Ino soaked in the warm soapy water and tried to let all her aches and worries melt away. She was willing to give Temari credit for one thing at least. She had not been joking about getting them a better place to stay. Tanya had brought them to a magnificent five story building and led them to the front desk. The hotel manager had personally informed them that they had each been given suites on their top floor and that all the hotel amenities were theirs to use at no cost. Chouji had immediately asked about food, the manager had pointed to their restaurant and informed him room service was available from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. Needless to say Chouji had made a quick move to the restaurant. Ino had a different priority and had requested extra soap, bubble bath, towels and even scented candles. When she had finally entered her suite she had found four luxurious rooms that included a mammoth bed as well as a huge bath.

It had taken all of five minutes to get out of her clothes, fill the tub, and get her candles lit. She didn't think there was anything that could feel better than a nice hot bath; especially when you were tired and stressed. Lying there in the soapy water she shut her eyes and replayed the morning's events. The words to describe them ran the gambit from infuriating to down right bizarre. And to top it all off their team leader and given them a quick brush off to chase after the girl who had been insulting her. At the center of all of it had been that oversized overbearing Sand nin. She had seen her before of course; at the preliminaries and again during Shikamaru's match. She had missed her completely during her two days in Konoha where she and Shikamaru had suddenly become an item. The two of them had never exchanged a single word before this morning. And now that they had Ino was convinced of one thing, Temari was not the girl for Shikamaru.

It was just so obvious. The two of them clashed, she was much too aggressive for the laid back boy for them to have any possibility of working out. Never mind the fact that she was from a different village or that she was the sister of that creepy Gaara. Either of those things should have immediately marked her as, 'too troublesome,' with big red letters. But no, he'd gone chasing right after her. For that matter he had gone chasing after this mission just so he could get a kiss, all for just one kiss.

A part of her melted at that thought, it was so romantic. She couldn't help but imagine what it would have been like if Sasuke would have done anything like that for her. Where did Shikamaru, of all people, suddenly get a romantic side from and where the hell had it been hiding this whole time?

There was also another part of her, the part that always had to push to get things done. That part was telling her to forget romance and focus on the cold hard facts. Shikamaru was a late bloomer when it came to dating, he had just finally realized that there really were some non troublesome things you could do with a girl. He was a genius when it came to tactics and shogi, but in matters of the heart he was a complete novice. So by chance or by planning an older exotic girl had been there at exactly the right time and place to get his attention. It was nothing new; young inexperienced boy falls for older more experienced girl. And Ino was certain she was much more experienced. Forty three boyfriends? Disgusting! And the slut had actually had the nerve to throw it in his face as though it were something to be proud of!

She needed to focus on the problem. Namely that Shikamaru was in danger of losing his heart to a girl who clearly was only having a little bit of fun. She knew talking to him was pointless. Trying to get Temari to leave him alone would be equally fruitless. She was a stranger here so she could not recruit other girls to help put pressure on the bimbo to leave him alone. Simply beating the bitch up was also not a viable option. So what did that leave? She imagined pushing him into an unoccupied closet and introducing him to a little game called, 'five minutes in heaven.' She felt her face get very hot. Was she actually thinking about doing that with Shikamaru? No! That wouldn't work and she would just come off as a slut in his eyes. The problem was they were here in Suna and he was bound and determined to see her now.

She should have started working on this problem two months ago. She could have dragged him along to some parties and gotten him interested in some of her friends. But she had assumed that with Temari gone the whole embarrassing incident could be forgotten. Just one more funny story from their collective past. But then the idiot had gotten this mission and the incident had gotten recast as a pending disaster. The truth was she simply never imagined that Mr. lazy would go through such an effort. He complains about walking me home but he'll travel 500 miles for that pushy tramp. So how exactly was she supposed to stop someone willing to do that from reaching his goal?

She honestly didn't know, but she would keep trying. She was not going to stand by and let anyone break his heart.

XXXXXXXXX

Shikamaru had to admit the Garden Rose was certainly several steps up from the sort of places he usually stayed in while on a mission. The hotel manager had greeted him and informed him that all the hotel services were available to him with the bill being paid by Sabaku. He didn't honestly care for that, having Temari paying for their stay, especially not when it would be a very hefty bill. But since he was here he had asked about laundry services. He'd had his clothes washed pressed and returned to him. He'd taken a long shower to finally get the sand and dust off. He was now dressed in clean cream colored shirt and pants and his green Chunin vest. The clock on the wall said 6:25 and he was about to go downstairs. His heart was beating a bit faster than normal and he felt that combination of fear and excitement that was usually reserved for going into a fight. He opened his door. Ino and Chouji were standing in front of him.

"Perfect timing," Ino said. "We were just going to see if you were ready to eat."

"Their restaurant serves barbecue." Chouji sounded as if her were in heaven.

"I'm sorry, I guess I forgot to mention it, I'm going to have dinner with Temari."

Chouji sent him an approving smile. Ino did not. "Well how nice." She murmured.

He slid past his teammates and headed for the stairwell. "Have a good time Shika!" Chouji called after.

"But not too good." Ino said much too softly for anyone to hear.

XXXXXXXXX

"You should feel most honored Shikamaru-sama."

"Tanya please stop calling me that, just plain Shikamaru works fine."

The pretty dark haired girl smiled and nodded. "As you like Shikamaru, you should feel most honored. You are the first suitor invited to dinner since the death of the Kazekage."

"So they don't make an effort to see her?" He said with careful lack of concern.

"The ones living outside of Suna? Not really, though when the Daimyo's son arrives next month he will likely expect an invitation. The twenty or so who live here send requests to see her almost daily."

"Daily?"

She nodded absently. "Then of course there are the flowers and chocolates, though they only come every few days." She frowned. "We put those in her room; Kankuro-sama always eats the chocolates whenever he sees them first."

"So she's bombarded with invitations and chocolates and flowers?" He said feeling a bit disheartened.

Not noticing Tanya continued. "Then of course are the gifts she receives on her birthdays and appropriate holidays. When she turned 16 the Daimyo's son sent her a beautiful ornamental fan encrusted with emeralds the same shade as her eyes, it was easily worth a small fortune."

"A fortune?" And I gave her some hair ties my mom picked out.

Tanya heard the note of sadness in his voice and looked at him in surprise. "Shikamaru-samaplease don't look downcast. For all their gifts and kind thoughts Temari-sama has never invited any of them to come and see her. That she has gone through so much effort to not only invite but to greet you on your arrival says much."

"I suppose."

"She threw out her other hair ties."

"Hmmm?"

"She had about a dozen of them, all silk of course. She gave them to me and asked me to get rid of them. She said from now on she would only be using the ones you gave to her."

"Well that was nice of her."

She gave him an exasperated look. "Shikamaru-sama I understand that traditions are different in different villages. You do not truly understand what it means that she broke bread with your family in your home?" She continued, determined to spell things out for him. "In Suna a man does not invite a woman to dine with his parents unless his intentions are very serious. In Suna a woman would never accept such an invitation unless she welcomed such an interest." She gave him a very intent look. "Do you begin to understand how highly she thinks of you?"

"I thought she was just being nice. When I invited her to dinner it was just because I wanted to see her."

A look of concern touched her eyes. "Do you not welcome Temari-sama's interest?"

He thought carefully about that. "Her interest makes me happier than anything else ever has. I care about Temari a lot and I want to see her. But when I invited her to dinner I didn't realize I was committing to…"

"Who has used the word commitment?" She shook her head. "Shikamaru-sama, Temari-sama is pleased to have you court her. Do not suppose our traditions are so different that anything more has occurred. I simply wanted to make you aware that you need not be concerned about the attentions she receives from others as she only seeks your attention."

"Oh, thanks that actually helps. And again please just call me Shikamaru."

"As you wish, Shikamaru you are in a very fortunate position, one any man in Suna would gladly trade for." She gave him a hint of a smile. "I would suggest you try not to screw it up." She giggled and he relaxed just a bit.

XXXXXXXXXX

As they approached the complex it was not hard to pick out. Every building he'd seen so far was made of the same reddish brown stone. It gave Suna a rather monotonous look as the entire place tries to blend into the surrounding desert. The Sabaku complex was surrounded by a ten foot wall of the same colored brick. Through the iron gate however Shikamaru saw a vast mansion composed of stunningly pure white marble. It was a vast two story building bounded by its protective wall.

"It's almost as big as the Hyuga complex." Shikamaru noted. "There are dozens of Hyuga clan members how many of Sabaku live here?"

"Sadly only three, the clan has suffered during the long wars and border disputes Wind country has had to endure."

"So Temari is the head of her clan?"

"No, it is the law here that the eldest son is clan head."

Shikamaru felt horror. "Kankuro?"

But Tanya shook her head. "When the Kazekage died the position fell to him, but he declined it. Gaara-sama is clan head of Sabaku." A slight involuntary shiver ran through her at the mention of Gaara.

As the two of them followed a stone pathway from the gate to the building Shikamaru studied the vast front yard. There were a dozen or so palm trees, mostly near the outer wall. The rest of the area was cover in blue pebbles. It gave the complex an oddly colorful look.

"Why don't you have a lawn?" She looked puzzled. "I'm wondering why you don't have a grass lawn."

"Grass? I don't understand would you expect herd animals to be kept here?"

"No, it just looks better that's all."

"Strange customs," she muttered to herself. "In the desert water is more precious than gold, it is life itself. No one would even think to waste it on grass." She paused a bit. "Though a few people do keep gardens, those at least serve a purpose."

When they got to the front door she opened it for him. He felt a bit odd having a woman do that for him. Once inside they were finally out of the heat. Shikamaru fell into step with her as she guided him past the main hall way. Every inch of the floor was covered in expensive rugs, there seemed to be miles of polished oak along the walls, there were pictures with hand carved frames, and furniture that looked to be antique. Everything he saw spoke of wealth and power. The Nara's were a powerful clan themselves. They owned over 12,000 acres of forest and pasture and had a herd of over 800 deer. Everyone in his family worked hard, but that was by choice they were very comfortable financially. But compared to this he might as well have grown up in a shack.

It was truly beginning to dawn on him that Temari was from a different realm; not only from a different village and society, but from an alien social class as well. Could he really be with a girl like her? What could he really give her?

There was a delicious smell wafting down the hallway. They came through a wide door and into the dining hall. There was a long polished table with perhaps twenty chairs. The two nearest the entrance had place setting and trays of food already set out. A pair of candles provided the only light. Shikamaru barely noticed. There standing before him was Temari, beautiful Temari. She was wearing a silver and blue kimono, her hair was down past her shoulders, and his mind somehow registered that she had make up on, including a bright red lipstick. His eyes were drawn to her full lips and to those amazing teal eyes. In that moment he couldn't help but think that she was an angel come down from heaven. She looked into his eyes and she smiled. Oh, but this was a special smile. It didn't hold any mischief or self satisfaction. It was a soft smile, a gentle smile, a loving smile? It was the smile she had given him at the hospital as she wiped his cheeks and somehow he knew without her ever saying it that this smile was only for him.

"Hello Shikamaru."

"Hey Temari."

"Tanya you can go, you can have the rest of the night off."

"Thank you Temari-sama." She bowed and beat a hasty retreat, leaving the two of them all alone.

Temari's eyes never left his as she took a step towards him. "You've never seen me out of my shinobi clothes or with my hair down." She did a little twirl for him. "What do you think?"

"I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen." In horror he clamped down his jaw. But it was too late, the words were out there.

She let out a slightly pleased giggle and slowly came over to him. With each step she seemed to lusciously roll her hips. "Really?" She put a hand on his chest and leaned in close to him. "Well aren't you sweet?" He could smell her perfume, it was sweet jasmine. "I dismissed all the servants and Kankuro and Gaara are both out right now."

"So we're alone?" He was relieved he had least said that without having his voice crack.

She nodded and with her other hand she touched his cheek. "I've made us a nice dinner and it's ready, but first we really need to take care of one piece of business."

"Business?" His mind was blank.

"I believe I promised you something if you came here to see me?" All at once his heart was pounding so hard he was afraid it just might burst. His eyes slipped from hers to those red lips. She drew her face closer to his and he tried not to panic at the thought of what was about to happen. She moved in slowly, oh so slowly, and then pressed her lips to his cheek. And immediately she let go and was walking back over to the table. "Well then now we can have dinner."

He just stood there. She looked at him with one of her usual impish grins. "Is something wrong?" She asked innocently.

"That's it?" He did not sound like he was whining. He didn't whine, ever!

She gasped in mock shock. "Why Shikamaru I promised you a kiss and I've given you one. You weren't expecting anything more were you?"

He had seen Ino on many occasions play with a boy's emotions by leading him on to expect more than he was ever going to get. She would make a sport of lifting and then crushing his hopes. Shikamaru had always felt a very mild disdain for the boys who would let Ino do that to them. (Except for Chouji for whom he felt only sympathy.) He had always assumed that if they would only use their brains they would be able to see through the silly game and avoid all that troublesome emotional turmoil. But now he had to admit that for all his supposed genius he had just been played. Temari had most definitely won that round. Well the evening was still young. He took a couple deep breaths and let his heart beat slow.

"Of course not." He was glad that it actually sounded like he didn't care. He sat down next to Temari. The girl lifted a metal cover and put down a plate that was overwhelmed by a massive steak. He took out a knife and began cutting into it. After the first cut he looked over to her in surprise. "The meat is still red."

"It's pink, its medium rare, now try it you'll love it."

"I told you that I like my steaks well done."

She shook her head in mild disappointment. "I refuse to cook a delicious piece of meat like that until it's juiceless. Now try it."

"I like my steaks well done." He repeated.

She smiled sweetly, and pointed to a pair of doors behind her. "The kitchen is right over there you are free to cook it as long as you like."

Defeated he went back to cutting his steak. He took the first piece and popped it into his mouth and began to chew. Damn! Why did it have to be so good?

Temari waited until he'd swallowed. "Do you like it?"

It was easily the best piece of meat he had ever tasted. He wondered if there was any way he could get Temari to teach this to his mom. "It's not bad." He eagerly went back to cutting another piece.

"I knew you would like it." She turned her attention to her own steak.

XXXXXXXXXX

He had never had a better meal either at home or in any restaurant. Everything she made was delicious. He had to admit (to himself but not to her) that she really was every bit as good at cooking as she was at fighting. The conversation had mostly centered around the upcoming Chunin exams that were to be held in Mist. Suna had already selected the seven teams that would attend, including hers. The situation was very different in Konoha. Following the attack they had suffered during the last exams there was now a strong sentiment to boycott these and rather hold a separate selection that would involve Leaf nins only. The council was pretty much split on the issue and Tsunade had yet to reach her decision. He personally suspected that the Hokage was leery of sending a large group of Genin so far from Konoha for an extended period.

"So what is your verdict on my cooking?" She began clearing the plates. She had been more than a little pleased to watch him devour that entire steak along with a plate full of side dishes.

He helped her gather the plates. "I am willing to admit you are a good enough cook for me to continue to consider you as a potential wife."

She laughed as she brought the plates to the kitchen. "Well that's a relief, now I have a special dessert. Why don't you go into the parlor and I will serve it to you there. Just go out that door and it's the first door on the right." He nodded and followed her directions.

The parlor was a simple room with a couple small leather couches and a plain oak table. He sat down on one of the couches and waited for her to bring in the dessert. It was only a few minutes before she walked in. She didn't have any food with her.

"Are you ready for dessert?" There was something different in her voice.

He nodded, sure he would love it whatever it was. "Where is it?"

Without another word she sat down on his lap and leaned into him. Her weight pushed him back into sofa. One arm she wrapped around his neck, with the other he felt a tug as she freed his hair to fall loose around his face. He could feel her breath coming in short rapid gasps as she leaned in close.

"I thought…" She put a finger to his lips.

"That first kiss was for my promise; this one is… just because."

She pressed her lips down on his. Her arms wrapped around his neck. His surrounded her hips and he pulled her closer. She was warm and sweet and as he kissed her he thought she tasted of fresh cherries. It was his first time and it was amazing. As they shared their very first kiss he could only think one thing.

Worth it.