AN's: For those of you wondering-yes, I am still alive! I was browsing through for Shino content for nostalgia and was quite disappointed with how little there was. I had intended to abandon this story, in most part because a large chunk of my drafts accidentally got deleted and I simply lost motivation after that. I ended up having to start over, but I'm quite proud of what I was able to churn out.

I'm sorry you have to keep watching me go through a continuous cycle of major change and revision. I have an issue where I'm taken away by an idea for a story, and that derails me entirely from what I wanted for my fic from the start. I'm aiming to have better dialogue and more complex world-building within this story, so it will take awhile for me to get a regular posting schedule rolling.

As always, thank you to those that have read/continue reading my story. And thank you to those who have decided to start reading it now.

Chapter 1: According to Plan

The man stared at the sheet in front of him, a red pen gripped loosely between his fingers.

"You can't ignore me forever," a sharp voice huffed. "You know that right?"

It seems Sora turned in another incomplete assignment again...

"Oi, Shino!"

That makes the second time this week...

With a bit of hesitance, he quietly wrote down a number. A rather generous score if you ask him, considering there was little to no writing besides the student's name.

5/20.

"Shino!"

Finally the man, one Aburame Shino, looked up and sighed. "For the last time Kiba, I am not going on another blind date."

"C'mon, man! I know this one'll be good; her sister works with Tamaki. Says she's pretty and an intellectual! That's gotta draw you in, right?"

Shino's lips sealed into a tight frown but he remained silent. He hoped his expression alone would convey his thoughts: No, he wanted to say. I don't want to go on another blind date I know will end badly. Please leave me alone to finish my grading.

He shook his head. "Do you remember the last date you tried to set up for me, Kiba?"

A guilty expression flashed across the Inuzuka's face. Shino raised an eyebrow.

His friend struggled to retort, faltering under the Aburame's subtle glare. After a few moments, he sighed and raised his palms up in surrender. "Ok," Kiba admitted. "You got me there. But how was I supposed to know Shiratori-san didn't like bugs?"

"Perhaps mentioning my full name would have been a good start? Even outside of Konoha, many know that the Aburame are famed-insect users," Shino chided. He looked down at his stack of papers half-heartedly, now finding it difficult to focus.

Something lurched uncomfortably in the Aburame's chest; he gripped his pen tighter, but the other didn't seem to notice.

"Well, sorry for trying to help, Mr. Know-it-all," the Inuzuka said with a grumble, "But I just want to see you try and engage with another person! You are literally the definition of a workaholic. You could give Naruto a run for his money."

"I engage with others, occasionally..."

Kiba raised a brow. "Oh, yeah? Name one person you've fully interacted with this week that wasn't me, a coworker, or a student."

Shino paused. His mouth opened and closed a few times as he thought of something to say.

"... Hinata."

"Hinata doesn't count either," Kiba exclaimed. "See! There we have it. Look Shino, if we narrow it down, you're a young bachelor with a steady income and a good reputation-"

"-I'm 33, that hardly counts as young-"

"-Plus you're also the head of a respected noble clan, which means you've gotta have some extra cash lying around. Chicks eat that stuff up! Trust me!"

Not missing a beat, Shino answered. "My dad is still technically the head of our clan. I also wasn't aware we were generalizing women."

Kiba pouted as he gave his friend a hard flick on the forehead. "Oh, don't get all snippety with me! You're still basically like a prince or something, Shino-sama."

"I'm not being snippety," the Aburame huffed, rubbing his forehead. "I'm simply stating facts. I have no time to date with my life being so busy. That's because one eight-year-old alone is already a handful, never mind a classroom full of them."

The Inuzuka let out a loud raspberry. "Sure, blame the kids! That's what they all do! Pal, you're just afraid of intimacy."

"I am not."

"Don't try to deny it, Shino! Think about how long it took you to open up to me and Hinata back in the day! Look," Kiba sighed. "I get that work is stressful man, I really do. Hell, I get grey hairs just sitting at the Police Department with no action. But you know who makes my day just a little bit better when I come home from work tired and cranky?"

"Tamaki," he answered almost immediately. They've had this conversation before, if Shino recalled.

"Actually I was gonna say Akamaru, but she's a close second," Kiba laughed. "Joking aside, you're right. Tamaki does make me less stressed. She makes me happy. Extremely happy, and…and I wanted to tell you later, but I didn't only come here to convince you to go on that date pal."

The shift in tone caught the Aburame's attention first. Shino looked up at the other man, watching as he ran a hand through his hair, eyes averted.

Kiba looked back at his friend, letting out a long sigh before continuing. "I also wanted to tell you that… that I'm planning on asking Tamaki to marry me soon. It's tentative, but I think it's finally time I tied that knot, so to speak."

Shino's eyebrows rose in surprise. The other man looked away immediately, a pink tinge beginning to form on his cheeks.

"Congratulations, Kiba," Shino said with a smile. A wedding proposal was more than overdue in his opinion, and Tamaki and Kiba were good for each other despite their opposite affinity for house pets.

Kiba's blush only darkened as he rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks man, I appreciate it. I didn't tell you that for your congratulations, though! Don't laugh at me for getting cheesy, ok? I just… look, as much as I love you Shino, my life's gonna get pretty hectic if I do end up getting married, y'know? Look at Hinata! We might not be able to hang out as much anymore, especially if Tamaki wants kids."

Shino lowered his eyes, unsure of what to feel.

He should be nothing but happy for his best friend. However, he was never the best at dealing with change. Change was difficult, and Kiba getting married would certainly change multiple aspects of his social life. True to what he said before, the ninken user was practically his only outlet for social interaction outside of work.

"You're my best friend; I know how you are," Kiba continued. "You'll just dive yourself into even more work if I'm not around to make sure you interact with more than just coworkers. I just want you to find someone that makes you truly happy. Someone you can share all those tough times at work with and laugh with. I can't promise I'll always be there to do that in the future…"

The Aburame looked up, staring long and hard at the other. The Inuzuka didn't falter under his gaze this time.

After a long moment of silence, he asked quietly, "When and where do I meet this woman?"

Kiba grinned widely as he patted Shino on the shoulder. "Aw, thanks pal, I knew you'd come around! And who knows," he said. "Maybe you'll meet the one tonight, eh?"

The Aburame remained silent, but began to pack up his papers. He nodded along to the Inuzuka's instructions, careful to memorize the information he would need for tonight.

"Well, she wanted a more casual and personal date, so you're meeting the lovely lady at Ichiraku's. She'll be holding a hydrangea flower, whatever that is. Just look for a pretty woman with a flower! 7.00 pm-don't be late! Apparently she likes punctuality."

"You haven't even said once what her name is."

Kiba sharply inhaled through his teeth. "I'm uh…"

Shino sighed, shaking his head. "You don't know her name, do you?"

"Look! Tamaki was the one that told me the time and place! She wants you to find someone nice too, Shino. We're all rooting for you here. Wherever that dream girl of yours is, we'll find her."

The insect Shinobi glanced at the clock. He was doing this more so for Kiba than his own interest. All he really wanted out of his evening was to enjoy a nice cup of tea as he graded papers, enjoying the relaxing buzz of the cicadas outside of his home. He looked back at his friend.

I just want you to find someone that makes you truly happy. Someone you can share all those tough times at work with and laugh with. I can't promise I'll always be there to do that in the future...

"I'll be there, Kiba," he finally said.

"Thanks, pal. And I know it's not really your forte, but please try and talk with this lady."

Shino nodded silently in agreement. He grabbed his bag and made his way out of the teacher's office, Kiba following behind him.

He glanced at the clock. It was still early. Maybe he'd try and get some grading in before the date?

"I'll let you know how it goes," Shino said with a wave as he made his way home. "See you."

"Later, pal! Best of luck! Oh!" he called out, making the Aburame pause. "And make sure you up your charm level!"

Later that evening, the Aburame found himself waiting patiently at Ichiraku's for his date. He dressed casually as Kiba instructed, wearing his hair in its usual bun, but sporting regular sunglasses with a dark green cardigan and black dress pants.

He continuously glanced at the clock on the wall, feeling a bit guilty at having to continuously reject Ayame asking if he wanted food or not. He closed his eyes and slouched over, focusing on the ticking of the clock and sizzling noises from the kitchen.

After a few more moments, the doors of the restaurant chimed.

"Welcome!" Ayame called.

Hearing the doors, he turned his head, hoping to find his date. A lovely lady holding hydrangeas—that's how Kiba had described her.

Instead of a woman holding flowers, however, the Aburame saw the disheveled and tired-looking 7th Hokage. He had a distraught look on his face while he attempted to dig something out of an old frog wallet.

Shino turned back around, feeling disappointment bloom in his chest. It was strange. He expected something like this would happen. The man's appearance alone was enough to unease people, forget his being host to billions of parasitic insects.

So why did it feel twice as bad as it usually did? He tsked in irritation as Kiba's words rolled through his mind again.

"Someone you can share all those tough times at work with and laugh with. I can't promise I'll always be there to do that in the future…"

He heard the Hokage groan loudly behind him. "I know my punch card is here somewhere! I swear it is!"

Knowing the blonde would try to engage him in unwanted conversation, Shino tried to hide in his cardigan. Maybe he could slip out without Naruto noticing him…

Unfortunately, the Hokage turned and automatically recognized the other man. A look of excitement crossed his tired features. The Aburame groaned internally. He should have called it quits after 30 minutes.

"Shino? Is that you?"

Shino nodded evenly. "It's good to see you, Hokage-sama."

"Enough of that, Shino! Just call me Naruto!" he grinned. "We're friends! It feels weird for you to call me so formally, ya know? Especially in a setting like this!"

Naruto gestured to the chair next to him and took a seat. "So what are you up to? Are you here for Ichiraku's Tuesday special, too? It's really good, ya know! Would highly recommend it."

The Aburame paused before clearing his throat.

"I was… requested by Kiba to meet a woman he set up on a date for me," he answered, immediately regretting it. The way he phrased it made Shino feel even more embarrassed and pitiful. Hopefully Naruto couldn't tell.

He really should have just stayed home.

"Ooh, a blind date! And where is the lucky person?" Naruto asked inquisitively.

"... I'm actually not sure where she is."

"Well, what time were you supposed to meet her?"

"Seven."

The Hokage's eyes widened in shock when he glanced at the clock on the wall. 8.49 pm. He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.

"I'm aware of what time it is, Naruto. I was just going to wait until 9 to leave," Shino responded. A hastily-made schedule ran through his mind. He would leave at 9, go to sleep at 10, wake up at 6, then possibly kill Kiba on his way to work since he knew the man would come see him.

The Hokage glanced down at the counter, eyes sad and empathetic. Rejection hurts, and he understood that all too well. He was sure the Aburame probably felt a great deal of disappointment at the situation, no matter how much he tried to play it off.

He glanced at Shino and grinned, a gleam entering his bright blue eyes. "Did you eat yet?"

"No… I—"

"—Excuse me, Ayame-chan!" Naruto interrupted loudly, "Two bowls of the pork tonkatsu ramen, please!" The Hokage placed a friendly arm on the other's shoulder. "I guess I'll just have to be your date tonight, Shino!"

The Aburame shook his head. "That's unnecessary, Naruto. Because—"

"-Well, I already ordered two bowls and you're just gonna have to eat one of them unless you want the food to go to waste. In fact, I—as your Hokage—order you to stay here and eat dinner with me!"

Naruto stared at him expectantly. This situation felt familiar; Naruto was almost as—if not more than—stubborn as Kiba. Knowing it would be pointless to argue with the blonde when he had his mind made up, Shino relented. He glanced at the clock on the wall.

Go home at 9.30, go to sleep at 10...

"Alright."

"Itadakimasu!" the blonde cheered before slurping loudly into his bowl. The Hokage ate his ramen as if he hadn't eaten in weeks, as opposed to Shino's much slower pace. The Aburame preferred to take his time and enjoy his food after all, unlike the man sitting next to him. He quietly hoped that Boruto and Himawari didn't inherit their father's eating habits. It wouldn't be good for their digestion in the long run.

After a quick 10 minutes, Naruto placed his chopsticks on the counter, exhaling contentedly.

"Ah, that really hits the spot!"

Shino drank his soup broth a few moments later before eventually finishing. He supposed the good food and company could make up for the poor date situation he found himself in earlier. At least he didn't have to spend any money.

"...Thank you, Naruto," Shino said. "The food was excellent."

"Hey, glad to see you're a fan too! And I'm glad you enjoyed our date!"

A relaxed smile made its way across Shino's face. "I suppose I did. I'll make sure to keep this a secret from Hinata."

"Oh, please do. She can get really scary when she's angry, ya know," Naruto said with a shudder.

"Believe me," Shino said with a low chuckle. "I know." He sat up and thanked Ayame before bidding Naruto a goodnight.

"G'night, Shino! Sorry it didn't work out but hey! There's always plenty of fish in the sea. Or maybe," he laughed, "there's plenty of bugs in the forest."

Shino chuckled at Naruto's somewhat poor joke before quietly exiting the restaurant. Exhausted with the unsettling mix of emotions in his chest, the man yearned for the solitude of his home.

Outside of the ramen shop, he listened to the cicadas and exhaled, ready to be done with the day. He stared at the road ahead of him towards the Aburame compound. A nice long walk should help clear his head, and hopefully the sunken feeling in his chest.

In reflection, he supposed the night could have turned out much worse. The woman could have shown up only to shriek at him with fear. Or think his abilities were frightening, prompting her to leave early with Shino left to pay the bill. The unsettling feelings still lingered, but thankfully they seemed to die down for the most part.

The Aburame smiled at the idea of being able to go home and relax. He leisurely walked down the brightly lit street, admiring the loud beckoning of street vendors and the twinkling of small gift shops. Konoha truly was a sight to behold at night.

The atmosphere grew quiet as he made his way towards the village's outskirts, away from the nighttime bustle, and closer to the Aburame compound. He only had about 10 minutes of his walk left until he felt something wet hit his head.

Shino looked up only to find more raindrops coming down. While he usually had no issue with roughing it out, the sweater he was wearing was a present from his father, and one of his favorites. The events of the night also left him too emotionally drained to bring out his insects for protection. He turned his head, looking about for shelter.

He walked quickly, moving underneath the trees for some semblance of protection. To his relief, he saw the warm light of a small store illuminating the gravel road in front of him.

Not seeing anyone, he hesitated until hearing a loud crash of thunder. Quickly, he rushed underneath the small store's roof before it began pouring.

The Aburame sighed. He knew it was supposed to rain tonight, but he didn't think it would come so early. He really should have brought an umbrella.

He turned around to examine the shop. Shino took this path almost everyday for work, but he always assumed this raggedy building was abandoned. The layout was similar to the old Ichiraku's before it got remodeled, but it seemed a bit smaller. There was also a door in the back, possibly for storage.

From what he could tell, this place was rather old. The brown counters were cracked and it's paint chipped. There were even a few leaks in the roof. Nothing on the walls indicated that the store even had a name or was taken care of, and the flora surrounding it seemed a bit untamed as well.

Its poor condition told Shino that this establishment couldn't actually be a store, but the stocked shelves of priced jars filled with a warm brown liquid suggested otherwise. He inhaled and noted the store's sweetly intoxicating aroma.

I see. So this is a honey stand.

With no chair in sight, the Aburame contented himself to lean silently against the old counter. Crossing his arms, he shut his eyes and listened to the hard pitter patter of the rain. He focused on the soft chorus of the evening crickets, enjoying the peaceful setting despite his circumstances.

After a few minutes, the loud groaning of a door caused Shino's eyes to snap open. He moved away from the counter and straightened his posture, mentally readying an apology for the store's owner.

The Aburame half-expected to see an older woman, ready to bombard him with pointed questions on why a hooligan wearing sunglasses was at her shop this late at night. Or perhaps an older man armed with a rusty kunai hesitantly threatening to attack any potential thieves coming to steal his honey.

What he did not expect, however, was for the person to be a young sniffling woman. A woman whose cheeks were red and eyes puffy with fresh tears. Shino stared at her unintentionally, caught off guard at the sight.

Her eyes snapped wide open.

"Oh!" she exclaimed in surprise, fanning at her face. "I'm so sorry sir, I didn't realize you were there! Did you need something? I got a bit carried away in the back, and—"

"—It's alright," Shino quietly interrupted. "No worries. I just needed some shelter from the rain."

She exhaled before giving him a shaky smile, rubbing and patting her cheeks to shake off the tears. "Of course, no, I… I should have guessed that. Um, feel free to browse if you'd like. We have a wide selection of honey products, as you can see, specially produced in Iwagakure… e-excuse me…"

Though she tried to sound excited, Shino didn't miss the crack in her voice. He remained quiet, watching as she tried rubbing away the tears with her sleeves.

The Aburame shifted awkwardly, feeling a pang of guilt course through him. This woman was probably going through something at the moment and now had to worry about the presence of a complete stranger in her store.

Silently, he pulled out a grey handkerchief from his pocket.

"I apologize for bothering you," Shino said as he offered it to her. "I'll leave right now—"

A loud crack of thunder interrupted him, the rain seeming to pour even harder with his words.

The woman hesitantly took the handkerchief and patted her eyes. "No! I promise I'll be fine, sir. I… I just need a few minutes to let it out. Please don't leave out in the rain," she said with another sniffle. "I'll feel even worse if you get soaked."

Shino looked at her, unsure of what to do. He knew what a younger child usually needed when they cried, but he wasn't the best with adults. Very few people would openly show vulnerability in front of an Aburame—his clan's heavily layered appearance simply derailed them from doing so.

He looked away to let the woman cry in peace. Her quiet hiccups sounded almost as loud as the unending rain. When he heard her sniffling begin to die down, Shino turned back around.

In a hush, he asked, "... Would you like to talk about it?"

She looked up at him, no longer crying from the looks of it, but her eyes were still a bit puffy and red. The woman released an airy chuckle as she wiped her nose with her sleeve.

"Thank you… Thank you, that's very kind of you," she said, waving off the concern. "But it's nothing really."

"It isn't 'nothing' if it causes you to cry like that. You don't have to say anything if it's too personal of an issue, but I'll listen... if you would like someone to."

She stared straight at him with eyes Shino could see now as a sharp, steel-gray. Her face was unreadable. "...Are you sure? You'd be having the problems of a complete stranger dumped on you."

The Aburame gave as comforting a smile as he could muster. "As it would seem, I have nowhere else to be at the moment. Don't feel like you need to say anything, but I've found it's not always healthy to keep things to yourself."

"What makes you say that?"

"Experience," he replied simply. "That's because I used to be quite the emotionally repressed teenager."

The woman's mouth shifted at his attempt at a joke, forming the ghost of a smile. She chuckled quietly, running a hand through her long hair.

"It seems like such a small problem that I shouldn't even be crying about it in the first place," she began. "I suppose I'm just… having issues trying to adjust. I'm new here, to this village. I had… Well, I gave up a lot to come here and start this business. Because this business is my dream, or was my dream at least."

Shino observed patiently, waiting for her to continue. The woman slouched over the counter, rubbing at her temples. "My dream made me happy because it seemed possible, like I could reach out and grab it with my own two hands. But I've had no customers at all, and the people in Konoha seem so friendly, but I can't help but feel… lonely."

"Disappointed with everything," she finally concluded, her eyes distant and cloudy.

Disappointed. That word seemed to be following the Aburame around quite a bit today.

"...I don't believe there's such a thing as having a problem too small to feel frustrated about. It may not seem like it," Shino said, just loud enough to be heard over the rain, "But I understand your position. It's easy to say what one's dream is, but the reality of how difficult it is to attain it can be as painful as a kunai to the chest." He nodded in understanding. "In your case, it becomes even more difficult when you have to adjust to something unfamiliar and new. When things don't go 'according to plan'... it's disappointing. Worse than disappointing."

The woman looked down, picking at the chipped brown countertop. "I've pondered if I… if I should just call it quits and go back home," she said with a sigh. "I was in the back of the store earlier debating if I should leave or not. And I was coming outside to pick up my things, but I guess you ended up stopping me. I know this question may seem out of the blue, but if you were in my shoes, what would you do?"

Shino examined the woman quietly. After a few moments, he replied, "I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer that for you, but... do you think leaving would be the best choice? Would it make you most happy?"

Her steel-gray eyes looked up at him, searching desperately for an answer. She bit her lip. "No… no, I don't think it would make me happy at all."

The Aburame nodded. "Sometimes, it's ok to run away. There's no shame in doing what's best for your health, be it physical, mental, emotional. And other times, despite how uncomfortable it can be, the best option is to persevere and keep pushing. I believe you should stay. That's because I know you can get past this obstacle in your life."

The woman took a long look at the mysterious stranger before her. "How do you know though?"

"The fact that you were brave enough to leave your home to pursue your dream in the first place gives me a rather good idea," Shino replied with no hesitance in his voice.

She tilted her head. "Could I ask… are you a counselor? Or a therapist?"

"A teacher, actually."

At his simple reply, the corners of the woman's mouth raised, making her laugh lines become more pronounced. Her cheeks, peppered with freckles, gained more color as she released a soft laugh.

"So close," she said with a smile. "You probably get this a lot, but you have a very patient and mature air about you, sir."

"Less often than I would like," Shino answered truthfully. "But thank you."

"I should be the one thanking you," she said, shaking her head. The woman was silent for a long moment as she stared at the pouring rain. She swallowed before continuing, "I think… I think I'll stay here. While I can, at least. This is my dream, and I want to see it through. I mean... there's no harm in trying, right?"

She looked straight at the Aburame, life growing in her eyes. "I'll work hard to fix up this store, and then hopefully get more customers," she seemed to say say to both Shino and herself.

With a light sigh, she concluded, "Thank you so much for listening to me, sir. I really do appreciate it."

The Aburame continued observing her before his eyes moved to the items on the wall. Saying nothing, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a bill. "That one," he gestured towards one of the larger jars on the bottom shelf, "Please."

The woman's eyes widened. She gestured with her hands in worry. "I'm so sorry if it sounded like I was making a sob story for your money! You can keep it, really! You've already helped me enough, so I—"

"—Well, I wasn't going to just give you my money," Shino interjected, a hidden lilt in his voice. "That's because a teacher's salary isn't exactly spectacular. So, I'd like one of your jars of honey, please. That is... if you're selling at the moment."

The woman stared at him for a few moments. She had been doing that quite a bit.

Finally, she nodded before turning around to retrieve the jar. She picked up the item, holding onto it as if it were the most delicate shard of glass in the universe, before carefully placing it into a small plastic bag.

Shino handed her the bill before taking the bag with his newly-purchased honey. He was a bit surprised; it was heavier than he expected.

"You can keep the change. I apologize that it isn't much, but I'd like to help support your dream if I can."

The woman's eyebrows raised. "Thank you…" she whispered breathlessly. After a light slap to the cheek and pinch to the nose, the woman leaned over the counter. Her eyes crinkled merrily as the puffiness died down. "I'd like to give you something then."

Shino stiffened. "...You don't need to."

"Well, I want to. Consider it like a...like a special gift for my very special first customer! Or something along those lines. One second, please," she said quickly. "Don't go away."

Well, it's not as if he could with this weather, Shino thought as another crack of thunder resounded. The Aburame wanted to protest—it didn't seem very logical to be giving away free items to strangers—but the woman was already moving to retrieve something from the back.

A few moments later, she re-emerged holding an item in yellow wrapping paper. Using two hands, she slowly handed it to Shino.

He eyed the mystery item in his hand curiously. "What is it?"

"It's a surprise!" she chirped. "Something nice and warm for your home. Nothing bad, I promise you."

Another loud crack of thunder boomed. Shino chuckled dryly.

"It may be awhile before I'm able to get there, unfortunately. I hope you don't mind if I use your shop as shelter until the rain lets up."

"You're welcome to stay for as long as you'd like, sir…" she paused for a moment, before chuckling into her hand. "I just realized that I've given you my sob story, and cried like a baby in front of you. We've been talking for more than half an hour, and I even used your handkerchief! But I never got your name." The woman gave out a quiet snort before falling into a fit of giggles.

The Aburame smiled at the irony of it. "Shino..." he replied. "It's Shino."

"It's very nice to meet you, Shino-san," she smiled, not pressing for more. "I'm Mitsumi." She gave a slight bow.

"It's nice to meet you as well, Mitsumi-san."

Another flash of lightning. Mitsumi looked at him sympathetically.

"I'm sorry you have to be stranded here. I would stop the rain if I could, but unfortunately the best I can do is get you a chair from the back if you'd like. I could even make some tea or something?"

"No. It's my fault, anyways," Shino answered seriously. "That's because I didn't think to bring an umbrella today. Unfortunately, I'd like to avoid getting this sweater wet. It's one of my favorites."

Mitsumi laughed at that, and it came out more like a soft snort. After a few moments, she had an 'aha' moment before going to the back once more. When she came back out, there was a yellow umbrella in her hand. She held it gingerly towards him.

"I lied! I just remembered that I have a spare umbrella in the back. It's a bit old, but it should work just fine to get you home," she explained.

"You're more than welcome to stay, of course! I was serious about the tea. I'm not trying to rush you out the door, or… out of my store. There is no door!" she snorted and tapped her fist against her head. "But you did say you were a teacher and you probably have to wake up early! I can't stop the rain, but I can give you an umbrella."

Shino examined the umbrella. It did look like it had seen it's fair share of storms, but the Aburame was more preoccupied with the design of cartoon bumble bees on it.

There was no other word to describe it but 'cute'. The plump bee images were scattered all around the object, dancing around colorful cartoonish flowers. The design seemed somewhat childish to him, but Shino found he actually liked it a bit too much.

Mitsumi rubbed her head sheepishly. "I bought it a while ago because I liked the design. It's probably for kids, but I never had the heart to return it. The bees are just so cute!" She pointed at the umbrella. "I like insects in general but bees have always had a special place in my heart. I can bring you my other umbrella, if you'd like? I mean, that one also has bees on it, but it's in black. There was a really good deal the day I bought those two!"

Shino shook his head, looking at the woman with a hint of surprise. It was a bit rare to find a person that openly admitted they liked insects.

"N-no, I like it. It's very cute, as you said," he cleared his throat. "Thank you, Mitsumi-san. I'll be sure to bring this back to you tomorrow. If you're open, that is."

She smiled brightly at him. "I'll look forward to it, Shino-san." Her voice softened as she looked towards the distance. "Thank you so much again. Your words really helped me put things into perspective."

"Of course, Mitsumi-san. Your dreams…" he added awkwardly, "are like the weather."

She smiled at him, tilting her head curiously.

"It may seem cloudy and hopeless now, but the rain will stop eventually... Your dreams can be accomplished if you work for them, is what I'm trying to say. Sorry, I was never the best with metaphors."

Mitsumi laughed softly at him, the sound like a bell. "You don't need to apologize Shino-san, I think I get what you mean. I'll keep that in mind, but hopefully my 'dreams' don't cause your sweater to get too wet," she said, gesturing to the rain. "Right?"

Shino smiled at the woman as he balanced the umbrella and the weight of his newly purchased items in arms. "Right, exactly. Have a good evening."

"You too, Shino-san! Please get home safely."

Once Shino returned home, he left the bumblebee umbrella in his living room to dry. He carefully placed the honey in his pantry next to the tea, but not before staring at the item for a few moments.

He was glad was able to help someone in a time of need, but Shino really wasn't sure of what he would do with it. His clan was fully capable of producing their own honey, but he never really consumed too much. Being a fan of more mild to bitter tastes, he never opted for sweeteners. He ultimately shrugged off his concern, thinking that he would find a use for the sweet liquid eventually.

Honey never expired after all.

After taking a greatly-awaited shower, the Aburame eventually took out the surprise gift from Mitsumi.

It was wrapped carefully in layers of yellow paper, tied together by a black ribbon. He slowly uncovered the wrapping and found a cream-colored candle. Taking a whiff, he realized it was honey-scented. Without realizing, a smile crept onto his face.

How appropriate. Something nice and warm for my home.

Deciding to save his grading for tomorrow, Shino gingerly made his way to bed. He placed the candle on his nightstand before lighting it, illuminating his dark room in a warm glow. The sweet scent of honey began to slowly permeate the air as he shut his eyes for the night.

Maybe his evening wasn't so bad after all.

I'm going to try and update as regularly as possible. I really want to complete this fanfiction because Shino deserves all the love in the world, and so do y'all (whether you've been here for awhile, or you're just finding my story now). It may take awhile because I always go back and revise, and I'm really striving for realistic dialogue that's not too OOC. For those that gave my story a chance, y'all deserve only good in your lives. :)