InuYasha Fan Fiction / Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shinobi and Miko: A Collection of One-Shots ❯ Vegetable Salad ShinoKagome ( Chapter 2 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: midnitesilverblade 
Calm, cool, collected Aburame Shino turns 16 on January 23. His friends plan a surprise birthday party for him, and Uzumaki Naruto invites his cousin Higurashi Kagome to the party. She brings along Shino’s favorite food, vegetable salad, and quickly befriends the stoic bug user.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction / Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 06.28.2006 | Updated On: 07.12.2006 | Pages: 11 | Words: 6.8K | Visits: 2.3K | Status: Work In Progress
Calm, cool, collected Aburame Shino turns 16 on January 23. His friends plan a surprise birthday party for him, and Uzumaki Naruto invites his cousin Higurashi Kagome to the party. She brings along Shino’s favorite food, vegetable salad, and quickly befriends the stoic bug user.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction / Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 06.28.2006 | Updated On: 07.12.2006 | Pages: 11 | Words: 6.8K | Visits: 2.3K | Status: Work In Progress
Title: Vegetable Salad
Pairing: Shino/Kagome
Rating: T
Summary: Calm, cool, collected Aburame Shino turns 16 on January 23. His friends plan a surprise birthday party for him, and Uzumaki Naruto invites his cousin Higurashi Kagome to the party. She brings along Shino's favorite food, vegetable salad, and quickly befriends the stoic bug user.
Dedication: This is dedicated to Lady_Midnight and azwitch from mediaminer.org.
“Hee hee hee…”
“Naruto-kun, what is it?”
“Will you come to someone's birthday party today Kagome-chan?!”
“Whose is it?”
“It's my friend Aburame Shino's. He's 16 now.”
“Why do you want me to come?”
“I…heh heh…sort of…kinda…want you to meet my…my…girlfriend…”
The last part was whispered, but Kagome's trained ears picked it up.
“Your girlfriend?! Oh Naruto-kun, I'm so proud of you!”
Naruto blushed as he was enveloped in a hug, courtesy of his beloved cousin.
“Who is it? Who is it?!”
“H…Hyuga Hinata…”
“You two would look so cute together! I'm proud of you Naruto!”
“Y-yeah…”
Naruto scratched his head then gave Kagome a grin.
“So you're coming, aren't you?”
Kagome nodded and began panicking.
“What does this `Shino' guy like?! I don't know what to get him and-”
“His favorite food is vegetable salad.”
“How do you know that?”
“I'm not telling.”
Kagome just raised an eyebrow at her cousin's antics and opened the door.
“I'm going to pick the ingredients for the vegetable salad. Call me if you need anything.”
“Ooh! Can I come see your garden Kagome-chan?!”
“Of course Narutok-kun. Make sure you don't trample anything though.”
“I won't.”
A Few Hours Later
“Naruto-kun! Try this salad please.”
The hyperactive blond boy took a forkful of the salad and stuck it in his mouth. His bright blue eyes immediately lit up in happiness.
“Mm! Shino is sure to love this!”
Kagome blushed and transferred the salad to a larger bowl. She then covered with plastic wrap and put a bow on top for the finishing touch.
“What did you get Shino, Naruto-kun?”
“Aah! I totally forgot about that! I went shopping for something for Hinata!”
“I'll go shopping with you okay? Just give me a minute to get dressed.”
“Aww! You're going to take forever!”
“Naruto! You know I don't!”
Naruto's eyes grew huge and shiny as they filled with tears.
“Kagome-chan, do you hate me that much?”
`N-Naruto! Stop it!”
Naruto's bottom lip began quivering as he willed his eyes to grow larger and more teary.
Kagome's iron will melted and she consented.
“Alright, alright. You win.”
“You have ten minutes Kagome.”
“Naruto!”
“Fifteen. And that's it.”
“Na-”
“Fourteen.”
“Ack!”
Kagome ran upstairs with speed only a ninja could have and threw on her dress. Putting on clear lipgloss and her high heels, she unsteadily walked downstairs.
Naruto turned and saw a princess coming down the stairs.
Kagome wore a royal blue dress that went to midthigh. Sparkles were on the chest area and three red roses graced Kagome's chest. Her black shoes had strings that wrapped around her calves and enhanced the view of her long legs.
“Kagome-chan…”
“Hmm?”
“You're almost as pretty as Hinata-chan!”
“Th-thanks I guess…did you have to make me wear high heels?!”
“Yes! It's Shino's birthday! And it's going to be the first time everyone else is going to meet you. You want to make a good impression, don't you?”
“Yeah, but I can still make a good impression with flip-flops.”
“Oh, look at the time! We have to go!”
Naruto balanced the salad bowl in one hands and pushed Kagome out the door with the other.
After handing Kagome the salad bowl, the shinobi (ninja) practically dragged Kagome to the hot springs.
“Wait. The hot springs?! Why didn't you tell me?!”
“Yes…that's where we're going to have the surprise party. Don't worry about it, you can wear a towel.”
“But Naruto, what made you decide to have it at the hot springs?”
“…we had a limited budget…”
“Oh…who planned this anyway?”
“Inuzaka Kiba, Shino's teammate, and Sarutobi Asuma, Shino's teacher. Oh look, we're here!”
“N-Naruto-kun!”
A shy voice greeted Naruto and Kagome outside of the hot springs.
“Hinata-chan!”
Naruto's face immediately lit up.
“Kagome-chan! This is Hinata-chan, my girlfriend.”
At Naruto's bold statement, a blush ran across Hinata's pale face.
“I-It's nice to meet you…”
“It's nice to meet you too Hinata-chan.”
“Kagome-chan, could you go in first? I have to talk to Hinata-chan about something.”
The blush on Hinata's face got darker and darker.
“Okay Naruto. But you have to introduce me to everyone soon!”
“Don't worry about it Kagome-chan! They're all nice!
“If you say so…”
Kagome pushed open the shouji door and warm air immediately assaulted her.
“Mm…”
The owner of the hot spring smiled warmly at Kagome.
“Hello. Do you have a reservation?”
“I'm with Aburama Shino.”
“Ah! Right this way Miss!”
The lady led Kagome to a room filled with towels and cubbies to place items in.
“Change here and the hot springs are right out this door.”
She gestured to a door with the nametag, “Aburame Shino Party”.
“Arigato (thank you)!”
Kagome took off her clothes and neatly stowed them away. Then, wrapping a towel around herself, she took a deep breath and slowly opened the door.
“Hello? KYAH!”
Kagome tripped on the water and landed on something firm yet soft.
“Ow…”
“Hello.”
`Ah!”
Kagome whipped her head around as she heard a voice coming from behind her.
“Ow whiplash…”
“Who are you?”
Kagome rubbed her neck and looked at the person she apparently landed on.
Warm hazel eyes met hers.
Kagome gasped at the intense look in those eyes.
“Who are you?”
“I asked you first Miss…”
“Higurashi. Kagome Higurashi. Call me Kagome.”
“Kagome, my name is Aburame Shino. Am I to believe you are the `cousin' Naruto-kun was talking about this entire month?”
“H-Hai…I apologize for any inconvenience this must have brought you-”
“No, no. Don't worry about it. Naruto says you're a very good cook and a very kind person.”
“Ah! Hold on!”
Kagome eased herself off Shino's wet body and rushed to get her vegetable salad from the changing room.
After she got her vegetable salad, Kagome sprinted back into the room and presented it to Shino.
“Happy Birthday!! Naruto told me this was your favorite dish and I hope it's to your liking.”
Kagome handed Shino a fork.
“Please, try it.”
Shino peeled back the plastic wrap and took a forkful of the salad. Popping it into his mouth, he chewed ever so slowly.
Kagome waited anxiously.
He's so sexy when he chews…and his eyes…he closed them! Is that good or bad?
Shino swallowed the mouthful of Kagome's salad and opened his eyes.
“Naruto was right! You are a good cook! Thank you!”
He proceeded to take forkfuls of the salad and savor the taste of each of them. Soon, he was down to the last forkful. A look of regret appeared in his eyes.
“It's going to be hard to eat this. This is the best tasting vegetable salad I've ever had.”
“I'll make you more, don't worry.”
Eagerness shone on Shino's face.
“Really? Thank you!”
He slowly savored the last bite of Kagome's vegetable salad.
“Mm…”
“Glad you liked it.”
Kagome began swaying slightly.
Being as perceptive as he was, Shino immediately noticed.
“Are you alright?”
“Sometimes when I'm in the heat too long, I-”
Kagome fainted and would have fallen in the water if it wasn't for Shino catching her.
Shino left the hot spring quickly (he has a towel on…^_^0) and asked the hot spring owner for a room.
The owner nodded and led Shino to a beautiful, Japanese-styled room, connected to both the male and the female changing rooms.
Shino placed Kagome on the futon and put a wet cloth on her forehead.
Please let it be nothing serious…
As if hearing Shino's thoughts, Kagome's long, black eyelashes began fluttering.
“Wh-where am I…?”
“You fainted in the hot springs. I think it got too hot for you.”
Only because you were there…speaking of which…
“Gah! Put some clothes on!”
Shino just raised and eyebrow at Kagome.
“I have a towel on.”
Kagome's face immediately heated up as she looked at Shino's well-sculpted body.
Bad idea bad idea bad idea…
“Where's Naruto? He said he'd bring you along.”
“Oh! He's outside with Hinata-chan. They look so cute together!”
Shino shot Kagome a rare smile.
No wonder Naruto-kun likes her so much. She's sweet, nice, and makes a great vegetable salad!
“Hey, Shino-kun? Aren't Naruto's other friends supposed to be here too?”
“I…I guess…”
Suddenly, the lights went out.
“AAIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“Kagome! What's wrong?!”
“I-I'm scared of the dark…it brings back horrible memories…”
Shino grabbed Kagome and held her tightly. Gently, he whispered sweet, calming words into her ear.
“Don't worry Kagome, I'm here. There's no need to worry. I'll protect you against anything.”
Kagome wrapped slim arms around Shino's toned waist.
“Thank you.”
The shoji screen door slid open with a mournful creak.
Kagome whimpered and clung to Shino tighter, while Shino prepared for the worst.
Light began drifting closer and closer towards Shino and Kagome. There were fifteen of them-no, sixteen.
The lights blinked back on, momentarily blinding Kagome and Shino. A loud yell of, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHINO!!!” filled the air. And then, silence.
A cricket chirped in the night.
Kagome and Shino slowly opened their eyes to see everyone standing, slack-jawed, in the doorway.
“Wh-what? Naruto-kun? Hinata-chan?”
“Y-you…Shino…”
Kagome looked at Shino and herself and realized what a provocative sight they made.
Shino and Kagome were both only clad in a towel, while Kagome's arms were around Shino's pale waist. Shino's arms were around Kagome protectively and he was kneeling down and holding Kagome up. Both their towels were slightly unraveled due to their prior movement in the darkness.
Great…can this get any worse?!
Kagome's towel fell off her at that exact moment.
Fortunately for her, Nara Shikamaru of Team 10 calculated the towel was going to fall and threw a blanket over Kagome.
Kagome was too in shock to move, so Shino wrapped the blanket comfortably around Kagome.
Shino then stood up and calmly walked to the changing room to change into his clothes.
Everyone's eyes followed him. As soon as Shino closed the door, their eyes turned to Kagome. Poor Kagome was battered left and right with questions.
“What did you do with Shino?” “Do you love him?!” “Did he let you take off his glasses?” “Was he good in bed?” “Tsk tsk tsk, I thought better of you Kagome!”
“STOP IT!”
Shino walked out of the changing room fully clothed, without his glasses, and repositioned Kagome on his lap.
“Nothing happened and stop bothering her. Kagome, you should go change now.”
Kagome nodded gratefully at Shino and left for the changing room.
The tension in the room instantly deflated as everyone realized nothing happened.
Kagome came out of the changing room confused.
“Hey, what were the glowing lights we saw before?”
“They were the candles Kagome-chan! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHINO!!! Blow out the candles and make a wish!”
Shino thought for a moment and smiled. He pursed his lips and blew out all the candles, with Kagome looking on in awe.
It looks like he wants to kiss someone…
“Kagome? Come with me?”
Shino extended his hand to Kagome.
A light blush appeared on Kagome's face as she placed her hand in Shino's larger one.
Naruto narrowed his eyes at Shino.
“You better bring my cousin back in one piece!”
“Who do you think I am Naruto?”
“Err…umm…”
Taking Naruto's confusion and hesitation as agreement, Shino brought Kagome to a flight of stairs.
“Ladies first.”
Kagome smiled gently at Shino and ascended the flight of stairs. Shino was right behind her to catch her if she fell.
Kagome sat up on the roof and stared up at the dark sky. Shino sat next to her and wrapped and arm around her shoulders. Feeling warmth, Kagome snuggled into Shino's side.
Shino chuckled at Kagome's antics.
“Cold?”
“K-Kinda…we should go back to your party now. Everyone's waiting for us.”
A loud “pop” and the words “food fight!” killed Kagome's statement.
“Err…maybe not…”
Shino laughed and wrapped his arms around Kagome.
“Oh Kagome, you bring me a joy I have never felt before in my life.”
Kagome blushed and nuzzled Shino's side.
“Thank you…no one's ever made me feel as appreciated as you do.”
“What about Naruto?”
“I mean, no one except my family. Oh look! Fireflies!”
A smile appeared on Shino's face. He summoned the fireflies to come closer to them and flutter around Kagome.
“For you Kagome.”
“How beautiful! Thank you so much Shino!”
Kagome threw her arms around Shino's waist. Likewise, Shino held Kagome closer to his body.
“What did you wish for, birthday boy?”
“If I told you, it won't come true now would it?”
Kagome pouted.
Shino gave in and tapped Kagome gently on the nose.
“I'll give you a clue.”
“Ooh! Okay!”
“It has to do with my love life and Naruto's cousin.”
After thinking for a minute, Kagome's mouth opened slightly to form a perfect “o”.
“You mean…you…and me…”
Kagome formed a heart with her hands.
Shino nodded and commanded the fireflies to form a formation.
“Kagome, look.”
Kagome turned her head slightly.
“Oh Shino!”
The fireflies formed a heart. Inside the heart, more fireflies formed the words, “Shino+Kagome Forever”. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Kagome went to gave Shino a light kiss on the cheek. Shino saw this and sneakily turned his head slightly so Kagome's lips made contact with his own.
“Mmph!”
After a few seconds of panicking, Kagome melted into the kiss.
“Shino…”
Shino grinned and brought Kagome as close to his body as humanly possible.
“Kagome…”
“Kagome-chan, are you up there?”
Kagome reluctantly pulled away from the kiss and answered Naruto's call.
“Hai Naruto.”
“Is Shino up there with you?”
“Hai Naruto, I am.”
“Everyone's hungry. They want you to cut the cake now!”
“Coming Naruto.”
Shino turned smoldering bedroom eyes to Kagome.
“We'll continue this later. But on one condition.”
Kagome kissed Shino softly on the lips.
“What's the condition?”
Shino's lips curled upwards.
“That you teach me how to make vegetable salad.”
“Anytime Shino, anytime.”