Decaying Bluebells

Arc XII - Life-Chakra

Disclaimer: I'm not cool enough to own Naruto. For now, I only own Nao.

Warning: Fighting. Drama. Thievery. Itachi.

Beta: Kalafina94

Beta: silverseed

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Interlude - Omniscient - 9

Tenten entered the home with practiced ease. She loved coming over to Nao's home —the girl had the best private training grounds out of all her friends. Even Neji's had nothing on Nao's— not only to train, but to simply relax. She remembered how she frequently visited the place in her academy days, and again when Nao lost her eye and needed assistance in re-adjusting. Even now, years after the incident, Nao had to switch up her routine and Tenten had to assist her to get her back in the game.

Tonight, though, Tenten didn't come over to train or help her childhood friend. Tonight was all about relaxing, giggling, and generally having a good time.

"Hiya, Tenten!" Ino chirped, rushing past Tenten as she carried a tray of goodies. Tenten closed the front door behind her, slipping off her shoes and putting on slippers.

"Oi, Ino-chan, slow down," Tenten said, her lips twitching with amusement as she followed behind the blonde girl.

Ino turned around long enough to stick her tongue out before she turned back around and skipped away.

Tenten laughed, ignoring Inoichi's exasperated eye-roll as he turned the page in his novel. Tenten followed Ino into her room, finding that Hinata, Nao and. Temari. were there.

"Temari-san?" Tenten asked, blinking in surprise.

Temari waved her fingers in a greeting. "I'm as surprised as you. I'm here as an ambassador for Sand, and Shikamaru mentioned to Ino that I was here and I guess she thought I would be perfect for this."

"Oh hush, you party pooper," Ino snorted, setting down the tray of. mmm. dangos and tea. Nao and Hinata both smiled faintly in amusement at Ino's annoyance. Tenten sat down next to Hinata, who sat next to Nao, who sat across from Temari and Ino.

"Now that everyone is here, though," Temari said pointedly, "what are we supposed to do?"

Ino clapped her hands excitedly. "Ooo! Let's dress up and do make-up!"

Nao paled, a plaintive whimper escaping her and Tenten had to smother her snickers. She remembered that Ino absolutely adored using her younger sister as a doll when they were younger. The poor girl was probably scarred for life.

"No," Temari said bluntly.

Ino pouted.

"Fine," Ino finally sighed, "but then you have to answer some questions, missy."

Temari raised a mocking eyebrow.

"So how long have you and Shikamaru been dating?" Ino asked slyly, and Hinata, who had been taking a dainty sip of her tea, choked a bit. Her face took on a bright red hue. Tenten snickered and Nao tilted her head curiously, a faint blush on her cheeks.

Temari flushed. "W-We are not dating. A-As if I would ever date such a lazy ass!"

Ino cackled and Tenten smirked, slyly saying, "So defensive, Temari-san."

Ino nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah, Temari-chan. What're you hiding? Maybe you aren't dating (yet), but maybe you waaaaant to?"

Temari glared. "That's none of your concern! And what about you? Are you dating anyone?"