The Bug Queen

Four Months Later... - Shino

Ino was curled up on a cushy, orange outdoor lounger on the back porch of the house, under a cream-colored fuzzy blanket and fast asleep. Shino smiled as he watched her, grading papers from his class on applications of chakra. It was a beautiful autumn afternoon, and he couldn't think of a better way to spend it than watching his wife sleep soundly as he caught up on work.

There was a chill in the air, which was being kept at bay by the outdoor fireplace Shino and Ino had put in over the summer. One of their projects together that wasn't for the flowers shop that would be opening soon.  The Yamanaka Flower Shop.

And they were back from their own little adventure!  They went on a small, unsanctioned mission to the Land of Steam to pick up a few bottles of wine for Kakashi; something he needed for a date or a meeting with a dignitary.  It didn't matter, Shino suspected that it was a small honeymoon from Kakashi and the village for them, which was very kind.  Getting the wine took about five minutes, and the rest of the trip was a week in the Land of Steam, staying at their hot springs and exploring the beautiful forests.

Even at home, they'd caught bugs in the woods and picked wildflowers all over the village. Their interests were amazingly similar. Both loved being outside and loved nature. She loved to listen to him talk about bugs. She loved that he was so passionate about them. And when he and his cousins got together, their enthusiasm was infectious.  She told him that all the time.

He was so lucky. Four months in, and he was married to the most beautiful woman on the planet, and she was the kindest and sweetest as well. And her love was fierce. Four months of loving Ino as his wife and almost a year and a half of loving the most amazing woman he had ever met.

It was a struggle to grade papers because what he really wanted to do was sit here and watch her rest, but he needed to get the work done.

Being married was like a dream. It was like getting to have a sleepover with his best friend every night.  Her ring and her promise to love him forever felt like a warm hug as she laid beside him. But honestly, it wasn't much different than the way they'd been living before.  It was just that now, she was officially an Aburame.  But it still meant so much to him.  He wanted to love and protect her for the rest of their lives.

They'd lay there and talk about their days before finally falling asleep. Sometimes it would be a sexually charged night, and sometimes it wouldn't be. But it didn't matter to him: he just wanted to fall asleep next to her. He loved her so much. Oftentimes, she would be the first to fall asleep, and he would get to hold her and rub her back and shoulders until he fell asleep as well.

She began to stir, waking up and giving him a sleepy smile.

"Hey Love, are you still grading papers?"

"I'm trying to, but you're so adorable while you're sleeping that I've been watching you instead.  You look so comfortable..."

She reached her sweatered arms out for him, coming out of her blanket cocoon.  He got up and joined her on the lounger, snuggling in next to her and holding her tightly.  She yawned, putting her head on his chest.

"The fireplace is lovely..."

He kissed the top of her head, loving her gently.

"Maybe we can catch autumn bugs tonight.  After dinner."

"That would be so much fun!"

"I can grade papers tomorrow."

But for the moment, they snuggled on the back porch, enjoying each other's company.

THANK YOU FOR READING!