Well, the new chapter is ready. Sorry to say that it's even shorter than the last one, but, like I said, these are all building up to the next big event, which should come in a few chapters. Until then, I suppose these shorter bits will have to do. I'd like to thank you all for reading as usual, and to especially thank you for reviewing. Anyway, on with the chapter!

34. Li-la-li

Shikamaru Nara stood in the pouring rain at Konoha Cemetery Monday morning, clad entirely in black. It had taken him a while to find the right suit for the occasion – usually he would've dismissed the entire issue as being too troublesome – but this was different. He was positioned beside Temari, who was also dressed in black, with Kankuro standing on the opposite side of his sister. And, of course, lying in front of them was Mr. Subakuno, waiting to be lowered to his eternal rest. Gaara was conspicuously absent, though Shikamaru hadn't expected the redhead to show up. It was far too soon.

It was a very uncomfortable occasion for all involved. Everyone, it seemed, had mixed feelings about the man. He was cold and gruff, yet he clearly cared for his family in some respects. It was as if he had resigned himself to being a providing father, even though it had cost him the woman he loved, and his happiness as a result.

What weighed on their minds even more, though, were the circumstances behind Mr. Subakuno's death. No one was sure what had driven him to do what he did. There were theories, of course – they had learned that he had lost his job before attacking Gaara, and some suggested that he was already unstable from that blow. Still, it was hard to defend a man who had tried to kill his own son. That last act had revealed a dark side to Mr. Subakuno that even those closest to him hadn't fully known.

Shikamaru could only imagine the combination of emotions running through Temari's mind at that moment, as the rain beat down on her father's casket. Sorrow, certainly – it was hard for anyone to lose a parent, even late in life. To go through that as a teen only made it harder. Pity? Perhaps – his last actions were motivated by his bitterness towards his own son stemming from the loss of his beloved wife. Truly, it was pathetic that he couldn't move on, even after sixteen years. Regret, since she wasn't there to stop him. More than anything else, though, Shikamaru was sure Temari felt a sense of shame. Shame that her father was such a shallow man. Shame that he couldn't grow to accept his son. Shame that he would want to kill Gaara for being gay, of all things.

Not that I'm much better… I didn't trust him. I thought Gaara was just a killer – a monster out for blood. Some friend I am…

As the rain ran down his wool suit in tiny little beads, Shikamaru finally glanced up at Temari, having avoided eye contact throughout the entire service. While the priest before them spoke of Mr. Subakuno's accomplishments, trying to portray the man in a positive light, Shikamaru found that Temari's eyes were completely stolid. They simply stared down at the casket, betraying no emotion whatsoever. It was almost as if she was determined not to cry – as if Mr. Subakuno wasn't worthy of her tears.

"Now, if anyone would like a moment to pay their last respects, please come forward and do so now," the priest said as he stepped to the side, clasping his hands in front of him.

A few older men stepped forward – apparently some of Mr. Subakuno's coworkers. They laid their hands on the casket and paused, giving the man a silent prayer before moving aside for the next in line. After a few minutes, Kankuro approached the casket as well and brushed his hand against the casket in turn.

"You never made it to one of my puppet shows… but that's okay. I'm sure you would've made it eventually. I'll just have to give you a private show sometime, that's all…"

With that, the teen bit his lip and stepped away from the casket, his fresh tears blending in with the rain as he returned to his spot. Shikamaru gazed up at Temari, expecting her to follow her brother's lead. She didn't budge, though, but simply stared at the casket with an almost hawk-like vigilance.

"Anyone else?" the priest asked after a moment. When no one responded, he coughed and approached the casket once more. "Then, Kaze Subakuno, may you find solace in your present rest, and find eternal bliss in the life of the world to come. Amen."

The crowd responded with a resounding 'Amen' before dispersing, with everyone going their separate ways as the casket was lowered into the grave. Soon, it was only Temari, Shikamaru, and the priest left around the funeral plot, the only sound being the pitter-patter of the rain. It was only when the priest had gathered his things and left that Temari finally moved forward, looming over the casket below.

"Shikamaru… remember how my dad reacted the first time the two of you met?"

"He threatened to castrate me with a rusty fork," the Nara replied in his usual monotone.

Temari chuckled. "He used to do that to all my dates. Usually it scared them off. When you brought me back on time that night, though, I could tell he was impressed. He liked you, Shika."

"He had a funny way of showing it," Shikamaru said with a weak chuckle.

"That's how he was, though. He… he had trouble showing his emotions. He was cold to everyone – it was easier for him, I guess. After losing Mom, it was like he couldn't bear to let anyone see the pain he was in." Temari paused here, momentarily choked up. After this hiccup, though, a single tear rolled down her cheek as she continued. "I understand why he was like that now. It's hard, keeping everything bottled up inside. I've been trying all morning, but… I just can't do it, Shika."

With that, Temari dropped to her knees, tears dripping from her cheeks onto the casket below. Not knowing quite what to do, Shikamaru sat down on the grass beside her and placed his hand comfortingly on her knee. Without a word, Temari rested her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. Shikamaru didn't budge, but let her cry into his shoulder as she released all her pent up emotions from that morning. When they finally left, the sun was just starting to poke through the clouds. It was time to start anew.

xxxxx

"You're awfully quiet today, Sasuke."

Sasuke Uchiha looked up in surprise to find a smiling Sakura staring back at him, a hint of bitterness hidden in her voice. "I'm sorry, were you saying something?"

"Oh, no – nothing important. I was just wondering whether I should let out your little secret or not," the pink-haired teen said before taking a sip of her soda.

The past week had been a long one for the Uchiha, having to spend every lunch period with Sakura. He knew he didn't have much of a choice in the matter – she knew about the secret between him and Naruto, and she was willing to use whatever underhanded tactics she could to win Sasuke over. This meant that Sasuke had to play along whenever Sakura wanted to act all lovey-dovey, despite the fact that it made Sasuke want to vomit.

Today it was particularly difficult to keep his mind focused on the task at hand, though – not with Naruto sitting just a few tables away. Their little talk about sex the day before had really caught Sasuke off guard. It was the perfect opportunity, though – what better way to show Naruto that he really cared than to show him the ultimate form of physical intimacy? Plus, it worked as a birthday gift as well – it was a win-win situation. Still, Sasuke couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive about the whole idea. After all, it was a pretty big jump – what if he wasn't ready for it?

No! Quit thinking like that, Sasuke! This is the perfect chance – you have to seize this opportunity!

"Ahem… Sasuke? You're zoning out again."

"W-what? Oh, right. So how was your weekend, Sakura?" the Uchiha asked through gritted teeth.

"You know what, Sasuke? I don't think you really care about Naruto at all. The way you've been acting today, it's almost as if you want me to tell the whole school about the two of you," Sakura continued, ignoring Sasuke's question altogether.

"I'm sorry – I'm just a bit distracted today."

"Is that so? Something Naruto said over the weekend? Something the two of you did? Have a little recreation of that time in the locker room?" the pink-haired teen continued with a venomous look. "I'm warning you, Sasuke – if I catch you looking over at him one more time, I'll do it. You're mine now – he's out of the picture. The sooner you understand that, the sooner we can live a happy life together."

"That was never part of the deal," the Uchiha cut in with a dangerous tone. "I said I'd play along with this little charade of yours, but I never said that I'd leave Naruto. That's not for you to decide."

"Oh, but it is. I have your reputation in the palm of my hand," Sakura said coolly as she took a bite of her sandwich. "It's up to you whether I crush it or set it free."

"Since when have I cared about my reputation? It's not like I tried to be popular – I've done everything in my power to get rid of you crazy fangirls."

"And in my other hand, I have Naruto's reputation. Or did you forget that he's involved, too?" Sakura responded, holding out an open hand demonstratively.

Sasuke was silent.

"You know how delicate Naruto is. After what happened with Kyuubi, with the kids at the orphanage in Mizu – his past has haunted him, made him an outcast. And now, just when it looks like he might get accepted, you send him right out onto the fringe of society just because you can't do what's best for him," Sakura said with a smile as she took another sip of her soda. "Face it – you're better off with me than a loser like him."

His brow furrowed with rage, Sasuke leaped to his feet, knocking his chair backwards in the process. He slammed his hands on the table, drawing the attention of most of the cafeteria as everyone went silent.

"Now look here. I can deal with pretending to be your girlfriend, and I can even avoid Naruto if you want, but I'm not just going to sit idly by while you make fun of him behind his back. Naruto may have had a rough past, but that's not something he should be ridiculed for – we should admire him for it. He's a better person because of the hardship he's been through, and he's certainly a better person than you'll ever be. Now, if you want to go ahead and blab your little secret or whatever, fine – I don't care. But if you're expecting me to suddenly fall in love with you, you can just forget it. No one will ever fall for an insensitive, manipulative bitch like you."

With that, Sasuke stormed off, stopping at the cafeteria door to shout out one last farewell. "Goodbye, Sakura – talk to me sometime when you grow up."

As the cafeteria door slammed shut, the student body suddenly broke into a cacophony of whispers, with many shooting Sakura furtive glances. The pink-haired girl, meanwhile, could only stare down at her lunch in shock, the humiliation slowly showing in her reddening face. Then, after swallowing the last bit of her sandwich, she rose from her table and stepped out of the room, her misty eyes betraying her heartbreak.

Well, there you have it. Shikamaru and Temari get a sweet, graveside moment, and Sasuke ends his agreement with Sakura. What consequences will this move have? And how will Sasuke deal with the upcoming issue of sex? I think it's time for him to visit an old friend... Until next time, folks, remember - review!