Chapter 10 - Reconciliation

"Welcome Sandaime-sama," Shibi and Kaho gave a bow to the third Hokage. Shino, gripping onto the trailing ends of his father's dress coat, tried to follow his parent's example and bowed as you would expect a 2 ½ year old to do.

"An unexpected honor," Kaho said respectfully.

The Third bowed back and gave a glance down, smiling warmly, "My, he's getting big,"

Shino hid behind his dad's leg.

It was Spring festival time again, and just two weeks before Sakuya and Ussa's second child had been born. The little boy, who had been named Uschi (((Ooo-she))) was already claimed by Yetetteru.

"Are you sure you don't want me to hold him now? He's pretty heavy, you must be tired," Sakuya said coaxingly to her daughter.

The little boy babbled some noises and tried to grab Yesetteru's sunglasses.

"No mom, I'm fine," She said with resolve, adjusting both her glasses and Uschi's position in her arms. Uschi was a big armful to the five year old sister, but she didn't seem to care.

"Heh," Ussa laughed, "Careful don't drop him!"

"I'm not," She said back.

"Hummm," He grumbled.

"I'm being careful!"

Sakuya rolled her eyes, and held out a sleeve. Out flew a cloud of her kikaichu, who picked up Uschi from Yesetteru. She pouted and fought back at first, but then realized trying to outmaneuver her mother's kikai bugs was futile. Uschi was deposited back safely in her arms. Various nearby guests about for the Spring Festival all stared at her.

"Sorry for the interruption," Sakuya bowed to them respectfully.

They murmured to each other, some amused, others intrigued. A few first-time visitors who had never seen an Aburames kikaichu were a little scared and shocked. But anyone who willingly stepped past the clan doors for the Spring Festival was definitely not a bug hater or scared of the Aburame Clan.

"How are things going for you as sole Hokage again," Kaho asked.

He sighed, "I thought I was mostly retired with Yondaime around," He laughed slightly, then got serious again, "He was to protect this village for may years to come. He went far before his time, but died protecting the people of this village he loved so much. I know he used to come to your festival almost every year, I feel ashamed I never really did as often and I want to keep up his tradition."

Just then, four figures walked through the clan doors Shibi had never seen at the Spring Festival.

"Mikoto and Fugaku-dono," Shibi said with surprise to the Uchiha clan 'leaders'. Their clan did not have leaders as the Aburame Clan did, but more like figureheads. Fugaku was seen as an example because he was head of the Konoha Military Police Force, which was run by the Uchiha.

"Sorry to intrude," Fugaku and his wife bowed, "We were on our way to a celebration of our own, but as we walked by my younger son insisted we stop. He's nosy and needs to learn some manners." A little dark -haired boy looked around with interest and hid behind his older brother's leg.

"It's no intrusion, the Spring Festival is open to anyone who wants to celebrate the return of the insects for Spring." Kaho replied.

"I have no interest in your festival, hence my apologies." He said flatly.

Shibi's face fell into a not too pleasant look, which was completely hidden as most of his expressions were.

"Where were you going by any chance?" Sandaime asked, looking to the man's two sons.

"A coming of age celebration for my son Itachi, he's already mastered the sharingan at the age of 8."

"Ohh? Did you now?" The Third look at Itachi, "Very impressive."

"Thank you Hokage-sama," He bowed slightly, "It's my dream to lead Konoha's ANBU forces, I feel I could make many improvements," Itachi smiled.

"Very ambitious child isn't he?" The Third beamed.

"We're very proud," Mikoto nodded.

"He could be one of the strongest Uchiha in history if he keeps this up,"

As they talked, Shino struck a glance towards the other child that seemed near his age, who was staring right back at him. Both were thinking about the similar collars each of their jackets had, except Shino's was far larger and covered his mouth, so that Sasuke was just looking into his blue eyes framed by his poofy head of hair. Shino bent over and picked up a large lady-bug like beetle from a blade of grass in front of him. Sasuke starred, then tugged on Itachi's pants leg to try and get his attention.

"Don't interrupt Sasuke," Fugaku frowned.

"Say hello Sasuke-kun, be polite," Mikoto smiled warmly.

"Hello," He said small-ly.

"Hello," Shino said back.

"Your son looks about Shino's age," Kaho said.

"Perhaps," he replied. Fugaku seemed a little uncomfortable and antsy, "We really should be going,"

They exchanged bows, and left.

As soon as Sandaime was out of earshot and talking with other people, Kaho said with a sneer to her husband, "Awfully short wasn't he?"

"Fugaku-dono was never one for niceties." Shibi sighed dejectedly. He then added softly, "And anyone is short compared to you."

"Hahaaa," Kaho laughed lightly, enough to make her kikaichu buzz, "Very observant of you dear."

"Not a problem."

"Seriously though, that was terrible."

"I promise never to use that joke again."

"If you must."

"Daddy, look," Shino broke their banter and held up the red beetle, "Ladee-bug,"

"That's an Endomychus coccineus, false ladybird beetle, it looks like a ladybug but it's not." Shibi corrected him in a positive tone.

"Oh," Shino looked disappointed.

"It is okay, as it is hard to tell them apart and you're still learning."

Shino smiled.

Kaho kneeled down to be at eye level with Shino, which was a pretty far distance. She said in a gentle playful way, "Hey, that other child seemed to like you, maybe you made a friend?"

Shino shook his head.

"No?"

"He looked at me funnee."

"Well, next time you meet some kids and they look at you funny, try going and introducing yourself. I'm sure it's just because they don't know you."

"Reely?"

"Indeed."

Shino nodded.

"Were those Uchiha I saw?" Kuroji asked as he walked up.

"Ah. Although apparently they did not come for the festival." Shibi replied.

"Of course not," Kuroji said with a sarcastic tone, "I can't remember the last time any Uchiha, or Hyuga, stepped foot near our clan willingly."

"Now now Kuroji, be respectful, The Uchiha protect the village with the police force and the Hyuuga are considered 'The strongest in Konoha' by many." Kaho said, but not with much heart, as if reciting from a book.

"Tch," Kuroji felt his skin crawl. Our clan was a founder of Konoha the same as the Uchiha and Hyuga, he thought, we are strong ninja and with unique, secret techniques, work hard to protect our village, and yet we get almost no respect or recognition from people.

"You seem awfully distempered Spider-lover. What's wrong? Caught nothing in your web for breakfast?" Shibi said jestingly.

Kuroji leaned over and looked right into his sunglasses with a fangy grin, "Why don't you come by my house and we can remedy that?"

"Stop it, both of you," She made sure no one was looking, and gave each of them a flick to the forehead as if punishing little children.

Shibi flinched and groaned. Kuroji dejectedly rubbed his forehead for a moment, then put his hands back in his pockets of his long, dark jacket.

"Good evening father, Shibi and Kaho-sama," Yusuro said as she came up. She looked very dashing in her dress jacket, which had a multi-layered, zippered vest front and flowing, dusty red-to-black silk pants. Inuzuka Hina was on her arm, she was also dressed up for the festival in about as formal wear you can imagine a wild Inuzuka wearing.

"Konbonwa Kuroji-san," Hina bowed.

He bowed back.

"Did I just see Kaho-san punish you two? What were you doing?" Hina laughed, quickly quickly breaking the formal atmosphere.

Kuroji grumbled.

"Oh you saw that?" Kaho said with a nervous laugh.

Yusuro smiled coyly.

"It was nothing," Shibi replied.

"Hum," Yusuro looked away.

Meanwhile, Shen was showing some newly emerged luna moths to some guests, who were intrigued. These large, light green moths had long trailing ends of their wings that were like feathers. Luna moths were his absolute favorite, but he was inclined to all moths in general.

"Look at him, with 10 all clinging to him at once," Jima almost chuckled, looking over to Tao. She stood leaning against a blooming cherry blossom, her kikai gourd biwa lute in one hand down at her side. She had been playing earlier that afternoon with Yusuro, who was now a pretty skilled at the koto instrument, compared to just two years ago.

"They do seem to get along," Tao replied.

"I get along well with crickets and cicadas myself." She paused, "What insect are you partial to Tao?" She said with a smile. Ever since they had come to a mutual understanding and officially started dating, Tao had found Jima to be quite more 'friendly'. Perhaps because she felt she could be more open with him. It was a similar situation with Kaho and Shibi, where a side hidden from the world was opened up to just that one, close person.

"I don't think I have a 'favorite'," He leaned onto his cane, "I like all insects."

"Not one you like a little more?"

"…" He tilted his head.

"Maybe a species you get along with well, or admire for a certain trait?"

"…well…" he thought, "Perhaps, you could say I like phasmatodea a little more than the others then."

"Stick insets?" She said a little surprised, using the common name for the order of insects he mentioned.

"They make for some interesting conversation, and you have to really admire their camouflage. An enemy could walk right by them, and never know they are there. They don't just blend in; they become part of their surroundings."

"That is true."

"…"

"Thanks,"

"…thanks?"

"For telling me."

"Why wouldn't I tell you?"

"I don't know. Just, thanks," She looked at him.

He ran a hand onto her shoulder.

"Heh" Tesuro smirked to himself, catching Jima and Tao stealing a kiss behind the cherry blossom tree. Typical nosy 12 year old.

What is it?

His kikaichu questioned.

"Jima and Tao seemed to have gotten really friendly with one another," he replied.

They churred lowly as if giggling.

"Kaho! Hey!" A familiar face ran up suddenly. Other Aburames around all struck her a sight disapproving glance for running.

"Juri-san?" Kaho blinked in happy surprise.

"It's been what, forever?" She smiled.

"It has!"

"I was thinking last week, I really should go see Kaho and check how she is, then I remembered the Spring Festival!"

"It is nice to see you again, Juri-san," Shibi said calmly.

"Oh where are my manners," You both here gussied up in clan royalty attire and me running up without greeting you all, she thought. She bowed respectfully, "The festival is beautiful Kaho and Shibi-sama."

Shino looked up at the strange woman who seemed to know his mom.

"Honey, geeze," A man came up panting, "You suddenly bolted, what is it?" He looked up to see four pairs of sunglasses staring at him. He paused for a moment, maybe slightly intimidated, but then bowed, not taking his eyes off them, "Konbonwa," he said slowly.

"Ryo, stop it," She rolled her eyes.

"Have we been introduced?" Kaho asked.

"Kaho, this is Ryo, my husband."

He bowed, "A pleasure."

"You got married?" Kaho's jaw dropped.

"Remember when I sent you that letter saying I was moving in with my sister for a while in the Sand country?"

"Oh, so this happened…?"

"While I was there, right!"

"My,"

"That's why you never heard about it, I'm sorry you couldn't come to the wedding."

Kuroji gave a confused, 'who ARE these people' look to Yusuro, who shrugged.

Shino tugged on his mother's coat trails, "Mommy…?"

"Oh!" Juri lookd down, "Who is…is this one yours?!"

Kaho bent down and hoisted up Shino in her arms, "Shino, what did I tell you we say when we meet new people?"

"Hello," He said, trying to hide in his collar.

"He is too cute!" Juri swooned, "Spitting image of his father," she grinned at Shibi.

Shibi almost blushed, if that was something Shibi did.

Not too long after they were bowing goodbye, and the sun was beginning to set.

"…must I ask?" Kuroji finally spoke up as they were walking.

"That was my roommate back when I liked in an apartment on the West side."

"OH," He said in a 'now it all makes sense," tone.

"I'm sorry, I was just so happy to see her I forgot to tell you. I have not seen her since our wedding."

That seems like yesterday, Shibi thought.

…

…

…

Darkness fell, the fireflies were there as usual to send off the guests and bring in the night. A cool breeze blew, quieting the katydids.

…

Shibi heard the creaking of their room door being carefully open and shut. Kaho walked over to the bed and slid herself onto it.

"Shino's asleep." She said softly.

"…are you sure?"

She nodded, "Actually asleep."

"…"

"I'm not tired…are you?"

"A little," He put looked at the mission report in his hand.

She scooted herself behind him and slipped a hand under the front of his shirt. Her fingers, about as smooth as you can expect from a seasoned shinobi, ran delicately down his chest.

He smirked gently, "Well, perhaps not that tired." He said in insect language.

She burrowed her face into the crook of his neck, "I've missed us."

"It has been a while hasn't it?"

"Having a kid does that."

"Ah."

"…I have a little bit of a surprise for you."

"?"

She extended her arm; a swarm of her kikaichu flew out and disappeared. They soon came back in through the door carrying a two inch-tall, lidded ceramic jar with a mini wooden spoon stuck in its handle.

She let her words speak through her actions. Her push and posture on his body clearly spoke to him to lie down, take off his shirt, and let her have her way with him. He readily complied. Sitting over him, she dipped the tiny spoon into the jar and drizzled some of the amber-clearish substance onto his chest.

"Is that...honey?" He questioned silently.

"Its clover honey, so it's a little closer to nectar consistency."

What is she up to? He mused.

She got off him and began toying with getting off his pants. Just then the distinctive clawed feet of a cetoniinae-family beetle was felt on Shibi's skin. He glanced down and soon a few more had buzzed in the cracked window and landed on him. These 2-3 inch long, scarab-type beetles loved to feed on the nectar of flowers, and could often be seen slowly buzzing about the Aburame clan flower gardens. They were calm in temperament and fairly intelligent. Most had lovely, bright colors and patterns on their carapaces (that looked like someone had splatter painted them with paint) substantial, clawed feet, and 'fuzzy'- short antenna like that on Kikai bugs.

They gently began lapping up the sweet liquid. Shibi looked over at Kaho, who was discarding his pants next to her clothes. The sensation of the beetles' clawed feet as they crawled around and their mouth parts nibbling on his skin was more than congenial. As she availed herself to licking at some of the nectar that had been drizzled on his neck, she could hear the soft sound of his breathing shifting from normal to aroused. It shuttered from his lungs and his skin began to vibrate.

"You like that?" She asked softly, still speaking in the silent insect language.

"Ahhh…!" He let a soft moan escape from his lips. It more than answered her question.

The 7-or so beetles on his chest kept about happily with their free meal. As they drank off the most of the nectar, they had to work a little harder into his skin to make sure they got every last bit. His kikaichu underneath, who were already buzzing about from their host's excitement, vibrated and voiced caution to the interlopers to be careful with their master's body.

"Mmm…" Kaho easily let herself get lost in teasing Shibi's neck with her tongue. His kikaichu could sense her smooth, sweet-flavored, aroused chakra. They wanted to get a taste of it as badly as he wanted to tackle Kaho, but where as Shibi was more controlled than that, his kikaichu were not. Many broke free and buzzed about them in swirling arcs, crawling all over her and nibbling at her chakra.

Something a lot of people don't know is that chakra in humans changes with mood and emotion. Aburames host to kikaichu soon learn what all the flavors and textures are, as their kikaichu sometimes will try to explain to them what the different emotions taste like.

The flavor of some can cause kikai bugs to get overly excited when those emotions become too fevered. They can become unruly to their host or won't listen, breaking free when not ordered to or buzzing about intensely with discontentment, causing pain to their host.

Normal, or neutral, chakra has no specific flavor, but feels calm and safe. The best way to describe it is like clean cold water or fresh vegetables. Aburames strive to maintain this neutral chakra type most often as kikaichu feel content with it. Hence the main (but not only) reason for the apparent lack of emotion in Aburames. Some kikaichu are more excitable than others, so Aburames like Shibi are more subdued than Aburames like Sakuya.

As for emotions, each has its own feel and flavor. Sadness is cold, sometimes sour, gamey, or bitter, but always unsettling, like strong mint. Excitement is 'sweet 'n' salty' or 'sweet 'n' sour' in a pleasing and stimulating way. Jealously is simply bitter, and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. Fear is disturbingly tasteless and numb, with a lukewarm temperature and a grating texture, like nails and talcum on a chalkboard. Happiness is softly sweet and warm, like candy and fresh-baked apple crisp; and feels like clean, hot dried clothes.

Similarly, aroused chakra is hot, sweet, and a little spicy - but also smooth, leaving one hungry for more. However, it can be rather jarring with its strength and intensity of flavor.

"AhhHHhh!"

Kaho had lured the beetles by dripping some of the nectar on a part of Shibi that was just as excited as his kikaichu by this point. They moved to their new location and lapped up the nectar, so Kaho was able to play with his chest in their vacating it.

"Kaho…" He moaned softly, "Don't tease me…"

"I'm not the one doing the teasing, am I?" She glanced at the beetles.

He made a sound in response that was the Shibi equivalent of a whimper.

"Mmmm," She let her mouth play with his skin. His kikaichu were buzzing about in looping swirls coming from off his arms and shoulders. Their flying patterns reflected their master's sounds and movement. With every body jerk and tensed hand, they reacted like a flock of birds in unison.

Shibi twitched his body in response against Kaho's actions after she migrated down to where the beetles had been lured. It wasn't too long until Shibi gave into her.

"Heh," She smiled at the beetles, "Thanks for coming by,"

They churred lowly, a few cleaning their antennae. They then all unfurled their hard wing covers and flew out the window.

You had prearranged this… he thought to himself.

She nestled down under the blanket, her upper torso draped on top of him.

"We're not done yet," He rolled over and placed himself on top over her.

She smiled with satisfaction, "More?"

He grinned in response, I want to hear you moaning in pleasure as well…

…

…

…

Shen saw some cetoniinae beetles fly by him as he gave his goodnights to Kuroji and his kin. Tesuro and his father walked into their house as Yusuro said goodnight to Hina, sending her off.

Tesuro walked past his father, making his way upstairs to bed.

Kuroji was quite tired as well, and also decided to made it an early night. Just as Yusuro was walking in side he called over to her flatly, "Oyasumi,"

"Oyasumi…" Yusuro echoed, trailing off her voice, she then quickly questioned, "Father?"

"?" He stopped on the stairs and turned his head back at her.

"There was something, I wanted to discuss with you."

He came back down and stood in front of her, waiting for her to continue.

She paused then said, "You know my teammate Inzuka Hina?"

"Of course, you train together often and she has been by the clan multiple times."

"Right, well…we are really close friends."

He nodded.

"…and…" She fidgeted her hands in her coat's pockets, "Didn't she look nice today? In her dress clothes? Not as unkempt as usual. She is really intelligent and respectful, even if her attire doesn't' always reflect that."

"It was a good look for her, yes."

"…"

"…"

"Was that all?"

"No…" She sighed, and took a breath, "Me and Hina-san, are...seeing each other."

"Alright."

"…"

"…"

"No, I mean seeing each other. Going out."

"…"

"Like a boyfriend and girlfriend. Only, girlfriend and girlfriend."

He continued to stare at her like a black clothed statue.

"Don't just STARE at me father, say something!" Geeze, I know you're not one for words but please, just this one don't give me the silent treatment.

"…if you are looking for my approval, then…yes, that's fine I guess."

She smiled in disbelief.

"Hina is a little…noisy, but she's a strong and hard working shinobi. And you seem to get along…despite how…different the Inzuka clan is from us."

She still wasn't sure if he understood, "I don't think you, quite understand what I meant. We are sleeping together…romantically." She couldn't help but have a bit of blush creep over the edge of her collar.

He shifted his posture, "It really doesn't matter to me what gender your mate is, you're practically an adult, fend for yourself, and can make your own decisions. As long as I approve of them…and you don't keep me up at night."

She grinned nervously, "Thank you father."

"Now, about keeping my up, I seem to recall you also brining home some other females in this past year that were not Hina."

She jumped as if stung by a bee, "W…what?"

"There were two or three I think. And I didn't just know this because my spiders saw you and told me so, but I remember being woken up as well."

She blushed like mad, "Why did you…not mention this to me?"

He paused, then said, "A web-weaving spider's best strategy is to be patient, and lie in wait for things to come to it. Then the catch will be all the more enjoyable when it falls right into its trap."

Yusuro pouted, Damn his irrefutable logic.

He grinned, "Now then, oyasumi," He began walking back up, "And if I am ever woken up again, I will not be so forgiving."

She bowed, "Yes father. Oyasumi."

He disappeared upstairs.

Yusuro breathed, but smiled, I love you too dad.

Just to clarify if you forgot/ didn't know, Hina is an older older sister of Kiba's (that I created). Hana at this point would only be 8 years old. :)