AceBrown: Okay, this is basically a crappy Naruto-version of the movie "The Best Man" by Malcolm D. Lee. If you seen the movie, you probably will know how the plot will go. Don't really know what gave me the idea to make this since I haven't seen this movie in about 3 years…so I might mess up the exact plot, but this gives me a chance for a lil creative writing! Now, I thought long and hard about whom I wanted to be the star character…and I decided to go with Shikamaru since I felt the story progressed better with him. Also, I changed around the village a bit…there will be cars, airplanes, stuff like that…I will try to keep everyone in character, but don't kill me if there is some OOCness…slight AU - Enjoy! :-)

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Naruto characters in this story. Blah Blah Blah…

The Best Man

Prologue: Back to Konoha

Shikamaru pondered his trip to Konoha as he packed his bags. The 26-year old was currently living in a village with his longtime girlfriend of 2 years, Temari (27 years old). She insisted Shikamaru move to Suna so they could spend more time together last year…troublesome woman. While in Suna, Shikamaru became a writer. The job was laid-back and allowed Shikamaru time to brainstorm while doing some of his hobbies such as watching the clouds…very minimum effort involved. Coincidentally, Shikamaru was a great writer. His debut novel, Troublesome Matters, became a huge success in Suna. Many people likened the story to Jiriaya's Icha Icha Franchise with their steamy plots and autobiographical viewpoint.

"I haven't been in Konoha for a whole year…" thought Shikamaru. He never got around to making a trip to visit family and friends during his stay with Suna because he felt the distance was too much trouble. But, Shikamaru was determined to make the trip this time. Why? His best friend, Naruto Uzumaki, was getting married. Also, Naruto named HIM as his Best Man.

--

Wednesday night

The night was very peaceful. Shikamaru relaxed, staring at the ceiling as he lay against his girlfriend between her legs; both naked and lounging in a warm bubble-filled bathtub. This was one of the few instances where Shikamaru seen the "gentle" side of his girlfriend, something his father claimed as a reason on why he married Shikamaru's mother. Everything was at ease until suddenly, Temari sighed contentedly.

"You know…I could stay like this forever…" mentioned Temari. Shikamaru sighed at hearing this. He already knew where this conversation was headed…Temari noticed Shikamaru tensing up a bit.

"What do you mean?" asked Shikamaru. Temari trailed her hand over Shikamaru's chest and planted a small kiss on the side of Shikamaru's face before replying.

"I mean you and me…together…" whispered Temari in Shikamaru's ear. Shikamaru frowned at hearing this. Temari noticed the frown…

"Calm down, Nara. I'm just saying…we've been together for 2 years and you even admitted I'm the best girlfriend you've had. I just wanted to let you know I love you…that's all."

Silence.

"You do love me, right?" asked Temari.

"Of course I do…" said Shikamaru as he stared hard at the wall.

Awkward Silence.

"Wow…" said Temari as she abruptly stood up, letting Shikamaru's face and upper body submerge under the water. Temari angrily stormed out of the bathroom and Shikamaru sat up completely drenched.

"What? I didn't say anything!" cried Shikamaru as he tried to wipe his eyes.

"You didn't have to!" yelled Temari as he quickly put on a robe and walked away. Shikamaru shook his head and laid back, submerging his head under water again.

Troublesome…

This was the third time they had this little "dispute." Shikamaru already knew that Temari was ready to get married…but he just wasn't ready to commit to a woman now. He was just becoming successful as a writer and committing now could be a death-knell for him. Also, Shikamaru thought being tied down to a bossy woman was too troublesome. His father was a perfect example of living a troublesome married life. He thought his sensei Asuma Sarutobi had life figured out. He wasn't committed to Kurenai and lived a stress-free life. He remembered how cool he thought Asuma was as a genin.

Troublesome…

--

Early Thursday Morning

Shikamaru had his head rested against the passenger seat with his eyes closed as Temari drove him towards Suna Airport.

"…So why are you leaving early again?" asked Temari. She still pissed from last night.

"I told you, I want to hang out with the guys and catch up. I haven't been in Konoha for over a year." said Shikamaru calmly. "You're still coming on Sunday, right?"

"Yes."

Silence.

"Temari…about last night…"

"You don't have to explain, Nara. I know that you love me." answered Temari. Shikamaru rolled his eyes.

Just like her to interrupt my apology…bossy woman

"I would just like some reassurance from time to time. All women do. I still have trouble figuring out what you're thinking sometimes…"

"Temari…I told you I love you, but with my book tour coming up an-"

"I read your book…Rose sounds nothing like me." stated Temari in a sour tone. Rose was the name of a female character in Troublesome Matters. She was the main love interest of the central character.

"She's not supposed to. Rose is just the collage of the females in my past relationships."

"Well, John Doe sounds completely like you! You make her sound like your soul mate!"

"I can't believe you're jealous of a fictional character…"

"What do you expect me to think, Shikamaru?" said Temari. Shikamaru groaned loudly.

"I really don't want to have this argument…" said Shikamaru, hoping the discussion ended there.

"It's not over, Nara!"

Oh boy…

I'll stop the prologue here for now. Hope you guys liked it!

Read and Review