A/N: Hey again. I'm glad you're enjoying the stories, and I hope you enjoy what's coming up next and have a great day.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

X

Having children was something they always wanted. The world was dangerous, she knew, but as strong as she was, Tenten couldn't push down her desire to have children. At first she thought it was stupid. That there was no way she would ever give up being a ninja, even for a short time, to be a mother. And if her record when it came to baby-sitting missions were any indication, she wasn't the motherly type at all.

But the feeling had persisted, and the fact that the man she married was expected to produce an heir didn't help either.

She leaned further against Shino, letting him hold her, and rest his hand on her slowly swelling belly.

It hadn't had anything to do with the clan though, as much as she wanted to blame them. She wanted a baby. Shino had wanted a baby. So they tried for one. Planned for one. Did everything they could…and for awhile, it seemed like it was impossible. That something was wrong. There had been a few false alarms, and each one was more devisating than the other.

Then finally, three months ago, they knew for sure they were having a baby. And last week, the panic had finally set in for Tenten.

"I can't do this, Shino! What was I thinking? I can't be a mother! You have to be calm to be a mother! You have to be normal! Do I look calm or normal to you?" she nearly screamed as she stared at him with horrified eyes.

"Tenten, you are already two months in. I don't think there's any way to back out now. Besides…"

"I know that! I know that!" she shook her head. "But I don't know if I can do this! Okay, that's a lie. I know I can't do this! What did we get ourselves into? Shino, I can't…"

She had been hysterical, and only cut off as he pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair. Crying was something she never did. Ever. But with her hormones starting, she couldn't stop herself. She had no idea what she was doing. Did either of them? What were they thinking. And the clan would expect her to stay home as a 'good mother' all the time. As much as she wanted to be a good mother, she knew she couldn't be cooped up like that. She knew…

"After everything you have been through, it amazes me to see you act this way. Why? Because I thought you knew how strong you were." Shino said softly, and Tenten fought the urge to hit him.

"I'm not weak."

"Only a fool would believe you be so."

"I just don't think I can do this."

"There's nothing wrong with being afraid. I…am concerned as well." his voice grew softer. "My father is…was…so strong. And always there for me. And kind. And…I don't know if I can be all that he was to our child…as much as I want to."

"You can. I know you can."

"Yet you believe you can't?"

Tenten smacked him, but he only smiled, lightly bumping their foreheads together.

"I have a plan."

"You always have a plan."

"Why don't we believe in each other for each other? I will continue knowing that you are going to be the greatest mother this child could hope for. And you will believe that I can be the best father they could ask for."

There was a moment of silence as Tenten took everything in, and then nodded with a smirk.

"Yeah. That sounds about right."

Looking up at him now, Tenten snaked her hand over his, interlocking their fingers as they watched the night sky. There was a long road ahead of them, but when she was calm, she knew with certainty they could make it. And when she wasn't calm…well it helped to have someone who always was, bring her back down, and pick her right up.

End of Three

A/N: Hope you guys liked it. Please let me know what you thought. ^^

Have a great day.

Be blessed

your friend

innocent-rebel