Temari's team
Shikamaru's early arrival surprised Temari. Not that she wasn't happy he was finally at home and with her, but she had plans for today that didn't include him.
Writing a mission report was part of her plan, also. It was a successful mission. No wonder when she herself assembled necessary intel and formed the team. The only reason she accepted a B-rank mission was because she was bored. She literally begged Hokage to let her do it. Kakashi named her the team leader and she had to take care of the second participant which she wanted to be a medical ninja.
Temari partially knew Ino's and Sakura's abilities but she couldn't decide on her own which one was the better choice. Sakura was more skilled, but also a complainer. Ino, on the other hand was squeamish, but obedient and more reliable. Tsunade-sama, after Temari had asked her for advice, requested to take them both with her.
Although it wasn't demanding mission, the two of them were acting professionally and mature the entire time and Temari was really contented with their performance. What surprised her the most was Sakura not mentioning Hinata and Ino not teasing Sakura.
At least they were like that before their return. Sakura received an official wedding invitation and began to whine about hers never coming wedding. Ino didn't miss the chance to annoy her even more by emphasizing how important that wedding is. Sakura took that as she herself wasn't important at all. Temari understood how Sakura must feel, as she was Gaara's big sister whose only assignment was to keep Gaara safe and under control. Nobody had cared how she felt about that. But that was selfish thinking as her brother was much lonelier and more disturbed than she was.
That's why she couldn't understand how Sakura could behave so unfriendly towards Hinata. Like it wasn't enough that she is marrying into Uchiha clan just because everyone's expects her to do it! Temari didn't know Itachi at all, but if he's like Sakura's been describing him, Hinata's life will be a living hell! She frowned thinking about Gaara's unhappy childhood because he was obligated to do something he didn't want to.
''Wasn't the mission successful?'' Shikamaru's voice interrupted Temari's nervous pen tapping.
''It was. Why do you ask?''
''You look like something's on your mind and you are writing a report,'' he explained.
Temari smirked. She couldn't hide anything from her genius boyfriend. She was aware she can't ask him anything about Itachi or Uchiha clan because he would probably figure it all out and he had already enough stuff bothering him.
''Just some silly unimportant things,'' she said plainly. ''And yours?''
''It's pretty much the same every time,'' Shikamaru sat on a sofa next to her and put his hand behind his head. ''They go on a rampage and while they're on it, I'm trying to think of a good reason why they are destroying everything on their way. It's like kindergarten!''
Temari chuckled. Her situation was the same.
''Tell me about it! Sakura is complaining about everything and Ino is teasing her!''
''During the mission?''
Temari shook her head.
''Lucky you! For example, you should see Itachi! When he is not on duty, he is the calmest guy you've ever seen! And when he plans an attack with Orochimaru, he transforms into completely different person!''
''Maybe that's Orochimaru's bad influence.''
''Maybe,'' Shikamaru said indifferently,''Sasuke wonders why he's been acting unusual lately, but I don't care! At least they are not at the hospital all the time!''
Temari smirked. Shikamaru doesn't know.
''What's funny? Are you done?,'' he got up and went to the bedroom,''Don't forget we have a deal!,'' she could hear him yell.
She didn't forget. However, she couldn't forget how happy Hinata had seemed when she explained to her why she wanted Sakura to be her maid of honour. And how Sakura would probably have rejected her plea if Ino and her hadn't been there.
''Stupid rules!'' she said out loud.
''Actually, I like some rules!''
Temari flinched. She didn't want to say anything, it just came out.
''Like this one when I don't have any mission until the wedding so I can just sleep in Hokage's office!'' Shikamaru yawned as he was sitting next to Temari again.
''I thought you like IOS missions.''
''I do. When you know the team, everything's easier. And you got directions. And reward.''
''And a bunch of paperwork.''
Shikamaru grinned.
''It's not my turn this time,'' he said happily, ''so I can't nag about it.''
Knowing your team is crucial. And it's strong and weak sides. Then again, you can have the strongest team ever if you don't know the opponent.
Temari's eyes widened. Hinata and her future husband will become a team. They won't face an opponent, but the mission is a happy marriage! And if they don't know each other's strength and weakness, mission will fail. And if it fails, they both will end up unhappy and instead of clan merger, Konoha will get a frustrated family who will deepen clan's disparity.
Temari sighed. Hinata was very introverted girl and she couldn't be sure how she really feels about this marriage. And she would never open up to a complete stranger. Maybe her maid of honour could help Temari. But she wasn't sure about Sakura either, as she had her own plan to marry Sasuke as soon as possible, and Hinata got on her way.
Temari didn't get all that rush to get married. Especially if the stories about Sakura and Sasuke were true. In that case, Sakura wasn't ready to become someone's wife either.
Just like before accepting the mission, you have to posses particular skills to fulfil your duty. You should never hone your skills during the mission, unless your team members are willing to take your part. And Hinata and Sakura were all alone! Nobody will tell them they are not ready! Just like they and they alone have to evaluate their skills before putting their signature on a mission scroll. And once they sign the paper, they have chosen their destiny. Single piece of paper.
Temari raised her head. Shikamaru was still waiting for her to finish up.
''Done?''
''Almost.''
He sighed.
''You are taking this part of mission too seriously, nobody writes a report so detailed as much as you do.''
''You have a problem with it?''
''No, but you had promised we'll-''
''Be patient a bit more,'' Temari smirked seductively,'' Reports are important for future generations. You say yourself that preparation is sometimes more important than implementation.''
''But no one will read it,'' he was persistent. ''Sannins are drinking again with Hokage-sama!'' he grumbled. ''They call it a meeting so they can be drunk as skunks the following week!''
She didn't have much left, but something was still bugging her. She stood up. Shikamaru looked at her. He wanted to say something but he gave up when she checked the time.
''When the couple is getting married,'' she asked while folding report papers, ''they sign a document of some sort, right?''
''Yeah, they-''
''Because there's need to exist an evidence they got married willingly!'' she said abruptly not apologizing for interrupting him.
''Are you talking about-''
This time Shikamaru wasn't interrupted. Temari left the room, so there was no point to talk.
She came back quickly and all dressed up for going out.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.
''I know, I know, I promised, but I need to take care of something,'' she said soothingly.
He sighed. He knew she wouldn't stop thinking about whatever she's up to now until it's done. It was better to let her do what she wants.
''I'll be back soon and then I'm all yours!'' she said happily and left.
''But you promised!'' Shikamaru shouted, knowing she can't hear him.
He looked at untouched shogi game on the table and sighed.
Temari had to act quick and her action had to be effective. But she didn't have enough time. It were six weeks left before the wedding and she didn't know Hinata or Sakura that well. She needed someone who did and who is willing to help her out. Or not willing. Temari didn't care since she had very valuable information she can easily use against that someone.
Ino's apartment at the moment was near the Academy, as many shinobi from other villages were coming to Konoha to learn about their techniques and to train with local shinobi. The huge building with many small apartments was still under construction. It lacked façade and a heating system, but the spring was warm enough, so Ino wasn't freezing during the night. That's in case she was spending nights at her place.
During their last mission together, Temari noticed Ino hadn't been too careful with the money. She was spending too much on clothes and fancy food, so Temari guessed Ino had to save money by living all alone in a dusty building.
After she went upstairs to the first floor, she found herself in a pink hallway. On three out of eight doors there was a name label saying ''Ino'' on them. Temari decided to knock on the door behind which was coming a strange noise.
''Ino?''
No answer. Temari knocked again.
''Sakura, is that you?'' Temari heard Ino on the other side of the door. ''Don't tell me it's already- Temari!'' Ino stunned when she opened the door and saw Temari.
''Do you have a minute?''
Ino nodded and let her in. It was really nice actually. Ino painted the walls yellow and at the moment she was redecorating the kitchen, so the stove was in the middle of the tiny room.
''What's up?'' Ino asked casually. ''And if it's a long story, do you mind if I'm getting ready for work while you're talking?'' she added quickly after checking the time.
''It might take some time, but it all depends on you,'' Temari said plainly.
''Great!'' Ino rolled her eyes. ''Then I'm getting dressed so you can tell me along the way,'' she said and went to the bedroom.
Temari didn't care. She was going the same way as she had planned to turn in the report tonight, and the hospital was the same way as Hokage's tower.
Ino came back, wearing a different shirt which seemed like it's too small for her.
''You are going out like that? It looks like it's not your size.''
Ino frowned.
''Get off my back, will you? I didn't get fat! I just have nothing to wear!'' Ino snapped.
Temari raised an eyebrow.
''A whole suitcase of my beautiful clothes,'' Ino began as she decided to change the shirt again, ''got mixed up with Tenten's clothes! She will live here too when she gets back from Suna, and we moved in the same day. Just she took my clothes with her and I don't fit in hers! Look what I have left from my clothes!''
Ino got back, holding a very tight leather skirt and a red corset.
Temari chuckled.
''This and other special clothes were in the other suitcase I left at Sakura's place before I moved in here! And, of course, a lot of my old clothes that doesn't fit me any more!''
''That's why you've been working like crazy! And Tenten won't be back so soon. Maybe just for the wedding.''
''Yes! And I need to buy a dress for the wedding too! And speaking of money,'' Ino pointed to the door, ''I mustn't be late for work again. Tsunade-sama threatened she will put me in charge of a night shift!''
They left the apartment and the building, as Ino was dead serious.
''And you like living here?''
''It's great! I just need to work during the day so I could get my beauty sleep during the night!''
''You mean beauty sex,'' Temari taunted.
Ino gave her glare. Temari giggled.
''You didn't tell me what you needed me for.''
''I don't think it's wrong, you know.''
''Well, you are the only one!''
''I think people should be a little more open-minded about that,'' Temari said plainly. ''It's your life, you can do whatever you want.''
Ino sighed.
''It's hard to explain it's the same like with any other guy. There is nothing underneath.''
''Nothing?'' Temari chuckled.
''Just usual stuff,'' Ino smirked. ''But it's fine, it's a secret because people are full of prejudice.''
''It's not common, so I understand,'' Temari admitted.
''Me too! I don't understand Sakura and she's my best friend. I was sure she would never doubt my motives.''
''It's just Sakura. In her opinion, every girl should see only Sasuke and be jealous of her!''
''Well, he is a great guy,'' Ino said honestly.
''But you're not jealous of her, right?''
''Of course not!''
Temari raised an eyebrow.
''Fine, maybe a little, but it's not a big deal! I don't want them to break up or anything.''
''Just checking.''
They were walking in silence for a few moments. Temari wasn't sure if Ino was the right person since she had a crush on Sasuke once.
''All right, here's the thing!'' Temari was too excited to postpone telling Ino her idea.
''I'm all ears.''
''You know about that wedding,'' Temari began.
''Oh, no! If you have something to say about that, go to Sakura! I can't listen about it any more!''
''Wait, wait, listen, you will like it!''
Ino gave her a suspicious look.
''Do you know Itachi-san?''
Ino nodded.
''I mean, I know him like Sasuke-kun's brother, not very well, but I can tell you one thing! I've never thought he would propose to Hinata, not in a million years!''
''From what I heard, he seems like a very difficult person. And it's hard to tell what he thinks.''
''That's right,'' Ino was interested. ''Get to the point!''
''We can't change him, but we can help Hinata to make him happy!''
Ino frowned.
''I lost you. We will do what?''
''Well,'' Temari began, ''he is just a man and she is a woman!''
''No, no, no,'' Ino shook her head, ''you got it wrong! He is not like other guys! He is Uchiha Itachi, an heir of Uchiha clan! You can't expect he will melt just because you're so cute and pretty!''
''That's not what I had in mind.''
''What then? Hinata will become a sex goddess?''
''Now that's a bit extreme!''
''Of course it is!'' Ino snapped. ''And why does she need to make him happy? Where's his part?''
Temari was wrong. Ino was a perfect person for her little project.
''I like the way you think,'' Temari commended.
''And you want to give tips to Hinata, then?'' Ino sneered.
Temari frowned. Ino put a hand on her shoulder.
''Look, Temari, I know you mean well, but you can't change anybody in six weeks.''
Temari sighed. It was almost time to part with Ino and they didn't have a solution.
''Don't worry,'' Ino said as she already had left to make it on time. ''They are big girls, they will manage somehow!''
Temari frowned. Ino had a point, but a little encouragement didn't hurt anybody. Temari needed more time to think it through.
When Temari got to Hokage's tower, inside was completely dark, but she was determined to leave her report at Hokage's desk tonight. Deadline was until tomorrow morning, but she didn't have to be there personally and she wanted to sleep some more. She could have asked Shikamaru to turn in the report for her, but she wanted to be on time in case Tsunade or Kakashi decide to read it sooner than Shikamaru shows up at work.
Her eyes were used to dark and she didn't even try to find all the lights switch in the building. She knew shinobi were preparing for their missions at the rooms on the second floor, but since it was already past nine, they've probably decided to continue with the briefing somewhere else.
Temari quickly went upstairs and knocked on the door of the Hokage's office. Shikamaru had told her Kakashi used to fall asleep after too much paper work Tsunade had given him, so knock was just a precaution.
Since no sound was heard, Temari slowly opened the door.
In Hokage's office wasn't so dark as it was in the hallway since some light was coming in from the street. Temari could see two large desks covered with piles of paper. Even though Konoha had two Hokages, neither of them liked office work as they preferred to spend time differently. One was an obsessive gambler and occasional drunk and the other one was erotic stories addict. In spite of that bad habits, Tsunade and Kakashi were great leaders and every shinobi in Konoha respected and obeyed them unreservedly.
Temari approached desk closer to her and put her report on the top of the pile. She looked around to see if there's a pen to put it on her report to distinguish it from the other papers.
She came closer to the second desk to look for a pen, when she heard someone's behind her.
''What are you doing in the dark, Temari-san?'' calm but deep male voice was coming from the door.
Temari slowly turned to see who is with her in Hokage's office.
She startled when she had seen sharingan. Two sharingans, to be precise.
''And,'' she coughed,'' Why are you in the dark?''
''I don't need light,'' the man replied. ''My vision is perfect in the dark too.''
''Well, would you mind turning the light on? I have no idea who I'm talking to.''
''Very well,'' the man said plainly and a moment after Temari could see clearly who was the sharingan user in the Hokage's office.
Uchiha Itachi. He was glaring at her with his sharingan still activated.
''Now you can answer me,'' he continued. ''What were you doing here?''
''I finished my report and wanted to leave it here,'' Temari raised her report for him too see. ''And you?''
''I was looking for Kakashi-sama.''
''Why? Something went wrong on your mission?''
''No,'' he said indifferently and deactivated his sharingan.
''Then what did you need?''
''It's personal,'' he turned to leave.
Temari frowned. Isn't he supposed to be with Hinata on an important dinner? Why would he be looking for Hokage so late?
''And the dinner?'' Temari asked loud enough, so Itachi could hear her since he had already left Hokage's office.
He met her gaze.
''What about it?''
''I mean,'' Temari began, ''aren't you suppose to be at home right now? Or is it over?''
''I don't know,'' he sad plainly and went downstairs.
What a guy! And she thought Shikamaru was too carefree and indifferent towards everything!
Temari knew Itachi won't tell her details unless she asks the right question.
She turned off the light, closed the door and run to catch him up.
''I'm asking because,'' Temari began when she had seen his shadow close enough, ''because Sakura has to stop by the hospital later!''
''I already told you,'' she heard a reply in the dark. ''I don't know.''
Temari sighed. What is he doing here then?
She finally met him outside.
''What do you mean you don't know?'' she asked seriously. ''Is Sakura still there or not?''
Itachi sighed.
''Sakura-chan and Hinata-san stayed longer to debate about the ceremony. I can't be sure how much time will that take.''
Why did he address Hinata so formally? And why he doesn't care about the ceremony?
''So,'' Temari wanted to be sure before asking him something more personal, ''you left them alone with your parents?''
''That's right,'' he replied bluntly. ''Is there a problem with that?''
''Is there a problem with that?'' Temari snapped.
Itachi seemed very confused with Temari's glare.
Although Temari knew Shikamaru's parents, she definitely would't feel comfortable if she had to talk about something as important as wedding all alone with Shikamaru's mother! And his father was the scariest person in the world! She could imagine Hinata and Sakura smiling all the time and agreeing with every single proposition because they are terrified!
She couldn't believed it! Hinata and Sakura were alone with his parents, making arrangements for the wedding and he was out, doing nothing in particular!
And Hinata is marrying this gloomy and indifferent guy in six weeks! She'll be waking up next to this dark and emotionless eyes for the rest of her life!
''Is everything okay, Temari-san?'' Itachi asked plainly, noticing Temari's furious face expression.
''Yes, it's perfect, Itachi-san! Have a nice night!'' she said quickly and left to meet with Ino once again.
When she got to the hospital Temari had to wait for Ino as she was quite busy. Shizune and Sakura were usually on duty with her, but they both had a night off, so Ino looked quite exhausted when she sat next to Temari in the waiting room.
''Finally a break!'' she sighed. ''I need to check up on a patient in room 4 in two hours and in a room 5 in three hours and until then I need to fill in some charts, so be quick!''
''All right!'' Temari said happily and knelt before Ino as she needed an eye contact for conversation they were about to have.
Ino raised an eyebrow.
''What are you doing?''
''Doesn't matter,'' Temari shushed her. ''Have you ever kissed a girl, Ino?''
''No,'' Ino chuckled a bit.
''Great! Then it will be a new experience for all of us!'' Temari gigled.
''For us?''
Temari nodded. Ino frowned.
''Temari,'' she said seriously, ''have you been drinking?''
''No!'' Temari snapped.
''Then what happened? You were normal a moment ago.''
Temari sighed.
''I ran into Itachi-san.''
''And you suddenly want to kiss girls?'' Ino chuckled again. ''Well, I didn't know he affects women like that!''
''No, you don't get it.''
''Obviously,'' Ino sneered.
''He left Hinata alone with his parents to discuss the wedding!''
''Well,'' Ino began, ''it is a girl thing.''
''And it seems like he doesn't care at all.''
''He is a guy! And his wife will be Hinata.''
''That's exactly why he should show some emotion!'' Temari snapped.
''Uchiha? Showing emotions?'' Ino laughed ironically. ''You have to learn so much about that disturbed clan.''
''I thought only Sasuke was the weird one.''
''Well, he is special,'' Ino said happily, ''but that's what makes him irresistible! His brother, on the other hand, is totally unintelligible!''
''And Hinata will become his wife! They are so different! They don't have anything in common!''
''That's what Sakura's talking about for the last six months, but nobody's listening to her.''
''It would be completely wrong if they are getting married just because they feel they are obligated to!''
Ino sighed.
''Before you turn into Sakura,'' Ino took Temari's hand and they both got up. ''What does kissing girls have to do with it?''
''Well,'' Temari began, ''knowing Hinata, she will never say what she wants, so she'll just have to show it.''
''And she wants to kiss girls?'' Ino asked, still confused.
Temari sighed.
''You know how you become more confident when you're good at something and you know what you're doing?''
Ino nodded.
''Go on,'' she rushed Temari.
''And when you have confidence, you will do what you want because you know it will turn out fine?''
Ino nodded again.
''That's what Hinata needs!'' Temari said decisively.
''Confidence to kiss girls?'' Ino said carefully.
Temari sighed as her palm met her forehead.
''I'm sorry, I'm not following,'' Ino said sadly. ''I'm thinking about all the work it has to be done and I didn't sleep last night very well and then the construction workers woke me up even though it's Saturday, please, don't be mad at me!''
Temari sat down and gave Ino a hint to sit too. Ino sat next to her.
''Look, all your actions depends on your confidence,'' Temari began seriously. ''For example, you flirt with everyone because you know you can!''
''I do not!'' Ino snapped.
''You don't even notice that you do!'' Temari explained. ''You smile at everyone and you are never ashamed to show what you got,'' Temari looked significantly towards Ino's breasts.
''Hey!'' Ino hissed. ''It's not my fault!''
''You don't have to apologize, it's not a bad thing,'' Temari said.
Ino was still frowning, having her arms crossed front of her.
''Sakura, on the other hand, concentrated on her medical skills and now she is one of the best,'' Temari continued,''But she didn't become like that over night.''
''She practiced,'' Ino said gloomily.
''There's no need to be jealous of her, we are all different,'' Temari said bluntly. ''But in order to get what you want, you need experience!''
''And Hinata doesn't have any!'' Ino said triumphantly.
''Exactly!''
''And when she gets some, she will be able to say what she wants!''
Temari chuckled.
''I meant when she gets some confidence, you pervert!'' Ino giggled.
''It's a deal then?''
''Depends. What do you have in mind? How will Hinata get some?'' Ino giggled. ''Confidence,'' she added quickly.
''Well,'' Temari began, ''first she needs to know what she likes.''
''She won't listen to you. Or me.''
''Who said anything about talking?''
Ino raised an eyebrow.
''Kissing girls? She will run away from us!''
''That's where her maid of honour pops in!''
''Sakura?'' Ino sneered. ''She might need some tips too.''
''We will educate her too, don't worry,'' Temari sneered.
''And how do you know if she agreed to be a maid of honour?''
''Please, she would do anything to suck up to that family! And as Hinata's maid of honour, she will be of some importance.''
Ino nodded.
''Great, now we just need to inform Sakura that she's on our team too, and we can start!''
''You can do it right now,'' Ino pointed with her head to Sakura who was walking towards them.
''All right, I'm off now!'' Temari stood up.
''No, you're not!'' Ino said strictly. ''I refuse to spend another second hearing about the wedding while I have work to do!''
''You won't believe this!'' Sakura interrupted them. ''I'm Hinata's maid of honour and it's a nightmare!''
Temari met Ino's gaze.
''Told you.''
''What?'' Sakura asked. ''What did Temari tell you?''
''Look, Forehead, Temari has a special mission for you and she will tell you all about it while I go and do my work!'' Ino tapped Sakura's shoulder. ''I really don't want to work night shifts for the rest of my life!''
Temari chuckled.
''Go already,'' she rushed Ino,'' We know you would rather spend your nights somewhere else!''
''Well,'' Ino smiled slyly, ''at least I do what I want!''