I use a mix the subbed and dubbed anime terms wherever it fits. *shrugs*
This chapter is focused on the female characters and the development of their friendship. I'm still very bitter with how Kishi handled them in the series (I know, he's aware that he sucks at writing girls). How are you going to make such lovable characters (including the guys) and SHELF half of them?!
[1]I also threw in some astrology bits for fun with the risk of it being completely confusing. It was hard be thorough about it without completely taking away from the story. The bit that Ino's will read from her book was completely yanked off a website. Credit goes to ganeshaspeaks.
Scorpio Moon
The wind carried a crisp, earthy scent to Temari's nose as it drifted over her skin. She rolled over into the pillow next to her and drew in a deep breath. The scent reminded her of a pine forest after a rain storm, with just a trace of warm cedar wood. At least that was the imagery that formed in her head last night when she had her face buried deep in Shikamaru's neck to muffle her sighs.
Shikamaru was very perceptive to anything that caused Temari to stir underneath him, as one would expect from a skilled strategist. He took his time when he explored every inch of her skin. His touch was slow and firm, and he always lingered at the spots that triggered a strong reaction from her. Temari ran her fingers against her nape. The indentation from Shikamaru's teeth had finally disappeared, but she felt the small, raised bumps that formed in its place. Bite marks were the last thing she had expected from Shikamaru Nara, but that wouldn't be the first time he's ever caught her off guard. She recalled the feeling of his smile against her neck right before he bit her. The harder she squirmed, the harder he sank his teeth into her skin. He only released her because her whimpers grew too loud for the inn's thin walls.
Temari peeled herself out to bed to examine the wound on her neck. It only looked like a small scruff that would go unnoticed unless she pointed it out. She sighed in relief and walked towards the bathroom to wash off the remaining evidence of their night together.
She grabbed her last hair tie off the night stand after she had finished drying off. Pulling her hair into a high ponytail, she looked at herself in the mirror to determine whether or not it suited her. Temari always wore her hair in four pigtails because it was the only style that kept her hair in place when would she summoned the wind. She decided to grow out her hair and wore them in two pigtails because she no longer found herself in battles outside of training. After settling for a loose bun for her hair, she went to put on clean kimono. As Gaara's bodyguard, most of her days were spent in long meetings. She reverted back to her old black kimono as she found it to be a lot more formal and comfortable compared to her usual chest plate. However, she continued to wear mesh armor underneath and always carried her tessen. Just in case.
The crowded streets of Konoha greeted Temari when she finally emerged from the inn. Sleeping in was a foreign concept for her. She was more familiar with the stillness of the mornings when she would start her day. She began to make her way through the crowd to towards the market street, but barely made around the corner when she heard a familiar voice call her name.
"Temari-san!"
Temari turned in the direction of the voice to see Ino and Sakura waving at her. She waved back and walked over to greet the girls.
"Oh! Are you trying a new hair style?" Ino asked as she circled around Temari.
"This? Oh. My other hair tie broke. I was on my way to get more," she partially lied.
"The bun suits you! It looks very elegant," Sakura complimented with a smile. "Where are you heading to, Temari-san? Do you have meetings with the Hokage today?"
"No, we're scheduled to meet once more on Sunday before I leave. I'm just running errands today."
"Would you like to join us for lunch?!" Ino asked. She jumped at the opportunity to get to know the only girl Shikamaru ever confided to her about. Even though Temari was the frequent topic in their conversations, she still remained a mystery to anyone who wasn't involved in the Hokage's political affairs because her duties as a diplomat always kept her busy.
"Well…" Temari began, shifting her eyes upwards as if they could dig in her mind for an excuse. She still wasn't too familiar with either of the girls.
"C'mon. We insist! We've always met as shinobi, but never got to hang out as just girls."
"Alright. Sure." Temari smiled and shrugged. She invited the opportunity to be around other women for once. Female companionship was nonexistent for her ever since she stopped playing with Yome and Sen as a child back in Sunagakure. Her entire life revolved around Gaara, war, and politics. She often felt guilty that she never had time to be a proper friend to Matsuri and Yukata either, even though they were more than understanding of her priorities as the Kazekage's bodyguard.
Cold soba noodles appeared to be the popular pick that afternoon due to the usually hot temperature. They stood by the host and searched the busy restaurant for an open table. Once they were seated, Ino and Sakura took turns asking Temari about her visit. Temari knew the girls were trying to be nice, but small talk always made her uncomfortable. It always felt too forced.
The awkward tension carried on after the girls placed their orders. Picking up on Temari's discomfort, Ino pulled out her astrology book to talk about something lighthearted and fun. She began by talking about her relationship with Sai to break the ice. Ino shared how she was afraid that they were too different to be compatible, and how their charts seemed to reinforced that.
"Ino, do you really want to be with someone who's exactly like you? Wouldn't that get boring?" Sakura asked.
"It's just that sometimes I feel I'm overwhelming him because I always have to explain myself him."
"I believe that's what Sai likes about you. He is fascinated with learning about how people interact with one another. I can't think of anyone more perfect than you to teach him that. You have a talent for reading people and you're the most empathetic person I know," Sakura said. She placed her hand on Ino's arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze, "Trust me, I know my teammate."
Ino stared at her longtime friend while she processed her words. She wasn't expecting such an honest answer about her relationship.
"Thank you, Sakura. I never thought of it that way. I think you just lifted a huge weight off my shoulders," Ino said. However, it wouldn't be their friendship without a friendly fire. "Too bad we can't shift that weight to your chest," Ino managed to slip before Sakura could return her smile.
Sakura narrowed her eyes at Ino as her nails into the arm that was still in her hand.
"Ow! Alright! I'm sorry! Geez."
Sakura rolled her eyes and released Ino's arm before turning to ask Temari, "Temari-san, when were you born?"
"August 23rd."
"You're a Virgo too then! So is Shikamaru," Ino squealed. "A Virgo is loyal, analytical, hardworking, and practical. However, they-"
"They can worry too much and be overly critical of themselves and others. They're all work and no play. I know. The elder women in Suna were always reading into that. There were days where they would forbid me from opening a window if it faced a certain direction. Superstitions can be incredibly annoying," Temari answered, her eyes closed as she rested her chin against her hand. She never believed in astrology because she felt there were a ton of Virgo traits that never applied to her.
"It says here that you have a lot of Capricorn in your chart, and a Moon in Scorpio," Ino said.
Temari opened the eye that was facing Ino to look at her and teased, "I'm pretty sure my moons are on my tessen. Would you like to see them?"
"C'mon Temari, just give it a chance and then you can tell me if you think it's all bullshit afterwards."
"Fine. Educate me then."
"Well, astrology is not as black and white as most people think it is. You have more than just one sign. People are often familiar with their sun sign. A lot of people, just like you, don't feel like they identify with their sun sign because they're unaware they actually have planets in other signs. The other planets, such as the the Moon, Venus, or Mars for example, also contribute to your character," Sakura explained.
"The moon isn't a planet. Moons orbit their planet. You can say it's like a natural satellite." Temari said and flashed them a grin.
Ino groaned. Of course Shikamaru would pick someone who had his dry sense of humor.
Sakura ignored her and continued, "The Moon represents out deepest personal needs, our basic habits and reactions, and how we instinctively react or how we emotionally respond to our problems."
"With the moon in Scorpio," Ino began to read from her book. "These individuals are extremely passionate and brave. In a weird way and within a short time frame, these individuals can assess a person or a situation. As they often have a mastery over reading the intricacies of human mind, analysis done by them is always accurate. These individuals nurture a high degree of ambition in them and usually they are smart enough. In the pursuit of acquiring their aspirations, they work inexhaustibly. In other words, through their persistent determination and stubbornness, they will obtain their set goals. They will not accept defeat easily as they have an awesome fighting spirit[1]."
"That was definitely my first impression of you from the chunin exams. You were quite scary, but impressive." Sakura said, laughing nervously. "Can you relate to this a little more when you combine it with traits of a Virgo?"
"Thanks, and maybe a little…"
Sakura placed a comforting hand on Temari's shoulder and chuckled. It became very apparent that Temari never had the opportunity to indulge in trivial, yet fun things like astrology as a young girl like her and Ino did.
Ino started to laugh with the two women in front of her when two familiar faces caught her eye. She waved and called out to them, "Hinata! Tenten!"
Tenten looked in the direction of the voice. Her eyes lit up when she saw her friends. She grabbed Hinata's hand and made her way towards their table while Sakura notified their waiter of their additional guests.
"Looks like the entire town is trying to cool off with cold noodles today," Tenten said as sat herself in the chair next to Ino.
"Yeah. We're trying to teach Temari about her astrology chart while we wait." Sakura winked.
"Oh! That was so much when we did it for Naruto and Hinata. What have you found out so far?"
"Virgo with a lot of Capricorn and a Scorpio Moon." Ino said. She passed Tenten her book and pointed to page she was on.
Tenten's eyes darted between the book and Temari. "I see it."
"And I see that!" Ino gasped as she reached for Hinata's left hand. "Is this the ring Naruto got for you?!"
Hinata blushed and nodded. Naruto had originally proposed to her with a napkin ring during a picnic date. It was a romantic gesture that occurred in the spur of the moment. She treasured that napkin ring and kept it as a keepsake. However, their friends teased him relentlessly about the lack of a real engagement ring for Hinata for months after the exciting news of their engagement died down. Even though the jokes were made in good spirits, Naruto became even more determined to find Hinata the perfect ring.
"I just picked it up from being sized," Hinata explained as Sakura and Ino continued to fawn over the diamonds on her finger. The ring bore a small platinum band that was adorned with tiny diamonds. However, the large lotus flower that bloomed on top of it almost looked out of place on Hinata's slender fingers. In the center of the diamond encrusted petals was an even larger diamond that was about the same size as the eraser on a pencil.
"Man, that boy outdid himself to shut us up. You guys need to give Sai a hard time once proposes to me," Ino joked.
"The war is over and he still found a way to blow us out of the water." Sakura sighed and smiled. The ring somehow managed to be over the top, yet perfect at the same time. She couldn't help but feel proud of Naruto.
"You guys got engaged so young. How did he manage to pull off a ring like that?!" Ino huffed and crossed her arms.
"I'm sure saving the village a few times can get you some pretty cool connections and perks." Tenten laughed. The other girls laughed with her as they settled back into their seats.
"Waiter! A bottle of Yamazaki 12, please!" Ino called across the restaurant.
"What on earth do you think you're doing?" Sakura questioned her best friend.
"We are celebrating."
"It's barely half past noon!"
"We were just praying that Naruto wouldn't mess up on Hinata's ring the other day, and he went and did the complete opposite. Isn't that enough reason to celebrate?"
"Maybe with a glass of champagne, but not a bottle of whiskey!" Sakura continued. "Besides, that bottle is worth over a hundred bucks! Who knows how much the restaurant is going to mark it up."
"Don't worry," Temari finally chimed in. "Consider it an early engagement gift from me."
"Temari-san!" Sakura was surprised at the kunoichi's willingness to drink. "I've only seen you drink a beer or two at most the past few times we were all together."
"That's because I'm Gaara's personal bodyguard. I have to stay coherent at all times," Temari said. "However, Gaara's not here. I'm off duty this visit."
In truth, Temari was quite the seasoned drinker. Although she hid it well, Temari has fell victim to over indulging with alcohol multiple times in her life. She began drinking a few years after the chunin exams. Not wanting to disrupt their newfound happiness, she never shared with anyone how witnessing Gaara's pain and loneliness all those years left open wounds on her heart. It hurt her every time she was forced to leave Gaara all alone. She couldn't even begin to describe to her pain when she witnessed his transformation into Shukaku, or the terror every time Gaara was kidnapped by those who sought the after the beast inside him. Her heart broke when she saw Kankuro on the verge of death, and again when she found out that Gaara was barely lucky enough to come back from death. She already lost her mother at a young age and detested her father for treating Gaara like an abomination. Alcohol helped her sleep through rough nights, which allowed her to wake up to a new day and make up for lost time with her brothers. Shikamaru was the only person she shared her childhood with, but she hid her pain when she told him her stories.
Fortunately, Temari found herself drinking for fun rather than to using it as a means to cope with her inner demons since the war ended. While people with internal conflict tend to be sad or angry drunks, Temari ironically was an aggressive, but happy drunk. She was able to drop her guard just enough to cherish the good times.
"I'll pay for the other half then," Ino winked at Temari. She then requested for chasers from the waiter as he delivered the bottle of whiskey and five old-fashioned glasses.
"Ino! You don't shoot Yamazaki whiskey! That's why they didn't bring out shot glasses, it's meant to be sipped," Tenten scolded her.
"Tenten, look at that thing that's on Hinata's finger," Ino began. "We are going to take shots of this hundred-something bottle of whiskey, and then we can sip on it in between those shots."
Tenten gave her a defeated sigh as she covered her face with her palm, "Oh, Ino."
Ino gave Tenten a thumbs-up and began to pour the shots. She grabbed a chaser as soon as their waiter dropped them off and raised her glass in the air for a toast, "To Hinata and Naruto, may your future be as bright as that fat rock on your finger! Kaaampai!"
"Kampai!" The other girls raised their glasses to meet Ino's for a cheers before downing the liquor.
"Damn it! That burns!" Ino winced.
"Because it's meant to be sipped," Tenten teased again.
"I swear, Tenten. Say 'sipped' one more time," Ino threatened as she wagged a finger at her.
"I thought I heard my name! Hey, were you guys talking about me?!"
All the girls except Temari turned to see Naruto standing behind Hinata as his friends trailed in behind him from the entrance. Temari kept her eyes on her drink, but laughed from under her breath at Naruto's sudden outburst. She swirled last few drops of whiskey around in her glass when a familiar presence caused her to finally look up, directly into the eyes of Shikamaru Nara.
I really love Ino. She looks like she would be the instigator a group of girls. She had a badass mind controlling jutsu and they either shoved her behind a tree half the time. Don't even get me started on Tenten. ;_;
The fanart of Team Guy on pinterest breaks my heart. All these pics of Neji's ghost, whyyyyyyy. So, in my alternative universe, he's alive and will be making an appearance.
Sorry, I'm currently watching the series again. Shika and Tema (and Gaara) are my biases, but Team Guy has a special pocket in my heart. Anyway...
Maybe extra smut next time. Idk. I swear I rewrote this chapter 10 different ways. I'm tired of looking it this chapter to be honest. Hahahaha.
Stay tuned!