Chapter 34: Airi's Thoughts
Airi stood at Shino's door in front of Shibi. "Um, good morning Mr. Aburame." She smiled and blushed a little.
"Hmm? Are you a friend of Shino's?" Shibi asked.
"W-Well, sorta…" She blushed even more.
He looked at her crimson face. "…I see…" He smiled. "You're…a Nozomi, aren't you?"
She stopped smiling and looked down. "Uh, yes."
"…What's your name?"
"…Airi…Nozomi Airi. I'm one of three Holy Guides of my clan, the priestess, Tengoku Taiga…"
"So you're a very important person in your clan."
"…Yes sir."
He smiled again. "You don't have to be so tense. Even though you and I are from opposing clans, it doesn't matter to me." She looked up hopefully at him.
"Good morning Airi." Shino came to the door. "Excuse me dad." He walked out to Airi's side. "We'll be back in a few hours."
"Okay."
"Let's go Airi."
"Sure thing Shino," Airi said. She turned back to Shibi. "…Thank you so much."
"Hmm? You're welcome. Please take care of my son," Shibi told her.
She grinned. "Yes sir! I will!" She bowed courteously and then followed Shino.
Love really is a beautiful thing.
It's often found in an unlikely place.
My love is like that.
I found love in a person that is known as the enemy of my clan.
But he's not an enemy.
He's an amazing person and he loves me just as much.
Airi and Shino walked thorough the quiet village streets. Airi munched on a rice ball and said, "It's kinda empty out here this morning."
"Yeah, it is," Shino replied. She glanced over at him, then smiled.
A relationship is different for everyone.
My relationship with Shino is unlike that of so many others.
When we walk, that's all we do.
We walk.
We don't hold hands or blush and giggle all the time.
We're not like that.
We like it better when we can just walk.
"I wonder how Kiba and Hinata have been..." Airi wondered aloud to herself.
"They're alright," Shino said, answering her question.
"I've been thinking a lot about Hinata though. I hope things are going well between her and Naruto…"
We're not ones to talk about sweet nothings to each other.
We'd rather talk about other things like our friends.
I guess we both think that romantic talk is kinda cheesy.
Just talking normally works fine.
Lovers or not, we're still friends no matter what.
Our friendship just changed into something else.
Airi and Shino sat down by a tree in the forest and just observed their surroundings quietly. A small bug crawled on Shino's hand and he looked at it closely.
Airi looked over. "What kinda bug is that?"
"…Looks like a rare species of bee…This species is endangered…" It flew away. "Well, we didn't really come here to look at bugs…"
"That's alright Shino. I'm over that now. I'm not afraid of bugs anymore." He looked at her, then put his arm around her shoulders.
I don't know many couples that just like to sit quietly.
Shino and I do that.
The stillness is peaceful to us.
I used to be a loud person, but I guess my time with Shino has changed that.
I like it though.
Being able to just sit is not as easy as it seems.
Besides, the day is beautiful.
Why ruin it by talking so much?
I like it when we just sit.
They both let out a relaxed sigh and closed their eyes. It was so peaceful to them. The low buzzing of bugs and the chirping of birds were like a chorus. When they both opened their eyes, Shino turned to Airi and kissed her. She threw her arms over his shoulders and he wrapped his around her waist.
The tranquility makes our love all the better.
It might seem weird, but it's not.
We sit quietly, then Shino puts his strong arms around me.
I like that feeling.
I feel so safe in his arms.
And when we kiss, it feels like it's the first time.
It's a tender kiss.
"Shino, we're a lot different than other people," Airi whispered between the kiss.
"I know," Shino responded. "But it doesn't matter."
"I agree. We shouldn't have to be like everyone else…I love you Shino."
"I love you too Airi."
Shino is always so warm and gentle when I'm in his arms.
His kisses are always so soft and sweet.
We're not like other people.
They might think we're weird but…
But who cares.
Our love isn't based on them.
Shino is the best thing that ever happened to me.
I'm so glad he came into my life.
And that's why I love him!