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Late night at Yakiniku Q, where Team 10 supposed to have a reunion but it turns into a drunken Shikamaru whining session on his hopeless relationship with Suna Ambasador. Shikamaru kept wailing “Temari, don’t leave me. Hit me with that tessen, you troublesome woman. Reply my letters please” throughout the reunion while Ino could only comfort him and give him some back rub over a lover spat.
~~ Flashback 2 weeks ago ~~
As routined, Shikamaru will wake up early before the sun rises to see her off at the main gate. “I guess that's about it. I will see you in…. 2 months? for the Kage Summit at Land of Iron.” said Shikamaru while rubbing the back of his neck.
While biting her lower lips and eyes darted down. She replied “Yea… or maybe earlier?” Shikamaru's eyes brighten upon hearing Temari share the news of being able to meet earlier.
Temari then continued with her face a little flustered “you can come and visit me at Suna too.. And my brothers.”
Shikamaru continued to rub the back of his neck and replied “yea.. I could. If I can have at least 7 days of absence from the Hokage Office.”
“You can request for a diplomatic visit to Suna from Lord Sixth. He would understand.” Temari cuts in while glancing at the ground.
“It's 6 days of journey and the heat. Too troublesome” Shikamaru mumbled softly while glancing to his left subconsciously.
“to visit me. I can tour you around Suna for diplomatic purposes. We can spend time together to visit some places that I like to dine at. We can also go stargazing at night, the skies are clear most of the time in Suna so the scenery is much better than Konoha.” Temari finally babbled out her thoughts and feelings and looked at Shikamaru with those tael eyes that sparkled into his eyes while waiting for his reply.
Shikamaru finally replied “that would be nice… but… but. the last time you cooked me some Suna dish at my place, you burned my tongue and the toilet was on fire, woman!”
After a long pause, from those sparkling teal eyes with soft facial expression, Temari scowled her face and replied in a cold monotonous tone “you won’t come to Suna.” “Yes” Shikamaru responded without a second thought. Temari then turned around and headed back to Suna without confronting any further.
At that point, Shikamaru was stunned with his mouth open agape wondering what he had done and if she was too shy to give him a goodbye kiss today seeing how flustered she was earlier. He grunted troublesome woman and walked back to his apartment to catch some sleep before going to work as the Hokage advisor.
~~ 5 days later after the incident ~~
At the Hokage Office, Shikamaru and Lord Sixth, Kakashi were discussing on modernizing Konoha infrastructure. “ It’s been 5 days since she left. No messenger bird. Is there a sandstorm going on in Suna?” Shikamaru thought in his head.
“Shikamaru” Lord Sixth called his name when he noticed Shikamaru was deep in thought.
“Did she forget to write to me? It’s Temari. She can’t be that forgetful. Was she ambushed and got hurt on her way back?” Shikamaru was lost deeply in his thoughts.
“Shikamaru” Lord Sixth called again.
“No way! We are now in the peace era and rogue ninjas like Gengo and missing nin were almost eliminated by the shinobi union force. She must be caught up with something troublesome right after she arrives at Suna. Yes that must be it! She mentioned Kankuro isn’t very good with paperworks.” Shikamaru kept assured himself.
“Shikamaru!” Lord Sixth yelled this time.
“WHAT?!” Shikamaru grumbles over someone distracting him from his thoughts. He then realized he was at the Hokage Office and in the midst of an important discussion. He rubs the back of his neck and smiles sheepishly.
“Shikamaru, it’s unusual for you to be zoned out at work. Is there anything that concerns you?” Lord Sixth replied.
“No.. Nothing, Lord Sixth” response Shikamaru.
“Put down the lord. Just Kakashi. You have been quite off since the Suna ambassador has left. Trouble in paradise?” replied Kakashi with a smile.
Kakashi's response caught Shikamaru off guard and he mumbled “What a drag. Even you Kakashi. It’s just Temari hasn't written to me on her arrival in Suna.”
Kakashi gave him a smirk under his mask and pulled out his famous Icha Icha series from his drawer and started flipping. “Now let’s see… hmmm… chapter 24. When the girl decided to ignore the guy. Did you happen to quarrel with the Suna ambassador?”
“No we din’t” Shikamaru replied nonchalantly.
“No quarrel. Hmmmm…” Kakashi then continued flipping and stopped. “Aha… Chapter 36” He then glance at Shikamaru with his former sharingan eye while closing the other and gave him another smirk under his mask and continued “it seems you have upset our ambassador from Suna.”
“Wha… What did I do? I did not upset her. The last time I did, She charged at me and gave me one tight slap on my cheeks at the Shinobi Union meeting. Or… send me flying with her tessen.” Shikamaru replied defensively.
Kakashi gave him a full sledge grin under his mask and replied “Shikamaru, I’m giving you the rest of the day off to figure it out, knowing you, you will be zoned out at work.”
Shikamaru mumbled under his breath “What a drag” upon leaving.
“Oh here. Take this with you” Kakashi stopped him and handed Shikamaru his Icha Icha Tactics. Shikamaru hesitated and groaned while keeping the book in his ninja pouch.
He was laying on his favorite cloud watching spot while skimming between chapters 24 and 36. It’s a shame that even cloud watching couldn’t uncloud his thoughts for today. “What a drag, nonsense book by Jiraiya. How can Temari fit into the girl character. She’s a warrior to the core. Not some regular or civilian girl as stated in the book” Shikamaru grunted.
That night, he has decided to write to her instead regardless if she is upset as Kakashi anticipated or just drowned in paperworks. “ It’s just asking how things are in Suna.” Shikamaru assured himself before sending off the messenger bird.
~~ 4 days later ~~
Shikamaru tensed up whenever he saw a messenger bird flying by. Unfortunately, none of the messenger birds sending letters to him, instead they all flew into the Konoha Aviary building. While glancing at the Aviary building from his office window, he thought of an idea. He uses the excuse of being the Hokage Advisor and wrote to the Kazekage Office asking for Suna and the ambassador's well-being. Firstly, it was his task to strengthen diplomatic relations with other nations but most importantly, this is an opportunity to ask about Temari. It is inevitable for her not to write back due to an official letter from Kohona. He then proceeds with his plan and sends off a messenger hawk.
~~ 3 days later ~~
A chunin from the Aviary team knocks at Shikamaru's office door and puts a stack of scrolls on his table. He then skimmed through the scroll and noticed one of the scrolls was from the Kazekage Office. His face instantly brighten up and opens the scroll followed by disappointment in a flash of light when he realizes the letter was not responded by Temari, instead Gaara responded to the letter stating that Suna is doing well and thanked him for taking the initiative to strengthen the diplomatic relation between Suna-Konoha. He re-read the Kazekage’s personally written letter multiple times as cold sweat continues to pour. At that point he realized for some reason he had upset Temari.
He wrote multiple apology letters and sent it over via a few messenger birds, hoping that it is enough to gain Temari’s attention, even so, it will take at least 5 days for the round trip. He grunted and paid a hefty amount for the courier ninja service that feudal lords and wealthy businessmen use, to deliver an apology letter to Temari instantly.
~~ 2 days later ~~
A courier ninja chases after Shikamaru while he is on his way to the Hokage Tower. He hands him a package and Shikamaru opens it instantly. It was Temari’s handwritten note along with the letter that he sent 2 days ago, unscattered. He then read the note and it has written,
Return to sender
Address: unknown
From: no such person
Sender address: no such place
Back to reality Choji and Ino have to escort Shikamaru back home while informing his mother to take care of his lazy, irresponsible, drunk son. Yoshino was not amused at his son's action and gave him an earful nag. He was partially sober and lazed on the front entrance while Yoshino yelled at him, asking him to man up. He stood up, secured the rejected letters and marched out of the house middle of the night and left Yoshino wordless. Shikamaru then marched sloppily to the Hokage residence and informed Kakashi in gibberish words.
“Oi..Oi… kaka…shiii. “
Kakashi glanced at him lazily while reading icha icha tactics.
“Oi… hokage-sama.. I AM going to Suna…. Suna, yes… And… and..” Shikamaru chuckled before lifting his left fist and continued “put this right in her hand!” He then turned around and waltzed his way out of the Hokage residence to the main gate. Kakashi was on his bed re-reading Icha Icha Tactics and could only give his blessing from behind. The main gate was closed and he used chakra control to climb over the wall with a few tries. He then marched his way to Suna middle of the night until he passed out in the middle of the forest from the alcohol and exhaustion.
Next morning Shikamaru woke up wondering why he was sleeping in the middle of the forest. He continued laying on the tree branch trying to recall what was going on. He then looked at his fist, clutching on the letters hard. He then remembered he had enough of that old hag nagging and decided to deliver the letter to Temari himself. He sighs over the drunken bravado, musing whether to continue his bravado plans or to walk home with the consequences of the old hag and possibilities Ino too, giving him endless trouble.
He sighted deeply both are equally troublesome and proceeded to walk another 2 days to Suna with limited supply and ryo in his ninja pouch. It is the least troublesome option and perhaps the dessert might consume him before his arrival. As a war hero, a prominent member of the shinobi union, head of the Nara clan and advisor of the Hokage. This is totally a sham to be consumed by the deadly dessert condition. His friends will attend his funeral, probably diplomats from different countries will attend as well. Choji, his best friend would be weeping, same goes to Naruto. Ino might blame herself for not stopping him. That old hag might have yelled at my funeral for being progressive on my own the first time and killed in action. All the casualties because of one woman who refused to accept the apologies letter. He mused while continuing his journey to Suna and mumbling troublesome women every now and then.
He has finally arrived at the border between land of river and land of wind. One more day to go and he will arrive in Suna. If only the desert was being nice. He decided to take a rest at the border before heading to the desert knowing the desert night was unpredictable due to dangerous vermin and weather. The next morning, Shikamaru continued his journey under scorching hot sun and dry desert wind. Suddenly, he senses a group of people nearby, running at high speed. Could they be bandits? It's an open land, flat terrain, he knew he would not be ambushed by hidden bandits. Unless they decided to go hand in hand combat. It’s no brainer but he was clearly outnumbered by the bandit.
Shikamaru squatted with both his eyes closed, focusing on the target with his hand on a rat sign waiting for the bandit to make a move. The marching sound was getting louder and louder every second. A few steps are heavier than the other, probably they belong to a man. Indeed they are marching to his direction and NOW! He opened both his eyes and extended his shadow. He then halted his shadow possession jutsu upon realizing the bandit was wearing Suna head protector. It was Matsuri and 3 other ninjas.
“Yo… what are you guys doing here?” said Shikamaru nonchalantly.
“Garaa-sama has assigned us for a patrol mission, and we sense someone while patrolling nearby.” said Matsuri.
Shikamaru rubs the back of his neck and proceeds to stand up and greet the Suna Ninja. “I see, I thought I would be attacked by a group of bandits.”
“Shikamaru-san, you look lightweight. Are you here to deliver a missive from Konoha?” asked Matsuri.
Shikamaru glance toward his right and replied “yeah… it was a urgent mission and I did not have enough time to pack”
“Let me accompany you to Suna. Gaara-sama sent us on a patrol mission to assist merchants and travelers on their way to Suna. The desert was rather unpredictable during this period of time, and according to Gaara-sama we might even face a sandstorm these few days and non-native can be easily lost during the sandstorm.” Matsuri tries to convince Shikamaru.
“That would be great. Thanks” Shikamaru replied instantly. Great. Now with the Suna-nin guidance, getting lost and consumed by the desert is the least concern. Now just Temari. Will she be in Suna? Will she meet me?
While they are on their way to Suna. Matsuri asked curiously “ Say Shikamaru-san, when you arrive at Suna would you be meeting Temari-sama?”
After a long silence Shikamaru replied “ if time permits.” If she is willing to meet. If she…
“How long will you be here?” Matsuri jabs in the midst of Shikamaru's thoughts.
He did not reply, instead he shrugged and they continued their journey in silence until they arrived at Suna’s main gate.
He was escorted by the gate guard to the kazekage’s tower. Upon his arrival at the Kazekage’s office, Kankuro raises his eyebrows while Gaara gazes at him with a death stare over his filthy state and unannounced visit.
“Shikamaru I must ask, are you here for an official visit or a personal one?” Gaara questions while maintaining his gaze.
Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck and gulped and replied “it’s a personal visit I supposed.”
“What are you here for, shadow boy?” Kankuro jabs loudly.
Shikamaru shivers as he speaks slowly “Te… Temari. I'm.. here… for her. Do you know… where… I can search for her?”
Kankuro turned around and looked at Gaara “Gaara. I told you. He is a crybaby and not worth Temari’s time.”
Shikamaru gulped again with sweat pouring. Not sure whether it is the Suna heat or the situation he was in.
“Shikamaru, as the Kazekage it’s not my concern on Suna-nin private life but Temari is my sister, as her brother I have to ask you what are your intentions with her” replies Gaara with a cool demeanor.
Shikamaru thinks profoundly, Gaara is a more diplomatic person than Kankuro. Surely he is. Intentions. What does he mean? I intend to meet her and give those letters but is that what they want to hear? What if I screw up and they decide to escort me out of Suna? What worse if I offended the Kazekage. Aik… his sand coffin technique… Sweat continued to pour as he had an internal crisis while formulating his next step.
“Shikamaru…… Shikamaru….” Gaara calls Shikamaru after a long silence.
“OI! Shadow boy, back to reality” Kankuro loses his temper as he speaks and uses his chakra thread to control Shikamaru's right arm and give multiple slaps on his right cheeks to wake Shikamaru up.
“Ouch…. Wha..what was that for?” Shikamaru asked as he held his right cheeks.
“Shikamaru, we are calling for your attention and apologies for Kankurou's actions. We are still waiting for your response. I will ask again. What are your intentions” Gaara responded calmly.
Shikamaru rubs the back of his neck “What a drag…”
“What do you mean by What. A. Drag. Do you intend to have a ‘non-troublesome’ relationship with Temari?” Kankuro was infuriated with Shikamaru response.
“No… I don’t mean it… Temari… she is troublesome… wait no… she is troublesome.. But I look highly upon her…. I may want a carefree life, playing shogi and clouds watching but with Temari, I know I won’t get to. She will drag me back to reality, a place where we will build for the next generation to have a carefree life that we once dreamed of.” Shikamaru was caught off-guard by and babbled out his thoughts.
“You don’t seem to reciprocate your feelings, Shikamaru.” Gaara responded.
“Gaara, he is just too lazy to fight for Temari. Shall I put him in Kuroari and escort him out personally?” Kankuro chipped in.
“Kankuro, you may personally escort Temari over to my office from the training ground.” Gaara retorted.
“What?” Kankuro replied in disbelief.
“Escort Temari over to the Kazekage office. I have a mission for her.” Garaa retort.
Kankuro walks past Shikamaru and out of the office to notify Temari on the new mission.
Meanwhile, Shikamaru was still having an internal conflict over the incident in the Kazekage office. Suddenly, he felt sand covering his lower half of body, slowly climbing up its way.
“Shikamaru, I believe you have witnessed this jutsu of mine and was well aware what will happen to you if these sand continues to climb up and cover your entire body.” Gaara gave Shikamaru that iconic Sand Siblings smirk before he continued “ it does not leave any identifiable trace of its victim and I do not wish to use it. Especially on a talented shinobi like you. You are the genius of Konoha, I believe you understand my word.”
Shikamaru gulps even harder as the sand slowly loosen up just in time, the door was pushed open. Kankuro entered the Kazekage office and Temari followed behind and recognized that familiar back of a certain Konoha nin that she knew of. “Temari, you are assigned to an escort mission throughout the stay of our Konoha diplomat. I believe you know him well enough. He will be a guest of the Kazekage residence” Gaara said when he saw Temari entering.
She looked to her left and scrunched her face after taking a glimpse of Shikamaru's face. She then turned around to face the Kazekage and maintain that professional composure and facade to accept the mission with grace. If Konoha-nin believes in the will of fire, Suna-nin does not back off from mission. She maintains her cool demeanor throughout escorting Shikamaru to the Kazekage residence. The journey was rather quiet except for the bustling sound of the Suna’s market. Upon arriving the guest room, Shikamaru tried to engage a conversation with her… “Temari…”
“Nara? What?” she replied impatiently.
He gulped “I… I need to go to the marketplace for fresh clothing”
She was stunned for a moment, glancing around, trying hard to hold her laughter. “I will inform the housekeeper to bring you some fresh clothing. You may freshen yourself.”
“Would you care to join me?” he asked while rubbing the back of his neck.
She raises an eyebrow, cheeks starting to warm up.
He stutter quickly “to visit the marketplace, later”
“At your service.” She replied nonchalantly.
She walked him to the marketplace once he had freshened up, dressing in a loose black outfit. They strolled around and he was hesitating to start a conversation with her by rubbing the back of his neck constantly while she kept her stoic demeanor. They stopped at a flower shop and he brought a cacti as a souvenir for himself.
“This will be good on my dining table. It’s low maintenance, suits my lifestyle although they do prickle. Just like you.” he said it to himself softly.
He brought some Suna snacks for Choji as a souvenir and some exotic Suna flower seed for Ino and 5 grey hair bands before walking back to the Kazekage residence for dinner. It surprised him that Kankurou did not serve him poisonous scorpion nor hot curry but instead it’s a rather unique meal of kenchin soup with hamburger patty drizzle in barbeque sauce. At least he knew the sand siblings did not pursue to make his life any more troublesome. After dinner he has decided to ask Temari for a stroll to the best stargazing place.
“The skies are rather clear. Where would you normally go for stargazing?” he asked.
“There’s no better place to stargaze nearby other than the rooftop of the Kazekage office.” She replied.
He gestures with his hand “after you.”
They walked in comfortable silence, enjoying the cool evening air, until they reached the top of the Kazekage office with a perfect view of the stars. However, Shikamaru darted his eyes on the ground instead of glancing up for the magnificent starry skies. It’s a drag but I have to do this. He gulped before starting his speech. “Temari, I know I have upset you. Will you please accept my apology letters?” He took out the letters from his ninja pouch and shoveled the letters into her hand along with 4 hairbands.
“Shikamaru what is this for?” Temari replies while lifting those hairbands.
“It’s a gift. For you.” He said while rubbing the back of his neck and continued “It’s practical. You can use it everyday. I have one for myself too..” pointing at his pineapple head.
Temari loosened up and chuckled.
Shikamaru observed her reaction. She seems to be loosened up. She did not toss that letter back to me. Am I forgiven? he was puzzled and he had learned from his lesson. The only way to know is to ask. “Temari…” he takes her hand and continues “will you forgive me?”
She break free and lands her hand on her hip “what do you think, genius of Konoha?” she mocked and gave him a mischievous grin.
Far behind the embraces couple, an eye dissolved into sand.
~~ At the Kazekage resident ~~
“Gaara how was it? Did that shadow boy manage to mend things up?” asked Kankurou.
“Yes,” Gaara replied.
“Great! Temari will no longer assault a certain jonin in Suna and levitate more training ground.” Kankurou mused.
Gaara smiles and proceeds to write back to the Hokage.