Sanctuary

Shino watched proudly as Cho's face alighted in pure wonderment. He quickly stepped in and closed the veil, the light of this place not meant for the outside world. The canopy above them rustled, and he grinned, "Farther, to the lagoon," he murmured and guided her down the natural rocky steps, the waterfall off to their side. The water sparkled and glowed its unique aquamarine color, and the light from that created the emerald radiance in the many plants.

Cho let out a shaky breath. It was so beautiful. Slightly reaching behind her, Cho took Shino's hand. It felt right.

"How did you find such a place?" Cho asked breathlessly.

Shino smiled softly, "I was hurt from a mission many years ago, and i had been shoved into the river. The river lead me here through the waterfall. They saved me."

As soon as he said "they" the canopy shifted and a burst of glowing wings burst down like fireworks. Shades of green, blue, pink, purple, yellow and orange floated down all around them. They were butterflies, the purest kind. There were only two white butterflies.

Cho's heart stopped for a moment before beating furiously. She turned to Shino with a wide grin. "You are truly amazing! They are beautiful!" she praised, pulling the insect ninja into a close hug before hurrying into the center of the elegant creatures. She laughed and giggled when one or two or more laid on her before flying off again.

"He's true," the whispers whisked by her ear, "He'll protect you…he'll love you…care for you…he'll save you from them…confide in him…he will not hurt you…" the voiced continued on, "He's the one…"

Shino heard nothing of what they said to Cho, only what they said to him.

"She's the one…the one you seek…don't hold back…"

"But she'll run, it's too fast…" Shino frowned as he whispered back.

"You both have felt it…The connection with your Kikai have been made…" then all the colored ones flooded back and away, and the white ones landed on large ferns, "Aburame Shino, Aimi Cho…the legend has been completed," the two spoke in unison, but one voice was a kind female while the other was a sweet male, "One of Destruction Beetles combines with One of Dream Butterflies, creating the most profound connection ever known aside from Lifebond. This is called Dream Bond, for any desire of the heart and soul so wished shall be. Possession and spells cannot penetrate its pure walls. Take care, complete the bond, and live long and happy." They whisked up and around both of them, spraying them with special dust that would heighten their senses. They then disappeared back into the canopy.

Cho closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of the dust on her face. A blush crept upon her face as she took in the words that all the butterflies spoke. If they told her that he was the one, then maybe he is.

"Shino…I am sorry for acting foolishly. It is true that I didn't finish the last trail, but I am still High Priestess by blood right. I just don't want anyone harmed because of me..." Cho sighed, turning fully towards the male.

Shino cupped her face and frowned deeply, his features grave but determined, "This is a major question, but will marriage into another clan free you of the Aimi binds that scare you so?"

Cho stood in a silenced shock for a moment before biting her lip. "I do not honestly know. When I was training to be High Priestess, I was told beforehand that I was to marry a High Priest when I fulfilled my birthright……But maybe."

Shino thought about it and then smiled gently, "Would you marry me, then? I'll talk to Naruto, tell him the situation, and then because of the urgency we'll only have a small one." He rubbed her cheek, "As soon as it's safe, we can have a better one..." he bit his lip, "Please? You say you are afraid of me getting hurt. However, you are the one in most danger. I can care for myself, I've lasted this long through the Akatsuki and so much more. You have not, Cho. You are Peace, a lover, not a fighter."

Cho gasped, wide eyed. "...I-I can't....not yet...this just too much for me!" she cried out, burring her face in her hands.

The ever president stress finally broke the girl. So much had change in the last two years. It was to be expected that she would crack eventually.

Shino wrapped her in his arms, "Cho…Cho…Butterfly-hime, I'm sorry…" he rocked her, "Please…please, I'm sorry…" he cursed himself, "Damn, my bluntness messed up again…"

Cho clung to Shino as if he were the only sane part of her. She cried onto his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I just can't take this anymore. My entire life style was ripped from me."

Shino soothed her, "It doesn't have to be…You can still do what you've learned and been doing. So you can get to know me, I can set up a room for you and you can style it to be as familiar to you as possible," he offered, "Please? I am so sorry for being sudden…" he took out the charm and attached it to her charm bracelet, "A promise charm…" he murmured.

Cho raised the bracelet to eye level. Dark emeralds made the wings of the butterfly charm. Cho bit her lip as she stared at the charm. Why was she being so difficult? She wanted out of the life she was forced into, why not be with someone whom already stated that he cared for her?

"No…an…an engagement charm," she whispered.

Shino smiled softly, "If that is what you wish it to be, then that is what it is," he said gently. He rubbed her cheek and bit his lip. He wanted to kiss her, to see if this wasn't just imagination, but his boldness had gotten her upset already, he didn't want to do that again.

Cho closed her eyes at the now welcomed feeling of his hand on her cheek. Deep down she had hoped that he would kiss her, but he didn't. How sweet. "Shino…" she whispered as she opened her eyes and smiled at the insect ninja, "…Arigato…" Once that had been said, Cho leaned in and placed a small, shy, yet loving kiss on his lips.

Shino felt his heart stop and then get a kick-start. He leaned in and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer, deeper. His Kikai, half-breeds, and butterflies all made his body hum and tingle with their buzzing and activity at the shockwaves he was receiving from such contact with Cho. He groaned against her lips and pulled away. The Aburame nuzzled the nape of her neck, his body shaking. He didn't both holding the tears, he just let them out, "No…thank you…" he murmured.