Temari
I can't believe I managed to take a nap on the way home. Everyone was sleeping too, tired. Less Shikamaru. He had his hand on my leg. Things remained "normal" after yesterday, we enjoyed the rest of our date. We even took pictures on those instant machines. I felt like putting one of them in my room when I arrive home.
That encounter yesterday. The things he said. I didn't know how to take this forward. I was torn apart and things have only gotten harder. I should put my responsibilities first and I can't believe I'm thinking about it. For the first time my feelings spoke louder and I wasn't familiar with it. I was afraid
How are things in Suna? This weekend completely cut me off from political affairs there. Today was Monday again and to my surprise I only had one meeting scheduled with the Hokage but it was in the afternoon. Shikamaru arranged to stop by the house to take me, he also had some things to take care of and I wouldn't waste the ride.
We arrived at the entrance to Konoha. That big gate gave me a feeling of comfort. I can't believe I was missing my apartment there more than Suna's. I never got tired of watching that landscape. Looking at the Hokage monument, I remembered my first encounter up there. The first time I felt rain on my skin.
My time in Konoha was running out. If a month has passed that fast, I don't want to think about the other two. Maybe I got carried away too much and now it's going to be hard to say goodbye. And it's not the city I'm talking about. And yes from the people I met here. Especially one in particular. It's weird to think about the way our relationship started and to think about how it's going to end makes me sad.
Traffic was light and in a few minutes we arrived at my apartment. Naruto started to wake up and with him Sakura and Choji also woke up. Kiba had the car behind us. Gaara's classes are also in the afternoon and he is eager to get started. Kankuro also has his appointments and I don't know if he is happy to have to say "bye" to Tenten. They're great friends, friends with benefits, but friends.
Getting closer, there was a person standing on a motorcycle in front of my apartment. I recognized your familiar face. Could not be. I wasn't buying it. The car stopped and I jumped out.
- Akira! - I screamed
- Temari! - he grabbed me and spun me in the air, he had the smell of Suna, I miss you
- How much time! What are you doing here? How did you know where I was living? - wow I had so many questions, I wanted so much to know how things were in Suna, the Kazekage, everything
- I wanted to see you - he said approaching - Suna is not the same thing without you
- Cof - I heard Shikamaru coughing behind me
- Wow - said Ino approaching - Who is your friend Temari? - she asked
- This is Akira - I replied - He works with me there in Suna, he is part of ANBU
- Are there only hot people like that in Suna? I think I was born in the wrong country - she say
- Cof - it was Kiba's turn to cough
- Will you cough too if I talk to him? - Sakura referred to Naruto who made a sign of surrender
- Where were you? Haven't received my messages? - he asked me - I have so much to tell you about Suna and...
- She was with me - Shikamaru grumbled - With us, we were at a beach house
- Ah... That's great, beach is nice - he replied awkwardly to Shikamaru, the atmosphere was strange
- Anyway, let's go upstairs, you must have a lot of things to tell me - I said - Kankuro, Gaara, get your bags
- Akira my brother! - Kankuro approached - How long! You grow up?
- I'm older than you, Kankuro - he replied and the two laughed, they formed a friendship in the last year - And I was always taller
I said goodbye to everyone and everyone hunted their way. My brothers took things from the car and we headed towards the apartment. Maybe we would meet over the weekend. Who knows, life in Konoha flies by.
- Temari - Shikamaru called me - Pick you up later here?
- Don't worry, dear - I spoke close to him - Akira can take me, you also have your commitments
- Temari? You come? - Akira called me
- I'm going! - I replied - I have to go, I'll send you a message - I placed a quick kiss on her cheek
- Temari, I... I - he stuttered
- I know - I replied and went upstairs to the apartment
I went into the apartment and went upstairs with them. I was happy to be home. I needed to take time out for myself and to process everything that happened this weekend. A lot had changed. I needed to rest. But something tells me that with Akira around here, I won't have that rest. I was dying to hear the news and what brought him here. When I dropped it off at the airport 1 month ago, things were weird but now... It seems to be okay.
- Hey, tell me the news, how's Suna doing? - I asked pushing him into the apartment
- Things get better in Suna, even from a distance you can do miracles - he smiled at me, a nice smile but not as attractive as before - The contacts you made here have made several improvements in Suna and I have also been following the project of pipe, is expected to end even sooner.
- Oh swear? - That bothered me - I'm glad to hear that! How is the Kazekage doing? Sometimes I miss that old man - I said crossing my arms
- He talks about you every day - we laugh - You are missed, for everyone in the building
- I miss home too - I said and felt a tightness in my chest - I can't wait... - I wasn't so excited to say that
- And for here? Is Konoha as awesome as they say? - he asked me
- More than that! - I said excited this time - This city is amazing
- For Temari? Its amazing- Kankuro laughed
- Shut up, Kankuro - I rolled my eyes
- What I lose? - Akira asked
- Temari is dating... - I hit him, that wasn't true I wasn't 100% dating
- Is nothing! - I replied - But what about you? How are things? I miss home
- For me, things haven't changed much - he said suspiciously - The same old jobs
- I am going! - Gaara yelled slamming the door
- Where is he going? - Akira asked me
- He started college here and will live in Konoha for now - I replied.
- Ah... Wow! This is amazing - he replied
- And I started another work! - Kankuro spoke proudly
- How proud of our young entrepreneur - Akira hugged him, I loved their friendship
- Oh, there - Kankuro complained - Stop it, it's hurting
- Temari - he called me - What do you think we have lunch after?
- I think it's great, so we can talk better - I said - But then you'll have to take me to the Hokage building
- That's fine with me - he smiled
I went to my room to pack up. I miss my room. Akira said he had no place to stay, he really had just arrived. Didn't see a hotel or anything. When he dropped me off at that airport and said all those things. At that time I even felt sorry for what he said. But now... Things have changed. He's a great friend and always has been. I offered for him to stay here, but he would have to sleep on the couch. I don't think he refused.
We chatted for a while and time flew by. I didn't even feel it. My tummy started to growl, I was hungry. What I wouldn't give to go to Choji's restaurant for lunch. We decided to go there. He had to try the food here. I wanted to show him everything. He also said that he only came here a few times. But we wouldn't have time for that. If what he said was really true. My time here would be even shorter. I hoped it wasn't
A few moments later...
- How did you get permission to come here? - I asked while eating
- I gave my way - he said, laughing - I needed to find you, I missed you
- You know... - I really wanted to tell him about Shikamaru
- You met someone? - he asked - While you were here...
- I met - I said - But... It's doomed to fail - I smiled ironically
-Why? - he took a sip of his drink - I didn't even have a chance to declare myself, maybe I should take some tips from this guy - we both laughed, but he would never be Shikamaru
- Well... Mainly because of my work, which already includes distance - I said - He's also a busy person... It wouldn't work, no matter how hard we tried, at first it's always flowers but after a while it's difficult
- Hey, don't cry - he said, rubbing my cheek, I was crying - Loves hurt, but it goes away, I felt like that too when you left
- I'm sorry, I left you and that's why I didn't expect to be so emotional, I must have PMS - I said
- Don't worry Temari - he smiled - Soon things were back to normal
- Seriously, we should have talked about that... - I said
- It's alright, when we get back to Suna we talk, things have changed here too - he pointed to his chest
- Yes! I don't want to think about it now, if you don't mind - I said - Tell me how is Suna, have things really improved?
- You have no idea! - he said - I think people are even happier
- That's great... - I smile sincerely
- Maybe you'll even go into Suna's history books - he joked - "The girl who brought plenty of water to Sunagakure", will be in the children's books you bet
- You are kidding right - I joked, when I looked at the clock I realized that we could be late - Hey, come on, I don't want to be late for the meeting with the Hokage
- Come on - he said - The food here is delicious! I would eat this every day - he said getting up
- I'll tell the boss - I said ironically - He's a friend of mine
- You made many acquaintances around here - he replied
- You have no idea... - I said softly
We left the restaurant and Akira gave me the helmet to get on his motorbike. We arrived at the building quickly and on time. He said he would wait for me outside while I was at the meeting, I thanked him and said he would make us dinner later. I couldn't say why I was nervous about that meeting. Maybe things had gone as I planned, or maybe not...
I took the elevator and went up. I walked calming down to the Hokage's room, passed by her secretary who told me to enter. I had an hour to talk to her. On the one hand, I was excited, all my plans worked out and awesome, it was easy to develop things around here and I couldn't wait to go back to Suna to see the results. But on the other... As things are already "ready" there is no longer any reason for me to stay here. And that scares me.
I knocked and opened the door to the Hokage's room and went inside. She was staring at the sight of Konoha with her hands behind her back. I wanted to know what was going on in her head right now. I was waiting for her to direct the word to me, she was thoughtful.
-Temari - she smiled - Sit down, dear-she said pointing to the chair in front of me-We have a lot to talk about
- Yes, we do - I agreed
- Did everything go as you planned? - she asked
- Yes, better than that actually - I replied
- And what's missing? Need help with something? - she also sat
- My two projects with the Nara clan have already been completed, the tree has germinated and we will start planting in Suna and the pipes are already 60% prepared - I smiled
- That's great to hear! - she smiled - Do you want to know how is Suna? I just received these reports - she said giving me
- Yes, I'll take a look later - I said
- How much longer do you intend to stay? - she asked again
- On my list, I just need to get in touch with some people, to help with some things with the Suna festival - I replied sincerely
- So by the end of this month you should have already finished?
- I believe so, Miss Tsunade - I said
- Please don't think I'm kicking you out - she said and looked worried - But the Kazekage keeps sending me messages saying he can't manage without you around and he can't wait for your return
- I understand, I miss home too - I said with a half smile - I still have a month, I'll finish my chores and go back to Suna
- Know that you will always be very welcome in our country - she smiled - Konoha will always have its doors open for you
- Thank you Mrs Tsunade - I said getting up - If you'll excuse me, I have these reports to read and others to deliver, thank you for your attention - I bowed
- Imagine, dear - she replied - When you need me I'll be here
- Thank you - I said goodbye and closed the door
My time here was running out.
Shikamaru
I hated that guy. Seriously, who appears out of nowhere without warning? And I feel like I've seen him somewhere. And worse, what kind of intimacy was the one Temari had with him? What was their relationship? What were they doing now? And why did he have to stay at her apartment? Questions, questions and more questions.
I had just got home. I threw my backpack on the floor and threw myself on the bed. I thought I would still see Temari today, but apparently not anymore. She will be busy this afternoon with someone else. What bothers me most is that she didn't respond to the request I made. And it wasn't just anyone, I never did it for a girl. It's still something new for me.
This week I will be busier than ever. My father will not give me rest until October. I still have a lot to learn and classes to go. And it all starts this week. As long as I'm busy with this, Akira will be with her. Just thinking about it made me angry. Since when did I become like this? But I don't know... There's something about him that I find suspicious.
I stayed in bed until lunchtime. They called me to eat and I went downstairs. My parents were at home, which was a rare occasion at this time. They always ate lunch out. They were seated at the table and seemed to be waiting for me. I went down the stairs lazily and saw my mother smiling at me.
- Are you having lunch at home today? - I asked going to sit
- It's not bad to have lunch with our son a few times - she replied and my father was quiet - How was it at the beach house? - He asked
- It was... nice - I replied
- Just "nice"? - my mom stared at me - What happened over there?
- We had fun, we went to the city for a walk - I said - No big deal, just a little different
- That is good my son and how is Temari doing? - he had to ask
- Well, she went to visit the Hokage today - I replied
- Son, I wanted to talk to you about it - Shikaku finally said something
- About what? - I asked
- Temari won't be here much longer - he said - I also talked to the Hokage today
- I know that, she's leaving in two months - I replied
- In fact, she's leaving at the end of this month
- What? - I couldn't believe - Why? Why does she have to leave now? What happened?
- I read her latest reports and as I'm in front of her project, she doesn't have much else to do here - he replied - And Suna also needs her, there are things changing there, she is an important piece
- But... But - I didn't even know what to say, actually, there was nothing to be said
- I know, Shikamaru - my father completed - She should finish things for the Suna festival and then talk to you, seeing the involvement of you two, but I also need you to focus here, you are also important, don't forget of this
- I know that, dad... I just need some time - I said standing up
- And another thing son... I didn't want to say it all at once - he put his hand on his head - There will no longer be ''Shadow'' from October
- WHAT? - I looked at him
- It's for your safety, you can't keep doing this - he stood up and faced me - You will be responsible for our clan and help in the political and economic affairs of Konoha, don't think this will be easy and you'll be able to do two things to the same time
- But dad - I hadn't felt like crying for a while - I understand... I'll find a way, Just... I need time and by the way, my cell phone started ringing
Call on
- Choji? What was it? - I asked
- Temari is here at the restaurant with that guy - he said and my heavens, how I wish today were over
- I'm going there - I replied
Off call
- Who was? - my mother asked
- It was Choji - I replied - He needs help with something and... Afterwards I have some appointments, I'll have lunch with him
- Son - my father called me - You know that if you need you can talk to us
- I know - I replied with a smile - See you later
I walked quickly to the car outside. Yami must be glad I haven't been hitchhiking for him. I accelerated with the car and left. I was the fastest to the restaurant, I wanted to see their interaction up close. But of course, without letting Temari know. There was so much I wanted to tell her.
I'm afraid of her reaction. Afraid she'd never look at me the same way again. Everyone has secrets but like mine... Telling her that I'm Shadow doesn't even cross my mind, it's just that things have changed. Since yesterday, things are different. I couldn't bear to lose her, but in the end, that's what's going to happen, one way or another.
A few moments later...
I arrived at the restaurant and entered through the back door that Choji left open for me. When I passed in front of the restaurant I saw a motorcycle parked outside, it was probably his and that's how they got here. Just imagining Temari this close to him. It was supposed to be me in his place. I went into the restaurant and saw Choji, I went there to talk to him, my stomach growled, I remembered I hadn't eaten anything.
- Hey, Choji - I called him
- Eai Shikamaru - he greeted me - They are at table 18
- Thanks for letting me know - I said - A lot happened, friend
- What there was? You look sad - he put his hand on my shoulder
- My father gave me two news, the first is that Temari is leaving ahead of schedule and the second is that after our "coronation" - I rolled my eyes - I won't be able to be Shadow anymore
- This is a lot to process, do you want to eat some? - he asked me
- I would like to, I haven't eaten anything yet - I liked the way Choji handled things with food, there was nothing that his food wouldn't cure
- Sit at table 4 - he warned me - You'll get to see them but they won't see you
- Thank you, I'm going for it - I hugged him and left
I walked to the table and sat down. I ordered something to drink and put on my sunglasses, and I also had my hair down and a blue cap. I kept looking at them, they were laughing and talking. How I wanted to hear what they were talking about. After a while my food arrived. I took the first mouthful and almost choked.
He was running a hand over her face. Was she crying? Why? What had he said to make this happen? And why was he so close to her? When did she give this intimacy and why I was feeling so replaceable. How I wanted to get closer to the two of them. Keep eating and they chatted a little longer. Time passed and they got up. It was almost time for Temari's meeting with Tsunade, she should get the news now... I feel so bad knowing this before she does.
A shortness of breath gripped my chest and I was breathless. I had already finished eating. I felt nauseous. I didn't want her to leave, she couldn't. Not now. Not in a month. Not even a year from now. I don't ever want her to leave. But I can't ask her to stay, it would be selfish of me. She is not my property. I didn't want to cry, I promised myself I wouldn't cry.
It was inevitable, some tears came down and I wiped them away. I continued to sit for a while and then got up. I went into the kitchen to thank Choji for the food and say goodbye to him. Maybe we would meet later, but for now I wanted to be alone. I went to the car and got in. I sat and looked outside, watching people pass by, children playing.
Why is life unfair sometimes? Why are some people destined to be together but just can't? Because before I didn't really believe it, but now it's hard not to believe she's the love of my life. It's hard to say that wasn't fate. I went back to crying, but this time I could. Nobody was seeing it anyway. For a long time, I cried like a child. After a while I heard my cell phone ring, it woke me from my thoughts and I came back to myself. I realized I was late for my appointment and had to go. My class would start with the rest of the staff. I grabbed my cell phone and went to check it out, it was a text from Temari.
"We need to talk. Dinner at my place. Saturday at 8pm"
Talk… I would have to make a face of surprise when she said she was leaving. I was going to have to hold back my tears. I would deceive her one more time by pretending I didn't know. No. I couldn't do that. I wouldn't do that. I promised her that we would enjoy our time here and that's what I will keep doing. Even if it hurts in the end. I need her. For as long as it takes, I'll make this last month the best of our lives. So I replied to her message.
"See you on Saturday"
That was the beginning of the end.
author here!
The semi filler chapter is important for the story, there in front everything will make sense. Things are starting to heat up around here! But don't miss waiting, there's still a lot to happen! Thank you and I hope you are enjoying it.