Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Reading Totems ❯ Chapter 23 ( Chapter 23 )

Author's pre-ramble: Alrighty! Here we go again! At this point in my story creation I took a look at my fic's timeline and decided I needed to speed things up a little. Timetable-wise, things get a little choppy, but I'm hoping my flow from chapter to chapter is still smooth…and if it isn't…tell me! *pokes fan-base* A giant continuous thank you to all of my reviewers! otakutron, DragonTamer94, TheForsakenOne, tasuki001, Dwarfwarrior, ghostreader14, TheRavenQuoth, sotobell, interestingstuff, mousetrap, DemanFox, Simply Me!

 

On a slight side note…I've been invited to Youmacon in Detroit, Michigan in November. Anyone in Michigan? I'll be traveling under my penname. Find me at the con and win a prize? *scratches head* …dunno what the prize would be though…

 

And now we see how life changes in an instant…

 

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: Eventual 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: An eventful week changes more than one thing in the lives of Paige and Shino.

 

***Chapter 23***

 

It was Monday. Hinata sat with her under a tree taking mutual a break which consisted of watching Kiba and Shino spar. Paige was amusing herself by intently watching Shino move with all of the grace and poise that was trained into him from his earliest years. She was staring, and she liked what she saw. And while her half of her mind was on the body in front of her, the other half was wandering down memory lane and listing off all of the things Shino and the Aburame clan had done for her in the few weeks she had come to live with them.

 

There had been no other major attempts on her life and so, life had settled into a routine between her and Shino over the weeks after she moved in. She had eventually convinced him to let her share the chores of keeping a house clean and running instead of having him dote on her. It was decided that Thursdays were the days that the `weekly meetings' with Shibi would take place, and they would go over to the Aburame clan leader's home to have dinner and talk. One week she was surprised to find the rest of the Aburame clan had turned out for dinner as well, and she was introduced to all present…trying not to embarrass herself in front of the knowing eyes of the clan members.

 

Eventually Shino had managed to convince her that she was, indeed, allowed to add her own touches to the home she shared with him. This occurred on a day that Shino declared a “light” day, meaning they did their morning run, but none of the taijutsu practice. He then proceeded to drag her to the market place in Konoha and ask her what items she liked in some of the vendors' booths. When her eyes lingered on some items…he proceeded to buy them for her. Paige was astounded. Shino was definitely adamant about her feeling at home. Both of them walked home that day with random bear-themed odds and ends. When the items were integrated into the decor of the house, it made an interesting contrast with the insects. The next `light' training day was spent in a bookstore where Paige collected books on the different animals of Fire Country along with a book on local myths and legends which were integrated into the bookshelves in the office. She joked that all she needed now was her old collection of stuffed teddy bears and she would never need to leave the house. At the scheming look she received, she was quick to comment that she was way too old for that now…and that she'd much rather cuddle with him than a stuffed bear.

 

That comment turned into a heavy make-out/petting session leaving Paige reeling and looking at a smirking Shino, vowing she would show him how much he meant to her. Their physical relationship had progressed as her confidence in herself progressed. They hadn't gone much more beyond making-out and roaming hands, but the hesitation slowly disappeared from Paige.

 

With her mind wandering down adult rated mental paths, she brought her attention back to watching Shino and Kiba spar. Her mind was threatening to wander off again when the soft voice of Hinata interrupted her daydreams.

 

“You love him a lot.” Hinata's eyes were open and understanding.

 

“Yes.” Paige knew she loved him. She hadn't said the words to him, but she tried to communicate it to him in other ways. Those words were being saved for the day she knew she was completely ready to say them, and hopefully, that day was soon. Paige was not a saint, and Shino's hands were extremely talented although they still hadn't wandered below the waistline. She turned to Hinata with a bit of mischief in her eyes. “I want to get Shino a gift, and I need your help to do it because I want it to be a surprise.”

 

“How can I help?” Hinata had a slight smirk on her face that showed she would enjoy this.

 

Deciding Naruto's mischievousness was rubbing off on the Hyuga, Paige let her in on the plan. “I have a very specific gift in mind. I just don't know if it exists, and I need to know the meaning of the gift before I give it…just to make sure I'm not stepping on any Aburame clan toes.”

 

Dark brows furrowed in confusion. “Sounds like you might need more than my help.”

 

“Oh feel free to include whomever you think can be…discreet about it.” Paige mused about the need for such planning. In truth it was because she and Shino were hard pressed to be separated from each other…not that she was complaining. Maybe later she would complain, but right now she was enjoying the attention and affections of Aburame Shino. “I'm gonna assume you know what amber is?” she questioned the Hyuga.

 

“Oh yes! It's very pretty. I have a few pieces of it as gifts from Shino actually.” Hinata blushed a bit.

 

Waving off the slight concern she felt from Hinata she said, “Don't worry about what kinds of gifts they were. I know he's not wandering off, and you're not about to leave Naruto.” She gave another conspiratorial smile. “I don't want just any piece of amber. I would think it would be appropriate if I gave him a piece with a kikaichu in it. I've read through some of the books in his little library in the office to know the kikaichu used to be wild. I also know some of the symbolism of amber, but I don't know if the Aburame clan has their own meanings attached to it or what it means to them if a kikaichu is in it.”

 

“I'll help. For them it's a symbol of romantic love, but I don't know what it would mean that a kikaichu is in it.” Brows furrowed again, but this time in thoughtfulness. Slowly her features blossomed into a smile “I'll ask my father what he knows, and if it comes to it…I think my father and I need to visit Shibi-san. It's been a while since the council meeting.”

 

“Thank you!”

 

***

 

Tuesday Hiashi had visited Shibi to `discuss inter-clan relations' over dinner. Since it was business between clans, the heirs of each clan—along with their significant others—were also invited to the dinner at Shibi's home. It was a rather odd affair. Paige knew one of the ulterior motives of the meeting and decided to help in getting Hiashi and Shibi some time to discuss things without the heirs present. She insisted on having herself and Shino cook the dinner for the visitors. Hinata, also knowing the ulterior motive of the dinner volunteered to help with washing the dishes, which Paige politely declined. However, this gave an excuse for Hinata to just gush over the unfairness of the situation and drag herself and Naruto into the kitchen to help wash dishes.

 

Although it was a rather large kitchen, fitting four people around a single sink caused some logistical problems. Elbows and other body parts kept getting in the way of the task at hand. After being elbowed in the ribs for the second time and ducking a low-flying wok, Paige just burst out laughing at the absurdity of the scheme she and Hinata had concocted just to have her give Shino a gift. The laughter was contagious and soon the four of them were having trouble washing the dishes because they were laughing so hard it was difficult to focus on anything else! The ruckus laughter caused both Shibi and Hiashi to leave the dining area just to find out what was going on. The scene they walked in on was one of Paige sitting on the floor gasping for breath with a chuckling Shino standing over her and Naruto doubled over in laughter with a red-faced Hinata smiling and silently laughing.

 

“I see my kitchen is still in one piece,” was the dry comment from Shibi.

 

Hinata turned to see her father and Shibi looking at them in puzzlement. “Oh! We're sorry for interrupting, Father, Shibi-san.”

 

Paige finally found her breath. “The only one who needs to be sorry is Naruto! He started this by nearly braining me with the wok!” She started to giggle again. “I just started thinking that I was preparing for enemy shinobi, but no one could prepare me for Naruto in the kitchen. It's worse than an enemy's attack!”

 

“Hey!” Naruto's response was in good humor. He was having trouble containing his own laughter.

 

Her laughter bubbled up further. “And here I am on the floor!” Shino's hand suddenly appeared in front of her to help her stand up on slightly wobbly legs. “Well, I was on the floor.” She made a show of walking to the other side of the kitchen and gestured at the three remaining near the sink. “I'll stay over here while you guys finish up.”

 

Shibi played along. “Perhaps I should escort you safely from the kitchen.” He walked over and extended his arm to her.

 

“My hero!” Paige accepted his arm, hoping she was going to get the information regarding her gift idea for Shino as he lead her out of the kitchen.

 

Hiashi appeared to be in on the conspiracy. “I'll make sure the assailants don't escape the kitchen.”

 

She was lead through the dining area and back into Shibi's master bedroom. He motioned for her to close the door while he looked in his closet when a thought occurred to Paige. “I have a kikaichu interloper with me. Do I have to worry about my surprise getting out?”

 

He emerged carrying a small black box and placed it on his dresser. Opening it he answered her, “No. I've asked her to not tell since you are not in danger.”

 

Walking over to the dresser to peer inside the box, she saw many pieces of amber of varying shapes and sizes, but Shibi passed these over to pick up a small red cloth pouch. She watched him open it to let yet another piece of amber fall out into his palm.

 

“This is what you are looking for.”

 

Taking the offered stone, Paige examined it. It wasn't large, but it was by no means small either. The piece of amber was about 3 centimeters in diameter, flattened on one side, and in its center, was a kikaichu. She held it up to watch the play of light through the translucent stone. “It's beautiful.”

 

“You came up with an interesting plan for it to be a surprise.”

 

She looked now at Shibi. “I also wanted to find out its significance. It would ruin the surprise to ask him.”

 

Shibi placed his hand on her shoulder to make sure he had her full attention. “He is my only son and heir to the Aburame. Although it is more traditional for the man to give....if you give him this stone, you announce your intension to marry him.”

 

Paige looked down at the stone in her hand and then back at Shibi. “Nothing would make me happier.” Something made her add to the statement. “Although, I think… If no one is in a rush, I'm going to wait a little longer. The time doesn't feel quite right yet.” She made to give the stone back, but Shibi stopped her and handed her the red pouch.

 

“Keep it. It is safe with you.” He watched her place the stone within the pouch and tie the strings closed. “Ask Shino not to pry, and he will honor your request.”

 

Nodding, she placed the pouch in an inside pocket to Shino's jacket that she now rarely took off. Giving a smile she asked, “Shall we see if the perpetrators are done in the kitchen?” She returned to the kitchen with a smile on her face and received an odd look from Shino, but he didn't ask her any questions until they had said their good-byes to everyone and were walking back to their home.

 

“What were you and my father discussing?”

 

Biting her lip, she took a moment to figure out how to answer the question without lying to Shino. She never wanted to lie to him. “If I tell you it's a secret that you'll get to know later, is that good enough? I promise it's nothing bad…just a surprise for later.”

 

“And if I try to make you tell me?” he said suggestively in her ear.

 

Matching his heated gaze she gave her answer. “You can try…” She enjoyed the `interrogation' that night, but still wasn't quite ready to take that last leap.

 

***

 

It was actually Thursday that brought the `honeymoon' to an end. Due to the dinner at Shibi's on Tuesday, Shino and Paige found themselves with extra time to spend training with friends. She was taking a break again, watching Shino train with Neji this time. It was definitely something to behold. Neji fought in the same style as Hinata, but he added an extra ruthlessness that his cousin did not seem to possess. Paige sat musing that the two chose their respective careers well with Hinata being the medic-nin and Neji going the more combative route of being a shinobi. A familiar presence of peacock was coming up behind Paige's resting spot and she decided to have some fun with Lee if he came close. She had yet to test her limited skills on him, and ever since the comment Shino made at the beginning of her training, she had become curious.

 

Lee played into her hand. Suddenly appearing crouched beside her, he started to speak, “Paige…”

 

She made sure to catch him off-guard. With speed that surprised everyone, she launched into a modified version of a counter-attack which Shino had taught her if she ever found herself on the ground. Lunging, she grabbed Lee, attempting to use momentum to execute a throw. His reaction was immediate and automatic. Paige found herself wrapped in bandages in a crushing bear hug and upside down. The world suddenly started to rotate with increasing speed. Alarmed cries of “Lee!” and “Paige!” stopped the motion and she was left on the ground gasping for air from the force of the grip and bandages which were now receding. Tilting her head back, she noticed the concerned presences of Shino, Neji, and Lee surrounded her. She attempted to sit up, but pain in her ribs and upper arms prevented much movement.

 

Lee looked stricken. “I'm so sorry! Forgive me! I will do any punishment you see fit to make up for this!” He bowed low to everyone.

 

Placing a hand on his head causing him to end his bow, she wheezed, “My fault.”

 

“Lee could have killed you. What were you thinking?” Shino's voice was low, filled with disappointment at her actions.

 

Breathing came a little easier now. “Wanted to see if I could throw him…test myself against him.”

 

“I thought you had understood his taijutsu exceeds the skills of many.” His brows furrowed in concern and anger.

 

“I know. It's why I did it. Everyone dumbs down for me…I wanted a more real reaction. But I won't do it again without warning him.” She struggled to sit up against the pain of what promised to be heavy bruising in her arms and abdomen later. “I'm sorry,” she spoke to everyone around her. Turning to Shino, she reached out to him. “I can't take it back. I won't do it again. Can we…not fight about it?”

 

“You're injured,” Lee stated as he watched her wince against the pain of her bruises.

 

Paige poked gingerly around on her arms and abdomen, testing how painful touch was. “Bruising. I'll survive.” She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile.

 

“I don't like seeing you hurt, Paige,” said Shino. He finally accepted her offered hand.

 

“And I wince every time someone lands a blow on you when you spar. I don't like seeing you hurt either, Shino.”

 

Neji spoke up. “Lee, why did you come here?”

 

Lee stood up and struck a pose designed to make him look more important. “Paige-san. Shino-san. The Hokage of Konohagakure wishes your presence immediately to discuss a matter of utmost importance!”

 

Shino walked over to grab her ever-present bag of medicine wheel items then returned to help Paige stand. Breathing deeply was still slightly painful for Paige. She had to accept assistance from both Lee and Shino to slowly make her way to the Hokage's office. When the group received the occasional odd stare, she would just smile and wave off any questions. Finally the group arrived outside Tsunade's office and Lee went inside to announce their presence. When he returned to usher them inside the office, he again helped Shino assist Paige.

 

Tsunade took one look at the odd group and frowned at Paige. “What did you do?”

 

She grinned sheepishly. “Um. Something I shouldn't have?”

 

Bowing low, Lee attempted to take full responsibility for Paige's condition. “I nearly performed the Front Lotus on Stone-san.”

 

Rolling her eyes, Paige provided the rest of the situation to spare Lee, Tsunade's wrath. “What he isn't saying, is that I provoked it. I attacked him, to see what would happen.”

 

“And Shino?” questioned the Hokage.

 

“Wasn't let it on my little plan. And he's already reinforced how big of a no-no attacking Lee is,” she sighed.

 

“Let me look at you.” The Hokage walked from behind her desk with a frown and conducted a quick assessment of the damage done. “Bruising…mostly muscle and cartilage, but some of your ribs are bruised as well.”

 

Suddenly breathing became much easier for Paige Stone. After Tsunade finished healing her, she bowed in gratitude, “Thank you, Hokage-sama.” Straightening, she figured she should change the subject away from her stunt to whatever the matter at hand was. “Can I ask why Shino and I were summoned?”

 

Tsunade gestured for Lee to leave the office. Walking back behind her desk to sit down, she answered. “This year the Chunin Exams are being held in Suna in four weeks.” She gestured to the back of the office. “Paige Stone, I'd like to introduce you to Temari, our liaison with Sunagakure.”

 

A woman rose from her seated position on the couch against the wall, sporting her blonde hair in a strange fashion of pulling it into four ties. She walked towards Paige and made no secret of giving her an assessing look. Turning to Tsunade she questioned, “She's the one?” At the nod of the Hokage she turned back to Paige with a raised eyebrow. “She's so…”

 

Grinning, the totem reader intercepted whatever comment was coming next. “Yes. I am.” She turned to Shino who handed over her bag. “I assume you would like me to convince her of my worth, Hokage-sama?” Tsunade's nod of approval was again, the cue for action. “The medicine wheel is mostly for when I have difficulties. I largely don't need it to access my abilities, but I like carrying it around. The bag also has my notebook.” Paige decided to just sit on the floor instead of walking to the couch. She looked up at Temari, “You're mostly annoyed, but slightly curious.”

 

The Suna kunoichi's eye's widened.

 

“Please don't let either allow you to be tempted to interrupt me by touching me, you can ask me questions and talk to me, but that's it.” While holding Temari's surprised gaze, she began her reading. “Butterfly. Totem leader of the Air Clan. You are mistress of the wind, subject to quick changing emotions, but keen of intellect and strategy. You use the power of the wind to defeat your enemies, both by itself and in the form of your ability to think like the enemy.” Refocusing her attention to the physical plane, Paige scratched her head. “Have any questions?”

 

“Yes,” but instead of asking Paige, Temari turned again, to Tsunade. “And you just happened to find her?”

 

“Actually, Paige found us.”

 

Accepting help from Shino to stand after she had completed writing down the reading, she spoke up. “Paige is still in the room, too.” She addressed the Hokage. “How is Suna now connected with me?”

 

Shino shifted closer to her, an action that did not go unnoticed by Temari, who raised another eyebrow at Paige.

 

“I assume you know about the Chunin Exams?” questioned the Hokage.

 

“Shino joked about signing me up once.”

 

Sighing, Tsunade explained. “Konoha and Suna have a treaty. I wanted the small demonstration to convince Temari of the benefits to both of our villages of keeping you safe.” A serious expression was leveled between Shino and Paige. “Many shinobi will be traveling to Suna because of the Chunin Exams.”

 

Paige understood the implications. “Security would be lessened in Konoha because of the lack of shinobi to implement it,” she nodded.

 

Surprise came from Temari.

 

She glared at the Suna shinobi and crossed her arms. “I'm civilian Temari-san, not brain-damaged.”

 

Tsunade intercepted any impending arguments between the two women. “You are being invited to accompany those going to Suna as my guest and by extension Shino is also invited due to his…involvement. You would be protected under the combined forces of Konoha and Suna because of the treaty we share. It has risks and benefits. It is your choice to leave, or stay with the Aburame in Konoha.”

 

“I'll be more of a target whether I stay or leave. We'd be most vulnerable during the actual journey,” stated Paige.

 

“Yes.”

 

She started weighing the risks and benefits mentioned before. Turning to Shino, she gave a heavy sigh, “I still need my freedom of movement to do my work. Although I've enjoyed not fearing for my life these past few weeks, I haven't been able to provide any new information.”

 

“You want to go.” The Aburame didn't phrase it as a question.

 

Gesturing to Temari, Paige responded, “The wind seems to have shifted.”

 

Shino nodded and turned his attention to Tsunade. “We will attend the Chunin Exams, Hokage-sama.”

 

Tsunade nodded. “Temari, I leave you to prepare Gaara-san for their addition to the traveling party. Shino, I leave you to prepare Paige for desert travel. Paige, do you have any questions?”

 

“Two, actually.” She kept her gaze on Shino and gave a small smile. “Up to being ambushed by friendlies?”

 

Giving her a meaningful look, he asked, “Are you sure?”

 

She gave a half-shrug. “I'm a fan of preparation. We'll need to know how I'll respond to an actual attack scenario…preferably against shinobi I don't know.”

 

“I'll make arrangements for an exercise,” stated the Hokage. “You're other question, Paige?”

 

She reached out and tapped the lenses of Shino's sunglasses while smiling. “Do these come in prescription?”

 

After watching the whole exchange, Temari spoke up again. “I have a question, Hokage-sama?” She gestured at Paige and Shino. “How am I supposed to prepare Gaara for…that?”

 

Tsunade gave a laugh. “Let me know when you figure it out. Although since I was surprised, I think he should be too.”

 

***

 

Author's post-ramble: Review! Please!!! A long time ago I promised the eventual appearance of Gaara. *points* He's still arriving, but getting closer! For those of you wondering where the steam and romance went…it traveled to the next chapter…*blush* yeah…steam and romance…next chapter…