I just got done with reading over 20 chapters of Death Note. Hope it doesn't mix into the writing.
And kudos to my new beta. She's really helping me with my writing.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 2: Who's my date?
"Move already!" Temari screamed at the car in front of her. It was green light and the idiot talking on the phone was oblivious to it all. She wanted to shove that phone right up where the sun doesn't shine. "About time!"
The car ahead had noticed the round green light and moved forward at a snail's pace that only served to infuriate her further. Of course with all the luck Temari was having, she only managed to watch the light bleed into a bright red just as the car just in front of her passed by, leaving her to inch through traffic. It had somehow managed to skip yellow.
"What the…!" She pounded a fist on the horn, which helped drown out one of her many obscenities.
A few people yelled at her from their cars but mostly stuck to mean glares. In her anger one finger unfurled from a tight fist at a guy who kept yelling at her. Before her more annoyed side had a chance to get more creative with non-verbal insults, the light turned green and she sped off.
As fate would have it just as she rounded a corner, only two blocks away from the library her car… the engine blew.
She forgot all vocabulary associated with civilized conversation, opting only for four-letter words she usually aimed in supreme irritation.
The roots of her hair pulled upward by a fist, wondering what exactly she'd done to deserve a craptastic list of bad luck. She started counting off with her fingers.
First off. It was the hottest day in the history of Suna. There was no air conditioning. Kankuro got caught doing graffiti. A fine of $1,200 dollars in late fees appeared out of nowhere. She was being forced to wear a too small tank top to "look nice." And lastly she had a date with a hot librarian.
Well, the last part wasn't so bad but the fact that she's even going on the date in the first place was that he promised to get rid of her fees. Taking advantage of a woman in need did not exactly make him endearing as a knight in shining armor in her book.
She inhaled one deep breath, hoping to contain herself before spontaneously combusting from rage and indignation.
"Guess I'm stuck walking," she muttered, kicking a pebble miserably.
Somehow she was relived. He wouldn't see her crappy car. An evaluative look over the bad paint job, poor maintenance and shaky frame didn't make her feel sorry for long. Butchering it up for scrap parts wouldn't amount to much either, she figured. The only way anyone would ever buy the metal heap was out of sheer desperation and she imagined no insurance company would even dare provide coverage for it.
She eagerly slammed the door shut without bothering to lock the unreliable handle. No thieves would bother going after a car like this, she thought vindictively.
The walk to the library wasn't too bad. The distance slowed her down, making her a half hour late. Footsteps slowed to less frenzied gait, making her head perk up at a certain thought.
If I'm really late then maybe he would give up on me and I won't have to go on the date! I don't have to go on a date and I get zero late fees, she smiled but that quickly disappeared behind a scowl of defeat. But if I don't show up then will he still delete the fees?
She contemplated the thought between the sidewalk lines she crossed, watching the scenery as she strolled through.
There's no way he will delete the fees until I go on this stupid date with him. She huffed quietly to herself. Great, just great.
She swore under her breath as she sped up to a small trot. When the library peeked at her from around the corner she put on a final burst of speed. Her face soured when she saw him leaning against the hood of a very expensive black car.
"What are you wearing?" He scrutinized her with a skeptical look.
She responded with a frown.
"This is my interpretation of looking decent," she scoffed.
"You're late to begin with," he chuckled humorlessly before continuing. "And when you do arrive, you're not even well dressed."
Her jaw clenched, fists tightening up at her sides as the annoyance he was providing her seemed to eclipse her irritation in traffic. Couldn't this guy be nice for once? Or be nice with no strings attached at the very least?
"Hop in." He said to her, interrupting a rather elaborate plan she began to imagine. Somewhere in the absence of witnesses, she could see herself landing a few hits on him and make it seem accidental.
Instead of a smile at her own genius of passive aggressive revenge, her jaw dropped.
"There is no way that's your car," she slowly remarked, clearly pronouncing each syllable.
He smirked, obviously enjoying the look on her face.
"Come on. It's getting cold."
With the sun setting and an errant wind blowing, Temari's outfit of a small tank top and thin jeans didn't do much to keep her warm.
She muttered something under her breath and got in on the passenger side. They didn't say much to each other during the ride. Not that Temari was up for much conversation or anything.
Whenever she wasn't driving she would stare out the window and day dream. She didn't like to talk in cars. One she got in one you wouldn't hear a word from her. If you tried to talk to her she would reply and chat, but only to not be rude.
"Well aren't you Miss Talkative." Hidan flipped off a guy in a red truck that he cut off. They were on the highway.
"I don't like to talk in cars." He glanced at her, perplexed.
"Aren't you an oddball." She scowled but made no reply.
He was just like the popular jerks she'd known at school. She noted the irony, seeing as she always made it a point to never speak to them. If any of them attempted conversation with her she tended to ignore them.
"Fine, ignore me," he shrugged, his hands temporarily off the wheel. "We'll have plenty of time to chat over dinner."
"And just what do you mean by dinner?" She asked frowning as he drove onto an exit.
She didn't like where they were, uneasiness creeping up on her.
"What? You've never been in this part of town before?" The car stopped smoothly as the traffic light changed to bright red, reminding her of alarms.
The northern part of Suna wasn't exactly a place she visited and immediately felt ill at the sight of expensive real estate, hotels and stores glinting back at her in the late sun.
OK, something is wrong here, she thought. This guy is a librarian! There's no way he could afford a car this nice AND be able to pay for much less a glass of water from a restaurant here.
"We're here." With a flick of his wrist the car's engine stilled and he slammed his door. Temari blinked and stare dazed as he opened her door and helped her out, not minding that he practically dragged her through the door.
The name of the restaurant was Five Hearts, the elegantly lit sign informed her. She'd read somewhere about its reputation as being the most expensive restaurant in the world. By the looks of the place, it did not seem like an exaggeration. She stared in awe at the dark red colored walls, engraved with ornate gold designs. Gold chairs with red cushions and gold thread with intricately stitched designs glowed in the dim lighting.
A waiter in black suit walked up to them and bowed.
"We have been waiting for you, Mr. Hidan," he informed them and smoothly held his arm out to his side.
Hidan's hand rested on her back for a moment before giving her a firm push and slowly followed behind the waiter. The few people surrounding the small table they where they were seated stared at her. Perhaps being seated in the very center of the dining room wasn't exactly the best idea, she mused, feeling suddenly very self conscious.
He daze gone she sunk down in her seat.
"It's your own fault you know." He rested his elbows on the table, his hands supporting his chin. She glared sharp icy daggers at him.
"You could have told me."
"What don't you get about dressing up?"
"This is nice!" she protested, hissing at him before hiding behind the menu.
"Is that seriously the only nice thing you have?" He pulled the menu down, allowing him to see her face.
"Yes," she whispered.
Money wasn't a subject she wanted to bring up for dinner conversation. Being laughed at in school for not being able to afford new clothes or make-up on a regular basis wasn't something she liked to bring up.
Despite her misgivings, she smirked cockily, a mean thought occurring to her. 'Let's see how he likes it when I ask him about money.'
"So tell me," she began, putting down the menu. "How can someone with a librarian's wage afford a Ferrari and dinner for two at the most expensive restaurant in the world?"
Seemingly amused, his lips twitched in something of a smile, almost as if he had wanted her ask. Extremely annoyed anger flared up in her.
"The car was a gift," he explained.
"That still doesn't explain how you can pay for," she began before he cut her off.
"As I said it was a gift, fully paid off."
She didn't respond.
"Oh, and as for dinner," he gestured casually at their surroundings. "It helps if you're friends with the owner."
She collected her poise after a momentary shock. She didn't want him to see her shock and have another reason to laugh at her.
Despite herself, her fingers twisted in her hair, irritated at not knowing his name. He heard a low growled emanating from her direction.
"What's your problem?" he asked, an eyebrow cocked upward.
He didn't catch whatever she mumbled under her breath.
"What was that?" he asked.
She repeated the phrase, he still couldn't hear it.
"OK, either you speak up now or I'll force it out of you." His fingers drummed on the table top.
A deep breath.
"What is your name?" she finally managed.
He leaned back in his chair, appearing as though in deep thought.
"Oh yeah, guess I forgot to tell you," he said ruefully.
"Well?" She asked again.
"Hidan."
The name rolled over in her mind, trying it out.
Odd name, she concluded.
A pop song played unexpectedly, the sound originating from his left pocket. He snatched the cell phone, standing up as he answered.
"Gotta answer this, don't miss me," he told her before winking.
She watched his retreating back as he walked toward a side hallway.
"Great," Temari murmured to herself. "I get a date and he leaves me in this hole of a restaurant."
"Finally, someone who agrees with me," a bored voice agreed.
"You!" she gasped, recognition seeping into her. "Why are you here, pineapple head?" she asked, her eyes suspiciously narrowed on the boys hair. She wondered if this guy stalking her or something.
"I work here," he informed her in the usual bored tone.
She stared a bit more than what was probably considered polite.
"What would you like to eat?" he asked in a monotone that suggested he'd said this too many times.
"Uhh," she hastily picked up her menu and skimmed through it. "Is there anything under 20?"
"Dollars?" his brow twitched incredulously.
She nodded.
"The cheapest item on the menu is $150.99."
"I don't have that kind of money!"
"Why don't you get your date to pay?" Standing for what he considered too long (and troublesome), Shikamaru sat down across from her, in lieu of her date.
"Because," Temari glared at him. "I don't accept charity."
"Work is too troublesome," he sighed, slouching down in his seat. "I'd rather watch the clouds."
"How old are you?" Temari wondered. "And how do you know my brothers?"
"You're troublesome. Asking me all those questions."
"What?" she frowned, puzzled by his responses.
"Fine," he sighed, conceding. "If you must know I'm 17 and your brother, Kankuro is in most of my classes. We hang out with each other."
"Is he doing his homework?" she asked suddenly.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Not really."
"I'm going to kill him," she threatened.
"Troublesome." It truly was troublesome for him.
He didn't initially register a presence behind him until the chair was pulled out from beneath him and landed ungraciously on his bum.
"Oww," he slowly started to sit up before a foot registered on his side, kicking him away.
"What the heck you dastard!" Hidan yelled at Shikamaru. "Do your job and take our orders!"
Shikamaru glared.
"Fine," he said, standing up. "Welcome to the Five Hearts. My name is Nara Shikamaru and I'll be your waiter."
"That's better."
Hidan leaned back in his chair, giving Temari a small wink. She didn't make eye contact, preferring not to look at him.
"I'll take the roast." He continued not looking at the menu. His eyes fixed on Temari who found the large paper fan on the far left wall immensely interesting.
"And you?" Shikamaru asked Temari, who paled when she remembered how expensive everything was here.
"Nothing for me," she said nonchalantly, her eyes not leaving the fan.
"What? I brought you here so you might as well order something," Hidan told her.
"I can't" she said, her voice soft.
"Why not?"
"I don't have the money," she explained as he leaned in to hear her answer.
"How much do you have?"
She flushed, bright red appearing in her cheeks and he smirked at her reaction.
"Twenty dollars."
"You are poor."
Taking a deep breath wasn't going to save him this time. In the past, she was quick to defend her brothers and her pride when either one was under attack. Her aggressors could attest to the harm she'd left behind, all black eyes and broken bones. Her lack of money was another thing she defended. It didn't matter to her if she appeared a little sensitive.
"Shut up," she hissed.
"Touchy," he laughed.
"SHUT UP!" she yelled.
Before knowing exactly what she was doing, Temari had grabbed her glass, throwing the clear crystal at his head. Silence punctuated the air as an audience saw blood gush from the wound. Hidan swore loudly, seeing red as his fingers inspected the slick mess.
It didn't take him too long to pass out, much to the shock of the other restaurant patrons. Temari did the only thing she could have done.
Run, she reminded herself. A horrified scream rang out just as she made her exit. The rush of wind and blurs of gold were the only things her senses registered and was not able to see a very startled waiter who stared at her not so grand exit.
Her panted breath froze as she ran down the block. She was almost home and didn't dare pause for a second even as her lungs burned from the exhaustion of running across town. She shoved the front doors wide open, racing up five flights of stairs.
"Why do we live up so high?" she wheezed skipping two steps at a time.
"Kankuro, let me in," she demanded, making an attempt to be discreet so the landlord wouldn't have to make an appearance. The sound of heavy locks and the door creaking open didn't reassure her much, especially with Kankuro's droopy eyes appearing to greet her.
"Tem?" Kankuro asked, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Impatient, Temari kicked the door open, more than eager to be inside.
"Sorry," she apologized hastily to her alarmed brother as she locked the door.
"I'm used to it."
She looked over her shoulder at the door constantly, regretting her previous attack, knowing full well that she could be charged with assault.
"Hey Kan, why don't you—what's this?" She turned to face her brother, only to find a paper in her face.
"Permission slip," he answered, giving her the most heartwarming look he could muster. Immediately on guard, she wondered about the puppy eyes he gave her.
"For what?" she asked, inspecting the paper over.
"A field trip," he smiled, feigning innocence. A sentence popped out at Temari toward the end.
"Costs 25 dollars to attend," she read out loud. He rubbed that back of his head sheepishly.
"Yeah, but that covers the bus, my ticket and lunch," he explained. "It's an educational trip!"
"Sorry, but we can't."
"Oh, come on." He looked hopefully at her, but the act didn't work as well as he would have liked. Temari frowned.
"I'm sorry, but you can't."
"But," he began.
"No," she said, the finality of her tone not allowing for more discussion.
"Why not?" Kankuro scowled.
"We don't have the money," she reminded him.
"We never have any money!" He backfired. "Why can't you just once give a little? A little bit every now and then won't hurt!"
"Won't hurt?" she spat out scathingly. "We have taxes and bills to pay that can't be late. And what about food? I pay for your field trip while we have no money left to buy food?"
"I'll eat at school."
"We have to pay for that too. Money doesn't grow on trees, Kankuro."
"Why can't you do something for me just once!" he yelled back.
"You are so selfish!" she shrieked, exasperated, not caring if the landlord yelled at them for being loud.
"You're so stingy," Kankuro said venomously.
"Go to your room!" she demanded.
"You're not mom!" Kankuro said as he shoved her on his way out and unlocked the door. She lunged at him, trying unsuccessfully to pull him back.
"Get back here!" she yelled too late to reach him as he charged down the stairs. Rage bubbled up, escaping her in an angry scream. She pounded her firsts ragefully at their cracked wall.
She was mad. Mad at Kankuro. Mad at dad. Mad at Hidan. Mad at herself.
"Temari?" Gaara's read hair peeked out from around the kitchen. Worry was etched over his features, having heard the argument.
"I'm such an idiot," she confessed, tired of being strong for once. She always made it a point not to break down in front of them to show the constant worries or problems hanging over her. She didn't mean to worry them. Tears escaped her. Gaara wiped a tear away as it cascaded down her cheek.
She couldn't remember the last time she had cried, vaguely remembering her last had been sometime around the time of their mother's death after Gaara had been born.
Taking care of her brothers had become her priority, which is why she had made the decision to drop out of school and work instead. In the midst of it all, she had also been trying to replace the wonderful woman who had once been the source of so many happy memories. She wanted to do the same for Gaara and Kankuro, wanted them to be happy.
Gaara hugged her tightly as she cried. After years of being the strong one, she felt vulnerable as the sobbing mess on the floor.
"Here," she heard Gaara as he handed her a package of ice-cream.
"How did you get this?" she breathed.
"I've been helping a teacher at school," he told her. "She pays me every time I help her. I've been saving the money."
"Gaara," she said softly, tears stinging in her sore eyes. "I've been an awful sister. I shouldn't have yelled at Kankuro like that."
"He'll forgive you," he reassured her as he opened the package of vanilla ice cream and handed her a spoon.
Although exhausted at two in the morning, the two stayed up enjoying other's company as they waited for their brother to appear. A portion of the container lay untouched for Kankuro.
She didn't need words to express her thanks to her little brother. A gentle pant on his messy head was all she needed to do to let him know. The family consisted of the three of them and they had sworn each other they would stick together.
Forever.