Temari
1 week later...
It felt like yesterday that I was in Konoha. It's been a little over a week now, time passed quickly. The contracts were signed, I returned with everyone ready for Suna. The Kazekage was happy and I was satisfied. It was a quiet week and I found myself thinking about him a few times. I didn't really like to say his name, with that little detail, all those memories surfaced. But if I could go back in time to that summer night. I would do. Without thinking twice.
In the end... I found out he belongs to an important clan, as well as some people I've known. The only question that hung in my head was: Why? Why didn't he tell me? Shame? From what? To have money? To be influential? I would give my life for my brothers to live in such a condition. I can't charge too much, I didn't say much about myself either, and by the way, I could hardly... I can't talk much about my work.
I haven't had a chance to talk to the Kazekage yet about the plans and ideas for Suna. The days are being passed around here. My head wouldn't stop and I rarely saw my brothers. I started coming home later and Kankuro went back to work, he was tired and soon fell asleep when he arrived. Gaara was still on vacation, it was his last year at school, entrance exam year, he doesn't let on but... I know he's nervous about all this. I don't like to put pressure on him, but I would love for him to go to college...
I went to lunch now, it's 3 pm. I have lunch later and later. Everything was out of order since I arrived. My fifty minutes of peace and quiet was all I wanted and all I needed. I sit on the emergency stairs. Nobody comes here. I hate having lunch in the cafeteria with all that noise. I put on my headphones and forget a little about the world. There wasn't a day that I didn't think about him. I could even ask Sakura for her number but the way my life is now, I don't have the space to know someone like that, so, so deeply. We are at different times.
Sometimes I even managed to take a nap. Ten minutes was more than enough for me to feel refreshed. I didn't want to work overtime today again. But... Anyway, it's making me more money so I have nothing to complain about. Not that I was going to do anything interesting either. Some co-workers asked me out for drinks this weekend, but I don't know if I'm in the mood. I was getting more and more tired, but I know that in the future it would all be worth it.
The minutes flew by as usual. When I opened my eyes I already needed to go back to my room. I got up, got my things, paused the music I was listening to, put away my headphones, and went upstairs. My office floor was only two floors above where I was standing. I got a message on my cell phone and when I picked it up to see it was Sakura, it seemed like I was the one who attracts it, I gave a little laugh. She said she missed me and asked when I would show up again. We became friends, I was happy about it.
I replied shortly. I would like to go back to Konoha, but my life is here in Suna. This is undeniable. I opened the door and tried to forget about it, organized some papers that were lying on my desk. They always do this when I'm not. I'm angry. While tidying up that mess, the little red light that was on my desk came on, which meant the Kazekage was calling me.
I left that aside and walked to his office. I knocked on the door and asked for permission. He told me to come in. He was looking at the sight of Suna with his hands behind his back.
- Did you want to see me? - I asked as I entered and finally closed the door slowly
- Yes, I wanted - he turned around - We haven't been able to talk since your return from Konoha - and smiled - Apparently everything is right
- Yes, they accepted all my plans - I said happily - Finally
- Great, great - he replied sitting down - What about the festival we'll do here? Have ideas? - he asked
- Yes, I've been thinking about a lot of things - I replied - But I won't be able to do it all by myself
- I imagined... Well then - he just said that
- I have a question, sir - I said
- No formalities, Temari, you can say what you like - he said.
- I heard some things there in Konoha, at Tsunade's lunch - I explained - Will I really have to spend some time there? - I asked finally
- Yes! I was talking about exactly that this morning with the Hokage-he said - She said everyone loved the idea you stay there
- Glad to hear it - I said and memories flashed in my mind - But is this really necessary?
- Temari... It will only be three months and by the way, as you said yourself, you need help to organize the festival - he said - And why not ask for help from the country that organizes the biggest festival in the world? That will be good for us too - he smiled
- I understand, sir - I said at last, after all, how would I argue with him? It's orders and really... I couldn't do it alone - And when will I start this job?
- Relax! - he exclaimed - There's still a lot going on here in Suna and I wouldn't give you just six months to organize a festival
- Glad, sir - smiles
- Next year you will go again to the moon festival - he said and I froze for a moment, a chill rose in my belly - You will study the festival and the things that are necessary for it to happen and you will have three months to study and then three more to organize it here in Suna, it will take place in July, as you well know the weather is milder this time of year - he smiled
- Yes, sir - I just nodded
- By the way, another thing - and there was more? - A man named Shikaku Nara called me earlier - he said and my body shivered again - You have two pending projects with him, be happy, he's the smartest man in Konoha
- What do you mean, sir? - I asked and I still didn't believe it
- He called me to say that he loved your project about trees in Suna and that he will help you with it, it will be a project independent of you - he explained and my smile opened, my dream was coming true - And it turned out that finally, he was responsible for creating the water pipelines that will connect a nature reserve from Konoha to here, this project was also your idea, wasn't it?
- Y-yes sir, I talked to him exactly about that - I replied
- That's good! It will be occupied for the three months that I'm in Konoha - he replied - But Temari...
- Yes?
- I am very proud of you - he replied - You have done an excellent job
- Thank you sir, you don't know how important this is to me - I said happily
- Use this coming year to mature your ideas, there is still a lot of work to be done here in Suna - he winked at me - Mainly in the security area, as you well know - he concluded
- You can leave it, sir - I thanked and left the room
I left his room satisfied. I felt I was doing a good job. That's what I wanted for my country. Suna had to prosper. I didn't want my people to suffer. I walked sighing to my living room. I had a year to go. I needed to mature my ideas, put them on paper. I had several and each day one more appeared.
I was glad the head of the Nara clan called. He really took an interest in my project and will now provide all the help and means. Can't wait to work with him. My life in Konoha will be completely different from here, that doesn't mean I won't work, quite the contrary I will, a lot. I won't have time for distractions, I need to get this into my head.
I closed my office door and breathed a sigh of relief. As much as I complained mentally about my work, deep down, deep down, I liked it. I felt I could make a difference and now I'm doing it, somehow my name will go down in Suna's history and nothing is more rewarding than that.
Sunagakure will be enchanting when everything is ready. The great access that the population will have to water, without paying absurd prices for something that should be free. In addition to afforestation, this will be of vital importance for the country. And then, it will be ready to receive the big festival. I would plan everything and be on the front lines. But... as the Kazekage himself said, there is still a lot to be resolved in Suna. Many people still fear the rebel groups that once appeared here and there.
I breathed a sigh of relief. As much as I complained mentally about my work, deep down, deep down, I liked it. I felt I could make a difference and now I'm doing it, somehow my name will go down in Suna's history and nothing is more rewarding than that.
Sunagakure will be enchanting when everything is ready. The great access that the population will have to water, without paying absurd prices for something that should be free. In addition to afforestation, this will be of vital importance for the country. And then, it will be ready to receive the big festival. I would plan everything and be on the front lines. But... as the Kazekage himself said, there is still a lot to be resolved in Suna. Many people still fear the rebel groups that once appeared here and there.
Lost in my thoughts, I relaxed in my chair. I organized a few things and put together my plan for the week. The Kazekage was going to several meetings this week and I would have to accompany him. But it would be nice to get out of this office for a while. And then I heard someone knock on my door.
- Sorry - a man with a thick voice said and I looked up to see him
He had messy black hair and eyes the same color. He was tall and strong. He was dressed in an ANBU uniform. A sideways smile and he gestured with his hands asking to enter. Who was he and what was he doing in my office?
- Are you the Kazekage's counselor? - he asked me
- Yes I am, and who cares? - I asked
- Sorry about my manners - he said referring to himself - My name is Akira, nice to meet you, miss - he smiled and I blushed
- Temari - I replied - My name is Temari - a silence took over the room, why all this tension?
- It's a beautiful name - he praised me
- Thank you - I returned the compliment leaning on the table - What brings you to my office? - I asked
- They sent me here, I needed to introduce myself to the Kazekage - he explained in a soft tone - But they said I had to go through you first
- Yes... - I replied - So you're new here...
- I am the new captain of ANBU - he replied - Eleventh combat troop
- That's why I've never seen you before - I said without thinking
- I would never forget your face if I had ever seen you - he snapped and fast, I was surprised, maybe even intrigued
- All right, Mclovin, let's go to his office - as soon as he left there and I would have to go back, I got up and walked past him, it smelled good, it was nice to feel
We walked to the Kazekage's room, I went ahead and he accompanied me. I explained a few things and told him to be brief with words, without too much fuss, he hates it. He just nodded and agreed with everything I said. We arrived quickly.
- Knock on the door three times, he'll know what it means - I said, turned around and walked away - Bye
- Temari! - he called me and grabbed my wrist
- Calm down big boy, you don't need to touch me to talk to me - I said, letting go of him
- Argh, I'm sorry - he put a hand on his forehead - I just wanted to thank you for the help and advice - he was brief and direct - Want to go out for something later?
- Is that how you flirt? - I laughed
- I don't flirt with other people - he replied quickly, he was smart in what he said
- Okay - I said at last - Not today, I'm busy but maybe next week, show up - I said goodbye
- I will - he also spoke decisively
He knocked three times as I said and entered. I walked back to my room. And on that short path it came to mind, Shikamaru. Why was I thinking about him? Why did my brain bring this up, and why right now? I had spent this week well, as I thought about the sex we had, I tried to forget about it. Maybe this is a good opportunity.
I was laughing to myself. I went to drink some water and then I would go back to my living room. The day wasn't over yet. And the year was just beginning.
Shikamaru
The day dawned like all the others. The sun in the clouds, I can see through the bedroom window. It was still early, it must be nine o'clock in the morning now. Choji slept at home one more night, he spent the week here at home helping me. The song was almost done and I was pleased with the result. This peak of creation was essential for me. Maybe it would be released at the end of the month...
I got out of bed carefully and stumbled to the bathroom. Choji snored loudly. In a little while he would wake up asking for breakfast, he loved being here. In the morning there is always a feast at the table. I don't know why so much food. I took off my clothes and stepped into the shower, letting go of my hair to wash it. The water ran and passed me. I rubbed my head and relaxed, had a massage... The sleepless nights were killing me.
I had flashes that night... They are recurrent. And what I remember was consuming me little by little. I only had three pieces of information, her name was Temari, she had two brothers and probably didn't live here in Konoha. But there are millions of people in this world, how am I going to get like this? And if she doesn't want to be found and if so, what would I tell her? What are my real intentions? We're not even friends, we're just strangers...
I finished my shower and went to wake up Choji. I wore an outfit that was scattered around the room, if I could spend the day in my pajamas... After the show at the moon festival, my other cell phone keeps ringing and receiving messages. I get calls from all countries asking about concerts and dates, so I see better, I'm not in my head right now. Anyway, I always end up doing one here and there, sometimes it's good to get out of Konoha. I love visiting other countries.
- Choji ... - I called him softly - Hey, Choji, wake up - I said - Let's have some coffee
- Breakfast? - he got up in the blink of an eye - Come on, I'm already awake - and smiled - he was very hungry
- Take a shower first, I'll wait for you here - I said, handing her a towel
- I'll be quick - he took the towel and went to the bathroom
I lay on the bed waiting for him. I fiddled with my cell phone and thought a little about the song that had been playing in my head for twenty-four hours. She would be a milestone. Maybe it would even become my favorite. Me and Choji were working a lot on this and there were already ideas in my head for next year's festival. I like to distract myself with it. And I really have to enjoy this "vacation" time...
Since I finished high school two years ago, I have been taking more in-depth classes on some subjects, in addition to routine etiquette classes. Which, particularly, I hate. My parents don't let me be quiet and of course, it was my choice not to go to college, even if it was, I would have to drop out in the middle of the course. With a pre-determined destination, things get easier or harder and for me it's been complicated.
Thinking about it, I remember the first time I thought of the shadow, my alter ego. It came to me as a necessity, a form of escape. I have always been passionate about music, it has always helped me. And since it's not a fixed thing and my identity is not revealed, my parents had no problem with that... In the end, I know they only want the best for me, and I've been working on my psychology to understand that...
- Let's go down? - Choji called me - I'm hungry - and finally smiled
- It was fast - I said standing up
- Clear! - he exclaimed - Before the buns get cold
- Come on - I went to the door
We went downstairs talking and my parents were already seated at the table. I was fed up, as always, every day. I always thought it was a waste, but... Certain things never change. Choji's eyes sparkled every time he saw it. He had cakes, breads, pies, juices, cheeses, fruits... The biggest variety seemed to be in my house.
We sat down, me facing my father and Choji facing my mother. Several "good mornings" were said and I even greeted Yami and Naomi, our maid and cook. She practically raised me along with my parents, only she knows what I like better than anyone else. Her food is delicious.
- Thanks Naomi, it must be delicious - I thanked her
- I made the cupcakes with seaweed that you like - she smiled back
- They are delicious - I said with my mouth full and my mother scolded me
- Is the food good, Mr. Choji? - Naomi asked
- Its look wonderful, Naomi! - he replied
- How is your father's business going, Choji? - my father asked and I already rolled my eyes
- Can't we have a normal breakfast? - I asked lazily but I was ignored by everyone
- Things are going very well Mr. Nara, Konoha's economy is being extremely favorable for us - he spoke while eating a bowl of rice
- That's great to hear! - my father replied - I need to make an appointment to go out with your father, I haven't seen him for a while, he didn't even show up at the lunch that Tsunade made
- He also talks a lot about you - Choji added - Well, the restaurants are full on Sunday
- That's great - he smiled - Too bad you didn't go - he pointed to me and Choji
- We stayed with the boys - I said putting my hand on my head, I couldn't stand that subject
- It's good to know that my son is getting interested in politics - Shikaku spoke while eating a savory harumaki - Finally
- What are you talking about? - I asked curious
- At least that's what I imagine you were doing with Sunagakure's counselor - he said calmly but my heart stopped, Suna's counselor? Who? It can not be...
- Shikaku! You didn't tell me about it - my mother complained - Is she the girl who was here? Why didn't you introduce her to us, Shikamaru? - she asked endlessly, but I didn't know myself, my mind was confused
- What's her name again? - my father asked
- T-temari? - I said stuttering - How do you...
-Well, I may not be an expert but for sure the shirt she was wearing was him - he laughed - It smelled like you, I know my son's smell
- Did you give her your shirt? - Yoshino spoke irritated
- She is an excellent girl, as you yourself must have already come to this conclusion - my father spoke - You would love to meet her Yoshino, such a politicized girl who carries such a great responsibility at just twenty years old - he spoke and looked proud , and even too much
- Is she Suna's counselor? - I was still puzzled
- The Kazekage's right hand man - my father said - It wasn't for nothing that you were attracted to her, was it? Only a woman of that level to understand your head - Shikaku laughed, it seemed he had thought of everything, it was like a game
- I need to talk to her - I said without thinking and Choji was so engrossed with the food that he didn't even pay attention to the subject
- Don't worry - my father winked at me - I have two projects pending with her and one you will be responsible for, it will be your training for when you assume your post when... - I interrupted him, I didn't want to talk about that, not now
- Will she go back to Konoha? - I asked, I needed to know more
- Yes, but... Not now - he replied - There is a lot going on in Suna and I must think she is quite busy - he explained - However, from what I could hear from Tsunade, she will come to Konoha next year, no press hard, otherwise women run away - my father advised
- Really, Shikaku? - my mother asked angrily
- Next year... It's a long time - I said quietly
- Shikamaru, you mentioned the song you made for her... - I interrupted Choji
- NOTHING! - I yelled - I didn't do anything, it's no big deal
- But son... - my father was serious - It can be a good opportunity to...
- I already know what you're going to say - I interrupted - I'm not thinking about that now
- Talk to her, maybe she will help you - he spoke calmly
- I don't even have her cell phone - I rolled my eyes - Unless I go to Suna, and like you said she's very busy...
- Ask Sakura, she was with Sakura at lunch - my father was extremely smart, sometimes I forgot about it
- Thanks dad - I was serious but I was... Happy?
We finished eating and Choji went home, his father called for help. He also had his appointments. It felt good to be alone this time, I suffered from a load of information dumped all over me. My parents left as usual, that's what I didn't like, these never-ending meetings. How did Temari behave in these situations? I was wondering. I had this curiosity... We were more alike than I imagined.
In the end maybe my father was right. Most of my friends look like me. Rich and without apparent "responsibilities". Maybe living with a person like that changes my point of view. And open my fan to a new world. When I first saw her, I didn't think she was someone that important. She was bossy and sulky. But it felt like I had never met someone so free and determined.
I went up to my room, got my lighter and my cigarette. It was ten in the morning, my holy hour of the sun. I admit I don't like it very much. But after being kidnapped and kept in a place without any kind of light for over ten days, that's the thing I've come to love the most. It was important to me now.
As I walked towards the roof I kept thinking and my secondary cell phone rang. I got an offer to play a casino in Suna. Maybe I should accept... It was easy to go there, on my father's plane it wouldn't take more than three hours... But... I would go as Shadow and not as Shikamaru... She wouldn't know, even better.
I went up to the roof as I usually do and lay down there. I kept thinking about several things. Today I would definitely go after Sakura to find out more about it and maybe get her number. I was intrigued and I liked it. My dad gave me a good tip and I took it though... She must be very busy. What do I do? Think Shikamaru, think...