A/N: Hey everyone! Okay, so this is my first attempt at an actual full-length story. I really hope you all will enjoy it.
But considering it's my first, I may be a little rusty. I need criticism to get better!
Okay, so now a few things about the story. It takes place beginning three weeks after Sarutobi Asuma's death.
It is central ShikaTema, with hints of other couples here and there. It is going to move slow at first, but I need to get things going. You know how it is.
The chapters will be written in third person. However, the point of view will switch with each chapter unless I say different. For example, this chapter is in Temari's point of view, and the next will be in Shikamaru's point of view. Got it?
And for the legal crap...
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Naruto is copyrighted to Masashi Kishimoto.
This is rated TEEN PLUS. Just to be safe. No kiddies under sixteen should read. There will be language and eventually it will get very saucy.
Well that just about sums it up! Enjoy and remember to comment and review!
She had not even reached the Village Gates yet, but already she felt the heavy, intense atmosphere. The land of bright and happy now wore no color. It was sepia-toned and filled with boring shades of dullness and sorrow. A few weeks before she left for her trip, she heard about the murder of Sarutobi Asuma, and she supposed this would explain the lack of typical Konoha demeanor, however; she was confused - in her country, death was everywhere. Everyone accepted it and moved on, without much grieving unless it was a close loved one. That would be the understanding anywhere, she assumed, even here in Konoha. But in this particular case, every single citizen was grieving, and not just the loved ones of the dearly departed. It was a common shinobi. A teacher. One that she was positive not everyone had learned under, yet the entire village was in a state of depression.
Though used to depressing and hopeless settings, she had never experienced complete and utter desolation like this before. Sabaku no Temari found herself surrounded by despair in every direction, no matter how beautiful the warm summer morning was. Birds sang and other various wildlife frolicked and ran, but inside the city walls of Konoha, it seemed as if all life stood still. Temari, of course, was a life form that was completely capable of movement and was just that. She approached the South Gate of Konoha. The two men who stood guard at the gate were there, but said nothing to her. They glanced at her I.D., glanced at her face, and then they sat back in their chairs, without a single word.
After "checking in," Temari began to walk towards Hokage Tower to report to Tsunade about her arrival. The entire reason she was on this trip was give Tsunade a few important documents that any other messenger would not have been trusted with carrying, and she intended to do that as well upon meeting with the Hokage. As she walked, she made a mental note to herself about the eerie quietness and stillness of the once-lively town. It made her shiver to see such happiness just…gone.
She entered the tower and walked up to the Hokage's office. She knocked three times and waited until she heard Lady Tsunade's strong, loud voice. "Enter," it demanded. She obeyed. Stepping inside, Temari was greeted by a much uplifting sight - color. The room had more color than anything she had seen in the last four days. It was lined with flowers from wall to wall. She looked at each set of flowers individually, taking in all of the unique patters in the petals. Amazing…she didn't even know flowers like this existed. It wasn't until she heard an abrupt clearing of the throat that Temari noticed she'd gotten distracted. And by flowers, at that. How uncharacteristic of her. Nevertheless, Tsunade did not seem mad. In fact, she answered Temari's unspoken questions. She must have seen her gazing at all the flowers.
"I assume you've heard of Sarutobi Asuma's recent death. It was three weeks ago today." She waited for Temari to confirm this before continuing. "Everyone has been sending flowers to Kurenai. However, Kurenai is pregnant. We did not want to harm the baby nor Kurenai herself with foreign allergies while they're both so vulnerable, so all the flowers from far-away and unfamiliar countries are here with me. We'd rather be safe than sorry." Temari nodded again. She understood, even if she did think it was a little overdramatic. It was only flowers. She looked to her left and spotted a certain flower native to Suna, her home country. Since when was Suna unfamiliar? "The documents, please." "Oh…yes. Here you are, Godaime-sama." She handed over the documents quickly - they were still in mint condition. "Thank you, Temari. How long will you be staying with us for?" "Five days, and then I will return to Suna," she answered diligently. "And do you have a place to stay?"
…what?
Shit.
She forgot.
She felt her face grow hot as well as felt it drain of color. She calmed herself in a moment however, and answered truthfully, now matter how embarrassing it sounded. "As of right this moment, I do not. It seems I was too focused on one task that I completely forgot the other…but don't worry about me. I'll find a place to stay." Tsunade smirked, though it didn't look genuine. It looked forced, like she did not feel like smiling, and Temari respected her for doing it anyway. She knew how it felt to put on a happy face when all you wanted to do was scream. "It's all right, Temari. It just so happens that there is a place that accepts walk-ins. It is fairly inexpensive. I have never stayed there myself, but I know someone who has and they say it's not that bad. If you'll only be with us for five days then you should be fine." Oh. Okay. "Thank you so much, Godaime-sama. I suppose I'll run off to find the place." She bowed to the Hokage and turned to face the door, but before she could set foot forward, she heard, "One more thing, Temari." She turned around again to face Tsunade. "Yes?" "As always, your escort while you stay in Konoha is Nara Shikamaru. However, ever since his sensei's passing…he is not himself. Please, I am asking you not only as a superior but as his friend. Be reasonable with him. I know you are not familiar with the stubbornness and lack of motivation that comes with losing someone dear to you, so it may be difficult. But please, just try." Temari stood there a moment and thought. Stubborn? Lack of motivation? Sounded like typical Lazy-ass to her, yet she complied anyway. While in Konoha, she must follow any commands given to her by their Hokage.