Temari

I didn't see Shikamaru the rest of the week. I barely saw my brothers either. The only person on my side was Akira. He took me to my appointments and we went out once to see the city. Still I couldn't stop thinking about him. I can't say that Tsunade news was a surprise. I keep communicating with the Kazekage, so I already knew my time here would be shorter. But I didn't want to accept it.

Because for the first time it felt like I was putting myself first in my life. In my choices. But reality surfaced and it felt like a punch to the pit of my stomach. I didn't know how to tell him this, he said we would enjoy it and that's it. But somehow things got a little out of hand. And we allow. Because we wanted to have that feeling again. The feeling of being together, the ecstasy, the pleasure.

I felt connected to him. And when I spoke those words were not lip service. I fell in love for him. And this feeling is nothing like the other times. It's a Category 5 hurricane. But my pride won't let me admit it. Sometimes I have these thoughts, which seem like daydreams. I want to be with him, I really do. But we can't. And it's not because we don't want to, it's because we really can't. There's no explanation, things are just like that.

And tonight's dinner isn't just for him. I also called the staff. The closest ones. It was like a farewell. In the coming weeks I will be more than mired in work and reports to do. I won't have more time to leave. I wanted to do something special to say thanks for the time I was here and the friendships I made.

I was lying on my bed. It was nine o'clock in the morning. Akira must still be sleeping in the living room. I told him he could stay here, he didn't need to stay in any hotel. He still hasn't told me when he intends to leave but I wouldn't leave him alone in this town so he can stay here with me and my brothers. He also told me the real reason for the trip. He said he is studying ANBU's combat methods here in Konoha. So the next few weeks I would take off entirely for myself and my work here.

I got up and went to change clothes. I put on a dress, it's been a while since I wore this blue dress. While in Konoha I also did some shopping in the last month. I went to the mall twice with Sakura and Ino. I bought a few pieces of clothing, but this dress was my favorite. It was from my first meeting with Shikamaru and he loved it.

- Good morning Temari - I heard a knock on the door and Akira was there

- Good morning, Akira - I replied

- Wow, you look beautiful in that dress, desert flower - he said

- Thank you, it's my favorite - I said

- It suits you very well - he smiled - I'll make you breakfast, I want to know if you want some

- Yes, I would love to - smile back

- Leave it to me - he blinked

It was great to have him around. I loved his friendship and appreciated that he respected my space. I still haven't told him about Shikamaru and we haven't even talked about that sort of thing yet. I said I would have dinner here at home today and that we would have guests. He was super excited and said he would help me prepare everything. I accepted his help and besides, I had nowhere else for him to go. I couldn't just kick him out like that.

I went to have coffee. The smell was going into my room. A hot coffee is all I need right now. The room was tidier than ever, really, it was nice to have him around. Living here in Konoha made me realize the difference between our accents and yes, Suna's accent was sexy, even more coming out of Akira's mouth. We had breakfast together and I asked him to accompany me to the market to buy things for dinner.

I asked Choji what Shikamaru liked to eat that I would try to prepare for him. I'm good at cooking and I'm proud of it. After so many years of practically fending for myself, at least my food had to be good. We were leaving in a little while. My brothers were still sleeping and I was unsure if Gaara slept at home. Kankuro I saw a few times but Gaara didn't. I asked him to show up tonight, I wanted to bring together all the people I like. And in the end, dinner wasn't just for Shikamaru, Kankuro was also leaving. He would return to Suna tomorrow.

- Good morning, sister - Kankuro said scratching his eyes - I felt the smell of coffee from inside my bedroom

- Good morning - I replied smiling

- I'll miss here - was the first thing he said

- Relax, in a little while I'll be back home too - I said - At the end of this month

- And what happened to the 3 months here? - he asked

- Your sister is someone very smart who finished the job before the scheduled time - Akira answered for me

- I'll be back at the end of this month, I only have three more weeks here - I said at last

- And when would you tell this to me? And also for the staff? - he asked

- That's why I'm having dinner tonight - I said - And do you know where Gaara walks?

- He didn't let go of Ino last week, I think business is getting serious - Kankuro nudged me

- Really? - It made me think about what Kiba said - Hope it's okay

- I'll miss Tenten - he sighed - But... I can't steal her and I took her to Suna

- Are the people of Konoha that receptive? - Akira asked

- You have no idea - me and Kankuro replied together and laughed

We had our coffee and were talking and deciding what we were going to do later. Kankuro also said he would help with dinner. Which already made me more excited. He cooked well, maybe even better than me. After a while we went to the market and went to the nearest one which for Kankuro's happiness was where Tenten worked. So he would definitely invite her to join us later.

Some time later...

We buy things and go home. The day was light and I was having fun. I just wouldn't know what it would be like later. Whenever I thought about how I would tell this to Shikamaru my chest tightened and I wasn't able to speak or reason anymore. We have nothing but it looks like we have everything. I was completely lost in my thoughts. Akira and Kankuro were talking in front of me, as I said, he called Tenten.

Honestly, I just don't know where I'm going to put this many people. In the end, we would work it out. I thought about making a very traditional dinner with cushions on the floor, chopsticks, and all kinds of food possible. Glad I would have help. I wouldn't be able to prepare this all by myself. We got home and it was still afternoon. We ate junk food while we were on the street. We were watching TV for a while and talking.

The more Akira talked about Suna, the more homesick I felt. But at the same time, he popped into my head. I decided to go take a shower before starting to prepare things. I grabbed a shirt and some shorts and went to the shower. The water cleared away all those thoughts and I was just enjoying that particular moment. Me with myself.

After a while the boys and I started to prepare food. It was a lot of fun and I haven't laughed so much. I liked the way Akira got along with Kankuro so much and last year he even tried to get close to Gaara but I know it's hard. Anyway, I hope dinner tonight is quiet and peaceful.

I'll break the news and that's all, it's no big deal. Of course I will miss it here. The moments we spent together. But everything is a cycle and my time here was running out. I had to accept and embrace this. As much as it hurt, that's the way it is. These are memories that have stayed in my head forever.

- What are you thinking? - Akira nudged me - If I continue like this, the rice will burn

- Heavens! - I got scared by the fire - I didn't even notice

- I'm looking forward to eating - Kankuro said - The smell must be going down the street

- Why don't you go tidy up the dining room in the meantime? - I asked

- I will, just let me finish this here - he replied, and I didn't know what he was cooking in that pot

- And when are you leaving Akira? - I asked

- When you go, in 3 weeks, right?! - he said

- But why? I'm pretty big, I don't need a bodyguard - I replied

- The Kazekage insisted and what was it? Don't like my company around here? - he asked smiling

- I like it - I snapped - I was just curious - I smiled

- You were right - he said - You can really learn a lot here in Konoha

- And your visits to the ANBU center? How has it been? - I asked

- Nice, but I'd rather be with you - and he answered me like that, I ended up smiling, I didn't know how I felt about Akira but for sure, now, it wasn't the same way as a month ago

- We have to hurry, soon our guests will arrive - I smiled kind of cutting the subject

We finished doing things and I went to change clothes. I put on the same dress I was wearing earlier, before starting to prepare things, I didn't want it to smell like fried food. The boys were tidying up the room and I was tidying up maybe it was the last time I could get everyone together. And I wanted to enjoy this moment, with my friends and with him.

While I was getting ready I heard the doorbell ring, no problem. The boys were in the room and would answer. I was anxious and starting to get hungry. Night fell. It felt like the time was flying by. The longer I wanted to stay, the more the hour passed quickly. I had to finish getting ready and having my friends over.

Shikamaru

- Who are you? - that guy asked me

- Shikamaru - I replied lazily

- It's a pleasure, Shikamaru - did he want to make the polite line? - My name is Akira, I'm a friend of Temari's, we didn't speak very well that day

- Yeah... - I yawned - Is Temari in? I wanted to give this to her - I pointed to the only sunflower that was in my hand

- Oh yes... She's getting ready, come in please - he smiled, I wanted to wipe that smile off his face

I entered Temari's apartment. How angry I was from the first time I found out he was sleeping here. How did I know this? Ino. More precisely, Gaara. I don't know why, it's just that apparently Gaara doesn't like him very much. And I don't either. He was sleeping and spending the day at the house of the girl I like. Was there anything worse than that? Several hypotheses popped into my head.

What if he caught her coming out of the shower? Or changing clothes? Did they cook together? Watch movies together? What else have they been doing this entire week alone? Wow, what anger and it was transparent on my face. The smell of food dominated the place and it was a good smell. I was looking forward to seeing Temari, I couldn't miss my classes anymore and I miss her in my daily life.

I greeted Kankuro when I arrived in the room and exchanged some ideas with him. He said he was heading back to Suna tomorrow. This was a shock to me, he was also part of my life now. I got along well with Temari's brother. If I've ever felt weird about him saying he's leaving tomorrow, imagine when she's the one telling me this.

I glanced over and saw Akira looking at me. I wanted to know what that guy's problem was. That he liked Temari was more than obvious and it gnawed at me even more. What was his intention? The last time I showed jealousy, Temari insisted that I stay on the line and demonstrated that it's not a post for dogs to mark their territory. That was my wife. What? I really think that?

Only... It was inevitable. I was so jealous of him. And not in a normal way. I was even jealous because he's the one going back to Suna with her and when she needs it, he'll be there to support her. Oh... Fate. He plays tricks on us.

- What are you looking at? - I asked

- Nothing - he replied ironically - I liked your hair, it looks like mine

- How amazing - I mumbled and rolled my eyes

- Temari must have a thing for men like that - he smiled

- How is it? - I was amazed at your audacity to say that

- Shikamaru... - I heard Temari's sweet female voice flow in my ears

- Temari

When I looked at her she was just as perfect as on our first date. That perfect blue dress that suits her so well. Her hair was blond like sunbeams and was down and a little below the height of her shoulders it was bare and showed the spots they had on them. She was staring at me with those huge green eyes. My favorite galaxy.

- I can't believe you weren't late - she pulled me out of my trance

- You said it was important - I replied - It didn't even cross my mind, this is for you - we both smiled

-Thank you...- she said, smelling the flower - We have to talk later - she said

- I'll be anxious... - they interrupted me

- Our guests have arrived - Akira shouted, as I hated that guy, I would give anything to throw him from up here

- We're here, dears - Ino said entering the apartment with a bottle of loot in her hand

- Shikamaru, Kankuro - Kiba came to greet us - I'm starving, I hope there's plenty of food around here

- ME TOO - Naruto yelled - Did you make ramen?

- This is a dinner, Naruto - Sakura rolled her eyes, - Not that crap you eat

- The smell is delicious - Choji replied - I bet it's delicious, Temari

- It's not your food, Choji - she smiled - But it's worth it

- Temari, you look beautiful - Ino said - I'll miss you so much - they hug each other

- Missing? Why missing? - Naruto butted in

- I'll explain it later - Temari smiled - Let's eat

Everyone screamed and went to take their places. Temari, Akira and Kankuro were putting food on the table. I insisted to help her but she wouldn't let me. After everything was fixed. Kiba, Naruto and Choji started eating without even waiting for the rest of the people. Akira sat facing me. Surely he wanted to tease me. Temari was at the end of the table, beside us.

The night stretched on. We ate, laughed, drank. Even Gaara became more talkative. After a while Kankuro's date arrived. She said she got tangled up at work so she couldn't make it early. We were all happy. I mean, I was 80% happy and 20% angry. At various times, Akira said things in a joking tone, and I felt they were exactly for me. He wanted to tease me and I was about to join his little game.

- Now that we're eating, you can say Temari - Kankuro said

- Okay - she said and I felt sadness in her voice

- What happened? - Kiba asked - Did someone die? But weren't his parents dead already?

- STOP BEING INSENSITIVE, KIBA - Ino yelled

- Just listen to what she has to say - Sakura nudged him

- I'm leaving in three weeks - she said and the noise of the cutlery falling on the plates was funny - And Kankuro is leaving tomorrow

- TOMORROW? - Kiba yelled

- THREE WEEKS? - Naruto yelled - Last time it was three months

- Our time here is over - she said smiling but no one followed her

- How did this happen? - Kiba asked Kankuro - And because it seems that only me and Naruto's loser here didn't know about it?

- I made this dinner to thank me for the time I spent, in fact, we passed through here - she completed - Kankuro and I are leaving but Gaara will still go to college here

- Ah - I saw Kiba mumble and roll his eyes

- We don't want you to go back to Suna - Naruto said

- Did you forget she's a Kazekage counselor? - Sakura asked

- She is more than that, she is our friend - he replied

There was silence in the room. I still hadn't said anything. I actually had no words. The personnel file was falling. Temari and Kankuro fit together so well it felt like they had been part of our group for years. Everyone was affected in some way. And when I looked at Ino I saw a tear come down her face. This moment was being everything, especially remarkable. I felt Temari looking at me too. She must be wondering why I wasn't so surprised.

- Can't you stay a little longer? - Naruto asked - Can't you help Suna from here?

-Temari is an important piece for our country- Akira butted in, I hated when he spoke of her like that - Her place is there, the Kazekage can barely manage without her

- Sakura - Kiba pointed at her - You're smart, there must be some law, some shit like that that lets Temari stay here

- First she has to choose to stay here, Kiba - she replied. -And secondly, Hokages, Kazekages, Mizukages... They are all above most laws, so if he wants Temari there, there's not much we can do, she is a citizen of Suna, not Konoha

- And what do we have to do for her to become a citizen of Konoha? - Naruto asked

- Guys... - Temari tried to speak

- Lots of paperwork or a wedding with someone from here - she replied and I was already regretting where it was going

- SHIKAMARU, MARRIES TEMARI! NOW! - Kiba yelled

-There's no reason for Temari to marry someone from here, her home is Suna and it always will be - Akira completed and I wanted to punch her in the face

- ENOUGH! - And Temari also stood up, everyone looked at her and she had tears in her eyes

- Temari .. - I saw Akira hold her hand

- Take your hand off her - I said staring at him, I was already tired of him and his sentences

- What? - he stared back at me

- I told you to take your hand away - I yelled

- Dad and Mom are fighting - Kankuro said making the others face him

- What is your problem? - he asked me

- My problem is you! - I hit

Before we could think, my face felt hot and when I looked at Akira his face was also scarred. Temari had slapped our faces. The atmosphere was tense. Nothing had gone as I planned and I imagine not even as she planned. Now things were on the table. All cards. Temari had left the apartment leaving us there. Akira and I got up. He definitely wanted to go after her. But I wouldn't let it.

- Don't even think about it - I said standing in front of you

- I'm her friend - he replied

- And I'm more than that - I said

- Do you think you can face me, you playboy? - he approached me

- Is it serious that you are going to fight? - Naruto asked

- Oh yeah, there's going to be a hot man's fight - Ino clapped her hands

- Stop it both of you - Sakura stood between us - You should be worried about Temari and not filling that male ego of yours

- Shikamaru go after my sister - Kankuro also stood up - Akira let him go... If you want Temari's well, believe me, it better be him

I barely heard what Kankuro said at the end. But it was enough to trap Akira there. I ran out of the apartment and went downstairs. I didn't know where Temari was going, but I needed to find her. To make matters worse, the street was full. And no wonder, it was a Saturday. The busiest day of the week. I didn't have a lot of time, I had to find her.

I wondered where she could have gone. Not far from here, Temari knows the place but wouldn't take that much risk. I walked those streets with my heart in my hand. I was just letting my body guide me. I didn't know what to say to her. And I didn't even know if she wanted to listen to me. Hatred washed over me again. I would kill Akira.

When I realized myself I was already far away. I decided to go back. I hadn't found her. Maybe she'd already come home and if he saw her sooner than me. I would have lost the game. I had to get back as soon as possible and wait for her there. I was near the grocery store we met the first time so I turned around to go back

- You don't happen to watch where you're going - I bumped into someone and I recognized their voice

- Temari - I hugged her with all my strength, a comforting hug

- What are you doing here? I want to be alone! - she said, pulling away from me - Go back to the apartment

- I won't go without you, we have to talk - I said

- You knew, didn't you? - she said - I knew I would leave sooner

- I... I... - the words don't come out

- How did you find out? Ah, let me guess - she was angry - Your father

- He told me and I wanted to talk to you - I tried to talk

- So you preferred hide this information from me until today? - she asked - I thought there were no secrets and omissions between the two of us

- I was busy this week, it would be better if we talked face to face - I said holding his face

- A message, Shikamaru - she said - Just send me a message

- I...

- What else do you hide from me? - she asked and it seemed she knew my biggest secret

- I.. - I got nervous

- Don't talk... I don't even know why I asked, we all have secrets right?! - she laughed

- And why didn't you tell me that Akira was "living" with you? - I replied - I heard that from Ino!

- ... - she was silent

- Do you think I like the way he treats you? Do you think I was happy to hear he was sleeping at your house? - I asked - Answer me, Temari

- He is just my friend

- And have you already hooked up with this friend? - I played

- I...

- Forget it, we all have secrets don't we? - I repeated what she said - Let's go back, our friends is already worried, we'll talk better later - I turned around, turned my back on her and walked

- He will never be you - she spoke low but I still listened

- What? - I asked

- He'll never be you! - she yelled, seemed to be angry - Don't think for a second, if you think that you have the right to talk to me like that

- How not? - I laughed ironically - You didn't even answer the request I made you

- And what would I answer, Shikamaru? - she put her hands on her hips - "Yes, let's date for three weeks and then we break up?" Is that what you wanted to hear?

- I would rather date you for three weeks than never date - I said at last - Look... I don't want anymore...

And that's how she ended this fight. A kiss. That alone was necessary to end everything that was happening at that moment. As she kissed me and her mouth entwined mine, I hugged her tight. Like I was never going to let go of her again and I really didn't want to. Her warm skin against mine, that luscious fabric of her blue dress running across my skin.

I felt a tear running down her face. It was right there that she shook me. I felt she was sadder than me. That she carried a heavier load than mine. I couldn't make her sad. I would never forgive myself. I said that while she was here we would enjoy it, we would make it work. And that's exactly what we would try.

Kiba

After all the fights, I decided to go home. Seriously, I wasn't in the right frame of mind today. And mostly seeing Ino and Gaara in front of me being a happy couple wasn't making me any better. The poor man didn't even know we were talking behind him. Does this constitute treason? Ino has to break up with him.

I haven't seen her the rest of the week. Everyone was busy with her chores and myself included. I had police dog training and plus my mom was stuffing my fucking balls to attend etiquette classes. As if she had any way too. Didn't I want to take the exams, genin, chunnin and jounin? Who needs to be any of these fucks? And worse than that, going through all this training. This year would not be easy.

I didn't take the elevator, I took the stairs that were faster. I walked out of the building and took my car keys out of my pocket. Until I heard footsteps behind me. It didn't matter. It could be Naruto, Sakura. No one would convince me to go back upstairs. No way. The mood is over. There was no way to continue upstairs. Everyone was like "oh my god, what a sadness", I'm not a big fan of whining.

- Hey - I heard a female voice call me - Where are you going? - it was Ino

- Get out of here - I replied - This party has become a funeral

- What is your problem? Can't be a little empathetic? - She asked me and I had my back to her - And by the way, why have you been ignoring me?

- Me ignoring you? - smiles ironically - Looks like the game has changed isn't it, princess? You're not used to it, you always have everyone at your feet - I rolled my eyes

- Argh forget it, I'll go upstairs, Gaara is waiting for me up there! - she replied screaming

- That goes there, run to your little redhead who is better - I said shrugging my shoulders but fucking saying that hurt - I don't even know what you came down for

- It didn't have to be like this, Kiba - she said and I turned around

- So answer me, Ino - I said - How should it be? Last month I ran after you like a dog and you were running away from me, it was the same thing at the beach house

- Because I was scared you idiot! - She yelled - Don't you understand? Is it dumb?

- It was silly of me to think that you still liked me, I thought it wasn't just me who felt that with that kiss - I replied rolling my eyes - Don't worry, I won't disturb you anymore, everything has a limit, Yamanaka

- Then that's it? Do you give up that easy? - She asked - Are you going out that door again?

- I never gave up on you Ino! You pushed me away! Accept that you were wrong too! - I screamed

- I...

- You what? So? Good heavens! - I put my hands on my head - Only I knew how much I wanted to hold you after your mother died, how much I wanted to be there for you - I hesitated - I never hid it, I WANTED TO BE WITH YOU

- Kiba...

- I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING RIGHT AT LEAST ONCE IN MY LIFE BECAUSE I LOVE YOU INO! - I screamed, I couldn't take it anymore to hold it in my throat

- Ino?! - Oh great, what a perfect moment for him to show up

- Gaara?! - she said scared

- What's going on here? he asked and I rolled my eyes.

- N-nothing - she lied, how great

- So why was Kiba screaming that he loved you? - he wasn't an idiot, it was obvious

- Oh what to know? Fuck you - I said - Make up your mind Ino, you know very well where to find me - I said and said goodbye

I would not stay to solve this problem. I got in my car, accelerated it and drove away. She created it. From the day at the beach house. I gave her an option, and she chose not to do anything. If I'm around she doesn't like it, but if I ignore her she can't stand it. I really can't understand women. She has to make a choice. One that can make me sad or not.

I don't want to be in this little game anymore. I promised Temari I wouldn't hurt her brother. And now Temari will leave but Gaara will stay. Couldn't he just go back to Suna? It would be much better. Now I would have to let Ino go one more time. The decision was in her hand. I was willing to go to any stop on her account. There's nothing else I can do. Good heavens! I just screamed to the four corners of the world that I love her. What has this girl done to me? I do not know. I just know I can't breathe right now. My heart was racing. I can't believe I left her again. She must hate me even more now. What's wrong with me?

I just wanted to go home and rest and "mourn" because Kankuro and Temari are leaving. They were great friends to me. And it's obvious I was sad. But life that goes on... One day they will come back. Temari won't be able to stay away from Shikamaru for long and Kankuro told me that he'll be around. I got home fast and just wanted to have a beer to relax. My thoughts do not leave her. Well, I couldn't do anything. Just accept. I love her. A lot. That was my problem

author here!

The next chapters will be conflicting! Hope you are enjoying it! I love seeing the jealous side of shikamaru, like: get your gir, big boy! See you soon!