Part 11 – Decision.
"Alright," said Shikamaru, in a business-like way (after a few cups of coffee). "Let's go through this round-by round."
"Right." Chouji agreed. "In the first challenge, Temari came up with a fairly good memory, although I notice she couldn't help but slip in a dig about how she had to save you once."
"Yes, that's right. And Deidara was…" Shikamaru shuddered involuntarily. "Well, he said that thing about watching me in the shower, didn't he? That was… creepy, to say the least. Then in the second round, Temari just bragged about how much stronger than me she was."
"Yeah, but Deidara came up with a good plan."
"And he did that thing with my hair…"
"What thing with your hair?"
"Oh… uh…never mind."
"Okay…" Chouji gave Shikamaru an odd look. "So, then it was the round that went wrong… Deidara tried to win by blowing everyone else up."
"Yeah, but it wasn't his fault… I mean, he lives with the Akatsuki, how could he know any better?"
"I still think it was out of order. He cheated, harmed several others, and didn't see anything wrong with it."
"I guess so. But he learnt his lesson when Neji attacked him. And he told me that he plays chess."
Chouji made a face. "So he plays chess? So what? Anyone could, if they were taught. But what about their ambitions? Deidara said, and I quote, he wants to have "a beautiful death." That's not good! On the other hand, Temari just wants to be happy and healthy and have children. She's clearly better suited to you."
"I see where you're coming from…" Shikamaru mused. "Plus, she looked nice in the fashion contest… although, I didn't like what she chose for me."
"No, you're right there, I preferred what Deidara chose. Actually, I think he looked alright for a guy, too."
"Yeah, but kinda messy, don't you think? In the social thing he was alright, though. He didn't try to kill anyone, at least, and he gave me some of that suntan lotion."
"Temari brought you some fruits, too, remember? And everyone had so much fun on that day, so it was a success for both of them."
"Yes, that's true. But, the dates were a little… well, not so good. First off I had Temari attacking me, which I was not impressed with at all. Deidara's was marginally better, but only by virtue of me actually liking it. Overall, they were terrible. The only thing I'm worried about is the fact that, if I choose the wrong one, the dates could be like that I forever /I ."
"Not forever, Shikamaru. Remember your contracts? If the relationship fails, you have absolutely no obligation to go out with them again. Plus, now all the fangirls are off your back, you can concentrate on finding someone you really love. That's if this doesn't work out, of course, but I'm sure it will."
"Of course! I'd forgotten. Well, that makes me feel better. Maybe choosing doesn't have to be so troublesome after all. I can just pick one, and if it was a mistake, choose the other instead."
"But what about last night and the night before, then?" Chouji said, glad his friend was relaxing.
"Well, they were both as bad as each other. Temari did nothing, Deidara did too much. Neither of them had any real advantage over each other. So it looks like it's down to personalities, and who I like best."
"Alright. Shika, man, I really have to ask you. Are you really into guys?"
Shikamaru was silent for a moment, fiddling with a kunai. Eventually, he answered. "Depends on the guy. Yeah, I'm into Deidara."
"But you're into Temari too?"
"Yeah. It's troublesome to decide."
"Well, what about their personalities? Temari is a strong, fearless girl, and she'll definitely keep you in shape. Can you handle her feistiness? She wants kids, so you'll continue the family."
"That's how you see her? What about Deidara?"
"Well, he's reckless. But he's only reckless when fighting for something he believes in. Judging by that, I'd say he would protect you til the day he died. But you would have to push him to think of himself, and the day he dies could be soon, considering who he is."
"Right." Said Shikamaru, and sighed. "Right. I know all of that. But this is supposed to be about love, isn't it?"
"Yeah, Shikamaru. It's about you being happy." Chouji replied, opening a chocolate bar. All this talking made him hungry. "Anyway, first you have to read what it says on this card.
"What?" Shikamaru asked, taking it. "Well… alright. It says, 'To Nemo-Chan, Chibi-no-Miko, shikaino4ever, Shikaki, BrevenRashock, FoolsxxGold, Hinata11235, acindra, sakura-nara, Audkemha, Razputant, Xael-Amari, narzik, Em-I-li-a, cutecartoon, gaarakunxmexblush, harusatox2, and anyone else who commented on, favourited, or just read my story, thank you. You made all this possible."
The Result
Deidara and Temari stood at the bottom of the tree, waiting nervously, not looking at each other. Chouji climbed down.
"Shikamaru will see you now." He said. They both climbed the ladder, and went in.
"This is troublesome." Shikamaru said. "This is really, really troublesome. I mean… REALLY troublesome. I… I just…"
"It's alright, Stag." Deidara said, soothingly. "Just tell us. We'll understand, un?"
"Yes, we will." Temari added. "We're ready."
"I… I…" Shikamaru paused, and took a deep breath. "Deidara, I'm sorry. Just, really sorry. Temari wins. I'm so sorry."
"That's okay." Deidara said. He left the treehouse. In his hand he was holding the models of himself and Temari. He exploded himself, and walked away, clenching his other fist and holding himself together as best as he could.
In the treehouse, Shikamaru turned to the window, but not to watch Deidara. Temari walked up behind him, and put a hand on his shoulder. He turned, and she saw he was crying.
"Oh, Shika, honey," she said, pulling him into a hug. "It'll be okay. We were meant to be from the start."
Shikamaru nodded, and wiped his face. Looking up at her, he managed a smile. Everything was going to be okay.
Well, this is the end of the story... or is it? :D There will be a couple of alternate endings up here soon.
The list of names in the middle there is everyone who voted on the story on deviantart, but of course I want to add anyone who reviewed, favourited or read on here :)