AN: Inspired by Michel Cluizel's chocolat, the best I've ever had.
Chocolate
"Shikamaru, I just don't get it. She's bossy, she never lets you be lazy, she's a foreigner, she even hits you with that fan. And her brother was a psychopathic killer."
"I don't think I need to defend myself to you, Chouji. Besides, Ino's nagging is bad enough," Shikamaru intoned with exasperation.
"I'm not trying to hassle you. I'm just . . . There are lots of pretty girls in our own village, ones that wouldn't push you around. So why her?" Chouji paused for a moment, gauging the strength of Shikamaru's annoyance. "Just give me one reason, and I'll be satisfied."
Shikamaru contemplated this. Unlike Ino, who was having an extremely difficult time with the idea of her teammate with a kunoichi from Sand, Chouji sincerely wanted to understand Shikamaru's attraction to Temari. But how could Shikamaru explain it when he didn't even understand it himself? With food, he decided. If Chouji could relate to anything, food would have the best chance.
"Do you remember that mission we had in Tea country a few years ago? When we were carrying those scrolls to the daimyo?" Chouji nodded and Shikamaru continued, "Do you remember that chocolate shop we stopped at on the way home?"
How could Chouji forget? His mouth watered at the mention of it. Asuma, who Chouji suspected was interested in picking up something for his not-girlfriend Kurenai, had suggested they drop in to reward themselves for a mission well done. The moment they entered it was clear this chocolate shop was no ordinary chocolate shop. The air was heavy with the scents of dark, exotic cacao that had been cultivated into smooth, complicated chocolates that almost burned the tongue. Chouji had had chocolate before, but that was the first and last time he'd ever had Chocolate.
Shikamaru knew from the intense look in Chouji's eyes that he'd made the right choice. "Temari," he explained, "is like the chocolate from that shop."
And that was all it took for Chouji. That chocolate had been strong, rich, bitter, almost overwhelming. It certainly wasn't for everyone, but it was the most satisfying chocolate Chouji had ever eaten.
"I'll try to help out with Ino," he promised.
Shikamaru breathed a sigh of relief. It was clear Chouji understood now, and anything to keep Ino off his back was worth it. Besides, it was always good to have Chouji on his side.