Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Reading Totems ❯ Chapter 18 ( Chapter 18 )

Author's pre-ramble: OK, last chapter I got lots of lovely reviews and emails! Thank you!! I got compliments on Paige's “Kenny” moment with pulling Shino's hood over her head and pulling the draw strings…it wasn't exactly an active allusion, but it works! I like that I made drinking tea sexy…^_^ but that's my bias. I also got a question asking if I'm going to write a chapter or two from Shino's POV…and I've toyed with the idea. I like the consistency of keeping to one POV and I don't know if I could crawl into Shino's head as effectively as I'd like to…but the idea has crossed my mind.

 

My reviewers old and new: otakutron, DragonTamer94, TheForsakenOne, tasuki001, Dwarfwarrior, ghostreader14, TheRavenQuoth, sotobell, interestingstuff, mousetrap

 

And now to the plot weaving…

 

Title: Reading Totems

By: GrizzlyTeddyBear

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, and this makes me sad. I do own Paige Stone, my OC! All information regarding animal totems was taken from the books Dancing The Wheel by Sun Bear and Animal Speak by Ted Andrews.

Main Pairings: ShinoxOC, NaruxHina, SasuxSaku

Rating: M for mentioned adult themes

Warning: AU, Post-series start time. Rookie 9 is 23-24 years old. Fic mentions pagan religions, if you can't handle it, don't read! Also is OC-centric. Hold your pants, all will be revealed as the story progresses. I like to take my time.

 

Chapter Summary: Paige wakes up to find someone had kept their word and made her breakfast. A visit to the academy answers some questions, but raises more. …nice jacket.

 

***Chapter 18***

 

Paige woke up gradually. She didn't want to wake-up at all. A day in bed sounded divine. The smell of breakfast was calling to her stomach, but it was definitely comfortable in her bed, snuggling up to whatever it was that was snuggling back. Cracking a bleary eye open, she decided to see just what she was snuggling with. A smile came to her face as she opened her other eye to take in the sight of just who she had just discovered enjoyed snuggling in bed. “Good morning.” Paige yawned just as her stomach growled.

 

Shino's black orbs looked down at her, seeming to hold their own smile. “Good morning.”

 

“Thank you for staying.” Reluctant to get out of bed and out of his arms, she nuzzled into his chest to prolong the embrace.

 

His arms squeezed her briefly. “How did you sleep?”

 

Paige snorted into his chest. “Like a rock. You are an official cure of insomnia and bad dreams.” She looked up into his eyes again. “How did you sleep? Or did you sleep?”

 

“I slept when my watch was over.”

 

She nodded. Shino had kept his word and kept watch over her until she fell asleep. Giving in to another yawn the smell of food invaded her nose again. “What smells so good?”

 

“Hinata and Kiba made breakfast before they left this morning.”

 

This caused her to pause. “They left? What time is it? How long have I been asleep and holding you hostage for?”

 

Shino chuckled and answered her questions one at a time. “They left after they made breakfast at 8:00AM. It's 10:23AM right now. And if this is a hostage situation then the negotiators will have some trouble getting me away from you.” He leaned down and captured her lips in a chaste kiss.

 

There was that Shino humor again. Paige smiled. “Well, I don't know. I might be willing to negotiate you away for some breakfast.”

 

He gave a deep throated laugh at that. “Come on. Breakfast.” He helped her out of bed and into the small dining area. Several times he gave her questioning looks as she staggered even when he tried to guide her. “Not a morning person?” Shino asked as he went into the kitchen.

 

“Only after a shower and food.” She replied when a plateful of food appeared before her. “Glasses help too, but I usually put them on after I shower.” She grabbed chopsticks and began to eat when Shino sat down beside her with his own plate. “Somehow clear vision when the brain is still foggy just makes me more confused and bumbling.” Something had just occurred to her. “You didn't put your sunglasses back on.”

 

Shino smiled, “No, I didn't.”

 

She smiled in return.

 

They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, every so often commenting on the food. Paige was actually slightly startled by Shino's question. “What do you want to do today?”

 

She had to give it some thought. It would probably be around 12:00PM when they would finally be ready, so she couldn't pick an all day activity. “Can we go visit the academy? I'm sure Naruto gave Iruka all of the juicy details, but I'd still like to drop by and say hi to him in person.”

 

Shino gave a nod. “I have some questions for him about your training. I had asked Hinata about the medical implications after you went to bed, and she suggested talking with him.” He paused for a moment. “Anything else?”

 

“I've officially been here a week, and I've spent most of it in our clearing. I have no idea what else there is to do in Konoha. Do you have any suggestions?”

 

“A first date.”

 

Paige giggled slightly. “I can go for a date. We've been going backwards though. Marriage declarations, first kiss, you spending the night, and then the first date…” She trailed off as his hand turned her head to face him.

 

“Complaints or regrets?” His eyes had gone serious.

 

“None.” To emphasize her point, she leaned in and gave him a kiss that she hoped was as toe curling and soul searing as the ones he had given her. When she finally relented, she asked, “Do you have complaints or regrets?”

 

Shino shook his head no with a dazed look on his face, but then turned serious again. “I regret not being able to do more to erase your past hurts.” He ran the back of his hand down her cheek.

 

Paige gave him a small smile as she closed her eyes and leaned into the contact. “You do more than you think by just being here.” She gave him another kiss, this one brief. “Come on, we need to get ready for the day.”

 

He smiled and nodded. “You shower, I've got dishes.”

 

***

 

Paige was still wearing his jacket, and Shino hadn't asked her for it back. He only smiled when she walked out of the bedroom with it as an addition to her usual outfit. They made their way through the streets of Konoha to the Ninja Academy walking hand-in-hand. They endured their fair share of odd looks and stares, but the other looks—knowing and understanding—outnumbered the bad.

 

“Visitors check in at the office.” Shino announced once they had entered the academy.

 

Paige nodded. “Makes sense.” She figured she would let Shino do the talking and walking and she would follow his lead. He held the door to the office open for her. This gave her a small pause. She wasn't used to chivalry.

 

“Shino-sama! It's so good to see you again! To what does the academy own the pleasure of your visit?” The secretary looked to be an older woman, but from the enthusiastic greeting she gave Shino, Paige was guessing she hadn't lost any of those uncanny abilities school staff seemed to have at catching kids in the act.

 

“We're here to visit Iruka-sensei.”

 

“We?” The secretary gave one of those knowing looks to Paige with a scarcely hidden smile. “And who is this lovely young lady?”

 

“Nori-san, please meet Paige Stone.” Shino gave the formal introduction.

 

Paige found herself blushing at the formality and the now very visible smile Nori-san was giving both of them now. She sketched a light bow. “Pleased to meet you Nori-san.”

 

“Just Nori, darling, just Nori. Shino-sama always makes me feel so old with his formality.” She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “The students have recess right now, so you can probably find Iruka in his classroom without worrying about interrupting lessons.”

 

“Thank you, Nori-san,” Shino continued with his formality. “We'll go visit him now.”

 

Again, he held the door open for Paige, but this time she smiled in thanks at him. However, it turned into another blush as she heard Nori's parting words.

 

“His jacket looks good on you, darling!”

 

Paige shook her head and resigned herself to resembling a tomato for the next few minutes. They wound through a few hallways and then entered the door to a slightly startled Iruka.

 

The academy teacher was interrupted in grading some papers. “Paige! Shino!” He quickly rose from behind his desk and walked to meet the couple halfway. “I didn't expect a visit.”

 

Paige gave the teacher a hug. “I haven't seen you since yesterday morning. I didn't want you to rely on just Naruto's word that I'm cleared to stay in Konoha.” She stepped back and Shino stepped forward to give Iruka a handshake. “Plus Shino has a few questions since I'll be attempting to be athletic and learning some taijutsu soon.”

 

Shino gave a nod.

 

Iruka gave a raised eyebrow. “Attempting to be athletic?” He leaned back against the chalkboard and crossed his arms. “I think with your life in danger, you need to do more than just attempt, Paige.”

 

She gave a sigh. “I know. I know. But I haven't exactly had a regular exercise program in years, and add in all of the joint injuries I've had in my life, and it gets a little rough to get started again.” She stepped closer to Shino and took his hand in her own. “I have faith in my sensei over here. He'll make up a regimen that'll be good for me.”

 

Iruka grinned. “Nice jacket.” He turned more serious as he gave his full attention to Shino. “What questions do you have?”

 

Shino and Iruka chatted about developing a general exercise program that included taijutsu while Paige wandered around the classroom, occasionally answering questions one of them directed at her about her ability or inability to do something. Sadness. Loneliness. She stopped in front of one of the large classroom windows and saw a little girl, no more than 6 years old, with long red hair sitting alone on one of the swings on the playground. She looked like she was crying. Why was she all alone? Paige found herself wanting to brighten up the girl's day. “Iruka?” she called out. “Is this student one of yours?” She felt Shino and Iruka walk over to stand next to her and look at who she was referring too.

 

The teacher nodded. “Her name is Tamiko.”

 

She frowned. “She's sad and lonely.”

 

A loud sigh escaped from Iruka which made Paige turn to look at him. “She gets picked on a lot by the other students. As a teacher I can only stop what I see. I know it's not enough.”

 

“What do they pick on her for?”

 

“For not having a mom and dad. She lost her parents on a mission about a year ago and she now lives with her grandmother.”

 

A hand landed on Paige's shoulder…it was Shino's. She turned to look up at his face when he gave a slight squeeze on her shoulder. He raised an eyebrow as he said, “Day off.”

 

She gave him a small smile. “Kids can be horrible.” She turned to look out the window again. “I just want to put a smile on her face for the rest of her day.” She didn't turn her head when she asked, “Do you mind Iruka? I'll have her back to you by the end of recess and we'll stay on the grounds.”

 

A chuckle was her response. “I've seen that look too many times on shinobi to know better than to say no. Go on.”

 

She turned back to Shino. “Want to see what I used to do for a living? Schizophrenics and six year olds can be on about the same level.” She grabbed his hand again as she lead him out of the classroom, but then let him take the lead again since he was the one who knew how to get to the playground. The two of them stopped at the swing-set Tamiko was using. Ravens. Paige carefully took a seat on the swing next to Tamiko while Shino stood a little ways off, leaning against one of the support poles. Tamiko looked like she had been crying for a while. Her eyes were red and puffy, and Paige could see the lines tears had made on her face. It was a scene that broke her heart a little, but Paige was hoping she could fix that. “Hi! My name is Paige.”

 

Tamiko looked up, but didn't reply.

 

Paige was now looking into sad eyes that were the deepest blue she'd ever seen. “I'm a friend of Iruka-sensei.” She pointed over to the window to where Iruka gave Tamiko a small wave. “He said I could come and talk to you. Is that ok with you? You can tell me to go away if you want.” She added the last sentence when it looked like Tamiko was considering her offer. Giving small children choices usually made them feel better.

 

“Yes,” was the soft reply.

 

“What's your name?”

 

“Iruka-sensei calls me Tami-chan.” She wiped at her face where her tears had been.

 

“It's very nice to meet such a pretty young lady, Tami-chan.” Paige gave her the biggest smile she could, hoping to encourage Tamiko to talk more.

 

Tamiko's face took on a puzzled expression. “I know you. You live in my building. Obaa-chan says you're a nice lady, because you have so many friends that visit you. But she always knows who's nice.” She looked saddened again. “I don't.”

 

Paige saw her opening. “Is that why you're all by yourself out here? Was someone mean to you, Tami-chan?”

 

“Bullies,” Tamiko gave a small sniffle and started playing with the sand under the swing set with her foot. “They made fun of me because Kaasan and Tousan died. They say it's my fault. They say I have cooties that make people near me die.”

 

Making a face, Paige said, “Well, that's just mean!”

 

“Obaa-chan says that they're lying.”

 

“I think you're Obaa-chan is very smart. And you know what? I want to be your friend. Would you like that?” She looked over her shoulder at Shino to see if he was paying attention.

 

His stance had softened and he took a few steps to stand across from the swings Paige and Tamiko occupied and then crouched down. “Hi,” he said to Tamiko.

 

Paige gave him a smile and turned back to the little girl now looking curiously at both of them. “His name is Shino and I think he would like to be your friend too.”

 

He nodded in ascent.

 

“He's Aburame Shino?” Tamiko now had an awed look on her face. “People say mean things about his clan all the time.”

 

A smile broke out over Paige's face. This little girl was one smart cookie. No doubt that her Obaa-chan had her hands full. “Yeah, but he didn't listen to them and now he has lots of friends.”

 

Shino gave an encouraging nod.

 

Paige continued, “I know it's hard to ignore them, but you're Obaa-chan is right. Those bullies are lying. They definitely don't know how cool you are! And since we live in the same building, that means if you want, you can ask your Obaa-chan if it's ok for you to come visit me. I bet we'd have lots of fun.”

 

The smile was almost blinding. “OK! I'll ask Obaa-chan.” Tamiko then got a quizzical look, “You're jacket is really big.”

 

“Yup. It's because it's not mine. I'm borrowing it from someone,” Paige replied.

 

Tamiko nodded her head, but then her eyes widened as she pointed at Shino. “Is it his jacket?”

 

She gave a small laugh. “Yup.”

 

The look of shock turned to one of curiosity. “Obaa-chan says people share things when they like each other. Do you like Shino?”

 

Paige laughed again, definitely one smart cookie. “Yup. And I'm pretty sure he likes me back.”

 

Shino shifted closer to her and placed an arm around her waist…it was a little awkward with her on the swing. He nodded at Tamiko. “I like her a lot.”

 

Tamiko's face then went from curious to disgusted. “Does that mean you kiss? Obaa-chan says kisses are nice, but I think they're yucky.”

 

Before either Paige or Shino could reply to that. Iruka came out to collect the students for their afternoon lessons. Tamiko looked between her two new friends. Paige saw a look of hesitation on her face and made a guess at what she was thinking. She held out her arms to the little girl and was nearly knocked over when Tamiko ran into them. “Don't forget to ask you're Obaa-chan. But you can't come over tonight. I have other things to do tonight.”

 

“Ok.” She turned to Shino and decided to give him a hug before running off towards Iruka with a huge smile on her face.

 

Paige chuckled at the slightly shocked expression on Shino's face. “You were great with her.”

 

He turned to her and gave her a smile. “You too.” He then helped her off the swing and they walked over to give their good-byes to Iruka.

 

As they walked off of the academy grounds, Paige shared what she didn't want Tamiko to know. “She had ravens following her.”

 

Shino's attention snapped to her face. “Her parents?”

 

“I think so, but they didn't share any messages with me. They were just…there.”

 

“Day off,” was the gentle reminder as he slipped his hand into hers and gave it a slight squeeze.

 

“First date,” was her reply as she squeezed back.

 

She let him take the lead since Shino was the one with the grand plans. Paige noticed they seemed to be walking towards the Hokage Monument, but had no real idea of where they were going.

 

Another Aburame also had plans, it seemed.

 

Shino nudged Paige and tilited his head to let her know that Shibi had spotted them and was making his way towards them.

 

“So do we run and hide?” Paige asked. She was definitely a little nervous. Even though she knew Shibi had snuck out of the council meeting to tell her about the marriage plans, that she and Shino spending a lot of time together, and even said the Aburame would be honored to have her as part of the clan…she just didn't know what to do with parents ever since her own had tossed her out of the house.

 

“He likes you.” Shino replied. He spared her a smile of encouragement. “He knew before the council meeting.”

 

“You told him?” she looked up at him in surprise now. Shino seemed like a private guy, but maybe it was different within his clan. He did keep saying it was small.

 

“After you gave me a reading.”

 

Paige digested this information. Shino told his father after she gave him a reading…after she had passed out and he brought her home. He had told her yesterday that was the day he had decided to open up to her. As heir to a clan it made sense that his personal life wasn't that personal. The rest of the clan would have to be told who he intended to date. Paige rethought that one aloud, “Your entire clan knows about me…about us.”

 

“Yes.” He stopped them for a moment and placing his hands around her, turned her towards him. “Is that ok?”

 

“I guess so.” She thought more about it. Shibi had known where she lived. He was supportive of them. He could have told Shino to find another girl. “Are you sure your clan likes me, too?” She paused, thinking on how to phrase her next sentence. “I'm...out of practice with families.”

 

Shino gave her a hug. It was the most public affection he displayed so far. Sure there was the one in the Hokage's office, but that was when he had found out what kind of dangers she would be putting herself in and he was surrounded by people who knew him. Paige knew this hug was more special, because the private Aburame was showing emotions in front of strangers.

 

“Shino. Paige,” came the interruption. “Are you feeling better today?” Shibi had arrived while they were hugging and tactfully didn't comment on it.

 

Shino didn't give up his grip on her to allow her to jump back when she heard Shibi's voice. “Tousan.”

 

“Aburame-sama,” she gave a polite bow. “Yes, I'm feeling much better today. Things have been…quieter.”

 

Shibi waved off the formalities. “From your stunt at the council meeting, you should call me Tousan, too.”

 

Paige blinked. She opened her mouth to try to respond to that statement, and realized she had no clue what to say. She couldn't call him dad, even if Shino declared their eventual marriage if things worked out. Biting her lip, she turned to Shino to see how he was reacting to that.

 

He looked down at her confused face. “He's teasing.”

 

“Oh.” She looked at Shibi, feeling a little embarrassed about not understanding the teasing. Paige decided to try and make up for it with a little teasing of her own. “How about we settle for Shibi-san for now, and we'll hold weekly meetings to see if we need to update it?”

 

Shibi visibly smirked over the top of his high collared shirt. “Sounds good.” He turned to Shino, “Taking her up top?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Shibi took the few steps to close the distance between himself and Shino and Paige. He laid one hand on each of their shoulders. Looking down at Paige he gave a visible smile. “You're in for a treat.” He then turned to Shino again. “Keep her safe. The clan is behind you.”

 

“Thank you.” He raised the hand not currently holding on to Paige and rested it on top of Shibi's hand on his shoulder.

 

Paige watched the oddly tender moment, but it was brief. With one last look over the two of them, and the parting comment of, “Nice jacket,” Shibi took his leave.

 

***

 

**authoress whistles** ^_^ What?? You wanted a post-ramble?? Alrighty, I promise everything had a point in this chapter!! And the next couple of chapters make me feel dirty…some in a good way—hehe—and some in a not so good way—also hehe… I'm a damned sucker for build-up! Anyone lost those pants that I keep telling you to hold on to??

 

On a more personal note, my life is about to get both more and less complicated…I'm going to be moving in the next couple of weeks. I'll try to stick to that weekly updates promise! And anyone who really wants to know what the heck is going on with me can email me and I'll tell you. I just don't wanna bother the people that don't wanna know with posting the whole sob story here.