Koishii (Beloved) Part XVIIII

By: Rylolynn

This is the sequel to Shadow of Hinata continuing after Shino and Hinata's first kiss.

Summary: Hinata and Shino share an empathic bond that is tied to their feelings for each other. (If the premise sounds familiar it is loosely based on Imzadi.)

Team 8 are now all Chuunin ranked ninja. (Timeline wise, Tsunade is Hokage, Naruto is away training, Sauske is a expletive who ran away with Orochimaru—basically a little before the Shipuuden series, pre-time-skip.)

Warning: lovey dovey fluff, WAF (warm and fuzzy) prolly a little angsty too. Takes a different direction then the canon and now some fluffiness.

A/N: Imzadi belongs to Peter David, Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Italics: Thoughts

Koishii (Beloved/yearned for)

Shitawashii (Beloved/dear)

Otosan (Father)

Okasa (Mother)

Kami (God)

Junin (Seal)

Previously

Shino's intense hazel gaze found wide opal eyes peering through the soul of him.

"Marry me…

will you marry me?"

Chapter 19

Marriage was not uncommon among shinobi, even those with chuunin rank. They lived dangerous and potentially short lives.

While common villagers would wait to wed and have children, it was not always a luxury all shinobi could afford.

Safe, quick, easy missions that were few and far between could allow some shinobi semblance of a normal family life.

"A normal family life… what is that? Kiba grew up without a father, Shino and I grew up without a mother, Naruto… he—he lost both his parents.

So many young children have lost so much, just because they are the children of shinobi…

Does the title of shinobi succeed the title of all else?

Does it come before being a wife or a husband?

Shinobi live and die for their village…

Husband are lost…

wives are lost…

Being a shinobi and being married is complicated.

Marrying someone outside of your clan (especially when your clan is extremely exclusive) is complicated.

Being Clan Leader and marrying someone outside of your clan…"

"It's complicated…" Were the words that came out of Hinata's mouth.

Shino's face did not register any emotions.

"What was I thinking? I was too forward…we are too young…" The private and frantic thoughts raced in stoic young shinobi mind.

"I know…" Shino's voice was low.

"This was your mothers?" Hinata's voice was delicate as she traced her fingers over the intricate detail.

"She was a kunoichi…."

Shino knew what Hinata wanted to ask before she finished her sentence.

"Otosan inherited it from our family…." Shino studied the questioning look on the raven haired beauty in front of him.

"Many of the kunoichi in our clan retire when they begin their family. I guess we are very traditional when it comes to that aspect… but Okasa, she was," a wry smile broke Shino's lips, "well she was the one to tame the notorious Aburame Shibi."

Hinata found herself smiling with Shino's infectious smirk.

"She didn't quit being a kunoichi."

Nod.

"She wouldn't ware her ring on missions."

Nod.

"She didn't want to have anything to let her enemies know there was someone in her life that they could use as… 'leverage' was the word she used." Shino chukled lightly.

"You know when they argued Otosan would yell, 'Oh what do you care? All I am is 'leverage' to you!' So when I was really young I thought 'leverage' was a bad word."

Hinata wished he could have met the strong kunoichi that was Shino's mother.

"I wished you could have met her too."

"As a shinobi we must always hide weaknesses, even when in reality, they maybe our truest strengths. Why is it this way? Why is emotion not allowed?"

"They are allowed, just in secret."

It was Hinata's turn to smirk, "You mean like Kurenai-sensai and Asuma-san?"

Shino raised a handsome eyebrow.

"Don't tell me you're as dense as Kiba."

"No need to insult, I have known for sometime now."

"Koishii, it really is complicated…there are things…I-I have to do. There's Neji…" Hinata's voice trailed off and Shino was sure that if she wasn't carefully holding his mother's ring in her hand she would be poking her two index fingers together.

"Oh." Hinata caught her breath, realizing she was still holding the symbol of a promise she had yet to accept. She extended her hand to return the ring.

"Shitawashii, that is yours, it could never belong to anyone else."

Tears streamed down from pale colored eyes as Shino's solid form embraced her.

"Does it make you cry to think of marrying a bug-infested-freak like me?"

A choking laugh was muffled into Shino's shirt.

"Stop yelling at me I have tried every phone number I have, no one is answering their phone."

"I'm not yelling, dog-boy. You're not listening." Karoi patted Kiba on the head lightly.

"Relax fluffy, don't get your panties in a bunch… And just to let you know, growling at me won't help you find Hinata-chan."

The annoyed Inzunka glared at Karoi's perfect smile.

"She's probably with Shino, let's just go to his house."

"Kiba and a young Hyuuga woman are at the front door."

"Karoi?" Hinata's face lit with a smile while she made her way to greet them.

"We should have called first!" Kiba looked anxiously at the closed door.

"We did call. No one was picking up their phones. What are you so worried about anyway? That we are interrupting something?" Karoi waged her thick brows suggestively.

"Is everyone in Kohona a perv?"

"Look who's talking."

Shino's tall formed loomed over his two guests, who instantly quieted once the large door opened.

Karoi's perfect smile flashed again as she caught a glimpse of the new Hyuuga leader rush towards her for a full embrace.

"Hinata-chan it has been too long."

"Yes Karoi, it has. I-I'm truly sorry for that."

"It wasn't your fault. Your fa…"

The sadness on Hinata's face cut Karoi's sentence short.

"I'm sorry for your loss; anything you need from me I, I'll do my best to help."

"Karoi, this is Shino he is…a member of my team."

The taller Hyuuga noticed the blush that stained Hinata's face as she bowed to Shino.

"Please come inside." Shino stepped aside to let Kiba and Karoi in.

"I will make some tea please have a seat at the dinning table."

Hinata waited for Shino to return with the tea before she began.

"Kiba. Karoi. What is the situation regarding the branch members?"

"There doesn't seem to be any signs of unrest. Many regard you as a kind person, but some fear your shy nature is not suited for leadership." Karoi answered.

"I see. Kiba has there been any hints of a possible riot?"

"Once your sister gave word, I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary."

Hinata exhaled slowly. "I have already informed Neji, that it is my wish to remove the junin seal from the branch house."

Karoi unconsciously rubbed the hidden spot behind her long bangs.

"Hinata-chan is that even possible." Karoi's voice was a gentle whisper.

Kiba noticed that Karoi looked almost fragile; it was something that unnerved him.

"It will be difficult and I don't know how we will be able to help every member. Neji-oniisan will be the first…and if oniisan accepts…he will take my place as Hyuuga clan leader." Hinata looked at Shino who remained quite throughout the exchange.

"And I…I will join the Aburame clan." Hinata's left thumb traced the band on her ring finger.

Shino almost dropped the tea cup he was holding and Kiba bit his lip.

Hinata's eyes darted towards her koishii and wondered if he was breathing. She placed her hand on top of his and turned to face him.

"Yes, Shino, I will marry you."

A/n: TaDa! Another chapter.

Hope you liked it. Congrats Shino your woman said yes! Yeay!