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Author's Note: "Today is Just Yesterday" has been relocated. If you want to follow the little adventure of Naomi and Deidara please see, "HER PYROMANIAC". Thank you for your cooperation. (^3^)/

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[RECAP: I got the book for Shino, the series, spinoff and part 2 of Junjou for me and I was back outside.

Me: "Bye Anna!"

She waved goodbye and closed her door. I walked over to my little, anime group.

Me: "Come on guys. We got what we came for."

Choji: "What *munch* happened in *munch* there!?"

Me: "Yous don'ts needs tos knows! Flock behind me my children and drag the ninjidiots with you!"]

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Episode 20--> Hot And Flustered

[START]

Natalya: "....Flock behind me my children and drag the ninjidiots with you!" I wasted no time, spun on my heels hastily and started to march down the road. What I did not hear was their footfalls that I was anticipating. So thats how it is huh? Sniff, sniff. And the lone wolf was left to walk alone.... HAWHOOOOOOOOOO~!! Well whatever they'll get the program eventually. Just keep walking. Just keep walking. I went slower in hopes someone will join me before it gets embarrassing. Ah ha there we go, I thought in triumph as someone was walking up behind me after I practically slowed down to a shuffle.

"Wait up!" That exclamation, that came from closer than I expected, made me halt immediately. Or was that because of the sticky shadow jutsu that caught me? Either way I was now motionless.

Shikamaru: "Impatient are we?" Shikamaru stated in a languid manner and released the jutsu. I blinked for some reason as he stood before me and I held my breath as he leaned down to my eye level. I gave him a confused look which he quirked his eyebrow at. His expression seemed to be saying: Did you really have to ask? What a drag.

Shikamaru: "We still haven't decided who takes who... you might want to slow down, you're our escort." In reply I simply blushed without a single comment to give to the Nara boy. He returned me to the group and I smiled at them sheepishly.

I cleared my throat, fist touching my lips and other fist on my pelvis.

Natalya: "Chop-Chop! We're burning daylight people! Grab one of those three or fling them on Akamaru and let's get a move on into this direction." I clapped my hands being the sassy and bossy girl that I'm usually NOT. I'm trying to act normal but like a Demi Lovato song once said: I try to be myself~ but it comes out wrong like a cry for help~!

Natalya: (^---^) "Hinata, do you wanna help carry Naruto~?" Color erupted from her face like lava out of a volcano that covers the entire surface.

Hinata: "Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ehya!" Incomprehensible. I know she would die before she lifted his finger anyway hahahah~!

Natalya: "Nevermind." Even though I was really only teasing she took it so seriously. "Hahaha you're all hot and flustered! I love teasing my lovely twin." I laughed and grabbed her for a quick hug.

Naruto, Shino and Kiba are out of commission. That left the remaining few to drag their sorry butts around. I sighed softly. I felt naked without my ninjidiots cloaking me though. Boy if there ever was a time I needed them it would be now! (T~T) Teenage girl love crisis here! I can't deal! I need my gang! I kicked Kiba in his side with the edge of my foot and he giggled. He also muttered something about Akamaru. Traitor. Unknowingly leaving your Natalya-chan to fend for her lonesome self... I grimaced at the blissful dog boy and then the foxy boy and then at the bug bo-- what the hell the ninjidiots are all animals! Beside the point, Nat-Nat!

Maybe I can use Choji in their stead!

Natalya: "Teddy-bear!" I whimper cutely clutching to Choji's arm and falling into step with him as he towed Shino the Spoil-sport.

Choji: "What is it Nat-chan." He looked down and got consumed by the transfixing puppy dog eyes.

Natalya: "Piggy back ride?" I asked sexily, bouncing my eyebrows and reaching out to him.

Choji: "I can't."

Natalya: "You gave Naomi a piggyback!" Yes even though I was doing this to distract myself ish just got real. Choji NEVER rejected my piggyback requests, EVER.

Choji: "But I give you piggybacks all the time!" He argued back but then he shook his head; that was beside the point. "What is one verses that?"

Natalya: "Still though..."

Choji: "I'm going to be carrying Shino, I'm sorry but I can't carry you too."

Natalya: "Yes you can you can just go all expando and make your hand all faboom and let him ride on your palm while I get a piggyback ride.

Choji: "But if someone passes that would attract attention. Didn't you tell us to stay low-key?"

Natalya: (=~=) "Hmph." Oh boy, my own words used against me...

Natalya: (~>3<)~ "Moeh~! Akamaru can always carry him! He's not carrying anybody..." I indignantly replied clutching tighter onto Choji's bicep and pointing to the indifferent Aka-chan.

Just then Kiba was dumped on Akamaru's back by some unseen force (Gaara).

Natalya: "..." (3_3) I. Cannot. Believe. The. Timing.

Choji sweat dropped.

Choji: "Uh... Nat-chan..."

Natalya: "I know, sheesh, you don't have to say it." I grumbled about bad timing as I shoved my hands in my Capri shorts.

Natalya: "Hmph." Letting Choji's arm go I just gave up on getting my teddy back ride. That failed.

Dejectedly I trailed over to Hinata who was no longer blushing but looking around as if she wanted to help in some way. I didn't miss the stole glance at the sleeping Naruto mind you.

I grabbed Hinata's hand in mine effortlessly.

Hinata: "The boys can handle everything, right?"

I nodded. We started walking but it didn't feel like I was in motion. It felt like I was frozen in time being too far into my thoughts. Somehow thinking about my odd behavior was pissing me off. My reaction to him is so stupid! I can't be indifferent with him and that irks me.

Shino: "This is in regard to your behaviour..."

Shino was the first person to bring that to my attention. I thought I was hiding it pretty well actually... ('=.=) but they all saw through me.

Its not like it's voluntary. I can't help it even if I tried-- and oh boy let me tell ya I've tried. But I only seem to ran away and avoid him. I don't know what to do anymore! I'm at my wits end and its only been what two days? A day and night? A few hours-- under 48 hours since he landed on Bahamian soil and here I am letting him affect me like this?

It's bothering me that I'm bothered by him in the first place too--! The longer I thought the more ticked off I got until I snapped.

Natalya: "ARRRRGHH!! I've had enough!" I accidently shouted in exasperation without a thought about my surroundings. Oops... I didn't have to look up to even guess that my exclamation got everybody looking my way. I smiled a closed eyed grin that I didn't really feel.

Natalya: "I-I'm hot; the air was all humid and sticky, if I don't hit some AC soon I'll be a puddle of Natalya goop in no time. I want to go home now." I played it off nicely and fought off a nervous laugh.

"But we don't want to head back yet. Is it illegal to want to explore?" Shikamaru naturally narrowed eyes penetrated me and seemed to pick me apart easily. He lost interest and switched his attention over to Gaara. Sting. Stupid pineapple head undressing me with his eyes.

"Can't you relate... Gaara?" Gaara who stood cooly off to the side noticed Shikamaru's expectant gaze his way simply nodded in agreement although he was more interested in the sand than the scenery.

Natalya: "Uh, uh..." I replied awkwardly looking at Hinata and pleading with my eyes. Help? What do I say?

She giggled because of the flustered look on my face.

Hinata: "Your skin is getting red. Maybe you should get out of the heat Natalya-chan." A rare mischievous smile appeared on her face and I knew it was retribution.

Natalya: "Onee-chan, you're just cruel! You're laughing at me. Is it because of the Naruto joke? I know it is..." I pouted at her making her laugh a little. I huffed and stomped my feet in a mini tantrum just for her amusement. If only she knew how flustered my heart was at this moment... Ha, sigh....

Natalya: "You know!" I had an epiphany, "...Instead of exploring in this heat why not go cool our heads and drop off the ninjidiots-who-still-are-out-cold and go chill out by the beach nearby." I suggested to the crowd at large pulling at the collar of my Kpop t-shirt that started to feel constricting as I fumbled for words to say.

Hinata: "Beach!?" Hinata was getting excited too. I give her a thumbs-up.

Choji: "Beach you say?" Choji beamed looking ready to fling Shino into the bushes and catapult into the water.

Hinata:"But Natalya-chan we don't have any bathing suit!"

Natalya: "You're in bra and undies aren't cha?" Hinata didn't seem to realise how serious I was since she chuckled. Hahaha my naive twin! (^3<)

Choji: "Let's go Shikamaru!! Come on!"

Shikamaru: "Fine, fine..." The young Nara boy reluctantly saw things my way.

Natalya: "I know a good spot. I am sure it would be worth the walk."

I took Hinata's hand again and lead the group. The boys followed us with their burdens (the ninjidiots) and I returned to my thoughts.

Is this what they would call l.o.v.e.....? Have I crossed the border from zealous fangirl to maiden in love? O.o NO! I'm just being ridiculous. It's just I don't know whether to give up or give in. Ignore my flutters or let the butterfly tornado surge? Hold it in or let it go? Keep it hidden or give it all away? Even if he never returns any of it? Even if he'll be leaving anytime because he is from an anime? A summer fling? I dunno...

I thought once he was here I would be swooning and being my naturally goofy self. I was not expecting this awkward side of mine to come out instead. Where did all that passion go?

Kiba: "That's the Natalya I know!"

I need time to reflect now! Were my feelings just that pathetic? No, no, it can't be.... can it? I don't know what to do... I can't talk freely...

Shino: "You've been quieter lately. Your behaviour has changed." This is not like me... not like me at all...! I feel tense and I'm not able to relax. I feel agitated.Why am I suddenly not the natural, down to earth, crack-headed fan-girl that I am when he's around...?

Naruto: "Much less fan-girlish" Dammit guys can you get out of my head and wake the hell up and keep my company and get my mind off of this?! I wish Kiba was awake to flirt with me, or Naruto to do something flashy to get all the attention on him or Shino to be well Shino the Spoilsport. But NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! You guys are KO-ed and riding on people's backs. I hate you guys so much right now. (T~T) sob sob.

Why am I thinking about JC?! The things he used to say... His voice... I shouldn't be thinking about him anymore so why...?

I grasped Hinata's hand a little tighter. If I wasn't in my head I would have noticed the attentive glance she gave my way before turning her attention elsewhere. My gaze darkened at the thought of JC's vestige and my chest tightened so much my eyes burned. Hinata heard a small sound and glanced over at me once again. She was stunned.

My eyes were wet with tears and she panicked. She never saw me seriously tear up like that.

Hinata: "Natalya-chan!" She called out loudly and dug her feet into the ground.

Natalya: "KWAAAK!" I jerked like a venturing dog tied to a tight lease.

"Sorry!" She squeaked and released my arm swiftly. Did she really have to let go before I got my footing back? (T_T) Oh Hinata-chan~

I flailed dramatically in an attempt to deter if not stop the fall but alas, I fell like a mighty oaf! (or was it oak...? Still wondering) A face full of dirt was my reward for daydreaming I guess. Pfft! Pfft! Why meeeeeee? My tears got soaked up into the ground before I bothered to move a muscle.

"Natalya-chan are you okay?!" Hinata fretted her lilac eyes peering down at me with worry. I, however slowly, pushed myself up and sat up. I blinked stunned by the fall that is until I caught Choji, Shikamaru, Gaara and Akamaru smirking down at me from over her shoulder. EVEN THE DOG?! I do goofy things all the time. You all can vouch for that statement. However this time my cheeks were red and my heart was racing from my embarrassment.

"I-I MEANT TO DO THAT!" I chirped desperately to the bunch hoping to save face in front of a particular individual but I only confused Hinata because it was her fault I face-planted.

Choji: "Ha Ha yeah right. You are clumsy like this like 24/7! *munch* *munch*"

Damn you Choji, I cursed mentally as I chewed on my knuckle, silently brooding and pouting.

"No you got it all wrong!" Hinata tried to reason on my behalf but I tunned the conversation out.

I could cry! o-(>///<)-o

Instead I sighed and picked myself up. Once standing right again I dusted off my knees and examined myself.

HONK HONK

The sudden blare of a familiar horn made me cringe. I spun around and stared at my sanctuary."NAOMI!"

Ah~ I could cry~!!

Instead I shook my nerves away with a genuine smile and waved.

[Next Chapter/Chapter 21-> "I Would Hate To Be In Love": Naomi is back! But who is that in her car?! Natalya senses something strange going on with her cousin and the bomb freak but what? What is Natalya going to do about her developing feelings and will her past be a stumbling block? Stay tune my Mega Fans!] (^w^)-b

Author's Note: "Today is Just Yesterday" has been relocated. If you want to follow the little adventure of Naomi and Deidara please see, "HER PYROMANIAC". Thank you for your cooperation. (^3^)/