To everyone who's still reading this story: Thankyouthankyouthankyou!

I appreciate all of your reviews! A big heartfelt thank you to the readers and those of you who've added my story!

Happy Reading! Hope you enjoy it. Only a few more chapters to go!

*****

*****

Tenten's mouth opened, but her breath hitched in her throat. She could feel the words edging their way onto her tongue, slowly dissipating as quickly as they began to form. She blinked once.

Twice.

A third time.

But the man in front of her didn't disappear like a ghost. It can't be!

She quickly turned around, her eyes wild as she searched Shino's flecked irises for any hint of deception. His dark eyes briefly flickered to her face before returning to their original focus. She swore she glimpsed a slight twitch of the corner of his mouth. Was it....amusement? Triumph? Disbelief?

She felt bolted in place, her palms sweating from the anxiety. Her heart pounded in her ears as her mouth grew dry. Her eyes were wide as she once again turned to the visitor. Is...is this some sort of genjutsu? she silently wondered.

"I'm real." Those words. His words. It sounded like him. It looked like him. Was it him?

Tenten's lower lip trembled as she gasped. A suddenly as she was taken by surprise, her eyes immediately narrowed as she suspiciously studied the man before her. She knew him...but, yet, she didn't. She risked another glance at Shino, who remained eerily silent. Was this some sort of cruel joke?

"It's not an illusion?" she dazedly asked as her fingers stroked her own cheeks. Was she real?

"I hope not," the lavender eyed man replied, his voice low and throaty.

He attempted to smile, half of his face moving more slowly than its counterpart. The lag was subtle, but her well-trained ANBU eyes could detect the difference between the two sides. His hair was short, rivalling Naruto's in length. It wasn't a necessary a bad look on him, but it was...different. She watched his hand tighten around the cane he was holding—his knuckles turning white from the grip as he steadied himself. His fingers trembled slightly, as his foot shuffled forward slowly. The slight limp didn't go unnoticed by Tenten. He reached out his other hand, the palm side facing upward.

"See?" he murmured, his eyes studying her face. He indicated with his outstretched palm. "Touch me."

Tenten glanced at Shino--still unsure as to whether it were a dream or not. It couldn't really be...him. Could it? Shino nodded slightly, this time a tender smile on his lips. He took a step in retreat, bowing his head in silent acknowledgment. Tenten's questioning gaze returned to the proffered hand as she hesitantly reached out with her forefinger, gingerly touching the soft skin of his palm. It was warm and slightly moist, as if he had been clenching it. She gasped at the contact, her body shuddering with the realization. She began to laugh softly. Her feeble bouts of laughter turned into hiccups. Hiccups turned into sobs. She stifled her cries with a fist, as she studied him through wet, glassy eyes, unsure of how to proceed.

"How?" she croaked, a few tears softly trailing down her cheeks. The sparkled along her jawline before they silently fell to the floor, forever a memory.

"It's all due to Sakura," Neji calmly explained as he attempted to straighten his posture.

"S-Sakura?" she whispered. Her eyes fluttered open in realization. That was why she was so tired! I should have at least suspected something. She avoided looking at me when she discussed Neji's condition, plus she was always there when I arrived. Of course it only Sakura could perform this miracle!

As if reading her thoughts, Neji nodded. "Yes, she has been healing me for some time, now. I was a mess over a week ago, barely able to speak or walk. I could barely feed--"

"Over a week ago?" Tenten's tone changed, her eyes flashing in warning as she realized what he was telling her.

Neji said nothing for a few moments, as if judging whether what he was about to say was wise or not. He slowly opened his mouth, the smallest hint of amusement written on his face. "I had asked her to remain mum about my condition, revealing it to no one other than the Hokage, of course."

"But you were in a coma when I visited," she pointed out, her brow furrowed with confusion. The tiny floral pins sparkled in contrast to the sea of dark hair.

"Not a coma," he shook his head. "I was merely sleeping--"

"You were sleeping?" she asked her voice rising slightly. Ridiculous!

How had she cried tears over him? He had been duping her this past week, at least! All those hours she spent by his bed, holding his hand—and he would have been able to converse with her had he woken up! She could feel her relief being washed away by the anger that was threatening to ruin her happy reunion. Neji shrugged, his one shoulder rising more than the other—an occurrence that was not missed by Tenten. So, he is not entirely healed, which means he must insisted on leaving the hospital to make an appearance.

"She gave me tranquilizers," he admitted, slightly sheepish. "I did not wish to deceive anyone, especially not you or my uncle. But it was just....er, better this way."

"Hyuuga Neji, how could you not tell me? Me!" she snapped, her arms crossing over her chest as he rested them on her slightly protruded abdomen. It was a movement that was not missed by Neji, though his smile was immediately replaced due to her evident anger.

Neji licked his lips, his face blanching. "I could barely speak! I was a mess, and it was only with Sakura's almost continuous healing that I am even where I am as I stand before you, Tenten."

He didn't share his frustrations, his tears, his anger and denial at his condition. It was not easy to wake up and have your speech and ability to care for yourself gone—all ripped away in a single moment. He shook the dark thoughts from his head. No, he could endure his own silent suffering, but he would not burden Tenten with it. This was a joyous occasion.

"I had noticed she looked more exhausted than usual," Tenten admitted. 'Exhausted' was an understatement. Sakura had been nearly depleted of her life force this past week. Now Tenten understood her reason for the fatigue and moodiness—Sakura was both sleep and chakra deprived! Her chocolate eyes bored into Neji's pale ones.

"I owe her everything," Neji confirmed, his voice confident. "If it wasn't for her—along with the extensive exercise the Hokage implemented—I wouldn't have been able to make it today. For this."

Tenten gasped. He had been driving himself so that he could be at her wedding? She assumed he had taken a temporary leave from the hospital, but she didn't image that he had tried to get better for this! She immediately felt remorseful for her earlier anger.

"Neji....I..I didn't realize--"

Neji cut her off with a wave, "It is an important day in any young lady's life. But, it's not everyday that Konoha's strongest kunoichi gets married."

He smiled the same lopsided smile from earlier. She couldn't remember the last time she saw him smile this much. Had he changed in such a short amount of time? How much of a personal hell had he been through. Her heart ached for him. He didn't deserve such a punishment! Tenten couldn't help but return his smile, her own eyes watering once again.

"Ino is going to kill me for ruining makeup!" she hiccuped.

"You look beautiful, as I'm sure Shino has already told you," Neji's eyes flickered over Shino's face. He nodded slightly at the Aburame heir in silent admiration.

"Thank you," Tenten whispered, quickly taking a few strides and wrapping her arms around Neji's neck.

She could feel her swollen abdomen pressing against him. He was frailer than she was used to, but weeks of confinement and lack of nutrition would do that to a man. She could feel him return the hug, though he was weaker than she remembered, and it was more evident on one side of his body. Tenten took a step back, her hands resting on his shoulders as she admired her former teammate.

"You look....amazing!" she breathed excitedly. "Sakura does work miracles!"

"She does," Shino agreed, stepping forward, offering his hand.

Neji nodded before gripping Shino's long fingers in his own. He squeezed briefly. "Congratulations to both of you. You both....deserve it." It was easier to say than he expected. He was amazed at how much he actually meant those words.

"Thank you, Neji," Shino's voice was deep. "It is...good to see you here. I know it means a lot to Tenten." He glanced at his wife, though he already knew her reaction.

"I'm sorry," Tenten sobbed. "I...I still can't believe it!"

"As Naruto would say," Neji murmured, "Believe it!"

Tenten laughed, her voice high-pitched from the emotions that were coursing through her. Even Shino offered a deep chuckle.

"Really, Tenten, you make an elegant bride," Neji was more serious. He was more soft-spoken than normal, mostly because of the effects of the vocal cord paralysis from both the disuse and the breathing tube.

"Thank you," she replied, reaching out and squeezing his hand. She allowed her eyes to wander over his shrunken frame. She wasn't used to see him so vulnerable. He must have been through hell! No, still going through hell! He needs his friends!

"It'll get better in time," he admitted, a tiny hint of vehemence in his voice. He inwardly cringed when he thought of the frustration and anger that still stood in his way of complete recovery.

"I'm sure it will," she replied softly.

"I hate having to rely on this cane. I cannot wait until I can resume my training. Regain my former strength." He clenched and unclenched the fingers on his weakened hand, as the cane rested against his legs.

"It will take time, but it will come," Shino told him, his hand momentarily patting Neji's shoulders.

Pale eyes studied deep chocolate. "I agree," Neji concurred. "It just feels like it's going to take an eternity."

"Always does," Shino's voice was steady as he glanced at Tenten, who was furiously wiping tears from her face.

"If it is any consolation, I heard everything you had said...during your visits," Neji told her, an innocent half-smile on his face.

"Huh?" Tenten asked, as she wiped her eye with a fist. She quickly blushed, realizing his implication. "Doesn't make me feel better that you couldn't tell me at least!"

Her fists shot to her hips, as she attempted her best angry glare. After a few moments, she threw her hands in the air, "Bah! Idiot!"

Neji smiled slightly. "That may be, but I wanted to give you a wedding gift that no one could best."

Shino shook his head in amazement as Tenten's jaw fell open. She quickly recovered, her own smile lighting up her face. "Well, you did!" she punched him lightly, immediately regretting it. "Sorry!"

Neji shrugged. "Do not worry about it. It's nice to not be treated like an invalid," he admitted, wincing at the last part.

He hated relying on others to go to the bathroom, to eat, to brush his hair, to shower. It was a difficult prospect to get used to, and he was slowly biding his time until the humiliation of having a caretaker twenty four hours of the day has ended. The light at the end of the tunnel was slowly getting brighter.

"Well, you'll be back to shape in no time!" Tenten nodded her head in satisfaction and confidence. "To think you've come all this way in a week!"

"Sakura," Neji reminded her, his eyes gazing past her shoulders and into the room the bride and groom had just exited. "But, I think that I've taken enough of her time. She has a future husband and child to worry about."

True, Tenten thought. She couldn't believe that Sakura had partaken in this....and for her wedding! She made a mental note to thank Sakura when it was appropriate. She glanced at Neji, doing her best to look pleading.

"You'll be...coming to the reception, wont you?"

"Tenten--" Shino interrupted, his voice holding a silent warning.

"It's fine," Neji raised the hand not resting on the cane. "Ino's already made sure I have a seat."

"Ino knew as well?" Tenten raised an eyebrow. Didn't he just say--

"Not exactly," Neji smirked. "Sakura, of course, had her register me a seat under an alias."

Another eyebrow arched high, "And?"

Neji rolled his eyes, "'Date of Rock Lee'." His face turned pink at the admission.

This time, all three laughed at Sakura's craftiness. "And Ino bought it that Lee had a date? And Lee is unaware of this?"

Neji shrugged, "Not sure, but I guess I'll owe him a dance at least."

Another bout of laughter from the trio.

Tenten glanced at the standing clock near the far wall. "Well, I guess I should prepare for the reception." She looked to Shino, who nodded his agreement.

"Good, I can take off this dreaded heavy thing!" she hissed, tugging at the waist of her ivory kimono. "At least my next outfit will be lighter."

"And you won't have to hide your pregnancy," Shino replied, his mouth twisting into a smile.

"Oh?" Neji looked slightly confused.

He must not have heard everything back here, Tenten thought. She sighed, "Naruto basically told the entire village I was pregnant. You really should have seen it. Class act, that one."

Neji glanced from husband to wife, saying nothing. Shino closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "There is naught my family can do. We are married. They will adjust to the new ways of our generation."

"Wise words," Neji nodded, only slightly surprised Naruto—of all people—would have let that out.

"Anyway," Tenten linked her arm in Shino's, "We are on our way to dinner. Would you like to be my other escort, Oh Date of Rock Lee?"

Her sudden good humor was enlightening. Even Shino risked a slight smile. Neji's face paled, as he glanced from Shino to Tenten. Her face began to fall when he did not answer. Shino took the initiative, hoping to ease Neji's concerns.

"I could think of no finer man to escort my wife."

Tenten's eyes were wide as she looked at her husband. He avoided her gaze, his smile evident from his profile. "Thank you," she murmured, gently bending her head in appreciation.

Shino took a step back, waving his hand toward Tenten. "Please, Neji."

Neji was at a loss for words. A few months ago, he wanted to strangle the Aburame. He had even been jealous of his relationship with Tenten. But now, at the current moment, he was touched by Shino's kind gesture. It was custom for the groom to escort his bride to the reception—something that most husband's looked forward to: the first walk with their wife. It was an honor to be given that task.

"Well?" Tenten sulked, her bottom lip jutted out. "Whattya waiting for?"

Neji smiled as he offered his unaffected arm to Tenten. He looked over his shoulder at Shino, nodding his gratefulness. "Aburame?"

Shino raised an eyebrow, "Hmm?"

"Don't let this can fool you," his smirk was slightly crooked as he twirled the wooden stick in his hand. "I'm just as fast as before. Which means I may still kidnap your wife on your wedding day."

***

***

Shino carried Tenten in his arms as he fumbled to open the door to the tiny cottage. It was his mother's coveted abode, where she spent many days singing to her unborn child and telling him of the wonders that awaited him. It was Tenten that had suggested that they move in there for the remainder of her pregnancy. It would be the last shred of privacy they would have for some time—as they planned to relocate to the main household upon the twins' births. It would be easier to have a few extra hands around for the soon-to-be parents—who would inevitably be overwhelmed with parenthood an the inexperience that comes with it.

"Am I that heavy?" Tenten growled as sweat ran down the back of Shino's neck.

"Not exactly," Shino grunted, attempting to use another key. "There are too many keys on this key chain. How do you have this many doors to unlock?"

"Improvise," Tenten yawned, feigning disinterest. "Just don't drop me."

Shino replied with another grunt, before dropping the keys on the top step. He looked down his eyes silently pleading for the keys to jump back into his hand. He inwardly groaned.

"Uh oh," Tenten's head dropped so she could see where they fell. " Not good."

"Hang on," Shino elevated her slightly, quickly kicking the door open. Tenten yelped at the velocity which she was thrown upward. The sound of splintering wood was the only satisfaction Shino needed. He felt something in his back pop as he broke the threshold to the tiny cottage. He tripped over the random decorations that the attending women of the Aburame household put out to welcome the newlyweds to their new—albeit temporary—abode.

"Nice," Tenten mused as she quickly closed the door as they passed through it. It no longer fit in the frame, barely covering the entrance to the cottage. "I guess I'll keep you after all."

"Thank you," Shino's voice was throaty as he carried Tenten to the bed. He sighed in relief as he quickly let her go. She squealed as she fell to the bed. She hadn't expected Shino to drop her.

"What the hell?" she snapped.

"You were getting heavy," he replied stoically. The muscle in his jaw twitched his amusement. "I did carry you from my father's," he reminded her.

Point to Shino.

"I'm not that heavy, dammit!" Tenten pouted. Her eyes narrowed mischievously as she aimed for his heart. "I could have been hurt. Same goes for our children."

Shino quickly sobered. He cleared his throat as his body became rigid. "I-I am..sorry, Tenten. I d-didn't--"

"Bah!" she raised a hand to dismiss him. "I was only joking."

Shino angled his head, studying her from the corner of his eye. He had replaced his glasses for the duration of their reception. Tenten couldn't wait to remove them....she loved his eyes without them.

"I do not understand," Shino's eyebrows rose in concern. "Joking about harming our babies is not funny, Tenten."

"Oh, please," she sighed. "I'm just a bit exhausted after that."

Shino nodded his head curtly. He knew she was referring to the reception. In all honestly, it had gone more smoothly than even he had anticipated. It was the older Aburames that he had been concerned about. They had shot disapproving looks to the young couple for the early part of the night, more so after Tenten changed from her deep blue kimono with the golden and white flowers into the filmy tea-length dress—the one that screamed "pregnancy". The younger ones were more accepting, understanding that life, for a shinobi, is not always easy or considerate. But, then, after hearing the Hokage commend the young shinobi, followed by a second Sannin, it was more than enough for even the oldest Aburame to approve of the dark-haired kunoichi, even with evidence of their premarital fornication.

"I suppose it was draining," Shino conceded, staring down at his young bride.

"You suppose? Do you not remember Kiba's embarrassing speech?" she closed her eyes, trying to erase his words from her memory.

"I do," Shino nodded, his blush hidden by the darkness of the cabin.

The few candles and moonlight did nothing to help their vision. Tenten lay stretched on the bed in an unladylike-like manner the silver light spilling through the window onto her body. She looked a like a goddess, despite her pose. Shino smiled at his thoughts.

"I guess it was Kiba," Tenten's smile was subtle as she sighed. "It was rather quite touching at the end, though. Even for him," she admitted.

Kiba had started out with his normal, abrasive humor. His language was both vulgar and profane, eliciting gasps from the crowd on many occasions. But, in the end, he had thanked Shino for his loyalty and kindness, calling him both his 'best friend and heterosexual soul mate'. He had even managed to muster a few tears to heighten the effect.

"I'm glad Neji came," Tenten murmured as she loosely piled her hair on her head as she removed the pins. "I took some of the attention off of us," she pointed to her abdomen.

"Agreed," Shino replied. "He is doing much better than expected. Did you thank Sakura for her time and effort?"

"I did," Tenten nodded, "but I feel that it is not enough. I'll have to find some other way to make it up to her."

Her smile grew wider as she laughed softly, "I'm just glad she wasn't too hard on Naruto. Even after his speech."

"He is indeed lucky," Shino agreed. "I'm beginning to wonder how many times he can stick his own foot in his mouth."

"I think it's endless," Tenten laughed, as she began to pull her hair away from her face, separating it into her usual braid.

"Don't."

"Eh?" Tenten asked, turning her head slightly, so that she could look at Shino.

He knelt in front of her. "Your hair...don't."

She blinked a few time, before realizing what he meant. "Oh."

"I like it down," he explained as he reached up to run his fingers through her hair. He studied it as it glided between his fingers. It was as if he were looking at one of his kikkai.

She felt her stomach flutter, and was unsure as to whether it was from the babies or her own anxiety about consummating their marriage. "Shino..." she began.

He raised an eyebrow, as her hand slipped from her head, allowing the hair to cascade over her shoulders. He reached up, pushing the dress from her shoulder. He leaned in, kissing the soft skin. His lips trailed over her collarbone to the nape of her neck, where his breath was warm and electrifying.

"I'm fat now," she blurted her anxiety aloud.

Great job, Ten. Really, she thought gloomily. Truth was, she was anxious about their newfound intimacy. The last time they were intimate was before a certain mission, months ago.....

He drew back, suddenly confused. "We don't have to...I'm sorry, I do not know what to say," he studied her face. His uncertainty at her words was clearly written in his features.

She sighed, squeezing her eyes shut. "It's been a while," she explained, her cheeks growing hot. "I...I look different from...before." She whispered the last word.

Shino was silent for some time, and she risked a peek through her eyelids. He reached out and rested both of his hands on her abdomen. A slight smile was on his face. "You are worried that I won't find you desirable?"

He did not meet her gaze. She felt her ears become red with embarrassment. "Yes," she breathed between her teeth, clenching her fist.

He looked up at her, "You are not the only one with concerns, Tenten. What are my concerns? That, with your development, it would be, er, impossible to..."

Tenten did not immediately catch his meaning, taking a few moments to make it up to speed. "Huh?"

His mouth twitched. "I asked Sakura if it would harm the twins, and she said it is fine." He ran his hand over her rounded abdomen, allowing his palm to cup the top of the bump.

"You asked Sakura?" she murmured, realization finally dawning on her. "Why...why didn't you ask me?"

"Exactly," Shino answered lowering his lips to her stomach. She could feel his breath through the fabric.

"Exactly what? You're making no sense," she rasped, her mind drifting elsewhere.

"I should have asked you, yes," his voice was soft. He slowly reached up and unhooked his glasses from his ears. He laid them next to the table. "And you should ask me before assuming that I would not find you desirable."

Her mouth fell open. "Wha?"

His answer was a crushing kiss as he hungrily searched her mouth. Tenten's worries immediately washed away as Shino proved his desire for her. Within minutes, their marriage was consummated. Within hours, Tenten was almost positive that they had made up for the months that they had been apart.

By morning, she was sure of it.