Better Than Cloud Gazing

Author's Note: This is my 1.5th fanfic, considering I started it when I was halfway through my first (which isn't turning out so great), so I am still far from experienced. Shikamaru's thoughts are in italics, Temari's are bold. This is started out as a one shot, but got longer and longer. I guess it's a short story now. Keep in mind I am new to the submission system, so there will probably be some formatting errors. Flames are not exactly encouraged, but anything that helps would be great. (Whacks self with frying pan) STOP DRABBLING, NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR IT!!!

Without further adieu, I present "Better Than Cloud Gazing"

Blood dripped from a hole in Shikamaru's shoulder, trickling down his chuunin vest, transforming its color from lime green to mottled brown. Bounding from branch to branch, he looked over his shoulder every few seconds, making sure they hadn't caught up. It didn't take Shikamaru's genius IQ to know that he was in deep, deep, trouble. In the last hour, two strong, well trained ninja had jumped him, beaten the crap out of him, and were now chasing him through the forest. As if that weren't bad enough for one afternoon, a certain troublesome kunoichi from Suna was also with him, sharing his peril. It was hard to believe that this time yesterday he had been living his normal life. How did it come to this?

Flashback (and I mean a REALLY LONG FLASHBACK, not over until 'End Flashback')

A slight breeze wafted through the clearing, making it look like all the blades of grass were bowing to the single tree that towered over them. It was a normal, scorching Konoha Summer and most of the Konoha ninja were either out partying or on missions. A sole chuunin sat with his head resting against the wooden trunk, kept cool by the tree's shade. Shikamaru was again enviously watching the clouds as they floated weightlessly through the sky. They don't have to worry about work. Lucky things. Sighing, he decided it was time to get to his appointment with the Hokage. Body protesting, the chuunin rose stiffly and removed a dandelion that was tangled in his hair. Slightly sad to be dragged away from his favorite activity, Shikamaru rubbed his thighs, which were just as unhappy to be moved as he was. Hands in his pockets, Shikamaru left the clearing, wondering what mission he would be burdened with this time.

Konoha was buzzing with the news that there would be two visitors from Suna, invited to stay for an undisclosed amount of time. Apparently, with the alliance between the Hidden Villages of Leaf and Sand being threatened by invading Sound and Mist ninja, the Kazekage had sent his brother and sister to Konoha as ambassadors and extra defenders. Shikamaru wondered what this had to do with him as he walked slowly to Tsunade's office. Strolling through the hallways, an impassive look on his face, he noticed several of the Hokage's assistants giggling at him. That's kind of weird. Do they know something I don't?. Brushing it off, Shikamaru continued, until he stood in front of the heavy wooden door. Yawning, he opened it and froze, eyelids twitching in total surprise.

"Hey, Pineapple-head." came a familiar voice. His heart sank. Please, no.

Standing next to Tsunade was a kunoichi with dark blonde hair and a fierce complexion, a teasing expression present on her face. Right then and there, Shikamaru wanted to lie on the floor and pound on it like a child until he was relieved of his task. Of course, the unpitying Kami and Tsunade had seen fit to stick Shikamaru with Temari, yet again as her guide.

Shikamaru responded with a soft growl of annoyance. What the hell does she need a guide for anyways? It seems like every time I turn around, this troublesome woman is here doing everything humanly possible to annoy me. Hey, you know I wonder... Does she ever actually leave Konoha, or does she hide out in a box for a few days before returning on another "visit"?

Even still, rolling his eyes and gritting his teeth, he decided that arguing would be too troublesome. So he faced that evil sand-witch's smirk like a man. Well, at least like a man who complained like a whiny child and was really a lazy teenager.

Grumbling "troublesome" every few words, he reluctantly led her out the door, and through the hallways, shooting death glares at the secretaries who had been giggling at him minutes ago. Finally reaching the exit, Shikamaru was grateful to feel the cool breeze on his forehead. His relief was short-lived however, as his charge emerged beside him and stared expectantly at him. "Well, I believe this is the part where you give me a tour of the village, right?"

Groaning in annoyance, Shikamaru wearily took Temari through the crowded streets, pointing out all of Konoha's monuments... again. Even though she knew everything about the village, Temari took pleasure in prodding him in the ribs before asking him question after question that she already knew the answer to. Grinning evilly, Temari continued to make it a very hard day for Shikamaru, and a very enjoyable one for her. Oh, I have a feeling that this is going to be an EXTREMELY fun stay in Konoha.

When Shikamaru thought his head was going to explode if he had to endure anymore inquiries, he decided that he needed a respite. Watching Temari every step of the way, the controller of shadows slipped off while she was admiring a vendor's ornate fans. Tiptoeing off the street, Shikamaru took one last glance at her and let out a sigh of relief. Finally, some peace!!! He quietly jumped from tree to tree before landing in his favorite clearing and flopping down with his head against a wooden trunk. She won't find me here. Remembering the last few hours of misery, and the many more that were to come, Shikamaru look imploringly towards the heavens. Kami, if you possess an ounce of mercy, turn me into a cloud for one day. Just ONE day...

He knew this was too much to ask, but he liked to think it might be possible. Maybe in the afterlife... Massaging his temples gently, Shikamaru felt his headache slowly subside. Gazing up, Shikamaru smiled peacefully, taking great pleasure in the serenity. As the lazy ninja closed his eyes and breathed in calmly, someone shouted directly into his ear.

"I don't think looking at clouds was included in your job obligations, you Baka!"

Yelping in fright, Shikamaru jumped ten feet in the air and clung to a branch, looking down at Temari, who was glaring up at him, with her hands on her hips. Where did she come from? Damn, I didn't even sense her. She must have gotten much stronger...

" I didn't scare you, did I, Shika-kun?" Temari clasped her hands innocently and cocked an eyebrow.

"Bah, troublesome woman" was all Shikamaru said before leaping down and brushing himself off. Temari, thinking she'd won, started to walk away, expectantly waiting for him to follow. He did no such thing. Instead, when she turned around he was back in his original position, the picture of relaxation complete with a piece of grass hanging slightly out of his mouth. Chest rising and falling slowly, he looked like he had been lying there for at least an hour. Temari clenched her fists and felt steam come out of her ears. Oh, he's gonna get it. When he nonchalantly opened one eye, then closed it again, she lost it.

"SHIKAMARU, YOU JACKASS!" She made sure he didn't see her small smile before she tackled him and began to beat him to a pulp. One hand grabbing his shirt collar, the other raised in preparation for a punch, Temari was surprised when another man appeared in a puff of smoke. Asuma blinked a couple times as he surveyed the scene. There was his number one pupil pinned beneath a very attractive woman. Not to mention, the 'very attractive woman' on top of him was the Kazekage's sister. He grinned and winked at the pair before placing a scroll beside Shikamaru's head. Now that his duty as a jounin was done, he took it upon himself to fulfill his duty as a mentor and father figure. Asuma began to rummage around in his pocket for something his student would probably need.

"Where are they...? Hmmmm, let's see... Got 'em! Now remember Shikamaru, always practice safe sex." Laughing gleefully and hopping from foot to foot, much like Jiraiya did so often, Asuma threw a square wrapper containing a rubbery circle at them. "But that doesn't mean you can't have fun. By all means, continue. I was never here." Asuma gave one last wink and disappeared right before a large rock whizzed past where his head had been.

His face beet-red, Shikamaru noticed the shapely legs on either side of his waist and saw why Asuma had assumed what he had assumed. Eyes traveling up to Temari's face, he couldn't help but notice her supple breasts hanging there like tantalizing fruits. Disturbed at his own perversion, all Shikamaru could think was: My Kami... umm... Well,... she's certainly grown. Trying to master his body's reaction, he looked up to see Temari frozen in embarrassment.

"Ummm... Hallooooooo?" he waved a hand in front of her face. It was a good thing she hadn't noticed him ogling her, or else he would have been in a world of hurt. "You can get off now." Not as if I wasn't enjoying myself... BAD THOUGHTS. NO BAD THOUGHTS. GAHHH!!!

Temari finally snapped back to reality before looking away and quickly getting off of him. Maybe she will leave me alone for a while... Looking for a way to shift the blame, she gave him a death glare before punching him in the face. "YOU PERVERT!" Or not...

As Shikamaru lay twitching on the ground, Temari sat cross-legged and tried to compose herself, a figurative whirlwind passing through her head. Ugh... Why did I tackle him? I hope he didn't notice that blush. Wait a minute, when did he get such a solid chest? And he's gotten so tall... EWWWWWW!!! Don't think about him like that... He's still just a stupid pineapple head. Aww. but he's a cute pineapple head. YUCK!!!

Sighing, Temari rose and dragged Shikamaru up, noticing a steady stream of blood coming from his nose. She felt a pang of regret for socking him, but decided that he had definitely deserved it. Even still... "I'm sorry, I got carried away." Staring at her feet, she offered him her handkerchief.

"Troublesome woman." Shikamaru muttered his catch phrase, but gratefully took the piece of cloth and pressed it to his face. Remembering the scroll, Shikamaru kept one hand on his damaged nose and tried to open the piece of paper with the other. Fumbling with it, he just couldn't manage to tear off the wax seal.

"Idiot. Gimme that." Temari snatched the scroll away from him and opened it with ease, ignoring the heir to the Nara Clan's protests. Slumping back down in resignation, Shikamaru watched her aquamarine eyes as they intelligently scanned the page. Ne, why have I never noticed? She has pretty eyes... Cheh, still too troublesome for me.

Temari finished reading and glanced up, catching Shikamaru looking at her. A slow, almost seductive smile crept across her face as he pretended to look at a bird behind her. She tossed him the scroll before smiling evilly.

"Guess what, crybaby? You get to spend some more quality time with your favorite person! Aren't you excited, Shika-kun?" She cooed the last few words, just to see him flinch.

Shikamaru read and reread the scroll to make sure he hadn't misunderstood it. Giving out a loud groan he furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance and glanced sideways at Temari. Damn. More time with her? Despairing the thought of even less alone time, Shikamaru looked beseechingly at the heavens. Kami? Are you there? What did I do wrong to earn such spite? When I die, will I be transported to a realm with only my Mother, Temari, Ino, and Naruto? Unnn, I don't even want to think about that possibility...

It was just his luck. An intel report had suggested that enemy ninja were somewhere in the surrounding woods, so extra patrols were being sent out. In addition, to strengthen the bond between Suna and Konoha, the Chuunin from Suna were being paired with their guides and sent on these patrols. Shikamaru moaned again when he saw the departure time: 5:30 AM the next morning. Temari playfully patted him on the back in a gesture of mock comforting.

"There there. Tell you what, Shika-kun. I'll make you a special deal. Take me to dinner and I won't bug you for the rest of the day..." She crouched down beside him and teasingly flicked his injured nose lightly, waiting for his response. After a brief moment of consideration, Shikamaru gave a sigh of annoyance and replied.

"Meh, woman, why are you so troublesome? All right, all right." He trailed off and paused before scratching the back of his head. "Uh, where do you want to go?" Temari beamed and brushed a strand of sandy hair out of her face. She shrugged her shoulders and beckoned for him to get up.

"Let's take a walk. I'm sure we'll find some place..." She walked away, hips swaying just enough to attract the attention of her guide. Trying not to get up to quickly, Shikamaru followed her, hands shoved deep inside his pockets. Despite himself, a small smile crept onto his face. Temari stopped and turned around, a slightly impatient look on her face.

"Hurry up, Crybaby. I'm starving." Temari waited for him to catch up and fall into stride with her. She smiled to herself. Now I remember why Konoha is so entertaining. The odd pair trudged back into the crowded streets, in search of a restaurant neither wanted to find too quickly.

For a while, they just walked, sometimes in silence, other times making small talk. Finally, Temari's stomach gave a growl so loud it cut Shikamaru off in mid sentence. At first taken aback with surprise, he gave a small smirk, before making a motherly tut-tutting sound.

"Why Temari-Chan, how unladylike. You being ambassador of Suna and all, I expected better manners. In fact, I'm so offended, I'm afraid I've lost my appetite. I bid you goodnight. " Shikamaru sidestepped a punch and put his hands up, his english gentleman expression replaced by one of resigned indignation. "Ok, ok, you troublesome woman. Uhh, let's see. Well, there's a pretty good ramen place just around the corner. Are you satisfied?" Temari glared at him but followed him in. He thinks he's won, but I will have my revenge... MWAHAHAHAHA

Shikamaru waved nonchalantly to the waitress before plopping down at the nearest booth. Temari sat down across from him and began flicking hastily through the menu. Shikamaru just crossed his arms, cocked an eyebrow and watched her intently. Something about her fascinated him... Before he could think further on the subject, the waitress arrived, a hideously toothy grin on her face.

"Well, what do we have here? You two make quite the odd couple. Oh, they always say young love is the most passionate. Shikamaru, you sly dog, are you dating the Hidden Village of Sand's ambassador?"Both the lazy and fierce ninja looked up angrily at the woman and yelled in unison. "NO!"

The waitress just giggled to herself and asked what they'd like to eat. Shikamaru ordered a simple bowl of soba before laying back and closing his eyes with his hands behind his head. His moment of peace was disturbed when he heard what Temari was ordering.

"I'd like a bowl of champon, two orders of tempora, one of Karaage, and a bowl of soba to finish it off. Thank you." Shikamaru's eye's bugged out and he gaped at the woman in front of her, she only raised her eyebrows and smiled sweetly back at him. REVENGE! HAHAHA!

Regaining his composure, Shikamaru exhaled in annoyance and frowned slightly.

"Ne, are you trying to eat me out of house and home? I guess it makes sense. The most troublesome women always have the biggest appetites." Temari tried to contain her laughter as she replied in a tone mimicking his earlier statement.

"Why Shika-kun, how unmanly. I believe it is common courtesy for a man to pay for the meal of a woman dining with him. Unless, I suppose you are not a man?" She glanced in his direction to see whether her insult had had its intended effect. Judging from the purple hue of the lazy man's face, it had. Temari's face lit up in mock discovery.

"My Kami! I got it right, didn't I Shika-chan? This explains so much! Do Chouji and Ino know? What about your parents?" She almost rolled on the floor with laughter at his expression. She'd won this round.

Before he could get in any good retorts, the food arrived; a small bowl for Shikamaru and a heaping mass of platters for Temari. Grumbling, Shikamaru slowly began to eat his dinner. Why does she always get to me like that? She really knows how to press a Nara's buttons. Hell, I bet she'd get on great with my mother... Temari on the other hand paused briefly to rub her hands together in anticipation, before wolfing down her food at a speed even Naruto would find alarming. HEE HEE. VICTORY!

Midway through their dinner they focused their attention away from the food and continued verbally sparring. It went pretty evenly, as the number one analysts from Konoha and Suna found themselves enjoying the dinner. Hn. For a troublesome, loud mouthed kunoichi, she's pretty sharp. Maybe these few days won't be so bad.

After a couple hours, the restaurant started to close down, and they were forced back into the warm Summer night. Determined not to let Temari see that he was having a good time, Shikamaru put on his 'I'm bored and annoyed' face and followed close behind her. Temari looked over her shoulder and gave him a coy smile.

"Well, I know how much you're enjoying my company, but I'll keep my promise. One Temari-free evening for you." She started to walk off, but Shikamaru found himself unconsciously looking for a reason to accompany her farther.

"Hey, do you know how to get to your hotel?" Shikamaru mentally slapped himself. He was acting like a lovesick puppy. Temari turned slowly around, a small smile on her face. She had stayed there many times and of course knew the way, but something stopped her from saying 'yes'.

"Hmm, actually I don't. Oh honorable Shikamaru-sama, would you lead a poor, helpless lady there?" Shikamaru did his best to contain a laugh, but the corners of his mouth twitched slightly; something Temari did not fail to notice. An expression of satisfaction on her face, she started moving towards the hotel. Shikamaru cocked an eyebrow as he noticed something. She's walking in front of me. She does know the way. Un. Troublesome woman. I could be in bed by now. Despite his conclusion, he continued to follow her.

Noticing the brief expression of puzzlement on Shikamaru followed by a small rolling of his eyes, Temari raised her eyebrows at no one in particular. Hn. He figured out I know where I'm going. And yet, he's still following me... Do you want to tell me something, Shikamaru?

Somewhat tired out from her day of annoying her guide, Temari was happy with just walking beside him, enjoying the cool air and the chirping of crickets. There aren't any crickets in Suna... Shikamaru noticed that she wasn't yelling or even talking and looked over to make sure she wasn't really an enemy ninja in disguise. He was surprised to see a look of calm appreciation on her face. She's even prettier at night. Oh wow. I didn't just think that. Ok, Shikamaru, it's just the hormones talking, that's all.

They continued walking, Temari enjoying the Konoha night, Shikamaru sneaking glances at her. To both of their disappointment, they soon arrived at the hotel's front doors. An evil thought popped into Temari's head. I'll give him a proper 'goodnight'. I have enough energy to fluster him one more time tonight. She whirled around suddenly and threw her arms around his neck, bringing her body closer and closer to him until the were pressed tightly together. Shikamaru, taken aback, was frozen, eyebrows twitching, sweat drops pouring down the back of his head. He could feel the gentle pressure of her soft chest against his. Her scent, a mix of smoke and desert flowers, drove him crazy. At a loss for words, he could only blubber like an idiot as she cooed softly in his ear.

"Thank you for dinner, crybaby. See you early tomorrow." She smiled once more at him, before jogging up the steps and entering the hotel. Even after she had left, Shikamaru was left shivering for a few minutes before he could move. Shoving his hands deep into his pockets, Shikamaru began walking home while contemplating the day's events. That felt... for lack of a better word, good... I don't understand. How can the most troublesome girl in my life make me feel like that? Shikamaru spent the rest of his trip home trying to find an answer to that question, but could not. When he entered the door, he cringed as a loud voice rang through the house.

"SHIKAMARU! WHAT ARE YOU DOING COMING HOME SO LATE?!? I HEARD YOU HAVE A MISSION EARLY TOMORROW? GO TO BED RIGHT NOW!!!

Damn it. From one troublesome woman to another. Just my luck... Unnnnnn, my head hurts. Not bothering to reply, Shikamaru stumbled up to his room and collapsed face down on his bed. Pictures of Temari floated through his mind as he could not stop thinking about her. Her voice, how she smelled, how she felt. I wonder if this is how dad felt around mom. This is so weird. It's gotta be hormones, that's it. But then why haven't I felt this way around Konoha girls?

Shikamaru finally abandoned denying it. He felt something special for the exotic sand ninja. I guess it runs in the Nara bloodline. Hn, strong, troublesome women. I still don't understand how this can be the first time I feel this way for someone. Well, no girls here ever pay me any attention. I am too lazy and dull. They'd much rather chase after some 'hunk' like Sasuke. Sigh. Temari is the only girl I know (besides Hinata) who doesn't spend all her time obsessing over dicks like Sasuke. Come to think of it, besides Ino, Temari is the girl I have spent the most time with. Damn it, those eyes, that voice, that evil smile,... and sigh those curves. Not to mention, when it comes to wits, she's the only girl I know who can keep up with me. Ugh. I hate being confused. I don't get it. According to Asuma-sensei, I'm a strategic genius who can solve complicated problems in the blink of an eye. Why is it that a simple woman problem comes around, and my head feels like it's going to explode? ...Maybe it isn't so simple, I mean, for instance, even if I am in love with her, what's to say she feels even remotely the same? Un... this was a most troublesome day. Shikamaru finally settled into sleep. Even in his dreams he could not escape his troublesome woman.

Temari meanwhile, was also puzzled. Glad that she didn't have to share a room with her weirdo brother, she had taken a quick shower before changing into her favorite silky undergarments and slipping into bed. Although she knew she had a mission early the next mission, she couldn't sleep.

She had meant for the hug to make Shikamaru uncomfortable, but she had enjoyed it more than she should have. He was the one who was supposed to be flustered, not me. But... When did he become so attractive? He smelled like a pine tree, and I never realized he had gotten so tall... She found herself wondering why she spent so much time with him. It seemed that whenever she visited Konoha, fate threw them together. His usual words echoed inside her head. She felt her face soften into a smile when she remembered his quiet offer to walk her to her hotel.

There is something different about him. He's the only person I've ever fought who's been able to beat me, and yet, when he had the chance to win, he gave up. I feel as if, even though he calls me 'troublesome woman', he notices me, sees me as an independent person, and, when forced into spending time with me, enjoys it more than he's willinig to admit. To everyone else, I'm just the daughter of the former Kazekage, or sister of the omnipotent Gaara and Kankuro, or, to all those bastard suitors, a ticket to an easy and powerful life. He's different. Ugh, I finally find someone who makes me feel good, and all I do is annoy the hell out of him. Come to think of it, the only time I feel as happy as I pretend to be is around him. I don't know. I feel isolated the rest of the time, like no one actually cares what happens to me. He may not show it all the time, but I can tell. He does. He's a real man. He's different.

Temari stifled a yawn before looking at the clock. Midnight. Ugh! I have to sleep. No doubt I'll have to pay Shikamaru a wakeup visit to make sure we leave on time. Stupid crybaby. Finally, Temari fell asleep, her characteristic smirk present on her beautiful face.

End of Chapter One

Author's Note: Cheh… uploading stories sure is troublesome work…