The Bug Queen

Growing Together / Good Energy - Shino

They were sitting in their favorite dive bar, eating fried sushi and drinking beer.  It was a chilly Saturday night, and there was no one else Shino would rather be spending it with.  But he did have something he wanted to talk about.  He straightened up in his chair awkwardly and started the conversation.

"Ino, I was hoping that we could talk about our future."

Ino smiled and giggled.  She was used to his awkwardness, and he loved that about her.  One of the many things that he loved about her.

"Sure, Love. What did you have in mind?"

He couldn't hide his smile.

"I want to propose to you soon. Very soon. But I think we need to figure out what we both want."

She put her chopsticks down, giving him her full attention.

"I know what I want; what do you want, Shino?"

"I want to marry you soon, but maybe we could hold off for a few years before we start our family? I absolutely want kids with you, no question. But I also want you to get established so you can be more than just a mother and a housewife. You've been well for such a short amount of time; I want you to reach for your dreams."

She watched him thoughtfully.

"I don't know what else I would do.  I love keeping a house for you and your father, but get what you're saying."

"You're a great housekeeper, but you used to be a kunoichi and a botanist.  Is that going to be enough for you? What about your flower shop idea? I could help you with it. I know how much you loved the flower shop. I want you to keep the Yamanaka name alive as well, even if it's just in your business."

Her eyes grew wide.

"Oh Shino! Really? The flower shop? I'd love to look into that!  But that's going to take some time to get off the ground.  And work.  Is that going to be okay for you?  I mean, I know how much you want a family, too."

He reached across the table, holding her hands in his.

"You have no idea how badly I want to start our family; I almost didn't bring this up. But we need to spend some time as the Aburames. We need to grow together as husband and wife, and making your dream come true is making my dream come true as well.  And making sure we start our family when you're ready is important."

She kissed his hands gently, making him blush.

"The time is negotiable. I know you want a baby. I do, too. But you're right. A year ago, I was dying. A year ago, we weren't together. All of this moved very fast, and I love that you want to make me an Aburame as soon as possible. But you're right: we're young and we have more to do before we start our family. Let's be the Aburames for a few years before we add more little members to our clan."

Shino breathed a sigh of relief at her response, burying his face in her hands.  She was the most well-suited person for him, and they were a team.  She giggled.

"I can't believe that the bug boy is going to be my husband.  I love that.  And I love you so much.  In a few years, we'll have a bug baby with big bug glasses."

He laughed.

"A bug baby that looks like you, Ino-chan."

The rest of their dinner was drinking beer and dreaming about the perfect wedding.  A perfect Saturday night.

***

Shino took a deep breath, letting it out slowly before sitting across from his father at the kitchen table.  It was the first step in the process of marrying Ino, and while he wasn;t nervous, he was a little nervous to see his father's reaction.

"Hey, Dad? I need to talk to you."

Shibi looked up from his book.

"What's going on, Son?"

"How would you feel about Ino... officially joining our family?"

He shut is book, putting it on the table to give this conversation the attention it deserved.

"It hasn't even been a year. Are you sure you're ready?"

Shino felt a smile creep across his face.

"Yes. More than anything. I've never been so sure of anything in my life. I'd be a fool not to marry her.  And once we're married, we're taking our time with everything else.  At least a few years.  I just want her to officially be an Aburame.  We'll grow together from there."

His father grinned.

"I'd be honored to have Ino as my daughter-in-law. You two are good for each other."

Shino was beaming; his father looked so proud, which was a relief.

"Thanks, Dad. Now I need to find a ring-"

"Hold on."

HIs father got up and returned a minute later with a ring between his fingers, handing it to him.

"If you want, please take your mother's."

Shino couldn't believe it. He had only seen it in pictures. It was a deep green emerald in a silver setting.  It was a beautiful ring, and he knew it would suit Ino well.  But-

"Dad, I can't accept this-"

"You should. It has a lot of good energy. Your mother and I shared a lot of love. Our family had a lot of love. I hope your marriage is as wonderful as ours was. And a lot longer."

Shino buried the ring in the palm of his hand, closing his eyes.  He could feel himself tearing up.  He did a lot of that when it came to Ino.

"Thank you. I can't imagine a life without her.  I don't know how I lived without her before this past year."

"When are you two thinking the wedding will be?"

"We've discussed it a little.  Hopefully June, when the wildflowers and fireflies are both out."

"Four months. You've better tell your Aunties."

"I will as soon as I give her the perfect proposal."