"Did you know?" Tenten hissed as she brushed past Sakura, entering the medic's tiny cottage without being welcomed inside.
She paced around, her fists tightly compacted at her sides, her rotund stomach protruding to almost hilarious proportions for her normally tiny frame. She definitely looked to be carrying twins....
Sakura pursed her lips together. She had no clue what her unexpected visitor was ranting on about.
"Know what, Ten?"
Tenten spun around, her eyes flashing their anger. Sakura knew that something had obviously set her off--but what? Tenten let out a groan of frustration, before shoving her fists against her lower back and turning to pace around the living area. Sakura smiled, knowing full well what the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy was like.
Tenten and Shino had visited a few times since the wedding. Sakura knew that they were adjusting to married life, and Tenten was learning the intricacies of what it meant to be an Aburame. She was now Lady Aburame, a term that the kunoichi hated. She wrinkled her nose in disgust at being addressed as such. She could tolerate Lady Tenten, however, despite complaining that it sounded so matronly. She had requested to make a decree for all to call her Tenten, but Shino had merely shaken his head, telling her that it was not a dictatorship.
Sakura had seen Tenten more during her weekly pre-natal visits. The twins were growing nicely and Tenten was progressing as any pregnant mother should. Shino was meticulously by her side at each and every visit, even requesting missions around Tenten's obstetric visits. Tsunade had found his newfound worries to be slightly endearing, agreeing to his requests and citing old age as her reasoning for the sudden onset of kindness and consideration. While Shino's concern had initially been for Tenten's welfare, he had since metamorphosed into being equally worried about both mother and children.
Shibi had created an elaborate nursery in the manor, providing an entire wing to the care of his grandchildren. He even requested the hospital install the necessary equipment and room for Tenten to deliver the children on Aburame soil. Sakura was sure it had something to do with both concern about the late Lady Aburame's demise as well as the rumored tradition of immediately offering the child to the kikaichu in hopes of creating an early bond between human and insect. Delivering in the hospital would not be conducive for Aburame tradition, though not doing so would prove dangerous for Tenten.
The sounds of heavily stomping feet reminded Sakura of her visitor. She watched with slight amusement as Tenten grumpily stalked her living room. The pregnant kunoichi was breathing heavily, more from exertion than from anger, at this point. It had taken a few more weeks, but she now looked like she was truly carrying twins. She often complained that she felt like it, as well. Her stomach was high and full, rounded with the signs of late gestation. Sakura knew that, according to her estimates, Tenten would deliver in less than a few weeks' time.
"Tenten, you're going to have to explain! I'm no mind reader," she informed the angry kunoichi.
"That damned ritual! Did you know?" Tenten barked. "They are going to try to bond them before I will even be able to hold my own babies!"
So that's it, Sakura silently mused. She had heard rumors of such rituals within the Aburame clan, but there was no confirmation of such hearsay. She supposed the joining of human and insect had to occur somehow, and sooner, rather than later....
"I'm sure it's quick, Tenten," Sakura intervened. "You will have them in your arms in no time! Besides, in the hospital, the child is cleaned and assessed before the mother is able to hold her baby. That takes time as well." She was hoping that information would be enough to dispel Tenten's concerns.
"But there are risks!" the dark-haired woman wailed. "They may not take--"
"Not take? I thought it was practically a given that all Aburame were retainers for their bugs?" There was a chance that their bodies wouldn't accept the kikkai? She had thought it was merely a genetic predisposition for being a vessel. You offer; they take. That simple, right?
Apparently not.
Tears welled in Tenten's eyes. "Shino told me that there have been cases where symbiosis could not be...uh ascertained!" She was using his words verbatim, though she had no real idea of their meaning.
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. Should Tenten be sharing such important clan traditions with her, an outsider? "Tenten, I'm sure that it is indeed very rare. It's not something you should worry--"
"They could die!" she cried, throwing her hands in the air.
"Huh?" Sakura's mouth fell open. How could a child die by not being accepted as a hive for the insects? "Shino told you this? Are you sure?"
"The clan mostly marries within itself to keep the gene pool intact," Tenten sobbed as she leaned against the wall. "I think that me being of outside lineage...it may put the babies at risk."
Sakura took a few steps, resting a comforting hand on Tenten's arm. "I don't think that you will have anything to worry about. You are kunoichi--being a shinobi runs in your blood. And that will be passed onto your children. They chakra is already strong enough."
It was true, Sakura could see the tiny little pathways beaming back at her during each and every exam. They were shinobi even before their births. But, would that predisposition help seal their ability to accept the hive of kikaichu that would be released into their bodies? Sakura had no idea.
"But what if something goes wrong?" Tenten was heaving, her voice failing her.
"If a baby does not take to the kikkai...are you saying they die?" Sakura asked softly, not sure if she was understanding why Tenten was so concerned about the children taking to the kikkai. It's not lethal, is it?
Tenten nodded, blowing her nose on one of Sakura's dish towels. Sakura said nothing for some time, slightly taken aback by the seemingly barbaric tradition. "I had no idea, Tenten." It was secret knowledge. No one knew of that ritual. "How do they do it, do you know?"
Tenten shook her head. "Only the elders know, even Shino could not tell me. He said he suspected that they inject larva into the newborns. The, er, symbiosis takes in a matter of minutes. If it doesn't then--"
"I see," Sakura cut her short of having to say the words. They die. Perhaps she could convince Shibi of her presence during the ritual, maybe she could help in the rare case that it could possibly happen. She chewed her lower lip.
"Did Shino tell you this on his own accord?" she asked hesitantly.
Tenten peered at her through wet lashes. She shook her head slowly, the guilt evident in her chocolate eyes. "I pried it out of him."
Oh. "So you went fishing for information that would only worry you more?" Sakura sighed. So this was not all-defining....
"I wanted to know more. They are my children, too!"
"That's true," Sakura smiled. She heard Kushina cooing form the nursery, her head snapping in the direction of the baby's room.
"I'm sorry, I woke Kushina, didn't I?" Tenten hiccuped.
"She was due to end her nap," Sakura replied softly. "Tenten, do you have an option as to whether or not you allow the babies to undergo the infusion?"
Tenten shook her head, "I know that it would greatly disappoint both Shibi and Shino. How could I deny them that?"
"I think," Sakura ventured, "that Shino wouldn't allow the babies to undergo such a procedure if he were concerned about its failure. I see how attentive he is to both you and the babies. I think he's more worried about how you do during their births."
Tenten said nothing for a few moments. Her voice was barely audible as she spoke, "So....I'm over-reacting?"
"I think you are.....excessively worrying," Sakura replied tactfully.
Tenten nodded, wiping her tears from her cheeks. "I'm just scared.. Even the worst outcome is a possibility!"
"Anything is possible. You could walk outside and be struck by lighting, no?" Sakura pointed out. "Does that stop you from going outside?"
"No," Tenten smiled, her lashes damp.
"Then stop worrying about it. I'm sure neither Shino or Shibi would risk the twins' lives. Even for a clan tradition."
Sakura crossed her arms over her chest. She was absolutely positive that Shino wouldn't. Besides, she had no doubt that the conditions surrounding an infant's health would also play an important factor in the process. The twins were healthy as any two babies could be, so Sakura was not concerned about their ability to withstand the procedure. They had half of Shino's genes, surely that was enough to provide acceptance of the larva, right?
"Thank you, Sakura," Tenten breathed. She glanced at the floor, her smile suddenly becoming mischievous. "Are my feet still there? I can feel them, but I can't see them."
Sakura mockingly ducked. "Yep, they are."
Tenten sighed, "My entire body is aching. Any way we can evacuate sooner?" She pointed to her stomach, a half-smile on her face.
Sakura laughed. This was the Tenten she knew and loved. "Sorry, but we need you to carry to term. Only a few weeks. At best. Then you'll regret even asking that question!"
Tenten joined her laughter, shaking her head in amusement. "I don't know how you went on a mission as late in the pregnancy as you were."
Sakura raised her eyebrows. "Oh?"
"I'm carrying two, and at seven months I want to crawl in a hole and die. I could barely put on my shoes today, and they are slip-ons! You were out there fighting to find Naruto," she explained, a dreamy expression on her face.
Sakura smiled, knowing that Tenten was reminiscing on her assignment with Shino. "Well, carrying one is much different than two, for starters."
"Agreed," Tenten wiped her brow. She was beginning to sweat from the exertion as well as the sticky heat.
"But, I knew that I couldn't raise my child alone. And family was important to Naruto," her green eyes became slightly unfocused. "He deserved to know what it felt like to be a father. There was no way I would allow him to die without experiencing it. So, I guess you could say that was enough for me to put my own suffering aside."
Sakura blinked a few times, smiling sadly, "Besides, I had taken certain precautions to protect my baby if anything to happen."
Tenten nodded. She had suspected as much, though she never asked Sakura about it. She knew that the kunoichi would never truly risk the life of her child, even for Naruto. Tenten was positive that Sakura would provide means of protection for her unborn child, even in the face of duty.
Tenten looked at the clock. "Shit, I have to get going," she sighed. She smiled at her pink-haired friend. "Thanks for everything, Sakura."
"No problem. I'll see you in a few days' time for your usual check-up," she returned the smile in kind.
"Of course," Tenten waved as she slowly waddled from the house. Despite her condition, she was still able to disappear in a blur of fabric.
"Still got it," Sakura shook her head as she closed the door.
***
***
Sakura was out of breath as she reached Shino and Tenten's abode. Shino had sent a bug clone to request Sakura's "immediate assistance."
When she questioned the cloned as to what or why, it couldn't answer her. She knew that Tenten was due any day now, and suspected the reason for Shino's hasty plea. She had left Kushina with Naruto, who flashed her a grin and offered the couple an early congratulations. Sakura had warned him it was a bit premature, and that she would extend his well-wishes only when it was prudent.
"I....I....was c-called," Sakura breathed as she reached the quaint porch of the tiny house. She found Shino nervously pacing, his hands shoved deep in his pockets and his face ashen. She could hear the faint sound of kunai splintering wood in the distance...
Shino's head shot up at the sound of Sakura's voice, "Sakura-san! Thank you for your quick response."
"What's the matter? Why are you out here?" She attempted to peer around him.
"Tenten's water broke," he replied quickly, the sweat shining from his brow. His forehead protector was nowhere to be found, and his hair was a thick, tangled mess. He looked like a wild-man..or a man going through hell....
"But why are you out here?" Sakura asked the question a second time.
"Tenten threatened...please excuse my vulgarity," his brow crinkled with concern, "to put my balls in a jar."
Sakura snorted. That sounded like a woman in labor, for sure. "Right," she replied hesitantly. "How long ago?" She looked past him a second time.
He removed his hand from a pocket, wiping his forehead and quickly looking over his own shoulder, "About ten minutes ago, to be exact."
"How are her contractions? Is she in pain?" Sakura quickly morphed into doctor mode.
"She's target practicing," Shino answered stonily, turning and walking toward the back of the house.
Sakura shook her head. Typical Tenten.
***
***
The brunette turned slightly as she heard her friend and husband approaching. Her face turned dark, as the sweat dripped from her chin. "Oh, I see Shino did freak out a bit."
"I think he reacted as new father should," Sakura pointed out, "especially at the first sign of labor."
"My water broke, not a big deal," Tenten waved her hand in the air before letting a kunai fly with the flick of her wrist. It deftly hit its mark. "Still got it!" she grinned.
"Are you sure your water broke?" Sakura asked, glad that her lungs had stopped burning.
"Unless I peed my pants...then yes. I'm sure," Tenten smiled, her hand on her abdomen. A slight look of pain crossed her face. Shino took a hesitant step, but Tenten raised a hand in warning. "I'm fine," she growled.
"How far between?" Sakura took a step forward, her hand glowing with the energy.
"Far enough."
Sakura quickly did her best to examine the dismissing kunoichi. The babies were in the proper positions, the female's head engaging the pelvis. She knew that the remaining labor would most likely proceed quickly.
The medic-nin stood, "It won't be long."
"Yeah, yeah, not a big deal. This is easier than I thought," the weapon's kunoichi shrugged. Another kunai flew from her hand, silently nailing its target.
"Tenten, I really think we should get to the main manor," Sakura warned. "You are progressing faster than expected. Your contractions will begin to increase soon."
"I'm not worried about it. When they get worse--" she doubled over. This time Shino approached.
His eyes flickered over Sakura, as he immediately knelt beside Tenten, his voice raspy, "Do as Sakura instructs you."
Sakura could see the sheen of sweat beading on his upper lip. He was nervous, but doing a good job at hiding it. Her well-trained eyes could detect the signs, however.
"It's not time yet," Tenten hissed as she straightened, releasing a handful of senbon. They stealthily hit their mark.
Sakura shook her head as Shino pleadingly looked at her. "She'll learn soon enough," she whispered.
***
***
Tenten was sweating profusely as she slumped down into the chair. Kunai, shuriken, and senbon were littered around her. "It hurts!" she screeched. "Do something!"
Sakura was kneeling beside her as Shino wordlessly held Tenten's hand. Sakura glanced at him as she timed Tenten's contractions, "It's time."
In a blur of motion, Shino lifted Tenten into his arms. "I can walk, dammit!" she hissed, sweat running down the side of her face.
"This is quicker," he murmured, his voice strained.
Sakura nodded, and the trio flashed toward the Aburame Manor at excessive speed. They arrived at the mansion before another wave of contractions hit Tenten. Shino busted through the door to find his father patiently waiting, a nurse on hand.
"It is time," Shino replied, his voice wavering slightly.
Shibi nodded, quickly turning and leading the way toward the appointed room. Within minutes, Tenten was resting in the oversized bed with Shino by her side He was pacing nervously between contractions. Or between Tenten's hate-filled screams. Even Sakura hadn't been that bad!
"Would you stop that?" Tenten growled at Shino. "You're pissing me off!"
"You are making me nervous, Tenten," Shino replied softly.
Tenten was taken aback by his sudden concern. "Sorry," she muttered as her body began to spasm with another contraction.
"Dammit, Sakura, can't we do anything for the pain?" she hissed.
"I've given you as much as I can. You shouldn't be feeling much of what's happening," Sakura informed her as she concentrated on the babies' positions. The fetus on top—the boy—was not descending as she would like. In fact, he had rotated onto his back, lying transverse to her pelvis. It was not a good sign
"Well, I'm feelin' it! And I don't like it!" she sneered as she gripped Shino's hand, panting heavily from the pain.
"Is everything alright?" Shino asked, carefully watching Sakura's expression.
Tenten's contractions were coming rapidly, the waves barely abating. She was dilated almost completely. Sakura knew that the male child would have to convert quickly, or they would have a possible emergency on their hands.
"Everything is fine," Sakura forced a smile.
We will cross that bridge when we come to it, she thought. She glanced at Tenten, then at Shino. "The babies are coming. Are you ready?"
Shibi's library had turned into a waiting room, and Sakura knew that Naruto's big mouth was to blame. Everyone waited patiently for the news, while Sakura coached Tenten through the delivery.
"I swear by everything holy--" Tenten screamed as Sakura yelled, "Push!"
Shino's face was pale as the nurse adjusted Tenten's legs, her hands moving deftly beneath the curtain blocking his view. He knew that whatever was happening down there, it was best not to see it. He was almost as equally positive that Tenten had broken two of his fingers from her incessant squeezing. But, he wouldn't complain, he owed her that much. She was doing all the work, after all.
"I see the head, Tenten, you're doing great!" Sakura coached.
"It sure as hell doesn't feel like it!" she panted, groaning from the pain. She was going to have to do this a second time?
"Just one more push, and make it good," Sakura wiped her forehead with her arm.
"I hate you!" Tenten screamed as she pushed one last time. She could feel the pressure and a release following—soon after a shrill cry filled the room.
Tears fell from Tenten's eyes, mingling with the sweat. "Is...is that her?" she whispered, her energy almost gone.
"It is!" Sakura held the wriggling mass up for Tenten to see, "A healthy baby girl."
She glanced at Shino, who nodded. He looked to be moments away from passing out. The nurse quickly cleaned the infant, swaddling her and handing her to Shino, who brought the infant over for Tenten to see, his hand trembling as the held his daughter. Their daughter.
"Before she goes," he murmured.
Tenten sobbed as she leaned down to kiss her daughter's forehead. "Be safe, little girl," she whispered, her tears splashing the blanket.
Shino quickly dispatched a clone to carry the infant to his father. He wouldn't leave Tenten's side. Not during this.
"No, you take her," Tenten pleaded.
Shino's eyes widened behind his glasses, "But--"
"I'll be fine, Sakura's here with me," she smiled weakly. "Go. Don't leave her to it, not alone, Shino."
He reached for the infant, his clone dissipating with a faint pop. He kissed Tenten before leaving the room, murmuring something incoherent to his wife. Tenten nodded, "And I, you."
Shino was managing the delivery much better than either Tenten or Sakura had anticipated. Perhaps it was because everything was happening so quickly that he didn't have time to concern himself with any possible risks or complications. He had long ago realized that Tenten's birth would not follow in his mother's footsteps.
Tenten sighed as she leaned back, enjoying her momentary relief. She smiled weakly as she watched Sakura's brow furrow as she examined Tenten.
"One more to go? I can do it, I think," she joked lightly, the pain a mere memory.
Sakura said nothing, casting glance at the nurse. "Do we have the capabilities for surgery?" she asked softly, so low that Tenten could not hear.
The nurse's eyes grew round at Sakura's inferences. "My—my lady?"
"What it is?" Tenten's heart rate began to climb as the nurse's expression was not missed by her. Sakura inwardly groaned, wanting to pummel her assistant.
"Sakura?" Tenten was growing hysterical, despite the anxiolytic Sakura was pressing into her IV. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Sakura's eyes were narrowed as she studied the monitor while envisioning the baby's position with her examining hands. She placed her fingers inside to confirm her suspicion. She could feel an elbow, and it matched the vision her chakra impulse was returning to her. On the monitor, as if on cue, Sakura saw the familiar blip when Tenten's contraction began.
"Shit," she growled. Her green eyes met Tenten's dark, fearful ones. "The baby isn't in the proper position—he's not turning," she attempted to explain.
"What does that mean? Can you turn him?" Tenten's voice was becoming high pitched.
Sakura shook her head, "I already tried." She glanced at the monitor. Another contraction, another spike in fetal heartbeat. This time, however, the spike didn't return to baseline. Her face paled as she realized the implications. Tenten's own eyes were wide with fear, knowing that whatever Sakura was seeing, it wasn't good....
"Tenten," she spoke quickly, "we need to operate. This baby needs to get out! And he needs to get out NOW!"
Tenten could feel her heart race, her blood pounding behind her eyes. Her child was in danger, her baby boy! She nodded slightly, her body weak from the exertion.
"I trust you," she whispered.
Sakura met her gaze with equal seriousness, "I can't give you anymore anesthesia, we don't have time. Do you understand? You will feel some of it."
"I trust you," Tenten repeated. "Do what you have to. Save him."
"Right!" Sakura replied, quickly turning toward the nurse. "You apparently are not gifted at being discrete, but have you at least done a Cesarian before?"
***
***
Sakura sliced through the layers of tissue with her chakra scalpel before making a small incision between the muscle. She could hear Tenten moan as the pain reached her senses. Sakura's tongue peeked from the corner of her mouth as she concentrated on what she was doing.
Get in, get out! She repeated to herself. She knew that once the cord wrapped around the infant's neck, it was only a matter of time...seconds could mean life or death.
She quickly sliced through the muscle of the uterus, ignoring the noise from the fetal monitor. She quickly reached in, grabbing the infant under the chin. She tugged, maneuvering his head so that she could hook a finger underneath the cord. She quickly pulled the cord free, noting how the baby did not move.
Shit, I'm not too late, am I? In one fluid motion, she pulled the shoulders free, lying the child on Tenten's abdomen. The new mother attempted to look at her son, her face pale from the pain.
"Is he...is he going to be OK?" Her voice was weak, and she was doing exceptionally well for practically watching her own surgery.
Sakura's eyes stung from the sweat that was running into them. She quickly placed a glowing hand over the infant, monitoring the tiny baby's vitals. He was sluggish, but his heart was beating. His lips and extremities were blue as she handed the infant to the nurse.
"Please, Sakura, tell me he's going to be fine! Sakura?"
Sakura opened her mouth to speak, immediately cut off as the nurse slapped the bottom of his feet, and a catlike mew tore through the air. It slowly grew into a pathetic wail before a loud cry filled the room.
Sakura smiled, looking up in time to see Shino running back into the room. His face paled as his eyes studied the scene before him. He knew the worst was over, despite the grim looking scene in front of him.
"He's doing fine, Tenten," Sakura promised, her eyes on Shino. He staggered, placing a hand on the wall for support, as he unsteadily made his way to Tenten's side.
"Thank you," Tenten sobbed, her head falling back and her eyes closing as Shino reappeared next to her, wiping the matted hair from her forehead.
Sakura's smile grew wider as she glanced at Shino—whose normally stony face was blatantly lax with concern. "Congratulations, you have healthy baby boy. He's got your eyes."
***
***
Tenten was resting comfortably under the influence of pain killers. Sakura had easily closed her incisions, repairing the minimal damage she had caused. Her fingers had moved deftly despite the pressure on her to ensure the infant's safety, making the cleanup that much easier. While Tenten slept through most of it, Sakura had calmly explained to Shino the circumstances and her reasoning behind the emergency surgery. Shino only nodded; he was glad that everything had turned out fine, despite not going as smoothly as he would have hoped. Perhaps it was best that he was not in the room, as his reaction may have added extra stress to both Sakura and Tenten
The two new additions to the clan were released to the Elders' care, and Shino paced nervously outside the room, where his children were undergoing the Aburame ritual. The shrill cries of the two infants tore through the hall. Shino's head shot up, his eyes wildly searching the corridor. Sakura laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"It went much easier than you expected, no?" She was attempting to draw his mind away from the mater-at-hand, merely discussing the births and not the nodded, at a loss for words. His jaw clenched in worry as he shot one last glance toward the door that stood between him in and his children.
Sakura's eyes followed his gaze."They will be fine. They are both healthy, and they made it this far. I trust Shibi will use his good judgment."
Shino once again nodded, licking his lips; his face pale. He hated to leave Tenten, but she no longer needed him. Right now, he wanted to await the news that would come from inside that room. He knew that it was rare for any complications to occur, but the fact was that it did happen.
"Thank you, Sakura," he croaked.
"Eh," she shrugged, smiling knowingly. "It's my job."
"I mean, for saving him," Shino replied stoically. "I understand the implication of that complication."
"Years ago, it could have been a death sentence for an infant," Sakura admitted, "but nowadays, it can be prevented with quick measures."
"You saved his life, and for that, I owe you," Shino swallowed hard. "I thank you for not worrying Tenten as well."
Sakura flushed. It was an emergency, and she hadn't' totally shared that information with Tenten, in fear that she would only cause more anxiety and further problems for mother and baby. Her eyes fell to the floor as she avoided Shino's gaze.
Before either could speak, Shibi emerged from the room, a tiny swaddled bundled in his arms. Two armed guards took their place in front of the door, blocking the entrance to the room. The elder Aburame's face was pale as he suddenly stopped, his body rigid. Shino took a few steps, his father's expression causing him to also halt in fear.
Sakura stood, suddenly realizing the silent exchange occurring between the two Aburame. Father and son stared at one another for some time, before Shibi strode over to his son. He held the infant to his chest, protectively, while Shino continued to stare at his father.
Sakura peered at the infant enveloped in Shibi's arms. She could see the infant's eyes, and she knew that the elder Aburame was holding the male child. The boy had his father's eyes, though the irises were slightly more golden brown than a deep chocolate in color. His eyes, like Shino's, were bespeckled, his pupils almost non-existent as he squinted against the hateful light.
They were the eyes of an Aburame.
Sakura's own eyes flickered toward the two men, their silent message lost on her. She watched as Shibi licked his lips, his hands trembling as he held the boy out for Shino to hold. The new father quickly pulled his son to his chest, staring at his father in expectation.
"Where is she?" Shino whispered, his voice cracking.
"I'm...I'm sorry, Shino," Shibi replied softly, his eyes dropping slightly as a tear streaked his cheek. "She didn't take."
"What are talking about?" Shino snapped. Surely his father couldn't mean--
"The kikaichu," his own voice breaking, "they rejected her...."