Welcome to Chapter 1 of "Mine to Stay". I disclaim ownership of the characters and the content of Naruto world, but this story is mine and of my making. Please no stealing, and let me know what you think when you're finished reading!! :D
Chapter 1 - WORK
It didn't surprise too many people when Tsunade-sama paired up Shikamaru and Temari for assignments. Both were analytical, knowledgeable, and good at what they did.
Shikamaru's task was to escort Temari around Konoha while she stayed there as ambassador of the Sand village. To Shikamaru's displeasure he had to stay by her side all day, every day, while she learned about jounin ninjas and how she could better educate the young ninja's in her community.
'I'd rather be doing something else…' he thought to himself as he walked up the stairs to Temari's apartment. Before knocking he looked out into the sky and took in the clouds as they slowly made their way across the blue atmosphere.
Temari opened the door and stuffed her fan into her back holder as she noticed Shikamaru facing away from her.
"Lost, little boy?" she asked with a smirk.
Shikamaru turned only his head to the side to address her question, "It's easy to get distracted when the clouds have much more appeal than shepherding you around Konoha."
"I'd say you had better get used to the idea, you lazy bum," she closed her door and locked it. Without seeing if he followed, she headed down the landing and then the stairs.
"Have you any idea what you're getting yourself into?" Shikamaru questioned from beside her.
"It doesn't matter, Kazekage Gaara sent me and I will fulfill his wishes."
"Has anyone told you that you're stubborn?" Shikamaru inquired with a ghost of a smile on his lips.
"Only when they aren't scared of me…" she said in return and smirked without looking at him.
"Why do you think that is?"
"I don't know, because I fight better than most of the village ninja?"
"Or maybe because you have self-confidence that not many girls possess?" he suggested.
"Girl?" she threatened.
"Okay, woman…not many women possess?" he gave in and flicked his toothpick to the ground.
"Maybe," she said.
"So where are we going first?"
"Gaara wants the same literature you teach at the academy, along with the tests that are given so we are able to grade them the same way."
"Alright, we'll go to the academy first, but it'd be easier to know what all we do if you just went through the academic system."
"You mean, enroll and take the classes?" Temari asked with a disbelieving tone.
"Hai. Nonde? You don't like that idea?"
"You had better be joking," she articulated, trying to see his expression.
"Well, maybe not enroll, but you should sit in some classes with the kids."
"We shall see." Temari narrowed her eyes and refused to admit he might have a good point to his suggestion.
When they arrived at the school, kids were outside playing while the instructors took their early lunch inside.
'We need to find Iruka-sensei…' Shikamaru mused while entering the front doors.
Temari seemed to be taking everything in without looking like a tourist. He knew she was on her get-things-done mode so he didn't bring up any other conversation topic.
Shikamaru was continually watching her, and from his past experience, he was willing to admit she was the only woman he truly admired. He respected the position that Hokage Tsunade had and his past team mates but Temari had something about her that he found very appealing.
They reached the end of the main hall and entered a room on the left. Shikamaru allowed Temari to enter and closed the door behind him. Taking the pains to do what his mother always scolded him about wasn't as bad as he first thought.
Iruka was up at the mansion doing other duties so they were introduced to his assistant and told what all they were scheduled for. They spent most of the day at the school observing the students, attending classes, and following the paperwork that went along with them.
When school was let out, Temari sighed and leaned back in her chair. Unconsciously she massaged the back of her neck to try and release the tension. The only problem with that was her arm got tired too quickly to do the job effectively. Frustrated that she couldn't get the knot out, she gave up and let her hand come down to smack her thigh.
Shikamaru acted as though he hadn't seen any of it, but he definitely noticed what she was trying to do. Grabbing the papers in front of them, he stood and waited for her to follow his lead.
Temari understood and was off her chair before Shikamaru turned the light out. They left the academy in content silence.
Instead of leading Temari back to her apartment, Shikamaru steered her towards the training grounds.
When Temari noticed where they were she gave him a raised eyebrow and warily crossed her arms.
Shikamaru barely gave her an answer. He nodded to follow him further.
They reached the top of a hill and he found his favorite rock to sit on and he reclined on it, letting the sun beam down on his face.
Temari shrugged and climbed up with him. She took some of the paperwork and continued where she had left off back in the school room.
After another hour she put the papers down and looked over at Shikamaru. Smiling slightly, she thought how adorable he could be. She stopped her thoughts and frowned at her sudden change of attitude.
Trying to shrug it off, she stood and stretched. She retraced her steps down the hill to the training grounds and started working on one of the poles. She hadn't practiced in a long while, so after a short time, her knuckles were starting to bleed and swell. Temari didn't care much; it was just part of getting back into shape.
"You need work on your uppercut."
Temari turned to the voice and hid her hands behind her back.
"Let me see," Shikamaru answered before she said anything.
Her resistance was evident and he came to her to gently pull her hands out.
Temari was surprised as she watched his expression alter to concern. She was glad he didn't say anything as he took out his medical wraps and started nursing her hands. Besides hissing at the cleaning ointment, Temari stayed quiet too.
When her fingers lingered in his, she reactively slipped them out and studied his expression. Shikamaru picked up his bag of papers and swung it onto his shoulder.
"Ready for the next stop?"
A moment hung heavy between them before she nodded and they walked back to downtown Konoha.
Later that night when they lounged next to a fire and sipped at their after-dinner tea, Temari again felt the knot in her neck. She was just getting the cramp in her arm when a manly hand grasped her wrist and drew her shoulders up against his lap.
Shikamaru massaged her shoulders, neck and upper back as though he was trained in the art of massage therapy. Temari never considered moving away from his strong hands and thankfully never had to. She slowly fell asleep to his nursing and when she awoke, she was in her apartment, tucked in the covers. Snuggling deeper into the warmth, she realized that it felt nice to be taken care of for once.