I'm alive! Thanks all the lovely reviews you guys are awesome! ^_^ I'm glad you all enjoy this story :D I can't thank you guys enough for sticking with me and for all the great reviews. Really getting close to the 100 mark and it would be amazing if you guys kept leaving your thoughts, comments, and questions with a review so without any more chatting here's the next chapter!
Disclaimer: pretty sure I still don't own Naruto
Temari wasn't surprised when Shikamaru didn't come back the next day. When Wednesday came and went she was starting to get worried, when Thursday came and went Temari thought this was a sign from Shikamaru saying things weren't going to work out. Friday afternoon Temari was still in bed trying to drown out her sorrows by burrowing her face in the pillows. She hears the door open and close.
Temari groans and removes her face from the pillows enough to speak clearly. "Tenten I'm not getting up so go away."
"Last I checked I didn't have a vagina."
Recognizing the voice Temari quickly sits up and turns to see Shikamaru standing next to her bed. She opens her mouth but nothing comes out. Thinking she'll say something wrong and push him further away, she just stares at him.
Shikamaru sighs and sits down on the bed. For a while they don't say anything, Shikamaru decides to speak first. "Sorry I didn't talk to you the last couple of days."
"You have nothing to be sorry for. I figured you just didn't know the best way to break up with me."
Shikamaru turns to look at her "break up?"
"I don't blame you for wanting to. Just say it now and save me-"
"I'm not breaking up with you."
Temari is shocked "you're not?"
"Of course not."
"Why?" Temari couldn't help but ask
"I've thought long and hard about this. What could happen if I did break up with you….I didn't like, no, I couldn't bear the idea of not being with you. I know this long distance relationship is hard and I'm still angry and hurt that you did that. Everything made sense after you told me you cheated. The reason why we don't use protection when having sex and the reason you didn't want to move in with me. This made the guilt more bearable for you and thought you wouldn't be able to hurt me."
"I had to fall for a genius."
Shikamaru holds her hand and looks into her eyes "it took a while but I managed to forgive you."
Temari smiles but it soon fades. Shikamaru frowns "what's wrong?"
"There's more I need to tell you about that night."
Shikamaru swallows the lump in his throat "ok."
"In the beginning Tenten decided to take me out so I could get out of the house. Going to a club wasn't the smartest idea but that's where I met my old friends. I left Tenten and went with them. That was the same night Tenten got Dash. I didn't lie about not remembering talking to the guy but I should've known better than to go to The Red Cloud." She pauses then continues "when I woke up the next morning and saw who I was next, I never felt more disgusted. Out of all the people from the club, in my drunken state, I ended up with my ex."
"The red head Sasori."
Temari just nods and waits for Shikamaru to get up and leave her for good. Instead Shikamaru tightens his hold on her hand. "I still forgive you."
Temari bites down on her lip but can't prevent the tears coming down her cheeks. Shikamaru wastes no time to pull her in and wraps his arms around her, hugging her tightly.
With Tenten
Tenten sighed as she walked in her apartment. She was told to go home early from her boss. In these hard times Tenten was lucky to have a job, but she wasn't getting a lot of hours. She was still grateful for having a job but wished she could work more hours so she could help Naruto out more with the bills. She throws herself on the couch and lies there. A few moments later she feels weight on her and giggles. Dash greeted her with many kisses and a waging tail. Tenten manages to push Dash off the couch so she could sit up.
"Well boy what should we do today?"
Dash barks three times. "Visit Temari? I don't know she didn't budge when I tried to take her out yesterday. And I used Applebee's as bait!"
Dash barks again a little louder this time. Tenten sighs "well I guess it wouldn't hurt to call her."
Dash barks in approval as Tenten dials Temari's number. After a few seconds of waiting someone answers the phone.
"Hello?"
"Opps sorry Shikamaru I must accidently dialed your number instead of Temari."
"This is Temari's phone."
"I'll hang up now and call-wait what?"
"Troublesome woman you called the right number."
Tenten was confused "where's Temari?"
"Shower"
In that moment everything clicked, and Tenten couldn't help but grin "oh ok! Well I'll just call her later. Bye!"
As soon as she hung up Tenten screams from delight. Dash barks not knowing what's going on. Tenten wraps her arms around him "I knew they would work something out!"
Dash not understanding what happened licked his owner, knowing what ever just happened it made her happy. Still in a great mood Tenten decides to call Neji and let him know the news.
"Hello Tenten"
"The fairytale is saved!"
"….I don't know how to respond to that."
"They worked things out!"
"I'm assuming you're talking about Nara and Temari."
"No I'm talking about the Fox and the Hound" Tenten rolls her eyes "yes Temari and Shikamaru!"
"Your sarcasm hurts me."
"And you're finally learning how to use it."
"Very funny Tenten."
"I know I'm hilarious but we need to celebrate with The Walking Dead."
"The Walking Dead?"
Tenten didn't try to hide the gasp that came out of her mouth, which was hanging wide open. "You've never seen The Walking Dead?!"
"No"
"You're a zombie fan and you haven't seen The Walking Dead?! How is that possible?!"
"I don't watch TV often. I usually stick to movies."
"Get your ass over here! We're pulling an all-nighter."
"That's not nec-"
"Great! I'll see you in 20." Tenten hangs up and shakes her head, "I can't believe he's never seen the show."
Not in the mood to cook and knowing Naruto always come back from work hungry she orders some pizza. Not caring if Neji didn't eat what he called "a heart attack on bread" she was in the mood for some junk. While waiting for the pizza and Neji, Tenten grabs her laptop and connects it to the TV. She goes on the website she normally uses to watch her shows and clicks on The Walking Dead season 1 episode 1. What Tenten is doing on her laptop is also happening on the TV. Dash is watching the mouse move on the TV and begins to bark. Tenten enlarges the screen on her laptop and the same thing happens to the TV.
Tenten goes to the kitchen and is glad they have some soda. She takes out the soda and places it on the counter, still waiting for the pizza and Neji. The pizza arrived first and Tenten places the boxes on the table. She takes out a slice and begins to eat. After waiting 10 more minutes Neji finally arrives.
"It's about time you got here, Dash almost ate the pizza."
"It still amazes me how much you can eat and not gain a pound."
"That's because I have a great workout buddy, right Dash?" Dash barks in agreement. Neji smiles slightly and sits on the couch.
"So what's so great about this show?"
"It's drama, intense, zombie brain gore, all the good stuff of a zombie movie but longer."
"I'll take your word for it."
"Trust me after the first few episodes you're hooked."
"I'll be the judge of that."
Tenten just smiles, hits play on her laptop, gives Neji some food and the show begins.
If you haven't watched anything from the Walking Dead then spoiler I guess. I'll be mentioning random stuff from different episodes but all from season 1. If you've seen it then you awesome for liking ^_^
Seemed Naruto got off of work early too. When he got home Neji and Tenten were watching Rick escape zombies by hiding in a tank. Half of the zombies were tearing the flesh of the unfortunate horse while Rick was trying to figure out how the hell to escape while trapped in the tank. Though Tenten has already seen this episode she can't help but bite her nail and feel nervous. Neji hadn't taken his eyes off the screen. Naruto grabbed some slices of pizza and joined the duo; Dash was taking a nap lying in front of Neji and Tenten.
"Hey I remember this episode."
"If you say anything I will hurt you."
"Alright geez Neji."
Nothing was said and the only thing heard was the noise from the show and the occasional snore from Dash. After seeing the part of Lori doing her 'thought to be dead husband' best friend Neji snorts "she moved on fast."
"Shhh keep watching."
Another part showed Rick returning to his family and also doing his wife. "She ends up pregnant doesn't she?"
"We're not saying anything" Tenten drinks from her soda while Naruto eats his fifth slice of pizza.
As the season went on and the sun began to set, Dash was getting impatient. He begins to whine and scratch the door.
"Dash no!"
He settles for barking loudly, blocking the talking from the show. Tenten sighs and turns to Naruto "hey can you take him for a quick walk?"
"He's your dog."
"I'll let you buy as much ramen as you want the next time we go grocery shopping."
"As much as I want?"
"Limit 20 dollars."
"I'll take it!" Naruto jumps up from the couch, quickly puts on Dash's leash, and leaves the apartment in a rush. Tenten laughs a little and Neji asks her to rewind the show a little. He couldn't hear what they were saying with all the noise.
When Naruto and Dash return 20 minutes later, Neji and Tenten are still watching the Walking Dead. Naruto watches another two episodes before he goes to his room and crashes. Dash keeps Neji and Tenten company by sitting in between them. It's late when the marathon of the first season ends. The result, Neji is hooked.
"I knew you would like it."
"Ok I'll give you that. What happens in the next season?"
"I am not saying a word."
"Why not?"
"It's no fun if I tell you what happens; you have to see it for yourself."
"Fine"
Dash yawns and cuddles closer to Tenten. "I'm glad Temari and Shikamaru were able to work things out." Tenten scratches behind Dash's ear.
Neji nods "it's annoying living with a depressed Nara."
Tenten knew he was really trying to say that he was glad Shikamaru wasn't so sad. Tenten smiles and pats Neji on the head. "You're a good friend Neji."
"Haven't heard that in a while."
"Well stop being a player and asshole and you won't have any problems."
Neji chuckles "seems my goal of becoming your friend is complete."
Tenten smiles "see being a nice guy has its advantages."
"I guess so."
"It's pretty late; do you want to stay over?"
"Really?"
"Not in my room of course."
Neji smiles a little "that would be nice, thanks."
"Alright I'll just fetch you a blanket." Tenten stands and walks to a small closet next to the bathroom. Dash jumps off the couch and stretches. Tenten tosses Neji the blanket "night Neji."
"Good night Tenten sleep well."
"Come on Dash."
Instead of following Tenten to her room, Dash walks in a circle and lies down in front of the couch. Tenten is surprised but smiles "looks like he wants to make sure you sleep well."
"Should I feel honored?"
Tenten playfully glares at him "you should since he always slept in my room since day one."
Neji smiles slightly "in that case he must now like me more."
"In your dreams" Tenten gives Dash a kiss on the head before entering her room. Neji looks down at the sleeping dog before he lies down on the couch and stares at the ceiling.
"Friends…..never thought that word would make my chest feel heavy….I still have tomorrow and Sunday morning before we leave back home…..have to play my cards right if I don't want to get stuck in the friend zone."
Neji gets comfortable on the couch and closes his eyes. "Night Dash." Neji gets a snore as a response.
Ok probably the worst ending so far and a litter shorter but there you go. So thanks for reading guys and leave a review and tell me your thoughts. Was the ShikaxTema scene too corny? Not believable? Not enough NejixTen? Reviews would be awesome! Have a great day everyone :D