Normal

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.

"You know," She said, bending over to block his light. "Normal people sleep during the night, not the day and night."

Shikamaru groaned and opened his eyes. "Guess I'm not normal, am I?"

Temari grinned. "Not even close."

He rolled his eyes. "Thanks."

Her grin slowly left her face and was replaced with sadness.

"You know why I'm here, don't you?"

Shikamaru looked down at the grass. "Yeah."

"Did it have to be like this?" she said, putting her head on his shoulder.

"We don't have much of a say, do we?" he replied.

It was far too dangerous for her to travel to Konoha now. With her brother as Kazekage, a large bounty has been put on Temari's head. Due to this, being an ambassador of Konoha was too risky an occupation for her. Shikamaru too, could no longer travel far distances. He had sustained injuries far to severe for him to travel outside the country, and as he was a former ninja, he too had a price on his head from other countries.

In short, neither of them could leave their home countries.

"No." She whispered. "We don't."

"Then there's only one thing we can do."

She looked up at him. "What?"

He kissed her. "Enjoy every moment we can."


Chouji, Shikamaru, and Ino all saw Temari's departure.

Chouji and Ino gave there goodbyes, although the third stood there in silence.

"The night will provide enough cover for you," Ino said.

"Thank you, Ino." She began walking off. "And thank you all. Goodbye."

With that, she was gone.

Chouji looked at his friend, who stood there as if he were only watching the night sky.

"You know," Chouji began deeply. "This is normally the time when the man would chase his love, and tell her to stay."

Shikamaru lit a cigarette and let a tear drop from his eye. He turned around, walking back home.

"Guess I'm not normal, am I?"

End.