I'm pleased that there is plenty of responses to this story. Thank you!

I had to do a lot of research into blindness before I felt I could accurately write a character that was blind. Even so, this story is not a 100% accurate description of blind people or their habits and abilities.

Chapter 4

Cut to the Chase

The first day that she had been off work Shino wasn't entirely sure what to do. He could just return home and try again tomorrow. His kikai stirred unhappily at the thought. The insects had contented themselves with their master's chakra but they had become accustomed to being close to Sachi. Her presence seemed to be almost addicting to the insects. Whenever she was close the insects buzzed happily from the proximity of her alone.

He walked back out of the bookstore devoid of his favorite employee and back to his home. He didn't get far as his insects began leaving by the dozen towards Sachi's home. More than a little upset and embarrassed, he trailed after them trying to order the rogues back where they belonged. Only a handful obeyed while the others soldiered on with new found determination with every inch closer to her and farther from him.

He followed them all the way back to her house where he was finally able to call the rest of them back. They writhed unhappily within him, disappointed to have come so close and yet so far. He fed them copious amounts of chakra and forced them to stay. He had just turned to leave when the door to Sachi's house opened.

"Shino-san?" He froze at hearing her voice. "I can hear you out here. Did you really come all this way to turn around? Why don't you come in?"

Rather than answer, he walked into the house upon her invitation. He had wanted to see her after all and to refuse her offer seemed pointless. Even if he wanted to politely refuse, his kikai might insist and he didn't want to admit he only found himself at her door because they made him.

"Would you like some tea?" she asked.

"Yes, please."

From deeper within the house, a feminine voice called out. "Who was at the door?"

"It's Shino-san," Sachi answered the voice loudly. This statement was punctuated with hurried footsteps from the other room. The squat woman he knew to be Sachi's mother bounded through the doorway with vigor.

"Shino-kun, how wonderful to see you again so soon!" Sachi's mother enthused. "Sit, sit, sit, sit, sit, I'll make tea."

Both Shino and Sachi sat at the dining table and waited as the tea was made.

"Sorry about Kaa-chan," Sachi whispered. "Don't let her scare you off. She's overbearing but she means well. She holds nothing back. Whatever she thinks she has to say."

Shino was amused at the thought that Sachi may not recognize this trait in herself. While her mother seemed more flamboyant and excitable, both women's words seemed entirely unrestrained.

He was content with this moment. Sitting across from Sachi as she whispered about her mother. His kikai stirred. Once again they had the feeling of being so close yet so far from her.

"So what brings you here, Shino-kun?" Sachi's mother asked as she set tea cups down in front of each of them and sipped gently from her own.

"Just stopping by," he answered neutrally, sipping from his cup.

"To see our dear Sachi-chan, hmm? How sweet." She took the opportunity to finish his completed sentence with her own words. He knew now he had been right, Sachi's mother was much more unrestrained and excitable than her daughter.

"Kaa-chan," Sachi whined.

"What? It is, dear. He walks you home for five days and when he can't he comes to see you. How much sweeter can that get?" Her mother quieted as she looked to Shino. She gave him a meaningful look and mouthed 'ask her to go on a walk' as she pointed to Sachi.

"Why are you quiet all of a sudden?" Sachi asked her mother suspiciously.

"Just taking a sip of tea, dear." Her lie was effortless and as cheerful as were the rest of her words. Shino had the impression that this woman was always cheerful.

"Then why hasn't your cup left the table?" Sachi asked, countering her mother's lie. The older woman laughed and dispersed Sachi's question with a wave of her hand.

"Oh, sweetheart, your ears must be overworked. Maybe you should take a break and relax." She motioned to Shino vigorously as she gave him an opportunity to do what she wanted them to do. Well, he didn't see why not. He had come to see her after all.

"Would you like to take a walk with me, Sachi-san?"

"Sure, just let me get my things." Sachi drained the rest of her tea and trotted up the staircase separating the kitchen from the rest of the house. Her mother winked at him and began cleaning up the tea.

"I'm Noriko, by the way," she mentioned softly as she took the teacups to the sink, "and it's very nice to meet you, Shino-kun."

He returned her greeting and was thankful that not every word out of Noriko's mouth was said with enthusiasm to rival even Gai and Lee.

Sachi descended the stairs minutes later dressed for the brisk weather.

"Kaa-chan, have you seen my cane?"

"Isn't it by your nightstand like always?" Noriko returned as she bustled about the kitchen.

"No. I put it there last night when I got home and I didn't move it. I'll bet Kaito-kun took it," Sachi said.

"Again?" Noriko asked. "I thought he learned from last time."

Sachi groaned in irritation. "Kaa-chan, he didn't learn the last three times."

"Well, you will just have to use your old one," Noriko supplied.

Sachi's voice came with obvious distaste, "I don't like that one. It sticks when I try to fold it."

"It's that or nothing, dear. I'll have a word with Kaito-kun when he gets home."

"Fine," Sachi said with resignation. She opened a closet by the stairs and retrieved a long cane. "I'm ready when you are Shino-san."

I hope you are all pleased with this story so far.