The Bug Queen

Kashipan - Ino

She must've fallen asleep because when she awoke again, Shino was quietly talking to someone. His palm was over her ear as to not disturb her. But as she began to stir, he removed it. She picked her head up a little to find Temari standing there.

"Hey, you look comfortable."

"I am. Are you alone?"

"Yeah, I left Shikamaru with my brothers. You don't need him getting you upset."

"He's just trying to help."

Shino, of all people, was the one coming to her teammate's defense. Especially after the shit Shikamaru had said to him earlier.  Ino wasn't letting Shikamaru off that easily.

"I know, but it's a lot sometimes. Especially after his being away for so long."

Temari looked ashamed at those words.

"That's my fault-"

"It's not. I'm proud of Shikamaru for putting his life back together. And you two are a great match. Don't feel bad. Besides, you diffused the situation earlier."

Temari reached down and caressed Ino's cheek gently.

"Looks like you're okay for now. I'll make sure you get the best care while you're here. And I brought you two some breakfast."

She bid them goodbye and left. Ino snuggled back in next to Shino but felt his belly growl after a few minutes.

"Oh, you're hungry!"

"I'm okay."

She sat back up weakly and reached over for the white paper bag that Temari brought. Opening it, she found two large kashipan. He sat up beside her.

"I'll get something in a bit. You should eat both."

"Eat both? I don't eat at all: that's why I look like this. Please, take one."

She handed him a kashipan.

"I'm not big into sweets; you'll have to share it with me."

Panic filled her chest.

"I'll... I'll try. I might throw up."

Shino picked up the little basin from the side table, putting it back down on the bed.

"I can handle it."

He tore a tiny piece of kashipan from the large flaky pastry and fed it to her gently. He was so serious looking right now, but she'd always remembered him being serious looking. She parted her lips and allowed him to feed her, chewing slowly and doing her best not to gag on it. But it felt okay in her mouth, and it tasted good.

He fed her another piece, a little larger this time, watching her intently behind his dark shades as she ate it.

"Hey, you need to eat, too."

"I will."

She reached over and took a small piece, bringing it to his lips. He accepted it, chewing it slowly. It felt so nice to interact with another person. He offered her another piece which she accepted; this time his cheeks had a small hint of blush. Soon, the kashipan was gone. He folded the bag.

"The second one is yours, Ino."

She felt herself blushing as well. Did she kind of like this guy?

No. No fucking way. She'd known Shino for years. The guy with the big jacket and the dark shades and the bugs. But damn, Shino had grown up. His hair had a slight curl to it and his body was muscular and toned. And she noticed that he had a tattoo on his bicep, sticking out from one of his short sleeves. She reached up and ruffled his hair gently.

"I didn't realize you had curly hair-"

He blushed deeper.

"I didn't until puberty. I guess I got that from my Mom. I tried to slick it back and hide it under a bandana, but it is what it is."

"I like it. It suits you. Do you look like your Mom?"

He chuckled.

"Oh yeah, everyone in my clan looks like their mother. I guess we Aburames have very recessive genes."

He hung his head and smiled, looking embarrassed. She knew enough not to ask any more on the subject: his mother had been gone for many years. Since before she had met him when they were six. She remembered that much. He looked back up at her, once again serious.

"So, you've been alone?"

She nodded.

"Yeah, since I lost both parents and my cousin in the war. My health has been on a slow decline. Grief is literally killing me."

He tucked her hair behind her ear.

"I'm sorry, Ino. I didn't know you've been this sick."

"How could you have known? You're busy with your own life."

"I could've checked on you."

"You're busy with your own house, and with Kiba's, I'm sure. And Hinata's with Naruto, right? And Kurenai has Mirai, and I'm sure you see them often. Why would you check on me?"

"Where have your teammates been?"

She closed her eyes, wanting to cry.

"Shikamaru's in the same position as me, but at least he came by. He's been overprotective of me since he got home and found out how poorly I am. And Choji... well, I don't know. He's been back and forth to Kumogakure, I guess, seeing his girlfriend."

"His family never reached out?"

"Not past condolences right after the war."

Shino was frowning.

"I'm surprised I didn't hear about how sick you were from Kakashi and Hana-"

"I appreciate Kakashi not using this as table conversation."

His face softened.

"Good point. Sorry."

"Don't be. Thanks for coming back in to sit with me."

"I wasn't about to let you stay here alone, whether I was in here or out in the hallway."

He gave her small smile. It was cute.

"Thanks."

"Why don't you sleep a little longer?"

"I'm ready to get out of here.  I'm feeling stronger."

"You should get all of the fluids they feel you should have. They've been diligent about making sure your saline bag doesn't run out. The healer was really concerned about how dehydrated you were.  You should sleep some more and let your kashipan digest.  I'm not going anywhere."