Permission To Seek

A.N.: This chapter was very long, too long so I needed to break it up into four separate chapters that help me improve the sentence structure and fix many grammatical errors. I thank you all for your comments and reading my story. Please message me if you would rather I warn before smutty parts because from here on out the smut flows often. Otherwise, I will assume everyone knows the rating is ‘M’ and “XGC” means Extreme Graphic Content, at least I try. *waves bye by*]

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CHAPTER 16 TO BUILD A BOND

PILLOW FIGHT

Shino sipped a special blend tea his uncle prepared from his former lover. His head felt better and the rice ball he had for breakfast helped his queasy stomach that returned in full force when a knock came at his bedroom door.

“Shino-sama, you have a visitor.”

“Come” He lifted his glasses off the night table and put them on as Naruto entered.

Naruto looked around the large bedroom in wonder. Shape like an octagon with geometrically shaped windows set high in the ceiling providing natural light at every angle. The walls contained high bookshelves that wrapped the room; crammed {neatly} with dozens of books on insects, plants, spiders and nature in general. A portion of the room contained an antique styled functional desk and chair complete with lap top computer, printer and phone. The wall next to the desk contained a detailed map of Konoha Village; grafted with dividing lines where boarders of the various clans intersect. Notes on the map indicated longitude, latitude, and clan name as well as population statistics. Other walls contained smaller shadow boxes with models of various insects, miniature globes, awards, pictures and ninja memorabilia.

“Wow! Shino, this is amazing!” He twisted around in a circle staring in various directions before he face his friend sitting on a round king size bed. Shino placed a cup down on a breakfast cart containing a small fruit basket, porcelain teapot and other bowls of food Naruto could not determine, although the aroma inviting. “So are you feeling better?” He asked making his way toward the end of the bed. ‘He looks a little pale and sad. I wonder what could have happen.’

“I’m getting there, not completely yet. I did not know you were here I would have invited you up. Like I told you the other day, I hadn’t slept my entire mission so I was very tired.” That is not the only reason Shino remained sulking alone in his room. Now once again he could not take his eyes off Naruto, only instead of just feeling a longing, he felt the pain from Naruto’s remark about Sasuke. The memory made the dream all the more horrible.

Naruto pointed to the end of the bed. “Is it ok if I sit here?” Shino nodded then turned away, glancing out one of the high windows. He completely missed the puzzled look in Naruto’s eyes. ‘What is he talking about he told me the other day?’ However, before his visitor could get clarification, Shino interjected.

“Hey, you still have chores around the village. I am no longer assigned such duties my uncle said it is beneath me he can be a bit overbearing. I will be happy to assist you then maybe we can finally get Ramen. What do you think?”

Naruto pulled his bare feet up on the bed, crossing his legs. ‘He sounds happy but he doesn’t really look that way not like when he challenged me to train with him.’ Naruto glanced up at the high window all he could see is clear cloudless sky. ‘I really want to make this a day to remember.’

“NO!” He said turning his attention back to Shino.

Shino raised his eyebrows behind the dark shades. “Why not?”

“Because you’ve been cooped up here for several days and I did all my assignments early, so we can have some fun not run errands for people!” Naruto jumped on his knees, waving his hands wildly while he babbled excitedly about a festival he had saved for months to afford.

“Now they are finally set-up in a village about two hours away so we can use a race there as training and the fun shall commence!” He sat back on his hunches grinning ear to ear as if he were very pleased with himself. “It’s my treat, so all you need to do is get your butt in gear, and we will have a great time!”

Shino smiled in spite of his aching heart. ‘He sure got hyperactive in a couple of days why the change.’ “You got a lot of energy I don’t, but maybe if we take it slow at first I’ll feel better.” He nodded at Naruto, wondering why he had not mentioned the festival the other day.

Naruto crawled up toward the top of the bed edging closer to Shino and plopped down next to him so their elbow and shoulders bumped together, all innocent smiles. ‘This guy doesn’t know me very well;’ he thought sarcastically. ‘He just needs an attitude adjustment.’ Plucking up one of the fluffy pillows near the headboard, tossing it lightly in his hands as the innocent smile reverted to evil grin.

“Uzumaki, what are you are doing?”

((Poof! Smash! Pop!))

Lopsided glasses and disheveled bathrobe hanging off one shoulder Shino stared dazedly up from the opposite end of the bed. Naruto lounged in his spot, finishing off his tea and popping rice in his mouth. Adjusting his glasses, he sat up staring, completely shocked by what happen. ‘Naruto knocked me to the other end of the bed with my own pillow then took my seat and is eating my breakfast.’ His eyebrow twitched a quivery feeling tickled his navel.

“Hey this is pretty good. Are you ready to leave? Or do you want some more?” The blue eyes twinkled casting a contemptuous glare in Shino’s direction. ‘I got a rise out of him. Step two let me see if I can get a smile on that emotionless face.’ “I know you don’t think I’m going to be easy on you because you’ve been in bed for three days!”

“Two days.”

“As far as I am concerned, it’s been three.”

“As far as time is concerned, it’s been two.”

“Perhaps I need to teach you another lesson?” Grabbing another pillow an evil grin stretched Naruto's bright face his pointy canines revealed.

Shino sat up straighter pushing up his glasses a little higher, not really understanding the game but becoming completely amused with Naruto’s energy and attitude. Speaking in a low clear voice, “You will need to live a thousand years before you get to teach me Gaki.” He did not smile.

“Ho! Ho!” Naruto mused laughing loudly. “That sounds just like something Kaka-sensei would say!” Unfortunately, the name of his sensei provoked the bug kid.

Shino pounced on Naruto shoving the smaller ninja down until he fell on his back among the other fluffy pillows and previously neat bedspread. Snatching the pillow away and pummeling him with it several times before the golden hair ninja got the upper hand grabbing another pillow on the bed and swung it low, as Shino’s came in high. Predictably, feathers were flying by the time Naruto reverted to attack mode.

“Kagebunshin-No-Jutsu!” Two clones appeared out of thin air closing on three sides with lighting speed. A fleeting smile shadowed Shino passive face, Narutos’ own grin spread wider it was what he wanted as well as one more thing. That thing would need to wait. In two kicks and a punch, both clones were gone faster than he called them up on top of that....

Shino leered down at Naruto his weight pinning the limber body. His thigh flexed involuntarily against the shorter male seizing Naruto’s jacket in a large hand while the other clenched the tan wrists over the golden crop. The Kikai had not stopped humming since he entered the room, and Shino ignored them. His heart fluttering with excitement and thrilled Naruto is finally beneath him. “Do you want to explain;” he said calmly, “What you are doing, destroying my pillows and knocking me around with one?” ‘He looks so cute pinned down like this; I could take advantage of him if I wanted.’ Shino leaned closer to the golden face enjoying Naruto's body heat while he managed his own heart rate.

Naruto twitched; ‘this guy looks serious, but he smells good just like…' “It’s just a pillow fight,” he said nervously; flexing his hips a little to get more comfortable; as his excitement grew. “I’ve heard about them but never actually had one, so I wanted to see what it would be like.” He smiled stupidly the corner of his mouth twitching. “It got you to smile, so it was worth it. I’m sorry they broke open like that; I’ll buy you some more.” He blinked up at him with sorrowful puppy eyes. ‘He’s so close like he might kiss me again.’

‘Why does he keep moving; there is no way he can get loose now. With all these feathers around him like this he looks like an Angel.’ Shino froze feeling the blood rise in his face, as he gazed into Naruto’s exaggerated blue eyes. He slowly eased off looking away. “A game, I never heard of it before.” He slide to the edge of the bed and walked to his changing room. “I’ll get dressed.”

Adjusting the front of his pants, Naruto smirked and followed Shino to the changing room. The door partly open Naruto poked his head in to see a room half the size of Shino’s bedroom full of clothes and ninja supplies all neatly organized in oddly shaped closet compartments each in the shape an octagon. He peered around then stepped in noticing the dark hair ninja further toward the back. Shino is standing in black boxer shorts that hung long, just above the knee and pulling on a form fitting black tank-top tee shirt. Naruto can feel the heat rise in his face, inadvertently his eyes made several sweeps down the nicely sculpted body, which appeared as though it had not finish growing. Shino’s arms seemed too long for his torso and his feet, overlarge for the body they supported. In any event, he possessed an image of strength despite looking awkward his speed in Naruto’s opinion impressive. Along with the nearly shoulder length wavy brown hair, which the teen currently brushed backed and secured. Naruto smirked again. ‘Why did you leave so quickly?’

“Is there something you need Uzumaki? I will not take long, that pillow fight, was good for me. I feel much better; you are full of good ideas.” Shino felt Naruto’s excitement along with his own; so he made a quick retreat to calm himself. ‘Why did he put himself so close to me; he knows how I feel about him?’

Naruto cast his eyes around trying not to stare; but his eyes had a mind of their own and quickly were back on the tall dark hair ninja with loosely worn black boxers’ fitting him snuggly in the right places. “Wow Shino this place is huge it’s definitely bigger than my whole apartment!” Naruto glanced around the room again not taking in anything particular before he focused on the person getting dressed.

“Well, it use to be a spare room, my uncle converted it to a changing room so I could keep my things organized. It’s a bit of an obsession.” He could feel the blood rushing to his face because Naruto kept staring, so he tried to change the subject. “Are you hungry? We can get Ramen before we head out.” Choosing a long sleeve white shirt with his black pants, he slipped his feet in the pants, half turned away from Naruto his manhood still showing the effects of the pillow fight. ‘I hope he didn’t notice; this is humiliating.’

Naruto grinned knowingly, the corners of this vibrant eyes pointing up in merriment. “Well, I’m not hungry I had my breakfast earlier and half yours just now.” He crouched down on a small stool, looking up at Shino with a glassy eyed expression. “You are pretty good for never having played the game before.” ‘Now how to get him more comfortable, I think he’s shy.’ “I consider this a draw when we have a rematch we can use my pillows. They’re not full of feathers just nylon or something so it won’t make a mess.” His eyes now fixedly on Shino who just pulled the shirt over his head; the metallic chain caught Naruto’s eye.

“Draw? Rematch?” Shino looked down at the blonde ninja with questioning interest. ‘Why does he have that look in his eyes, I have never seen it before.’

However, Naruto jumped up moving in very close to Shino peering at the charm on the metallic chain. His nose closing in quickly as he stared so focused, he did not notice the way Shino cringed away, his face boiling with heat at the sudden intrusion to his personal space.

“What are you doing Uzumaki?” His back touched the clothing compartment behind him; he could not recoil any further.

“What is that?” Naruto pointed to the two-inch square tag around his neck. “It looks familiar.”

Shino’s heart skipped several beats, the Kikai now silent. ‘Is he remembering that day in the forest, or the shower?’ He noticed Naruto’s ear twitch and although he seemed transfixed on the chain; his eyes did a quarter inch turn left and right, before returning his full attention to the chain.

“This is my charm it reminds me of my parents.” He lifted the charm on the end of the chain toward Naruto who plucked it between two fingers turning it over.

One side, in script read Aburame the other side a laser image of a man and women embracing, the women’s head under the man’s chin. “These are your parents?” Naruto said, his voice dropping sadly. The Elder informed him that Shino’s father died during a mission. He already knew Itachi killed his mother so in a way they are both orphans.

“Yes.” Shino’s flush receding as he noticed the look in the blue eyes.

“You look a lot like your mom but I guess you’re as big as your dad. They look nice.” He lifted his gaze up to his friend and smiled.

Shino felt his own sadness, knowing Naruto may not have so much as a picture of his parents. “Thank you for saying that my dad was a very tall man. Both my parents were good people. Uncle often jokes I look more like my mom in my fathers legs.” He flashed a short smile at Naruto who let the charm fall back to Shino's chest.

Naruto took at step back and eyed him solemnly; “I guess you and I have that in common, I’ve never knew my parents.” His eyes fell back to the charm, then he smiled lightly. “We could be brothers in a way, if you want since we share the loss of both our parents.” Eyes gazing back at his own reflection in the dark shades.

Shino felt a familiar heat in his chest at Naruto’s words. ‘Brothers.’ “I will think about that Uzumaki.” He said slowly. “Well, I appreciate the offer perhaps we will become more than brothers.” He pushed up his glasses reaching for his ninja supply pack.

The blue eyes followed him carefully; then took a seat back on the stool watching Shino intently. ‘He wants to be more than brothers? I wonder how close he will let me get, and did everything I remember really happen?’

“Uzumaki.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” He grinned widely slightly embarrassed by his own staring. “You ready?” Naruto replied jumping to his feet, stretching his arms over his head.

“Yes.” Shino led the way back to his bedroom, Naruto a couple of steps behind where a young woman had begun cleaning the feathers and stripping the bed. “I am sorry about the mess; my friend had a good idea to get me out of bed.” He smiled at the woman gesturing toward Naruto.

She raised her eyebrows behind dark shades. “You should have made him clean it!” she snapped.

“Oh I don’t mind cleaning.” Naruto started forward but Shino put a hand up to block his progress.

“If we cleaned after ourselves, what job would you have?” His voice dropped in a harsher tone.

She blanched, and then looked away, “Please forgive my temper.” She continued with cleaning the feathers and bedding.

“Shino I…” Naruto began.

“Let’s go.” He started out the room now anxious to get some fresh air. “Naruto don’t worry about it if I wanted you to clean, I would have told you.” He glanced back at the embarrassed look on his face. “It’s her job, my uncle employs many people.”

“I shouldn’t have left that mess, and you cleaned my apartment.” He suddenly remembered. “That was really nice, but don’t do stuff like that for me.” His face shined with embarrassment gazing at the back of Shino’s head.

“Why not?” Shino did enjoy taking care of Naruto especially washing his hair.

“Because, because…. Uhmm...” He stammered.

“Well, tell me why I should not help a friend, who certainly needed assistance?” He slowed his pace reaching the end of the wide second floor landing so they could walk side by side down the curving staircase. “I did tell you it is a tendency of mine, to have things in order. I couldn’t assist you that day without putting things in a proper place.”

“Well, it’s embarrassing.” He managed at last; falling in step with Shino. “I’m just not organized, I never have been. Well unless it is training but from what you said about my chakra control, that is a mess too. I just don’t want you to think you need to pick up my stuff, whenever you come around.” Naruto gazed at his friend frustrated.

‘He is saying more today than a few days ago.’ Shino smiled. “Is that an offer to come over?” At the bottom of the stair, they turned left toward his uncles’ study to inform the Elder he would be out for a while.

“Oh I would love for you come!” Naruto beamed; he grinned prepared to lay some ground rules on the rematch.

Neither noticed the visitor sitting with the Elder.

“This is just what Shino-sama needs Kuni-te.” A sneaky voice simpered.

Shino and Naruto turned their attention to the men sitting on a small sofa adjacent to an ornate fireplace, the early morning sun lighting the room through enormous decorative glass doors, which opened into the garden. Kimimaro leaned toward Kuni-te putting a hand up to block his mouth from view although his tone is loud enough so that all could hear. “The promise of sex and the boy is as good as new.” He nodded knowingly shooting furtive glances at the boys. The Elder blushed purple as Naruto gagged and stuttered shaking his head in denial.

However, Shino lunged at Kimimaro with one of the nine-inch blades aiming for his heart. A crunching crash and loud buzzing; Shino stood behind a wall of gold Kikai with white bone protruding the center. The bone splintering as he pushed to drive the blade further.

“Calm yourself!” The Elder snapped. “Kimi please watch what you say; you know his temper.”

“I thought I was…” Kimimaro began.

“SHUT UP!” The Elder bellowed; “Shino please put that away! NOW!” He added as the boy continued to look as though he could see through the Kikai and four-foot square of bone.

Naruto stood with his mouth hanging open, he never saw Shino move until he crashed into the miniature bone wall, his eyes bounced off the three men Shino did not look as if he would be letting Kimimaro off too easily.

“You are disgusting!” His voice trembled with controlled anger. “You have five seconds to apologize to Uzumaki!” He lowered his head, eyeing the gold Kikai over the top of his shades beginning to count. ‘Kikai when I give the order attack until he is dead.’

“Shino, don’t get all upset it was rude, but when you think about it, kind of funny.” Naruto began to laugh no one joined him. The air began to vibrate. “Shino I have had enough fighting for a while, can we just go.” He asked in a small voice.

Shino glanced sideways at Naruto; the vivid blue eyes cooled his anger. Putting the knife away, he waved a hand causing the Elders Kikai to rise to the ceiling. Disobeying the order to protect they hovered menacingly confused by both orders unable to follow the host.

Shino glared over the top of the shades at Kimimaro. “I stopped counting at the number two make a note of it. That is where I will start should you open your vulgar mouth to me again.”

Kimimaro smiled warmly in the stoic face cocking his head to one side. “You’ve gotten tall and even more handsome than I remember.” Despite his relaxed demeanor the bone wall remained in place, Kimimaro familiar with the teen’s short temper. “So Naruto is the one.” At that moment, the Elder stepped alongside Kimimaro as Naruto stepped in front of Shino.

“Oi Shino.” He said looking up at the dark shades as he stood between the two. “He has no self control; not like most people anyway. I should know I spent two days walking back with him and Iruka-sensei. I’ve become accustom to that mouth.” He smirked sparing one glance in Kimimaro direction. “Remember this is going to be a day of fun. No death, mutilation or extreme pain.” He snickered as he saw a shadow of a smile on the thin lips.

Shino’s eyes lowered behind his shades gazing at the blonde ninja. ‘He’s trying to prevent a fight, always the hero.’ His heart rate began to rise to a normal pace, his anger defusing altogether the longer he stared at Naruto.

“Please don’t talk anymore Kimi.” The Elder scolded fixing his eyes on the small ninja. ‘What an amazing young man.’ “You guys are off enjoy yourselves and be careful.” His eyes traveled slowly back on Shino who up to that point had never shown he had learned to control his Kikai as well.

The boys left, the Elder deep in thought about something that seemed curious. “Kimi, tell me what time you arrived in the Hidden Leaf; I believe Shino mentioned something the other day after turning in his report.” ‘Shino said he spent a few hours with the Nine-tails-kid, two and half days ago.’

“We came in very late two days ago; after midnight Wednesday. I took Naruto to his home with Iruka and you know the rest we joined you for lunch that same day. What’s this about?” Kimimaro eyed him as he took his seat next to the old man.

“Hmm….” He said thoughtfully. ‘How could Shino be with Naruto if he had not arrived, unless....’ a dark glint lighted his bright eyes. “Kimi, I’d like you to do something for me nothing bloody just a cordial conversation with my nephew.” He smiled at his former lover, with evil intent.

“You want me to have a conversation with the serial killer? I can tell it is going to be painful I did not miss the part where he took control over your Kikai. The boy wants to kill me so bad he can taste it. I just love strong men.” He returned the evil grin. “Sure as long as I don’t get my hands dirty what would you like from me?”


YOU ARE MY FRIEND

Outside the house, they set off with Shino leading the way in stiff silence. Naruto casting furtive glances at him every couple of steps. ‘What did Kimimaro mean: Naruto is the one? It was funny the way I just said ‘I’d love for you to come’ he began to snicker.

Shino who had currently determined the best way to get through the bone and watch the lights go out in the pale green eyes, turned to see Naruto trying to suppress a laugh his face twitching in a comical manner.

“What is amusing Uzumaki.” He gazed at the blonde feeling the stress lifting with every step.

Naruto laughed aloud tears in the corners of his eyes. “That was funny what he said, right after I…”

“It was not!” Shino snapped feeling the heat rise to his face.

Naruto stopped laughing gazing at the side of Shino’s face burning with anger. “I mean I just…” he stammered

“It was very rude and vulgar he is an impossible man that makes disgusting remarks at every opportunity!” Shino fumed trying to look away from Naruto not wanting him to see the vibrant blush. “I swear I am going to kill that pervert….” He stopped as Naruto took hold of his arm turning him.

“Shino,” he stared into the dark shades and blush with wide considerate eyes holding the crook of his arm. “You are right. Ok. Don’t be so angry about it.” His voice lowered, he did not understand the big deal; Kimimaro is a pervert and a conceited man, after training with the older ninja, he imagined Shino and he would have become accustomed to each other. “Wow you do have an incredible temper! I thought people were just over exaggerating about your fuse. It was a rude thing to say, but I would not want to kill him because of it. He took care of me so; I got a good opinion of him before he started hitting on Iruka-sensei. We shared some jokes, but I did tell him to knock it off after a while it does get annoying. I still would not want to kill him just for being a pervert. I guess I’m one too I use Sexy Jutsu on Ero-Sanin just to get help with my training.” He smiled at his new friend, eyeing him pointedly. “You help me with my chakra control and I help you with your temper.” He winked at him with a toothy grin cocking his head to one side.

Shino listened raptly as his heart rate increased from Naruto’s grip on his arm. ‘He is so cute, if he only knew how much I want the words of that pervert to be true.’ He chucked lightly at the wink from his companion; taking a deep breath willing his anger to subside; “You have a way of bringing out the best in people; please forgive my harsh words. I do need to control my temper. Shall we continue?” He nodded toward the road that would cut through the Hidden Leaf to their destination hoping Naruto would keep his hand around his arm.

Naruto let his hand fall raising both hands behind his head as he walked alongside Shino. The mood improved as Shino nodded at people they passed in his village. Once they hit the border of Konoha, it became different. Naruto did not notice at first but the deeper they entered the village more people would scurry out of the streets before they made it to them. No one wanted to be in the way, since Naruto graduated from the academy things had changed over the last year for him. Villagers began to rely on him and even admire him more, he would usually complete his chores over and above what was required and often would make regular errands for some of the elderly if he did not have a mission. The impression he felt now reminded him too vividly of his treatment as a child, he lowered his head disheartened wishing he could shrink inside himself and become invisible.

“What’s going on; what did I do now?” He peered ahead as more early morning people seemed to quicken their step at their approach.

“It’s not because of you Uzumaki many citizens do not appreciate my clan. I am accustom to this it does not concern you. When we return we will take a different road and avoid the village.” He glanced at his blonde companion the look on his sad face tugging at his heart. ‘What a guy to care about something like this.’

Naruto sad brow furrowed suddenly disgusted by the idea people were avoiding Shino. “It’s not ok your clan protects the Hidden Leaf just like all the others.” He glared around again feeling his own level of anger. “Well, when we go to the Chuunin Selection Exam we will be able to show everyone what great ninja we are.” He laughed loudly with an evil grin.

“What if we match up?” Shino mused looking at Naruto.

The blue eyes flashed intently he lowered his hands to his side. “Well that will be interesting think you can take me?”

Shino turned back to the road now they were entering the forest leaving the Hidden Leaf behind. “I know I can defeat you at your current level more than likely you may never be able to catch up to me. I will continue to grow as you improve.” He stopped at the edge of the forest, turning to look at the smaller ninja.

Naruto face darkened, pointing a finger in the taller ninja’s face exuberantly. “Ha! You can’t defeat me now or in the examination once you are done supervising my training, I won’t loose to anyone.”

‘This is the reaction I thought I would get the other day it’s like he is a totally different person.’ “Well, you never need to worry about if I can defeat you or not; because if I had to face you in that examination I would give up.” He smiled at Naruto’s speechless stunned face. “You are correct once I finish training with you no one will be able to defeat you not even me if I were to accept the challenge.”

“Shino you can’t do that!” He argued, wide eyes looking shocked.

“I will never harm you in any way Uzumaki.” He turned toward the tree line. “I will challenge you; if I beat you to the festival you will full fill one request.”

‘It is real, he said that before, I will never harm…. It wasn’t just a dream.’ The large blue eyes turned up at the corners as he smiled leaning in toward Shino. “Oh what’s the request?”

Shino shifted his heartbeat faster. “If I win I will tell you if you win you can do the same, do we have an agreement?”

“Sure let’s make it on two requests!” Naruto beamed holding up two fingers. “Only don’t try to back out once you discover the task I put you up too.” He snickered evilly.

“I am a man of my word; two it is.” Vaguely wondering what Naruto had in mind. He wanted to fill a request his new friend made a while ago. Winning was all he could think of. “I can give you a head start, my speed is impressive.”

“Ha, Ha I don’t need it let’s go!” They both leaped into the dense forest.
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Woot! Its good to be back, I guess fans are out having a great weekend.xD! Shout out to Sneakyfox thanks for your comments. O_o Dont worry you will find out about "what indeed" soon enough, its dark and dangerous, at least to you know who..xD! Thanks everyone, soon I will be updating the next portion! ...Yeah! Love is in the air..Haha!