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Chapter 13

On the verge

"Sachi-chan," Noriko singsonged cheerfully as her daughter descended the stairs. "Would you take these cookies to Shino-kun? I've made too many and we will never go through them before they go bad."

It was because of that request that Sachi found herself at the gate to the Aburame compound that morning. She had been cleared to enter by the abnormally brusque guard and made her way to the first fork in the road.

"Which way was it?" she mused aloud. "Right, right, left? Or was it left, left, right?" She hadn't had to take this route in a while and found she couldn't rightly remember how to navigate within the compound. "Kai-chan do you know the way?"

The little insect upon her forehead crawled to the right.

With directions from Kai-chan she made it to Shino's house easily. She didn't exactly know how Kai-chan knew the way to Shino's house. Perhaps she remembered the way from the short time in Shino's care. She shuffled the box in her hands and knocked. Shino's mother, Youko, was the one to open the door and greet her.

"Sachi-san, it's nice of you to stop by again."

"Hello, Youko-san, is Shino-kun home?"

"I'm afraid he was called out on a mission. Would you like to come in for tea? Shino-kun told me you two are dating and I would like the opportunity to get to know you better."

"Of course," Sachi said, stepping inside at her invitation, but not without a weight in her belly, brought on by nerves. "Oh, these are for you," she held out the box in her hands. "My mother baked a bit too much yesterday. She's got enough baked goods to fill every corner of the house and then some and that's really not an exaggeration."

"Thank you," she said taking the box. "Have a seat at the table. I'll bring the tea."

Sachi sat as commanded and removed her sunglasses upon remembering the rule in the Aburame household.

The tinkling of dishes sounded on the table just as Shino's mother joined her at the table.

"Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?" Youko requested, pouring tea for her guest.

Sachi took a deep breath and let out the words, "there's not much to tell." She sipped her scalding hot tea, biding her time. "I like music and books. I work at a bookstore. I have a little brother. I'm not sure what to say."

"How is your training going with Shino?"

"It's going really well. He mainly taught me the concept and I just practice it constantly. I don't even use my cane around town anymore. Actually, I haven't for weeks. It's liberating."

"I'm glad to hear it."

"You have a lovely home by the way," Sachi said, remembering her manners. "I like being here. The sound of the insects around here is wonderful. But it's a lot quieter than before."

"Maybe it's because Shino and Shibi are away," Youko said.

"Probably. It must have been a sudden mission. Just yesterday he said he would see me today. When will he be back?"

She hummed thoughtfully. "There's no telling. It could be in a few days or a few weeks."

"Weeks?" Sachi squeaked, startled.

"That's the life of a shinobi and the life of those they leave behind." Sachi had the feeling that she was saying this almost as a warning, like a message of 'this is what you're getting into with Shino'.

"So you just stay here just waiting for them to come back?"

"Yes. I used to be a shinobi. I retired when I was pregnant with Shino. Now I wait for my boys to come home."

"I guess I just don't understand because no one in my family is a shinobi."

"It's a lifestyle you have to get used to. It doesn't come naturally to everyone."

Sachi heard the approach of an insect user.

"So, if Shino-kun won't be home for a while, are you expecting Shibi-san home soon?"

"I was told either today or tomorrow. Why?"

"He's about to walk in the door." Just as she said, the door opened to reveal Shibi just a few seconds later.

The woman smiled at her husband. "Hello dear. How was your mission?"

"Tedious but short. It's a pleasant surprise to see you Sachi-san."

"Sachi-san was just dropping off some cookies. Shino left on a mission this morning so I invited her in for tea. As of yesterday Sachi-san and Shino are dating."

Shibi paused for a long time as he stared at Sachi. He was all too aware that the insect she carried was different, and what was even more surprising, it was a female.

"So I see," he said cryptically. "I'm surprised but I approve. I'll leave you ladies to your tea."

The rest of Sachi's time with Shino's mother was pleasant enough. They had talked more on Sachi's preferences of music and other pastimes as Youko listened well, asking leading questions and providing short comments.

They parted with a promise that Sachi would thank her mother for the cookies and Youko would have Shino stop by after he returned to the village.

XXXXXXXXXX

Shibi hardly wanted to process the information at hand. Shino had not only given Sachi another kikai but he had given her a female kikai. Shibi knew his son was not stupid enough to do so without thinking of the implications. But he did not think Sachi knew the true meaning of the gift she had received.

The gatekeeper must have noticed the female kikai's presence on Sachi. It was almost impossible for an Aburame not to notice. No doubt the gatekeeper would notify the elders and there would be an inquiry. Either they would call their relationship into question or they would claim Shino as a traitor spilling clan secrets to outsiders. Given the fact that the insect was female it was likely the former.

Shibi knew something would be happening soon and he would be one of the first to be notified as he was the clan head as well as Shino's father. And with Shino gone, Shibi was sure he would have to be the one to pacify the council.

He sighed. This would be a tiresome event.

I know some of you are disappointed. But I have my reasons which will be revealed in time.