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 .
Unfortunately she run out of hot water and now icy cold one stared pouring over her head and body. She jumped out of the shower and started cursing. It really took her by surprise, which turned out to be a good thing. It was like the cold water shook off previous thoughts and she was finally able to focus on everything she needed to do.
***
At 12am sharp she knocked at door of Hokage's office.
"Come on in... Oh Temari, just on time. Please take a seat" Grey haired man acknowledged her presence.
Temari slowly approached chair in front of Hokage's desk. "I would like to skip the small talk and go straight to the point of this meeting. Is that ok?"
"Yes, of course." She replied.
"As I said that night, you will work here in office with us. Your main responsibilities will be handling paperwork regarding finished missions that Shizune or Shikamaru give you and organizing Chunin exams. That's all we need right now. But this doesn't exclude occasional missions if needed. Do you have anything to add?" Lord Sixth asked calmly.
"No, but if you need anything else, please let me know. I'm here to help after all"
"That's great!...Oh and your office is ready, Shizune will take you there now."
"Temari, one more thing. Since today is Saturday I want you to take the rest of the weekend off and start fresh on Monday"
Temari stood up "Hei". Very tired-looking women approached her and they left.
"Oh Temari-chan, we are very grateful for your help."
"Shizune-san it's my job and it's no secret I have many friends here so there was no reason for me to turn this down" Temari kindly smiled at the assistant.
"Here is your work place. It's not that spacious, but it'll work for now"
Temari studied the small room. Shizune was right, it wasn't spacious at all. There was barely place for small work-desk and one chair also the walls were covered with shelves reaching the ceiling. But it looked intimate and very cozy which Temari really liked.
"It's perfect, don't worry about it." She entered the room and started tracing the edge of desk. She indeed meant when she said it was perfect. Shizune was looking at her and suddenly remembered "Yes , I knew I was forgetting something ." She said all worked up. "If you need any help you can come to my office which right next to Hokage's or you can go to Shikamaru's. Which is coincidentally across the hall" Shizune winked at her and pointed to the closed door behind her.
"Oh, ok... Thanks, I guess.." Temari was desperately trying not to lose her mind because how many times they mentioned him already.
"If that's all, I'll go now. Please excuse me, but I have a lot of work"
"Yeah, it's fine. I'll stay a bit longer and I'll go myself. Don't worry"
Temari watched as Shizune was moving away then she turned to face her new office. I'll be fine here. She taught as she sat in her new chair. I just need to get familiar with everything.
***
Temari was aimlessly wondering through town when she heard familiar voice.
"TEMARIIIII" Ino was running towards her. "I am so glad to see you. When did you come? And why?"
Even thou Ino can be irritating, Temari was so relieved when she heard her voice. All her worries were wiped away.
"Hi. Yeah, I just came this morning. And the answer the second question...Hmm... I moved here. Surprise?"
"WHAAAT?!!!" Ino screamed. "Why didn't you tell me? Or TenTen? She was in Suna not long time ago. Oh my god! Does Shikamaru know?"
All these questions overwhelmed her, but she didn't mind, she got used to it. "Well to be honest I didn't even know. This is sort of a mission. I am here to help Hokage's office with all the work, since, you know..."
"oh, YES. Right, you are here to help with paperwork? I totally forgot!"
"Wait, you knew?"
"Well I wouldn't say I knew, but Hokage mentioned that we might need help from other villages and he also mentioned your name alongside with other possible candidates." Blondie quickly explained.
"Oh I see..."
"So where do you live?"
"I am temporarily stationed in Blossom hotel until I get an apartment."
"Oh, well, that's great... I mean if you want I can talk to my mum and you can move with us? We could use your help in Flower shop, you know"
"Oh no there's no need for that" Temari was truly touched with her friends proposal.
They continued walking down the unusually busy street. It looked like everyone in Konoha was there. Kids running, people talking and walking in hury. It looked so much different than Suna.
" As much as I would love to stay here and chat with you, I have something to do." Ino exclaimed suddenly. Temari looked at her with obvious curiosity.
"I mean you can come with me if you want, I guess... But you see it's sort of personal metter"
"Are you meeting with that annoying brat Sai? Do you have one of yours famous romantic dates I heard of? Is he going to propose, maybe?" Temari couldn't help but to tease her friend.
"Whaaa..what, no... No...NO!" Each no emphasized a bit differently than the previous one which only added to Ino's apparent embarrassment. " I am not meeting Sai, not that that's your business. Today is Sensei Asuma's anniversary of death. I am going to cemetery with Shikamaru and Choji. Maybe Kurenai Sensei and their daughter Mirai will be there too... That's why I said it's sort of personal matter"
"Oooh, I see. He died just before the war right?"
"Yes it was great tragedy. He was the son of the Lord Third and his wife Kurenai was pregnant at the time."
" Yea, I remember it. You took it pretty hard?"
"Yes, all of us were devastated. He died in our arms, we are still grieving him. But I think Shikamaru was affected the most. He almost lost his mind back then. You know, Asuma Sensei was like an older brother or second father to us, especially Shikamaru. He looked up to him and respected him very much. Asuma Sensei even asked Shikamaru to take care of Kurenai Sensei and their unborn child as his dying wish, that's how close they were." Ino was looking at the ground, her face showing nothing but sadness.
"I get it. And sorry about the teasing. I'll go grab something to eat."
"Well, do you want to go out tonight? I'm already meeting the girls.." Aparent excitement showed itself on young girls face.
"yes that would be great. I think we all need to let go some steam"
"Then 7 o'clock tonight? I'll come pick you up"
"That sounds great!" Temari showed one of her signature big smiles as she waved to her friend that was already lost in the crowd.
A/n: Hi everyone, first of all thanks for reading.
Second of all, I have this story half-written in my drafts and I finally decided that it was time to publish first two chapters of this story. Btw this is the first story I've ever written and English is my second language. So please let me know of any grammatical errors that I've made or if you have any preferences or ideas regarding the plot.
And please vote or coment if you want me to continue posting.
Bye.