It All Started With A Smell

Jinchuriki

He had woken up before Naruto and had rose as quietly as he could, not wanting to wake the blonde. She even slept unusually. Her feet had made their way onto Shikamaru's lap, making it hard for him to get up. One arm was under her head, squishing her cheek and giving her mouth an odd shape. Drool trickled out of her mouth, pooling on the couch, and her other arm hung off the lounge, her fingers skimming the floor. Her blonde hair was as messy as ever but without her forehead protector her hair looked longer and had a more feminine look. Gently, Shikamaru lifted Naruto's legs, scooting out from under them before lowering them back onto the couch.

With a small smile, Shikamaru reached out and brushed his fingers over Naruto's cheek. He felt as well as heard Naruto release a deep sigh.

"Shikamaru..."

"Sorry to wake you," He said, crouching down so that he was at the blonde's level. "I have to get going, but go back to sleep."

"Shikamaru... Temari..." Naruto gave a groan, burying her face in the couch cushion.

Before he could think of something to say Naruto's breaths evened out, her back to Shikamaru. With one last smile at the blonde he gathered up his vest and shoes and snuck out of the apartment, not wanting to wake Naruto again. He put his shoes and vest on in the hall and made his way out of the building. As he walked through the floor under Naruto's to get to the main flight of stairs a woman opened her door and looked out at Shikamaru with distain. She was wearing her slippers and dressing gown, her eyes crusted with sleep.

He was more than willing to simply walk passed the woman but he heard her grumble to herself. "How disgusting!"

Stopping, he turned back to the old lady who continued to glare at him. It only took his brain a moment to realise they were under Naruto's apartment, meaning the woman was probably Mrs Huruma. "What is your problem?"

"That thing shouldn't have friends. And it shouldn't have overnight guests! What would your parents think?" Mrs Huruma pulled her gown tighter, as though to make as much space between the two as possible.

In the painted glass that hung next to the door Shikamaru could see his reflection. His shirt was a mess and his hair was in disarray. It was obvious what this woman thought Shikamaru had been doing in Naruto's apartment, something that made him blush red for two reasons.

"My parents taught me to judge a person on their behaviour, and nothing else. And Naruto deserves friends more than anyone else, you old hag! If you think otherwise than you don't know what a great person Naruto is. He is the kindest, most loving person I have ever met and does not deserve to be treated the way you treat him. So stay out of mine and Naruto's business."

He gave the woman his hardest glare, the one he reserved for enemy he knew he would have to kill, before stalking off down the hallway. It wasn't until he was on the bottom floor that he fixed his hair, not wanting Temari to get the same idea as the old lady had. He knew from past experience that Temari liked to leave the village early in the morning. As her escort he knew he should see her to the gate but he was enjoying just sitting in Naruto's house. The blonde appeared unaffected by his presence.

Temari gave him a smirk when she saw him, easily falling into step with him to the gate. Her eyes travelled over his form in a way that made him uncomfortable.

"It looks like you slept well." Her smirk grew.

"I guess."

"Did you wake Naruto up before you left?"

Shikamaru choked on his own saliva. "What are you talking about?"

With a raised eyebrow, Temari laughed at him. "I can tell that they are the clothing you wore yesterday. Even if you wear the same uniform each day I can tell the difference. I live with two brothers who like to sleep in their clothing. So you and Naruto obviously... worked things out. Hopefully a lot."