Author's Note: *Sweatdrops* Yeah...it's kind of a late update. I was kind of busy, but I am glad the chapter is finally written! ^^
In order to have gotten the inspiration to write this chapter, I searched around for some good ShikaTema fanfics; and found a few really good ones! Soooo...there's the inspiration! And yes, this was just a RANDOM note intended to waste time. -_-'
About this chapter, Shikamaru and the siblings have a guest(s?) over. And, of course, chaos will occur for them; and things will get troublesome once again! *Looks blank all of a sudden* Because...that's the whole point.
Anyway, enjoy! ;)
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One Troublesome Night:
Chapter Ten: Visitors
0000
NORMAL POV:
Temari had no idea that they were coming. If she had have known, she would have definitely took some time get prepared and hide her wallet.
The person at the door, was really two people at the door; Miho and her sneaky little sister, Chihiro, and that really meant they were in for a time! Temari stared blankly and examined their appearance:
Miho was older than Chihiro by four years; and probably was Kankuro's height if not a couple of inches shorter. Miho never seemed to put any thought into her looks; and left her brown/blond hair long and very spiky at the same time. She had very dark green eyes; although Temari believed they were black at first glance. And her skin was very pale from not getting sunlight much, she could easily pass herself off as a patient with a deadly disease because of her lack of energy and very pale skin. Miho also wore a dark brown short sleeved shirt under an open Chuunin vest (Temari would NEVER understand how the hell a girl like her could even GRADUATE from the academy in the first place!), she wore olive green colored pants that stopped at her knees, and fishnets were on her legs and around her neck and shoulders. Her shinobi sandals were the same color of her vest...but shockingly were very worn and scraped.
Chihiro however, was probably just a little shorter than Gaara; but very much a tomboy. She had become a Chuunin at thirteen because of the fact that she was a hard-worker unlike her sister (who barely became a Chuunin at sixteen). She had short dark blond hair that was very straight and went to just under her shoulders, it was kept in two high ponytails and her Sand headband was around her forehead and getting very worn from all the training and missions she did. The younger sister also had light green eyes and her skin was getting a little tanned from always being outside. She wore a dark green shirt with long sleeves that exposed her belly button, her Chuunin vest somehow tied around her waist (Yeah, Temari didn't even want to know how that was even possible), black shorts, sandals the same color as the vest with the straps up to her knees. However, in comparison, Chihiro was obviously more of a ninja.
Miho was way too tired all the time. And her stamina was unbelievably low. It seemed strange that someone like her would even attempt to become a shinobi; but then Temari realized that it wasn't even her that wanted to become one. Her parents just forced her to.
"Oh! Ah...hey Miho, hey Chihiro!" Temari greeted, forcing on a smirk that had no real feeling put into it.
Chihiro suddenly frowned as Temari said her name. She crossed her arms and then coughed. "Actually, Temari, I just like to be called 'Chi'. 'Chihiro' sounds WAY too girly!"
"Oh, of course. I COMPLETELY understand that one!" Temari said, rolling her eyes as she glanced away briefly.
"You're probably wondering why we're here, right Temari?" Miho suddenly spoke up. "I can see through you."
"Actually...I WOULD like to know why you're here, Miho. But...I'm more worried about Chi right now. That girl's very suspicious; and I don't want her to pretty much rob me of all my money again!" Temari thought as a really blank look came to her.
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CHI'S POV:
Temari is obviously not wanting us here. To be honest, I know why. She definitely thinks I'll try something "shifty"! I rolled my eyes and then frowned. Really, I'm not that bad of a person.
Okay...maybe I DO make bets with people; usually winning about 50% of the time. And maybe I AM a little sneaky, and have quite the stack of money and "rewards" on my bedroom, but I do have a heart.
"I am wondering why you're here. I would have...uh...saved some supper if I had known you were dropping by!" Temari mentioned very lamely.
Oh yeah Temari, that's SUCH a great lie. Say anything else, and I'll have to give you the World's Greatest Liar Award. Ugh...she isn't good with lying at all. I actually facepalmed at her completely lame lie.
"Actually, Miho came to visit Kankuro. And I came to get that money from you from that one time..." I said, a smirk beginning to become visible on my lips. I couldn't stop it; because I was looking forward to getting the money she owed me; after all, I will die if I don't get the newest volume of Full Metal Alchemist!
Temari's eyes widened slightly. And upon noticing that, I grinned. Yup. A sneaky grin. But hey, I'm just so badass like that, y'know?
"If you're done staring," I forced a yawn and put my arms behind my head. "Can we come in?"
I noticed Temari seemed to be in deep thought. I couldn't really blame her. After all: most people in the village are almost always losing bets with me, I can usually almost clean them out of their money. And that's exactly what I was going to do to Temari; she owes me about...$60.
And, she owes me that much, because we had made a bet about a week ago. See, we had accidentally encountered at the book store. Of course, we started to talk. Somehow I "implied" that we should make a bet: both of us would go into the desert at night and then search for a kunai I threw into it. Whoever finds the kunai would take $60 from the other person.
...Needless to say; I found it first. But it was a fair bet, because I really didn't even know where the kunai ended up! It was merely dumb luck that I found it. Anyway, I found it, and now Temari must pay up!
I blinked when I noticed Temari begin to look back at us.
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TEMARI'S POV:
It's not like I have a choice in letting them in or not. Don't take it the wrong way; I do actually like them more than that fangirl, Matsuri, but...well, Miho is probably here because she broke up with Kankuro and wants to mend that.
Seriously, HOW did Kankuro even attract her anyway? Ew...I shudder just to think about that even happened. Miho and Kankuro are just...different. I don't see how they even lasted long as a couple; but it could have been because they both hate work and like to sleep in.
...Yeah, I think that's it.
Chi isn't too bad either. But she is just way too sneaky and mischievous, she only came here to the house because she wants me to cough up that $60 I owe her. ...Dammit, I was going to use that money for some of that new special polish for my fan!
"Whatever. You guys can come in." I said in defeat. "But we have a guest from the Leaf on mission here. He's staying at our house, and if you do encounter him: MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION!"
Oh, that's just soooo subtle, Temari.
I glanced at the two sisters in suspense. They seemed to be exchanging looks, and then that's when Chi realized something and broke out into a grin from ear to ear. And believe me, when she grins like that; it usually means she's up to something. I've seen it over 500 times since the day I met her.
"Someone from the Leaf, huh? Oh! I think I get it!" Chi mentioned slyly before making a quick gesture. "Is this shinobi...someone you liiiike?"
"Chi!" Miho snapped as she gave her little sister a scolding look. Of course, I completely saw through it. That look was very fake and meaningless.
"What? That's why Temari wants us to make a good impression if we meet him!" Chi pointed out. I really wished she would just shut that freaking big mouth of hers, but it didn't seem like that would be happening anytime soon. "It's SO obvious, sis!"
"But still...you know how Temari hates to show emotions!" I rolled my eyes at that. "I'm guessing she doesn't even want anyone, not even Kankuro and Gaara, to know!"
Ugh...I just wish the both of them would SHUT UP.
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SHIKAMARU'S POV:
I yawned and then stretched my arms a little bit. Previously, I was reading a book I found on the arm of the couch; it was some really crappy book about some sparkly people called "vampires", and had stupid romantic scenes. I was so bored with just reading three pages that I fell asleep.
"I wonder how long I've been asleep..." I glanced at some random watch that I never had before on my wrist. "...Oh, it's only been ten minutes."
I shrugged my shoulders and went back to reading the incredibly boring book. After all, I may hate it, but the stupid and strange romantic scenes are actually fun to make fun of. And hey, maybe they will actually give me some motivation to confess to Temari. Ever since the troublesome dinner, I have been feeling the motivation wearing away.
But actually, I'm going to attempt to regain it back. Because if there's anything I don't want to have to listen to the minute I set foot back in the village, it's Naruto, Ino, Choji, and my parent's constant mentioning that I need to get my ass back to the village and tell Temari I like her already.
"Wait...why do I feel like someone is talking about me somewhere?"
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NORMAL POV:
"HEY!" Both sisters stopped conversing and then blinked before snapping their heads back over to Temari. "Can we just change the subject? I'm real exhausted after this really eventful day; I want to hurry up and go to bed!"
"We understand." Miho mentioned promptly. She then smirked a tiny bit and gestured to her little sister. "However, we won't be long. I'm going to go talk to Kankuro right quick, and Chi just wants to get some money from you and maybe visit Gaara too..."
Chi had, at first, tuned out to Miho's first statement. But when she noticed the emphasis that was slyly put on Gaara's name, her entire face turned a nice shade of red in record time. She sent a glare in Miho's direction and then started freaking out and waving her arms around crazily.
"WHAT ARE YOU IMPLYING, SIS? I ONLY CAME FOR THE MONEY! THAT'S IT!" Chi hysterically shouted. This entire moment made Temari sweatdrop as if she was inside a manga, and Miho just hid a sly smirk behind her hand.
"Sure, Chi." Miho muttered while rolling her eyes. Chi huffed and glanced away as the redness in her face calmed down...slightly.
Temari sighed and them mentioned that they could stay: but once they were through, leave as soon as possible. Chi and Miho both agreed to that and gestured to the older kunoichi that they were fine with that. After rubbing the back of her neck, Temari had realized that she was really worn out from the eventful day and mentioned she was going to go take a long bath before trudging to bed.
Miho nodded at that, and then left the room to search for the middle sibling, who was previously her boyfriend.
Upon Miho leaving, Temari and Chi found themselves staring at each other in silence. The latter really despised silence, believing that it wasn't good and would get them nowhere, so she hastily cleared her throat.
"Temari, about our bet: I need the $60." Chi explained, grinning a little bit afterward as she outstretched her hand and held it open. "See, I like you as a friend and all, but I will DIE if I can't buy that newest volume of Full Metal Alchemist!"
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TEMARI'S POV:
Damn it! I wanted to use that money for a new television! It's so hard for me to save up enough money from meaningless missions after all! She's good...and I don't like that at all.
Without a choice or say in the matter, I quickly walked out of the room and re-entered with my wallet. Chi watched with much patience; but I saw through her poorly-executed act. I knew she was SO impatient to get her hands on a new manga volume!
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NORMAL POV:
Miho walked into the living room and then absentmindedly bumped into a table. She gasped a little bit, and caught her balance before falling backwards to the couch.
"I'm so tired...I need to get back home and sleep, but-" Miho cut herself off as she turned around and found herself face-to-face with a guy she hadn't remembered ever meeting before. "WHA!"
Miho's surprised expression kind of faded as she backed up just a little bit and examined the guy. He was probably just a little younger than her and he had dark hair up in a ponytail. His eyes were a really dark color and he wore the usual Leaf jounin outfit. She noticed his headband and realization clicked.
"Oh, sorry about that!" Miho said in an animated kind of way. She never actually meant it when she apologized, so they were practiced and had a hollow feel to them. "I wasn't watching where-"
"Eh, it's fine. I was leaving the room anyway."
Miho nodded and then put on a meaningless small smile as the guy stepped to the side and started walking to the staircase. She thought for a minute and then a knowing look appeared in her eyes.
"Are you the guest here? Temari told me a little bit about you."
Shikamaru shrugged his shoulders and turned around, just in time to see her fleeting smirk. He declared her 'troublesome' under his breath and then made eye contact.
"Yeah. I'm Shikamaru."
"My name's Miho; me and my little sister, Chihiro, are SOMEWHAT friends with Temari. But she came by here to collect money, and I'm here to talk to Kankuro. Me and Kankuro...used to go out, but I want to make sure he's fine with our break-up."
"I don't think I've ever heard an explanation like that in my life. So run together and sloppy...it's STRANGE...and this girl seems strange; but likeable so far. Hell, I'm just glad she's not a lame fangirl!" Shikamaru thought. Although a little creeped out by her, he signaled that he was still listening with a quick nod.
"Look Shikamaru, I'm exhausted right now." Miho mentioned after a huge yawn escaped her lips. "Let's talk some other time. I feel like I can understand you somehow, even though I barely know you from what Temari and Kankuro have said..."
"I know the feeling..." Shikamaru mumured under his breath before rolling his eyes and wondering what Temari andKankuro have said about him.
On second thought, he really DIDN'T want to know...
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KANKURO'S POV:
I paced the floor of my room violently. I occasionally too quick glances at Gaara, who was leaning against the closed door and giving me annoyed looks, I had brought him here against my will of course. But I had to do that; because I don't think my GENIUS plan is working out all that well! I was sure that after that extremely awkward dinner, that lazy-ass ninja would leave for good after realizing that he was dealing with a really screwed up family here!
The reason I brought Gaara here was easy to explain. So...what the hell? I might as well mention that too! I brought Gaara here, because he's really a smart guy.
Seriously, you HAVE to give 'em credit for that!
Anyway, he's smart; it's only natural that he could come up with a good plan. And besides, I uh, couldn't really come up with anything at the time. My mind drew a complete blank.
Not wanting to waste anymore of the night, I stopped pacing and sighed before throwing my hands in the air.
"Gaara, you HAVE to help me! I know I failed at dinner, but if you could help me; I could change that around and get rid of Shikamaru!" I mentioned/whined. But don't give me that look! I WAS NOT begging!
"Kankuro..."
"HEAR ME OUT! You're smart, and I just have to face reality: I'm not like you. I can't come up with the best plans..."
"Listen-"
"Don't interrupt my moment, bro! I'm on a ROLL with melodrama today!"
"I think we should just-"
"So can you help?"
Gaara just stared at me. And in return, I stared back. And we both stared...and stared...and stared...and stared for about two entire minutes at the most. Eventually, Gaara sighed and I'm sure a frown appeared on my face.
"There might be a way we could get Shikamaru out of here. However, I think it's very risky..."
I nodded, and I was so excited at that point. Literally, I was shaking from excitement! Gaara gave me a weird look in the process, but I shrugged it off like always.
"Tell me!" I begged almost pathetically.
"What we'll do is-ah!"
"What? What's-WHAT THE HELL?"
In one fast movement, the door to my room was slammed open. And Gaara's eyes widened and he sidestepped just in time, avoiding another possible concussion, while I fell backwards for a melodramatic affect; but it went very wrong and resulted in a COMICAL effect instead.
"Oh, sorry you guys! I forgot that these doors were so weak!" A meaningless female voice cried out. Wait...I know that voice. Miho! Yes! She's come back to me!
I looked up, and Miho was standing in the now-open doorway with totally fake worried look plastered onto her face. Yes...no mistake! She was Miho! I quickly got up off the floor and dusted myself off; because my room floor is very dusty. I'm not a neat-freak; that's for sure!
...Okay, I'm the 'freak' part though.
"It's fine, Miho! I just didn't know you were coming by!" I quickly mentioned, although I knew that the icy girl didn't really care about anything at the moment.
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GAARA'S POV:
Miho really is violent when she needs to be. That's exactly why I gave her the rank of Chuunin almost spontaneously; she couldn't care less about being a ninja of this village, but really was tough when the moment needed it.
Okay, maybe this moment didn't need it. But...oh, that doesn't matter.
"I didn't know either...but Kankuro, I want to talk to you about the break-up." Miho mentioned, plastering a look of fake concern for me when she briefly shifted her gaze over.
I glanced at Kankuro. And he nodded before quickly turning around and popping a mint into his mouth. I know this happened because Kankuro fails at being inconspicuous with anything. That is exactly why he can't ever be sent out on missions requiring a lot of sneaking around.
"I understand...let's 'talk about it' then..." Kankuro slyly mentioned. I'm not sure if Miho caught on to what he was hinting at, but I did, and I rolled my eyes at that.
"Yes."
I sighed and then walked over to the door. Just as I was standing by Miho, I quickly whispered "be on your toes" in her ear before stepping outside and closing the door behind me.
What happened after that inside the room, I don't know. But I did here this dialogue afterward:
"Soooo...let's 'talk about it', Miho."
"Alright."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"...Uh..."
A sigh was then heard from Kankuro.
"Why are you still standing there like that? The bed's over there."
"Bed? What are you-WHAT?"
"What...?"
Then a slap was heard. Followed by a cry of pain from Kankuro.
"Get your mind out of the gutter! I didn't mean that!"
"That's why I'll never-"
"QUIET! NOW LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY!"
"I should probably be leaving now..." I thought as I shook my head and started walking away.
See, I have a secret plan that Kankuro doesn't know about. It's a plan that will surely make Shikamaru leave; but I have been very diligent with carrying it out, not to mention the fact that it has to be executed at the perfect time. Once it's complete, I can guarantee that the Nara will leave before the night's over. I know I made a deal with him: I would accept and help the village counter those attacks so another war won't break out, if Shikamaru can convince me that he's trustworthy.
Trustworthy as in: I begin to believe that, if he ever does get together with Temari (come on, it's so obvious they have feelings for each other. Even I can see that.), she will be in good hands.
If he can't change my mind about him: I'm not going to help, even though I want to, and he will just have to have failed the mission.
I assume the chances he can't change my mind are high. But that doesn't mean he could prove to me he isn't trustworthy. I don't know what will happen, only time will tell.
I walked up to my room and placed my hand on the knob. That's when I felt something tap my shoulder at least four times. And don't give me that look, I wasn't counting or anything.
Immediately, after looking from the corners of my eyes, I saw Chihiro. A fleeting smirk appeared on my face; I'm serious, it was very tiny, but still there. I turned around once I looked emotionless again and she waved.
"Hi. I figured I could visit you since I came to collect some money from Temari, Lord Gaara!"
"Oh, that's fine."
"Great!"
Chi is an interesting girl. I've known her for a little while; maybe two years by now. Although we don't talk much, she acts as if we have known each other forever. I don't know why she always seems so glad to see me...Kankuro once mentioned (in Chi's presence), that she probably 'likes' me or something.
But I don't understand what he's talking about.
Chi continued to grin. Eventually, she placed her hands on her hips and glanced around extremely randomly.
"Are you doing okay?" I suddenly asked.
"I'm really good! You know, I've really been on a ROLL with winning bets lately!" Chi replied with much enthusiasm. I didn't know how she stayed like that almost always, but I didn't question it. "I guess I could be jinxing that...but I don't care at this moment. But don't worry; I'm not going to allow this realization to go to my head!"
Yes...that's what she says now. But later on, when she wins another bet, it's going to go to her head again. I don't really know why I still let her do that though. I know that the girl is going around pretty much bankrupting all the other villagers, but it would be useless if even I said something. That's exactly why I trust Miho to make her know her place. ...But honestly, I'm beginning to realize how un-trustworthy her older sister is.
...Wow, I'm so confused now.
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NORMAL POV:
In the Sand Siblings home, this was what was happening:
Temari was in the bathroom just starting a shower, Gaara and Chi were in one of the halls talking, Shikamaru was in the living reading the Twilight book (even though he hated every minute of it), and Kankuro and Miho were in the formers room talking.
But suddenly, a loud sound was heard. It almost sounded like some kind of pop and then a loud bang. Shortly after, the entire house was in darkness.
"WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?" Chi yelled at the top of her lungs. "OH MY GOD! I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING AT ALL! MY EYES! MY EYES AREN'T ADJUSTED TO THE DARK! ...And what am I touching right now?"
"...Chi..."
"Lord G-Gaara?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Awkward."
"Completely...awkward. I'm just going to slowly back away-OW! I HIT MY HEAD!"
"Stop yelling. We need to figure out what just happened."
"Well...it's completely dark...and that must mean something happened to the electricity!"
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"...Accidentally groping people in the dark is very awkward?"
"...No, well yes, but...let's forget that, Chi. I think it's a blackout."
"UGH! I hate blackouts!"
"We just have to remain close and then search for Kankuro, Miho, and Temari. Then we can try and figure out the problem together."
"But...what about the guest from the Leaf you guys have here? Temari told me and sis about him earlier."
"We shouldn't have to worry about Shikamaru. For all we know: he probably doesn't care about the fact that the house is in total darkness and the electricity probably has been cut off."
"...Oh, you're right."
Although they still could barely see through the completely dark house, Gaara and Chi stayed close to each other and attempted to find Kankuro's room. After stumbling, bumping heads, reaching out; only to be disappointed when realizing nothing was there, and the younger ninja accidentally walking into walls, they finally arrived at a door. Upon feeling doorknob, Chi smiled as she turned around to face Gaara (in the direction she assumed he was in) and gestured to the door.
"I feel a doorknob! Come on, let's go in!"
Gaara nodded. And they both silently prayed that it was Kankuro's room before dramatically twisting the knob and entering the room.
Continued.
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...Okay, there's ANOTHER slight cliffhanger. -_-' Did they enter Kankuro's room or not? What caused the entire house to be cast in total darkness? What will become of Shikamaru and Temari? Why was there a Twilight book in the living room? WILL I EVER STOP MAKING THESE "DRAMATIC" QUESTIONS? O_O
Anyway, *Smirks* I know this chapter didn't really have any interaction between Temari and Shikamaru. But this chapter just set up an event that will help get them together! Because Miho and Chihiro/Chi unknowingly will help! ;)
Oh, and I do NOT own Full Metal Alchemist or Twilight; they were just two very different series that was mentioned for my, and the readers, amusement. Honestly, I wouldn't MIND owning the anime/manga series, Full Metal Alchemist, really. But I certainly DO NOT, NOR WILL I EVER want to own the book/movie Twilight! *Shudders*
Well, the next update...? I don't know. :| Hopefully I will soon. However: keep in mind that I have 5-6 other fics that need to be worked on. Really, you really need to give me a break. ^_~
R&R now! (Read and review!) :]