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Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto
*****
"WHAT?" Ino trilled, her voice shrill enough that it caused Sakura to choke, spraying what tea she hadn't inhaled onto her shirt. She glared angrily at Ino, who was clapping her hands and dancing around Tenten.
"Pig! Quit acting like a child!" Sakura scolded before turning her attention to the weapon's mistress. "I'm sorry, Tenten, could you repeat what you had just said? Someone had ruined your news." She cast a cold emerald glance at the blonde, though it had no effect--Ino was practically beaming.
"Sure," Tenten replied as she sipped her own tea whilst her legs rested on an adjoining chair. Sakura was glad that Tenten was finally making use of the maternity clothing she had lent the young woman. The look suited Tenten, despite her dislike for anything labeled as 'maternity wear'.
Tenten's dark eyes met Sakura's green ones. The former was slightly amused at the reaction her good news had invoked. "Shino and I are going to get hitched."
"You mean...married?" Sakura attempted to clarify.
"Yeah. That," Tenten blew the steam from her teacup, her eyes downcast. Sakura thought she could see a slight blush on Tenten's cheeks.
"So, last night must have went well," Sakura enthused, winking at Tenten.
"Really well," Ino agreed as she inched closer. "Tell us the details!" Her eyes flashed their sudden interest.
"That's personal!" Tenten quickly retorted, her grin slightly mischievous.
"I'm sure you can use your imagination, Pig," Sakura murmured as she poured herself another cup of tea—as her first was now a part of her attire.
"But I still want to know," Ino whined. She sat next to Tenten, resting her chin on her hands. "So, how did he ask? I can't imagine Shino doing something like that." Her face screwed up into an odd expression as she tried to actually imagine the bug-nin asking anyone to marry him. She had always thought of him as stiff and odd--not a good combination for Tenten. But, it left more handsome, available men for her taking.
Tenten avoided the dreamy expression in Ino's eyes. She cast a glance at Sakura, mouthing the words, what the hell? Sakura shrugged. The brunette shook her head in amusement as she addressed Ino's question, "He didn't ask."
"What?" Ino pulled back, looking from Sakura to Tenten. "You can't mean--"
"I think she does," Sakura grimaced as she burned her tongue on the hot liquid, "and apparently he accepted."
"No no no, this is all wrong!" Ino scowled at the floor, twirling a long strand of blonde hair around her finger.
"What's so wrong about it? I'm already knocked up. We've pretty much started off wrong!" Tenten laughed, shaking her head. Sakura joined her in laughter, as Ino chewed her lip in disagreement.
"Oh, the real reason why I came," Tenten admitted, gesturing around the tiny flower shop. Ino was currently on lunch break—which had developed into an afternoon break. Sakura and Ino eyed the woman expectantly. "I wanted to see if you could...er...help plan the wedding," Tenten smiled shyly at Ino.
The blue-eyed woman's eyes became wide in realization. "Y-you m-m-mean that you want m-me to....p-plan the wedding?" Ino re-worded Tenten's statement to her advantage.
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Dense, Ino, very dense."
"Shut up! I've been trying to get you to let me plan yours," she glared at her friend through narrowed eyes, "but you aren't having any of it!"
"I told you," Sakura shook her head, "I'm in no rush."
"Well, maybe I am," Ino retorted before turning to face Tenten, "You really mean it? I can plan it? The whole thing?" she cooed, her hands clasped together as she held them to her chest.
"Don't googly eye me," Tenten sighed. "And, yes, you can help plan it. But, you have to get my OK on everything, Ino. No ifs, ands, or buts."
Ino nodded vigorously. She was grinning from ear to ear, obviously filtering out the words she wanted to hear. "Yes, yes! Anything you want!"
Tenten said nothing for some time, staring intently at her blonde friend. "I suppose you're best qualified for this. I, for one, wouldn't even know where to start." She knew she was taking a risk by allowing Ino to plan the entire event, but she had faith in the woman's social capabilities. She knew Ino would come through for her.
"Well," Ino stood, straightening her apron. She looked around pulling a face when she saw the line outside of the store. She walked over and pulled the curtains shut before facing Tenten. "How about we start with flowers!"
Sakura smiled knowingly into her cup as she watched Ino practically drag a disinterested Tenten into the greenhouse. "Oh, Ten, you have no idea what you just got yourself into."
***
***
Ibiki didn't glance up as Tenten entered his office. "Sit," he gruffly commanded, quickly gesturing toward the empty chair.
Tenten quietly seated herself in front of him, straightening the hem of her dress. He glanced at her, swiftly doing a double take. "What the hell are you wearing?"
Her face turned red, "I let Ino help me find...er, suitable clothes."
"That Yamanaka girl?" he raised an eyebrow, his scars stretching with the movement.
"Yes, that's her," Tenten replied warily.
"Still owe the bitch for that shit she pulled months ago," he shook his head. "Have to talk to Inoichi about it."
Tenten nodded briefly, remembering the fiasco Ino had put ANBU's Head Quarters in when she helped Naruto find the Sound prisoner that had practically killed a very-pregnant Sakura....
"How are you?" Ibiki growled, his pen swiftly flying through the paperwork. Tenten stared at him for a few moments, her mouth slightly ajar in surprise. It was unusual for him to take any sort of interest in her life.
When she didn't answer, he glanced up at her. "What?"
"You've never asked me that before," Tenten pointed out. "I was just surprised...."
Ibiki's face paled slightly, "So, can't I start somewhere?"
Tenten jumped, her hands trembling. She knew that he was dancing around the real reason he requested her presence. "I-I'm fine, thank you."
"Wanna cut to the chase?" he asked as if he could read her mind. His hand danced along the crisp paper as he signed his name.
"That would be nice," she answered, nervously glancing around his office. She didn't want to re-hash the previous mission, but it was a necessary evil of debriefing.
"I received Sai's written assessment of the last mission," he muttered, pushing the thick report across his desk.
Tenten's fingers brushed against the paper as she pulled the packet onto her lap. She quickly glanced at the text as she thumbed through the pages. She saw her name more times than she would have liked. "Ibiki I--"
He immediately held up a hand to stop her. "I don't want any of your damned excuses! What the hell happened out there? The Hyuuga's in a coma and Aburame Shino and Inuzuka Kiba somehow found your location!"
"The Inuzuka Clan is renown for their tracking skills, as are the Aburame," Tenten began.
"But what, exactly, were they tracking?" he asked through narrowed eyes. Tenten thought she saw the muscle in his jaw twitch as he awaited her answer.
She sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I was careless," she whispered. "You damned well know what—no who, they were looking for."
"Yeah, I got that much, considering the bug boy came here to find you after you left," Ibiki nodded.
Tenten's head shot up, "What?"
"Yeah, showed up here. I couldn't give him your whereabouts, but the way he practically begged me, even I felt sorry for the kid. You sure did a number on that boy's heart."
Tenten could feel her ears burning. She was sure they were a bright crimson. "He came here? To you?"
"Yup. Boy is determined," he glanced at her abdomen. "But I guess it's worth it, right?"
Tenten said nothing, as his meaning sank in. She dropped her gaze to her lap. He did all of that for me? she silently wondered. Everyone did all of this for me!
"So, did you two kiss and make up?"
"What kind of question is that? Why are you suddenly interested in my personal business?" Tenten barked, taken aback by his sudden openness.
"Well," he pointed at the report she was holding, "seems like your personal business compromised an ANBU mission. I knew I should have listened to Tsunade."
Her mouth snapped shut. He was right. She had compromised the mission. "Yes, sir."
Ibiki continued, "Neji is injured, though Sai could not—or would not—speculate as to why, and that Inuzuka mutt was killed. The only thing Sai could tell me was that he found you facing off against more than a handful of Kumo-nin," he eyed her carefully. "Why would you do such a thing? Especially when there were other ways to deal with those pains in the asses?"
Tenten chewed her lip. He had multiple points on this issue. She was well-versed in long-ranged assaults, and she knowingly put herself and her children in danger. "It is my fault. I take full responsibility," she answered curtly.
"Not askin' you to," Ibiki replied, crossing his arms over his chest.
"What?" Tenten's head shot up as she stared at her superior.
"I'm purely going by what's in there," he pointed at the thick report. "Seems like Sai is really trying to avoid your suspension, if you ask me."
Tenten said nothing as she stared at the neatly typed pages in front of her. Sai owed her nothing—she had taken his long-coveted position and he could use this circumstance to destroy her. She had never felt like he was a vindictive man, but surely he would take advantage of his strong-hold, wouldn't he? Tenten had never been overly-fond of the often awkward young man, but could she have under-estimated him as a person? She suddenly felt a fierce loyalty to him, especially for all of his help in swiftly bringing Neji to Konoha. He was the one most responsible for saving the Hyuuga's life, she knew.
"I'm resigning," she blurted.
"I think you should rethink that," Ibiki replied, non-plussed by her words, though expecting them.
Tenten met his gaze, shaking her head. "No, I think it's what I want," she smiled sadly. "I've been trying to prove myself for so long, that I've forgotten what's most important to me." Her mind wandered to the previous night's gathering. She hadn't had that much fun or laughed so much in years, and she knew it was because she had been so devoted to ANBU. She hadn't realized how much she missed having friends surrounding her!
"Are you sure this is what you want?" the man asked, his tone betraying his calm exterior. He had not expected her to suddenly give up her commander-ship of the special ops.
"Yes, I think it is. No," Tenten shook her head, "I know it is." She laid her hand on her abdomen, and the movement was not missed on Ibiki."I'm going to be a mom. Twins," she smiled shyly.
"Holy hell," Ibiki whistled. "I didn't know, Tenten." He had known she was pregnant, of course. But, he was not aware that she was carrying more than one child. It would not have changed his decision to send her, as long as she was willing. Some years ago, a young kunoichi remained on active duty with triplets until her eighth month....
"Well, now you do. And I owe it to my children to be there for them," she gazed lovingly at her protruding abdomen. "I don't think this..ANBU...is where I want to be anymore."
Ibiki said nothing, obviously jarred by her hasty decision. "Well, if you want a temporary leave, I can arrange that."
"No," Tenten murmured. "It'll be permanent."
"You are one of the best kunoichi in the village! One of my best ANBU!" Ibiki's fist slammed onto the desk. "You are giving that all up?"
"No, not giving up." Tenten's voice was soft, "Just devoting myself to the next generation of shinobi. Besides, I think Sai has long ago earned my position. He will take over for you someday, as he well deserves. The only reason why I was even promoted was because of your friendship with my father, we both know that, Ibiki."
"If you are inferring that I displayed favoritism--" he hissed.
"Oh come on," Tenten smiled ruefully. "I'm not complaining!"
A pained look crossed Ibiki's face--he knew her words were partly true. He couldn't look at the young woman without seeing his best friend's face. Her parents had died long ago—her father in the Third Shinobi War, and her mother in the kyuubi invasion. He had been watching out for his goddaughter since she was orphaned, though she was never privy to his appointed guardianship.
"Sai, you say?" he raised an eyebrow in question as he rubbed his chin. "He's such an oddball, that one. Damned good shinobi."
"Yes, I think he would make an excellent commander, sir. An amazing leader."
"Would you like to at least stay on for minor missions?" he tried to reach a middle ground with the young woman.
Tenten laughed, "You drive a tough bargain. Sure."
"Hey, it beats you quitin' on me!"
"I expected much more yelling from you," she tapped her chin, her tone suddenly serious.
"Huh?" he asked, as he glanced over the unsigned reports in front of him. He inwardly cringed at the amount of paperwork awaiting him.
"I compromised the mission. I went against what the organization stands for," she faithfully pointed out, her disappointment written in her features.
"Eh, we all have at one time or another," he waved his hand in the air. "If we were truly able to abolish our emotions, we wouldn't be human now would we?"
Tenten's mouth fell open in surprise. She had never heard him be so philosophical before! He blanched at her scrutiny, quickly changing the subject. "Went and saw Neji, doing better than when he arrived," he shared with her.
Tenten nodded, suddenly sobering, "He is." She had visited him every chance she got, though nothing had ever changed. He was stable, but not awake. The nurses told her the same story as the day before—they would have to wait to see the extent of brain damage, if he suffered any.
"He'll make it," Ibiki murmured, his face set in stony resolution. "That kid will make it, don't you worry."
Tenten nodded, the tears stinging the back of her eyes. "He tried to protect me."
Ibiki stared at her in silent contemplation, before nodding his understanding. "I suspected as much. He was always looking out for you. Actually," he scratched his head, "I was expectin' you two to end up together."
Tenten had been hearing that a lot lately, and it was actually getting on her last nerve. "Well, goes to show you how wrong you were!" Her tone was sharp.
"Hey, I'm just stating my observations. You had always idolized him when you were kids," he pointed out.
"I know," she sighed, "but then I met someone who changed my perspective." Her lips slowly curved into a knowing smile.
"Yeah, he'll take good care of you. I can tell already." Ibiki tapped the ballpoint pen on his chin as he looked over her. "I think that's all we need to talk about, Tenten. You're free to go. I'll send you a letter outlining your decrease in duties with ANBU and your resignation as Commander. You'll be free to do as you please."
Tenten stood, flattening the wrinkles in the unfamiliar fabric of her skirt. She felt awkward in the dress that Ino had chosen for her--as she was not used to such..girly...attire. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."
"I bet you do," he smiled grimly. "Now get your ass out of here before I change my mind!"
Tenten quickly spun and marched from his office. Before she walked through the door, she faced the ANBU leader once more. "Ibiki-sama," she whispered.
"Eh?" he asked, not glancing up from his work. His fingers moved robotically through the familiar signature.
"I'm getting married."
"Good lu—WHAT?" he dropped his pen, staring at her incredulously. "Why're you doing that? So soon?"
"Well, I kinda already jumped the gun on starting a family," she grinned, pointing to her stomach. "And..........I love him." Her cheeks burned.
"I see," he replied softly, trusting her decision. "So you're getting hitched, huh?"
"Yes."
"Well, thanks for telling me."
"I expect you go come--"
"I'll see what I can do."
"And stand on my side."
He dropped his pen for a second time as he stared at her in complete shock. She met his gaze, her eyebrows rising expectantly. He could see the silent plea written in her features.
"You mean--" he began, his voice cracking.
"Exactly as it sounds," she nodded, completing his thought. "I have no one to stand on my side, and it would be an honor if you would do that. For me."
"I-I don't know what to say," he stuttered in an uncharacteristic manner.
She was asking him to fill the responsibility of her parents—had they been alive to see their daughter's betrothal. He was not her father, and he had never come close to becoming a father. But, here she was, asking him to represent her as if he were one. He felt his heart swell with pride at the prospect that she wanted him there. He never considered that anyone would need him—would desirehis presence. It had been a long time since he had felt that he was important to anyone or to anything. It was something he had long ago given up on. But, here she was, filling that void that he had created years earlier--after the death of most of his close friends. His lack of companions had allowed him to quickly climb the ranks of ANBU; he had always thought that he was destined for a life of solitude.
Tenten smiled sadly, "I hope that you'll say you'll do it. It would mean a lot to have you there. By my side. It's what my father would have wanted."
Ibiki closed his eyes, trying to recall his friend's face. When he opened them, he saw the reminder staring back at him with her warm, chocolate eyes. "I would like that."
"Yeah?" she asked, hesitant that she had left him with no choice. "I don't want you to feel like you have to. If you don't want to, I'll under--"
"I said I'd do it! Quit trying to talk me out of it!" he interrupted her. His stern look hid the silent surge of pride that was ebbing beneath the surface. "It'd be my honor, girl!"
Tenten smiled, the tears filling her eyes as she watched him quickly return to his paperwork. Without another word, she slowly pulled the door shut behind her. Ibiki continued to complete his paperwork, never looking at the closed door. He was glad she had left, as she was unable to see the slow, deliberate smile that had spread across his face and the way his hands trembled as he continued to sign the papers littering his desk.
Though he tried, he couldn't recall the last time he smiled.