A/N: Whoa. I know i haven't updated in a while, and i'm sorry for that. Here's the next chapter.
Disclamer: Don't own the Naruto characters and...yeah, the usual
enjoy minna!
Ch. 12 Things Slowly Fall in Place
The angry words echoing in my head, I walked sullenly out of my house, determined on getting the heck out of there.
'You're really mean sometimes, you know'
I don't need to hear what I already know. And anyways, it's not true…right?
'And you wonder why people like your brother better than you'
But, they don't….or….no…they do. Well, it's not like I meant to hurt him. I was just practicing my aim. He walked in and distracted me, I didn't mean to hit his arm with the kunai, I swear…who am I kidding? There's no point in justifying myself. They're probably right…
A few tears rolled down my face, and although I furiously swiped them off, more took their place. Giving up I kept walking, only to bump into someone. I looked up, to find myself staring at dark sunglasses. Shino. Without thinking I spun around and ran away, stopping at a nearby park and collapsing under a tree. Not long after, I heard the quiet sound of feet approaching and felt someone crouch down next to me.
"Ashi?"
Shino's quiet voice had a hint of emotion in it which I couldn't quite recognize, but that didn't matter. Without warning, I tackled Shino in a hug, knocking him over as I continued to sob quietly. Shino gave a grunt of surprise as he was knocked over before awkwardly wrapping his arms around me in a hug.
"I never try to be mean….it was an accident" I sobbed quietly, "I didn't mean to hit him with that kunai. Why do they keep yelling at me?"
Eventually I stopped crying and moved away from Shino, blushing in embarrassment.
"Sorry," I mumbled, "I-I just…needed a hug…"
As I moved back to lean against the tree, Shino nodded and made no comment..
"You said your parents were out of town"
"It doesn't matter" I growled as I made to stand up, but was stopped by Shino's hand on my arm.
"Ashi, if you don't tell me what's happening, I can't help you"
"I don't need help" I growled in response, but I sat back down anyways, "My parents just stopped by to check on us. The got in just as I was loosing my temper. My brother was aggravating me and got in my way as I was practicing throwing kunai so I snapped at him and accidentally hit him with one. The crap bypassed the fan and hit the ceiling"
Shino gave me a look asking 'so why were you crying?' I shook my head and stared at my hands.
"You don't understand. This always happens. He does something to annoy me and I loose my concentration and patience. He gets hurt, just when my parents come in so they only see that part. Then I get yelled at"
As I was met with silence again I stood up sighing and started pacing in an agitated manner before pausing and staring out at a pond. Dragonflies skimmed lazily over, barely touching the water in the fading sunlight. A hazy fog reminded me of a dream as I found myself sighing once again.
"It doesn't matter…forget about it…it never happened…but, why are you here?"
I turned around abruptly to look at Shino, confused.
"Seriously, why are you here? Your house is on the other side of town"
The silence was peaceful, yet a little nervous, which seemed to be coming from Shino since I was fine. That's not right. Shino isn't one to be nervous. He isn't one to show any emotion.
"Do you still need someone to go to the festival with?" Shino asked calmly, belaying my suspicions of nervousness. I never was too good with reading emotions. I blinked in surprise before scratching the back of my head on confusion.
"Wait, what?"
Shino gave me a look as if to say 'you heard what I said.'
"Okay, okay. What I don't get is, why ask me?" I elaborated as I sat back down next to him, "I half bet Kiba made you ask me. I mean, seriously, who would want to go the festival with me? I'm not cute like Hinata, or fun to be around like Sakura, or popular like Ino, thank Kami on that one. Heck, there's probably nothing good about me…nope, nothing that I can think of… Oh, but of course, it's a pity date. Well, thanks, that makes me feel a lot better, now I have more to laugh at myself about"
Shino shook his head when I finished fuming out loud.
"Don't compare yourself to others. Why? Because you're not them, you're you. I asked you because I wanted to, no other reason" he stated quietly. I resisted the compelling urge to stare at him.
"You just asked yourself a semi-pointless question that needed no answer" I mumbled.
"You missed the point"
I rolled my eyes as I stood up, offering my hand to Shino, to help him up.
"If you're absolutely sure it's me you want to ask, heck, if you're absolutely sure you want to ask someone, then fine" I stated, "But if I find out that Kiba did persuade you to ask me, I will make your life heck, Iswear"
Shino ignored my comment and grabbed my hand, letting me help him up.
"Pick you up at seven. Kurenai-sensei's house right?"
"Mmm…whatever" I muttered as I turned to leave, but paused for a few seconds before turning around again and giving Shino a quick hug and a mumbled thanks. So with that I left, not turning back to see the expression on Shino's face, and completely forgetting why I had been crying earlier.
Well, that was yesterday. Great timing huh? Especially since the festival is today. Apparently because of this we have the day off. I'm supposed to go to Kurenai-sensei's apartment later today because my parents aren't in town, again, and Hinata decided to join me since her father seems to be in a REALLY bad mood for some reason. We decided to wander around town for a little bit, play some games, eat snacks at food stalls, listen to music, buy stuff, and things like that. Hinata and I met up with Kiba and Akamaru at a Frisbee toss game, and we found Shino at a koi pond. After meeting up, we just sort of wandered around aimlessly, pointing at random stalls, staring in awe at the decorations; we even saw the Hokage. It was a great day outside, and all, but it was HOT. We were presently collapsed under some trees, relaxing in the shade; the sun was torture. Kiba had taken off his jacket, I removed my excess clothing, leaving me in a black tank top and shorts, and we had even persuaded Hinata to take off her jacket, leaving her in a black v-necked t-shirt. Only Shino still had his jacket on, and I'm sure he's dying.
"It's hot" I whined as I hung upside down from a tree branch.
"You're going to fall" Shino stated, "And we're all hot. It doesn't help that you're wearing all black either"
"Yeah, talk about my inconsistencies when you're wearing a jacket, brown pants, a jacket, a black t-shirt, and did I mention you're wearing a jacket?" I retorted as I lost my grip on the tree as predicted by Shino, who coincidentally caught me as I fell, "Whoops. Thanks. Anyways, Kiba's wearing shorts and ditched his jacket and even Hinata took off her jacket. What you're wearing is insanity Shino"
"Ha, he told you you'd fall" Kiba laughed, interrupting my tries to persuade Shino to at least take of the flipping jacket. He's making me uncomfortable just looking at him.
"Shut up Mutti"
While we were wearily bickering, Hinata was drinking cold water from her water bottle, occasionally pouring some out for Akamaru, and Kurenai-sensei was buying me a kimono. She insisted after I told her I didn't own any that fit, so much for that excuse. I personally just think she wanted air conditioning. But if you think we were suffering, think about Akamaru and Shinzo…actually, Shinzo was at home, enjoying the air conditioning, but Akamaru was practically baking.
"It's too hot" Kiba groaned.
"We know" Shino replied, abruptly ending the conversation. None of us tried to pick it back up again although the silence was almost deafening, it was too hot. Kiba gave a sudden yell and jumped up.
"Who did that?"
"H-h-huh?"
"Someone sprayed water on me!" Kiba exclaimed, looking slightly drenched.
"Your hair is dripping on me" I muttered dismissively. Kiba gave a little smirk and shook his head, sprinkling water all over us in response.
"Kiba!" I yelled, scooting closer to Shino and Hinata, away from him, "Oh, it's on now"
I dug through my backpack and eventually pulled out a water gun.
"Prepared to be terminated" I laughed as I pointed the toy at him.
"What the heck Ashi?"
I shrugged in response, "I knew it'd be hot today" I replied as I pulled the trigger and splashed him with cold water.
"No fair!" Kiba complained before digging through his backpack and pulling out a water gun as well, "Now, it's fair"
"And you looked at me like I was weird" I muttered.
"Don't get us wet" Shino warned as I grinned and started shooting at Kiba. I shrieked when Kiba hit me back and jumped into a nearby tree. Water gun fight. Add bored ninja pre-teens and chakra and you have the ultimate water gun war. C'mon, you know it's awesome. Somewhere in a nearby tree a mysterious figure laughed.
"Dance minions, dance"
It was silent…too silent. I was crouching behind a bush, nervously looking from side to side. I saw a bit of movement to my left and smirked.
"Gotcha" I whispered. There was a fulfilling, startled yell as the boy scampered behind a tree. That was one of the boys…where was the other one? Realizing that by attacking I had revealed my position, I started to sneak away from the bush. It's still too silent…
"Aaah!" I yelled as cold water splashed down my back. I turned around just in time to see a flash of blonde and pulled the trigger, splashing water all over him.
"Owned!" I exclaimed as I ran out from behind the bush and jumped into some trees. I started to run, trying to find a new hiding spot before I was caught. Hearing two faint thuds, I turned around quickly, pressing my back to the trunk of the tree. The two boys grinned evilly as they flicked their wet hair out of their eyes.
"W-wait…th-this is unfair" I said nervously as my eyes darted to the side, looking for an escape, "Two against one, no fair"
I glared as Kiba and Naruto started laughing before grinning and pulling the trigger, splashing water in their faces. I took advantage of their surprise and used the time to jump down from the tree and run to the main clearing. I'm still wondering why Naruto, having the day off, came here instead of Ichiraku's to hang out with us instead of eating ramen.
Why did he come here?
No matter to me.
I glanced at Hinata and Shino, where they sat, still under the tree. I don't know why they're not playing. I mean, sure it's really hot, and running around seems stupid and idiotic, but when you're getting splashed by cold water, it's worth it.
Maybe Shino lacks the capacity to have fun
You are so lucky he can't hear you…
I dread to think of what he'd do…probably glare at us…
And ignore us for a month
He'd probably be sulking
…You know, for someone so mature…he can be really immature sometimes…
Actually, it's kinda cute…
What? It is!
You know what? Up yours!
"Whoa!" I exclaimed as I just dodged a stream of water that was coming at me. Jeez, was I that out of it?
If you dodged the water…and Hinata and Shino were behind you…who did it hit?
"Oh crap" Kiba muttered as he backed away slowly. Confused I turned to look at where the water went and began backing away as well. Shino was standing up, wet, looking pretty pissed, and his kikai bugs were humming dangerously.
"Hey, what's going on?" Naruto asked, confused as to why we were so nervous. He wasn't there last time Shino was surprised and hit by water. His kikai bugs started swarming by themselves, ignoring Shino's commands, and it took 10 minutes and a lot of drained chakra to calm them down.
Kiba had already gestured to Hinata to move away and she was in her jyunken stance, ready to defend herself if it was needed. Kiba and I were watching the kikai swarm warily, crouched down and ready to move. Shino was calming them down, but the slightest sound and or movement would set some of them off again. I prayed to Kami that Naruto would get the hint and not do anything stupid.
"Hey guys, why are you all so tense, and what's with all the bugs?"
Oh, c'mon Kami-sama? Was that too much to ask? I just wanted to live for a few more years.
The swarm was getting agitated again and was about to strike in Naruto's direction.
"Baka, watch out!" I yelled as both Kiba and I tackled Naruto out of the way, just in time.
"Yo, Ashi…any time now?" Kiba asked nervously. Ha, that's funny, a nervous Kiba.
Not the time Ashi. Do you want me to take over?
No, I have to learn to do this by myself.
I still don't see why though, don't kikai bugs eat chakra?
Whatever works, works, okay?
I did a few quick hand signs and put my arms in front of me, palms facing the bugs.
"360 Chakra Shield Jutsu"
Chakra started moving out from my hands, surrounding Kiba, Naruto, and I in a half sphere of chakra, and just in time as well. The kikai bugs hit the shield and grabbed on, starting to eat through the barrier. I bit my lip and added more chakra. According to Shino, his kikai bugs were calmer when eating, and so that's when it was easiest to regain control. My hands twinged painfully as my chakra supply started cutting off. I grimaced and resisted the urge to shake them out.
"Any time now Shino?" I called, noticing holes starting to form in the shield. Squinting my eyes, I let out a short chakra burst to fill the holes in, but not before a kikai bug landed on my shoulder. I turned to look at it, shivering as it started climbing down my arm. I fought the urge to squirm and took a deep breath, concentrating on maintaining the shield. I wasn't afraid of bugs, but feather light touches really bothered me. To the point of maiming myself with my nails, or something drastic like that.
Breathe…ignore the kikai bug…focus on the shield…
Heh, I bet that tickles. Must be annoying, but what if there were twenty?
And I thought I was cruel, you sadistic little imp
I learned from the best!!
I felt a shiver crawl up my back as I unwillingly imagined it and I bit my lip harder, but not to the point of drawing blood.
Shut up. Shut up. Shut up.
"Shino??" I asked, not letting my desperation show. Only one bug, and I was being driven crazy.
"Okay, they're calm now" Shino stated as I sighed in relief and let the chakra flow to my hands stop. The solitary kikai bug flew off my finger and landed on Shino's jacket, disappearing into the folds. My hand immediately flew to my arm, scratching one long welt down the length. I felt everyone staring questioningly at me, but as I felt myself swaying slightly I slowly sat down and rested my head on my knees as I waited for the world to stop spinning.
"Ashi…that…was…AWESOME!" Naruto exclaimed as he jumped up and down in excitement. Where does this boy find the energy? "What was that anyways?"
"That was me and Kiba saving your butt you midget" I replied breathlessly as I tried to regain my breath.
"A-a-ashi, are y-you o-kay?" Hinata asked concernedly. I wearily raised my hand to give her a thumbs up before letting it collapse next to me. The last time this happened I was unconscious, but, it had been a cold day out, and I can't stand the cold, at all.
"Hey Naruto?" I called, smirking as he replied yes, "Next time, I'm letting him kill you"
"What! That's not fair!" he whined as I laughed. There was a rustle in a nearby tree and we all stopped to look as a blunette jumped out of the tree holding a water gun.
"Prepare to be o- What!? C'mon, it's over already?" Tizuka complained as we sighed in exasperation, "Darn, and I had my water gun, water grenade, and my high pressure hose"
"High…pressure…hose?" Naruto queried with some traces of fear woven into the sounds of disbelief.
"Tiz no baka, you have 5 seconds before I let Kiba kill you" I growled. My patience was done today.
"Wha? That's not fa-"
"Three…two…"
"Uh, um…water grenade!" Tizuka exclaimed as he threw the toy to the ground and jumped away. A few seconds later it exploded and we were all drenched with water. Hinata and I were coughing, Naruto was standing there looking as dumbfounded as usual, Kiba was covered in cheese, there was an angry humming noise coming from Shino again an…wait, what?
"OH C'MON!" Kiba yelled as he wiped cheese of his face, "IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?"
Naruto started laughing as did Hinata through her coughs. Shino sighed before flicking his wet hair away from his glasses his eyes in an exasperated gesture which made my face heat up for a second before I turned my head away to look at a ranting Kiba.
You're blushing Ashi
It's the sun…I think
Denial
Shut up
I sighed before flopping down on my back and closing my eyes, ignoring the teasing from Taishoku and Renshi, and listening to the sounds of Hinata's cute laughter. We all paused as the sound of someone landing in the clearing rang through our ears. Opening my eyes, I saw Kurenai-sensei standing there, her face looking a bit flushed and her eyes sparkling. No doubt she ran into Asuma-sensei on her way back.
"Ashimakase, I found you the cutest kimono" she exclaimed. Her voice seemed giddy with joy or…something.
"You're blushing sensei" I stated monotonously.
"Never mind that, you'll have to try it on" sensei said, changing the topic, "I think it will match your eyes…why is Kiba covered in cheese?"
We paused for a minute, glancing over at Kiba before bursting out into new peals of laughter. After the laughter died down and Kiba had stopped pouting, Kurenai-sensei asked Shino and Hinata to help get him clean and told Naruto his sensei should be arriving soon.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait. If Naru's supposed to meet his team at 10 why is he going now when it's 2?" I asked confused as Kiba yelped in the background, getting cold water dumped on him by Shino. Hinata was too nice.
"His sensei is terminally late. He can't get anywhere on time" Kurenai-sensei explained as we laughed. I groaned mentally, my muscles felt like jelly, or limp meat. Actually, when you think about it, they probably were limp meat. With all the heat coming from the sun today, all the exercise, and build up of lactic acid, I'm surprised my muscles haven't fallen off the bone yet. Oh ha, what a morbid thought.
"Ashimakase Nozomii" Kurenai-sensei called, breaking into my thoughts.
"Hai Kurenai-sensei?"
"I've been calling you for the past minute or so" Kurenai-sensei stated sternly, "If you keep blanking out like that you'll get in trouble in the middle of a battle"
I sweat dropped as I mentally imagined myself doing that…oh, scary. I blinked as I felt myself being dragged off.
"Hey, where are we going?" I asked as I dragged my feet along the ground.
"To my house, you're going to try on the kimono, and then we're gonna get ready for the festival" Kurenai-sensei replied as Hinata followed behind us. I rolled my eyes in exasperation.
"Sensei! The festival isn't till 7, it's only 2!" I complained. Kurenai gave me a smile that sent shivers down my spine. Images of makeup, dresses, and hours of doing hair flashed before my eyes. Oh the inhumanity, sensei wouldn't do that right? …Of course she would…
"Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
Tune in next time for the begining of the festival! Hopefully the girlyness won't kill Ashimakase, and what's this? Two more people at Kurenai's? Shino did what? Why is he acting so weird? This might prove to be interesting.
REVIEWS are welcome!
Ashi of the instrument trio
