AN's: I'm baaaack! Sorry for the delay, school's been very very busy. My writing schedule is still going be a bit disorganized, but I have until about chapter 28 written, so I can at least post this one for now. As a reminder to those of you coming back, starting to read, etc.: the content will be getting somewhat more mature because the plot is picking up. Not anything too explicit, but definitely more conflict and fighting, along with some more suggestive themes.

Chapter 21: Cold Eyes

"Thank you so much! Have a good day."

With warm steel-gray eyes and a bright smile, the Kamizuru woman handed off a small jar wrapped in a festive ribbon. The honey saleswoman had no idea if it was a stroke of luck that she managed to have at least one customer everyday as of late, or if word was somehow flitting about Konohagakure that there was a store here. Whatever magic was tinging the air, Mitsubachi certainly wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

She actually had customers, the weather had been particularly pleasant this past week, and she managed to get more cleaning done around the shop. Most exciting, however, was the fact that Shino had asked her out again.

With nimble fingers, she quickly worked to tie colorful ribbons onto small gift packages. The static on her small radio cleared and she quietly hummed along to the song playing. She slowly paused her brief work pace and let out a reflective sigh.

This was one of Akanebachi's favorite songs.

Her Kamizuru junior of five years—while usually more quiet at first glance compared to her more energetic twin sister—would sing so beautifully whenever it played while Akaribachi would move along to the beat.

Akane liked to sing, Akari liked to dance. She remembered that well enough.

Recently, the Kamizuru heiress's family had been coming to mind during these times she spent by herself. A nasally laugh here, a mischievous smile there. Random items and interactions interspersed throughout her long summer days would remind Mitsubachi of home, leaving her with unexpected bouts of nostalgia.

Embarassingly enough, with Shino at work during the regular week, Mitsubachi tended to get… lonely. She didn't know where Tamaki worked, and being a police officer probably left Kiba with little free time on his hands.

Being sociable certainly had its pros when it came to shop-keeping, but left the Kamizuru heiress more than a little bit bereft when there was no one to hold a conversation with except the staticky speakers on the radio. Even with Mayubachi, her distant cousin and one of her closest friends, she could chat for hours using only her hands.

Mitsubachi quickly crouched down to organize the shelves underneath the counter. It was a shame it was too hot to garden, or the dead heads on her petunias would feel the wrath of her gardening shears.

With how lethargically warm it felt today—especially at the peak of the afternoon—the Kamizuru heiress was almost surprised to hear the chime of the bell only 30 minutes later.

Mitsubachi readied an apology for not being fully prepared at the arrival of a valued customer, but paused at the face that greeted her. She bounded upwards, rising with unexpected energy to give the figure a hug.

Maruhanabachi was still a good length above her—he had been for awhile now—but it came as somewhat of a relief not having to stand on the tips of her toes like when she hugged Shino.

Peering into steel-gray not unlike her own, Mitsubachi perked up as warm greetings poured from her mouth.

"It's good to see you, Mitsu-nee," her younger brother said rather plainly. His eyes roved over the shabby looking store, and he raised a dark brow.

"… This is it?"

The haughty expression accompanied with his slightly condescending tone earned the younger Kamizuru a punch to the arm.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"For your information," Mitsubachi began with a huff. "This was one of the only locations I could find in such a short amount of time that didn't cut too deeply into the budget mom set for me! And I do get customers, thank you very much."

"Whatever you say," he grumbled.

Her frown quickly shifted upwards. It wasn't difficult to see how positively overjoyed she was that her little brother came for a visit, despite Maruhanabachi's blunt, almost standoffish nature. He was more like a cat than a bumblebee. And while Mitsubachi inherited more from their mother in the looks department, her brother certainly inherited more of her temperament.

"So are you just here to check up on me, Maru? How is everyone?"

"Fine," he drawled somewhat lazily. "Same old, same old I suppose."

She gasped with feigned excitement, ready to deliver a long-winded rant of how silly it was for someone to travel such a long way to deliver a message that the intended person could just as easily have read off a letter.

"I would like a real update, Maruhanabachi."

"Ok, ok," the younger Kamizuru replied with a snort. "No need to get so waspish. Do I just sit down on this chair here?"

She leaned against the counter. "You're not going to catch me up here, are you?"

"Ha! So you do think this place is unsightly." His gleam only widened when Mitsubachi tried to hit the hand he was laying against the counter, missing it by only half a second.

Her eyes narrowed, but she shrugged off the loss. She would get him back eventually. Maruhanabachi was likely the only family she would get to see for a long time while she was in Konoha, and she wanted to make the most of his visit.

"No! I mean, we should go out and catch up over lunch or something," Mitsubachi explained quickly. "Not here; I don't have food for you here, Maru. And I want to show you around Konoha!"

The praise she had developed for this village was something to be shared over a nice meal in a nice restaurant. Not in the melting summer air of her old store with gaps of radio static matching the hum of cicadas. Konoha certainly had a magical quality to it, with a charming mix of modernization and traditionalism seen with its citizens, and Maru would certainly like it if he gave it a chance.

"I'd love to, Mitsu-nee..." Maru replied with caution. "... But I can't stay for too long."

Mitsubachi frowned. "Why? How long are you planning on being in the village? I have plenty of room in my apartment—"

"—I was planning on leaving after giving you an update," he interrupted crudely. "And sending my regards from home, of course." Maruhanabachi gritted his teeth at his unintentional coldness. Mitsu-nee wasn't like their mother or Suzume-nee. He wouldn't receive a reserved nod of affirmation from her, eyes poised to hide away the emotions underneath.

"What?" She sounded so sad. So openly sad. "Why so soon? There's so much to see here, Maru! Konoha's really such a wonderful village."

The younger Kamizuru sat quietly, his hardened eyes drawn away so as to not look at his older sibling directly. How could she be so elated at the prospect of staying here?

"You know why."

She must know why.

"… And frankly, it's a little concerning how at ease you are here. You've been safe here, haven't you? No disruptions from pests of any kind?"

The implications of his questions weren't lost on the heiress. She should have expected it. Being away from home for this long—scandalously indulging herself in the company of the heir of their rival clan, patiently waiting every evening for his arrival to greet him with a warm hug—almost made her forget who she was supposed to be.

The negative sentiment and hostility Maruhanabachi felt towards the Aburame was the same with everyone else back home, even with those who have never even met one of the famed beetle-handlers of Konoha. As the heiress of her beloved family, adhering to those shared feelings was an inescapable duty.

The need to bear the hatred of years marked her existence as a Kamizuru clan member like the permanent ink etched onto the skin of her back.

Mitsubachi looked back to her brother and locked her feelings away into her heart. Shino had certainly earned his place there.

"… No, Maru," she admitted quietly. "No disruptions. If you're not going to be staying in the village for long, at least let me treat you for lunch, ok? You might find it hard to believe, but I've actually missed my little brother."

"I do find that hard to believe, actually," eventually came the flat reply. The younger Kamizuru dropped the subject.

This earned him another punch to the arm. Not quite as hard as the last one. This action felt familiar—almost playful—drawing the younger Kamizuru back to their days as children playing in the secrecy of the mountain springs.

Maruhanabachi smiled discreetly, watching as Mitsubachi set up a "Bee Back Soon!" sign and locked up. Saying nothing else, he gestured for Mitsubachi to lead the way with an open hand. It had been quite some time since he's had a proper meal, in any case.

"So, let's start with how your trip was here," Mitsubachi suggested as they waited on their orders.

The sibling pair ultimately decided on a rather inconspicuous café for their early dinner and were currently waiting on their orders as they sat across from each other in a small booth.

"It was fine, Mitsu-nee," Maruhanabachi replied after taking a sip of water. "I didn't have much time for sightseeing on the way here, and I really didn't see anything of interest. So don't start complaining about how I'm not giving you a decent update in that regard."

"Ok, ok! Your wish is my command, m'lord. Tell me how everyone's doing back home!" Excitement emanated off of the young woman in waves.

"Not much has changed really," he answered with a thoughtful frown. "The shop is fine. In much better condition than yours. Seriously, you should consider getting it renovated; mom would throw a fit if she saw it. Akari and Akane are the same. Annoying. Mayu's the same, also annoying, but she recently got into a pretty heated argument with Jibachi-san."

"Over what?"

"She… wanted to head into the village with Rin and Akari, I think? To go dancing? You know how overprotective he gets."

"Well, she is Jibachi-san's only daughter," Mitsubachi answered with a hum. "I think the worry is warranted. Mmm… somewhat."

Considering that Mayubachi—with her summery blonde hair and innocent dark brown eyes—was not only Jibachi's daughter, but his only child, made his overbearing urge to protect his offspring somewhat understandable. But the man did tend to be just a touch overbearing.

Mitsubachi snorted at the thought. "Gentle" Mayubachi. But in reality, the blonde had such a naughty pottymouth.

"Especially if she wanted to go out with Rin," Maru continued with a huff. An irritated look crossed his face. "And you know what? Rinbachi-nee's been especially annoying lately."

Mitsubachi giggled at the surprise gossip session. "Uh oh, why?"

"She's been hooked on reading the Icha Icha Paradise novels as of late. And she likes to read them out loud to bother me. I don't need to hear smut so early in the morning, especially when I'm trying to eat breakfast."

"They're romantic novels, Maru."

"It's smut," he said with a stubborn frown. "The plot is garbage too."

"If it was garbage, it wouldn't have been made into a series with its own movie adaptation."

"Garbage."

"I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree," she said with a hum. "I'm not the biggest fan of the franchise, but nevertheless! It's popular for a reason. Let's see, what else…? Ooh! Have any cute boys stopped by?"

Maruhanabachi's eyebrows furrowed at his sister's insinuating tone. "No, and I knew you'd ask that. I hardly spend time at the shop, what makes you think I would know if anyone of note came to visit?"

Her tone shifted. "Do you think you're ever gonna tell mom?"

"I don't know, Mitsu-nee," came the immediate answer. A wistful sigh escaped him. "Mom's already been moaning and groaning about wanting grandchildren. I don't think she needs a slap to the face that… that she'll likely never get them from me."

The older Kamizuru leaned forward to place a hand over the younger's, giving it a squeeze.

"Our mother will love you regardless, Maruhanabachi," she said reassuringly before letting out a tiny giggle. "Knowing mom, she probably already knows."

"I'll tell you what: when you give her grandkids, then I'll tell her."

Mitsubachi lightly kicked him underneath the table. "Not fair."

"What? You like men too, but you're actually in an ideal situation to give mom grandchildren. In fact, you have to," he pointed out with a victorious grin. "I can get off just fine without ever having to produce any heirs."

"Yeah, I got the gist. Wipe that little smirk off of your face, would you? That's annoying."

Before she could continue, their orders were placed in front of them, warm with an enticing aroma. Even Maruhanabachi's eyes seemed to glitter at the delicious meal he would get to eat instead of food pills and rations.

"And what about Mitsubachi-sama herself," Maru said as he sensibly waited for his meal to cool. "Have you had any luck finding someone? Maybe a handsome customer, or a friendly face at the market?"

Mitsubachi paused mid-bite. She cleared her throat. "... No, not really."

He raised a brow. "Really?"

"Really."

"You're making that face. That face you make when you lie or you're guilty."

"Would you please just let me enjoy my meal?"

"You should wait for that to cool, you know."

"Bite me."

Maruhanabachi smirked before focusing on his own platter. Oh, well. Whomever his sister was currently keeping private for whatever reason had better be employed and at least somewhat good-looking. Konoha had its fair share of wealthy individuals, so it wouldn't be too difficult for her to find a rich man here if it came down to it. .

Heaven knows their mother would be distraught to say the least if her only daughter married someone unsightly in terms of looks or personality and didn't have the financial means to compensate for what was lacking.

It was strange to Maruhanabachi. His sister looked so happy here. Comfortable even. With how she smiled down at her food, to the way she politely chatted with their waitress. It almost worried him.

The Aburame were a prominent clan of nobility here, weren't they? How could she feel so calm in the village of their enemies? He had only been in this village a day, and he was already excited to leave. Their mother would certainly raise a brow at his update.

"In your time here," Maruhanabachi began slowly. "Have you seen or interacted with any members of the Aburame clan?"

Mitsubachi stopped. Her words came out a marbled mess. "... No. I mean, I might have. But I'm not fully sure of what they really look like. I mean... no one here has caused me any problems here, so that's really all that should matter, right?"

"Mitsu-nee, you've always been such a horrible liar. I know you're aware of our history with that clan—"

"—Of course I am, Maru. I am fully aware of the conflicts between our families," Mitsubachi said defensively. "I just don't understand why we still need to consider them our enemies. The war between us happened such a long time ago..."

"And the aftermath of our loss still continues to negatively impact us," he retorted, venom laced in his words. "While they have only benefited."

"You've never even met an Aburame."

"I don't need to."

"Well maybe that sentiment should change."

"Are you serious? You don't recall how our grandmother and our uncle were killed by them? Their skin littered with holes after being devoured by their disgusting beetles."

Mitsubachi's stomach dropped, but she continued. "The Aburame of the past. Grandmother and Uncle Kumabachi were killed decades ago, but we refuse to let that go. Why should we need to bear that same hatred?"

"You have the descendants of grandmother's bees housed within you. Their will and— therefore—her will is within you."

"What if my will wants to change that?"

"Mother would never allow it."

She faltered. "... You don't know that."

"But I do. And you know it too. The only way you could possibly get our mother to change her mind is by defeating her in a fight and beating change into her, and you and I both know you don't have the heart to do that. Would you really go so far as to challenge mom just so you can uphold these ridiculous ideas—"

"—I would," she snapped out immediately. Her eyes widened.

Why did she say that?

"... I knew you coming here would be an issue," Maruhanabachi continued incredulously, voice raising.

"Maru, please be quiet," Mitsubachi pleaded in a hush. "I know I shouldn't have said that."

"You know something—"

"—Maru stop—"

"—Would you really risk turning traitor for them?"

"Maruhanabachi, lower your voice." Mitsubachi's words held an uncharacteristic edge to them, steel-grey eyes hardening as they clashed with steel-grey.

She narrowed her eyes as a low buzzing emitted from her. The unexpected noise seemed to draw the concerned gazes of a few others within the restaurant.

The skin of her back prickled sharply as her insects readied themselves with anticipation, like a cat on the verge of pouncing.

As though five years had passed within five minutes, the younger Kamizuru eventually relented, turning away with an air of petulance.

If his sister was so quick to state how she would challenge their mother on behalf of vermin, what was stopping her from challenging her own brother? Maruhanabachi was no fool. His sister was softhearted, but she wasn't weak.

She would defeat him.

"I understand full well our long-standing rivalry with the Aburame," Mitsubachi explained with a tone of gravity. "And I know that I'm softer compared to you and mother, but I'm no fool. Even if I were to meet or even befriend an Aburame... I will always choose family first. It was a passing idea. That's all."

The Kamizuru heiress tried to ignore the uncertainty she felt with that final statement. Formulating a peace treaty seemed so simple when discussing with Shino, but hearing the ire in her brother's voice—the stubborn, unrelenting animosity—was making her less sure.

... Could she really do this?

If it all came down to it, would she really be willing to challenge the traditions of her family? To face off against her own mother?

The image of an elegant woman with skin of paper-white and eyes like melted iron—a face so much like her own— stood across from the image of a man dressed in dark a green like that of a deep forest, eyes shielded away from the rest of the world and a kindly smile on his handsome features.

As she gazed at the cold, steel-grey eyes in front of her, she could feel it. The wriggling sense of doubt and unrelenting dread that crept silently through her core.

Her mind was tearing in two.

She swallowed. "... You have my word on that, Maruhanabachi. Ok?"

"So... Do you really think so highly of our Yuna-chan, Aburame-Sensei?"

"Absolutely," Shino replied at the booth he sat upon. As promised to his student, straight after work that day, he visited the tea shop of Yuna's parents and was currently trying his best to convince Yuna's mother of her potential and positive marks.

"Yuna is one of my hardest working students and likely one of the most intelligent in my class as well," he continued, staring the older woman straight in the eyes. "I know it isn't my place to tell you how to parent. The reason is because I know you care immensely about your daughter and want to protect her."

"Our family has always been civilians, Sensei," Yuna's mother explained with a worried frown. "And Yuna's always been such a quiet and fragile girl. I don't know... does it seem unreasonable that we want to pull her out of the Shinobi program?"

"Have you considered speaking directly to your daughter about your thoughts?"

The older woman hummed in thought. "Yuna-chan's always been so private with her own feelings. She tends to just clam up when we approach and accept what we think is best. But... I'm not so sure if what my husband and I want is best anymore. She's been looking so sad, lately."

Shino nodded. "I've seen first-hand how much Yuna has grown since her first days at the Academy. I must admit that she did struggle at the beginning, but she's put in more work than anyone, and her fellow classmates value her and her friendship quite a lot. In fact," he continued. "Yuna was the one that asked I speak to you."

"Our Yuna-chan did?" Her mother had a look of both surprise and pride in her face.

"She's more outspoken than you give her credit for, Murakami-san. She struggles with what she wants for herself and the devotion she has to you and the rest of your family. I ask that you not view her coming to me as any form of rebellion on Yuna's end."

Yui Murakami smiled as she placed a hand over her heart, feeling both joy and sadness. Her Yuna was struggling so much because her parents were too paranoid, too cautiously stubborn, to understand what their daughter truly wanted.

She would never want her baby to feel unhappy to please her parents.

She nodded. "… I understand, Aburame-Sensei. I thank you kindly for taking the time out of your own day for our daughter. It really is a relief on our end that Yuna is surrounded by such caring instructors like you at the Academy."

Shino warmed at the praise. He offered his simple gratitude. It was his job as an instructor, after all. To care for each and every one of his students.

The older woman rose from the table, just about finished with her break. Once the workday was over, she was sure to have an honest, open conversation with her daughter and her husband.

If Yuna wanted to stay with the Shinobi program, then she would.

Yui looked back towards her daughter's instructor, vaguely wondering if he had a wife at home. The man certainly wasn't difficult on the eyes.

She blushed unintentionally. "Well then! Would you like me to get any more tea or an additional dango for you then, Aburame-Sensei?"

Shino shook his head, thanking the woman and sending her off with compliments to their tea. This was a rather nice location. Not too flashy, not too loud, simple with a few modern touches.

Perhaps he would invite his girlfriend to accompany him again some time?

"You need to be more careful here, Mitsu-nee. I won't tell mom about what happened in the restaurant, but I can see it in your eyes. You're slipping. You're the next head of our clan. Don't forget that."

She was staring blankly at the old countertop, eyes clouded over with thought and perhaps a bit of grief.

That was how he found her.

Shino had never seen Mitsubachi look so troubled before, and he felt a surge of worry wriggle into his chest.

"Mitsubachi?"

She snapped up at the sound of his voice. A tiny smile crossed her face, but the Aburame knew she was still wracked with turmoil. She wasn't very good at hiding her feelings.

"Shino," she called to him in an attempt at joviality. "How was work?"

He ignored her question. "What's wrong?"

His tone was laced with concern. The only time he had seen Mitsubachi look so distraught was when they first met and perhaps at the market. Even so, her eyes had never been as clouded over like they were currently.

"... My brother came to visit."

The Aburame took a seat. He carefully placed a comforting hand over hers and gave it a light squeeze. "Is that not a good thing?"

"No!" She was very quick to defend, placing her other hand above his to sandwich it in warmth. "No, I loved seeing Maruhanabachi. Very much. He's just very blunt about things, and what he said during our catching up today made me worry..."

A pause of thought. "... About us."

Shino slowly withdrew his hand, a heaviness beginning to settle in his chest. Almost against his will, the Aburame's mind jumped to the conclusion that he was being broken up with. He felt a cloud cast itself over him as he witnessed his girlfriend pace frantically across her tiny store.

"He's so... he's so unreasonable!" Mitsubachi muttered to herself as she continued her pacing. "It's abhorred how my clan views yours, and Maru's never even met an Aburame, but he's too stubborn to understand that the hatred of grandma and mom doesn't have to be ours. Don't you think that's absurd?"

Shino could barely get a word in edgewise. Her frantic pacing and mumbling harshly stopped as she gazed at him. It took the Aburame aback how so much emotion could be conveyed in one's eyes.

"... He could never understand just how happy you make me. What about when I leave?" Her pacing continued. "I don't know what I was thinking, telling him I could challenge our mother if I needed to. What if he does tell her about what happened? She'll force me to come home."

Shino exhaled, attempting to sound as calm as possible.

"...Mitsubachi."

"—I don't want to go home, yet—"

"Mitsubachi."

"—There's still so much I need to do here—"

"Mitsubachi."

"I don't want to leave you..."

"Mitsubachi Kamizuru." His words were quiet but clear. "Please calm down."

As if snapping her back into reality, Mitsubachi stopped her movements altogether before slouching over the counter in defeat. Not long after, the woman sat down in the seat next to Shino, not hesitating to lean against her boyfriend with a tired sigh.

"Don't look so sad," he quietly ordered, gently rubbing her arm. Shino hoped his voice conveyed confidence. At least one of them needed to be rational about the situation.

"Maru's visit reminded me exactly of how much my clan—my mother—despises the Aburame," she said slowly. "I'm worried that I got too comfortable here. That I got too comfortable with you."

Shino froze, feeling heaviness build up within his chest.

"You know it and I know it, too," she continued, her voice becoming more and more unstable. "I-as much as I care about you, Shino, I don't think I could ever wage against my family—go against my mother. And I know you wouldn't be the type to turn on yours."

There was certainly merit to the Kamizuru's panicked words, but it still pained the Aburame to hear nonetheless.

"You would be correct," he agreed with distanced practicality. "If it all came down to it, our clans should always have priority first and foremost. That is our duty as the next leaders."

Mitsubachi's eyes lowered, but nodded in understanding.

"The meeting I attended with my father and the most predominant of our Aburame elders last Saturday revealed that my clan is unwilling to forgive the Kamizuru. Why? Because it is futile to make amends with the ghost of a former clan."

The reserved, almost cold, nature of Shino's tone made Mitsubachi wince. In the briefest of moments, it felt as though she was catching a glimpse of the shadow of his past self he would speak about.

"While not explicitly mentioned," he continued. "It is implied that I support making amends, and with that sentiment, I may have the support of my father and at least one of my clan elders."

That was quite a shock.

Her eyes went wide. Shino actually had the support of his father? It was such a strange idea to her. Such a vast contrast to herself. Her mother would be the most difficult to convince.

"So the true issue is proving the existence of my clan," Mitsubachi answered uneasily. "If I... if I revealed myself to the Aburame, would that satisfy your family? The existence of an heiress should be enough proof, shouldn't it?"

Shino raised his eyebrows. She refused to look at him.

Her words quavered, as though fear was settling into her core and littering her skin with goosebumps. These moments, where their loyalties and countenances clashed, served as a reminder to both that this was not a situation to make light of.

With a quiet voice, the Kamizuru heiress inquired about the next formal meeting of the Aburame.

Shino's mind jumped to only one answer. The last meeting Shino had been able to attend was but a brief—almost indistinct—peer into the complex system of politics and bureaucracy of his family.

There were only a select few meetings, however, considered the highest priority for the Aburame family.

It was a day-long gathering from sunrise till sunset, perhaps even up to a week if the situation called for it. Business addresses, correspondences to the Hokage, invitations for joint missions with Shinobi of other prominent clans. All matters revolving around Aburame were on the table. And as such, all Aburame of age were admitted to attend.

The question of marriages—arranged or otherwise—rankings and demotions, and everything else in-between would be covered, like a formal cleansing of the issues of the past to create a fresh start.

"The meeting of the Spring Equinox."

Mitsubachi managed a brief smile. "The day before my birthday."

"We have about a year to plan," Shino continued evenly. "Political concerns always tend to lull in the colder seasons within my family. Almost like… we hibernate."

She nodded quietly, her eyes distant and hazed.

Shino observed her for a moment. "Would you truly be willing to do that? To reveal yourself and thus, your own clan?"

Steel grey peered into him.

"I have no other choice."

His voice was devoid of the emotional turmoil he felt. There was no room for naivety. "Untrue. You could choose to remain silent, and things would remain the same as they have always been. As our families have always intended since the beginning."

Breaking the reserved expression of his outward self, Mitsubachi reached out and entangled their hands together.

He blinked in surprise. Her smile was forlorn.

"Despite everything, between the needs and expectations of our clans and the pressures to follow our duties, I know this is right. My brother mentioned earlier of how I bear the hatred of generations before me because of the insects I host, but I want to break that chain of trauma. I want to incite change. And most of all..."

She raised his right hand and placed a kiss against the bare knuckles.

"I want to be able to love you properly, Shino Aburame. Without having to be in constant fear of a relative visiting."

He pulled away, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"... You're not breaking up with me?"

"What? Why would you think that?"

Shino pulled away with a frown and crossed his arms somewhat dramatically. "You very clearly said that you were 'too comfortable here with me.'"

"I am. If I wasn't, I would have avoided you altogether and left the village after finding out you were an Aburame."

He angled his body away from her, intent on sulking for a few more moments.

"… Why stay and take the risk?"

He heard her voice rise into a lilt behind him, the soft bell-like chime of her laughter tempting the Aburame to drop his cold front.

"Why? The reason is because I ended up developing quite an attachment to this beautiful village and the people in it. Especially my very special first customer."

He slowly turned around, considering her in feigned disinterest. "So you stayed for my money?"

She nudged his side.

"That and your good looks."

As though a wall of impalpable tension began to crack, Shino's hardened expression slowly morphed into a light smile. Relief filled the crevices within his chest.

"You can barely see my face. How would you know what I look like?"

She hummed, shifting playfully close. "Oh, I just know. I've read my fair share of romantic stories, I have an eye for these things. You're probably a secret heartthrob, but keep it all to yourself underneath those layers and visor."

"My eyes could very well be black holes," he said cryptically. "Simply dark, lifeless orifices for my kikai to escape."

Her lips brushed against his cheek, feeling the lines of his mouth shift upwards.

"Cute."

He lifted a brow. "Am I?"

"You are. And apparently intimidating when you need to be! I'm not going to lie, you caught me off guard earlier, Aburame-sama."

He cleared his throat, fighting down bashfulness. "The reason is because this is a serious issue. If you truly are dead-set on proving the existence of the Kamizuru, we likely need to prepare in advance for the meeting."

"Ok, ok," she replied, nodding in understanding. Her posture straightened. "And what exactly does that entail?"

He focused on her. "You would likely have to meet preemptively with my father. Perhaps even Sachihiro-san, one of our clan elders. He is actually Fuka and Shunji's grandfather."

"Aw, how is Fuka-chan?"

"We're getting sidetracked."

She frowned. He smiled. Quite the reversal.

"… I haven't been able to speak to her since our outing, but I did see her wearing your bandana through the compound the other night."

Mitsubachi shook his shoulders excitedly, enthralled. Fuka was such an adorable 15-year-old! Much more well-behaved than Mitsubachi's little demon of a 15-year-old relative back home.

"Your family's so cute," she openly cooed. "And I know the setting is supposed to be more formal and serious, but I would genuinely love to meet your father."

"I'm sure he'd be simply elated to meet you as well. If he knew his son actually managed to find himself a girlfriend."

She nudged his side playfully. "Was he losing hope? Him and my mother would get along swimmingly in that regard. Every day with her, when I least expect it, it's always 'when–"

"—'Are you going to give me grandchildren?'" The two quietly laughed at their synchronized answer.

"I don't know, mom. Maybe when I meet the right guy," the Kamizuru continued with a light snort, as though said relative was there.

"Perhaps one day, dad. When one of Kiba's blind dates decides they don't mind the bugs and actually likes me back," came the Aburame's own response.

Shino felt his mouth curve upwards as Mitsubachi leaned against him with a content hum, her eyes closed peacefully. He wrapped his arm loosely around her, trailing soft fingers up and down the length of her back. They stayed in that state of blissful quiet until the cry of an owl nearby broke the silence.

"We have a year," he reiterated to both himself and her.

"A year," she echoed, still propped against him. "When do you want to start planning?"

Shino briefly hummed in thought. It dawned on him that he might have picked up that habit from his girlfriend.

"I may start becoming more busy in the next month. The earlier weeks of the fall season, I usually stay at work later in the evening to prepare for our upcoming Genin exams. Perhaps after? Unfortunately... that would mean I may not be able to see you as often during that time period."

"That's ok," Mitsubachi assured, nuzzling against his arm. "Go get 'em, Aburame-sensei!"

He looked at her, still a bit unsure. "You wouldn't feel as though I'm neglecting you?"

She narrowed her eyes, considering him. "You wouldn't be cheating on me during that time frame, now would you?"

Shino's brows furrowed. How anyone could ever be unfaithful towards a partner was something Shino could never fathom the idea of. Loyalty should be guaranteed within any relationship.

"Perish the thought."

"Then we're fine." She shrugged simply, flashing him a grin. "It's sweet how worried you are."

"I cherish these moments I'm allowed to spend with you," he replied without hesitation. "I don't want you to feel as though my affections are dwindling because I won't be able to visit or stay as often."

Though he maintained his usual composure, the unabashed sincerity of the Aburame made her eyes glisten. She quietly rose from her sitting position next to him and leaned forward, feeling Shino's knees dig into her legs as she cupped the sides of his face.

The gentle glow of the store's light illuminated the man's features, making him appear as soft and tender as his words. She withheld the thoughts that immediately crossed her mind as she gazed down at the man before her.

You're such a beautiful soul, Shino Aburame. The wonderful owner of such a wonderful heart.

She leaned down for a kiss, tilting her head as he met her halfway. Their meeting was soft and savory, as though each press of skin was one to be cherished before the year met its end.

AN's: There it is! Truth be told, this chapter took me a really long time to write because of characterization and pacing. As always, please let me know your thoughts and thank you, thank you, thank you so much for reading! See y'all next time. :)