Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Reading Totems ❯ Chapter 19 ( Chapter 19 )

Author's pre-ramble: Thank you to everyone who's reviewed and/or emailed their support for the story as well as for the authoress and her moving fiasco! I love you all: otakutron, DragonTamer94, TheForsakenOne, tasuki001, Dwarfwarrior, ghostreader14, TheRavenQuoth, sotobell, interestingstuff, mousetrap, DemanFox

 

To answer questions generated from the previous chapter: Tami-chan has a major purpose…just don't hurt me too much when you find out what it is… And Shino was not wearing his hooded jacket! Paige stole it the night before and didn't give it back. Shino was wearing his high-collared button-up black number, so he was not in his “Aburame glory” as eva24 put it in her review.

 

And now for something completely different…

 

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: A semi-steamy first date with a rude awakening.

 

***Chapter 19***

 

Paige looked up at Hokage Monument from its base. “When you told your dad you were taking me up top…you meant to the top of Hokage Monument?” The height was slightly dizzying when she had to crane her neck and lean back slightly. “Are we allowed up there?”

 

“Yes.” Shino pulled on her hand and led her over to a long and winding staircase and they began their climb. “You'll love the view.” He looked back to give her another smile. “It's almost a tradition in my clan.”

 

She quickened her pace up a few stairs so she could talk with him more easily. “How so?”

 

He actually stopped and turned around to face her. “My father brought my mother up here. He told me I should do the same to any woman I thought was special enough for the experience.”

 

Leaning forward slightly, she wrapped her arms around his waist, with the height difference between them emphasized by Shino being on a higher stair…it was all Paige could manage at the moment. “Thank you.”

 

“I also want you to understand what you have agreed to help protect.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders to return the hug. After a few moments he broke the embrace. “Come on.”

 

They made the rest of the way up the stairs arm-in-arm. By the time they reached the top, Paige was slightly winded, but Shino appeared like he could still run a few marathons and not be bothered. “Alright, I understand shinobi are trained young, but I feel like a feeble old lady next to you after that!” Paige complained.

 

Shino looked her up and down that made her blush and know he did not agree with that statement at all. “Let me show you the view.” He led her over closer to the edge of what promised to be a sheer cliff. There were handrails preventing people from getting too close to the edge, and benches dotted the walkway that spanned the top of the monument. There was no one else at the top of the monument.

 

She gasped while clinging to the handrail with one hand, and Shino with the other. “You can see everything from up here! It's beautiful.” Paige gazed in awe. The view did span the entire village from the gate she entered Konoha through to Hokage Tower to her own apartment building.

 

He shifted slightly to stand behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, lacing their fingers of one hand together, and rested his chin on the top of her head. He pointed to a cluster of more traditional looking homes. “The Aburame complex.”

 

Paige nodded and relaxed into his hold.

 

Dipping his head slightly he began whispering in her ear. “This is what you are protecting…healing. And in return Konoha will protect and heal you. You may not be shinobi, but that doesn't matter. Konoha takes care of her own. And I…I want to protect and help you to heal as well. I want to take care of you.”

 

She shifted in his embrace slightly to be able to look at him. “I would like that.” Paige turned more so that she faced him. She lifted her one hand to cup his face. “I'm going to need your help.” She bit her lip in hesitation and blushed. “And I think I…” She trailed off, hesitating again.

 

Reaching up he took the hand that had been resting against his cheek and laid a gentle kiss on its palm. “Tell me when you're ready. The way your eyes light up when you look at me is enough for me.”

 

Giving a self-deprecating sigh she laid her head against his chest, taking the comfort he was so free in giving her. “I think in the healing department, you have your work cut out for you. I don't know what I'm doing. I try to just go with my feelings, but I'm a little scared. I know I have feelings for you. I want to tell you…” Paige felt a hand tilt her head up.

 

Shino's hand left her chin and unbuttoned the top of his high collared shirt, giving her a full view of his mouth as he formed the words, “When you're ready. I'm not going anywhere.” A slow smile spread across his features. “And I like a challenge.”

 

An answering smile spread across Paige's face, but then turned serious. “Everyone has done so much for me. You've done so much for me…to the point of suspension from ANBU. I just wish I was able to do more, to make up for everything.”

 

His smile didn't falter, but rather turned into a smirk. “You single-handedly out a high level spy; offer an entire village your unique abilities to help it find even more spies; give readings to people that help them to heal…” His hand returned to her chin when she began to look down and blush. “…Give me a reading that shows me I need more in my life; offer me a chance to heal my heart with you…and you think you haven't done much?”

 

It was the most Shino had spoken to her. Paige was astonished at how much more open he was when the two of them were alone.

 

“You have nothing to make up for. We help you because we want to. Do you understand how important you are?”

 

“I guess not.” It was the truth. Living by herself for years and not having any true friends had taken its toll on Paige. She was used to giving and not letting anyone close enough for them to give back. Having her life in danger, needing protection, and a new relationship added up to Paige feeling like she had to give more of herself to make up for everything she was receiving. She felt like she was drowning in the generosity of others. A rather interesting thought crossed her mind and caused her to blush a few shades darker than ever.

 

“What are you thinking?”

 

Paige gave Shino a bashful smile. She had trouble meeting the eyes she knew were behind the sunglasses. “I'm thinking of…I mean…Do you think…Could you…” She took a deep, calming breath. “I'd like it if you showed me how important I am to you…when I'm ready.” She spoke into his chest again, embarrassed at the words coming out of her mouth. It was the closest she could manage to `I want you to make love to me' as she was going to get right now. She added the last part because as much as she liked the idea, it made her nervous as well. Arms tightened around her and she felt warm breath in her ear again.

 

“I'd be honored. But only when you are ready.”

 

She felt him draw back from the embrace.

 

“I want to show you something else up here.” Shino stepped to the other side of the handrail and held his hands out to Paige. “I will keep you safe.”

 

She nodded, took his hand, held up her skirt, and climbed over the rail with a little less grace, rearranging her skirt afterwards. She followed as the Aburame led her to another, narrower set of stairs that was carved directly into the rock face and down.

 

“Builders use this part.”

 

“And the public?” Paige was clinging to him now. There wasn't a safety rail anymore.

 

“Not encouraged, but the view is better.” Shino stopped once they had reached a natural outcropping. He sat down on the edge, his feet dangling, and motioned for Paige to join him.

 

She took small steps to inch her way closer to the edge.

 

“Afraid of heights?”

 

Giving a nervous chuckled she tried to explain. “It's more a fear of falling to my death if I lose my balance. I'm not a graceful person. Handrails are my friends. And I'm usually a fan of following signs that say `Danger Area: No Unauthorized Entry'.” Grabbing onto his shoulders tightly she let Shino guide her so that she was actually sitting in his lap. “But I've never had a personal safety line before.” She rested her head against his chest and let him remove her handkerchief to stroke her hair.

 

After a long time, he turned her head with a soft command, “Look.”

 

Loosening her grip slightly, she turned in the embrace to look out and see the sun setting over Konoha. “It's…breathtaking.” With strength she didn't quite understand, she felt Shino lift her up and turn her so that she could lean back against him and not strain her neck. “How often have you come here to watch this?”

 

He breathed into her ear again, “Never had a reason to until now,” and laid a gentle kiss on the side of her neck. “Only for you.”

 

This time she turned around under her own effort to sit sideways on his lap with one arm around his back. “I don't know what to say.” Her grin turned slightly devious, “But I think I can come up with something.” Looking around she decided, “I think I need a hand though.”

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“Umm…well, I want to face you so I can kiss you properly.” An undignified squeak was the next thing out of her mouth as strong arms suddenly lifted her without any apparent effort and settled her back down so that she was now sitting on his lap and facing him. She didn't care her skirt was bunched as she let her legs stretch out behind him on either side and wrapped around his waist. Her breathing quickened just being this close to Shino and looking into his face. She blurted out the random thought that came to her mind. “This view is nice too.”

 

“I agree.”

 

Love. Tangling her fingers in his hair, she brought their mouths together for a passion filled kiss. Lips met and parted. Tongues twined to dance back and forth. Paige decided she couldn't get enough of this feeling of being with Shino and kissing him. She let out a small moan and attempted to inch closer to feel more of whatever was happening. It caused her to bump into something that made Shino give out what she decided was the sexiest groan ever heard, but before her brain could process everything she did to make him groan again, he broke off the kiss and rested his head on her shoulder.

 

“Paige, don't…” he gasped.

 

“But…” thinking through kiss induced mind-fog was difficult. What had she bumped into? He obviously enjoyed it from the sound he made.

 

“Don't want to rush…” he breathed into her shoulder and laid a kiss on the skin he found in front of him. The jacket had slipped off of her shoulders slightly.

 

Light bulbs went off for Paige. “I like the effect I have on you.” She grabbed his head and forced him to look her in the eyes. “I'll let you know if I feel rushed.” She decided to rub up against his erection again and got another groan for her efforts. However this time, she felt an answering sensation growing in herself. Still holding on to his head, she let her own fall back, let out a louder moan, and enjoyed the feeling of warmth and arousal. “Right now I just like this feeling.” Bringing her head back up to look into his eyes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her forehead against his hite-ate. “I like this feeling. I want this...just this feeling…I won't break if it's you. Only you. Please.” She closed her eyes as she was trying to make him understand. They opened again to stare into deep pools of black as she felt a hand on her back, underneath the coat, make its way lower. Paige's head fell back again, and she let out her own low groan as that hand pushed her firmly against the erection in front of her. Lips made a gentle assault against her exposed neck—nipping, sucking, and teasing—causing her head to loll to the side which gave them access to her sensitive pulse point. She let out a gasp that turned into a moan when a tongue joined in and started to lightly lap when the lips were absent. “Shino…” she sighed. Hands then came to the side of her face and drew her in for another kiss. Paige lost herself in the sensation…

 

“Paige?”

 

The question in his voice caused her to come back into herself. Thumbs gently slid over her cheeks.

 

“Are you alright?”

 

She had been crying. She hadn't even noticed. Paige nodded and gave him a watery smile. “They're happy tears…I promise.” Leaning in, she whispered into his ear, “You make me feel loved.”

 

Arms that were already encircling her underneath the jacket tightened their hold. They held on to each other until Shino announced, “Sun has set. We should go.”

 

Paige crawled off of his lap in order to let him up. “I liked the date.”

 

“We still have dinner.” He clasped the top button of his shirt again.

 

Accepting the hand which somehow guided her into another piggyback up the set of narrow stairs, she giggled, “We're still going backwards…dessert before dinner. And that is definitely not a complaint.”

 

Tilting his head so he wouldn't have to speak too loudly, he asked, “What do you want for dinner?”

 

“I'm not picky as long as I'm not eating random animal organs,” was the reply. “Did you have a place in mind?”

 

“Yes. I checked it out this morning. You'll like the chef.”

 

“Huh?” Paige was definitely confused, but felt rather than heard Shino's chuckle.

 

“You'll see.”

 

And see she did. Shino had proceeded to carry Paige on his back for the entire walk to her apartment. He only turned slightly so that she could be the one to open her front door. Once inside he deposited her on the couch and calmly walked into her kitchen and made dinner. He had also removed his sunglasses and his high-collared shirt once inside.

 

***

 

“Shino?” she asked as she put down her chopsticks.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Thank you for dinner…for everything today. It was wonderful.” A blush spread across her features as she remembered their time on top of the Hokage Monument.

 

A hand covered hers. “Your welcome.”

 

Paige was suddenly nervous again. “I don't want you to leave. Do you…Can you stay? I'm not asking for…I just want…” The hand covering hers gave a slight squeeze.

 

“I'll keep the nightmares away,” was his understanding answer.

 

“Who else is on security tonight?” She reached out with her abilities as she asked the question. Deer. Bee.

 

“Shikamaru, Ino and Choji are on perimeter.”

 

A grin came to her face. “You'd be better to snuggle with than any of them.”

 

“Of course,” Shino mock scoffed. His black eyes turned soft again, “I've got dishes.”

 

“Let me help.”

 

“Restaurants don't let customers wash dishes,” he called over his shoulder and he walked to the kitchen carrying the dirty dishes.

 

Paige followed with a grin and decided to play along. “But I haven't paid for my dinner. Management usually makes you wash the dishes as payment if you have no money.”

 

“My treat.” Shino shooed her out of the kitchen. “Day off. Go relax.”

 

She took his message to heart and walked out to sit on the couch. Deciding that closing her eyes would help her relax, she next felt herself being shaken lightly. “Meh?” was her response. She had fallen asleep while Shino was cleaning up from dinner.

 

“Go get changed for bed. I'll wait until you're done.”

 

Giving into a yawn Paige apologized, “Sorry…guess I didn't realize I was so tired.”

 

“Don't worry.” He pulled her into an upright position and gave her a light shove in the direction of the bedroom. “Bed. Get ready.”

 

The process of going to bed was not an awkward one, which surprised Paige slightly. Shino calmly climbed into her bed and held out his arms to her as he had the previous night. She gave him a smile and settled in for the night, quickly falling to sleep knowing that his presence would keep her dreams safe.

 

***

 

Ravens surrounded her in a forest. It was an old forest, the forest she often visited in her dreams. But this time there was no Mudjekeewis to greet her, only ravens. They filled every available spot of the tree branches surrounding the partial clearing she found herself in. She called out to them. “Brothers, do you have messages you wish to give me?”

 

Silence. The ravens did not reply.

 

She tried again. “Brothers, you have come with a purpose. How can I aid you?”

 

More silence.

 

Paige was beginning to get unnerved. Spinning around she noticed that all of the ravens appeared to be just staring at her. It was like they were waiting for something to happen. But what was going to happen? She began to think rapidly. They brought the dead to talk with her. Ravens helped people cross between worlds. `Oh no…' She felt her stomach drop as the other implication crossed her mind. She never liked the idea of people dying, but it was a part of the cycle of life. “Brothers, you have come to help those souls in need cross over to the next world.” As she spoke it, she wondered who was to cross over that she was being given a vision.

 

As if on cue, all of the ravens took flight in a great mass of moving blackness and began to circle Paige inside of the clearing.

 

***

 

Instantly coming to full alertness, she felt Shino tense underneath her. Something was wrong. She could still feel the overwhelming presence of the ravens…too many ravens. It felt as if there were enough for everyone in the entire apartment building. She went still as realization came, but then became a flurry of action.

 

“What's wrong?” Shino sat up as she struggled out of his embrace.

 

She met his concerned eyes with wide panicked ones. “I had a vision with ravens. We need to get everyone out of the building now!”

 

He didn't question. “Pack quickly. We go to the Aburame complex.” Grabbing his sunglasses he had placed on the nightstand before they went to bed, he rushed out declaring, “Shikamaru needs to begin evacuations. We leave when I return.”

 

Paige didn't bother to respond but started quickly packing the only items she cared about—her medicine wheel items and notebooks. Everything else could be replaced if needed. She glanced at the clock in the bedroom and felt her stomach drop again. Only 3:12AM. It will be hard to get civilians awake and out. Absently she went, grabbed Shino's jacket and put it on before she put her bags over her shoulders. She walked into the living room as Shino returned through the front door. “I'm ready.”

 

He walked over to her, wrapped her arms around him, and performed the jutsu that would take them to the Aburame complex.

 

***

 

Author's post-ramble: *coughs* …so, what do ya think about my semi-steamy writing? I figured I'd work my way up the literary smex-o-meter. The continuing poll on Shino's IC/OC-ness is still open! I've been stretching out the times Shino and Paige are alone and therefore making Shino open up more and more…I wanna know if you still find it on a believable scale.