A/N: I know, I know, short chapter! But I would rather update more quickly with shorter chapters, than take weeks for a longer one (I don't think ~4000 words is short, actually). At least, that's my feeling on the issue. But, then again, I'm quite impatient. ^_^

Thanks for reading and reviewing!!! I still cannot believe that Ten/Shino got almost 100 reviews. Readers: you are freakin' amazing! Thank you so much!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or characters. I do take responsibility for the pairing. If ya don't like it, don't read--pretty simple, right? :D

*****

*****

"Billboard head!" Ino screeched, glaring angrily as Sakura nodded off for the umpteenth time that morning.

"H-huh?" the pink-haired medic mumbled, her head snapping upright. She blinked rapidly before glancing sheepishly at her two friends. Her bright green eyes settled on the source of the noise.

"What are you screaming about now, Pig?" Sakura snapped, suddenly annoyed.

Blue eyes blazed as Ino pushed her bangs from her face. "I am trying to show the proper way to tie the bows, but you seem like you'd rather sleep. These invitations won't mail themselves!"

Sakura risked a yawn, her eyes growing heavy once again. Ino gasped before contorting her face into something akin to rage. After her cat-like yawn, the pink-haired woman realized that both Tenten and Ino were staring at her. She blushed, feeling slightly awkward for her uncharacteristic behavior. She was just tired. So very, very tired.

Tenten felt sorry for the Sakura, she knew that being a mother and a full-time physician must be difficult--it was obviously taking its toll on the medic. Is this what she had to look forward to after she gave birth? Tenten wondered as she chewed her lower lip. She cast a quick look in Ino's direction. She appreciated Ino's help with the wedding planning, but the blonde was becoming overbearing, to say the least. They were only tying bows for the invitations that were to be sent out that afternoon. Was anyone really going to scrutinize the bows? She risked a second glance at Ino, who was still glaring at Sakura. It's no wonder Sakura doesn't want Ino to plan her wedding! Tenten silently concluded.

"Ino, it's really no big deal," Tenten interrupted the one-sided staring contest, hoping to ease the tension. Sakura was ignoring Ino's chilling gaze as she stared at the tiny deep purple ribbon in front of her.

"No, Ten, it is not OK! Your wedding is in a week! One week! I have to get these bows done by noon, and they need to look presentable! Got it, Forehead?" she spoke slowly and with intent as she cast a sideways glance at her friend. Tenten knew that pissing Sakura off most likely wasn't the best tactic, as the pink-haired woman would easily incapacitate the blonde.

"Oh, I got it," Sakura hissed, visibly annoyed. A small smirk twitched at the corners of her mouth. "I also know who I won't ask to help me with my wedding."

Ino's eyes widened at Sakura's words—which Tenten knew were equivalent to a blow to Ino. Excluding Ino from wedding planning would ruin the Yamanaka heiress, and Sakura was playing that card. Tenten had to admit, it wasn't a bad strategy.

"Well, I mean, uh, if you're tired...maybe you could...come back later, Sakura," Ino hastily replied, waving her hand in sudden laxity. "I just don't want you to help if you're, er, not up to it. No big deal, you know."

Sakura smiled, winking at Tenten as she leaned forward and began to tie the ribbon as Ino had instructed. Tenten shook her head in awe as Sakura instantly silenced Ino.

The blonde watched Sakura's effort, nodding her head in satisfaction. "Great job, Sakura! Now let's get these done!" Ino beamed as she began tying her own pile of ribbons into immaculate bows.

Tenten's clumsy hands attempted the movements, but she found that she was not cut out for things like tying bows and arranging flowers. She had never excelled in those classes during her days in the Academy, and knew that she would most likely not do so now. She lifted her eyes, her gaze lingering over Sakura's exhausted frame. The pink-haired woman was tired. The blue coloration and the puffiness under her eyes were enough to indicate that she was not getting enough sleep. She had even begun taking less of an interest in styling her hair.

I wonder if everything is alright at home...Tenten wondered, as she watched Sakura sigh and rub her bloodshot eyes. I sure hope so!

"Ok, ladies," Ino interrupted Tenten's wandering thoughts, "Hinata is on her way, and once she shows up, we can start thinking about how to design the bouquets and flower arrangements for the tables."

Sakura briefly met Tenten's dissecting gaze, smiling weakly as she rolled her eyes. This is gonna be fun, she mouth before she once again concentrated on her bow-tying.

Tenten sighed softly. Yes, it was going to be fun. For Ino. Tenten had no idea that weddings took this much preparation. If she had known that before, she would have just dragged Shino down to the Hokage's office to marry them then and there—rather than an elaborate ceremony. The flamboyance, thought, was mostly due to Ino's preferences, as the blonde had long ago cast any of Tenten's ideas aside.

In fact, Tenten was beginning to wonder whose wedding it was that Ino was planning.....

***

***

"Sakura-sensei?" came the young genin's voice from the doorway. The girl was dressed in her hospital attire, her jet-black hair pulled tightly into a bun. Her golden eyes darted to the only bed in the room. "Hyuuga Neji's visitors wish to see him."

Sakura sat back in her chair, her body aching from the chakra depletion. "Thank you. I'll come out in a couple of minutes. Tell them to wait in the foyer," she instructed, her fingers still glowing from the faint chakra pools in the tips.

"Of course!" the girl bowed as she retreated from the room.

Sakura closed her eyes, attempting to re-envision the neural pathways she was repairing. It wasn't a skill that many medic-nin possessed—as it require immaculate chakra precision. It was an excruciatingly exhaustive process, and Sakura sorely wished she could have a hand in such a procedure. She would prefer to have Ino's help, but she knew the kunoichi could never keep her mouth closed about this. No, Ino was too much of a gossip—it would kill her to keep quiet about such things. Sakura would have to do this alone, no matter the consequences.

Between Kushina, Tenten's wedding planning, and her time in the hospital, Sakura was beginning to lose her sanity. She was thankful that Naruto was understanding enough--he didn't mind ramen every day of the week, she supposed. And, as for Kushina, Sakura had two very excited parents who loved spending every minute with the growing baby. She folded her hands on her lap, her eyes still closed as the sweat ran down her back. She could feel the moisture drying from her skin, giving her a slight chill. Her hands were still trembling from the exertion, the intricate muscles in her fingers screaming their exhaustion. Her ears caught the slight movement from beside her.

"Don't you think that you should at least let them know?" she murmured quietly, her heart finally slowing. She could still hear it beating in her ears...

"Not yet. I'm not ready," came the reply.

"I think I can be the one who determines that, thank you," Sakura smiled weakly. She wanted nothing more than to lean her head back and to take a nice, long nap. A warm bath would be nice, too, she supposed.

"I'm asking you, then. I request that you allow me more time."

"Oh? You're asking now?" Her eyes were still closed, and she could feel the sleep creeping into her head. Oh, how wonderful it would be to succumb to it!

"Please, Sakura...I appreciate everything. But, I'm not ready. Not yet." The statement was not commanding, it was pleading. She felt slightly sorry for her earlier words.

"I have told you that the wedding is in one week, haven't I?" She couldn't quite recall if she had shared that information.

Silence. She could hear his lips slowly parting. Still a bit sluggish on the left. "Of course. I just need time...until then. Hopefully..."

Sakura nodded. She understood that it was important to him. "You want me to put you to sleep again?"

"If you don't mind."

"Of course not."

"Thank you."

"Thank me in a weeks' time." She quickly retrieved the tiny orange pill from her medicine bag. "Here you go. You know the routine."

"I do," he replied. Sakura watched him carefully nurse his injured arm as he reached toward her. He had improved exponentially in the five days he had been awake, much to her surprise.

"Use your other hand," she commanded, pulling the pill away from him so that he would use his weakened hand to grasp the medication. He shot her a brief glance illustrating his annoyance, but did as she had instructed, slowly and shakily slipping the pill under his tongue as he laid back.

"I don't like to lie," she told him.

"I don't like making you lie. It's just easier this way. Please understand." Sakura said nothing, adjusting his blankets as his eyelids grew heavy. Of course she understood.

"Thank you, Sakura." His smile was lopsided, a residual effect from the injury. She knew that, in time, the slight droop of his weakened face muscles would disappear.

"Thank me when this is all over, and you're as good as new," she whispered, patting his hand.

"What if I'm never as good as new, as you say?" he slurred his words as the pill began to take effect.

"We'll worry about that bridge when we cross it. I have hope, though," she smiled as he slipped into a deep sleep. She watched the brain waves spike on the monitor before she unhooked the machine.

She slowly walked down the hall, opening the door to the corridor that led to the waiting foyer. She slowly trudged to the waiting room, where she saw Hiashi, Hinata, and Tenten sitting patiently. They looked up expectantly as she walked into the room.

"You can see Neji now," Sakura smiled, hating herself for lying. It was the lie he he had begged her to tell, and her responsibility was to him—her patient. "He still hasn't awakened, but maybe today..."

***

***

Tenten pushed her apartment door closed, as she wearily stumbled toward her bed. She fell on her back, closing her eyes and thinking about the day's events. First was her morning with Ino, Hinata, and Sakura. It had been productive, despite Ino's dictatorship. Part of her knew she was at fault for allowing the blonde to plan the event in the first place.

The second part of the day was spent in Neji's hospital room, holding vigil with his family, hoping for some signs that he was improving. Sakura had told them that his status had not changed, though he was able to breath on his own. Tenten guessed that it was somewhat of an improvement; a good sign. She had waited for the Hyuuga family to leave, so that she could tell Neji everything that was going on. She told him about the babies, about the wedding, and even about Ino. She also discussed her concerns in regards to Sakura's fatigue. Anything and everything she could think of, she shared with him. Sai had told her that he had read somewhere that when someone was in a coma, they still had the ability to hear. She had nothing else to hope for, so she hoped that Neji could hear her.

She looked at her stomach: it looked to be exponentially larger each and every day. She wiggled her toes, glad that she could still see them. She had allowed Ino to help her pick out more suitable—and stylish, as Ino called it—maternity wear. Tenten had to admit, some of it was quite comfortable. Maybe I can wear some of it after the birth, she silently contemplated.

Something pulled at her senses, and she quickly sat upright, pulling a kunai from the holder she kept strapped to the her thigh. She instinctively threw it at the far corner of her room, where the darkness prevented her eyes from seeing anything other than casted shadows. She heard the kunai hit..something...before falling to the ground with a hollow clang.

The cloud of bugs expanded, briefly, before regrouping. Tenten groaned. "Dammit, Shino! You know we aren't supposed to see one another this week. Unless at formal occasions. Even if its a clone!"

She wasn't entirely sure if that commandment were true, but it was something Ino had insisted she obey. Tenten missed Shino's warm body next to her at night, and part of her wanted to disregard Ino's advice. But, the blonde had pulled together a wedding in record time, and Tenten couldn't thank her enough . Even if she were slowly becoming a dictator. Tenten didn't want to remember their hunt for a suitable kimono for the wedding ceremony. The thought of it made her face turn pink with embarrassment....

The clone stepped out of the shadows, quickly kicking the kunai aside. The exact replica of Shino pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Something small was being concealed in the other hand. "Sorry, my lady." the clone spoke, bowing its head slightly. "Master Shino wished for me to give you this."

The clone held out the tiny, white package. Tenten studied the delicately wrapped box with its deep blue bow. What could Shino possibly want to give to me? she wondered.

"What is it?" She studied the package through narrowed eyes.

"I do not know," the clone spoke quickly, its voice slightly higher than Shino's. "He only commanded me to give this to you, my lady. I know nothing else." He waved the tiny package in his hand.

Tenten took the package with unsure fingers as the clone once again exploded into a cloud of kikkai, escaping out the partially opened window. The box was small, no larger than a deck of cards, and the bow was expertly tied. Tenten briefly wondered if Ino had taught him how to tie it. Tenten smiled as she excitedly unwrapped the tiny package, suddenly giddy about what Shino could give her. He had never given her a gift before—well, other than the two that were growing inside of her. She didn't really consider growing fetuses to be a gift, though.

She pried the lid from its bottom half, inhaling in surprise as she gazed at the package. It was a necklace, its intricate gold chain shining brilliantly in the light. But, what really stole her attention was the amber pendant that sparkled in the dim lamplight. She gingerly touched the gem, her fingers brushing over the smooth texture of the teardrop-shaped stone. It was warm to the touch, its deep honey-color glowing its luster.

"This is gorgeous!" she murmured to herself, her eyes wide as she pulled the intricate piece of jewelry from the box. A neatly folded note fell onto her lap as she inspected the magnificent gift. She picked up the note with shaky hands, unfolding it and reading the scrawled handwriting that she recognized:

Tenten,

I know that you do not like jewelry, but I thought that perhaps this would change your mind. It was my mother's favorite piece, according to Father. She would have wanted you to have this. Please accept my humble gift.

Regards,

Shino

Tenten could feel the hot tears prickling in her eyes as she read the note. His mother's necklace! She was touched by the gesture--he was asking her to wear the late Lady Aburame's favorite necklace! How could she refuse such a request?

"Of course I'll wear this, silly!" she smiled through her heart-felt tears, speaking to no one in particular. "It would be my honor!"

She clasped the necklace around her slender neck, admiring how the warm tones of the gem complemented her eyes and hair. It looked as if it were made specially for her. She briefly wondered about Lady Aburame's reaction to such a beautiful gift. Had Shibi given her this necklace during their time together? Was she just as thrilled?

"I'm not going to take this off," Tenten spoke softly to herself as she gazed in the mirror. She gently stroked the amber pendant. "Ever."

***

***

"The wedding is tomorrow," Sakura told him, her hands glowing from the energy.

"I am aware," Neji replied, his voice smooth. "I will be ready."

Sakura nodded, smiling at him as she watched him flex the fingers on both hands, comparing the movement between them. She had to admit, his speech had nearly returned to that of his pre-injury state and he had regained most of the movement in the weaker half of his body. It was his motor coordination and ability to perform fine motor tasks that were still lacking. She hoped she could alleviate that—but the brain was a tricky organ. Even if she repaired the damage, would it respond as if it were never harmed? It was something that only time could tell.

"The rest will come with time and training," he murmured, as if reading her thoughts. He laid back, a triumphant smile on his face.

Sakura nodded, not breaking her concentration. He was right, it would help to train and exercise. He had difficulty with his balance, but a walking cane would help him until he could fully heal. She had managed to cure most of the neurological abnormalities, but the rest was up to his own nervous system and its ability to re-wire on its own accord. She had no doubt that, in a matter of months, he would be almost as good as new.

"I look forward...to tomorrow," Neji spoke softly. "To see everyone. To see Tenten. I can't believe she's getting married. Especially to that Aburame."

It wasn't a vehement response, as he didn't seem resentful toward Tenten or Shino--much to Sakura's surprise. She had long suspected that he harbored feelings for Tenten, though she had no real evidence of such. Sakura risked a quick look at him. No, he was genuinely happy for Tenten. She smiled to herself, noticing the subtle changes in him since this past mission. He had become more bearable--less serious than before. She had to admit, she liked the new Neji.

"You're telling me," Sakura exhaled, responding to his previous statement. "I've had to help with the damned wedding. Ino is a slave driver!" She didn't comment on Tenten's choice of mate, as she thought Tenten and Shino were a very suitable match, and she was partly responsible for their coupling.

"Sounds like Ino, does it not?" Neji smiled. He watched her with his lavender eyes as she hovered above him, her face contorted with her effort. "Thank you, Sakura," he whispered.

"Eh?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, her eyes still closed as she focused. She hadn't expected his show of gratification.

"I wouldn't have healed so quickly without your help. You are an excellent medic. No, one of the best," he nodded in confidence as he felt the warm, throbbing of her chakra against his temples. "You've sacrificed much in these past two weeks," he nodded, remembering how Tenten had told him of her theories about Sakura's change in demeanor. He thought it may be best not to share the one about Naruto and another woman....

"Thank you, Neji. But, don't give me credit yet. Let's see how you fare over the next couple of months," she grunted, ignoring the sweat as it ran down the side of her face.

"Of course. But, I don't doubt your expertise," he leaned back, closing his eyes. "So, she's having twins?" he murmured, changing the subject.

"Did I let that slip?" Sakura asked, briefly caught off-guard by the distraction.

"No, I saw the two chakra pools with my Byakugan," he admitted. "And she also told me during one of her earlier visits."

So, he can hear even if he's sedated, she thought to herself. It was something valuable to know for her future patients. "She is."

"She will make an excellent mother and wife," he smiled.

"Agreed."

"It's amazing how we've all turned out....since we were kids at the Academy," he added thoughtfully.

"That's life for you," Sakura agreed, a small smile on her lips. "Who would have thought I'd be with that idiot Naruto?"

Neji laughed as Sakura withdrew her hands, using her upper arm to wipe the sweat from her forehead. She watched him with curiosity as she walked around to the side of his bed, collapsing into the chair.

"That's it for tonight. One more session tomorrow morning and I'll clear you to make your appearance. But, promise me you won't overdo it," she mustered her best warning glare.

He smiled slightly, his eyes closed. "I can promise that."

"Good!" Sakura sighed, her eyes already heavy with fatigue. "But, I'll warn you, if you break that promise, I'll put you back here," she cautioned. "With a different sent of injuries!"