endless_scrolls (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
endless_scrolls) wrote2010-06-04 10:38 am
endless_scrolls) wrote2010-06-04 10:38 am
From Day One
Title: From Day One
Type: Fanfic
Fandom: AU!Crossover
Character(s): Tenten, Aburame Shino, Sarutobi Asuma, Inuzuka Kiba; brief mentions of Professor X
Pairing(s): Slight Shino/Tenten if you kinda squint
Warning(s): Fluff. Adorable fluff.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words.
Note: ...Because this is what happens when you feed the plot bunnies too much with cute and love. And because they're adorable in any universe. 8|... ♥
Dedicated to:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
semchance. They can be cute together any time you want~
Sometimes, the challenges presented to you in life are nothing short of daunting, even for the most determined individual. No matter how much a person tries prepare -- no matter how much time there is for them to adjust -- sometimes it can never be enough. And Tenten was perfectly content with that realization. In a world where she never felt normal or prepared for what life had in store for her, no matter how many precautions she took, the young girl was more than accustomed to the feeling. This would be no different. After all, Asuma had already explained to her beforehand what to expect, and even managed to fumble out a photograph or two from when he used to attend as a young boy, himself. There was no much else that could be done. Still, it didn't make the transaction any easier for her, or the great expanse of the mansion-made-school any less intimidating.
It was everything she would have expected from any normal private institution, and looked similar to a number of her mother's schools that she had visited when Tenten was still young enough to tag along without consequences from the school's administration. But if her uncle's stories were true, there was nothing particularly normal about this school.
Since the moment the lime green taxi pulled up to the imposing gates that surrounded the complex, she had felt the pressure of expectation and fear pressing in from all sides. Like an animal trapped in a cage with no hope of escape. She was still a minor, and by law was not allowed to care for herself. And with her parents gone, there was hardly anywhere else for the young girl to go. Asuma was never named a guardian. Even if he were, the school was where he lived and worked, so she would still have been brought here. And there was no one else in their dwindling family line to take up the mantle of parent and caretaker. The Xavier Institute of Higher Learning was Tenten's only option. And she was somewhat reluctant to fully resign herself to that.
"'Wait here,' he says," the young girl murmured softly to herself, lips turned down just slightly in a mix of annoyance and anxiety, "Yeah, sure, wait here while my future is decided for me."
Floor to ceiling wood panels gave the interior of the structure an elegant and prestigious air while the high windows would do well to bring a bit of light and life into the hallways. Or, at least, they would have if the sun were not already beginning to set in the horizon. But the long shadows along the floor painted an interesting set of images. Like hands reaching across the paths of life to pull and push a soul down the paths they were meant to tread, while keeping them away from those they were never meant to follow. Such were the thoughts that occupied Tenten's mind and distracted her from what was being discussed just on the other side of the door.
Step by careful step, she walked the length of the corridor and waited, glancing at the many items out on display while she did. Paintings, sculptures, photographs; as a young girl raised on the humble borough of Chinatown, California, they were all things that she had very minimal opportunities to see in her short life, especially at such a close proximity. And Tenten relished in them whenever they came. This time was no different. Everywhere she turned, there was something new of interest to occupy her thoughts while the two men decided on her fate. A nerve-wracking wait of anticipation and uncertainty to be sure, but as the young girl's caramel eyes studied the chiseled faces of the statues, she forced herself to concentrate on other things.
Like how lifelike the complete statue in the corner seemed. Almost as if it were made of flesh and bone itself...
"I would appreciate it if you refrained from doing that."
Tenten never considered herself a particularly fast mover, nor was she at all easy to scare. But when what you believed to be an inanimate object turns out to be quite the opposite, shock and a quick reaction are generally expected. Made all too apparent in just how fast the young girl pulled her hand back from touching the suddenly talking statue. Or in the way her heart continued to race and beat that the swift jolt of adrenaline rushing through her veins.
"Oh my - ...I am so sorry." Taking a few more steps from the wall to further the distance, between them, Tenten struggled and fumbled to find the words -- any words -- to relieve the awkwardness from the situation. And soon realized that she could find none. "I didn't... know, um..."
"That was apparent."
His gaze was piercing, though all she could see of it was the dark reflection of herself mirrored in his dark glasses. And the flat tone of voice did nothing but emphasize that intimidating quality while they both stood there as still as statues, one standing in quiet neutrality while the other squirming to find an escape from the confrontation. All the while the girl's cheeks lightly burned at the attention. Not accustomed to it, Tenten certainly did not take well to being in center stage very well. Still, she managed, at least, to mutter another quiet apology before diverting -- distracting -- her attention elsewhere until the other saw it fit to speak again. If he would at all.
"...You are new here."
As she processed the words, there was a moment where the adolescent wondered what he must think of her. It was not exactly a statement, nor did his tone indicate that he was posing a question to her, yet in Tenten's mind it could go either way. And while she tried to speculate which of the two could be the right answer, the silence stretched on, leaving her to believe that he probably thought she was dumb, or just a foolish idiot.
"Uh... yeah, I guess," she finally replied with a small shake of her head, "I don't know, we'll see when my uncle gets done talking to the Professor."
At that, Tenten glanced at the closed door for emphasis, making note of the detail and grain of the wood while her gaze lingered a moment more. And then, with a sigh, the young girl fixed her eyes once more on the other. Just in time to catch the not so subtle quirk of his brow at her words. The reason behind the wordless inquiry was yet to be decided, but she suspected it had something to do with the mention of her uncle's involvement. Certainly, he could not discern who her uncle was or why he would see fit to try and gain her admittance into the school. Not unless...
Realizing where her train of thought was going, she refocused her attention on the young man and tried to determine the possibility of him being a telepath. She came close to reasoning out an answer and was seconds away from settling on a course of action to explain herself when the door to the Professor's office opened with a soft swoosh of air. And Tenten was greeted with the gentle face of her uncle.
"He's ready for you," he said, motioning for her to step inside. Then, as if just taking notice of the other presence in the hall, the elder man's expression twitched and perked just the tiniest bit while he moved to address the adolescent. "Oh! Good evening, Shino."
"...Shino."
It was more a statement than an inquiry, a whisper and simple request for confirmation of the information accidentally and somewhat unwillingly provided. Or so Tenten assumed. Because despite the short span of time they were in each other's company, Shino -- if that was truly his name -- had plenty of opportunities to introduce himself. Then again, she thought, the same could be said of her. After all, he was not the one who mistook the other for a statue.
Perhaps, it was her responsibility to make the first introduction.
Turning to the other to possibly amend that mistake, she found herself at a loss for words as the young girl saw him give a curt if only brief nod. Both in admission and acknowledgment to the name, she supposed. But there was no time to ask for assurance, because before Tenten could do anything in reaction, Asuma's gentle hand was already guiding her steps into the Professor's office where she would find out the final verdict to her potential enrollment.
"Come on, Tenten, it's not polite to keep people waiting."
And so Shino disappeared from her sights, or rather, she from his. And for a moment, the young man seemed almost dazed at the encounter. Certainly it was not a typical day at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, and she was not a typical student. Because, indeed, she would be allowed to enroll. He was not overly familiar with Professor X and his tendencies, but if there was one thing Shino could rely on, it was the other man's perchance to accept all young mutants who walked through those imposing doors.
"There you are Shino, we were looking all over for you." With a strong clap to the back, he was pulled out of his thought trance and brought back to reality. One where Kiba had an arm around the other's shoulder like he often would. And where the Inuzuka held the habit of sniffing around when a new scent tickled his senses. "Whoa... who's that?"
Pushing his glasses further along the bridge of his nose, Shino easily slide from the other's familiar embrace and continued down the hall with little thought or direction to where he was going other than simply extracting himself from standing just outside of that door. And though his stance was rigid and his expression hard pressed to neutrality, there was no denying the softer tone that he took when he responded to the other's question. "...Tenten."
Type: Fanfic
Fandom: AU!Crossover
Character(s): Tenten, Aburame Shino, Sarutobi Asuma, Inuzuka Kiba; brief mentions of Professor X
Pairing(s): Slight Shino/Tenten if you kinda squint
Warning(s): Fluff. Adorable fluff.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words.
Note: ...Because this is what happens when you feed the plot bunnies too much with cute and love. And because they're adorable in any universe. 8|... ♥
Dedicated to:
semchance. They can be cute together any time you want~Sometimes, the challenges presented to you in life are nothing short of daunting, even for the most determined individual. No matter how much a person tries prepare -- no matter how much time there is for them to adjust -- sometimes it can never be enough. And Tenten was perfectly content with that realization. In a world where she never felt normal or prepared for what life had in store for her, no matter how many precautions she took, the young girl was more than accustomed to the feeling. This would be no different. After all, Asuma had already explained to her beforehand what to expect, and even managed to fumble out a photograph or two from when he used to attend as a young boy, himself. There was no much else that could be done. Still, it didn't make the transaction any easier for her, or the great expanse of the mansion-made-school any less intimidating.
It was everything she would have expected from any normal private institution, and looked similar to a number of her mother's schools that she had visited when Tenten was still young enough to tag along without consequences from the school's administration. But if her uncle's stories were true, there was nothing particularly normal about this school.
Since the moment the lime green taxi pulled up to the imposing gates that surrounded the complex, she had felt the pressure of expectation and fear pressing in from all sides. Like an animal trapped in a cage with no hope of escape. She was still a minor, and by law was not allowed to care for herself. And with her parents gone, there was hardly anywhere else for the young girl to go. Asuma was never named a guardian. Even if he were, the school was where he lived and worked, so she would still have been brought here. And there was no one else in their dwindling family line to take up the mantle of parent and caretaker. The Xavier Institute of Higher Learning was Tenten's only option. And she was somewhat reluctant to fully resign herself to that.
"'Wait here,' he says," the young girl murmured softly to herself, lips turned down just slightly in a mix of annoyance and anxiety, "Yeah, sure, wait here while my future is decided for me."
Floor to ceiling wood panels gave the interior of the structure an elegant and prestigious air while the high windows would do well to bring a bit of light and life into the hallways. Or, at least, they would have if the sun were not already beginning to set in the horizon. But the long shadows along the floor painted an interesting set of images. Like hands reaching across the paths of life to pull and push a soul down the paths they were meant to tread, while keeping them away from those they were never meant to follow. Such were the thoughts that occupied Tenten's mind and distracted her from what was being discussed just on the other side of the door.
Step by careful step, she walked the length of the corridor and waited, glancing at the many items out on display while she did. Paintings, sculptures, photographs; as a young girl raised on the humble borough of Chinatown, California, they were all things that she had very minimal opportunities to see in her short life, especially at such a close proximity. And Tenten relished in them whenever they came. This time was no different. Everywhere she turned, there was something new of interest to occupy her thoughts while the two men decided on her fate. A nerve-wracking wait of anticipation and uncertainty to be sure, but as the young girl's caramel eyes studied the chiseled faces of the statues, she forced herself to concentrate on other things.
Like how lifelike the complete statue in the corner seemed. Almost as if it were made of flesh and bone itself...
"I would appreciate it if you refrained from doing that."
Tenten never considered herself a particularly fast mover, nor was she at all easy to scare. But when what you believed to be an inanimate object turns out to be quite the opposite, shock and a quick reaction are generally expected. Made all too apparent in just how fast the young girl pulled her hand back from touching the suddenly talking statue. Or in the way her heart continued to race and beat that the swift jolt of adrenaline rushing through her veins.
"Oh my - ...I am so sorry." Taking a few more steps from the wall to further the distance, between them, Tenten struggled and fumbled to find the words -- any words -- to relieve the awkwardness from the situation. And soon realized that she could find none. "I didn't... know, um..."
"That was apparent."
His gaze was piercing, though all she could see of it was the dark reflection of herself mirrored in his dark glasses. And the flat tone of voice did nothing but emphasize that intimidating quality while they both stood there as still as statues, one standing in quiet neutrality while the other squirming to find an escape from the confrontation. All the while the girl's cheeks lightly burned at the attention. Not accustomed to it, Tenten certainly did not take well to being in center stage very well. Still, she managed, at least, to mutter another quiet apology before diverting -- distracting -- her attention elsewhere until the other saw it fit to speak again. If he would at all.
"...You are new here."
As she processed the words, there was a moment where the adolescent wondered what he must think of her. It was not exactly a statement, nor did his tone indicate that he was posing a question to her, yet in Tenten's mind it could go either way. And while she tried to speculate which of the two could be the right answer, the silence stretched on, leaving her to believe that he probably thought she was dumb, or just a foolish idiot.
"Uh... yeah, I guess," she finally replied with a small shake of her head, "I don't know, we'll see when my uncle gets done talking to the Professor."
At that, Tenten glanced at the closed door for emphasis, making note of the detail and grain of the wood while her gaze lingered a moment more. And then, with a sigh, the young girl fixed her eyes once more on the other. Just in time to catch the not so subtle quirk of his brow at her words. The reason behind the wordless inquiry was yet to be decided, but she suspected it had something to do with the mention of her uncle's involvement. Certainly, he could not discern who her uncle was or why he would see fit to try and gain her admittance into the school. Not unless...
Realizing where her train of thought was going, she refocused her attention on the young man and tried to determine the possibility of him being a telepath. She came close to reasoning out an answer and was seconds away from settling on a course of action to explain herself when the door to the Professor's office opened with a soft swoosh of air. And Tenten was greeted with the gentle face of her uncle.
"He's ready for you," he said, motioning for her to step inside. Then, as if just taking notice of the other presence in the hall, the elder man's expression twitched and perked just the tiniest bit while he moved to address the adolescent. "Oh! Good evening, Shino."
"...Shino."
It was more a statement than an inquiry, a whisper and simple request for confirmation of the information accidentally and somewhat unwillingly provided. Or so Tenten assumed. Because despite the short span of time they were in each other's company, Shino -- if that was truly his name -- had plenty of opportunities to introduce himself. Then again, she thought, the same could be said of her. After all, he was not the one who mistook the other for a statue.
Perhaps, it was her responsibility to make the first introduction.
Turning to the other to possibly amend that mistake, she found herself at a loss for words as the young girl saw him give a curt if only brief nod. Both in admission and acknowledgment to the name, she supposed. But there was no time to ask for assurance, because before Tenten could do anything in reaction, Asuma's gentle hand was already guiding her steps into the Professor's office where she would find out the final verdict to her potential enrollment.
"Come on, Tenten, it's not polite to keep people waiting."
And so Shino disappeared from her sights, or rather, she from his. And for a moment, the young man seemed almost dazed at the encounter. Certainly it was not a typical day at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, and she was not a typical student. Because, indeed, she would be allowed to enroll. He was not overly familiar with Professor X and his tendencies, but if there was one thing Shino could rely on, it was the other man's perchance to accept all young mutants who walked through those imposing doors.
"There you are Shino, we were looking all over for you." With a strong clap to the back, he was pulled out of his thought trance and brought back to reality. One where Kiba had an arm around the other's shoulder like he often would. And where the Inuzuka held the habit of sniffing around when a new scent tickled his senses. "Whoa... who's that?"
Pushing his glasses further along the bridge of his nose, Shino easily slide from the other's familiar embrace and continued down the hall with little thought or direction to where he was going other than simply extracting himself from standing just outside of that door. And though his stance was rigid and his expression hard pressed to neutrality, there was no denying the softer tone that he took when he responded to the other's question. "...Tenten."
*legicons*
Re: *legicons*
Oh, you~ Words. ♥
no subject
*totally using this journal because... it's been a while and I miss the happier icons* ♥
*is too lazy to sign into other journal for kiss icon, but loves anyway*
qeljfk2wd I just loved it. ;3;
*thinks it's ok, it's the thought that counts~*
slkdajflsjdf - I loved writing this so much. ;w;