Camp Grounds Bonus Chapter
Shino's Birthday Present
Shino's birthday was coming up, but instead, he was staying away from everyone. Including his girlfriend.
"Ino. What are you getting Shino for his birthday?" Tenten asked.
"I have no clue. He hasn't been talking to me all week. He's staying inside his house the whole time till it passes. Which means...he's going to be in there for a month." Ino sighed. She really wished he'd talk to her.
Maybe he was embarrassed about it? Or maybe it wasn't a good day to be born on or...No matter what she came up with, there just wasn't any good explanation on why he does this.
"Well, try to get him something nice. I mean he has talked about things he likes." Sakura said. Not even she was sure what she was saying.
"Only his bug friends." Ino said.
"Hey ladies!" Since when did Naruto and Lee dress like...men? "What in the absolute heck are you doing dressed like THAT?!" Ino asked.
"We are dressed like gentlemen because of Hinata's father's grand party." Lee said.
"There is no way you two-"
"Talk to Hinata and Neji. They invited us personally." Naruto said. "And Sasuke is also going to be there." He added.
That got Sakura's attention.
Ino sighed not caring anymore. "Whatever."
"What's wrong Ino?" Lee asked.
"Shino. He's locked himself in his house over his birthday." Tenten said.
"That's sad!" Lee said.
Naruto on the other hand seemed to understand. "He just doesn't feel like celebrating. I know what that's like. Since no one did with me. I always had a small cake all for myself." He explained.
"You think Shino wants to be alone on his birthday?" Ino asked.
Naruto shrugged. "I don't know. But it sounds like he just doesn't want to make a big deal out of it." He said.
Ino sighed, "Maybe I can just make him something then."
"Like what?!" Sakura laughed. "You are no better at cooking then Shikamaru and Choji! And he mostly grills." She said.
Ino glared at her big foreheaded friend.
"Just do your best. That's all you can do." Naruto said. "And even if it may not...taste good, it's the thought that counts. Shino will know that, cause he cares for you." He added.
Ino smiled at him. "He gives better advice than anyone I know." She said.
"That's because his teacher was a wise saint old perv!" Sakura shouted.
"Better then hiding the old age grandma has." Naruto grinned.
And just like that, Naruto and Sakura were off running.
"When are they ever going to grow up?" Tenten asked.
"Possibly never." Lee shrugged.
Ino then went home for the afternoon. She had to think about what she was going to make for Shino.
A cake. Pot of stew. And maybe...some pasta.
"Ino, sweetie, what are you doing?" He dad was home and saw her in the kitchen. "I was...planning on cooking some food for Shino for his birthday?" She didn't know how he'd react. But he smiled. "Sure. Okay. You want a hand?" He offered.
Ino smiled. He didn't make fun of her idea. "I think I got it. But...I guess you can help me with the cake." She said.
And they got to work.
The pasta and stew were easy for Ino cause she's made them many times already. But a cake was different. Thankfully, her father was able to help her with making it.
"Hello? What is that smell?" Ino's mother called out.
"Ino cooked. She left us some extra." Her father said. "Where is she?"
"She went to drop off Shino's present." He chuckled.
Ino was half-way there when her father had said that. Ino was proud of what she has made. She hoped Shino would like her food too. And if not, he'd at least appreciate her effort in making it to celebrate for his birthday.
Shino on the other hand, was drinking some tea with his father for his birthday.
"You sure you don't want to go and spend this day with your friends or girlfriend?" His dad asked.
Shino shook his head. "No. I'm good." He said. "This day isn't anything special to me."
Then there was a knock at the door. Shino's father got up and went to answer it, but there wasn't anyone there. Only three things.
"Shino. Give me a hand here." His father called.
Shino got up and helped his father bringing huge pot of stew, and a box of cake and pasta.
"Where did all this come from?" Shino asked.
"Ino. I think this is her gift to you. You better thank her." His father said.
Shino smiled a little. She went to all the trouble to making all this food for him and his bugs. Later that night, he went out, and made his way to Ino's house. He left a letter at her window for her. As a thank you for the food.
"You really are the best, Ino." He whispered and left.
