Mate of the Sand (Gaara's Neko sequel)

Mate of the Sand Chapter 6

Shikamaru just screams 'something bad is happening'.  Every time something really important to the plot happens that's bad, Shi-kun's there.  I don't know why, he just seems to be a bored bearer of bad news.  On another hand, it takes me weeks and months to respond to comments sometimes.  I'll try to get better at it.

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No, it literally hit me, I'm on the floor.

Pain races through my ear, and I hiss, trying to clentch it down on my head.

That hurts more, so I keep it up, looking at Shikamaru's shocked face.

"Troublesome..? There's a... you've got something right... here."

He motions above his head, and I glare in annoyance.

"Really? With the whole 'I-can't-feel-my-ear' I had no idea. Really."

Ino huffs with annoyance at both of us, and kneels next to me.

"You two should think of a career in comedy. Real funny, you two are."

She reaches up and tugs the senbon gently out of my ear.

"Well, that looks poisoned. We should get you to the hospital, or something."

I shrug, waving one hand.

"Or something. I'll be fine. It's not even that dangerous."

Shikamaru walks to the window, glancing around outside.

"It's not dangerous to get poisoned in your own home? That's new..."

Ino rolls her eyes, and I stand up.

"It was just a warning. Lot's of people hate me."

Chouji frowns.

"It wasn't a warning! If you haden't ducked, that would have gone right through your throat!"

I wince again, changing the subject.

"Anyway, what's up with you?"

Then I gasp softly, realising.

"Asuma's dead... He was so powerful too, how could he die?"

Shikamaru looks down angrily.

"Akatsuki. And from what I heard, they'll come after you next. They don't even want Gaara."

I frown, taking this in.

Chouji interupts before we can continue the topic.

"We aren't here to discuss that. We're here to spend some time with her before she gets married."

From the looks on Ino and Shikamaru's faces, that's news to them.

"You're getting married? Why weren't we told?!?"

Chouji sweatdrops in exasperation.

"Uh, Tsunade told us when she sent us here. You two just didn't listen."

Ino squeals excitedly.

"Where will it be? And your dress? Ooh, the cake! And the flowers! Who are you marrying?"

I sit down at the table, she's tiring.

"Uh, Gaara-sama? The Kazekage? Who I've been living with for years?"

She blushes, laughing happily.

"Then what are your plans? You have to tell me so I can help!"

I raise one eyebrow.