A/N: I have been slacking off a lot and am not proud lol. I'll try to get a few more up by next week at least but for now enjoy this mother-son "bonding"

Motherly Interactions (K)

He eased the door open as soft as possible, trying to prevent any noise from being produced. He allowed himself to slip in stealthily, using techniques he had acquired through his training. A slight creak came from the hinges as he closed the door. All he had to do now was cross the kitchen and head upstairs where he would be safe from his mother's wrath. It was late but a light emitted from the kitchen. The teenager inwardly cursed and embarked on his battle of stealth. With every step, he shifted his weight to avoid any noise. He held the air in his lungs as he crossed the glowing room. The sound of water rushing down the sink came to a halt as his right foot made contact with the first step to safety.

"Young man." He gulped and tried to ignore his mother's stern voice. He lifted his left foot to meet the second step to safety. "Shikamaru! Get your ass in here now!"

Letting out a groan, the younger Nara retraced his steps and appeared before his mother. Her arms were crossed and eyebrows furrowed. Never a good sign. "Why were you out so late?"

"Mom, it's only -"

"I don't care. I asked for a reason. Now tell me why." She raised a hand and he cowered in defense.

"I-I was out with a friend." Not just a friend though. A few minutes ago, he had walked a certain someone back to her hotel from a meal at a random restaurant. A date, it was called.

"And you dare dress like that to a date?" The Nara intelligence that ran through the family definitely did not help Shikamaru in this situation at all. Of course, his mom had the wit to quickly read the situation. She stuck a finger out at his "dishonorable", she would call it, choice of wardrobe, which was unsurprisingly his regular shinobi attire.

"It was just a casual dinner. It was last minute too."

"I'm not surprised. I know my son's a lazy boy and never plans for anything." She let out a light-hearted chuckle at his defeated expression. She turned back to the pile of pots and pans in the sink, still needing to be scrubbed. "But I am so happy for you, finally going out with her after all this time. Tell me, when am I going to be seeing some grandchildren?"

A sputter came from the teenager's mouth as he stared at his mom in awe. "Don't you think it's too soon for that? I'm not even married yet."

"Oh ho, but just give it some time and I'm sure all the formalities will be taken care of." She began to scrub away at the contents in the sink.

"How are you so sure that I was out with someone special? I haven't even told you anything. It could've just been a friend you know." He pulled out a chair and sat on it, leaning an arm on the table.

"But it wasn't just a friend, that's all I know. When are you going to introduce me to her?"

"Huh? And let two troublesome women nag me at the same time? No thanks, that's the last thing I want." His mother turned her head and shot him a death glare.

"I guess I just have to meet her myself. Maybe I'll run into her sometime." I hope not.

"Mom, you don't even know what she looks like."

"Maybe I'll even follow you to where she's staying." That's ridiculous.

"Mom, that's ridiculous and creepy."

"Maybe you'll invite her over." That would be too troublesome.

"Like I said, that's the last thing I want."

"Maybe I'll invite her over." Even more troublesome.

"Please don't."

"I guess it's just hopeless then. But Temari-san really seems like a nice woman that I'd want to meet." Shikamaru's dark eyes pierced into his mother's back as he watched her wash a pot. Of course she knew. "Do you think I'm that oblivious Shikamaru? Remember that your mother was once a strong willed kunoichi. And a ninja is always observant."

"No, I was just waiting for the moment you would finally spit it out." The sound of a chair scooting followed his voice.

"Temari is the toughest kunoichi in all of Suna. I see how soft she gets when she's around you."

"What? When have you seen us together?"

"Recently, all the time. I was suspicious way before though." Are we really that obvious?

A sigh followed her answer. "Just remember, even the toughest woman shows her soft side to the man she truly cares for."

"Yeah, I'll never forget." He gave his mother one last look and rose from his seat. "Anyways, it's late like you said. I'll go clean up and head to bed. Goodnight mom."

"Since it's late, like you said, I'll go clean up and head to bed. Goodnight mom."

"You're cleaning the courtyard for staying out past your curfew tomorrow. Goodnight." Shikamaru groaned to himself as he trudged his way to the door. He was about to set foot on his flight up when his mom's voice called out to him once more.

"Shikamaru?" He turned back and looked at her, letting out a soft grunt. "Your father would be proud."