Rating: K+

Pairing: ShinoxKiba

Disclaimer: I wish I owned, but I will always be too poor.

Warnings: Angst, fluff, slight sexual content.

Author's Notes: Just a random little thing, really. It's sort of cutesy and whatnot. Not much of a plot. Just to let you know, when a large quantity or a one-sentence thought is in italics and there is a word that is not in italics, it's simply the inverse for stressing the word (i.e. "Aren't there better ways to punish me, Shino?").

There's an incredible sense of security I get whenever I'm with Shino. He can't make me laugh or smile intentionally, but I know there's a great deal of love he has for me. I know he's not romantic because he's so awkward with it, but he tries. It's really great because whenever we're together on a mission, he always sticks by me. He can heal faster than me, something I've pointed out on numerous occasions. He pretty much flicks me on the forehead and scolds me because he cares about me, and keeps my safety in priority before his own. Sometimes I wish he'd stop flicking me, though—it gets really frustrating and really annoying. Aren't there better ways to punish me, Shino? Seriously…

But I guess I can't really complain. We live together in a nice home where we don't have to worry about my mom and my sister and his dad popping in unexpectedly. He's a really good cook, but I guess sometimes we could try eating something together. You know? Like the same meal so it'll cut back on the work he has to do.

Plus, when he gets into it, he really knows when and where to touch me. He knows the right combinations and what really makes my toes curl. My hips and butt still hurt from a couple days ago. He's really aggressive when we do it, but it feels really good. He's huge! But I won't show you 'cause he's mine. Heh heh.

Sometimes I wish that he was a little more open with his emotions to me. He always asks me to tell him what's wrong because he cares. I care about him, too. He always comforts me by hugging me and kissing my face until I stopped hurting and I was smiling. But, he always clams up. He still lets me comfort him by licking, kissing, biting, and hugging him. But he won't tell me what's wrong. I wish he would; it really hurts. I think that he—

"Kiba, dinner."

"Okay, hold on."

"What are you writing?"

"N-nothing."

"Really. Bring the page back up. I want to see it."

"Shino! Stop! Yeesh! I'll be out for dinner in a sec, okay?"

He nodded.

"Wait, wait—gimme a kiss."

Smooch!

"Come out before it gets cold."

"'Kay."

—is hiding something important from me.

"Hey, Shino?"

"…"

"Are you okay?"

"Fine."

"Please tell me. It takes more than just a kiss to persuade me."

"…"

"Shino…"

"A funeral."

"… Someone part of your clan?"

Nod.

"Wh-who was it?"

"…"

"Oh… I… I'm sorry."

"It couldn't be stopped."

"Can I help?"

"You already are."

"…"

"Eat before it gets cold."

"Okay…"

"… Thanks."

"You're welcome."