Chapter 10: Pulling Strings

The dinner table is completely still. Only the rumbling dishwasher I had prepared before our dinner is filling the mind numbing silence. Amid my best friend's hanging mouth and empty words, I grab my neglected glass of water and bring it to my lips. I take an unintentionally large gulp and almost choke. Instead of spitting, I reserve my motions to a small gurgle in the back of my throat, forcing what I can down my throat instead of my lungs. Just as I regain my composure, my friend snaps out of her dazed stupor.

"Wait. Did you seriously just say that you're leaving Konoha?" says Haruka, with a look of complete tragedy. "Why the hell would you do that? And when exactly did you decide to do this?"

"Well, it wasn't my idea at first. It was my roommates," I start, absentmindedly fiddling with my utensil. "About a day ago, Lee-san was able to convince the Hokage to find a job for me. The unfortunate part of it is that the job offer requires me to live in Suna for the three months that I need to find an actually job here in Konoha. Of course I was hesitant at first, but then I realized the pay is very good and it's like taking a paid vacation. I have this feeling that this is probably the best thing for me now. Suna will be a good change of scenery and give me some space to think about some things."

"Okay, let me rewind you for a second here," Haruka speaks, waving her hands in confusion in front of her. "You're only going to be in Suna for three months?"

I nod, "Mhm. What else did you think?"

"I don't know, Sho. Maybe the part where you just blurted out that you were leaving Konaha kind of gave me the impression that you weren't coming back ever." She states flatly, tapping her finger on the table with much agitation. "How about starting with the three months part next time, so I don't freak the fuck out for no reason."

"Oh, sorry about that. I probably should've," I speak feebly.

Haruka releases a hopeless sigh, but quickly replaces it with a well-defined grin, "So, your roommate was able to pull some strings for you, huh? That was pretty nice of him. What's the job?"

"From the written statement I was given, it's a secretarial job. With I think the addition of one-on-one tutoring lessons."

"But who exactly are you working for? Is it for a company or a private business owner?" Haruka persists.

I shake my head, "None of those, actually. I'll be working directly under the Kazekage."

"You've got the be kidding me." I blink my eyes, watching as my best friend leans far enough over the table to make it wobble off balance. "Sho, how are you not freaking out right now? You're going to be working so close to the leader and strongest Shinobi in all of Sunagakure. Plus, I've seen his picture in the political section of the Konoha news paper and let me tell you, he's pretty damn good looking."

"I know, usually I'd be super nervous by even talking about meeting such a high shinobi official." I say, taking a moment to stare at my half emptied miso soup in contemplation. "I guess it hasn't really sunken in yet. So many things have been happening recently, to the point where I'm almost desensitized by most things. Like yesterday night, I spilled coffee on my chest while reading and I didn't even flinch. Worst part of it all, I just kept reading with a big brown stain on my right boob for a good hour."

"Right." Haruka chuckles, shaking her head disapprovingly, "Anyway, getting back to the job itself, I'm just curious. I understand why he would need a secretary, but why a tutor? I'm sure he has plenty of workers that write proposals for him, and they probably even do his taxes."

"If I knew the answer I would tell you. But I honestly don't." I reply, pursing my lips in deeper thought. "Maybe, if what you're saying is true, he might want to learn how to do all those things on his own. And if he does them on his own already, maybe he just wants to fine tune his writing and mathematical abilities."

"Uh-huh, because I'm sure the Kazekage has time to write an explanatory essay on how to wipe sand with your ass." My lips twitch to withhold from laughing at her comment. My best friends notices my teeth sinking into my lips, and automatically continues to test my will power; "Come on, 'one-on-one' lessons? Now, if that's not some title of a porno waiting to happen, then I don't know what the hell is."

"Oh god," I laugh, holding my head from all the ridiculous images filling it. "If that was the case, then I'd demand to be paid twice as much!"

"Damn right!" Haruka bellows, laughing harder than I am. Once our giggles die down, Haruka takes a calming breath to continue speaking. "You know, even though its only three months…I'm going to really miss my best friend."

My violet eyes lower at the notion while my lips press into a forlorn smile, "Yeah, me too. I'll be sure to send plenty of letters."

"I would like that a lot, Sho." My best friend smiles at me. "And so would a few other people."

"Mhm," I nod, not truly understanding who would appreciate it besides my mother. Unless…

Maybe.

One week has passed, and the apartment has become more open and lighter. I have placed most of my kitchenware, toiletries, and miscellaneous items scattered about the apartment in boxes inside my closet. I did this to allow my roommate to make the space more accessible for him while I'm away. I have packed my more favorite cups and bowls in one of the two suitcases prepared for the trip to Sunagakure. One luggage carrier is for everything mentioned previously, while the other is solely for clothes and my books.

It's another Friday morning, and the carriage for my departure will arrive in about an hour at the main gates of Konoha. After cleaning and making sure I had everything needed to recycle for the next three months, I took some time to enjoy resting on the apartment couch for the last time.

On the note of my roommate, he is currently home and in the middle of a shower. I sigh as I take note of the clock hanging in the kitchen. I wring my hands anxiously on my lap, hearing the running water of the shower head turn off. After waiting a few more minutes, I hear the hallway bathroom door open and footfalls step out and make their way into the living room. I lift myself from my sitting position and turn to face the young man who graciously invited me to stay in this apartment for the past seven months.

"Oh – Yamada-san, you are still here." Lee is the first to speak, draping the towel held in his hands around his shoulders. "I thought you would have already left by now. Do you not have to leave soon?"

"Mhm. I'm just about to leave, but…" My voice is small, while my eyes can't seem to make up their mind of either gazing at my roommate or the wooden floors. "I didn't want to leave without saying 'good-bye' first."

"If there is one thing you should know before you leave, it is that I do not believe in 'good-bye's." My violet eyes lift from the floor as my roommate casually strides towards me, stopping just a foot away. I'm forced to tilt my chin up to catch his wide smile beaming down at me, " 'Farewells' are much better, because only in 'farewells' do we have to part in order to meet again. And we will meet again, Yamada-san. After three months have passed, you will be right back here."

"I know, but still…" My hands continue to tie together. It's hard to resist the impending lump forming at the back of my throat. The sole reality that I will be leaving behind a place I consider a comfortable home and lifestyle is what grips at my chest.

"Before you go, I have something to give you." My head perks up at Lee's voice pulling me back into this moment. I watch silently as he trails back into the hallway, returning shortly with something in his possession. As he nears me once more, I gape as the item is perfectly in my view.

"I never did have the opportunity to give it to my sensei, even though you suggested it. There was always this part of me that did not want to give it away and now I know why." Lee extends the makeshift flower we made together so many months ago and I take it into my hands. He simply grins at my shocked expression, "I think it is best that you have it. I believe it will keep you company while you are away. Unless you think seeing my face inside a flower will scare you at night."

"No, it won't scare me at all. If anything, I think I've gotten used to it by now." I smile down at the flower, touching its fake and oddly shaped petals as if it were real. "I just can't believe you've kept it for so long. Mine is somewhere hidden in the dark depths of my closet. Where did you keep yours all this time?"

Lee chuckles at my question, scratching the tip of his nose sheepishly, "I have had it on my night stand since the day we made them. It is one of the only artistic things I have made all my life, and I thought it would be nice to put it in a place where I can see it."

"Well, I'm glad you liked it that much to keep it." I say with a genuine tone of gratitude. "I also have something for you too."

I fish inside my dress pocket and slip a white envelope in to Lee's hand. "It's my portion of the rent for the three months I'll be gone. I'd rather give it to you all in full instead of mailing it little by little."

My roommate stares down at the envelope for a moment before thanking me and placing it on top of the coffee table next to us. I then shift my eyes once more towards the kitchen clock. Not much time left, I sigh internally. My roommate follows my apprehensive gaze and directs his attention back to me.

"I think it is that time already for you to go. I do not want you to be late," he says softy. "Here - I will show you out."

"Okay," I nod my head as we both motion ourselves towards the front door. Next to the door frame are my suitcases. As Lee opens the apartment door I attempt to take my luggage outside.

"Let me help you with that," my roommate insists, grabbing both my suitcases effortlessly and placing them outside. I thank him and exit the apartment to stand in front of my bags. "Do you think you will need any help with your luggage? I could easily carry them for you to the main gate."

I shake my head vigorously, denying his polite gesture. "No, I'm fine. I can carry my own luggage from here. So…" My voice trails off as I extend my hand to initiate a parting handshake. "Thank you for everything, Lee-san. I hope to see you soon."

"You are most welcome," he replies, taking my hand. Yet, instead of shaking it he tugs on it gently and brings me into a friendly embrace. I choke on some sort of flustered sound made in the back of my throat as my face squishes into his chest. I'm even more embarrassed as I hear him chuckle against the top of my head. "Take care and be safe, Yamada-san."

"I should be the one saying that..." I mumble. The thought of his occupation alone persuades my arms to return the hug. And after indulging in his warmth and the smell of his mint body wash, I allow my self to separate from him. "You better still be alive by the time I get back, or else."

"Trust me, I will not even allow one hair on my head to be touched while you are away," he grins, patting my head like I'm some five-year-old child. I puff my cheeks in mock anger and swat his hands away. He laughs at my childish display and rests his hand on my shoulder. Although he's still smiling, I can feel this odd pressure applied by his hand. "See you in three months."

"Yeah, see you."

It's my final exchange as I take a step back, grab my two suitcases, and walk away. Each step I take down the staircase of the apartment complex pulls every heart string inside me. The sudden wave of reality is now washing over me like a monsoon, and all my thoughts are over-whelming. I don't want to leave, but I have to. After all the trouble my roommate has gone through just to assure me this job, going is the least I can do. Turning back now would only prove what little lack of self-sustainability I have left, and much more.

This is for the best, for me

…and for him.

The trip to Sunagakure spanned for three whole days. A few stops were made at small neighboring villages in the Land of Fire to drop off and pick up a few passengers. Other stops included the time needed to eat, use the bathroom, and rest. Although one would expect many us to find going through the various security checkpoints around the country rather tedious, we were grateful for the opportunity to stretch our sore legs. Once we reached the border of the Land of Wind, a medical nin boarded in case of any medical emergency caused by heat stroke while crossing the dessert plain. Fortunately, nothing sever happened, except for the occasional headache caused by the unsteady levels of sand.

All the while, I kept the flower, which my roommate had given me close to my chest, relying on it whenever I felt sick or needed some form of relief during the ride. I recall one elderly woman who took note of my reluctance to let go, and inquired if the picture of my roommate was my husband or someone of romantic importance. I was incredibly embarrassed, realizing how much attention I had been giving it. I assured her that it was just a picture of a good friend. Her response to my answer was an interesting smile, seeming to hold a secret or some knowledge only she knew due to her experienced years.

Being polite, I sought to ask her what where her reasons for traveling. She professed that she had retired in the Land of Fire, but she was traveling to visit her children and grandchildren in Sunagakure.

And for the rest of the trip, we conversed over life and family. From conversation, I learned that the old woman's name was Ona, who had three children with one man whom was a traveling shinobi from the neighboring province. She explained her life before she met her current husband, and how she was engaged to a man she was supposed to marry back when she was younger. Although she admitted to have been guilt ridden for cutting off the engagement, she never regretted falling in love with the man that still remains by her side today. She told me that she would have held a heavier burden if she had carried on with her previous engagement, and would have had second thoughts through out their married life. It was a life she didn't want to live, and for reasons I seemed to understand without having the slightest clue.

"Now, tell me, dear," Ona spoke softly, messaging the wrinkles on the top of her palms. "This friend of yours, the one in the picture. What place does he hold in your life?"

"It's like I said before, he's just a good friend of mine." I repeated myself once more, staring down at the picture. "He's…someone who has helped me a lot, even if he doesn't really realize it. You know, he's thanked me a lot too, but I can't seem to find any reason for it. I just wish I could do more for him, but…I don't know how. Leaving Konohagakure was the only thing I could do." I took a moment to pause, reflecting on my words. I shook my head lightly, trying to free myself of my inner turmoil, "I'm sorry. I'm just rambling on with my thoughts here. Maybe it's all this hot air getting to me."

"It's quiet all right, dear. We have plenty of time for your thoughts." The old woman said, patting my knee accordingly. "You shouldn't worry so much about wanting to repay your friend, or else you'll end up with more wrinkles than myself. I'm sure if I were your friend, your friendship would be more than enough for me. You seem very kind and thoughtful, and I'm sure he knows that."

"You really think so?" I asked faintly. She just smiled and nodded, giving rise to my own lips curling. "Thank you, Ona-san. I feel much better now. I'll definitely be sure to send him, along with my family and best friend, a postcard as soon as possible."

A few hours later and the carriage arrived at the main pathway leading into Sunagakure. It was a vast crevice with high fortifiable walls, made out of sturdy rock and hardened sand. It was an incredible sight, to say the least. Once we approached the threshold to the village, we were transported to an international security facility. There, our bags were checked one last time, followed by our passports, which were stamped and returned. As soon I was checked and free to go, the relief of arriving at my destination welcomed me fully. After saying my final farewell to Ona, I spared no time to locate the address of where I would be staying in Suna. I will mention that it did take some time, since I wasn't familiar with anything around me. I went as far as to ask a few villagers, whom a few were kind enough to tip me with a few directions. I was even given a small map which, albeit, wasn't the most reliable looking, but it helped nonetheless.

I arrived at my new apartment located in the central part of Suna at approximately 10:25 p.m. As I entered, it was apparent that this apartment was one-third of the space of the apartment that I shared with my roommate. I was greeted instantly by the kitchen, which made up the whole entrance of the first room. There were two doors on either side, one leading to the closet sized bathroom and the other to the bedroom. Entering the bedroom, the first noticeable feature was the raised bed; which was practically touching the ceiling, while underneath it was a love seat couch. In front of the couch was a coffee table, and against the wall was a television on top of a low dresser. My first opinion of this apartment started off luke-warm, but gradually, after soaking in the quaint and charming use of space, I came to like its intimacy.

As of right now, I just exited the shower after unpacking most, if not all of my things. I take a pleasant breath; feeling refreshed after forced to smell like cattle for three-whole days.

Entering my new room, I drop my towel on the floor and slip on a pair of underwear and a sleeping shirt. Nearing the couch, I glance at Lee's poorly crafted flower, which I placed on the coffee table. I come to smile as a revelation dawns on me.

I'm finally living on my own!

"You know what, I could really get used to this." I say out loud, firmly staring at my roommate's picture. Then, as if possessed by my own insanity, I glance down at my slightly exposed body. "Oh - what was that, Lee-san? I should put on some pants and a bra? Well, normally I would care about your opinion, but as of right now, I don't. So get used to it because I'm going to be walking around this place naked almost every day."

I even go as far as to turn on the television, changing it to a channel broadcasting music. I start dancing informally, with no coordination what so ever. I wave my arms and hands in the air, and it looks like I'm trying to put out a fire on the ceiling. Boredom is the least of my worries as I swoop the flowerpot into my hands and twirl inconsistently.

"This is the best!" I cheer and laugh, waving the flowerpot in front of me. "Thank you, thank you! God, there are so many things I can do now. I can chew with my mouth open, I can sit spread-eagle, I can sleep on the couch with a hang-over, and I can even grab my breasts at anytime out of frustration-"

There's a loud knock on my door and I squeak and almost stumble over my open suitcases. After gathering my composure, I take cautious steps towards the door, making sure to tightly hold the flowerpot just in case I need to use it against a potential threat. Tip-toeing to the apartment entrance, I take a peep inside the small hole in the middle of the door.

There's no one outside.

I'm hesitant but I open the door at a slugs pace. I gradually relax, feeling no lingering presence on my skin. I then shift my eyes towards the floor and spot a letter on my welcome mat. I quickly gather it into one of my free hands and close the door. I set the flowerpot on one of the kitchen counters and examine the envelope and the mailed address, but of course, I'm not familiar with the directions. I rip it open and scan through its contents:

Dear Yamada Sho,

It has come to our attention at the Kazekage Reception office that your time of arrival at Sunagakure was approximately 9:57 p.m standard time. By choosing Sunagakure as your choice of destination, you are hereby approving the Sunagakure's National Security office to monitor your time and attendance here at Sunagakure. Be advised that you are to follow the wishes and laws set by the Kazekage, which have been attached to this letter for your viewing. If you do not comply, you may be subject to various monetary penalties, and subject to the degree of offence, corporal punishment set by the Admistration of Law in the Village of Sunagakure.

We are also writing to you to inform you of your pending position at the Kazekage's Office. Be advised that you are scheduled to attend a formal briefing at 8:30 a.m sharp. Tardiness will not be excusable, and will effect the deliberation of your position for future employment.

If you have any further questions, comments, or concerns, contact us immediately.

Sincerely,

The Kazekage Reception Office

"Wow, they really don't play here," I whisper to myself, closing the letter and setting it on the kitchen counter. I rub my forehead and glance at my roommate's picture. "I can do this, right? I mean, you wouldn't send me here if you thought I couldn't."

I gather the flowerpot in my hands and walk back into my room, setting down the picture back onto the coffee table. Just as I'm about to turn off the lights and television, I smile one last time at my roommates photo, "Don't worry, I won't mess this up. Things are going to be different from now on. I'm going to be a whole new Yamada Sho – just you watch."

Starting tomorrow, my new life will begin.

AN: Thank you everyone for sticking around for what I'd like to say is the 10th installment of New Girl! I would never have imagined for my fanfic to come this far, honest to God. At first, I thought it was silly of me to write an OC faniction, and had this horrible lack of confidence of anyone even bother reading I'm so glad I kept on, and it's mostly thanks to everyone following and reviewing.

Again, sorry for the late update and well...lack of length - ah! I just felt so bad for leaving everyone hanging for so long, so I hope you forgive me. I know this chapter was kinda of..."fillery" but everything will start picking up immediately in the next chapter.

So I hope to see everyone next time!

(PS. I deleted the Special announcement since its outdated and didn't want it to break up the story. So for anyone who missed out, check my profile page, and you will see a link to my personalized Tumblr for this story, which features my fanmade art. Please feel free to follow it or leave a message, I love getting messages!)