Arranged marriages were nasty deals, forced upon a man and woman no matter their other partners or private lives. Shino thought this over as he stared at the ceiling, arms behind his head. There were some things a man like him came to expect or want in life. One of them was definitely control over the direction different aspects of his life took, and that included love life and the family he reared. He certainly didn't expect to wake up one morning, engaged to a girl from some desert clan who had spent her entire teenage life being paraded around in front of potential husbands. Quite frankly, he felt sorry for the girl. He certainly wasn't about to ruin both of their lives and marry this stranger simply because she was from a respectable family. It wasn't fair on either of them. She could do better than him if she was given a chance to act alone, and he had Hana.
Which brought up the whole reason he was by himself in a mussy motel, dressed in best formal kimono and awaiting the correct time to show. It wasn't his first choice of venue, but when the hands of time had you by the throat and you needed a quick, cheap affair before someone else could dare throw your life away, close enough for an overnight travel but not too close for your special day to be crashed by angry parents, you couldn't be too picky. Thinking back on things, Shino realised the Inuzuka clan probably knew exactly where they were and exactly what they were doing. He wouldn't be surprised if Kiba had been the one to arrange the entire thing for them, if only for the sake of his nee-san's happiness.
If no-one from Shino's family could come to his wedding, however, Hana insisted none of her family could either. It wouldn't be fair. Besides, they decided they could have a more public though less official ceremony once things cooled down a little between the stricken clans. Suffice to say, as close as Shibi and Tsume were, this particular marriage didn't exactly have all parties dancing for joy.
He looked to the side again, checking the time. Gently, he reached up to remove his sunglasses and stood, briefly pausing to examine himself in a mirror. The mirror was cracked and grubby, but he could still see enough to see he looked decent. Proper for such an important ceremony, certainly. He slipped his way gently down the patchy carpet. He assumed it had once been white.
Walking into the dinky little wedding room, he found himself pleasantly surprised. It was professionally decorated with red roses and white cloth everywhere, almost looking like a winter wonderland with all that white silk, net and velvet. It was...it was beautiful. There were scented candles set up around the room, six cups of sake arranged delicately around a bottle on a raised platform, the odd flower scattered here and there. He knelt quietly before the table, beside Hana, who gave him a sweet smile from beneath her wataboshi. Her kimono was off-white with a red trim and obi. The ceremony began, the room still strikingly bare. Almost as though embarrassed, Shino kept his head bowed until the sake was poured. Three sips from each cup, and stand. He had to admit he was feeling somewhat awkward as he read the vows, still, this was important. This was love. It was simply awkward because this wasn't how he had envisioned his wedding. He had envisioned his family and friends being there, being proud of him, a cheerful occasion where he wouldn't need to run away with the one he loved to avoid being forced to marry some poor girl from the country of wind. It may sound strange, even to him, but he had wanted a room full of people like Kiba and Naruto, that kind of loudmouth giving him a big thumbs up and urging him on to the next step of his life. His friends all congratulating him.
Back home, Kiba had been sure to tell the rest of the Konoha 12. Oh yes, they were all well aware Shino was getting married and that he hadn't been too happy himself to do so in secret. He seemed to be having a blast detailing the entire thing, as a matter of fact. How Shino and Hana had wanted this dream wedding (Kiba's imagination) but the Aburame clan had 'lost their cool' and tried to force him to marry a demonic witch of a girl from The Sand because they 'believed Hana wasn't good enough' for their 'over pretentious' clan. The exaggeration was pretty crazy, but the others put up with it while they tried to design a perfect welcome home party for the soon to be happy couple. For the moment it looked like the party was happening on the Inuzuka complex, somewhere they wouldn't have to lure the couple. They'd just go there willingly, if only to pick up Hana's stuff and bid their cheerful goodbyes.
It was getting dark out. A gentle travel home after a long night with one another. Soon the couple would be home, Kiba mused as he got everyone in position. They were definitely going to turn up here, he was 100% sure of it. Meanwhile, just outside of Konoha, a slightly lightheaded couple made their way towards the village gates. They waved a cheerful hello to the men manning the gates, who greeted them in return. The new rings glimmering on their fingers went almost completely unnoticed. Beautiful trinkets of twisted silver, with small, intricate amethyst roses within the twists. A gorgeous flower, just like the new bride.
Carefully, they picked their way through the quiet streets of Konoha, heading over to Shino's home. Firstly, things were now official. They hadn't listened to him before, but they would have to now. He was married, so they couldn't prevent it or force him with another girl who seemed terrified by the idea of arranged marriage. Here it goes, he thought as his hand lingered over the handle of his own front door.
One hour later.
Things had not gone as civilly as hoped. It was mainly the parents of the girl who were the problem, but for the moment there was a rather...heated argument going on that neither Shino nor Hana wished to be a part of. Their next stop was the Inuzuka compound, which was likely to be their last stop. They were tired from their busy day and quite frankly just wished to rest, away from all the shouting and disagreement, just dream and rest. He watched Hana push the door open and trailed in after, glancing over the all too familiar home of his best friend. It reminded him of his first meeting with the canine girl, after she'd come in snapping at Kiba. He could not remember what he had done to anger her, just that she had been beautiful, and especially courteous to the house guests. That childhood crush had truly evolved into something more. That beautiful girl who had appeared like a princess had been his heart's desire, and she had willingly opened herself up to that young man, taught him there were girls who could see him as more than just the creepy nest to the kikaichu. She made him feel like something...magnificent.
Kiba was just exciting what he recalled to be a bathroom when they walked in. His face seemed to light up when he saw them. Quickly, he turned to yell into the house.
"Mum! Hana and Shino are home!"
Home. As though this was where they both belonged. That certainly felt nice.
Kiba welcomed Shino into the family without a second thought. Why not? His best friend was a great guy. A calm, level-headed gentleman of a shinobi who had never held anything other than noble intentions. As far as Kiba was concerned, no-one would make a better brother-in-law. No-one would be better to welcome right into his family. No-one even came close. With a grin, he gestured for them to go into the living room. "It's great to see you both back. No, leave your bags by the door, go in, kick back, relax. You guys look exhausted."
Though suspicious, certain he had some form of ulterior motive, the couple had to admit they were both grateful for some time to rest and relax.
No such luck. The moment the door slid open, the room exploded in a rain of confetti and a blast of sound. Many voices shouting their congratulations at once as arms pulled them in and friends exchanged embraces, words, handshakes and pats. It was chaos, but it was exactly what he wanted. His friends there to share in the best day of his life so far, to share the joy and merriment. A proper celebration with people who cared. He smiled back, returned greetings and willingly got into the spirit (with a little help from alcohol). He celebrated his wedding with all his friends.
And Shino felt happier than he had ever felt before. As he settled down to sleep that night, he found the vows repeating in his head.
This woman, I marry
No matter what the health situation is
I will love this person
Respect this person
Console this person
Help this person
Until death
Protecting fidelity
I swear.
Wednesday, 15 April 2015
Any Danger, Any Threat
I'd been dating him for a while. We were both shinobi and he was a little bit older than me, and strong. Handsome. He was kind as well, someone I was especially close to, I felt comfortable with him, as though I was truly at home. I think we must have had a real connection, something that made us especially close. Me and Udon. My Udon. My boyfriend.
I admit now that I've been avoiding him for some time. That's why he's over there, looking like he's looking for something while I watch from just around the corner. He's probably looking for me. He's probably feeling lonely. He looks good even when he looks so concerned. I don't think I can face him right now though. Right now I have my own disaster to deal with.
You see, two years of dating this boy, plus, what, six months of getting really intimate once we were both ready? I think my father would be pissed if I so much as kissed a boy he hadn't given official approval of. If he heard I wasn't exactly his perfect little virgin daughter, he'd probably blow his top and go on a killing spree. I can imagine telling him I'm pregnant would be the same as digging my own grave.
Ah, oops. Yeah, that's pretty much the problem here. A while ago I was late for my period and I was just there like 'please, please don't be so'. I swear I've taken like 20 tests and pretty much all of them have been positive. Most of them have. Naturally, I'm kind of panicking. And that's what brings me here, crouched behind a fence with my knees to my chest, watching Udon look for me. I'm ashamed to admit I was crying. He drew closer, hands in his pockets, and with a gasp, I shot to my feet, intending to run for it. My foot caught on my dress and I ended up sprawled, flat on my face in the dirt.
"Hanabi!" Hands were on my arms, helping me sit up. He was laughing slightly. "Are you okay?"
"Fine." I insisted sharply, wiping my eyes quickly to make sure he didn't see the tears. He stroked my cheek with one hand, pulling me into a hug with his other arm.
"What's wrong, Hanabi-san?"
I couldn't tell him. I let him hold me as I debated telling him. On the one hand, it would ruin his life. We were nowhere near old enough to have a child. On the other, he deserved to know if I was having a baby. He stroked my hair, keeping me close and warm like a child. Like I was safe with him, safe from anything, even my own panic and family and...everything. Still, I didn't speak. I curled myself up tight, into a ball, just wanting him to hold me and keep me safe while I cried.
And he accepted that. He just held me, rocking me slightly as he rubbed my back in calming circles. He wanted to be sure I was alright. That was enough until finally I calmed down, and he held me at arm;s length, looking at me questioningly. "What happened?" He asked uncertainly. "Did you get into a fight with your dad or something?"
"No...but I'm going to." I blurted, hands clenching around the material of his jacket. I wanted to be drawn back into that hug, but he kept me at bay. "Something...something bad's happened, Udon."
I should have told him outright. Now he was really worried. He drew me back into that warm embrace and shushed me. "It's alright. Tell me all about it."
I can do this, I told myself. "The thing is, my period was late and at first I wasn't worried because sometimes it is so yeah and sometimes they just don't happen but then I really, really worried because what if I was pregnant? I mean, we've been together a lot lately, haven't we? So then I started panicking so I took a test, and it came back positive, but I didn't want to accept that so I took another test, and another, and another, and they all came back positive so I can't deny it any more it's real I'm going to have a baby but I'm too young and my dad's going to freak and kick me out and this is my whole life over!"
He stared at me for the longest moment and silence settled around us. I realised I had shouted and went red, fearful that someone else had heard me. The silence became awkward, uncomfortable, as he tried to think of something to say in response. Of course, this meant it wasn't just my life that was ending here, it was his too. Eventually, he glanced away with an ever so soft sigh.
"I...I'm here for you, Hanabi. Okay? No matter what, I'm here for you."
"You...you are?"
He nodded, cuddling me close once more and planting a kiss on my cheek.
"Anyone in their right mind would run!" I exclaimed. What boy wanted to be tied down with a child at our age? Udon just shook his head.
"I'm a man. I'm a ninja. I'm supposed to be able to face anything. Any danger, any threat. Only a coward would run. Only someone who couldn't care less about you. Only someone who didn't deserve you."
In this short time, he'd clearly given this a lot of thought. He had decided a small collection of things. First and foremost, he loved me. He loved me enough to stick by my side through any adversity. Secondly, he was going to be responsible whether he liked the outcome or not. He was pretty sure he was going to hate what was to come, but he was responsible enough to deal with the consequences of his own actions. Thirdly, he was no coward. He would never run away and he would never forsake those important to him. I guess that made him truly commendable. He would sit through this with me, ensure I got through it all okay. I tried to keep up the tough Hyuuga air, but I broke down in sobs and buried my face in his chest. I think he got the message though.
That was a week or so ago. Now we're stood just outside the Hyuuga complex. He's holding my hand so tight I think he might be cutting off my circulation. We have to tell my father at some point, even though we know he'll totally freak out. At least I'm not alone. Together, we could face any danger. Together we can power through any threat to our lives. Together, we're even stronger than before and we can accomplish anything we couldn't by ourselves.
Like having a baby...jeez, this'll be a long day.
I admit now that I've been avoiding him for some time. That's why he's over there, looking like he's looking for something while I watch from just around the corner. He's probably looking for me. He's probably feeling lonely. He looks good even when he looks so concerned. I don't think I can face him right now though. Right now I have my own disaster to deal with.
You see, two years of dating this boy, plus, what, six months of getting really intimate once we were both ready? I think my father would be pissed if I so much as kissed a boy he hadn't given official approval of. If he heard I wasn't exactly his perfect little virgin daughter, he'd probably blow his top and go on a killing spree. I can imagine telling him I'm pregnant would be the same as digging my own grave.
Ah, oops. Yeah, that's pretty much the problem here. A while ago I was late for my period and I was just there like 'please, please don't be so'. I swear I've taken like 20 tests and pretty much all of them have been positive. Most of them have. Naturally, I'm kind of panicking. And that's what brings me here, crouched behind a fence with my knees to my chest, watching Udon look for me. I'm ashamed to admit I was crying. He drew closer, hands in his pockets, and with a gasp, I shot to my feet, intending to run for it. My foot caught on my dress and I ended up sprawled, flat on my face in the dirt.
"Hanabi!" Hands were on my arms, helping me sit up. He was laughing slightly. "Are you okay?"
"Fine." I insisted sharply, wiping my eyes quickly to make sure he didn't see the tears. He stroked my cheek with one hand, pulling me into a hug with his other arm.
"What's wrong, Hanabi-san?"
I couldn't tell him. I let him hold me as I debated telling him. On the one hand, it would ruin his life. We were nowhere near old enough to have a child. On the other, he deserved to know if I was having a baby. He stroked my hair, keeping me close and warm like a child. Like I was safe with him, safe from anything, even my own panic and family and...everything. Still, I didn't speak. I curled myself up tight, into a ball, just wanting him to hold me and keep me safe while I cried.
And he accepted that. He just held me, rocking me slightly as he rubbed my back in calming circles. He wanted to be sure I was alright. That was enough until finally I calmed down, and he held me at arm;s length, looking at me questioningly. "What happened?" He asked uncertainly. "Did you get into a fight with your dad or something?"
"No...but I'm going to." I blurted, hands clenching around the material of his jacket. I wanted to be drawn back into that hug, but he kept me at bay. "Something...something bad's happened, Udon."
I should have told him outright. Now he was really worried. He drew me back into that warm embrace and shushed me. "It's alright. Tell me all about it."
I can do this, I told myself. "The thing is, my period was late and at first I wasn't worried because sometimes it is so yeah and sometimes they just don't happen but then I really, really worried because what if I was pregnant? I mean, we've been together a lot lately, haven't we? So then I started panicking so I took a test, and it came back positive, but I didn't want to accept that so I took another test, and another, and another, and they all came back positive so I can't deny it any more it's real I'm going to have a baby but I'm too young and my dad's going to freak and kick me out and this is my whole life over!"
He stared at me for the longest moment and silence settled around us. I realised I had shouted and went red, fearful that someone else had heard me. The silence became awkward, uncomfortable, as he tried to think of something to say in response. Of course, this meant it wasn't just my life that was ending here, it was his too. Eventually, he glanced away with an ever so soft sigh.
"I...I'm here for you, Hanabi. Okay? No matter what, I'm here for you."
"You...you are?"
He nodded, cuddling me close once more and planting a kiss on my cheek.
"Anyone in their right mind would run!" I exclaimed. What boy wanted to be tied down with a child at our age? Udon just shook his head.
"I'm a man. I'm a ninja. I'm supposed to be able to face anything. Any danger, any threat. Only a coward would run. Only someone who couldn't care less about you. Only someone who didn't deserve you."
In this short time, he'd clearly given this a lot of thought. He had decided a small collection of things. First and foremost, he loved me. He loved me enough to stick by my side through any adversity. Secondly, he was going to be responsible whether he liked the outcome or not. He was pretty sure he was going to hate what was to come, but he was responsible enough to deal with the consequences of his own actions. Thirdly, he was no coward. He would never run away and he would never forsake those important to him. I guess that made him truly commendable. He would sit through this with me, ensure I got through it all okay. I tried to keep up the tough Hyuuga air, but I broke down in sobs and buried my face in his chest. I think he got the message though.
That was a week or so ago. Now we're stood just outside the Hyuuga complex. He's holding my hand so tight I think he might be cutting off my circulation. We have to tell my father at some point, even though we know he'll totally freak out. At least I'm not alone. Together, we could face any danger. Together we can power through any threat to our lives. Together, we're even stronger than before and we can accomplish anything we couldn't by ourselves.
Like having a baby...jeez, this'll be a long day.
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