endless_scrolls (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
endless_scrolls) wrote2010-01-08 12:33 pm
endless_scrolls) wrote2010-01-08 12:33 pm
Seasons of Love, Part 3
Title: Seasons of Love, Part 3
Type: Fanfic
Fandom: Naruto
Theme: Autumn [ Wordcount: 2449 ]
Character(s): Tenten, Aburame Shibi; brief mentions of Aburame Shino, Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, Maito Gai, Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba
Pairing(s): Lightly implied Shino/Tenten...
Warning(s): None.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words.
Note: Part three of four. Written for the ShinoTen FC fanfic contest held over at NarutoForums.
Dedicated to: All you ShinoTen fans out there! ♥
When Shino introduced her to the clan for the first time she had been nervous. Despite the usual air of confidence the kunoichi radiated. The terrors and struggles of the battlefield, she knew all too well. Had spent more than half her life living in the perpetual violence as did all who took up the call of the shinobi. But this was different. It was a fight that Tenten could only walk into blindly. Because although she had plenty of experience in defending herself on a diplomatic and intellectual level -- more so in recent years, the kunoichi noted with a small quirk of her lips -- it was an entirely different story when facing up against the entire Aburame clan. More specifically Aburame Shibi. He was, after all, an opponent that was a perpetually ambiguous factor.
And the uncertainty was what unnerved her the most.
At the age of forty-three, he was a veteran. A legend, both in his field and to the profession itself. As the current head of the Aburame clan, he was every bit as commanding as anyone would expect in a leader. Twenty-two years her senior and the father of the man she had spent the better part of three years in a relationship with, he was a walking advertisement of his immense skill. All these factors combined together to form a rather intimidating entity, one Tenten would have to inevitably face if her relationship with Shino were to continue along the path it had been. So when the young shinobi had suggested joining his family for the third day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, kunoichi had seen no other choice but to accept.
Because if not now, then when would she ever find the courage?
Things had started off on fairly good enough terms. Good, in that none of the members in attendance had visibly shown their immediate dislike of this outsider. And for the most part, Shibi had shown to be a considerate host. There were very few words exchanged, but the conversation was pleasant enough when they were. To a point where Tenten began to wonder if Shino had said something to his family beforehand to implore that they be on their best behavior. As if they were subordinates in this swarm and he the master of the hive. Something that became more and more a possibility as the night continued on. But her theory on that had quickly been proven wrong the moment the young man had been asked to leave the table and replenish their stock of tea.
That was when the real fight began.
"Do you love my son?"
It had been unexpected. Unwarranted. There had been no indications that the question was coming at all. And as Tenten studied his face, she struggled in deciding whether or not the elder Aburame had been serious or not. But then again, the Aburame were not necessarily known for any open show of emotion beyond the usual outward neutrality. It was, she originally assumed, an intended mask to hide their movements and attacks from any opponent they may face up against. But the more time she had been able to spend with Shino, it became apparent that such assumptions were not the case. It was actually, Tenten realized, to better placate and control the kikaichu. So closely linked were host and beetle that it became a constant necessity, ultimately cultivating what now stood as the embodiment of the clan's personality. Because any mis-step of emotions could prove devastating to anyone in the surrounding area. A swarm protected its hive at the first sign of danger, after all. Just as a dog would protect its master. Just as a shinobi would protect their village.
An effective defense mechanism, she would admit. But it hardly made them approachable.
However, life would not be such without its small challenges. And if there was anything that Team Gai had taught her, it was that challenges were meant to be faced head on. So, after a brief pause to register the question, the kunoichi steeled herself for the conversation that loomed ahead and made to reply as best she could. "I... care deeply for your son, yes. But love?..." And it was then that her gaze seemed to falter in its resolve, telling in how unsure she was on the subject matter even now. The irony of it was not lost on her. Tenten had not even spoken of this with Shino. And now, here she was discussing this over with his father. "...It's too soon to determine that."
And Tenten expected the look of curiosity -- a slightly raised brow and a small tilt of the elder's head -- could read it a bit easier than most after all the years she had spent with Shino. But even she had a hard time discerning the meaning behind the other little flecks of movement in his expression. The way his back straightened just a bit more. The way Shibi's arms moved to place his hands in his lap instead of the pockets of his coat. They all indicated that he was preparing for something.
For what, she was a little wary to find out. But with a bit of determination and a headstrong resolve, she pressed on and prepared for his response.
"The two of you have been intimately linked for nearly three years."
"In between months of missions and fighting wars," she countered. Something that only allowed them to become both closer and further a part, she thought to add, but decided against it. It would only fuel the flames of his argument. Like it had with the others. All the others.
Instead, the kunoichi moved to scanned the area for Shino. Only to find him in the middle of a conversation with his teammates as he waited for the order of tea. And it was as if her gaze held a presence or weight to them, because it was in that instance that he shifted his glance away from the other two and looked directly towards them. Towards her. And Tenten could not help but smile helplessly how nervous the young man suddenly seemed. At least by Aburame standards.
The creases of his brows were less pronounced, giving way to a softer emotion than the young man's usually neutral expression. Shino was concerned. The relaxed curve of his shoulders were gone, replaced by a squared stiffness that indicated a constriction in his muscles. Shino was alert. And his fingers, out in the open for all to see, were curled into a loose fist instead of naturally spayed out across the counter in gentle arches. Shino had not anticipated such a move so late in the game. Not after nearly an entire evening of cordial behavior. Valid reactions and telling shifts from the young man's usual demeanor. Especially when considering who, exactly, her current opponent was. Which only served to add to Tenten's growing anxiety.
But she was a kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf and a force of her own right to be considered. This was Tenten's battle to fight. Her lot to bear. To act otherwise would be a disgrace not only to herself, but to her relationship with Shino. So it was with that thought firmly planted in Tenten's mind that she turned back and continued her conversation with the elder Abruame. "Besides, we're still only twenty-one years old."
"The average expected lifespan of a shinobi is thirty-five."
"Yet here you are, living well beyond that." It was, perhaps, a bit disrespectful to speak in such a tone to a superior in both profession and life experiences. And the deepened crease in the elder's brows did well to indicate his possible irritation concerning that. But sage wisdom could only go so far when the one they are intended for is not taken into consideration as well. A sentiment that the kunoichi felt applied in this instance. Tenten may have been part of one of the fastest teams in the village on terms of speed, but that did not mean that she wanted to spend the rest of her days rushing through life. After all, how could one find beauty and quality in the finer details if there was no time set aside to let it be found?
"With all due respect, a shinobi's mortality does not dictate love. Nor should it." Here, the kunoichi lowered her gaze to the tabletop where she could study the details of the wood. How the grains flowed and swirled with the rings and patterns. All the while, her features smoothed out a fraction in thought and contemplation. In sympathy and consideration as the words lingered on the tip of the young woman's tongue. Until finally, the harshness and determination of her tone had seemed to disappear completely when Tenten spoke again. "And neither should it determine the progression of my relationship with your son."
Finally lifting her eyes, she scanned over the reflective surface of the other's dark shades, doing her best to look beyond the gleam of lights and shadows that played across the glass for what laid underneath. Whether or not Shibi was staring back did not matter as much in the long run. The kunoichi had made her move, the rest was left for him to decide. All that counted was the fact that Tenten found enough cause and courage to give an opportunity for their gazes to meet. For him to see her resolve on this matter and know that there would be no purchase in his favor.
She would not compromise on this.
"You know as well as I do that Shino is not the type to rush head-long into anything without first analyzing every possible detail extensively," she pressed on, "This is no different."
A twitch was Shibi's only initial response. A slight dip of the elder's head -- a light tinkle of noise from the charm that hung from the side of his glasses -- only notable because of how his nose and cheeks disappeared behind the high collar of the elder's jacket for the briefest of moments. And Tenten had to fight the urge to smile fondly at the motion. Because of how much it reminded her of Shino. Of how he would seek refuge behind the rough fabric when she would happen to fall upon a subject matter that he found rather... uncomfortable or embarrassing. Which only encouraged the kunoichi to continue and double her efforts, if only in an attempt to break off another piece of that shell he tended to build up when faced with an all too social situation.
It was a small flaw, yes. But, Tenten realized, it was also one of the many reasons why she cared for him. One of many qualities that she found charming to his benefit.
"You are very considerate of his needs," he finally said, reaching out a hand to toy with the empty tea cup in front of him, "As a father, I can only be thankful for that."
The kunoichi registered his words with a start, too lost in her own musings to notice the way Shibi had watched her intently during stretch of silence that settled between them. And then when the comment fully sunk in, Tenten found herself glancing off to the side in hesitation. Her mask of conviction and courage finally faltering. "...I assure you, it's more for my sake than his."
When dealing with the Aburame clan, the ability to read a myriad of emotions and decipher the meanings behind every little shift of movement they made was necessary. -- It was like a secret language all their own that had developed as a secondary effect when they had resigned themselves to becoming a living hive to swarms of the most deadliest creatures in the known shinobi world. -- Tenten had learned that early on, almost from the first moment that she had met Shino. And although she was still considered a novice compared to the whole of his family, the kunoichi had managed well enough. Or so she believed.
The slight way Shibi's cheeks seemed to tighten around the eyes and the shallow wheeze of his exhale said differently.
"I've seen what love can do to a person," she offered, attempting to give reason and explanation to her last comment, "Especially when it's not returned."
An intake of breath. Another dip of his head behind the high collar of the jacket. What it meant or conveyed was a mystery to her. And she hardly cared to even try. Because all Tenten could focus on was the shy gentleness of the other's voice when he finally spoke again. "...As have I."
It was telling, perhaps. A vague indicator of his own experience on the subject matter. Then again, she thought, when considering the overall perception that people had of the Abruame clan, perhaps it was a common obstacle that each member had to face at some point in their lives. After all, there were not many people in the world who could so easily overlook the fact that their partner cultivated a host of beetles within their bodies. Ones that could destroy a person within seconds with a mere command. Tenten was not so much effected by the idea as others she knew. The bugs were necessary. Were a tradition of the family for generations. Still, even she was not exactly sure how she felt about the entire concept.
"It is... an effective strategy when one has the patience for it. I would not have expected any less from two such as yourselves," he continued. And then, looking to her, Shibi inclined his head in an apologetic gesture. "Forgive me for doubting."
A strange choice of phrasing, Tenten thought. One that did not fail to call up her suspicions, both as a kunoichi and as a fairly intuitive person.
"I would... but this was never about your doubts concerning my intentions with Shino... was it?"
Rather than respond, the head of the Abruame clan simply turned his head to the side. In guilt, perhaps. But moreso in avoidance of her gaze, the kunoichi realized. And that was reaction enough.
"It was a test," she said, more as a statement than a question.
"...You will make a good wife one day."
And although the kunoichi did not give voice to the thought -- although all that she could manage to do was bow her head in respects to the elder before taking her leave of him -- the small tug at the corner of the young woman's lips was telling enough. That deep down inside, Tenten was hoping for the same as well.
Type: Fanfic
Fandom: Naruto
Theme: Autumn [ Wordcount: 2449 ]
Character(s): Tenten, Aburame Shibi; brief mentions of Aburame Shino, Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, Maito Gai, Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba
Pairing(s): Lightly implied Shino/Tenten...
Warning(s): None.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words.
Note: Part three of four. Written for the ShinoTen FC fanfic contest held over at NarutoForums.
Dedicated to: All you ShinoTen fans out there! ♥
When Shino introduced her to the clan for the first time she had been nervous. Despite the usual air of confidence the kunoichi radiated. The terrors and struggles of the battlefield, she knew all too well. Had spent more than half her life living in the perpetual violence as did all who took up the call of the shinobi. But this was different. It was a fight that Tenten could only walk into blindly. Because although she had plenty of experience in defending herself on a diplomatic and intellectual level -- more so in recent years, the kunoichi noted with a small quirk of her lips -- it was an entirely different story when facing up against the entire Aburame clan. More specifically Aburame Shibi. He was, after all, an opponent that was a perpetually ambiguous factor.
And the uncertainty was what unnerved her the most.
At the age of forty-three, he was a veteran. A legend, both in his field and to the profession itself. As the current head of the Aburame clan, he was every bit as commanding as anyone would expect in a leader. Twenty-two years her senior and the father of the man she had spent the better part of three years in a relationship with, he was a walking advertisement of his immense skill. All these factors combined together to form a rather intimidating entity, one Tenten would have to inevitably face if her relationship with Shino were to continue along the path it had been. So when the young shinobi had suggested joining his family for the third day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, kunoichi had seen no other choice but to accept.
Because if not now, then when would she ever find the courage?
Things had started off on fairly good enough terms. Good, in that none of the members in attendance had visibly shown their immediate dislike of this outsider. And for the most part, Shibi had shown to be a considerate host. There were very few words exchanged, but the conversation was pleasant enough when they were. To a point where Tenten began to wonder if Shino had said something to his family beforehand to implore that they be on their best behavior. As if they were subordinates in this swarm and he the master of the hive. Something that became more and more a possibility as the night continued on. But her theory on that had quickly been proven wrong the moment the young man had been asked to leave the table and replenish their stock of tea.
That was when the real fight began.
"Do you love my son?"
It had been unexpected. Unwarranted. There had been no indications that the question was coming at all. And as Tenten studied his face, she struggled in deciding whether or not the elder Aburame had been serious or not. But then again, the Aburame were not necessarily known for any open show of emotion beyond the usual outward neutrality. It was, she originally assumed, an intended mask to hide their movements and attacks from any opponent they may face up against. But the more time she had been able to spend with Shino, it became apparent that such assumptions were not the case. It was actually, Tenten realized, to better placate and control the kikaichu. So closely linked were host and beetle that it became a constant necessity, ultimately cultivating what now stood as the embodiment of the clan's personality. Because any mis-step of emotions could prove devastating to anyone in the surrounding area. A swarm protected its hive at the first sign of danger, after all. Just as a dog would protect its master. Just as a shinobi would protect their village.
An effective defense mechanism, she would admit. But it hardly made them approachable.
However, life would not be such without its small challenges. And if there was anything that Team Gai had taught her, it was that challenges were meant to be faced head on. So, after a brief pause to register the question, the kunoichi steeled herself for the conversation that loomed ahead and made to reply as best she could. "I... care deeply for your son, yes. But love?..." And it was then that her gaze seemed to falter in its resolve, telling in how unsure she was on the subject matter even now. The irony of it was not lost on her. Tenten had not even spoken of this with Shino. And now, here she was discussing this over with his father. "...It's too soon to determine that."
And Tenten expected the look of curiosity -- a slightly raised brow and a small tilt of the elder's head -- could read it a bit easier than most after all the years she had spent with Shino. But even she had a hard time discerning the meaning behind the other little flecks of movement in his expression. The way his back straightened just a bit more. The way Shibi's arms moved to place his hands in his lap instead of the pockets of his coat. They all indicated that he was preparing for something.
For what, she was a little wary to find out. But with a bit of determination and a headstrong resolve, she pressed on and prepared for his response.
"The two of you have been intimately linked for nearly three years."
"In between months of missions and fighting wars," she countered. Something that only allowed them to become both closer and further a part, she thought to add, but decided against it. It would only fuel the flames of his argument. Like it had with the others. All the others.
Instead, the kunoichi moved to scanned the area for Shino. Only to find him in the middle of a conversation with his teammates as he waited for the order of tea. And it was as if her gaze held a presence or weight to them, because it was in that instance that he shifted his glance away from the other two and looked directly towards them. Towards her. And Tenten could not help but smile helplessly how nervous the young man suddenly seemed. At least by Aburame standards.
The creases of his brows were less pronounced, giving way to a softer emotion than the young man's usually neutral expression. Shino was concerned. The relaxed curve of his shoulders were gone, replaced by a squared stiffness that indicated a constriction in his muscles. Shino was alert. And his fingers, out in the open for all to see, were curled into a loose fist instead of naturally spayed out across the counter in gentle arches. Shino had not anticipated such a move so late in the game. Not after nearly an entire evening of cordial behavior. Valid reactions and telling shifts from the young man's usual demeanor. Especially when considering who, exactly, her current opponent was. Which only served to add to Tenten's growing anxiety.
But she was a kunoichi of the Hidden Leaf and a force of her own right to be considered. This was Tenten's battle to fight. Her lot to bear. To act otherwise would be a disgrace not only to herself, but to her relationship with Shino. So it was with that thought firmly planted in Tenten's mind that she turned back and continued her conversation with the elder Abruame. "Besides, we're still only twenty-one years old."
"The average expected lifespan of a shinobi is thirty-five."
"Yet here you are, living well beyond that." It was, perhaps, a bit disrespectful to speak in such a tone to a superior in both profession and life experiences. And the deepened crease in the elder's brows did well to indicate his possible irritation concerning that. But sage wisdom could only go so far when the one they are intended for is not taken into consideration as well. A sentiment that the kunoichi felt applied in this instance. Tenten may have been part of one of the fastest teams in the village on terms of speed, but that did not mean that she wanted to spend the rest of her days rushing through life. After all, how could one find beauty and quality in the finer details if there was no time set aside to let it be found?
"With all due respect, a shinobi's mortality does not dictate love. Nor should it." Here, the kunoichi lowered her gaze to the tabletop where she could study the details of the wood. How the grains flowed and swirled with the rings and patterns. All the while, her features smoothed out a fraction in thought and contemplation. In sympathy and consideration as the words lingered on the tip of the young woman's tongue. Until finally, the harshness and determination of her tone had seemed to disappear completely when Tenten spoke again. "And neither should it determine the progression of my relationship with your son."
Finally lifting her eyes, she scanned over the reflective surface of the other's dark shades, doing her best to look beyond the gleam of lights and shadows that played across the glass for what laid underneath. Whether or not Shibi was staring back did not matter as much in the long run. The kunoichi had made her move, the rest was left for him to decide. All that counted was the fact that Tenten found enough cause and courage to give an opportunity for their gazes to meet. For him to see her resolve on this matter and know that there would be no purchase in his favor.
She would not compromise on this.
"You know as well as I do that Shino is not the type to rush head-long into anything without first analyzing every possible detail extensively," she pressed on, "This is no different."
A twitch was Shibi's only initial response. A slight dip of the elder's head -- a light tinkle of noise from the charm that hung from the side of his glasses -- only notable because of how his nose and cheeks disappeared behind the high collar of the elder's jacket for the briefest of moments. And Tenten had to fight the urge to smile fondly at the motion. Because of how much it reminded her of Shino. Of how he would seek refuge behind the rough fabric when she would happen to fall upon a subject matter that he found rather... uncomfortable or embarrassing. Which only encouraged the kunoichi to continue and double her efforts, if only in an attempt to break off another piece of that shell he tended to build up when faced with an all too social situation.
It was a small flaw, yes. But, Tenten realized, it was also one of the many reasons why she cared for him. One of many qualities that she found charming to his benefit.
"You are very considerate of his needs," he finally said, reaching out a hand to toy with the empty tea cup in front of him, "As a father, I can only be thankful for that."
The kunoichi registered his words with a start, too lost in her own musings to notice the way Shibi had watched her intently during stretch of silence that settled between them. And then when the comment fully sunk in, Tenten found herself glancing off to the side in hesitation. Her mask of conviction and courage finally faltering. "...I assure you, it's more for my sake than his."
When dealing with the Aburame clan, the ability to read a myriad of emotions and decipher the meanings behind every little shift of movement they made was necessary. -- It was like a secret language all their own that had developed as a secondary effect when they had resigned themselves to becoming a living hive to swarms of the most deadliest creatures in the known shinobi world. -- Tenten had learned that early on, almost from the first moment that she had met Shino. And although she was still considered a novice compared to the whole of his family, the kunoichi had managed well enough. Or so she believed.
The slight way Shibi's cheeks seemed to tighten around the eyes and the shallow wheeze of his exhale said differently.
"I've seen what love can do to a person," she offered, attempting to give reason and explanation to her last comment, "Especially when it's not returned."
An intake of breath. Another dip of his head behind the high collar of the jacket. What it meant or conveyed was a mystery to her. And she hardly cared to even try. Because all Tenten could focus on was the shy gentleness of the other's voice when he finally spoke again. "...As have I."
It was telling, perhaps. A vague indicator of his own experience on the subject matter. Then again, she thought, when considering the overall perception that people had of the Abruame clan, perhaps it was a common obstacle that each member had to face at some point in their lives. After all, there were not many people in the world who could so easily overlook the fact that their partner cultivated a host of beetles within their bodies. Ones that could destroy a person within seconds with a mere command. Tenten was not so much effected by the idea as others she knew. The bugs were necessary. Were a tradition of the family for generations. Still, even she was not exactly sure how she felt about the entire concept.
"It is... an effective strategy when one has the patience for it. I would not have expected any less from two such as yourselves," he continued. And then, looking to her, Shibi inclined his head in an apologetic gesture. "Forgive me for doubting."
A strange choice of phrasing, Tenten thought. One that did not fail to call up her suspicions, both as a kunoichi and as a fairly intuitive person.
"I would... but this was never about your doubts concerning my intentions with Shino... was it?"
Rather than respond, the head of the Abruame clan simply turned his head to the side. In guilt, perhaps. But moreso in avoidance of her gaze, the kunoichi realized. And that was reaction enough.
"It was a test," she said, more as a statement than a question.
"...You will make a good wife one day."
And although the kunoichi did not give voice to the thought -- although all that she could manage to do was bow her head in respects to the elder before taking her leave of him -- the small tug at the corner of the young woman's lips was telling enough. That deep down inside, Tenten was hoping for the same as well.
no subject
your ShinoTen fics always makes me in such a good, bright spirit... there's a whole world behind it, a world of people growing and learning from each other and that's what love should be, that's the love I want to hear stories about.... you're amazing, and I adore what you do with this characters. I also loved all the references you made to team Gai, it was ver appropriate, and this
Because of how much it reminded her of Shino
made me giggle like an idiot <3
:DDDDD *hugs her baby* <3
no subject
And I'm glad that they always put you in a good mood. I know I always feel better after writing one. Their relationship has that sweet quality to it that just makes everything better. ^^ As always, thank you for all the wonderful comments and I'm very overjoyed that you enjoyed reading. 8D
Also... that entire paragraph was my favorite to write. I love the Aburame Clan. ♥ *hugs back!*