Fate or Not?

Chapter 2

She got lost in her thoughts when she realized she was at the gates of Konoha. The sun got in her eyes but she managed to recognize manly figure standing on the other side.

"Is it possible that Nara Shikamaru is up this early?"

"Only for you" young black-haired man replied.

"Oh, well, I'm honored" She couldn't help but notice that his eyes were still sleepy, his hair was unusually put in a low bun and that he wasn't wearing his standard uniform. That's why she added "I do however really appreciate it."

"Hmmmm what did you say?" Shikamaru asked while yawning.

"I said, I appreciate you coming to welcome me. I know you hate getting up this early, or getting up at all"

"Yeah it's troublesome, but that's job, right? Sooo are you gonna tell me why are you here? Is there some meeting or mission I totally forgot about?"

"They haven't told you?" Temari asked in shock, but her tone was a bit more harsh than how she wanted. To be honest Shikamaru's comment on how she was only a job did sting a little but she didn't want him to know that.

"What?" Shikamaru got all serious all of the sudden. "Nevermind, you'll tell me on the way, but first give me your bag. You've been carrying that thing for 3 days"

Temari gave him the bag and then went on to explain the whole situation and how she haven't told anyone here because she didn't have time. For all this time Shikamaru would just silently listen to her, occasionally nod or look away. When she was finished he asked her about the hotel she was staying in.

"I think it's called Blossom" she replied.

" It's close I'll take you there." After awkwardly long pause he added "How is Kazekage doing? And your other brother?" He asked casually and then speeded up.

"Are you really changing the subject? Are you not going to comment on anything I just told you?" She was pissed.

"No, because as you just explained ,it's for the peace and you are the ambassador and on top of that we have Chunin exams to plan. So it's the only logical solution." He said somehow managing not to show any emotion. " And besides that, we are in front of a hotel you are staying in"

Temari looked up and saw three store building in front of her with rustic sign at the entrance that said Blossom. "I understand."

Shikamaru handed the bag back to her "So, see you at work, then?"

"Yes, see you at work." She turned around to enter the hotel when she heard

"I almost forgot, geez. Are you hungry? We can go and grab something to eat if you'd like."

Temari stared at his unbothered eyes and simply replied "No, thank you."

"You sure? I know a place just around the corner that has best scrambled eggs or..." Shikamaru asked with some sort of interest. That's why she cut him off "No, I am not hungry. And I need to unpack, shower, go to Hokage's office to report my arrival and I should probably get started working... So, yes Shikamaru, I am sure I don't want to eat with you."

"Geez, no need to get so offensive. I was just trying to be polite. " She was already gone "Nevermind, what a drag"

***

I can't believe it! He really referred to me as "his job"! He is sooo dense! Why would he say that? And he couldn't bring himself to look me in the eyes... Her mind was a mess. She tilted her head back to let the water run down her face and neck hoping that would help her clear her mind. But it didn't, in fact it only made it worse. She took deep breath and started shampooing her hair. It was the moment she realized s how bothered she actually was. When have she grown feelings for him? How this happened? Well she cares for him, but feelings might be a strong word. Uuuuuuggghhh .