Shikamaru

After my two lessons I got an idea that we could add an extra activity for students to attend as they had a lot of free time in the Academy – some special training with our guest konoichi with her fan and wind techniques. Maybe she even could train several students who are wind-users just like her. But to accomplish this plan I had to talk to her. And for that I had to find her, which was not an easy task. Kakashi told me she already left the Academy today and headed home. Now where was this "home"?

I got an idea and went into the city center, to the newsstand.

- Hello, do you happen to have any old newspapers?

The seller eyed me with a lifted eyebrow, but answered friendly:

- Usually old newspapers are usually being handed back to the paper fabric but I think I have one of Monday.

- That's perfect, can I buy it? – It was my lucky day.

- Um, you can have it for free, here. – He handed me the newspaper and I left after thanking him.

I opened the section of flat rental places and scanned the section. Surely I found an ad of a rental flat in my house. It was just as I thought. But why would she rent a flat where I live? Could it be because it's the closest to me? That thought was somewhat tempting to me. I shook my head and decided to ask her directly.

I headed home but instead of climbing to third floor I stopped at the ground floor and asked some neighbors if they knew anything about a flat being rented here. One old lady pointed at the flat No12 and told me:

- I saw some yellow haired girl entering that flat today. I have never seen her before, so I guess that flat is already rented.

I thanked and headed to her door. I smiled at myself, but my heart was pounding as I knocked.

After a while the door swung open and I guessed she was changing her clothes when I knocked, because she was pulling the bottom part of her blouse down as she opened the door – and I got a sight of her tanned flat belly. I got an instant urge to kiss her there.

- Hey. – She wasn't surprised to see me and swung the door open for me to enter. She was wearing a black tight blouse and loose grey sweatpants. She looked great. She looked great in anything, I realized. – Coffee?

- No, thanks. So we're neighbors now? – I raised an eyebrow, exploring the flat, similar to mine, but smaller.

- I guess so. – She smiled and crooked her head to her side. She had a self-satisfied expression all over her face. I knew why. It made me feel nervous.

- So why?

- Why what?

- Why would you rent a flat in my house?

- Do I need your permission?

- No, I was just curious why.

- Why? Do you think it's so I can be close to you?

My mouth dropped open but I didn't say anything and felt my cheeks blushing. Gosh, she really held me in her paws like a cat holds a mouse. She frowned, clearly annoyed:

- Seriously? Don't you think you're a bit too full of yourself? Who do you think you are? – she spilled. Okay, she was still angry at me.

- Well in fact I am your escort, so it kinda makes sense for me to be around you as I have to help you with your plans here in Konoha. Makes sense now?

- Then maybe you should be glad I live here and stop pumping me out about it? It was a cheap flat close to Academy, that's all there is to it. It's not my fault there weren't to many places to choose. – She crossed her arms beneath her breasts and stuck her tongue out, to which I burst laughing and she smiled a little even I saw she was trying not to.

After this she went back to being normal, and by normal I mean I felt like I was flirting with a devil. We discussed my proposal for an extra lesson in Academy and she agreed, to my relief. I wasn't accused of anything this time. We agreed to plan this tomorrow afternoon as I only had one class in the morning and she didn't have any plans as well.

Only after closing her door I realized how tensed I was. Maybe I should get used to this feeling, my shaking heart and hands whenever I'm with her?

I dreamt of her tonight. I dreamt her golden hair in the wind, dancing around her beautiful smiling face with those deep teal eyes, fixed on me. The sun was shining and it was very bright, or that brightness was coming from her – I couldn't tell. She was drop-dead gorgeous and I wondered why I didn't see her this way before. She was always someone very special, someone I was looking forward seeing to and teasing. To me, it was always about her when the sand siblings decided to arrive. I always thought this is because the two of us had kind of a different – untraditional friendship. Maybe I was right, and maybe because of that different relationship now I'm falling for her, despite my futile attempts to resist.

In the evening Choji came over with a pack of beer. I was more than happy to see him. I fixed some snacks and we dig into those and the beer, chatting about stuff. He told me about his plans to open a restaurant, which didn't surprise me a tiny bit, knowing the love for food he has. The talk eventually turned towards to the girl-theme and since Choji knew I don't want to hear anything about Ino we ended up talking about my new mission – being Temari's escort.

- So where does she live now? – Choji asked.

- Actually, she lives in the same building, first floor. Apparently it's still cheap to rent a flat here, and it's close to the Academy… - I explained.

- Uhuh, close to Academy and VERY close to you. – Choji grinned, stuffing a sandwich into his mouth.

- I don't think so. I mean the way she reacted to my question about that indicates that I'm definitely not one of the reasons.

- Your question? You asked her about this directly?

- Yeah.

- Are you out of your mind? Why would you do that, Shikamaru? – Choji was shocked.

- What's the big deal? – I frowned, clueless.

- First of all, any girl would deny that she rented a flat somewhere because of some guy. They're too proud to admit that, you fool! Secondly, asking her that indicates that you're interested in her. – He grinned again.

- Oh come on, Temari's not like any other girl. – I rolled my eyes.

- Yeah, she's even more proud than other girls, you stupid! And you ARE interested in her, aren't you? I knew it! I knew she was the reason! – Choji laughed at me while I was staring confused.

- Wait, what? I didn't say that! What do you mean by the reason? Reason of what?

- Shikamaru, not everything has to be said out loud. Reason of your sudden change. Don't tell me you didn't notice yourself.

- …notice what?

- Notice how depressed Shikamaru turned to cheerful, MOTIVATED, optimistic and energetic Shikamaru? I have never seen you like this before. And I mean never in all my life!

I looked down at my hands, holding a beer. I took a sip, trying to comprehend everything that Choji told me. Temari's proud – that's true. But the way she answered to me made it clear her staying in this house has nothing to do with me. Unless she was actually aiming for me to think this way… It kinda makes sense. And I was in fact happier these last days, really enjoying our little teasing games. But it felt so natural I guess I didn't really notice anything.

- I think I'm falling for her, Choji. – I lifted my eyes to my best friend, seeking some reassurance. We both knew how Temari was and what it would be to get involved with her. If you succeeded to try, that is. Choji simply grinned at me.

- You could have seen it earlier, genius. It's obvious for anyone who sees you together. – He reached out and patted me on the shoulder. – Good luck, pal. I doubt she's gonna be easy. – He laughed again. I loved him for being so cheerful and being able to lift up my moods anytime. – Maybe that's the reason you like her?

- I don't know why I actually like her… - I frowned. – She's annoying, loud, a real troublemaker. Unpredictable and uncontrollable. Why would I like her, Choji?

- Maybe it's in your genes? – Choji burst laughing having said that.

I wasn't laughing, I was scared. He was referring to my parents: my dad is exactly like me – lazy, unmotivated and slow. My mom is a walking trouble and a hurricane, though she can be the sweetest sometimes. Rare moments. I opened another bottle of beer, contemplating which one is scarier – my mom or Temari.

- What am I gonna do, Choji? How should I know if I should even try?

- You're gonna man-up and do what you have to do. That is make her think she got you and not the other way around. She's too proud to do anything even if she wants to, and she will turn you down if you come at her directly, but if you'd trick her into thinking that it's she who's controlling the situation – voila. And of course you will never know if you should or shouldn't unless you try. You have to decide yourself if she's worth the trouble. – He emphasized the last word and laughed, clearly making fun of my common saying "troublesome". I punched his shoulder and laughed too, wondering how he's so good with understanding women.

I had a lot of material to think through but now I let myself relax and enjoy his company, which reminded me of my careless childhood days. Soon before leaving Choji came up with an idea to gather everybody on Friday and go party somewhere.

- I don't know about that… - I replied.

He knew why. Ino.

- Actually, Shikamaru. I don't want to ruin your moods now reminding you, but I need to tell you that I know everything. Ino told me several days ago, about everything that happened between you and what she did in the end. I couldn't believe it at first. And then I wasn't sure if I should be thanking you or hating you for not telling me this.

My heart sank.

- And which option did you settle on? – Both were very probable.

- Neither. It was mean of you to let me get into a relationship with a girl who could be so nasty. But on the other hand, I understood that you knew how much I liked her and decided maybe she changed and therefore didn't want to ruin it for me. – He looked in my eyes and I could see he wasn't angry or disappointed in me, which was a relief.

- Choji, I…

- I know, Shikamaru. You don't need to apologize. I understand how tough it had to be for you back then. And I sure understand why you guys still avoid one another like biggest enemies.

I looked down at my feet.

- And Shikamaru – you were right about giving that chance. – I lifted my eyes up at him to meet his smiling eyes. – It seems Ino really matured since then. She really regrets what she did and said to you. She blames herself for her emotions and inability to control them. She has never spoken a mean word about you and I… I really hope you guys could leave that behind. I hate the feeling of being torn between the two people I love the most.

I opened my mouth, trying to find something to respond, but Choji stopped me:

- I don't need your answer now, so don't force it. I'm sorry but I had to tell you this so then I couldn't blame myself for not at least trying. Goodnight, buddy. – He offered me his fist and I bumped mine into his. I nodded thankfully to him, realizing once more what a friend I have.

- Goodnight, Choji.

I closed my door and went straight to bed, feeling exhausted of all the thoughts running through my head. Me, Choji, Ino, Temari. I fell asleep instantly and didn't dream anything, which was a relief.