Temari

The plane had finally landed in Konoha. It was packed just like the last time. It was already afternoon and I was hungry. Sakura texted me saying she was already waiting for me at the airport and said she was accompanied by Naruto. These two are a serious case. In the last year I was able to live "up close" their relationship.

Sakura calls me to vent something related to him always. But I realized how attached she was already. The only thing she says interferes with this is his maturity and well, I don't doubt that. They've always been friends and now with these new feelings, Naruto sure doesn't know how to handle it and consequently Sakura can't handle him.

But... Anyway, they're both happy and if Sakura feels good then so am I. I was excited to see them and to start my new life here. I still had a few things to sort out before the show. I would check on the apartment and then stop by the Hokage building to talk to her, if I had time today, which I probably wouldn't, but no problem, I would talk to the Hokage at the festival or during the week. I will take a deep breath and relax.

Monday started the projects. I felt butterflies in my stomach remembering this, I would spend part of my week with the Nara family, which included Shikamaru... I'm not sure how I feel about him. Even after a year, it doesn't seem like things have changed, at least my thinking about him hasn't. I lost count of how many dreams I had about him. Because as much as I wanted and tried, my brain hadn't forgotten him at all.

I got off the plane with my backpack and went to meet them. The crowded and colorful airport. Everything was decorated and radiant. I loved this party atmosphere, the energy of this place was different. I loved having that feeling. I took a deep breath and started walking. Sakura said it was close to where they retrieve the bags and that's where I would go.

I walked through the airport to the pick-up place, I wanted to stop for something to eat but I didn't have time. I would buy something on the way to the apartment. Thinking about it, I remembered I had gum in my backpack and grabbed one. It tasted like watermelon, it was refreshing. After a while I arrived to pick up my bags.

- Temari! - a female voice yelled at me, Sakura

- Sakura! - I was happy to see her, she came to me and hugged me, I was embarrassed to push her away, but I didn't hug her back

- Good to see you - she said with a smile on her face - I thought this day would never come - he completed

- I missed you and here too - I replied

- TEMARI! HOW LONG! - Naruto came running to talk to me and I put my hand on his forehead as he approached me

- Stop screaming, you idiot - I replied smiling - I even missed your screams - he smiled

- Hi Temari - Kiba appeared soon after, I didn't expect he would be with them

- Hi Kiba - I replied and he approached giving a kiss on my cheek, I was surprised and pushed him away - What are you doing here? - I looked at him strange

- Giving Konoha the very best welcome - keep staring at him

- Right... - I rolled my eyes - So, take my bags, it's those two over there - I insisted

- You can leave it to me - he said, if it was to hit on me, at least it would be useful

- Are you excited? Today there's a Shadow show! - Sakura asked me

- More than anything - I got carried away too - Can you just help me with the apartment first? - I asked her

- Of course - she smiled and took my hand

The boys went to get their bags and Sakura and I walked ahead. We caught up on the chat and were excited about the time I'll be here. She told about college and how she has been helping Tsunade. I loved having her as a friend, I've never had one like this before. And it was reciprocal. She said she would prepare something for us to eat when we got to the apartment.

We walked a bit and arrived at the parking lot. The boys put their bags in the car and we got in. Sakura took the front seat with Naruto, which made me fall behind with Kiba. He since the airport has played some "jokes" to me. He hasn't changed anything.

- How long will you be in town, Temari? - Kiba asked his eleventh question

- Three months - I replied looking at the window while Naruto took us out of that parking lot, I was dying to see the trees in the city

- I'll be able to enjoy it a lot - he smiled - Maybe we can spend some time together - and even winked at me

- It's disgusting, Kiba - Sakura said - We're still here

- I'm just inviting you to see the sights of great Konoha - he said wryly

- If anyone will do that, it will certainly be me, you idiot! - Sakura replied, thankfully, so I didn't even have to answer, my ignorance would be beyond the ordinary

Sincerely? Not that Kiba wasn't handsome, okay, he was. He had a certain charm. But he didn't get me that much attention. His way of reaching someone was weird and as my brother said last year, I really was a lot of sand for his little truck.

- Don't be jealous Sakura - he laughed - There's Kiba for everyone

- You are such an idiot - she rolled her eyes

- REMOVE WHAT YOU SAID KIBA - Naruto yelled

- What is it? Want a kiss too, Naruto? - we laughed and they started to argue

We talked about random things until we got to town. I looked out the window at that vast green immensity. It was as beautiful as I remembered it, I smiled. The street was busy, lots of cars and buses, it took us a while to get there.

Sakura told Naruto where the building was and he left us there. It was right in the center of the city, the Kazekage knew how to choose well. It wasn't a big building, it had five floors at most but just thinking about having a space of my own makes me happy. The boys took the bags out of the car and helped me, they were heavy, almost all my belongings were there.

- See you at the festival, dattebayo - Naruto said saying goodbye

- Sure - Sakura smiled and placed a kiss on his cheek which made him blush

- See you later Temari - Kiba said smiling - Be ready to have the best experience of your life - he said smugly

- Okay, Kiba - I said rolling my eyes - See you later boys - they got in the car and left

- Lets go in? - Sakura called me

- Let's go

Sakura and I went up, at least this building also had an elevator. I stayed on the fourth floor, we went in and it was a very spacious place. I didn't even want to know how much the rent was here, I wasn't really paying it. Sakura was also stunned and we took our bags inside.

It had a nice kitchen and a pretty big room for an apartment. It had two bedrooms, one being a suite and the hallway had a bathroom. It was perfect for me. And it's even better to have another room, Kankuro will definitely come here tomorrow.

Sakura and I started to pack my things in the closet and dresser. I put the sheets that were in the closet on the bed along with the white comforter. The room had a balcony, with an incredible view of Konoha.

- Temari, you naughty! - Sakura called me - What is this black lingerie? - she smiled mischievously

- What have you got it? - I spoke embarrassed

- Are you thinking of visiting someone? - she said

- No one - I replied but I had a name in mind, you never know what might happen

- Hmm, I know - she spoke sideways - And Shikamaru? - she said that name and I shivered

- What about him? - I tried to speak normal

- He's meeting us after the Shadow show - she replied.

- That's cool, I haven't seen him since that time either - I said - I have some projects with his family

- Hmmm, the Nara clan... - she sighed - So you mean you're going to visit that huge mansion of theirs?

- That's what it looks like - I said putting another change of clothes in the closet, here in Konoha would be good, I wouldn't need to wear my uniform all the time

- Be careful not to confuse the rooms - she teased me

- I have nothing against being with him again - I was direct - But I'm here on business

- So you mean he still has a chance? - she said in surprise - But the way he was when he was with you, it seems he lost all his neurons, I doubt he'll take any initiative

- That's up to him, I have my goals here - I replied

- But he won't like to see Kiba drooling over you at all - she said and I rolled my eyes

- And why not? We don't have anything, we aren't even friends, we stayed once and only - I said - By the way, I saw his shinobigram and he's been VERY busy

- So you're a stalker? - she smiled

- I just like to see rich people doing rich people's things - I made up an excuse

- I also do this directly with Ino - she said

- Let's get something to eat, now I'm starving - I said cutting the subject

- Damn, we lost track of time - she said in surprise - Let's go to Choji's restaurant, you'll love the food there

- All right, I'll just splash water on my body and change my clothes - I nodded my head

- I'll wait for you in the living room - she said leaving the room

I ran to the bathroom and took a shower. I washed my hair quickly. I got out of the shower and grabbed a loose dress, I put on some perfume and a bag to put my cell phone and keys. I was ready and hungry.

I left the room and went to find Sakura who was lying down fiddling with her cell phone on the couch

- Let's go? - I called her

- Wow - she looked at me - You look beautiful

- Thank you - I thanked the compliment but I pulled it right away - Come on, I'm hungry - I complained

- Alright, alright

We left the apartment and I locked the door. We took the elevator and went downstairs. She explained to me that the building was in a great location and that the restaurant was not far from there. Thankfully, now I know where to get food. We walked a little and talked about the city. She talked about how she was doing in college and some things that have changed around here.

After just over ten minutes we arrived at the restaurant's street, I was dying to eat. We approached to open the door but someone opened it first...

- Temari...? - he said and blushed

- Shikamaru? - I stared at him, he had a different expression

- Shikamaru! - Sakura went to hug him

- Sakura! What are you doing here? - he asked

- Eat? huh! - Sakura replied - What do you do in a restaurant, know-it-all? - she joked

- Yeah... - he said, I think it was kind of embarrassing

- How long - I said smiling, I wanted to break that strange atmosphere

- Yeah - he said scratching his head and the silence took over again, what was his problem?

- So... Shall we go, Sakura? I'm hungry - I say to Sakura

- Let's go! - She said - See you later, Shikamaru? - she asked

- Yes... - he said looking at me - Look, my car arrived, I have to go, see you later, see you later - he said goodbye and got in the car

- Was I the only one who noticed? He was different - I said as I entered the restaurant

- No, , something must have happened, he's been fighting a lot with his family in the last year - Sakura said - I know, Tsunade keeps complaining about it

- Last year he was so... Receptive - I completed - Hopefully at the festival he loosens up a little - smiles

- Anyway, let him go, let's eat - Sakura pulled me to a table and Choji was sitting there

- Choji! - Sakura called him

- Sakura, Temari - he said - Good to see you - and smiled

- Still around here? - she asked

- I was talking some things with Shikamaru, he just left - he explained

- We saw - I said

- You can sit down, I'm already finishing the dessert - he said - What will you want?

Sakura asked for a lot of things and said I would like it. I trusted her, and even if I didn't like it, I was hungry. Choji finished eating and went to take the order to the kitchen, in the end it was just me and her. As we talked I kept thinking about him the whole time... How much could have changed in a year?

Shikamaru

I got into the car fast. I was surprised to see her right there, I was speechless. She was just as beautiful as the last time I saw her. Her hair was down, it looked like she had just washed it. It gave off a great fragrance, maybe it was lavender? When she ran her hand over it and tucked it behind her ear, I didn't see an ring. Was she broke up with that guy?

Was she different too, maybe nicer? Did I notice small details, like increased tattoos on her arm, new piercings in her ears and even her breasts were bigger? Or was it just me because of her dress? She got me off the ground. What a drag.

I kept looking out the car window weighing in later. She would definitely go to the show and after that I would still meet her and her people. She would become a fixture in my life in these months. Why didn't I answer it right? What happened? Argh, I didn't want to think about that now, didn't want to think about her again.

I'm in another one, it's gone, it's gone. I need to

focus on the important things now. It's not that I didn't want to help her with her projects, far from it. I know how much she loves Suna and wants the best for her country. But live with her on a daily basis could be a little more complicated than I thought...

I went straight home, I wish I had arrived faster to rest a little and get better. But since today is Friday, the beginning of the festival, it is impossible for the streets to be empty. So it took a while to arrive, but as soon as I arrived I went to my room and lay down on my bed. When I looked at the clock it was 18:00 and my show was 22:00. I could sleep about two hours...

Some time later...

I woke up late what a novelty... I had to get ready running but that's ok. I grabbed my mask, stuffed my stuff into my backpack and left. Yami already had the car running outside waiting for me. It was twenty minutes to ten o'clock, I doubt I would make it in time, but I didn't think about it for the time being.

What has to be will be. I ran downstairs, past the room and it was empty. My parents were supposed to be at Tsunade's party. I opened the door and got into the car. Some fireworks were already apparent in the black sky. The moon as big as last year, a thousand memories in my mind. Yami accelerated with the car, we quickly said goodbye to that forest.

He took a shortcut, which made our arrival faster. As I always entered from the back street there was hardly anyone. I put on my mask and grabbed my backpack.

- If you want me to pick you up, just call me - he said - I'll be for the festival

- You can leave - I replied

I walked towards the stage and the festival was the same as always. Many different colors and people, each one's nationality screamed. This mix of ethnicities was amazing to see. Choji texted me that things were ready and I was relieved. It was already ten o'clock and I still hadn't arrived.

I was still approaching the stage. It's a little long way from the back street to the stage. But only authorized people have access. I asked Choji to speak to someone to make an announcement about the late. I walked as fast as I could and I was finally there. I went straight backstage to pack. The show was about to start.

I went up on stage and seeing that sea of people was gratifying. So many hearts in one place, just to hear what I produce. I felt proud, as I played the songs and people screamed, I would sing Wolves and I wanted to know what this experience of millions of voices singing along with me would be like. Including hers.

And along with the song, millions of balloons with the Konoha symbol would take over the skies, thanks to the idea I had with Choji. This was common a long time ago and researching further into Konoha feudal times, it was common at parties and festivals. It was good to be studied and to bring new experiences and sensations to people.

Time passed and I just got more nervous. The next song was this one, my masterpiece. Choji was already in position and talking to me on the communicator. And then, I took the microphone.

- Good night, Konoha - my voice was changed and I heard a million screams - Tonight is a day more than special for me, thank you all for your presence and I hope you like it - concludes

The beat started, I waited a bit and started singing. It felt like I was floating. I felt light and good about myself. That's what I loved to do. The audience sang along with me and my heart was filled with euphoria. It was amazing and right in the chorus... Choji released those balloons like we had agreed. People's surprised looks, it was... It was fantastic.

Just like stars in the sky. They lit up vast Konoha and all its immensity. Alongside this, fireworks were launched. I loved this festival. As much as I had my responsibilities, I would never, ever stop doing this. That was my destiny...

The show is over. Another one finished to perfection. I was good at what I did. It was time to go to the dressing room to change clothes and meet with the staff as I had promised. I talked to Choji to meet me there and he said there was a problem, did something happen to him? I said goodbye to that huge crowd and left the stage in a hurry. Had he been injured in the process with the balloons? Damn it.

I walked quickly to the dressing room and grabbed a bottle of water on the way there. I was sweaty and tired. Good thing there was a bathroom I could wash myself in. It was exhausting but I loved it. I hurried on, that place was big but it had finally arrived. I opened the door and really, it was a problem.

- Shadow! - Ino exclaimed - How long! Sakura, Temari, meet an old friend of mine, we started at the same time on the internet - he talked to the girls - I just wanted to stop by, they wanted an autograph

- Hi! - both spoke and looked nervous

- You know, I've never met a famous one before - Sakura said, laughing

- It's because you don't walk with me - and Ino completed laughing, I would kill her after here

- Hi - I said dryly, I was completely nervous - Did you bring any pens? - I asked

- Yes! - Sakura replied

- Why do you carry a pen still inside? - Temari asked laughing, she was beautiful, as beautiful as the last time, and she was holding a glass with a blue drink

- You never know - Sakura shrugged - I'm a med student

- Uh... And paper? - I asked

- I have no paper here - she smiled awkwardly

-So whatever - Temari said, approaching me and I got scared - Write there - she said, handing her wrist - Anything

Her scent entered my mask. It made me ecstatic. She was still bold and direct, maybe things haven't changed that much. I kept thinking about what to write, in the end I signed up as Shadow and put my secondary number. This idea was brilliant, if I passed as someone else, I could find out more about her.

Maybe if I talked to her being Shadow, I would have some advantage. Who doesn't want to be friends with their favorite singer? I could ask about her life, impersonating someone else would be easier. I could know what really happened at that concert in Suna.

- I'm done - I said low so the others wouldn't hear and I realized they were talking so they wouldn't pay attention

-Thanks ...- before she could finish talking, I raised the pen and drew a half moon on her neck, she was startled when she saw it but she was silent, she knew to be discreet, she was certainly well trained

- Next - I said and Sakura appeared, she was walking away

- My turn - Sakura approached, I just wrote my signature and it was good

- Girls, I need to take a shower, if you'll excuse me - I said heading towards the bathroom - And Ino, call me next time

- Okay - she rolled her eyes - Come on girls, the festival isn't over yet, there are many hot boys out there - she said and sure enough it was to provoke me

They left and I went to change. I washed in the bathroom in the dressing room, I had to be presentable, not like someone who's just done a show. I got ready and Choji handed me my change of clothes.

- Shikamaru I'm sorry but I didn't know how to control Ino - he was talking to me

- No problem, Choji - I replied - It wasn't your fault, let's enjoy the festival

- Okay - he was still a bit crestfallen, as if he had done something wrong

- Come, let's eat something - I said - I'm hungry and you?

- Yes, I'm starving, let's go - he perked up, and I didn't lie, I was really hungry

We walked to meet the staff. The festival was full and no wonder. Every year he became more and more famous, only I know how many times my father repeated "the importance of the festival" to me. It was already a memorized text. Not that I didn't care, because I do, but just thinking that I'll have to memorize these same texts makes me lazy.

I kept thinking as I walked and Kiba is definitely already drooling at Temari, it's nothing new and honestly, I don't even want to see this scene. We passed by stalls and I bought some things to eat, along with a soda. Choji was beaming like a child, he ended up leaving me alone there. I went walking, I was enjoying my company for a while and when I wanted to meet them, I just had to send a message.

As I walked I watched the stars in the sky and some balloons were still visible. I looked up and was proud. My plan worked and delighted everyone. I looked forward to seeing this in the papers tomorrow. And then they pulled me out of my trance, a familiar scene repeated itself, someone bumped into me and my soda cup fell.

- Wow, I'm sorry - that familiar female voice, it was hers, Temari

- We only met like this - I replied lazily

- Shikamaru? - she looked at me and was holding a blue cotton candy, she looked like a child

- Yes... - I replied and she came and hugged me, what a strange feeling... But hot

- How long, you didn't even talk to me sooner - she spoke with a smile, was she drunk?

- Yeah... I had some things in my head - I said

- I'm looking forward to working with you - she said - I can't wait for it - her talking like that made me look forward to it too

- Yeah... - I scratched my head embarrassed - Tomorrow will you come to the festival? - I asked

- Yes! - she responded promptly

- We can come together if you want and discuss some things - I explained

- I feel like I'll have a dejavú - she smiled and I was the one having one - I would love to - she nodded - Pick me up from my apartment tomorrow - and gave me the address, I knew where it was, I can't forget

- All right...

- I have your number, I'll text you - she said, but... Did she have my number? Since when? - Come, let's meet with the guys - she pulled me by the wrist and looked back smiling

What the fuck is going on here?