Shikamaru
The next day had arrived. It was Saturday and still early. It was ten o'clock when I got up. Naruto and Kiba were still sleeping. I was still mulling over the events of last night. I didn't like hearing that and then she still texted me. For both me and Shadow... My head was swimming, I was hungover, mom wouldn't like any of that.
I tried not to look upset with her. Even because, as far as she knows, I would have no reason for such a thing. Even though I knew about their night I could never talk about it, that's the bad part about secrets. The more you have, the worse it is. She never abused me or did anything to hurt me, at least not intentionally. There was no point in treating her coldly or rudely.
I hunted my way to the bathroom to take a shower and get rid of some of these thoughts. I let the hot water run over my body and washed my hair. I felt like a new person. I brushed my teeth and put on some clothes. When I got back to the room I realized that Kiba was no longer here, it didn't matter. I sat at the computer desk and started editing some work that I had left pending.
- Good morning - Naruto got up sleepily
- Good morning - I replied in the same tone
- Do you know where Kiba is? - he asked me
- I don't know - I replied - It must be around
- Argh - Naruto yelled - Yesterday was a bad idea, I didn't spy on Sakura to find out how many guys she had sex with
- I said that did a bad idea from the moment Kiba proposed this, I don't know how he still manages to convince us - I said lazily
- It's his way, how do you think he got have sex with half of Konoha? - Naruto laughed
- Speaking of which yesterday was very strange... He's hiding something - I said
- And what you think is? - Naruto asked me
- WHATS UP GUYS! - Kiba yelled kicking the door
- If you don't mind I like this door - I mumbled
- What are we will doing today? - he asked
- We? In plural? - I mocked - Today there is a dinner here at home and you two will have to leave
- Ah Shika... You always find a way to miss it this dinner - Kiba replied
- This one won't do - I said - My parents called Temari, I talked to you yesterday
- I thought you were going to let go after what you heard from her yesterday - Kiba crossed his arms
- Even if I did that, I couldn't afford not to attend the dinner - I replied - My parents would kill me
- Will you keep staying with her? - Naruto asked me - She even said it was a mistake
- Are you going to stop hooking up with Sakura because she was sexually active with other guys? - I asked
- No... But she will doesn't leave the country after a while - he replied
- Leave it, Naruto - Kiba got involved - He likes her, nothing you say will change that - hated it when they said it out loud - Good Shikamaru, the only thing you can do is enjoy her time around here and then bye
- Yeah, dude - I snorted - And even because right after that it will only be a few months for us... You know
- I had almost forgotten about this shit - Kiba said
- But she's not wrong, you know - I continued - Temari is smart, I think she just doesn't want to get hurt at the end of everything and I like to think she doesn't want to see someone else sad either
- That would make sense if you weren't already liking each other, it's going to hurt anyway - Kiba snapped - So fuck it, make the best of your time and then that's it, accept the goodbyes
- Since when did you get so poetic? - Naruto said and we laughed
- I was always smarter than you guys - he laughed - Emotionally speaking
- Maybe you're right... For her it's just "fun" to be here and I'll do the same - I replied
- I want to eat, I'm hungry - Naruto said and Kiba and I laughed
- Come on - I said - Maybe Naomi has prepared something
Some hours later...
Kiba and Naruto left. It was almost dark when they left. Kiba said that he had some issues to take care of and Naruto too. I was aware that what we did yesterday was wrong, but even so... It was bad to admit that we "were wrong" when spying on the girls. But I managed to position myself better in relation to Temari. Hearing those words coming out of her mouth was a bucket of cold water. But as Ino herself said, she never denied it, she also liked me and even though I was a man and dumb, I realized that, otherwise she would have dumped me on the first night, that's how she worked, smart.
Temari was direct and specific in what she was talking about, typical of troubled women. She explained the situation we encountered and has already developed a solution to the problem. As Ino also said, she was badass. But there was a catch to it, did I agree with her or not? And, okay, that's more or less how she won me over: not giving me choices. She never gave it, when she wanted it, it happened. But... At some point this would become a point for an argument.
For the first time in my life I would have to fall in love with someone. Was that what I felt? Was I in love? I honestly wouldn't know how to answer, at least not for now. I was starting to get nervous for dinner. When my mom got carried away and drank a little, she was able to talk through her elbows. She would end up talking too much and things she probably shouldn't. What a drag.
Temari texted me earlier saying "Anxious!" , but I didn't even answer... I was still thinking and processing some things. What we have to talk we'll do later. My dad met her twice this week. During these two days he came home excited, talking about how the project is developing and excited to be able to use our money for public benefit.
- Shikamaru, dear! - I heard my mother call me
- Yes? - I got out of bed, opened the door and replied lazily
- Your clothes arrived, go down to try her on, please? - she screamed
My mother made sure to have an outfit made with the exact measurements for tonight's event. I think she was putting a lot of credit on it. Besides Temari, only a few other people were invited. Council members and I think Choji's father. But anyway, my father and I did everything to make my mother happy.
- I'm on my way - I said as I walked down the stairs
When I went downstairs there were two women in the room and one looked about my age. She had some tailored blouses and pants. I told my mom I wanted everything black but apparently she didn't listen, as usual. I walked to where they were.
- Hi Shikamaru, its a pleasure - the older woman said - I'm the stylist and this is my assistant, Shiho
- Nice to meet you - I said tiredly
- Here, son - my mother handed me a blouse and pants - Try these first
- But this is blue, I said black - I replied
- Just obey me - she slapped me
- Okay - I surrendered
They had brought a curtain and I went to change behind it. The outfit fit me perfectly. I looked at myself in the reflection of the mirror in the living room and it was beautiful. Anyway, it wasn't the color I wanted, so I would say I didn't like it, simple. I got out from behind the dressing room and went to show my mother.
- So, what do you think? - I asked
- It's beautiful, son - my mother said
- I want to try black - I imposed
-Okay, Shikamaru - when she calls me by name it's because she's angry - Try it soon
The shy, bespectacled girl with the blond hair handed me the outfit. She was red and stuttered when I thanked her. Did she have some kind of problem? Anyway. I went to the dressing room and put on my clothes. Now it was perfect. The black button-down blouse was of great quality and the pants had great fabric. It would look amazing with a belt. But... my heavens, why so complicated. The pants had gotten a little too big and my mother would surely complain.
- Hurry up darling, we don't have all day - she said and I left
- I liked this one - I said
- These pants are big, it will have to be different - she looked me up and down
- O-okay w-well, I, I can fix it for him - the shy girl named Shiho said
- Oh, whatever, we're out of time - my mother said looking at the clock - Be quick and after that, go get ready darling - she said and walked away with the other woman
- Thanks, you saved me - I thanked
- W-was n-nothing - she replied and took a box
She knelt down in front of me and it was an… embarrassing situation? It was a funny scene and could be misinterpreted depending on your point of view. She was quick and when I looked in the mirror the pants looked perfect. She put her things away and I said goodbye. I ran upstairs to get ready and take a shower.
Temari
I was still at Ino's house. She was getting me ready to go to dinner. Sakura had gone home, she also had an event with Tsunade. The weekends here are also busy. I was adapting to this. Ino started making up and doing my hair. She was going to do some waves and I asked that at least the makeup be subtle.
Yesterday I experienced a thousand and one high heels. My feet are hurting. For me, I thought one it was a great one and it fit me perfectly. He was black and looked like shiny leather with a red sole. It beautiful, I had to be careful. I had already showered and was wearing the dress. I had to get there by eight. I still had time and Ino called her private driver to take me. She said that she would stay at home and that if she left, she would only go later.
- You're getting flawless! - she looked at me - I'm almost done
- Thank you Ino, I don't even know how to thank you - I replied
- If nothing happens between you and Shikamaru today I'll resign - she joked
- I texted him - I said taking the cell phone - But he didn't answer me, he must be busy
- Or... - she said
- Or what? - I asked
- He might be doing it on purpose to make you more interested - she winked
- He knows I hate this game of disinterest - I explained - I don't think he would do that
- I'm just saying that sometimes it's good for you to provoke the person - she replied - The mans, they don't even know what to expect and they look like a puppy
- I would pay to see men with a puppy face - we both laughed
- Do something that embarrasses him today - she explained - But in a way... That leaves him wanting you more
- Alright - I entered the game - I can do this
- That's it, girl - she said
Tease... Was he teasing me by dont giving me an answer? Was that what he wanted? He should know who he's playing with. I can do that too. Today I really wanted something to happen. I needed to de-stress. I don't know how we would do something with a house full of people.
- You're ready, Temari! - Ino jumped for joy and I went to look at myself in the mirror
- I can't believe it - I looked at myself in the mirror in surprise
I have never felt this beautiful. I never really cared about my appearance but I must say today. I'm feeling beautiful. Everything is amazing, the hair, the makeup, the clothes. I didn't even know how to say thank you, I could never dress up so well.
- Ino, you are a goddess of beauty - I said
- Thank you - she said smiling - Now come on, don't be late - she gave me a little push - I would give anything to see that sucker's face when he lays eyes on you
- I text to tell her how it went - I winked at her and we walked out of the house towards the car
I got in the car and said goodbye to Ino. It was fifteen minutes to eight. I would arrive just in time. Ino didn't live far away. It was just a few streets. I started to get nervous. I started to wonder what his parents would think of me. I already knew his father. But our conversations were strictly formal. He was a good man and I believe a good father too.
After a while I arrived, we entered that forest. There were a few cars out front. From what Ino told me a little, there must be about twenty people. This kind of event was normal among rich people. Drinking wine, eating a lot and making small talk. The closer I got to the house, the more my heart fluttered. I was like this on the day of my first performance here in Konoha.
The car stopped and I looked at the house. She looked beautiful, all lit up and decorated. It felt like new year. I got out of the car and thanked the driver for the trip. I walked up those stairs and through the door. The hall was full and people were still standing. I went in, gee, I needed a drink. It was just me thinking and a waiter stopped beside me with a few glasses, it was probably champagne.
I was drinking slowly, I wanted to show that I was an extremely polite person. A few guys looked at me and I greeted everyone. I was dressed up for the occasion. No wonder some looks were on me.
- Temari - I heard somebody call me
- Shikamaru - I turned and looked who it was
- You're... - he was looking at me - You're... - he's making puppy face
- Lovely? - I played
- Extraordinary! - he finally replied - You're right, that blue dress is nothing compared to this one
- It's Ino's - I replied - She was the one who fixed me
- She just brought out the best in you - I felt him looking at my breasts
- Thank you, sweetheart - I said and he blushed - Where are your parents?
- A-ah, please follow me - he replied.
We walked among those people, he subtly took my hand and I didn't let go. His parents were talking to a chubby guy. It reminded me a lot of Choji. The smell of food was everywhere, I was hungry. We got closer and my heart seemed to pound. Why the hell was I so anxious?
- Mom? Dad? Temari arrived - he said and they both looked at me in surprise, I bet they didn't recognize me
- Temari? - Shikaku spoke disturbed - You are lovely
- Temari! Dear! - Shikamaru's mother came to hug me - You look beautiful in that dress! - she praised me
- Thank you very much for the compliments - I thanked shyly - It's a pleasure to be here with you
- Shikamaru, accompany her to the dinner table - Shikaku said - Dinner is about to start
I followed Shikamaru to the table. I couldn't help but notice how cute he looked. His hair in the standard hairstyle didn't make him any less stylish. This outfit fit him perfectly. And his perfume. This was turning me on beyond measure. It was tempting. I could grab him right there. He noticed me looking at him, so I looked away.
We sat down and I was beside him. The other people sat down slowly. I drank some wine, I needed to let go, I was feeling very quiet.
- My parents love you - he whispered in my ear
- And I loved it, especially your mother - I replied
-You have no idea what you're doing to me in that dress...- he moved even closer and I could feel his breath in my ear
- The goal was exactly that - I smiled and kept looking ahead
People settled down. Everything was enchanting. My belly was roaring with hunger. Shikamaru and I continued talking about trivial matters. I thought about what Ino had said earlier and was thinking of something just to see his puppy face. While we were at this, Shikamaru's father approached and proposed a toast
- Dear friends and guests tonight - he began - We are here to celebrate life, love, peace and hope - As everyone already knows, Temari is Suna's counselor and this dinner was made and inspired by her and this amazing country that is our ally - he smiled at me - Together we believe we can be stronger
He finished speaking and everyone applauded. I felt flushed but happy. Shikaku was the most respectful and wonderful person in the world when it came to politics. I could spend hours talking to him about it. The food started to arrive in piles and I was recognizing everything, it was very familiar
- It's the food from my country... - I said when they put it on the table
- My mother wanted you to feel at home - he said
- I don't know how to thank you - I said and felt tears in my eyes
- Let's eat, I'm starving - he smiled relaxed
Everyone was laughing and talking. After a few glasses of wine I became much more sociable. They loved the food and as much as I thought it was too much, it ended quickly. I talked to other people, some advisors and even a man who was always present at my meetings with Shikaku.
I followed Ino's plan and waited for the perfect occasion. Shikamaru's father started talking to him. I put my hand on his leg, he looked at me in the corner not quite understanding. And then I raised my hand, more and more until... And he choked on what he was drinking and looked at me again with the puppy face. I wanted to laugh.
After that I talked a lot with Shikamaru's mom and found out that we have a lot in common. She was a strong and incredible woman, she is an example of a mother and a woman, that's how I imagine my mother today...
- Temari - Shikaku called me
- Yes, sir - I replied
- No sir around here, we already talked about it - he smiled and I nodded
- Have you already seen our forest? - he asked me
- I haven't had that pleasure yet - I replied but in part it was a lie
- Shikamaru, please - he replied - Do the honors
- Y-would you like to go? - he asked
- I would love to - and I replied
We got up and asked them to leave. I continued with my wine glass in hand. It was a good wine, I wouldn't waste it. I didn't know what Shikaku was thinking. But if he sent us there, he had a good reason. I followed Shikamaru out of that mansion he called home. We walked through those doors and looking out.
- Let's go to the lake, the view of the moon is amazing from there - he said and took my hand
- Come on - I replied
And that's how we entered the Nara Forest.