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When did things go wrong? Was it when Shikamaru lost in the bet? Or maybe when he underestimated Naruto? No, not that. He already lost the moment he agreed with the bet. He should have known better. When Naruto puts his mind into something there’s no stopping him.
He should be taking a nap at this minute, waking up later with just enough time to get ready and have dinner with his girlfriend. But instead, he’s in the library tutoring his friends so that he would pass the exam and not take summer class. Professor Hatake is a kind and friendly man, in spite of that, he becomes a different person when it comes to exams.
For the hundredth time, Shikamaru yawned. Maybe reading would make the time pass by while Naruto answers the test questions he had prepared after their tutoring session. Standing from his seat, he walked towards the history section, considering which would capture his interest. Reaching for the one at the top of the shelf, he stretched his arm taking a hold of the thick, sandy brown book written centuries ago; the history of Suna.
“Right. This one’s the one.” He said, thinking of how the pieces of information written on its pages would help him understand more about the land, the culture,and the life in Suna. On how he could get closer to her homeland.
He felt a cold hand covering his eyes. Shikamaru didn’t have to ask who it was. He knew everything about her just like the back of his hand. And the smell of lavender he’s accustomed to was a good hint to deduce who it was.
“Temari.” Shikamaru smiled, turning around; the face of a beautiful woman, her sparkling teal eyes came into view.
“How’s it going, crybaby?” She asked, leaning against the stack of books.
“You know it's a lot more work when Naruto is involved.”
“Should have taken into account that Sasuke was his roommate. Of course he’d pass Biology class.”
“Though, he barely did.”
Naruto made a bet with Shikamaru. If he passes their Biology exam Shikamaru will teach him Calculus, however, if he fails, he’ll buy him the antique shogi board they have found in Kirigakure. It was a collector’s item - expensive, to say- and Shikamaru would definitely not miss the opportunity. So he agreed.
He knew for sure that Sasuke would not teach him, even if they were roommates. Aware of his temper, he’d have him kicked out, but, realizing (late) Naruto’s persistence then that’s a done deal. And that was his mistake; forgetting the blonde’s attitude.
“However, he still did. Anyways, what’s that? Isn’t it the History book of Suna?”
“Ah yeah. Would just like to learn more about other nations.” He answered, scratching the back of his neck.
Arching her eyebrow, she observed her boyfriend, a smile forming on her lips. “Yeah, sure.”
“What about you? What are you doing here? Don’t you have laboratory class today?” Shikamaru looked at his watch; thirty minutes past 2 in the afternoon a little early before she finished class.
“Dr. Tsunade had an emergency meeting so we ended the class earlier.”
“Oh. So what do you plan to do? It’s still an hour and half before Naruto has his class. I can’t leave yet. Or maybe I’ll ask if we can finish earlier.”
“Nope. It’s alright. I’ll stay here with you until you’re done. It’s not that long and also I’ll finish some of my tasks.” Temari assured, tapping her book.
“If waiting’s fine with you, then okay.”
Walking back into their shared table, Shikamaru pulled out the chair beside him for Temari. His friend greeted his girlfriend and had a little chit-chat before going back to his questionnaire.
Doing their own things, he opened his book on Suna’s culture chapter while the blonde woman started doing her Chemical calculations homework. With his free hand, Shikamaru took Temari’s hand; intertwining him with her.
Grinning from the act, she began. “Seems like you missed me, a lot?”
“You bet. I can’t wait for us to be alone.” He winked, teasing her back.
A gagging sound came from the seat in front of them.
“Can you stop flirting in front of me? I’m trying to study here, dattebayo.” Naruto hissed at the two, tapping his pen at his notes.
“Maybe if you finish earlier then I’ll have more time with my girlfriend.”
“You two should get a room.” He grimaced. “And stop rubbing into my face that your girlfriend is here. If Hinata is in Konoha—”
“If Hinata is in Konoha she’ll be the one to tell you to focus.” Temari finished his sentence; a frown forming on her friend’s face.
“I miss Hinata.” Naruto muttered more to himself. “Fine, I’ll pass this exam and visit her on Summer break.” He added -on a louder voice- earning a glare and a ‘shh’ from the librarian.
“Lower your voice. You’ll get us in trouble.”
“Sorry. Will now get back to my task. But, you two stop flirting, and making me a third wheel.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Temari replied, moving her seat closer to her boyfriend’s.
Naruto rolled his eyes at the couple as Shikamaru smirked at him. Temari is truly stubborn at times.
“Hey, Shika. Wanna go to Suna?” Temari whispered.
“To Suna? When?”
“Summer break. I’ll be spending vacation with my siblings. Maybe you have time to visit?”
Shikamaru closed his book, and looked at her. “Are you asking me out on a date?” He teased.
“If that would not be too troublesome for you, my dear.”
Shikamaru took note of the endearment. He’ll definitely use that card on her.
“I can spend a week or two in Suna. I haven’t seen your brothers since class started. And I would like to spend more time with you.”
It has been long since he visited. His mom would not mind if he travels to Temari’s home. She might even be the one to shoo him out of the house.
Thankfully, he has a good relationship with her siblings. Those two could be intimidating, that is not for the faint of heart. He recalled his first meeting with them and how scary as hell they were. However, it’s all in the past. A story for another time.
“Sappy. Anyways, do you have anything in mind that you want to do?”
“Hmmm…” Shikamaru paused; thinking of any activities -except shogi and watching clouds- that he would like to do. “Nothing in particular, though I’d like to have your special shaved ice cream.”
Temari seemed confused. “You know I can make one for you here in Konoha.” She certainly can as there are ingredients she can buy in the market that’s from Suna.
“But it tastes different when we're in Suna.” Shikamaru insisted.
“I don’t know why it would taste different, but fine. Anything else?”
“None, I’m good with anything you like. What do you have in mind?” He asked. Understanding Temari, she already has a list of what to do.
Temari smiled at him, raising her pointing finger. “First, let’s visit Baki. He’s been busy with his newly opened restaurant; I miss him and his food.”
“Sounds good to me. Pretty sure he’d be happy when his favorite niece pays him a visit.”
When Temari’s parents died, their uncle, Baki, was the one who supported and raised them. He became their father-figure, and loved the three as his own.
“Second, Kankuro’s musical play also aligns with our break. It’ll be nice to watch with Baki and Gaara.”
At first, it was hard for Kankuro to do what he wanted as the elderly expected him to continue the family's company. It was Temari who supported him. Even though the elders got mad, she protected him and his dream. And now he was doing what he loves; grateful to his sister.
“Third, Gaara is renovating his garden. Let’s lend a hand and renovate. That will be a lot of work if he does it alone.”
Gaara, her forever baby brother who's next in line to inherit the company. Even if people doubted him, Temari was the first one to believe. She is so proud of how the youngest carved his own path, proving to the elders that he can do so much even at a young age.
“Okay, let’s do all of that.” He agreed, adoring the lovely smile she beamed.
Shikamaru knows how much Temari loves Baki and her siblings, and how she would do anything for them. No matter how difficult a situation is, Temari will always be there.
“Wait. I’m not done. Lastly, let’s go to the amusement park. There’s a new ride that I haven’t tried. Kankuro said that it was pretty exciting and fun.” She exclaimed excitedly.
“You know, I get nervous when Kankuro says something is exciting and fun. You two have a very different definition of fun.”
“Oh, come on. Stop being a crybaby. It’d be a great experience.” She stated.
“Tell me, what ride would that be?”
“Flying scorpions.”
“That sounds… dangerous.” Shikamaru hesitated, knowing it might spoil Temari’s mood.
“No, it's harmless.” She defended. “So you wouldn’t come with me?” Temari asked, looking adorable with her pout.
Shikamaru placed his elbow on the table; his hand supporting his cheek as he stared at her.
“How can I say ‘no’ to you?” He responded affectionately. “Of course, I’ll go. Anywhere you want.”
Temari smiled brightly; charming as always.
“You two don’t care about my feelings, do you?” Naruto suddenly spoke, his arms crossed on his chest. The couple had forgotten that they were not alone.
“Am I invisible? How could you flirt knowing your friend is busy with his studies while missing his girlfriend, Really, Shikamaru? Temari?”
“Stop being overly dramatic. You’ll see Hinata once you passed Prof. Hatake’s exam. Also, we’re not flirting. And stop eavesdropping, focus on your work.”
“You two are literally conversing in front of me, so I am gonna overhear your lovey-dovey conversation.” He shook his head in disbelief.
“But for real, this is the first time I have heard you being overly sweet.” A sigh of surprise left Naruto’s lips. “Temari, you definitely have him in the palm of your hand.”
“She has me under her spell.”
“Oh my.” Naruto quickly organized his things, placing them in his bag.
“I’m out. Let’s just continue tomorrow.” He said, standing up from his seat. “Just go on with your date or anything you want to do. I’m done with you two.”
Shikamaru waved goodbye at his friend. “Finally. Go, and finish your work. Let’s meet tomorrow.”
“Whatever.” The blonde replied jokingly, leaving the two.
Temari laughed at them, punching Shikamaru’s arm lightly. “I didn’t know for you to be a romantic. Looks like someone is enchanted.”