#beat them

Temari carefully considered his suggestion. Shikamaru was a shrewd strategist. He only entered into situations in which he knew he could win.  That all too smug look of self confidence across his lips was annoying but distracting all the same.  

They’d played countless games of Shogi and not once had he proposed a bet.  She knew him too well.  He had something up his sleeve.     

Temari leaned into his space, her face coming closer to his. 

“Is that right?”  She breathed her voice dropping to a whisper. 

“Just a friendly wager.”  He certainly knew how to get and keep her attention. 

Temari worried her bottom lip, an action that didn’t go unnoticed by him.   She contemplated the potential consequences.  

“Sure, I’ll gladly take your money. When I win, 10,000 Ryo.”  Shikamaru could sense the underpinnings of nerves in her response. 

He didn’t balk at the amount and simply nodded. “Fair.”  She was surprised at how easily he agreed to the stakes. 

Temari’s eyes sparkled with excitement.  This afternoon had certainly taken an interesting turn. “And you Mr. Nara, what could the great Shikamaru possibly want from me?” 

He took a moment to contemplate the question but the look in his eyes changed to one of mischief.  This got Temari’s interest. 

“Anything I want?”

Temari knew that he was presenting her with a challenge. And damn if she wasn’t curious.  He’d never be cruel or ask her to do anything embarrassing. What was the worst that could happen? 

“Anything.”  She replied, sealing her fate. 

“Well I’m not interested in money.  There are very few things that I actually need…”  She paused waiting for his response.    

“So if I win I get a kiss.” 

He might as well have shouted his response.  

Temari’s eyes widened at the wager wondering if this was some sort of odd joke but his expression hadn’t changed.  Could this be some sort of strange strategy?  A way to distract her?

“My kisses are worth far more than 10,000 Ryo.”

He grinned at her response.  Troublesome.  

“Then double it or choose any amount you wish. This is your game right? What’s the likelihood of me winning anyway?” 

He was baiting her, she knew this.  But she agreed.  

“Fine Nara, you have yourself a deal.  Don’t be upset when I walk out of here with all your money.” 

“We’ll see Princess.” 

That damn nickname.  There were only specific times that he dare use it with her.  He must be really confident.

Temari dealt the cards with sheer determination on her face.  Winning money and taking him down a notch would do wonders.  

But so would a kiss.  

She shook those thoughts away and focused on their game.  

They were silent as the cards were traded back and forth.  Neither one backed down, strong, stubborn competitors to the end. Even Temari had to admit that she was impressed at how easily he seemed to pick up the game.  Not that she’d ever admit as much.  

 They were evenly matched till the final hand.

“Last hand Princess, if I get this one I win.”  He looked far too pleased with himself.    

“We’ll see.”  Temari watched as Shikamaru studied his hand, his expression revealing nothing.  But his doe-like eyes were determined and sure.  And it caused her to smile.  

Temari glanced at her own cards schooling her appearance.  She’d somehow gotten the best hand possible.  No other arrangement of cards could beat it.  

“I win,”  Shikamaru announced and placed his cards face up. 

Temari studied his final hand.  They were certainly high cards, a winning set if she herself was not holding the hand that would win.   

A beat of silence passed before she spoke.  

“You sure did.”  Temari replied, settling her cards face down back into the pile.

“You’re not mad?”  Shikamaru was surprised by her calm response. 

Temari tried to look unaffected.  “Can’t win them all.”  She shrugged, gathering the cards together. 

She glanced up at him her eyes steady and clear.  “A deal is a deal Nara.”

Temari took a deep breath before shutting her eyes and felt him come closer.  His calloused hand gently cupped her cheek before rubbing his thumb against her lips.  She attempted to calm her rapid heartbeat, hoping that he hadn't noticed how her breath quickened.  

It was finally happening.  

“I can’t.”  Temari’s eyes shot open hearing his resigned sign.  She stared at him disappointed and confused.  

“I want you to kiss me because you want to kiss me. Not because of some stupid bet.”  Shikamaru confessed refusing to look at her. 

“Oh.” 

He looked saddened and apologetic. “I’m sorry Tem, this was a dumb mistake.  I’ll head out.” 

Before he could leave Temari reached over the discarded cards and grabbed ahold of his vest bringing him forward.  Taking the situation into her hands 

“Trust me, I want to kiss you,”  Temari admitted honestly.  She could have easily won, taken his money and ended the night.  That wasn’t what she actually wanted. 

Before Shikamaru could understand what was happening her lips were on his. Gathering his wits he pushed aside the game to pull her into his lap. His arms found their home around her waist. 

New and delightful, kissing Temari was unlike anything he’d ever felt before.  It was something that he hoped he’d experience time and time again.  All he wanted to do was live in this moment. 

When they separated with his arms still around her Shikamaru gazed at her curiously.  He could have never anticipated this.  

“Next time you want a kiss, just ask.”  She teased him with a grin.   

That was a relief. He'd rather not wager his entire life’s savings. But for a kiss from her it just might be worth it. 

“No promises.”  He smiled at her sweetly, before he pulled her into another heartstopping kiss. 

Temari had never admitted defeat before.  Never thrown a fight or accepted a loss.  This time though, wrapped in his arms, with soft kisses pressed against her lips she never felt more like a winner. 

Next time though, she was taking him for all he had. 

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