"A month in Ame, huh?" At first Kakashi noticed the small frown his assistant had on his face. But what he hadn't expected was for it to turn into a delightful smirk.

"What seems to be the matter, no cloud watching?" Shikamaru couldn't believe how Kakashi seemed to be able to read and figure out all of his emotions so quickly.

"You could tell that easily?" Shikamaru let out a small chuckle, still amazed at how Kakashi seem to know what his exact feelings were.

"Of course. Especially since it's fall. I've noticed you sneaking off to gaze at the clouds with the cool breeze."

Shikamaru was sure nobody noticed him leaving. Even while working close with Temari on the train for the past few weeks, she hadn't realized that he'd leave to watch the clouds for a minute or two.

"Lord sixth-" Shikamaru face was full of remorse. Not so much for taking the breaks, but for getting caught. The huge grimace was a complete giveaway for him feeling bad, but Kakashi never mind.

"Don't apologize, you're the reason why the project is way ahead of its schedule. I honestly should've been forcing you to take longer breaks, but the two of us knew that wasn't about to happen."

"Even my small breaks were too long" Shikamaru admitted, but Kakashi knew that just him being hard on himself. "But about Ame-"

"Well, you, Temari and Kankuro will go however since Ame and Suna sent two representatives here to look over the project I only find it fit I do the same.-"

Just as Kakashi was about to finish the statement, the two of them heard a knock on the door. "Come in" Kakashi said In his usual composed voice.

Shikamaru was shocked, but Kakashi's choice made since. The blue eyes and blonde hair reminded Shikamaru of his genin and chunin days, he didn't show it, but he was completely happy to see his friend.

"Lord seventh, I came as soon could. And I read over all the documents. I think I completely understand them…oh Shikamaru, I didn't notice you there. It's been a while since we've seen each other." Ino had a smirk on her face while Shikamaru just rolled his eyes. Kakashi knew they were like brother and sister but this banter was a little different. But knowing those two he just ignored it.

"A while is too long, but it's always good to see you ino. Kakashi was just telling me that you're coming along."

"Yep-we leave tonight right?" Ino was positive that they were leaving tonight, but just wanted another conformation.

"Yes, and everything is prepared for you to leave. So I'm going to let you guys get ready."

oooooooooo

"Temari!" Ino waved to her as she exited the gate, and Temari gave her an awkward wave back. Not because she didn't like Ino, but because after all this time she still wasn't used to having female friends.

"Hey Ino" Temari gave her a subtle smirk, but was shocked when she felt two arms grip around her. And her face didn't hide that.

"What? You're gone for a few months a forget how to have a conversation with me?" Ino laughed as she joked with her, but Temari knew it was some seriousness behind it.

"Of course not, just surprised that you're coming." Temari told her as she tried to hide her real feelings. She was pretty sure she did, because Ino smiled and continued her conversation.

"I couldn't leave you here with those two…where are they anyway?" Ino had looked around and couldn't make out anything in the darkness.

"We're right here…just had to get some more information from Kakashi." Shikamaru informed them as he arrived with Kankuro standing beside him.

"Well we better get going-"Temari started walking and soon everyone began to follow. However she noticed that Kankuro was walking by her side and not Shikamaru.

He was behind her, walking with Ino. She was comfortable with Kankuro beside her, but she could hear Shikamaru and Ino whispering which made her uneasy. Of course she pretended not to care, but that didn't stop her from trying to eavesdrop. But she couldn't make out anything.

"Did you tell her?" Ino asked Shikamaru, but he just looked away.

"Not yet, I'll do it soon." Shikamaru sighed hoping she would drop the conversation, but that didn't help.

"Well you better, because I'll do it and it coming from me won't make her happy Shikamaru."

"Whatever Ino, I'll do it when the time is right okay?"

"Fine Shikamaru" Ino left him alone, and began walking with Temari as if the conversation never happened.