Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters in it.


I.

- Blue-Blooded -

"Whoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god."
Aristotle

Anyone else would've lost their mind over that buzzing sound that now filled up the otherwise silent school room. Anyone but him. He delighted in it with a childlike joy.

It was a fly, moving around without an aim or a destination, making spirals and following indefinite pathways. It must've come through the door, when his students ran out because he hadn't noticed it in the last hours, during the lesson. The noise didn't bother him but he found himself to be distracted by it while examining the tests he gathered half an hour ago. The visor helped him detect it right away and observing it turned into a main activity in the last five minutes.

The fly alighted on his desk for a second, then flew away, clashing into the wide window in his right. The hum became louder as it struggled to find its way out but the transparent glass stopped it from doing so. After it hit the surface for the third time, taking pains over leaving the closed room, he almost ran to the window and hurried to open it, unable to watch the scene anymore. The fly escaped soon after and he closed behind it.

A furrow slightly altered his features.

If only he could escape... through the glass, the same way. Leaving the confinement of the four walls around him. Well, he endured thirty years of it, he would surely endure it thirty more. It wasn't that bad. Most of the time it was even bearable.

His palm rested on the glass thoughtfully.

Light. What did it feel like living in it? People around him bathed in light. And they seemed to be happier because of it. Well, happiness was a relative term. Everyone found happiness in different things. Just that his idea of happiness was a nightmare for some. For most, he changed the phrase. It was more fitting. For most... for everyone. For everyone.

Why did it hurt so much? Because that was what life has given to him.

No one chooses his kin... or appearance. Years weren't enough to erase that feeling, lingering inside of him, and there he thought, not once, that they would. While his father had told him many times that he should be proud that he's a significant part of a noble clan, he has never felt his position or his origin as a blessing. More of a curse, actually. Being an Aburame meant isolation. Complete and utter isolation. Not the most pleasant thing for a human, no matter what kind of a human. He grew to love his bugs because they were the only noise that disrupted the terrifying silence and solitude that surrounded him at all times. Because he preferred something rather than nothing. And because he had no other choice.

"Aburame-sensei." Someone called from behind and he turned around to find Konohamaru walking his way.

His breathing was heavy. Most likely because he's been running all the way to the Academy.

"What is it, Konohamaru?"

"The Seventh wanted me to inform you that he wants to have a word with you. At his office."

"Now?"

"Yes. He said it's something important."

"I'll be there in a minute." Shino nodded. "Thank you for telling me."

Konohamaru took a bow and disappeared from his sight.

A sigh escaped Shino's lips as he hurried to gather his things and leave the Academy. It was unusually sunny for October but the chilly wind reminded what the true season was. Konoha was as busy as ever, passers-by in a hurry to get in time back to their working places after the lunch break. Overall the village was noisier at its rush hour, which turned it into a hell of noises and voices that caused his sharp senses pain and his troubled mind headaches. What a bad time to walk the streets. But... he would never ignore a call of duty.

A wave of relief washed through him as he stepped into the Hokage Residence. The noise was muffled and he could think straight again.

"I won't be celebrating anything until you tell me the documents are ready." Naruto's angry voice met him at the threshold. He talked on the phone, apparently but his expression was thunderous. "I will do my job if you do yours."

He noticed Shino entering and waved at him to get nearer.

"Fine. Just let me know afterward." He hung up and banged the phone on the desk. "Geez. What a pain."

"Problems?" Shino asked, stung by curiosity.

"Lots." Naruto leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "I feel like I have to do everything by myself, all the time. And everyone wants something from me."

"Well, how can I help? Konohamaru told me you needed me."

Naruto scratched his head, trying to remember something with a heavy effort.

"Ah, yes!" Naruto snapped, his cerulean orbs now fixed on Shino. "An ambassador from the Iwagakure village is expected to come in Konoha this evening."

"Iwagakure?" Shino raised a brow.

"Yeah. I wanted you to meet the ambassador instead of me because, as you can see, I'm having tons of work to do. The trading pacts we're trying to do with Suna are killing me."

Shino stood still for a while before deciding to speak again.

"Why don't you send somebody else?"

"Come on. You know why." Naruto tilted his head. "I want to have everyone's trust. Iwagakure included. And you're the right guy."

"If the Hokage demands it, I will meet the ambassador. When is he expected to come?"

"Uh, she." Naruto corrected. "I don't know. Probably late. You might wanna get a wording with your father about all that. And please don't address me like that. We're friends, aren't we?"

"We are."

Shino was almost sure his father wouldn't be fascinated with the news. Iwagakure's Kamizuru clan had some history with Aburame. Not one marked with pleasant meetings, for sure. Kamizuru has had its continuous attacks on his clan but its last clash with the Aburame hadn't ended well for them at all. Aburame proved their dominance and everything was settled. But that was many, many years ago, during the Second Shinobi War. Surely no one remembered that old grudge anymore. Still, Shino doubted his father would be particularly happy renewing bonds with such a troublesome bunch.

"Hope he won't get mad at me for this."

"I'll speak with him." Shino nodded.

"Also, uh..." Naruto added, inconveniently.

"Is there more?"

"It'd be a good idea if you show your, uh... benevolence."

Shino remained silent, not sure what that meant.

"You mean hospitality?"

"Yeah. Sort of."

"Of course." Shino drawled. "I'll take care, you don't have to worry about it."

"Great! You're saving my life here." Naruto stood up and offered a hand.

Shino shook it, although he hesitated at first. Naruto's warmth toward him had always touched him deeply for there weren't many that could shake his hand without a trace of disgust... or fear written upon their faces. Naruto kept on insisting he was his friend and he proved it with the years. If there was a person he would die for, that was Naruto. No hesitation clouded his mind whenever his friends needed help.

Naruto's phone rang again and he grabbed it, giving Shino an apologetic expression.

"I assume we'll meet each other again soon enough." He said while Shino walked out.

"Certainly."

The only way to escape the massive amount of voices and sounds he found so far was to try to ignore them. Never helped but it was worth a try. Kept him busy while making his way to the Hospital which was, unfortunately, quite far from the Hokage Residence. If he had to rank the activities he most hated, walking around among that many people and that much noise would've surely taken the first place. There was no hesitation in that choice.

His father had a small accident yesterday. He, himself, assured everyone it's nothing for others to worry about but Shino insisted on him visiting the Hospital. There were these chronic headaches his father received at times and yesterday the next fit caused him some major pain. That's how he ended up in the Hospital. Sakura let Shino know she wants to check on him thoroughly and would delay his discharging with a few days, maybe more.

Shino nodded at some of the familiar faces, once he entered the building and headed straight to his father's room.

It was intentionally darkened so that the light doesn't hurt his senses any more than usual. White sheets and pillows. White walls and frames. What an awful color. He found his father sunk in thought, looking at a point in the window.

"Otou-san." Shino greeted and his father turned.

"Shino."

"Are you feeling better?"

Shibi shifted uncomfortably in the bed.

"Yes. Thanks to Doctor Haruno. I spent a little time in her presence and I have reached the conclusion that she's one of the smartest people of your generation."

Shino pulled the chair in his right and sat with a slow movement.

"She might very well be the smartest. After Shikamaru, of course."

"Don't underestimate yourself." Shibi heaved up to a sitting position and fixed his pillow absently. "That you don't show off doesn't mean you're not a worthy opponent." He made a pause, looking at his son. "You were once convinced of that."

"Well... not anymore."

Shino was looking down, thoughtful. This subject, it was the last thing he wanted to talk about at the moment. He was tired of all the school madness and now this. Now, going home was his greatest desire.

"I feel like even I don't notice you anymore. What happened to your dignity?"

The words pierced through as if he was physically hit, the sensation making him grip the sheets in his hands. Normally, he would prepare for blows like that but his father was the one person he didn't expect any form of judgment from. It was rather unexpected. It took him a bit more to regain his composure.

"I don't need to prove myself to anyone." He raised his eyes. "The War ended years ago."

"Don't change the subject." Shibi continued, in a masterful tone. "We are not talking about you proving yourself. We're talking about you forgetting who you are."

Shino stood up sharply, ready to oppose but stopped, remembering that anger was not the way to deal with anything.

"What?" His father asked, as calm as before. "We're both aware you're not what you were. Son," He reached for Shino, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I will not live forever. I may not die in the next years but it will happen sometime."

"I know."

"Aburame are incredibly powerful. We combine high levels of intelligence with unique combat skills you wouldn't find anywhere else. Nobility doesn't come with empty words and expensive clothes, it's proven and acknowledged by those around you. Don't act like a pauper when you have blue blood running through your veins."

Shino nodded.

"You will lead a noble clan one day. I want to see you have what's needed to do that."

"You are disappointed in me," Shino said, in conclusion, and his father fazed for a moment, hand falling down to the sheet. "Have you chosen another successor already?"

The surprise only deepened in the older man as he stood still.

"You don't have to answer that." Shino hastened to add but his voice lowered. He hasn't felt so crushed in a long time. It would be good if he doesn't show any more weakness to his- the head of the clan. "I've come to let you know the Seventh has assigned me to meet an ambassador from Iwagakure."

"Good."

Both of them looked at each other, Shino through his visor and Shibi through his dark glasses, without making a single move.

"Is that all you have to say?" Shino kept on with the even intonation, although he felt like... shouting.

"I'm glad the Hokage trusts you that much." Shibi folded hands.

"Me too."

The pause after their last words prolonged and Shino decided the conversation is not going to get any more gripping than that. He turned to leave.

"Be careful, Shino." His father's voice finally acquired a tinge of softness. "There are some things you don't know."

"Of course."

"You are everything I have." Shibi exemplified. "That's why it pains me to see you so indifferent."

"What do you want me to do?" Shino spoke out, still with his back on his father.

"Earn some respect."

"People fear me. It's the same."

"Is that the way you're planning to live on with until the rest of your days?"

"Perhaps if you hadn't locked me up in a dark room full of insects while I could barely talk, I would've got the chance to actually live a normal life." The words rolled out of him without him being able to think them over. The bitterness just... brimmed over his limit. "Have you ever thought about that?"

"I used to blame my father too. But now I thank him."

"I am not going to thank you for this."

"This is not a path you get to choose. It's an obligation."

"I don't care." Shino faced him again. "Get yourself someone else to lead your clan."

"You are my son," Shibi replied firmly. "Succeeding me is not a matter of choice."

"I don't want the respect... or the power." Shino cut him off but his tone came out harsher than he wanted to. "All I wanted was..." He made a slight step backward, without finishing.

"Shino-"

Aburame and their despotic methods no one knew anything about.

"I'll go." Shino bowed and walked away, aiming to leave the Hospital as fast as possible.

Aburame are powerful. Aburame are intelligent. Aburame this... Aburame that.

The thoughts ran through his head as he walked absently between these distastefully white walls.

Aburame were cruel and never asked. They didn't offer, they coerced.

Shino was glad to finally breathe in something else than disinfectants in the air.

All I wanted was... to be normal.


What was with him today?

Shino shut the door behind and heaved a sigh. His father never turned against him, for anything. Not once had he expressed so directly disappointment or anything that involved his son's choices. True, he was leading a noble clan and was explainable why he was concerned about its future but... if he was so displeased with his son's way of living why did he say it just now? And his tone... as if the last ten years of his son's life were wasted away.

Shino left the documents on the table in the kitchen. He wasn't even hungry, after that quarrel but he sat, nevertheless. Checking up through these tests could help him get off that dreadful feeling that overwhelmed him since he raised his voice at the Hospital.

A sudden thought crossed his mind and he almost startled. The ambassador. Where was she to reside during the time she was a guest? His hand reached for the phone in his pocket but he stopped it, with another thought reminding him of the answer to the question he was about to ask. So that was what he meant by benevolence.

Shino furrowed, standing up.

That house hasn't been cleaned for quite a while. Even cleaned, it was terrifying for an outsider. Once or twice he and his father had guests and the uneasiness was fairly discernible on their face after only a few hours. The residence of the Head of the Aburame clan was a solid stone structure with thick walls and almost no windows. In fact, there was one window in the front and one in the back, in the living room and in the kitchen. Everything else was air-shafts and vents. In order to have a complete isolation from the outer world the doors were metal and rather heavy. There was, of course, a form of lighting but it was used close to never so Shino had serious doubts it worked at all. He and his father preferred walking around in a pitch black atmosphere because it was most comfortable for both of them.

They hadn't had guests for years... the house was a mess. Which suggested he had to clean it up at least to a presentable appearance. Whoever it was that came to visit, was radiating waves of nervousness and discomfort. The house sure did look like a fortress... or rather a prison but it wasn't build to suit guests it was build to suit him and his father. And although it wasn't what people would call cozy, it held memories and he was kind of fond of the place.

Shino spent the afternoon in tidying up and fixing the lighting. It has never been a burden for him to do that because it gave him a lot of time to think, an activity which was one of his few joys. Matter of fact, the silence wasn't as bad as he had previously thought. He loved every second of it now. It was a vast space of darkness and stone, this house but he saw it as a haven from all the world's fuss. The forest was his second favorite place but being a human, he couldn't spend all of his time there.

His father might have indirectly rejected him and the choices he has made throughout his conscious life but at least Naruto still put his trust in him. That was enough to ease him that he wasn't a complete disaster. Or so he started thinking... lately. Being a teacher was hard when half of the attendants were scared of you and the other didn't care to notice you. Something with the shape of despair crawled its way under his skin and turned him restless. It's been like that in the last week and he didn't know what to do about it or whether it's a crisis of some kind. He wouldn't put much thought into it if it wasn't his father to underline that state.

He regretted raising his voice back then but receiving the truth for yourself from someone else was painful.

After taking care of the main problem and finishing with the endless sheets of paper that seemed to pile up around him with every day spent in the Academy, he decided to have a change of clothes. Black and grey were the usual colors he wore, no matter the occasion. He never took a liking in any other colors anyway, not bright ones for sure. The simple black circular optic he used for the nights fit perfectly his attire and he headed out at a slow pace. It wasn't that late but the street lamps were lit up and it was rather lively, despite the nipping air.

Shino headed straight to the Gates, hoping that he wouldn't be the one who's late, after all. The notion terrified him. Where would that get him? Naruto would never entrust him with anything again. Moreover, such behavior held a statement that he wouldn't want to convey. Apathy, neglect and a complete lack of respect. He represented Konoha, in the end, that was of greatest importance.

"Aburame-sensei." He heard the voice of the Guard, greeting him.

"Izumo." Shino nodded. "Kotetsu."

Both of them slightly bowed but as Kotetsu smiled, Izumo preferred to take a step back. Involuntarily, perhaps but Shino noticed it. It wasn't the first time Izumo chose to stay away, being a germaphobe. A walking hive was probably one of his greatest fears.

"You waiting for someone?" Izumo asked, forcing a lively tone.

"An ambassador from Iwagakure." Shino put his hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed in the distance. To the ordinary viewer, the forest was enveloped in darkness but it wasn't like that for him. His advanced sight allowed him more clairvoyance than any light would ever be able to get to these two guards. But he kept that for himself, of course.

"I see. The boss mentioned something about it." Kotetsu exhaled.

"So, how are you two doing?"

Kotetsu scoffed.

"It's been awfully quiet lately."

"Yeah," Izumo added. "Nothing happens for weeks. Kinda boring, you know."

"I admire your stoicism. Standing on this post, no matter what, is praiseworthy." Shino turned to them.

"Thanks, man. Appreciate it." Izumo sighed and silence spread between them for quite some time.

Unfamiliar, strong scent reached him. It wasn't anything heavy, though. It seemed strong because it was a mixture. Pollen... he could distinguish it clearly, combined with something more of a sweet fragrance.

"Isn't that your ambassador?"

Shino turned around only to see a tall female figure approaching the Gates at a slow pace.

"She ain't got no bodyguards," Izumo remarked, raising a brow. "Odd."

Her scent was so compelling that Shino found himself walking toward her.

Shoulder length brown hair, her clothes were in pastel green and yellow, a middle-sized rucksack on her back. There was nothing striking in her appearance... except her eyes. Eyes with the color of a molten gold. The lack of light made them look dark amber but didn't take away the spark in them.

"Hello." She greeted softly. "You must be from the Aburame clan."

"I'm afraid, yes." Shino paused. "Hope that fact wouldn't repel you."

"I should warn from the beginning." She gave him a wide smile. "I am not that kind of a person."

Shino was generally surprised by her words but before he could reply she handed him the box in her hands.

"This is a gift, from Iwagakure to Konohagakure." She paused, looking down. "A sign of gratitude and respect. The Fourth sends her regards."

Shino stood still and she waited, not sure if he was going to take the present.

"Who are you?" He asked, evenly.

"Amaya."

"The whole name."

The girl was taken aback by the unexpected interrogation and furrowed.

"Kamizuru," Shino spoke instead of her, slightly tilting his head. "You are a bee user."

Amaya remained silent, hands relaxing down.

"Fascinating." He almost exclaimed, confusing her even more. "I thought there weren't many bee users left."

"Well." Amaya shrugged. "You're right. There really aren't many of us left."

"Let me take that." Shino grabbed the box from her hands and took one of them, shaking it gently. "Welcome to Konoha."

Amaya was still confused from the abrupt changes in his demeanor but replied nevertheless.

"And you are?"

"Shino. Pleased to meet you. Do come with me."

"Shino?" She asked, a tinge of panic in her voice. "Shino Aburame, son of Shibi Aburame?"

"Correct." Shino drawled. "Why?"

"Nothing." She waved with hand, putting another smile. "I've heard the names before, that's all."

"Welcome to Konoha." Kotetsu nodded at her when they passed him and Izumo.

"You have to visit Amaguirama at least once, during your stay, ambas- " Kotatsu nobbed Izumo on the head before he could even finish. "Ouch!"

"Shut up."

Amaya couldn't help but laugh at the scene.

"I will. Don't worry."

Shino led her into the village and he opened a conversation not until they were walking down the main street.

"I assume you're tired from the trip."

"Very." She confirmed with a nod.

"What would you like to do now?"

"Sleep, if it's not much of an inconvenience."

"Not at all. Then you'll be touring around the village tomorrow." Shino presumed. "Have you been to Konoha before?"

"No... unfortunately. Everyone says it's a beautiful sight during the Spring."

"It is." Shino sighed. "Good thing is, Konoha's winters are soft and not that long."

"Sounds lovely." She looked all around, soaking up the rich in colors surroundings.

Shino led her through a couple of lively alleys before turning to the Aburame District.

"What brings you here?" He asked as they walked slowly to his house.

"The Kamizuru Clan, which I assume you know have a great influence in Iwa's politics, wants to renew the bond with Konoha's. They want to make a Celebration, an anniversary of their peace treaty. With Aburame, as special guests."

"I see. I'm sure The Seventh would be pleased."

"Hope so." Amaya glanced at him. "What about Aburame?"

"Aburame?"

"Yes, you think they'll accept a party invitation of the sort?"

"We're not exactly... the party types." Shino turned to her after another laughter rang out in the silence.

"I've heard a lot about your clan but I didn't believe most of the stories."

"Chance is, everything you've heard is true." Shino murmured, stopping in front the familiar door. "We've arrived."

He unlocked it and turned on the light, allowing her to step in before closing it.

"Make yourself at..." Shino started but the realization that this house represented, in fact, a nightmare for most, the phrase would sound even weirder. "...at home."

"The noise is completely isolated." There was a smile on Amaya's lips as she scrutinized the lobby and peeked into the other rooms. "I like it."

Shino froze, right after he left the box next to the door.

"What did you say?"

Amaya faced him.

"I like it?"

"You like it," Shino repeated, unable to comprehend.

"Yeah. Why?" She tilted her head, apparently his reaction was quite amusing to her.

"Because... no one likes it in here." Shino walked to her slowly. "You are the first."

"Are you serious? This place is awesome." Amaya continued looking around, captivated.

"If you say so." Shino furrowed, passing her by. "Follow me, please. I'll show you to your room."

As thoughtful as Shibi was, he took into consideration that should a guest room exists in his household, it should be built like a normal room and that was exactly what happened after the last reconstruction they made. So Shino was glad that at least the guest room looked amiable enough.

"Here it is."

"Delightful." Amaya gasped and faced him. "Thank you."

"It's nothing." Shino ignored looking at her eyes, instead stepped back. "My room is right..." He paused, thinking of a proper way to explain. "The grey door in the corner. You can find me there if you need something."

"Thank you, once again." Amaya bowed and for a moment just looked at him in wonder, her amber eyes almost narrowed. "I will see you... tomorrow, then."

"Good night." He nodded and tore his gaze away from her, which, to his great surprise, he found to be a particularly hard task.


A/N: So. After an armored centipede, earwigs, three kinds of spiders, a bee, flies and a bunch of flying monsters visited my room in the last month, I decided that's something like an omen for me. I had to write down this story. I've had it in my head for so long and it bothered me that, ironically, Shino is somewhat neglected in this fandom (lately).

I'm doing this, firstly, because I see myself in most of him and I (and I assume many, many fans, if not everyone at some point) can relate to the pain of being hated/isolated from the others. Whatever power the characters in this manga/anime held, they were humans too. Don't tell me Shino was all happy being alone his whole life, with people constantly screaming around him "Ew... you're gross!"

The second reason I'm doing this because Shino is a really interesting character for me and I couldn't resist adding up something, contributing to the fandom with this small (or not so much, as I see it) story. These Kamizuru wars are canon, actually, I haven't made them up. The only thing I'm making up is my OC. Hope you'll like her. As for Shino, it was about time someone wrote a fanfic with grown-up Shino. There isn't one yet. Such a shame. I'm fixing that.

Sorry for the fans of my other on-going fanfics, this has to get out of my head. I've wanted a nice ShinoxOC for years so I'm now trying to make myself one. I'm warning, I'm a slow writer. It's not gonna be a long fanfic, too. I planned 10 chapters out, for now, I'll see what happens in the future. All depends on the feedback I receive.

With all that said, thanks for reading and until next time.


P.S. Change of plans. Change of rating. The final decision has been made. I'm going with T on this one.