Rated M for Mmm... Yummy!
Stars hid shyly behind the night clouds. Hardly any of the sky was shown as his sea foam eyes watched the darkness that washed over the land. He hadn't seen Tenten for the rest of the day. What was meant to be quick help ended up burning away the last of the daylight. Gaara turning much of the land that was off the main roads into traps with his sand. He did his best to help protect Tenten and Nene had given him a pat on the head for his efforts. It was odd in a way, Gaara had never received such treatment from an older woman like that before. What should of felt bothersome or embarrassing was rather... nice for a change. The smile of acceptance and soft hands rubbing his head was something he could get used too. He wondered if that was something only mothers ever did. He never saw his sister act like that, even to her young group of Genin when they came back from a successful mission. The most heartfelt expressions she gave was a pat on the back or something equally supportive but not affectionate.
"I wonder if Tenten-" He stopped himself short of that thought. There was no reason for him to think of her hands touching his hair like Nene had. Gaara turned away from the dark skies and went into his room to look for paper and a pen. He had not written to his brother since he started this mission and he should be giving him some word of their status and to see if all is well in the village. After rummaging though the drawers, he found what he needed and began to write.
"Kankuro,
I am writing to give you a status update on our mission.
There have been no attempts as of yet on Tenten's life. The rest of the warriors here are doing their fair share and Tenten is blending in seamlessly. None have yet to suspect her for anything other than the princess. So far no word of Temari's group being caught have risen either. I am sure her abilities matched with Shikamaru's will keep them safe. If everything moves smoothly, we should be expected to return back around another week or so. I will give you another update if something arises. Are there any troubles within the village? Do not forget to place any blue folders within the pile of what I must sign."
Gaara stared at the note he had just written and read it back to himself once, twice, three times over. It was a letter to report back to his brother about the mission but it seemed so... Heartless. It seemed like it was missing something. He did sound straight forward, yes. Told Kankuro what was happening and when they'd be expected to return back. But it needed something else. He just couldn't put his finger on it. Placing the pen and paper down on his seat, he got to his feet and finally saw the moon through sheer clouds. The light that bloomed forth seemed welcoming to him, very nurturing in his eyes.
He gathered up his thoughts; wondering what else to write in the letter before he would send it off. Just then he heard a soft noise behind him. With a swift motion of his hands, a blade of sand stopped an inch from cutting her throat as she stood beside his bed.
"Uhh... Knock knock?" Tenten's voice had the hint of nervousness to it as she spoke but she tried to remain calm. "Note to self... never sneak up on him," she thought to herself as she watched the sand recoil back into the gourd it came out from. Despite the near death experience, she smiled as she looked at his scowling face. "Is he upset I actually sneaked up on him?" The thought made her a little giddy inside. Her of all people, sneaking up on the Kazekage himself. This would be a personal memory she'd be sure to recount one day.
"What are you doing here?" His voice had some annoyance behind it, not what he had intended but the thought that he let his guard down for a second bothered him. He should have sensed her.
She remained silent for a moment, gathering her thoughts. In all honesty, she didn't know why she came into his room so late. Being with Hanbei for most of the day was a nice change of pace from murmuring silence and whispered conversations. She was able to speak and laugh freely with him. But there was something inside that she felt was missing. She was just so used to Gaara's presence that...
"I just kinda missed you..." Tenten said aloud with sincerity. Looking away from Gaara, she touched the wooden frame of his bed to have her hands do something aside from fidget. She could feel a bit of heat rise from her cheeks but she calmed herself as best she could. Thinking of how Lee was doing without her around. Training his Genin, or perhaps dueling with Gai-Sensei. These thoughts calmed her heart and helped clear her head for a moment.
Unknown to her, Gaara's face was reddened from her reply and was struggling to reign in the shock. She was very blunt, to say the least. He was used to blunt but not when it came to personal feelings or himself. Especially when both were in the mix. But now that he thought about it, he sorta missed her too when he was away. Friends miss friends right? This was a normal thing for friends to feel. He shouldn't let her comment get to his head. It was nothing, right? The sound of a relieved sigh made him look back up at her, confused and still slightly red. She managed to wiggle into his bed and curled up under the covers with a smile.
Stretching underneath the cheaper material blankets, she couldn't help but feel a little homesick. "These sheets remind me of my own bed! And these pillows aren't as stuffed and fluffed up as mine are. So perfect!" Curling up in Gaara's bed didn't reach her mind as she ignored his stares when she snuggled up against his pillow. She could smell him on it. For some reason, she didn't want to let go. It frightened her that she didn't want to but she stood up and smiled at Gaara. "My bed is too comfortable for me to get used too. I don't know how anyone could sleep on it."
Not knowing what to really say, he went with his usual response to such matters. "Hn." Was all he could respond with. It made her pout a bit but she smiled once more to him, and he smiled back. "How was it?" When she dropped the smile and looked at him with a visible question mark over her head, he elaborated. "How was your time here with Hanbei? He seemed... nice?"
Nodding to him, Tenten began to describe her day with the boy. Despite being a few years younger than her, younger than Shikamaru even, he had surpassed her in shogi in all possible manners. He could very well be a match to her lazy friend. Tenten wasn't the best shogi player but she knew several moves from practicing with Shikamaru once every few weeks when they had time or were issued missions with one another. Needless to say, he whooped her so bad she could say Uncle. She went on for a while, not noticing that Gaara had sat down beside her while she was rambling. "I think there's a spark between him and Kanbei." She began to whisper a bit, contemplating and thinking of what she had seen. Looking at her hands for a long moment to figure out what the clues were. "I know there is! I can see it in their eyes. Or at least Hanbei's."
"A spark?" Gaara questioned. What did that mean?
Tenten nodded, "Yeah, like... You can see it in his eyes when he talks about Kanbei or even looks at him. A spark of deep affection. Liking someone more than a friend. Though with that age difference... Guess age doesn't matter so much when two people love one another, huh?" Turning her head to look over at him, the smile slowly dropped as she gazed at his intense face. It was like he was trying to unravel some big mystery before him. But the way the moonlight shadowed one side of his face while the other shined brightly made him seem like something not of this world. Her heart skipped a beat. She couldn't do anything but swallow a lump in her throat. Looking at Gaara made the pit of her stomach feel strange. An all too familiar feeling from long ago, something she thought she'd never feel after that terrible incident many years ago.
Gaara saw her stand up at the corner of his eyes and he watched her make her way out of his bed and to the doors. "Going to sleep?"
She nodded and turned to give him a smile, "Good night, Kazekage." Her hand reached the door and stopped short after hearing his words.
"Call me Gaara."
How long have they been traveling? Almost a week? It felt like longer, much longer. Two females always bickering. The women squabbling over practically nothing reminded him of back home, mostly with Sakura and Ino. Despite those two being the best of friends it seemed as if they never wanted to stop arguing over the pettiest of things. "Why do I always have to be surrounded by these sorts of things? It's such a drag." Thankfully for all three, they were almost to their destination. Hamada was just another few hours away and they'd be halfway through their mission.
It was a long trip for the team. Stopping from time to time to give the girl a rest and even having to carry the princess, though only Shikamaru was ever given that task. Mercifully though they were almost there. Temari was finally smiling for the first time since they started this mission over the thought of finally leaving this banshee of a woman and getting home. Just another week and they'd both be home free. The blond's only regret was not having the time to talk to Shikamaru alone when she wanted. Tokuhime had often barged in or was in the area so they were never allowed a private moment.
"Hey, Shikamaru?" Temari called to him as she looked back past the princess to see his pineapple head staring up at the clouds. "The city is just a short while ahead. I was wondering if you-"
"Oh Cloud-kun! I'm so nervous about this ceremony, but it's so exciting! I can't wait to come back home as a queen!" Tokuhime said aloud, purposefully cutting Temari off. The princess smirked at Temari who bared her fangs. The princess slowed her pace to come to Shikamaru and held onto his arm. A catty smile made its way over her face as she leaned over and whispered something into his ear before softly brushing her lips over his cheek. Temari was seething with anger at this point. This would not be ignored.
Shikamaru only sighed. This was the longest walk of his life.
A few days had passed and Tenten still found it odd to call the Kazekage by name rather than title. Yes she had thought he was more than just an acquaintance and it was nice that he considered her a friend but that was regardless. She couldn't be as nonchalant about the status people had, unlike Lee and Naruto. She had often caught herself referring to him by mid-title before just calling him Gaara; it made him smile a bit and she liked knowing she could make a friend happy. The week flew by so fast for her, doing minimal princess duties such as approving government decisions or signing certain documents. All previously arranged of course by Hanbei and Kanbei for her to do so to make sure everything was running smoothly.
Having her new friends around her made things much easier. Everyone was so kind and helped Tenten along the way when she needed it. Hanbei kept her company when Gaara was away, she found a best friend out of him. Nene was becoming ever more the motherly figure to her and she didn't mind one bit. She even learned the little trick Nene did to turn men into puddy in her hands. As she said it, "A pet on the head full of love will soothe the savage beast of any man." Of course Tenten didn't think it would ever work on enemies but she'd like to try it with her friends. Hideyoshi had often teased her but never meant anything bad, helping her keep at ease. The three brothers were always a riot. Arguing away like three stooges and yet they always had one anothers backs and kept close to make sure no one crossed their brothers. Though she had yet to see Hanzo or even talk to him, she knew he was around. In so many ways she felt as if she never left home. Those characters seemed so much like her friends back in Konoha. Made things so much easier at times but then again... to leave them after the mission was over would be tough.
Tenten was looking outside of the window, watching the morning activities of the workers. She knew what to expect in the day but she wasn't used to the regimen. She still disliked that she couldn't bathe on her own. Having to wear over several layers of cloth and having to waste time putting that gunk on her face. Always watched throughout the day without a moment's privacy. It was incredibly annoying. For one who was often overlooked in her village, getting most of the attention here wasn't any better. "How does anyone get used to this lifestyle?" She asked aloud in a sigh.
"Quiet easily after you ignore wandering eyes." The all too familiar voice said from across the room. Gaara had let himself in, one hand behind his back as he carefully closed the door. His eyes were glancing at the floor every so often as he walked to her. Today Tenten was wearing an array of shades of green and orange. Light white floral patters shined around the kimono's hemline faintly and her porcelain face was dolled up to include those colors as well. One could say she looked very regal but he found her more beautiful behind the mask of paint.
Though he had began to consider her a friend, Gaara couldn't but feel a nervousness take over him as he made his way to her. His heart was pounding as he made sure not to let go of what he hid behind his body. Tenten had tilted her head as she looked a bit confused but remained with the intoxicating smile on her face. He didn't understand why he felt this way. She was his friend; he had no reason to be so concerned of her thoughts of him. After all, she considered him to be a friend as well, right? Maybe that was the reason... Heart pumping, head getting hazy and feeling nervous, perhaps scared. Fear of being lied to by Tenten, that they were in fact not what he believed. He didn't have many if any real female friends. Perhaps it was fear of something new like a femal friend and nothing more. He couldn't answer it. But what he did know was that he had to put this idiotic feeling aside to give her something special.
Clearing his throat, Gaara looked away from her to regain his composure. He moved his arm from behind his back to hand her a small black box. She didn't say anything to him as her hand hesitantly reached out to his and took the box from him. His heart skipped another beat as he spoke up, "I remember what you said about feeling bad that you had nothing at your side to defend yourself with while we took to your aid. The look on your face when Nene had taken all that you had. I had asked the Hideyoshi to help make me this... Saying it was a gift for... Ahem... My lover, back in Suna." His face had turned as red as a beet as he spoke to her. He couldn't see her face but out of the corner of his eye he could tell she was opening the box.
A small silver winged clip adorned with one sapphire shard in the shape of a tear, most interesting though was it was embedded with... "A seal? Is it what I think it is?" She asked but before she could let him answer, she placed the clip down on her bed and began to make hand seals to release whatever was within. The small puff of smoke revealed a brand new steel kunai. She could still smell the polish on the blade as she lifted the weapon to inspect it.
"The weapon was made here. Though I had asked Kankuro for the clip so none would suspect," he said to her as he calmed him emotions down to the best of his efforts.
It were remarkably well made, maybe better than the ones back home. An overwhelming feeling filled her heart and she felt as if her stomach was in a thousand knots. This gift was the most precious thing she had ever received in a long time.
"Are you crying?"
Tenten gasped a bit, she didn't notice the wet trail down her cheeks until he had spoken up. Using the sleeve of her free hand to wipe away the tears, she turned over to look at Gaara to give him one of her smiles. Placing the kunai back in the clip, she held it out to Gaara; motioning him to put it in her hair. Though she felt his hands move slowly, almost as if he were unsure, he placed it to move her hair out of her eyes.
They both took a gulp. So close to one another. Gaara could see her eyes so clearly before each other like this. Yet even with a full view, he couldn't see all that she was and it tortured him that he didn't know. He wanted to know more about her. Her past, the present days, the future. To view those eyes every day...
Tenten could feel the warmth of his breath hit her head. He smelled faintly of the desert due to the gourd filled with Suna's sand mixed with fresh soap. Though the smell wasn't too interesting, on Gaara it made her body feel heavier. His lips so close to hers...
"Good Morning Princess!"
Nene opened the door with a cheerful smile that turned into bafflement in a second. Gaara was out in the balcony, looking out while Tenten seemed to be sitting down on the bed, fidgeting with her hair. Both were turned away from her as they greeted her. The atmosphere in the air was tense. Nene didn't know what the heck was going on.
It was a quarter past midnight. Her inner clock was never wrong about the time. Even though they were already in the city walls and safe from harm, Shikamaru felt that they still needed to keep watch. At the very least until it was one in the morning. And so Shikamaru was inside the room where the princess would sleep. Him and her alone... in that room together. Temari stood up from the rooftop, ignoring the sour feeling in the pit of her stomach and focused on the lights and the night life of the city below. Many of the people down there were drinking, eating, laughing and having fun. Hamada seemed so deep in their cultural roots and yet seemed so young and alive compared to many cities she had been too that was all about the 'Now.' Even though it was so lively, the inn they rested at was nearly empty. They had made the owner confused when they requested the top floor away from everyone but with a large tip he eagerly obliged.
The chilled wind did nothing to help clear her head. That ugly feeling kept creeping back up the moment she stopped thinking of anything distracting. She had to set things straight. She'd talk to him in a calm and orderly fashion. Tell him how she feels, if they would remain as a couple or... break it off. Taking a deep breath, she ordered herself to straighten up and she climbed inside the open window leading to Tokuhime's room.
Inside the room was a single drawer, a table and two beds. The table had two tea cups and the kettle set aside; from the looks of it, one of the cups was empty and the other was untouched but still warm. One of the beds was occupied by a sleeping princess and the other had a bored looking Shikamaru sitting on top watching the ground. He looked as if he could fall asleep at any moment but his eyes strayed away from the ground and over to Temari's.
Suddenly that calm feeling she was trying so hard to grab onto had slipped from her fingers and anger replaced it. She said nothing as she closed and locked the window, walked over to Shikamaru and grabbed his hand to take him outside the room. As soon as the doors were closed, she went off.
"What the fuck was with you all this week?! Do you just want to piss me off? That little... bitch always hanging on you and you don't do anything to push her away. Even earlier today, you let her kiss you!" Temari didn't know if he wanted to talk, not once had she seen his mouth attempt to move to defend himself. She didn't think she'd even let him try to speak up if he did decide to talk. "Here I thought we could try and talk things out! But it seems you don't even want to try anything with me anymore. Aside from that kiss, that was the only thing close to us being a couple as we got! Do you love me? Hell, do you even like me?! Not once have I ever heard you say any of those words. We might as well just brea-"
He moved in.
Their lips locked into a hard and forceful kiss. Temari was shocked, fighting him as she felt his arms snaked around her to hold her closer to his body. Not a moment later, he felt her go lax in his arms. She no longer fought him as she deepened the kiss which left her breathless and whined when he pulled away but he gave her a smile, whispering to her. "You're the only woman who I'll ever tolerate and who can tolerate me in return. For that, I think I can grow to love you."
Temari grinned at him, pulling herself closer to kiss him again. "You're such an ass, I love you."
Locking lips once more, their kiss felt much more passionate and loving. Parting her lips as he had done the same to have their tongues dance together in the kiss. Temari's body was pushed up against the door as Shikamaru started to grind his body over hers, having her feel how hard he had gotten. The look in her eyes was embarrassment but also lust. He moved away from her as he opened the door to the room, Temari now looked at him as if he were insane.
"What are you crazy? The princess is in here."
He only chuckled slightly, "Slipped her some Sleeping powder in her tea when she wasn't looking. Not even a marching band during an earthquake would wake her. Feeling adventurous?"
She showed him her answer as she yanked him into a kiss, pushing him into the room and slammed the door. Noticing that the princess did not stir, she smirked and pushed Shikamaru onto the bed before crawling over him to kiss him more and more. The need in her belly was growing hotter as even his light touches on her back made her feel weak in the knees.
He lifted her shirt up to expose her lightly tanned breasts under the chain mail body suit she wore. He didn't know why but the image alone made him groan for her as his hips pushed up to her body, causing her to gasp a bit. Sitting himself up, he leaned her back to taste metal and skin when his tongue began to glide around her breast, inching closer to her erect nipples. Shikamaru felt her fingers dig softly onto his back, she was pulling his shirt up and over his head. In return, he removed the hook that kept her skirt held up against her body and tossed it to the side where their shirts laid. Slowly each of their material items ended up on the floor, and two bodies cradled one another on the bed.
Temari felt her heart skip as she watched Shikamaru open her legs to position himself with her. They had had sex several times before but she had always felt the same nervousness and eagerness as the first time. This was no different. The tip had precum dripping down when he teased her opening for a minute before sliding all inside in one motion. He groaned from the warmth and wetness from inside her as he pulled out and pushed back inside. He caused her to moan out his name and buck her hips to his so she could match his pace. Her legs wrapped around him as she pulled him as close as she could get him to go. As soon as she was beginning to get used to his pace, he stopped for a second to grab her wrists and moved her arms over her head.
"Open your legs wider," he ordered. She obliged with a bite of her lower lip and a nod. As soon as her legs loosened around his waist he pushed deep inside her in a hard and fast pace. Her moans were no longer soft but loud and clear. He could feel her arms trying to break free from his grip but he wanted to take control, he wanted to watch her in ecstasy. His body pushed hers harder and harder, causing her moans and squeals of sheer delight to go louder and louder with ever thrust. Her skin was so soft, her eyes were fighting to keep open to watch him as he looked at her.
It wasn't long until he stopped and let her wrists go. Pulling himself out, Shikamaru turned her around and placed her on all fours. He knew this was her favorite position since she tended to orgasm harder and faster when she was on her knees. A small smirk traced his lips as he pushed himself inside once more, not giving her a second to get used to him from behind. Her skin was growing warmer, he could feel her tighten around his cock, she was getting close. He could feel himself throbbing for release as well.
"Wh-what's wrong... Please don't stop! I'm close," she said as she tried to move her own body but she couldn't. Looking down at her hands, Temari saw Shikamaru's shadow binding her to him. "What the hell is wr-"
"Move in with me," he whispered, almost raggedly.
"Are you crazy? You're using sex to convince me to move in with you? Stop playing around!"
He gave a small sigh, "Who said I am playing? I want you to move in to Konoha after this mission is over. I want you with me forever, Temari."
She could of cursed herself for feeling those tingling butterflies in her stomach. Yes she wanted to be with him too, but she thought with time she could convince him to move to Suna with her instead. Though, Konoha did have several good people she knew and it wasn't always hot... With a groan of defeat, she whispered, "Fine. But give me time to explain things to my brother and get someone to replace me Gaara's receptionist."
"I'll believe your word," Shikamaru said as he released her from the bind. And with that, he continued to give her pleasure and feel her release. He bucked, pushing his hips against her ass as he pulled her in a slam when he finally felt his climax. Pushing his seed into her warm body. He didn't have to worry, kunoichi had seals to protect them from such oversights.
When he pulled out, Temari quickly turned over to give him a tight embrace and a loving kiss. His hand rubbed her back gently and continued when she purred. He leaned down to her ear and whispered, "Ready for round two?"
They didn't know how long they were at it. The smell of sweat and sex filled the room and felt as if it would never leave even after they had opened the window. The princess remained in her bed, blissfully unaware of the lewd acts that happened just moments before.
"Kankuro,
I am writing to give you a status update on our mission.
There have been no attempts as of yet on Tenten's life. The rest of the warriors here are doing their fair share and Tenten is blending in seamlessly. None have yet to suspect her for anything other than the princess. So far no word of Temari's group being caught have risen either. I am sure her abilities matched with Shikamaru's will keep them safe. If everything moves smoothly, we should be expected to return back around another week or so. I will give you another update if something arises. Are there any troubles within the village? Do not forget to place any blue folders within the pile of what I must sign."
How are you? I hope you are doing well in my absence. I am sorry for leaving for some time without giving warning. I trust you understand. Though there is a favor I wish to ask of you, brother. I would like you to bring me a silver clip with a weapon seal. There is someone I feel the need to give it too. Don't ask questions. I know how you get when it comes to such matters. Thank you.
- Sabaku no Gaara"
One blink.
Two blinks.
Kankuro tilted his head to the side after he had read the letter again and again. "So... He might have a little crush on someone eh? I wonder who..." He held on to the letter, fearing it would get lost in the mass pile of letters and folders all over the office. He sighed a little, wondering how Gaara got through so much paperwork without going insane. Years of not sleeping a wink must have given him an amazing advantage in the office. At this rate, Gaara would be coming back with an office full of things to read and sign... and possibly find a dead Kankuro in the midst of the pile.
Author's Note:: Hot Cheetos and Limes = BOMB!