Later.
Wednesday 6:12AM
Song Suggestion- Hozier- Too Sweet
Waking up early didn't seem like such a drag right now.
It had been a dream all on its own, the soft rays of morning shining through the half opened blinds to her, truly a goddess even more so in slumber. It's all he could think about, but even that seemed unfitting. A single term wasn't enough, simple things like words, even from every language he knew, all unable to describe the perfection beside him.
Even her flaws became perfection the more he looked, the more the sun blinded him in this unbreakable trance she had put him in.
Laid on his front hugging a pillow under his head, his aching arm forgotten somewhere in the back of his mind, a distant sting now, Shikamaru simply observed. The once dreaded mornings of a cold bed became a past problem the more he looked, the more his gaze softened, refusing to miss a single second, to miss a single moment of this secret they shared. His time counted somewhere between ten and fifteen minutes, he had lost track briefly and forgot his place, distracted, his breath held in his chest, when she let out a soft moan and turned her face towards him in sleep, the back of her fingers gracing the side of her lightly blushed cheek.
Beautiful.
He had never seen such a softer look to the woman, no it wasn't her nude body beside him that took his interest, not entirely, it the subtle way her lips parted in sleep, the even rise and fall of her chest and breasts, the way her bangs tickled her nude eyelids shut peacefully, makeup cleaned off last night, laid bare before him, for him to witness the truth.
Perfectly flawed.
An angel who had fallen from grace, beautiful feathered wings torn and shredded, devoured and destroyed, defiled and broken beyond redemption, beyond recognition.
And yet.
The angel rose, fought her way to stand on her own to become the devil herself, for he too had wings once, burned to ash for his stubborn need to survive against eternal punishment.
He wanted to fall with her, for her, to protect her, to believe her and please her any way he could, if only for a night, if only temporary he would be hers until then. The world forgotten in this moment. Truly a beautiful woman rested in her soul, a burning sun who had died long ago, now a star shining bright in the darkness that shrouded her.
The scar to her side now had a story, a name put to it, a darkened hatred for the rouge who had hurt her, to all who had dared touch her before. He didn't bother to connect reason to the intense feeling gripping his chest, he simply let himself hate another for her. Ironically, two Uchiha's had hurt her, and the woman had strategically turned them against each other, a part of him admiring such a cynical move. The need to find Itachi remained, his involvement suspicions, thinking how convenient it had been to have the missing pieces right in front of him, no need to overthink for once.
Knowing now to never underestimate her.
A beautiful weapon she was, and like the pages of a book, he intended to teach himself everything, he wanted to read and learn about her. No, not to control, not to use, but to guide her, a nudge in the right direction, to point her power at their common enemy.
As simple as it was complicated this truce they had.
Memorized in watching her now, thoughts silencing, peaceful like the loose embrace. Her warming body, the way she had laid against him for most of the night, trusting enough to sleep unlike the night before, loose slumber between the two of them, trust still new and shaky, now sealed enough to know the other would keep their words honest, protect one another.
Oh how he had fallen hard in this moment, like Icarus on his flight to the heavens, stubbornly pushing past the wind and clouds, his wax and feathers melting away in the end. Plummeted to hell, but blissful in his fall, knowing he had touched those gates, just a graze of his fingers, just a simple touch to satisfy him for eternity.
His mind wandered, his hand followed, the soul led, craving once more. The simple touch to her abdomen met with exactly what he expected, her hand coming to grab his wrist tightly, instinct, but he remained, still as she was.
What was once a graze of his fingers now became his large slim right hand spreading across the skin gently, to alert her of who it was, to keep an eye on her expression as it slowly relaxed with her exhale, eyes remaining shut, and her hand loosened around his grip, touch now welcomed, her permission given and he leaned over to her, a slow kiss to her shoulder, his hand dragging down the curve of her abdomen to her hip, a soft squeeze, and towards the underwear she had kept on.
Had it been a nightmare, Shikamaru had wondered at the time, the way she had jerked from his grip in the middle of the night and pulled away from him, her panting quickly subdued to a huff before she had sat up and pulled the hoodie off as if her skin had been on fire and she needed to cool down, hesitantly returning to his side after what he could only assume had been a battle to decide if she wanted him near still. He hadn't moved the entire time, listening, faking deep sleep, and keeping still as she curled into him, a tentative hand to his chest and letting sleep take her, playing coy herself when his right arm circled her back again to bring her closer.
Blissfully ignored actions by the both of them.
Now he moved, a curious path motivating him, a kiss to her neck as she craned her head with his press to gain access to the skin, no longer rough, but a light touch of a prayer against the alter. Lips working down her body slowly, his own body following to kneel before her, no longer seeking primal lust, now seeking to softly awaken the goddess.
One who had allowed a mere mortal to touch her.
Moving his lips past her chest, a bypass to her breast, kissing, a soft suckle against the darker flesh, the moment short, but pleased with the reward of her deep inhale, awake and relaxed.
Working down her abdomen, her soft moan hushed, trailing his fingers carefully at the side of the hourglass, taking note of the tense of her ribs when he touched the scar and moved away to the edge of her underwear. Studying her body as he had the night before, teaching himself everything about her. Pulling back, watching his own hands trail the fabric down, settling his face between her legs when he finished.
He did enjoy being between her dangerous legs, an adrenaline rush followed by the addicting taste against his tongue, he must have been one lucky bastard to be allowed such a privilege.
"Good morning" a low hum in his voice, a irresistible oasis before him, he glanced up, the subtle curl on her lip, preparing, aware of his intent and he lowered down, mouth open and tongue spreading her lips. One long stroke and his half awoken hard one twitching at the familiar taste, an addiction he planned to feed every chance he got. The release of a sleepy sigh past her pink lips echoing in the quiet room.
"Good morning" the sultry purr, breath hitching as he stroked again, his tongue against her pussy and to her clit, circling, speechless to his actions, her exhale accompanied by the soft moan, quieter than normal. Pulling back, teasing each memorized touch of skin, keeping his eyes to her, dragging a kiss against her inner thighs, a shiver to follow his ending bite at the soft flesh, just a nip to cause the jerk of her body in surprise.
"If you want I can stop" Shikamaru hummed against the skin, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning stupidly at her gasp, just what he wanted, the start of a plea for him.
"You better finish what you started" her voice firm, the smallest drop of panic edging in it. He smirked softly before obeying and returning his lips to hers, careful in building her rising climax, to drag it out for her, to enjoy the taste before him as long as he could, tongue slow and deep, a goal in mind and the gift of his name moaned an octave higher, he did like that ego boost motivating him to continue and never stop "Shikamaru" he hadn't come up with a plan to stop, only one to hear his name spoken, her words simply sung in the background as he pleasured her.
Temari's head rolled back, the whine grew louder, but he kept his lazy pace, only rewarding each breathless plea each soft cry of his name with a harder stroke, ignoring his own groin aching that started it all.
Selfless in what he gave, but selfish in what she offered, and once again she was his, if only for this moment.
He'd be lying to himself, lying to the dirty dark parts of his subconscious, if seeing the naked woman beside him hadn't given him another round of shameless ways to pin her down and claim her as his once again. Those desires mixed in with the cleaner thoughts of her beauty and admirable confidence.
He blamed the dance they had shared in starting all this.
The start of her thighs shuddering against his face, the welcomed pressure against him when he hissed slightly as he moved his left arm to grip her thighs, to still her fight back, her body shaking and panting growing louder. His pace quickened, lashing a harder press of his tongue to her clit. Long legs, tanned and toned, held by him, the very weapons he had watched kick the air out of a man's lungs yesterday, poor guy was left gasping.
Now she was left just as out of breath, his right hand shifting to hear his name once more, like an encouraging chant for him, testing first with one finger, teasing her entrance, a moan, then slipping two fingers into her soaked walls and stroking as he began his torture. Actions speaking for him when she practically begged for her release, the claws to his head, a pull at his loose hair, unexpected, but only aiding the growl against her, adding in a vibration that made her whimper, pleading for him to stay, begging to be closer than he was.
"Shikamaru right" her words caught, fighting to keep her still, keep his pace for her "there" she managed, moaning something in Sunian he couldn't quite make out, the whimper grew into a silent scream and she gripped him, walls tightening around his fingers and pulling as he forced the pace to keep going, to suck her dry, to lick ever last drop of her juices, afraid to spill the reward he made for himself anywhere but in his mouth.
Now this was a great way to start the morning, screw coffee when he could have this.
Swiping his tongue against the throbbing folds to savor the taste a moment longer, like tasting forbidden ichor from the gods themselves, truly starved he had become. Her high began to settle, panting lightly, his lips softer now as he grazed her shaking legs, thoughtless kisses placed wherever they made contact, anywhere she allowed, peeking a lazy hooded look to her.
"That was a first" first to speak, Temari let out a soft sigh, as if drifting back to sleep, he cursed himself for his sudden look of surprise, turning his head quicker than he intended at the admission.
"You've never been woken up like this?" He asked curiously, casual, leaning against her thigh, to fake indifference, carefully stroking the bent leg with his left hand, arm aching absently, fingers light against the skin.
"No" she admitted and tilted her head to reveal the rare eyes to him, hooded in her dazed state "I do not sleep with people" his brow raised and he hummed, contemplating the statement, glanced away and letting out a breath almost amused by the admission, stupidly assuming something about her.
He almost forgot he was laid next to the most dangerous woman in the city, a hidden leader from a foreign land, one they deemed a weapon, one that had slipped under even his guard and created chaos in her wake, like a sudden storm rolling through on a calm day.
He had much to learn in his limited time, but so did she.
"Clearly you've been with some shitty men in your life" he remarked, that feeling again, slowly wavering as he glanced at a lingering kiss mark to her leg, his mark and she had allowed it.
Who was in control again?
"That I have" she agreed almost nonchalantly, not picking up on his carefully hidden smirk, pleased with himself to be a first, no one liked to be second "any reason you did this?"
"Do I need one?" Her question met with his own.
"More philosophical bullshit" And she returned, a flat statement with a scoff, watching him cautiously now as he moved above her, staring down to the lightly blushed cheeks and pouted lips, expecting the thought he entertained, but smirking instead, seeking to test a theory, to test the enigma before him.
Would she come to him again?
"Maybe" he shrugged, the hint of a challenge edging his words, hovering his hips close to hers, just the tip of his member, hidden by thin cloth, grazing the oasis he had drank from.
Fantasizing about a scenario in which he would bear down and take her, claim her as his, not to use, but to reconnect to the warm body she had offered him. Almost begging for her to fight him, to claw at his skin and make his blood boil, like she had back in River. Hell, he was tempted for round two in the shower, though smaller than his old apartments one, he could make it work.
Keeping their secret behind closed doors.
He blinked and it was gone, his decision made, he was a patient man after all. Instead of entertaining the tempting ideas racing through his mind, he settled beside her again, laying the back of his head against his right arm, eyes shut as he gave her the answer she wanted.
"Or maybe I just wanted to hear you moan my name first thing in the morning" the laugh began at his confession, at his decision to pull away, held in her chest and throat, an addicting sound he realized, pure and honest, not mocking and cruel.
"A bit narcissistic of you" he scoffed softly at her, a lazy grin following, but kept in his silence, willing his member to relax and wait, he had only come to please her not himself, not yet at least. Licking the corner of his lips, the last taste of her dancing on his tongue.
It was her move.
Paths to take and she moved closer, a brush of fingers against his left arm, careful as she inspected the wrap from yesterday, activity causing a tear as blood began to stain the gauze. Debating a second more before pulling back and leaning against her crossed arms.
"You will need this changed before you do anything else" she smirked when he peeled an eye open to her, teals turned down to the bulge shown so obviously in his underwear "without a reason" shamelessly staring with a subtle bite to her lip, resisting.
"We could do that later" he suggested, she glanced back, just the corners of her sharp gaze narrowing.
"We could" she agreed, but remained in her spot, laying on her front, chin resting on a hand, legs raised as she crossed her ankles in the air and shot him a teasing grin "or" she ventured, tone changing to a dangerously blunt "you can stop trying to get me to come to you, lazy man" he clenched his jaw, holding back a grin, how quickly she caught on, truly impressed with her.
"I thought you found me interesting?" He drew out, as if he didn't care. Temari glanced away in thought, answering back with a amused hum in her tone.
"That tongue of yours in definitely interesting" the statement giving his ego a boost. He did like to drink, easy and less effort for him in the spirit of giving.
"Selfish woman" he huffed, keeping himself from smirking, cunning wit that he could not compare to another.
"You offered" she shrugged, cruel that smile that followed, taunting, compelling him to stare back at its curved shape "and why would I refuse such an easy high from a selfless man?"
"So much for our give and take method" eyes shut in defeat, his brows furrowed in the frustration, in her mocking nature.
"You gave and I took" she chuckled, a sound that made him sneak a look again, her laugh hidden behind her propped hand, and angel, rolling his eyes after at the nickname she had settled on, the devil "cheer up crybaby, if we don't get shot or captured anytime soon I might just show you a thing or two that nobody knows" whether she was being dirty in her words or not, he lingered on the lips regardless, just out of his range, he almost sulked. Her next line serious, and bringing back his focus, like a switch she turned and he followed "we have work to get started on and little time to complete it" her hand came to the wrap again, pressing two fingers to it, brows furrowed at the faint blood seeping through, he hadn't felt the sting until then "and I want to change this before you pop a stitch" the ache he could ignore, this thought he couldn't.
One would think she was worried about his injury, interesting.
"Where to start?" He sighed, adjusted his head against his arm, seeking to distract himself, ignore her nagging interest at his injury, focusing now on the faint crack in the ceiling, the foundation of the old apartment complex, questionable at best "we have Tsunade, who refuses to aid Suna, now controlled by an ex Sanin commander who was supposed to be dead for the past twenty five years" Temari scoffed at the statement, but kept her focus on him as he reported "soldiers ready to move on the borders, for the past five months, might I mention" he took a breath with the statement, loyalty had made him blind to the obvious, kept him in the city all this time "Fire has four points of entry into Wind, three from Earth, and we'll need to find a way to intercept orders to each point"
"That's what that flash drive is for, right?" he nodded to her, hearing a mumble about the scorpion she needed to get.
"Part of it is a kill code to stop and change the digital orders sent to bases" Her silence went on for longer than he expected and he sighed looking over to her, the morning sun framing her features once more, glowing, glistening against her skin, a perfect distraction she was "do you know what that is?" He managed to keep focus, but it wavered.
"Technology is more of Kankuro's thing, he'd know about it" she muttered, glancing away, a huff following "Suna is stuck in its old ways and electronics are mostly reserved for people in our military anyways so I haven't really bothered learning much about it" she shrugged, something she didn't know, shared with him.
"Strange" Shikamaru hummed, resisting the urge to tuck part of her golden bang behind her ear, watching the rebellions hair cover part of her face as she looked back to him, a shine of golden light entering that colored gaze. As if the blue skies of heaven and green trees of the earth merged into one, to create a color so unique only she alone could possess the blended shade.
"I suppose we are both strange to one another" a soften of her lips, relaxed, threatening a smile when she blinked, slow and distracted as he was, before she took her eyes away, focusing elsewhere.
"I suppose we are" he agreed, not missing the way she took a deeper breath, glancing down to her hand, teals darkened at the sight of the stitch on his chest. Two fingers running the healing scar, her poisoned throwing knife, not bothering to move her away from it, but knowing he would not get an apology for it anytime soon, if ever. Temari knew who had aided him in her attempt to kill him a week ago.
He hoped his plan wouldn't upset her later in the day.
"What else?" Looking back to him, as if seeking his guidance, seeking for him to lead now.
"How do we find Itachi?" A dreaded topic, what did the rouge have to do with anything, he wondered. If he was right and Tsuande hired him, why would she trust him and not her own agents? She had called him a traitor, but he was a man who was known to protect borders from what Temari had told him. Contradicting statements from two angry women.
"Tedious annoying clues, that's how" Temari groaned moving her hand away from his chest and leaning against her palm, irritation clear as day on her. Did she have a personal vendetta against the guy too? Had he hurt her beyond the scar? That question made his jaw tense for a fleeting second, strange "Itachi is a man who lies and deceives, fond of meaningless riddles and analogies that give you a headache the more you think about them" she turned her look to him "he's a good shot, but his social skills lack, it's why he always works with a partner and is rarely ever spotted, because he uses them to hide himself. It's why your agency can't find him, because you look at the wrong people" pinning the statement, so at least he could count on one person knowing where he was, even if they didn't know who exactly it was at that moment.
"Sounds like a drag" he sighed, eyes shut again, irritation threatening to contort his face, but managing his legendary indifference.
"Last time I looked for him it took me two weeks" she added with a sigh, watching him slowly drag his left hand over his face with a groan of his own.
"We don't have that kind of time" knowing the report he had read while at headquarters yesterday had a set date two weeks from Monday, days left before a war would be waged between nations. One move needed and a push into foreign borders was the goal to start the boulder down its path to destruction.
"Mind you I had only been in Konoha for a couple of weeks myself when I first heard he was here" she almost eased his worry, the lingering doubt he carried at his back most days "took me a while to memorize the complex streets here, especially when you can't see over the roofs" she glanced thoughtfully to the covered window, blinds partially open, dawn lights flooding past the slits "we do not have buildings like these, tall and made of steel, we have walls and adobes, made of sandstone and clay. Keeps people from dying of heatstroke during the day and hyperthermia during the night" with her fact, she moved away from him, coming to stand at the edge of the bed and let out a long stretch into the air, his gaze instantly opened wide and glued to her form.
Curveasous plains and hidden muscles, lean and feminine, but with strength in every fiber of her being, silver scars now merging into the tanned skin, like a layer of golden shine that covered her body, hiding all imperfections. Dangerously temping legs and an ass he almost reached out to grab, the blood rushed below, harder to ignore this time around. His mouth watered and went dry all at once.
"Do your people walk around naked too" he managed, jaw slack, as if seeing her nude for the first time, his member twitched uncomfortably at the sight, blood drained from his thoughts as his heartbeat quickened. A tilt of her head and eyes peeking back to him, a glance below then up to his gaze.
"Don't pretend like you don't like what you see, Shikamaru" a flash of her grin back at him, a tease of his name, he almost jumped up to claim it, to accept the challenging look in her eyes, to see if he would follow.
"Can't say that I don't" he sighed in defeat, glaring from her departure to the unattended bulge in his underwear, a stray bit of regret in not going for more, tricked by her, but his own pride, but strangely relaxed in it, eyes shut to calm himself.
Later, he told himself.
He wasn't picky per say, but he didn't jump at every chance he had either, always depending on the short analysis he got from a careful observation of a possible parter. Women were easy as they were difficult, easy to please for a night if he bothered with the simple need for release, but too troublesome to keep around when his duty as the peacekeeper's lead agent started getting more complex three years back. Even now he could count the women he had kept around for more than night on a single hand.
Besides, he had always annoyingly admitted to himself, Ino had taken the spot of the platonic partner he had never asked for long ago. His not by blood sister, their twin connection she called it.
A night with a stranger was fine on occasion, a follow up too much of a drag, a date and sleepover with Shiho, kept him relaxed, almost stagnate, temporary relief until he would get called into work. She had been one of those girls you keep for a long time, too innocent, too sweet and cute like the women from those romantic comedies people adored. His commitment had been a lie to her, even Ino had believed him, until the mission for Naruto had begun and he had to let everyone go so he could focus, so he would not make a mistake when the stakes got too high.
He had felt alone, yet strangely at peace during the time.
Knowing his mission in River nearly five months back would be a task he needed to give all his focus on, Shiho's worry for him would only distract him, so he had called it off when she brought up that dreaded topic again, making things official, making things real when all he had done was lie. He had gotten shot undercover, that mistake enough to prove he had been right to let go of his wanted ties.
Reminded of the time he had bruised his entire back in a unexpected fight early in their time together and had made the woman nearly impossible to settle in her panic when she saw. A night that had led to his quick escape and scold from Ino the next day for his lack of interest in caring. He had cared, cared enough to let her go and make sure she wouldn't have to see how dirty his hands could get, to see the nightmares he hid.
He still wondered how Asuma had managed life and work with Kurenai. Unless, he ventured, no, she never had known he was a agent, right?
Women worried he knew that, but not this one.
Temari had managed the chaos with a firm hand and aided him, even going as far as drawing his focus back when he had wandered off the path, forceful, a bit unethical, but helpful, like a well needed slap to the face. Sacrifices needed to be made, no matter the trouble that followed them. An angel who had made herself the devil in order to survive.
Now knowing he really would rather get shot than regret a single moment he had spent with the goddess of chaos, especially when she would say his name just so.
Singing his name, his, like the start of a hauntingly beautiful tragedy.
The slam of a door shutting, heavy steps, how had he not heard them coming up the stairs.
"Hey Shikamaru" Choji, followed by a shout and panicked apology "oh gods Temari, I'm so sorry!" A second to shut his eyes.
Fuck.
"Too early" he groaned as he forced himself to get up and reach for the pants he had thrown across the dresser the night before, hastily putting them on, heading for the door, rethinking, quickly turning back and grabbing the hoodie she had worn last night as he left the room, to aid his panicked friend from what he knew he had seen "Choji" sure enough Choji stood by the door facing it with hands at his eyes, looking away from Temari. The woman glaring back unconcerned with a hand to her hip and a knife from the kitchen lowered to her side. At least any intruders wouldn't be a threat with her around.
"Someone might think you've never seen a naked woman before, Choji" Temari remarked dryly and glanced back to Shikamaru, already offering the hoodie and knowing the roll of her eyes would follow as she snatched it from him and exchanged the clothing for the knife.
"I'm really sorry Temari" Choji apologized, still turned away as she dressed "I didn't mean to look" adding quieter to himself, a groaning whine in regret "now I know why Ino warned me"
"You should learn to knock" Temari suggested with a scoff, eyes rolling as another round of apologizes followed.
"Choji you can look now" Shikamaru muttered, casting a quick look to Temari as she grabbed the knife back from him, taking it in her hand and looking back to Choji as he slowly turned, half convinced he shouldn't "I'm assuming you found something last night" knowing no one was supposed to be out on the streets unless something urgent came up.
"Yeah" he muttered and cleared his throat, avoiding a second look to Temari as she headed back towards the kitchen, lacking interest now, setting the knife to the counter and returning to leaning against it, glancing from them to the coffee she had been making, absently nudging away the gauze she had found "I was going to come by earlier, but figured you'd still be asleep or" he leaned closer to him "busy" Shikamaru rolled his eyes, slipping his hands into his pockets, right already gripping Asuma's lighter, the left fishing out a pack of cigarettes.
"Focus Choji, what's so important?" he muttered past the end of a cigarette as he lit it.
Clink.
Temari stilled briefly, her hand balled into a fist, but her focus remained on the coffee.
"Right" his friend nodded, ignoring the smoke that had managed to flow his way, both used to their old lead agents's habits "so talk in the underground last night was about upped peacekeeper activity" Shikamaru nodded to the obvious increase in security, any outings to be carefully planned "and something from Red Cloud" Choji sighed, rubbing his neck nervously "I was with Karui last night and she told me some new guys came to make a deal with the devil a few nights back. Said they seemed suspicious to her, dangerous, so she wanted me to know about it" he dropped his hand to his side "she didn't catch any names though"
"Hidan" Shikamaru scoffed, a troublesome start he realized. The first place he truly met the woman who had made herself known.
"I knew I should have killed that slippery bastard" Temari growled out, pulling away from the counter, gripping the edge to glare back to them.
"You only shot him in the leg" Shikamaru called back to her.
"I was aiming for his dick" she called back with a sneer "but the target was small" with a huff, she turned back to the cabinets, searching each one, speaking more to herself than the two "guess he really is as immortal as rumors say around here" reaching up, grabbing a mug, his eyes lowered to the edge of the hoodie, his lips went slack around the cigarette, noticing the peeking curve of her rear taking his attention for a second too long before he winced as Choji slapped a hand to his back.
"What?" He grumbled under his breath, a stray blush quickly following his scolding friend for staring so obviously.
"So" Choji looked away from his scratched back, to his arm and back to Shikamaru with a hum, narrowed eyes judging, but voice hinting on concern "who shot you anyways?"
"Shiho" he muttered, raising his hand to his neck with a sigh.
"Shiho shot you?" Choji casted him a look of surprise, added in confusion "she knows how to use a gun?"
"It's too early to explain everything" Shikamaru groaned.
"Should have listened to me when I said don't take dating advice from Ino" Choji muttered with a snort, concerned, but cracking a grin at him.
"Back to priority" Shikamaru sighed, fully facing his friend to keep his own attention on him "I heard everyone made it out, update me"
"Oh right, here" Choji nodded and dug into his pocket to grab a set of car keys "Lee fixed it up for you, clean ride, new plates, untraceable" He nodded his thanks and set the keys into his pocket along with his lighter, while Choji went on with the list "Ino brought Sai along to our place" a sigh "it's why I found the intel last night at Karui's" Shikamaru nodded, ignoring to obvious reasoning why Choji had left his hideout. Lovers Sen had mentioned yesterday "Sakura is still missing, so no word from her. TenTen got Neji to agree" a hesitation pause "with some reluctance"
"He'll forgive me for keeping him out of the loop, Neji is known to listen to Tsuande more than me anyways" Shikamaru blew out a huff, smoke clouding the room, keeping calm "Kiba alright?"
"He's mad he missed the apparently 'amazing grand escape' you two managed" Choji chuckled.
"Should have seen the one back in River" Temari piped in, a mug of coffee settled before her lips, Choji glancing from her to him with a widen of his eyes and grinning.
"You never did say how that went" he began, leaning in to hear about it.
"I don't want to talk about it" he mumbled, a flash of her shooting a man a few inches from him making him tense, he swore he heard something mumbled about him being a crybaby in the kitchen "What about Naruto? Is his undercover still safe?"
"Word hasn't gotten to him yet, so he's still in office" Choji confirming his suspicions about the public side of things.
"He'll hear soon enough, I'm sure Tsuande wants to keep him in position a while longer, keep suspicions down about the team" he sighed, each task more troublesome than the next.
"Until the negotiations?" Shikamaru nodded to his question, Choji nodding his understanding "When do you want us to step out of hiding?"
"I'll give the word when it's clear and everything is ready, I know Tsuande won't back down anytime soon and they'll start looking for us in the underground no doubt, so be careful until then" he warned, worry for his friends, the ones who stood beside him in the risky decision to stop a war on their own.
"Hide in plain sight, Nara, works like a charm" Temari flashed a look their way, warm coffee in her hands, leaning comfortably against the counter.
"That's easy coming from someone who's dead and unknown around here" he glanced back to her, lips hidden behind the coffee as she sipped, setting her cup down before she clicked her tongue and spoke.
"I might be dead, but I am far from unknown around here" sliding her cup to the side she grabbed the second one she had prepared and moving towards them "you seem to forget I spent four months in this foreign land and have made a name for myself that everyone in the underground knows and fears" she stepped light, almost unheard in her approach, mug in hand, focus on him.
"Mistress" Shikamaru caught on.
"Glad to know all the blood hasn't drained from that brain of yours" she teased with hum, his hands raised as she set the mug in them, keeping eyes on hers as she continued "think like a criminal and break some of those restricting rules you've been taught to follow, get your hands dirty with me"
"What did you have in mind?"
"No offense Choji" she glanced briefly at Choji, he looked for a second, blush still lingering "but the way you've been gathering intel is only scraping the surface of this filthy place" she gave him a once over "you're too nice, too trusting and that is not how these people work"
"It's kinda Kiba's thing to be mean around here" he murmured, glancing away from her.
"Yes" she hummed "and I had him broken in less than five minutes over something as simple as my brother flirting with him" she deadpanned with a scoff and crossed her arms "The real way to get word around these streets without being detected will be with the connections I have made with people who don't talk to peacekeepers" looking back to Shikamaru, she smirked and passed him as she made her way towards the bedroom "now that I've been interrogated by your family" she threw her final words back at the "it's time for you to meet mine" disappearing into the room, his gaze followed her and stayed where she had left.
"That sounds dangerous" Choji flashed him a brief look of worry, but his dark eyes remained on the empty doorway, his mug warm in one hand, his other carefully searching his pocket, only finding a set of keys.
The devil and her tricks.
"The only dangerous thing in this city just made me coffee" he glanced back to Choji, offering a parting grin.
"That's nice of her" Choji remarked, clueless to the crime that was committed, his opening made.
"See you soon Choji" he shut the door behind his friend and took a quiet sip, contemplating.
Later.
A first she had admitted.
To wake up and have another body beside her, to allow herself that, had been something. Temari did not sleep with men, not the way lovers did, she fucked them, only there long enough for the selfish enjoyment of a temporary high, only there long enough to trust in a greeting of bodies and fulfilled urges. Nothing more past doors.
Nothing, she nodded to herself.
The chase in her nightmares lingered even without the venom, just a side affect she ignored most nights, sleep hard to come by after. Yet it had been easy, she had felt calm enough to sleep the night, to listen to the even rise and fall of his chest before she had drifted off, ignoring that arm that had pushed her closer, wrapped protectively around her. She blamed the action on being too tired and a little tipsy to shove him away, that's all it was.
A lover's tie was complex, dangerous, they never ran straight and simple, they tangled and tied, creating knots that were impossible, no, difficult to sever. They created chaos if not balanced right, hell, her father had threatened war and death to his own from the ripped tie to her mother. Showing just how severe and delicate that connection could be, what a distraction could do if she wasn't careful.
Not a lover, not an enemy, an ally, a friend if she wanted to force it through her teeth, that tongue she didn't mind using. He had offered and she took his thirst just as greedily, she was stubborn, not stupid when it came to easy solutions. Fun and useful, charming and handsome her target had become, his promise to protect one her own people
Temari was known to have followers, but this man, this man, was no sheep.
"You really would make a good criminal" the low drawl of Shikamaru's voice, giving away nothing, but she knew better, he was not a simple minded man either "with the way you think" a cautious compliment, Temari took pride in it.
"I would, wouldn't I?" She smirked, hands clasped behind her back innocently, drawing her focus from her previous task to him, the threat of a fight in the air "after all, I was raised by criminals for a while"
She really did like to fuck with people.
His slow thoughtful nod, and he moved, taking a few steps towards her, coffee set on the dresser as he passed it, eyes kept on hers the entire time, stalking. His approach met with a curious teal glare as his hands raised to her hips and pushing back slowly with each step, stopping when her back hit the wall, a move so open and forward, why wasn't she trying to stop it?
Curious she was, what had the wolf decided to do now?
"Thanks for the coffee" he lingered, just his hands felt through the fabric, compelled to stare back at his gaze, a shade darker, just feeling her hoodie move up at her side, the chilly air of the room blowing against her warming skin, her heart raced, anticipation eating away at her patience. With a sigh, he stepped back, letting her go, lifting his lighter to wave at her "but nice try you little thief"
"Already figured out how I do it" she grinned subtly back at him, amused at how quickly he picked up on such a simple trick, one she had been taught by her previous caretaker, one that had aided her on the busy streets of Suna in her youth as a simple civilian, pickpocketing.
"You're not as good as you think you are" he deadpanned, content in his own win, she would have to crush that, he was beginning to get cocky on her again.
"You're right" she sighed dramatically, catching his suspicions side eye towards her "I'm better than that" she reached in her sleeve and lifted the flash drive to him, his eyes wide and quickly crushing his surprise with a frown, eyes darkening "under the floor boards" she hummed, prideful in being a step ahead, offering it to him "predictable, Nara"
"If you know better then where would you hide it?" he grabbed it from her, forcing his bitter question through his teeth, sparked with irritation.
"Depends on who else decides to walk through that door into this" she raised her hands air quoting "safe house" Temari crossed her arms, leaning against the wall, a belittling comment at the ready "it's not very safe and it's not a house, a contradicting term really" she hummed with a smirk, amusing herself further with his annoyance "more like the start of a serial killer's beginnings"
"It's supposed to be inconspicuous, woman" he groaned, glare turned down to her bare legs, just crossing her ankles and nodding along with him "we are blending in, not standing out" he added with more bite, a deep breath following, dragging his fingers through his silky black hair to calm himself. Teals following the gesture, trailing to the way his muscles flexed over his bare chest, over his arm, the way his pants hung loosely over his narrow waist, pesky underwear hiding the growing bulge, a slip of control won't do. Temari wanted to ruin him. He was hers, useful until she decided he wasn't, old habits she decided and continued her uninterested gaze back at him as he went on "besides, the only two people who know about this place are Ino and a Choji" he stated, turning to walk out the room, throwing a final hit that settled it for her "and by the way, you nearly gave him a heart attack"
"Soft Konoha men" at her snide remark, a trap, he glared back.
"Mean Suna women" he jabbed back just as quickly, her chest heaved with the fight in the distance, perfectly irritated herself, body hot under the hoodie. It was nearly impossible to not accept it, or him.
"Want to find out how mean I can get" the threat at the tip of her tongue, pulling away from the wall to take a step closer, to bait him, success when he turned back around, those hands hidden in his pocket, arms tensing, flexing his chest slightly as he straightened his posture, as if readying.
Predators fighting for dominance.
"You walking around like that" his gaze dropped lazily, distracted, but calmer than before when he looked up "was mean enough, woman" tired of waiting, the sparked heat running down her spine and pooling into her abdomen.
"Are you mad or turned on?" blunt and demanding her answers wanted now.
"Both" he drew out, stepping once towards her, hesitant for a second, while she stepped twice toward him, unchanged in her confidence "but that's not the point"
"Point is, we can argue later" she decided, they moved closer, pressing into one another, a familiar meeting of bodies and lips turned to claim the other, quick and rushed. The connection missed by the other, the touch craved and needed.
Her hands dropped to the edge of the hoodie, his quickly coming to aid her in taking off the unnecessary fabric, her own claws tugging the edge of his pants down to release his member, a hot hand pressed against him, his groan taken into her mouth, returning to her lips, to feel the grin against him as he began to move them.
Pushing her back into the wall, keeping her lips locked to his, his hands didn't hesitate this time, holding her hips, meeting her halfway to grind his member against her. To feel that smile in a kiss, he shuddered now, to hear the breathy moan against his ear as he dipped down to her neck, licking against the skin and fighting her hold on his member, he wouldn't let her lead, no.
Temari had other ideas though.
She had taken selfishly and the truce did state it was her turn to give.
"Sit now" her demand strained, a moan of her own threatening to escape.
"What for?" Questions silenced, her answer a hand to his chest to lean him away and catch her gaze, the burning looks hazed in lust, a stroke against his member to silence his further speaking.
"Keep talking and you won't find out" her innocent sounding threat, he nodded mutely accepting the heated kiss and stepping back with her advance. Whatever she wanted he would give in these moments.
Keeping one hand firm against his abdomen, fingers curling against the muscles, the other on his cock sliding away to guide his fall back into the bed with two hands, softened the blow with his right arm coming to catch him, his left hesitantly following. Lips lost and Temari stopped, pulling back to tower above him, to look down at the man who had gotten such a privilege.
Who would get the privilege of seeing a goddess on her knees.
Standing between his legs, aware of his left hand dragging longingly against her thigh, thoughtfully trying to figure out her meaning behind the move. Lowering down to him, kneeling on the floor between his legs at the edge of the bed, she could hear his breath catch with his sudden panic.
"What are" he began, rethinking, finding his voice too quiet, breathless when he realized.
"Shut up or I'll stop" her options given, his mouth shut audible, dark eyes wide and watching as she dragged the pants down his legs and dropped her gaze to his member, stiff, upright, and waiting for her since the first exchange that morning. Now a nagging curiosity to be satisfied.
If he liked his name moaned so much, how would her name sound when he begged for mercy.
It was her turn after all.
Dragging her hand against his thigh, her gaze turning up to meet his, awed silence, disbelief, she quite liked seeing that look on him, seeing his mind blank and cheeks burn, an innocent look, the stray bit of fear edging his vision as she made her intent clear.
"No talking" her command hummed and her tongue came to taste the tip of his member, the first touch resulting in a release of his held breath, his attempt to not to clamp a hand over it to keep from making any sounds. Staring down at her when she lowered herself, taking his member into her mouth, managing half easily before moaning as she pushed down all the way, still leaving more than enough room to slip a hand closer to the end of his member and hold him. He threw his head back, so much, so quick, he tried not to gasp, failing miserably as she pulled back out, watching him swallow his voice.
To ruin the man under her hold.
"Good boy, stay quiet, I'm not quite done yet" sickly sweet her lulling voice vibrating against his cock, swiping a tongue to eagerly lick against the side of his shaft, to moan against it and force out his own strained groan. From his angle, she worshiped, and from hers, she controlled.
Even on her knees she held more power than any mortal man, and he was no different.
Peeking over to witness his fall back to his right elbow, looking cautiously at her when she readjusted and went back down, resisted the urge to grab her hair, to hold her against him, resisted the urge to touch her, and he fell.
Laid flat on his back, his abdomen tensing with her next push down. White knuckled fists dug into his eyes, panting and mumbling to himself, seeking now to break his composure, to ruin him completely under her control. Drunk with the power she held over him in the moment. She pulled back, sucking, tasting the precum and moaning, teasing him with the threat of leaving his cock untouched and cold.
"Temari" the sound of his whimper, her name cried out in a plea, and octave higher, and she held back her sudden excitement. Shikamaru had disobeyed. She pulled back off of him, with a pop of her mouth, his breath caught at the sound, she tried her best to keep from grinning.
"Thought I said to shut up" dragging her hand against the slippery shaft, licking her lips as she spoke her only warning, his gaze turned to her, a swallow and press of his lips together showing her he would obey. To watch her return, to watch her tongue lick the length of his shaft, his mouth dropped as if to speak, nothing coming out, working her mouth to take him in fully again. If she kept going, soon he'd be at her mercy.
His fingers fisting into her hair, a hesitant grip before gently pulling her back and off his cock to have her look at him, cheeks flush, lips wet and shining, breathing heavy, the hunger in his darkened eyes bringing her back to the slick feeling between her legs, her own needs her hands at his thighs gave a squeeze to ask what his intent was.
A predator who had found his opening.
"Thought we were arguing?" He managed, leaning towards her to sit up, a tug to her hair, tilting her head back slightly to look up at him.
"I'm sure we can do both" barely a whisper, thoughtful behind his gaze when he heard it, she could practically see the return of his focus as the quiet stare settled down to her, breathing as he did, calming each other in those mere seconds.
"Get up" a simple order, his right arm raised, hand extended to her, for her to take. Temari almost laughed at the gesture, not knowing if it was the command or the hand that amused her more, but she took it, sliding her hand in his as she had once during a dance, holding her carefully as she rose.
Managing to stand just enough to level with his gaze, before he gripped her wrist and pulled her close to him, a feverish press of lips met in the middle, a distraction she realized when he leaned up and pulled her to lay beside him, the disconnect and reconnect of their lips only giving each a moment to suck in air and return to the other.
"You can't tell me what to do" she managed past his lips, lifting her head up and stealing a few kisses against his neck "we are a team, remember" feeling his heartbeat against her teeth as she grazed his neck, a warning.
"A troublesome woman like you?" he pulled back only enough to speak, to connect his gaze to hers and move on his own, to have her lay her head back "like you'd listen to what I have to say" lowering his lips down to her neck with a low rumbling laugh in his chest, humored by the statement, confident she realized, no longer at her mercy, fuck.
Finding the spot on her neck he made and wasting no time feeling her own gasp against his soft bite, intoxicating this feeling of empty thoughts, this trusting submission she offered him. It was as if the world didn't exist around them, just a warm bed and cooling kisses.
"It's fun seeing you try though" she managed, pulling at his silky black hair, urging him back to her lips, deep and hard the kiss, tongues fighting back briefly before he pulled away. A sharp inhale following his restraints, her unexpected strike almost pulling him from the plan he had.
"Just like it was fun seeing you try to kill me" lowering down to her chest, hardened nipple caught between his lips, he made no effort to slow the pace, quick in claiming a breast into his mouth, sucking the flesh and lashing his tongue, pulling out a moan with her next words.
"There is still time for you to" her words cut off, her panting becoming louder as his hand roamed to find her slick entrance, quick in interrupting her as he began to circle her clit with two careful fingers, left arm slower, but doing it's damage against her soaked skin "fuck" her eyes shut tightly, forgetful in his planned move to position himself between her legs "you have to let me finish talking" he hummed low, giving a longing final suck to her breast before he pulled back, quick and calculated, arms suddenly thrown above her head, his grip tight, opening her eyes to stare back at the darkened haze over his own, both starved.
"The only word I want out of your mouth" three little words followed, uttered in Sunian, a command, working like a snare to catch her attention, a challenge to see who craved the other more "is my name"
Truthfully she could turn this around, make the effort to have him laid flat on his back again and begging, but who could resist such a daring fight back, his confidence melting her own self control, almost as exciting as it was to have the man whimpering for her.
"Narcissist" she bit back, his right hand gripping her wrists above her, careful in the pressure of his left as it settled carefully around her throat, even rough he was soft. Her lips parted, head tilting back to grant him the space, heart racing in anticipation. His distraction met with the unexpected, without warning, he thrust forward and entered her warmth.
Connecting ties once more.
"Thief" he shot back calmly, her breathless gasp quickly turning to a bare of her teeth at him at his arrogance "am I too much for you?" Seems he held onto some grudges more than others.
"Fuck you" she grinned back betraying her excitement, her laugh stifled with a short lived tighten around her throat, lip caught between her teeth at the next slam, filled and dazed, as if she was tipsy and loose, his left trailing down her body "What are you going to do punish me until I say it?"
"Well you technically are a criminal so" another hit and her eyes shut, catching the sound in her throat as if she was choking, as if the ghost of his hand was still wrapped around her throat "seems appropriate" the burning feeling tingling every inch of her skin, fueling her fire. Shikamaru's hand had found her breast, lost in thought, as he swiped a thumb over the hardened nipple, as if he didn't just crash against her again.
"I'm not saying your name" her stubborn confidence in the statement, even shaking and panting under him, met with a short nod, a sly smile following as he released her hands, moving his arms back to her hips.
"Then I'll fuck you until you do, Princess" he pulled out bracing against her bent legs, her body cold with the empty feeling, only given a second to catch onto his sudden disconnect, his true intent, a dangerous idea behind those dark eyes made known.
He flipped her, a surprised gasp following, moving her body around and laying her flat on her chest against the messy sheets, raising her hips to meet his, cock sliding against her aching folds, yearning for him.
Giving only a second long notice before he entered her again with a low groan, deep and commanding, her hands quickly fisting a handful of the sheets to keep from screaming out the name that threatened to escape, ready to fight back against him, the change in power now in his favor. Rough hands returned, no gentle caress, hungry with lust he was, gripping her hips as Shikamaru drove into her warmth with another thrust, taking a slow and deep grind to claim her again, his hand sliding back, a slow squeeze to her ass, the one he had stared at,
"Stubborn woman" his voice vibrating next to her ear, feeling his warm breath closer "it's just one little word you have to say
"No" she strained to speak, mouth slack, taking each push into her greedily, each slow purposeful stroke after a test, how to fuck with him if he wanted to fuck her like this "harder, please"
"You'll beg" he mused, another thrust accompanying his low chuckle leaning closer "but you won't say my name?"
"Only because you want me to say it" she snarked back, a harsher thrust as punishment, catching her bottom lip with her teeth, unable to stop the whimpering whine that slipped, berating herself for allowing the noise to make it out.
His name threatening the tip of her tongue, and he knew it.
"I know you have it in you to say it, Princess"
"Fuck you" a moan merged with her insult, body shuddering under the next slap against her, rougher as he drove in, watching the escaped moan rack her withering body.
"Come on Temari" the next slam betraying the low soothing tone of his voice "just once" she shook her head determined, she could hold off, just a little while longer, hitting that one spot he had found last night she wouldn't last longer, and his name would never have to be said. With the way he had been going she could take another win from him.
To bad for her the man had a plan.
Dragging a hand around the front of her body to her slit, a bundle of nerves added into his movements, drawing slow circles, pleased in the way she struggled to keep quiet now, gripping the sheets tighter, knuckles turning white with the desperate scream stuck in her throat, the climax at its peak, close to tightening around his cock, almost.
Almost.
"Not yet" a warning as he pulled out, quickly, leaving nothing for her, no touch to aid her, aching for his return.
"Dirty trick" her anger met with his grip tightening around her hips and flipping her back to her back. Panting heavily, dazed to see him again, to have him tower over her, a slow smirk and curtain of black hair betraying his own need for air and looking down mixed between that calm air he had around him and sparked arrogance.
"You still haven't said my name so" he drove back into her, keeping still, keeping her rise at his pace "I won't let you come until you say it" her fight back wavering, draining with each second, with each dragging hand against her thigh, with each slow pull back and rough thrust into her, focus set on the shape of her parted mouth and quiver in her lips as she quickly bit them to silence herself, nearly drawing blood with her stubborn need to disobey, the tighten of her legs at his waist, shaking, body betraying her, nearing the high a second time, a stray panic almost settled. Would he let it fall again and keep her at this torturous edge?
Lowering closer to her, as if to answer her silent question, his lips against her neck dragging up for her to hear his own breathy whisper.
"Say it now" the demand, her thoughts and will long gone, mind buzzing and body obeying the only noise she heard "say my name"
Him.
"Shikamaru!" With her cry, his name sung from her lips, her arms wrapped around his back, digging her claws into skin, holding him with her legs pulling him closer around his waist in the final moment.
"Fuck Temari" he groaned with her, the growl against her neck strained as the last thrust into tight throbbing walls claimed him and he came, unable to hold back, one hand gripping her thigh tightly as if he could get closer to her, as if he could go deeper into her.
Breaths held until the releases met together, now weak, panting, and coming to.
This time she allowed it, the gentle feel of his lips and breath against the flushed skin of her neck and chest, soothing her down from her high. Not seeking to push him away this time. His panting evening out with hers as he moved to pull out from her, dazed as she was when their eyes connected in the careful dismount.
As if they both just realized they had committed a sin.
Those amber flecks had returned, shining with the faint morning light, soft, no longer the dark abysses of cold calculation she remembered from yesterday. Handsome and a mesmerizing charm with his soft spoken words, a truth she realized, a choice she made to submit, they had agreed to no lies.
Temari did not wade, she jumped into deep water.
Staring back her focus slowly drew to his lips, she leaning up before she could stop herself, lacking impulse control she blamed it on, her reddened lips pressed against his, soft, simple and short lived, satisfied in the move and lingering close to his surprised look when she pulled back and let the smugness takeover.
"I'm still one ahead of you" with a smirk she leaned back down into the bed, grin threatened to spread wider at the lazy and slow curl of his own lips, accepting his win graciously.
"I'll catch up, eventually" a shrug, playing cool, unaware of her brief observation to his arm.
"We'll see about that" she'd find something to blame it on later, a softer smile following "Shikamaru" ruined he was, staring back at her, she could almost see the thoughts racing recklessly behind his gaze "one more thing" she put a hand to his chest, now pushing him back, he still hadn't taken his eyes off hers and he needed to find his focus again "your bleeding, genius" and finally he blinked, pausing to look at the bandage as if he just realized the blood had seeped through to its edges.
"Well that's a drag" he muttered with a wince as he shifted to move away and give it a second glance.
"Come on crybaby, I'll fix it" a striking smirk following, a promise made, motivating the man to grin back at her suggestion after "then you can thank me and make breakfast again" he sighed and stood slipping on his pants, accepting the proposal, a look back, taking in her body, settling on her gaze and turning to the door.
"Troublesome woman" uttered as he left. Not simple minded at all, she shut her eyes, biting the grin that threatened to show itself, before following after him, hoodie pulled back over her marked body, and searching for the wrap and gauze she had left in the kitchen.
Guess she should make sure he didn't bleed out at least.
The moments after, a half dressed blonde seated on the barren counter, open file in hand, brows subtly furrowed as she read, concentrating. Sharing a meal with the man across from her, as if they hadn't sinned in secret. Clinging to each word that she spoke, listening to her melody in the background.
His own file in hand, leaned back against the opposite counter, stitches checked and wrapped neatly again, his eyes still wandering, but hands kept busy elsewhere, restraining himself from dipping into his addiction a second time, his distraction simply taking his interest.
Normal it had been.
A simple itch that needed to be scratched.
Right?
"I have seen what war is first hand" she had said "I've seen wailing mothers lose their children, fathers give their lives to fight for a cause they were forced to believe in, elders starved of their rations to feed the youngest of their villages, old homes and crops burned and livestock slaughtered to create famine. Suffering is like a plague, it spreads if it isn't contained" she had looked to him "and I do not wish that on the innocent, whether they are my friend or foe" returning calmly to the pages as if she had said nothing on the matter.
Even in the angel's fall from grace, the devil still had her wings.