The first chapter sucked. It wasn't like I had been planning it to turn it into at all. I had wanted to write more of a monologue on how conflicted Shino was, but that never got put into that chapter.

Which is why I'm putting it in this chapter, to start it off!

I'm going to have to warn you, if you've read my Death Note Matt/Mello fic, Runner's High, you'll be familiar with how I decided to start it off–with a dream. It might not be as vulgar as in Runner's High, because I want to keep it at least a little more tasteful, but it might get a bit raunchy, depending on how you view and use that term.

The song title this chapter's named after is "Touch", respectively. I recommend the song to you guys. I can't help but sing along with it. If you like metal-sounding songs, you'd probably like this song. Check it out on the youtube. :D

I'm sure a lot of people are disappointed by how fugly I made Shino in this story. I have to disagree. I think I made him cute. xD I think it's nice to see stories in which the male characters aren't all prettier than women and sexy as hell. Which is why I think his whole goatee, half-hair combo is adorable. And fitting for Shino, oddly enough. I mean, can you see Shino being the sexiest character in that show? I think the only thing he'd be able to make sexy would be his facial features and eyes. That'd be about it. Other than that, a goatee and half-hair would fit him perfectly! Not all guys can be how you want them to be, and Shino is no exception.

(Even though I laugh every time I try to imagine to what he'd end up looking like. Can you imagine if his hair was naturally like that? How his children would look? Or better yet, if TenTen's hair was naturally in the buns? They'd have bald children with the only hair on their heads being those dang buns!)

Hopefully this new image of him will tickle your fancies and be a bit easier on your minds' eyes. (He's a WILD MAN. Ha ha.)

One Step Closer Away
Part Two–Touch

He'd been having such a nice dream, that is, until she appeared. The way she moved, the way she looked at him–it was setting him on edge! He was trying his best, using this lucid dream to its full potential, trying his hardest to keep it clean. That is, until she let her hair down. She let it down, running her hand through her hair and tossing her head back, topping off the entire image with a smile.

Needless to say, it didn't stay clean much longer after that.

Right in the middle of watching her chest rise and fall beneath him, there was the sound of bullhorn blaring, and he shot up, rubbing the side of his head. He groaned, realizing he was rubbing his hairless side, and he shot a glare over to his father, who was looking proud of himself.

"Shino, it's time to wake up! You've got a big day ahead of you!"

Shino groaned, finding his hair this time and running his fingers through it. "Dad…I hardly do anything these days after our training ended for the most part. Kurenai-sensei hardly even makes us go on missions… Can't I sleep in?"

"Who's TenTen?"

His eyes widened, his cheeks flared. "Wh-What!?"

His father gave him a cool smile, clearing his throat suggestively. "You were saying her name in your sleep…"

Shino groaned again, wiping his hand over his face this time. "Shit. Dad, TenTen's…just…aggravating. It's not really important and I'm not really interested in her…"

His father's eyebrows rose and he stood up, leaving the room. "Well…you sure sounded interested… Come on, breakfast is on the table."

Shino grimaced, knowing his father's cooking was absolute garbage. Ever since his mother had died, his father had been trying to fill the void she left behind and failing miserably. He cooked like a well-seasoned screw-up, and he gave advice like someone who tried too hard, and he tried his hardest to be there for him by cutting his hair–something his mother was actually good at. And worst of all–he kept trying to make up for his mother's touchy-feely nature.

The only things he was glad about his mother not being around anymore were instances like this. It was so much easier having a dad to talk to than a mom when these sort of…disturbances…popped up. And pop up they did. He'd even caught himself dreaming about Tsunade-sama, for crying out loud!

He didn't even know why he was dreaming about TenTen. He dreamed about most of the girls–even Hinata had fallen prey to his lecherous male mind. But this was the first instance of TenTen. Usually he didn't even give her a second glance. He stood, off to go take a cold shower.

As he showered, he eyed his father's razor with interest. After what felt like forever, he got out of the shower and went to the sink. "It's not anything she said, Shino…" he whispered. "It's not anything she said; you just thought it was worth a try is all! You're not trying to impress her; she's a bit crazy in the head and likes teasing you… Is there a chance that you're trying to impress her? Of course not. She's not even worth the time of day. So there."

And he did it.

He walked out of the bathroom all dressed in his normal pants and a plain black t-shirt, off across the house to the kitchen. His father was burning whatever it was–was that rice and eggs?—and Shino couldn't help but wonder if his dad had woken him up in the middle of that dream on purpose. He couldn't blame him–any more of that and he would've gone crazy.

His dad took one look at him and dropped the spoon in his hands. "Shino…what did you do to your hair?"

Shino groaned, pumping himself up again. It wasn't for her. Besides, she wouldn't even know about it. She wouldn't see it, just like he wouldn't see her all day. "It's called a mohawk, dad. I just felt it would look better than what it was before. At least it looks like an actual style, now…"

His father's jaw dropped. "Shino, I thought you liked your hair the way it was! You said you didn't want me to try and fix it!"

Shino nodded, sitting down at the table. "Exactly. I was afraid you'd mess it up and I'd have to shave the whole thing off… I don't want to walk around bald…"

His father cleared his throat, trying to assert his control over the boy. "Right…but you're still not allowed to do anything to your facial hair! That's my job, as your personal barber…"

He sighed, putting his head in his hands. "I know, Dad… I wasn't planning on getting rid of the goatee…" He sighed, looking at the food. "What are we eating today?"

His father looked at the dish, sighing. "Well…the technical term is eggs with rice, but ash-flavored garbage will work just as well…"

Shino sighed, looking at him. "I suppose take-out would also work?"

His father nodded, tossing the food in the garbage. "Right. That would work just as well, too…" He went over to his son, holding out his arms. "You're such a smart boy."

Shino groaned, feeling stupid again. "Dad…you don't have to do that… I know I'm smart without you showering me with hugs…"

"So be it." His father turned around, not looking nearly as hurt as one who enjoyed being touchy-feely would have looked. "It's times like these I wish your mother was still here with us…"

Shino nodded. "Yeah. Take-out's gotten old…"

His father started to laugh. "That's true. It's gotten very old. How about we go out to eat this time. How does Korean barbeque sound?"

Shino looked at him, standing to go find his coat. "Only Chouji eats Korean barbeque for breakfast, Dad…"

His father gave him a bright smile. "All the better! I haven't spoken to his father in a while. Hopefully we'll meet up with him there!"

––––––––––––––––

That's how he ended up here…in this dump. It looked tacky: the walls were all deep green, the floor a puke yellow. It made him want to barf just looking at it. And the food! Why had his father picked this place of all places!? They weren't in any money trouble! THis wasn't the Korean barbeque place, either! Where the hell were they? Were they still in Konoha?

"Shino, I don't see why you feel the need to wear all those layers. You should be like your old man and show off your chest. The ladies love chest hair!"

Shino sighed, trying to ignore it. If there was one thing he hated, it was the fact that his father acted like he was on the market at all hours of the day…despite the fact that he wasn't planning on settling down with another woman any time soon. His father patted him on the back again, clamping his hand over a shoulder.

"Shino, it's time you found a girl. I'm sorry, son, but these dreams have become more frequent lately. You're getting older now, and I think you should start dating. You have my permission."

Shino glared. If he'd had any interest, he'd have asked for permission years ago. The simple fact of the matter was he had too many things on his mind right now to worry about girls. He had Hinata to help support, Kiba to get under control…not to mention there was that whole…bug…issue…that made girls view him like a walking case of crabs… In short, he didn't see himself on the market at the moment.

"Can I help you?"

The two men looked up to see TenTen standing there, grinning, behind the counter. She had her hair pulled back into a single bun for once, and she was wearing an apron. She locked eyes with Shino's, through his sunglasses, and winked.

"I believe you get a discount for being an acquaintance, Shino."

His father looked at him, pleased and surprised all at once. "Well, Shino, why don't you introduce me to your friend?"

Shino grumbled, knowing this wouldn't end well.

She smiled, holding her hand out to him. "You must be Shino's father." He took it, giving her a nice, firm handshake. "I'm TenTen."

His father's eyebrows rose, and a smile soon graced his lips. He didn't let go of TenTen's hand; instead, he turned to Shino, that smile turning almost humored. "Oh, so you're the TenTen my son was talking about last night…"

Shino turned beet red, putting a hand to his face and groaning. "Dad…please don't do what I think you're going to–"

"TenTen, how would you like to try dating my son?"

TenTen laughed, grabbing her hand away from his father and putting it over Shino's, catching his eyes through those sunglasses. "I'm sorry, but I think Shino is…nice…but I prefer the boys I date to have a full head of hair." She chuckled to herself and set herself to going over and getting an elderly couple's order.

His father looked at him, puzzled. "Now how did she know you have only half a head of hair? You're covered head to foot in coats!"

"It's a long story…and I'd prefer not to talk about it…"

He shot Shino a sly smile, twiddling his thumbs. "Hmmm…aggravating and not really important, eh? I see what you're saying, son."

Shino sighed, glad to see he finally saw things his way.

"You're a prude!

He gaped, turning back to his father and whispering hoarsely. "Dad! I am not a prude! I'm a gentleman! There's a big difference!"

His father quirked a brow. "Gentleman or not, you'll never get a chance to act like one or the other if you keep up with this celibate act…" He turned to him, serious. "Shino, I really think you should try dating."

"I'm almost eighteen, Dad, I don't need you telling me what to do."

"Eighteen and you haven't started dating, Shino? For someone who claims they aren't a prude…you sure do act like one." His eyes shot back to TenTen, who was looking immensely amused. She smiled, clearing her throat and turning to his father, eyeing the boy out of the corner of her eye.

"Anything I can help you with?" She winked, and Shino just about lost it and bolted for the door.

"Eggs with rice. Two orders."

She nodded, glancing at Shino and biting her lip. "I suppose he's ordering for you?" When he simply nodded, she leaned back a bit, crossing her arms over her chest. "Anything I can get to quench your thirst, or are you thinking about going the rest of the day dry?"

He narrowed his eyes, knowing what she was playing. That was the one thing that was the most help–he knew what TenTen was getting at and how to resist it. He was just about sick of her innuendos, though. "A glass of milk."

Se smiled, glad he'd set himself up. She leaned over, quirking a brow. "I think I can help you with that. But babies go into the back room for breast-feeding…"

He glared, standing up. "Geez! What is wrong with your head? Is everything one big sexual innuendo to you? Dad, cut it back to one order. I've lost my appetite!" As he stormed out of the building, he couldn't help but get the faint sound of her laughter out of his head. What was her problem? Could she not see he wasn't interested??

He stormed away, throwing his hood down and taking his sunglasses off. He removed his two coats, folding them over his arm. She was even wrong about him being more recognizable without his coats on. He'd show her; no one would recognize him and he'd just turn invisible.

He stormed by the tree, stopping for a moment when he saw Hinata leaning against it, looking a bit upset. He went to her, concerned. "Hinata?"

She turned her eyes to him and her demeanor changed completely. Instead of it becoming slightly relieved, it became only more distraught. Her eyebrows rose, she looked at him anxiously. "Y-Yes? H-How do you know my name?"

He cleared his throat: it was a success. "Get out of here. You're violating…er…tree-leaning laws…"

She accepted the lie, leaving promptly. He didn't really care why she was upset right now. He'd deal with that later. Now, he'd just settle for becoming invisible. He went behind the tree, taking a spot in the cool shade. Tossing his coats to the side and folding his sunglasses up and placing them on the pile of clothes, he settled in, eager for a long moment where he could be absolutely alone.

That moment was not long at any length. What he'd hoped would be a five hour stretch of complete relaxation only turned out to be three hours. And then, lo and behold, the bringer of his stress padded up next to him. His eyes had been closed, and he'd heard someone approach, but he refused to take any notice. That is, until she whispered right in his ear.

"I thought I'd find you here."

He shot up like a rocket, ready to bolt. She looked up at him, looking worse for wear, and he looked back down at her, expecting her to try something. She didn't; instead, she sat back against the tree, sighing a little.

"Oh, don't be like that, Shino. You know I was just messing with you back there. How could I not? You were in front of your father. That's like gold for me…"

He eyed her a moment, seeing how she didn't seem to have any ulterior motives, and took a spot beside her, warily. "…Why were you working there, anyway?"

She shrugged, putting the back of her hand to her forehead tiredly. "Free food." He gave her a look, and she glanced at him, her tone breaching sarcastic. "The wonderful dental plan and flexible work hours. Why do you think? For the money, of course."

She sighed again, leaning forward and stretching her back muscles. "Sorry. Don't mean to be rude. I'm just tired and your father refused to pay so he worked it off by working in the kitchen washing dishes. In the end, the manager figured it would be worth more to just let him have the free meal than to let him handle anymore of the bowls, since they shattered too easily. Your father's a bit of a pain. I'm starting to see why you get so aggravated with him." She looked up at him, smiling a little. "By the way, I see you took my advice. Your hair looks nicer now."

He turned red, looking away. "I didn't take your advice. I just figured it'd look nicer."

"Well, it does…"

She started undoing the tie in her hair, and he looked back at her, stuttering. "Wh-What are you doing?"

She gave him a look, struggling with the tie. "I'm letting my hair down. What does it look like I'm doing? It feels like my skin's all stretched I had it pulled too tight. I have a pounding head-ache and this hair isn't helping at any rate. She got it down, giving a sigh of relief and running her hand through it, getting the kinks out. She flipped it back, running her hand through it again, her head feeling ten times less like someone was pounding on it with a hammer. He grabbed her arm, biting his lip.

"What are you doing?"

He leaned over, crushing their lips together, his hands reaching for her hair, sturggling to find something to hold onto. She received him eagerly, and soon he was probing her mouth, getting a taste of her. Finally, after what felt like forever, he pulled back, taking a deep breath. She stared at him, looking for words, but found none.

He went red, and twisted his fingers together anxiously. "Uh…so…"

Without even hearing him, she gasped, sitting up straight. "Oh my god! What time is it??" For a while she sat there, surveying her surrounding, until she realized she probably had to go. She leaned over, capturing his lips in a kiss, before standing to her feet. "I have to go." She looked at him, giving him a wink. "You should surprise me like that more often. Same place, same time."

And like that, she ran off. He looked at his hands, finding a few strands of her shoulder-length brown hair tangled between his fingers. He closed his fist, gritting his teeth.

Damn it. What had he gotten himself into?