A few weeks had passed since the weekend retreat out at Mountain Shelter Inn, and everyone had gone back to their now daily college lives, and their jobs as well.
Naruto was an intern at Town Hall to help his father and get familiar with the surroundings for when he would one day become Mayor.
Teah was also an intern at the hospital, in works to help earn her PhD in Psychiatry, which was her dream career, to become a Psychiatrist.
Casana worked at the local pet store, to start small and work her way up in being a farm hand.
Kankuro worked at the art store, along with Sasori and Deidara, since they worked in getting their art degrees.
Everything was going pretty well for them.
--
Until today. This very day was just one of those days that changed lives forever.
Teah hadn't been herself for about a week now. She didn't understand why, either. She threw up on some mornings, getting recurring headaches and feeling her breasts get a little tender.
She knew she wasn't sick, since having gotten her flu shot a week ago, and hasn't eaten or done anything that could make her sick. At least not to her knowledge.
Trying not to think about it, Teah was at the drugstore on this particular Sunday morning, getting some pads, Ibuprofen, and some shampoo.
Maybe I should check my little datebook in case. Teah thought, taking out a small datebook she carried in her handy pack to keep track of her period. Her eyes widened in horror when she realized the date. What?! I'm two weeks late?! That's impossible!
Realization and horror struck her then, and she quicky grabbed a pack and then went to go grab something else in the next aisle.
With her purchases-having to lie about one thing-, Teah hurried home on her bicycle, scared and nervous, her heart pounding hard, and not from the work on her bike.
It had started to rain, on top of that.
So by the time she arrived home, she was soaking wet and nervous, hurrying to the powder room and holding one of the boxes. A pregnancy test.
It was so hard to describe how she felt now. Nervous, scared, weirded out, and completely out of balance.
No, it's impossible, we used protection! All the times we did!
Teah took a deep breath, sitting on the toilet as she urinated on th pregnancy test. Everything seemed to be going so slow for her adrenaline-induced heart and body. Finally done, she shook the test a few times, praying to God she wasn't right.
It wasn't that she didn't want to have a child, but right now was NOT the best time. Not at all.
If she was pregnant, she would have a very hard time making the decision. Not to mention how Shippo would react, or how anyone else would when they would find out.
But if she wasn't, then no one would have to know of her suspiscion, right?
Staring hard at the thermometer-shaped test, Teah test as she looked at the little display screen that would indicate whether she was pregnant or not.
It was the Clear Blue product, and would say either "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant".
The hour glass continued to blink on the display, irritating her as she tried to calm down.
Finally, the digitally written words were displayed on the screen, right for Teah's eyes. It read:
Pregnant.
Her eyes widened in absolute shock, the test fell from her hands, and she fell to the floor in a bit of a graceless heap, scared and nervous. Her hand fumbled to pull her cell phone from her pack and dial a number.
C'mon Shippo, pick up! Pick up!
It ran about two times before there was a click and a soft mumble from the silver haired male. "Ello?? Teah-chan is that you?" Even over the phone he could hear the girl's fast breathing and instantly he knew something was wrong.
Not caring if he was going to get in trouble he stood and walked from his science lecture and into the hall way, resting his back against the rain-stained window. As he waited for her response a slightly nervous feeling grew inside him, as if he knew something bad was going to happen. God he hated the feeling.
Trying to control her breathing, Teah finally found her voice. "Sh-Shippo...I need to talk to you! I'd tell you over the phone, but I want to tell you in person. Can you come over when you can? Please?"
The test lay next to her, bearing the one word that was to change their lives forever.
Not to mention everyone else around them.
--
Barely 15 minutes went by and the silver haired boy was at the girl's house. He rapped his knuckles against the girl's window before popping the lock and slipping into her room.
He was fully in the room before he dashed forward, taking a seat on the bed next to his beloved, his arms around her. "Teah, what's going on?! Are you ok?!" His magenta eyes stared at her, filled with worry and slight fear. He silently prayed it wasn't something terrible, for if anything terrible happened to his Teah the boy had no idea how he'd handle it.
Sniffling, Teah clung to him, wiping her tears. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen, at least not right now." She managed. "Shippo I'm pregnant."
She winced lightly, expecting his reaction to be terrible. But then again she knew him better than that and convinced herself she was overreacting.
When he was silent, she continued.
"I-I don't know how it happened, but I swear on the unborn baby's life that it's yours. The condom must've broken one of the times we'd...um....done it."
Shippo blinked, his eyes wide, staring at the girl. "P-Pregnant?" He gave a light gulp, staying slight for a moment letting the words sink in. He had gotten Teah knocked up. He was going to be a father, having a child with the woman he loved.
After a moment a smile spread on his face and he gave the girl an embracive hug, kissing her with much passion. "Teah, that's great!!!" His laugh was light and cheerful, his eyes cheerfully closed. "I mean…god, I know it's really but still, think about it!" He placed a hand on the girl's stomach and smiled. "That's….your child…." He stared at the girl, his smile gentle as ever, warmth feeling his eyes.
Normally he would have freaked, but since it was with Teah, he couldn't have been more happier.
For once, Teah felt more shocked than she probably ever did in her entire life. So much that she couldn't even speak! Even more so when her mother and father dropped the bomb on about him dying.
Not only was she now pregnant at such a young age, but the father was actually excited and happy, and even more so, supportive. It was unbelievable. At this age that kind of father as very hard to come by.
Then again, now that she thought about it, they really did love each other and had been together for about a year now, so the timing in that wasn't so terrible. Even with all the obstacles facing them.
Even so, she couldn't think of anyone else to have a child with.
"Shippo...I...I..." Teah uttered, and smiled big. "I can't even begin to tell you how much I love you right now. Hearing you say that makes it so much better. It's a big weight off my shoulders."
Shippo smiled and gently kissed the girl, gently nuzzling her neck. "Teah, I love you. I would do anything for you" He took the girl's hand and gently kissed it, pulling her into his lap. "…We have to tell your parents Teah. I'll go with you" He gave her a supportive smile and kissed her neck. "No matter what, I'll help you through this baby" He gave a light laugh, his eyes cheerfully closed.
"I guess we should. Although I'm pretty sure Sasuke, Itachi and Uncle Fugaku won't take it well." Teah said, biting her lip a little.
That was true, she was nervous to even think about it. The rest of the gang, they'd likely be surprised and even a bit worried, but supportive none the less.
"It's ironic, you know. I'm the biggest mother hen in our group, and I'm always warning them to use protection, and look at me." She giggled.
"Hello! I'm home!" Ilyani called from downstairs. "You home, sweetheart?"
"Up here, mom!"
The older ravenette came upstairs and opened the door. "Oh! Well hello there Shippo, what a nice surprise! How are you doing?"
The silver haired boy gave a light chuckle and rolled his eyes at his comment, though inwardly winched at the thought of Itachi finding out. He was gonna feel some extreme pain that day.
When her mother walked in he gave a light smile, though almost an apologetic one. "I'm doing fine Ma'am…right now at least…But Ma'am…" He stood and gently took the woman's arm, making her take a seat on the bed.
"Um, well we have a problem…But don't get mad at Teah, it's all my fault!!!" He sighed and looked away, rubbing the back of his head. God he was horrible at talking to parents.
Ilyani's eyes widened in confusion and worry. "A problem? What's the matter?"
"Mom, we're both equally responsible." Teah said, nervous. "I'm pregnant, and he's the father."
An uncomfortably awkward silence fell between them, no one said a thing, or barely looked at one another.
Until Ilyani finally spoke up, sounding concerned. "Oh my goodness...oh sweetheart... How far along are you?"
"I don't know, two or three weeks."
Shippo sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Look…Yeah, we kinda slept together but we did use protection." He thought for a moment then frowned. "Damn it was Itachi's, so this is all his fault"
He gave a faint smile, trying to lighten the mood, though he knew it wouldn't help. He walked up to her mother and bowed. "I'm truly sorry."
Ilyani looked at him apprehensively, and smiled, patting his head. "I understand. Well honey, you're a big girl and you can make your own decisions. Just do what you think is right, and we'll all be here to help you." She stood, going to the door. "I'll leave you two alone." She left the room, closing the door behind her.
Amazed and surprised, Teah stared from the door to Shippo a couple of times before falling back onto her bed.
"Wow. And here I thought mom would freak if this happened to me."
Shippo smiled and laid down next to her, running his hands through her hair. "Inside she was probably pissed, but it's fine, cause she loves you" He gently kissed the girl then sighed. "Though when your uncle finds out…I better start wearing a bullet proof shield"
The silver haired boy chuckled, a soft smile on his face. "Teah, I love you, so, so much" He kissedthe girl gently, stroking her hair. "I….I can't believe we're going to have a child. Is it bad that I'm so happy?"
Teah smiled, shaking her head. "Absolutely not. I know the timing isn't really the best and my uncle and cousins will freak out, but, I really am happy and excited that we're having a baby together. I know in my heart that you will be a wonderful father, because you've done nothing but prove to me how caring and sweet you are to those you care about. I've definitely wanted us to settle down and have a family together. I know that's usually a kind of thing you don't think of much until after you're finished college and have a career and place to live, but it happens when it happens I guess."
She reached over and played with a strand of his hair, giggling.
"And besides," She went on. "I love you, and I know you love me, we're going to make this work. We'll do what we can."
Shipp smiled and nuzzled the girl's neck, gently kissing her skin gently. "I love you so much Teah, nothing can tell you." His magenta eyes cheerfully closed and he laughed lightly, taking the girl's hands into his, resting her forehead against the girl's.
"No matter what, I'll do anything for you and the baby." His hands rested on her stomach, openly stating his feelings. "You're the best thing in my life, I can't help but love you endlessly. Don't worry about a thing, I'll find a way to support all of us on our own, even if it means having to get a new job."
Her eyes glimmered with happiness and she smiled more, kissing his nose. "I'm not worried, not with you around. You always did know how to make any situation sound a lot better." Teah snickered, nuzzling his cheek.
"First things first, we'll have to find a place to live." She winked. "To be honest I wanted to ask if you wanted to move in together in the first place, when we're all settled with our jobs and income and everything."
Shippo smiled and gave a faint nod. "Yeah, I think it's time I stop mooching off little Taiyo and buy my own place ya know?" He sighed and crossed one arm behind his head, the other still around her waist. "I can find us a nice place, I have lots of money around…."
His voice died down and a slight yawn escaped his lips. "Come, lets get some rest, we'll tell the others tomorrow, we'll go out to lunch together and tell them all ok?"
"Okay, that sounds like a plan." Teah nodded, snuggling a little closer. "And I hardly think Taiyo cares. If anything, I bet she'll be begging you not to go!"
They both laughed and settled together, letting everything sink into their minds. Now with a new responsibility on the horizon, it would be tough.
But well worth it.
--
The following day, the gang all met at the diner for lunch just as planned. They were all curious and eager about what the couple had wanted to tell them, and they were pretty sure it was big, if they were all being gathered here.
"So what's the big news?" Naruto asked. "Wait, don't tell me! You're getting married!"
Teah laughed, blushing a little. "No, no. That's not it."
Itachi stayed silent, though he did send Shippo a rather dark look, as if daring him to let it be something bad. Though, his look earned him a swat with a newspaper from Taiyo. "Go on, what is it?"
Shippo sighed and looked at Teah, giving a nervous smile. "Well…er…We have a bit of a problem. First off…I'm gonna be moving out, and we're buying our own place, and well…there's a bit more…."
Itachi glared at the man some more, once again earning a swat, and a chuckled from his boyfriend.
"Um...well..." Teah said, clearing her throat, and then mumbled something incoherently.
Not understanding, everyone stared, confused and curious.
"What was that?" Naruto leaned toward her, holding a hand to his ear. "Speak up, Teah-nee-chan! Can't hear you!"
"I'm pregnant!" Teah blurted.
Silence. No reaction.
At least until...
"OH MY GOD!" Naruto exclaimed loudly and hugged Teah tightly. "That's so awesome!! Congratulations!"
"Wow...oh my goodness..." Casana murmured, wide-eyed. "You're really pregnant?"
Teah nodded slowly. "Yes."
Fai gave a faint gasped, then smiled. "Teah! That's amazing Nya~~"
Taiyo's eyes went wide and she right away looked at Shippo who rubbed the back of his head with a nervous laugh. Her amber eyed looked back at Teah, then she giggled. "Yay!.....But I get to babysit….."
Sasuke went pale for a moment and was silent, not trusting himself to talk.
Itachi sure was though. He stood and in two steps had a grip on Shippo's collar, holding him close. "Your…dead"
"Ehehehe, n-now Itachi! Calm down!"
"Fat chance you ass. I warned ou if you ever brought any harm to Teah I'd make you dig your own grave, but this, THIS?! You better say your prayers."
Immediately Teah stood and grabbed her cousin's arm. "Itachi, stop it! It was an accident! We used protection, and maybe the condom broke! But despite that...we both want this. He'd never do anything to hurt me. Please Itachi, stop it. We want our child, together."
Blinking, Naruto tried to lighten the mood a little. "Uh, yeah! Hey! It's not that bad, right? It was an accident, but if they're both happy with having the baby, it's okay! C'mon Sasuke, cheer up! I know it's shocking and you're not very fond of ol' Captain here, but it's okay! Teah-nee-chan isn't hurt!"
"Yes." Teah agreed, releasing Itachi. "I know it's shocking to you guys, and not the best time to be in this predicament, but we'll make it work, and I'm confident we can raise our child."
After a moment Itachi sighed and let go of the boy. Crossing his arms he let his dark eyes fall to the floor, not bothering to look up and risk meeting Teah's gaze. He cared deeply for his cousin and would kill if anyone ever harmed her, and well the boy had to admit it that it made him quite over-protective.
Taiyo smiled and walked over to the two boys, placing a hand on both their shoulders. "Nii-San, Teah-chan is growing up. You need to understand…"
"….I do…"
When the boy didn't reply, Shippo turned to Teah nad gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. "Mmh…not the best reaction, but not the worse He could have shot me!"
"I still can"
"……"
"You will not." Teah's glare hardened. "If you do anything, I swear I will make you regret it, and you can bet I'm promising you that."
"Whoa-ho there!" Naruto jumped in between them all. "Getting too violent here! Let's all calm down, this is a happy moment! We'll drink to the baby! C'mon! To the baby!"
They all raised their glasses. "To the baby!"
~~--~~--~~--~~
After the gang had all gone home, Shippo stayed. He was sitting on the couch, his magenta eyes staring out the window. They were filled with sadness and regret. He was very happy about a baby, but the fact that it was Teah….it made him happy and regretful at the same time. He was taking away her life.
Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair, his eyes falling closed. All those time people would tell him he was the kid who would ruin things for everyone around him, he thought they were just jerks. Now he knew they were right. Wonderful.
--
"You're really okay with this, aren't you?"
Teah nodded, looking down at her bed covers. "Yeah, I am. I know it's kind of sudden, and the timing isn't the greatest, but I want to do this, and I know he does too."
Casana smiled. "I'm glad you're okay with it and taking a mature approach. I have to admit, I was so worried about you in all this. But I'm glad you guys are working it out."
"I know, and to be honest, I was scared to death when I found out." Teah took the test she'd used that morning, staring at it. "I was so scared he would freak out, or get angry, or worse, leave me. I know that's irrational, but still."
"I can understand." The brunette shrugged. "But hey, Shippo's happy about it and I can see you are too, so it all turned out okay."
"Yeah." Teah smiled a little. "I guess I'm still a little nervous about it all, but I'm pretty confident that things are going to be okay."
"That's a girl." Casana ruffled her hair. "Hey, I'm gonna get going now. I've got a date!"
"Keep your legs closed." Teah teased. "Don't end up like me!"
"Not yet." Casana winked as she went out the door. "But I do sure as hell want his baby." She closed the door behind her, her footsteps fading off downstairs.
With a small sigh, the ravenette lay back on her bed, gently rubbing her stomach. It was a lot to think about, and babies were certainly a huge responsibility. She would have to change her college schedule and probably take the courses from home, and also work more overtime to save up some money.
But what concerned her the most was Shippo, because although she knew he was happy about it all, she had a stinging feeling of regret.
Now he has to live his life according to our little accident... I know he's happy, and I'm happy too, no doubt, but have I really caused him to put his life on hold
There was a light knock on the door and Shippo opened the door, walking in. He gave the girl a soft smile and walked over to the bed, laying next to her, his hand on her stomach. He gave the girl a kiss on the cheek and sighed lightly. "Hey"
The silver haired boy wasn't sure what to do so he gave her a slight kiss then moved his lips slightly, whispering in her ear. "I'm sorry Teah. I love you, I do, but….I hurt you. I mean, I got you pregnant!" He sighed and kissed her neck, gently nuzzling the skin. "I'm sorry for putting a stop on your dreams for the tiem being…but, well I love you, and I love this child and no matter what nothing, and I mean NOTHING will stop me from helping you raise this child"
He stared at the girl, then smiled, a soft look in his magenta eyes. "Because I love you Princess."
Teah smiled, giggling in light amusement. "Don't worry yourself over it, because even though it was sudden, we still have our lives ahead of us, and it's okay if I have to put some things on hold for the time being. To be honest I was more worried about you, given everything. We'll raise this child together, and I know we'll be good parents." She squeezed his hand in reassurance.
"We're in this together. I'm with you to the end."
Shippo smiled and held the girl close with a warm kiss. "Always love, always."
O.o SHippo's in some deep shit now X3