AN's: Hey, y'all! Sorry for the late post! I was hoping to update last Sunday, but finals and life decked me in the stomach :/ Anyway! Onto the chapter (it doesn't really pertain to the plot so much, but it was one of my favorites to write) :)
Chapter 20: Warm Your Heart
"You must make your decision," a deep, commanding voice echoed throughout the glen.
Dark eyes filled with turmoil turned towards the deep forest, feeling a beckoning call. This was the right choice to make. That he was sure of. Within the forest, his people could live bountifully under the protection of the canopy, with the blessings of the harbingers of life.
However…
"You must make your choice, son of man," the voice reiterated.
Did that voice bring life or destruction?
The man—almost confident— moved to take his first step into the dark oblivion, but paused in his steps entirely. Like the loud shattering of glass against stone, the pitiful sobbing behind him grew louder and louder, breaking his guarded spirit with every shedded tear.
He was enchained. Stuck in a struggle between the needs of his people and his innermost desires.
He knew the price he would have to pay for turning around, and he bit at his own lip—drawing blood— to keep his mind clear and his feet rooted in place. He tasted the iron of his blood and felt the sting of salt in his eyes. He bled. He wept.
Oh, how he loved the site before him. Would always love the site. How much he desired for nothing more than to remain in the glen and hold onto the holder of his heart for the rest of his days.
"Please," his love sobbed. An enchanting vision that would forever scar his memories. "Please don't leave me... Stay with me by my side."
"You know the correct choice, son of man," the voice of the forest echoed over the throes of his heart. "You've always known."
He turned back around towards the beckoning oblivion. It was the only choice he could make. He would destroy his very heart for his people. Tearing his eyes away, the son of man walked into the forest, never once looking back.
Shino sat at the table staring groggily at a lukewarm cup of tea. He hadn't even turned on the lights in his kitchen.
He awoke earlier that Sunday morning with a tingle underneath his skin and a hazy recollection. He couldn't remember any of the details of last night's dreams, but his kiki had been in a state of disarray when he opened his eyes.
Even more disturbing was the fact that he had been crying.
It was a strange feeling. Having a heavy chest and wet eyes, but not being able to recall why you were like that in the first place.
Before he could ponder as to what he could have dreamed about, there was a knock on his door.
Shino quirked a brow, wondering as to who could possibly be at the door. Kiba would never come over so early in the morning, especially on one of the few days he had off from work. His father usually called first if he was visiting, and Mitsubachi had no idea where he lived.
A few more knocks on the door.
The Aburame rose quietly to answer and blinked in surprise.
"Shunji?"
"Shino-sama," his cousin said with a sigh of obvious relief. "Sorry for bothering you so early, but are you busy at all today?"
Shino cleared his throat, eyebrows furrowed in slight confusion. His words came out with the slightest tinge of hesitance. "I'm not. Did you need something, Shunji?"
"I need a favor," his younger cousin said plainly, not even asking.
"What is it?" Shino gestured into his home. "Would you like to come in first?"
Shunji shook his head. "No, but thanks. I've got to be off in a few minutes. Listen, today is Fuka's 15th birthday and I promised I'd take her out to celebrate, but I just got called on for a mission and the old man had some business to do in Sunagakure."
The older Aburame leaned against his door frame, having an inclination that he knew where this was going.
"You're Fuka's favorite cousin," Shunji explained with an emphasis on favorite. "Could you take her around Konoha today and celebrate with her? Please, Shino-sama. I'll give you some money to spend on food or the movies or something."
As Shunji reached for his pouch, Shino stopped him with a raised hand.
"No need for that, Shunji. I don't mind taking Fuka out today, but don't you think she would find it strange that I'm the one doing so rather than you?"
His relative sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I already apologized and told Fuka I couldn't celebrate because of a mission, so she's most likely at home sulking right about now. I think her teammates think she's a little weird, so she's not spending the day with anyone. I want her to get her out of the house today and enjoy herself."
To Shino's surprise, the younger Aburame bowed to him. Shunji rarely bowed to Shino, even when they were younger.
"Please… Shino."
The older Aburame gestured for his cousin to raise his head and assured him that he would take Fuka out and hopefully show her a fun time. He really had no other ventures or plans, and he would hate for Fuka to feel so isolated on her birthday of all days.
Shino knew those sinking feelings well, when it felt like no one cared enough to be with you or spend time with you. He was a teenager just like her once upon a time.
He gave Shunji his assurance once more and refused to take the man's money.
"Thank you so much, Shino-sama," Shunji said. "I owe you big time."
"Think nothing of it, Shunji," Shino replied with a nod. "I promise to take Fuka out today, and hopefully show her a nice time. Because one shouldn't have to feel alone on their birthday. Good luck on your mission."
The Aburame heir watched as his cousin disappeared in a flash. He smiled to himself. Despite Shunji's uncanny ability to irritate, he truly was a good older brother.
Suddenly, he paused as a sense of panic came over him.
He had absolutely no idea what a young girl—a young teenager no less— would want to do for her birthday. And knowing how reserved Fuka tended to be compared to her brother, she likely wouldn't vocalize specific activities or gifts she would want.
Wishing he had asked Shunji what his little sister enjoyed before he left, Shino groaned internally and hoped for the best.
"You really didn't have to go out of your way to do this, Shino-nii," the young girl said quietly next to him.
Fuka kept her eyes—hidden behind circular lenses—lowered as she walked with her her arms to her sides. To Shino's surprise, his younger cousin decided to wear clothing that was rather outside of Aburame norms for today.
She fidgeted with the poofy sleeves of her lilac sweater that she paired with a white, collared undershirt. The younger Aburame even wore a white skirt to complete the ensemble, hinting to Shino that Fuka truly was looking forward to going out today despite her vocal reservations.
"Nonsense, Fuka," Shino said reassuringly as he walked next to her. "Although Shunji was called on for a mission, you still deserve to have a happy birthday celebration."
After a few moments of walking through the Aburame compound, Fuka spoke up. "I never realized you took this way to get to the Compound, Shino-nii. Why don't you just take the other trail? I think it's faster."
Shino blinked in surprise at the question. Truth be told, the only reason he kept taking this longer route home as of recently was because of Mitsubachi. That, and he enjoyed the more quiet scenery of this road compared to the other residential trail on the other side of the forest.
"I suppose I simply enjoy how scenic this way is."
As the two Aburame's walked along the quiet road, the sound of light music resounded in the distance.
They silently approached the source of the music: an old radio on the counter of a familiar honey store.
Shino kept his expression neutral despite the happiness he felt while quietly observing the woman behind the counter as she braided her hair with pins and flowers and hummed along to the music.
It wasn't too long before she took note of the two of them.
"Shino!" She greeted brightly, lowering the volume. Steel-gray eyes trailed over to the new guest at her boyfriend's side, and the young girl responded by discreetly shuffling closer to her relative.
Mitsubachi smiled warmly at Shino's little companion. "Aw, and who is this?"
The young girl gave a small—almost hesitant— bow and politely introduced herself. "... My name is Aburame Fuka, ma'am. It's very nice to meet you."
Mitsubachi pushed her braided to the side and returned the gesture. "Well it's very nice to meet you too, Fuka! My name is Mitsubachi."
"Like a honey bee," Fuka pointed out, the tiniest hint of excitement in her voice. "... I like honey bees."
The young Aburame loved insects. Learning about them and observing them had always been a special interest of hers. That was the primary reason she enjoyed spending time with Shino compared to her other relatives.
Mitsubachi gave the young girl a friendly wink. "You and me both."
That earned her a tiny smile.
"This is a good friend of mine, Fuka," Shino gently explained to his shy relative. "She's the owner of this honey stand and we converse every now and then."
Mitsubachi giggled internally at the simple introduction. He turned his attention towards his good friend.
"Fuka is my younger cousin, Mitsubachi. It's her birthday today."
The honey vendor immediately clapped her hands in excitement. "Well happy birthday to you! That must explain why you're dressed so nicely, huh? How old are you turning?"
"15," came the quiet reply. A few moments later, the young teen shuffled her feet, looking down bashfully. "... How did you do that? With your hair?"
Shino looked at his younger relative with a hint of surprise.
"Oh! The braid? Well, I learned from my mother when I was very young. And I practiced a lot with my younger cousins in my free time," Mitsubachi answered with a pleasant hum.
A light blush appeared on the younger Aburame's face. "It's very pretty."
"Why thank you!" Mitsubachi's heart warmed at the young girl's compliment and she leaned forward, flashing her a bright smile. "Would you like me to do yours?"
"Really?" Fuka replied immediately. Her eyes glittered underneath her sunglasses.
"Really! Consider it my birthday present to you, ok?"
The younger Aburame discreetly lifted her heels off the floor, excitement overtaking her demure countenance. "Thank you! Can... we stay for a little while longer then, Shino-nii?"
The two ladies glanced at the taller man expectantly. How could he refuse? It wasn't as if he had a solid plan of what to do in the first place. With a simple nod, Shino gestured for Mitsubachi to go ahead.
"Perfect! I'm gonna rinse my combs and grab my spare brush really quick, ok? But I promise I don't have lice or anything," the young woman made sure to add.
"It's ok," Fuka replied plainly as she took a seat. "I can ask them to leave if you do."
Shino took a seat next to his cousin. He smiled at how happy Fuka looked, easing the panic he felt from earlier.
Once she came back, Mitsubachi asked for the younger Aburame to face her for a moment, gently brushing a few stray strands back. The young girl chose to focus on the small bees hovering in the air as skillful fingers played about with her bangs.
It was a foreign feeling, having her hair styled. It hadn't been done in such a long time. Fuka had lived with her brother and grandfather most of her life, and barely recalled what her mother even looked like. She had little to no feminine figures in her life, and the young Aburame would be lying if she said that didn't make her the least bit distraught.
Secretly, she had always wanted to be like the other Kunoichi in her former Academy class. To be pretty and eye-catching to boys. To be dainty and feminine. It took her quite a while to style her outfit for today, and even then it still felt like something was missing.
Her eyes briefly met with the honey vendor's, but her smile only widened at the exchange. Fuka looked away, but began to understand why Shino-sama was friends with her.
She was very warm.
The honey vendor hummed to herself as she considered the best way to approach styling Fuka's hair. Her black hair was rather short, just reaching the middle of her neck. It wouldn't look very good if she went with one simple braid...
Mitsubachi snapped her fingers as an idea came to mind and excitedly excused herself to fetch a few items from the back.
"Are you doing ok?" Shino asked quietly.
"I'm fine, Shino-nii," Fuka reassured with a whisper. "... I'm very excited to have my hair done."
"Make sure you thank Mitsubachi-san after she's finished."
"Do you like her?"
The slightest tinge of red on her older cousin's cheeks gave the young girl enough of an answer. Before Shino could refute or agree, the honey vendor returned, hands filled with bobby pins, small black elastic bands, a bundle of white flower heads, and a silk bandanna.
The older woman displayed the fabric in the air.
"What do you think of this pattern, Fuka? Yes or no? And no need to spare my feelings, ok? I'll only be a little bit heartbroken if you don't like it."
The borders were a dark purple, while the rest of the inner portion was a light lilac. Tiny golden moths wrapped around circular, white flowers littered the bandanna's center in an intricate design.
"It's pretty," Fuka admitted. "I like the moths. What do you think, Shino-nii?"
Shino seemed to jump at being addressed. He cleared his throat. "... Yes, I like it too," he echoed awkwardly.
He was never the best with aesthetics.
Mitsubachi snorted inwardly at the man's answer but continued nonetheless, humming softly to the radio as she began brushing through the young Aburame's hair.
She gave praise to the young girl over how soft and strikingly dark her hair was, but struggled a bit to undo the knots towards the bottom.
"I'm sorry if I pull a little bit, Fuka," Mitsubachi said as she slowly worked a thin comb through the tangles. "But you're a tough Kunoichi! I'm sure you've dealt with worse, right?"
"Right," Fuka answered with an affirmative nod.
Truth be told, the young teen only felt elation at having someone do her hair and barely registered the pulling. In the back of her mind, Fuka briefly imagined that this must be what having an older sister or even a mother is like.
After managing to undo the knots, Mitsubachi began styling the young girl's hair.
After about a half hour or so, the woman was just about done. Shino was more than a little impressed with her handiwork.
Mitsubachi had created two thin braids on the opposite sides of Fuka's head interwoven with white flowers. As the braids reached just behind the young girl's ears, they were tucked behind by the corners of the bandanna pinned in place by black bobby pins.
It was a relatively simple hairstyle, but it complimented the young girl's attire and shape of her face rather nicely.
"Finished," Mitsubachi chimed. "All done, m'lady."
Fuka's eyes glittered as she peered into the small mirror placed on the counter. Her hair looked so different. Her locks felt so soft and the flowers smelled so nice. Was it strange to say that she felt… pretty? She had never felt that way before.
She gazed back towards Mitsubachi and Shino, feeling a strange pang of longing in her chest at the sight of the two of them next to each other and admiring her.
"You look absolutely beautiful, Fuka-chan," Mitsubachi said with a smile. Shino could only nod in agreement next to her.
As Fuka rose from her seat, Mitsubachi quietly approached her.
In a way that could only be described as mothering, the honey vendor fixed the white collar on Fuka's shirt and even used her thumb to gently wipe away at a spot on the corner of her lips.
The young Aburame dutifully listened to the woman's answer when she quietly asked "if there is any way to make my attire look more… feminine?"
"Hmm… Ooh! Try tucking the bottom of your sweater into your skirt! It sounds silly, but it really makes the difference if you want your sweater to look less loose, I think."
A few more small adjustments later and Fuka felt like her outfit was finally complete. It was strange how much more confident she felt. She didn't feel the normal urge to hide herself into her big sweaters. To an outsider, one might not even be able to guess that she was an Aburame.
As Mitsubachi cleaned up the counter, she paused upon feeling a light tug on her sleeve.
"Thank you so much, Mitsubachi-san," Fuka said to her with a bow of gratitude. "I've never felt so... pretty before."
"Well, you're a very pretty young lady, Fuka-chan. You always are, even if you don't feel like it. And I hope you have an amazing 15th birthday! Enjoy it, ok? You're only 15 once, after all."
Mitsubachi leaned in to whisper to the young girl, making sure the Aburame man sitting a small distance away couldn't hear. "And I'm pretty sure that anything you ask, your cousin Shino will get for you. So make that count, huh?"
Fuka gazed at the smiling woman, watching as she turned her attention back towards the shop. She knew immediately what she wanted to ask of her older cousin.
"Shino-nii," she began, addressing the man as he was helping to clean the counters. "May I ask you something?"
"Of course, Fuka."
"Can Mitsubachi-san please come with us today?"
The older man and woman turned their heads at the surprising request. Dark eyes hidden beneath sunglasses and steel-grey stared at the young teen. Fuka gazed up expectantly at the both of them.
Shino and Mitsubachi turned towards each other.
He quirked a brow. 'Would that be alright with you?'
She smiled and gave a simple shrug. 'Eh, why not?'
Mitsubachi turned her attention back to Fuka and smiled at the young Aburame. Her heart swelled at the fact that she wanted to spend more time with her today, especially considering they had only just met.
Strangely enough, the request reminded Mitsubachi of her brother.
She lightly nudged Shino's side, discreetly showing her affection. "Just let me get ready really quick, ok?"
The trio paused right in front of the movie house once Fuka stopped in her trek entirely.
'The Blade that Strikes the Heart: The Return of Kagemasa'
The movie poster looked about as dramatic as the name suggested, with the masked hero Kagemasa walking towards a dark oblivion as the faces of various characters decorated the borders.
Mitsubachi blinked, tilting her head as she studied the poster.
Rather than observe the dramatic image, Shino casted a discreet glance towards his younger cousin, who looked completely enraptured.
"There's a showing in a few minutes," Shino pointed out. "... Would you like to see the film, Fuka?"
Fuka looked down, a tiny blush on her cheeks. She shook her head. "It's ok, Shino-nii. I was just curious because my teammates said the movie was decent and wouldn't stop talking about it. We can move onto something else. I don't want you and Mitsubachi-san to waste your time on a kid's film."
Shino frowned. "Are you sure, Fuka? We wouldn't mind." Mitsubachi nodded next to the older Aburame in reassurance.
"... It is your birthday," Shino finally included.
The young girl shook her head resolutely, still staring at the poster.
The two adults looked at each other sadly.
'What do we do? She obviously wants to see the movie,' Shino's expression said.
Mitsubachi's eyebrows furrowed. 'Hang on! I'm thinking...'
After a few moments, the honey vendor's eyes gleamed as an idea came to her. She discreetly winked at him, causing the man to quirk a brow.
"Well," she began aloud, a lilt in her voice. "I would like to see it!"
Fuka looked up in disbelief. "… Really?"
"Yes! But I'll be so busy with work in the next few weeks, I don't think I'll have another chance before it leaves theaters," Mitsubachi finished with a dramatic sigh.
"Why would you want to see this movie, Mitsubachi-san," Fuka asked carefully. "Are youa Kagemasa fan?"
"Of course," Mitsubachi replied emphatically, as if to say 'Well duh!' "He's… well, he's an absolute hunk!"
Fuka looked at the woman in confusion.
The honey vendor sighed dramatically. "It's been awhile since I've seen his movies, but I distinctly remember making the actor of Kagemasa one of my celebrity sweethearts. The allure of his white hair and… and muscles. Wow," she added with a slight strain to her words. "Besides! It's still pretty early in the day, so the theaters won't be too packed around this time."
"It would be very kind of you to humor Mitsubachi-san's... crush, Fuka," Shino added slowly.
He discreetly sent his girlfriend a look. One raised eyebrow. 'Really?'
She shook her head and shot him a look back. 'Don't give me that look, it was the best thing I could think of!'
After a few moments of mulling it over, the young teen finally accepted with a nod, hiding her smile behind a neutral expression. She really wanted to watch this movie, but it made her happy that someone else wanted to see it too.
As the three purchased tickets and made their way inside, Mitsubachi excused herself to use the restroom.
The two Aburames waited for her outside. Fuka stood beside her older cousin and spoke quietly but clearly.
"You should start working out more, Shino-nii."
"Please, Kagemasa! Please don't leave to fight Masahira's men! I don't… I don't think I could take it if you don't come back to me."
"I promise that I will come back to you, Mai. I would fight the heavens above and the demons below if it meant your safety. Kami-sama above will protect me and my blade. Trust in him, Mai…"
The Shinobi's voice echoed as he flashed away. "… Trust in me."
Fuka's eyes were completely fixated on the screen, similar to the majority of the other youths in the theaters.
Shino sat in between his younger relative and his girlfriend with a small bucket of popcorn on his lap. He truly tried to understand the plot and appeal of the movie for the sake of understanding his cousin and his students, but so far...?
Nothing.
He leaned over and whispered to his girlfriend. "... Do you understand what's going on at all?"
She reached over to scoop a small handful of popcorn from his lap and laughed quietly.
"Not a clue."
The two adults didn't even register that the movie was over until the end credits flashed on the screen with dramatic music playing.
"What? It's over?" Mitsubachi had a shell-shocked look on her face. "What about Mai? Is Kagemasa even alive?"
"I guess that's something to find out in the next installment," Fuka replied with a simple shrug. "It wasn't bad, but I think his first movies were better."
The three rose from their seats and moved to exit the theater.
"How about we get lunch?" Shino suggested as he threw the empty popcorn bucket into the garbage can, giving the worker at the door a bow.
"The reason is... because I need to wrap my mind around what I just saw."
Shino shuffled uncomfortably outside of the lunch destination Fuka chose.
He fidgeted with the collar of his distinguishable green jacket. The one he usually wore when teaching at the Academy—the one that most of his students were accustomed to seeing him wear. Shino Aburame was by no means a weak man, but he didn't think he had the mental fortitude to enter.
Thunder Burger!
"Why this place, Fuka-chan?" Mitsubachi asked, eyeing the colorful building. The young Aburame could have picked any restaurant she wanted, but had her heart set on fast food for some unbeknownst reason.
Fuka blew at her bangs. "... I like their fries."
"Well," Mitsubachi began excitedly, looking at the young teen. She adjusted a stray strand of Fuka's hair before continuing. "Let's go in then! Ooh, maybe they have lemonade..."
Shino swallowed, a rebuttal ready on his lips.
"... Perhaps they have a drive through? Or we could get takeout and have a picnic?" He wanted to say, but his two companions were already making their way inside.
The memory of Shunji pleading with him earlier that morning crossed Shino's mind, and after a few moments the man swallowed his pride and entered.
He could already see a few of his students—former and current—eating in the restaurant's booths. He forced himself to give them as nonchalant of a head nod as possible when he caught their attention.
The expressions on their faces ranged from recognition, happiness, confusion, amusement, and everything else in-between, and Shino fought the urge to not feel so out-of-place.
"Shino-nii," Fuka called out to him from a booth in the distance. He sat beside his relative, watching his girlfriend rove her eyes around the room across from them, a curious smile on her face.
"This place is pretty cute, huh?"
Before he could respond, a trio of young Shinobi boys walked past their booth. He recognized them. They were part of the class that graduated a few years before Boruto's and the rest of his classmates.
"Hey, Shino-Sensei," one of them said with a smirk as he walked by. "Getting burgers today?"
This caught the attention of a few other youths in the restaurant and the Aburame was suddenly bombarded by an onslaught of greetings.
Normally he would be flattered by all of the recognition from his students, but Shino simply thought this was a rather inappropriate place to receive it. It was common knowledge that Thunder Burger was a restaurant that catered primarily to younger teens and pre-teens, and an unspoken rule that adults would be better off finding a better place to eat.
One of his coworkers once explained that eating here as a well-known instructor was like "social suicide."
He felt a light kick from underneath the table and looked up to find steel grey peering into him.
'Are you ok?' Mitsubachi's eyes conveyed.
Shino swallowed and returned her gaze with a small nod. '... I'm alright.'
"So!" Mitsubachi chirped after a few moments, breaking the silence. "How about I treat us to lunch? What would you two like? I can order for us!"
"You don't have to do that, Mitsubachi. In fact—"
"—Well, I want to, Shino. You're always treating me—I mean… you bought the movie tickets and theater snacks earlier. So it's only fair, right?" Her laughter came out a touch nervous.
Mitsubachi then turned her gaze to the younger Aburame sitting quietly at the booth. "I'm assuming the little lady would like fries? It's your birthday, so you just order what you like, ok Fuka-chan?"
The young teen gave a small nod of thanks and told the honey vendor her order: fries, a drink, and a regular hamburger. Mitsubachi encouraged her to get something else, but the young Aburame shook her head resolutely.
"It's impolite to order frivolously when someone else is paying for you," her actions clearly said. This caused the honey vendor to frown, but she accepted nonetheless.
Mitsubachi held back a sigh as Shino ordered the exact same thing as his cousin.
Noticing the look his girlfriend was giving him, the Aburame defended himself plainly. "I was planning on ordering those items from the start. The reason is because simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
"Ok, ok," Mitsubachi replied with a playful eye roll. "I'm on it, Shino-Sensei. I'll go put our orders in!"
Once the honey vendor was out of earshot, Fuka spoke up. There was a light smile on her face.
"I like her," she said quietly.
Shino took in his cousin's words and found himself smiling at the empty spot in front of him. His heart felt... warm. Although they were trying not to be too public about their relationship—choosing to present themselves more as close friends for today—the Aburame couldn't deny that he felt his already strong affections for the Kamizuru woman increase tenfold.
Mitsubachi didn't simply act warm and caring. She is warm and caring. Even to Shino's cousin whom she had only met today.
He hadn't expected Fuka to open up so quickly to someone, but Mitsubachi's bright personality and giving nature—always ready to listen and understand—seemed to make her a natural magnet for quiet introverts.
"... I like her too."
After a strangely large amount of time passed since Mitsubachi had left, Fuka asked to get up and see if the woman needed any assistance, leaving Shino to watch their table and belongings by himself.
With how many students he made note of in the restaurant currently, he was both surprised and not surprised when he heard the boisterous voice of the Seventh Hokage's son by the entrance.
This was one of Boruto's usual hangout spots, wasn't it?
As though he were desensitized to the attention, Shino didn't even flinch when he saw the massive group of his former students that approached his table.
Naturally Boruto was present, Mitsuki next to him, Shikadai, Inojin, Iwabe, Denki, and then Metal.
"Yo, Shino-Sensei!" Boruto greeted him loudly, drawing more eyes to their table. "I didn't know you liked Thunder Burger!"
"Hello you all," Shino replied cordially. He took in their tattered, rather exhausted appearances. "Did you just have training?"
"Yeah, Moegi-Sensei pretty much wiped the floor with us," Inojin said with a tired stretch of his shoulder. "Chubs even said she was too tired to come out, so you know that's when it's bad."
Iwabe groaned. "Yeah, and Udon-Sensei was pretty mad about Team 5's performance on our last mission so we had to do a ton of additional physical exercises. I get that we did pretty shit—Uh, I mean crappy—but I can't even feel my arms!"
The tanned Shinobi groaned in pain when Metal tried to give him a reassuring slap on the back.
"I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you," Shikadai said as he glared tiredly at the loud blonde at the front of their group. "I'd be at home, sleeping."
Shino tilted his head in slight amusement. "How do you mean?"
Boruto grinned and jerked a thumb to his friend. "Ha! Shikadai here lost a bet to me and has to treat all of us to dinner. I'm dead tired, but there's no way I'm passing up a free meal, ya know?"
The rest of the group murmured agreements at the blonde's statement, earning them a patented "What a drag" from the young Nara.
"So why're you here, Shino-Sensei?" Boruto asked curiously. "Thunder Burgers are awesome, but you totally don't look like a burger guy."
Shino explained to his former students how he was spending the day with his younger cousin, who was currently not present because they were retrieving their food. He received a few nods of understanding and the group quietly chatted with their Academy Sensei.
Before Metal could slip into a tangent on why their exhaustion would only make them stronger in the future, a bright voice cut in, excusing herself apologetically.
The young group of boys quickly moved aside, staring agape at the sight of the pretty young girl and older woman holding trays of food and drinks, a sweetness emanating from them and the intricately braided flowers in their hair.
Shino immediately stood up to aid his cousin and his girlfriend.
He noticed how most of the boys—save for Mitsuki—stared incredulously at them. It was a sight like no other. Watching their normally awkward and long-winded Sensei sit next to and be thanked by two beautiful women.
Shino gestured first to Fuka, introducing her as his younger cousin, and then to Mitsubachi, whom he introduced as a good friend of his.
Boruto and Iwabe bowed reverently, noticeable blushes on their faces.
"... It's nice to meet you," Fuka said with a small nod.
"Your hair is really p-pretty," Iwabe spluttered out, the red on his cheeks only darkening.
The young Aburame looked away, unaccustomed to the attention. It was from a younger Genin, but the fact still stood. "I... thank you."
Shino wasn't sure how to feel about the interaction, in all honesty. But if Shunji were to ask him what happened today, all the man knew was that this would be stricken from the record.
"So, what's the story with you two?" Shikadai asked the young woman, casually leaning against the side of their booth.
Inojin nodded. "Yeah, we've never seen Shino-Sensei even talk to another lady that wasn't one of our moms or Anko-Sensei, much less eat with them."
"Oh! Well your Sensei and I are good friends," Mitsubachi answered with a pleasant hum. She leaned closer to the young Shinobi and whispered. "Truth be told, he needed a little feminine touch on his day out with his cousin, so... tada! Here I am!"
Shikadai and Inojin gave each other knowing looks before excusing themselves to go and put in their orders. This prompted the rest of their group to follow, but not before saying their goodbye to their former Sensei and his pretty companions.
"You think that's his girlfriend?" Inojin whispered as they casually walked away.
"You kidding?" Came the reply. "That's definitely his girlfriend."
The three finished their meal in a relatively peaceful quiet. Fuka—after having her fill of fries and the small cake that Mitsubachi managed to get after telling the cashier it was her birthday—decided to call it a day.
The atmosphere of the late summer afternoon was light as the three approached the familiar honey stand.
"I guess this is me," Mitsubachi chirped. She turned her attention towards the younger Aburame. "Well, I certainly hope you enjoyed yourself today, little lady."
Fuka bowed. "Thank you so much, Mitsubachi-san. For doing my hair and buying my food. And watching the movie. I know you probably don't actually like Kagemasa, but I had a lot of fun today."
"Found me out, huh? Well, I would sit through a million of his films if it made you happy," Mitsubachi said. She adjusted the stray hair on Fuka's forehead. "And if you ever want to hangout and have some girl-to-girl time, I'll always be right here!"
"…What about your bandanna?"
Mitsubachi gave the young girl a warm smile. The shift in Fuka's tone was enough to let her know that she didn't wish to depart with the article of clothing.
"You can keep it," she said reassuringly. "It looks way better on you than it does on me."
Shino quietly watched the exchange with a smile upon his lips. He felt something buildup inside of him, and he wasn't quite sure of what. Like the warmth he felt throughout his body was itching to be released.
As he walked his younger cousin to her home, Shino found it a bit odd that she was much more quiet and distant than usual. He quickly rushed to her side when he heard her sniffle.
"Fuka?" He asked in growing concern.
"Thank… thank you so much for today, Shino-nii," she said in-between tears. "… You should really consider asking out Mitsubachi-san. I think she really likes you."
The Aburame frowned at her hiccups, but gave her his reassurance. "I will, Fuka. Rest assured, I like her quite a lot too."
"...I'm sorry I'm crying," Fuka said with a small whimper as she attempted to calm herself down. Even her kikai felt the rush of emotions suddenly pouring out of her.
"You don't ever need to be sorry for showing emotion, Fuka," Shino said to the young teen, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"It's just that...this is also the anniversary of my mom's death, so I don't go out unless Shunji-nii forces me," she explained through tears.
Shino's eyes widened at the revelation. That was why Shunji was so insistent that his younger sister be taken out and shown a good time today. It was probably an annual ritual for them to celebrate a year of life rather than an anniversary of loss.
"I stopped being sad about her death years ago because I can't really remember what she looked like or how her voice sounded anymore," Fuka said, her voice course. "... But I remember that she used to smile at me like that. And fix my hair like that when it got messy."
The older Aburame didn't hesitate to squat down and envelop his younger relative in a comforting hug, allowing herself to cry against his chest.
"I'm sorry, it's... it's not right for Aburames to show vulnerability, is it?" She sniffled.
Shino shushed the young girl's doubts. They might be Aburame and thus different from the regular Konoha villager, but they were humans with hearts that felt emotions all the same. No one should ever feel ashamed to feel.
He had been exactly like Fuka when he was younger, stuck between the mindset of what an Aburame should be like and what he actually felt. A part of him wished someone had taken the time to do this for him when he was confused and purposefully isolated.
Even his father—who Shino knew struggled with the ghosts of his past—lived under the strict notion that an Aburame must be strong and never show weakness.
He could never go back in time and comfort the person he used to be, to tell the young Shino Aburame that things would be ok and that people truly did care about him even if it didn't feel like it. But the least he could do is be a strong influence on his younger relatives' lives.
He wanted to change the ways of the Aburame. To tell the next of their generation that they didn't need to cling onto the hatred of the past to be strong. That showing emotions wasn't a weakness.
It felt like only seconds had ticked by until Fuka detached herself from him in a much more state of calm.
"Ok?" He asked quietly.
The young girl nodded. "... Thank you, Shino-nii. I really needed that."
The two quietly said their goodbyes before Shino watched his younger cousin enter her home. The sweet ringing of the wind chimes on her front porch filled the air as a soft breeze crossed through the compound.
He stayed like that for a few more moments before turning back.
He didn't move to go back to his home. No, he moved towards where his heart was calling him to go.
In the gravel road ahead of him, a warm light illuminated. Bright flowers circled around the old shop as though it were an oasis of life. And behind that old counter he had become accustomed to sitting by these last few weeks, stood the woman his heart seemed to call to him for.
Mitsubachi blinked upon seeing his wayward form and...
...smiled. She smiled a smile that could make others weep. The very same expression she wore could bring this man to his knees, but she would likely never know the extent of the power she had over him.
He quickly marched up to her, his chest beating louder and louder with each step. He watched how she moved away from the counter to slowly meet him.
Without warning, he wrapped his arms around her and met her lips. The warmth in his chest seeped through the rest of his body, only desiring in this present moment to hold onto the wonderful woman in his arms and kiss her until she grew tired of him.
And then… It happened.
In the throes of his passion, the woman's tongue hesitantly rubbed against his mouth, asking for permission to enter. Intoxicated by the sweet taste of honey on her lips, he eagerly offered his own.
Shino heard as she let out a soft moan, her steel-gray eyes—beautifully dilated—opened briefly before closing again. He hadn't even realized that he let out a deep grumble of his own until Mitsubachi wrapped her arms around his neck to draw the two of them closer.
They stayed like that for a few more moments, softly brushing against each other as the heat of their passionate kiss faded away into a gentle warm. They eventually pulled away, breathless and flushed and lips swollen.
Mitsubachi looked at him with sleepy eyes in a daze, as though she had just woken up from a pleasant dream. She held the side of his face with a calloused palm and placed a series of slow kisses to the side of the man's lips and cheek.
"Well," she said in between the kisses, her voice a touch sensual. "… 'Hello' to you, too."
Shino placed a chaste kiss on Mitsubachi's shoulder blade before allowing his head to rest in the space there. He took in the scent of the flowers still in her hair and the sweetness of her skin, wanting to remain in this position for as long as time could allow.
"... I'm sorry," he said as his senses slowly returned to him.
Mitsubachi replied by pulling him in closer and resting her head against his chest. There was the lovely sound of the man's kikai again, thumping and chirping with life underneath his milky white skin.
"Why are you sorry?" She asked, voice muffled.
"... Because I didn't ask for permission to kiss you," he said against her shoulder. "I didn't ask for permission to stay."
He felt the curve of her smile press against his chest before pulling away to whisper softly in his ear.
"Ask."
He swallowed, an encroaching longing settling into his heart. It felt wrong to hold onto her like this, knowing that at some point, he would eventually have to let her go. Like the eventual fading of the seasons, Shino knew in the recesses of his heart and of his mind that it could never be summer forever.
Even so...
"... May I stay?"
He could at least enjoy the warmth while he still had the time.
She sealed her answer with a kiss.
In the coolness of the summer night, a lone figure quietly approached the gates of Konoha, exhausted from his long journey.
It had taken him longer to reach the Village Hidden in the Leaves than he would have liked, but he was here in one piece nonetheless.
Hardened eyes glanced at the lively village before him, a tinge of disgust hidden beneath steel-gray.
"Business in Konoha?" A guard with a bandage over his nose asked.
"Or pleasure?" The other asked with a snort.
Saying nothing, the young man flashed his papers to the guards, allowing his distaste for this village and some of its villagers to go unseen. He had a mission to do here. There was no room for pleasure of any sort.
"Simply visiting a relative."
AN's: Hope you guys liked this chapter (and sorry I'm leaving you on a bit of a cliffhanger)! I'm gonna be going on a little break with school starting pretty soon and the fact that I'm going through a bit of a writing shlump! Thanks to whoever reads/reviews/favs/follows! Y'all deserve the world!