summer clouds - shikatema

cloud watching

seven months after the Fourth Shinobi War.

Shikamaru hadn't given much thought to what had happened in the genjutsu regarding Temari... after all, he hadn't been able to see her much as a result of all the chaos of getting everything back in order after the war.

The Infinite Tsukuyomi kind of just became a dream that he had. He couldn't even remember half of it, only small fragments that came back to his mind every once in a while. And when the memories returned for a split second, it only felt like deja vu.

The new Hokage had just requested Shikamaru into his office; he had a mission for him. A small thing, nothing special. Shikamaru made his way through several renovation sites and into the Hokage residence.

As he walked down the hallway, he wondered what this mission could be.

Shikamaru rounded the corner to see Hatake Kakashi seated at his desk as always. "Ah, Shikamaru. There you are."

"Lord Hokage," he responded. "So you have a mission for me?" He tucked his hands into his pockets.

"Oh, yes. It's nothing new though, you've done it before. Many times, actually. Since we're in the business of starting anew with the village and all, I thought you'd appreciate your old escorting responsibilities. With Lady Temari of the Sand, of course."

Shikamaru's eyes widened. "Oh."

"What's that expression for?"

He cleared his throat. "Nothing, Lord Hokage."

"She is to arrive at the gates at around four-thirty this afternoon and will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. The officials of Sunagakure apparently want to see how the renovations and improvements are happening in all the Hidden Villages, and are to build a report based on the data. This information will contribute to the foundation of the post-war Shinobi Alliance. Also, drop the 'lord'."

"Alright, you got it." Shikamaru bowed again and left his office.

By this time it was about four o'clock, so Shikamaru figured he would go ahead and wait for Temari's arrival by the gates. He slipped his hands into his pockets and yawned, small teardrops forming in the corners of his eyes. What a drag.

Shikamaru reached the entrance in about ten minutes, and he scratched his head nervously. This would be the first time they would be seeing each other since the war ended.

He stared blankly up at the clouds, letting his thoughts drift away with the warm spring breeze.

It must have been about fifteen minutes before Shikamaru began to doze off, and suddenly he felt a sharp jab to his gut. He yelped in surprise and turned to see who was there. His dark eyes met two glistening green irises. Shikamaru recognized her immediately.

"Slacking off already, huh? Long time no see, Nara." Temari grinned.

"Y-Yeah, long time no see." He said, hastily following her continuous steps into the village.

Temari turned to him. "Oh and by the way, congratulations on making Jonin. You could've done it a lot earlier if you weren't so jaded about everything."

Shikamaru sighed. "You always have to add salt to sugar, don't you... but thanks anyway. How have you been?"

"Good, I guess. Paperwork is a bitch right now though, considering the aftermath of the war and all."

"You've got that right... I thought that after all the chaos settled, I'd finally be able to sit and relax for once. Turns out I'll probably have to wait another two months before that happens."