The Right Choice

This story is completely finished. I am just going through and doing some final proofreading, but I will be uploading at least once daily. There are over ten chapters and the story is a little over 45,000 words. I've never actually posted a story of mine before, and I'm a little nervous so be kind. If there's a lot of bad feedback from this one I probably won't post any more of my stories in the future, but no matter what I will have this one posted in completion hopefully by the end of next week. I hope you enjoy it, I usually write for my own pleasure, but this one I enjoyed so much I thought it might be nice to share. Please let me know if you like it, I am hoping for at least ten good reviews once I finish. I know it's a high goal considering most people are lurkers (me included), but I would appreciate knowing that at least a few people enjoyed it. Thanks, and enjoy!

WARNING: Naruto is in several other pairings before he gets to Shino. The story works through a failed relationship and a comfort relationship before we get there so don't freak out when Naruto doesn't jump straight into Shino's arms. It will happen, but like the description said this is the story of their struggle to come together so just wait for it.

Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to Neko Izumi. I read the fiction Get and fell in love with tattooed Naruto. The Kikaichu on his back is mentioned as looking like a Scarab and I felt the need to pay homage in some small way to a fiction that I enjoyed reading so much and inspired me to write a Shino/Naruto pairing. Thank you for being an inspiring story teller.

Chapter 4

Shino had decided to go with Shikamaru’s advice for now, and have ramen with Naruto as often as he could without raising suspicion. It would give him a way to replace the kikaichu regularly, and fulfill his need to be close to the blonde without following him around. The first few weeks didn’t cause any problems with being to obvious. Naruto seemed to be making up for lost time, eating at least once a day at Ichiraku’s. Shino joined him once every two or three days for either lunch or dinner, trying not to develop a pattern that Naruto would pick up on.

Their conversations were always interesting. Naruto spoke most of the time, but he seemed to enjoy having someone to talk to that didn’t interrupt, and Shino thoroughly enjoyed listening so it worked out well for both of them. Naruto described Suna to him in detail. He never mentioned Gaara, but he spoke of the friends he’d made and about all of the shinobi he trained with in the village. He was especially eager to tell Shino about the clan of Shinobi that was much like his own.

It seemed that there was a clan that controlled insects similar to what Shino did with his own kikaichu but they didn’t serve as human hives like the Aburame clan. They controlled a species of scarab, but their expertise was not in espionage but in hunting. They made up most of the hunter-nin in Suna. The scarabs can do one of two things with the body of a missing-nin. It can either destroy evidence of any and all jutsu and chakra to keep their secrets hidden from enemies or it can break the missing-nin’s chakra down for analysis of their jutsu’s or any Kekkei Genkai they may have possessed.

From what Naruto told him the scarabs lived longer than his own kikaichu by several months. They lived in Hyoutan hives strapped to the backs of the hunters. The calabash gourd, as Naruto described it was much smaller, but the same as Gaara’s Hyoutan. Shino ignored the flash of pain he saw in Naruto’s eyes at the mention of his former lover, but he moved on quickly so as not to dwell on it in front of Shino. The most interesting difference it seemed was that they didn’t feed off of chakra. They could convert it, interpret it, and even use it, but what they fed off of was the human flesh itself.

The history Naruto described was one of horror stories. The scarabs had been growing in numbers in the desert for many years and it was becoming difficult to cross without being attacked and devoured so the clan that now controls them went out and destroyed nearly all of them. It took years. The ones that they let live were offered there lives and the lives of future generations if they would devour only those that were given to them. They agreed to the contract and a jutsu similar to a mind control jutsu was placed on them to keep them tame enough to enter the village. Since there never seemed to be a shortage of enemies or missing-nin the scarabs were satisfied with their place in Suna.

Shino’s interest was further invoked as Naruto described how the ability to learn valuable information about jutsu was discovered. It seemed that several generations ago there was a medical genius born into the clan. As this medical-nin grew in her studies so did her interest in the effect the different ninja’s had on the scarabs after being devoured. After decades of study the jutsu’s were perfected and now the scarabs were a vital part of modern chakra study in Suna.

Shino was practically vibrating with excitement by the time Naruto was done telling him about the scarabs. “Naruto, you have to tell my father about this. He will be very interested to know of such an interesting use of kikaichu.” Naruto looked hopeful at having a new audience and Shino knew he would agree.

“Do you think he’s busy now? I’m not doing anything.”

Shino knew how bored Naruto was being trapped in the village like this, and he was happy to be able to provide some form of entertainment for him, even if it was just to talk to his dad. “I’m sure it’s nothing that can’t wait. He’d really like to hear about this.”

With that Shino paid the bill, and they headed toward the Aburame complex. They found his father in his office dealing with a marriage contract that seemed to have him stressed, and he welcomed the distraction.

“Father, Naruto has been telling me an interesting story about a different clan of kikaichu users in the sand. I thought that you might be interested in hearing about them.”

Shibi Aburame wasn’t one to be taken by surprise, but hearing that there was a clan using kikaichu in Suna was definitely shocking. He looked over Naruto and noticed the odd look on the boy’s face. It took him a moment to realize that he wasn’t wearing his coat. He smiled at Naruto. Shino had spent much of the last few weeks with this boy and he was not only interested in the information, which could prove invaluable if true, but also what it was that drew his son’s attention so strongly.

“I am always interested in information about kikaichu. It is also nice to finally meet you Naruto. I have heard so much about you over the years from Shino and his friends, but I’ve never had the pleasure of actually being introduced. I am Aburame Shibi.”

Naruto bowed respectfully and introduced himself. He was a bit shocked at the pleasant reception. Most of the parents of his friends took some time to warm up to him. Most people that didn’t know him still thought of him as dangerous, and weren’t willing to be civil much less kind when he was introduced.

“Please have a seat, and tell me about these kikaichu users in Suna.” Shibi leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest. His arms were muscular and strong but not overly large, but when crossed over his chest they accentuated his shoulders and chest in an impressive manner. He occasionally did this to gauge the reaction to his obvious strength when in the presence of a powerful shinobi. What he hadn’t expected was Naruto’s reaction. His eyes dilated, his breath quickened and his mouth dropped open slightly in reaction, and Shibi blushed for the first time in years. He shifted self-consciously and moved his arms down to the arm rests of his chairs and glanced at his son hoping that his reaction hadn’t been noticed.

It was a very rare occasion for anyone to show open attraction for anyone in the Aburame clan, but this boy didn’t seem to be bothered by them at all. Shibi would have to watch Naruto closely in the future. Under that coat, Shino looked exactly like a younger version of him, and with that kind of reaction, Naruto was bound to notice sooner or later, and that could be a problem. Relationships rarely worked outside of the clan for obvious reasons, and Shino was his only son. He never wanted to see his son hurt… but those were thoughts for another time. Luckily Naruto schooled his features quickly, and neither of the boys had seemed to notice Shibi’s reaction or his momentary distraction. All thoughts of the awkward moment passed quickly as Naruto started telling him about the scarabs of Suna.

When Naruto was done telling his tale, Shibi started asking all kinds of questions. He wanted to know what color the scarabs were, and approximate size. He asked if they flew or if they were confined to surfaces. When he was done asking questions, he stood and walked to the book case on the wall next to his desk and scanned the shelves until he found the book he was looking for. He sat back down and started flipping through the pages quickly until he found what he was looking for. He flipped the book around and slid it in front of Naruto. “Is this the scarab you saw?”

Naruto pulled the book closer to him and inspected the pictures closely. “Yes, this is the one.” Naruto pushed the book over to Shino who was obviously interested. He took it eagerly and started scanning the pages with avid interest.

“According to our research that species was hunted to extinction over sixty years ago. They were supposed to have been destroyed completely by the sand, but it doesn’t surprise me that they did something like this. How did you come by this information in such detail Naruto?”

Naruto understood what Shibi was saying. Suna was just as secretive about its various clans and specialties as Konoha. “You could say I have a special relationship to Suna. I’m considered a hero there, and I served as Ambassador as you probably already know, for a year. I also had a very close relationship with the Kazekage for just over two years, and the people saw me as more of a friend than an outsider. I was given a lot of information about many of the clans there in exchange for reciprocal information about myself. I trained with many of the shinobi over the last year, and showed them some of my strengths that few others know of. In exchange they offered me the same.

“These types of secretes are invaluable to Konoha, and I never truly revealed enough of myself to make the trade fair, but they will never know unless they decided to test my strength, and with Gaara as Kazekage that will never happen. The information I collected is for the future of Konoha. There is always the possibility that many years from now the treaty might be broken. If that were to happen we will have the obvious advantage. My first loyalty is to Konoha. It’s not my fault if they didn’t get a fair bargain.” Naruto smirked at his own cleverness, and Shibi didn’t even try to hide how impressed he was.

“I hope that you’ve been documenting all of this information. For it to be useful it must be in a form that can be passed on.”

Naruto nodded in agreement. “Nothing to worry about Aburame Sama, I have a journal that I’ve kept detailed notes in for several years now. When I get it copied fully I will turn it over to the Hokage for examination. I’m sure all of the clans will be informed. Right now I’m only about half way through, and I keep remembering details that I didn’t fill in the first time so the process is slow, but I’m sure I’ll be done soon enough. It has only been a month since I’ve been back. I’ve discussed some of what I learned with Tsunade baa chan, but I’m still angry with her so she’ll just have to wait like everyone else for the details.”

Shibi was a little shocked at Naruto’s easy use of the Hokage’s name and even the addition of a nick name not to mention the fact that he was so saucy when he spoke of his anger toward her. He had heard of her affection for this boy, but he hadn’t quite believed it until now. He found himself liking Naruto very much. He was intelligent, witty, cleaver, and from what he had heard from his son, a very carrying young man despite the life that he’d lived.

With the Aburame clan being different from the other’s Shibi was accustomed to the looks and judgments of the village so he empathized with this boy for being ostracized for something he couldn’t control. The thought crossed his mind that this might be the very reason that Naruto was so comfortable here surrounded by kikaichu and their hosts. The lack of judgment in this boy’s eyes made him want to do what ever it took to keep him close to their clan. This boy was going to be a powerful leader one day; he could feel it as surely as he could feel the subtle power radiating off him, and being close to him could ensure high regard for his clan in the future.

As he drifted back to the now, he looked the boys over again, but this time he noticed something was different. Shino had relaxed enough for Shibi to read his expression even with the collar of his coat covering half of his face, and he started to notice the shy glances he snuck when Naruto wasn’t looking, and the small smiles that crinkled around his glasses as they spoke animatedly to each other about the book Shino was holding. Shino cared about this boy. Shibi was sure of it. He had thought it was just friendship, but now that he thought about it he realized that Shino had never sought out anyone else like this before, and everything was becoming clear.

This was good and bad. If Shino succeeded in getting Naruto to fall for him then they, as a clan, would be ensured high status, but the cost to him personally would be that he would never be a grandfather. He didn’t know whether it was worth it, but he wouldn’t interfere. It was after all Shino’s choice. And with how strongly Naruto reacted to Shibi earlier, he’d bet there was more than a good chance that Shino would get what he wanted, even if he tried to hide it from Naruto.

“Shino, have you had a chance to show Naruto around the complex?” Shino looked a bit embarrassed at not having been a good host, but it wasn’t unusual for his very quiet son to have skipped the formalities especially in his excitement over what Naruto had told him. “I take it then that you have also neglected to inform him of our talents off the battlefield?” When Shino ducked his head Shibi had to hold back a smile. Shino was definitely distracted where Naruto was concerned. The Aburame’s were proud of their profession though, so Shibi decided to fill Naruto in.

“Naruto, would you like a tour?” The way the boy’s face lit up warmed Shibi. It was hard to believe that anyone could be as cold to him as he knew they had been, and it was even harder to believe that the boy was still so open. Shino hadn’t been so lucky. He had withdrawn at a very young age just as most of the Aburame’s do when dealing with the derision of others. Naruto was extraordinary.

“Yes, Aburame Sama. I’d love to see your home.” Shibi stood and lead the boys to the door. As they entered the central hall of the main building Shibi started to explain.

“The Aburame clan has been a part of Konoha since close to the beginning. We were merely weavers and tailors before that point, using the kikaichu as defense against anyone that threatened our clan. As masters of the kikaichu we are able to control and manipulate insects of all kinds including the finest of silk producing worms in or out of the Fire Country. Becoming a part of Konoha not only provided protection for our clan, but offered opportunities for us to train as shinobi so that we could protect ourselves. We found that being a part of this village was profitable as well.”

The door across the hall from Shibi’s office was the clan library. He led them through the door and beyond to the museum and archive room. On the opposite side of the room there were several glass display cases.

“We were commissioned for the very first Hokage’s robes and have been making them ever since. We make most of the wedding attire on special order for Konoha, and when things are slow we offer to take on contracts from other villages. The entrance to the complex as you might have noticed when you came in is a shopping district for fabrics as well as clothing of all sorts from simple to detailed and expensive. We make them all with the help of the kikaichu. The tailoring done for special order is done mostly by the kikaichu. This makes the stitching so small and precise that no one can possibly compete in quality.”

Naruto was drawn to the case holding the robes of the Yondaime. They were the actual robes his father had worn the day he’d accepted the position, but the Aburame’s didn’t know that. He reached up to put his hand on the glass as he continued to listen.

“As you can see it is a very profitable business which is part of why the majority of us do not serve as shinobi. The other part is that unfortunately to most of the people in the village we are not the most desirable neighbors to have. They don’t mind benefiting from us being here, but if they could confine us to the complex they would. We have worked hard to remain in the shadows of Konoha, and with generations of practice it has become our expertise.

“Those robes belonged to Namikaze Sama. You seem to be about the same height he was. They were commissioned from one of the finest sheets of pure white silk we’ve ever produced.”

Shibi came to stand beside Naruto and looked at him out of the corner of his eye. He’d always suspected that this boy had belonged to the Yondaime, but there had never been anything more than rumors about it. Most of the people of the village didn’t want to think that they had treated the son of a Hokage as terribly as they had so the rumor died quickly when ever it was brought up. The way this boy was looking at those robes though made him believe that it was the truth. The boy hadn’t needed to say a word.

Shibi opened the glass case and gently removed the robe from the bust it was hanging from and held it up for Naruto. It was identical to the one Naruto was wearing in design and size, but the colors were white with red flames, and his were red with black flames. It was uncommon for anyone to touch much less wear these historical robes, but Shibi found the occasion appropriate. “Would you like to try it on?” The boy’s face lit up, and he nodded eagerly. His sage robe fell from his shoulders and was tossed to a chair in the corner. Shibi stepped up behind Naruto and slid the robes up his arms and over his shoulders. Naruto turned slightly so that he could see his reflection in the glass case and smiled as he ran his hands down the front of the robe.

Shibi came around to look at him and Shino stepped forward from a shadowy corner of the room to get a closer look. It was a perfect fit. “You look just like the Yondaime. You’re even the same size.”

Naruto looked up at Shibi and smiled. A single tear slipped down his cheek and he turned away hoping they hadn’t noticed. “He was my father.” Shibi just nodded, it was as he’d expected, but Shino was shocked. Naruto had never spoken of his family before, and to find out that he was the son of a Hokage was astonishing. After a moment of thought though, it wasn’t that big of a shock. Naruto had always possessed power to surpass all others just no real guidance until Iruka took notice of him. The resemblance was uncanny though so he should have noticed. He contemplated for a moment that Shikamaru had probably noticed, and felt that familiar rivalry course through his veins. He hoped that he hadn’t so that in the future when it came up he could have the upper hand.

“How did they survive?” Naruto wondered out loud. The village had been destroyed three years ago and he had thought most everything had been lost.

“There are only a few things that we take with us in an evacuation, and these are some of them. All of the things that we take are in this room. We are able to quickly store everything in a scroll and one of us carries it to safety. It is a very fast and efficient way of preserving our history. This is a common way for most of the clans to protect their valuables.” Naruto seemed satisfied with the explanation. Shibi was sure that Naruto had seen some form of it used before since he didn’t ask for details.

Shibi suddenly realized that the boys needed a moment. Out of the corner of his eye he could see that Shino seemed to need to speak to Naruto so he slipped out for a moment to pick up the marriage contract he needed to finish.

Shino noticed his father leave and was thankful for the moment alone. He stepped closer to the blonde and reached up to wipe the tear from his cheek. Naruto pushed his hand away, but there was no force behind it, he was only hiding his shame at being found out. “I didn’t know he was your father. You must be very proud.”

Naruto smiled so brightly that Shino felt his heart race. “I am. He was a hero. I just hope I make him proud.” Naruto didn’t mention how torn he’d been when he found out that his own father had cursed him with the demon fox, but it didn’t really matter. He loved his father anyway.

“I’m sure he is. Any father would be proud to have you as a son. I think you’d be a great Hokage… the best. Just don’t start thinking you can best me though.”

Naruto laughed, and Shino was glad of it. He rarely made jokes because most of the time they were taken the wrong way, but Naruto seemed to understand his sense of humor.

“We’ll just have to see about that wont we?” Naruto took one last look in the glass at his reflections and then took the robe off. He very gently replaced it in the case and closed the door. Shibi reappeared then to continue the tour, and Shino let his face settle to blank again.

“Let’s head back to the housing district. Shino can show you his room.” They headed back into the hall. It was very long and there were doors all the way down on either side and when they reached the end there was a large open courtyard with a small Kio pond in the center. Lining both sides were long, wide nure'en that extended all the way to where a large house sat at the end. There were smaller houses that varied in size and design all along both side of the nure’en with small individual gardens in front of each that seemed to make a statement about who lived in each of the homes.

“The large house at the end is for our single members of the clan. They all live together sharing common areas and having their own bedrooms. We learned many years ago that it’s better to keep them together otherwise there might not ever be any marriage in the clan. We are a bit too solitary for our own good at times. The houses on each side are for our couples and families according to the size. Most of the houses are different sizes but none are smaller than two bedrooms. We are always hopeful that newly weds will need the room for children.

“Our house is this one.” They had just made it to the fourth house on the left in a line of seven. There were seven on each side making the count fifteen, but Shibi soon explained that there were two more rows of houses, one behind each of the rows that faced the courtyard. This made the number of houses go up to twenty nine in all, and Naruto was overwhelmed with the sheer number of Aburame there must be to fill all these homes. The look on his face must have given him away because as they stepped into Shibi’s house he explained.

“Not all of the houses are occupied. Right now we have eight vacancies, but it will soon be seven. We have a wedding I’m working on setting up right now.”

The buzzing at the far end of the front room caught Naruto’s attention immediately, but what he saw wasn’t exactly what he’d expected. There was a petite woman sitting on a cushion beside a tea table that was completely covered in kikaichu. Naruto had only ever seen them used for fighting so to see them used in such a domestic way was a new experience for him. As they came in the woman looked up and smiled brightly at first Shibi and then Shino, but when she noticed Naruto her kikaichu immediately dropped what they had been holding and swarmed at her feet.

She was wary of him. Naruto could see it. It caught him a bit off guard because of how kindly Shibi had treated him, but he realized that not everyone here was going to be as accepting just because Shino liked him.

“Shai, I’d like to introduce you to one of Shino’s friends. This is Naruto.” She stood gracefully and walked toward him cautiously. This seemed to irritate Shino a bit from what Naruto could see, but he didn’t have time to analyze it right now because Shibi continued the introductions just then. “Naruto this is my wife Aburame Shai.” Naruto bowed respectfully to Shino’s mother and smiled at her, and he was relieved to see her relax a little.

“It’s nice to finally meet you Naruto. I’ve heard so much about you from Shino, but I was starting to think he had made it all up since he’s never brought you around.”

Naruto laughed quietly and replied with a friendly greeting that further warmed the tiny woman toward him. He’d win her over for Shino’s sake. He didn’t want to cause problems for him. It seemed that she had been working on the shiro-maku for the wedding that Shibi was contracting. It was a beautiful white kimono that was intricate and very well made. Naruto could see, even though it was unfinished, that this would truly be a work of art. Shibi hadn’t been exaggerating when he had said that they were experienced tailors.

Soon though the dress was put away and Shibi and Shai went into the kitchen to prepare dinner, leaving Shino alone with Naruto. They headed together toward Shino’s room in the back of the house, and as Naruto walked in he heard Shino slide the shoji shut behind him.

The room was plain white for the most part with a few pieces of teak furniture against the wall at random intervals, but what caught his attention was the bed. It was a very simple zen design, low to the ground and wider than he expected, but what really surprised him was the kakebuton. The bed cover was stunning. The blue was the exact color of the sky on a cloudless summer day, and there were designs woven into the fabric in a very slightly lighter blue that shimmered.

It was the finest weave of silk he’d ever seen and he had the sudden urge to touch it. Without thinking he walked over and laid down on it letting his hands stroke gently over the surface. “Wow Shino, this is amazing. I wish I could sleep here.” He rolled over onto his side to inspect the design noticing that they were all the symbols of the village including the clans, Konoha, and Fire Country, and in the center was a very large kikaichu with its wings spread. He ran his hand over it as he admired the work, not noticing the change in Shino’s expression at all.

Naruto was on his bed. He couldn’t think. All he could do was watch as the only person he’d ever wanted in his bed was actually in it. The only problem was that Naruto didn’t have any idea that Shino wanted him there. Shino felt heat pool in his abdomen and further down as Naruto stroked the silk kikaichu. He was going to have a hard time walking if he didn’t get his hormones under control. He turned slightly away from the sensual blonde, and took several deep breaths trying to relax. It worked for a moment until Naruto called out for Shino to join him on the bed.

Shino could have cried in frustration at the unintentional tease, but instead he did as Naruto asked and joined him. Shino lay down on the bed mirroring Naruto’s position and watched as Naruto’s rough hand slid across the smooth fabric. He was just glad that the kakebuton was flipped with this side up today. The other side was a bit more obvious than he was ready for at this point. The deep rich red that matched Naruto’s Sage robes with the Uzumaki swirl in the center was beautiful, but Naruto wasn’t stupid. He’d have noticed instantly, and being the most outspoken human being in the world would make it impossible for him to not ask about it.

The blue was innocent enough unless you were looking into Naruto’s eyes. Shino took a moment to gauge his choice and decided that though the color wasn’t quite as beautiful, it was as close as he could have gotten to the real thing. Naruto wouldn’t notice though. He’d asked his mother to make it for his sixteenth birthday. He’d chosen all the colors and designs. His mother had never asked about it before, but he was quite sure that after seeing Naruto without his Sage robe on that she would be asking about it soon. The symbol on Naruto’s back wasn’t usually visible so when he asked for it he hadn’t worried. He’d never thought that Naruto would be in his home without his robe.

The two of them stayed on the bed for quite a while. Shino enjoyed the rare chance to watch Naruto’s body move without his robe hiding his muscular form while Naruto talked about what ever came into his head, and Shino was unbelievably grateful that none of it contained any innuendo. Naruto talked about Shino’s dad, and how much he’d learned today. Naruto suddenly stopped though as if something occurred to him suddenly, and rolled off the bed and came around to pull Shino up. “I noticed something else about your family today Shino. Neither of them was wearing this big bulky coat.”

Shino realized quickly where this was going, but he was hoping he could talk his way around it. “We don’t wear them much around the complex. They’re mostly for when we’re in public. They serve several purposes. They help us hide in plain site. They cover all defining characteristics and they hid our faces enough that we would be difficult to describe. The color makes it easier to slip into the lightest of shadows. We aren’t supposed to hide while we’re here though. The elders discourage it because they think we’re too antisocial already. You heard my father earlier; they think we won’t interact with each other. There isn’t one of us that leave the complex without them though.”

Naruto listened intently as he described the coats attributes, but the gleam in his eye said he wasn’t satisfied with just an explanation. “Shino, take your coat off.”

Shino’s eyes narrowed behind his glasses. He had dealt with a demanding Naruto before, and he knew that he was being tested. Naruto liked to push every once in a while with all his friends, but this was the first time Shino had ever really wanted to refuse. He didn’t like being told what to do either, but he knew that if he didn’t think fast, Naruto would push, and he didn’t want to deal with that.

“My mom’s about to call us for dinner.” It was a weak excuse, and it didn’t work. Naruto stepped in closer to him and reached up and slid off the outer coat with the hood. He watched Shino with sharp eyes that didn’t miss anything including the racing pulse pounding in his neck or the wire tight muscle twitch in his shoulders. Naruto never seemed notice that his actions were as sensual as they were, and Shino had no doubt that right now it hadn’t crossed his mind at all that he was in Shino’s bedroom undressing him in front of his bed.

Shino didn’t fight him though. In truth he wanted to see what kind of reaction he’d get. The clips on his black inner coat flipped open easily easily, and the coat fell open revealing a simple black t-shirt. Naruto then pushed his hands under the coat at the shoulders to slide it off letting his hands slide along Shino’s chest as he did it. The physical reaction of Shino’s body to that touch was like fire, and he fought showing any reaction on his now completely exposed face. The coat slipped off and Naruto caught it before it hit the floor and threw it on the bed. Then he stepped back to take a look.

He crossed his arms over his chest in an attempt at exuding a self confidence he didn’t feel, and was surprised at the reaction he got. Naruto was obviously attracted to him. He was so pleased with this that he didn’t try to hide the faint blush that rose on his cheeks. He waited and watched as Naruto walked a slow circle around him looking over ever inch of his body. Shino felt those eyes on him and he couldn’t contain the shiver that ran through him. Naruto was too occupied to notice though, once again.

Naruto couldn’t help but admire Shino without that horrible coat on. He was long and lean with broad shoulders that boasted impressive upper body strength. He was still the tallest shinobi in their group at 5’10”, and had out grown his awkward youthful face into a striking young man with the same slightly sharp features of his father. Shino was even sexier that his father. Naruto thought about how Shino would taste, and what kinds of sounds he’d make when Naruto touched him, but stopped that train of thought in its tracks when he found himself getting a little too excited. He shifted back to curiosity and wondered what Shino’s eyes looked like from behind those glasses. The entire clan hid their eyes so he didn’t have a clue what color they were at all.

“You’re a good looking guy Shino. You should go out like this more often. The girls would go crazy for you.” Shino frowned a bit at that. He didn’t want girls to notice him, but Naruto didn’t notice the change in his demeanor. “What do your eyes look like? Why do you all wear glasses all the time?”

Shino didn’t like revealing weaknesses to anyone, and his family wouldn’t be happy with him either, but Naruto wasn’t just anyone. He decided to show him, but they needed a darker place than his sun lit room. “Come here.” Shino said as he grabbed Naruto by the hand and drug him to the closet and slid the shoji closed behind him. It was cramped, but he didn’t mind the proximity when it came to Naruto.

He pulled his glasses off and slowly let his eyes open. It was bright all the sudden, like stepping into the sun from a dark room, but it wasn’t as bad as it would have been on the other side of the door. Naruto moved a little closer to get a better look and gasped quietly at what he saw.

“You have cat eyes Shino”, Naruto whispered as he examined them closely. They were dark amber cat eyes, just a shade to light to be brown, with small black slits slicing down the middle. Naruto was struck by how beautiful they were. Furthermore, this gave them something else in common. When he used the chakra from the Kyuubi his eyes were red with slits. It was the most attractive set of eyes he’d ever seen. Even Gaara’s green couldn’t compare. “They’re beautiful. Why do you hide them?”

Shino loved that Naruto liked his eyes. Hinata had always said they were beautiful when she saw them, but it meant so much more coming from Naruto. “We have superior night vision, but it comes at a price. The sun is too bright for us, but only slightly. We wear the glasses to counter the light. We are competent without them, but with them we have no weakness.”

“You aren’t supposed to tell anyone that, are you?” Shino shook his head and smiled at Naruto. Sometimes he was more insightful than anyone would give him credit for. Naruto gently slid the glasses back into place, and Shino felt the temperature rise to boiling in the small space even without his coat. For a moment Shino just knew they were going to kiss, but Naruto stepped back and the moment passed.

“I will never make you regret trusting me Shino.” Naruto said with conviction and before he could respond they heard his mother call to them that dinner was ready. They slid out of the closet and headed out of the room toward the kitchen. Shai invited Naruto to stay, and he accepted gratefully.

Over dinner they filled Shai in on the kikaichu users in Suna, and she was very impressed that Naruto had learned so much as well as been intelligent enough to make the connection. She, like most people, Shino thought, had been more than willing to accept what was nothing but vicious rumors about Naruto. He was glad though that she seemed to be seeing that information for the lie it was. Naruto would win her over like everyone else. It would just take time.

When they finished the discussion Shino noticed that the sun was beginning to set. Naruto would want to go home, and he would need to give his daily report to the Hokage. While Naruto thanked Shai for the excellent meal Shino went to get his coat. Naruto joined him as he came back from his bedroom and they made their way out of the house when Shino heard a soft feminine gasp from behind them. He turned to see that she had noticed the symbol on the back of Naruto’s jacket. He shook his head harshly at her to let her know he didn’t want to discuss it now. She nodded sternly in understanding, but didn’t say anything. Shibi was watching them both closely, but was patient enough to wait until they were alone.

Naruto waved one last time from the front door, having missed the communication between mother and son, and they headed back to the main building. Naruto made his way back to the archive to retrieve his robe and they slid their shoes on at the front entrance before making their way to the front gate. They said their goodbyes quickly and Naruto decided to stroll through the shopping district for a while after Shino headed back home.

Shino knew he wasn’t ready for the conversation that was waiting for him so when he got to the front of the main building he leapt to the roof and ran towards the fence heading for the Hokage for his report. Hopefully it would take long enough that his parents would be asleep by the time he got back.

All the information for this fiction was either taken from actual episodes, manga, or one of several Naruto information sites. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments on any of the info I use, I'm trying to stay in line with the actual story as I can. Thanks.