Latest Posts by qettleqorn - Page 3

Aburame: Tattoo Shop AU | DLC This is basically an additional addon to @kankuroplease's own AU. So thank her for all the good content she brings!

The Family

Occupationally Speaking. Many within the Aburame Family have taken to working with the dead as morticians or as hitmen. Usually though they'll work in teams where one is the hitmen and the other the mortician.

Some within the family have even gone to use their knowledge of insects to help expedite the process of getting rid of the bodies. Though it does help that they collectively own quite a few crematories and some graveyards too.

Also. They run a few of the garbage disposal places. Basically they are where you go to when you need to get rid of something.

Since the family makes it's living off the dead. Many find it to be creepy. Since ya know- death.

They work with both the Uchiha and Hyuga, they are a neutral ground kind of family as no matter what happens. They ofc will always be there waiting to take the dead. By their own hands or gifted.

Sometimes if the pay is good enough they'll even help smuggle things- people to wherever they're needed to be.

There are different syndicates of the family. Approximately six, they try to confuse the law by doing this and if one needs to go down they can easily replace it with another branch head.

Amongst the clan these branches are known by. Bikōchū, Kidaichū, Kikaichū, Kochū, Rinkaichū, and Shōkaichū.

The Aburame numbers always seem to stay the same amongst the gang. It isn't really obvious how many people they may or may not have.

Public schooling for the kids. Most don't even know the Aburame are in charge since they have those syndicates and what not. Though some of the higher ups kids do go to private schools. But most of the time it's all public.

The Crew

Shibi Aburame

Another childhood friend of Mikoto's but she didn't need to kick his butt for them to become cool.

Use to be a hitter but after having Shino he decided he rather work with disposing of the bodies instead of making the hits himself. Keeps him closer to home and gives him a cover up.

Met his girl in school too. Makes the off handed joke to Fugaku that he didn't need his ass kicked to know he found the one he liked. He just needed a ear full.

His wife does know of the business, he tries to make sure she and their children stay out of it. But unluckily for him Shino has joined them after seeing his adoptive brother and his father tending to a work incident.

Shino Aburame

Is going to college to become an entomologist. But is also trying to partake in the family business because he hates to see father and brother suffer alone.

In addition the way the family uses insects to decompose of the bodies gives him the ability to study them much more closely. (Shibi breathes a sigh of relief that his son is just as weird about bugs as his mother is.)

Torune Aburame

As his father, Shikuro, is often locked up for one reason or another. Torune has taken to staying with Shino's family. Unofficially adopted by them basically.

His side job is being a tattoo tech for one of his cousins. But disposal is his primary source of income when he isn't sleeping on Shibi's couch- much like his father tries to do when he isn't locked away.

Shikuro Aburame

Is alive and well in this. But is locked up and keeps getting locked up. He's practically the family fall man after an incident with his adoptive brother having thrown him under the bus.

Muta Aburame

Far off distant cousin to Tatsuma and Torune. Muta is also Torune's hand in crime as the two often are partnered up.

When he isn't working with Torune, Muta is often tending to his silk worms. He often uses them for craft works.

Tatsuma Aburame

Personal guard to the current family head Takeo.

Chews a lot of bubble gum. Uses a cigar case to carry his gum packs.

Yōji Aburame

Best marksmen out of the main family.

Takeo Aburame | Oc

Has been in charge of the family since he was fifteen. Inherited the position from his Aunt.

Wishes to pass on the title to his son already but knows he would get bored if he didn't keep it. He's far too use to the excitement the job brings and as much as he enjoys making teapots in his spare time. He finds that life in charge more fulfilling.

08.09.23 | Some doodles!

was bored at work today, wrote some drabbels at the request of and for friends. ( Hawks x OC/ Kakashi x OC / Dabi x OC / Shibi X OC / Kakashi x Zabuza / Fatgum x OC / Kakashi x OC returns)

+++

Kin & Shibi - Write about your ship celebrating their anniversary. for @qettleqorn

Before you get married, you are usually assaulted with an onslaught of well meaning advice about what the hardest part of marriage might be. Shibi feels like he got an especially high amount of that “good” advice because he was bringing a true outsider into the family. Everything from “she will get fat” (as if that mattered) to “she will just run away with a younger man” (what could he do about such a thing? Never get married?).

But none of them mentioned the truly hardest part about marriage, the fight he saw himself confronted with every year like some real annoying fly that would only come out in summer and then never stop following him around.

What to buy your spouse for your wedding anniversary? That- truly, was the hardest thing about marriage that nobody ever told you about.

As if looking for presents wasn’t already difficult enough, Shibi also managed to get a wife that he can’t buy jewelry for. Well, he probably could buy jewelry for her, but not only does she have already massive amounts of it, but she can also make them herself. Probably better than other stores could. Either way, this option was always out for him.

Year after year, he scraped by with some present or other. A rare species he found or modified to look especially beautiful, a big dinner, a new dress, decoration for the hair, more gem stones for the store, such things. It always put so much stress on him and he never felt it was good enough.

Now, after 15 years of this, he feels completely burned out on ideas. And the anniversary day is right there staring at him on his calendar. His mind is completely blank. There is nothing there. He is empty.

He could always ask Kin to just not gift anything for the anniversary. If they’d agree not to gift each other, he’d be free of his burden. But unfortunately Kin was always a rather good gift giver and would probably not agree, or agree on a “You don’t have to buy me anything, I’ll buy something for you though” basis, which would be no good.

Agony. Pain.

“I don’t know what your problem is,” his eldest son shrugs with his shoulders. “I don’t think mom expects much.” Shibi should know better than to ask teenagers for advice.

“I get my wife flowers too, so you can buy jewelry as well.” Shibi stares at Inochi, no way that guy buys his wife, who owns a flower shop, flowers for their anniversary. “You are so lazy.” Shibi walks away.

“She doesn’t like that sort of romantic stuff,” Shikaku puts his head to the side. “We usually just spent time away with Shikamaru either being with his grandparents or just on his own.” Shibi makes a sour face. What kind of present is “hanging out”? He walks away. Time to give up. His friends are no good either.

Yet, time keeps moving on, as cruel as that may be and the morning of the anniversary Shibi is non the wiser. There is no way he can let Kin know that he has nothing for her this time, that despite his best efforts he came home empty. The only thing he can do is distract her well enough that she won’t notice.

From morning until evening he is there for her at every moment. Making breakfast, helping her in the store, buying her lunch at the café in town she likes. When she askes to see the bug farm he takes her there, to that colourful species she likes. He carries the shopping bags as the sun sets and prepares dinner for the family in the evening. All through out, Kin doesn’t mention the anniversary a single time. His mission is a full success.

Night rolls around and both of them sit next to each other on the couch in their living room, when Kin turns her head and says: “I feel a little bad, despite my best efforts, I could not think of a gift for you for today.”

Shibi feels the sweat at his neck. So she has not forgotten. “Well, I – I’m glad”, he humms. “I couldn’t think of one either.”

Kin blinks: “What do you mean? You gave me one!?”

He blinks back: “No, I didn’t! What should I have given you?”

She laughs, the most beautiful sound in the world. “You spent the entire day with me! That was my gift I thought.” She leans forward and kisses his cheek. “It was the greatest gift too.”

Ah, Shibi thinks, that’s what Shikaku meant.

Well Nisi already asked abt the ot3. can I ask abt shibi x kin 💜

SEND ME A SHIP and i’ll tell you:

KinShi (Shibi Aburame/oc.Mae-Hui Kim)

Who wakes up first in the morning: Kin - She does. She gets up and gets ready earlier than him. But sometimes he wakes up first and just drags her in closer to him to sleep. Usually though he wakes up after her and makes the bed.

Who’s the first to fall asleep at night: It's actually a 50/50 when one or the other falls asleep, though she falls asleep first more than him by a small margin- she's more tired than he is always.

What they playfully tease each other over: Kin - He will tease and pick on her for anything really. But most commonly he teases her about her height and how he's now got the high ground. Since when they were younger she was vastly taller in comparison and now he stands above her by three inches. Which she will always retort back that he's still a shorty when she's in her heels. Shibi - She calls him her queen bee for a reason. She teases him about anything and everything. But she calls him that because the first time he had to explain the way his clan could almost be seen as working, was as a bee structure- implying he was a queen bee in the making. Eventually it transferred into her calling him Shi-Bee. But otherwise she picks on him for anything she can find that day.

What they do when the other’s having a bad day: Kin - If she sees he's having a rough day she makes sure to spend more time helping him with skin care, paperwork, whatever he needs. Though by the end of the night she makes sure to hold him a bit closer and run her fingers through his hair. She knows he mostly wants physical touch anymore in their old age. Shibi - He knows there's no real way to communicate with her when she's truly having a bad day. But he's found that sending her messages with his hive tends to help ease the situation. She'll usually respond on paper and his hive will come back to him with the information. When she's ready to talk she'll come.

How they say ‘i’m sorry’ after arguments: Kin - When she realizes she needs to apologize she can get kind of huffy. But relents and eventually will go to him. She'll apologize to him while holding his hand. Shibi - When he realizes he needs to apologize he does it outright. He goes to her and apologizes. This doesn't often work with her and depending on the level of offense he might be able to persuade her with a kiss or two. Otherwise he lets her cool off a little and then goes back to the topic with a smooch.

Which one’s more ticklish: Kin, Absolutely her. But only because he's trained himself not to be anymore.

Their favourite rainy day activities: Their favorite activity is to snuggle up together and read a book. It's such a rare treat that they get down time together. But just having a simple task makes their shared time so much sweeter.

How they surprise each other: Kin - If he's working in the village green house and she's off for the day she goes to visit him. Has a picnic basket and everything made. Technically she shouldn't even be in there but she "sneaks in" by "bribing" the people at the desk with some slices of cake usually. They then have lunch together. Shibi - He knows his wife loves insects, knows she loves jewels too. Sometimes when he's out on missions he'll look for a small store that sells crystalized insects. Though he's also made some too. Usually he makes them with the kids and gift them to her that way.

Their most sickening shows of public affection: Kin - Kissing him since he gets flustered over PDA. But otherwise it's just taking his arm by hooking it in hers. Grabbing his hand and kissing his fingertips. Boy does he die from that. Shibi - He isn't into PDA as much as she it. So for him kissing her in public is pretty damn impressive. Don't even think he makes out with her in public. Otherwise he just holds her hands and kisses her knuckles instead.

24 HOURS TO GET YOUR ORDERS IN!

Classics But Make It Gay - Volume 3 pre-orders close tomorrow June 15th at noon. We will have some extras available again this fall but this is the best way to ensure you get exactly what you want

This gorgeous sneak peek is from @deirdresart

 Check it out here!

heheh tell me all of those things for the ushi ten kin trio eheh

SEND ME A SHIP and i’ll tell you:

UshiTenKin (Ushijima Wakatoshi/Tendou Satori/oc.Mae-Hui Kim)

Who wakes up first in the morning: Ushijima does, although he tends to cuddle up next to whoever is closes when he can for an extra few moments. (Certainly not to steal their warmth.) After him it's Kin and then its Satori!

Who’s the first to fall asleep at night: Kin, she'll drag one of them to sleep with her if she can. Since she has a sleep schedule she likes to keep! Usually its Ushijima since he tries to keep a healthy schedule too. Tendou though stays up just to play video games.

What they playfully tease each other over: Tendou - They don't really tease him. Knowing how his childhood was even if he's become more confident over the years. Though on occasion they'll pick on him for having favorites between the two. Knowing full well it isn't true. Although it's mainly Kin who starts it by putting on a dramatic display when he denies her simple pleasures. Ushijima - How literal he can take things. When he realizes what they're on about he gets a little flustered. An unusual trait of course for him. But once they see he's caught on after they've had their fun they'll laugh and apologize. Kin - Ever since they heard another girl call her a giant tree bitch. They can't help but poke at her height in turn. Though both boys are also fairly tall in their own rights. So she just rolls her eyes and gets a bit flustered. It usually ends with both of them giving her a kiss as a peace offering.

What they do when the other’s having a bad day: Tendou - Ushi and Kin will often bake him some sweets and get a game night ready where they play board games, card games, and video games together! Ushijima - They'll all go to the gym, go for a run, just something active to help him work through it. But if that doesn't help him then they'll get him to sit down and have a spa day of sorts. Face masks, cucumber on the eyes, shared baths, nails, and more. Once he's comfortable enough to talk they'll sort through it. Kin - They'll often let her be by herself until she feels ready to communicate. But their homes are often rather quiet during that time. If she lets them they'll just sit with her in the silence. Curled up until she talks about it.

How they say ‘i’m sorry’ after arguments: Tendou - Tendou takes a bit of time to come around but is faster at it than his two partners. Usually when he apologizes he brings food to them. Fruits, sweets, hell once he just brought a water bottle while they were out to one of them. He wants them to know he still thinks of them even if they aren't happy with each other at the moment. Ushijima - He's the last to apologize. But when he does he'll go to whichever, or both, of his partners. Take their hands in his and apologize quietly. He tries to explain, which he knows isn't always a great thing to do. But he explains in hopes they understand he didn't have the intent to hurt them. Kin - Second to last to apologize. She apologizes by doing a chore they hate, folding their laundry, cleaning something. If she can't do that she often goes up to them soft and slow like. Hugging them as she buries her face in their chest. Telling them she's sorry. That she hadn't meant it in a bad way. All of them; It just takes them a moment. None of them want to come at the other in any sort of malice. They care about each-others feelings.

Which one’s more ticklish: Tendou is, he's super ticklish! If threatened with it he gets nervous. Which means it's something they, although mainly Kin, keeps in their back pockets when they want to tease him or be playful! Ushi and Kin are fairly normal about it though.

Their favourite rainy day activities: Tendou - Going out and playing in it. He'll wear a a poncho if asked. But otherwise he'll go out in his sweats and jacket. Kin is the most likely to join him in this treat! Ushi thought always has the towels ready for them- though he has on occasion joined them. Ushijima - Funnily enough he wants to nap during this time. Usually after the other two have dried off they'll hop onto the couch and fall asleep with each other. That nice rainy smell in his partner's hairs eases him into a comfortable sleep. Kin - Reading time! She wants to curl up and read! So once Tendou gets his zoomies out she gets to read while cuddled up next to her boys. They have a book she reads to them as they relax. They call it their rainy day book!

How they surprise each other: Tendou - He can keep the surprise so well it's near scary. But beyond that his own surprises tend to be recipes that he somehow has found out his partner's have wanted to try out. Recipes only their mom, dad, grandma made from when they were kids! Ushijima - He's good at surprises. His tend to be those trinkets and items they had said they wanted once. He recalls and he will be getting it for them at random or for the special occasions! Kin - She's pretty good at surprises. Though occasionally one or two will slip out. But her surprises tend to be her visiting them when they least expect it! If their at work she'll surprise them for a lunch date. Visiting family? Oh, ho- be careful she might have though you needed her and yes she was actually right behind you on the plane.

Their most sickening shows of public affection: Tendou - Second worst at showing his affections in public. Yeah he'll hold their hands and what not just like they'll do the same. But Tendou lets his hands linger briefly before recalling that their in public. Knowing full well of Ushi's image being of some importance. It sucks that he can't be fully open about his partners. Ushijima - Public affections? Him? HA! He mainly holds hands, wraps an arm around their shoulders, or bump shoulders. Other than that he's fairly good about keeping it under wraps. Kin - She is probably the worst about it. She'll always be holding onto their arms, hands, resting her head on their shoulders, hands on their thighs under the table. With her and Ushi having gotten together before they invited Tendou in. A lot of folks thought she was cheating- but they couldn't deny that maybe Ushi was too. Although it just turned out they both had feelings for him. But her worst habit tends to be trying to kiss them. She can't help but want to smooch both of them in public. It's just difficult since most people look down upon polyamourus relationships still. Tendou is the one who often reminds her.

pillowfort hangout friday. <3

let's send each other asks about random stuff while we are just cuddling with comfy plushies and pillows!

Here some ideas:

Tell me about your latest (fictional crush), hihi

Draw me a 10 min sketch of (x)

FMK

some school / university / work gossip you want to share

top 5 anything!

what are your oc's up to these days? lets share!

what kind of movie / tv show/ anime do you think we should watch? explain why!

is there something on your chest that feels heavy? let me help you carry the burden (and get a group hug in response)

make a drink for me and I will tell you if i'd try it!

truth or dare, eheh

....and if the vening goes late maybe we can talk some spicy stuff if you have ideas ;);)

whatever you can come up with :) Let's just hang a bit!! <3

11. warm or cool colors? 25. where in your house do you usually do art?

Artist Ask

11. warm or cool colors?

I suppose cool colors anymore. Use to love the warm tones but I guess I've cooled off with age!

25. where in your house do you usually do art?

In my living room! It's practically the center of my home now and just all around easiest place to get to.

Ok my turn

6. And 26. Pls? c: ❤️

Artist Ask

6. tag your favorite artists/inspirations!

I'm not going to tag the artist on Tumblr because I don't want to clog up their notifs on here. But I do recc them!

Series: Cowboy Bebop I feel like as if I still get plenty of inspo from this series. I don't talk about it a lot but by god was it one of the first animes that I REALLY loved.

Series: Samurai Champloo It's just neat to me, I just like it.

Series: Sailor Moon While the story line is iffy here and there it's still probably one of the reasons I've been attracted to more feminine forces.

Series: Thunder Cats I just grew up on it.

Artist: Leonardo Da Vinci Basic- I just love the posing. I love the way he has notes on things, I love for me what feels like someone grasping to get humanity in his art. Idk, it's like watching a child make their first steps. Ironic because he's a founder to the art history bs.

Artist: Artemisia Gentileschi Basic- but when I saw Judith Slaying Holofernes I was in love.

Artist: Les Toil Does Plus Size Pinup Art! Been in love with them since forever!

Artist: Berthe Marie Pauline Morisot The colors, the sketchy painted style- I'm a simple person I think. But I admire it.

Tumblr: j0rrated I love their command of vibrant, loud colors! The eccentric poses! I think this is modern art? Sorry, I'm bad at telling different styles like that. But I do admire their talent and creativity.

Tumblr: pien-art I think they're one of those artist I've followed on all my blogs? Idk, I just love their style. Something with the brush strokes makes me smile. Maybe it's the expressive eyes?

Tumblr: japhers THE EXPRESSIONS AND THEIR FASHION!? Just so good! I love it and the way they paint their characters!

Tumblr: danifanatic Followed for the Shino content but stayed for the art style. I still want to commission them for a piece one of these days. They're just great- especially with their nature pieces. They also do super cute clay busts from time to time!

Tumblr: jovansjovans I love the way he handles the human body. I've had so much pleasure drawing with him before and he always amazes me! He's so good!

Tumblr: Foolishk Did you think you were getting out of this? HAHA! No. I just admire the way you can do such amazing realistic drawings, your control of grey scales! I just- dfjgdgdkjbkjd YOU'RE AMAZING!

Misc: Mother Nature

Misc: and so many more- I could go on. I don't even think this was mainly inspiration? I think this was just some of the artist I like!

26. draw urself! (it doesn’t have to be detailed)

I just sketched it and snipped it off CSP. So kinda lazy- though my hair isn't as short anymore- but I will be getting it cut soon!

artist ask meme!!

1. what is your favorite color to work with?

2. who is your favorite character to draw?

3. what song(s) do you listen to when you do art?

4. how often do you draw?

5. digital or traditional?

6. tag your favorite artists/inspirations!

7. do you prefer sketching, outlining, or coloring?

8. show us at least 2-3 drawings from 1-2 years ago.

9. what drawing program do you use? (if the artist does digital art)

10. are you right or left handed?

11. warm or cool colors?

12. draw one of your favorite characters in 15 seconds.

14. what was something that you used to draw a lot that you don’t draw as much anymore?

15. when was the last time you did art?

Left (2020) --> Right (2023)

It's nice to see I'm getting better in a lot of ways. But also I needed something to do since I'm up during the night like a nocturnal beast. But I like how it started to come along as.

Someone in a server I'm in posted this art meme and ofc I had to.

100 Followers!?

Oh uh- well shit, thanks for all the follows? Should I do something for this? Idk. Maybe some writing drabbles? Sketches? I can't promise any of them will get done since my attention span is all over the place but.

Idk- send some requests I guess? Just state if it's for a drabble or drawing.

Drabbles will be at max 2,000 words unless I'm feeling spicy.

Drawings will be sketches unless I am once again feeling spicy.

If I get 500 followers maybe I'll do a raffle or something.

This year, we'll be changing up some things for the Naruto Calendar.

1. A shorter timeline schedule

This year, instead of going to mid-December, the final deadline will be at the start of November, likely November 1. This will allow time for final preparations and emergencies--and maybe even let us release the calendar earlier!

The schedule for the 2024 calendar has yet to be set in stone, but the rough schedule so far is: June for apps, Jul-Oct for creation, Nov for finalization, and Dec for release.

Apps will be opening in the first week of June so stay tuned!

2. Better Announcements/Reminders

We know not everyone uses Discord often. So to help keep everyone in the loop about deadlines and changes, we will be posting announcements and reminders here on this blog as well as sending out emails.

For Tumblr notifications, we will tag you in the post, and for email, we will be sending out notification emails through our email: naruto.calendar@gmail.com

Participating in these type of notifications will be optional. After you get in, we will send out another form that you may choose to fill out if you would like to be notified via these methods.

3. Calendar Templates

To streamline the final process near the end, this year we will be providing calendar page templates that artists will have to pair their art to, rather than the other way around.

4. Phone version of the calendar

If you're an artist who doesn't really want to collab with a writer, well you're in luck! Aside from the cover artist role, this year you can apply to work on the phone calendar. This calendar will feature its own collection of art, simpler in style than the desktop/printable versions that we've done in the past. And, of course, this calendar will be vertically formatted to better fit a phone background.

As the phone calendar artist, you will create art for all 12 months. Though the topics will be decided by the other calendar participants, you will have the creative freedom to interpret their chosen themes/topics as you see fit.

Since this would be our first time attempting such a thing, we do expect the way we approach the phone calendar will change as we go. Suggestions are welcome!

Some tattoo designs! Shibi's is from the tattoo shop au and Tsubasa's general tats.

I’m just resigning to using this as my art drop off again- but look at my boy!! Anyways I kept seeing/reading things about @kankuroplease​ ‘s Tattoo Shop Au and I hand to make my own little designs for it.

Pass the happy! 🌻🌈 When you receive this, list 5 things that make you happy and send this to 10 of the last people in your notifications!

Of course I'll answer! Gotta think of five other things though.

Cheesecake, Lemon Cake, Raspberry Cake, and really I like a lot of fruity cakes. (Pun unintended)

Designing things- mainly rooms and gardens in the sims.

Having the energy to actually make detailed art. Like man I have so many wips but when I finish something- like actually finish something I love it so much.

Touching grass Keeping any plants alive for longer than a month!

Seeing my friends art! (Writing and or drawn!) I'm very proud of them and their talents.

Pass the happy! 🌻🌈 When you receive this, list 5 things that make you happy and send this to 10 of the last people in your notifications!

jdsbdbbksbg I must respond for it is you XD

Finding new music artists and finding out that they have more than one song that I like.

Talking/Thinking about my characters and stories. Even though I still get extremely nervous when doing so.

Sunflowers.🌻🌻🌻

Watching shows/movies with my friends.

Poetry. Writing poetry and reading it. Maybe one day I'll share my snippets.

I could post this on my Aburame blog but I don't feel like it so have this doodle!

nyarutocs part 4

@wind-becomes-lightning @qettleqorn @kankuroplease @yamanaka-shin

Art by | @kankuroplease Commissioned by | @yamanaka-shin Characters | Aburame Shibi (@Kishimoto) & Kim Mae-Hui “Kin” (@Me)

Kankuroplease did an amazing job at depicting them in their youth, well actually just them in general! And thank you Yamanaka-Shin for this gift!

Taking her hand in his as they sat in under the warm afternoon sunlight. Shibi cautiously looked around before turning her soft palm around in his grasp to where her it was facing upwards.

As she felt this Kin looked down to her heart, brushing some of her hair out of her face and tucking it behind an ear. A quaint smile finding its way to the corners of her lips as she saw and coincidentally felt his lips press themselves against her skin.

“If you’re not careful someone might think you like me.” The red head teased. Honey brown eyes crinkling under the weight of her smile as she noted his quick head turn.

Evidently trying to hide the embarrassment that jolted through him as a ‘Tsk’ escaped his lips. He did like her, but he didn’t need others to know that with overpowering displays.

His feelings were for him and him- well for him and her- alone.

This is a martenitsa - a wool-made adornment that symbolizes the beginning of spring, health and happiness. Every year on March 1st we exchange these little decorations as gifts.

This is a gift from me to you.I am wishing you good health, love and luck ❤️

Happy Baba Marta!

!!!! Thank you!

words that start with L

an oc/canon fic for Q, with their oc Kin ( i cannot begin to explain how much I love her ;0; )! I'll fix up the wordcount & formatting later and I have a tiny extra unrelated doodle for you, but for now have this! I hope your Valentine's Day was wonderful <33

Shibi’s beard was scratchy, and everytime he shifted in his nap, it’d tickle her neck in a way where she could blame it for the little smile on her face that refused to fade from her lips and how unconcentrated on her book she was.

Laughter and chatting floated through the backyard as the children played at the table. A children’s book about Valentine’s day was propped up on the table and they were crafting whatever they’d chosen on from the book. A few squabbles about which page should be used died down fast, and whispering and plotting filled the backyard. When she’d asked Shibi what they were plotting, he simply snorted and pulled closer to her. She had half a mind to tip him off the already crowded lawn chair she’d pulled out, that he’d chosen to not only invade but begin drooling on her as he snoozed. One look at his peaceful face and she decided not to do anything but place a kiss on the bridge of his nose that made him stir just enough for her to see his smile.

The small party was a group of Shino, Torune, Kiba, Sasuke, Hinata, and Hanabi.

Kin wasn’t sure if she could babysit them all at first. There were only 4 new children, but she just felt off. Observing the backyard scene didn’t help the mild knot in her chest. The children seemed fine now, which was such a relief to her, but she couldn’t help her worry.

Torune sat at the end of the table, struggling to fold his paper with the gloves he had on. Shibi had just recently given them to him, a part of the training he was going through to keep the poisonous bugs embedded in the body from spreading. They had yet to find a fast working antidote to his bugs, and she couldn’t count the times that Torune came out of the training room sniffling, and Shibi with a nosebleed. She worried for her husband, and she worried for Torune.

Shino seemed to be just fine, but he was so withdrawn. She knew the nature of her son, she’d watched him grow up, after all. But he’d begun thumping his head on the wall as a conversation ender, or as a ‘please go away’ that he was too polite to say. He’d taken to measuring the time. Kin knew that he didn’t enjoy being social, but he’d begun stepping away from people he considered friends, and counting down the seconds to how long he could stay. She’d seen his fingers move in a counting position, and then excuse himself from the conversation after 30 counted seconds by walking away. She’d asked and he’d simply said: “You can distract yourself from pain by counting. It’s an easy trick.”.

Motherhood was a battle you could never prepare for, and she thought she handled it gracefully most of the time. She could remember days she sat in front of her vanity, clipping on her earrings and straightening her dress while taking the same deep breaths she recommended freely, simply because Shino was a very late talker.

The doctors said he would start talking more when he felt like it. But she didn’t think that was logical. He was too small to be choosing never to talk. Barely even a babble left his lips, and he wasn’t particularly fussy about anything except his food. Which was the only care a baby would have, she guessed, while he was causing her grief. Shibi had held her hand through the doctor's appointment, and kissed her each morning, mumbling about how great a mother she was. She’d brushed it off as morning babble, he said a lot to try and convince her to nap with him for a few more minutes. He was going to be the cause of death of her early-rise sleep schedule.

And then, another child was given to them when Shikuro passed. A close friend of Shibi’s. He’d left his son behind, a small child with poison in his veins. Quite literally.

Torune couldn’t be hugged, couldn’t be kissed. He could crawl in a corner and sob, and all Kin could do was try to hold back tears of her own as the helpless child cried for his dad. It was only later that they’d realized the cause of death. Torune never stopped apologizing. To be in the midst of a crying child and be utterly unable to comfort them was a curse she’d never wish on her enemies.

Shibi snorted and shifted, bringing her back to reality. She was trying not to be pushed off the lawn chair by her cuddlebug of a husband while watching the kids. It was Valentine’s Day and the last thing she was going to do was bring down the mood. She checked the table and realized that one was missing, already too late to stop Shino from slapping his dad on the back. Shibi grunted, and nearly knocked her glasses off as he groggily sat up.

“whahuh… uuugh.” He slurred, turning to face Shino, who looked very small from this angle, almost enough to convince her he hadn’t done it if she hadn’t saw him winding up. He wasted no time at all, and she couldn’t stop her giggling, “why are. you laughing aa me?”

“I think Shino wants to ask you something.”

“Yeah?”

“When’s the party over?”

“I dunno. In an hour or so?”

“It’s over in thirty minutes Shino, go have fun. Okay?”

“What’s thirty times sixty?”

“1,800.” Shibi answered automatically, and Shino sighed.

“That’s a lot.”

He began to count on his fingers. She bit her lip as he went inside for a minute and then back over to the table. Shibi yawned and flopped back on Kin.

“You know we have other lawn chairs less than five feet away.”

“This is my lawn chair.”

“This is my lawn chair.” Kin corrected him, smiling, “You decided that you were going to drool on me while I was reading.”

“You love me anyways so I see no problem with it.” He sniffed.

“You’re also wearing my robe…”

“Our robe.”

“You’re copying me on purpose at this point.”

“Why would I not want to be like the most perfectly lovely woman on the planet?”

Kin flushed, “Oh, don’t flatter me. I’m not perfect by any means.”

“You’re a stunning wife, a loving person, a sharp businesswoman, and a wonderful mother. Every day I thank whatever fate led me here, because I can forgive past mistakes if they lead me here. This is heaven.”

“You just woke up, shh.” She pressed her lips to his brow, “You are very affectionate when you just wake up.”

“But it’s true. Look at them.”

Shibi gestured to the children and Kin froze.

Torune had a pair of tweezers in his hand and he was mimicking how she put jewelry together to pull the corners of the paper and glue things to his origami. He’d joined Shino on his observing adventures, and they’d watched her with the non-fiery parts of her jewelry making she could do at home.

Shino sat next to him, and gently directed him as the other kids watched. Sasuke, ever the Uchiha, began to copy what Torune was doing, and soon Hinata and Hanabi caught on. Kiba kept doing his own thing, still mildly intrigued by the origami artists.

Was Shino counting so that he could have enough time to help Torune?

The thought struck her suddenly, and all she could do was laugh.

Shibi smiled into her neck, “You’re a wonderful mother.”

“He’s right, love.” The couple turned to see Mikoto, breezing through the gates with a smile on her face. Shibi flushed and sat up more, and Kin barely resisted rolling her eyes.

“Shibi here has had some trouble expressing himself, so he wanted to help you out a bit. He gets flustered easily when he’s got a crush on someone.”

“We’re married, ‘Koto.” He groaned.

“He’s still got the biggest crush on you.” Mikoto badly stifled a giggle to Shibi’s embarrassment, “But I’m not here to tease him, unfortunately. I’ve got a message for you, from one mother to another.”

She bent down and pointed to the kids.

“You see those kids?”

“Yeah.”

“You see their smiles?”

“I do.”

“Kids will show you who they are when they’re babies. They grow as a person during this period, of course, but you can never really direct where your child is going. You can only help them on their way, and make sure you catch the small signs. Even if they’re going through something that worries you, there are still ways to make them smile. To help them. They’re kids, love.”

“How do I know that I’m doing this correctly?” She whispered.

“Mom!” Sasuke hopped up from the table and the other kids followed him, hands behind their backs. He ran straight up to Mikoto and happily showed her his paper crane with a bunch of heart stickers on it. “Happy Valentine’s Day, I love you!”

“Mom, Dad.”

Kin looked to see Shino and Torune holding up folded origami ladybugs, decorated with the small rhinestones in a pattern she could remember doing. Shino’s last finger went down.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“We love you!”

Mikoto smiled and murmured, “That’s how you know.”

Kin could feel the world slow to a pause. The butterflies in the garden stilled their wings, and the kids chatter hummed to a quiet. She could feel Shibi smiling on her shoulder with his tickly beard, and she could feel her heart swell with incoherent emotions and her eyes swell with tears behind her glasses.

She gently took the two ladybugs.

“Do you like them?”

“...I love them so, so much. Thank you.”

She could feel her voice wavering and Shino climbed on top of Shibi to hug her. Torune pulled his glove more firmly on his hand and cautiously held her hand, watching his own like a hawk.

She could blame her entire family for making her smile like this now. She didn’t think she could ever stop smiling.

Years later, when using her bedroom vanity, she would smile at the two sparkling ladybugs sitting there as she took off her earrings and decided that maybe sleeping in for a little bit with her beloved husband was okay. Just for a while.

@n-ohara | For you my dear I present this drawing as my token of a valentine gift! I hope you have a lovely day and you receive all the love you can forever!

Have a happy Valentines day!

Thanks to @qettleqorn loaning me her precious Kin, I was inspired to make some fun misadventures with Shino and Katsura 🖤

Thanks to @qettleqorn loaning me her precious Kin, I was inspired to make some fun misadventures with Shino and Katsura 🖤

Needed a new background for something. So why not get a little buggy with it!

With the holidays coming I’m thinking of doing some basic comms like sketches and flat line arts, maybe some chibis!

You can check out the prices on my Koi-Fi.

It’s now set up! 

Stress relief post