Chapter 3: Go with the flow

A/N hello again. Intro of Raiin in this chapter. Pls read and Review. I'll keep this story short by the way.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Except Raiin, and Regan.

It's already been a week since Shikamaru left the Sand village. After he returned home, his life went back to normal, with missions, cloud watching… but just a little different in life. Although he couldn't say that he was happy or sad. He's happy because he was in love and had confessed to the girl. He's sad because he couldn't be with the girl. This was shown on his face and his friends were clearly aware of it.

As for the girl, she's worst off. With her retired status, she sat at the place where she shared with the person she loved, watching the sand and wind everyday, from morning to night. Her brothers could do nothing to help although she's free to go anywhere she desire, her mind is as blur as their sky.

The week was torturous to the both of them. He knew he had to do something, so does she. But neither could free the other from the misery they share. Being strong headed since young, she never subtle to any problem or challenge. That goes the same for men too. And being lazy and oblivious to matters doesn't concern him since young, he never know what was love and how to deal with it. An IQ of over 200 is certainly not helping either.

Perhaps somebody just has to help the two, someone to spark the reaction and help confront the problem…

So after the horrible week, their savior arrived.

"You came at the right time you know." Kankuro said as he led her to the office of the great Kazekage.

"What happened? You sounded worried…" Raiin (OC from master's tale) said, keeping up the pace of Kankuro. Her apprentice, Regan struggled to keep up. "I'm a leaf, an ally of sand. So if there's anything I could do just say."

"Erm, I'll put you through Gaara first and settle your problem first before dealing with us." A door loomed ahead of them. "He's waiting for you already."

They entered the room and walked across the bare floor to a table infront. Gaara sat there with several sand nins standing behind him.

"Kazekage-sama." Raiin said as she bowed. Her apprentice followed suit.

"Welcome…" Gaara said in his monotone trademark.

"I'm here to seek shelter…" Raiin began "For a day or two. Due to sandstorm outside…"

"Sandstorm?" Gaara spoke of interest. Raiin straightened and pointed backwards with her thumb. Gaara saw Regan and knew. "Alright, as an ally of sand I welcome the leaves to my village."

"I appreciate that by the way." Raiin stated. Though her relationship with the sand nins before were on ups and downs, but it turned out well after her team rescued Gaara from Akatsuki's hands before. "Oh yea, Kankuro here says there's trouble…"

"Yes." Gaara interrupted. "Not outside, but on the inside."

Raiin blinked several times and turned her attention to Kankuro, who gave a sigh and shook his head.

"Temari." She said finally, and received nods.

Temari laid on her back at the same spot again, looking up to the sand in the wind. Then from far she heard footsteps. Gentle footsteps, from a girl. Then there was flapping from clothes. Temari sat up and watched as hair billowing in the winds appeared.

"Raiin." Temari said in shock as the smiley faced appeared.

"Konichiwa!" Raiin gave a small wave with her hand and walked over. Somehow, seeing a leaf brought comfort to Temari, but just that tiny bit. Raiin sat down beside her and lay down. "I see what you mean now."

Temari followed and gazed up the sandy sky.

"You know, if I were you, I would have packed up and left here." Raiin said. "After all, I've found what I was looking for."

Temari remained silent as Raiin began to talk.

"Since young, I swore to protect people precious to me, even till I die. These people gave me a meaning in life. And nothing can stop me from helping them find happiness. I fought battles, match-make others and so on. Seeing their ultimate happy face is what that keeps me going in this world. The circle of people I want to protect has increased dramatically. However it didn't add pressure to me, it only increases my happiness level and put more meaning to live."

Temari turned to look at her friend. No matter what their status, background of believes, Raiin treats everyone like a family. She has seen more things than her villages advisors, her words are certainly worth listening to now.

"You have retired from the ninja world, Temari, although at such a young age. But it just goes to show you that it's time you settle down. Ninjas, trainers, ordinary people what so ever. They are still human. Human will have to settle down one day. Pride is what that destroys this fact." Raiin continued. Temari turned to her in shock.

"When I was in the outside world, I saw many people with careers, status, looks, money, everything!" Raiin related. "They are at the top of their life. It was the pride that caused them their happiness, women especially. In the past, women there are considered nothing, child bearers, maids, someone for company… Now that they made a name for themselves, they have pride. And they refuse to settle down even when their life-long happiness is at their doorstep. All because of pride.

"Our world is becoming like theirs. And you, pal is like one of them. But the Almighty one helped you. You retired at such a young age. Other women of the modern days would only give in when they are tired of their glory. And at that time, their happiness had run away. Then they regretted. You my friend, I know you have a strong sense of pride. Now that He had given you this path, might as well follow it. He gave you a jump start already."

Temari sat up and looked down, her mind spinning. There's a question she wanted to ask, but was afraid. But Raiin knew better.

"Your actions showed that you love him. Staying here for almost a week staring up to that is enough to tell you already." Raiin sat up too and put a comforting arm around her. "Well, I must say that Shikamaru is also having a hard time too, maybe even harder than yours. He confessed his love for you right?"

Temari gave a slow nod.

"And you didn't reply him."

She gave another nod.

"He's unsure then. He wants to know your answer. And he acts like every day is just like before to hide his sadness. He's a man you know."

"Then what should I do?" Temari looked up.

"Follow your heart." Raiin smiled. "Although I must say that my cupid bow is getting bored. Bows are meant to shoot arrows, not for showcase in a collection." She stood up and gave a stretch. "The sand and leaf have an alliance. No point brooding over it. Gaara and Kankuro also want the best for you. Your antidote is in konoha. And there's someone in konoha who needs your medicine." She gave Temari a wink.

Finally, in a week, Temari smiled, happily. She stood and gave her friend a hug.

"Thank you." She said, tears welling.

"Save your tears for later. Ninja tears are precious. And the ones you are about to shed is to be saved for reunion." Raiin said comically. Temari looked up. "I'm leaving for Konoha about tomorrow. Want to come along? Or you want to go first?"

"I'll leave with you." Temari said happily.

"I must warn you first. That brat is slow in moving. Took me such a long time just to get here…" Raiin said, making a face.

"It's alright. I need to think also." Temari said.

"Alright, go pack your things then. And tell your brothers where you are going." Raiin smiled. Temari didn't need another word as she scurried off. Raiin then gave a smirk as she took out her Fame Checker.

"Hello? Ino? It's me. Do me a favour?" Raiin spoke to her friend back in Konoha through the fame checker, a plan forming in her head.