached out, patting Shibi's back with awkward intent.
"I'm going to be a grandfather!" Shibi croaked, his voice raspy as he held Shino by his shoulders. "I'm...going...to be a grandfather!" This time, his voice was louder.
"Yes. I thought we had established that already," Shino tilted his head slightly, confused by Shibi's words.
"This is the happiest moment of my life," Shibi's voice strong with affirmation. "Aside from your birth, of course." Shino remained silent, quietly glancing at Tenten.
"Thank you son," Shibi whispered as a silent tear streaked down his face from behind the dark glasses. Tenten could feel her own eyes filling with moisture as her throat tightened.
"I do not deserve such praise, Father," Shino spoke, his voice mottled with his lack of understanding. What had occurred between Tenten and his father in the few moments he was absent?
"No, you do not," Shibi agreed, a slight smile curving his lips. "You deserve more than that. So much more."
"I-I do not understand," Shino turned to Tenten, who was silently wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"Tenten has shared the joyous news. But," he glanced between the young lovers, "I suppose now is not the time to act like a blubbering old fool. You two must have a lot to talk about." He patted his son on the shoulder, slowly weaving past him with one last glance at the young woman.
Thank you, he mouthed to her as he closed the door behind him.
***
***
"But you never answered my question!" Tenten pointed out, as she studied Shino through heavy-lidded eyes. They had been talking for hours. It was a much needed conversation that had been weighing heavily on both of their minds.
"I do not know what you wish for me to say, Tenten. I do not recall the question you are speaking of—there were a lot of them," he answered, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Why didn't you try to talk to me? You just left me, for weeks, to believe that you didn't care!" her voice broke, as she squeezed her eyes shut.
"I would plea stupidity, but I feel that would not suffice as an explanation."
"Definitely not," she answered mildly.
He didn't answer for some time, and Tenten had to peek at him to make sure he was still awake. He was sitting against the wall, the back of his head extended so that he could stare at the ceiling. "I...I cannot answer that."
"What?"
"I do not have an answer for your question. Why is that? Because, thinking back, I am not sure what I was thinking. I was angry. I was terrified. I was hurt. I was anything you could name. I thought I was angry with you...but I realize, now, that I was just angry with myself."
"But, didn't you care...about me..at all?" she asked, suddenly timid.
"I could ask you the same thing," he replied softly. "You did not seek me out, either," he reminded her.
"But--" she began to protest, leaning forward in the chair, her cheeks burning hot. He was right, she could have just as easily approached him.
He held up a hand to stop her. "You asked about me, yes. I will answer your question. Because I owe you at least that. I did care. I had never cared about anything so much in my entire life. I was empty without you, but too proud to admit it. With each day that passed, that emptiness grew exponentially, until I couldn't take it anymore. Nothing I did could push you from my thoughts. I thought of you every second of my existence during those months. It was the worst pain I have ever endured, but I couldn't admit to myself that I was a fool. A damned, proud fool!" He slammed his clenched fist against the floorboards.
Tenten's mouth hung open in silent disbelief. Had the oft-introverted Shino just admitted his most darkest secret to her? She couldn't believe she had just heard that. She blinked, realizing he was staring at her from behind his dark glasses. "I was an idiot, Tenten. Please forgive me," he whispered. "Neji helped me see that my pride was foolish."
Neji! Tenten felt her throat tighten at the mention of her childhood friend. Shino studied her carefully with silent understanding. "Nothing I can say will ever undo the hurt I have caused you. For that, I am sorry."
She shook her head sadly, "No. You are right, I am just as guilty. I should have never stormed in here, telling you that I would terminate the pregnancy when I knew I was not capable of such a thing. It was silly and childish, and I am ashamed of my behavior." She met his gaze, her eyes filled with tears. "I should have listened to your father."
"My father?"
Tenten nodded, licking her dry lips. "He had urged me to move back to my apartment, to make you see that I would not be forced into marrying you out of convenience and duty. He wanted you to marry for love, not to protect your family's name."
Shino nodded, leaning his head back against the wall. He laughed softly, "I should have known he had something to do with this. Meddling in my affairs!" He shook his head, laughing louder.
Tenten's brow creased as she scrutinized the young jonin--she had never seen Shino laugh so much. She couldn't help but smile. "But, I didn't listen to him!" she protested.
"It's all the same!" Shino waved his hand, "He still meddled in my life. Our lives."
This time, it was Tenten who laughed, "Him and Neji! Who would have known those two would have brought us together, right here and right now." She suddenly clamped her hand over her mouth, realizing what she had just said. She stared at Shino, her eyes wide with embarrassment as the blush crept to her ears.
In a blur of fabric, he was kneeling in front of her, his hands unsteady as the rested on her knees. His long fingers traced patterns on the the sensitive skin of her thighs as they moved over the fabric of her dress. "Tenten--"
She shook her head, cutting him off. "It doesn't matter how we got here. The fact is that we are here, is it not?"
He slowly nodded his head in agreement. "I didn't know it was possible to feel this way about anyone," he whispered, his cool exterior crumbling slightly.
Tenten's breath hitched in her throat. She reached out and pulled his chin up, so that their eyes met. "Forget the past."
"What?"
"You heard me, let's just forget it. Let's move on from here," she smiled softly as she slowly pulled his glasses from his face. She wanted to see his eyes. His beautiful, dark eyes with their golden flecks. He didn't resist her as he watched with his dark, liquid orbs. "I have to face it at some point, I don't want to be with just anyone. I want to be with you, Aburame Shino."
She could see the slight, but brief, rise of his eyebrows, and she smiled at his innocent surprise. She leaned forward and brushed against his lips with her own. She could hear his sharp intake of breath, and she smiled mischievously as her hands weaved their way around his neck. "Well? Aren't you going to say anything in return? I just confessed how much I love you."
This time, his surprise was much more evident by the way he drew back, his eyes wide as his hands trembled on her knees. In the twenty years he had been alive, no one had ever told him that they loved him. He had longed for the day that someone would accept him for who—and what—he was. His eyes studied her face as he repeated her words in his head over and over. She loved him. She loved him. He had never known such feelings or joy in his entire life. He felt as if a gaping, painful void had been filled.
"Love me?" he repeated softly. He sounded confused by her words, as if he didn't quite know what to make of them.
She found his awkwardness endearing as she tilted her head to get a better look at him. "You do not feel the same way about me?" she pouted slightly, suddenly aware of the possibility that she had misread his actions. "I-I just thought--"
The thought was left incomplete as he pulled her toward him, their lips meeting in a long-anticipated kiss. They remained entangled in the fervent embrace for some time, as their hands explored one another in yearning familiarity. All of her former insecurities and reservations washed away as he wordlessly devoted himself to her. In that moment, Tenten knew that he returned her feelings. He was not one to be outwardly explicit with his emotions, and this rare display was enough to ensure her confidence in his feelings. She smiled as she pulled away from the kiss, their foreheads resting against one another as their eyes remained closed.
"I had some time remaining, didn't I?" she murmured.
"Time?" he repeated, catching his breath. He wanted to tell her how long he had dreamed of her words, her lips on his. His eyes remained closed as he listened to her breathing.
"I distinctly remember you giving me a week's time to plan a wedding," a mischievous grin spread across her face. She wasn't thinking with her head, a brazen action that she had never undertaken. No, she was definitely letting her heart do the talking. No one would ever believe that Tenten, Kunoichi Extraordinaire and ANBU Commander, was speaking of weddings!
"A w-wedding?" he stuttered, his eyes suddenly opening.
Tenten pulled back from him, staring into his eyes. "Didn't you want to marry me? Or was that just for political and moral reasons? An obligation, perhaps?" She brushed her fingers over his lips, as his eyes closed at the sensation. "I do recall you barging in and telling me I had to plan our wedding. Isn't that so?"
Shino's face turned red, as he remembered his arrogant demand. "I-I am very sor—"
"I don't want an apology," she snapped playfully. "I want to know if you still expect me to plan the damned thing!" He stared at her incredulously. Could she truly be saying that she wanted to marry him? His mind was reeling from her forwardness.
Well?" she asked, managing to cross her arms over her chest. "Did you really want us to spend the rest of our lives together or not?"
He said nothing as he silently nodded. "I can't imagine my life without you. And now--" his gaze fell on her abdomen as he whispered, "I don't want to. Ever again."
"So what do you say, Aburame?" she watched him through narrowed lids. "Are we still on?"
Though they had not thought the decision over properly, they both knew it was what they wanted. Neither wanted to live without the other. He smiled as his thumb traced her jawline. "I never thought, in a million years, that you would ever return my feelings. Nor would I have ever imagined that I'd be sitting here, right now, listening to you propose to me--"
She pouted as she lightly punched him in the shoulder, "I'm not proposing! I'm rehashing a former conversation!"
He suddenly found himself wary of her words. Was she recklessly trying to piece together her life--the one that had just been shattered by the near loss of her best friend? "Are you s-sure?" his voice was laced with uncertainty. "Is...this what you really want?"
"I do," she nodded, her eyes intently searching his. "I love you. I want to be with you. I'm having your children. It's crazy, but I've never been so sure of anything before." She lowered her gaze, her cheeks suddenly turning red. "That is, unless you don't think so."
He smiled as his kikkai hummed beneath his skin. It was as if they could tell what he was feeling, singing their own song of encouragement. "Nothing has ever felt so right. No..." he shook his head, as if searching for the correct words. "So complete in my entire life."
Tenten watched him struggle for words. She knew it was a tremendous effort for him to be so open and vulnerable. She allowed her tears to run freely at the depths of his confession. "I know that you are afraid, and so am I. But, let me be the one you tell all of your fears to. No more hiding from me, Shino. You have to trust me enough to talk to me. Neither one of us should have to be afraid alone."
"I think that is a reasonable request," he admitted, suddenly becoming diplomatic.
She smiled as she pulled his face toward hers. "Then, my dear Aburame, perhaps we can negotiate a little more time than before?"
"Perhaps," he agreed, smiling in return as their lips met.
*****
Bah! Mushiness. Half of me wants to apologize for the fluff, the other half wants to say 'Screw it, I put some action in, here's my added mixture of romance!' I was going to end here, but somehow, I think following through with the pregnancy may be a little more favorable, yes?
I love you all for reading and reviewing as well as keeping an open mind at this pairing! Some people shun a story simply because they dislike the pairing. I think it's ridiculous, and defeats the purpose of a fan fiction! I also want to thank each and every one of you for reading my humble story!
Thanks for reading and reviewing, amazing peoples!
PS: this is a Naruto-verse story, but there's not much Naruto (I did add some here, as I had intended!) since he won't really fit in here, at the moment. I hope you'll understand ;)
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto