Kankuro
I confess that I was a little nervous for this encounter. It's been a while since I've had one. I texted her just yesterday and she told me to us go to an ice cream shop. I liked the idea, I love ice cream. She sent me the location of the place and it was 4:30pm. I was getting ready to go out, we agreed at five. Gaara was in the room, "saddened" because he wasn't invited to lunch and won't be able to stay with Ino today. I bet Temari will also make good use of her time but won't be late because she will have to work tomorrow. So, it could be said that I was the one who did well today.
I was excited, I've been thinking about her since yesterday, I felt a warm feeling in my chest, it was delicious. I finished getting ready and said goodbye to Gaara, he asked me to bring him an ice cream on the way back. I don't know how he can be so thin if you eat so much junk. I asked him to close the apartment and leave. I texted Tenten saying I was going and she promptly replied "I'm coming too ;)". Wait a minute, did I get nervous about it? That's crazy.
I took the elevator down and left the building. I followed the location she sent me, it wasn't far and as the festival was still going on the street was quite crowded. I walked through the people and saw the stores. They should earn a lot during this period, I can't wait. It took me a while to arrive and she told me that she was already there, she must live closer than me. I kept talking to myself how we were going to talk, how I could get to know her better. This kind of thing. I walked faster, didn't want to keep her waiting, I should have arrived earlier, argh, shit.
I went into the ice cream shop, and it was big, fully decorated, I kept looking for it on the tables, but I couldn't find it.
- Looking for me? - I felt someone nudge my shoulder and then I turned around
When I turned around, I almost didn't recognize her. She was wearing her hair down and wearing a red dress, in addition to outlining a beautiful smile, leaving her dimples to show and her face was flushed.
- Tenten... You look beautiful - I said staring at her and she got scared
- Ah... T-thank you - she continued smiling
- Sorry I'm late - I said scratching my head
- Oh nothing, it's perfect time - she took my hand and I froze - Come on, let's get some ice cream
She guided me to the counter for us to place our order. The variety here in Konoha was immense and had many flavors I wanted to taste. She looked hungry, I wanted to know more about the girl who was pulling me up and down. The only information I had was her name and where she worked.
- What will you want? - she asked me pointing to the window that had thousands of different ice creams
- I don't know... I like vanilla ice cream - I replied
- I like strawberry, it's my favorite - she smiled - I'll order for both of us
- Okay - I replied, she was incisive - Let me pay - I spoke quickly
- Is anyone trying to play the gentleman? - she poked me
- It's the least I can do - I said
- Okay, but only this time, next time I pay - she gave me tongue
Did she say the next time? And would have a next time? Did she want to keep going out with me? I can't even imagine... How much I love Konoha and the girls here.
- So... - she turned to me after choose your ice cream - The festival is not over yet, there is a square nearby, we could go there, the sunset is beautiful from that place
- You're the boss - I said smiling - I'm just a foreigner in these lands
- You're from Suna, aren't you?! Your accent is different - she giggled
- Different? For me I speak normal - I answered
- Yes, it's sexy - she said and I blushed
- Good to know - I approached her, I felt there was a mood
- Your order is ready - the boy who prepared the ice cream joined our conversation and handed us the order
- Thank you... - I said ironically - It spoils pleasures... - I whispered
- What did you say sir? - he asked me
- Nothing, the ice cream is delicious, thank you - I replied quickly - So, shall we? - I talked to Tenten and she ran her hand down my arm
- Let's go!
We left the ice cream shop and walked slowly. The ice cream was delicious, even the vanilla here is different. She talked a little about her life and I found out some things, she was communicative and funny. And that smile captivated me more and more.
The sun was about to disappear behind the big mountain, we arrived at the square she spoke of and sat down on a bench. The weather was great, the wind was a bit chilly passing us but the heat was still there. It was nice and felt good. We could see some children playing with their families, the streets full and several songs playing at the same time.
- So - she said giving a lick of her ice cream - What brought you here to Konoha, the festival? - she asked
- Yes and no - I replied - My sister works here and I have business here too
- Do you have a sister? - she said surprised - I always wanted to have one
- Not only her, but a brother too - I completed scratching my head
- Are you twins? - she asked
- No, no - we both laughed - Temari is the oldest, I'm the middle one and Gaara is our youngest
- And your parents? - she asked and a flashback of memories crossed my mind
- They died - I replied normal, that didn't hurt anymore
- Wow, I'm sorry, I'm really sorry - she said and held my hand, I blushed
- No, it's ok, no problem, it's been a while - I smiled - And you?
- I work with my family in that market, we are the owners-she replied - I have no brothers, I go to college and... - she looked at her hand - I love morgando ice cream
- It was nice meeting you, Tenten - I said sincerely - I still hadn't made many friends here in Konoha
- Now you've made one - she replied - Who are the others?
- Some friends of my sister, but I already knew one - I replied
- Say the name to see if I know who it is - she said
- Kiba, Ino, Sakura... - I replied
- Oh yes, people with surnames - she said
- They're like celebrities around here aren't they?! - we both laughed
- I studied with them for a while, but the difference was clear - she replied
- Wow, what a small world - I said
- Yes...
A silence fell between us. We watch the sun set and make room for a huge moon and its stars in the sky. The streets started to empty, probably heading for the festival's closing concert. I had to ask her if she would like to go.
- Hey, Tenten what do you think... - I tried to speak but she kissed me, I mean it wasn't really a kiss, but a peck and it was long
- Sorry - she smiled and blushed - What were you going to say?
- Your mouth tastes like strawberry - was the first thing that came to my mind while I was still paralyzed
Okay. This was new. Suna girls are always so quiet and difficult to deal with. It's always a long dance until you get a kiss, and here I got it on my first date. Far from that being bad, and then it hit me. It was so fun to be with her that physical contact was a separate thing. I could spend hours here talking.
- Well... It's getting late - she said looking at her watch - I think I should go - she got up
- I'll take you home - I said promptly getting up too
- Oh that, no need - she replied - Here it's quiet to walk at night
- I insist - I said
- Let's go then - she smiled and took my hand
We walked to her house. The streets really were empty. I was right not to let her come alone, I would have a heavy conscience, I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. We talked a little longer and made a second date. I was already sad that I would only spend a month here. But I would go back anyway. After a while we arrived at her house. It was big, two floors, and pretty too.
- We're here - she said stopping in front of me - Thanks for the ice cream and for the date, I had a lot of fun
- Glad you liked it - I replied - Next time I choose the place
- I agree - she shook my hand and walked up the small steps to her front door.
- Tenten - I called her and walked to her who turned on the same shelf
I held her face and placed a kiss on her mouth. A real one now and it was reciprocated. She smelled good, I could stay there with her. Her face was warm and soft, her mouth teasing mine. It was…yummy. Until my cell phone started ringing and brought us both out of this trance.
- Sorry, it's my sister - I would kill Temari
- All right, we'll see you next week - she spoke opening the door - I'll be anxious
- Bye... - I answered her
I couldn't be happier. Now I had to focus on the store tomorrow, Temari's call went to voicemail. I wouldn't answer her now, I was on cloud nine, when I got home I would find out why. I loved this city.
Temari
It was already monday. The clock said seven o'clock. The sun invaded my bedroom window, the blue sky clear and almost cloudless. My first week on the job here. I was anxious. I got up from the lazy bed and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. The house was silent. But soon I would see Kankuro, he also had to sort out some work stuff.
He arrived all silly and smiling from the date he had yesterday. I'm glad that now we have more time for distractions and talking about distractions... Yesterday when I got home I did as I promised Shikamaru, I sent a message saying I had arrived, I almost held myself back from sending it, my pride screamed. But I kept my promises so it was a brief "I'm home." and after a while he answered me but I didn't care to see.
I was still upset and thoughtful about everything that happened. Did he say he liked what we had? But what did we have? It was nothing, a few dates, it was just a distraction. A carnal desire driven by our hormones. Our chemistry was good, that was a fact. But I never thought he would be jealous and even more jealous of Kiba. Alright, I didn't give him time to get to know me enough to know that I hate these antics. But I didn't imagine he was so dumb, his clan isn't recognized for intelligence?
I thought about it while he got me ready. Tsunade said I don't need to wear such formal clothes around here, so I put on the clothes I normally wear. It was no big deal. Today I would visit a greenhouse with Shikamaru, we would choose the trees that would be planted in Suna. He knew it well, no wonder there's a fucking forest in his backyard. Everything that referred to him made my body shiver but this was not the time for that.
But just talk about the devil... My cell phone vibrated and it was a message from him. Maybe he wasn't too happy that I didn't answer him yesterday. I picked up the phone to see the message as I finished fixing my hair. I was definitely in a bad hair day. I glanced at the screen and read "Good morning. This is the location of the greenhouse. See you there at 8:30." Thankfully, I could get something to eat before leaving the house. I was curious and went to read the other message he had been sending and it was written "I hope so good. No hard feelings?".
He wanted to talk yesterday and I had no idea for him. Whatever. I replied to his message with a brief "Ok, see you there" and put the cell phone in my pocket. I walked to the kitchen to get a loaf of bread to eat, it would still be eight o'clock I had time to enjoy this coffee. Thinking about the message he sent, was he upset that I didn't respond? Or am I starting to imagine things? Argh, get out of it.
- Good Morning! - Kankuro said excited as always, he appeared in the kitchen tidy
- Good morning - I replied taking a sip of coffee
- Where are you going today? - he asked as he opened the fridge
- I'm going to visit a greenhouse - I replied - Give me a lift?
- Clear! What time do you have to be there? - he asked
- Eight-thirty - I replied
- Okay - he gave a thumbs up with his hands
He told me yesterday that he rented a car and that before coming home from the meeting he stopped by to pick it up. It would be an advance while he was here. I finished eating and went to get a bag, got a notebook to take notes and a bottle of water. It's hot here too. After a while Kankuro and I went downstairs. He told me that Gaara is going to visit the college today, he was excited and so was I, for him.
We got in the car and went. The greenhouse was a little off center but that was okay. I wanted to discover every corner of this place. We were fast, there was not so much traffic here and the roads were bigger. An impeccable development. I would arrive on time exactly according to Kankuro's GPS. I chatted with him for a while and asked how the date had gone and he happily answered all the questions. Then I would ask Sakura if she really knew the girl by the name of Tenten.
After a while we arrived. It was a beautiful place, with a huge green area. I could see Shikamaru standing with his hands in his pockets. That lazy face of his... Argh. Kankuro approached and I went down
- Hi Shikamaru! Nice to meet you, I'm Kankuro, Temari's brother - before anyone said anything, Kankuro broke the silence with his loud voice
- Pleasure Kankuro - Shikamaru replied - Thank you for bringing her here
- That was nothing, take good care of my sister - he winked and smiled
- You know very well that I can take care of myself - I replied - See you later
- Bye! - he replied
We walked to the greenhouse and neither of us said anything. Only silence hung in the air. I would glance at him, sometimes I forgot that he was tall, so tall and sexy... In the background I could see the crops and some people working. We were getting closer and he still didn't say anything, it was starting to bother me, I wouldn't let anything get in the way of my work, let alone a man.
- You didn't answer me yesterday - until he said something
- Yeah... - I was thinking if I would lie or not - I arrived tired, and I stayed with my brothers - I lied
- But, I was serious what I said - he stopped - No hard feelings? - he asked, okay, I wasn't so mad at him anymore, we had to solve this before starting work
- For me no - I said - Just... Let's keep it normal, yesterday it never happened, is that okay with you? - I asked
- Yes, better this way - he replied - So... Welcome to the Nara clan greenhouse
He said opening the doors of that huge place. I was delighted with what was inside. Various plants cultivated and ready to be planted. Many varieties, I would dare say there was vegetation from all over the world here.
- It's amazing here - I said
- Yeah... It is - he said - Come on, let's go to the tree section - he said and I nodded.
We walked those corridors and I watched each plant in front of me. I picked up my notebook to start writing things down. I felt him glance at me as I did that, but I keep walking. We arrived at the largest part of the greenhouse, where the trees were. It was as green as I wanted each one of them in Suna.
- My father showed me his project and I studied a little about it - he spoke opening a map on the table in front of me, I soon recognized it was Suna - I thought it would be essential to have them in their main avenues and areas residential - he said sitting down and I sat too
- And which species is best for Suna's climate? - I asked
- About that... To plant a tree without any unforeseen events, there is a whole planning process - he explained - It is necessary to think about several issues such as space, tree species and maintenance
- I didn't think it was that complicated - I was completely naive about it and he laughed
- Therefore, for every situation and place, there are species of trees that are more recommended than others - he said with a smile - The typical vegetation of Suna is the semiarid. The trees are small and the vegetation is poorly developed, due to the absence of rain and excessive heat.
- Yeah, I figured... - I replied and my tone was sad
- Don't worry, I have a great tree for that - he said - It's called Guazuma Ulmifolia
- What a weird name - we both laughed, the mood that was tense before was already gone
- This tree is widely used for reforestation because of its accelerated growth and because it has edible fruits - he explained - Dry areas are your planting preference, and it can be cultivated in streets, avenues, parks...
- This is perfect! - I was happy and wrote down everything he said
- As she has long roots, because of the project you have with the water tables, it will be easy for her to survive in Suna like this - he added - Do you want to take a look at her?
- Yes, of course I did - I said and we walked to where she was in a field outside the greenhouse
There were a multitude of trees in that field. One more beautiful than the other. The air in that place was so light, I breathed softly. It was nice to feel. The wind hit my face and I craved more. When I looked straight ahead, Shikamaru had stopped in front of the tree.
- Is that it? - I asked
- Yes
- I don't understand much but she must be great for Suna - I said with a smile on my face
- Temari? - he called me
- What's up? - I looked at him
- You know... It's just that there's going to be a dinner at my house and I wanted to know if you would like to go - he said and I was surprised - There are some important people I thought you would like to know
- Are you invited me on a another date? - I asked ironically
- It's not really a date - he scratched his head - My father talks about you so much that my mother wants to meet you
- What he speaks? - I approached him
- Y-yes, he talks a lot about your project - he stuttered, it was cute
- Thanks for the offer, I'll think about your proposal and I'll send you a message - I said
- All right
- So... Anything else? - I asked
- There's something I wanted to show you - he said
- Which is?
- Follow me, you'll find out
We walked through those fields and talked to some workers. They were going to work at Suna, I had a lot to be thankful for. After that, we went along a narrow path with a lot of vegetation, we couldn't see almost anything. He took my hand, we were alone in that place.
- Close your eyes - he said
- Why? - I asked
- Do not trust me? - he replied
Finally I closed my eyes and he led me through that place. It didn't take us long to arrive. He let go of my hand and stood behind me, took hold of my waist and whispered in my ear
- Now you can look - he said and I opened my eyes, I couldn't believe what I was seeing
A huge field with sunflowers almost my size, lots of them. So big and beautiful, always facing the sun. I was perplexed and delighted with that place it was still behind me, I took a few steps forward and walked away, they were working after all what if anyone saw? my work would be compromised
- This is extraordinary - I said not quite believing it, still touching the flowers, I only saw it once and it was in a book
- I knew you would like it - he said and reached into his pocket.
- Thank you - I thanked him and was hoping he wouldn't notice that my eyes were watery
- It was nothing - he replied - Tomorrow we will start cultivation in a soil similar to Suna and see the development of the tree
- I can't wait for this - I replied promptly
- Come on - he called me - I'll give you a ride home... But first
- What?
- Here - he plucked a sunflower and gave it to me - It suits you - I certainly blushed, I never received flowers from anyone and I didn't have any reaction, I bet he liked to leave me like this
- I don't know how to thank you - I finally replied
- Come to my house on saturday - he winked - It's a good way to say thanks - and I smiled
We left that place and walked towards his car. For the first time I saw him without the driver. It would be just the two of us in the car. He knew how to mess with me and I hated it. Never, nobody did this to me. I wasn't used to being so vulnerable all the time. It wasn't a familiar feeling so I abhorred it.
We got in the car and talked for a while. He told me about the whole clan passing show he was having this year and invited me to be here for the day. But I honestly don't know how my life is going to be. The only thing I think about now is the festival in Suna and my projects. It didn't take me long to get home, as I thought earlier, the traffic here is very good. It was lunchtime. I had never worked so little. What would I do for the rest of the day? I never had so much free time, well... Now I needed to figure myself out.
He parked the car and there was a strange atmosphere between us. As if something had to happen. I opened the door and would get out of the car
- Temari - he called me
- Yes? - I said as I got out of the car
- Wear that blue dress, you look sexy in it - he said and started the car
- You idiot - I screamed
What was he trying to do? Why was he saying all these things? Okay, I show interest in him and he's learning to flirt better, now things are different, they're more... natural? I need to text the girls.
author here!
I would like to thank the comments of two people who greatly admire my work and who are always commenting here, one is called V and the other ldesdes. You guys are amazing! I hope you like today's two chapters! See you tomorrow!