Shisui, once again, for Thyme Spirit!
Disclaimer: I suppose since these are required, I must say, "I do not own anything of this fic but the idea!"
xxiv — tender II
"Don't tell me there was a third present," an exasperated Kagome yelled as the dark-haired young man led her through the tall grasses.
He wasted no time in the matter, his fingers steadfast over her thin wrist as he guided her across the road-less path under the setting, orange-golden sun's watch.
"Or at least slow down," pleaded the female once she realized he wasn't going to answer her anytime soon. "Not all of us have ninja feet here!"
"Just keep up for a bit longer, Birthday Girl," Shisui quipped, turning back momentarily to smile at her.
"Fine," Kagome conceded, though she couldn't resist lifting the elusive corners of her mouth. I wonder what else he's got up his sleeve?
.
.
.
"Kagome," began Shisui in a solemn tone as he faced her, his complexion hued a near-indiscernible pink shade. "I…"
She arched a brow at his abnormally coy demeanor, unfamiliar with an Uchiha Shisui that wasn't speaking with total aplomb and ease. "Hai," she urged.
"Well…" he trailed off as he lowered his concentrated gaze.
"Shisui," the young woman deadpanned, "we've been standing in the middle of this forest for about two hours now. What is it?"
He raised up a single finger to her. "Just wait."
"For wh—"
"For the fireflies to come out."
"Nani?"
"Their numbers are the most abundant in this approximate area, according to an Aburame." After quick consideration Shisui expanded, "And the lights they exude are especially vibrant."
Kagome cocked her head to the side, her arms folded under her chest. "I don't get it," she intoned with a befuddled expression.
The shinobi sighed and closed his eyes. He proceeded to bring up the knuckles of his fist to his forehead.
"Look," he confessed, "when the scenery is at its best is when I'm going to pop the question and ask you to be my girl. That's why we're waiting here for those damned fireflies."
Quietude greeted his ears, then—
"Aren't I—w-well… I'm your girl already, right?" responded Kagome, her candid question sounding innocuous enough.
Shisui opened his eyes to see her sporting a blush much more colorful than his own.
"I mean, if I'm not… then—then what was that kiss from earlier for?" she tacked on in a sheepish fashion while twiddling her thumbs behind her back.
It was precisely then that those all-knowing fireflies decided to spring up around and between them.
Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart.
—Ruth Graham
Author's Note: Ah, sweet young love…