Temari

1 year ago...

A lot happened. In a year a lot can really happen. I am finalizing my bags for my three month stay in Konoha. I board the plane tomorrow. The Kazekage rented me an apartment near the Hokage building, which I said was not necessary because Sakura asked me to move in with her, but he insisted and in the end I also agreed that it would be better to have my own corner.

Things in Suna are already much better. Our treaty with Konoha has brought numerous benefits, the crime rate has dropped, our economy has improved exponentially, and even more schools have been built. There are still some dominant groups that I'm still solving this problem and Akira has been helping me a lot. We started working together and our relationship changed too.

We are still friends. We hang out a few times after that first time at the Shadow show. But, only friends and mainly because we work together. I can't let this affect my judgment and my work. I like him, but it's a different kind of affection. He's a nice guy and has always been with me at all times for the last year. He became an important person to me. He's taking me to the airport today.

After I closed the last suitcase, I lay there enjoying the break the Kazekage gave me. It would not be easy to stay 4/5 hours in a tight plane again. For sure the airport would be full due to the moon festival, this weekend I would be able to enjoy the festival, finally go to the long-awaited Shadow show, the best of all. Accompanied by Sakura and Ino, one who became my best friend and the other my "sister-in-law".

Gaara and Ino. Another thing that has evolved in the last year. They are "together" or better said, they are friends with some advantages, in short, they talk and have sex when they feel like it. Because of the distance, it's kind of complicated to have a serious relationship. And what's more, Ino doesn't get attached easily, besides having a list of boys she can choose to be with and who are much closer to her. Gaara is the other, he was focused on high school this past year, so romance was in the background, but like any normal teenager with screaming hormones, he loved it when Ino came to visit him and if I'm not mistaken he actually did, he travel to Konoha, twice. For her.

In the end, Kankuro was right. After he turned eighteen he became much more independent and free. He still doesn't know how to handle his feelings well but he has evolved and matured more than I could imagine. He graduated with honors and is waiting for answers from colleges. He chose arts. He loves sand sculptures and is a natural draftsman. He's always liked that since he was a kid. And I'm proud of him for exactly that.

Another thing that has changed is Kankuro. He used to work in a workshop and now owns one, or rather three, and he's only thinking about expanding. I never thought he had such an enterprising side. Money was no longer an issue for us, we obviously weren't rich but we could do what we wanted now. We moved into a bigger apartment and now each had their own bedroom with their own bathroom. Our lifestyle has improved considerably. I also started to earn more from my work.

- Temari, breakfast is on the table - I heard Kankuro yell at me - We're waiting for you

- I'm coming - I yelled back, got out of bed and walked towards the door

I was really hungry. Today would be my day off and I wanted to make the most of it with my brothers. I won't see them for a while.

- What did you do delicious this time? - I asked Kankuro

- The usual, have your coffee - he handed me a mug

- Thank you - I thanked

- Aren't you going to work today? It's still Thursday - Gaara asked me

- No. Not today - I said taking a sip of the coffee, it was delicious Kankuro always got it right - The Kazekage gave me a day off, tomorrow is my trip to Konoha

- Already?! - Kankuro yelled

- Don't scream - I mumbled - Yes, it will be three months and I won't see you guys... - Gaara interrupted me

- Sister, I have news - he said

- Yeah, me too - Kankuro said too

- One at a time, please - I was laughing - Tell me, Gaara

- Why does he have to go first? - Kankuro implied

- He spoke first, stop being a Kankuro child - I mumbled - Say Gaara

- I got the answer from the colleges - he said with some letters in his hand

- There are many, have you read them? - I asked

- Not yet... - he looked at the cards - I'm nervous

- Hurry up, man - Kankuro urged him - You know you are the smartest in this family

- Don't rush him - I say to Kankuro

- I'll open it - he replied

- Meanwhile - Kankuro got in - My turn, prepare the hearts - he beat the table as if it were a drum - I'm going to open a new franchise, taran

- Other?! - I asked - Where? There are already three here in Suna

- That's right, this one will be in... - he made a suspense - Konoha - I was surprised

- Konoha?! - Gaara and I stare at him

- Yes, I need to expand my business - he said - And it doesn't hurt so much when your little sister is the Sunagakure adviser

- Using my privileges, Kankuro? - I looked at him with a menacing look

- Of course not my little sister - he laughed - We won't need without seeing each other for so long, I'll stay here and there

- I passed - Gaara said - I did

- Which? In which? - I asked

- In all colleges... - he spoke in disbelief

- WHICH? - Kankuro and I scream

- I KNEW, I KNEW - Kankuro hugged him and started to cry, I was also moved, I was disbelieved

- Which do you want to go to? - I asked

- To the University of Konoha - he said without even thinking about the others - She's the biggest and the best in the world, it's where Sakura studies...

- All roads lead us to Konoha, what a little family huh - Kankuro put his hands on his hips

- My heavens... - I put my hands on my head - At least we won't be so far apart - I said

- We'll never leave you little sister - Kankuro teased me - Don't think you can get rid of your brothers so easily - he replied

- Very funny - I mocked

We were talking for a while longer. Kankuro and I agreed to send whatever money was necessary for Gaara to support himself in college. These three months I would spend in Konoha they would stay with me, I mean more Kankuro... I doubt that Gaara having a dorm and a new world full of new people and possibilities will want to stay with us. We've agreed to rent our apartment in Suna, at least until I get back.

We were all happy. Everything went perfectly well for all of us. Given what we went through and the trauma that we carry, I never thought that we could emerge victorious from this situation. I told us to do something later, maybe go out to a restaurant or something. They agree.

The next day...

I woke up very sleepy, more than usual, my flight was scheduled for a quarter past eleven and Sakura would pick me up there. It's nine o'clock in the morning and the Suna heat is already unbearable. I looked to the corner of my room where the bags were. I would miss here. I didn't have a lot of time to get used to the bedroom, we've only been here for six months. But it's my room anyway.

My brothers were only supposed to leave in a month. But with the moon festival knocking on the door I highly doubt they'll want to stick around. I told the Kazekage that before going to the airport I would stop by to say goodbye. Soon I would be back, after all what is three months?

CONNECTION ON

- Akira? - I answered my cell phone

- Temari! Good Morning! - He replied - What time is your flight scheduled, didn't you want a ride? - he asked

- Yes, I need to be there until 10:30 am - I replied - But I want to stop by the Kazekage building first

- Pick you up in half an hour then? - he asked

- Yes, please - I replied - See you later

- Bye!

CONNECTION OFF

Now it was just a matter of taking a shower and putting on some clothes. I would pick up some cookies to eat on the way. I passed briefly by the new mirror in my room and I was wearing his shirt, my pajamas. Shikamaru. How has the Nara clan heir been doing? I never heard him from again and that night never left my head... I still feel goosebumps and to get better at least once a month I dream about it. Will he recognize me? In fact, we have the same social cycle now.

I've lost count of how many times Ino said he was like a brother to her. I ended up discovering a lot. Even his number she gave me. But I never had the courage to text. It was just one night, right? In the end, we could be friends. I'm friends with some guys I've been with, it's no big deal. But... Deep down I feel something different.

While thinking I got ready and left the room. I spoke to the boys and gave them my address, I said I would see them later and that if they needed anything, just call me. I got something to eat, Kankuro was too lazy to make breakfast today. When I looked at the clock it was 9:27. It was time. I decided to go down with the bags. In this new apartment we stayed there is an elevator, which is much better.

I'm carrying two large suitcases and a backpack. The rest of the stuff I would buy there. I said goodbye to my brothers and went downstairs. I received a message from Akira saying that he was arriving and I was waiting for him. The day was sunny, the heat was no longer a nuisance.

- Temari! - Akira had arrived

- Akira! Can you get that suitcase for me? - I asked - I'll take this one

- Leave it, I'll put it in the car - he replied as he got out of the car

- Thank you - I thanked

- So, to the airport? - he questioned

- No, not yet - I replied - I told the Kazekage that I would stop to see him by before leaving

- Alright, then let's go - he replied back with a smile

He took me to the Kazekage building, it didn't take more than five minutes, the traffic was great. I told him to wait downstairs that I would go upstairs and be quick. I couldn't be late and miss the flight, away from me. I hurried into the building and pressed the elevator button. He quickly climbed to the tenth floor. I walked to your door, passed my room, which was locked and I missed you. I knocked on the door and he told me to enter.

- I came to say goodbye - I said

- Temari! - he exclaimed - I'll miss you too, beautiful desert flower

- I'll inform you about the projects and my plans for the festival - I said - It won't be long, it will pass quickly

- Don't worry - he laughed - I don't need you here in person to give me ear pokes, call me my private cell phone

-All right - I replied and went to shake his hand - See you in three months

- All right, Temari - he smiled - See you soon, enjoy Konohagakure

- Thank you, sir - I said thanking and saying goodbye, it was time to go

I got down quickly and got into the car. It was 10:05 when I looked at the clock, until it didn't take me long to arrive at the perfect time. It would take no more than 30 minutes to get to the airport. Akira accelerated and we went. I said goodbye little by little to Suna and kept thinking about the future. My head was bubbling with ideas and I loved that feeling. I like to keep myself busy.

We arrived at the airport and went to check my bags. Akira helped me and was waiting with me until it was time for my flight. He also got the day off. We've worked a lot over the last few months, it's been tiring but rewarding. He still had many things to resolve here, in fact, ANBU never stops. We would be this long without seeing each other, I confess that maybe I will miss him, he was part of my routine whether he wanted it or not.

- Three months, huh?! - he said, making a point

- Yeah... I'll miss here - I replied

- And I of you - he went straight and I was thoughtful

- It will pass quickly, when you blink I'll be back here - I smile embarrassed

- I hope so - he said as he sat down in the waiting chair - I will visit you in Konoha as soon as I can

- Have you been there? - I asked - It's a beautiful place - my mind traveled to another dimension at that moment

- Just passing through - he replied, when I looked at the time I saw that there were only ten minutes to go, I should get on the plane right away

- I have to go - I said getting up and taking my backpack

- Temari - he called me and took my hand - There's something I need to tell you, I like...

- Please - I covered his mouth - Not now, not here - I said and he looked at me with a face of doubt - I need to resolve some things before you say this, I have to put my mind in the right place

- Sorry... - he replied

- No need to apologize - I said and placed a kiss on his mouth - It will only be three months - I smiled at him and said goodbye, I went towards the departure gate

What was he thinking? And our work? I can't go out with someone from work, that's just a mess. And I didn't lie, I didn't really know if I liked him, he was a great friend to me. Why does everything have to be so complicated? Couldn't we just be friends? We stayed a few times but it was no big deal, right? There were a few kisses and nothing more.

I left that aside. I wouldn't see him again for another three months, so yes, I would postpone the inevitable. I didn't want to think about it right now. The only thing on my mind is work. I boarded the plane towards Konoha where the new phase of my life would begin.

- See you soon, Suna... - I said looking out the window

Shikamaru

I kept my mind busy for the last year. I hardly stayed in Konoha and never visited Suna again. After the song I released, my musical "career" exploded. The Shadow were in every spotlight, newspaper, magazine cover. I had to occupy myself somehow and the last year was to enjoy it. Women, drinks, cigarettes. Everything came in droves for me. Everything became so easy...

This only caused a lot of fights with my parents. I missed some appointments but this year I had no escape. Maybe it was my last show at the moon festival, I wouldn't let my parents take that away from me. In September I turn twenty-two and with that I officially become head of the clan. What a drag. My head hurts just thinking about it. Today was Friday, the start of the festival and the most anticipated day of the year for me.

I was in bed and there was a girl beside me. What was her name again? Argh, you know what, it doesn't matter. I will ask Yami to accompany you to the exit. My mom can't know I brought another girl here. That would only bring more problems and I honestly don't want that right now. I sent a message to Yami to come here and get her out.

I got up and went to take a shower. I needed to wake up, I was going to meet Choji in a little while. I had a few things to sort out, it was still eleven o'clock. I would meet him after lunch. I had a brilliant idea after my studies on Konoha's history. These classes along with the etiquette classes became more and more regular.

I took my time in the shower, I washed my hair and it was dripping all over the room. When I looked the girl was no longer here, thankfully. I went to change into an outfit and got the usual basics. With a cigarette in my mouth, I lit it. The flame from the lighter warmed my hand. For a moment I remembered her... That woman. A year had passed and how fast it was... She must have been here in Konoha. Now that doesn't matter.

My father didn't know what actually happened when I went to Suna but he must have had some ideas, he was far from stupid. Nothing went as planned, however, I still had my responsibilities and my dad wouldn't let me back down, I would have to work with her. Like it or not. And that would start right after the festival. Thinking about it I realized how hasty I was a year ago. I didn't even know her, maybe things are different now.

I'm just letting things go their own way. I looked at the clock and decided to go downstairs, I was hungry. My parents must have left by now. Today was the opening of the festival, they had to be present and next year it would be me. Ms. Tsunade is excited for the passing event this year. He's seen our parents' and is looking forward to seeing ours.

I went downstairs and headed towards the kitchen. Naomi was there, which would save me, because I particularly suck at that. I ordered the usual and she prepared a lot of things. I said I would wait in the garden while she prepared the food. I needed to get sun.

Some hours later...

I left home to meet Choji, he ended up calling Naruto and Kiba too. It felt good to hang out with them. They always gave me good laughs . I asked Yami to take me, I needed to save energy for later. I was in the car with my headphones on, I turned the music on high and relaxed. I had the cigarette in my mouth and was blowing that white smoke out the window.

Shortly after we arrived, it took a while the streets were full, typical of this time of year. I told Yami I would call him to come get me when the time came. I went into Choji's father's restaurant, it was our meeting point. From a distance I could see Choji already eating and Kiba, Naruto wasn't with them, he mustn't have arrived yet, normal.

- What's up - I said approaching them - Where's Naruto? - I asked curious

- Sakura called him to do something - Kiba answered me while he ate - You know, Sakura calls Naruto go after her in every place - he said, making a gesture with his hands

- Normal - I said lazily

- Aren't you going to eat, Shikamaru? - Choji asked me

- No, I ate before leaving the house - I replied - Maybe I'll order something to drink

- It looks like you had sex all night - Kiba laughed, nudging me - Was it the same as last week?

- What's your interest in this, Kiba? - I asked

- It's just so I don't get the same girl as you - he said

- And since when is this a dispute? - I rolled my eyes - Are you afraid I'll fuck better than you?

- Never mind - he shrugged - Speaking of which, I heard that Sakura's little friend is coming to Konoha, this year I'll hang out with her - he smiled and I got angry - Temari, the beautiful desert flower

- Tsk - I mumbled, where had he gotten that nickname?

- Are you doubting me, Shika? - he pushed me lightly

- Never, Kiba - I smiled ironically

As we were talking, I saw Naruto entering the restaurant and approaching with a smile from end to end. He was radiant. The roll with Sakura was still going on, the evolution was from a friendship to a colorful friendship. Which doesn't make sense to me, I haven't heard of either of them getting along with other people. And that's their choice, isn't this basically dating?

- I won't be able to stay with you long guys - he said sitting next to Choji

- Why? - Kiba asked - Did Mommy Sakura call? - we laughed

- She asked me a favor - he scratched his head - Let's pick her friend up at the airport today - he explained and my heart skipped a beat, because that was still having an effect on me? - She should arrive around 3pm

- It's 1:30 pm - Kiba replied - Can I go with you?

- What's your interest in this, Kiba? - Naruto asked - Haven't there been a lot of girls out there looking for you?

- Oh come on, it can't be just me - he rolled his eyes - Temari is one of the hottest girls I've ever seen, it's my chance to develop something with her - everything he said irritated me - Besides... The hard ones are the best

- And you think you have a chance? - I asked

- I don't know - he shrugged - That's what intrigues me, so I'll try

- Good luck - I said irritably

- I'll need it, she's very bossy - he laughed - Is it the same in bed? - I got up, I didn't want to hear that anymore

- Where are you going, Shika? - Choji asked me with his mouth full

- I'm going to the bathroom - I replied irritably

I hadn't told them what happened between Temari and me last year. And it was better that way. Kiba would only disturb me more and more. Hearing that from his mouth made me extremely angry. What was he thinking? It even looks like Temari is going to give in like that, especially since she must still be with that Suna guy. She is beautiful, that was a fact. And her visit to Konoha certainly drew attention. No wonder Kiba is drooling like Akamaru. But I didn't like it. I'm the one who hooked up with her doesn't go around talking to everyone, it's not like she's a prize.

I was in the bathroom and I splashed water on my face. I wasn't going to let it piss me off, in fact, I had nothing to do with her. It was one night and that's it. This couldn't be jealousy, so why did I feel so weird? Why did she still have that effect on me? I hate these unanswered questions. But in the end...

She was coming to Konoha. Not that it would change anything, her here or there in her country, it makes no difference in the end, that's what I had to put in my head. I left the bathroom and went back to the table. I was thinking about the show later. This was no time for distractions. We were talking a little more about random stuff. The time has passed. Naruto had to go and Kiba went with him, that bothered me and I still tried to understand why.

When they left I talked a little more with Choji. He was helping me again with the festival stuff. This year I had a new idea too. As I only dedicated myself to music in the last year, that's what I liked to do and it occupied my mind completely. I liked this project we developed together, something we share in common, music. He was my best friend and always helped me with that.

I stayed with Choji until just before sunset and then called Yami to meet me in front of the restaurant. I got up from the table and said goodbye to him. I walked towards the cashier to pay for the drinks I consumed. I paid, even though the queue was a little long, and I went to open the door to leave, until...