A/N: All locations in this chapter do actually exist. No, I have never been to any of them. Anyways, enjoy chapter two.

Warnings: deep southern accents, yaoi, adult themes (in later chapters).

Disclaimer: Nope. . . . . still don't own the Naruto franchise. . .

It was becoming difficult to keep his eyes open. However, Shino Aburame was determined not to fall asleep. According to his calculations, he would be arriving in Clarke County in about an hour. By then, it will nearly be midnight. He refused to sleep now and spend the rest of the night lying on a strange bed, wide awake, until the morning. Who knows what these freaks of nature will make him do then.

Shino preferred not to think of the horrible summer he was sure to have. Suddenly, without warning, Shino's mind betrayed him as the thought of a certain blonde cowboy emerged from the depths. Shino shook it off, refusing to let happy thoughts blur the foul reality. The chances of his hostess or her children looking normal were slim to none. No doubt they all had bad teeth and smelled of cow manure. Shino winced slightly at the new thoughts of the family he would be meeting in less than an hour.

Through these thoughts the train rolled on, with no desire or incentive to stop yet, no matter how much Shino wished it would and turn around. He boarded the train with pleasant images of the cowboy he, apparently, desired so much. However, after he found an empty compartment and seated himself, he was left alone with his thoughts and the hasty whistles of the train every so often.

The silent teen stared blankly out the window; watching the scenery fly by like the insects he obsessed over. His heart stopped beating briefly as the train crossed the Alabama State boarder. They were so close that Shino could feel his brain matter oozing from his ears. Dinner from the night prior was collected in his stomach, just itching to climb up his throat and make a great escape. His nerves were on edge and he didn't really know why.

Minutes flew by like seconds. Before he knew it, Shino felt the train rolling slowly to a halt. His auburn eyes widened behind his glasses; the cruel sensation of fear sweeping its way up his spine, resting in his head. He didn't know what to expect. What was he supposed to do now? He heard a bell ringing down the halls and a man screaming; "Camden, Alabama! Camden, Alabama!"

This was it, the moment Shino had been dreading since last night. The train's horn sounded loudly, rousing many passengers from peaceful slumbers. The dark haired teen grabbed his bags from the cargo space and stepped into the hallway, sweat beading on the side of his head. The sight he was greeted with when he stepped off of the train was far less than glamorous. An empty train station, save for an old couple and two sleeping women holding a makeshift sign that read "Welcome Sheeno." He assumed it was meant to read "Shino."

He approached them with caution, noticing their appearance for the first time. There was a younger woman leaning on an older woman's shoulder. He guessed that the older woman was his hostess and the younger one, her daughter. The older woman's head was tilted towards her daughter's head, drool dripping freely from the side of her mouth. Shino grimaced at the sight. Though she was a relatively attractive woman, it was simply unsanitary and rather disgusting.

Upon reaching his destination, he stood there, unsure what to do next. He tried clearing his throat, hoping that at least one of them was a light sleeper. When this didn't work Shino tried speaking.

"Excuse me . . .?" They didn't so much as stir. "Ahem, um . . . Ma'am . . ." He said louder. Neither of the two women moved. He didn't want to resort to touching them but it seemed as though he had no other choice unless he wanted to scream, but an Aburame never raises their voice. That's just how it is.

So, with little hesitation, he reached forward and gently nudged the older of the two. She stirred and opened her eyes, revealing startling brown orbs that stunned Shino instantly. She jolted awake, apparently remembering where she was. The younger woman fell limp where her mother was previously lying. Hitting her head on the bench, the young woman cursed and glared at her mother through half lidded eyes, the very same startling brown that seemed to render Shino motionless the instant he looked into them.

"Oh goodness me! Howdy! You must be Shino. I'm Tsume Inuzuka! She greeted enthusiastically. Shino jumped at the volume of Tsume's voice. "This here's my daughter, Hana."

Hana rubbed her head spastically until she realized she was being introduced to the newcomer. She, apparently, didn't even realize the newcomer was there until just then. A blush crept it's way onto her face as she stared at the stranger nearly covered head to toe in layers of clothes and oozing with mystery. She held out her hand and placed and goofy smile on her face. Shino had to admit, he was shocked that such a civilized practice, like shaking hands, was practiced in the south. He took hold of it only to find that the girl's grip was insanely firm.

"Hi there!" She said with the same enthusiasm and southern drawl as her mother.

"Hello," was all Shino managed to squeeze out. Hana stared at him for a while, expecting more, but was disappointed when he said nothing. Tsume watched the exchange with mild interest before clearing her throat and chiming in.

"Alright kiddies, we'd better hit the road. I bet your brother's home by now, 'least he better be," she said, looking at Hana. She looked at her mother and laughed at the thought of her brother being in trouble.

Outside, sat a rusted pickup truck that Tsume was walking toward. She climbed into the driver's seat and struggled with the ignition until the engine roared. Hana climbed up into the middle, beside her mother, leaving room for Shino in the passenger's seat. He threw his bags in the truck bed and took a seat in the offered space, closing the door beside him. Tsume fidgeted with the stick shift until the truck made a horrid grumble and then she smiled at her triumph. Shino couldn't stop a slight smile from creeping onto his face behind his high collar.

This family wasn't that bad, thus far at least. Shino had yet to meet the fabled younger brother. Was there a father? Shino was pulled from his contemplating by Tsume's rough voice.

"You'll like Kiba, Shino. Everybody does. He can be a pain sometimes but he sure is friendly. I know you must have your doubts 'bout us southerners. Kiba's never met a city slicker before. He's plenty excited 'bout it . . ." Shino didn't really know what to say, so he said nothing. Tsume was rather perplexed by Shino's silence. "Well here we are; the small town of Oak Hill. Our farm is just up ahead."

A/N: So there it is. I'd like to point out that, because this story takes place on Earth (unlike the Naruto series), I gave the Inuzuka family all brown eyes. Earth humans don't have animal eyes, it just doesn't happen. Anyway, that's about all. . . R&R please! ^_^