Author's Note: YAY! THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME 200 REVIEWS! I never expected to get so many so soon! Thank you for all your faithfulness. w00t! I would like to congratulate Sick Of Your Games for being the 200th reviewer. KUDOS TO YOU! Anyway, lets work on getting 300reviews now;)! Anyway, I THINK I'M NOW PREDICTING MY LIFE! Remember a couple of chapters ago when Temari found Kiri on the street? Well...a couple of weekends ago (AFTER I posted the chapter) my family and I found this stray dog (he's so cute!) and he follows me around everywhere! He acts just like Kiri except that he's a dog and not a ferret, sadly (I still want one!). We named him Odie Wan Kenodie (Odie for short). I appologize for not updating in a timely manner, it's just so hot here and I've seemed to have lost my motivation/inspiration to do anything. I'm doingthe best as i can! Lately I have been obligated by my aunt to make a picture slideshow for my grandma's 80th b-day at the end of June, so I'm gonna be busy with that. Bleh... Anyway, on a better note...I saw Forbidden Broadway in Pittsburgh this past weekend. It was great! I loved it! If you're anywhere near the Burgh or near a city that has it playing, go see it! (Make sure you know your musicals though (i do!)...but it's still hilarious no matter what!) Anyway, sorry for rambling, onto your reviews (and I'm gonna watch Dirty Jobs while you read this chappie...have fun! XD):
Gatta: Yes, the game where you're basically just a computer chip that can go into dead animals and run around in different worlds. It's been about 4-5 years since I've last played it, but lately I felt the urge to pull out my 64 and play the game. It brings back so many memories.
Heart of pure ruby: Aww...anytime! Just to let you know, I started on your picture already. This time around I'm gonna try the computer-aided editing/drawing, so I hope it turns out ok! If not, I'll start all over again since I drew it on a 3x3 piece of paper. I want to keep my fans happy!
Heosic-chan: I'm glad the world make sense now...lol. When I don't get something or don't know the answer, I always think "42" since it's the answer to everything (you have to see/read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to understand...it's hilarious!). I'm trying to update as much as I can, but I seemed to have misplaced my brain somewhere. Have you seen it?
wolfdemongirl01: Wow...um...I'm honored! I'm glad to hear that I'm your hero now...I've never been a hero to anyone before. I could get used to this :D. Um...it'll be really hard to give you an autograph over the internet, unless you live near me, but I could draw you something. How about that?
Iceninjav2: I'm glad you found what you were looking for. Please continue reading!
Kisshu-luv: OMG! That was great! I loved the little narrative...it was great! I'm so gonna use that for something (possibly a future chapter or story), if that's ok with you. BTW...Makoto's last name is Nagashima (Yuki's is Kenjiro and Kimi's is Sarotobi...just for future reference, which you can refer to chapter 11 to confirm what I said). You should make more! I'm also glad you like how my characters are! That makes feel all warm anf fuzzy inside :D (not really, but it does make me more confident when writing). Thanks for the support!
baozi: I'm glad you're addicted to my fan fic. -evil laugh- yet another one caught in my clutches! mwahahahahaha! Opps...um...lol...gotta lay off the jelly beans that I'm STILL eating from easter (I got a whole crap load of them too)! KEEP READING!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
The clouds are nice
Chapter 24
Wh…what! Did…did he just…? NO! He couldn't have! Temari was blown away. I have to be dreaming again! She convinced herself then pinched her arm. OW! Ok…so I'm not dreaming then. Shikamaru DID ask me…to marry him…. Temari stared forward as she wasn't able to believe what had just happened.
"Are you ok, Temari?" Shikamaru asked concerned.
Temari looked at him. "Yea…yeah." She blushed and wrapped her arms around her stomach. Omigosh…I can't believe this is happening! This HAS to be a dream!
"Ok. Then can you please answer me?" Shikamaru kept on staring at Temari. What is taking her so long? Damn. Maybe I asked too soon. How troublesome.
"Oh! Um…." This is it Temari! It's now or never! I can either stay a single, controlling bitch or be with the one I love for the rest of my life. Temari bit her lip then focused her gaze on Shikamaru's face. He was waiting patiently for her answer. "Y…yes! Yes I'll marry you!" Temari finally answered, and with enthusiasm.
Shikamaru's eyes widened. She really said yes! He sighed and closed his eyes. How troublesome. Shikamaru grinned.
Temari leaned forward and kissed Shikamaru passionately on the lips. Shikamaru was taken by surprise but quickly caught on and returned the favor. Kiri heavily sighed and repositioned himself on Temari's lap.
After a few minutes, Shikamaru pulled away and placed his hand in his pocket. I guess I should give her this before I forget. "Um…I don't mean to be troublesome, but…here." He reluctantly said as he held up a ring to Temari.
Temari felt her face get even redder. No…no way! This idiot…I guess I can't help but love him. "It's beautiful!" She said in awe.
Shikamaru took Temari's left hand and placed it on her finger. Both of them gazed lovingly at each other again. Putting his arm around Temari, Shikamaru softly began kissing her cheek. I can't help but love this troublesome woman now. He thought.
Oh shit! This isn't good…. Temari realized. Damn, why do bad things have to come up whenever something good happens? "Uh…Shikamaru?"
"Yeah." He said as he continued kissing Temari, now moving onto her neck.
Damn…I have to make up an excuse again. I hate doing this. "I uh…." Damn it…I can't say it…it'll ruin the moment.
Shikamaru pulled away and stared at her. "Huh?"
"I love you!" Temari quickly said then immediately clenched her fists and shut her eyes. That came out of no where! I wanted to tell him that I wanted to leave! I'm making it worse! DAMN IT!
Shikamaru put a finger in his ear to clear it out. Did I really hear her correctly? She actually told me she loved me? Troublesome woman. He continued gazing at Temari who was looking a bit scared but looked very truthful in what she said. "I…I love you too." Shikamaru extremely blushed and hesitantly replied. I really do love her….
Temari smiled and swooped in to wrap her arms around Shikamaru's neck and kissed him. "I'm really sorry to cut it short again, but I really need to run. I have to finish some last minute things before our students return. They can return at anytime now, ya know." I hope he buys it. I seriously need to solve something.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. Strange. Once again she needs to leave like this. Something has to be going on. Then again, she could just want time to herself to take it all in. How troublesome. "Oh…ok…." He leaned into Temari again and kissed her.
She smiled and got up. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wait!" Shikamaru bolted up and grabbed Temari's arm. Temari gazed at him with uncertainty. "Let me walk you back to your room. Who knows if Ino is going to do anything or if your wounds will get worse?" He offered.
Temari felt her stomach jump. "Oh…um, yeah. I'd like that. Thank you." She smiled and started to walk along with Shikamaru, her escort and fiancée.
Almost near the area where the Inn was, Temari took in a deep breath and sighed happily. Ever since Shikamaru came back into her life, Temari has been on an emotional rollercoaster for the ages. One minute she's on cloud nine with Shikamaru and then the next she's fending off her inner feelings along with Ino and Kimi. But Shikamaru's proposal took the cake, sending Temari's emotions sky rocketing. There was no turning back for Temari, or at least she hoped so.
I know Ino and Kimi won't take the news too well, but right now they are the least of my worries. Shikamaru is true to what he does so I know he's faithful and won't budge. The one I'm worried about is me. Temari tried to calm herself. Oh shit….
There coming the opposite way was Kimi, Makoto, and Yuki; Shikamaru's students. Shikamaru noticed them and sighed and rubbed his forehead. Damn…this is going to be troublesome. They're done early. He thought.
"SHIKAMARU-SENSEI!" Kimi screamed out then ran quickly for him. Makoto and Yuki slowly meandered over after Kimi's burst of speed.
"Uh…hi there." Shikamaru swallowed the lump in his throat. "You guys are done early. I expect to hear that you guys passed the test." I just want to get Temari away from Kimi before she notices the wounds…and the ring.
"We passed!" Kimi squealed – ignoring Temari – and latched herself onto Shikamaru to hug him. Temari heavily glared at her and felt jealously instantly surge within herself. Kiri scurried onto Temari's back and hissed at Kimi. Temari turned her head to see him. He must not like her.
Shikamaru grunted and pried Kimi off of himself. "Congratulations." He said after catching his breath and then grabbed Temari's hand, which settled her rage.
"We, Temari-sensei's team, and another Konoha team made it through the exam." Yuki informed after finally catching up to Shikamaru.
Temari smiled. Whew. I knew my students would make it through. They're a tougher team than Me, Kankuro and Gaara were.
Kimi stepped back and joined her other two teammates, who were standing in front of Shikamaru and Temari. She looked down and noticed the ring on Temari's left hand. That bitch! Apparently Ino didn't do her job. Shikamaru-sensei went and proposed to her! I don't know what he sees in her anyway. I'm way better than she'll ever be! I have to put an end to this before they finally get hitched. Kimi glared at Temari, who kept her gaze off of Kimi. Since when did she have a rodent? Kimi said to herself after eying Kiri, who was still hissing.
"I really should be going. My team is probably already back too," Temari said, breaking free from Shikamaru's grasp. "The Inn is close enough by that I won't have any trouble getting there."
Disappointment swept over Shikamaru. Damn Kimi. "Oh…alright." He said then leaned into Temari. "I want you to see Sakura tomorrow as soon as you can." Shikamaru softly whispered into Temari's ear. She looked at him in approval and smiled.
Kimi folded her arms and glared at Temari and Shikamaru. Damn it! Now he's saying I love you to her and kissing her ear! Have some respect for ME!
Temari walked away from the group and headed towards the Inn. Shikamaru approached his students and began to address them.
"Well…since you guys are done early and it's time for lunch, let's go to the barbeque restaurant to celebrate. You can tell me all about what went on during the test." Shikamaru gave a fake smile and ushered his students to walk with him.
Kimi, still pouting, followed Shikamaru's orders but stayed back behind everyone. Shikamaru noticed her awkward actions, but didn't say anything. I have to tell Yuki and Makoto about this. Actually, what I really need to do is to confront Ino and tell her about this. I noticed Temari had a lot of scratches and bruises on herself too, I wonder if Ino knows about that. She contemplated before catching up with her team.
"Um…Shikamaru-sensei, I'm sorry but I need to head on home or else my parents will flip." Kimi lied and posed a fake smile.
Shikamaru looked at Kimi without a change in emotion and stopped walking. Yuki and Makoto stopped as well, but didn't say or do anything to question why. "Uh…ok. I'll let you know when training will begin." Shikamaru informed. She must've seen Temari's ring. I can't blame her for being upset, but with her it's to be expected. I'm not even going to interrogate her. Shikamaru sighed. How troublesome.
"Alright, thanks!" Kimi said and walked off in a different direction.
After watching Kimi walk away, Shikamaru sighed again and started to walk. "Let's get going."
…Temari walked into her room and looked around. No one was there. She walked in further and set Kiri down on her bed.
"I have no clue what my students are going to think of you." Temari addressed and placed her hands on her hips. Kiri looked innocently up at her. Oh well.
Temari sat down next to Kiri, who jumped right into her lap, and she started touching and looking at the ring Shikamaru gave her. "So I'm officially engaged." She sighed happily. Temari turned around and looked out of the window. "Everything is happening so fast! I finally see a guy that I've supposedly loved and haven't seen for eight long years, and after only two or so weeks I'm going to marry him!" She let out a huge moan and fell onto her back. Kiri quickly jumped away and went over to her pillow to sleep again. "Whatever happened to the strong, fearless, take-control konoichi of the Sand that I was?" She asked herself.
"I don't know, but her students are back." Miya suddenly replied after walking into the room.
Temari immediately shot up and stood by the bed. She felt her face get increasingly red. "Oh! Welcome back! How did things go?" Temari nervously asked.
"It went well. We made it through and will be advancing to the Main Matches along with two other genin teams." Kenji informed. Temari nodded in approval; she's in teacher mode now.
"Yeah," Miya snapped, folded her arms and glared at Temari. "Your boyfriend's lame team made it too."
Temari's eyes grew wide. "Shikamaru is not my boyfriend." She forcefully corrected, hoping to sound disciplinary.
"She's right," Toshiro agreed. Temari smiled and both Miya and Kenji looked at him. "Shikamaru is Temari-sensei's fiancée."
Temari felt her stomach churning now. "I…uh…um…eh…." She stumbled around her words. Damn. Not good.
"Well? Care to explain?" Miya demanded. Kenji shook his head and walked over to another part of the room.
Temari still couldn't pull herself together to explain herself or to talk period. What is wrong with me! Get a grip, Temari. They are only your students for crying out loud!
"Back off, Miya." Toshiro warned.
"No!" She shouted. Miya looked past Temari and onto the bed where she noticed something moving. "Since when did you get a ferret?" She paused again and looked over Temari. "You're full of scratches and bruises! What in the world happened? Is there anything you DIDN'T do while we were gone!"
"Miya! Calm yourself down! You are out of line to talk to me that way!" Temari finally firmed up and scolded. "I am your teacher, so watch your mouth."
"Why should I! While we're off fending for our lives, you're here doing gawd knows what!" Miya retorted callously. "You're pathetic!" She screamed and ran out the door.
Temari sighed and rubbed her head. "What's gotten into her? I've never seen her like this."
"Well…to get straight to the point," Kenji started as he came back into the main part of the room. "Miya has a bit of a thing for Makoto, the one badass from Shikamaru-sensei's team. I think she's having a bit of withdrawal from not seeing him." He smirked. "Girls…I don't understand them."
Toshiro sighed and into another room to get away from them. Temari sighed too and sat back down on the bed. "Do you really think I'm a pathetic leader?" She asked concerning Miya's statement.
Kenji gave a surprised look. "No, not at all. Who knows why you went off and got engaged and got a ferret, but I know you have your own reasons." He explained and Temari smiled. "You do realize something, right?"
"Huh? What?" Temari asked unsure of what Kenji was trying to get at.
"If you plan on getting married to Shikamaru, what are you going to do about us, your team?" Kenji stated.
"You guys will always be my students!" Temari quickly replied. I know what exactly he's getting at. I haven't figured out what to do yet.
Kenji ignored Temari's remark. "You do realize that you have to leave the Sand Country and become a resident of Konoha, right?"