A/N: I've mentioned before that I'm anal retentive about writing within canon. The beauty of writing "a bit past" the current canon is that you have a broader field with which to work. This story takes places three to four months after the much anticipated Shippuuden Chunnin Exams. It might not be as long as the others, but I think it's a good story. It made me happy to write it, and I hope yal enjoy it, especially Jimu and Mokulule who really wanted to see them together--me too!!!!! The general idea came from RamaChan's ShikaTema piece "Kiss Under the Rain". Thanks to everyone who's added my stories and/or me to their favorites. (BLUSHES) I am deeply, deeply honored.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or anyone/thing in this story.

Chapter: 1

She had to travel during Konoha's rainy season. Temari sighed and opened her umbrella. Thankfully she didn't have far to go. The village gates were in sight, as was the dark outline of her escort. Her face broke into a smile despite the downpour. They hadn't really had the chance to interact at the Chunnin Exams, too much going on. And the few times they had spoken he'd seemed distracted.

She missed him. There, it was said...even if it was only to herself. In her head. What she would actually do with that information she'd yet to decide.

As she got closer to the gates, her smile faltered. That wasn't Nara. Where the hell was Nara? Her chest tightened slightly.

"Akimichi Chouji at your servive," the smiling figure bowed. "I know that Nara Shikamaru is your regular escort, but he's off on a mission right now."

"Yare yare, nothing serious I hope?" She tried desperately to remain aloof.

"Actually, it's quite serious. The way I heard it, his entire future depends on the success of this mission." Chouji turned to look at a building in the distance. "Well, I'd better get you to the Hokage's office. Follow me please."

That had all been said with a smile on his face. Who was this guy? She recognized him as a friend of Shikamaru's. A teammate in fact. Wasn't he worried? Shikamaru's entire future depends on this one mission?

"You must be pretty confident your friend will come through unscathed." She said, hoping for a bit more information. If she knew where he was she could check on him and make sure he's safe.

"Oh, I'm actually quite certain he'll end up scathed."

Again with that calm smile. What kind of friend was this guy? Akimichi Chouji? Now that she thought about it, Shikamaru had always spoken so highly of him. If he only knew.

o-o-o

They reached the Hokage's office where Temari entered alone. Chouji waited by the door, that same stupid smirk plastered on his face while he reached for a bag of chips from a compartment in his belt.

After taking part in the diplomatic niceties, Tsunade and Temari sat down as Shizune poured tea. They discussed the success of the Chunnin Exams, and how the new students at each academy had become motivated after watching how successful the former students had become. The idea of a teaching exchange was mulled over with an agreement to come up with lists of the teachers at each academy.

Tsunade then mentioned the sudden change in Temari's escort, and made sure to tell her that Chouji came highly recommended. As they were on a similar subject, Temari brought up Shikamaru's mission.

"I understand that his entire future depends on the success of this mission? Hokage-sama, you don't find that a bit bakana?"

Tsunade smiled slightly and studied the Ambassador for a moment.

"Nara Shikamaru asked for this particular mission, and he chose the stakes. If I was ever one hundred percent sure I'd win a bet and it wouldn't be a bad omen, it would be that this mission was a success."

Temari looked the Hokage in the eyes as if searching for something before nodding and exiting the room.

"She doesn't know a thing does she? He did this without telling her first?" Shizune was flabbergasted. Tsunade just smiled as she sipped her tea.