Shikamaru

Suna's heat was really different. When I put my feet on that floor, dry air invaded my nose. Looking beyond the airport, you could see the huge mountains of sand that covered this entire place. I had never noticed before... I always had my face buried in my cell phone, I never noticed much in the countries I visited.

We were waiting for Yami with the car. The airport was big, we stayed at the main entrance to make it easier. It was so nice to see different people. The feeling of being here was also like that, unique. Ino kept talking on her cell phone and Choji was eating something. He had a backpack on his back, it must have been full of food and I was hungry.

- Hey, Choji - I talked him

- What's up? - he replied with his mouth full

- I ALREADY SAID NO, DEIDARA! - Ino yelled, she must be talking to one of her thousands of boys at her feet

- Is there anything to eat in your backpack? - I asked

- Yes, what do you want? - He said taking the backpack off his back - There are chips, cereal bars, stuffed biscuits... - How could so much food fit in there?

- I just want the cereal bar, at the hotel we'll be able to eat better - I said

- I'm looking forward to it - he said with a grin from ear to ear

- Okay, I'm at the most famous hotel in town, meet me there - Ino ended the call

- Trouble in paradise? - I said disturbing her

- There's this guy I hang out with sometimes, he's on tour and look what a coincidence, the country is Suna - she rolled her eyes - It's not that I don't like him, but... I need some fresh air - she sighed

- Always determined - I said laughing - Be careful not to fall in love

- Look who's talking - she teased - What a surprise you accept a show in Suna so quickly, isn't this where Temari lives? - she asked

- It-yeah but that has nothing to do with it - I lied

- You know that when you lie, you disguise the look, right?! - She nudged me - Don't lie to me, but in my head it doesn't make sense, you're here but you're not going to talk to her? - she asked

- I'm here as Shadow and not as Shikamaru - I said - I just want to find out a little more about and study other countries, next year is our passing year - I explained

- You lied in the end - she smiled - Meet Suna? good luck liar

- Don't fill it - I said putting on my sunglasses

Yami finally arrived with the car. He took our things and we went inside. I watched through the car window the landscape that that place had. On the road from the airport to the city there was only sand, it looked like a giant and endless sea. And then it dawned on me, Suna is a landlocked country. It has no beaches. Once we got to town, and it didn't take long, I was surprised. It was a large area and had many buildings. All the main streets led to the same place, the Kazekage building. A huge building right in the heart of the city.

The city was quite busy. Shops, bars and oddly enough I even saw a stadium. Even though it's a third world country, things here work perfectly well. I wondered where she could live, maybe it wasn't so far from the center or maybe it was, maybe she liked peace.

We arrived at the hotel and gave our names. We got the room keys. It was a luxury hotel. It was called Suna Palace, there was one of those in Konoha and in other countries as well. It is a private company that operates in all of them. An international network. Ino was excited and counting the hours to see Gaara. Choji could barely be lunchtime and was dying to stop by the food stores we saw a few minutes ago.

My fate was different. I would go to the Kazekage building and maybe I would be lucky to see her there. Without her noticing, of course. I would also talk to Kazekage about the project. During that month my father explained to me better about him. Temari's idea is very well conceived and would definitely work. Trees are essential for a place like this and as I grew up in a place surrounded by them, my father did well by giving me this project.

- See you tomorrow then boys? - Ino said happily

- Yes! - Choji responded promptly

- Be at the casino tomorrow at six o'clock - I said - I still have a few things to prepare

They just nodded and entered. Each in their rooms, everything was going well. We wouldn't see each other again for today. Surely they would be busy and so would I. I didn't think much about it and went to change my clothes. I took a quick shower to get these grains of sand out of my body and then ran a fire hydrant. I would need it. Before going to the building I needed something to eat. I asked Yami to bring my lunch here to the room. Today I would make a good day.

Some hours later...

I was more late than I thought. Suna is a lovely place, with so many things I had never seen before. I went into a music store and it had so many different musical instruments. I stayed there for hours until I remembered what I'd come here for. I left the store and walked to the Kazekage building. Things were close together, with these main streets it was easy to find your way around.

I walked quickly over there. I arrived at the building and it was full. I walked gently to reception and gave my name.

- Aren't you a little late? - the secretary asked me

- Yes, I had some problems - I replied

- Just a moment please - she put the phone to her ear and I waited

- All right

- Okay, go upstairs - she gave me a black card with gold - Tenth floor, last corridor on the right

- Thank you - I replied and walked towards the elevator

As soon as I walked in I heard someone asking to hold the door. It was a tall guy with black hair. He was in uniform. He pressed the same floor as mine... We were silent until the elevator arrived, he didn't say anything so I was silent too. The elevator door opened and he let me pass, I passed in front of him and he came right behind.

He ended up turning in the same corridor as mine, but I went to the end, he stopped a little before. Before knocking on the Kazekage's door I thought... I wish I'd seen you, Temari...

Temari

I was ready. Kankuro was excited by the invitation that Gaara got. He also got ready quickly and was already bothering me to leave. He was also excited about this car that he got at the mechanical workshop he works for, I even have a driver's license because of work but I rarely drive. Kankuro likes that stuff so when he turned 18 he was right behind that. I like the way he is independent.

He fired ahead and left me to lock up the apartment. I locked everything and we left, I told him I didn't want to come back so late today. I would like to rest fully on Sunday. I went downstairs quickly and spoke to the doorman on the night shift. He complimented me, said I was beautiful. Typical of him.

- Come on Temari, get in that car, I want to go there right away - Kankuro yelled at me

- Don't rush me, Kankuro - I yelled back

Before getting in the car, I texted Akira saying I was leaving. He answered me promptly saying that he was already waiting for me, sometimes he was so amazing... Even outside of work, I thought he would be a little more relaxed, if he got boring I would hunt my way home.

I got in the car and Kankuro accelerated. He didn't miss the opportunity of a good party, between the three of us he was certainly the one who went out the most. Gaara most of the time stays with the few friends he has, sometimes at home and sometimes he goes to someone's house. It was always weird going to his parenting meetings, but so to speak I was his guardian. From the age of thirteen to eighteen we managed to live on the money our parents left us.

- What are you thinking, sister? - Kankuro asked

- Not at all, I'm excited for the show, we couldn't go there in Konoha - I replied with a relaxed smile

- Gaara must be in good and good with Ino - he joked

- Don't say these things about our brother - I made a disgusted face - For me he will always be a child

- It seems like yesterday that Mom and Dad died - Kankuro looked nostalgic, but that had a reason... Its a week it's been eight years since the event - Thank you for always taking care of me

- It's my duty - I said, punching him in the shoulder

- You could only be more affectionate sometimes, it hurts - he replied

- Let it go - I said

- Is the silly guy who invited you already waiting for you? - he asked

- Yes, at least that's what he said - I replied

- Today someone will do a good night - he clapped his hands and rubbed them together

- Stop it - I pushed him

- Which was? I was talking about me - he smiled ironically

He accelerated with the car and after about fifteen minutes we arrived. The place was packed and no wonder. They sold more tickets than expected. Kankuro parked the car a few streets back. When we passed in front I could see Akira waiting for me, he was beautiful. I had never seen him without a uniform, six feet tall and super strong and I bet it wasn't just that.

Kankuro and I walked down the street and headed towards the casino. I told him to hold back that the drinks inside are expensive and not to drink too much because I was driving. He just nodded. Gaara sent his invitation on his cell phone, a QR code. We hurried and quickly arrived.

He entered and I went to meet Akira who was waiting for me outside. I didn't know if he was also a Shadow fan or if he was just doing it because of me, it was hard to decipher him. It's not that I tried very hard for it, I liked his friendship and that's it.

- Akira! - I called him

- Temari - he looked me up and down - You look... Amazing - he came to hug me but I just gave him two kisses on the cheek, I didn't say I hate hugs

- Thank you - I replied and he blushed, I don't think he expected the kisses either

- Shall we go in? - he said

- Let's go! I'm excited, thank you so much for the invitation - I tried to be nice - You are too... Charming - I praised him

- Thank you, I'm glad you accepted the invitation - he replied - Come on - he held out his arm and I passed my hand through it

We got in line and went. It took a while and as I had thought before, no wonder the place was packed, I didn't even know that there was room for so many people. Akira and I talked a little, a routine thing like we always did. Most of our subjects were always work related or something we saw at the time. He was a great friend, I guess I couldn't see him any other way, at least not yet. My head was elsewhere on this issue.

Which particularly pissed me off. I have my life, I can't be stuck in the past. Anyway, I wouldn't think about it again now. We finally got in and the place was big, it was all decorated and the waitresses wore the same mask as Shadow's, except for the fact that the outfit they wore was super short and low-cut.

The place near the stage was already starting to fill up. I asked Akira to go get us something to drink. If I wanted something to happen today, I couldn't be totally sober. I've been waiting in a corner until I hear someone shout my name.

- TEMARI - a female voice that was familiar to me

And in the middle of that full and dark place, I could see in the distance Ino's long blond hair appeared. She was holding hands with Gaara, at the end of things I thought they made a beautiful couple.

- Ino, Gaara - I said

- Wow, you look beautiful girl - she replied - What a surprise to see you here

- Thanks, you too - she wore a short red dress, which made Gaara drool for a long time - Can't say it was a surprise to see you since you stole my brother - we both laughed

- Don't be for that, I've stolen Kankuro too, he's in the VIP with us, why don't he come stay with us? - she asked me - Kankuro is already there drinking and eating horrors

- Actually I'm waiting for a person - I replied sincerely

- Who? - Gaara asked

- A friend from work invited me to come - I said - I told you yesterday

- Oh yes... Anything will find us there - Ino smiled

- Okay, thanks for the invitation - I thanked them and said goodbye to them and so they left

- Who were they? - Akira came up behind me and I was slightly scared, I didn't even feel him coming

- Hi - I said - The red-haired boy is my brother and the blonde girl with him is an acquaintance of ours from Konoha

- His brother? He looks pretty new - he replied

- Yes, he is the youngest - I said

- And then... Here's your drink - he gave me a colorful drink

- What do you have here? - I asked

- Surprise, just drinking to find out - he said

- Okay - I said smiling, I wanted to get into his

I took a sip of the drink and it was pleasant. It wasn't strong and had a sweetened end. It's hot. It matched the heat that was inside this casino. We moved closer to the stage to wait for the show to start. I was more relaxed and anxious. It was my first Shadow show. I will remember this night forever.

- Temari, there's something I wanted say ... - Akira put her hand on my waist but...

- Ladies and gentlemen, with you, SHADOW - a voice pronounced

- The show is about to start - I said excitedly and he smiled

And the show started. He entered the stage, the first time I saw him up close. He was tall and dressed all in black, with his usual mask. He started playing my favorite song. What a great coincidence but I loved it. It was being amazing and with the drink running in my blood, everything was getting more color and even Akira had become more attractive.

I started dancing to the beat of the music. And so it went on into the night. Akira fetched me more drink and we danced together. In a normal way, it was no big deal. And I was starting to get a little dizzy, but it must have been the drink. The show had already passed an hour and a half, it must have been almost over, it was incredible.

- Dear guests - Shadow spoke and everyone started to pay attention - Tonight is a special night, release day - everyone screamed - I hope you like and feel this new song, I made it for someone and I hope you can dedicate it to someone too

~ music by selena gomez wolves starts to play ~ put on the headphone ~

The beat of the music started. But unlike the others it looked like he was going to sing and that was it. He started singing and I was mesmerized. How could I be feeling all this for a person I don't know? How silly, so that's what it's like to have an idol? How funny.

I started to pay even more attention to the song and its lyrics. I identified with each verse, maybe this was my new favorite song... I felt shivers through my body, an electric shock went through me all over. I danced slowly... The night couldn't be better. But... I started to get short of breath.

-Akira ...-I put my hand on his chest and also touched my head

- Temari, are you okay? - he put his hand on my face and lowered his head, he was too close

- Please take me home - I asked and realized that the song was over

He held me and led me out of the casino. Getting out of that stuffy environment I managed to breathe better but my vision was still blurry and I was dizzy. He picked me up and walked me to his car. His car was black and big, tall, looked like a pickup truck. He placed me carefully in the passenger seat and I stayed.

- Here Temari - he offered me and it looked like water

- T-thank you - I said taking a sip, my throat was also dry - Sorry for spoiling the night, I don't know what happened

- Don't worry about it, I just want to know if you're better - he said and looked worried - I liked the night and being with you

-Thanks for taking care of me - I approached him and gave him a peck on the mouth, as a thank you, he blushed and looked surprised

- Temari... - he put both hands on my face and kissed me

The kiss fell into place. It was nice and sweet and calm, just like Akira was. But, it was no big deal, it didn't make my heart pound. Like the others, it was just a kiss. A need of our body, in fact we are human. I kissed him back and he perked up, looked happy.

- Take me home, I need to take a shower - I said and when I looked at the time it was 02:46 in the morning, it was still "early", good

- Come on - he said

After that I don't remember much. I remember the doorman helped me up the stairs and then I had flashes in the bathroom and in my bed. When I woke up the sun already invaded my room and I remembered few things from last night. But surely, one thing that didn't leave my mind was that song and every part of it.

Shikamaru

It was almost time for me to go on stage, thirty minutes to go. I confess that I'm nervous, I've been like this before but it's been a while, I've been in this for two years now, I wasn't supposed to feel that anymore. But everything had a reason and my reason even had a name: Temari.

I was waiting for the time in the dressing room. I was alone, Ino must have been with Gaara around and Choji was arranging the sound stuff for me. I got ready quickly and lay on the couch looking at the ceiling, maybe I could get some rest. Until someone knocked on the door, I asked who it was and was it Choji.

- Have some water - Choji approached with a bottle in his hand

- Thanks, Choji - I took the bottle and took a sip

- Staying backstage is great, it has everything - he said happily

- Did you manage to visit all the restaurants you wanted here in Suna? - I asked

- Yes, the cuisine here is amazing, maybe I should visit this place more often - he replied with a smile

- Have you seen Ino around? - I asked one more question

- She was with that red-haired boy the last time I saw him - he replied

- Typical of her - I replied - I'm nervous, I've never sung to an audience

- Will your voice be changed as you sing? - he asked me

- Yes, it will be better this way - I replied

I was going to sing the song this time. I never put my voice in any of my works, it was a surprise even for me and I hoped it would be for the audience and for her too. The space here in Suna was good, I managed to organize myself properly and I was very well received. It reminds me of my conversation with the Kazekage yesterday.

We don't talk too much. It was more about the project I had with Temari, but for good measure he still told me a few things about her. He liked to talk, I got to know better about her parents' death, where she lived and how long she worked here. He liked her a lot and considered her his daughter, it seems she has that effect on older people. The girl in charge.

I ended up liking Suna a lot more than I thought. This country had a lot of potential and a lot to offer its citizens. And now I can see it, maybe living with Temari makes me see it even more. I liked this new version of mine. She had a feeling for your fate and now even something that was imposed on me didn't seem that bad.

The minutes passed. It was time to go inside. This show was scheduled to last an hour and a half. It wasn't that long, there were some breaks and after two years I had released a lot of songs. I took a deep breath and focused on what had to be done. I put on my mask and left the dressing room I was in. I walked to the stage and the man went to announce my entrance.

- Ladies and gentlemen, with you, SHADOW - the man pronounced

He spoke and I entered. Even with the mask on, the light blinded me for a moment, the place was full. The voices of screaming people echoed through the great hall. There were certainly more than ten thousand people there. It doesn't compare to the festival but it was a lot of people. I thanked him and started the show. I remembered the song Temari told me was her favorite and started with it.

While I put the songs I kept looking for her. I looked at the VIP where Ino, Choji, Gaara and Kankuro were. Did Temari's other brother come too? I thought Temari was with them, but apparently not. It was obvious she was coming, wasn't it? She had to be here, she even said I was her favorite artist. And Ino told me that Gaara told her Temari was coming.

I looked around a little more and saw her. She was in the corner of the stage and was even close. Her blond hair was down, it had the perfect fit over her shoulders. I've only seen him like this once and she was in my bed. I kept looking at the place she was, but paying attention to what I was playing.

She danced sensually. It was nice to see, it matched exactly the beat of the music. My heart lurched at the sight of that… And then anger washed over me. There was a guy with her, who was he? Was it familiar, were they together? Was he her boyfriend? What was happening?

I was nervous and heat started to rise inside me. A bad feeling was growing too. It was time, it was time to sing and release my new song.

- Dear guests - I spoke and everyone started to pay attention - Tonight is a special night, release day - everyone screamed - Hope you like and feel this new song, I made it for someone and hope you can dedicate it to someone too

I picked up the microphone and started singing. With everything. Everything that was stuck in my throat, everything I wanted her to know. The screams were widespread, they liked it and how not? It was my work of art, my masterpiece. All my time dedicated to that moment. She was looking at me and I was looking at her from under that mask. She smiled and so did I. What an appeal, her smile was so beautiful.

I finished singing and the screams intensified. They didn't expect this tension and neither did I. It was magical. But then... My world fell apart. When I looked at her again, she was with that guy. It felt like… She had her head against his chest and he was too close. Seeing that hurt me, and it went deep. I finished the show and walked off stage, I was devastated. Where was I thinking when I thought about it? She has her life and I have mine... That's how it has to be...

- Goodbye, Temari... - I said at last