Chapter Twelve

The late autumn air nipped at Temari as she strolled through the nighttime Yokai Market. Large bonfires illuminated the commercial district as children and adults alike dressed like mythical demons and moved through stands that sold costumes, decorations, and other wares. As she walked, she chewed a piece of dango off a skewer, savoring the sweet glaze.

As she strode through the market, she was fully aware of someone following her. While she truly did not need a bodyguard, Lord Minato and Lady Nara both insisted that Shikamaru, now a chunin, be her guide and protector any time she was in public. Sometimes he maintained a close escort, other times, she wanted the illusion of being a normal person, and he'd hang back. Tonight, she'd asked him to hang back.

She continued to walk alone, sensing the joy of families around her, almost able to feel it for herself. In the month since becoming ambassador to Konoha, Temari's affinity for the village and its people grew. Lady Nara treated her like a daughter, most of the population was at least indifferent to her being a Hidden Sands Shinobi, and you've been able to have him at your beck and call.

Temari looked over her shoulder, eying her shadow. Shikamaru was dressed all in black with a bird-like tengu mask over his face. Had she not known it was him, he would have appeared menacing. She, herself, dressed in long, flowing white robes with a white mask of a beautiful maiden with protruding demonic teeth. Given that Shikamaru helped her pick her costume, she couldn't help but wonder if that is what he thought of her. He thinks that about any woman who can force his lazy ass to get up and do work. Temari chuckled under her mask.

She came to a stop near the end of the street marked off for the event and finished her last dango before discarding the skewers and tray in a nearby trashcan. "Hey, eagle eye," she called out to Shikamaru.

"Yes, your worshipfulness," he groaned as he walked up.

"What's a matter, I thought you liked the Yokai Market?"

"I do, but having to be on guard throughout it is a major pain," he complained.

"So," she grabbed his arm and hooked it around hers, "pull the stick out and escort me properly, as a princess should be!" she giggled as she dragged him along back through the market.

"No reward is worth this," he grumbled.

"Keep talking, I think I see a lingerie boutique up ahead; I may want to try a few things on!" Temari smirked, remembering their first encounter.

"Troublesome woman!" Despite his complaints, he followed along on her arm like an obedient pet. Like a boyfriend. Temari again eyed him from the corner of her vision. Shikamaru had sharp features like his father, minus the massive battle scar down his face. And as much as she teased Shikamaru for being lazy, his body was tight and toned. In a few years, if he keeps taking care of himself, he'll be taller, darker, and even more handsome than he is now.

Temari turned them toward a clothing boutique she'd wanted to visit for some time as she mulled her feelings for Shikamaru. The age gap was there, but in a few years, it would matter considerably less. Father had been several years older than Mom. Temari's limps curled into a smirk. Would that technically make me a cougar? The silly thought caused her to snort.

"You okay over there, your highness?" Shikamaru raised his mask and an eyebrow.

"Peachy," she laughed, "come on!" she dragged him into the store.

"You're not seriously going to try a bunch of stuff on from the unmentionables department, are you?"

"No, silly," she shook her head, "it's not that type of boutique!" They entered, were greeted, and set to browsing wares, "Besides, I need heavier clothing for winter; I'm not thick-blooded," she grinned, "or thick-headed like you!"

"What a pain!"

She laughed like a schoolgirl as they went past row upon row of leggings, fleece sweaters, stylized socks, and more. I feel like a kid let loose in a candy store! She felt the material of various sweaters, most of them cotton or blends of cotton, until she came across a rack of sweaters that felt distinctly different.

The material was warm, fluffy as a cloud, and impeccably smooth. "What have we here?" She fondled the material of the simple, yet elegant mauve sweater.

"Wool, and hand-knitted," Shikamaru spoke up.

"Aren't we the connoisseur," she said as she continued to inspect the lovely garment. God, I don't want to see the price tag! Temari reached for the sleeve and froze at the price – thirty-thousand yen. "Dang," she sighed, "hand-made with hand-made pricing."

"Can't you expense it?" Shikamaru asked, "You are a diplomat living in a foreign land."

"I could, but that is supposed to be used for essentials," she sighed, letting go of the heavenly fabric, "This would be a luxury and anything except essential." She shrugged, "Some diplomats might be less precise in their expensing practices, but I take my job seriously."

"Of course," he eyed the sweater, "Too bad, it would look nice on you." While Shikamaru's cheeks were already red from the heat of his costume, Temari sensed a slight deepening in skin tone as he eyed her, as if trying to visualize it on her.

"Thanks," her cheeks warmed slightly at his comment. Did he just compliment my looks?

"Well," he clasped his hands, "this has been fun. Can we go now?"

Temari mulled tormenting him further, taking him to the lingerie boutique, but she relented. "Yeah, come on, let's find something more substantial to eat." She dragged him along.

"Will you need a gift receipt, sir?" The lady at the checkout counter asked as she boxed Shikamaru's purchase.

"Please," he tapped his foot in sync with his racing heart. His palms were moist with sweat as the young lady handed him the small box in the boutique's bag. This has to go right. She'll love it. Of course she'll love it.

"Have a lovely Rinne Festival!"

"Thank you! You too!" he bowed slightly as he took the package and walked out into the December cold. Snow fell in tufts like tiny down feathers. The village was already dusted in the thin layer of powder when he'd gone out, now several inches formed a thick white blanket over everything.

Shikamaru mulled over Temari during the walk back to the Nara Compound, biting winds howling at him as he held the precious cargo to his chest. He'd already resolved to get her a gift for the festival. This gift in particular was on the top of his short list, but the letter from Suna a few days ago pushed the issue to a head. Temari was being recalled this April, and Shikamaru was uncertain when he'd see her again, if he'd see her again.

He swallowed down bile at the thought of never seeing her again. After six months of near non-stop contact, the news of their impending separation was like having a cavity and knowing that it meant a visit to the dentist or hearing you were going to have your tonsils taken out.

Outwardly, Shikamaru put on his brave face; inward, he was bracing for what he expected to be a tearful goodbye in a few months. Having done laundry at Mom's insistence, Shikamaru had a general idea of the size he should purchase. Mom went so far as to suggest to purchase it a size slightly large so Temari would have room to grow with it.

He came back into the house, took off his boots and hung up his jacket. As he walked to the stairs that led to the bedrooms, Shikamaru froze, heart beating in his throat. He didn't understand what the item in his arms meant, what she meant. Images flashed of her being indifferent or outright uninterested. Really, after some of the things you've went through with her? Do you really think she won't at least appreciate it?

Shikamaru willed his legs to mount the steps, to walk the hall, and finally, bring him to the door. Heart still in his throat, he knocked gently. "Come in," Temari's voice was melancholic, as if she too was contemplating her future.

"Temari," Shikamaru leaned his head in through the door.

"What's up, crybaby?" she regained some of her old fire as she smirked. She sat in the window recess overlooking the compound's courtyard. The sugary dusting of snow on the window coupled with her white long-sleeved tunic trimmed in red added to the perception that she was a snow princess.

"Nice to see you, too, troublesome woman," he said, averting his eyes. His foot tapped without prompting. Hell of a time for my bladder to start shrinking! "T-Temari, I have something for you," he said, desperate to keep his voice from cracking.

"For me?" she tilted her head, curiously, "What's the occasion?"

"It's the Rinne Festival starts today, friends and couples typically exchange gifts," Shikamaru broke into sudden nervous laugh, "not that I'm saying we're a couple or anything!" Smooth, way to send a mixed message, dumbass!

"Oh? If that is the case," she walked over to room's desk, retrieving a small cardboard box, "I have something for you, too."

"Ummm…" he fidgeted as she held out the box. Oh god, she actually got me something! "I think," he handed her the box, "you should go first." His throat remained pulsing.

Temari set the gift for him down and took the rectangular box, breaking the tape with her fingernail, and pulling off the lid. Inside, beneath tissue paper, was the elegant mauve sweater she'd eyed at the Yokai Market a month ago. "Shikamaru!" her eyes opened wide to the point where he worried they might pop out. Temari traced the material between her fingers with what looked like the expectation that the garment would dissolve like a transformation jutsu. "This is almost thirty-thousand yen!" Her jaw dropped and hung as her eyes moved from the sweater to him.

"I kept the gift receipt if you don't like it!" he raised his hands, feeling his cheeks burn, "and the tag is still on!"

Temari hugged it to her body. My god, she looks beautiful holding it over her. "This is for me?" she was still disbelieving.

He nodded with a slight smile, "Try it on." The sweater slid over her smoothly. The fit was loose, having some room to grow without flowing off her in patches. Temari turned, admiring her reflection on the dresser mirror as she spun, hugging the treasure to her. "It might be a bit big," Shikamaru explained nervously, "Mom suggested getting you a size slightly larger, so you'd have some room to grow into it…"

"I love it…" Temari whimpered, eyes sparkling.

"Huh?" Shikamaru had not expected such a strong reaction.

"I love it!" Temari vice-gripped him in the hug. He let out a few choked moans as she almost crushed him.

Temari released Shikamaru, and gasped a few times to catch his breath. Finally able to breathe, he smiled, "I guess it's a good thing I didn't go with roses," he laughed sheepishly.

Even Temari snorted in laughter at the stupid comment. "Really, thank you, Shikamaru," she stared longingly at him, "with all my heart!" His heart slowly gained tempo as she stared at him. Her eyes soon moved to his gift, "I suppose," she mock-scowled, "you probably earned this, too!" She chuckled as she handed him the small box from earlier

He eyeballed the smaller box. "I promise, it doesn't bite," she teased.

Hopefully not an explosive tag! Shikamaru tore off the simple green paper on the box, revealing a brand-new eyepiece for his telescope. "Temari!" he said breathlessly.

"I hope it's the right type. The guy at the shop said it was the best money could buy for your telescope." Temari's cheeks became rosy. "We can test it out later tonight."

Tonight! Shikamaru quietly fantasized about testing the new eyepiece with Temari, scanning the heavens. Cold water soon dashed the fantasy as he remembered a commitment he'd already made. "Actually," his voice cracked.

"Actually, what?"

"Temari, there is something else I had in mind tonight."

"Oh, I see," she deflated, clearly sounding like she thought he was blowing her off.

"Temari," he summoned every bit of courage in his heart, "do you know about the lantern ceremony? At the Rinne Festival, I mean?"

"I know of it," she said, puzzled, "Something about ending the year and saying good-bye to those you've lost along the way."

"It's not as prominent an event as it once was, now the festival part is the big event," he explained, "But a lot of my friends will be there this year. I made a lantern for Lord Third… and…"

"And?" she leaned her head to the side.

"I made one for your father, too," he choked, "If you want to say good-bye, that is! I didn't know how you felt about it!" Great, ten to one odds she'll slap you for bringing up daddy!

Temari placed a hand on her hip, "You're asking me on a date to say good-bye to my dead father?" she had her sass back. It would be cute if he wasn't expecting to have a massive hand print on his cheek.

"Ah… I guess…" his throated bobbed up and down, "all right, it was a lame idea, I get it!"

"Thoughtful," she said.

"Huh?"

"Thoughtful, Shikamaru, it's extremely thoughtful of you," she said as she hugged him again. The sweater made holding her feel like holding a soft cloud. "My father made a lot of mistakes," she began to cry, "but he tried his hardest to do what was right in a terrible situation!"

Uncertain at first, Shikamaru drew his arms around her. Soon, he held her tighter and he gently stroked his fingers through her glorious hair. Temari let tears she'd been holding onto flow. Shikamaru didn't remember starting to rock her back and forth, but he soon found himself doing for Temari what mom had done the first time he'd fallen down and hurt himself. Temari was warm and soft right now, not like the warrior she was normally.

Temari took her head off his shoulder and stared into Shikamaru's eyes with her gentle teal orbs. Oh my god, if she keeps that up I'm gonna die! Something magical about her eyes pulled Shikamaru closer and closer until his lips brushed against her. Despite fear of having his neck broken, he pressed with a bit more force as the kiss grew stronger and stronger.

There was a brief spasm from Temari, but she again hugged herself around him, parting his lips. Shikamaru's toes curled as she explored and he explored. Temari pulled back and grinned, "All right, star-boy!" She kissed him again and tapped his nose as they separated. "We'll go to the river for the lanterns. And afterwards…"

"Afterwards?" he shivered.

"Well, it is perfect stargazing weather," she smirked before kissing him one last time. "Now, let's get something warm to eat; it's going to be freezing out!" Troublesome woman!

As Temari expected, the water was frigid despite walking in rubber hip boots. Even with Shikamaru's gift, a heavy overcoat, earmuffs, and a scarf, Temari's desert blood bled off heat and left her feeling like a shivering mass of laundry. How the hell do they do this!

The night was crystal clear, and he river they stood in was dark as obsidian and smooth as glass. Temari would have better appreciated it had she not been freezing her ass off. "Are we okay to release yet?" she shivered.

"Almost," Shikamaru held two Lanterns: one marked Lord Third Hokage and the other marked Lord Fourth Kazekage. Shikamaru focused his chakra to light her father's lantern and Lord Third's. Three lanterns lit in the distance, and he nodded, "Now we can release." They set Lord Sarutobi's lantern adrift into the night.

Shikamaru moved to let her father's go when she stopped him. "Shikamaru, what happens to the lanterns?"

"The paper is biodegradable," he explained, "after about a day in the water it will dissolve."

Temari's bile rose as she ungloved her hand and reached into her pocket, pulling out the faint glimmer of gold. "Temari!" Shikamaru balked.

"Please," she dropped her parents wedding rings into the lantern, "whatever love they shared was poisoned," tears ran down her cheeks in the frigid night. "Let me let them go," she sobbed and her knees would give out.

Wordlessly, Shikamaru caught her in his arms, keeping her upright. As he embraced her, he let the lantern float away, taking the cursed rings away in the night. Temari as a child once dreamed of wearing her mom's ring and that her prince would wear her father's ring. Now, the fantasy was gone, set adrift to disappear in the night. Fairy tales don't come true. Bitter acid filled her mouth as she watched the lanterns all drift away like bad dreams disappearing in the morning.

In the distance, the parade of lights drifted past an unusual shadow in the reservoir ahead. Temari lifted her head from Shikamaru's shoulder and watched the mound move with an unusual grumble. Suddenly, the night air was split, "Yes! I'LL BE YOUR WIFE!" Triumphant hoots and hollers came from around the groups wading in the water.

"What was that about?" Temari asked, still holding onto Shikamaru.

"Lord Jiraiya asked Lady Tsunade to marry him," he laughed, "I guess some fairy tales do come true." He shook his head.

"What do you mean?" Temari asked.

"Oh, you know," he shrugged, "after the war the legendary sannin all broke up and went their separate ways. Jiraiya was always whipped by Tsunade, but she wasn't playing. I guess," he sighed, "recent events changed things for the better."

"I couldn't think of a better way to start things anew," she stared at Shikamaru, "than by saying goodbye to the old."

"Yeah," he wiped away her tears, "me neither." He kissed her forehead gently.

The winter months passed too quickly for Shikamaru's liking. He had taught Temari how to have a snowball fight and make snow angels. When the thaw came, the inevitably escort mission to bring her home began. The road to Suna had been uneventful, despite carrying all of Temari's crap for her. Upon their arrival, Gaara had hosted Team Ten for a lavish feast and put them up in the Kazekage's Palace. As Shikamaru leaned against the gatehouse of the sprawling complex, he sighed with a heavy heart. Today, he and his team were leaving for home. Today, he was leaving Temari – a troublesome woman he'd spent almost nine months with.

The sun was rising, and the crew would be leaving before the sun got high in the sky. If they moved quickly, they'd be out of the worst part of the desert by the time the sun was overhead. He sighed, knowing this was it. Damn, it went by too fast! Ino, Choji, and Asuma were making last minute checks of their bags to be sure nothing was forgotten.

"Hey yah, crybaby!" Temari smacked him on his back and he nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Temari!" he turned to face her, shocked to see her up so early.

"What?" She laughed, "You thought I was going to let you leave without saying goodbye?!"

"I…" he choked on his words, "… I didn't…"He had wanted to say goodbye, but being so early, he didn't want to wake her.

"Oh relax," she put her hand on his shoulder, "I was only teasing." She stared at him with a smirk. "I'm going to miss you, ya know!" Temari did her best impression of Lady Kushina.

"You're in an awfully good mood today," Shikamaru cocked up an eyebrow, "To what do I owe the honor?" He leaned with his back against the gatehouse wall.

"Oh," she grinned like a crocodile, "I wouldn't call it an honor exactly, not that you earned it, at least."

"What the heck are you talking about?" Shikamaru stared at her, skeptical of her motives. His heart jumped as she snatched him by the collar and she planted her forearm across his chest, pinning him to the wall.

"Remember that little stunt you pulled during Part Three of the Chunin Exams?" She asked, and he nodded dumbly. "Good, so do I!" She grinned like a yokai about to suck out his soul. By now Asuma, Ino, and Choji had taken notice and were moving to intervene. "In fact," Temari continued, "every two-bit tabloid rag and rumor mill is talking about how the Shrew of the Sands has the hots for the laziest boy in Konoha!"

"I…" he protested. She can't be that upset about it, could she?!

"Of course," she pressed against his chest just a bit firmer, and she brought herself to his left ear, "I'm never going to forget that little stunt," her hot breath in his ear raised the hairs on the back of his neck. "And now, neither will you!" Temari drove her lips into him until he was flat against the wall. Temari invaded him with her tongue and her fingers raked through his hair. Shikamaru's head began spinning.

"Ahem," Asuma brought the moment to an abrupt stop, "if you two keep that up, we're going to have to stay another day!"

Temari pulled back, licking a minor bead of saliva off her lips, "Don't ever forget me!" She winked.

"Troublesome…" Shikamaru heaved, burning from the intensity of the kiss, "… woman!"

"Damn straight!" She gave him one last brush of the lips before releasing her hold on him, "By the way," she walked away and called over her shoulder, "have fun walking back to Konoha with that limp!"

Shit! Shikamaru turned his eyes to see his teammates stifling laughter with their hands over their mouths. "Dude, what?"

"Shikamaru," Ino giggled, "you know, it's not too soon for you to have your refresher class on STDs!"

"I'M NOT DOING THAT!" he gasped.

"Ino," Asuma said in his gruff tone, "Why don't you take Choji ahead and we'll catch up," he put a hand over Shikamaru's shoulder.

"Anything you say, boss," Ino took Choji by the arm, "come on, no eavesdropping!"

The two were out of sight when Asuma spoke, "Well, of all the students I didn't expect to need to have this talk with…"

"Boss, we're not talking about it now, are we?!" Shikamaru protested as Asuma guided him up the street toward the village gate. Shikamaru did his best to hide his stiffened gait.

"Kid, it's a long walk back to Konoha," Asuma chuckled, "and if half of what Lord Fourth told me is true," he took out a toothpick and began to chew, "you've been quite the smooth operator!"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Shikamaru protested.

"Oh, I dunno, using your intelligence posting to sneak a peak on her in a hot spring!"

"That was an accident!" Shikamaru protested louder.

"And lie to me and tell me you didn't enjoy what you saw," Asuma laughed as Ino and Choji came back in sight on the road home. "Seriously, next thing you know you're going to be looking for any assignment that comes out this way just so she can sneak out with you to make out under the stars!"

Shikamaru wanted to deny it all, but he sadly knew Asuma was hitting the nail on the head. He was already thinking of what assignments he could take that might bring him close enough to Suna to justify staying a day or two. Damn, troublesome woman!

"Oh, and Shikamaru," Asuma continue to chuckle.

"Yeah," he groaned.

"I forgot, Itachi wanted to see you when we get back. I suggest wiping off the lipstick first!"Asuma pointed to his mouth. Troublesome woman!

The end

Author's notes: Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed the Tale of Cat and Mouse. Shikamaru and Temari are one of my favorite couples to write in this fandom. By popular vote the next story in this anthology will be Won't Somebody Come Find Me?I hope to expand some of the story of young Minato and Kushina and how they ended up as a couple. While I have started the story, I may be a few weeks before I post simply because I'm working on Critical Moments Volume 3.

Anyhow, see you next tale around the campfire. Until then, stay healthy and stay safe.