Time with You

5. Mess

The next day for Naruto was full of running around the village, completing various tasks. After finishing a few of the tedious chores, he took some time out to train a bit before getting back to work. Sadly, the rush of adrenaline from training was short lived as he heard his name being called from behind him. He turned and saw Sakura jogging over to him. 

"Hey Sakura-chan! What's up?" Naruto chirped, as he wiped some of the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand, grinning over at her. 

"Sorry to bother you Naruto, but Tsunade's summoned Team Seven." Sakura groaned, "Just as I was beginning to enjoy my day off." 

Naruto wiped his hands on his pants, and began to put on his jacket he had taken off earlier due to the heat. "Maybe she just wants to tell us something." He shrugged, although not fully believing it himself. 

"Hopefully. If you're ready let's go together, I want to get this over with." Sakura mumbled, already knowing they were going to be sent off somewhere on some "important" business. 

As the duo reached the Hokage's office they met up with Sasuke outside the door. 

"Yo Sasuke! Do you know why we were called over?" Naruto brought up a hand, greeting the boy. 

Sasuke nodded at Naruto, before replying, "No, but I'm guessing it's just a simple everyday mission." 

"Well, let's find out then." Sakura stepped forward, knocking on the door, waiting for approval before entering. 

After the briefing, the three trudged down the steps. They had been assigned to escort some important figure, Naruto wasn't really paying attention up until he was told they wouldn't return for a week or two. 

"Is this guy THAT important? Why does he need so much of our time." Naruto whined as he stepped off the last stair, onto the ground.

"Stop whining Naruto. We can't stop it so let's just pack and head out." Sakura sighed, she herself wasn't excited about leaving the village for so long, but it was an order and there was no getting out of it.

"Fine." Naruto mumbled, waving goodbye to the other two as he began walking home. 

"Oh, it's Naruto." 

He looked over to his right, grinning upon seeing Choji waving at him, smiling. He was standing next to an irritated looking Shikamaru. Naruto strolled over to them, deciding he could take a quick detour before packing. 

"Hey guys!" Naruto high-fived Choji's still raised hand, before placing his hands in his pockets. "You alright, Shikamaru?" He rose an eyebrow looking over at the Nara.

"I'm fine, where are you heading?" Shikamaru questioned, his usual expression settling onto his face. 

"I've got to pack, Team Seven's been assigned to some escorting mission." Naruto stuck out his tongue in disgust. 

"I thought you enjoyed missions, Naruto." Choji chimed in.

"I do, but I already know this one's gonna be the type to go verrrrrry smoothly. Which means no fights, no action, NOTHING! Just days on days of walking non-stop." Naruto slumped forward, groaning. 

"Days?" Shikamaru stared down at the orange mess in front of him. 

Naruto straightened up, rubbing his face as he replied. "Yeah, Baachan said it'd be around a week or two 'till we get back." 

"Hm." Shikamaru hummed, then nodded to the side. "You should go pack then, you're gonna be late." 

Choji nodded as he patted Naruto on the back. "Good luck Naruto!" 

"Yeah, thanks guys." Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he waved goodbye. He turned and resumed his journey home.

"So Shikamaru, ready to go cloud watching?" Choji turned to him, knowing something was bothering his best friend. However, he knew better than to push for answers. Shikamaru would tell him once he had everything figured out.

"Yeah, let's go." Shikamaru took a deep breath, and began heading to the rooftop, Choji by his side.

The boys were settled on the small platform, sitting in silence as per usual, when Shikamaru suddenly sat up. He turned to Choji, who gave him a questioning look. 

"My mother's been bothering me about writing Temari back." Shikamaru started, eyebrows furrowed as he began analyzing the information he had before relaying it. "I've been confused as to why there were so many letters, she doesn't seem like the type of girl to keep sending them after not receiving a response." 

He groaned, realizing what was going on. 

"What is it Shikamaru?" Choji tilted his head to the side, not understanding. 

"My mom's been sending letters back. She's encouraging Temari. Tch, troublesome woman." Shikamaru crossed his arms, staring out at the rest of the empty rooftop. 

"You're not interested in Temari?" 

"No, she's not very appealing." 

"But your mom wants you to be, so she's been sending letters back to Temari feeding her..lies?" Choji responded, bringing his hands up as he made random gestures, trying to put it all together.

"Who knows what she's been specifically telling her. Whatever it is, it's making Temari think there's something between the two of us." Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his temples as he grew more annoyed.

"What are you gonna do about it?" Choji leaned down, picking up a bag of chips from the ground. 

"I don't want to deal with this. I just won't write back." Shikamaru laid himself back onto the platform, staring up at the clouds in an attempt to calm himself.

"You know your mom won't stop, right?" Choji began munching on his chips, looking over at Shikamaru before offering one.

"I know, but that doesn't mean I'll have to get together with Temari. I just won't entertain it, my mom'll get bored eventually." Shikamaru took the chip, tossing it into his mouth. 

"You're probably right, the idea may just fizzle out with the letters." Choji replied, grinning at the taste of the chips as he ate.

"Mm." Shikamaru hummed in agreement, staring at the clouds as he felt his eyelids begin to droop. The warmth of the sun being evened out by the cool breeze, the perfect napping weather, he thought as he drifted off to sleep.