Temari

I was pacing angrily in the corridor, heading to the exit. I was pissed at Shikamaru and a revenge plan was already creating itself in my head.

Despite that I decided to buy a newspaper and start looking for a flat while this thing is still somewhat under control. A part of me did want to stay at his place but some pieces of my logical mind told me that I better get my own place.

I headed to the city center and had some lunch while writing down rental flats' addresses from the newspaper. There were only three places so I went to check them out.

First one was a small flat in 4 story building, in the center of the village. What I didn't like about it was the owner, practically drooling when he saw me. He gave me the creeps and I wanted to crack his stupid skull with my fan. Second place was a flat with 3 rooms, big and fancy. It was quite far from the school too, but that was not the biggest problem. The price was. I wasn't planning to spend all my savings living in a huge flat with additional rooms I don't need. Then I went looking for a third place and after getting some directions from friendly strangers I found myself standing in front of Shikamaru's place. Well I was surprised to say at least, but what can you expect from a small village? I went looking for a flat number 12. The owner let me inside and showed me around. I entered a big area with a joined kitchen and living room like in Shikamaru's flat. But this flat was smaller and it had only one bedroom. It was a modern type flat – all the walls were while, floor was covered in wooden tiles; fully equipped with furniture and appliances. The price was bigger than in the first flat, but cheaper than that of the second one. So I didn't think too much and decided to rent it. And I will still be quite close to Shikamaru if I ever need to – I grinned.

I went up the stairs to relocate my belongings and found the door unlocked. I opened them to find Shikamaru in the kitchen, cooking something and rocking his head to the music coming out of his mp3 player, plugged in his ears. I still felt angry for the play he did back in school, so I decided to play a little. I sneaked up behind him and pressed a sharp kunai at his throat. I could hear music blasting through his earphones loudly so I didn't bother saying anything – he wouldn't hear me anyway. He slowly raised his flour-covered hands and shouted:

- I can't hear anything!

I couldn't refrain from chuckling at the confused tone of his raised voice. Then I kicked him in the hamstrings so he kneeled before me, grabbing his ponytail with my left hand and pulling one of his earphones out of his ear as I leaned down to his ear and whispered:

- Oh how stupid of you, my dear strategy teacher, to let an enemy to sneak up on you from behind so easily.

I stood up straight, harshly pulling his hair before I let go and headed to my room.

- Don't be so angry, please? – he sounded pretty confused. I think I got him close to scared. Serves him well.

I went inside my room, shutting the door loudly. I emerged after 5 minutes after packing everything back to my bag. Shikamaru saw me, his eyes widened and he blocked my way. I looked up at him with the coldest eyes and said:

- Well thanks for letting me crash here. – And I got that strange feeling in the stomach again. I stepped a little to the side, trying to pass him, but he grabbed my shoulders with his arms:

- Hey, slow down… What are you doing? – he sounded a tiny bit worried.

- What do you think? I'm leaving. – I tried to pass him from the other side, but he held me firmly. I stared back and raised an eyebrow.

- Oh come on, I'm sorry for today, I didn't think you'd react so hastily… You don't have to leave, Temari. – he looked at me with apologetic eyes and I burst into laughter.

- Why do you care, Shikamaru? I'm only trouble after all, am I not?

He lowered his eyes down but in his confused look I saw a hint of sadness. He slowly let go of my shoulders.

- You are and I'm not going to deny that. It's just that I don't want for you to be angry with me. I'm sorry I overdid things today. I was even preparing dinner for you now.

Wow. I have to say I was shocked – I rarely saw Shikamaru willingly doing something of this sort. What happened to that lazy unmotivated guy I once knew?

- Don't worry, I'll come for the dinner. – I gave him a little smile so he'd know I wasn't that angry. – But you didn't answer my question, though. – I smirked, making him blush. I moved towards the door and this time he didn't try to stop me.