Thoughts are in Italics as always. Kurenai may be a bit OOC because I don't really know her character.... Whoops...
Of Formal Atire (thank you marachan)
XxXxXxX
As the sun began to rise on the skyline, a beautiful brown horse and carriage made its way out of the village gates, toward the yellow orb rising in the distance. Smoke billowed out of the open window, swirling in random patterns towards the wispy clouds above. Someone was obviously enjoying a cigarette.
A woman in a black silken dress with matching black hair stood at the threshold of Suna, clutching a toy wind mill in one hand that hung by her side while waving with the other. When the carriage was out of sight, she dropped her hand and walked back to the ranch... her home. A strange wind blew throughout the town and she couldn't help but shiver as it raised the bumps on her skin.
Once the sun was fully risen and the civilians were going about their daily routines, Temari ran down the stairs, pulling on her t-shirt as she did so. In the streets, this type of dress wear was frowned upon, but in all honesty, Temari didn't give a shit. Gaara was sitting at the kitchen table when she arrived downstairs, spooning some rice into his mouth as he held an ice cube to his forehead.
Her greating for the morning was a grumpy: "I'm tooo hot!!" He sounded just like a six year old child. Kankurou had already left to carry out his own routine, leaving the houe quieter than usual. Whenever Kankurou was absent, Temari and Gaara enjoyed some peace and solitude.
"I'm heading out ok Gaara?" Temari said, fixing her hair in the reflection of the spoon she just grabbed from his hand.
He seemed unfazed, and carried on his eating when she handed it back to him.
The door slammed louder than she meant it to when she left the shack, practically skipping down the dusty, sand ridden road. She wasn't one to gossip, but she had to tell Tenten about the picnic last night. It was pleasant, to say the least. She actually enjoyed herself, which was unusual because she normally hated new company. Two's company, three's a crowd. That sort of thing.
On her way to the ranch, Temari bumped into a few of the townsfolk, chatting for a minute with Mrs. Haruno who was always good for some story and Mrs. Yamanaka for the daily gossip. Hiroto was outside the bar, warding off some angry men who were more than disappointed about not being able to buy alcohol. Temari chuckled. Freedom!!
When she finally arrived, she bi-passed the main house and made a bee-line for the run down barn where she knew Tenten would be staying. Sure enough, the brunette was lying in the corner, wrapped in whatever clothing she had. The night was colder at this side of town, which was both a blessing and a curse. She yawned sleepily, eyes fluttering opening, adjusting to the bright light coming in from the open door.
"Mornin'" she murmured, looking around the floor for her shoes. "What are you doin' here so early?"
Temari rolled her eyes. "Tenten.. It's 12:30."
The effect was immediate. The brunette jumped up from her place on the floor and began to frantically roam around the barn, looking for something or other.
"Asuma's gonna 'ave my head!! I was mennabe be at work hours ago!!"
As soon as she deemed herself ready, she ran from the barn, Temari hot at her heels, towards the main house, in all it's cream glory. She hammered at the door a few times, Temari only catching up when it was opened to reveal Kurenai in a silky black dress, red lipstick and all.
"Good mornin' girls" she said politely, eyes questioning. Tenten tried catching her breath before she spoke.
"I'm so sorry I'm late!! I overslept!! You can blame Shikamaru 'n' Neji... They didn' wake me! I swear it will never happen again! I need this job, I-" but she was cut off.
"Calm down darlin' it's fine. Asuma's gone to Yugakure for a few days on a delivery so there'll be no need to stress. What he don't know won't hurt 'im" she smirked, opening the door wider to allow them entrance. "Why don't you come in for some tea?"
The girls didn't need to be asked twice and entered after Kurenai. Shikamaru and Neji were sitting at the rounded table in the large kitchen, mugs of tea in front of them and a plate of biscuits in the centre. Temari assumed that they had arrived for work and were greeted the same way. The house was quite large, cream curtains adorning every window and bright red flowers on each sill. She had never seen anything like them before. They were probably imported from a grassy plain or something.
The boys nodded in acknowledgement when the brunette and blonde emerged into the room, sitting down in two of the empty chairs; Shikamaru and Neji facing each other with Temari and Tenten doing the same. Kurenai settled herself in the last remaining seat, bringing her cup of steaming tea with her.
"So how've you been lately?" she asked the girls, smiling pleasantly at them both. Tenten seemed to relax with the knowledge that Asuma was, indeed, gone.
"I've been fine, thanks" said Temari happily, with a new found respect for the woman before her since last night. She was truly a lovely person; Asuma was a lucky man. "But I don't know about Tenten," she said, glancing at the younger girl, "she's normally awake early.... did you stay up late last night?"
The reaction was instant. Tenten's face turned bright red while Neji, who's face remained impassive, fidgetted with his hands and looked at the ceiling.
"I'll take that as a yes?" Temari grinned devilishly. While Tenten struggled to make a coherent word, Neji kept his gaze firmly away from Shikamaru who was laughing silently behind his own mug. Kurenai glanced at the two brunettes and laughed too, clearly understanding the uncomfortable situation and changed the subject.
"So, I was thinkin' of havin' a little get together tonight, just after sunset. Maybe invite a few of the locals. I hate it when Asuma's gone, the house gets lonely. Would you care to join me?" she asked. While the others nodded casually, Temari had to think about it. What about Gaara and Kankurou??
"Um... Kurenai??" she said, a frown on her face, "Would it be okay for my brothers to come too?? I know they'd love to and I promise to keep them on their best behaviour."
Kurenai smiled pleasantly once more. "Oh of course. The more the merrier. Gaara is a nice fella isn't he? Although I'm afraid I've never met your second brother." she replied thoughtfully. Temari sighed in relief. Thank Kami for that! Anyone who knew Kankurou (that was in any way respectful) never usually liked him.
When the tea and biscuits were finished, the group of four went out to the yard to begin their work (Temari sitting on the fence.)
Shikamaru handed her a shovel which she took, a questioning look on her face.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" she asked, gesturing towards the grey shovel in her hand. Shikamaru actually laughed.
"Well ya see Temari, this is a S.H.O.V.E.L.. People use it to D.I.G things" he said exaggeratingly, exphasising certain words. She rolled her eyes at his sarcasm.
"I know that Jackass!" she glared, but nonetheless, joined him in digging the front of the patch while Neji and Tenten worked on the other side. When half of their area was done, Shikamaru leaned on his shovel and watched her as she continued. He had to admit, she knew what she was doing. Even the way she held the shovel was perfect. Tenten had to be shown by Neji... Although maybe that was just an act... Never the less, it looked like Temari had been doing this sort of thing her whole life. He chuckled at the thought.
"What's so funny?" she questioned, pausing in her own work and mimicking his posture.
"Oh nothing.. Just thinkin' about this little get together thing tonight... D'you think it's like.. y'know.. formal??" he asked embarrassed. scratching the back of his head.
She couldn't help but laugh. Kurenai threw these little "get togethers" once every month and everyone that ever went, wanted to go again. She had scene processions walking down the streets in their best wear; long silky dresses and the perfect black suit.
"Yeah I think so." she replied, resuming her work. She knew exactly what she was going to wear. Her mother had a treasure trove of perfect wear at home. When she had died, she, Kankurou and Gaara never touched her things. It was best to keep those memories in the past. But now, at least she had an excuse to be curious. She needed formal wear, and that chest was the answer.
Shikamaru groaned. He hated formal wear. In LittleRoot, where he was from, his mother was practically famous for throwing house parties, all of which he was forced to attend, much to his displeasure.
"I don't even HAVE formal clothes with me." He pouted, picking up his shovel once more. Temari froze.
"Well..." she began, turning away. "My brother has plenty... They were my fathers.. You can borrow some if you like," she said quietly. He stopped working and looked at her; she was hiding her face with her hair that swung forward each time she dug into the ground.
"Yeah.. Thanks.. But that doesn't mean I really WANT to wear them y'know," he pointed out, just to be clear but smiling none the less.
Temari just laughed. "Yeah I know."
Crybaby...
As soon as their half was finished, they reunited with Tenten and Neji and made their way back to the shack to get ready for the night ahead.
Hey!! I bet you're surprised to see this story updated?? As a matter of fact, so am I!!
I'm completely swamped at the moment... I'm in this public speaking competition and I have a speech to learn off by heart by Saturday!! It's like frickin' 7 pages long!! Not to mention my Biology Exam is the same day, so I'll be cramming for awhile. I don't think I'll be able to update on the regular two day basis for awhile. BUT OF COURSE, I WILL FIND THE TIME TO UPDATE IF YOU REVIEW!! BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!! lol sorry about that... Oh and one more thing...If you actually read all this, please include the word "cheese" in your review... Call me curious :P
Anywho, enough ranting.
Please let me know what you think. It's greatly appreciated.