Waiting

Theme #92 Chamomile/Patience

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

PLEASE READ SLOWLY.

She stirred her chamomile tea once, twice, three times.

They didn't speak, just sat there, waiting, waiting.

All the noises around them faded into the background, save one.

Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

She heaved a heavy sigh, glanced at the woman sitting across from her and then returned her gaze to the long-cold tea.

Tick, tock.

A mirthless smile brought on by an errant thought, 'Shikamaru always says I'm incapable of being quiet, or sitting still - now I'm doing both.'

Tick, tock.

'He always says I have no patience. Guess I proved him wrong.'

Tick, tock.

She blinked, stirred the tea once more, tried to stop herself from thinking because thinking meant worrying and worrying would drive her insane.

Tick. Tock.

Was it her or was that clock getting louder? She would ask Yoshino but she was sure that Yoshino wouldn't notice.

Tick. Tock.

Temari continued to stir the tea she hadn't tasted, waiting for Tsunade to come tell her whether her husband was dead or alive.

Tick.

'Patience, she told herself, 'Patience.'

Tock.