ShinoTen has received over 100 reviews. I am truly humbled by everyone's support--whether it is in the form of a review or by simply clicking on my story. Thank you, from the bottom of my exhausted little heart. At least the 28 inches of snow we have here in Philly has kept me inside and brainstormin'
I don't normally address idiotic reviews, but I will do this once and only once. As I've said before, if you don't like a pairing, don't read it--it's that simple. I've had a consistent reviewer (NejiTen--how original *yawn*), who so meticulously leaves a review stating that they 'hate my story'. It has now escalated to hatred of me, the author. I would comment that you act like a 12 year old, but I know some mature 12 year olds and would not offend them by speculating on your maturity level or age. I have come to like the Neji x Tenten pairing, to be honest, and I have RaoHyuga18 to credit for converting me! I will most likely write one in the near future, and you are welcome to read it. Hell, even be less of a coward and review under a screenname I can respond to. Anyhow, I have stopped reading your reviews because, as you can see, I'm not going to stop writing because you hate my pairing(s) or me. Actually, I consider myself a likeable person, so it's your loss. I would recommend not reading anything on if you hate alternative pairings, as this is a place to freely write and create. I get that you like NejiTen, I really do. And I see that you bother other authors as well (as your poorly written reviews are like a unique signature). I'm beginning to suspect that you read each of my chapters since you so loyally (and badly) review like clockwork. And, if you do in fact read this, as I suspect, I would like to thank you for supporting my ShinoTen pairing, as your reviews boost my review number and possible reader pool. Don't get it? Well, let's say someone is looking for a story based on reviews (as that can sometimes indicate a well-liked story), they may take a chance to read my story and come to like ShinoTen. Bam! I've converted someone! And I have you to thank for that. Keep on reviewin'!
Sorry for that, but I wanted to throw that out there. I apologize to anyone who lost braincells while reading that!
Anyhow, fluff ahead as well as mild humor (silly Naruto!). Happy Reading! Enjoy!
*****
*****
"Come on, ladies!" Ino was clapping her hands together as she eyed the three women as they hesitated in the doorway. "We have a wedding today!"
Tenten nearly vomited at the word wedding. She felt slightly faint at the thought that she was really getting married today. To Shino, no less!
"You're exceptionally happy," Tenten grumbled. Ino ignored her moodiness. Tenten examined the borrowed room, before deciding she had never seen the tiny parlor before. She knew that Shibi had granted Ino use of the room for this occasion. Tenten was suddenly curious as to how that exchange occurred.
She nervously glanced at Ino, who was practically beaming from ear to ear. The newly appointed wedding planner was dancing around Tenten, Hinata, and Sakura--pointing at designated chairs and demanding them to "sit and relax". Ino had promised hair and makeup, but, of course, had overdone it. Again. There were at least two dozen ladies running around the small area, bringing refreshments and tiny cakes to eat. One was offering foot rubs, another offering pedicures. A third had already managed to corner Sakura into a chair and was filing the kunoichi's fingernails while another rubbed her shoulders. A third approached and began toying with Sakura's long pink locks, asking Ino for input.
"Drink, my lady?" came the soft reply from next to her. Tenten blinked, realizing that there was a young girl next to her, holding a tray of sweets as well as beverages.
"Yesthankyouverymuch," Tenten mumbled as she quickly grabbed a cup off of the tray and shoved a handful of cakes into her mouth. Despite the feeling of nausea, she was famished. Besides, how could she resist the intricately designed cakes? The young girl stifled a giggle as Tenten reached for two more cakes before attempting to sit in a nearby chair. The feat was beginning to prove difficult, as she had to redistribute the weight that was expanding her midsection.
"Uh uh, not there," Ino rolled her eyes. "The bride is to sit over there!" she jabbed a neatly painted fingernail in the direction of a very large—and very plush—chair.
Tenten closed her eyes, holding down a second bout of nausea. "Could you not refer to me as that," she croaked, her face turning white as the sweat beaded on her upper lip.
"What's wrong, Tenten?" Hinata asked, suddenly concerned.
"Nothing's wrong," Ino said, bemused, "She's got the case of the wedding jitters. Don't ya, Ten?"
"Bite me!" Tenten hissed as she quickly strode past Ino and awkwardly plopped into the chair. She was immediately surrounded by women who were fussing with her hair, nails, and makeup.
"A bit much, Ino? Ow, what the hell?" Tenten growled, as a woman plucked a few stray hairs from her brow. The young girl near her feet drew away in fear. Tenten immediately felt sorry for her outburst.
"Not at all," Ino smiled sweetly, batting her eyelashes innocently. "Just a little pre-wedding pampering for our bride."
And friends. Ino didn't mutter those words, though Tenten knew that there were benefits for the three women, also. She had a hunch that Ino was the only one looking forward to being beautified. Hinata was grimacing at her hair was pulled tightly against her head, and Sakura had apparently fallen asleep. Tenten looked at her friend. Sakura had lost weight and was looking worse for wear. She silently hoped that the everything was alright with Kushina and Naruto.
"Nervous?" Sakura murmured from beside her, her eyes still closed. Tenten jumped, not expecting Sakura to still be awake--the medic looked so tired!
Tenten thought about what Sakura had asked, choosing her words wisely. "I don't think that touches on how I feel right now."
"You can still get out, you know," Sakura's lips curved upward, her smile suddenly mischievous.
Tenten sighed. "Yeah, I'm wondering why I thought it was a good idea...."
"Because you love him," Sakura slurred, as she began to drift off, finally.
Because I love him, Tenten thought to herself. She said nothing, toying with the words. She did love him--she loved Aburame Shino. Why did she have to remind herself of that? She didn't regret this decision, did she? Why was the though of marrying him suddenly making her so sick to her stomach?
Maybe it's the 'forever' part, she quietly mused. She had never been a fan of tying herself down—except for her duties. She quietly pondered whether they had been hasty in their decision.
"So," Ino interrupted Tenten's internal debate, suddenly leaning down so that her face was inches from Tenten's nose. The dark haired woman jumped at the close contact as Ino's clear blue eyes crinkled in amusement. "How do you want your hair?"
Tenten inwardly cringed. These were all the things she hadn't thought of nor cared about: makeup, nail color, wedding kimono, hair. Ino had done a fantastic job at organizing the wedding thus far, so maybe Tenten should relax and allow the women fluttering around her to make her look presentable. For once in her life, she could handle a little pampering—what could it hurt?
A small smile formed on Tenten's lips, "Don't know, don't care. Just don't make me ugly."
Ino laughed as she glanced around the room. "You're going to be the most beautiful bride this family has ever seen, Ten!" She nodded at the woman hovering behind Tenten—who undid the long braid that hung down the kunoichi's back, running her fingers through the length.
"I take it you already had the details in mind?" Tenten asked, amused. She felt herself relax a little more. Leave it to Ino have had this planned.
"I did, is that so bad? I knew you wouldn't be interested," the blonde scrunched her nose, tapping the upturned tip with a purple fingernail.
"You were right," Tenten sighed. "This is all...too much. You are a miracle worker, Ino!"
"Nah!" Ino pushed her long, blond hair over her shoulders. "Just sit back, relax. Let me make you presentable for your big day."
Tenten said nothing, leaning back with a sigh and closing her eyes. Ino's cerulean gaze wandered to Tenten's swelling abdomen. It was protruding against the tightly drawn cotton robe. She was worried that they were going to have difficulty with the ceremonial attire, since Tenten was definitely not that large a week ago!
I sure hope she hasn't gotten too fat, Ino thought. Or I'm going to have to go on damage control!
***
***
"Breathe, Tenten!" Sakura soothingly stroked her arm as Hinata furiously fanned the bride.
The gaggle of hired help had finally left, and the three kunoichi were trying to calm Tenten, who was currently hyperventilating in the armchair. They hadn't thought she would react like this--she had only looked in the mirror! Tenten felt her heart race as her temples pulsated from the force. She had barely recognized the face staring back at her from the reflecting glass. It wasn't that she didn't like how she looked. It was more that she realized what the makeup, hair, and kimono represented. She was going to become a wife! Shino's wife!
"I'm.....goin'....married!" she incoherently yelped as she closed her eyes and tried to take deep breaths—following Sakura's instructions. "Godswhyisthissohard?"
"Well, what did you expect?" Ino remarked, thrusting a fist onto her hip. "This is what happens when you ask a guy to marry you!"
"Not now, Pig!" Sakura warned under her breath. Tenten's pulse was still quicker than she would like to see. The twins were not affected, but it was still worrisome if Tenten's pressure remained this high. "Hinata, could you find a drink or something?"
"Of course." Hinata quickly poured lemonade from the pitcher that was left behind.
"But--" Ino's mouth opened. Not with her kimono on!
"Shut it!" Sakura seethed as Hinata returned with a half-glass of the cool liquid. "Give her a break! She's freaking out, here!"
Tenten took the glass between shaky hands, as Ino quickly ran over with a towel. "Oh no you don't! You will not spill on this!" she quickly tucked the towel into the neckline of Tenten's kimono.
"Are the babies alright?" Tenten's chocolate eyes studied Sakura, knowing the concern that was etched into the pink-haired woman's features.
"They are fine," Sakura smiled, "You're just nervous. I would be."
The medic used what little chakra she had left to soothe Tenten. She had spent all morning at the hospital, and was practically depleted of her reserves. The pale liquid slowly disappeared from the glass as Tenten took long gulps between breaths. She sat back, her eyes closed. Sakura noted a steady slowing of Tenten's pulse, though her face was still pale.
Sakura looked at Ino, "See? She's feeling more relaxed."
Ino said nothing, quickly narrowing her eyes at Sakura. She crossed her arms over her chest, the deep blue fabric catching the light—which only emphasized the slight golden undertones of the delicate silk. Sakura, Hinata, and Ino each had their hair half up, the rest softly falling down their backs in loose curls, though Hinata kept hers straight. Their makeup was at a bare minimum, so as not to show up the bride.
Sakura smiled at Tenten, "Feeling better?"
Tenten nodded, "Thanks, Sakura." She glanced at the other women. "Thanks to you two, as well."
Sakura stood, putting a hand on Ino's shoulders, "You did wonderful job at transforming our Tenten into a beautiful bride. Maybe you can help me with mine, after all."
Ino's jaw fell open; she was slightly taken aback at Sakura's unexpected praise. Hinata smiled as she patted Tenten's hand. "It's alright, Tenten. You are going to be just fine."
Tenten nodded, smiling weakly at the lavender-eyed woman. "Maybe I shouldn't look at myself in the mirror, huh? What have you done to me, Ino?"
The three women laughed as Tenten's hand stroked her own cheek. Much to Ino's credit, her makeup was light—only serving the purpose to accent her features. A hint of blush here, deep rose colored lips, and shimmering shadow on her brow. Her silken chestnut hair was loosely pulled away from her face, some soft curls falling from the jeweled clasp high on her head. Her hair was adorned with sparkling pins and floral clips. Despite the bulge beneath her silver obi, it was not immediately recognizable that she was pregnant—even to those closest to her, who knew the truth. The soft ivory kimono had a slight sheen to it, shimmering gold with each step that Tenten took. She was unaccustomed to the heavier robe, but she trusted Ino's opinion in the matter of what would be appropriate for the ceremony. She would have preferred some color, but she wouldn't argue. Besides, she did have on the warm, amber necklace that Shino had given her. That was the only accessory she needed. Despite her own harsh criticisms and uncertainty about her appearance, to her friends, Tenten looked like a goddess in her ivory kimono.
Sakura's voice was soft as she spoke in Ino's ear, "I think you have your bride back."
***
***
Tenten was more relaxed for the duration of the morning. She was calm and collected as they made their way to the ceremony site on the Aburame Compound, despite the few minor stumbles over the hem of her robe. Ino had tsked at her, quickly grabbing the hem and holding it while Tenten walked, all the while grumbling about how she needed to act more like a lady. Sakura had made faces behind Ino's back, making both Tenten and Hinata giggle.
Ino quickly ushered the women to a tiny holding room for the bride and her attending women, after making sure that Shino was nowhere to be found. Tenten had immediately sought comfort in one of the chairs in the room, as she nervously tried to remind herself that this was what she wanted. The tiny movement in her abdomen reinforced that conviction, giving her a sense of ease. Tenten was laughing with Hinata and Sakura when the thin door slid open. A tall man was shoved into the room by a certain blonde-haired Yamanaka heiress.
"Get in here, you giant—oof!" she squealed as the man stepped aside, forcing Ino off-balance. She reached her hands forward as she plummeted toward the ground.
The man reached out a large hand, grabbing her forearm to prevent her fall. "I should have let you land on your face," he growled, his eyes narrowed. Ino returned his unamused look with her own angry one.
Tenten stood on wobbly legs as her eyes widened in surprise. "Ibiki?" she whispered.
He was practically unrecognizable in his deep crimson kimono with a white hem and neckline. She had never seen him so....un-ANBU-like before. His face turned a slight shade of pink as he bowed his head. "Tenten," he murmured. His hands clenching. "You look...like a bride, I suppose."
Her mouth was still hanging open as her eyes wandered over his appearance. "I can't believe it! You look like a real person!"
He stared at her for a few moments, unsure of how to respond. A large, lopsided grin lit up his face, "Thanks." He pointed to his head covering, "Sorry about, uh, this, but...well..you know.."
Tenten smiled, nodding her head, "I do. I will forgive you this one time."
His eyes widened momentarily, before he threw his head back and laughed. "What did they do, drug you? You're calm for someone who's just about to get married!"
"No no no. We wouldn't do that," Ino retorted, forcefully pulling her arm from his grip.
He said nothing as they glared at one another. Ino knew that he was still angry at her from when she helped Naruto break into the ANBU Headquarters, not that she could blame him. He was surprisingly easy to take over, but isn't everyone when you've completely taken them by surprise?
"So..why are you here?" Tenten asked, looking from Ino to Ibiki. She didn't want a confrontation. Not here, not now.
Ibiki's face turned slightly red as he spoke, "Supposed to walk you down the aisle or something like that."
It was Tenten's turn to redden. Of course he was going to walk her down the aisle! He was going to perform the duties that her father would if he were alive.
"Tsunade's waiting for you as well. We'll both be on your side," he grunted as he fumbled with the long sleeves of his garb.
"Huh?" Tenten's mouth fell open. She saw Ino glance nervously at Sakura. A green pair of eyes fell to the floor. Tenten suddenly grew suspicions. What is going on? "She's supposed to officiate, isn't she? She's the Hokage!"
"You didn't tell her?" Ibiki roared at Ino. "How could you not tell her?"
Ino sighed, rubbing her temples. Sakura looked at the ceiling. The blonde sighed again before speaking. "Um, well, since Naruto is going to take over as Hokage in the near future, Tsunade wanted him to officiate--"
"WHAT?" Tenten gasped. "N-Naruto?" It wasn't that she didn't like Naruto—she owed him her life, like many in the village. It was that she always remembered the irresponsible Naruto, not one she would consider serious enough to marry her!
"It's true," Sakura interrupted. "I wanted to tell you--"
"But I made her keep it a secret," Ino cut in, her eyes flashing angrily at her pink-haired friend. "Sorry, Ten, but you had enough making you nervous."
"Naruto will do a good job, Tenten," Hinata nodded. Tenten closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "It could be worse," Hinata interrupted.
"Eh?" Tenten replied, nonplussed.
"Kiba could be doing it," the Hyuuga blushed, before covering her mouth.
Nervous laughter rang out, as Tenten shook her head, a slight smile on her lips. "Naruto, huh? Well, it's not like I haven't already turned all of this upside down, I guess."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ino asked.
"I'm pregnant, for one. Those bunch of snooty Aburames would frown on that! Besides, what harm could it do to have Naruto marry us? He is the foundation of his village."
"Don't worry, Tenten, he won't screw up. I already warned him," Sakura stared at the far wall, as if remembering something....
Tenten raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Warned him?"
Sakura smiled as she continued, "That I'd kick his ass if he screwed up!"
***
***
"Ready?" Ibiki asked, his eyes straight ahead. His hand was trembling slightly, and Tenten knew that he did not prefer to be the center of attention. She felt slightly guilty at having him perform this duty.
"I'm sorry, Ibiki," she whispered as Sakura disappeared around the corner.
"Don't worry about it. It's the least I could do....for your parents sake," he admitted, his eyes falling to the floor. The tremble grew, before disappearing for good. His steely gaze returned, the softness of his features gone. "Besides, someone's gotta do it!"
Tenten smiled at her superior as Ino walked out ahead of her. The blonde shot her one last grin as she disappeared through the doorway, her head held upright. Tenten closed her eyes, already regretting the question she was about to ask.
"How many?" she rasped, licking her lips.
"Huh?" Ibiki glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "How many what?"
"People."
Ibiki was quiet for a few moments—enough so that Tenten's stomach sank. "You don't want to know," he replied, the corners of his lips twitching.
"I thought so," Tenten groaned.
She felt Ibiki's hand pat hers as it rested in the crook of his elbow. "So what if all of Konoha? Makes the reception that much easier."
Tenten smiled, shaking her head slightly, "I'm gonna kill Ino after all of this!"
"Good, because I was going to," Ibiki grinned. "You just saved me a lot of trouble." Tenten suppressed a snort.
"You look beautiful, I mean it," Ibiki was suddenly serious, his ears turning pink. "Your parents—they would be proud to see you all dolled up like this. I wanted to say that before we got out there."
Tenten stared at him, her eyes starting to water, slightly. "Don't cry on me, girl. I hate tears," he growled as he took a step forward, bodily dragging her through the doorway.
Tenten stumbled slightly as she was forced in front of the large crowd Ino had invited to the ceremony. Her eyes grew round at the sheer number of people and unfamiliar faces that crowded the hall. She quickly looked toward her feet, reminding herself that Shino would be waiting for her at the end of the aisle. She risked raising her eyes toward where he should be standing. She was relieved when she saw him standing there, his short black haori emblazoned with the Aburame crest. She thought he looked handsome in his wedding kimono, as she had never seen him dressed so formally. Tenten was used to high-necked jackets and hoods. The only time she had seen him in any less was when was na—
No, not those thoughts! She told herself. Shameful!
Tenten caught the brief clenching of his jaw, as his eyes fell on her. She felt her heart race as she realized that his glasses were removed. She could see his liquid, dark eyes with their golden flecks as he watched her come down the aisle. His eyes told her that he was pleased with her appearance, and she let out a deep breath—which she didn't realize she was holding. He slightly lowered his head, a brief smile twitching on his lips as he acknowledged his bride. The insignificant gesture washed away all of her insecurities and anxiety. She smiled as she focused on him and only him. How silly of her to think that he would abandon her at the alter! She decided not to share her nightmares of that exact event with him.
Shibi was standing next to his son, his own eyes masked behind the dark glasses. Tenten almost gaped in amazement as she realized that Shibi had shaved for the occasion. He, too, was dressed like his son, making Tenten slightly embarrassed about her thoughts regarding the attractiveness of the older Aburame. She glanced around, peeking at the serious faces of the Aburame Clan that were seated on the groom's side of the room. Most were wearing glasses, their faces never breaking from their stony demeanor. They were, in fact, typical Aburames—most of whom she had never met or seen before.
Please, don't let my children turn into stiffs like this! Tenten inwardly prayed as she approached Shino with each careful step. No wonder she thought Shino was awkward and un-personable when she first met him—look at what he had to grow up with!
Tenten glanced at Naruto, who was centered at the end of the aisle—a step up from where Shino was standing. He was wearing a similar version of the Hokage's robes. He was holding a tiny book in one hand and giving Tenten a thumbs up with the other hand—all while grinning. She wanted to hit him upside the head for acting like an idiot while they were in a room full of Aburames. Could he be any less serious? She shot a glance at Sakura, who was sending Naruto a warning glare of her own. Tenten smiled as she saw Naruto balk at the green gaze, immediately losing the smile on his face as he stared straight ahead with his blue eyes.
As they approached the end of the aisle, Shino stepped forward, bowing at Ibiki. Ibiki stiffened, unsure of what to do. Shino's head was still lowered as he whispered, "I'll take here from here, Ibiki-san."
Ibiki grunted, and Tenten slowly removed her arm from around his. She smiled at Ibiki as he nodded, quickly retreating to his seat beside Tsunade and Jiraiya. Tenten couldn't tear her eyes from Shino's face as he carefully guided her to where they would stand for the duration of the ceremony.
"You are exactly as I had imagined, Tenten," he spoke softly from the corner of his mouth.
"And that is?" she asked, sure that he could hear her heart beating from inside of her chest.
"The most beautiful woman I have ever set my eyes on," he avoided her eyes, instead looking expectantly at Naruto. Tenten could feel her cheeks grow hot as Naruto nervously opened the thin book.
"Right! Let's get this show on the road!" the blonde shinobi grinned.
Tenten could swear that she saw Shino and his father risk smiling at Naruto's nervous banter. Please don't screw this up, Naruto! It's only a short ceremony!
She thought she could hear the sound of knuckles cracking from somewhere behind here—where Hinata, Sakura, and Ino were standing. She inwardly groaned: this was about to get awkward. There was no way that Naruto could flawlessly pull this off. It wasn't in his nature.
Naruto cleared his throat as he looked straight ahead. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are here today to witness the joining of these two people...."
***
***
"I do." Shino's deep voice bellowed throughout as he nodded his conviction. Tenten could feel her eyes begin to sting from the tears.
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry! she warned herself. She could hear sobbing from her right, and she risked a quick look to find Jiraiya burying his face with a tissue. Behind him, Lee and Guy were doing the same. She smiled to herself at their ridiculous sentiments.
"And now for the vows written by each--" Naruto began.
"Vows? What vows?" Tenten hurriedly whispered. She didn't know that there were written vows--she didn't write anything! She could feel the panic rising in her throat.
Shino glanced at Naruto, understanding her frenzy. "I think we should forgo the vows. Why? Well, because it is not necessary."
"Oh," Naruto replied, looking dumbfounded. He hadn't prepared for what to do in case changes were in order for the ceremony. It threw him off to have to improvise.
Thank you, Tenten mouthed to Shino as she felt her cheeks becoming red. Shino said nothing as his eyes continued to study her face with warm tenderness.
"Well, then, uh, let's move on," Naruto called out. "Sake?" he asked weakly, so that only the closest few could hear.
Shino shook his head, his voice barely audible, "She's can't, Naruto."
"Oh," Naruto replied again, looking deflated. His hands trembled as a bead of sweat broke free and ran down the side of his face. "I guess we are going to forget the sake, then," he replied, his voice louder than necessary, "with Tenten pregnant and all, I guess--"
Tenten groaned as she heard the deep rumbling of murmurs coming from the Aburame side. She glanced nervously at both Shibi and Shino—who managed to maintain their composure. Tenten, could feel her ears grow hot. She closed her eyes, telling herself to not wring Naruto's neck. Instead, she placed her frustrations elsewhere.
"Yeah, so what? I'm pregnant, get over it! No one said you had to come to the reception!" Tenten growled, glaring at Shino's kin.
A few of the older Aburame looked taken aback. The younger ones seemed to be slightly amused by her outburst. From the corner of her eye, Tenten could see Tsunade's palm connecting with her forehead. Tenten glared at Naruto, ignoring the bemused smile on Shibi's face. She felt Shino squeeze her hand as if in silent reassurance. Naruto's face turned crimson as he shut the book in front of him. It hadn't helped him thus far.
"S-Sorry, Tenten," he croaked, his mouth suddenly dry. "Oh, man, Sakura's gonna kill me.." he whispered in defeat.
"Too late, now, Naruto. Let's just get this over with, can we?" she shook her head, deciding if she should succumb to the hilarity of the situation or be angry. She decided to go with the first.
"Uh..." Naruto's mouth opened, as he glanced helplessly at Tsunade.
Declare them, Tsunade mouthed to the nervous shinobi.
"Yeah...I now...by whatever power I have, declare you two to be husband and wife! You can kiss her now, Shino!" Naruto flashed his trademark grin.
Shino risked a half-smile as he reached up, hooking Tenten's chin with his thumb. He slowly lowered his face to hers, gently kissing her and sealing their proclamation. A few catcalls rang out from Tenten's side, and applause began to break out soon after. Tenten smiled into Shino's kiss, immediately discarding her concerns and anxiety. Who cares if they realized she was pregnant? They would find out eventually, right?
"Seriously, guys," Naruto leaned forward, "the old woman in the front right is glaring at you. End it already!"
Tenten smiled at Shino as they broke apart. She glanced at Ino, who impatiently indicated that they walk down the aisle and through the doorway. Tenten tugged on Shino's hand, and the newlyweds walked back through the door she had entered from—this time as husband and wife. Tenten was walking on clouds as she passed through doorway, casting one last look over her shoulder. She could see Naruto backing away from an angry Sakura. Lee and Guy were hugging one another, tears flowing freely. Tsunade looked ready to end Jiraiya's life....
Shino quickly tugged at Tenten's hand, and she turned to look at him. They were out of sight of the crowd, and she briefly wondered what he could want. "Not now, Shino," she joked, "surely that can wait until later. Unless you really want to. We could just skip the reception and--"
She stopped speaking when she realized that he was staring ahead, his head angled as if he were examining something. His face was unreadable as his posture became slightly rigid. Tenten's own head quickly snapped around in the direction Shino was staring.
And her heart stopped.