A/N: The winds of change begin to blow, where will things go from here…
Thank you to shelvesinthecloset, Shubaltz Crazist, Sylence & Tomato-Vampire for taking time to review.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters. However, I can almost fake drawing small parts of it. Like Yamanaka eyes…
Old Dreams and New Realities
--Kankurou was in a place he'd never seen before: a clearing in a forest. By the way the light angled through the leaves and branches it was about mid-day. He knew he was fighting for his life against a foe he couldn't quite see. Pain shocked his shoulder; for the slightest moment it felt like his left hand had gone numb. Where are my puppets…? A shadow seemed to ripple toward him: vague, almost surreal, and surprisingly fast for its apparent size.
I can fight without them. I've done it before, just to prove to Gaara I could. He felt another impact rock his body, his legs gave out and he felt his knees hit the ground, hard. The pain made him gasp. This can't be happening. His head was in anguish, and he could see the dark sheen of blood as it dripped to the grass before him.
Suddenly, the voice of a woman cut through to him; she was screaming his name as if it was the end of the world. As he continued to crumple to the ground, he could just see a silhouette, pale as a ghost coming to his side. Her voice echoed the pain he was feeling. Through the fog that was overwhelming him, he saw her unreal eyes, they were like glass, strange and vacant. Tears streamed from them, the way he felt his life was flowing from his body--
He remembered how awoke feeling soaking wet, how he checked is body for blood, then thought it was the woman's tears, and finally came to the realization it was sweat.
Kankurou would occasionally have flashes recalling this dream he'd had just as he'd first hit puberty. Some part of him always thought of it as a prophecy though he'd never heard that visions were a trait attached to any of his family legacies. However, he decided that he never wanted to make anyone feel that depth of pain, he knew he couldn't change his familial ties, but he did have a say as to who he let into his life. His father could only force so many ties on him. It was because of this nightmare he had kept women at a distance from him. Yes, he enjoyed the time he physically spent with them, but as far as bonding with them in any way- no.
Foolishly he had started to let Ino in and now…to have the dream again and know: Her eyes, the way they had just been. Those were the eyes, she was the one…
I have to push her away, better some pain now than the overwhelming grief I could cause her later. I was born to suffer; I cannot share my path with her. He tried to calm himself, breathing slowly…evenly.
He lie on his back, Does this knowledge set me free in any way now that I know she's the one…? He stared at the dark ceiling until sleep reclaimed him.
The next morning Ino was still thinking over the events of last night. She was tired; she hadn't slept well at all. Kankurou had a feral quality that was so dangerous after he woke up from what she could only assume was a nightmare. She had to find out what had happened. However she knew she couldn't just walk up to him this morning and say, "What was so bad that you kicked me out of your room last night?" That would certainly make a few jaws hit the table.
So she put her best foot forward, made herself look as attractive as possible. If nothing else, she could make him regret last night. She had been given another free day, so he'd only get to see her at breakfast, and then only in the evening if she wanted him too. I'll give you pretty window dressing. She put on a scoop necked top in pale blue-violet that had an embroidered pattern of white flowers twined in leafy green vine work. She matched it up to the shortest skirt she'd packed. You're gonna miss out.
"Good morning, Ino." She ran into Shikamaru as soon as she stepped out into the hall. He was all seriousness this morning.
"Yo," she said half-heartedly, then promptly berated herself for it.
"You must be getting tired of this place," Shika said to her, "this really isn't your kind of mission. I can hear your lack of enthusiasm in that greeting you just gave me." They entered the central chamber and found the other three already there.
Kankurou didn't even bother to look up. Temari raised an eyebrow at seeing the two of them coming in together.
Chouji just greeted them between bites. What is she wearing, isn't that a little risky with the Kazekage…?
Ino tried not to look at Kankurou as she ate. "I'm just grateful that I'll get away from all this excitement again today."
"Too bad I can't go with you again," Chouji said. "It was fun wandering around last time."
"Yeah, I thought so too."
"Maybe I could see if…"
"Please spare me the insipid dialog," Kankurou growled under his breath. "Some of us have work to do."
Ino looked over at him; she couldn't read his expression at all. Then for just a moment she saw his left eye flutter in the slightest of twitches.
"See you all later." She turned and hurried out of the room.
She just wandered about the streets just taking in the day to day activities of Suna, she chose to do this even though the place was structured to have ways to get from one part to another without going outside. Late August here was hotter than it was in Konoha…not as humid maybe, but still hotter. However, she realized how much she missed having the sky above her. No clouds though, Shika wouldn't be too happy.
Occasionally she'd run across a street performer and would stay, watch the show and toss a coin in a basket. She thought about the fact that until last night she had been starting think that Suna could end up becoming her new home. Fool, she talked to herself, he's never really given you a sign of any real commitment; if he had, we'd have gone public with this. Why did you even start to daydream? She continued to wander about, observing more of the people and places.
Somehow she ended up at the place Temari had taken her for tea. As good a place as any to take a break. She once again ordered the jasmine green tea and settled quietly at a small table. I need to find out what is going on in his head. Why the sudden turn around? She stared into the depths of her cup. Have I seen enough of the pieces to fathom the puzzle that is Kankurou? A small sip then she set it down watching the ripples within.
"Is this seat taken?" A male voice, but it had a strange breathy quality she thought she had heard before.
Her eyes snapped up to see a narrow face framed with brown hair with grayish undertones. Haijun. She recovered from her shock and noticed he was alone. "I guess you can have that chair. I'm almost done anyway."
"Yamanaka-san, I wanted a moment of your time."
"Please, I don't want to talk to your master."
His head bowed slightly, "I bring no messages. In fact, today is my day off."
"What is that supposed to mean?" the aquamarine eyes studied him curiously.
"Exactly what it sounds like, I'm doing no work for the Kazekage today." He sipped from the tea cup he had brought to the table. "But I must say that though I work diligently for my master, it does not mean I agree with everything he does."
"And just what is it that he does that you don't agree with?" She met his gray eyes. I can't believe it, I'm actually interested in what he has to say.
"I regret that he uses me to help him with his pursuits. He finds you intriguing, not just because you are new to Suna, but because you are attractive as well." He paused, "He does like beautiful women above all things. If they have a brain in their head does not matter to him, although I suspect he thinks clever women are dangerous." He took a long sip from the cylindrical cup. "Tell me, oh honored visitor, are you a clever woman?"
"I had thought that I might be…until I got into the meetings here." Ino sighed, "This is not the best of missions."
"So, then you don't agree with everything your Hokage assigns you to do either. But you serve because that is your lot."
"I suppose…"
"You have been lucky these past few days; his favorite plaything has recently come back from an assignment and he very jealously guards the time he spends debriefing her afterwards. However, that usually only lasts a few days." The gray eyes seemed a little weary, "Then, since you are not feeling clever enough to keep my master at bay, I hope your beau is around you to maintain guard. I may not be the only one he sends to you with messages." He finished his cup, stood up and left.
Ino watched him go. At least it sounds like they've bought into Chouji's and my act.
In the mid-afternoon she found herself in front of their ninja training academy. It was at the time of day when some of the parents were picking up their younger children. It made her remember when her father or mother would come to get her after the school day was over. Then, somewhere in the back of her mind, she remembered there was a slight possibility… What'll I do? She felt like she couldn't breathe for a moment. Damn, I've got to find out what happened. I've got to resolve things between me and Kankurou before I even start to worry about that.
She returned early and decided to see if she could catch a nap to make up for the sleep she'd lost. She also became resolute that if she couldn't find out what happened with Kankurou, she'd at least try to get Shikamaru and Temari together before this was all over. For that she'd need an accomplice, which meant she had to catch Chouji before dinner since she hadn't made any real progress with Kankurou's help, although he did mention a library on this floor…
She managed to find the library, and get her nap in; yet still have about forty minutes to waylay Chouji before dinner. What the hell, why not use my room, if Kankurou happened to see us both come out of there maybe he'd be jealous. Two birds with one stone…and all that.
Chouji had just come off the stairs that lead back to the residence floor when Ino came up to him. He observed that she was looking around anxiously during her approach.
"Quick, come with me." she snatched his hand and led him down the hall.
He had no choice but to follow her. "What happened," he asked quietly, "did the Kazekage try something while you were out?" He noticed that she had stopped and was opening the door to her room. What are we doing here?
"In," was all she said as she glanced about quickly.
He moved into the room, his eyes took in the rumpled bedding.
"Sit down," Ino gestured at the one chair while she moved to sit on the bed. "I need to talk to you about something important."
Please, I'm dying to know why this seems so urgent. He sat across from her studying her for any obvious sign of a problem. "Very well," he nodded trying to sound calm, "what do you need me for?"
"I finally figured out how we can do it."
Chouji's heart thudded aggressively within the confine of his rib cage. We can do it? What is she saying…We…what…?
"We can set things up for Shikamaru and Temari to get together…" She grinned.
"Shikamaru…" He blinked "Oh yeah, I remember you want the two of them… Sure what do I need to do?"
And so that's what they did; it only took them twenty minutes to come up with a viable plan. Afterwards, Ino walked Chouji down the hall to see where the library was without actually getting too close to it.
That evening they couldn't enact their plan. It turned out that Temari had gotten a special request from Kazue to work out some details on one of the topics they had presented earlier in the day. Apparently she had hoped to invite Ino to go along, but since she wasn't anywhere to be found…or so she'd told Kankurou, she went off by herself.
When it was evening, she went out on the balcony and waited while brushing and braiding her hair. Just when I start to feel spoiled because he likes to comb my hair. She sighed, Maybe if I just follow the rest of the usual routine. She leaned back on her elbows and stared upward. Another beautiful night, she slid down to lie on her back. Then somehow she fell asleep.
She awoke cold and achy from lying on the bench. Dammit, was he even out here tonight? If he was and saw me like this…Damn, damn and double damn. She went back to her room, no point in even trying his tonight.
The next morning she could still feel in her body the mistake of falling asleep on the stone bench. She caught the smirk that crossed his lips as she entered the room still moving a little stiffly. Oh yeah, he saw me out there last night. She glared for just a moment at him, but broke it off quickly because it might give something away if she was caught doing it.
"You okay Ino?" Temari surprised her by showing concern.
Chouji promptly looked up from his breakfast.
"Yeah, I just discovered this little balcony last night and I lie back on one of the stone benches to look up at the sky. I must have been tried for I fell asleep out there in the night air…"
"I have something you could rub on where ever you're aching," Chouji offered.
"I'll bet you do," Kankurou said in a voice that dripped with sarcasm. "Why don't you just say, 'Oh Ino, just give me the opportunity to touch your body and I'll be your slave forever'."
"You smug bastard!" Ino spun and glared at him, "What the hell is eating you? It's bad enough you spend your time baiting me, but now you decide to pick new targets. Am I no longer a challenge for you?" Maybe I should to try to possess him again and ask him what his game is under threat of making him do something nasty to his penis for real this time.
"Kankurou," Temari stood up and got in his face as well, "you've been getting more spiteful as this whole thing has gone on. I'm going to request that you sit today's session out. Go find something else to entertain yourself today."
"Not your decision, sister," he growled back.
"Maybe not, but if you don't do so voluntarily, I'm going to go in first thing this morning and get them to bar you from now on." She raised a superior eyebrow at him, "You know they respect my opinions."
His eye twitch was working overtime on the right side. "All right you win," he sounded like he was fighting to control himself in case his sister might still carry out the threat. He got up from the table, "Maybe I'll see you later, maybe I won't."
Kankurou stormed through the streets of Sunagakure with a fierce scowl on his face. He caught sight of more than a few among the village's shinobi who would normally have greeted him. They recognized that expression and steered clear.
No, there was only one place for him to go: Akachouchin no Kyuuden (a/n: Palace of the Red Lanterns). Maybe I'll see if Barahanataba is around, she was always good at soothing things over. He recalled the time one of the local girls tried to convince him that he was her boyfriend after a one time encounter she initiated and he had to do something a little harsher than he would have liked to ditch her. Bara had been just what I needed that time. Hell, she'd probably be amused to hear that I took inspiration for the disguise I used on my puppet from her.
He smiled at the familiar exterior. I always get a kick out of the fact that they run a tavern out of the front half. I didn't realize there was more to this place until Baki brought me here to clear my head. It amused him, sincehe had been here with Temari and Gaara for meals a couple of times before finding that out. They somehow managed to keep a couple of decent cooks on the payroll.
This place is a lot like me: put up a façade to conceal the truth. He stopped in his tracks. His initial thought had been just that it was an irony…but somehow the deeper truth hurt. Is that all I am, just a lie I present to others? Ino's face flashed through his mind, and her words echoed in his memory: 'I don't want to think of you as the painted you; I want the one without the makeup.'
Damn, why now, just when I was starting to think that dream had no significance, why her? I got lost in those eyes night after night…I should have seen it sooner. Then it wouldn't be like this. The only other time I've felt this kind of ache as an adult was when Gaara left. And just like then I can't let my pain show…how could anyone possibly understand?
He continued to look at the building that he had entered numerous times in his past. It was funny to think that as far as he knew Gaara never learned the truth about it. And Temari certainly would never have needed to know. He studied the collection of hanging flower baskets around the porch. Sorry Bara, I can't see you. There's no point in going in. He let out an uncomfortable growl in the back if his throat, I can't do it; this isn't like that last time. I…wish it didn't have to be like this. I'm not trying to get rid of her because she's annoying; I have to chase her off…for her own good.
He stared down the street sighting the walls. He decided he didn't have much choice, I'll just spend the rest of the day by the walls working out with the guard-duty crowd.
The shadows were starting to grow longer again when Kankurou allowed himself to think about the events that had sent him out into this day long exile. His sister had been right; he had been behaving in an unusually surly manner. It was very deliberately done to chase Ino away. He had been tempted to wake her last night when he saw her on that bench, but then he wouldn't have gotten the reaction from her this morning when she knew he'd left her out in the cold.
And then when Chouji made his offer, he had to come up with something to piss Ino off even more. I have a feeling that I'm not totally off the mark with my comment about Chouji this morning. There is something other than loyalty there, I'm positive of it. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd hoped his 'pretend boyfriend' duties would land him the position for real. He recognized the twinge of jealousy he felt when he'd seen the brawny shinobi stroke Ino's hair when Pokaru-sama had walked in during the sessions. Don't dwell on possibilities… He wound his way down off the walls.
Oh well, it's been long enough. Should I see if I can be a little less obnoxious during the evening? He smiled to himself, Hell no.
Kankurou timed his entry to where it seemed like the four of them sounded like they were genuinely having fun. Then he just stormed in without saying a word and watched their expressions change. Yes, that is my true power, he thought.
"So how are you this evening?" Temari asked him cautiously.
"My head is clearer," he eyed her warily "but that is not necessarily a good thing. There are things I need to do before tomorrow, please forgive me if I do not share the pleasure of your company this evening." He flicked a quick glance at Ino as he said this, and caught the fact that her eyes narrowed for just a moment. She'd gotten the message for now. He got up and left the room.
When Temari got up to leave, Ino followed her, "I heard you have a library somewhere on this floor. Could you show me where it is?"
"You are the last one from your group I would have expected those words from," Temari regarded her with slight amusement.
"What, you think I have no interest in books?" Ino replied, "Or do you think none of the books in this library will interest me?" I think she'd be surprised to learn that one of my friends is the head librarian of Konoha's main library.
"Come with me; I'm sure you'll find something of interest."
Soon they reached the alcove where the library was hidden. Ino did a quick mental check; she might actually have enough time to find a curiosity or two. Especially since Kankurou made it clear that he was not going to be available tonight.
"The majority of the books on this side are Suna's histories. If you'd asked me sooner, I'd have pointed these out to you so you might have had a better idea why some of our elders take the stands they do." Temari was moving away toward the eastern wall. She reached out her hand to touch the books. "I spend a lot of my quiet time here. I enjoy doing research when I'm not out and about on missions." She turned to one of the other walls but continued to speak, "I also wander into the main library in the heart of Suna. They have the most amazing collection of maps. I study my terrain there and make additional notes on the standard maps that were issued."
Ino was just about to give up hoping of find something entertaining on the wall Temari had indicated. However, one of the books near to her finally caught her eye. It was titled: The Tempestuous Affairs of the Second Kazekage. All right, maybe gossip or smut. I wonder if anyone will write a book like this about Pokaru someday. Her eyes lit up and in a flash her hand snatched it off the shelf. She turned the title toward her chest and made sure the books spine wasn't going to be easy for Temari to see if she turned around.
Of course the flaxen haired woman turned almost as soon as Ino had the book.
"Is there anything I could direct you to?" she asked.
"Oh no, I think I found the kind of research I'm looking for tonight."
Temari tried to see what Ino had selected. So Ino decided to both distract and prime her, "Do you think Shikamaru would like this place?"
"Although he's smart, he doesn't necessarily seem the studious type," Temari was half smiling in spite of her self.
"That not really true, he tends to do most of our mission research. However, he does it more out of necessity, I'm usually busy at my parents' flower shop or doing medical research and Chouji tends to get distracted."
"Let me guess," Temari had a bemused expression, "it's because he can't eat in the library, so he has to take frequent breaks."
"Yeah, that's Chouji for you. But back to Shikamaru, once in a while something unexpected will catch his interest. Then he'll follow up on it until he's completely satisfied." Ino tried not to kick up the innuendo too much. She worked her way toward the door. "I'll leave you to enjoy your library, good night."
She tired not to smile as she stepped out into the hall and saw Chouji walking Shikamaru down the hall. Right on time.
"Ino with a huge book," Shika commented, "what's the occasion?"
"None, they just happen to have a nice little library in there." She looked him in the eye, "Hey, check it out, especially if you're bored. You might find something you like in there."
"That sounds like you." Chouji winked at Ino. "Go on, you need something to do, I'm no challenge at shogi. You know you could use some entertainment."
"Okay already," Shikamaru put his hand on the door and went inside.
Chouji and Ino waited five minutes no one came out.
"Stage one completed." Ino smiled, "Thank you for your assistance."
'You're very welcome." Chouji returned the smile.
Shikamaru saw her the second he stepped into the room and began to look about. For an instant he thought about turning right back around. But when the door clicked shut behind him, she raised her eyes over the book she was reading and saw him. That was the point of no turning back. He had tried to convince himself that it was just chance that kept throwing them together, that it didn't really mean anything. He admired her intelligence and the fact that she was older and gotten her jonin status so quickly gave her a different level of experience. The fact that she was so damned attractive didn't help it, only confused him more. She must have a guy she was seeing here; there's no way he'd stand a chance with her. Plus she was much older than him, why would she be interested?
He swallowed hard, "I didn't realize anyone was here," he suddenly realized how nervous he was, "Ino told me this was a library, so I thought I'd look it over." Suddenly in the back of his mind was an image of Ino and Chouji giving each other a high-five. They set me up, I just know it. Ino is not that into books, certainly not the kind they'd have here.
"Shikamaru, are you all right?" Temari had just put down her tome and was staring at him, "You seem to spending a lot of time looking at the ceiling."
He actually tried not to blush; it was rather embarrassing to be put into this situation. He reflected on what had happened maybe it was time he took the chance and really talked to her…truly alone. "Temari," there he'd said her name was that so hard, "I was wondering if you were seeing anyone?"
She merely raised an eyebrow.
"I mean you come from such an illustrious family background and you are beautiful," he looked down as he said the last part, Don't blush, this is so troublesome. "They must be clamoring for your attentions."
"They do," she replied as she took a step toward him.
He looked up, his nervousness felt like a flood he was fighting against.
"I turn them down," she smirked at him, "I've been waiting on someone to make the first move." She walked slowly toward him.
His mouth fell open, and then, because the words wouldn't come out, he pointed toward himself.
"Yes, you genius," she chuckled.
The sudden rush of excitement hit him as hard as his nervousness. For a second, he thought he was going to have the awkward experience of fainting in front of her, then suddenly he remembered that he could breathe, Maybe I was safer not knowing.
She looked at him again, "So where do we go from here?" She gave him a smile, and reached out her hand for his. She pulled him toward herself.
He bought the clue and wrapped his free arm around her then kissed her. The warmth of her lips thrilled him in a way that almost overwhelmed him again. But this time he figured out that he'd need to breathe at some point. He reached his hands down her back to press her hips tighter to his own; he could feel the heat of her body through their clothes.
Temari's right hand tugged at his shirt and found its way beneath it, and rested against his abs. She brushed gently back and forth a few times like she was deciding where to go next. Then she started to tug his shirt off over his head, then she pulled her own wrap top part way open so she could press herself against him.
Shikamaru felt like he wasn't sure if he could handle this, it all was happening faster than he had ever pictured it in any fantasy he'd had…and then she slid down kissing his chest and working her way below as she went to her knees. This was so much more than he'd ever expected from her. Once again he found himself looking at the ceiling then he shut his eyes…
A while later when she had finished working him over, Temari allowed Shikamaru to join her on the rug. "Please let me try to do something for you," he was half begging her, "you were amazing."
She smiled and kissed him again then said, "Not just yet."
He was fully stripped down while she still wore clothing below the waist. He attempted to pull at the rest of her clothing. While she placed her hands firmly over his and said in a teasing voice, "Impatient boy, I just want to be close to you." She arched to press against his chest. He gave up his attempt on her remaining clothes and used his arms to pull her tighter.
"So," he whispered, "if you've been refusing all these suitors all these years, how did you learn to do what you just did?"
"You'd be surprised at the things you learn from the books in a library like this," she chuckled. "Of course it also helps, that I apparently have a fair amount of natural talent for applying that knowledge." She reached down, untying and sliding the rest of her clothes off. "No, not yet," she reached a hand out again to slow him down, "I told you before I just want to be close to you. So you'll just have to wait for anything more."
So Shikamaru played by her rules. They lay there on the rug in the library for a while, side by side as close as they could be without taking it any further. He wanted, oh how he wanted, he knew it had to be pretty obvious to her. Every kiss, every touch, "Temari, I…" He felt like this was some exquisite torture she was putting him through, yet some how he felt couldn't deny her request…no matter how badly he wanted to.
A/N: Posting next chapter soon, but not too soon, figure about a week again. But I don't have the same excuse I did last week.
