Guide

Temari touched down outside the gates of Konoha. Sure enough, this ambassador-thing was going to be a pain-Temari wasn't much for negotiating, after all- but it had to be done, and she was, unfortunately, the best choice. Not to mention that Gaara had asked her to do it. She really was a sucker for her little brother, especially since he ceased his homicidal tendencies.

Sighing, she walked up to the gate where her guide would, imagine that, GUIDE her around Konoha. Stepping inside, she heard a voice say; "Tch, how troublesome..."

That voice could only belong to one person. Temari turned her head and glared at the owner. "Of all people, it just HAD to be you," she rolled her eyes in frustration.

"Hey, when the Hokage calls, you don't dawdle," Shikamaru replied, raising his hands defensively.
She rolled her eyes again, "you're the definition of dawdle."

"Yeah yeah, whatever." Shika looked down at her clothing and asked, "What's with that outfit anyway? Is the Kazekage trying to marry you off, or something?"

Temari flushed with rage and placed her hands on her hips. "Ehh? What's that supposed to mean, you crybaby?!"

"Well, it's either that, or you're a prostitute-and I highly doubt that option," he replied with a shrug.

A part of Temari's pride twitched. "What, are you saying that I'm not capable of prostitution?" she said, her pride blinding her logic. Shikamaru smirked slightly. She totally took his comment wrong, but he couldn't help but use this opportunity to tease her a bit.

"May~be I am," he said, his smirk growing larger. "Oh yeah? I could out-whore you any day!" Temari growled, getting caught up in the spirit of competition.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah!"

"For sure?"

"Yes."

"Then prove it."

"Fine, watch as I kick you're―wait a second," Temari's face contorted as she processed the last few minutes. Shikamaru choked down his chuckle, knowing that laughing out loud right then would definitely not be beneficial to his future.

"Y-you just..." Temari stuttered in anger, embarrassment dying her face a deep crimson. Temari reached for her fan, and Shikamaru (prepared as usual) froze her in a shadow paralysis jutsu.
"Let me out of this RIGHT NOW, PERVERT!"

Shikamaru chuckled, "Well that's a new one," he mumbled. Speaking a little louder, he said, "yeah yeah, calm down, troublesome woman," to which Temari snorted indignantly.

"Besides," he said, turning away slightly, "I'd think it would be a compliment to say that you weren't capable of prostitution." He paused.

"Then again, you did state you could "out-whore me," so I guess I should take that back."

Temari was practically burning in rage and embarrassment, so Shikamaru decided to clarify things before he was killed by the girl.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Honestly, woman, you completely misunderstood what I said," Temari's face betrayed a hint of curiosity. "What I meant was that you'd never lower yourself down to that kind of level for attention, or anything," Shikamaru's voice was slightly quieter, and a faint blush betraying his normally impassive face.

Suddenly, the paralysis stopped and Temari fell over, surprised at the sudden release.

She sat for a moment, still slightly stunned from Shikamaru's reply. She then noticed the leaf ninja further down the path, leaving her behind.

'Hmm,' she though as she ran to catch up, 'I suppose this job might be kind-of bearable.' She smirked suddenly, caught up with an idea. 'I wonder how many other compliments I can wring out of him during my stay here,' she though, leaving Shikamrau oblivious to the game he had unintentionally began.

.

Or perhaps not intentional at all?

A/N: Ahhh, sorry for taking so long! I had so much free time over the winter break, but I had crap motivation to do anything *guilty laugh.*

Thank you to all who favoritec, followed, or reviewed! It means a lot and makes me very happy :D I'll try to update faster next time...

Thank you again, and goodbye! *bows*