Chapter 12: Revelations

The girls followed obediently, eyes on the floor. Shikamaru followed slowly behind. She ushered them into the room "sit." She filled out a couple of prescriptions for Ino and Tenten. Handing them to the girls she explained each one. "This one is for nausea and this one is a vitamins. When we're done go get them filled." Tenten started to cry and Ino put her arm around her. Tenten looked at her and pushed her away. "Don't touch me!"

"What's your problem?" Ino demanded.

"You are!" Tenten exploded. "This is all your fault! It was your idea and look where I am!"

Ino laughed. "It might have been my idea, but you went along with it. It's not my fault that you're a good for nothing, spineless sack of shit!"

Tenten screamed and lunged for Ino. Falling on the floor Tenten grabbed Inos' hair and banged her head against the floor. Shikamaru pulled Tenten off and Tsunade grabbed Ino. Struggling against Shikamaru Tenten yelled, "Do you know why I went along with it; with everything? Because I love you! Because I wanted you to love me too! I thought if I went along with everything you'd understand how I felt!" She went limp in Shikamarus' arms and started crying.

"Oh," said a shocked Ino. "I'm sorry, but I could never love you. You're too weak.

At that Tenten wailed, Shikamaru watching with shock and confusion. He looked to Tsunade, "What's going on?"

"Well, you might as well know. They're both pregnant, with your child."

Shikamaru sat, stunned. He shook his head, "No, no, no. I don't believe it."

Tsunades' eyebrow arched. "Would you like to see the test results?"

"No, I don't. I don't want anything to do with it, with them or the children. They aren't mine." He turned to the door but Tsunade grabbed him. "I'm not done."

She turned to the girls, pulling Shikamaru into her line of sight. "Tomorrow the Kazekage and his council will be here. There will be a hearing and there we will decide the punishments, if warranted, for all of you. All three of you will be there." Then she walked out of the room, leaving them along together.

Tenten had stopped crying, and Ino sat on the examination table.

Shikamaru look at Ino, "Why Ino? Why did you do this to me? You ruined the best thing in my life. I love Temari and now she hates me. So why?"

Ino looked up at him, tears streaming down her face. "I guess I did it because I was jealous; jealous because you were in love and happy. I wanted that, and I wanted you. It made me mad that I couldn't have you, so I tried to get rid of Temari. Hoping you might one day love me." She looked down at her shoes. "I'm sorry Shikamaru, what I did was wrong and I understand that now. You don't have to do anything with this child if you don't want to. I'll figure something out. I'll probably have to quit being a ninja." She stood up and walked to the door. Putting her hand on the knob she turned and said, "For what it's worth, I enjoyed being on your team." She went to walk out the door and Shikamaru pulled her into a hug.

"I forgive you Ino. Thought I'm not sure Temari will. As for the baby, we'll figure something out."

A tear slid down her cheek as she walked out. "Thank you," she whispered. She went down to the pharmacy to fill the prescriptions and then went home to cry herself to sleep.

Tenten still sat on the floor staring off into space. Shikamaru walked over and helped her up. "I'm so sorry Shikamaru. I'm such a bad person, and now I am being punished for it."

"No you aren't. You did what you did for love. I understand." Shikamaru said, trying to soothe her. Putting his arm around her he squeezed. "It'll all be ok. Now I suggest you go home and get some sleep. Tomorrow will be stressful for us all."

Tenten got up and said, "Thanks," then left.

Shikamaru lay back on the examination table, putting his arms behind his head he sighed. "This whole situation is troublesome and will only get worse tomorrow." He thought to himself. "Women," he said to no one and went home himself.