Hokage Tales- Chapter 1- Prt 2

Chapter One - Part 2

“Temari, hand me a paper towel, please. Hiruzen spilled his milk.” Shikamaru held the two year-old boy up and waited for the Sand kunoichi to fetch the item.
Temari had been with Shikamaru since Asuma had died, tending for Kurenai in her pregnancy and helping care for Hiruzen once he was born.
Thinking back, Shikamaru was surprised that Temari had quit her job as Kage Guard to help him. Gaara had chosen another guard, Matsuri, but she could never live up to Temari’s example.
Shikamaru was one to take things slow, which was why after three years of being close friends; he had never asked her on a date. When Temari walked in with the towel, Shikamaru cleared his throat.
“I was wondering, and Kurenai already said yes… Hell… she forced me…”
“What, Shika? Spit it out.” She bent over to clean the mess.
“Well, I was wondering… if you’d like to go out to dinner…”
Temari gasped, it was so out of character that she thought that someone had used a transformation Jutsu to change into Shikamaru. Taken aback, she stammered out, “I thought you didn’t like blondes…”
He leaned in close, breathing in her ear, making her lightheaded. “I’m willing to make an exception.” He kissed her cheek. “Ichiraku Ramen. 8:00 sharp.” He smiled and the world spun a little faster.