Shikamaru moved a piece as Temari watched him intently. "Checkmate"
"We should really go get something to eat now before everything closes up, Temari", he said rising.
Temari stared intently at the board for moments, gritting her teeth in determination. "No. I will beat you tonight", she bit out, resting the pieces for a new game.
"Temari, I hate to admit it because you are a good strategist, but that's not going to happen." Then more softly, "not tonight anyway. You're tired and hungry. Why don't we go out for dinner if anything is still open? My treat. Then we can come back and I'll draw you a bath. You can relax before bed and sleep in tomorrow. I'm supposed to train Asuma Sensei's kid tomorrow afternoon but besides that I have the rest of the day free. We can continue playing then if you insist."
Temari looked up at him, suddenly quite awake. Since when he had become so mature and responsible? Taking care of both her and a kid?
"Well?" he smirked. "You know there's nothing I enjoy more than beating your smug ass at shogi right? And unlike our first match in the arena, I'm not going to let you win! So if you continue to insist on playing until that improbable event happens, we'll be here til long past the wedding!"
Temari looked like she had some fighting words of her own but couldn't get them out.
He offered her his hand, still smiling down at her. "Well, come on then."