Shikamaru

I was sitting at the table, trying to concentrate on preparations for the upcoming mission, but all I did was glance at the watch every five minutes. The two hour deadline to report any changes to Tsunade had come and passed and it was already dark outside when I finally heard a knock on my door.

I opened the door and let her in. She also was in an uplifted mood and that made me feel somewhat content. I wanted to believe she felt the same way because of me as I did because of her.

- So, what's so urgent? – Her tasty lips were curved into a half-smile. I wanted to kiss her.

- Well… I met with Tsunade today and she appointed me to a mission. It's a decoy thing where I'd have to pretend to be just a guest in a masquerade ball and find out about plans of some rogue ninja's group. It seems they are planning to assassinate the leader of Hidden village of the Frost.

- And? – She frowned, contemplating what was so immediate.

- And I had to pick a female ninja to accompany me. She'd have to infiltrate the company of enemies to find out information.

- And? – She was almost laughing. I was having trouble to explain everything clearly. I was really anxious if she'd agree and I guess that was visible.

- And so I picked you. – I glanced at her, but her face gave nothing away.

- I didn't know Konoha was planning to hire me while I'm here.

- It didn't. I just insisted on going with you and Tsunade told it's alright if you agree. However, you would not get official permit to miss your lessons at academy and your wage would be the same as mine and not as big as you usually received when Konoha hired you. – I stared at my feet after telling everything, I was too nervous to look at her.

- Uhuh. And why do I have a feeling you're not telling me everything? – I lifted my eyes to see suspicion in her look, but her lips were slightly smiling. She didn't seem to be angry for me making decision for her. Which was very un-Temari-like.

- I promised Tsunade I'd report to her in two hours if you didn't agree, but you weren't home and that deadline passed three hours ago. So now you don't really have a choice as she probably arranged necessary documents already.

Temari looked at me blankly. Her hands were crossed under her breasts, and she was simply staring at me. She was, in fact, discontent for what I did, and that was only natural. I silently waited for my trial. I expected to be punched in the stomach or screamed at and I was prepared to take it all. But what she did was worse.

With the calm voice she answered:

- Okay, I will go with you, but only because you would be in a serious trouble if I said no. But you know very well you shouldn't have done this. I came to Konoha planning to relax a little and forget about the missions at least for a while, so it's not nice to be forced into a mission again. Besides that, I will have problems at Academy. They just employed me and I'm already skipping my class.

She was disappointed of me and that was what really hurt. Even though I try to do my best here, I keep failing and doing stupid things.

- I know, you're right. I'm sorry. – I stared down to my feet, feeling like a small puppy with his tail between his legs who just broke the vase.

- That's all right. I'm just asking you not to do that anymore. Now can I get a copy of mission's description?

I got so excited about the idea of the two of going to a mission a part of my mind shut off. And now I had a result like this, and it all was on me, just like Tsunade warned.

- Sure, here it is. – I handed her the papers. I wanted to ask her where she was today, but I didn't dare. I felt I overdid it today already. – Are you coming to visit Asa with me tomorrow? – I hoped changing the subject will help.

- I am. I have already prepared for it. – It helped, her face lit up at the mention of a girl's name. Now she was rummaging in her bag, searching for something. Finally, she found it and gave it to me with a content smile. – What do you think?

It was a small fan with white firm fabric, outstretched between it's shiny metal frame. The fabric was painted with sakura trees in bloom. It was really pretty and looked fragile, but felt quite durable and firm.

- She will love it. Let's just hope she will not start tearing down the trees like her teacher. – I joked with a fear that she will not be amused after a talk we just had. However the playfully killing look she gave me reassured that she's not angry on me.

- Well I'm gonna go now. I need to clean my flat.

- Come back when you're finished? I can make something to eat. – I offered, already planning some fancy meals I could surprise her with.

She eyed me with a look I could not decipher. Then gave a little smile, and answered:

- Sure. – She turned to leave.

- Oh, and Temari. On Monday I will make sure the head of the Academy won't give you too much trouble with missing your lesson.

She nodded her head, glanced at me with a friendly look, and left me alone to analyze my extremely stupid behavior. I gave myself a mental punch in a face and headed to kitchen.