Disclaimer: "Naruto" and all related characters, peoples, places, and themes are the sole property of Masashi Kishimoto. The following is a work of pure fiction.
Hay Fever
Song of the Day - "How Do You Do", Dave Grohl
Listening to Ino banter about the latest in spring fashion was about as palatable as eating a raw cactus. Temari didn't mind Ino's company, but she had had enough of bangles and trench dresses and sheer layers.
"No offense Ino, but I couldn't care less about what's in this season."
Ino pouted. "Well, don't come running to me come fall complaining about your outdated wardrobe."
"Suna doesn't have seasons," Temari quipped as she sipped from her mug.
But Konoha certainly did. Spring was particularly hard on Temari, evident from her watery eyes and stuffy nose, with only the same old beverage Shikamaru insisted she drink during her visits to Konoha to relieve her.
"What's in this anyway," asked Temari in between sips.
"It's green tea with nettle," chirped Ino. "Do you like it?"
"A little bitter," answered Temari, her nasal passages clearing. "Is it a Konoha custom?"
"No," replied Ino dejectedly. "I just thought you'd enjoyed it."
"Whatever gave you that idea?" Temari sniffled.
"Just a hunch," Ino offered. "Shikamaru serves it on occasion."
"So what?" Temari scoffed.
Ino grinned.
"He only serves this tea when you're in town."
Temari stoically took a long sip of her tea and swallowed.
"About those bangles Ino..."
Author's Note: Hello all! In case you're wondering green tea and nettle (among other things) are supposed to help relieve symptoms of hay fever. As always constructive criticism and reviews are much appreciated, thanks!