A/N: Forgive me! This is the longest I've taken to upload a chapter, I know. A combination of things happened including the usual writer's block. Hope you guys haven't given up on this story.
AND ALSO! I AM SO HAPPY! I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS STORY HAS HIT OVER 100 FOLLOWERS. I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES. GAAAAH. THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYONE!
And I forgot to advertise my friend's new story in my last chapter like I meant to. Please do check out spilihp17's "Art of the Pick up". It's a Shikatema fic I requested him to do! :D
For this chapter, I need to explain some things before you read on. I had to make up stuff for Konoha and Suna's dining cultures. Simply, I made Konoha conform to Japanese/East Asian culture whereas Suna, which I can see as belonging to the Middle East area, conforms more to the Western culture. Hope that makes things clear or else you might go "wtf this author is so dumb" while reading this chapter. Lol.
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How in the world will Shikamaru even begin to dine in our ways? I doubt if he has ever held a fork and knife properly. Even local villagers neglect to position their fingers the wrong way. What more someone who came from a culture of a whole different set of dining rules and utensils?
"I don't think I've ever seen Shikamaru eat with anything but their so-called dining wooden sticks. Does he even know what a fork and knife is, Temari?"
She stuttered, "Possibly." Her hands clenched on top of each other subconsciously. "I don't know." She shook her head with force as if to shake off negative thoughts. "Shut up."
Sensing his sister's nerves, Kankuro clamped his mouth shut. It was rare to see his normally tough sister filled with uncertainty and apprehension. But considering the intense situation, he would be stupid to provoke her in any way.
Shikamaru with his head bowed this whole time increased her sense of apprehension. She stared hard at him, willing him to look at her. To let her know it will be fine. That he knew what he was about. That he was currently strategizing. That he knew exactly what to do.
Not even a glance was thrown her way.
And that made her nervous as hell. Nothing had ever made her this anxious in recent events. Not since the shinobi war. No one could blame her. This was, after all, her future at stake. And at this very moment, she could already be losing the man she loved. The man who was foolish enough to put their future at stake.
Intense anxiety was something she did not like to deal with. Fury, on the other hand, was a familiar friend. That idiot! Proposing such a stupid plan! Thinks he's such a know-it-all! Look at him now! Look at us, now, Shikamaru! Dammit, you better pull through this or I will never forgive you for this!
If only he would spare a glance.
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In a matter of minutes, they were all ushered into the formal dining room.
The elder and Gaara sat at opposite ends of the table. The competitors in the middle. Temari and Kankuro flanked Gaara's sides. And two council members by the elder's side.
In front of the competitors, sets of dining ware made of porcelain were already placed on the table. Plates, utensils, and glasses were polished until they shone. The table itself was made of sturdy oak.
The magnificence of the scene should have overwhelmed Shikamaru but he was too focused on the task at hand.
In front of him was a plate, two sets of spoons on the right and a knife, two sets of forks on the left. A small spoon and fork atop the plate. Two clear glasses at the top right.
The first course was the appetizer. A bowl of warm soup was placed on the center plate. And a piece of fresh bread on a small plate was placed at the top left.
The concentrated stare of the audience weighed heavily upon him. An annoyed sigh escaped his lips and the word 'troublesome' muttered under his breath. He just bet every single move he made was being criticized. And as soon as he did one wrong thing, it was the finish line for him. This sort of tension that consumed his body was definitely an alien matter in his usual laidback self. There was rigidity to his muscles that he could not afford to have right now. There was a slight trembling to his fingers. He braced himself and pushed his fingers against his palm viciously, digging his nails in.
The elder's voice cut through his musings. "Let the competition commence."
The soup was the creamy kind with bits of crouton floating about and a dash of seasoning in the center. Its scent was inviting and reminded him of home. The tension slid off his shoulders.
He took the spoon farthest to the right and dug in. Scooping directly away from him while sliding the back of the spoon at the edge of the soup bowl, he brought it up to his mouth and sipped at the side of the spoon.
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Before the competition started, Temari kept mumbling threats and alternatively shooting daggers at Shikamaru and the elder. The entire time the elder held a tiny smirk on her face while she, along with the rest of the audience, was observing Shikamaru. Temari knew exactly what the elder had to be thinking. After all, she cooked this entire thing up just so Shikamaru would mess up and exile him out of Suna. But really, out of all things, dining etiquette? After thinking on it, she supposed it did make sense since if they had set up the tournament to be centered on fighting, the elder knew there was a more than considerable chance of Shikamaru winning. His reputation as a renowned shinobi did precede him.
Thinking back to all the times she dined with Shikamaru in Konoha, they always used those wooden sticks to eat ramen, sushi, dumplings, etc. And since she was young and that she was royal, she and her siblings were taught to dine in ways more than their own including such local styles of dining of Konoha. Thus she had adapted fairly quick to their dining style. During the times that Shikamaru visited Suna, they had never dined formally and the village had adapted their local style of dining as well. Which gave Shikamaru no problem at all.
Thus in conclusion, Temari could swear that Shikamaru only knew how to dine with those darn sticks. And she felt her heart sink.
When the competition started however, Temari felt her jaw slack as she stared at Shikamaru. What in the world was happening? Shikamaru had picked up the correct spoon without a second thought and had correctly executed the proper way to eat soup in their traditional courtly ways.
Was it merely a fluke?
She turned to look at the elder. The smirk had disappeared completely to be replaced by a slight frown.
"Looks like your boy ain't finished just yet," Kankuro said with a grin. She felt herself smiling as well.
She barely glanced at the other two contestants. They knew these dining ways inside out. It was like a walk in the park for them. And that just made her want Shikamaru to win this all the more.
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The second course was the main meal or the entrée.
There was a cup of wild rice, a side of peas, corns, carrots, and pieces of baked chicken fillets slathered in a deep red sauce.
At this presentation, Shikamaru stilled for the slightest bit. His nostrils flared as he was able to make out the distinct spiciness of the dish. He fought the urge to give into a defeating stance.
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Temari barely held the urge to smack her hand into her face.
"Shit," she cursed under her breath. But not enough so that Kankuro was able to overhear.
"What is it?" Kankuro asked, raising a brow. "Wait, don't tell me... Nara can't handle spicy stuff?"
"Uhuh." Temari had a pained look on her face. Remembering all those times she coaxed and tricked him into eating spicy meals, not a one ended up pleasing Shikamaru. Oh, he would take a bite or two to please her but that was it. Come to think of it, most of the dishes of Konoha were non-spicy. She could chalk it up to the cultural and social settings, she supposed.
Whereas most dishes of Konoha were on the bland side, most of the dishes of Suna were full of hot spices. When Shikamaru would come over, he would always select the same thing to eat which were plain noodles with some kind of meat or another. Which was reminiscent of their meals in Konoha.
Why do you keep ordering plain noodles? Why not try these dishes? I told them to make it less spicy for you.
It's still spicy, woman.
Well, if we removed the spice completely, it wouldn't taste anything like the original dish, dumbass.
Which is why it's easier if I just avoid all of those dishes.
You are insufferable.
That's my line, woman.
The smug look on the elder's face had her grinding her teeth. So this was part of her vindictive plan too. She must have known quite a bit about the dishes of Konoha.
Come on, Shika, you only need to be able to swallow every bite of that spicy dish. Just this once.
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He picked up the normal sized fork from the left and the knife from the right of the plate.
He scooped up some rice and vegetables with his fork and brought it up to his mouth. His right hand with the fork stayed, his wrist resting upon the table.
He chewed slowly, trying to delay from taking from that hellish concoction. The food pushed back into his throat. Eventually he could not delay any longer and took a small part of it.
It took a massive effort on his part not to screw up his face as the tremendous spiciness penetrated his taste buds. More like destroyed his taste buds.
Beads of perspiration appeared on his forehead. He felt his cheeks and ears heat up. His mouth burned. Every after bite, he would put down his utensils in a crossed manner with the fork tines facing downward and take several sips from his water glass. He fought to keep his food down and not vomit as was his instinct.
But he kept at it.
Shika, try it, okay. Don't be such a wuss. Finish it. Don't waste it. Ugh, you are so troublesome!
He mentally chuckled. Looked like all those times of evading Temari's spicy dishes was coming back to haunt him. Karma was certainly a bitch.
Temari.
He forged on.
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Kankuro chuckled. "His face is crimson, Temari. This is priceless."
Temari did not know whether to laugh at him or pity him. But more than anything she felt a huge wave of gratitude for this man who was willing to go through something he considered detestable just for her. For them.
A gentle smile spread across her face.
Then she heard the elder speak. "Sir Shikamaru, do tell us all about the wonders of Konoha."
She saw that Shikamaru had just fed himself a spoonful. She could curse the elder who really was out to get Shikamaru. Though it was a fairly obvious trick. At least she hoped it was obvious to Shikamaru.
Shikamaru did not even bat an eye. He continued to chew slowly as if to savor every morsel. But she knew better. She held back a wicked grin at the annoyed look on the elder's face.
After Shikamaru swallowed, he drawled, "It would be better to show them to you. I would happily act as your guide whenever you might find yourself in Konoha."
The elder paused, a bit at a loss for words and frustrated. She said through somewhat clenched teeth, "I'm sure you would. If I find myself there."
Shikamaru merely shrugged and continued eating.
A silly grin found its way to Temari's face.
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Dessert came in the form of strawberry shortcake. Shikamaru took the small spoon placed at the top of the plate. He took care not to take large bites. This was probably by far the easiest course yet.
After they were all finished with dessert, Shikamaru kept himself from relaxing and slouching against his chair. When the dishes were cleared, everyone looked towards the elder.
The elder did not move for a while. Her face was without expression. Then she rose and proclaimed in a voice without spirit or intonation, "First round of the tournament is completed. Everyone passed."
A manservant came close to Shikamaru's side and offered a tray full of cigars. At the sight of them, Shikamaru relaxed as if seeing an old friend. The manservant moved the tray closer as if urging Shikamaru to get one. Without thinking, Shikamaru reached out and almost touched one when a memory crossed his mind and his mother's voice echoed in a screech.
I told you not to smoke at the dining table, Shikaku! It's bad manners! Go outside if you have to!
As if a mouse trap was about to clamp onto his fingers, he retracted his hand in haste, turned and pinned his gaze at the elder, who had smirked then rearranged her face, and admitted, "You're good. You almost got me, didn't you? Nice try."
Pursing her lips, the elder announced in a sharp tone, "Everyone is dismissed. The next round will be in two days' time."
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Temari caught Shikamaru by the back of his shirt and pulled him into a secluded corridor.
"How did you do that?" Temari demanded while holding fistfuls of his shirt.
"Do what?" Shikamaru asked in confusion, a bit blindsided.
"You know! How did you know all those dining etiquettes?"
"Oh that. Have you forgotten who my mother is? That woman drilled all kinds of etiquette into me since I was a kid. Always saying what if we got visited by the Hokage or what not."
"Doesn't explain why you knew our type of etiquette."
"My father was one of the best tacticians in Konoha. Whenever leaders of other villages came over to have secret meetings with the Hokage, my dad would always be involved. And where would be the best place to host such events? Our house. So since that kept happening, mom taught me all sorts of etiquette from different villages including yours," Shikamaru explained. "Oh, keep that to yourself."
"I see. That's amazing."
"It was troublesome back then. But I'm completely grateful for it now."
A smile appeared on her face and then transformed into a severe frown. "But you almost got tricked, Shikamaru! Be careful next time! Your smoking habits almost ended us!" It looked like she wanted to strangle him.
Shikamaru winced and sighed. "I know. Good thing I remembered my mom scolding dad about smoking at the dining table."
"Shikamaru..." She stepped close and slipped her arms around him and buried her face into his chest.
Chuckling, he returned the hug and said, "What's this, Tem?"
"Thank you," she whispered.
He squeezed her, knowing the words rarely came forth.
"Why couldn't you look at me during the competition though?" A tinge of hurt laced into her voice.
His hands moved over her back in gentle circular strokes. "I couldn't because I knew you'd look worried. And I couldn't worry over you then. I had to focus. To see you anxious is not the Temari I know. It reduces you to a normal female with fears. In my mind you had to be invincible. The possible thought that I had reduced you to such a creature, it was unforgivable. It would have made me want to forget everything else and go to you, risking everything."
Temari went silent for about a minute. "You're a fool," she said into his chest. Raising her head, she gazed at him with such rawness that caused his pulse to skip. "You already have."
With the force of the butt of her hand, she propelled him backwards, his back hitting the wall. A grunt came out of him, his eyes snapping up to hers in surprise.
With a saucy grin, she dashed forward and hurled herself onto him, latching her legs about his waist and her arms around his neck. Her lips twitched at his unguarded expression as he caught her with quick reflexes.
Pressing her forehead to his and closing her eyes, she murmured, "Just tell me we will be fine."
At her words, he softened. They both knew it was just the start. No matter how much confidence he exuded at the beginning, this first round showed them that it won't be smooth sailing. Even if he succeeded in this round, he could easily be kicked out in the next.
He clutched onto her, pressing their bodies closer. Inhaling the scent of her hair deeply, he then buried his face by the crook of her neck. His lips brushed the soft skin of her shoulder, making her shiver. Their hearts were pounding like the beat of taiko drums during a wild festival. Their skin grew warm and aroused from their proximity. But the feelings crept in slowly and cautiously. As if knowing that if they rushed it, it would end that much sooner. And now more than ever, they had to be savored, not unlike fine wine, to be swirled and swished about, to be examined by the various senses before a complete tasting would ensue.
"I'm the tactical genius, don't forget," Shikamaru gently reminded her. "We will be fine. The outcome will be in our favour."
"It had better be or I will hunt you down and make you pay for it," she growled softly against his neck, her breath warming his skin further.
Shikamaru smirked as he started to make way for his room while carrying her. "Why not make me pay now for my almost blunder?"
A pensive expression crossed her face and she sighed dramatically. "The things I have to do to keep you in line."
"You live for it, troublesome woman."
"Shut up and hurry, lazy ass. Or I'll find myself cooking."
Shikamaru blanched and sped up, Temari chuckling all the way.
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For your information, Shikamaru used the European style of dining in this chapter. Apparently there is a difference in handling a knife and fork in the European style versus the American style. Go figure. Lol.
Thank you to the additional people who favorited and followed! Special thanks to reviewers: fanofthisfiction, ALIASTESIN, spilihp17, SnowHusky20, SariaKasumi, Guest, Rose-Aki, Reginaaviles68, Gurpreet Singh, Wolf99887, Guest, ShikamaruTemariNara. You all gave me the boost I needed. Thank you!