Disclaimer: see part 1.

Of Sand and of Leaf

Part 5

Hear Me Roar

By Random1377

It was surprisingly fulfilling, Temari found, to have her hand resting on Shikamaru's arm. She was not starry-eyed and dreamy, but she had to admit there was a certain satisfaction in the simple physical contact – and the looks of surprise that they received were definitely amusing, especially when they met Ino.

The blonde happened to be passing by one of the shops in the village, going the opposite direction, and nodded briefly to Shikamaru, her mind clearly on other things… but she came up short three paces past the two, her face registering surprise as she turned to glance back over her shoulder.

"Oi," she said slowly, "Shikamaru…"

Yare, Yare, Shikamaru thought tiredly, turning to face the girl. What a hassle.

"Ohayo, Ino-chan."

Ino frowned, studying the two over her shoulder for a long moment before turning around to face them. "O-hay-o," she said, slowly walking up to them and glancing pointedly at where Temari's hand lay on Shikamaru's arm.

"Is there a problem?" Temari asked coolly, arching an eyebrow as the younger girl edged closer.

Shikamaru tensed as Ino slowly raised her right hand, thrusting it out in front of her with her fist tightly clenched. Is she challenging her? he thought incredulously, Temari would destroy her! Man, what a pain… why am I always getting caught in the mid-

His jaw dropped open as Ino's thumb suddenly popped up, her face breaking into a huge grin as she gave Temari the universal 'nice job' sign. "I saw Hinata and TenTen," she said, ignoring Shikamaru's stunned expression, "so it's true – you're really dating him."

"We're not dating!!" Shikamaru exploded, "Who said-"

"Well, I'm trying," Temari cut in smoothly, dropping Ino a sly wink, "he's kind of hard to talk to, but I'm trying. Have to say I'm a little surprised that you approve, though… we used to be enemies."

Ino waved a hand. "In the past, in the past," she said dismissively, "I would have done the same if I was ordered to. I think TenTen's the only one that really doesn't like you."

"Yeah," Temari said blandly, "I kind of figured that one out. Might make it difficult if I decide to move here, but I'll deal with it, if that happens."

Shikamaru briefly considered trying to slip away, but he realized it would be a futile effort. Not like I have anywhere to run, he thought dismally, plus, at this rate, she'll have Kiba right on my heels, telling me how I should give her a chance. This sucks… everyone's against me! And her – LIVING here?? …she promised she'd leave after six days! She's not going back on that is she?

Suddenly, Ino leaned forward, cupping her hand around her mouth and whispering something in Temari's ear.

"Oh, I've already done that," the Sand nin laughed.

"You have?" Ino exclaimed, looking impressed as she shot Shikamaru a doubtful glance. "Really??"

Temari smiled so broadly that her eyes closed, her teeth flashing white as she held her fingers up in a V of triumph. "Twice!"

His face darkening as he realized what they were talking about, Shikamaru started to walk away.

"I guess we're leaving," Temari laughed, giving Ino a quick salute. "Ja ne."

Ino returned the salute, adding a quick bow as she called, "Ganbatte!!"

As she caught up to him, Shikamaru grumbled, "What is it about you? I've lived here my whole life – but everyone we meet thinks you're the greatest thing since sliced bread!"

"Don't be mad about it," Temari said lightly, "people just… want to see you happy, Shikamaru – so they like me because they can see that I want to be with you, and that I've got the tenacity to make US work."

"You're so humble," Shikamaru mumbled, rolling his eyes.

"I am," Temari said levelly, stepping in front of him to keep him from walking away. "Look," she elaborated, holding one hand out in front of her, "I know all these girls – women too – who have no self-worth. They go through life with their heads down, seeing nothing but the ground in front of them as they try their hardest not to be seen." She held out her other hand. "And then over here you have these women that are so full of themselves that they look at everyone around them as if they are beneath them – not even worth looking down their noses at when they march past." Slowly, she brought her hands together, her tone entirely serious as she concluded, "I refuse to be either. My eyes stay on what matters to me, not up, not down – straight ahead."

Shikamaru found that he was staring at the young woman with unconcealed wonder, and forced himself to look away.

Temari, stepped back into his line of sight, her eyes unsmiling as she whispered, "There is no shame in knowing ones own worth, Shikamaru-kun. I know I'm not a goddess, but I know I'm not worthless… and I know if you give me a chance, we'd work out pretty well together. Face it, Shikamaru-kun – we fit."

"Mm," Shikamaru hummed noncommittally, refusing to make eye-contact.

With a sigh, Temari stepped aside, laying her hand carefully on his arm as they continued walking. A slightly uncomfortable silence fell as they made their way through the village, stopping from time to time to glance in a window or talk briefly with a passing acquaintance of Shikamaru's – all of whom arched their eyebrows in nearly identical expressions of incredulity at the casually intimate closeness between the Sand nin and the young chuunin.

As they reached his house, Shikamaru cleared his throat. "There's… probably enough food for you to stay for dinner," he said awkwardly, scratching the side of his nose. "If you wanted to, I mean."

"Are you just being polite to a visitor from another village?" Temari wondered, eying him shrewdly, "Or are you actually inviting me?"

Before he could reply, a voice from the shadows murmured, "If he's not, I am."

Shikamaru's only comfort at being caught completely off guard was the fact that Temari was as well, her hands flashing to her belt pouch for some weapon or other before relaxing as one of the shadows detached itself from the darkness and stepped out into the light.

"Well?" the figure said smoothly, "Are you going to introduce us, or just stand there and gawk?"

Shrugging as if it made no difference to him either way, Shikamaru said, "Father, this is Temari of the Sand… Temari, this is my dad."

Temari relaxed, easing her hands away from her weapons and offering the man a deep bow. "My pleasure," she said guardedly, unsure of how to reply to the cool, assessing gaze directed her way.

Shikamaru's father grinned faintly. "Boy, she's polite," he said easily. "The pleasure is mine, Temari-chan. Now as I was saying – you are more than welcome to join us, if you would like."

Nodding, Temari replied, "I would love to."

Chan? she thought, frowning as Shikamaru shot his father an exasperated look, How long since anyone's called me chan?? It's always san… hell; someone called me kun once, but chan? Chan is cute. Chan is fluffy. …I'm not a chan.

"Kyaa – you're still here!"

Temari blinked as Shikamaru's mother appeared – seemingly from nowhere and smiled down at her. This family has serious stealth skills, she thought, unconsciously returning the older woman's conspiratorial grin, and here… is my lone ally.

Shikamaru's mother glanced at her son. "It's nice to see that Shiki-kun hasn't driven you away yet," she said warmly, gesturing to her house. "Come in, please."

Bowing, Temari waited until Shikamaru's parents preceded them into the house, then gave the chuunin a sideways glance. "Shiki-kun?" she said amusedly, arching an eyebrow as he ground his teeth. "That's… cute – but I don't think it suits you."

"No," Shikamaru agreed quickly, "it doesn't."

"I think Shiki-sama fits better."

Temari raised her hands as his brow drew down in anger.

"Kidding!" she laughed, "Just kidding!" She smiled, winking as she started into the house as she murmured, "Of course, a wife has the right to call her husband sama if-"

She came up short as Shikamaru's hand shot out, seizing her by the wrist and spinning her back around. "Why are you doing this?" he demanded quietly. "Do you really think those little comments about marriage and moving to my village are going to get me to like you?"

Though he had expected her to be defiant, Temari looked abashed. "I… sorry," she said awkwardly, "I'm not really good at this, you know."

"Good at what, driving me crazy?" Shikamaru grumbled. "Because let me tell you, you're not TOO bad!"

Temari closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "No," she said calmly, "I mean I'm not too good at liking people, ok? I was raised as a shinobi… I have one brother that's sarcastic and pompous, and one that's so terrifying grown men refuse to SLEEP when he's in the village. I don't have a lot of experience with letting my feelings show, Shikamaru… cut me some goddamn slack!" She willed her jaw to unclench, meeting his eyes steadily as she concluded, "I crack jokes to make people nervous… like me, ok? Do you get it now? I want you to like me, and it's ANNOYING that you won't even look at me, so I feel like I have to-"

"I get it," Shikamaru cut in softly. "I didn't mean to make you mad."

Taking another breath, Temari realized that her whole body was tensed, ready to lash out at a moment's notice, and she forced herself to relax. "Let's eat," she said abruptly, turning towards his house. "I'll go home after dinner…"

As she was reaching towards the door, Shikamaru murmured, "We're not that different."

Temari nodded into the uncomfortable silence. I kind of figured that, she thought, waiting for him to say more, I joke and act tough… you pretend you don't care about anything.

When Shikamaru said nothing further, Temari glanced over her shoulder and gave him a small smile. "Come on," she said, reaching out with one hand, "your parents are going to think we're making out, or something."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes… but he did take her outstretched hand, allowing her to lead him into his own house as if he was the visitor and she, the native. Her hands are rough, he noticed suddenly, focusing on the texture of the genin's palm, I wonder how many people she's had to kill…?

Pushing the dark thoughts from his head, Shikamaru determined that he would do his best to pay more attention to the young woman. He had promised her six days worth of consideration, and though he had honestly planned to just ignore her as much as possible, he now felt that he owed it to her to at least ATTEMPT to get to know her. True, he normally stayed away from brash, commanding women, but if she was putting forth this much effort – acknowledging that after her time was up, she would leave him alone – he thought he could at least spare her some of his attention.

Can't go back on my word, he thought grudgingly, like Naruto always says 'that's my ninja way.'

To be continued…

Author's notes: man, from 23 reviews on chapter one to 7 on chapter four. …definitely not a good trend. Oh well. Guess I overestimated the popularity of this idea, huh? Eh, hopefully the handful of readers left out there are enjoying this. Excuse me while I pout. No, don't try to make me feel better… probably be dead in a week anyway…

Six String Samurai gave this chapter the once-over and stamped it for approval. And by stamped, I mean he literally printed it out, put it on the floor, and stamped on it with a steel-toed boot. Dude… a simple, 'could use some work' would've been just fine.

Feedback is always welcome on any site with reviewing capabilities, or by e-mailing me directly at random1377(at-symbol)yahoo(dot)com.