The Bug Queen

The Bug Queen - Sakura

Ino's curvier than I remember..."

Sakura elbowed Naruto in the stomach.

"Shut up! She looks amazing!"

She really did: the few extra pounds Ino had put on suited her really well. She was curvy and the dress she had picked was accentuating every curve. She chose to walk down the aisle alone; her way of showing that she was coming from a place by herself into a family.

She didn't look nervous. Actually, she had never looked more beautiful. Her lips were painted pink, and her train was accentuated by hundreds of embroidered flowers as it flowed down the aisle. The dress and veil were elaborate, with soft chiffon sleeves and strings of pearls draped elegantly on the shoulders and back. It was clear that a lot of love had been put into it.

She stood in front of him, and Shino looked decimated, even behind his dark glasses.  Sakura never would've guessed that the quiet bug boy would marry the outspoken, bossy flower girl.  It was perfect.  The women up at the front with her fluffed out her train and wiped their eyes as Ino beamed at her groom.  She even took a handkerchief from between her breasts and dabbed at his cheeks, drying his tears.  Camera flashes went off.  It was such an intimate moment!

The ceremony was beautiful, and their vows were flawless, each one complimenting the other in their own ways. Sakura was crying, as was everyone else in the crowd.  She was aware that Shino has suffered quite a bit of loss in his lifetime as well, but he'd had his clan to support him.  And Ino was becoming a part of their strong clan.

Finally, when it was time, Ino pulled a ring from the box, wiping her eyes.

"This was my father's wedding band. Like your parents, my parents loved each other very much, even through death. I hope we have the same beautiful love."

Shino once again looked shattered at her words, even behind his glasses. His bottom lip was quivering dangerously as she slid the band on his finger, continuing with strength and conviction in her voice.

"I promise to love you through this life and into the next, Shino Aburame."

She picked up his hand, kissing the gold band softly. Tears were running down his cheeks. His hands shook as Kiba took the ring from the box, handing it to him.

"T-This was my mother's wedding band. She loved my father through death. I hope her love blesses our marriage. I promise to love you through his life and into the next."

He slid the ring onto her finger, his voice cracking with emotion, before picking it up and kissing it gently. Sakura could hear people crying audibly in the audience.  It was easily the most beautiful ceremony she had ever attended.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Shino, you may now kiss your bride."

Shino scooped her up and dipped her romantically, kissing her deeply. People cheered in the crowd as she clung to him, looking completely smitten and lost in the moment.  Sakura had never seen Shino smile like that; the biggest smile that she had ever seen on his face.

As the shinto priest completed the ceremony, the couple looked so happy. She took his hand and they walked down the aisle of people together, who were throwing rose petals, showering the couple. In the back, Sakura could hear her best friend squeal.

"We're married! I love you so much!"

Looking over her shoulder, she could see Shino dip her again as she held her bouquet, kissing her passionately.  It was like every fantasy that the romantic Ino had ever divulged to her friend.  She was finally getting her fairy tale ending.  Shino was the king of her heart, and the flower princess was now the bug queen.