Third Party

Shikamaru was very irritated. He was barely here for a day and this fan-wielding Sand girl was already coming on to him. What was her name again? Tatari?

"Shikamaru-kun," she purred. "You remember me, right? Temari of the Sand? I was your opponent in the Chunin exams."

Ah, right. Temari.

"You must be very bored after your long trip," she continued coyly. "How about some….entertainment?"

She scooted closer and batted her eyelashes suggestively. Shikamaru knew many men would fall for her seductive ways, but not him. Hell, he was trying his best not to throw up. He might not like her, but he didn't want to be un-gentlemanly.

He had arrived about two hours ago and was met by the Kazekage, who was heavily veiled. But then again, most people wore it to repel sandstorms. He was welcomed and allowed a day's rest before commencing his duties (which was very strange considering they were in a war).

He had entered his room, showered and fell asleep. About an hour later, he was woken (rudely) by this blonde girl who was now pressing herself into his chest and mewling softly in a last ditch effort to seduce him.

Then he stiffened as she kissed him lightly on his chin.

Temari smiled, thinking she had got the reaction she wanted from him. Trying again, she leaned upwards, this time trying to get him on the lips.

Shikamaru stared at Temari's full, cherry red lips. To say the truth, he preferred more delicate ones, like Ino's. Unlike other men. Temari could never live up to Ino's genuine cuteness.

Another pang of loneliness and loss hit him.

Sighing, he pushed Temari away, who glared at him unhappily. So much for resting. He'd rather be briefed now than be assaulted by the girl.

As he made his way to the door, Temari stared at his back. He's a bit of a challenge, she mused. But then again, I love challenges.

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"What's the problem, Ino dear?" asked Ino's mother. "You look like a sour plum today."

Ino mumbled incoherently. Everything seemed so different without Shikamaru. No wisecracks, no lazy protests, no nothing.

"I heard the Nara boy left to assist Sand in a war," commented Ino's father. Ino's head shot up.

"Did…did you just say….war?" she asked, not believing her ears. Shikamaru in a war? Shikamaru fighting? She felt worried for him.

"Yeah, he's the strategist or something," replied her father, biting down into his toast. "Clever boy. And only a chunin, too." He chuckled. "I feel proud for his old man."

Ino let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. So he was the strategist. Of course. With those brains of his, he would have a better use behind the battle line.

Ino finished her toast and stood up.

"Where are you going, sweetie?" asked her father. "We were going to discuss the details of your party."

"I'm going to visit Choji," she mumbled. "I'll be back by lunchtime."

She let herself out of the door and trudged along the street. She had no intention of going the apartment, it would remind her too much of Shikamaru.

Instead she opted to wander around, messing with her own thoughts.

"Hey Ino-pig,"

"Hey Sakura," she mumbled in reply.

Sensing something was wrong, she trotted over and nudged Ino playfully. "How come you didn't call me Forehead?"

"Not in the mood," she muttered. "Leave me alone."

"What's the problem?" pressed Sakura. Being updated was one of the many things Sakura was. "You can tell me."

"Alright," sighed Ino. "Shikamaru's gone on a mission to assist Sand in a war as a strategist, and he said he might not come back. I'm worried sick."

Sakura's expression turned grave.

"He's not the only one sent there," she murmured.

"What?" Ino's head whipped around to face her friend.

"Kakashi-sensei, Gai, Sasuke, Neji and Lee went too," said Sakura glumly.

"Another bunch less to attend my birthday party."

The girls sighed. It was going to be a glum weekend.

"Sakura-chan! Ino-chan!"

The blonde Uzumaki made his way towards them. "Wanna go get some ramen?"

Without waiting for an answer, he bounded over and pulled them to the Ichiraku ramen store, yelling: "My treat!"

The girls smiled. Naruto sure knew how to cheer up someone.

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As Shikamaru made his way to the Kazekage's office, his mind was spinning with memories of the past.

Ino burst into his home, sobbing uncontrollably. As he was the only one at home, Ino bee lined for his shoulder, knocking him onto his back end as she did so. She collapsed on his lap.

"What's the problem, Ino?" asked Shikamaru, patting the young girl's back. She was soaking his shirt, dammit.

"S-Sasuke s-said I wa-was annoying," she sobbed. "I-I just w-wanted to give h-him a p-present."

The Uchiha again. He should have known. Most of the time Ino visited him was because of that raven-haired bastard. He sighed. When would she learn not to chase the useless boy?

He rocked a little, trying to comfort her. "It's alright Ino," he said quietly. "I will always be here for you."

Ino had stopped crying and was very comfortable in Shikamaru's arms.

"Shika?"

"Mm?"

"Thank you."

He smiled and hugged her tightly.

Absently Shikamaru knocked on the Kazekage's door.

"Come in."

Shikamaru let himself in. There was something about that voice that was vaguely familiar, now that he thought about it.

"Come now, take a seat."

Shikamaru sat down on a cushion on the floor. The Kazekage sat behind a low table and was pouring two cups of tea.

"Here," he said, passing a steaming cup to Shikamaru. "May I have the pleasure of knowing what brings you here?"

"I..uh, just wanted to get on with the planning," he began. "Aren't we in a war?"

The Kazekage chuckled and sipped at his tea. "Typical for you to say that," he mused. "I have heard a lot about you."

He was that famous?

"You see," continued the Kazekage, "The enemy is attacking in waves. For a month or so, they will attack in full force, bathing the village in blood then stop for another month. So far we have held our own, but we are failing." He fixed his gaze on the young chunin.

"I estimate their next attack will be a few days later." He shifted slightly in his seat. "Now, tell me more about Konoha. I have been missing out sitting here all day."

"But…but don't you want to start planning in advance?" asked Shikamaru, amazed that this country's leader could be so calm and collected days before an impending war.

"You underestimate my defenses, Nara." There was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Strange for you to forget, having seen me in battle so many times. I would have thought the fear was burned into your memory permanently."

Shikamaru peered at the Kazekage, who was chuckling quietly.

Impossible. It couldn't be.

The Kazekage pulled away his veil slowly, revealing a young face with black rimmed eyes, no eyebrows and a kanji for 'love' on his forehead.

Shikamaru's suspicions were confirmed. He stared at the once notorious and blood-thirsty young man before him, not daring to believe his eyes.

"Gaara…"

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A/N:

A little boring, I know. Damn that writer's block. I estimate there should be a total of two chapters left. I'm not really going to elaborate on the war.

Reviews are very much wanted.

Naruto does not belong to me.