(A/N: I am so, so sorry for not updating for so long! I've just been busy! I wish I had this finished on April 19th, this tetralogy's 1 year anniversary. Anyway, enjoy!)

Forever and Always

Ch. 4

"Here we are," He pushed the door open, and helped his wife step out as the rest of the passengers disembarked.

"Oh boy!" She exclaimed excitedly. "We're almost there!"

"Yes we are," Chuckie nodded, as he loved seeing her so happy. But before long, in 9 months, she'll be even happier, if that was possible. Disney brought out more of her inner child than she usually showed, and it was adorable.

"Oh, wait!" Her voice snapped him back to reality.

"What's wrong?"

"I have to use the little girl's room," She replied sheepishly, "There's the bathroom over there. I'll be right back."

"You alright?"

"Yeah," She nodded, "I just have to pee. No big. I'll be out in a minute."

"'Kay." She then trotted to the restrooms, as Chuckie waited just outside. He watched people go by as he leaned against the structure. Against his will, the events of finding out she was missing years back flashed in his mind, along with the small argument they had before taking a break. He still mentally kicked himself for having such beliefs; He didn't need a fat wad of cash to keep her around! She said so! Why didn't he listen?! If he did, then they never would've taken that break, and she never would've gone missing. Despite her protests, he blamed himself fully, like Z did. If it wasn't for his stupid assumptions, she never would've been captured! Who else's fault will be? He wished he could go back in time, and resolve their argument, so her capture never happened.

"I'm do-o-one!" Shenzi practically bounded out of the restroom. "Let's get to... Chuckie, what's the matter?" She asked him in concern after noticing his somber demeanor.

"Huh, what?" He wiped away the tears that he didn't even know were in his eyes, and rolling down his cheeks.

"What are you crying about?" She wiped his last tears away.

"Sorry, Shen. I... I couldn't help but think of when we took that break, and... then..." He was unable to finish.

"Oh," She mumbled with a nod, "Well, you don't need to worry. I'm here, and I'm not leaving you anytime soon." She kissed away a stray tear, ignoring the slight salty taste. "I won't leave you ever again. Neither is our baby."

He sighed shakily, blinking away extra tears from his eyes. "Thanks, Shen." He kissed her lips, and embraced her tightly, with her returning it. After several seconds, they drew back, but their hands were on each other's shoulders. "Now, let's go celebrate your birthday, Disney style."

"'Kay," She giggled with excitement, then started walking with him, as their hands were intertwined once again. Before long, they were at the start of the very long line. "You got our tickets?"

"Yep," He took them out of his pocket, then stashed them back in safely.

"Wow, I'm so excited!" She bounced on her heels a bit.

"Me too," He held her closer by her shoulders.

"This is the best birthday ever!"

"I'm glad you're happy, Shen. I had a feeling this trip was a good idea. Your mother was a little concerned about you getting morning sickness while we're in a ride line, but I told her that by now, you'll be over that phase... I hope."

"I am," She giggled, "I'll be alright. All of my food is staying inside now." She patted her tummy. "Except when... nature calls, y'know." She glanced downward.

"Yeah," He nodded, as he stifled laughter. They both flinched in surprise when his phone rang in his other pocket.

"Who is it?" Shenzi asked him after he looked at the screen.

"It's Kimi," Chuckie replied, before pressing answer, "Hey, Kimi!"

"Hi, Chuckie!" She greeted him back. "How's Shenzi's birthday going?"

"It's going great," He replied, as the line shifted, "We had breakfast at that PCH Grill I told you about. Shenzi got a brownie, and we shared a cake."

"That sounds fun! How was the food there?"

"It was amazing. We're in line for the first park right now. So, what're you up to right now?"

"Tommy and I are trying to plan our wedding." Tommy Pickles had proposed to Kimi just after the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon, and were now planning their special day.

"Ah. Well, I wish you luck. I know it'll be amazing."

"Thanks, Chuck. I have to go look at wedding cakes. I'll call you later."

"'Kay. Love you."

"Love you too, bro."

"Bye."

"Bye." Chuckie hung up, and stashed his phone in his pocket.

"How's Kimi doing?" Shenzi asked him.

"She's doing good," He replied, "She and Tommy are planning their wedding."

"Ooh! I'm excited for that!"

"Me too, Shen. Tommy's the only guy I really trust with my baby sister."

She giggled a bit at that. "Frankie felt the same way about you, with me."

"Yep," He nodded, "And I'm glad she trusts me with you." He held her closer. "I wouldn't leave you for anything."

"Ditto," She agreed, and kissed his cheek as the line moved once again. "Man, I can't believe we're here on my birthday!"

"I had a feeling this trip was a good idea," He smiled down at her, "I knew you would love it."

"I do!" She bounced on the balls of her feet. "This is the best birthday ever! I can't wait until we get in there!"

"Well, we're getting pretty close," He pointed out, and sure enough, they were.

"Yay! I want to look for baby things in the shops for our future bundle of joy."

"Sounds good, but you might want to go with unisex items, considering we don't know the gender yet."

"Okay," She nodded. Before long, they were at the front of the line. "I'm so excited to be here!" She exclaimed as Chuckie gave their tickets to the employee. "It's my birthday today!"

"Well, happy birthday!"

"Thanks!"

"Okay, I hope you and your husband have a magical time."

"Thank you!"

"Thanks," Chuckie nodded, then led his wife through the entrance, before the classic Mickey Mouse floral art was clear in their sights. "Wow," He breathed out.

"It's so cool!" Shenzi whipped out her phone, and snapped a picture. As she stashed it back in her bag, the Disneyland train stopped at the station, filled with passengers, in front of them. She quickly snapped a picture of the train. The couple walked through the left archway, and into Main Street. They made a beeline to City Hall, where Shenzi received a birthday button, which Chuckie pinned on her shirt's right shoulder.

He then had an idea. "Hey, Shen?" She smiled up at him. "What do you say we take a horse carriage to the park? My legs and feet are a bit sore already."

"Sounds great!" She agreed. "My legs are a little achy too, as well as my feet." Hand-in-hand, they walked to the group of guests waiting for the next one. "I love this place!"

"Me too," He agreed with her.

"How can you afford to take me here?"

"I've been saving up," He shrugged, "The Java Lava pays good."

"Ah," She nodded, "Well, thanks. This means a lot to me." She hugged him tightly from the side.

"You're very welcome," He hugged her back, "Anything for you." He kissed her lips for a second, then kept her close. "I'm going to make sure this is the best birthday you've ever had."

"It already is," She laid her head on his shoulder, then stayed quiet, trying to think of something else to talk about. "Um, it sure is nice out."

"Yep," He nodded in agreement, "It's the perfect day to celebrate a lovely girl's birthday at the happiest place on Earth." Chuckie kissed Shenzi's temple as a blush flared up.

"Aww. And it's the perfect day to celebrate my birthday with the best husband ever." Just then, another carriage stopped in front of the group. "Ooh, there's the carriage!" Luckily, there was just enough room for the couple, as they carefully boarded, with Chuckie to Shenzi's right, and her in the middle. Once the carriage was fully occupied, the horse started walking along the track. "This is so relaxing," She leaned against him a few seconds after the carriage started moving.

"Yeah, it is," He supported his weight on her as well, with their hands connected, and her free hand on her slightly occupied tummy. Her breath hitched a bit when she suddenly felt his gentle hand on her midsection. "S-sorry," He stammered, drawing his hand away.

"It's okay," She assured him, "You just surprised me a bit."

"Should I not have my hand there?"

"As long as you don't tickle me, you can," She giggled.

"Alrighty then," He laid his hand back on her stomach, trying to keep his fingers still. "I can't wait until we can take our child here."

"Me neither," She agreed, "He or she will adore Disneyland, I just know it."

"I know it too." The couple stayed silent as they watched the scenery and other park guests pass by. They knew that their child was going to be a Disney baby after they would enter the world. They were both big Disney fans, especially Shenzi, so it was guaranteed that their offspring will become one as well. And plus, who doesn't like Disney? They gazed at the statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse when they passed by it, before the horse stopped behind it. "Here's our stop." Chuckie and Shenzi disembarked along with the other passengers, then headed back for the statue. After taking pictures of it alone, of each other sitting in front of it, and asking a passerby to take one with both of them, they headed back to the castle walkthrough. After taking pictures, they walked underneath the huge, impressive walkway, glancing at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the way, and to where the rides were. "What should we do first?"

"I dunno," Shenzi shrugged, "What do you want to do first?"

"Shen, it's your birthday," Chuckie insisted, "You pick the first ride we go on."

"Well alright," She gave in, "Hmm... ooh, the carousel! Let's ride that first!"

"Okay," He chuckled as she practically dragged him to the start of the line. As they waited, they watched the ride spin, with guests of all ages having a fun time. "It looks like the wait time is only 5 minutes," He pointed out to her after looking at the sign.

"Yay!" She cheered shortly. The couple couldn't help but watch the parents with their little children, on the ride and in line. Soon, if no problems should interfere, that was going to be them taking their own child to the happiest place on Earth, for the greatest day of their life, if not one of. It was going to be wonderful.

After the carousel ran one round, it slowed to a stop and the passengers disembarked as one cast member provided the safety precautions. Shenzi and Chuckie were able to ride next, as Chuckie hopped on a horse. "You need help?" He asked his wife when he noticed she was struggling a bit.

"Y-yeah," She nodded sheepishly, "Please?"

"Of course," He chuckled as he jumped down, and hoisted her up on the horse next to his. "There you go."

"Thanks!"

"You're very welcome." He stepped back on the horse next to hers, and they buckled themselves in. They held onto their poles as other guests boarded all around them. Chuckie was internally grateful that Shenzi wore shorts under her skirt, because if she wasn't, then she would be dangerously on the verge of flashing passengers and onlookers right now. She thinks ahead, just like him. After the safety rules were announced by routine, the music started playing; Shenzi gripped her pole in excitement as the carousel began slowly spinning. She smiled ecstatically at Chuckie, who smiled back as he gripped his pole. They looked back and forth from the scenery, to the other passengers, then at each other. When their horses were at an equal height, the couple kissed for a split second, then giggled and gazed at one another.

When a couple minutes had passed since the ride began, the spinning was slowing to a stop as the cast member announced the safety precautions. After the carousel stopped completely, Chuckie hopped off his horse and helped his wife down. They then walked through the exit gate as other guests boarded for their turn. "What should we ride next?"

"I don't know," He shrugged, their hands intertwined, "What do you want to do next?"

"Chuckie, I picked this first thing," She pointed out, "It's your turn to pick."

"But it's your birthday," He insisted.

"But coming here was your idea," She insisted back, "You're the one who's paying. Please?"

He sighed, then gave in to her slight pleading expression. A tiny smile and fluttering eyelashes was enough. "Okay, I'll pick next." Her smile grew with excitement as he took out the map. "Hmm... what about the Casey Jr. train?"

"Whatever the man wants," Shenzi took his hand, and led him to the ride line. "It looks like the wait time is 10 minutes."

"That's not too long," Chuckie shrugged, "At least it's nice out."

"Yep," She nodded in agreement. She looked down at her stomach, and couldn't help but smile excitedly at the concept of having a baby. Chuckie held her closer as he smiled with her. He was very excited of becoming a father as much as she was for being a mother. Life was good, and will be for the rest of it. As they waited, she received compliments on her outfit and wishes for a happy birthday. She laid her head on Chuckie's shoulder, and he rested his head on hers, as they took in the background noise; Music, chitter-chatter of other guests, ec cetera. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, giggling at his surprised, flushed expression. "I'm going to call my parents." She took out her phone, dialed her home number, and waited for an answer.

At the Tuck residence, Felicia's head shot up from the kitchen table when the phone rang. "I'll get it!" She exclaimed, running to the phone and answering it. "He-Hello?" She panted.

"Hey Mom," Shenzi replied, "Did you just run? You sound out of breath."

"Yeah, a little," She replied, "Anywho, happy birthday!"

"Thanks!"

"Where are you right now?"

"We're in line for the Casey Jr. train."

"Ooh, fun! Is it your first ride of the day?"

"Actually, it's the second," Shenzi replied, "We rode on the King Arthur carousel before this."

"Ah," Felicia nodded, "So, are you having a good birthday with Chuckie?"

"Absolutely," She replied, "This is the best birthday ever."

"I'm glad you're having fun. Are you almost at the front?"

"Um..." She looked ahead, before answering, "We're a bit more than halfway there."

"Oh, I'd better let you go then. Have fun; Tell Chuckie I said hi, and to keep you safe."

"I will."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Bye."

"Goodbye." She hung up, and turned to her husband. "Mom says hi, and to keep me safe."

"Ah," He chuckled at the last thing, "I'll do just that." He held her closer by her shoulders. "No one's going to hurt you today, or anytime in the future. I'll protect you at all cost."

"Thanks, Chuckie. And same for me; I'll protect you too." She leaned up, standing on her toes, and pecked his lips.

"Thanks, Shen."

They stayed quiet as they waited some more. Thankfully after a short time, they were granted permission to board. They decided to ride in a car that resembled a cage for some shade from the hot sun, while Shenzi giggled at the audio from the movie. As the train ran along the tracks, the couple snuggled up against each other, admiring the scenery rolling by. They laughed quietly at more audio as they rode up a hill. After a couple minutes, as they passed through a tunnel, the end of the ride was announced. After the train came to a complete stop, the passengers disembarked. "That was great!" She exclaimed.

"Yep," He nodded in agreement, "It's your turn to pick. What next, birthday girl?" He held the map out for her to see.

"Hmm..." She tried to decide, "Peter Pan!"

"Alright," He chuckled at her adorable, child-like excitement, "Whatever the lady wants." He led her to the start of the line, where they saw the wait time sign. "Dang, 40 minutes? That's long!"

"Yeah," She nodded, "But at least we'll be in the shade again."

"That is true," He shrugged, then waited with her. When they were behind the fence, they rested their forearms on it as they watched the hustle and bustle on the walkway. Shenzi loved seeing all the ear hats or headbands on guests of all ages, the face characters, the rides, ec cetera. She loved seeing everything the amazing parks had to offer.

Chuckie smiled as he watched his girlfriend admire the scenery before them. The way she looked when doing so made his heart thump in his chest. She was seriously beautiful, and adorable at the same time. He rested one hand on her shoulder, and kissed her cheek, making her smile up at him. "I just love it here," She remarked, laying on his chest.

"I love wherever you are," Chuckie hugged her a bit more firmly, "No matter where it is." When the line moved, the couple shifted out of their sweet embrace and followed along, until the current ships were fully occupied.

"Hey, Chuckie?"

He smiled down at his wife when she addressed him. "Yeah?"

"Going to Disney World with our friends after graduation was lots of fun, but... I love being here with only you," She admitted, "Just the two of us."

"Truthfully, I feel the same way, but with you," He kissed her head, "We have the whole day to ourselves, after all. I wouldn't want it any other way."

"Me neither." As they waited for their turn, the couple enjoyed the refreshing shade that the ride structure had to offer. It wasn't too hot out, but the sun made it seem more so. When his wife was standing in front of him, facing forward, Chuckie held her to his chest with his arms on her shoulders. She smiled as she relaxed in his loving, comforting embrace. They hated to break away, but when the line moved, they had to, so they reluctantly stood side by side, and moved with the line.

Soon after, they were granted permission to board one of the ships, so they decided on one with blue sails and got comfortable, Shenzi to the right and Chuckie to her left in the middle. As they seemingly soared, snapping pictures for sentimentality with their phones, they admired everything the attraction contained, from the beautiful lights of London, to the amazing scenery of movie scenes associated with audio. Shenzi even spotted Ariel in the mermaid lagoon for a split second! After disembarking, they walked outside in the fresh air. "That was awesome!" Shenzi exclaimed. "What's next?"

"Umm," Chuckie took out the map, "How about we grab some lunch? I'm getting a bit hungry."

"Sounds good to me," She nodded, "What is there nearby?" She looked at the map with him, and one spot caught her eye. "How about here?"

(A/N: Ha, minor cliffhanger. XD You know the disclaimer.)