Chapter 1
Shared Discovery
Nari raced to the Aburame compound from the woods. She ran past a few villagers taking care in her excitement to avoid collision. When she reached the door to the compound Nari stopped and composed herself before knocking. "Hello Nari." Shino's mom greeted as she opened the door.
"Hello Mrs. Aburame." Nari replied.
"Shino is in the garden." Mrs. Aburame offered opening the door wider so Nari could pass her to walk to the garden entrance at the back of the house.
"Thank you." Nari said as she passed Mrs. Aburame.
Nari stepped out into the garden and looked around for Shino. Nari grinned once she spotted him off to the side near the mums. Slowly Nari approached Shino from behind. After a few steps Shino turned his head to Nari and smiled, "Nari."
"Hi, Shino." Nari greeted trying to contain her excitement.
"Nari, what is it?" Shino asked, he knew something was off. Nari knew she could not keep her secret any longer.
"I have a surprise for you." Nari said. Shino's face was a mix of anticipation and confusion. "Come on." Nari said, offering Shino her hand.
"Where is it?" Shino asked while taking her hand and rising.
"The woods." Nari told him while pulling him into a run as soon as he was standing.
"Nari?" Shino questioned.
"Trust me." is all she would answer. Seeing Nari so excited almost caused Shino to laugh, almost, there were too many villagers around for that.
Nari stopped once they reached the woods. She turned to Shino, dropping his hand, "Follow me." she instructed and set off through the trees. Shino had only a moment's hesitation. It was not out of mistrust but of the excitement that had passed from Nari to him. Shino followed Nari without question and almost ran into her when she stopped suddenly and turned back to face him. She put her finger to her lips and pointed toward a tree on the other side of the one they were behind. At first Shino questioned Nari with his eyes then when he looked at the tree again, he saw it, them.
A unique bug Shino had never yet seen. This type of bug had not been spotted near the village in over 30 years, but here they are! "Nari, how did you . . . when did. . . " Shino was speechlessly looking between Nari and the bugs. Nari's smile at Shino's reaction nearly split her face. Shino's surprise calmed enough for him to face Nari fully. "How did you find them?" Shino asked.
"I was walking around here and I thought I saw something new. Your father had shown me pictures of them once, so I followed it back here. I asked your father to borrow information about them so I could be sure before I showed you." Shino could only smile. He was at a loss for words so he hugged Nari tightly. Nari was surprised by Shino's swift movement then reveled in his embrace.
After what felt like long moments Shino released Nari, "Thank you." Shino said.
"You're welcome, I'm glad I was right." Nari said.
"Me too." Shino told her. With a final look of thanks into Nari's eyes, Shino stealthily walked over to the tree and with joy and curiosity he examined the bugs. Nari watched him and could not help but smile at the joy she had given her friend. He is ignorant of the hardships Nari endured for him to have this moment. All that mattered is that Shino could study the bugs, and Nari had made him happy.