Chapter 10

FESTIVAL TIME!

When I was younger I always loved festivals, it was a reason to dress up and have fun but since ROOT ANBU I wasn't aloud to go and had to stay as security, the rest of ANBU got to leave but not ROOT. Evil old people who made us stay. I looked at my watch and saw it was 6:55pm. Perfect and I was ready. I was wearing a brown kimono with a light brown obi. There were small, thin laced Monarch Butterflies at the bottom and by the left collar. My hair was left down with a simple brown ribbon to hold it in place behind me. I slipped my formal sandals on and looked again in the mirror. Suddenly my door burst open and in came Tsunade with Shizune and Anko trailing with a camera and taking photos. I tried to hide but too late they got me.

"What are you doing?" I asked

"Getting piccies for the festival!" said Anko grinning like the mad woman she was. I sighed and heard someone running down the hall. They stopped by the door. It was a Chunin called I think Kotetsu.

"Tsunade-sama Aburame Shino is here," I jumped up and waved bye. Before I left I just had to scold my aunt as I saw Izumo waiting at the other end of the hall.

"Tsunade-san, its festival time, ROOT ANBU aren't going give ALL the Chunin a vacation not just your favorites," I said glaring at her, she sighed and nodded. I turned and raced out the Hokage's Home and to the tower where I saw Shino.

"Shino…..-chan!" I cried happily as I came out the building already excited. He turned and raised his eyebrows above his glasses. Much to everyone's shock he had taken his high jacket and worn a normal jacket over his kimono and hakama pants. I sighed knowing I wasn't gonna get him to take off his glasses. That would be too hard. He had taken his hitai-ate and his hair was loose. It looked slightly poofier.

"Hai, Aiko-chan ready?" he asked, I nodded and we set of to the center of the Village.

"Sorry about being late, Tsunade, Anko and Shizune attacked me with a camera, then Kotetsu caught us and I found out he and Izumo don't have a holiday so I made her let them go." I said smiling, he nodded but didn't smile. I looked down at the floor and something caught my eyes. He had a plaster on his arm by his elbow. I noticed it as he moved his arm.

"Matte! Shino," I said as I caught his arm. "Why did you cover your arms?" I asked "Isn't that where the kikai come out of?" i ADDED

"Hai, I blocked it so not to put you off," he mumbled, I sighed and shook my head

"No need to do that, I don't care," I said pulling his sleeve up and slowly, so not to hurt him, took the plaster off. He seemed to sigh in relief. It must have been causing his to be fidgety. I removed the one on the other arm as well and he seemed happy now.

"Better?" I asked

"Hai, Arigatou," he mumbled, I smiling and we carried on walking toward the festival. When we arrived it looked like it had already begun. All the buildings were lit up with lights and you could see everyone whether they were genin to ANBU, you couldn't tell everyone was just happy.

"Aiko! Shino!" someone yelled, I turned and saw Sakura running over followed by Lee, Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji, "I see you two finally made it," she said winking at me, Shino nodded and I just looked shocked at her.

"Aw come on lighten up its party time!" said Ino "Lets go dance!" she cheered grabbing me and letting go of Shikamaru,

"Help me Shino!" I yelled as I was dragged off miserably. He seemed to smirk at me as they took me off.

"Hey isn't the dance floor that way!" shouted Chouji pointing to the opposite direction. But I later found out they were taking me to the toilets.

"So you and Shino!" said Sakura starting the interrogation,

"You two are acting like genin," I muttered

"Well we were them once," said Ino shuddering at the memory, I remember them telling me of their old infatuation with Sasuke before he left.

"Anyway what do you want?" I asked annoyed,

"To dance," they said in unison, they grabbed me again and ran off to the actual dance floor. We saw lots of people dancing and having fun which was a change. I noticed some were from Suna by their different kimonos and formal clothes. I noticed Gaara standing in the corner.

"Yo Gaara-san!" I said waving he looked up and recognized me and nodded. Kankurou joined him and Gaara pointed. He looked up and waved like a weirdo. I walked over to them.

"Hey guys!" I said smiling. I had worked with the Sand siblings several times as ROOT ANBU. I had an awesome time in Suna and I often had written to them but in the time of the war I stopped.

"Hey Aiko-chan!" said Kankurou, "Wassup!" he said

"Aw nothing just having a great time, you too?" I asked

"Yeh but no one here can party as well as Suna Shinobi, we're better at parties," he boasted Gaara sighed and shook his head.

"Fine then Kankurou come with me a show me how to dance then!" I laughed as he raced off to the dance floor. I followed after him after say bye to Gaara and going. Kankurou was true Suna Shinobi did know how to party better and harder. People seemed to stop dancing to watch us as we were dancing with each other. I over heard people talking, it was kinda hard as the music stopped and went to a slow song. 'Isn't that Shino's girl?' 'Who are they?' 'Is that the Kazekage-sama's brother?' I turned smiling to Kankurou before he was swarmed by girls.

"Arigatou for the dance, you were right Suna is better at this." I said loudly for the crowds to hear and stop talking about us "I have to go find Shino before he goes skitz at Sakura and Ino," I said

"It's a pleasure to show a FRIEND how to dance," he said emphasizing the friend part to the crowd.

"We now look who I made popular!" I laughed as he was swamped with girls. I waved and walked off to look for Shino I saw him by Gaara they seemed to be watching the dance floor.

"Shino!" I shouted running over, okay not running moving as fast as my kimono aloud. This wasn't very fast. As I was just about there, I tripped and fell forwards. Shino reached out to stop me and caught me just inches from the floor. I giggled as he lifted me back up.

"Thanks Shino," I said sheepishly, he nodded and carried on looking forward "Are you angry at me," I asked quietly, he didn't answer "I was only dancing with Kankurou; he's a friend from Suna like Temari and Gaara. It meant nothing," I said getting upset now; he seemed to notice and grab my hand. I looked down as he walked off to the dance floor as a new song came on. He put my arm by his neck and he then rested his hands on my hips. I sighed and looked at him. He wasn't smiling but just dancing slowly with me. I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around his neck. It was like dancing in a hug as his arms tightened around my waist. I hummed the song quietly in his ear as I rested my head there. I was content with the way we were as he tightened his hold. It felt……..right. I had a nervous feeling in my stomach and a warm feeling in my heart. I dismiss it when I remembered Shino doesn't believe in 'love'. Time seemed to stop as we danced together. It was our moment and no one was going to ruin it. As the song ended I stayed there until I moved back. He didn't let go of my hand and started walking away. Dragging me in tow.

"Shino, where are we going?" I asked starting to get nervous now,

"Just hold on but close you eyes," he said smiling softly, I nodded and closed my eyes. He seemed to lift me up and carried on walking. I sighed in comfort as he walked off to only he knew. As he stopped I shook my head to keep me awake. It must have been 9 already and I was tired. He stood me up again and then took my hand.

"Okay open your eyes," he said quietly, I opened my eye and gasped. We were standing in the middle of a clearing and there were fireflies dancing around us. It was slightly mesmerizing watching them then I turned to Shino.

"Its beautiful," I said in awe, he smiled and turned to me,

"I have a confession," he said quietly

"Hmm?" I asked looking at him and tilting my head slightly. He was really hesitant. I closed my eyes for a minute trying to think the situation through. Suddenly I felt something in my lips. My eyes snapped open and I saw it was Shino. Kissing me. It was soft and sweet but loving. I closed my eyes and enjoyed it. I pulled away from him and leaned my forehead on his.

"Was that your confession?" I asked quietly smiling softly. He nodded his head and I giggled. "Well Shino, I think I've fallen for you as well," I said before kissing him again. His arms went around my waist deepening the kiss a lot more. After we stayed hugging each other.

We walked back to the festival holding hands. He still looked impassive as usual although his cheeks were a little pink. I just smiled at him and didn't care. As long as he cared inside was enough. It must have been close to 10:30 when we returned from the clearing and everyone looked confused. Sakura came up to us dragging Lee.

"Where did you guys go?" she asked exasperatedly,

"Ummm…..nowhere," I replied, Shino nodded and we just carried on walking. I heard Sakura whisper something quickly and then shuffling. For the rest of the night we waited for the fireworks and played the games that were around. I noticed Asuma and Kurenai looking suspicious and we went over.

"So Wassup smoker?" I said poking Asuma as he was trying not to look suspicious.

"Oh hey short stuff," he replied sounding lay back as usual,

"Shut it," I hissed "Also you might want to be subtle or tell her that you like her!" I added before seeing the genin all in a circle shouting and fighting. I noticed Akane lunged viciously at one of the boy's on Chouji's team. They started wrestling on the ground. Other boys from Shino's team were fighting with the rest of Asuma's Team 10's teams.

"Ahhhh I see little Sarutobi certainly doesn't have your laidbackness," I muttered darkly to Asuma as he ignored the fight and carried on smoking. I sighed and shuffled quickly over just before Akane was going to do a chakra pulse and stepped in between them with two fingers on each others foreheads.

"Stop," I said sternly, Shino was walking over with Kurenai and her dragging Asuma in tow.

"But he started it!" shouted Akane

"I don't care I'm ending it," I said darkly "Chouji!" shouted, he looked up from the barbeque where he was with Ino and Shikamaru,

"Hai Aiko?" he shouted back

"Control your genin," I shouted back, he whistled and his genin muttered and walked back to their jounin. Wow I wonder if he has them potty trained…..

"You too team 3!" shouted Shikamaru, the rest grumbled and walked off. I turned to mine and Shino's genin and looked them over.

"What happened?" I asked looking down at them,

"They were dissing you and Shino-sensei, saying you shouldn't be here because you're from Kusagakure and not here also saying your grandpa sucked. Then they called Shino-sensei a bug-freak!" said Akane angrily, I sighed in frustration,

"Ignore them but what happened to you Yuki you did they ruin your kimono?" I asked looking at her dirty white kimono. She nodded and almost started crying.

"Excuse us guys, a girl always has to look her best," I said taking her hand and guiding her to the toilets and motioned for Ino and Sakura to follow. They followed when we got into the toilets

"What happened?" said Ino sadly looking at the poor genin in front of her.

"Udo pushed me to the floor to hit Akane-kun," she said quietly,

"Well let's get you cleaned up!" said Sakura smiling widely, I nodded and stood back and they started cleaning her up. When they were done Yuki looked brand new and she hopped off the counter smiling. I told her to go wait with the others.

"Thanks Ino and Sakura," I said smiling,

"You know you act a lot like a mother to those to not their teacher," said Sakura,

"Well being a Shinobi is a dangerous job and they need all the help they can get, I got attached to them and both have no mother figure in their lives. I can hardly say living with Konohamaru and Asuma is healthy for Akane." I replied, they nodded smiling

"You're doing a great job helping them anyway," said Ino. We walked outside and said bye again. Akane and Yuki were chatting and Shino looked bored. I walked over smiling and kissed his cheek. Yuki squealed and Akane yelled and pointed at us.

"Nani?" I asked

"You kissed him!" shouted Akane,

"Your point?" I replied

"Are you with Shino-sensei?" asked Yuki, Shino nodded and I put my finger up to my lips to tell them to be quiet. I told them to go away to get ready for watching the fireworks. We wandered more and found a good place to watch the fireworks. We sat down on the hill near the wall where we could see them. I leaned my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. He was just watching me and I smiled. Slowly tiredness came over me.

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Shino closed his eyes as he watched the angel next to him fall asleep. He couldn't believe it, she had accepted him. He smiled again and soon others joined them. He saw Hinata sitting next to Naruto, Sakura and Lee, Shikamaru and Ino with Chouji with them. Kiba came over to him slowly with a sleeping Akamaru in his jacket hood.

"Hey Buggy," he said grinning,

"Hai Kiba?" he said

"Did you ask her?" he asked

"Hai,"

"What did she say?" he asked again eagerly

"She said yes and isn't this enough evidence," muttered Shino. Kiba nodded and said bye as he went to join Naruto and Hinata. Slowly there were cheers and the fireworks were about to begin. He lightly shook Aiko to get her to wake up.

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"Aiko, wake up!" said a voice. I blinked and saw Shino waking me up.

"Hm?"

"Fireworks," he replied, I nodded and looked forward and watched the fireworks. Red. Blue. Green. Yellow. Silver. Gold. They were all colors of the rainbow and all the genin cheered and the ANBU raced around. For some reason they were put in charge of setting the fireworks off. Because of their fast speed getting away from the fireworks and ability to get them over quickly. You could see the ROOT ANBU running back and forth. Ah it seemed only last year she was doing that, setting fireworks. Shino's hand turned my face and he leaned in for a kiss. I beat him and leaned up kissing his softly. I closed my eyes and enjoyed it again. When we parted I sighed and Shino smiled.

"Thank you," he said

"For what?" I asked

"For accepting me," he replied

"Shino, I would have accepted you whether you were Aburame or not, it's not the kikai bugs or anything it's who you are. I will always love that," I said smiling, he nodded and I leaned on him again. I was tired and slumped on him as I fell into the darkness called sleep.

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Shino noticed Aiko fell asleep again.

"Training must have gotten to her" said a voice behind him; he turned slightly and saw Kakashi behind him,

"Hai Kakashi-san," said Shino

"Take her home," he replied, Shino nodded and stood up. Kakashi stopped him before he moved again. "If you hurt her in anyway Aburame, you'll be dead and I'm sure Tsunade will say the same thing," said Kakashi as his visible yes arched in a smile. Shino stood and lifted Aiko slowly being careful not to hurt her. He said bye to the other jounin around them and set off home. He decided to take her to the Aburame compound because Tsunade would probably be drunk and not remember. The streets were quiet and deserted as the sounds of the festival were still evident. He made it home and the doors opened as he walked inside. The Aburame clan has their own festival inside the compound where everyone had to come. It was mandatory unless you had a good reason. Being ANBU or just like Shino's. Shibi stopped him as he was about to enter the house.

"Does she know?" He asked his son

"Hai, she knows about the kikai, she has accepted it freely," he replied slightly, he noticed his mother come up behind Shibi and smile. His mother Reika wasn't born into the Aburame clan but had fallen for his father during a mission. She didn't have the trademarks but still wore the long jacket and glasses. She smiled at her son and nodded.

"Shibi leave them, we were young once and we had the same trouble," she said softly, Shibi sighed and nodded slowly.

"Go," he motioned for Shino to enter the house. He walked through to his room and lay Aiko down on his bed slowly and pulled the comforter up over her. He sighed looking down at her sleeping. She looked so innocent but in reality she was a deadly Kunoichi. He walked over his desk and started inspecting and research the bugs he had found that day.