#shibi angst
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The Road Not Taken - part 13
Shibi x female reader with a name - arranged marriage
Summary: Airi Nara seems a hopeless case, until her grandmother sets her up for an arranged marriage. But was marrying Shibi Aburame the right choice after all?
Masterlist ; Character sheet
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The track back to your cave isn’t long, but you have to tread carefully. The shadows seem alive around you, the darkness a beast, intent to swallow you whole.
You barely have any Chakra left when you leave some shadow clones scattered around the area, slip into the cave in the hopes of going unnoticed.
Iruka’s welcoming you with wide eyes, voice skittish.
“Where were you?” He asks. “Akane’s not doing good.”
You lean over her. She’s gotten a fever.
“I found the scroll. It took me some convincing to get it.”
You take one look at him, calculate the chance of someone attacking tonight.
“Get some rest.” You tell him. “I’ll take care of Akane. You’ll have to bear the brunt of any attack if it happens and we need you at your best.”
He doesn’t object, but you doubt he’s resting well, with danger licking at his heels and a dead comrade by his side.
Akane’s fever breaks two hours later and you allow your eyes to close - not to sleep, but to take a breathe and listen, to replenish your Chakra the best you can. It will be a difficult trek home. You’re not safe yet.
-.- Shibi -.-
He’s never been more glad to see the familiar walls of Konohagakure.
His gourd is strangely light on his shoulders, his Kikaichu decimated to the point that they all fit inside his body. It’s been a long time since he felt this empty.
“Ah, I’m looking forward to get home.” Kenji mutters, looking as exhausted as Shibi feels. “Toshiko’s not been feeling well lately. The pregnancy is freaking her out a little.”
“Has she talked to Airi?” He asks but is interrupted by his own Kikaichu before he can elaborate. His brows furrows and Kenji watches him with observant eyes.
“Everything good?”
“Hisoka has given birth. They’ve been waiting for our return to start the rituals. It seems to be a healthy girl.”
“Oh, that’s good.” Kenji laughs. “Hisoka was hoping for a girl. But you’re worried. What is it?”
“Airi isn’t home. Let’s check in first.”
“The Hokage-”
“The Hokage can wait.” Shibi orders curtly. Kenji follows him quietly.
-
His mother is working diligently at the kitchen table, teaching Torune how to fill capsules and press dried herbs into little pills.
Shino seems to be working on something similar, still clumsy in the way he handles the tools that are a little too big for him. It has always been his mothers approach to let children get acquainted with work as soon as possible.
Shino looks up, recognizes him and stubbornly lowers his head again.
Ah. It’s like that again.
Torune, however, jumps from his place at the table, draws as close as he dares to.
“Hello, Shibi-san.” The boy greets him calmly. “I’m glad you came home safely.”
“How was the mission?” Chiasa asks, eyeing him carefully. “How long will you have to stay put.”
Her question addresses the obvious lack of Kikaichu and he puts his gourd away, takes the few steps to the table and offers his hand to Shino who considers it for a second, before taking it, pressing his face against his arm for a second.
“Where’s Airi?” Shibi asks, directs the question at his mother.
“Left for a mission two days after you left. She’s supposed to be back today.”
“A mission? Why?”
“There was an aunty.” Torune points out. “From the Nara-Clan. She came in the morning and Mo- Airi had to make tea for her. She gave me breakfast and told me to eat with Shino in the living room and not come into the kitchen while the aunty was there.”
“It was the mean one.” Shino points out. “I tried to defend myself against her once and Mom didn’t like it. She’s very mean.”
“Who is?” Shibi asks. Shino looks up at him, blinks once as he recalls the name. “Yori. Mom called her Yori.”
Ah. He’s going to have to do something about that. Talk it through with you as soon as you’re back.
“I’ll have to meet with the Hokage.” He points out, notices how Shino immediately pulls away, hiding his pout behind his collar. “Is there anything special I should buy for Airi returning home today?”
“Chocolate.” Torune points out quickly. “There’s hardly anything left.”
“Pear Flavored Candy.” Shino comments now too. “But I want to buy them for her. I didn’t say goodbye.”
“That is a good idea. Mother, will you take them to the store after this?”
Chiasa eyes him for a second, clearly debating if she should allow him to spoil the kids. But she nods in the end.
-
You do not return that day.
Shino had been hopeful when he went to bed, Candies set out on the kitchen table as a way of greeting for when you returned..
But you don’t come home that night.
Shibi can’t even blame his son for the mood he’s in the following day, cranky and skittish.
He’s on strict rest to regain his Kikaichu as fast as possible, but he still takes the boys out for a long walk around the compound before dropping in with Hisoka for a visit.
She asks after you and he swallows around the lump in his throat as he tries his best at a calm, reassuring voice.
You’re fine. He’s made sure you’re capable of defending yourself.
He still would have liked for you to be present at the ritual. You’re usually so interested in all things Aburame and he would have loved to explain the intricacies of it. How the bond between human and bug starts and how it is maintained.
He supposes that there will be another time for this, especially considering that Toshiko is pregnant as well, but still - he misses you.
The next day, Shino’s foul mood has turned into something even more devastating.
He hides for the better part of the morning, does not eat breakfast and only comes out of hiding when Okita needs to be fed, demanding for him to move.
“You are upset.” He points out as Shino hides his face in his father’s coat.
Torune watches him over his cup of tea, face equally torn.
“Shino did not say goodbye.” Shino whimpers at Torune’s words, but allows Shibi to lift him up.
“I said I do not love her. Why? Because I did not want her to leave!”
“I understand.” Shibi holds his son close and opens his arms, a sign for Torune to step closer as well. He does so carefully, leans into the hug as best as he can.
“You’re Shinobi. You have to understand that each mission could be your last. We should always consider that our words will be parting words.”
“What did you say when you left?” Shino asks.
“I told you all that I would stay safe.”
“Mother said that as well.” Torune remembers. “She promised she’d come back.”
“She’s not one to break a promise.”
-
Two more awful days pass.
There are no news of your mission status, no matter who he asks.
He drops in with Shikaku, explains the situation as best as he can.
“I wasn’t aware of that mission.” Shikaku shakes his head. “I thought she would start working at the hospital again. Yori was pestering me about it. She probably could have dropped out if she asked for it, especially since you were away.”
“Not if Yori asked her to do it.”
“Ah.” Shikaku nods slowly. “So you’ve noticed the power Yori holds over her? I mean, you owe that witch your marriage, in a way, but I would advise you to keep out of her way.”
“How are you talking about an elder?!” Yoshino yells from the kitchen.
“I’m just being honest! You don’t even like her yourself!”
A strange feeling takes hold of him as he watches them fight.
It won’t leave him, not when he excuses himself a short while later, nor when he stops in front of the house he knows Yori lives in.
How would he act, if confronted with that woman?
For a moment, as quick as a heartbeat, he considers the possibility of your death.
Its implication surges through him like lightning, leaves his hive buzzing in panic.
He forces the thought away immediately, cannot allow himself to pursue it further.
But its impact lingers. Your absence is too obvious.
It’s in the way Tsume’s voice is only half as loud when she talks to him. In Mikio bringing over Sakura to keep Shino occupied. It’s in Naruto’s eyes when he passes him on the street. The boy is searching for someone and he cannot fault him for that one bit. Shibi’s searching himself.
-.- Airi -.-
Your right foot has not stopped hurting for hours.
Your pretty sure your ankle is sprained and it does not help that you’re supporting Iruka’s weight with your right side. He’d taken the brunt of your last fight and it’s a testament to his quick thinking that he not only made it out alive but managed to draw the fight closer and closer to the borders of the Land of Fire.
It’s been days since you’ve got the scroll. You’re always on the move, living off whatever you can find. Today it’s been a type of moss you recognized as edible, a very skinny rabbit and as much water as you could possibly drink.
“As soon as we cross the border, we can send out a Messenger Hawk.” Akane grinds through her teeth. She’s still awfully pale, tires easily in fights, but she’s doing her best.
“Not yet.” You shake your head, the pain in your ankle intensifiying when your foot knocks against a stubborn branch. “We cannot stay put just because we’ve crossed the border. I don’t think the other Shinobi care that much about the border anyway.”
Akane glares at you. There’s something like respect in her eyes, but she’s not giving it to you lightly. It had been hard for her to accept that not only did you, a Chunin, procure the scroll she failed to get, but that you also called the shots since Daisuke died.
Jonin pride is something you’ll never fully get.
“When we get back.” She points out, taking her time to talk just like you, preserving her energy as much as she can. “You will get promoted to Jonin.”
“I’d rather not.”
Her head snaps around.
“Why not?”
“Why would I take a slightly higher pay just to have a higher chance at getting killed every day?”
“You are obviously skilled enough to be a Jonin. We need more Jonin. Would you really be this selfish? What about serving your country?”
“What is it with you people that you think serving your people means to offer yourself up to get killed?” Your voice has turned sharp. “I understand that the life of a Shinobi is a short and dangerous one. I understand that we serve to keep those alife who cannot fight. But I shouldn’t have to fear for my loved ones every single day because the teams are small to save money and they send Chunin’s out on missions that require Jonin.”
Akane’s mouth has turned into a thin line. She is not a friend of you, no matter how many times you’ve saved her life on this mission and your words are dangerous if taken out of context. But there is something that the two of you have in common.
“I am a mother.” You say with conviction. For a moment you see Yori’s face in front of you and you repeat it with vigor. “I am a mother. It is no longer my sole duty to serve my country and die a honorable death. It is now my duty to keep these boys safe and to make sure that when the time comes and they’ll have to go out, they know how to stay alife. I serve the following generations and not those who came before me.”
“I agree.” Iruka coughs and blinks. You check his vitals quickly but he’s doing good. Well, as good as he can with two broken ribs and a lot of internal bruising.
“Every time I go out on missions I don’t know if I’ll come back. And I want to do my best, but I will probably never make Jonin. I just don’t have my parents skill. But I… I think I am… good with kids. Naruto-”
“You should be a teacher.” Akane speaks like it hurts her to pull the words from her mouth. “Both of you. If you cannot see yourself out in the field for much longer, you should teach the following generation. Because you have skill, obviously. Otherwise you would no longer be alive. I’ve seen you fight.”
Iruka laughs and you wonder if he’s got a fever as well.
“I’m a poor Orphan who failed his first Chunin exam. They will never let me become a teacher.”
“They will. I have an idea.” A shiver runs down your back. “But we need to find cover now. There’s someone following us again.”
-.- Shibi -.-
Four days after you should have returned a search party leaves Konoha.
Tsume is on it, as well as Kenji. They have nothing to go off but the original mission instruction and their Kekkai Genkai.
Shibi longs to be part of that search party, but even without the fact that he’s missing half of his Kikaichu he cannot bring himself to leave his boys behind.
Only half an hour after the search party has left the village there’s a sharp knock on his door.
He opens, surprised to find Kakashi, no Anbu mask in sight.
“Can I help you?”
“Yes. I’d like you to appoint me as a secondary Search Party.”
There’s a moment of silence. None of them speak.
Somewhere behind Kakasi another figure appears.
“Me as well.” Might Guy declares with too much enthusiasm for a topic like this. “Asuma and Kurenai want to come as well, they are currently packing their things.”
“This is a nice offer.” Shibi steps outside and closes the door behind him. “But the first Search Party is very well suited for this mission. Enthusiasm alone will not make your talents match those of an Inuzuka or an Aburame.”
“We have information-” Kakashi starts but is interrupted by Might Guy who grabs his friends shoulder like his life depends on it. “My friend here-” “Rival.” “My Rival here has vested interest in the return of Iruka Umino. I myself have gotten pestered by the young Rock Lee about the whereabouts of his mother. We want to help and we might just have gotten information that the original Search Party lacks.”
Shibi turns to look at Kakashi who’s doing his best at looking as bored as possible.”
“Explain yourself.”
“It is about the child.” Kakashi presses out. “I have promised my Sensei that I will look after the Child. You have probably noticed that Naruto has been looking for Iruka.”
Shibi fights back a sigh. “Very well. Let’s take a short walk and discuss the matter.”
-
It’s not a small sum that he has to pay to employ four high-class Jonin - one of them still mostly part of the Anbu - on a second Search Mission. He doubts they will have more success than the team made up of Shinobi who are trained for Search and Rescue. But if there is something he can do, no matter how small, he has to do it.
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#my writing#shibi aburame#shibi and shino#shibi x reader#shibi fluff#shibi angst#shino aburame#torune aburame#naruto x reader#naruto fluff#naruto angst
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dont be a coward shibi. post the angst comic i sent here.
👁👁
SJSIWJDUWJD LISTEN THEY WONT GET CONTEXT OF THAT!!!
#shibi speaks#and I got a everyone a moment to get over the last angst#wbsjwjxhsb#maybe I’ll do a big post and show all the art for that sadness#cause I’m drawing more
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The Lives Worth Saving
The Lives Worth Saving
FFN: The Lives Worth Saving by cywsaphyre
By: cywsaphyre, NikkiCross
Summary: Adopted Fic
Uzumaki Naruto, 26 years old and undoubtedly one of the few remaining shinobi still alive after 10 long years of war, lay dying in the midst of a bloody battlefield. With Konoha gone and no one left to live for, he sends himself back to the beginning, to the day of his younger self's graduation from the academy, in one final attempt to set things right. With the help of family new and old, Naruto learns there is more to it than just lives worth saving. Time travel AU.
- First eight chapters are not my own, and belong to cywsaphyre on fanfiction.net.
Status: Incomplete Updated: Sep. 23, 2019
Words: 130,125 Chapters: 10/?? Language: English
Fandom: Naruto
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Major Character Death
Category: F/M, M/M
Characters: Uzumaki Naruto, Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Jiraiya (Naruto), Tsunade (Naruto), Orochimaru (Naruto), Shimura Danzou, Sai (Naruto), Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, Yamanaka Ino, Aburame Shino, Nara Shikamaru, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Chouji, Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, Tenten (Naruto), Maito Gai | Might Guy, Uchiha Madara, Sarutobi Asuma, Yuuhi Kurenai, Mitarashi Anko, Shiranui Genma, Hyuuga Hiashi, Hyuuga Hizashi, Akimichi Chouza, Nara Yoshino, Gaara (Naruto), Kankurou (Naruto), Temari (Naruto), Namiashi Raidou, Kamizuki Izumo, Hagane Kotetsu, Umino Iruka, Kyuubi | Nine-tails | Kurama, Inuzuka Tsume, Inuzuka Hana, Aburame Shibi, Akamaru (Naruto), Hyuuga Hanabi, Gekkou Hayate, Uzuki Yuugao, Nii Yugito, Killer Bee, A (Naruto), Momochi Zabuza, Haku (Naruto)
Relationship: Hatake Kakashi/Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto, Hatake Kakashi & Uzumaki Naruto
Additional Tag: War, Character Death, Time Travel, Fix-It, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Major Illness, BAMF Uzumaki Naruto, Kakashi is an idiot, But that's okay because he's smitten, Adopted Fic, Everyone loves Haruki, Graphic Description, Inoichi just wants to help, How to beat a Nara at chess, (Shogi), Post-Apocalypse, sorta - Freeform, Family Feels, Fluff, Angst, Shikaku is too smart, Flashbacks, Alternate Universe, Slow To Update
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Fog
I wrote this for the "Worst Fear" day of the JuneBug2k17 challenge. I tried to put the fic in the blog’s submit box, but I couldn’t figure out how to place a ‘read more’ line in there, so I’m posting like normal and using tags instead (sorry).
This takes place in an AU where there is no chakra ghost conspiracy, leaving Shino without an outlet for his existential crisis. Prepare for lots of unnecessary angst.
Shino Aburame wakes up feeling like the fog outside his window: cold, damp from night sweats, and full of hazy, half-awake thoughts. A light tune rings from his phone, reminding him that he has to be at the Academy in ninety minutes. Shino pushes his bed covers off. He would trade his right hand for another hour of sleep, but he has a job to do. He might not do it well, but he needs to do it all the same.
"He's not as dependable as the other teachers…"
"Is there anything someone like him can teach us?"
"Even his shadow has more presence than him."
Shino squeezes the sheets between his fists. Yesterday had been a disaster. He'd set up a party for Mitsuki, hoping the festivities would overshadow any ill feelings about the boy's Sound Village heritage. He'd bought snacks and cake from the grocery store, since no one would have trusted an Aburame's cooking. Then he'd grabbed balloons and stuffed animals in the school supply closet, left over from another class's party.
The stuffed animals had been his undoing. He'd thought that dancing puppets would be the finishing touch that would win the kids over. But as soon as Shiemi hugged one of the bears, the bugs inside leaked out. The whole field exploded in chaos. The children screamed and swatted at his bugs, who flew in a directionless panic. Even after Shino recovered his hive, the children gave him a wide berth. Some watched him in fear, others in disgust. In the span of five minutes, he'd transformed from a teacher into a freak.
Shino isn't sure how he'll face his class today. Should he pretend nothing happened? Bow down and apologize? Give a lesson on his kikaichu and why they aren't anything to fear?
He'll figure it out on the train ride to school. In the meantime, he needs to get dressed. He walks across his bedroom, floor chilling his bare feet. His bugs help him unbutton his nightclothes and carry them to the laundry basket.
As he slips on his undershirt, Shino catches his reflection in the corner of his eyes. He frowns. He looks like a scarecrow, with bony shoulders, twiggy legs, and hair the texture of straw.
He used to be fit. When he was a ninja, his body had been lean but muscled. He could run for miles without breaking a sweat. Back then, he'd considered his physique to be merely adequate. He hadn’t known how good he had it.
After the war, peace came. Hinata got married, Kiba got his own genin team, and Shino got unemployed. It was hard enough for a team of trackers to find work in peacetime – it was impossible for Shino to get hired as a one-man unit.
His father approached him, saying that now that Shino wasn't in daily danger of dying, he could dedicate himself to his duties as an heir. Specifically, becoming a host for the clans' more endangered bug species: the water-breathers, the metal-eaters, the web-weavers, and so on. If, say, all the clan's kidaichu wielders suddenly died, the Aburame would use the kidaichu in Shino's body to repopulate the species.
Every few months, the clan implanted a new species into his body. Each bug had it's own needs regarding how much chakra it ate, when it ate, and so on. Every hour of the day, at least one species of bugs would be feeding off Shino's life force.
His hard-earned muscles melted off his frame. His stamina dropped in half. By age 20, a cloak of fatigue pushed his shoulders into a perpetual hunch. His father had never had these problems – he'd been able to host all of the bug species and raise Shino and work as a full-time jonin, all without letting his body wither into a skeleton. But Shino was half the man his father was. He could be a good ninja or a good host, but not both.
Shino, not willing to admit his failure, wanted to stay on the field. His clan duties were a priority, certainly, but he wanted to be more than a chakra farm for bugs. He wanted to contribute to the village as a person, as Shino. His father, worried for his health, demanded he quit working altogether and rest at home. The two of them came to a compromise in which Shino took on a civilian job at the Academy. It would allow him to prioritize his chakra for the bugs, but also have a life outside the compound.
After retiring from the field, Shino's body recovered to a manageable weight. However, he never returned to his old strength. He doubts he ever will. Thankfully, his green jacket hides his physique. The material hangs stiffly from his shoulders, making Shino look bigger than he really is. The pants are also intentionally baggy. The only pieces of clothing that genuinely fit him are his shoes.
He walks to the small kitchen down the hall. His breakfast consists of eggs, vegetarian sausage, toast, and a protein shake. He buys the shakes from the Akimichi clan, who use it for rapid calorie recovery. The protein powder sticks to his tongue, making everything else taste like cement, so Shino always drinks the smoothie last. He'd prefer not to drink it at all, but whenever he skips it, he gets dizzy halfway through the morning.
Shino slides open the door to his porch and carries his breakfast outside. His cottage is located in his clan's compound on the outskirts of the village. It takes him a forty-minute train ride to get to the Academy, but the long commute is worth it as long as he can come home to nature.
The fog rolls in through the trees like an ocean tide. Dew settles on the plants in his garden. A dozen ladybugs gather under the tomato leaves, hiding from the damp. Shino breathes in the cold, clean air.
Most of his colleagues are probably starting their day watching television or reading the news on their phones. But Shino likes to rest his eyes, so instead he admires the ultraviolet patterns on his silverweed and chameleon flowers. The flowers look plain to the average person, but with his clan's special eyesight, he can see their true beauty.
After breakfast, he ties up his hair and puts on his visor. The colors in his vision immediately dim, and the ultraviolet disappears altogether. It's a pity that he can't look at Konoha in its full glory, but if he went into the city without his visor, the neon signs would give him a migraine within the hour.
He grabs his book bag, locks his cottage, and walks to the train station. He arrives just as the train pulls in. Shino squeezes his way to a crowded car. An old woman shoves him aside as she grabs the last seat. He barely has time to grab the hand straps before the train shoots forward.
He sends the woman a pointed stare, but she's already absorbed in her phone. When he was a child, Shino could have walked in here and had two seats to himself - the other patrons would have been too disgusted to sit near him. These days, nobody recognizes the symbols on his jacket. They don't know who he is and they don’t care. Being a nobody feels a little better than being a nightmare, but only a little.
Nobody talks on the train, but it's still flooded with noise. Shino can hear the rap music leaking through a man's headphones, the tapping fingers on a teenager's phone, the gurgling of a cranky infant. The sounds crisscross through his ears, making it hard to hear his own thoughts. He tells his bugs in his chest to hum at a C sharp. Their buzzing doesn't drown out the noise, but it does give him something to focus on.
The train runs through a corridor of skyscrapers. Even with the visor on, all the flashing lights disorient him. He closes his eyes. His body was built for a dimmer, quieter world than this. Sometimes he feels like a bug in a storm, flying through winds meant for larger creatures.
He opens his eyes at the exact wrong time. The train leaps from the shadows of the buildings, and the daylight nearly blinds him. The rails run above the fog, so Shino has a clear view of the village below. Mist floods the streets so that only the colored rooftops show. Courier ninja leap from building to building, disappearing into the fog when they've found their destination.
One hill rises above the fog. It shows the homes of movie stars, entrepreneurs, and of course, the Hokage's family. Hinata's home sits at the top of that sunny place, glowing with the glory of domesticity. A purple dot moves through the garden, which can only be Hinata herself. She's watering the plants, surely, protecting them against the harsh sun.
Nostalgia rips through him. When they were children, he and Hinata spent almost every day together, sparring in the fields, tracking down criminals, eating around a campfire. Kurenai said Team 8 was meant to become Konoha's premier tracking team, so Shino and Hinata worked themselves to the bone, preparing for a future that never came. He used to wake up every morning to watch Hinata's eyes flutter open and her nose crinkle as she yawned. Now he would finish the week without seeing her face.
He didn't resent her. Team 8 would have split apart even if she hadn't left to marry Naruto. All of the old genin teams dissolved in the end. Team Gai fractured due to Neji's death. Team Asuma cracked when Shikamaru became the Hokage's assistant. Even the legendary Team Kakashi fell apart after all the members got married. It was natural for people to go their separate ways as they grew closer to their dreams.
Even if Hinata had stayed, Shino could only have delayed his clan duties for so long. What would those extra years on Team 8 have bought him? More experience for a job he wouldn't keep? More memories to miss once he was alone?
…A chance to confess, maybe. To tell Hinata about his impossible, foolish love for her. Shino had hinted at his feelings through compliments and favors, but she always misunderstood his intentions. His monotone voice and unexpressive face had made even poetry sound dry. But perhaps, given enough time, some of his emotions could have made it through.
Hinata would have rejected him regardless. But at least she could have acknowledged his feelings, made them real in some way. At least Shino would have been able to banish the 'what ifs' from his head. Instead his attraction faded after her marriage, withering into a vague fondness, until Shino wondered if he truly loved her to begin with.
The track curves, and Hinata disappears from his sight. The train rolls into the station, squealing as it jolts to a stop. The car doors open. The passengers pour outside, then disappear into the mist.
Shino walks under a boulevard of trees. The fog turns his fellow pedestrians into silhouettes. There aren't many people on this road, and the ones who are here do not talk to each other. If he keeps his eyes on the ground, Shino can pretend he is alone. Even the illusion of solitude helps him decompress from the noise of the train.
He reaches the Academy after a few blocks. There are no office buildings in the area, so sunlight shines on the school unimpeded. The fog rolls out of the shadows, washing in through the large gate. Inside the yard, sunlight burns through the fog. The mist evaporates rapidly, but still it glides forward. By the time it reaches the main doors, the fog has sunk below the children's ankles.
Shino sees a few of his students sitting in the shadow of the gate. Boruto, Shikadai, and Inojin are playing that ENS game, the one with real people on the cards. Shino hates that game. It teaches the kids to see people as objects, trading their parents and teachers like the daimyo used to trade mercenaries. Even worse is when the cards show martyrs from the last war, such as Neji Hyuuga or Muta Aburame. Perhaps Shino is old-fashioned, but he thinks it's disrespectful to sell photos of the dead for profit. That's why he's banned kids from trading the cards on school grounds.
Shino is about to scold the boys when he hears his name in the conversation. Boruto tosses a card into a pile by his feet. "Frickin' Shino-sensei. Why's he keep popping up all the time? I've got, like, 30 of him."
Inojin throws more cards into the pile. "He's a C-rank like Aunt Tenten. They don't call the cards 'common' for nothing."
Shikadai leans against the brick wall. "Who cares about his rarity level? His stats and his ability suck. He's useless."
Shino balls his fists. There's no need to get upset. The kids are talking about his card, not him.
Inojin peers at one of the fallen cards. "But the real Shino-sensei is actually way stronger, right?" Shino feels a rush of affection for the otherwise caustic child.
Shikadai snorts. "I doubt it. He's probably just like the card says." Boruto and Inojin snicker. Shino's affection disappears.
Shino's hive buzzes in his chest. His ribs vibrate. A few anxious bugs leave his body, crawling out his collarbones and down his arms. He's grateful for the long sleeves to hide his lapse in self-control.
Is this really what he spent all those years training for? To have his accomplishments forgotten? His clan's abilities insulted? Shino still has the kidaichu. Even with his diminished chakra, he could kill an opponent with one touch. Had the card company taken THAT into account when they ranked him?
More bugs skitter up his neck. Shino takes a deep breath and orders the bugs back inside his body. He needs to regain control. It's just a card game, after all. There's no reason to feel…to feel…
What is he feeling? Anger? Shame? Sadness? He can't put a name to it, but if his bugs are reacting this much, it must be something strong.
Shino wants nothing more than to turn around and ride the train home. He wants to brew himself some tea, meditate in his garden, and then nap the day away. But he can't run from his own students. He has an important job to do. The children need him.
…Shino tells himself that, but he knows it isn't true. There are plenty of teachers in Konoha. Most of them could do the job better than him. If he quit tomorrow, the children would likely be relieved to have a competent teacher.
The truth is, he needs them. If Shino quit his job, he'd lose any reason to leave his house. He'd lounge in his garden every day, letting his bugs drain all the chakra they pleased. His clan members would bring him groceries from the city. They'd probably cook for him if he asked. He wouldn't need to comb his hair or keep in shape – his only responsibility would be to stay alive until his father died.
Shino doesn't want to spend his life merely existing. He wants to be remembered. He doesn't have the strength to accomplish anything on the battlefield. He doesn't have the charisma to win himself a wife and make a family. And to be honest, he doesn't have enough personality to keep himself in his friends' thoughts – he has to use teaching as an excuse to call them up.
But he can still throw a kunai. He can do basic algebra. He can read from a textbook. Any adult can do those things, of course, but few are willing to pass on the skills. Even someone like Shino can become vital to a child's education. The kids may not respect him, but they will remember him, if only because of time they spend together.
That's enough of a legacy for Shino. It has to be enough. He has nothing else.
Shino strides through the gate. The boys see him and scramble to hide their ENS cards. Shino steps on one of his own cards, crunching his face beneath his sandal. Sunlight blazes down on his face, but he refuses to close his eyes. Like the fog, Shino will keep moving forward until he has nothing left to give.
#JuneBug2k17#Shino-sensei#Shibi Aburame#Aburame clan#Kiba Inuzuka#Hinata Hyuuga#Team 8#anti-Naruto ending#NaruHina#anti-ShinoHina#anti-Boruto#anti-Shikadai#anti-Inojin#fanfic#headcanon blitz#depression#autistic spectrum#body image issues#metaphor for chronic illness#angst#shino aburame
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Hanging on to Threads
@shinoweek 2021 Prompt 1 - Solitude
Words: 2.7k
Genre: Angst. Horror. Suspense. Crime(?) Implied Shinohina
Warnings: Implied murder.
Author’s Note: This is part 1 of my Shinoweek 2021 series!! The whole series would be 4-5 parts and possibly have each prompt (chapter) released in chronological order.
Summary:
" A shinobi must constantly suppress their emotions, follow a strict set of rules that they decide among themselves, and avoid extraneous conflict. "
Chapter 1 / Chapter 2
To his classmates, the grand tales of Konoha's history sounds like a distant, outdated fairytale, but Shino likes to think that there are things to learn from everything.
Tobirama Senjuu was renowned for his pragmatic approach to things, whether it be national or international. A model shinobi whose discipline has shaped the lives of generations after, and Shino revered him greatly.
Shino had thought, that if every shinobi were to follow the the Second's ninja way then surely Konoha would be much stable as a country, and considerably stronger against their rivals. If every ninja had kept their emotions on bay, then surely everyone would resolve conflict peacefully and level-headedly.
Even Shino himself takes pride in his ability to control his emotions. He was sure that nothing in the world could ever shake his roots.
That is, until his own brother was taken from him.
(Shino thinks he can picture the scene. A sunset. A lake. The dry voice of a man. And his brother. A serene yet glutted scenario.)
His father came that day, with a crooked man on his tails.
Unpleasant.
Something spiked in his heart when Shino heard the man demand for him.
His bugs had sensed that his father was just as perplexed.
"He is your son. He must be exceptionally talented."
Shino could've sworn that the man was plotting something behind his back. There was no way that he would've had any use of him. He was just a young boy, barely ten. Shino had thought of a million reasons why he in particular was selected until--
"Why don't you take me instead?"
Torune jumped off the tree and stood in front of Shino.
"I'm the son of Shikuro Aburame, after all."
And soon after, the man had sealed his brother's fate. Torune was to go with him the following morning. Forever.
And there was nothing that Shino could do to persuade him otherwise.
Torune had sacrificed himself. So that Shino could have relationships with others. So that Shino could have a significant bond with his friends. The relationship between the two could be said as distant, but Shino had considered him as a brother, while Torune had thought of himself as a burden.
The morning comes and goes too fast and Shino was unable to stop him from leaving. He spent the whole night thinking, creating a heartfelt speech that would have swayed his brother, making up excuses so that he won't leave. All of that crushed by the thought that he wouldn't be able to come up with a better solution. Shino knew that negotiating with Danzo was going to end up with himself being taken away. A cold morning and a silent goodbye was the only thing Shino had to bear with.
But even after years has passed, nothing about that day made sense for Shino. He didn’t know why, and ultimately he was banned from speaking of that day even with his own family. He had felt, with great intensity, a feeling that he can't quite describe with anything but he word "unpleasant" Was he angry? scared? anxious that he'll be next? All he knew was that his chest tightened every time he thinks about it, an unnamed sense of wary washing over his five senses.
The thought always haunts his mind—the fact that a human being can be forgotten out of existence. To be killed by proxy, as if their life had no meaning in the first place.
Therefore Shino tries to honor his brother. He set a list of rules for himself. Followed it thoroughly. He tries to emulate his brother’s strength. And in the process, make comrades on the way, just like his brother requested.
(The years pace faster than usual. Shino has yet made any meaningful connections outside of his teammates.)
Yet when he's matured his powers enough to protect lives, he found himself falling out of the map all the while. Flimsy friendships with the bare minimal civilities. No one recognized his potential (nor his face) and there was active attempts of isolation from Konoha itself.
Shino was alone yet again.
He's heard the word from his father. That something internal was stirring up inside Konoha, messing the clan hierarchy, opening doors to clan discrimination. He's seen the Uchiha fall bait to it already, what are the odds that his clan wouldn't be next?
(By proxy, Hinata should also be subject to such mistreatment, seeing how The Hyuuga themselves are a noble clan involved in the scuffle. The Konoha elders seem to think otherwise. The Hyuuga are valuable.)
Hostilities or not, Shino knows enough about the Second's manifesto to figure the Uchiha massacre, but this time, all clues fall cold.
There was no talks about the Aburames. What would Konoha do with them, and how they would dispose of them. Outsiders dig up lies from spread rumors, but clansmen know the source of those rumors are none other than those they pay subservience to.
(Shino had thought that his newly found ability should be shared, but his family were in massive disagreement.)
Shino had always been aware of the Aburame's dojutsu. A technique that allows one to link their vision to an insect, granting them the candid ability to spy with the littlest trace of chakra. One so undetectable that the Yamanakas haven't noticed that the pests that ruins their flowers aren't merely parasites.
This dojutsu—The Senrigan—is regarded as superior in range to the Byakugan, which cannot reach intercontinental levels and are visible when activated. You wouldn't notice an Aburame using the Senrigan, what with their dark shades and stoic expression. Even within the clan, the ability is rare. It requires the finest chakra control and level headedness to connect to one bug, and years more to connect to a whole swarm.
The Senrigan requires exceptionally high amounts of concentration and will. A single mistake has Shino bedridden for days with migraine, and it requires Shino to be absolutely still in the process, akin to the Yamanaka's mind transfer jutsu.
Training comes easy to Shino, who has decided that it was his second priority (the first being his brother's promise) to do all his endeavors perfectly. He is diligent, and determined to awaken the Senrigan as soon as possible. Shino is aware that the situation in Konoha is brewing bad news; there is nothing but suspense and disarray in the air
But even after obtaining such power, his problems were still far from finished.
Konoha knows Shibi Aburame as a smart individual. Tactical, cold, and precise.
And Konoha’s intention was clear as day. Leaving Shibi from many clan meetings was downright disrespectful. And having the ANBU on lookout near the Aburame compound was just the beginning of Konoha’s hostility. Shibi has seen the Uchiha massacre, and there was no way he will let the same happen to his family
Therefore just like Torune, Shino was isolated to his house immediately after his Chuunin promotion. Cultivating chakra and beetles, preparing for a battle that might not happen.
(The Aburames were being faced with open discrimination. It was always known that their relationship with Konoha was shaky even before the peace treaty)
And that is where his doubts are all confirmed.
He tested the Senrigan on his friends. Once. Then twice. Then it becomes a routine as he claims that it was all for "practice"
(Shino was foolishly hopeless, but even a fool should stay optimistic and dumb.
He had hoped that the Senrigan failed him. That he heard wrong. That he had tailed the wrong ninja.)
There was no one that noticed him gone, no one that searched for him. Not even his teammates.
Not even the pretentious Naruto
It has been two years since the Chuunin exams. Shino has been missing (protected) since then, and no one bats an eye towards it. No one questions it. Even the Hokage seems eager to wipe the Aburames out of Konoha
Shino knows by heart that the Nara and Yamanaka heads have told their heirs to not speak a word about this. The Inuzuka and the Akimichi would be left out of the discussion completely, while the Hyuuga are given the splendid task of periodical supervising, along with the ANBU.
(Of course, he knows that a civil war is on its way to hit them, but to think that Hinata had not asked about him either! His migraine hurts him just a little more.)
In the next few bedridden days, Shino's thoughts linger to an old friend. One whose face he wouldn't forget, and one who wouldn't forget Shino's name either.
Uchiha Sasuke.
Perhaps he had felt the same loneliness—to live in a village that sees your family name first before your own person
Shino's mind was spiraling, swirling, filled to the brim with outrageous whispers and his fading sense of clarity. How could he have been forgotten just like that? Like he was never an important comrade. Like he never existed in the first place. But at the same time his voice of reason yells at him to shut up. Stop thinking. There is nothing he could do but wait for a decree from the Hokage, or an official statement from the Konoha elders.
But then an equally terrifying thought caught his attention.
What if Konoha had seriously intended to wipe off the Aburames?
To eliminate, and sweep the whole incident under the rug.
Would his father--the clan representative—be able to coax their way back? To assert that the Aburames were still useful?
(He scoffs. Begging Konoha to spare mercy on the Aburames would be such a pitiful sight. He can't imagine his father bowing down to them, nor can he foresee a favorable negotiation for his clan's future. Shino knows better than anyone that Konoha doesn't keep records of the Aburame's achievements. It was going to be a methodical, efficient depletion.)
It was all so horrible. The way his friends leave him out of the picture. The way they rejoiced over Naruto's return. The fact that something wrong was happening and his teammates were either in full acknowledgement or were turning a blind eye.
(He sees the way Team 8 functions without him. Kurenai has become more hands-on and active. She doesn't come to class drunk anymore, and actually teaches the other two justsus. Kiba and Hinata both steadily improve under her lead. And somewhere in his heart, he feels a clawing, steep anger whenever Kiba acts differently around Hinata. The three of them act like a perfect happy family. Perfectly ignorant to the missing participant)
Was it sweat that rolled down his face? Fatigue and stress had burned him down, thrown him off balance and hit him with a reality he wishes he could just sleep off. Every morning comes to slap the brutal truth on his face, and the fact that his father had been more and more cornered by the Konoha elders had him irked.
He holds his breath and recalls the man he loathes. The same one who took his brother.
A daring idea comes to haunt Shino's mind. If Danzo Shimura adores the Aburame's abilities (having appointed many from his family to be his consultants), then perhaps Shino could lobby him into making the situation better for his clan.
But Shino? The boy was barely old enough to wager a significant deal with Danzo.
Unless of course. If he'd exchange his dojutsu for his clan safety.
(To jump into the lion's den.
There was a revengeful, spite-filled excitement that came with it.)
A shinobi must constantly suppress their emotions, follow a strict set of rules that they decide among themselves, and avoid extraneous conflict.
Shino decides this is for the best. He repeats the words endlessly. Sometimes muttering, sometimes coming out only as a sigh. His footsteps are accompanied with his chants, but it stops abrubtly in the middle of the desolate road.
Solemnly he looks upwards. The moon emerged from the clouds as if it were saying goodbye to him. Bathing him in soothing light that calms his nerves. A sight he'd remember.
(And along with that, the moon reflects to him the eyes of a particular girl.
One whose house was just steps away.)
Shino finds himself transfixed. He could stop any moment now, visit a friend, and ask for help from anyone who'd be willing to listen to his problems. Hell, he might even beg Naruto to help him. The brat must've had a shred of empathy left in him.
A string of hope tugged at his heart, trying to assure him that there must be something else that can be done. If he meets Danzo now what would happen to him? What about Torune?
What about his teammates? His friends?
(He leaves that thought adrift, noticing the howling winds and the clank of a familiar wooden cane.)
"Aburame. Explain what business you have prowling around late at night."
Score.
Danzo Shimura emerges with his two bodyguards. A Yamanaka and--
Torune.
Shino had known that Danzo was en route towards the Hyuuga clan. Shino had expected bodyguards to accompany him. Shino had not, however, suspected that one of his entourages would be his brother himself.
Something speaks for itself in the silence that ensues. Bitterness and resolve had taken over Shino, who had turned to look at them with a gait of arrogance. Torune shook his head in disbelief.
"I'll have to assume you're out on an assasination if you don't answer." Danzo sneers, thumping his crane to call attention.
"You lowlives have been hiding something from us, haven't you? Especially you," He points towards Shino.
"The Aburame heir, Shino Aburame."
(Shino analyzed the three in front of him. Whatever words he says, everything will determine how he'll get out of this situation.
Dead or alive)
"Answer him," Torune barks, a choking coil hanging around his throat. "Or you will have to be detained."
(The Yamanaka boy behind them had gestured to his master to use his jutsu, which was promptly denied.)
He took off his hood and grimaced. There was no headband from which the moonlight can reflect itself on. Fists clenched, he was set on negotiating his terms.
"I have no business with the Hyuuga." He says in a practiced tone, "But I have things I need to discuss with you, Danzo Shimura."
Shino made it clear that he will not address him formally.
"You brat. You think you can get away with disrespecting me? You must have a justifiable reason to speak to me like that."
"Speak, runt," He growls "Or it'll be more than your life you'll lose."
Torune flinches at the statement, eyes darting to Shino as if warning him to follow whatever he fucking says. To not fucking disobey Danzo.
Instead Shino finds a rush of tranquility—a childish confidence that doesn't hesitate when he touches the rims of his shades.
"You have an interest in utilizing the Aburames--my clan." His bugs slowly hover around. "And you've made it obvious that our village wants us gone."
(Shino thinks he ordered his bugs to stay. But apparently they respond to the thrumming of his heart instead of his mind.)
"You are afraid of us. You want us under fear and control so that you may use our members as fodder."
His bugs have started buzzing loudly.
"You want to steal the Aburame's secret technique for your own benefit," Shino throws his glasses "And you want to sacrifice our clan for the sake of this lousy, corrupted village."
Despite the moon hiding in the clouds from him, Shino can still see. Even in the darkness. Even when he has shut his eyes. He knows that Torune is panicking. He knows that Yamanaka ninja was pulling out his tantō. He knows that Danzo was unfazed, even though he has begun tapping his finger rather impatiently.
"I've come to offer you a deal, Danzo Shimura," Shino speaks defiantly, "In exchange for the Aburame's secret technique you will oath to protect our clan. This oath shall be a blood contract, and my bugs will bear witness to it shall you ever betray your words."
Shino finally opens his eye. Two green orbs pierce the darkness, suspense filling the air around the compound. His bugs have formed a sort of mist around him, buzzing quietly in his honor.
"I will become your eyes, ears, and guardian until the day you die. That is my offer to you, Danzo Shimura."
(Shino laces his words with deceit. Something he hopes can fool the man into dismissing it as a child's foolish speech.)
A growing laugh bursts from the man. His normally astute image shattered into a cocky countenance. He walks towards Shino, smirk evident in his eyes.
"You Aburames always have the best deals." He replies, zealously.
"I'm more than glad to have you cooperate with me. Come."
Danzo walks past him, a trail of bugs following his feet.
The sight unfolding before Torune could be described as his worst nightmare—the green eyes, the bug manipulation, Danzo and Shino's involvement...
But he looked down, and followed his master instead.
The Senrigan was at full bloom.
There was no way Shino could go back to his previous life.
#Shinoweek#shinoweek2021#Shino Aburame#Shino#Aburame headcanons#Aburame meta#Naruto headcanons#Naruto meta#Naruto#It's my first time writing and posting fanfiction!! i hope yall like it :D#english isnt my native language#sorry for the weird grammar i guess#shinohina#team 8#shinoweek 2021
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Finally! It is done!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Underage
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Fandom: Naruto
Relationships: TBD – Relationship, Hatake Kakashi & Original Female Character, Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto, Jiraiya/Tsunade (Naruto), Past Jiraiya/Original Female Character(s), Haruno Sakura/Nara Shikamaru, Hidan & Jashin (Naruto)
Characters: Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Itachi, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Original Female Character(s), Umino Iruka, Uzumaki Naruto, Rock Lee, Hyuuga Neji, Pakkun (Naruto), Shimura Danzou, Maito Gai | Might Guy, Aburame Shino, Aburame Shibi, Uchiha Sasuke, Inuzuka Kiba, Inuzuka Tsume, Nara Shikaku, Gaara (Naruto), Kankurou (Naruto), Temari (Naruto), Baki (Naruto), Killer Bee, A (Naruto), Yakushi Kabuto, Akadou Yoroi, Hidan (Naruto), Kakuzu (Naruto), Nagato | Pain, Konan (Naruto), Hoshigaki Kisame, Sasori (Naruto), Deidara (Naruto), Uchiha Obito, Senju Tobirama, Senju Hashirama, Namikaze Minato, Tsunade (Naruto), Jiraiya (Naruto), Orochimaru (Naruto), Tenten (Naruto), Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Clan, Rasa (Naruto), Karin (Naruto), Hoozuki Suigetsu, Jugo, Sai (Naruto), Ichibi | One-tail | Shukaku, Kyuubi | Nine-tails | Kurama, Hachibi | Eight-tails | Gyuuki, Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Karui (Naruto), Omoi (Naruto), Uchiha Shisui, Kimimaro (Naruto), Jashin (Naruto)
Additional Tags: Isekai, Transmigration, dad!kakashi, kakashi is a dad, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Dogs, Pacifist MC, Parenthood, Single Parents, Parent-Child Relationship, Reincarnation, Work In Progress, Friendship, Siblings, Sibling Bonding, Adopted Sibling Relationship, Adopted Children, Strained Parent/Child Relationship, Rasa’s A+ Parenting, Eventual Romance, One-Sided Attraction, Unrequited Crush, Swearing, Hidan (Naruto) Swears, Sharingan, Mangekyou Sharingan, Character Bashing, Tobirama Bashing, Mutual Pining, Affection, Affectionate Insults, Public Display of Affection, Romantic Fluff, Family Feels, Family Fluff, Obsessive Behavior, Creepy Orochimaru (Naruto), Orochimaru Being Orochimaru (Naruto), Bilingual Character(s), Questionable Mental Health, Weird Chakra, Ninshu, MC is older on the inside, old mind young body, Tagging as I go, I’m Bad At Tagging, Infantilism, Age Regression/De-Aging, Jiraiya is a Senju, Not Beta Read, i am a cruel god, phantom limb – Freeform, Missing-Nin, Timeline What Timeline, OOC, Unintentionally, Teen Angst, Angst, There is officially angst now, I Made Myself Cry, i could have sworn i tagged this with jashin from the beginning, Idk what happened, Jashinism
#shinobi isekai#ao3 link#roun1#my writing#naruto fanfiction#fanfiction#naruto#it sure took me long enough#i hope you guys like it#round1
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I just watched the Shino vs. Torune filler episodes and AHHHHHHHHH
Torune was such a cool character from what I remember of him in the manga, and I just love the Aburame clan in general so it was so cool to see him and Shino get to have a whole thing together 😭🖤
Like giving him a tragic backstory of not being able to connect with anyone or touch them because of his kekkei genkai, but having this really sweet relationship with Shino as his surrogate brother is just AHHHHHHHH 😭🖤🖤🖤
And him encouraging Shino to try to make friends and have the type of childhood he couldn’t have because it’s not safe for him to exist outside Aburame walls. He just wanted to see Shino thrive because of how quiet and shy Shino is 😭😭. AND how he instantly stepped in to take on the burden of becoming part of the foundation because he didn’t want Shino to be forced to walk that dark path. And and how he knew how much it would kill Shibi to hand over his son like that.
I’m feeling the angst in this Chili’s tonight omfg
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Quintessence
A Lucifer x MC’s Over-protective! Sister fanfic
4.45k words
Genre: Angst
Trigger Warnings: mentions violence, self-inflictions; Read at your own discretion.
Chapter 1: click here
Chapter 3: click here
"Is this a some sort of punishment?"
"You're really lucky... I am quite jealous, if I may say."
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
With the noisy, yellow demon unconscious, the only sound on their way to House of Lamentation is MC's periodic yawns from the lack of night's sleep and the rumbling wheels of their suitcase on an empty road.
"We're here! Come on, I'll introduce you to everyone. They should be in the dining room right now." Starting to feel the exhaustion she's been holding back since meeting the other-worldly creatures, Alexandria let her sister half-drag her off to somewhere.
"I'm home!" Pulling her to a room, the first thing she saw is a large dining table filled with food and... Five more demons. Five male demons.
"MC, we're leaving." She tugged on the female's hand, still attached on her own, but in turn resisted her slight force.
"What? No, we won't." The teen raised an eyebrow from her sudden demeanor.
"MC!! I MISS YOU!!" A brown-haired guy came rushing towards their direction with open arms. Yet, before he could even latch his arms around the girl, Alexandria pulled her away, causing the male to hug nothing but air.
"MC! Why did you avoid— Huh?"
"MC, w–who is she?" A purple-haired tensely asked, anxious of the stranger in their home.
"She's my sister—"
"Ahhh!!" Alexandria and MC flinched from the sudden outburst of the man who came running at them moments ago, which caught her off-guard.
Suddenly, her hand was yanked away from her little sister's grasp and was held a few centimeters to the demon's eyes.
"Wha... such a..." He then stretched the said arm out and tenderly stroke it up her shoulder, "What a flawless, plump, porcelain skin..." then let go and cupped her cheeks with both hands.
"Such a refined beauty. But wait..." The male narrowed his eyes for a second, "Are you not sleeping well? Your face is a tee~ny bit dry and a bit of bag under your eyes." The demon gave her a sad pout.
"I usually appreciate such flattery. However, right now, I can only sense it as an assault from a stranger I just met. So will you please refrain from your harassment?" Regaining her composure, she snapped at him.
"Asmodeus, stop harassing our guest unless you wanted punishment." Asmodeus instantly raised both his hands up from the domineering voice on the doorway. Lucifer appeared with a beat Mammon.
"Whoopsy! My bad. What a rude way to greet a wonderful guest such as yourself." Asmodeus sends her a wink before returning to his seat.
"MC, will you introduce her to everyone."
"Hmm! Everyone, meet my sister, Alexa! Due to certain circumstances, she'll be staying here with us all throughout my stay here."
"Pleased to meet all of you. I'm Alexandria Evergreen, MC's older sister. I'm here to watch over her. I hope to have a conflict-free relationship with everyone."
"No, the pleasure is ours." A blonde-haired man replied, "I'm Satan, the fourth eldest. I maybe the Avatar of Wrath but I assure you, I'm the nicest and most logical person here." But her instinct says otherwise as she felt an odd atmosphere around the green-eyed man.
"Bush e'shi, shoo shais shoo hamp 'o shibi." Her eyes travelled to the oranged-haired man who seemed to be emptying the table stuffing himself.
"Beel, you shouldn't talk while chewing." A drowsy, navy blue-haired guy yawns beside him. "MC, he means you said you have no siblings." He rubbed his eyes before turning his attention to the older sister. "Hello, I'm Belphegor, Beelzebub's twin and the youngest. I'm also the Avatar of Sloth. This guy beside me is Beelzebub, the Avatar of Gluttony and the sixth oldest." The scarfing guy nods and she returned the gesture.
"Oh that? Yes, I don't have one back then, but our parents got married a few weeks ago. We're originally childhood friends."
"WoOAAAHH~!! That's just like the anime 'My Dearest Childhood Friend became my Sister after our Parents got Married but now the Aliens Invaded the Earth so We Became Heroes and Stop the End of the World!!' and that is really LIT!!" The demon, whom she thought was timid a while ago, squealed in one breathe, and it certainly caught her by surprise.
"That noisy one is Levi." MC sweatdropped.
"I'm Leviathan, the third oldest and the Avatar of Envy."
"And don't forget about the sweet and charming Asmodeus here~~ I'm the fifth eldest and the Avatar of Lust. You can call me Asmo-chan~~" he winked for the second time.
Yet contrary to his positive attitude, Alexandria cocked an eyebrow. "So you mean..." Her gaze followed Mammon wobbling to the table. "That crook right there is the second oldest?"
His head snapped at her. "Oi! Gotta problem if I'm the second oldest?"
"Yeah, in more ways than one." She curtly replied. "So, if you're the Avatar of Greed, you being a crook does make sense."
"Oi! You don't have to say it twice!"
Ignoring Mammon, she faced the oldest. "And you're the Avatar of Pride, I suppose?"
"Yes, and let me properly introduce myself to you." He placed a palm above his chest. "I'm Lucifer, the oldest of the seven brothers and the Avatar of Pride. I'm the one who leads this household and tend to all of these problem children." Satan, Mammon and Belphegor glared daggers towards him.
"Ha! More importantly, I have a juicy piece of news to you guys." Mammon grinned which alerted Lucifer.
"Not a word Mammon."
"'Ya see, that's no normal human right there. A few hours ago, she just made THE Lucifer on his knees and tied him in a pact with her."
The five brothers' eyes popped out of their skulls and jaws dropped. Even Beel almost choked.
"Pact... you say?" 5 pairs of eyes darted between a grinning Mammon, a displeased Lucifer and the new female.
"You're right. She's not an ordinary human but let me clear two things." The menacing red-eyed demon crossed his arms and raised his chin. "The only one on his knees, or rather, on his back is none other than you Mammon. You're the one knocked out after just three blows from her. You're also the one who caused this series of unfortunate events... Don't ever think I'm done with your punishment yet."
"Eek!" Making shrieked and cowered in fear.
"Wait– She what? I know Mammon is weak but, she really knock him out with three blows??" Asmodeus exclaimed.
"Are you really sure she's a human?" Satan added.
Although Beelzebub is also shocked, his brows twitched in realization, glancing at the two female. "MC, Miss Alexandria, you probably haven't eaten anything yet. You should eat."
"I think I'll pass. I'll get some shut-eye first." MC awkwardly laughed. Beel is pretty amazing in his own way...
"I thank you for the offer, but I also needed some rest." She slightly smiled.
Lucifer stepped closer beside her. "If that's the case, then you should stay in MC's room for now. Mammon will clean the room beside MC's for your use later."
Glancing at the oldest, she shook her head. "Providing a room for me is more than enough. I can tend to it just fine. And I can't impose to you anymore than I already did."
"But you're a guest. It's only natural for us to ensure you'll have a great time staying here."
"But I insist. And I'm not a guest. I'm the one who made my way here so it's only natural for me to help here in exchange for my stay." She paused as she crossed her arms. "Unless, freeloading is a thing here. That'll be bad, for encouraging irresponsibility and decadence."
"..." Lucifer speechlessly furrowed his brows.
Seven pairs of eyes were both shocked and amazed to see someone actually have the guts to run their mouth against one of the strongest demon in their realm without breaking a sweat.
"She really is not a human. There's no way a human can stand her ground against Lucifer." Asmodeus gaped.
"Or maybe she's just clueless of Lucifer's true power... Though I could use her help to mess with him." Belphegor and Satan snickers at the same time as if having the very same thought.
"To not even have the natural instinct to flee from danger is just dumb." Alexandria ominously glance towards Belphegor, Satan and Leviathan, causing a chill run down their spine.
"Then please excuse us. MC shall be my guide." Drawing back, she bowed towards Lucifer and the others before pulling MC and their luggage out of the dining room.
"MC... I must say, our time here will be anything but harmonious..." The older sister sighed.
"But I'm sure you'll have fun. There's no boring times here" MC just laughed awkwardly.
"Oh well, all I want is a peaceful time you. Even an hour or two a day would be nice."
-----
Forget their peaceful time, getting along with most of the brothers is hard, except Beel who is too nice to her to be considered a bother. All the other brothers do was try to steal MC away.
Well, Asmodeus is an exception. He's not trying to take MC away. He's trying take both of them away for his beauty and night out shenanigans.
A few days have passed, and she was also made into a student to be with MC as much as possible.
"Hey Alexa-chan, I'm just wondering... Is there anything you can't do? At this rate you'll end up stealing MC's heart faster than any of us. You're too dreamy, you might as well take her as your bride." Asmodeus pouts as he lazily pokes through his steak Alexandria prepared for dinner.
"O–Oi! The hell are you saying, Asmo?" A flustered Mammon yelled, sitting beside MC.
The older female sighed and glance at Asmodeus, sitting beside her. "Just eat Asmodeus, you're just hungry. And I told you to not call me Alexa."
"But aren't I right? You're so in love with her enough to follow her here. And you're not really her sister by blood, so it's possible."
"If I told you, you and Mammon look good together, you should marry each other, what would you feel?"
"Eww! That's the grossest thing I ever heard." He stuck his tongue out in disgust.
"She really hates you, lololol." Levi snickers at Mammon, sitting across him.
Mammon narrowed his eyes at him, tapping his knife on his plate.
"I never saw this child that way. I'm more like a mother to her more than anything." She points to the 'child' next to her, too busy stuffing her face with the food to notice she is the topic on the table. "Saying that, I didn't protect that child just to fall for any demon."
"Aww... And I thought it'll also be interesting if there's that kind of plot twist." Asmodeus look down, only to find his plate empty. "Hey! Beel, give me back my steak!" His eyes darts across him, towards the orange demon chewing happily.
"I thought you don't want it anymore so I ate it." He smiled innocently as Belphegor and Satan laughed in amusement, witnessing the whole theft.
Alexandria glance around the room, searching for a certain person she haven't seen since yesterday night. "By the way, where's Lucifer?"
"He's probably still in his study, it's the time of the month he have tons of work to do." Satan replied.
"He'll probably coop himself until tomorrow or the day after." Belphegor added, finishing his meal.
She gave a second glance in the table, void of any trace of any food left, sweeping to the also empty plate of her sister.
"Hmm... MC did you eat well?"
"Yes! I really missed your steak!" The teen beamed at her, having a drop of sauce on her lips.
"What am I gonna do with you." She giggled as she wipe the stain off. "Come on, you should rest for the night."
After sending her to her room, Alexandria strolls towards the kitchen and left with a tray on hand, walking towards the library.
She passed by the tall shelfs with several missing books of all sorts of fields. Going further in, she knocked on the door inside the library.
"It's Alexandria, I brought you something." Hearing no response, she let herself in.
The first thing that attract her eyes is the tall pile of paper wall on the table and the male who is almost hidden by it, black circles around his eyes.
"Are you still alive?" Lucifer's flipped towards her, finally noticing her presence.
"Ohh, it's you. What do you want?"
"You probably haven't eaten anything since this morning. I brought you some sandwiches and fruit shake." She set the tray down the small table in the middle of the room and took the plate of sandwiches and the large cup of fruit shake, moving towards Lucifer's study table.
"Here, taking a breather won't hurt." Red orbs darted between the plate, the cup and her face before reluctantly taking it after a sigh and setting it down the free space is the table.
"This is a nice study. It's cozier than mine back in human world."
"What's your deal?"
"Well, I like the fireplace. I can't have one in my apartment."
"If you need nothing, then leave. I don't have time to waste."
"Yeah, I need to do something." She took a few leaves of paper from the desk and scan through it. "Hmm... I see... As expected..."
"What is it you need to do?" Lucifer raised his eyebrow.
"I'll help you with this papers. With us two, we can finish it by morning."
"Hmmp! There's no way I'll let a human mess with the financial statements of the Devildom."
"If it's about the difference of terms and flow of currency, then I have already studied about it."
"...Huh? How..." The demon suddenly remembered the several books missing from the library's shelf. "Ahh... But then, how did you learn how to read our language?" His brows furrowed.
"There's no way I could have extensive knowledge about pacts and such if I can't read the original texts about it."
The lady in front of him never failed to impress him. And yet, "The answer is still a no." Stoic expression returned his face.
"Then let me rephrase it. My master is having a hard time," Lucifer almost slip out of his chair from her words. "...and I can do something about it, so I want help however I can."
"Did you just say 'Master'?"
"Yeah, based on our contract, you're technically my master. Though you can't take advantage of me, which is a good thing..."
Lucifer wouldn't admit it. He can't admit it. But being called master by this capable human who always amaze him has stroked his ego more than he could ever felt from anyone, he can't even stop himself from grinning.
"You really know your way with words. But don't get me wrong. I only allowed you because you've went so far just to do what you want." A smile was also plastered on her face.
"Yes Master Lucifer, if you say so." She chuckled a bit before taking the papers Lucifer choose for her to do.
Sharing a few conversation while working, they really did finish by morning as she predicted.
------
"Alexa, why aren't you in your room? Did you woke up early?"
"Yeah, something like that." With a bit of sleepiness clouding her head, Alexandria chose to eat light breakfast before taking a rest. Good thing it's weekend.
MC moved her attention at the demon on the end of the table. "Lucifer, it's really unusual. You've finished quite early."
"I just discovered a breather had been rather helpful." He stealthly stole a quick glance towards the lady busy eating her food.
The only sound on the table after that is a few yawns— from the usual sleepy Belphegor; and Leviathan and Mammon, probably from overnight gaming marathon they could never finish tonight as Lucifer is out of his confinement.
Everyone has their own world when Alexandria breaks the silence.
"MC, you told me you're hanging out with Mammon and Asmodeus today, right?" She place down her utensils as the girl glance at her.
"Yeah, we're going to shop some clothes on Majolish. Why? You're coming anyways, aren't you?"
"No. I have some business today, but I'll leave you to Beel. Is it alright with you Beel?" She scan the face of the food-loving demon whom just finished his food.
"I don't mind." He smiled softly.
"Thank you. Please do bring her safe and I'll treat you to Madam Scream's of anything you want."
"Madam Scream's...? Really? With anything I want?" Beel's eyes sparkles as drool pools down his empty plate.
She gave him a broad smile. "Yes, anything."
"Alexa, you probably don't know what you're saying. Beel will definitely bust your pocket in no time." Belphegor yawns as he took a bite on his toast.
"But I'm aware of Beel's appetite. Let's just say I'm loaded enough to feed 10 Beels for at least 1 month." She swiped a black card in air with her middle and index finger.
"Hey... Is that..." Satan raised an eyebrow.
"WOAHH!! The legendary black card! Imagine how many Ruri-chan collectibles and games I could buy with that." Sleepiness flushes out of Leviathan's system as he stared at the black card.
"Can feed... 10 Beels..." The sixth-born's drool intensifies.
"Hmm? When did you get one? You should've just asked me to process it for you." A surprised but rather unfazed Lucifer asked.
"I told you I don't want to be a bother. Though I admit getting one is not an easy task."
"Hey Alexa-chan. Are you sure you don't wanna join us shopping?" The fourth-born playfully twist her bangs around his fingers. "And while we're at it, let's have a full body Super Beauty Mud Course~"
She touched her chin in thought. "I'll think about the mud course, but not today."
But then, a demon, who should be hyper at the sight of a premium item, was rather silent.
"Hey Alexa-sama... Can I touch it?" The second-born teleports beside her, orbs sparkles gold and fingers twitching on air in a perverse way. "Please. It'll be a dream come true to hold it in my arms for even just a second."
"I refuse." She slid it back her wallet as fast as she swiped it out. "Show me first that I could trust you." She pinched the tan nose facing her, grinning.
Cherry red orbs observes the sight of the lively table, a curve tenderly forms across his face.
"O-Oi! Let go–" *Ring ring*
The sound of a phone rung through the spirited atmosphere, which wiped the smile off Alexandria's face.
Picking up the cup of tea with her free hand, she gulp it down before letting go of Mammon.
"Take care while shopping later, MC." She ruffled her sister's hair, "Thank you for the meal. Now, if you'll excuse me." ...before leaving the room.
"Then, I'll also retire for today and take a rest. Don't make a mess while I do so." Feeling tired of his restless shift, Lucifer decided to leave and retire to his room.
On his way, he heard the familiar voice of the lady behind her door, seemingly distressed.
As unethical as it seems, the oldest's curiosity of the enigmatic female wins him over and decided to stood his ground.
"I told you Father, I can't right now, that's why I'm telling you to just let me quit...... If I tell you, you'll definitely try to take me back there....... No...... Not telling......."
He could hear the series of loud sighs and frustration beyond the door.
"No, I don't want it. Brother deserves the company more than I do. So please think it over again.... Yes....... Yes, I will. Then, bye." He then heard a beep ending the call.
On the verge of stepping away as to not get caught, the next thing he heard render him motionless in place.
"I'm not even a your real child to begin with. If I continue there, I'll actually end up killing myself..." Unconsciously, he turned the knob and pushed the door open.
Alexandria jolts in surprise as her door opened out of nowhere.
"Wha..." Surprise was imminent on her face yet, realizing it is the first-born, her brows scrunches. "Don't you know knocking is a common courtesy?"
"What do you mean by you not being your father's real child? And what do you mean about killing yourself?" He ignores the annoyed expression of the woman. There's no way he could let this information pass under his nose. Not with this girl who made him concede more than he expected, and certainly not because of that grim words.
"What do you want?" She narrowed her eyes in annoyance.
"Killing yourself is something I could not ignore. And, I want to know more about the human who have the audacity to force a pact with me." He returned the same gaze with crossed arms above his chest. They stared at each other for a few seconds before the lady yield for the first time.
"Alright. I guess as a demon who have a pact with me, you have the right to know. We are, after all, connected by soul in spite of everything... Let's go to your office or something. I don't want anyone to hear this like you did."
"Right now, Satan is probably cooped in the library. He'll certainly asked why we're together. Let's go to my room instead. It's quite spacious for someone to eavesdrop."
She followed behind the oldest brother, careful not to be seen by anyone. Entering the room without meeting anyone down the hallway gave her a sense of relief.
"Even your room is nice." She casually strolls in the room, brushing her fingertips on the bones in the pillar, the candelabra, the gramophone, and scanning a few picture frames above the fireplace.
"You may want to start your story this instant or I'll pull the words out of you by force." Growing impatient, Lucifer took a sit at an angle on the corner of his bed, arms drapes his chest again.
With another sigh, she sat on the length of the bed partially behind the man, placing both her palms on the bed as she face the furnace.
"Too eager, aren't we?"
"Unlike you, I want to take a rest." Alexandria chuckled of his remark.
"It's true I'm not a real child of the current family I'm in. I am adopted after all." Her Aquamarine eyes glows a hue of orange as she stare at the dancing fire in the furnace. "It's no secret to MC. I did met her in an orphanage after all.."
"She's a volunteer that time when we're still young. Is that good enough? Am I off the hook already?"
"No. That doesn't answer my second question. You're still hiding... something." The strained smile he witnessed on her face almost made him regret continuing his statement.
"Is this a some sort of punishment?" A self-reproachful laughter rings the room, "You're good with picking your card if it is."
"You can say that. But I'm also curious of you."
"Yeah, yeah... But it'll be a long story. Is it alright with you?"
"I have the whole day available. And you?"
"I also have nothing to do. I just gave MC a sister-free day or she'll get tired of me."
"Then, continue your story." He moves facing the same fireplace.
"Ahh, right... If I remember correctly, the Great Celestial War... It's a conflict within your family, right?"
Lucir flinched from the sudden question. "...Why did you ask?"
"I just thought we may have the same sentiment... or maybe not."
"..."
"Anyways, MC knew nothing about what I'm going to tell you, so it's our secret, okay?" She waited for his reply before continuing.
"You see, I also have a big family. I'm the oldest with my six, adorable siblings. They're 3 set of twins. Amazing, right?" She smiled at him, softly.
"We're living a normal, happy life. I'm really satisfied with our big family I feel it to last forever... Or so I thought." The softness in her face disappeared into a grimace. Colors in her eyes disappeared as she travel back to time.
"I was 9 at that time when that night happened. It was freezing I couldn't feel my fingertips. Snow was falling hard when I witness everything."
"Unlike that fire, the place was rather cold and dark. My struggling brother's neck in his bare hands, my limp and beaten mother trying to pry him away from my brother, the bloody corpses of my 3 sisters, my 2 other brothers writhing in pain... and that sickening smile on my father's face." She spat, grabbing Lucifer's comforter with her fist. Lucifer watched the scorching flame reflected in her eyes as if it's her own.
"There's no way I could ever forgive him for what he have done..." She rid of her shoes and hugged her legs, facing Lucifer as she lay her cheeks on her knees. "Like how I could never forgive myself for what happened."
"Forgive yourself? That's a foolish way to put it. You didn't do anything wrong."
Bluish orbs draw itself towards his own as she gave him a bitter smile. "You can say that because you don't know everything."
"Then tell me what I don't know."
"Let's just say that a drive to protect MC and a drive to live are two different things. And I've been searching for the latter to no avail."
"You're really lucky to still have your brothers. I am quite jealous if I may say." She wore her shoes again and amble her way to the entryway. "It seems like this is as far as I could tell you right now. Maybe I'll continue it next time. If you'll excuse me." She bowed before closing the door.
In contrast, Lucifer couldn't utter another word. Perhaps it's because of the pact above his chest which connects them, but he felt his heart ache slowly since she started telling her story.
And right now, he feels an unbearable pain. An unbearable pain as if he's reliving his own scars.
He stared at the same scorching fire, and as though imitating her, he tried imagining the grief he have felt of losing someone dear.
"...lucky, huh... I guess I really am..." Clutching the fabric above his chest, he felt a pang of guilt from his curiosity.
If anyone asks if I hate Mammon for bullying him here too much— the answer's no. In fact, he's my # 2 (sometimes # 1 coz Luci). I really love him and his dorkiness! But he's just so adorable when he's flustered that I end up picking on him a bit too much (maybe that's also the reason why I love Luci and he's my first if not because of my occasional Mammon hype).
Anyways, it's a good thing I posted it now. I've been proofreading it for the umpteenth time cause I don't have any friends to ask nor share sentiments with the Obey Me Fandom (sad life of an otaku). I have many revisions but I'm quite satisfied with how it turns out again. UwU
And I didn't even noticed it's already 3 a.m. so I'm gonna peace out now~~
Chapter 3
MASTERLIST
#don't get me wrong#I love Mammon and his dorkiness#obey me lucifer imagine#obey me lucifer x oc#obey me lucifer x mc#obey me lucifer x reader#obey me luci x reader#obey me luci#obey me lucifer#om! lucifer#om! luci#swd luci#swd lucifer#lucifer angst#lucifer swd#lucifer x reader#om! lucifer x oc#om! lucifer x reader#om! lucifer x mc#lucifer fanfiction#lucifer fic#swd#obey me#obey me shall we date#om!#obey me swd#obey me masters#meenah-chan~~
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Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Naruto
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Major Character Death
Characters: Aburame Shino, Aburame Shibi, Yuuhi Kurenai
Additional Tags: Most of Rookie Nine is mentioned or a minor part, Funeral, Angst, Grief/Mourning, A bit of Survivor's Guilt
Summary:
Dominoes fall and lead to terrible results.
Aburame Shino, the last genin of Team 8, attends Hyuga Hinata's funeral.
Prompt used: Canon Divergence
@shinoweek
#shinoweek#shinoweek2021#aburame shino#naruto fic#i cried a lot writing this#would you believe I wrote this in just two sittings#im so proud of myself#my fics
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The Road Not Taken - part 12
Shibi x female reader with a name - arranged marriage
Summary: Airi Nara seems a hopeless case, until her grandmother sets her up for an arranged marriage. But was marrying Shibi Aburame the right choice after all?
Masterlist ; Character sheet
Taglist open if you want to be added
We're closing in. A lot of angst in this chapter, so be warned. Trigger warning for death, but no major characters this time.
You’ve shared a bed for only two days now, and it’s ridiculous, but you cannot fall asleep.
Shibi is missing, it’s as simple as that.
And it’s not just that you want to kiss him, because you want to, constantly if possible, but the loss of his quiet presence is unsettling.
Toshiko doesn’t seem to be worried about Kenji’s absence, but she’s also not a Shinobi.
And she’s preoccupied as well, sending the boys into the garden to play to pull you into the safety of her kitchen.
“I’m pregnant again.” She tells you, voice filled with warm excitement. “We’ve been trying for a while now and I’m so happy it worked, but could you… take a look? I don’t want anything to happen now that we’ve got this far.”
She’d been pretty young when she had Muta and you understand her worries, appreciate that she came to you. Work does a lot in keeping your mind occupied.
And there’s a lot to do, just as Shibi had foreseen.
Hisoka, for example, is just about ready to give birth, her belly swollen.
“A few more days.” You conclude after you’ve taken a closer look. “But the boy is healthy.”
She’s not the only pregnant member of the Clan. And not the only one in need of your help either.
Shino doesn’t seem to mind that there’s a constant buzz of people coming and going. He’s content to stay by Torune’s side as long as you’re close by.
-
Two days after Shibi’s departure, Yori knocks on your door.
You’re a little surprised to see her, and not in a pleasant way. Breakfast is on the stove, Shino is chasing after the cat and you’re supposed to be at Hisoka’s in an hour to check on her.
But Yori is not just your grandmother, the woman who raised you after your parents death, she’s also a clan elder and respect is all but etched into your bones.
“Come in.” You say after a moment of silence. “I’ll make tea.”
She inspects the rooms she walks through, a habit you’ve always hated about her.
“When’s the last time you cleaned this room?” She points out, like you expect her too, dragging a finger through the dust on the windowsill. “It’s filthy in here.”
There’s no point in arguing here, so you bite your tongue and prepare the tea, plate breakfast and step out of the kitchen long enough to hand it to Torune, beg him to consume the meal in the living room for once and make sure that Shino’s out of earshot.
“Is this how you treat guests?” Yori asks when you come back in, arms folded in front of her. “Leave them alone in the kitchen?”
“The children-”
“Children are there to be seen and not heard. They can live without breakfast for a day. Haven’t I thought you properly?”
You bow your head and serve tea, serve it with slices of apples because you know she likes them. She still admonishes you. A host has to have cookies at hand, treats that are made freshly every day. It’s a good thing you didn’t bring out the chocolate, because she comments on your weight next as you fold your hands in your lap and endure it.
“I spoke with Shikaku.” She points out when the apple slices are gone. “You’re a disgrace to the Clan with how you’re acting. I expect you to bick your duties back up at the hospital.”
“I-” You dare to speak up but she silences you with a look.
“Don’t forget who you owe this opportunity too. You’d still be unmarried and unwanted without my interference. I put in a good word for you. They’ll take you on without questions and you can work up to your delivery date.”
You swallow your comment at that. It’s better for you if she thinks you’re pregnant.
“Well, I’m off.” She gets up from the table. “I was supposed to drop this off with you.”
She hands you a scroll. You recognize the shape and pattern, know what it is before you open it.
“A mission? I cannot take-”
“Have you forgotten your duty?” Yori might be smaller than you, wethered by age, but she’s always possessed power in her eyes, her stare mightier than any sword. If it’s a Kekkei Genkai you’re glad you didn’t inherit it.
“No.” You answer quietly, bowing your head. There’s a spark of something in you, a flame of hope and devotion licking up your spine. You don’t dare to look up into her eyes as you speak, but you dare to speak.
“It’s just- Shibi is on an important missions, and my children-”
“They are not your children.” Yori’s words are like ice water, dunking you under until you’ve lost sight of the surface.
“I expect you to take that mission.” She leaves after that, leaving a tremor behind, a shiver that runs over your body like you’re freezing even though the sun is warm outside, especially for a winter day.
-
Shino cries when you pack your things, digs his feet into the ground when you move toward the front door.
Torune is frozen and you can’t blame him. He’s just lost his father, Shibi’s gone and you’re about to leave as well.
Chiasa is quiet, a watchful presence from the safety of your kitchen.
You don’t know wether she’s pleased or not with your departure.
“Hey.” You grab Shino, pull him up and into your embrace, let him hide his snotty face against your neck. “I won’t be gone for long. I promise. I will come back.”
“I don’t want you to go.” He whines. “I don’t-”
“I know. But I’ve got to go. I love you.”
“I don’t.” He untangles himself from you in one swift move, drops to the floor and leaves for his room. You cannot go after him, there’s simply not enough time.
“Torune.” You turn to him, your heart heavy. “I will come back, okay. I promise.”
He nods, swallows thickly. You’ve never wanted to hug him close more than you do now.
“Shibi should be home sometime today or tomorrow.” You recall his plans. “Chiasa will look after you. Everything will be fine.”
“You should go.” Chiasa points out from the kitchen.
Torune steps forward, drops something into your hands. “Good luck.” He whsipers. “I’ll look after Shino.”
You peer down at the assortment of medicine he handed you. Green pills for poison, capsules filled with purple powder for blood loss. Tiny yellow things that thwart infections, one of the biggest dangers after cuts or broken bones.
-
The mission is straightfoward.
There’s word of a delivery, a scroll snagged from Ishigakure, said to be transported to Yugakure, or possibly Kirigakure.
But it seems you’re not the only one’s who heard about the thievery.
You run into a group of Kiri-Nin first, lose one member of your team instantly. Reduced to four, you stay close to Iruka, who’s the youngest.
“Regroup.” Your team lead decides when the other team splits up. It might be a cowardly thing to do, but it’s more important to get that scroll than to prove to some Kiri-Nin that you can best them in a fight.
“Aburame-san.” Iruka stays close as you race through the forest. “Should you really be on this mission?”
“Should you?” You ask back, watch him pale under your gaze.
It’s a wild goose-hunt after that.
There’s at least another team out there, you suspect from Ishigakure, because you stumble upon dead Kiri-Nin’s with no time to examine them. Whatever’s in this scroll must be important and you curse whoever thought it was a good idea to put two Chunin - you and Iruka - on a mission like this.
You manage to get a hold of the scroll once, but loose it soon after in a fight that’s essentially a blood bath.
You’ve long lost track of time from the hours you’ve spent awake and the distance you’ve travelled. You’re pretty sure you’re no longer on familiar ground, lush forests having given way to naked rock and deep caves.
Iruka’s got a nasty cut on his arm, pulling the bandage closed with his teeth. Your team lead is worse for wear, blood trickling out of his mouth as he tries to speak.
“Don’t speak.” You order him, the decisions you have to make are hard enough. You can’t save both of your teammates, must choose between Daisuke, a thirty-year-old Jonin with no children or Akane, a 25-year-old who had a son last year, went back to work two weeks after birth. You’d done a check up on her, couldn’t remember her name until she reintroduced herself but the swell of her toddlers cheeks. He’d been cute, big eyes and bushy brows.
The rules are pretty clear for a situation like this.
The team lead is more important than a single team member. All of your lifes combined is less important than fulfilling the task at hand.
But you cannot stop thinking about that toddler, his big eyes looking up at you, not at all scared of your eye. You push yourself up and to her side, examine her situation.
They’re both critical, won’t survive without at least half your Chakra poured into them.
“Help me.” You order Iruka, pop a soldier pill and empty a capsule each into both of their mouths. You cannot bring yourself to defy orders, but you cannot bring yourself to rob a child of its mother even less.
“I should go back out.” Iruka realizes as you’re working, shivering in his boots. “We need- the scroll… I-”
“If you got there alone, you will die. What would I tell Naruto?” You ask him, your voice unnecessary harsh as you can feel your Chakra drain.
Akane, coughs weekly under your care. She hasn’t gained consciousness ever since you dragged her into the cave. Her kid’s called Rock Lee, you remember too, looking more like his father than his mother.
Daisuke dies under your hands. You wonder if you could have done more for him if you hadn’t tried to save Akane too. She’s much more stable now and you lean back to catch a breathe, replenish yourself as much as you can.
Iruka’s looking up at you, his face so pale it reflects the moonlight.
“When I die…” He says, voice unnaturally hollow. “When I die, Naruto will mourn me.”
“Of course he would.” You sidle up to his side, mistake his shock for something else. “He loves you.”
“I wanted to kill him.” He whispers. “When I went to the orphanage for the first time. I’d spent years mourning my parents, plotting revenge for their attackers, until someone mentioned it in passing - that it hadn’t been someone from outside like I was made to believe, but someone from within. That the murderer was allowed to live in Konoha, unharmed.”
You freeze, fear choking your heart.
“But he was so small.” Iruka’s heart cracks. “He was just a little kid. And they left him alone in his room with nothing to play but his blankets and a stuffed toy that was clearly made by someone with no crafting talent.”
You shiver. You had made that toy, painstakingly learned how to sew until the lump resembled some kind of animal. A frog, perhaps, for the only fabric you could find had been a vibrant green. You wonder briefly if he still has that toy.
“He’d been so happy to see me. And I couldn’t bring myself to tell him why I was really there. And ever since then I just came back, again and again, hoping I’d bring myself to revenge my parents. But I’ve let them down, haven’t I?”
“Were your parents kind?” You ask, your voice quivering.
“Incredibly so.”
“How could you let them down then, when all you’re doing is being kind too? Naruto never chose to be a Jinchuriki. He just wants to be a child.”
His elbow knocks into yours. You realize what he’s doing a little too late, but you don’t pull back when his hand takes yours.
“What are we supposed to do?” He asks. “We cannot come home without the scroll.”
You press his hand as an eery calmness washes over you.
“Stay with Akane.” You decide. “I’ll take a look.”
“But, it’s dangerous-”
“I promised to come back alive.” You say. “I intend to keep my promise.”
-
It’s an inherent Nara trait, to be able to walk in the shadows, unseen and unheard. At least that’s what your father told you when you collected subpar marks for weapon handling and the likes, but excelled in sneaking around the house, always able to get the last piece of cake your mother had put to the side.
It comes in handy now, decades later.
Not far from your cave you find another team, beaten and bloodied.
A woman is trying to save her comrade, hands caked with his blood as she uses chest compressions to keep his heart beating. She’s not a medic, you realize at the same time you recognize the scroll attached to her hip.
It’s probably a trap, you think, even though she’s hidden away in yet another cave, not out in the open. But it would be too easy, especially with your shadows, to capture her and get that scroll. Nothing’s been too easy on this mission so far.
“I’ve noticed you.” She presses out. “Take one more step and I’ll obliterate you.”
“But that would mean you’d lose him.” You point out and notice the way her brows tighten and her spine straightens at the prospect. So she cares about her team members.
“Like you’d save him. He’s just scum to you.”
“Would you be willing to give up the scroll if I saved him?” You offer.
“How could I trust you?”
“I’m married too,” you point out, guessing correctly. “Two kids that want me back in one piece. Is that enough for you?”
“What are their names? How old are they?”
“Shino’s turning five in two weeks. Torune is 8.”
She huffs, considers it, before she nods and releases whatever Jutsu she had prepared.
You make sure to walk slow and calm even though your heart thunders in your chest.
“I’m a medic.” You point out as she eyes you, back to doing chest compressions. “I cannot promise you anything but my best, but it will be more than what you’re doing.”
“Just get on with it.” She snarls as you kneel down on the other side of him, your hands above his sternum.
He’s severely wounded, but his heart is in one piece.
“Keep doing what you’re doing,” you point out, pulling Torune’s gift out of your bag. You empty the last of his blood loss capsules into the man’s mouth before getting to work.
“His stomach ruptured.” You point out. “And his spine is damaged. He might not be able to walk without crutches.”
“But he will live.” She summarizes when you breathes on his own, when his heartbeat is strong under her hands. There’s a relief in her eyes that is palpable. It transforms her face, makes her suddenly recognizable.
You know her, deeply so. She’d been on the team that night you lost your fiancé and your looks. She seems to recognize you too, throwing herself over her comrade as if to shield him from you.
“The scroll.” You point out with teeth that seem to stick together. “As promised.”
She blinks up at you. “You’re not going to get revenge?”
You shake your head. “I’ve never been keen on revenge, even right after it happened. I just wanted to understand… why it happened, I guess. Why it had to be him instead of me.”
“We didn’t-” She starts and stops, as if realizing how it sounds. “We didn’t aim for him, if that’s what you thought. They gave us this new weapon and told us to use it. That’s all it was, just a mission-”
You nod curtly, can’t listen to this any longer.
“The scroll.” You repeat. She nods, releases another Jutsu that you had anticipated and hands it over.
“Don’t follow me.” You point out and she grimaces.
“We’re not the ones you have to fear.”
-
Taglist:
@sammieshuttle97 @burningbluegalaxy @mazingerzeto @diamondtrashbag @kitsunerealm @craftypastadeanbailiff @ravenswife @kitty262 @satublueberry
#my writing#shibi aburame#shibi and shino#Shibi x Reader#Shibi fluff#Shibi Angst#Shino Aburame#Torune Aburame#Naruto x reader#Naruto fluff#Naruto Angst
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Is it ok if I send you another angst Garry? Except this time he's grown a bit more?
yes
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by clarkjoekent
I opened my Tumblr back up for prompts. Each pair will be labeled in the chapter. Some fics are short and some will be long depending on what I have.
Words: 251, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English
Fandoms: Naruto
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Categories: Multi
Characters: Hatake Kakashi, Maito Gai | Might Guy, Akimichi Chouji, Akimichi Chouza, Nara Shikamaru, Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Aburame Shino, Aburame Shibi, Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, Other Naruto Character(s)
Relationships: Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai | Might Guy, Akimichi Chouji/Nara Shikamaru, Aburame Shino/Nara Shikamaru, Aburame Shino/Uzumaki Naruto, Aburame Shibi/Nara Shikaku, Hyuuga Neji/Rock Lee
Additional Tags: Tumblr Prompt, Fluff and Angst, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
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Hanging On Threads (2)
@shinoweek 2021 Prompt 3 - Sunset/Canon Divergence
Words: 3.7k
Genre: Angst. Drama. Shinohina. Tragedy
Warnings: -
Additional Tags: Shinohina, Kibahina, Naruhina, family issues, Konoha’s noble clans, nepotisme and collusion.
Author’s Note: I’m so sorry y’all. I’ve been extra busy :( Here’s chapter 2 (?) of my Shino week series. I hope you have a great day :)
Chapter 1 / Chapter 2
It has been 3 days since Shino disappeared from the Aburame compound.
It has also been 3 days since the Konoha elders re-welcomed the Aburames and reintegrated them into society.
Ever since, Shino has been staying at ROOT, hiding undercover while waiting for Danzo's orders.
And with that, Shino is handed the dreadful task of explaining every little detail to Torune.
"I just can't understand your logic, Shino." He says, clenching his fists on the table. "You should know better than to just run away from home like that!"
"What do you think you'll achieve with this?" Torune grits his teeth, "You cant escape this--there's no way Danzo will let you out anymore!"
Guilt that has previously bubbled inside him was now gone. Shino felt close to nothing as he stays cooped in ROOT. No fear. No anxiety. He was obviously feeling full of himself, believing to have won his side of the bargain. As such, none of Torune's words were ringing bells inside his head.
Shino tries to keep his facade well-put.
"How is Uncle Shibi taking the news?"
"I've sent some beetles to Father. I can tell he's doing well even without me. Nothing else will change in the household."
"Not until," Shino's words come to a startled halt. "Until I finish my promise to Danzo."
His brother bangs the table in a display of panic that Shino has never seen. " You don't know what he'll do to you. Shino, you don't know anything..."
His words cut off abruptly. In a split second, Shino senses a tremble in Torune. A slight quiver of his lips.
Torune used to live with them, and had expressed massive gratefulness towards his uncle. Shino didn't realize at that time (he was but merely eight), that more than anything, Torune's sacrifice was addressed more towards Shibi. The boy would do anything to protect his uncle—you can see it in the way he devotes himself to his work.
A kindred sort of regret rose in Shino. To think that he had so easily thrown away the ideal life that Torune had bestowed upon him—and voluntarily at that.
But both of them know that there is no safer alternative.
(It's an inevitable fate, they console themselves. It is a necessary sacrifice.)
"I had to do it for our clan." Shino repeats the fact to his brother. "We were to be killed soon enough. And it would have been Father first."
Shino's eyes flit nervously as he spoke.
"And who do you think would pull the trigger, Shino?"
Torune didn't ask why. Like he knew all of the details already.
Shino glanced around the room, thinking. He already knows the answer. Rather, he's trying to figure out how to word it in a manner that doesn't...offend Torune.
(Shino could list all the names of the ANBU members that have been in contact with particular individuals. Journalists, Governors, Clan heads, people of high posistions. Their agenda was blatant. Shino knows because their names have been whispered in contemplation throughout the Aburame compound.)
"The jonins," Shino says, in a hushed voice. "The jonins will work together with the ANBU. The Sarutobi clan will be extremely involved too."
There is a pattern Shino notices in Konoha's history. It's that the types of people who reign over the village are identical and identifiable amongst each other. A teacher to their student, A blood relative to their predecessor. Lesser clans would do anything to grab ahold of that social circle.
Replacing an unliked noble clan would be one of such tasks.
Torune listens keenly, in a hum that neither denies or confirms it.
"Not only that," He resumes, "There seems to be equal participation from other clans. Such as the Nara. You know they've been looking to steal our research on bugs."
"They're especially interested in yours, Torune."
He doesn't oblige. Torune was aware of this well before he came to ROOT, too. Fear and suspense were not things Torune had to be worried about. But today, he finds that he had to face it--the abject horror of seeing his little brother in a hostage situation. The pure fear of knowing how hopeless he is engulfs him. Was there nothing that Torune can do?
(A shinobi must constantly opress their emotions, follow a strict set of rules that they decide among themselves, and avoid extraneous conflict.
This was the first lesson Danzo had stamped inside Torune's memories.
To disconnect oneself from the act of murder—it was the essence of a shinobi.
Or so Torune thought.)
"I was to be sent as well, Shino." Torune looks down as he breaks the ice. "They want us gone because of our power. Of our potential. They'll take our knowledge and use it to their own benefit. All the research, medicine, poisons and bugs."
(The Aburames are notorious for being mysterious. All done in order to conceal oneself, to prevent oneself from having their secret techniques outed in public. Ensuring, that they stay formidable, underestimated,
and strong.)
"You heard Danzo say it. They think we're weird. Unsanitary. Off-putting. That our secrecy is a form of betrayal, even when we've been constantly obedient to Konoha."
"And will you die as well?" Shino asks cautiously, "After you've killed all of us, will they dispose of you too, Torune?"
A sorrow smile lit up Torune's face. There was, again, no answer. Shino knows—No, he had plenty of ideas already. Torune’s predisposition was already a valid enough reason for Konoha to justify his death. Killed or not, there are many ways to make a man break. Danzo would have his merry time trying out which one of those methods satisfy him best.
What Konoha was capable of bringing unto the Uchiha was just as likely to happen to the Aburames.
(This exchange ended on a heavy note. Nothing Shino says will add or subtract from the issue at hand. Just a hanging air of dread, looming over their clan's future. Both of them did what they had to preserve their clans. To protect those important to them.
But this sense of kinship—to protect those that they love. Is it not what Konoha preaches to their young, too?
Or was it the reason that Konoha wants to tear apart the Aburame family ties?)
A knock on the wooden door brings an end to the brothers' conversation. The Yamanaka boy comes in, head held high.
"Lord Danzo has requested for you, Shino Aburame. Come along, now."
Shino leaves Torune in the room. Torune knows best that he should not interfere lest he wants to live a day beneath the soil.
It can be said that ROOT was an illegal form of bodyguards, acting as Danzo's personal squadron. A blatant display of political corruption, despite Danzo’s "fancy" position as Konoha's elder. The facility was well maintained, and there was never a shortage of child soldiers sent there. The clan leaders know Danzo as a demanding figure.
The Yamanaka boy—Fuu Yamanaka stops to knock at a set of tall doors. Shino stops to ponder whether he was related directly to Ino Yamanaka.
An oddly lit room opens up by Shino, displaying machines, scrolls, and different books that are perfectly arranged inside the giant walls of bookshelves. Danzo stood in the center, on a throne chair that he does not deserve.
"You may leave now, Fuu." He spoke in a low tone.
Something in Shino buzzes as he watch the Yamanaka eye him begrudgingly while he closes the door. The buzzing didn't stop after he went out.
(His bugs were reacting to something. A feeling that Shino doesn't want to name)
"You. You're the son of Shibi Aburame, aren't you?" Danzo sneers, "So the Aburames have a dojutsu now, huh? What a nuisance. What, is your dojutsu like the Uchiha's? Prompted by deep emotional pain?"
(Shino feels the buzzing again. His bugs were on guard, but for what?)
"Does Shibi have this ability, too?"
"No." Shino spouts a half-lie.
"And how did you get your hands on this? Are you saying that it just appeared out of nowhere?"
Danzo was gauging for answers. Shino was never good at communication himself, but he was naturally gifted in speaking conspicuously
"It was always in the Aburame blood. Just forgotten through time. Nothing new."
"And you vermins have been hiding this to yourselves, haven't you? Yet you wonder why Konoha has no trust in you."
"The other clans have aces up their sleeves, too. It's why they call it a Hidden Jutsu."
Shino didn't mean to sound snark. But Danzo himself might not have the mental intelligence to understand sarcasm, so Shino thinks it's okay.
"So this dojutsu of yours—The Senrigan—tell me how this is more useful than the Byakugan."
Shino bit his tongue before answering. Once more, he'll have to cherry-pick his words exceptionally well.
"I transfer my sight to my bugs. Depending on how many bugs there are and how they're aligned, my sight can reach other countries."
"The Senrigan requires one to be perfectly still, but the bugs can collect all sounds, sights, and other details without having their chakra traced. Hiding my chakra under the bug's natural chakra will make them unnoticed by sensors"
Danzo squints his eye, thinking. "Quite the useful spying tool, huh."
"Still, we need to make sure you're telling the truth. Take off your glasses."
Shino was taken aback from the sudden request,
"Now."
He does as he's told. The sunglasses are safely kept in his pockets. Shino's eyes were dark under the sunlight, and an even deeper shade of obsidian indoors.
"Let's have you demonstrate your Senrigan, shall we? I've sent Fuu to loiter around Konoha's busy streets. Locate him using the senrigan, and tell me every word he's speaking."
And without further ado, Shino created some hand seals, took a deep breath, and a swarm of kikaichu flew out of his body, travelling through the doors and crevices of the ROOT headquarters before dispersing overground. The emerald hue of Shino's eyes looked stunning in the dark.
Even from a distance, Danzo can sense an intricate, huge web of chakra dispersing from the boy's body, Undulating, stretching outwards, and going back and forth between Shino's body and his bugs. Then, as if on command, the chakra fell silent and Shino lets out a long exhale. He's successfully established the connection.
As Shino stills his senses to callibrate himself to the beetles, he orders them to trace any signs of the familiar Yamanaka chakra signature. He steadily reduces his chakra input. When a preferable balance is reached, Shino waits in silence. Until a bug notifies him of any significant clues
(Go to the streets. He instructs them. Hover around in small swarms and don't terrify the people.
A short pause. Don't bump into anyone that I know, He commands again.)
Danzo watches as the Aburame in front of hin froze into a lotus pose. The stare in his eyes blank, but definitely buzzing with intel and chakra. There is much to be studied with this new forbidden jutsu.
Shino is notified of a sighting near Konoha's marketplace. He checks in with the bug, and once their visions link he can tell that the person had the same chakra signature.
"I've located him." Shino said. "He's using a mask and brown cloak, performing jutsus to the local children."
"And what is he saying?"
Shino tries to concentrate as hard as he can. The hand seals that Fuu was using was something he didn't recognize. Apparently memorizing while the Senrigan is activated proved to be more dizzying than he thought.
"Tori, Uma, Ne, Inu, Ne, Tori, Hitsuji, Tatsu, I, Ushi..." Shino recites slowly, making sure that he isn't wrong. "This is a variant of the Water-style technique. He's forming water spouts from his fingers."
That's absolutely correct, Fuu signals to Danzo, who had been telepathically communicating with him all this time.
"Well done, Shino. You've proven to us that you and your clan can be of use."
And with that Shino scrunches his eyes shut. A little bit disoriented from having to memorize while using the Senrigan. His beetles swiftly fly back to him, bringing him a small amount of chakra they absorbed from the villagers.
"I've done my part in reintegrating the Aburames. Give me a month and things will be back to normal. Are you ready to fulfill your side of the promise?" Danzo asked, as he stood up from his chair.
Shino gulps nervously. He didn't really plan out what to do next. But Shino was a master at lying, and with a countenance that no one can read, he was indecipherable.
"Why did you want us gone in the first place?" Shino asks, not realizing that he had voiced the thoughts out loud.
Danzo Shimura was a man who took the Second Hokage's manifesto to heart. Perhaps a bit too much. Shino had suspected, backed with the evidence and observation of his clansmen, that Danzo was pulling strings that led to the Uchiha massacre. It was easy to connect the dots, especially with Shibi and Shino's ability (they were tasked to clean it up. Shibi was fast in doing so, while Shino tended to the unconscious Sasuke.)
From the very formation of Konoha, the Aburame clan was in charge of the most tedious work. Often times having to deal with the brunt of it while Konoha lives scott-free. Border patrols, cleaning up after crimes, interrogation. The Aburames are efficient, but this efficiency ultimately lead to their public consternation.
"You Aburames are skilled, I must admit." Danzo's croaked voice echoed through the chamber. "So much so that any village would want to use you as weapons."
"And that's all there is to it, really. You bunch are too strong. Too skilled. There's too many unknown factors. The higher-ups have agreed to eliminate these threats. After all, Konoha prides itself in being a friendly nation. Your blood brings filth to our soil."
Shino knows that there is a lie slipped between those words. Danzo was not a friendly type of leader.
"The Four Noble Clans of Konoha are in need of a change. The Uchihas have proven to be evil. It is in Konoha's best interest to discard the bad, and salvage whatever is left. Haven't you noticed? The only reason we keep the Akimichi is because they're dumb enough to be controlled by the Nara and Yamanaka. And the Hyuuga's reputation are held at our mercy. You're smart enough to figure the rest." Danzo says, walking to approach Shino.
What?
Did he hear his words right? The Akimichi clan? All along, Shino had thought that the lucky title of a 'Noble Clan' are given to clans who had body modifications that cannot be replicated by other ninjas. To think that his fellow team had such a scheme hanging around their backs...Shino wants to believe that Team 10's friendship is genuine.
"Tomorrow," Danzo says, patting the chuunin's back, "You will be promoted as Jonin and will be registered as a member of the ANBU. Of course, that's a lie. Because tomorrow I will personally have you run... special errands for me."
Shino gulped. He didn't like the close proximity.
"Make sure you say your goodbyes today. You'll be listed as dead for security reasons."
And with that, Shino is let out of the facility. He finds himself pondering aimlessly on a nearby park bench. Autumn has turned the Konohagakure into a beautiful display of warm colors. The trees looked like they've been covered in a rich, velvet cloak and the air was sublime. Shino wonders how long it'll be till he can bask in this scenery again.
First, he'd visit his father. Then, he'd visit his other family members. After that he'll visit...no one. How could Shino bear to look at his friend's faces after resolving so adamantly to despise them? After convincing himself that they've forgotten him.
(And Shino still hopes. He hopes that somehow someone will notice eventually.)
But he supposes he'll finish his priorities first. Evade a civil war, restore his clan's honor, and the rest will be his secondary concerns. It is dire that he doesn't get emotional, especially in the current state Konoha is in.
He looks at the children, playing games under a nearby tree. They were too young for the academy, of course, but if they were old enough to attend, would they all turn out like him? Cold and efficient?
Shino thinks that he used to be a perfectly good student. A good ninja, but perhaps not so good as a friend. One can see plenty of differences between Shino and the rambunctious Naruto, but do they realize how much he envies his cheerful personality?
(And Shino envies him so much. He's taken the attention of the girl he favors. And now, he has taken everyone's attention away from Shino's disappearance.
Naruto had outshined Shino. As if Shino was a shadow that should not exist.)
He's had enough of the pointless thoughts. It was almost noon and Shino has to hurry home if he wants to say proper goodbyes.
But a shrill bark had frozen him to his seat.
"Akamaru, calm down!" A familiar voice shouted.
Shino jolted at the sound. It was coming from behind him. He senses two people walking by, and a dog beside them. Shino was already certain of who they were.
"Akamaru, what's wrong boy? You shouldn't be barking at strangers." The man—Kiba himself said, as he crouched to rub Akamaru's head.
"Maybe he sees someone, Kiba-kun? I don't think anyone's back home from missions..." Hinata replied, looking around the park.
Oh heavens. If there was anyone who Shino would avoid the most, it'd be these two—Hinata and Kiba. He doesn't want to face them. He doesn't even want to be near them. Alas, everytime Shino denies this thought his heart urges him more and more. To simply turn to them. To tell them everything.
(But who was it really who had decided to forget about him in the first place? No one had bothered to ask where he went after the Chuunin exams.)
Akamaru's barking turned into a soft whine. The canine was visibly confused.
Shino has yet to move from his spot at the bench.
"Come on now. No one is here. You've mistaken him for someone else, buddy." Kiba says, sounding a little harsh for someone who claims to be Akamaru's partner.
(Shino wanted to burst out laughing. Doubting a ninja dog's nose? Especially one who has worked with Shino for years? Kiba was a bad liar.
See, even Akamaru notices! Shino thinks to himself, proud to have concluded that the fault was theirs all along.)
Akamaru still whines when Kiba motions him away from Shino's bench.
"Why are you being so difficult today?!" Kiba grunts, frustrated. "Come on Akamaru, you don't want to upset Hinata on our date!"
Oh.
Oh.
So it’s like that, huh.
"K-Kiba-kun! Please don't shout in public..." Hinata whimpers, fiddling her thumbs together.
And with a little nudge, Akamaru finally moves on with them. The couple enjoying the beauty of Konoha's Autumn, oblivious to everything behind it.
It took minutes. Hours, even for Shino to compose himself enough to process the ordeal.
And those hours were filled with empty pondering. With words that were on the tip of falling out of his mouth. With feelings that he had not been brave enough to admit before. With the eternal, everlasting regret of not speaking up.
But there was nothing he could do.
A shinobi must constantly suppress their emotions, follow a strict set of rules that they decide among themselves, and avoid extraneous conflict
This is for the best. he repeats to himself. Hinata would be better off without him, he thinks.
(But he could have made her happy too. He would've given everything for her.)
A stroll to wash off these thoughts. Yes, Shino thinks that all he needed was to cool his head, shrug it off, and return to his obligations tomorrow. The warm glow of sunset was eager to mask his unease.
The sunset was particularly shy that day, and had swiftly sank to allow the moon to greet him instead. It's already past six o,clock. He knows that he needs to greet his family, but Shino's distraught conscience told him to look at the sky. The moon was still as luminous as usual.
Shino had always known how beautiful the moon is. How beautiful its pearly shimmer is.
(How gentle her eyes were, radiating such a serene, pure love)
And like an opened dam, suddenly Shino feels his chest aching. Like a hole had opened inside him--one that he can't touch nor see. A hole that, no matter how hard Shino tries, would always engulf him in rain. In a downpour that feels like a thousand needles showering on him.
It feels like such a distant memory. Months ago they were still fine. Hinata was still his comrade. And now, she's floating further away from his grasp. Was there no more space for Shino in her heart?
(But Shino was a fool to believe—
A firefly can't love the moon.
Its language can't be heard,
Its wings can't reach the sky,
Its light can't compare to the sea of stars.
It can only do what a firefly does best.
Illuminate the night in its own glow.
A token of a love that falls on deaf ears.)
By the time Shino reaches the Aburame compound, his tears were already dry. Shibi waits for him near the estate gates, and without speaking a word, held his son in a deep embrace. A fitting greeting for a child who's always been forced to grow up before his time.
Shino was going to stay the night in the estate. Saying goodbyes and packing things up. Of course, no further information would be given—everyone was in a state of wary due to the constant supervision.
He had to console them the best he can. Explain the situation. Share his insights. Assure them that this is his job as the Aburame heir. And for that, he would do everything in his capacity to make sure his loved ones don't perish.
A night is never enough to tell stories. By tomorrow morning, Shibi would have said goodbye to two sons.
#shinowek2021#Shino Aburame#aburame shino#naruto headcanons#naruto fanfiction#hinata hyuuga#kiba inuzuka#akamaru#Akamaru is the real mvp here#we love some good team angst#also...i rlly like the last sentence i wrote in this one 👁️👁️#also..i like the last sentence i wrote in this one 👁️👁️
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Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Underage
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Fandom: Naruto
Relationships: TBD – Relationship, Hatake Kakashi & Original Female Character, Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto, Jiraiya/Tsunade (Naruto), Past Jiraiya/Original Female Character(s), Haruno Sakura/Nara Shikamaru
Characters: Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Itachi, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Original Female Character(s), Umino Iruka, Uzumaki Naruto, Rock Lee, Hyuuga Neji, Pakkun (Naruto), Shimura Danzou, Maito Gai | Might Guy, Aburame Shino, Aburame Shibi, Uchiha Sasuke, Inuzuka Kiba, Inuzuka Tsume, Nara Shikaku, Gaara (Naruto), Kankurou (Naruto), Temari (Naruto), Baki (Naruto), Killer Bee, A (Naruto), Yakushi Kabuto, Akadou Yoroi, Hidan (Naruto), Kakuzu (Naruto), Nagato | Pain, Konan (Naruto), Hoshigaki Kisame, Sasori (Naruto), Deidara (Naruto), Uchiha Obito, Senju Tobirama, Senju Hashirama, Namikaze Minato, Tsunade (Naruto), Jiraiya (Naruto), Orochimaru (Naruto), Tenten (Naruto), Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Clan, Rasa (Naruto), Karin (Naruto), Hoozuki Suigetsu, Jugo, Sai (Naruto), Ichibi | One-tail | Shukaku, Kyuubi | Nine-tails | Kurama, Hachibi | Eight-tails | Gyuuki, Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Karui (Naruto), Omoi (Naruto), Uchiha Shisui, Kimimaro (Naruto)
Additional Tags: Isekai, Transmigration, dad!kakashi, kakashi is a dad, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Dogs, Pacifist MC, Parenthood, Single Parents, Parent-Child Relationship, Reincarnation, Work In Progress, Friendship, Siblings, Sibling Bonding, Adopted Sibling Relationship, Adopted Children, Strained Parent/Child Relationship, Rasa’s A+ Parenting, Eventual Romance, One-Sided Attraction, Unrequited Crush, Swearing, Hidan (Naruto) Swears, Sharingan, Mangekyou Sharingan, Character Bashing, Tobirama Bashing, Mutual Pining, Affection, Affectionate Insults, Public Display of Affection, Romantic Fluff, Family Feels, Family Fluff, Obsessive Behavior, Creepy Orochimaru (Naruto), Orochimaru Being Orochimaru (Naruto), Bilingual Character(s), Questionable Mental Health, Weird Chakra, Ninshu, MC is older on the inside, old mind young body, Tagging as I go, I’m Bad At Tagging, Infantilism, Age Regression/De-Aging, Jiraiya is a Senju, Not Beta Read, i am a cruel god, phantom limb – Freeform, Missing-Nin, Timeline What Timeline, OOC, Unintentionally, Teen Angst, Angst, There is officially angst now, I Made Myself Cry
#shinobi isekai#ao3 link#naruto fanfiction#naruto#fanfiction#this one's a doozy#don't say i didn't warn you#round1
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I did it! I updated on time! WOOHOO!!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Underage
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Fandom: Naruto
Relationships: TBD – Relationship, Hatake Kakashi & Original Female Character, Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto, Jiraiya/Tsunade (Naruto), Past Jiraiya/Original Female Character(s), Haruno Sakura/Nara Shikamaru
Characters: Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Itachi, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Original Female Character(s), Umino Iruka, Uzumaki Naruto, Rock Lee, Hyuuga Neji, Pakkun (Naruto), Shimura Danzou, Maito Gai | Might Guy, Aburame Shino, Aburame Shibi, Uchiha Sasuke, Inuzuka Kiba, Inuzuka Tsume, Nara Shikaku, Gaara (Naruto), Kankurou (Naruto), Temari (Naruto), Baki (Naruto), Killer Bee, A (Naruto), Yakushi Kabuto, Akadou Yoroi, Hidan (Naruto), Kakuzu (Naruto), Nagato | Pain, Konan (Naruto), Hoshigaki Kisame, Sasori (Naruto), Deidara (Naruto), Uchiha Obito, Senju Tobirama, Senju Hashirama, Namikaze Minato, Tsunade (Naruto), Jiraiya (Naruto), Orochimaru (Naruto), Tenten (Naruto), Uchiha Madara, Uchiha Clan, Rasa (Naruto), Karin (Naruto), Hoozuki Suigetsu, Jugo, Sai (Naruto), Ichibi | One-tail | Shukaku, Kyuubi | Nine-tails | Kurama, Hachibi | Eight-tails | Gyuuki, Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, Karui (Naruto), Omoi (Naruto), Uchiha Shisui
Additional Tags: Isekai, Transmigration, dad!kakashi, kakashi is a dad, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Dogs, Pacifist MC, Parenthood, Single Parents, Parent-Child Relationship, Reincarnation, Work In Progress, Friendship, Siblings, Sibling Bonding, Adopted Sibling Relationship, Adopted Children, Strained Parent/Child Relationship, Rasa's A+ Parenting, Eventual Romance, One-Sided Attraction, Unrequited Crush, Swearing, Hidan (Naruto) Swears, Sharingan, Mangekyou Sharingan, Character Bashing, Tobirama Bashing, Mutual Pining, Affection, Affectionate Insults, Public Display of Affection, Romantic Fluff, Family Feels, Family Fluff, Obsessive Behavior, Creepy Orochimaru (Naruto), Orochimaru Being Orochimaru (Naruto), Bilingual Character(s), Questionable Mental Health, Weird Chakra, Ninshu, MC is older on the inside, old mind young body, Tagging as I go, I'm Bad At Tagging, Infantilism, Age Regression/De-Aging, Jiraiya is a Senju, Not Beta Read, i am a cruel god, phantom limb – Freeform, Missing-Nin, Timeline What Timeline, OOC, Unintentionally, Teen Angst, Angst, There is officially angst now, I Made Myself Cry
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Knock on Wood Konoha Part II
read it on the AO3 at http://bit.ly/2GMBq2v
by llewellynprince
Konohagakure has settled into an uneasy peace after the Battle of the Hattori Gates, but Iruka and his allies know Danzo is just waiting in the shadows. Naruto finds himself torn between his loyalty to the village and his loyalty to Iruka, as Kakashi struggles to balance his conflicting beliefs and his relationship with Iruka.
When Danzo's first strike comes, Kakashi finds himself standing alone and carrying the future of the village on his shoulders as he searches for the Three Clans and the only chance they have for the village's survival.
Words: 7392, Chapters: 1/10, Language: English
Series: Part 3 of Chronicles of Years
Fandoms: Naruto
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M, Multi
Characters: Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Umino Iruka, Hatake Kakashi, Haruno Sakura, Hyuuga Hinata, Hyuuga Neji, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba, Inuzuka Hana, Inuzuka Tsume, Aburame Shibi, Rock Lee, Gaara (Naruto), Temari (Naruto), Maito Gai | Might Guy, Hagane Kotetsu, Kamizuki Izumo, Yamanaka Ino, Morino Ibiki, Sai (Naruto), Tsunade (Naruto), Jiraiya (Naruto), Yuuhi Kurenai, Sarutobi Asuma, Sarutobi Konohamaru, Shiranui Genma, Namiashi Raidou, Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Obito, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Fugaku, Hatake Sakumo
Relationships: Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto, Hatake Kakashi/Umino Iruka, Aburame Shino/Inuzuka Kiba, Hyuuga Hinabi/Sarutobi Konohamaru, Nara Shikamaru/Temari, Gaara/Rock Lee, Mitarashi Anko/Morino Ibiki, Sarutobi Asuma/Yuuhi Kurenai, Namiashi Raidou/Shiranui Genma, Hyuuga Hinata/Hyuuga Neji, Uchiha Fugaku/Uchiha Mikoto
Additional Tags: Humor, Angst, Mystery, Secrets, Uchiha Clan-centric, Aburame Clan, Inuzuka Clan, Hunter Nin, Hatred, BAMF!Iruka, People just don't stay dead!, War
read it on the AO3 at http://bit.ly/2GMBq2v
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