Man of the house
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.
He could hear it...faintly.
The non-stop ringing got louder and louder, closer and closer.
As it got closer, voices joined in with the ringing.
Then he was hit. Hard.
It was then when his vision came, and the voice was clear.
"SHIKAMARU! TURN THAT STUPID ALARM CLOCK OFF!"
Shikamaru groaned and clumsily tried to shut it off. When he finally found the button, he smacked it and rolled over.
"Jeez woman," he began. "You didn't need to hit me so hard."
Temari, who still had her eyes closed, opened them groggily.
"Well maybe you should have turned off the stupid thing earlier."
She shifted over towards him, trying to keep warm. "Now remember why you had that alarm go off so early?"
Shikamaru groaned. "Come on Temari, give me another five minutes."
"Shikamaru..."
"Fine. How about ten instead?"
She pushed him out of the bed and onto the cold wooden floor.
He rubbed his head, eyes closed in irritation. "Guess that's a no."
She slumped back onto her pillow. "You still have to say bye to the kids before your mission."
He got up and started changing. "Yeah, I know."
"And you still have to eat a good breakfast. I don't want you dying out there because you were hungry."
"I know."
"Which reminds me. Make me some breakfast as well. I still have other problems to deal with myself."
Shikamaru sighed. "I know."
She looked up. You're still here? Hurry up and make breakfast!"
Shikamaru groaned. Maybe if you give me a chance to do something...
By the time he was packed and ready to leave, The kids were already awake.
"Don't go," his five-year old daughter began, hugging his leg.
"Don't worry Michiko, daddy will be back soon," he replied, with a reassuring smile on his face.
His little three-year old boy emerged behind his mother, one hand rubbing his eye, the other holding tight to Temari's dress.
Shikamaru kneeled down in an attempt to come into eye level with his son. He smiled again.
"Shikato, while I'm gone," he began, "you'll be the man of the house."
Shikato nodded lazily.
"This means that you're in charge, okay? You're going to be the leader."
He nodded again. "Okay daddy. It'll be boring, but I'll do it."
Shikamaru chuckled again. He pointed his index finger into the air. "You just have to make sure to follow one rule if you're going to be the man of the house. Trust me, it's important if you want to stay alive."
"What's that?"
Shikamaru smirked and got up, beginning his journey away from home.
"Make sure you listen to the women of the house."
End.