Chapter 55

They See Kurenai instead

Shikamaru and Tamari were holding hands as they reached the Hokage office to visit Kakashi. When they stepped inside they almost ran into Kurenai who was just leaving.

"Hi Shikamaru, Temari," she said as she nodded and smiled, she looked down to see them holding hands and gave Shikamaru an unsure look. "Are you headed to see Kakahsi?" she asked him.

"Yeah, we have something to discuss with him." Shikamaru stated matter of factly.

Kurenai could guess what that 'something' was and wanted to talk to them before they saw Kakashi. Having relationships between the hidden villages was something that was long forbidden. She had known Shikamaru for several years, and had taken a special liking to him because he was Asuma's favorite student. She was still getting to know Kakashi and didn't know how he would react to something like this.

She held up her hand to stop him, "Before you see him, maybe we could talk…" she began.

Shikamaru and Temari both gave her a weird look. "Okay…sure," Shikamaru said with uncertainty.

"Great," She said, "Let's go to my place and I'll put on some tea," she smiled as she placed her hand on Shikamaru's shoulder and guided him out the door.

Shikamaru didn't stop holding Temari's hand as they walked, and many villagers looked on after they passed.

"Do you guys think you could attract less attention?" Kurenai asked as they made their way to her apartment.

Temari could appreciate what Kurenai meant. She was the outsider and didn't want any extra attention. She already saw the looks she was getting from the villagers. She tried to let go of his hand, but he only grabbed hers tighter.

As promised, when they got to Kurenai's apartment she put on some tea and then sat down to talk with the both of them.

"So," she began, looking for a way to start the conversation. "How long have you guys been seeing each other?" She asked.

"Kurenai, Please don't assume I've been having a relationship in secret, I wouldn't dishonor Temari that way." He politely answered as he looked Kurenai in the eyes.

Kurenai was taken aback by Shikamaru's blunt answer. Temari saw this and tried to explain.

"I knew I liked Shikamaru when we competed at the Chunin exams. We've become comrades over the years, fighting side by side with the leaf village. We know that being together wouldn't have been possible in the past…" Saying this out loud make Temari think, from the looks of the people in the village she didn't want to assume that it would be possible in the future either.

Shikamaru picked up where she left off. "We fought to live in a united shinobi world, so why shouldn't we have a chance to be happy. If two people were ever made for each other, it's me and Temari."

"Wow Shikamaru, I've never seen a romantic side to you before, I don't know what to say." Kurenai started to giggle at how determined he looked.

"I've never had a romantic side because I've never had feelings for anyone other than Temari and I never thought it would come to anything. Since the war I feel like I have hope where I had none before." After hearing his reply Kurenai stopped giggling.

Temari was looking at Shikamaro with her mouth gaping open slightly. All the things she wanted to hear were just spilling out. She liked the effect Kurenai had on him.

"What have you guys worked on to say to Kakashi," Kurenai returned, curious to see what strategy Shikamaru would employ.

"Well," he held his hand up to the back of his head while he smiled, "I planned to express what I wanted and ask Kakashi for his opinion, and then give him the scroll from Gaara giving his approval." Shikamaru began.

"His what? He approved?" Kurenai said in disbelief.

"Yes," Temari added "He wants me to be happy and he knows how I feel about Shikamaru. He said there would need to be a 5 Kage summit but that if Kakashi consented, that our marriage could be approved."

"Marriage, but aren't you guys a little young for that kind of decision. I understand being sure but…" Kurenai faltered, not knowing what to say.

"We aren't planning on getting married yet, we just want the option for when we're ready." Shikamaru pointed out.

"We haven't even started dating yet," Temari replied like this was obvious.

"I'm going to grab the tea while I think about this," Kurenai said as she rose to prepare the tea. When she came back a minute or so later she had a reply.

"What if Kakashi doesn't approve," Kurenai asked.

"Then I would go through the appeals process," Shikamaru answered.

"But there is no appealing the Hokage, surely the elders won't side with you." Kurenai returned.

"But you do, don't you," Shikamaru asked.

"Yes but…I do…" She began. "I see Shikamaru, I'm your strategy to appeal to Kakashi." She had a disappointed look on her face. She wasn't sure if she wanted to be put in the middle. But Shikamaru was right, she wasn't going to tell him no. She respected him too much for what he meant to Asuma and for the wonderful shinobi that he turned out to be. There was one thing though, "Are you forgetting that Kakashi also has an intellect not unlike your own? Don't you think he'll see this coming?" she asked.

"I'm counting on it," He replied with a smile on his face. "I've never asked for your support before Kurenai, but I need it now."

After a few seconds Kurenai answered, "Okay, I give you my support. I'll talk with Kakashi."

"Great, thank you Kurenai," Shikamaru replied which was seconded by Temari.

"Thank you. I know this puts you in an awkward position but I appreciate the trouble you're going to for us." She expressed.

"I've only known you a short time Temari, but you seem like you know what you want. And if you and Shikamaru both want to be together I have no other desire but to support you." She stood up and held out her arms to hug Temari. Afterwards she reached towards Shikamaru. "I'm happy for you guys." She said while she hugged Shikamaru.

"Thanks again," he uttered as he broke the hug. "We're going to visit Kakashi and then I'm going to take Temari to stay with Kankuro until there is a place open for her." Shikamaru said as he got ready to go and grabbed Temari's hand again.

"Good luck," Kurenai offered as they headed out.

Hey There!

Yes you, my wonderful reader!

Can you tell me what you think so far? Do you like the story? Love it? Hate it? (no matter which you've read pretty far and I'm glad to have you along for the ride.)

I haven't had much feedback from the last few updates and I'm afraid I'm losing you guys. I am working out an ending but there are still some things that need to happen and a lot more Naruto and Hinata encounters that I'm sure you will love. :)