Naruto 1. Prologue

**I'm back! And this time with a multi-chapter story. I still don't know how long it's gonna be but what I can tell you is that this story is already set in my mind from start to finish. I'm gonna take a break for Over 200 Possibilities. Although as I looked earlier at my stories I realized that I had taken about a 3 month break. Sorry about that. Anyways here's my attempt at another actual story and even more surprising to myself I rated it M! o.O I never really thought I'd be comfortable writing such a story but I feel that this one really needs to be done this way. I'm gonna try my best to bring out strong emotions and feels into this story. Well that's all for now and please read & review! Any comments are helpful whether they are good or bad they will really help me out on making this as best as I can!**

His breathing is getting shallow and his thrusts weaker. Even if he is a man; sex was way too much work for his lethargic body. Shikamaru grabs at her waist and raises her body up so they can meet halfway. The sooner he reaches his climax the sooner he can get the sleep he has been craving more than anything. Even more so than the naked body that lies beneath him.

Slowly but surely he spills into her, or well rather into the condom that protects himself from binding himself with this woman more than he already has. Her sudden low moans of pleasure that erupt from her vocal chords are a good sign that he's hit the spot.

He slumps himself next to her and tiredly puts his arm over his eyes. Exhaustion reaches its limit as the darkness provided by his arm gives him comfort.

"You okay?" the soft voice of his girlfriend of two months now asks, worried laced in her voice.

Velvety hands remove his arm away from his face so that his brown eyes meet her green ones. Her eye color is so light it reminds him of the peel of a green apple.

"Yeah. Just tired." His raspy voice answers.

Fuyumi smiles sweetly at him and places her head to rest on his bare chest. She intertwines their fingers and places them on atop her breast where he can feel the thudding of her heartbeat.

It's only been about thirty minutes and Fuyumi's breathing has settled into a rhythm so he knows she's in deep sleep. He however despite feeling positively weary cannot fall asleep.

A hefty sigh leaves his lips as he takes a look at the woman next to him.

Her hair is a light chestnut colored brown and it falls down below her bosom. It's straight and slick; not to mention her now outgrown bangs hug her face. Next his eyes fall on her skin, it's smooth, white, and there were no scarring anywhere in sight. How could there have been though, she was not a ninja.

He's two years older than her. She's eighteen and he twenty. Like any other villager she made a living like a regular person, worked at her father's bakery shop. That was how they met. Before he had never set foot in that place, he had no need to. But his mother was so busy that one morning she sent him (forced him rather) to get her weekly dose of bread.

Her sweetness and attempt at a conversation did not go unnoticed. His mother had made it a habit to send him by weekly, saying she had other things to attend to. Really, he thought she just liked bossing him around.

After all she only started sending him out for errands once he moved out of her house and into his own. And even if he did grumble complains he did as she told, it was the least he could do. With his father gone and he no longer living under her roof he figured she was lonely. So despite the troublesome chores she gave him, he complied.

His mind snaps back to the cause of his troubles. Fuyumi was everything he had once asked for and planned. She was the opposite of his mother. Her voice was as soft as silk. She never raised her voice at him, never nagged him, never questioned him and never smacked him. The woman was untainted by the spilling of blood a ninja carried. She was normal. He wanted normal.

Shikamaru was so tired after the war. Seeing so much spilled blood had left him damaged. Working as a ninja though made him anything but ordinary. It was too late for his career. He had recently taken the position of the Hokage's advisor, and he couldn't change his mind; Naruto needed all the help he could get. And as if that wasn't enough he always got stuck working more than he liked. With the strategic company, the decoding team, S-rank missions, and the list could go on it was endless. It was what was expected of a genius.

So if there was anything he could keep control over, it was this.

And so he would, even if he had to live a lie.


	2. Farther Is Better

_**Chrysant**_**thanks so much for reading my stories!**

**And _Jayjoan_ thanks so much for the compliment! **

**Well there's not much to say except I do not own Naruto.**

**Here's chapter two. Next chapter will be Temari's pov. I'll be shifting pov's but unlike my first story the whole chapter will be in just one pov and not going back and forth.**

Striking each chord with immense speed the man playing a solo with his violin is surrounding the ballroom with an aura with the emotions he is trying hard to portray with his music. He is successful considering he has his audience in awe. The rest of his group members taking a break behind him as they take swigs of water to hydrate them back to life; political gatherings always stretch long through the night.

Shikamaru's eyes flutter, resisting the urge to fall asleep, that music is no help at all. He mentally admits to himself that if he could he'd listen to this type of music all night, laid on his bed, gladly falling asleep to the pure sound.

All of his friends, mainly the guys, could never quite understand why Shikamaru hated going out to parties. He hated the ruckus, the drunken fools and the smell of tobacco. Despite being brought up by a drinker and a smoker it never caught his attention. After several attempts giving into peer pressure (more so they'd shut up) he gave up, too troublesome. He was never bothered for it again and he was grateful that his friends had gotten the hint.

Even then though this elegant scene was not his style. He felt out of place, which was a good thing that he was actually working and not having to mingle with the others.

The Fire Lord apparently thought that his twelve guardians were not enough to keep him and his family safe. So for backup he hired a four man cell. Normally, Shikamaru being the Hokage's adviser didn't take light missions like this one but the Fire Lord had specifically asked for him. The price he was willing to pay was so grand no one could refuse. He was even sure he'd seen money signs pop out of Naruto's eyes. Hinata was left in his place for the time being, she could always calm him down when needed.

So besides himself scattered around the room were, Choji, Ino, and Sakura. Two medic nins, surely the Fire Lord liked to overreact. Not to mention the annoyance of having to deny a position as one of the Fire Lord's guards for the hundredth time, he'd been at it for years, that man never gave up, he was sure that was his true intention in all of this. Had it not been for the promise he made to Asuma he'd taken the job just to get away from everything, but he also had his mother to think about. He'd never put her through such loss, not again.

"What are you doing Ino?"

The platinum blonde haired woman scoffs at his question and places her hands on her hips. "I need to use the restroom Shikamaru you can't expect me to hold it all night!"

"Make it quick." He tells her coolly.

He doesn't mean to sound harsh, but duty calls, work and friendships should be kept separated.

"Hmph. I'll take as long as I want!"

Her remark makes his lips tug lightly because he already knew what she'd say.

"Just go Ino." He says in a lighter tone.

"Alright. Oh and just to warn you, clean your drool, it's gross."

"I don't know what you're talking about." He says nonchalantly.

"Whatever let's you sleep at night." She sings out before leaving.

Shikamaru places his hands behind his back assuming his guard position. His gaze wanders off and targets the cause for Ino's teasing. The woman is accompanied by one of her brothers as they share a drink. Kankuro raises the bottle of beer in appreciation and chugs the liquid as if it were water. Temari smirks at her idiot brother while she moves the straw in circles. Gaara's siblings are fond of alcohol; he's known them long enough to know. Yet, they never lost their poise no matter how much they consumed.

"It's a gift." Kankuro would always say.

The Kazekage makes way towards his sister, extending his hand for a dance. Beaming that rare smile she grabs at his hand and they make way towards the middle of the dance floor. Immediately his line of vision falls towards her. It wasn't everyday that you saw the wrathful woman act with so much grace.

Temari's dress sways as she moves back and forth to the slow beat. The right side of her navy blue dress is slit such a long way up that that you can see as her lightly tanned leg flexes as her heels touches the floor.

A flashback of his girlfriend hits his mind. Fuyumi was barely five feet tall. Her skin was so white sometimes he wondered if she got enough sun. Her body so frail looking he was scared he might break her at times during their sex acts. Her body held no muscle.

He looks away making sure everything is in order. A voice echoes through his head, "We're just friends." Shikamaru couldn't keep count anymore of how many times he'd have to correct people over his relationship with Temari.

"Having fun are we?"

That voice.

"Tch. Hardly."

Temari grins at him.

"You might wanna slow down woman."

"Ha! As if this is enough to get me drunk."

"True." Shikamaru smiles playfully at her.

Temari downs the rest of her drink, a new one for he notices this one's a nasty brown color. A small drip escapes the side of her lip; it travels toward her collarbone and to the top of her breast. Her dress doesn't look like it fits her too tight but she's so well endowed that they peak out of her dress perfectly.

Another image of Fuyumi crosses his mind.

"When do you leave?" she interrupts his train of thought.

"The day after tomorrow. The Fire Lord wants a full day to recuperate. Not everyone can take a drink like you." He says teasingly.

She snorts. "What a lightweight."

He rolls his eyes but gives a small laugh.

"Want to grab lunch tomorrow? My treat."

He looks at her teal eyes then at the small sincere smile she gives him.

"Guess I can't say no to free food."

Temari laughs richly and places a hand on his shoulder before she leaves. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

He nods at her in agreement. The warmth of her hand still feels imprinted on his flak jacket regardless of the thick fabric.

He sees the troublesome woman take a seat on her table and decides to scan the area again. Choji's eyes look pained with hunger as the waiters walk around with trays of food. Shikamaru feels bad for his poor friend but can't help but chuckle at his expression.

He looks out at the large window draped with velvet curtains. The split in the middle lets him see out at the night sky. The stars sparkle making the scenery of the evening absolutely breathtaking. He forces himself out of his own reverie to concentrate on the task at hand.

His pupils fall instantly at the man approaching Temari's table. He recognizes the man. He was one of the three that he was supposed to be guarding. He was the nephew of the Fire Lord, the man next in line for the position.

He sees him finally reach her, a smile plastered on his face as he speaks. Temari finally looks up but he cannot see her expression since her back is to him.

Shikamaru locks his jaw and turns around to take sight of something else, anything else.


	3. Invisible Thread

**So I'm just trying to layout the story. But just to let you know there will be times when chapters will not be about Temari and Shikamaru. After all they spend alot of time away from each other considering they live 3 days away. And well Shikamaru has a girlfriend obviously and well the rest you'll just have to wait and see. I've decided to keep my chapters short. This way I can make the updates quicker.**

Temari's contemplating about things she shouldn't be thinking about in the first place. She is too preoccupied on the piece of cake in front of her, making a mess with the frosting and taking a bite every so often that she does not feel the presence of the man approaching. Her mind is never this scattered; even the tiniest of noise has her eyes wandering in detection. This never happens…

"Lady Temari, I'd be more than honored if you'd agree to just one dance with me."

"What?" she unintentionally snaps at the person who has broken her train of thought.

Sassy as always. She could already hear the banter about her rudeness towards a politician.

Brown meets teal; there is a glimmer of amusement in his eyes and a remark to her offensive voice never leaves his lips. She is certainly surprised.

"My apologies. I wasn't paying attention and you caught me off guard. Please forgive my rudeness." Temari extends her hand to shake his, being a liaison really has given her much practice.

"Not at all. I shouldn't have sneaked up on you that way. I apologize."

A firm shake is exchanged between each other but she finds herself grateful that he did not try to kiss her hand. She hates the saliva residue that was always left afterwards.

"You must be…" Temari notices familiar features that lead her to believe that he is.

"The Fire Lords nephew," He finishes for her. "but I'd prefer it if you'd call me Ryota."

"About that dance…" he continues.

The man quickly piques her curiosity, which is also rare. "Sure."

They lead the way towards the dance floor; it has gotten more crowded since she last waltzed with Gaara. Certainly the alcohol was beginning to haze people's judgments already.

The hand that is placed on her back makes her feel smaller in size. Even with her six inch heels Ryota towers over her by a head. With her hand on his shoulder she can feel the ripples of his muscles as they move to the rhythm of the music. His jet black hair in disarray yet it made his face more alluring, and the color of his skin a shade lighter than hers.

As they twirl together in circles her eyesight lands on one of Ryota's guards, Shikamaru to be exact. His face looks sharp, just like that time during the war. Almost as if he was having an internal battle with himself. Briefly before her attention is drawn from him their visions intertwine and it's almost as if a shock of electricity has literally connected one another.

"What?" she asks not knowing what Ryota has just asked her.

A raspy deep chuckle escapes his throat. "I asked what exactly does the liaison of the Sand Village do?"

"Oh." Splitting herself and her mind away from the man across the ballroom. "Mostly a lot of paperwork. Travelling back and forth from my village to others." She sighs heavily. "It's really not that fun. And yourself?" she asks politely. "I never even knew the Fire Lord had a nephew until four months ago when it was announced that you'd be taking his position."

One dimple forms on his left cheek as he smiles, she notices that they never reach his eyes. She wonders…

"We decided to keep it a secret. For safety reasons mainly but also so people wouldn't say that there was favoritism."

"What do you mean?" she asks, "It's not like your uncle has other children."

"No, but a big commotion would have been made if the people knew that his nephew was one of his twelve guards."

"I see." She of all people knows how it is to be discriminated for being related to someone with high authority. "I understand perfectly."

"I've worked hard to get where I am today Lady Temari. And from what I've heard so have you."

From what had started out with just one dance turned into the remaining of the night. They had lost track of the songs that had been played and before they knew it everyone was being kicked out. The workers wanted to be relieved of their duties it seemed, if it wasn't for a flustered bartender making the last call it could have continued all night.

She bids farewell to Ryota and makes her way towards Gaara who was waiting for her to go home. Kankuro had found himself a friend for the night and was long gone until the next morning.

She sees the four Leaf Nin take the lead as the twelve guards protect the Fire Lords family from the back. Those four have come so often guides are no longer necessary, taking the job of escorting them themselves towards their reserved hotel.

Gaara is busy bidding goodnight to everyone who exits, she sighs in frustration, he's too nice. Temari takes a last glance as the two men in the front disappear by the doors leading towards the outside. Shikamaru is leading Ryota out but with the sloth's hands in his pockets and the Fire Lord's nephew looking professionally alert one would think it's the other way around.

Temari thinks back about the man she has just met and the sorrowful aura that surrounds him despite the cover ups. It's a shame he leaves the next day. Sometimes two broken people make up a whole, at least that's what she'd like to believe.

**Next chapter I promise will b a Shika/Tema interaction chapter.**


	4. True Self

**I wanted to finish this sooner but work has kept me busy. I'm exhausted! So if this chapter sucks I apologize :/ I'm just too drained. Anyways... here's the next chappie.**

**Oh & by the way. I kept the name Kotori. First of all cause it's just too cute but also cause I was too lazy to look for another one.**

"You're really going to drink that? It's barely noon, troublesome woman." Shikamaru says in disgust.

Temari arches an eyebrow and snaps. "I can drink whenever I feel like it. Besides it's my day off."

She takes the jug of beer that has been settled on the table and takes a large gulp.

"I guess… Your livers not mine."

"Glad you understand." A tone of sarcasm stated in her voice.

While they wait for their food to be served both of them remain quiet. It's never awkward but there's always tension that's thick as syrup. Neither makes eye contact. Temari concentrates on the glass before her, scrubbing off the wetness on it created by the ice cubes with her index finger.

Confident enough not to be caught she glances at him quickly, if he catches her he'll smirk and say something stupid and she's in no mood for a fight today.

Shikamaru is facing away and even though it looks like he's staring intently at the fake plant crossing his view she knows better. The boy is always thinking, overanalyzing everything. She told him once that not every problem has a solution; he shrugged her off and said. "There's always a way. You just have to try harder."

Temari swears his voice had sounded pained that day, almost as if he had lost something. She doesn't question him though; he was never much of a talker when it came to his personal life.

He's been like this for three months though…

"Let me know if you need anything else."

The waiter had busted her out of her thoughts as her food was placed in front of her. Stomach growling in protest she digs in.

"So how's work?" Shikamaru asks between bites.

"Horrible. Last week I had to go to the Cloud Village and of course with my luck it was around the time Killer Bee decided to throw one of his rap concerts. As a liaison I was FORCED to go." She remembers bitterly.

The ass tries to muffles his laughs but is unsuccessful.

"You think my torture was funny?" she asks glaring at him.

"Yes." He gives up on holding back his laughter.

Temari throws the biscuit she had just taken a bite off from and throws it to his face.

"Aw come on Temari don't waste." There's playfulness in his voice as he catches it before it falls on the table or worst the floor. Chouji influenced him a lot when it came to food.

He chomps off a piece and hands it back.

"I don't want it." she smacks his hand away and he shrugs taking another bite.

She goes back to her roasted chicken and mashed potato, while shifting in her seat to make herself more comfortable. When her leg outstretches she feels it bump with Shikamaru's. Their table is small meant only for two people but there is a long green cloth that covers it so you can't see. His knee falls next to her own. Deciding she's too comfortable in the current position she decides not to move. Their actions are harmless after all.

Yet despite of that they spend the rest of their meals in silence with the air in the room getting tighter as the minutes pass by and their pressed skin creating heat that is scorching hot

* * *

><p>The sunset is nearing as the hues of the sky turn into colors of red and purple. Robes cover their bodies away from the cold breeze that is beginning to pick up in speed. After lunch they wandered throughout the city looking at the new merchandise the vendors had brought in for the season.<p>

Now they sat at the top of the hill that kids usually use to sand surf. The incident at the restaurant is never brought up and they went back to their usual game of who can piss the other off more.

Temari sees the children play a game of tag. Memories haunt her of a miniature Gaara only wanting to make friends. They out casted him for thinking him monster. Remembering those years long ago makes her heart ache.

"Tch. There are hardly any clouds here. And I can't even lie down or I'll get sand in places it really shouldn't be in."

"Finally listening to me?"

"Lesson learned." He chuckles.

"So how's Tenten holding up?" Regardless of the rough start those two had, they both had gotten close throughout the years, just like she had with the rest of the girls.

Shikamaru sighs making it obvious that he knows who filled her in on the juicy gossip. "Well from what I heard she's more than fine. She has Lee and Guy who look after her. They made sure Reiji got hell of a beating that he might never cheat on another woman ever again."

"I'll be sure to visit her next time."

"Things would have been different if Neji were still here…"

"Yea…"

Giggling children is all they hear for a while. Whenever the war is brought up everyone always seems to be at a loss for words. She was no different. Even if she didn't lose any of her immediate family, like her brothers, there was still so many men and woman that had died. Half of the ninjas fighting had lost their lives. Each of them had to have had a family that cared for them even if it was just one member, or a close friend.

She decides to change the subject. Provoking him was her hobby.

"So how's your job? Mr. Hokage's adviser." She smiles at him and cackles at his expression, here comes the whining she thinks.

"Troublesome." he grumbles. "It's a pain. I end up doing most of Naruto's paperwork and he makes me wake up so damn early. He's too cheerful in the mornings. I don't know how you do it."

"Well it helps that Gaara acts his age." she smirks at the suffering boy.

"Tch, whatever at least you have Kankuro. I'm all by myself."

"Yes because Kankuro is soo helpful!" Temari sneers, "He's too busy trying to get into our secretary's skirt that I end up working until midnight."

Shikamaru gives her a sympathetic smile, "Guess we're on the same boat then?"

"Not really." She corrects him. "I get a lot of travel missions and you're just stuck in Naruto's office."

"Too much running is troublesome." he shrugs.

She digs her hand into the piles of sand that her rear is sitting on and picks up a handful. Slowly it falls back down just like the hour glass in her office. This just gives her a strange sensation, almost as if she's running out of time for something but doesn't comprehend exactly what that is.

Temari grabs sand with her hand but this time turns around, blowing it all on Shikamaru's face.

"Oi! Woman do you want me to go blind!" he rubs his eyes.

The child inside of her couldn't help it. She snickers at his irritation.

"Don't be such a baby." She smacks his shoulder, "So how is she?"

"Huh?" Shikamaru looks at her in confusion, his eyes slightly red.

"HOW-IS-SHE?" she emphasizes the words this time.

She blew sand on his face not his ears.

"Fuyumi?" he asks dumbly.

"No." frowning at his stupidity, "Your goddaughter."

"Oh."

"Although if you really want to talk about how much you miss your girlfriend you can do that with Ino. I really don't want to know your business."

This was actually the first time he'd ever brought it up. In fact it wasn't him who told her, but he knew she about it. The moment she stepped foot in the Leaf Village she was attacked by Sakura and Ino. If they weren't interrogating her about her "relationship" with the lazy bum, they were describing every fault (or at least the ones they thought they saw) that Fuyumi had.

Just like him she kept her private matters to herself. Those were never topics in their conversations. Even if her face didn't show it, he through her off guard this time.

"Sorry. I was spaced out." He says softly.

Seems to happen a lot these days she thinks.

"Kotori… She's going through a princess stage." He gives her a grouchy look.

Temari smiles at their new talking point, the cute little three year old. "Is she making you play her prince?"

"No. She makes me be the dragon and then I'm stuck chasing her until she tires out. And you know how much energy she has."

"Good. At least someone can actually make you run." She grins evilly.

He narrows his eyes at her. It's nothing compared to hers, she's unaffected by it.

"We should get going before the weather drops. See even the children know better." Pointing at the scatter of what now looked liked dots as they ran towards their homes.

Stretching as she rises to her feet makes her bones feel better.

"Come on lazy." She turns around, right foot making the first step, but a whisper stops her in her tracks.

"Fuyumi is good for me…"

The words travel in through her ear, down to the pit of her stomach. She feels a tug but then ignores it and continues walking.

"It's getting cold Shikamaru."


	5. Empty Shell

The team has arrived back to the Leaf from their mission; Shikamaru has dismissed the girls and taken Choji along with him to meet the Hokage. He's in no mood for Naruto's energetic outbursts; sometimes he doesn't know who's worst him or Guy sensei.

On his way he drags his feet more than usual. Something about this assignment has left him mind boggled. With hands in his pockets he matches his steps with his best friend's.

Catching a glimpse at Choji he sees his mouth water as they pass a fruit vendor giving a plate of watermelon covered in chili powder to a kid. Despite the chance to try other exotic foods while out in other lands there truly was no place like being back home with the things that you've already been accustomed to.

"I can treat you to some barbecue after meeting Naruto." He offers.

"Eh?" Choji stares at him confused," Don't you want to see Fuyumi first?"

"She can wait." Shikamaru shrugs.

Her father's bakery shop doesn't close until nine and as he can tell by the brightness of the sun it's nowhere near night.

Choji's eyes sparkles as he decides out loud what he should get to eat at their usual restaurant. He grunts every now and then to let him know he's listening.

Each step up the stairs feels like an eternity. Instead of the road up the Hokage tower getting shorter he felt it was quite the opposite. This had turned into his daily routine every morning, the most dreaded part of his day. He wondered if the builder of the stairs had done it intentionally for lazy people like him. Shikamaru was getting a workout he did not desire.

"Tch, these stairs are so troublesome." Shikamaru reaches for the door knob.

"Ah! I see you're back!" Naruto welcomes them with a wide grin.

"Yeah. I sent Ino and Sakura home. Couldn't handle one more day of their mood swings."

He then notices Hinata by his side sitting on what looks to be a very comfortable couch. Naruto must have ordered it specifically for her so she wouldn't tire out. Unlike him who had to be standing up at all times, back straight, Naruto's orders. He couldn't always escape to his office for a quick nap that was next door to the current room.

"So how was the mission? Any trouble?"

"No. Pointless." He mutters.

"Ah, well, at least you got paid a grand of money for it." Naruto waves him off. "So how's Gaara?"

"Oh right. He sends his regards."

"We should visit soon!" Naruto exclaims ignoring the two men, his attention on Hinata.

"Yes." She nods sweetly at him.

Her stutter had disappeared through the years.

"Right, well..." Shikamaru scratches his head awkwardly as the two love birds had seemed to have forgotten that they weren't alone as Naruto discusses the plans he has for when they visit the Sand. "I'll have the report done by tomorrow."

"Yeah. Take the rest of the day off. I'll see you tomorrow." Naruto makes a gesture with his hands as if pushing them away, which really means 'leave us alone.' Hinata smiles apologetically, a small blush covering her cheeks.

He doesn't need to be told twice. Shikamaru nods at the door to Choji. They scurry away before they become witnesses of their friends' intimacy.

* * *

><p>Shikamaru makes his way home after dinner with Choji. Walking along through the same pattern of turns he has done so each night since he was young. A group of children dash by him, a gust of wind chills his body; they seem to be playing catch. He smiles and replays a similar scene back from his visit in the Sand Village. This also happened to be the last time he saw Temari. He didn't bother saying goodbye and she was nowhere to be seen that morning. She'd come in weeks time anyways for liaison duties.<p>

That didn't matter though; being adviser meant he was no longer her escort because of his newly appointed job. And she refused to be given a replacement stating she'd been over long enough to remember where every building was.

Perhaps it was his high intellect that got him home that night as his mind had wandered off into a forbidden zone as he realized he was standing in front of his Clan's Land. What caught him more by surprise was the small woman waiting for him sitting on a boulder.

"Have you been waiting long?"

"Just about an hour or so." She answers sweetly.

"How'd you know I was back?"

"I ran into Ino and Sakura during a delivery." she says head held down as they both know the two had a knack for discouraging their relationship.

She interlaces her fingers with his own and shows how much she's missed him with the intensity of her gaze. Breathing the air that surrounds him becomes a difficult task. He is being suffocated by the cool breeze.

"Come on." He leads the way towards his home.

Fuyumi does not have a key to his place. In fact she wasn't allowed in his land unless she was accompanied by someone of the Nara Clan. The rule applied to all foreigners of no relation. So she only visited when he was around. Not even to his mother would she go to, she was terrified of her.

They reach his residence and with a shaky hand he opens his front door. His girlfriend takes a hold of his arm to probably ask what's wrong but he gives her no chance to question him.

Falling on top of her as they fumble on his couch his lips attack hers. He's hungry to find relief. Shikamaru needs the comfort and the truth of his reality. The woman beneath him that moans small sighs of pleasure as he nips her neck. Hurriedly he takes off his vest, then his shirt, and then the mesh one under it. There is a look of lust in her eyes as he does so.

He quickly unties her forest green yukata and gets rid of her undergarments that stand in his way. The despair taking over him doesn't care that he's sweaty and dirty. That this woman deserves to be made love to not ravished by an animal.

But because the woman is more of a giver than a taker she takes what she can get out of him. Shikamaru was not a man of sweet words. He never claimed to be. Yet she wanted him from the beginning flawed and all. She doesn't ask anything of him because she loves him too much. He knows that better than anyone. And so selfishly he takes it for his benefit.

He uses her to take the pain away that night as he begins to plunge into her his pants and boxers long forgotten on the floor. Taking a hold of her hands that are extended towards the end of the couch. He hardly ever touches her, instead goes straight to business.

He grunts with each clasp that is heard from their joined bodies, she screams his name a little bit louder each time.

He tries to concentrate on the petite body begging for more. The bounce of her small breasts being the center of his attention. More than anything he wants to forget. As he reaches his climax conjoined with hers he lets out a growl that probably to her sounds of satisfaction but it's nothing near close to it because it's the sound of his guilt.

* * *

><p>Shikamaru sits on the dinner table that was set and ready by his mother, Fuyumi next to him and Yoshino at the head where his father used to sit. Negative aura surrounds his mother as Fuyumi gets up from her chair and begins to serve his food. What makes it worse is that she cuts up his food like one would to a child. Immediately his eyes snap at his mother's, he knows she has something to say.<p>

"Fuyumi you don't have to do that for him." Her voice is vehemently sweet.

"Oh I don't mind Yoshino-san."

Yoshino grits her teeth but he only shrugs her evil stares. He knows how much his mother hated the way Fuyumi doted on him. She babied him way too much or at least that's what she said.

"He's a big boy he can do it himself."

"But he works so hard all day I want to do something to help him relax."

"I assure you this boy does not know the definition of hard work."

Shikamaru rolls his eyes. It was like this every time he brought her over for a visit. This was not a woman Yoshino saw right for his son, her words not his, but she tolerated her because it was the first girl he'd ever brought home. After all Fuyumi was not a bad person, but she was too devoted to her man. She clashed with the entire women that belonged to the Nara Clan. That was a first. All the woman were head strong and bossy. Unlike her who's gentleness seemed to irritate the hell out of his mother. He sighed; he'd pay for this one when decides to visit her by himself. Again…

* * *

><p>Biting at her crayon, Kotori seems absorbed in her own thoughts as she decides what to draw next.<p>

"Hey kiddo, don't eat that." He tells her gently, if there was one thing he learned throughout his years of babysitting was to be careful with the tone of voice he used with this child or else she'd burst out in tears.

Honestly all girls were too sensitive. Well almost all of them…

"I'm not eating it." she corrects him with an angry pout.

This little one was feisty. She spent too much time with Ino and Sakura.

"Alright, sorry." Trying to get back on her good side. "Can I color with you?"

"Ok." She pushes her box of crayons towards him and a blank sheet of paper. "You draw Uncle Choji and you."

He takes the black color to do the outlines of his best friend and himself. In truth he feels weird drawing a self portrait but since Kotori is three he knows he doesn't have to try all that much and matches her childlike sketches.

Once he's done he pushes it forward. He struggles to make himself comfortable under the small wooden table that's placed in the middle of his living room. It's been scratched, painted, chipped, and just plain worn out by the three year old sitting Indian style next to him.

Shikamaru's attention is directed to two blonde woman Kotori has drawn. One he recognizes as Ino due to her signature hair style and purple outfit. The other one he has a suspicion but needs to confirm it.

"This. Who's this?" He points out at the second blonde haired woman.

"Temari." Kotori answers without looking up at him, instead takes away the black crayon he was using to finish her black yukata.

"And why did you draw her?" Curiosity got the best of him.

"Auntie Ino say you go visit Temari in Sand." She says simply.

"I see… You like Temari?"

"Duh!" she answers as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Ino has a habit of taking Kotori away for at least an hour a day. The girls love to play with her. Temari during her stay tends to spend some of her time with them. Which would have resulted in them two meeting more than that one time when she was still in diapers. What he wasn't aware of was how much interaction the two had had with each other. As it seems they've had plenty of it for Shikamaru didn't even know Kotori knew Temari at all. He'd never introduced them after that. Shikamaru plays with his bottom lip as he taps his index finger on it. Fixated on thoughts over the scary woman.

On his way back from dropping off Kotori at Kurenai's he meets Fuyumi and heads back home. He sits on the couch; head leaned back, while Fuyumi cleans the clatter of pictures Kotori drew. He has stacks of packages of white paper in his home office just for her, courtesy of her Uncle Naruto.

"Aren't you tired? You don't have to clean up you know?"

"No it's fine. Their cute." She giggles, getting a hold of an illustration everyone has witnessed many times before. Sakura punching Naruto.

"Eh? Who's this?" Fuyumi has reached the one with the unknown face.

"Oh. That's Temari."

"The Sand Ambassador?"

"Yeah."

"I see…" her words linger and then moves on to placing the crayons in their box.

Even though they've never met he's more than sure she's heard about her through the grape vine. Temari was a well known figure in his village and loved by all despite her bossy nature. She was a forced to be reckoned with. Regardless she was admired by many. Being a politician had extended her name and because of her hard work the bond between both their villages. Other villages wanted what they had and so after the war they all made their efforts in acquiring friendships with their neighbors.

Certainly though the stiffness of her shoulders was most probably caused by the rumors him and her that traveled like the snakes. Poisoning every ear into believing whatever they liked. Him affirming his relationship with her only added fire to the gasoline. Shikamaru eventually became so tired of them that he learned to block them out.

"I'll get dinner started."

He leaves her to her rustle in the living room. Of course, being her he knows she won't interrogate him. So predictable.

* * *

><p>Shikamaru soaks his feet in a faraway lake in his village. He needs time to gather his thoughts. His body feels weary from last night's activities but he's not managed an ounce of sleep. After dropping off Fuyumi at the bakery so she could start the making of the dough before the shop opened he went for a stroll and ended up there. It was barely past five in the morning. So against his lazy character for being up that early.<p>

Who's even up at this time? He thinks. It should be illegal.

He swishes with his feet the cool water that envelops his skin. He's sitting right on the edge, his pants rolled up so they won't get wet. For once he wishes for eight to get here sooner so he can drown himself in paperwork. At least that would keep his troublesome mind from thinking more than it should. Stocks of paper work had become his best friend.

"Wow! You're up early!" That jolly tone could only belong to one person.

"What brings you to this part of the village Naruto?"

"I… well… I…I…"

"Never mind. Forget I asked." Knowing well where he had been, after all the Hyuga compound was not far off.

"It's not what you think!" he waves his hands.

Shikamaru suppresses a laugh, "Naruto I really don't care."

Naruto scratches his head in embarrassment.

"Hey. Why ARE you up so early?"

"Can't sleep." He shrugs.

"Well that ought to be a first."

"I guess…"

Fixing his orange jacket by zipping it up he lets himself flop next to him. Shikamaru raises a questioning eye brow.

"Well now that you're here I've been meaning to ask you…"

"What?"

"Are you okay?"

Shikamaru looks at him quizzically, "Yeah."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Why do you ask?"

"Well," he scratches his chin, "It's like you're there. I mean I see you there obviously, but you're not really there? You know what I mean?" Naruto looks confused at his own question.

Snorting at his friend's stupidity he answers. "I'm fine, Naruto."

"If you say so." He gets up. "Well just don't fall asleep during work." Naruto shoots him a glare.

"Not making any promises." Shikamaru grumbles.

"Well just make sure your brain's working in two days time. I'm going to need your help. And well if you're not cooperative I'm sure she'll help me put you in your place."

"Who's going to help you put me in my place?" Surely he wasn't talking about Hinata.

"I've just received a letter last night from Gaara. Temari gets here in two days."

"Temari?"

"Yup. So behave or I'll make her punish you." Naruto grins evilly as he leaves.

Recalling from the last time she came he counts the days and thinks it strange, they weren't expecting a visit from the liaison for another three weeks.


	6. Loud And Clear

**I'm so sorry I couldn't update this earlier! I kept trying to work on it but things well.. (people) kept getting in the way. Apparently everyone wants to catch up lately! If I'm not working someones always taking up my time. Don't get me wrong I miss them dearly but I like to be alone at moments. Not to mention that half the times I'm with my bitter half :) Anyways here is the next chappie! I dont work until next weekend so I'll try my best to post up the next chapter before work gets in the way again. The first half of March is going to be busy! I've already had a glimpse of my schedule D:**

_**Chrysant I'll be sure to put some TemaInoCho and Tema/Kotori moments in future chapters. :)**_

**Thank you all for the reviews! They keep me motivated! :D**

Shikamaru stands on Naruto's left; he's reviewing a scroll, the reason for Temari's visit. She stands in front of the Hokage, feet planted firmly on the floor, carrying the usual business aura. He stares at her intently, eyes never leaving her sight. Only once during the whole ordeal has she made visual contact with him; when she politely bowed her head as she entered the office.

He still remembers the words that slipped through his lips that night back in the Sand Village. The thoughts in his head were never meant to be said aloud. But he knows she heard him. The stillness in her voice told him so.

If there ever was a possibility it was long gone. Shikamaru had made his decision.

"Hmm…" Naruto scratches his chin as he reads the letter.

From afar he cannot see what is written.

"Do you need help?" He may be Hokage but he's still an idiot after all.

"No actually… I understand this perfectly." Naruto gleams proudly.

"Are you sure?" he's not so convinced.

The Hokage shoots him a glare that says 'I'm not a complete moron.'

"Gaara made sure to write it as simple as possible." The woman speaks.

Shikamaru shrugs in defeat, ignoring Naruto's childish act. The Hokage has just stuck his tongue out at him.

"I should have my letter ready by the evening. You can pick it up then Temari. How about you go visit around the village to kill some time? I can even lend you Shikamaru. You guys can catch up or something."

"Catch up? Tch. I just saw her two weeks ago." He mumbles.

"Zip it and do as I say!" Tsunade had rubbed off on Naruto a bit.

"Is six a good time?" Temari asks.

"Perfect!" Naruto exclaims giving her two thumbs up.

"I'll be back by then." She bows her head before heading towards the door, he follows.

"You don't have to guide me through the village. I know my way around." Temari speaks as they make their way down the corridor.

"It's troublesome but Hokage's orders."

Raising her shoulders nonchalantly she says, "Suit yourself."

He mimics her steps unintentionally. Sounds of sandals hitting the concrete echoes awkwardly.

"I didn't know you knew Kotori so well? Thought you two had only met that one time." he breaks the silence.

"You didn't ask." The golden haired woman lifts up one eye brow while her head shifts towards him. "I only see her when Ino takes care of her. Why?"

"Oh," he rubs the back of his neck. "Just curious. She drew you. It just caught me by surprise, that's all."

"She's feisty for her age." Temari smirks.

"Tch. Tell me about it."

Their laughter dismisses the edgy atmosphere that surrounded them like a cloud of smoke.

Much to his chagrin they've reached the stairs of terror. Going down than up though always seemed easier. Sticking his hands in his pockets he readies himself.

Halfway through they pass by Kakashi; he's reading Icha Icha Paradise. Not even bothering to look where he's going… If he were an ordinary person he'd worry but he knows better. His eyes wrinkle momentarily, it's hard to tell with his mask but those who have known him for long can already identify his smile. Air brushes through them as he continues on upwards.

"Tch. What's he so happy about?"

"It's probably that perverted book he's reading. Men..."

"Or it's probably because he's on his way to see Naruto. The idiot who took the job that he did not want."

"Hah! Why anyone wants the job is beyond me!"

"I agree." Shikamaru laughs in unison with the troublesome woman.

It's a strange feeling he can't fight off when he's with her. The comfortability the loud woman gave him. His father once mentioned that woman had their soft moments. They were rare, but they were there. Temari fell into that category of girls.

Shikamaru suddenly feels a sharp pang in his heart. The absence of his father had affected him greatly. This great loss was one of the causes for his inner turmoil. He was hell bent in staying away from Nara tradition. Marrying a troublesome woman.

"So where to?" he asks her.

"I want to train. Is Tenten in the Village?"

"No, but why do you want to train anways? You just traveled three days to get here. Aren't you tired troublesome woman?"

Temari crosses her arms arrogantly.

"Yea…Right…Forgot you don't know the definition of taking a break." he really should know better, the woman never ceased to amaze him.

"Well you can just drop me off at the training grounds. Or I can go by myself it doesn't matter."

She marches down the road that leads to the woods, he follows.

"So troublesome... I'll train with you."

"What did you just say?"

"Tch. I'll train with you."

"_You? _Train willingly?"

"Yeah. Been stuck in the office for weeks. Walking to your Village and back left me sore. I'm losing it."

"Alright then. I'd love to kick your ass." She gives him that frightening smile that surprisingly soothes him.

"Oh? Is that so?" he smirks turning his body to face hers before taking his long strides down the row of large trees. Their usual game has begun once again.

He takes her to the area Asuma used to take his team. It's been so long… Since he died Shikamaru has not stepped a foot in his old training grounds. In fact he ended up there without realizing it. His mind was really somewhere else that day…

"You ready?" Temari's in a stance, her fan resting on a tree.

"Huh?"

"Get ready you ass!"

"Oi woman why did you put your fan away!?"

"Because when I said I wanted to train I obviously meant in physical combat! Why do you think I wanted Tenten!?"

"Like I can read your mind." He mumbles.

"Shikamaru!"

"Ugh! Temari you specialize in long-range combat why do you want to do physical training?"

"Revolving yourself around your weapon won't do you any good if you can't use it! Aren't you the one that comes up with over two-hundred possibilities!? You have to think outside the box Shikamaru!"

"Fine! So troublesome." he complains.

"Get in position." Yelling like a banshee already…

He's aware of the ass beating that awaits him.

Temari of course being the impulsive psycho shoots out the first hit. At the beginning he only blocks her with his arms but it's only pissing her off for not trying. Unless it was a real fight he wasn't fond of the thought of hurting a woman, no matter how exasperating they may be.

He's not used to such brutal force in his body. His shadows do all the work for him. Bruises will surely appear the next day on his skin. Temari was never one to go lightly. She did everything with all the strength she could muster.

Eventually Temari gives a kick that brings him down to his knees. Circling her arm around his throat from his back he catches a glimpse of her evil grin, she wants him to admit defeat. That was not going to happen. She always managed to turn his lethargic attitude into a competitive one.

Reaching back he holds onto her waist and forces his other arm through her looped one to break her grip. Their roles are now reversed but instead his arm links around her collar bones.

He feels the tightness of her stomach as she breaths heavily, he's positive she's angry. Temari puffs her chest in irritation and as she does so her breasts touch his arm. The feeling travels from his chest all the way down to the pit of his stomach. The grasp on her hipbone grows tighter. There is a fire that radiates as their fully clothed bodies touch, his front to her back. Letting out a long sigh that he did not know he was even holding in, his head leans down, lips centimeters away from her ear.

The fight is long from over as she makes her escape. Serenely the smacks of their skins obscure the pull that their bodies contract like a magnet. Brushing each other lightly in areas that light up a fire. Teal meets brown, his dejection projected through his pupils. He doesn't feel like his body is fighting Temari, it's more that his brain is trying to push her away with every hit that he takes as their now sweaty skin tugs off as they make contact.

She jumps a few feet away from him, signaling to end the fight. Their panting heavily.

"What's wrong? Why did you stop?" he asks.

"The suns about to set. We've been at it for about three hours I'm guessing." Temari points to the now turning orange orb.

He wonders if that's really it or if she managed to see the struggle his mind was having. She had her ways of understanding him like no one else could.

Regardless he nods in accordance. "Do you really need me to take you back? I need to go see Fuyumi."

"No that's fine."

He watches her back as she places her fan back to where it belongs. Shikamaru needs to see her face, he needs to know if she understands the message that he has been trying to convey. So far her voice sounds noncaring.

She turns around, smiling warmly: Message delivered. "Alright. Well I'll be seeing you then."

"Wait. Are you sure Naruto understood that letter?"

"Don't worry it's just an outline. He won't be in charge of the marketing negotiations."

"Good." Shikamaru eases at knowing this. "I guess that saves me the trouble."

"Yeah." Temari chuckles.

"Guess I'll see you tomorrow than?"

"Nope."

"What do you mean?"

"I leave tomorrow before dawn. Like I said Naruto isn't in charge of this negotiation. They'll be awaiting my arrival."

"Isn't that a drastic short time between travels?"

"Not really. I'll still be in the Land of Fire."

Relaxation would never come for Shikamaru…

"The Fire Lord is expecting me. Actually he asked for me specifically."


	7. Déjà Vu

**Ah I'm soo sorry you guys! Life's just been crazy! Good crazy I guess? I've been more of a social butterfly lately which is really odd! But I've finally been home for the past two days and got to finish this! :3 And let me tell you a crazy story you guys! Reason why i've been home is because I can't really wear shirts comfortably right now.! I got the crazy idea to get a tattoo on my side... where my ribcage is! D: 2 hours of a needle drilling into your skin was soo painful. Don't do it learn from me! I'll probably do it again later though... I never learn... But way later when I've forgotten how the pain felt. My first tattoo was a small one compared to this one.. Oh well., It'll totally be worth it when it's healed :D**

**Anyways sorry for boring you with my life story! Lol! Here's chapter 7! :)**

**Please R&R! **

Droplets of water hit Temari's skin as she jumps from one branch to another. The small residue is due to the tropical climate on an early morning. The sun shined brightly now and the sky is once again its natural light blue.

Every now and then a leaf falls from a tree. Fall is nearing. She wonders what it's like to actually live in a place that goes through all four seasons in a year. Guess she'll never know…

She finally reaches the end of the forest and lands on green grass. From afar she can see her destination. The area where the Fire Lord lives is only a few hours away from the Hokage. She walks the rest of the way; if she runs to the entrance she might cause panic. Temari never had a reason to visit the Fire Lord in person; every negotiation was dealt with the Hokage. It seemed that upon meeting Gaara he'd taken an automatic liking to him, they'd had business conversations during the political ball, and because of that now here she stood in front of the large wooden gates.

"My luck..." she sighs heavily.

Thinking back on that small chat she had with Sakura on the night of the ball she remembers being told that the Fire Lord tends to rely on others for decisions and is easily swayed. She than recalls his nephew and concludes that if the information she has been given is true than the man she met known as Ryota was nothing like his uncle. This was a good thing if he was going to be the future Lord.

Staring at the doors she can't help but feel a sensation of comfortability. She has done this job so many times before; it was as if she was meant to be standing there that very moment.

"State your purpose." The gate was secured by two of the Fire Lords guard.

From what she's heard all the ninja in the Lord's village were a part of his guarding court and if they were lucky they'd be promoted in rank by being added to the twelve guards.

"Temari No Sabaku." She says simply and holds up her passport.

"The Fire Lord has been expecting you." The guard bows, makes a signal for the gate to open and makes a gesture to invite her in.

Temari strolls down the dirt path; she doesn't need to be told where to go. The Fire Lord's building stands as tall the Hokage's and the village seems a lot smaller than the Leaf. Regardless she finds herself being led by an ANBU member that appeared in a puff of smoke seconds after she got cleared.

Temari spots a couple in front of one of the many shops. Their show of pda was too disgusting for her eyesight. The chestnut colored haired girl cups her hands around the ninja with short dark brown hair. She runs her fingers around the wisps of his head. The man then takes a hold of her hands and kisses her fingers. Temari turns her head back straight, the vision she has just witnessed makes her stomach irk. She never understood how people could act that way in public, but she supposes it's because she's never experienced the feeling before. The way her life was going she figures she never would… A tinge of loneliness quivers through her chest.

She enters the room that has the Fire Lord, his council members and his nephew. Temari notices stacks of papers being arranged neatly on the table. It was going to be a long morning.

"Lady Temari welcome!" The Fire Lord beams at her while he makes his way to her, "I've been anxiously awaiting your arrival." And then he does what she hates most, he kisses her hand.

"I apologize for the wait." She bows down, ignoring the revulsion she feels.

"Nonsense you're right on time! Please take a seat!" he leads her to the chair next to his but it's Ryota who pulls the chair for her.

They make brief eye contact before he lowers his head in respect for her, his eyes wrinkle slightly and there's a spark in them that hides a small smile. Temari feels an excitement in her stomach, this man had much in common with her, and she thinks that maybe her stay won't be so bad after all.

She was more than grateful that the room lacked a wall clock if not she would have been looking at it every passing minute. Not only did she now have to deal with the business at the Leaf but as the talks lengthened she realized she would be doing a lot more traveling to the Land of Fire. That added up to two visits for two different villages. It appeared that from now on the Fire Lord was in charge of providing with the food marketing such as fish, meat, and fruits.

"Would you like a glass of water?" The Fire Lord asks her as he refreshes himself.

An old grayed haired woman showed up with a jar of cold water which the council man refused to, as she did. Being a feudal lord meant they liked to spoil themselves, she's witnessed enough with her own people that the rest always try to maintain themselves professionally, she was one of them.

"No thank you my Lord."

"You must be thirsty child we've been here for more than two hours already."

"I assure you I am fine." She smiles slightly.

"Lady Temari you should hydrate yourself we're still only halfway through." Ryota speaks.

"I appreciate the concern but I'm fine, really."

Once she had convinced him that she wanted no water, which took some while, he sat back down on his chair. He was seated feet away from the table, a notebook resting on his thighs, a pen in between his fingers scribbling notes never once looking up.

"Well that's it for the day." The Fire Lord claps his hands happily.

Everyone else waits for him to get up before doing so.

"Lady Temari before you take your leave I must inform you of this."

She looks at him wondering what is going on through the Lord's head. What could be going on in that crazy man's head? Learning from experience that the one she had back home had drastic ideas sometimes.

"At any time that you visit my village in the future Ryota will be your guide."

Ably Ryota makes his way next to her while the Fire Lord completely forgets about them and begins discussing what he feels like eating with his councilmen.

"Don't you have Fire Lord duties to attend to instead of babysitting the Sand Ambassador?" she asks curiously as to why she's being stuck with this man as a guide, not that she minds.

Laughter erupts from his chest that travels through his vocal chords in a raspy tune. "I won't be taking the position for another two years. My uncle is using you as an excuse to give me a break. He said it's so I can get away from all the paperwork at least for a week every time you make your monthly visit. I doubt you'll be any trouble. So it seems that you'll be babysitting me instead." He jokes lightly at the end.

"Oh I can be… _troublesome_." that taboo word sends a bittersweet taste in the back of her throat. "You don't know me very well, yet." She warns him with a devilish grin forgetting about her slip of words.

"I suppose I'll just have to find out."

Admiring his white smile she says to him. "Lead the way."

The walk to her temporary residence is anything but quiet. Ryota shows much enthusiasm as he shows her around his village. It may not be as large as the Leaf but it's got enough history and shops that makes up for it. It appeared that no matter how hard he tried she could tell there was a gray cloud following him around, she could tell by the stiffness of his tired looking shoulders and the weariness in the glimmer of his eyes. He tried hard she gave him that but she wasn't fooled. And yet she didn't pry, she hardly knew him but even then she wouldn't ask. She never does. If someone wants to tell you something they'll do so on their own accord, if that is what they please. Temari only hoped others were as understanding as her.

The hotel she would be staying at was painted white as snow and was outlined by black doors, the windows outlined black and tinted. It looked elegant yet old fashioned. Ryota hands her her key, already set apart a room. This guide was on his toes, unlike her other one…

She makes him wait outside the building for she's only going to drop off her bag. Ryota has offered to take her out for food, she insists on somewhere with quick service because she could use a long night of sleep. She thinks he must be used to eating richly considering all the places he had suggested according to him were the fanciest in the village. It was something she was used to of course but for now a quick bite would do.

She sits across a booth table from him, glass of water in her hand. During business hours and in foreign property she tends to control her alcoholic thirst. No she did not have a problem; she just liked the feel it gave her.

She hears a wail from a baby and the mother makes cooing sounds to soothe the situation. A motherly affection she'll never know…

"So, tell me about yourself. Just the typical knowledge. I'd like to know who's guiding me and it will help for the future once you take the position. After all you're a stranger to me. Yet, you seem to know a little about me atleast." Mentally shaking off her feelings towards that baby and mother she opts for the distracting man in front of her, he was a good distraction.

"What would you like to know? Ask me anything Lady Temari." His voice sounded rich, like honey but the way he addressed her was irritating her.

"Well to start off drop the Lady. Temari is fine. We're gona be spending a lot of time together, we shouldn't be so formal."

"As you wish." He smiles warmly.

"Alright," she taps her nose in thought, "Hmm... I've got it. How old are you? That's simple right?"

He answers, and she duly notes that his smile never leaves during their entire dinner. "25. May I ask yours?"

"23."

"We're not that far apart."

"No. I suppose not." She says with a raised eye brow.

It can't be helped, she flirting with this man and no one can blame her and what happens next proves her right. Gathered around like flocks a group of young woman passes by their table, their eyes targeting Ryota like hungry animals.

"You seem quite popular." The whole ordeal brings her out from her clouded mind, placing a hand on her chin, a sly grin.

"I'm not interested." He says lightly, leaning into the table but their moment is interrupted by the waiter who's brought them their food.

She digs into her food satisfying her stomach after a long torment of having no food in her belly.

"So how exactly are you related to the Fire Lord? I'm surprised they were able to keep you so low key."

"It took quite the effort but nothing that couldn't be accomplished. My mother is the sister of the Fire Lord's wife.

"Ahh..."

She wonders how that is even possible; the Fire Lord's wife is a plump woman. Then again the years could do anything to a person.

Her inquisition stops there but as she eats he continues to speak. Listening intently she doesn't mind. This complete stranger is sharing a small part of his life and she wonders why. This has never happened before.

He tells her about how his father died protecting her uncle, once part of the twelve guards. The way their parents met. She than feels the need to share her experience of also losing her parents. Perhaps it was the adrenaline he gave her that made her feel more alive than dead on the inside that she shared her thoughts and feelings about her loss. Words she'd never shared with anyone not even her brothers. There was something about this man that brought tranquility around her wild aura. Temari knowing this doesn't hesitate, he clings on to her lips with everything she says, and there is a silent understanding between them.

Later when their meals are done they decide to order dessert because their conversations continue about anything and nothing. It's been awhile since she's felt this way and the one who made her feel this way was long gone from her future, if there ever was one. Finding it in this man made her feel a little less broken.

It gets late and he walks her back even though she insists that she's already memorized the way. He bids her goodbye with a small bow and she watches his shadow grow smaller as he walks farther. That night she sleeps soundly.

By the next day she is fully reenergized and ready to go. It's going to be another long day but at least she'd be around the village making negotiations with the marketers.

As she ties her blue obi around her waist she senses a presence outside her door but a knock never comes. She knows its Ryota.

The scenario is all too familiar…

**By the way I don't really know how it works with the Fire Lord, does he have his own village? Is it part of the Leaf? Wasn't too sure so I didn't specify. If somebody knows please let me know so I can fix that!**


	8. A Walk Towards the Unknown

**Clairette: Thanks for the correction! No wonder it looked wrong but i guess my mind was somewhere else :P**

**ST4Love: I know what you mean! Jeez I love Shika but i think i'm making him into a total a-whole and as i write Ryota i'm starting to fall in love with him. Yikes!**

**And to Guest: Thanks for the reminder! I had already signed the petition earlier today though but thanks! :)**

**So apparently the govt wants to delete all fanfics and stuff like that. Please go sign the petition! I really want to finish this story :( And i'd love to continue reading the ones that have me hooked like "Addiction" written by Ash2Ash. **

**Anyways that's all for today. Thanks for the reviews! Their greatly appreciated! :D**

Temari's eyes wander out the small kitchen window from the Kazekage's residence. Her hands are soaking in the water of the sink; she's just finished washing dishes. Too preoccupied with the beautiful vision outside, it even looks remotely refreshing from where she stands but she knows better. The mansion that the Sand Siblings live in is right on the best part of the village. If one were to go out they'd feel the sun's rays hit them like lasers. Such a beautiful lie…

"I see you've been picking up bad habits eh sis?" Kankuro and his big mouth.

"Shut the hell up." She sprinkles his face with water from her hands as she waves them in front of him but he just laughs.

"Somebody needs to get laid."

She shoots him a glare.

"Not everybody's like you Kankuro. Taking advantage of poor innocent girls. Considering you didn't come home last night I'm going to assume you were out having another one of your late night encounters."

"Psh! Whatever! She wanted it!" he runs away from her because he's learned by now if she's in a bad mood than it's him who she's gona take it out on, but not before disappearing he screams. "Seriously Temari how long has it been!?"

Three months…

It's been about three months. Honestly, she thinks herself pathetic. She's gone a much longer time without having any physical interaction with a man.

She's not like Kankuro, she can't just choose a random person, and the idiot has already made himself a reputation around the Village.

Through the years Temari learns to choose her sexual partners wisely, they've all been one night stands but she analyzes them carefully before anything. Their always either high ranking jonin or ANBU. They're always the quiet ones who don't ask questions and don't ask for anything more from her. Most importantly they keep their random fling a secret to the grave.

Hell… She really needed a distraction before she reached a high level of apathy, it didn't suit her well.

* * *

><p>"We missed you Lady Temari!"<p>

"Yamada-san." Temari bows politely at the married couple that owned the bakery shop, one of her favorite shops in the village. The irony…

"Yeah. When you're gone doing your duties Kankuro's the one who comes." The man grumbles.

Kankuro holds no boundaries, seeing as he likes to flirt with his wife. Thankfully, Nagami Yamada doesn't fall for his tricks, not to mention she's twice his age.

"I apologize for my brother's behavior."

"Nonsense!" he waves her off, "So Lady Temari will you be having the usual?"

"Yes please." Temari smiles sincerely, the Sand siblings were their number one customers.

Haruhiko Yamada cleanses his hands on his red apron and reaches for the freshest bash of breads.

"I heard from a little birdie you'd just gotten back yesterday." Nagami winks at her.

She knew she meant her son, remembering running into the kid not long after she'd arrived. It was Monday morning, and she had a 9a.m. morning ritual of going to the bakery right when it opened.

She steps out from the store and takes her road back home. The wind hits her face but it's a disgusting gust of fire breathing air. For once she wishes she was anywhere else but there, somewhere where the weather changed right when it was supposed to. Not like it was there, constant and unmoving as if frozen in time.

Temari mentally shakes her thoughts away from that forbidden zone. No, she's walking straight on towards the road without looking back, both physically and mentally as she's literally making her way back home.

Gaara and Kankuro aren't the best of cooks, so while she's gone they stick to fast food. Even the Kazekage gets grouchy when he doesn't have a proper breakfast; fortunately he only takes it out on Kankuro by giving him stacks of paperwork. But for today she decides to give Kankuro a break by picking up her walking speed.

* * *

><p>"All right." Temari locks the door as she's the last one to leave.<p>

It's Tuesday which means no paperwork today, instead she'll be teaching at the Academy. Because of her busy schedule she and Kankuro take turns, so they made classes only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, relieving Temari of her duties when she needs to travel. Which will now be reduced to half a month.

Temari begins to stroll down the familiar path, it's barely eight in the morning and the sun is blazing with fire. The wind pushes her forward as her steps begin to get slothful; she's in no mood for work today. She wonders if it's just the weather…

On her way she passes the Kazekage tower, the banner that lies on top of it flowing furiously. Two ninjas guard the entrance and when she passes by they salute her.

"Very good." She pats one of the eight year old boy's head in her class as she passes around the area they always use. It's a much smaller version of their arena but she figures the open area is better than being in the classroom.

Temari stands back and observes the children's attempt at yielding chakra. She's surprised that Gaara lets Kankuro take over when she's gone. He's not the best when it comes to children but through the years he's learned how to remain patient.

For her on the other hand is an easy task, the children admire her greatly and when they see her outside of class they gnaw for her attention. She smiles and for awhile forgets about her broken heart.

* * *

><p>"Hey! Over there cover that region!" Screaming out orders she remembers why she rather do solo missions.<p>

Her patience is better suited for kids than adults. Children are still learning and have the right to make mistakes. Grown-ups do not, at least according to her anyways. Gaara gave her a B-rank mission along with three Chunin. Task: Simple, take down four Chunin rogue ninjas. The information was wrong. There were eight.

Deflecting a chain weapon directed at her with her fan she falls back to observe the situation. Their strong sure... But nothing even she couldn't handle. If only her underlings weren't so weak.

Finally deciding on a strategy she opens her fan wide so that she can use her third star. She nips her thumb with her tooth and presses a line of blood on her weapon and calls out for Kamatari. Just as she predicted she sought out to be more helpful than her cell team. The wind she attacks them with hurts them severely and with the help of her weasel the job is done.

Tamami, one of the Chunin's that forms part of her team puts down a fire created by one of the rogues before it expands. While the other two go around searching the now dead for any valuable subject that could be useful to postpone any future attacks.

Three of the ninjas are left to be inspected and Temari opts to sit on a boulder, they seem to be working fast anyways. Her eyes remain at the scene but her mind has gone blank as she spaces out thinking about nothing this time.

"Captain?"

"Oh... Right... Me..." She murmurs.

For awhile she forgot where she was and the fact that she was the one in charge of the group. It had been awhile since she'd gone out on a mission like this one.

"So…" she composes herself and that bossy attitude is back. "Let's go. We should be back in the Village before the sun goes down."

All three put their belongings away, confirming with her that the attackers carried nothing suspicious. Together they take off, feet hitting the sand as they run.

They halt to a stop as they reach the wall that protects her beloved home; her village. Existing purely for the sake of protecting her people is all that she needs, and back is the prideful Temari as she enters with her head held high.

"Everything went well I presume?" Gaara leans his chin on his hands.

"Yes."

"You can do your report tomorrow during your office hours and take the rest of the day."

"Thanks." She smiles, a small one but only reserved for her brothers.

"I'm surprised you didn't fight me about it like you always do. Have you been feeling well?" he gives her a concerned look.

"Yes I'm fine." His question confuses her.

Surely she hadn't been acting strange, had she?

"You just seem… distant from your mind." Gaara still had trouble talking to his siblings when it came to personal problems.

Not that Kankuro had any… He was a pretty happy guy.

"I assure you I'm fine." She feels terrible for lying but she doesn't feel comfortable talking about her lack of love life with him, or with anyone for that matter. "Just tired." She ends simply.

"Temari, your traveling will increase now with the negotiations with the Fire Lord. Do you need a break? I can send Kankuro instead."

"No!" she interjects immediately. "I mean, you know Kankuro isn't the most tolerant when it comes to long meetings. Really Gaara I'll be fine."

They have a staring contest that feels like an eternity. She knows that look, he's contemplating on whether he should believe her or not. Not to mention the overzealous way she objected to his proposition. And for once in years it's not the Leaf she's looking forward to visit...

Gaara sighs in defeat. "Alright Temari, just get a long sleep tonight and please go eat something. Now." He demands but his tone is soft. "I think you're losing weight."

The both are all smiles now and she feels relieved that Gaara has believed her story. Making her way out of the building her stomach grumbles.

She was losing weight? Temari looks down at her body. Well she couldn't have that, unless she wanted to end up like Sakura or Ino.

The smell of a nearby stand of hotdogs wrapped in bacon engulfs her nose. She indulges that night happily as Kankuro joins her shortly after as they down their food down with a beer.

* * *

><p>"I was told you wanted to see me…" Temari stands speechless holding the doorknob to Gaara's office, surprised at the man standing in front of her.<p>

"Lady Temari." He bows his head.

"Ryota?" she's to dumbfound to correct him for calling her Lady, but then Gaara is present.

"Temari please escort Ryota-san out of the Village. Ryota-san, please inform the Fire Lord that I will be sending the Sand Ambassador in three weeks time."

"Yes Kazekage." He bows his head again but this time at Gaara.

"You are dismissed." Gaara waves lightly, concentrating on the documents in front of him.

They walk out the office and as soon as they close the door behind them the atmosphere loosens up.

"You're leaving already? When did you even get here?" She asks quizzically.

He laughs richly, it soothes her in a way, "I just arrived actually. I only came to drop off some papers my uncle forgot to give you."

"You traveled for three days just to drop off some papers?" She raises her eye brow.

A chuckle leaves his lips once again, and she can't help but feel mesmerized, not even noticing that they've reached the outside already, "Two actually. And I begged for this mission. Sitting on a chair all day can be boring besides I get to stretch my legs." Temari's impressed. "I need to get back immediately though. The council wasn't pleased despite it being a D-Rank mission. It's a shame though, I finally get to come by myself and I don't get to explore it. When I came for the ball the guards barely let us out of their sight. "

"Yeah, a shame…" Temari trails down the familiar path she takes whenever she has to leave.

"You'll be visiting my village in three weeks than?"

"Yeah. Guess you won't be getting a break until then." She teases.

"I think I can wait…" he says lowly.

Reaching their destination they both stop to face each other.

"Well this is it then..." she says awkwardly.

"Yes," he smiles. "About your next visit…"

"You won't be my guide anymore?" she asks, wondering what it was that he wanted to tell her, she sensed he had something to say the moment they were left alone.

Ryota's face splits into a smile. "I'll be your guide. You're still stuck with me."

"I think the correct term is YOU'RE stuck with ME." She emphasizes teasingly.

"No. Being stuck with you would mean you're a burden and you're definitely not."

"Well than what is it? Stop beating around the bush." Temari scowl impatiently.

Amusement shows in Ryota's face but then vanishes as he clears his throat.

"Well Temari…"

"Yes?" she eggs him on.

He laughs shortly, "I'm sorry I haven't done this in a while."

"Done what?" her patience is wearing thin...

He blurts it out nervously, but she can tell a weight has been lifted off his shoulders as he does so.

"Would you like to have dinner with me? A proper dinner. Let me phrase it better... Temari, would you like to go on a date with me?"


	9. Dreaded Meeting

**Aw you guys I'm so sorry for taking long! I've been really busy. But alas here's the next chappy (: And don't worry I'd never stop updating this story! Even if i take long to update i promise I work on it whenever i can.**

Just as Shikamaru is about to sit down across Temari placing the two paper cups of coffee in front of him he hesitates slightly. There is a look upon her face that he just cannot pin point at all. She was always hard to read but at the moment his brain finds it impossible. Facial features show signs of anxiety, yet excitement? Troublesome woman…

"Are you spacing out, woman?"

"No." her answer is deadly as venom.

He raises his eyebrow. "I beg to differ."

"Be quiet." And it's followed by a kick to his knee.

"Troublesome..." he mumbles while he rubs his now hurting knee. "So… about the exams. Its months away but since your visiting days will be cut short we'll have to double up on our workload. I blame you for being such a hard laborer. I've got to pay the price as well."

"I don't mind. If you have a problem with that take it up with your Hokage." She was feisty today…

"He'll whine trying to convince me otherwise. Too much trouble. I'll just learn to deal with it."

"Then stop complaining and get to work." He is then presented with a stack of paperwork.

The hand that reaches for her coffee catches his attention, it looks rough from his point of view but he wonders if what you see is really what you get. Pink lips then pucker up slightly to take a sip of the darkened coffee; she always did like to drink the hard stuff, no different from her liquor preferences.

"Well, at least we have time to figure out how to prevent the Mizukage from murdering Kakashi sensei." Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

"Maybe Naruto can send him out for a mission. A long one." Temari shrugs nonchalantly.

Obviously because she's a woman herself she sees no harm, how could she, she thinks just like her. They all do. Well most of them.

Mei Terumi had sought out the attention of the copy ninja. It did not end well. Although Kakashi had rejected her with a smile on his face, the Mizukage saw otherwise. Thus resulting Kakashi in a scary predicament. Thankfully Mei chose not to take it out on the Leaf Village. Still no one wanted to remind the woman of the incident; he supposed Temari's suggestion would be for the best.

Shikamaru looks again at the blonde; her face is passive, very unlike her. By now surely he would have had at least twenty bruises inflicted by her, both physically and mentally. She'd hardly even spoken to him, and when she did it was mostly about work.

The pen in between her fingers stops moving, there she went again, getting lost in her thoughts.

"You've been acting weird." He decides to voice his thoughts out loud.

"How so?" she asks him, surprised written on her face.

"You're not focused as usual."

"I have other things to worry about you know." She shrugs. "I do have a life outside of my duties too. Not just you."

"Like?"

"It's none of your business Shikamaru. Now get back to work." Her tone is far more scarier than when she snaps at him, it's serious, too serious.

That's the end of the conversation for their remaining working hours.

She's treating him like a coworker.

She's hiding her thoughts and pushing him away.

He doesn't like it…

* * *

><p>Shikamaru spots the now turned four-year old with crimson eyes that stand out dashing towards him at the speed of light, her mother not far behind. The former lover of his sensei has asked for him to watch Kotori for an hour while she does some errands, he agrees even though he complains.<p>

"The documents have been submitted to Naruto and we're done for the day." Temari creeps up behind him; he'd been waiting for her to come out of the Hokage building, claiming he didn't want to go with her because he needed fresh air after being stuck inside all day.

"Temari!" Kotori gasps like it's her birthday all over again.

"Hey kiddo." Ruffling her little head she smiles down at her. It was that rare smile…

"I want to play! Can Temari come?" Kotori's eyes stare at Shikamaru's with a glossiness full of hope.

"I don't know kid you might want to ask her we've worked all day she must be tired."

"I'm not a lazy bum like you." She glares at him, "Yeah, I'll play with you." As soon as she looks at Kotori she's all smiles again.

"Tch, whatever." His feet initiate the walk. "Let's go."

"Are we going to the park?" Kotori asks following his footsteps.

"Nah too crowded. We can go someplace better."

Continuing his path down the dirt road he hears the little girl hurrying up the woman, but for some reason she never paces next to him, instead her distance is so far it only looks like it's just them two. While it appears that he's strolling by his lonesome self. An act that has been seen too many times before. Shikamaru rids the heavy feeling off his chest as soon as it appears.

"This is your idea of a play area for a child? Are you serious?" Temari raises an annoyed eye brow.

"Of course I am. The place is bigger for her to run around in and most importantly it's quiet. I can finally relax."

He takes a seat near the lake; Temari has left in a huff after a distracted Kotori who's just found a pack of butterflies. Shikamaru, before lying down, takes notice of a line of baby ducks following its mother through the water. At that time he turns back to take a look at the two girls behind him. Temari has captured a butterfly for his goddaughter and is showing it to her as it flutters its wings yet stays in between the palm of her hands. Happy giggles escape from the child and a soft laughter escapes Temari's lips that sound so unlike her yet incredibly soothing to the ear.

Comfortably he lies down on the grass, hands behind his head, enjoying the background noise of the outdoors. Closing his eyes he thinks back on how he's just turned twenty-one, remembering to give Kurenai some left over cake that Fuyumi had baked him. It was chocolate, even worst; he really hated sweet things…

"I want this one. And this one." is all he hears.

Tilting his head and popping one eye open, he catches sight of Kotori playing scavenger hunt while Temari sits Indian style protecting her gatherings. Turns out Temari's not that scary when it comes to kids.

* * *

><p>The hand clinging onto his chest is removed as he gets up to shower. The drops of water hit his face hard, their freezing cold. A strange act considering the weathers temperatures has increased lately. He washes the soap off his forehead before it reaches his eyes, then stares at the soapy bubbles on his hands. Minutes have passed and he hasn't even noticed. Snapping out of it he goes back to washing his body.<p>

He drops off Fuyumi at the bakery; it's early but not as early as usual. Fuyumi's father has given her a break by opening the shop himself, giving her more time to sleep. After a quick peck from her he strolls down the regular path. Realizing though that it's barely eight and he has nothing to do because work starts until nine, Shikamaru walks wherever his feet take him. To his surprise he ends up in front of an inn, not just any, the one where Temari is staying at.

A grumpy Temari with a scattered ponytail is a sign that she's just woken up; albeit the coffee cup on her hand. Her eye brow raises high in question.

"So… You ready?"

"Do I look like I'm ready?"

"You like fine to me." He shrugs.

"Hardly. I just woke up. What are you doing up so early anyways?"

"I was already up. Might as well."

Temari eyes him suspiciously. "I guess… You can come in if you'd like. I still have to shower though."

"Oh… That's okay, I can wait. You don't take long anyways." He says as he plops himself on her couch.

"Suit yourself." She then disappears as she heads down the corridor towards her shower.

Strangely he doesn't feel awkward at all. It wasn't like he hadn't picked her up before. It had just been awhile that's all…

* * *

><p>The day goes by fast as him and Temari spend most of it observing and taking notes of what needs to be set up for the preparation of the Chunin Exams in the spring. They go through the process from the examination room all the way to the forest of death which took too long considering how big it was, much to his slothful attitude. The chilling wind does not make matters better as it makes him want nothing more than the warm cozy bed that awaits him at his home.<p>

The constant bickering of Naruto and Sasuke was giving him a headache. Naruto for spouting stupidities and Sasuke for taunting the Hokage. The day couldn't be over any faster despite the current annoyances, thankfully.

"Do you not know what quiet means?"

"Eh!? I'm your Hokage have some respect!"

The blonde's tornado like loud voice echoes even as he gets farther away as he chases to catch up to his best friend.

"You gonna head home already?"

"Yeah."

"I'll walk you."

"That's not necessary." Temari interjects.

"Come on."

The birds chirp a cheerful tune, his mind racing with thoughts of how much work he's going to have to do once Temari left. The tranquility's atmosphere doesn't last long though.

"Shikamaru?"

Throughout the millions of scenarios his mind had plotted when this moment would arrive; it was certainly not this one.

"Oh… Fuyumi."

The petite woman he calls girlfriend is carrying gray plastic bags which he assumes are his groceries for the week considering his fridge was more than half empty.

"These bags are kind of heavy. Can you help me?"

This soft spoken woman, for the first time since he has known her sees a flash of fear in her eyes. After all, Temari wears hear Sand headband proudly, the identification wasn't hard to make. On to his right is a very annoyed Temari, he's sure it's because she's tired and wants to leave.

He scratches the back of his head with his free hand, "Uh… Fuyumi this is Temari, the Sand Ambassador. Temari, this is Fuyumi.. My girlfriend."

"It's nice to meet you Temari-san." Fuyumi bows slowly, and smiles hesitantly.

"Likewise." The troublesome woman doesn't seem bothered at all.

"Were you going to drop off the ambassador?" Fuyumi asks timidly.

"No. We just happened to be walking the same way." The blonde woman says and smiles, the one she gives when off doing political errands.

Filled up with a knot of guilt in his stomach Shikamaru doesn't know what to do, least of all what to say. Those two-hundred IQ points seemed useless now…

Thankfully, which he was sure it was because the three had been spotted, Ino came bouncing right in.

"Temari! You have to come with us! Let's go get drunk! You know you want to!" Ino pulls Temari away without even letting her say goodbye and drags her by the arm, down the path to their usual bar probably. He's never been so grateful for his former teammate's loud obnoxious voice, but he's sure the act wasn't done for his sake.

"Hey Shikamaru, you gonna join?" Chouji surprises them from behind.

Maybe he could be an ass and abandon Fuyumi for a drunken night with his friends just like he has done so many times, but enough damage has been made in just five minutes already.

"Nah man, think I'm gonna pass. I'm beat."

"Alright buddy." Choji claps his shoulder and smiles at Fuyumi. "See ya."

They wave at he retreats with small fake smiles.

The two of them walk in a stiff silence, Fuyumi looking down the entire time, her hair hiding her face.


	10. Wildfire

**Sorry! I've just been going through some stuff... But lately when i start writing it gets my mind distracted so that's good. Anyways, thank you guys for keeping up with me despite how long I've been taking to update. All your reviews are greatly appreciated! (:**

**ST-4Love: In time I will show Temari and Ryota's relationship develop I promise! & I've already planned a Temar/Shika/Ryota scene. So far there's just one planned in my head but as the story develops maybe I can think of more ;)**

**About Temari and Ryota, well about the story ingeneral. This story is nowhere near done. Relationships develop over time and I don't want to just jump the gun with T&R just to make Shika jealous. So this story might take you guys through a wild roller coaster ride :P**

**Clairette: I feel like I'm writing Shikamaru as a d!c# (pardon my french) because yes he obviously knows what he's doing to Fuyumi is wrong, but it's also Fuyumi's fault for letting him walk all over her! Here I am fuming and I'm the one that writes it :P & yes you're right Temari by meeting Fuyumi realizes how she needs to take her own path, thus her acceptance of Ryota considering they hit it off really well.**

**chrysant: Everyone always wants what they can't have! ;) Darn that Shikamaru :P**

**Well I won't bore you guys anymore here's chapter 10! Next chapter Temari's POV! (:**

Centering his thoughts towards a distraction proved to be difficult for once. As much as he tried to calculate various predicaments in his head that needed answering to the next day at work it proved to be pointless. He sluggishly rolls himself over on his Clan's grassy backyard; belly flopped down on the ground. Pulling himself up has never been more tiring.

The jelly like sensation lingers all over his body from lack of movement as he sits up, he doesn't know how long he's been laying outside but by his body's reaction it's been long enough. Shikamaru's idea of relaxation by watching the cloud's for once did not give him comfort.

Instead he opts himself in a stagnant pace to go home and take a nap. A long one, the less time his mind had to think the better.

Shikamaru grabs his doorknob and rethinks about maybe getting some work done. The Chunin Exams, although a couple of months away, has him working like a slave. Thankfully though he wouldn't be proctor this time, not that it made any difference to his workload.

Only then did he realize he'd have to go back to his office and get the folders he needed. There was no way he was stepping foot out to the village. He'd had enough with the gossip, but he couldn't avoid the people forever. Not when he promised to take out Fuyumi that Saturday.

"I feel sick…" he grumbles.

A churn in his stomach flips it upside down; he gets the urge to vomit.

* * *

><p>"I'm glad we're out, it's been awhile." Fuyumi smiles softly across from the fancy dinner table. "You haven't been looking well, thought you might want to cancel."<p>

Condemning himself for letting his emotions show he snaps himself out of it for the time being, "I'm just stressed. The Chunin Exams are a lot of work. Not to mention Naruto keeps adding to my paperwork."

"Yeah…" her word sticks along with her sigh; he knows she's not stupid.

Looking around the fancy restaurant for once he is grateful for the uproar of voices that chatter on too fast and loud to truly comprehend what they are saying.

Shikamaru takes bites of his food, dozing off finally for once to the vocal tunes of the woman singing on stage. Or maybe it's because he's extremely bored and the awkward tension between him and his girlfriend has intensified dramatically. He should know, it's been two weeks since they last had sex. Strangely enough, he didn't miss it much. He did all the work anyways, troublesome...

Unfortunately for him the nice atmosphere does not last long as three tables down an odd couple decide to make a ruckus. The plump dirty blond woman is hysterically aiming her hands around everywhere; a sign that she is especially angry. In front of her a scrawny, tall man frantically tries to calm her down. He supposed love came in many different shape and sizes. This reminded him of two people he knew who chose to keep him in the dark. No matter, they'd tell when they were ready.

Shikamaru rolls his eyes, lovers' quarrels, so annoying…

"I really like this song. Would you dance with me Shikamaru?"

"Sorry. I don't dance."

"Oh…"

Shikamaru has ruined the rest of their evening. The awkwardness of the rest of their dinner tells him so, and he doesn't want to fix it. He's in no mood as he secretly pushes with force one foot on top of the other so Fuyumi cannot see the anger that pours into him as the animatedly couple pass by them talking about a topic he does not wish to touch.

* * *

><p>"Whatever you say, Captain!" a cheerful Lee resonates through his eardrum.<p>

Leave it to his bad luck to get stuck with the guy filled with more energy than Naruto. TenTen put him in his place when needed though so he was grateful for the kunouchi as a teammate, and being with Choji made the job more bearable. Regardless of the four men cell he was placed in their four opponents still roughed them up. They were all physically strong, Choji proved to be a worthy opponent compared to the rest. Lee being four times smaller than his rival was too fast for them. He on the other hand could not say the same; because of his mental distraction they almost lost the fight….

"I would be more than honored to carry you back to the Village Shikamaru!" Rock Lee salutes at him like a soldier.

"Thanks but no thanks, I think I can manage." He says leading the way.

Shikamaru's arms want to fall limply to his sides, but he musters up the courage to continue after all it's only a fifteen minute walk. And although the lazy part in him wants more than anything to be magically transported home, he won't give Kotetsu and Izumo that satisfaction.

Before he can even arrive to the outskirts of his land Fuyumi makes a run to him in a panic. He supposes it was Choji who warned her since he went to report back alone. Such a good guy…

Fuyumi rushes him past the door so that she can begin her treatment. His wounds are not deep so he sees no reason to get actual medic help; they have more important people to attend to.

Shikamaru's arms are filled with lashes and bruises that turn a deeper purple by the minute. He really needed to practice on his hand to hand combat.

"Hey, I'm okay." Shikamaru speaks softly, it's been days but for once he's grateful she's there.

Fuyumi smiles as she sits next to him preparing the bandages for him. "I worry for you no matter how small the mission."

He's beat and refuses to eat despite his girlfriend's insistence. She was never good on being persuasive. Three hours have passed and it's getting late, he opts for a shower.

"Will I hurt my wounds if I shower?" he asks, it's unusual when he gets wounded, thus making it almost alien him to the proper procedure.

"No. You'll be fine." She giggles at his question.

"Tch."

"Here I'll help you."

"Nah, you don't have to. You've done enough."

"I want to."

"Suit yourself…"

Fuyumi helps him out of his attire at a leisurely pace. The water hits his body giving his aching arms comfort. There is a silence that follows, not counting the sounds of the dripping water that cascades his face. Now that he thinks of it he's not sure how he's going to wash his hair, but when he turns the woman entering his shower answers his question.

"What are you-?" his words are cutoff by Fuyumi's lips.

As she continues her trail down his chin, on his neck, on his chest, the region of hair atop his belly button, and finally reaching his manhood, he places his head back to lean on the tiled wall because he knows where this is going…

* * *

><p>There scattered all over his living room is a mess of toys by none other than the adorable Kotori. They have been playing for three hours already, which was it for his stamina though because he was resting with his eyes closed on the sofa. Kotori too engrossed with a guitar that had buttons that played music given to her by Uncle Naruto. No, not even the repeated notes that had an annoying tune could annoy him at the moment, if it wasn't because he had to baby sit he'd be passed out despite how big the noise was.<p>

Supplicating though were his eye lids as he'd force them open but they'd snap back shut. He promised to have her home by seven; one more hour to go. Not that he minded the little girl's company, especially at the moment, she was very calm. There on the floor she was now sitting down pretending to bottle feed her doll water. Kids…

The door echoes a knock. It's Choji and in one of his hands is a white plastic bag.

"Heard you were babysitting. Thought I'd stop by, I know how lazy you are, and poor Kotori probably hasn't been fed."

"Tch, my mom feeds her when she's over."

"Uncle Cho!"

"Hey kiddo! I brought you some sweets." Choji ruffles her hair as she takes a brownie wrapped in plastic.

"Yay!" Great the kids going to get more energy.

Gazing at the box of cookies his best friend takes out they take a seat on opposite's side of the couch. Kotori makes way and grabs a handful but before continuing off with her playing she smiles widely at both of them. She had everyone wrapped around her little finger.

"You know, sweets aren't really considered food." He offers the suggestion for future references but most importantly for the health of his unborn children.

"I know your mom makes sure she eats properly when she's over. You're smart Shikamaru but you can't cook to save your life. Besides what kid doesn't like snacks after their meals." Utters Choji in between bites.

Satisfactory response for anyone else maybe but he's not stupid, "Why are you here Choji?"

"Do I need a reason to visit my best pal?"

"No." Troublesome.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing. You've been looking a little sick lately."

"Just stressed." He shrugs.

Cheers from his goddaughter breaks the five minute silence as she finds a chocolate covered donut inside of Choji's magic bag.

"Shikamaru, are you really okay with-"

"I'm fine." He cuts him off before the forbidden topic is mentioned, the unspoken rule amongst all his friends.

"We've known each other for so long Shikamaru. You can tell me anything. I won't judge you." His voice sounds a bit hurt.

"I know buddy…" but that was the end of THAT conversation. "Same goes for you, you know?"

"I know that." Choji says a little confused.

"Nevermind." Shikamaru says quietly but he figures Choji's chewing of chips is too loud on his own ear for himself to hear. He won't push it out of respect that Choji only questions him out of concern, and Ino's too. Their conversation takes onto a different path and his worries for awhile at least are forgotten. This was their type of friendship and he was never more grateful for anything at the moment.

* * *

><p>"You heading to lunch, Shikamaru?" Kakashi asks as he enters the Standby Jonin Station.<p>

"Yeah, I figured I'd just get something from the canteen."

"Well let me save you the trouble of doing useless walking. The kitchen is closed for the day. Something about Naruto meddling in the kitchen."

"That fool…" he sighs, now what is he supposed to eat? "Alright thanks for the heads up Kakashi sensei."

"No problem." And with that the copy ninja leaves.

"Just my luck… Guess I'll head to my mom's. All that walking though… I blame Naruto." He mutters to himself.

Hands inside his pockets and head bowed down he makes his way home.

Building after building… All this walking was too much for him. He felt like a zombie.

Behind him a pair of screeching banshees (two middle aged woman) cannot keep their traps closed. They appear to be headed the same direction. Great… He wants to block them out but it is impossible. The talk of the village. The one thing people just couldn't keep their mouths shut about. The one conversation he was trying to avoid…

It's been a whole week already; one would think since the WOMAN has left his land the people would have nothing to gossip about anymore. Oh boy he was wrong.

His body felt numb as his feet carried him through the dirt road and his hunger now gone. The vision of his precious village gets blurry as he finally looks up. Mechanically his body moves itself as if it knows where he's going because inside that brain of his is nothing but a big white blank. The only functional parts of his body are his eardrums as the repetition of the words that have thrown him into a loop for the past week pounds into his head like a hammer.

"Did you hear? The Feudal Lord's nephew has been spotted recently having late night dinners at fancy restaurants with the Sand Ambassador!"


	11. Memories Of A Shadow

**I'm trying my best not to make Shikamaru as OOC as possible. I'm sure he wouldn't be this mean, even to his own girlfriend :/ But oh, i need it for the drama... I hope the way I'm writing Shikamaru doesn't frustrate you guys. We still have a long way to go. I have so much planned! **

**On another note, you all can stop worrying about Fuyumi getting herself pregnant. The idea had never occured to me actually and now that it has it doesn't catch my attention anyways. I've read many stories about Shikamaru's girlfriends being all psycho jealous, after a certain extent it starts to annoy me. Which is why i made an OC, I usually see Ino play the part of the jealous gf and although she's not my favorite i don't particularly dislike her either. Fuyumi is exactly what Shikamaru "wanted", someone who's not troublesome at all. Complete opposite of Temari.**

**Anyways thanks so much for the reviews you guys! Every one of them is greatly appreciated! :D**

During Temari's stay at the Fire Lord's village she has spent her entire days with Ryota. They have late night dinners that extend longer as they days go by. The entity of his company has given her comfort through their late night talks. A few glasses of wine also help.

Disinterestedly she gazes at the buildings that peak out from the trees across a branch she is sitting on. The sky has a dark color that makes the stars look like they glisten in silver diamonds.

Loud rustling leaves catch her attention, it doesn't sound too far off from where she sits. There, only few inches away is a squirrel hiding away its nuts inside a whole of the tree she resides in. Temari silently watches as the squirrel stores its food away. Quickly, after it's done the squirrel brushes past her back swiftly, the small wind it creates as it scatters off gives her shivers. Playfully she dangles her legs while she waits for Ryota; they've agreed to meet alone for a change. Plus, the less scandalous eyes around them the better. Although it might already be too late, they were the talk of the town, and every time she met the Fire Lord there was a sparkle in his eyes.

Before she can let out another huff of annoyance for waiting an extra fifteen minutes than the time they had set she feels the warmth of the body that sits next to her.

"You're late." She states the obvious.

A raspy chuckle escapes his throat before explaining. "I apologize. My mother was giving me an inquisition."

Temari sighs, "Yeah, apparently we're the talk of the town."

"You should be used to the attention." Charmingly he teases her.

"Doesn't mean I like it." Temari retorts fold her arms.

"Agreed."

"I bet she wouldn't like me." She grins evilly.

Amongst the ninjas she was admired by many, but when it came down to being fit as a trophy wife she wouldn't make the cut. Honestly she didn't care though, she wasn't meant to be a home maker, and she couldn't see herself as a mother either. Even if she did once regard as admittedly having feelings for the Shadow idiot, it did not mean she pictured herself married to him. Maybe it was because the friendship never really went beyond that and she stuck to reality. She never daydreamed about the future and instead concentrated on the now.

"Well then maybe you two should meet." There's mischief in his eyes.

Temari gives a hearty laugh, "Why would you want that? Do you want to be disowned?" she continues. "Besides, what would we tell her? We hardly know each other. Although, I'm sure the people in your village have over exaggerated what they've merely seen. I would know." Grumbling the last part, she really did.

Ryota shrugs. "I told mother the same. Told her we were getting acquainted for the sake of the treaties of course." Playfully he smiles at her.

"Ha! If only keeping the peace were that easy." An amused Temari smiles at him widely.

Temari, as the days pass by is able to tune out the turmoil in her heart by listening to this man. They're late night talk spreads to midnight, neither of them noticing the time.

* * *

><p>Temari closes her Inn's door but not before looking right to left, making sure no one has followed Ryota on his way to her place. She was sure inviting him over might be a bad idea, especially if they saw him enter her room. The lecture about being unethical she'd receive if anyone ever found out. Of course though being a master at keeping her relations a secret she learned a thing or two. Not to mention that Ryota being an exceptional ninja helped.<p>

"Okay. You're sure nobody saw you?"

"I'm more than positive." Ryota beams at her and hands her a bottle of wine wrapped in a brown paper bag. "Sorry, I couldn't find anything stronger back home."

"It'll do." Temari takes it and extends her arm towards the couch. "Please, sit. I'll get us some glasses."

As she rummages through her kitchen the fading sun lights her way towards two cups. Perfect. It must be a sign she really should drink tonight. And although it may look wrong considering she invited over a man she hardly knew over she was in need of company. His company in particular. Originally he had offered to take her out to dinner but she refused. Being gawked at during an entire meal could get annoying. Surprisingly he'd agreed to her proposition. He was a man after all; she supposed tonight she'd find out what Ryota really wanted from her. From past experience men usually only wanted one thing from her…

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I just don't feel like being stared at like some museum artifact or something."

Ryota takes her cups as she sits down and begins to pour wine in them before handing one back to her. "I understand."

"Thanks." Temari downs it like water and begins serving herself another.

"Shouldn't you slow down? You leave tomorrow morning. You'll get dehydrated."

"I've done it before."

"Impressive." Ryota laughs entertainingly by her boldness.

"So tell me, how was life as one of the twelve guards?"

"Well I'm sure it's no different than your guard duties protecting the Kazekage. My uncle tries not to travel too much unless needed but when he does it's like he attracts his enemies like the light that attracts the moths."

Here, here, she thinks.

"Do you have any specialties?" she's sure there's no need to tell him hers, her scary reputation wasn't earned by laying low after all.

"I have two actually." Ryota sheepishly rubs the back of his head not looking at her, "I tried not using them unless necessary though, it'd give me away. Mostly stuck to one on one combat."

"What are your elements?"

"You're a curious one aren't you?" he grins.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to." Disinterestedly she turns her attention on her third cup of wine.

"Reverse psychology. You're good."

"I'm sure you're not that easy to crack."

"No, I'm not. I guess you just have that power over me, use it wisely."

Completely drawn by the man in front of her she meets his eyes, and gets into a more comfortable position. She leans her back on the edge of the couch, her elbows relaxed on armrests. The fire lord's nephew has not moved from the same spot since he arrived. Only his head is tilted, facing her while he sits up straight, legs spread apart, his hands holding his still first drink in the middle. Feet separate them from each other; she's still not sure how this night is going to end.

"I can control wind and fire."

"The wind huh? Another thing we have in common."

They clank their cups as he finally helps himself to a second serving, her going on her fourth. Temari easily relaxes as the alcohol travels through her system but she is nowhere near tipsy, she's not stupid. Their conversation takes an animated toll as they recall encounters with former enemies. The actions of their past fights intrigue each other as they go into detail explaining their next move. Afterwards they linger into a different topic as they laugh in tears as they remember missions with rookie ninjas.

Ryota finally relaxes himself as he lies back on the sofa, "And this is why I don't drink. I've only had half of what you've had and I'm already losing feeling on my nose. I'm such a disappointment." He laughs at himself, Temari joins him.

"It takes years of practice." She says with pride.

"Do you feel it yet?"

"Completely sober," she says playfully, "it takes more than wine to do the trick."

"Um… but you should probably stop or you might have trouble getting back home." She says as she gets close and takes away the cup from his hands so that she can place it on the table in front of them.

"Good thinking."

They play a staring contest, mirth all over their faces.

"I have an idea." He takes a hold of her wrist.

"Really?" raising an eye brow, where is he going with this?

Happily than she's ever seen him he suggests something she was not expecting, "We should dance."

"What!? There's no music!" Temari bursts in giggles; okay maybe it was hitting her.

"We don't need any."

The man a foot taller than her raises up and reaches down his hands for her. The alcohol's really set him loose.

"You're insane." She shakes her head, smiling, taking his hands as they make their way towards the small empty area in her living room. "Okay, now what?"

One of her hand is on his shoulder, the other entwined with his own, while his other holds her by the waist.

"Now, we dance. Left and right." He keeps repeating the last sentence until they reach a rhythm of their own.

"Um… You like to dance?" she asks, remembering that night at the ball.

"I do…" his eyes flicker with a sadness that goes unnoticed, but she's sure he's too influenced to even notice himself.

"Why?" she questions him, her voice soft as his answer.

"It reminds me of the good days…"

How so? She wants to ask more than anything but knows better. There is an agony that seeps through his features that silences her with sympathy. Temari does not know what haunts this man but suspects she's not the only one that's suffering. The apartment becomes quiet, almost depressing. They spend their rest of the night dancing in silence, finding the comfort in each others simple company.


	12. Expect The Unexpected

**Hi you guys! Sorry for taking so long to update. I had been feeling a little blue and went into hibernation mode. But things finally got back on track and things are going great now! :D I'm really happy at the moment but i know life is a roller coaster but as long as we keep our chins up we should all be okay! It's the start of June and work is going to get busy this month but I try to work on this whenever I can! **

**chrysant: Whether Shikamaru will get out of this lie or not well you'll have to stick around and see ;) And as for a TemaYoshino moment i dont think at the moment would be a good idea. Shikamaru and Temari at some extent are trying to distance themselves from each other even if they're not doing a very good job at it. But maybe in later chapters I can squeeze that it in. But that's a big maybe and it would be way later, later, later. lol **

**TheRedSin: Ryota's past will be revealed eventually, I promise. After all him and Temari still aren't that well acquainted. They need to build up their trust wall (;**

**saraphernelia:stay strong we all go through our rough patches but i believe we all have someone out there for us!**

Skies of gray taunts the onlookers as clouds huddle up together probably creating rain to splash down on them but it never comes. Looking down at the turf that she steps on she supposes that whether the water decides to come down or not won't make any difference. In fact it might just make the grass grow more. The leaves have fallen and grown back up as winter gets near. For now November rain fit perfectly. Constant changes in weather that the Land of Fire went through were always amusing, but there was nothing like her never changing home. Suna could not get any closer as she readied herself to walk through those gates.

The man strolling next to her seems to forgotten last night's slip of the tongue, of his melancholic past, or has decided to ignore it in hopes that she'd do so as well. Lucky for him she was never one to pry into other people's business.

Venturing upon this path with the dent that was left upon Ryota's life long ago was risky, but all her walls were up now, nothing could hurt her, not anymore.

They walk down the road she's strangely become accustomed to despite it being her second visit. The sky roars and the wind blows at her skin faster and even more cold than she'd like it to be. It was going to be a long journey…

"Do you really have to leave today? It looks like it's going to rain."

"I could have left 5 hours ago if it wasn't for your Uncle's insistence to have breakfast together before leaving." A very flustered Temari grumbles.

"He likes you." Ryota laughs at her grumpiness. "My Aunt seemed to like you as well."

Temari snorts, one of the few women who did so. She only figured it was probably because they shared a love for food, they'd both agreed eating to be as skinny as a twig was vastly overrated.

Another clap of thunder catches their attention; they were beginning to get louder.

Ryota halts in front of her; blocking her way. "The sky is getting really dark. It's dangerous to go out on this weather."

Temari mentally rolls her eyes. It was against her will that he had walked her to the gates in the first place. She had a feeling he was going to give her trouble; she'd already heard it from the Fire Lord that morning.

"Since when does it seem like Temari of the Sand fears a little rain? Besides if I can live through sand storms I'm sure I can manage through this."

"They are two different things, but just as dangerous." He frowns at her.

"I promise that if the weather gets too out of hand I'll stop at the first shelter I can find. I'm still deep in the Land of Fire. Finding a village should be easy."

"Promise? You look like the reckless type." A cringe on his forehead forms, he doesn't look convinced.

She laughs at his words. "I'm stubborn, not stupid."

Over dramatically (but highly comical to her) he slumps his shoulders and lets out a flustered breath.

"Come on, keep walking." Temari pokes atop the blue jacket that he wears, covering the mesh shirt underneath.

Their feet make a stop past the entrance of his beloved village.

"So… I guess… Until next time?" she says awkwardly, she was never good with goodbyes.

"Yeah… Ummm…"

"What is it now?" she turns around to face him, arms crossed, he was acting the same way he did last time he was at her village.

Ryota laughs and smiles at her sheepishly. "You're good at reading people." A tinge of red colors his cheeks. "I wanted to know if you'd like to do this again. If you want to of course, I know it's gotten out of hand with the rumors. But I'd really like to continue dating you, and get to know you better."

Her mouth opens before she can even register the words through her head, "Sure." And with that answer gives him a smile, a true sincere smile, earning a show of Ryota's pearly whites in return.

Suddenly, like the light bulb in his brain has just turned on he asks. "Can I write you?"

Temari agrees and gives him the information on how to reach her.

After a long lecture on which places to stop, or what to do in case of a thunderstorm emergency they finally bid farewell. As she begins her hike, only a few yards in, she turns around to find her guide still standing in front of the gates. She waves and he waves back. Turning back around she laughs at the worry she's causing at a man who barely knows her. Mentally she admits that she kinds of likes it.

* * *

><p>Temari takes herself back home after her Monday morning ritual. The paper bags on her arms are filled with bread all the way to the top that she can barely see where she is going. Which was a good thing she knew her village like the back of her hand that she could walk around it blindfolded.<p>

Shining bright up in the sky the sun glistens reading itself for another hot day. Thankfully it was still early and the heat wouldn't hit for another three hours or so.

During her walk home strangeness stirs inside of her, she almost misses the feel of the wind that the leaves give her as they scatter away back in the Land of Fire. Abruptly her body halts; she shakes her head furiously and starts her venture back home again.

Distracting herself from other weird thoughts she thinks about what she should make her brothers for breakfast. They'd be appreciative either way, she's been gone for two weeks, and they'd eat her food even if it was burned. Temari snorts at the thought.

Temari stands with her hands on her hips right in front of Kankuro's sleeping face. Considering he had arrived at a reasonable time last night, she took her best bets and risked entering his room knowing there could be a chance of a naked woman. There was not. Nevertheless that didn't stop her from teasing him, he wasn't a morning person and at least she wouldn't be throwing a bucket of ice water this time. Still, he'd startle when he'd feel a presence staring at him during his slumber, like a child she sniggered mentally.

"What the fuck! You scared the shit out of me! Waking up to your scary ass face is not something people look forward to in the morning." Kankuro rubs off the sleep with his hands.

"I'm sure all your little _friends _think the same way."

"Ah well-"he smirks at her, "can't tease you now can I? Rumor has it my big sis has found herself a boyfriend."

"Shut up Kankuro and wake up already. Breakfast will be ready soon." She smacks his face with a pillow.

"I'm up. I'm up." He grumbles.

Eventually she knew the subject would come up from her brothers. She was just hoping it would be, well, never. They were boys, who knows what questions they would ask. Well more Kankuro than Gaara. Temari closes the door of her brother's room; well it looked more like a basement if you asked her… Along the way Gaara's room resides but she knows he's been up since before her.

She sits along with her two siblings in the small kitchen table, the gigantic dinner room they had at the far end of their house unused since her father was alive. There was an awkward tightness in the air that was suffocating her through every bite. She knew it was coming, there was no avoiding it now…

"So sis, tell us about your boyfriend. What's he like? Is he a douche? Have you guys fucked?" Kankuro asks as if simply asking about the weather.

Her appetite has already been ruined, shooting daggers through his skull she's interrupted before she can rant on him.

"Kankuro," Gaara's voice is calm as usual but not deadly like long ago. "Those are details I would not like discussed during breakfast. Besides I have enough hearing about your rendezvous affairs."

"Oh come on its perfectly normal. Human nature. We all need a good fuck every once in a while."

"Well than I guess that makes you not normal Mr. I-Have-To-Screw-Every-Girl-I-Meet." Temari points at him accusingly with a fork dangling her eggs.

The Kazekage sighs while he quietly continues eating his food no longer participating in their childish fights. Although he secretly enjoyed them.

"Hey, they're the ones that show up at my door asking me for pleasure. What am I supposed to do? Reject them? I'm being a good citizen here, helping girls in their time of need."

"You're disgusting." Temari spits out. "Besides what I do or don't do is my business. People just like to run their tongues because they have nothing better to do with their lives."

"Now this is the end of this discussion." Temari continues. "Plus I don't exactly like having _these_ types of conversations in front of our baby brother." At the end of the day regardless he is still their kage.

"What!? Why!? Oh come on Temari he's not a baby and I gave him the talk of the birds and the bees a _long _time ago."

"That's not the point!"

"Then what is!?"

"He's still our Kazekage you idiot! Have some respect!"

While Gaara secretly enjoys their banter he figures it's time to intervene before one of them really end up physically hurt, in all cases it being Kankuro.

He interrupts, "That's fine Temari. Through the years I've managed to mentally block out all of Kankuro's stories about his late night conquests adventures."

She sticks out her tongue at him because she knows this conversation is over and she's won, again.

"Pfft. Whatever." Kankuro rolls his eyes at her but smirks afterwards, a sign of no hard feelings.

"Nonetheless from what I recall at that night of the ball Ryota-san seemed like a respectable man, he has a future, and is a prestigious ninja. But in all honesty that would not matter to me. He could be homeless and non hygienic for all I care. Whoever you wish to marry you have my blessings. As long as my beloved sister is happy, I am happy." And then Gaara raises up his orange juice glass as if toasting for her future and gifts her with a small smile.

Kankuro bursts out laughing, clutching his stomach from the pain as he cannot stop while unsuspected tears run down his red face. Temari just stares in awe at her younger brother, her mouth shaped into a perfectly shaped "O".

She's not sure who's lost it more, her (no matter how many times he denies it) nymphomaniac brother, or the other still awkwardly emotional one.

* * *

><p>Ailment was usually the reason for peoples visit into the hospital, she thanked her lucky stars there was never an occasion when she had to be permitted in towards the emergency room. Temari was always in good health, and her injuries were never severe. Only reason she sat right now in one of the many waiting room areas was to get her confirmation packet of her monthly physical that the village requires to make sure all is well. It also comes in handy when a kunoichi is pregnant and does not know it yet.<p>

"Sabaku No Temari."

They call her out and hand her a yellow thin package. She sits down again, rummages through each word to make sure everything is in order and takes her leave.

A healthy life leads to a happy life, she thinks.

There's nothing that can stop her now. The past three weeks have been stress relievers despite her excessive traveling. Or it could do something with the recent letters that have her laughing about the Fire Lord's and his wife's absurdities from Ryota. Honestly she doesn't care, nothing can ruin her mood.

Oh boy was she wrong.

In almost an UN-Temari fashion she strolls down the streets towards the Kazekage mansion looking a little too happy, humming a tune played at one of the many restaurants Ryota had taken her out to. Arms swing front and back, a smile creeps on her face as she remembers the letter she just read last night.

Her feet carry her closer towards the entrance of her destination, the large global building.

Temari's smile turns upside down, and tries to stop any emotion from showing. Nevertheless her stomach betrays her as it tugs a painful assault.

The words "Hey" are spoken by a laid back shinobi waiting with his back against the wall, and his arms criss-crossed on the back of his head.

"Shikamaru…?"

**Nothing much happens in this chapter. It was just mostly a buildup for this little cliffhanger. Next chapter will be Shika/Tema moments. I just cannot reassure you how that's going to turn out to be. Could be good or bad. :/**

**Until next time! Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to read my story. It means a lot to me :,D**


	13. Friends

**Let me start off by saying that I am soo sorry for taking a whole month to update the new chapter! Before I could even start writing this chapter I let my computer die and the charger stopped working! I had to wait until my second paycheck of the month because you guys I have bills to pay, so that I could finally buy myself a new charger. Anyways, let me continue off by saying that this may be the longest chapter I've written so far for this story. Don't get used to it lol. I found myself writing up a storm, I must say I really enjoyed typing up this chapter! **

**Thanks so much who have stuck by me this far! I promise there's sooo much more to come!**

**Thank you for your reviews, faves, and follows! They make me want to keep going with the story even more! I appreciate it soo much! **

**Well I'll stop taking up your time. Let me know what you think! (:**

The sandy streets of the Sand Village buzz around busily. It's the luncheon rush hour he presumes, as many shinobi walk around with sticks of foods from various stands. A group of men and women around his age pass by them chatting away. The world was unaware of the rigid way their bodies walked next to each other, for the first time there was awkwardness between them. Shikamaru's eyes wander around looking at anything but Temari. Resting inside his pockets are his fidgety hands, sweating bullets.

He never thought walking with Temari, such a simple task, could turn out to be so troublesome. Which was strange because everything about Temari was troublesome. He matches his own steps with hers as they travel through her beloved village.

Following such horrid silence he figures Temari got frustrated because she decides to break it first, "So… Why is the Hokage's adviser so far from home? With the Hokage the Leaf has, he needs all the help he can get."

"I'm here on business." He sees her raise up a questioning eyebrow.

"Merchant business?" she asks.

"Nah, bargaining is such a hassle. I'm here to prepare for the Chunin's exam. Naruto thought it'd be a good idea if I came to work here with you, that way we can extend the days we lost." He tunes out the same lie he told Fuyumi, it was his idea. "Gaara said we could start tomorrow."

"Hmm, guess that Naruto can think after all." Temari's voice shows indifference.

At this point he doesn't know where he stands with the troublesome woman. She was full of surprises. Just like her mood swings…

"So, for how long are you here for?" she extends an arm pointing, her hand waves at his figure.

Just as they are about to turn right on another loud busy street he answers, "For about a week, give or take. Naruto just said to try to do as much as possible. No real deadline. We do still have about four months anyways."

"Hmph."

Shikamaru knows Temari's understood perfectly his words by her annoyed sound, he doesn't want to do paperwork; he was after all a lazy ass. Knowing her though, she'll MAKE him work. She always had the ability to drill his brain into gears.

Temari and Shikamaru once again are accompanied by quiet. His eyes roam around to avoid eye contact. The Sand Siblings home is deep at the end of the village, a long walk much to his dismay. A mansion so large yet he happens to be perfectly familiar with every room it contained. Courtesy of the many meals he had been invited to throughout the years.

They begin to pass shops that assure him they are almost at their destination. He'd brought it upon himself though; after all he was the one who offered to walk her home. That did not make the Sand kunoichi happy, he was the guest in her village but for a lazy guy he too can be insistent.

But every now and then she'd never fail to interject, "You know, it's not necessary for you to walk me all the way. I've lived here long enough not to get lost."

"I know." Was all he said

Again… No noise came from either of them.

He takes a long sigh; thankfully the villagers are too rowdy for her to notice. Building inside his head for the past few weeks was a large sticky web of confusion. Shikamaru has had time though to sort his thoughts out. Through the nights he had no choice BUT to think because his sleep would never arrive.

Yeah, he had admitted to himself that when it came to human emotions it wasn't so easy to turn it off like he'd like. As the hours of darkness stretched through the days he rewired himself back into his usual self. He went back to his usual routines aside the one from work. Like visiting his mother, playing with Kotori, hanging out with his friends, and giving back Fuyumi the little attention she required from him. He was numb again and that was enough for him to finalize that whatever Temari did with her life was not his business. A visit to his father and sensei's graves was all it took to completely snap him back to reality. He'd chosen his path, and he'd accepted it. There was no turning back now…

Before he realizes Temari is atop the third beige grainy stair, closed behind her is the maroon door that opens to her living room.

"Well, thanks. I'll see you tomorrow." She says shortly and turns around.

Before she can though Shikamaru blares out awkwardly, "I…" she stops in her tracks "Does it make you uncomfortable. Being around me?" he asks rubbing the back of his neck with his right hand, his head looking down at the grains of sand that threaten to get in his sandals.

She looks at him completely bewildered than says, "No. Why would it?" then hesitantly continues. "We are friends.?" She makes that last part sound more like a question but he's sure it was meant as a statement.

He then registers through his head that it was him over thinking everything because Temari appeared oblivious to what really was his internal battles. He supposes maybe he's not as collected as he thought he was.

"Yeah… Friends…" he reassures her.

The last word breathed out from his lips almost seems to have been carried along with the heavy burst of wind that blew past them…

* * *

><p>Awake at the job for twelve hours, with only a quick lunch as a break and no naps in-between, his mother would be proud. Temari sure knew how to overwork a person. Usually when the work gets done back at the Leaf they have an eight hour shift, not including their hour lunch, and all those twenty minute breaks every two hours. He was in her territory now, which meant whatever she says goes. Not that it mattered; it generally was like that anyways.<p>

At least the atmosphere around them had changed, doing all those written assignments really did require a lot of time and although they were quiet most of the time, the tension was gone. The two of them became so engrossed, he'd never worked so seriously, yet it felt comforting. Temari was an easy person to work with.

Despite the fact that they got ahead in just a day's work and it'd give him a chance to slack off for another month until her next visit; he was more than thankful when she declared that they'd done enough for the day.

"Where are we going?" he questions Temari as they step outside the Kazekage's building, a chill runs up his spine as the chilly air hits him. The nights were always so cold in the Sand.

"_I'm _going home." She emphasis.

At that point he makes up his mind, noting he has nothing better to do than going back to the inn. "I'll walk you then."

"Not this again." she groans and stops to cross her arms. "You don't have to walk me Shikamaru. Your Inn is on the other side of the village. I get it your parents raised you to be a gentleman. They'd be so proud." He's sure she's being sarcastic.

"Tch," Shikamaru scoffs. "I'm not that easy to get rid of. Besides I got used to your bitchiness long ago. You don't scare me anymore. Well not as much." He finishes as he grabs her arm so they can continue on their path.

He notes that her skin feels warm yet from the goose bumps he feels the woman has gotten cold from the sudden change that the warm building provided them with. The sudden grasp though ignites a fire in his stomach, one that gets extinguished as she pulls her arm away angrily. Regrettably though some other parts of his body don't get the same memo.

"Fine! But if I so much as hear a wine about all the extra walking you did-!"

He doesn't let her finish. "I got it. I got it. Troublesome woman."

They continue on bantering like their usual selves. Temari snaps in annoyance and his indifference tone of voice pisses her off more. As she keeps on ranting about who knows what as he has blocked her out for the time being he sighs mentally. When he gets back to the inn he was going to need an ice cold shower, and if that didn't work he would just have to fend off for himself. Which he really hoped it wouldn't come to that because it just meant more work even if it was meant for his bodily release.

* * *

><p>Groups of women shriek with excitement at the new stock of jewelry the stand Shikamaru is currently observing. He frowned at the over chatter that bothered his ears. Mumbling a few incoherent words he hears Temari give a slight laugh at his torture.<p>

"I blame you." He glares.

"Oh, whatever. I only made a suggestion. You willingly agreed." Her mischievous smile says otherwise.

The woman had given him the bright idea that because it was almost Christmas he should buy Fuyumi a gift from her land; objects from foreign places were always interesting and rarer to find. Plus she had impolitely added that he shouldn't be such a "dick," her words not his, because he hadn't gotten her anything yet. Temari had triumphantly guilt tripped him into going where no other man should be forced to go. A place crowded with women booming everywhere about the newest styles.

"My man! Looking for something in particular? I've got all sorts of accessories! I have rings, earrings, necklaces!" The man has turned his attention to him away from the shrieking women; being the only man there he was bound to stand out. He looks around his age, his eye glasses make his eyes scarily big, and his dark brown hair spikes up messily everywhere. "You name it I got it! I even do special orders! So! What can I help you with!?" by the way his voice resonances he can tell he knows what he's doing, it's so loud he wants to shrink away from the crowd in fear, the man may be too convincing and he only brought a certain amount with him.

"Umm… I'm looking for umm… Something in green?" That last part sounded more like a question to himself instead of the seller.

"What kind of green!? I've got neon green, forest green, dark green, lime green, fern green, Dartmouth green, yellow-green, light green, pine green, sea green, shamrock green, lawn green, jungle green, _and_ regular green." The last color is said with a long let out breath.

Shikamaru stared startled at the man as he spoke too quickly. "Uh, light green."

"Alright bud," he says with a click of his tongue, "and what particular jewelry were you looking for."

"Umm…" Shikamaru scratches his head pensively and thinks that a ring would give her the wrong idea… "A necklace."

The salesman goes to one of the corners of his large glass stand and begins fidgeting with one of his many keys.

"That was scary." He mutters.

"You're such a crybaby!" Temari cackles at his torture, he opens his mouth to say something rude but as if on cue the man comes back with a velvet covered box set filled with sparkly necklaces.

"Go ahead and take a look at these. If you find anything call for me I'll be right over at that other corner." He says as he points and walks directly towards a young woman who waves at him wanting to purchase a large white diamond rose for her hair.

"Shouldn't he be more careful? People can easily steal from him like this." he says as he begins examining the sparkly gems in front of him. He swore their shining brightness was starting to give him a headache.

"You shouldn't underestimate people so easily Shikamaru." The woman states.

"Sounds like someone already tried to get away but failed?" he asked.

"Yeah." she laughs lightly. "That was a sight to see."

"Well, good for him I guess… You know, a little help would be nice."

"Sorry. I don't know what your girlfriend likes. Besides I don't even like jewelry. So flashy."

"_YOU _made the suggestion of stopping by here."

"I only made the suggestion. You could've picked buying her something else." She shrugs.

That troublesome woman…

Within the masses of gold and silver he opts for a simple necklace. It didn't stand out from the rest. It was a thin silver chain that held onto a light green circular pendant. He holds it up in his hands and nods at Temari so she can call the man back, he's done enough strenuous activity for the day, there's no way he's going to scream out for the attention of a man being attacked by a herd of troublesome women.

As the man takes his gift so he can wrap it up Shikamaru swears that the throbbing headache wasn't from the glittering of the objects in front of him anymore. In fact it was probably a punishment for the grinding of his brain because no matter how much he twisted around his thoughts he realized he knew nothing of Fuyumi.

* * *

><p>Point him out to the cemetery, Shikamaru thinks, it's his third day playing Temari's slave. He feels the work he's done for the past three days is enough hard labor for the rest of his lifetime. Under no circumstances should any male with the lazy Nara gene should be put through this torture.<p>

After some time (reminding himself that it's only been three days yet felt like eternity) he got used to the late nights spent in one of the Kazekage's offices. Really though it was just a small cramped room with a table in the middle and a chair on each side. Shikamaru stares outside through the large window longingly, the night sky looked inviting but he knew better, it was probably freezing cold out there already.

"Well what do we have here? Is my sister working you to the bone?" a smirking Kankuro appears leaning at the doorway.

"That's an understatement." Shikamaru grimaces.

Temari stops writing with her pen only to glare at him and glances back down at her papers. "What are you doing here Kankuro?"

Before he answers Shikamaru sees him raise a hand in acknowledgement at two male shinobi that pass by, then he walk towards them placing both hands at the end of the table.

"Well its way past nine and you've been here since eight in the morning." Kankuro frowns. "And then I decided." He then smiles as he claps his hands in excitement, the evil one Temari inherited as well, and points at the two of them, then points with both thumbs at himself. "WE are gonna go get plastered."

Temari and Shikamaru stare at him; questioning looks adorn both their faces.

"Is that really a good idea? Look at him," Temari points at Shikamaru. "he looks ready to pass out. Aside from that, he doesn't drink, there's no fun in that." She then shrugs.

Kankuro smacks his chest leaving Shikamaru almost out of breath, "Oh come on man! You got to let loose sometime!"

Rubbing his chest. "How so? By getting foolishly drunk and doing embarrassing things I won't remember tomorrow?"

"Yeah." Kankuro replies as it were the most obvious answer in the world.

He thinks about his suggestion a little bit and what good could from this. "Will this get me out of work tomorrow?"

The rolling of Temari's eyes doesn't go unnoticed.

"Yup! We might need all day to recover! The bar closes until 2 and who knows maybe we can continue afterwards!"

Before Kankuro even finishes talking he's up from his chair.

"Let's go then." Says Shikamaru.

"That's the spirit!" Kankuro exclaims while pushing him towards the door, he sure is in a hurry, probably in case he changes his mind. "Come on sis! Vodka and Tequila are waiting for us!"

Shikamaru hears a silent but deadly "morons".

By the time they get to the bar it's already ten, Kankuro ushers them quickly into their stools right next to one of the bartenders. According to Kankuro they shouldn't waste precious time considering they only had four hours to make liver damage, his words exactly.

He takes tiny sips of his nasty beverage, beer, there was no way out from this one. All three Sand siblings were scary equally. On the condition that he could get out of work for a day, the two of siblings had conspired that he drink four beers at least, one for every passing hour. They were being "lenient", lenient my ass, he thought. But desperate times called for desperate measures. Without one day of whole sleep he doesn't think he can make it for the rest of his remaining days at the Sand.

As for the two siblings, they wasted no time, because even though they each were still on their first jug of beer, they had already taken three shots. Shikamaru shifts uncomfortably at the hard wood chair that feels like its splintering his ass, and glances at the other two sitting so comfortably. Kankuro sat in the middle of both him and Temari.

"Why don't you take a shot with me?" Kankuro, the peer pressure master.

"That wasn't the deal."

What he just said doesn't matter. Because Kankuro has already waved at the bartender who's mixing a drink at the far end of the bar table for two shots, with two fingers up in the air. The bartender makes a sign to let Kankuro know he's going to take a few minutes, once the thumbs up is raised he knows it's safe and turns back to his current customer. The oldest two Sand siblings are famous, drunk or not people know not to piss them off.

"I don't know how you and Temari can drink so much." He shakes his head while said woman was having a conversation with a red haired kunoichi and then he reminds him thinking this might get him off his back. "Shouldn't you be off hitting on some girl?"

At that point his eyes bulge out frantically, "I do not have a problem. But no, not tonight. I'm going to hang out with you. Because I am not a _nymphomaniac_." He says it loudly close to Temari's ear but only gets swatted away; she is still conversing with the other woman.

Great, the onetime Kankuro decides to act decent towards the female species was the one time he needed to act like a horn dog the most.

"You're not going to drink that are you?" Kankuro asks as he takes the small glass shot and he shakes his head; there was no way in hell…

He is presented with another beer in front of him, quickly nothing that it should be eleven then. The redhead leaves and Temari turns her attention back to them.

"Here you go sis."

Solemnly as if it were water the two down the liquid past their throats.

Another hour passes and he notes as another beer stands in front of him. By this time he has lost count of how much these two have had to drink. But he knows better by know that they are nowhere near drunk, they were maybe barely getting buzzed. One had to admire their tenacity. His father would have been out cold by now…

This time it's Temari who orders but is also told to wait as the bar has begun to get livelier and people drunker by the minute.

"So sis," Kankuro pulls forward his sister's stool chair and puts an arm around her, "you and that Ryota guy? Is it serious?" Shikamaru stiffens at the topic. "I know he's been writing to you." Alcohol made Kankuro blunter, if that were even possible, it was…

"Why would I tell you my business?"

"Because I'm your brother!"

A flat word comes out of her mouth, "So?"

"So!? I need to know these things!"

"Overly protected much?"

"Well like I said I'm your brother! I need to look out for you!"

"No! I'm the oldest so I look after you and Gaara. But what I do is my business. Also, I CAN take care of myself, what kind of kunoichi would I be if I couldn't. If Gaara can respect me enough to stay out of my life then so should you!"

"I didn't mean if he hurt you physically!"

"All right, well that's enough of a subject I don't want to discuss with you. I don't need to hear out any pointers on how to get lucky for YOU; Gaara suffers sufficiently for the both of us."

Kankuro breathes out heavily in defeat but not before asking, "Well will I ever get to meet him properly?"

Temari plays with her straw thoughtfully playing with her clear looking drink, utters a "Maybe." and turns back around to her redheaded friend who's come back taking the seat next to her again.

During the whole ordeal Shikamaru tried to block out the sounds of their voices. He hears the people in the background cheering from winning their drinking games and the catcalls every time a woman passes by the table near the restrooms. Instead it was like his brain tuned in his companions voice individually amplifying the sound of their voices to a maximum capacity. Every word slowly makes it through his ears down to the pit of his stomach. There's no turning back the night…

And so, when the two glass shots are placed next to him he takes the one that originally belonged to Temari and gives it to his neighbor, Kankuro who is finally done questioning his sister and placing his attention back on him. Only because Temari began ignoring him again for her redheaded friend.

"We going to drink or what?" Shikamaru asks looking straight at himself at the mirror across from him, dozens of liquor bottles aligning it.

Beside him an astonished Kankuro gapes at him but quickly composes himself. "Now you're talking!"

Shikamaru gulps the shot, his stomach is set on fire, but it's not enough to take down the unpleasant feeling in his gut.

"Another one!?" Kankuro seizes the moment; he only nods his head because words refuse to leave his mouth at the time. "I need two more!" he yells for the bartender's attention for the umpteenth time that night.

In front of them, no waiting this time, their shot glasses are refilled. Kankuro counts down and again he downs the burning liquid.

For the first time in his life time Shikamaru wants to drink…

Drink… So he can forget how to feel…


	14. A Different Approach

**I tried really hard so that I wouldn't update until next month! So here it is! Half way through the month and already another chapter, I say that wasn't so bad. Whenever I got the chance I worked on it! **

**To Guest sorry for pissing you off! But thank you for letting me know! I appreciate it nonetheless. I'll be careful with how i word things out from now on. When I meant Shika/Tema moment I just meant more of an interaction, or a chapter where to two will appear together. Nothing fluffy. I apologize! **

**I don't want to make these two have some type of affair. Despite Shika's moments where he's a total a-whole to Fuyumi, he knows his bounds! I realize maybe I'm maybe writing this story at a slow pace. But i'd like to expand Temari's newfound relationship with Ryota, I believe that relationships take time to build. I don't want to just jump the gun and have them be all over each other. Those two have alot of troubles in their minds. As for an actual Shikamaru and Temari moment, hmmm,,, I'm still debating how far I'm going to push Shikamaru to a breaking limit. Anyways hope I don't make people lose interest for my sucky writing :/ I'll try harder I promise! And I'll try to upload the next chappy as soon as I can!**

Shikamaru's eyes palpitate, focusing on his surroundings trying to figure out where exactly he could be. Judging by the sky blue four walls that cage him, he's in his office. He's fallen asleep on the job once again. Either no one has noticed or they just let him be. A parchment sticks to his face as he raises his body from his desk, and falls into his hands as he yawns. It was a good thing he hadn't started on the assignment anyways. Rubbing the sleep from his face with both his hands, the chair he sits on creaks as he stands up. Not bothering to put anything back in its place he locks the door and makes way through the lonely corridors of the Hokage Tower. It's Christmas day and almost everybody has been granted the off.

"We should hurry home and change. My dad's expecting us." A tired looking Fuyumi startles him unexpectedly, still in her white work clothes; she's standing outside the double doors he's just exited from.

He has his hands in his pockets, and she fumbles with her white apron during their whole trip home. It's not a cause of recent events for their silence; in fact Shikamaru notes that it's always been this way. Usually Fuyumi does most of the talking and it's not much to begin with. She's soft spoken and not opinionated unless asked. The subjects he's interested in, she doesn't understand. So mundane…

He plays a lonely game of shogi in his home office while Fuyumi gets ready. A pitter patter of footsteps is heard throughout the house made from stepping on his wooden floor. Fuyumi does not live with him; he's never offered and does not plan to. She stays over a few days a week, leaves articles of clothing from previous nights, but other than that not much of her belongings reside in his home.

Clanks echo through his office room, it's only got his desk, a filing cabinet, and a bookshelf. The only noise he makes is the one that clicks as he puts the shogi pieces on the tile. Sometimes he plays because it expands his mind whenever he's stuck with a problem from work. Right now though more than anything he misses the company of his father, after Asuma had passed he at least had him to play with. Now he had no one.

"We could play together if you'd just teach me how." The woman is right next to him, it's these moments that make him disbelieve she's not a ninja because of the way she manages to sneak up on him, but then again he's always spaced out when not at work, and especially when home.

He shrugs at her, "You'd get bored."

Separating the hand on his shoulder as he gets up he asks, "You ready?"

"Yeah."

The Shadow nin opens the largest drawer on his desk. "Wait, thought I'd give you this before we leave."

High expectations was what he was trying to avoid, especially giving his gift in front of her father, he opted for giving it before they left. That way he wouldn't have to feel the pressure.

The woman takes a hold of the white box tied with a golden ribbon. Delicate fingers undo the knot. Shikamaru puts his hands in his pockets, waiting.

She dangles it with her index finger and inspects it. "Wow. I don't think I've ever seen this type of jewelry."

"That's because it's not from here. I got it at the Sand Village."

A large amount of breath is inhaled by his girlfriend; she holds it and then lets it out, nods her head and gives a forced smile.

After ignoring her actions he then says, "I didn't know what to get you. And I didn't know what you like. I don't even know your favorite color."

"My favorite color is brown." Fuyumi whispers.

"Sorry…"

The woman in front of him shakes her head, "Its fine. Thank you." she then puts it on herself and says "Come on, my dad's waiting for us. He must be hungry already."

For the first time ever he decides not to spend Christmas with the rest of his family. Shikamaru's mother wouldn't be lonely, besides this way Fuyumi could avoid an interrogation. Under any circumstances did he not want to go through the questions of 'When will you get married?' and 'When will you have children.' In addition to that he knew the woman in his family did not completely accept Fuyumi. It was never that they were rude towards her, but she stood out from the females of the Nara clan. The women from his family were loud beings that had all the Nara men whipped to do their bidding. He called it the family curse. One he was trying to avoid…

He looks up from his plate, eying the way she nurtures over her father, same way she does with him. Remembering the pained expression from earlier as she opened her gift, he works through his mind trying to figure out the reason of her disappointment.

Unmoving his eyes from the shimmer her pendant necklace gave as she moves, his light bulb of a brain turns on automatically.

It was strange really, had someone asked him what first color came to mind when the name Temari was uttered he would have responded with purple because that's her favorite color.

Fuyumi's eyes are a light shade of green, almost pale or pastel looking. He'd ask for a light green color because it was the first hue that had popped into his head. Only then does he realize it's not as light as it should have been considering the vendor's options. The pendant that lies on Fuyumi's bosom is a shade of emerald green that usually stares at him angrily. They were the exact color as Temari's eyes.

Fuyumi had noticed this the moment he'd mention the Sand village and yet he'd missed the unexplainable act that he'd done without really thinking about it. Until now…

* * *

><p>Shikamaru waits by the village's entrance, remembering the last encounters he had with the troublesome woman. Certainly there went another glorifying moment (to her anyways) that she'd never let him live down. He recalls the night he got stupidly drunk, never again he promises. He hadn't done anything dumb, but the morning after was a torturous hell. For once though he could honestly say he knew what it was like to be intoxicated. Despite the horrible aftereffects it had, it made him forget his inner turmoil. Most of that night had been spent chatting with Kankuro, Temari joining in every once in awhile. He was grateful for that.<p>

Unfortunately for him the two oldest Sand siblings decided to check up on him the following day. Shikamaru was throwing up all of his insides out, he swore he was dying. They seemed to indulge in his pain, but at least they had the decency to accompany him, tipping him about what he should do to make himself feel better. Of course Temari being conniving as ever, kept teasing him about his woman like tolerance for the rest of his stay. Troublesome…

"Hey." Shikamaru waves at Temari.

"You? What are you doing here?" Temari asks, her hand grasping onto the shoulder bag on her back.

"Came to pick you up. It was Hokage's orders."

"That wasn't necessary."

"Just doing my job." Shikamaru shrugs.

He notes the backpack she carries is way too big, "What happened to packing light?"

"There were some," she pauses momentarily "_things _I needed to bring."

"Oh…" Ino had been his friend all of his childhood, and he knew that when she packed extra was in case she needed clothes for going out.

Locking his jaw tightly he leads the way, "Come on, Naruto's waiting for us."

"You're here!" Naruto jumps caught up in the act, dosing off into slumber while a stack of papers waited for his attention.

"Yes. Sorry for the two week delay, with the holidays coming up the Kazekage didn't want to send me here until after New Years." Temari then gives a small smile. "Gaara wanted to celebrate in family."

"You're here now that's all that matters." Naruto waves his hands. "Besides you guys got ahead on Shikamaru's visit to the sand. Excellent job you guys!" Damn his short attention span, "I was quite busy myself during the holidays anyways."

At that point Shikamaru stops him before he goes into details that will scar. "Tch, we don't want to know your business with Hinata. Just give us our orders."

"That wasn't what I was gona tell you!"

"Good." Shikamaru muttered.

Naruto gets up from his seat, unlike Tsunade; he NEVER took off his robe. No matter where he went or how hot it was, the Hokage wore his hat and robe everywhere. The white fabric sways as he walks around his desk to lean on it and face them.

He flashes them a toothy grin. "The negotiations with the Fire Lord are going great. He's more than pleased and so am I. Unifying our villages in trades is strengthening our bonds and showing others the trust we have in each other. Villages from other Lands want to copy our example. Peace is in our grasp." He sighs with a look of content.

Shikamaru had to admit though that for an idiot he had his moments.

"Well," he continues, "that's a whole different subject. The chunin exams are getting near, it's almost April. You guys only have about three months left. At the rate that you're going though you should be fine. I looked through the paperwork, you guys only have about one-third left to do. So there's not much of a difference in orders, just keep up the hard work."

Temari and Shikamaru bow down together.

"Is that all?" he asks.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Naruto exclaims as he takes back his seat. "When you have to leave Temari let me know so I can put together a four man cell team to go along with you."

"What for?" She asks, one her eyebrows raised up.

"Fire Lord's orders."

"TheFire Lord?"

Naruto snorts, "Yes, and there's no way out. Even I can't say no to the Fire Lord's request. It seems like he's taken quite a liking to you. Him and _someone_ else…" he teases.

"I suppose I don't have a choice." Temari says bitterly.

"It doesn't look like it." Naruto displays a hint amusement.

Even he knows the troublesome woman has to comply with the orders. Despite the Fire Lord having crazy antic decisions there really was no one who could deny him. Except for himself, he had declined his request one-hundred and nine times (he'd counted) of becoming a part of his guard.

"Well you're dismissed. You can start tomorrow morning, eight a.m. sharp."

The two of them make way towards the door and as he opens it, letting Temari go first Naruto whispers, but in his voice it's obviously loud enough to hear.

"And to think, everyone thought it would have been the two of you…"

He's more than sure that she's heard too as they make eye contact and it feels like a string of electricity connects them for that small second. Hurriedly he ushers her out as he tries to close the door quickly, her shoulder and arm bump into his chest in the process. Heat waves travel through his body, an indescribable yet more than familiar warmth.

But then Naruto's last words echo out so harshly before he can manage to close the door.

He now feels like a pile of bricks have been thrown rapidly into the pit of his stomach.

"Such a shame…"

* * *

><p>Shikamaru takes a bite out of a carrot stick; surely their order could not get to them any sooner. It smelled of roasted chicken all over the small diner, his stomach growled in protest. He shifts farther from the booth he's sitting on, Kiba is telling a story and has the habit of flaring his hands to make notions. As if he was a freaking mime…<p>

Across from him Temari and Ino sit, while Lee took an extra seat at the edge of the booth. At the time, when he had made an offer to invite them out to eat as well, he'd only done it to be polite; unfortunately he was now stuck with three of the loudest people he knew.

A very amused Temari plays with the salt shaker as she listens intently to the dog tamer's story. Shikamaru then dodges quickly to avert an accidental slap from Kiba, Temari purses her lips to hold in her laughter. He smirks at her playfully.

After what felt like eternity their large set of multi-flavored chicken wings finally arrives, it's so large there's barely enough room for their plates. Speaking of which, he wonders. Normally his large friend doesn't miss out on a lunch like this, or any meal for that matter.

"Ino?"

"What?" she asks too concentrated on trying to dissect the chicken wing on her plate with her fork and knife.

"Where's Choji?"

"How should I know!?" she answers defensively.

"Well you're always with him." It was the truth.

"Am not!"

Tch, she's so troublesome, he quirks one of his eyebrows up. Ino looks down on her plate, but there's a tinge of pink coloring her cheeks.

"He's busy." She murmurs.

"Is he out on a mission?"

"No!" his inquisition has started to frustrate her.

It's their fault really, thinking they can outsmart him. Asides from being a highly intellectual person he's known both of them practically his whole life. Maybe they could keep themselves hidden from others, obviously due to the obliviousness from Kiba and Lee as they continued their conversation despite Ino's ranting. They could even (maybe) outwit the woman sitting in front of him, Temari would look at Ino as if she were crazy whenever she'd squeal out an answer, but it just could be not that Temari was stupid, she simply didn't care to tap into other people's business. She was like that…

He on the other hand, well, the fact that his friends thought they could outdo him, was just comical and entertaining because Ino was much easier to break than Choji. She was after all a gossip queen.

"Chakra training." Ino murmured.

"What was that?"

"He's out doing chakra training at the academy!"

"Is that all? I don't know why you had to make such a big deal Ino."

There it was, that small twitch he'd provoke on the platinum blonde's forehead, he'd have to hear about it later on how it's going to cause her wrinkles at such a young age. Blah, blah, blah.

Before she can snap at him he prizes her with a smile that conceals his laughter, she bloats her cheeks in anger. Ino has fallen into his little game, giving her a clue that he's on to them. But because she doesn't want to be discovered she keeps her mouth shut for once, and to Shikamaru it is a glorifying moment.

Time to dig in, he decides after baiting his friend.

It wasn't everyday you got to see the Kazekage's sister eat so messy, apart from Ino who was dining as if she were at a five star restaurant; their fingers were covered in chicken wing sauce.

"Temari you should eat more like a lady!" Ino reprimands her as she takes a napkin and starts cleaning Temari's left hand with a napkin.

"If I wanted to eat like a lady I would have had my dinner at the Hyuga compound!" Temari laughs at Ino's actions but lets her get away with it anyways.

"Ino you must let Temari embark on her freedom of youth! I'm sure she's forced to act righteous all the time back in her village!"

"You have no idea." Temari points a greasy finger at Lee.

"Yeah Ino let Temari let loose for a change." He winks at her.

Together at the same time, Ino and Temari roll their eyes at Kiba's more than familiar flirting.

There was a pleasing rush coursing through his body, to see Temari interact so freely with his friends, who of course in time became hers as well. Shikamaru felt like he could relax, which was something he hadn't done in a long time. The results weren't quite the same when Shikamaru had tried to introduce Fuyumi to his friends. From the beginning he knew for a fact that the girls (mostly Ino) did not approve of his girlfriend. He had at least seen them try to include her though, but Fuyumi was too different from them. Most of their talks were about their missions. Fuyumi only knew one life, the bakery shop. His male friends were too rowdy for her. Eventually she gave up so whenever he'd go out with his friends it was just him. There was only so much he could do, despite all that he appreciated the effort because no matter his friends' opinions they had at least tried to get to know her. The same could not be said for her, she was intimidated by them, in a way he understood, his friends were nosy, not to mention noisy.

"Oh my goodness! Did you just see who came in!?" Ino whispers into the table.

"Who?" Kiba turns his head around looking for whoever Ino was gushing about.

"There!" she points towards the entrance. "Not there you moron over there!" she points again, Kiba missing her target the first time.

"Sakura-san and Sasuke-kun." Lee gasps.

"What are they doing here!? Together!?" Discharging a great aura of curiosity Ino gasps in surprise.

Sasuke coolly makes his way towards the back of the diner with his hands in his pockets while Sakura follows head bowed down, in embarrassment at all the staring, her face getting redder by the minute.

"Sakura-san! Sasuke-kun! Since you're here as well why don't you join us!?" Lee waves at the two approaching shinobi.

They halt in front of them, Sasuke never losing his composure. Sakura speaks first though.

"Thank you Lee-san but we can't." Sakura bites her lip, giving Sasuke a nervous glance.

"We have," Sasuke pauses and then continues, "very important work to discuss. Now if you'll excuse us."

Following right behind him Sakura waves them good-bye.

Disinterestedly Shikamaru takes another wing from his plate but all he can think without smirking is 'Work to discuss my ass.'

"I am SO going to question her later." Ino grins evilly, he guess she's not so slow after all.

"We're better off without them anyways," Kiba says while chewing, "Sasuke's so uptight he'd kill our mellow mood."

Lee strikes up the conversation again. "Temari when will your brothers be visiting? I'd like to challenge Gaara!"

"Yeah!" Kiba interjects "I want to challenge Kankuro too! He's always stuck up in that office I bet he's forgotten how to fight!"

"You boys will have to wait a while. They won't be coming until the Chunin Exams. That's three months away." Temari answers.

Shikamaru had forgotten about that little fact; everyone would come to his village to watch the Exams. From family members of the competitors, to the highest of nobles. Meaning the Fire Lord would be there, in the same box as he, maybe even the same row. This also meant…

He drops the wing on the plate.

He's just lost his appetite.

Shit…

* * *

><p>"I need something from here."<p>

Guiding her inside the small overcrowded bookstore, Temari follows him without asking any questions. He was accompanying her back to her inn. It became a sort of unspoken ritual for them, once she stopped fighting him about it. Shikamaru had retaken his role as her guide, upon no one's request.

Walking towards the back of the bookstore, he leaves a curious Temari already engrossed on a book about botany that's right at the entrance. The shelf he is looking for is covered in dust. Not many had the same interests as he did. A brown box wrapped in plastic catches his attention. Just what he was looking for. Atop that shelf he grabs a think book no more than one-hundred and fifty pages long.

"I'll be taking this." Shikamaru puts the items next to the register.

A red headed woman with long curly hair wearing a wooly black turtle neck charges him. Her face looked bitter; the owner isn't anywhere to be seen. Her husband must've pissed her off. Woman, they're all troublesome.

"I'll be right back, just give me five minutes." He tells Temari putting his hand on her shoulder, the woman only nods engrossed on a different much thicker book, still from the same section.

Many emotions dash at him with such a simple touch. He damned his male hormones.

When he gets back, exactly three minutes later, and now holding two bags with him, Temari comes out with a bag of her own. From the looks of it she'd bought three humongous books about plants.

They walk back to her inn, the vibes around them is calming, and in spite of the cold weather he feels a certain heat with every step he takes.

Every time he doesn't see Temari he gets a chance to cool down. The time apart lets him rethink the situation. That was what he needed. Shikamaru has calculated through his mind over two hundred ways in which he could avoid the emotions he gets when Temari is involved. It all came down to one. He didn't like that option. So he opts to destroy it the moment it he realizes it's the only way out.

There is no way he can cut his ties with her. Not because he is afraid of what she might do to him, in fact he was more than sure that she would have accepted his decision. No, it's because no matter how painful, irritating, and uncomfortable the situation between them will get, he cannot admit defeat in losing the one thing, the only thing; that connects them now. Their friendship.

So he takes on a different approach.

"We're here." Temari announces.

"I noticed."

"Ha ha! Alright Mr. Sarcasm I'm gona head right in. I want to get started on these books."

"Wait. Here."

"What is it?"

"Open it, and then you'll see."

Her eyes widen shortly like a kid on Christmas as she opens first the small white paper bag, their sweet chestnuts; her favorite. Taking a bit off of one she looks at him and smiles. The small beautiful sincere smile he's seen her show only to her brothers, and it's her way of saying 'thank you.'

Next she takes out the large box, as she does so the book he bought for her falls. Lazily he forces his body to bend down and reach for it considering her arms are occupied by the large set he's just bought her. He places it on top of the box so that she can see the title.

"You've never played it before right?" he asks but he already knows the answer.

"No, I've heard about it that's all."

"Well by your next visit you better have learned all the rules; the book even has some tricks."

He figures he's been playing alone for far too long…

Shikamaru simply explains. "I need a new shogi partner."


	15. Nostalgia Of A Broken Heart

**I'm feeling a little under the weather at the moment. So sorry for the short chapter and if my writing ****isn't that great I apologize but what's done is done. And i'm to lazy to undo anything. Anyways at the end you'll see why this chapter was kept short to begin with.**

**To sylversmith thanks for noticing! I realized I was kind of intertwining the one-shot and story a bit but they've got a completely different story line so i decided why not? **

**Anyways here's the next chapter. I'll definitely try to get started on the next chapter asap!**

"I believe we're almost there." Kakashi states.

Obviously, Temari says to herself so that her annoyance won't be noted through her voice. She is not at all happy. Their feet give jumps at every branch, and every step she took was given a harder push than the others. It was surprising a branch hadn't fallen off, yet.

No matter how much she tried fighting with Naruto that the need for escorts was not necessary there was no way out. Fired Lord's orders, he'd say. Still, this was ridiculous. Travelling with her were FOUR jounin shinobi. Kakashi Hatake, Sasuke Uchiha, Ino Yamanaka, and Sakura Haruno.

The large wooden gate similar to the one in Konoha seems to get closer by the minute. Temari grabs onto the scroll hanging by the side of her waist. When she sees Ryota she is going to give him a piece of her mind. And if his reasoning isn't valid she'll tear him apart into pieces with her fan, literally.

Stepping on the last bough they lightly land on the snow covered road that leads them towards the entrance.

She spots an all too familiar figure from afar. For a second she finds herself slightly embarrassed, despite it being extremely cold her skin is damped in sweat from the running. It appeared as her neighbor comrades wanted to arrive as soon as possible.

Her body welcomes the cold breeze that hits her skin; she'd kill for a shower though.

"I am not happy." Temari states out exactly how she feels (well almost all the time), she's always been a blunt one.

"Sorry." Ryota smiles down looking sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head with his hand. "It was my uncle's idea."

Before she can retort, he turns his attention to her company.

His eyes appear to scan the four shinobi and then speaks. "The Fire Lord would like to speak to you three about some business and delivery matters. Baku here will take you to him." He points at the man standing next to him with black shades and black hair combed slickly to the back.

"Lady Temari I'll escort you to your inn." Ryota says to her.

Baku bows to the four Leaf Shinobi and starts his walk. "This way."

The four bow down to Ryota before leaving, as they do Ino and Sakura look at Temari and the future Fire Lord with bulging eyes. Sasuke passes by nonchalantly, sticking his hands into his pockets, and Kakashi's eyes crinkle, his mask hiding his smile as he waves a peace sign at her.

Ryota looks at her with a small tint of fear, as if waiting for her wrath to erupt.

"So it wasn't you who put out the order for me to be escorted to your village?" Temari starts walking, the village wasn't that big and she had already memorized the routes. Of course she didn't complain, this guide was interesting.

He erupts in laughter, "After what I've heard of what you're capable of. I can't imagine why you'd need escorting."

The Sand shinobi smiles, "Good. It was your uncle than?"

"Yeah," The Fire Lord's nephew responses, "you were more of an excuse."

"Excuse?"

"Yeah, originally he asked for atleast ONE specific shinobi. I can see though he's triumphantly evaded my uncle once again." He laughs again, that smooth rich laugh that reminds her of thick sweet honey.

"Who are you talking about? How come he is avoiding your uncle? Did he do something to upset him?"

"No quite the opposite actually. My uncle has been trying to get this man to join the twelve guards for a few years now."

"But I thought he'd already found your replacement?"

"He did but my uncle can be stubborn. He escorted us to the ball back in your village. His name is Shikamaru Nara. Do you know him?"

A painful somersault flips in her belly, out of all the people…

"Yeah. I know him. He used to by my guide and we've been working on the Chunin Exams together since I started my Ambassador duties."

"You must be close than? That man has a remarkable intelligence despite being so young." Ryota smiles at her, oblivious to Temari's feelings, she really doesn't want to talk about him.

Especially not with him.

"Yeah… We're friends…"

Quickly Temari shifts the conversation about the food she has been dying to eat again. Easily the pang in her heart disappears and instead her stomach grumbles at the mention of a baked potato.

The rest of their stroll is spent retelling of stories he'd written to her about, making her laugh to tears. Although they've only been kept in touch through letters, they had become more frequent and felt as if they weren't that far away from each other.

In the back of her mind though she hopes that this is the last time he talks about HIM. She hopes the Fire Lord next time uses an alternate method to lure Shikamaru or better yet give up on the whole idea, he would never budge anyway.

* * *

><p>After yesterday's busy day, the travel and an evening spent with Ryota, it was nice waking up after much needed sleep. Temari liked being productive but a good slumber never hurt anybody. Her arm reaches out to the alarm clock placed on a stand next to her bed reading 7:00 a.m. The meeting with the Fire Lord wasn't until 9:30. Her stomach grumbles, toast sounded good but first a shower.<p>

During her shower she thanks the gods in heaven that kept Sakura and _especially _Ino busy while she was out with Ryota. They'd spent most of their time walking around the village, trying out each food stand that they could find. She's sure the two females would have tried to interfere.

Once done with her breakfast she cleans, it's still early. What appears to be an angry knock thumps on her door; it can't be Ryota she thinks, he said he wouldn't pick her up for another hour. Besides his poundings on the door were always remarkably gentle yet loud enough to hear. This only meant…

"When were you planning on saying goodbye!? After we left!?" This blonde sure had guts to be screeching at Temari, but because she held her in high regard she always let her hysterics fly by.

"Good morning Ino." Speaks Temari as Ino has barged into her inn room.

Resting on her temporary brown soft couch is the loud blonde shell, hands on her lap, face staring intently around the room. Temari joins her on the other end.

"Holy cow! This room is fancy! And WAY better than my room."

Remembering every other inn she's stayed at she definitely had a point.

"This was rented out by the Fire Lord. I don't really care much about luxury." Utters Temari with a shrug.

Ino scoots over slightly and raises one of her eyebrows, "The Fire Lord eh? I think you mean Ryota-san."

Comparing the pros and cons in her head because she knows where this conversation is going Temari opts for the route she rather take. "Shouldn't you be meeting the rest of your team at the gates?"

"No," she smiles evilly, "we're not supposed to meet for another thirty minutes. But that could also mean an hour because if we all know how Kakashi-sensei is he'll probably be running late."

Condemning Kakashi Hatake as she turns her head around quickly hoping his beloved perverted books burn to ashes and plays her next card. "Where is Sakura than aren't you two always stuck to each other like glue?"

"She's out having breakfast with Sasuke. Which I was not invited to, by the way. Totally fine though, Sasuke kind of gives me the creeps with all that glaring he does." Imagine that, not a few years ago she was pinning for his attention.

At the moment she has no other way out of it and while holding in a long sigh she offers, "Want some coffee?"

The platinum responses, "No thank you, I ate before I came to see you."

Temari fears the silence that creeps around the room. She was never good at talking about her 'feelings' mainly because she did not like to, always keeping everything to herself. But the topic would not be avoided, not if Ino had anything to do with it… Ino has become attached to her throughout the years and despite they're different personalities she appreciates her friendship.

"So… The Fire Lord's nephew… He's pretty cute…"

Ha! She was too predictable Temari thinks of the reason for her visit.

"There have been rumors…About you two… I wouldn't suppose they were true, were they?" Ino fiddles with her purple blouse, eyes and head tilted facing away from her as if to feign innocent curiosity.

"Supposing they were?"

Her eyes gloss with sadness for just a second and then as the good shinobi Ino is she erases it immediately.

"So then you two are together?"

"No. Ryota is my guide. We have had time to get to know each other. Yes, we have been dating. But no we are not officially together." She simply states the facts.

"Well if you're happy, I'm happy." She notes the sincerity in her smile and voice.

"Thank you."

"But no matter what happens, we'll always be friends right? You'll visit the Leaf even if it's just to say hello?" Ino asks with worry laced in her voice.

Temari understands where this is going. Quickly each of their lives have changed, their friends settling down, sometimes those friendships would tear with the distance not only literally but as each of them went about their future.

She knows that if by a lucky chance her friendship with Ryota expands to something more the future that awaits her.

"Of course, Ino." She reassures her.

"Oh no! I should get going! Just because Kakashi-sensei will be late doesn't mean I will." Ino exclaims ruining the moment.

Temari is thankful for that, she was an emotional sap and comforting the girl would make her feel uncomfortable.

"You'll be visiting next month right!?" Ino points at her, and she was back.

"Yes I'll be there, now leave I have to get ready for my meeting." Temari walks Ino to the door.

"Alright, alright, I'll let you get ready for your _meeting."_ She emphasizes.

Temari would make her pay for her nosiness, maybe then she'll learn.

"He knows you know."

"Huh?" Ino turns around confused.

"Shikamaru. He knows."

"Knows what?"

"About you and Choji."

Ino opens her mouth and every time she tries to speak no words come out.

"Goodbye Ino." Temari gives her a devilish smile before closing the door.

She sighs in relief while leaning on the door, her eyes than catch the book lying next one of the lamps. Not once since she'd received it had she even opened it. Losing to that lazy bum was not an option. She grabs it and puts it on the stand next to her bed; tonight she'll definitely get started.

* * *

><p>It's her third day in his village and from the beginning they have been inseparable. From spending luncheons with his uncle during the afternoons and late night dinners with just Ryota tonight is no different.<p>

She's eating again at the same restaurant from last time, upon her request. The place has an elegant aura from its looks to the workers. That's not what catches her attention. Besides the delectable food, the late night music from the woman who sings every night soothes her ears. She was a remarkable singer, her voice was not too loud, yet not soft, it was perfectly right in the middle. With the companionship of her fellow musicians they were beyond perfect.

She finishes her dinner and watches as Ryota does so too. "Do you want to dance? I've noticed you rather enjoy it."

At her suggestion he smiles in agreement, but before getting up he wipes his hands with his napkin.

He takes her by the hand and leads her to the dance floor. It's almost as if they've been transported into another dimension because despite the dance floor being rather packed by couples it feels as if only the two of them exist. And even though they are looking at anything but each other there is no awkwardness between them.

Temari notices that longing again as she turns to finally face him, a sorrow that illuminates even with the shining of the orbs light that extend his handsome features.

"I know you must be curious about that night at your apartment and what I said."

Reflecting back on that slightly drunken night she remembers his words "_It reminds me of the good days…" _

"_N_ot really." Simply stating a fact, Temari answers, it was not her business to begin with.

"You don't pry into people's business. I like that about you." Vocalizing his thoughts he smiles.

"Ryota you really don't have to-"

"I want to." He reassures her as he gives a small squeeze to their entwined hands.

"All right. If that's really what you want Ryota, and you're willing to share with me whatever has been tormenting you for so long. I'm here." She whispers that last sentence and wishes more than anything to be able to ease his pain just a little bit.

Her hand reaches up to the back of his neck and rubs circles around with her thumb. Her emotional barrier along with his has begun to fall down. He rises up the hand that he holds with his own; he raises it towards his lips and kisses her wrist right where her heart beat can be found. The action for once does not gross her out; instead a sudden warmth travels through her whole body. Then he places it atop his shoulder just like the other one and smiles warmly at her. He is about to share his deepest heartache, one that will bind them together in more ways than one.

A common obstacle in life they share in common… A tale of a broken heart…

"Her name was Hiromi, she was a gypsy…"

And so the story began…

**So... This chapter was mostly a buildup for this cliffhanger. I know, I know, I'm mean.** **Don't hang me! Lol. Originally I wasn't going to make Ryota's past revealing until another more chapters but I thought what the heck!? Hope I didn't rush it? Let me know what you think!**


	16. The Price Of Nobility

**I AM SOO SORRY! I took so long to update but this past month has been hell! It was filled with nothing but stress! Every passing day was just horrible. Thankfully things seem to have brightened up. My troubles are being resolved one at a time. There's always a rainbow after a storm. Honestly this chapter I don't think it's that great probably because I tried to work on it in my times of trouble which led to writer's block. The words just wouldn't come out sometimes. Hopefully I can get started on the next chapter soon. I promise you guys I will try my very best! Anyways thanks for sticking by me! R&R it will surely help me boost up my energy :3**

Temari and Ryota sit on top of a branch they have claimed as their spot right at the outskirts of the village. The view gives them a glimpse of all the lights that illuminate the buildings, as well as lanterns lighting up the roads making the shopping streets look inviting. Looking up at the night sky she searches for a cloud, not one is in sight, not even the stars show up that night. The only thing that seems to fall is the white snowflakes that match the moon.

To her it's still early considering its past 10 p.m. but that might just be in her standards because the clutter of people she can see from afar seems to lessen as the minutes tick by.

"You should probably cover your head; you wouldn't want to get sick." She forgets about the man next to her in their moment of silence, it's as if the world has stopped revolving and they're frozen in time. Forever glued to the past that haunts them both.

"All right that's not necessary." She says to him as his hands start to reach for the black robe he is wearing. Temari undoes the scarf around her neck, with a few twists and turns she places it around her head like many of the elders do so back in her village. "You forget the village I come from has seen colder days. I'm used to it." The fabric protecting her has seen many sandstorms.

"I keep forgetting you're not like other girls." He smiles at her.

"I'll just have to keep reminding you then."

She stares at him, a small smile gifting him in return. For once she understands the crinkles around his eyes and the creases on his forehead that have come from many sleepless nights caused by his dear beloved. She remembers everything from last night, the wounds he shared with her and the pain in his eyes as he told her his story. Every word pounded into her brain as she listened intently.

"_Hiromi came and went as she pleased. She had no affiliation, no village, or no family to go back to. She traveled with a group of performers, they'd usually only come upon my uncle's request. I met her when I was seventeen. We were the same age. It started out as friendship but through the years it became something more. My uncle loved their shows, being him he gave them official permission to come whenever they wanted. Hiromi and I started seeing each other more often. Sometimes she'd visit and other times I'd manage to see her when I was away on duties from the twelve guards. She loved to dance. She was the one that taught me how. Hiromi was simple, in spite of living as the days went by not knowing whether she would get money for food or shelter she never once used me for my status. She was content with what little she had. The group she travelled with was her family. At the time when we were nineteen we decided to make it official but kept it in secret. It was never uncommon for a ninja to keep their affairs in private so it worked for the both of us and back then I lived on my own so it made it easier. She knew who I was and who I'd become in the future, so when I proposed to her three years ago she had agreed to live her life here with me. Take upon the role of my Aunt in the future. But my mother was not happy about us when I finally decided it was time for them to meet and told her of our marriage plans. Because of our high positions she disagreed with me marrying someone who did not even have a last name. I was more than willing to give her one. I was distraught, my mother after losing my father isolated herself, I was still young but she always had a hard time accepting my decisions. First it had started by joining the twelve guards because it put me in danger, and then it was my choice of wife. She wanted to dictate my life but I wouldn't let her. So a week went by and we still hadn't spoken. My uncle decided to interfere for he was more than happy for me so my mother had surprisingly agreed to have a serious talk with Hiromi about her intentions with me. That day my Uncle sent me out on a mission so that I wouldn't have time to worry about their meeting. When I came back that night I noticed all of Hiromi's belongings were gone. When I went on a search for her my mother found me and told me that she had tested Hiromi. She offered her a large amount of money that could let her live in stability for the rest of her life in exchange for leaving me. My mother said had she really not been interested in our riches she wouldn't have taken it. Hiromi was long gone from the village by then as my mother told me she had left four hours ago. As the days passed I finally got permission from my uncle to go in search for her without my mother's knowledge. I tried every place I could think of but she was nowhere to be found. It didn't make sense to me, Hiromi was not greedy. But eventually I gave up and her group never came back to perform. I haven't seen her since… I don't even know if she is alive anymore… All I know is that the last person that saw her was the guard who showed me her signature from the sign-out sheet in the entrance who was familiar with her. That was the last I've heard of her… It was as if she disappeared into oblivion… Just a ghost from the past…"_

Temari's eyes land on the tower that all of the family members of the Fire Lord live in. It extended on the left side and to her knowledge as Ryota had so kindly shared, that was where he lived with his mother, for now. She thinks about the fact that even though this man has so much, the sadness that surrounds him like a grey cloud belittles his surroundings.

She then remembers an old saying, _tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. _ Temari disagrees. The broken man sitting next to her was paying the price for that and there was no saying whether he'd ever heal. Unlike herself, she never lost anything because she never got to love. And because she never quite loved at all she'd move on because life goes on, she wouldn't drown in sorrows over a stupid man.

The question was though, was attempting a relationship with this man even worth it? It did not sit on her well when she realized that she'd have to live under Hiromi's shadow. Never good enough…

Her mind settles back to the scene as she feels the warmth of a much larger hand next to hers. He stares at her with an intensity trying to read her facial expression, he wasn't off with his answer about her worries.

"You're nothing like Hiromi. I wouldn't compare you to her. You are completely different people. Hiromi was a cheerful person, always smiling but also fragile. You on the other hand are a fierce fighter; you walk with your head up high and with confidence. I asked you out because you intrigued me. The way you live your life and the work that you do. I admire you and we have so much in common. Besides…" He sighs loudly, his shoulders drop down as if the weight of the world has finally fallen off his shoulders. "I think it's time I move on. I can't keep living in the past. I have to think about my future. And I suppose if I find someone that can help me get there… That would be nice..." They lock pinkies and smile at each other.

"Yeah."

Temari feels as though she is no longer alone, that maybe in this lifetime there is someone for her, and the two of them in their own way have declared to fight each other's internal battles, together.

* * *

><p>Wintertime air leaves her body alone as she enters the Fire Lord's building for another long-winded meeting. The breakfast she had that morning was too light for it to hold her off for the next five hours. It would have been wise to take on Ryota's offer for breakfast but since she woke up barely on time she declined, being on time for the meeting was her first priority, her stomach second. Yet, there she was salivating with every step she took on the hard marble floor thinking about bacon and pancakes…<p>

"All right! Let's get this over with so maybe we can finish sooner and have our lunch break!"

Temari couldn't agree more.

With every word the Fire Lord spoke the sleepier she got. It was information she already knew, after all she was the one wrote the information documents. Assorted them from highest to lowest percentages, inventory, gains, losses, point was she new everything by heart. She though as a professional kept her stature straight and eyes wide open. Nevertheless her brain was preoccupied with another fascinating subject she'd just discover, shogi. She'd beat his ass…

Guaranteeing the rest of the Fire Lord's council members about the economic growth between trades they finally moved on to the next subject.

Swearing mentally Temari finally takes a rest as she scoots her back against the long rectangle chair that's as hard as rock. So uncomfortable…

A very excited Lord perks up at his next question. "So Temari, the Chunin Exams are coming up. By any chance will you and Nara be proctoring again?"

The way his face glows as he mentions THAT name makes her almost forget her appetite, almost.

"No my Lord since we took care of preparations' shinobi's from the other lands will be in charge of that."

"Oh what a shame…" A look of disappointment paints his face. She figures it's because it'd be easier for Shikamaru to avoid him that way. Great, she thinks, even when he's not there he still manages to creep up in her life…

Her stomach is more than grateful when they finish an hour and a half earlier than planned. The minutes that ticked on the wall clock couldn't go by any faster and she happily gets up from her seat while the other's chatter away.

She is then joined by Ryota who remained quiet, again, during the whole ordeal at the last end of the table.

Chuckling he tells her. "Told you it'd be best you ate something other than a bowl of cereal."

"What? Are you gloating because you were right? Quiet before my hunger makes me loose all my senses and I punch the lights out of you."

Exclusively for her, he gives out a laughter that echoes out through the hallways as there is no one in sight but themselves. She picks up the speed but not before glaring at him playfully. There was no way that she could be angry at him after making him laugh so hard just when two nights ago he had looked so broken.

"I'm glad I amuse you. Now come on I'm starving. Take me to the nearest place where I can get food on demand. If not I won't promise that your village will live to see another day."

* * *

><p>Temari and Ryota walk discreetly inches away from each other towards their meeting destination that morning. Of course, that doesn't stop some onlookers from pointing and staring at the couple. The attention they received by being seen together was wearing off but it didn't stop a random villager from being nosey every now and then. She only hoped they'd find something else to gossip about, soon.<p>

Immediately upon reaching the border with all the carriages that delivered the goods the Fire Lord beamed at their direction.

He makes a u-turn as to end up behind them and pushes them forward and closer together as they walk closer to the carriages. "Alright you two, I know this is boring but work comes before play. Afterwards you can go on and do whatever you youngsters do on your free time. How is my nephew treating you by the way? Splendidly, I would hope so."

"There would be no other way to describe it my Lord." She bows lowly but instead of smiling at the Lord she does so at Ryota who in return smiles back embarrassed and eyes low on the ground.

"You keep up the good work then son." The Fire Lord's eyes sparkle from one to the other and starts rambling about the exports about to be delivered.

He then goes on to show Temari each crate of crop to be delivered to the Sand Village. Together with the Land of Fire's help they would set out resources that her own village lacks due to the dry desert areas.

After some time their business talks were interrupted by a male shinobi who pulled the Fire Lord out to the side and relay I private message. Obtaining what little information that she could from afar by using her hearing senses all she gathered was that there was a threat near where their village borderline ended. Moving in steps closer next to her Ryota seems to be trying to decipher the low whispers. What little expression she managed to read on his face she knew he had heard enough to go into stealth mode.

It was all but clear as the twelve guards jumped into four lines of threes and received official orders. With small bows they vanished into thin air and then were seen as they jumped from one building to another as to avoid the eye of the public. The less people knew the better; it'd stop them from panicking.

"I can help-" Ryota is cut off by his uncle as he jogged towards him.

"I know you can, but you are no longer of my guard squad Ryota. You must learn to lead and leave the fighting to others, as their leader you must trust them with your life." He pats his cheek and puts an arm around him so he can lead him back to her; she hadn't moved from her spot out of respect, foreign village affairs were not her business. "Do not worry child. Now, take Lady Temari away and do not say a word to anyone. If we can deal with this in secrecy it will be better for our village. We don't want to scare them." Directly leading him to her, he loops their arms together. "Take Temari out to lunch, she must be starving. I promise to inform you of any other news I receive." He then shoves them lightly forward to head back to the village's busy streets. "Go on you two. Nothing's happened here."

Of all the times, today wasn't one of them, to be walking around like some lovey dovey couple. She tries to unwind her arm but Ryota with a grasp that's gentle but firm does not let her. Temari narrows her eyes and is about to yell when he points out to her the attention they have received the moment they stepped out back into the busy streets. Realizing that the Fire Lord had pulled up a trick up his sleeve without either of them noticing and Ryota being much faster at comprehending the whole ploy, she goes along with it. This would keep the villagers too busy to notice any fights going on in the outskirts of their own home.

Well, looks like the Fire Lord isn't so dumb after all…


	17. A Look In To His Future

**Hey you guys sorry for the late update but work's been keeping me busy. I've been double shifting and working as much as I can. I've gone back to school and for a year I have to pay for my classes, it's really expensive. But after that I will be given a grant that can help me throughout the rest of my time at the University so it'll be worth it (: Not to mention I have lots of schoolwork! Blegh. Anyways here's the next chappy I didn't forget!**

**R&R! :3**

Everyone around him seemed too sapped into their dates. He could tell who were the newly pronounced couples and the grumpy fools who had been forced out that Valentine's Day. He was one of them… As soon as the month February hit he dreaded the fourteenth. He plays with the food on his fork, twirling the noodles around. Shikamaru could have had a better meal at Icharuka's Ramen place and for a much cheaper price.

Now don't get him wrong. He wasn't cheap and he could very well afford to spend his money on lavish things, he just didn't understand the need for it. Woman and their luxuries…

"How's your food?" Fuyumi asks uncertainly, as she watches him from across their table.

"Fine." He answers without bothering to feign interest; he just wasn't in the mood. A nap would have been better…

Moving on her concentration back to her food because she knows him by now he sighs in relief, he's in no mood for small talk.

Fuyumi sits quietly chewing with an etiquette bestowed upon a proper lady. Fair enough, it was what he had asked for. With her hair put away in a bun and her bangs swept to the side kept away from hitting her face with a clip. The whiteness of her dress did nothing to make her stand out and the looseness from it made her look too thin. Allowing himself to think that even though this was what he had planned for since he was a twelve year old boy, it made him wonder about the future that awaited him. A life of only a gray color filled with repetition…

"Huh?" He snaps himself out.

"Why do you keep staring at me?" His girlfriend asks with a blush on her cheeks, she's taken his accidental actions as a compliment because she now thinks he was staring at her in adoration.

"Oh, sorry I was spaced out."

"It's okay." Fuyumi giggles as she reaches for his hand.

Shikamaru notices that the girl's confidence has boosted as their meal ends on a brighter note, at least on her part. Her flirty glances and graces of her skin contact with his increases throughout the night.

He takes a look at the bill and looks at the price he has to pay for a night of pleasure. The woman clings to his arm as they make their way back to his home. A smile painted on her face. It is clear what will happen once they reach his living room, they won't be able to hold that far, and at least his body will reach satisfaction that night.

* * *

><p>It sounded like a funny conversation, the one between Choji and Ino as they made their way to their usual barbecue place. He only follows in footsteps but his mind is elsewhere. All he really heard was something about Rock Lee posing nude so that Sai could draw him. The feeling in his gut told him the jokesters Naruto and Kiba had something to do with it considering the other two were far too naïve to realize how hilarious yet disturbing that could be.<p>

He then watched as his two friends walked closer towards each other, their arms rubbed with a friction that pulled them like magnets. His friends smile with a happiness many took a lifetime to find, and although he was glad for them he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. The love for his friends though made the envy quickly disappear as he watched their eyes sparkle at each other, mentally laughing that the two had forgotten he existed and that he didn't "know" about them.

He goes on merrily while he watches the two lovebirds, following them like their shadows.

He then hears breathing, perfectly exercised to the rhythm of a running pattern. That could only mean…

"500 hundred laps around the village Lee!" Guy sensei runs past them excitedly.

"Yes Guy sensei! And if we cannot reach our goal than we will do 1000 sit ups!"

"Yes!"

The two overly exaggerated morons always created chaos around the village. If they were lucky Naruto would still be cooped up in his office just like he'd left him, if not the Hokage would probably join them at an attempt to become stronger. As if that was necessary.

He keeps walking with Choji and Ino. The three of them laughing so hard they've got tears in their eyes. As they reach Yaniku Q their fits of giggles have subsided but not before stabbing a few jabs about their green leotards that throughout the years hasn't changed just like their 'youthful' attitudes.

Teaching him since he was little by his parents to be a gentleman to woman he opens to door for Ino who completely ignores him without even saying "thank you" but he's already used to it and let's his big friend in as well who smiles politely. At least their future children still had a fifty percent chance of inheriting manners.

Shikamaru sits by himself on the other side of the booth while the other two canoodle their way in across from him. The waiter greets them and they order the usual without looking at the menu, a weekly habit. He liked this one.

"Ow! What'd you kick me for!?" He rubs his right shin, once again being brought out from dreamland. What was it with women!? Did they live to interrupt him even in his own mind?

"I met him you know, Ryota." Ino mentions, acting casually as if talking about her day at the flower shop, being all gossipy.

"So?"

"So!?" She squeaks. "He's pretty great you know. Not something I can say about you!"

"Ino-" Choji tried to interrupt.

"No Choji! Shikamaru needs to hear this! Even if it is the ugly truth! I'm glad Temari found someone as great as Ryota! He's a noble in training and he's definitely not lazy! I'm sure the Fire Lord would be ecstatic to have Temari as a member of his family! Temari deserves that and more!"

"Tch. Even so, she'd never agree to marry him." Shikamaru retorts confidently.

"Why is that? The Oh So Great Shikamaru thinks she'll spend the rest of her life waiting for him while he's too busy hiking up the skirt of another woman!?"

If it wasn't for Choji calming her down with his calloused hand on her shoulder she'd bang his head into the hot fryer.

"Tch. You're so troublesome that's not what I meant."

"Then what was that confidence applied to?"

"I only meant Temari would never leave her precious village. She loves the Sand and her brothers way too much."

"When someone's in love Shikamaru they do anything to get their happy ending with their beloved. Anything." Acid pours out through her last word as the waiter brings them their food, a now awkward silence hovering over them, but that doesn't stop Choji from eating.

They receive the platter of food gladly, focusing on the meat instead of Ino's lecture. The platinum blonde orders a jug of beer for the table before the waiter takes his leave. The meat is placed on the grill by all three, sizzling noises is all that is heard from their table.

Ino serves herself beer and then Choji.

"Want some?" She asks, her being polite to him is a sign of truce because she knows he doesn't like alcohol.

"Nah, I'm good with water. Thanks." He smiles back accepting her apology.

And just like any other woman he's met she's back to herself as if the whole ordeal ten minutes ago didn't happen. So difficult…

The rest of the night is filled with chatter about their lives, nothing much happens in just a week, but having friends like theirs there's always funny stories to tell. Another jug is brought to the table and Shikamaru is surprised Ino is willing to drink that many calories. Must be Choji, good for her, he thinks, she really was too thin.

He cannot even look at the beer anymore as little bubbles make their way up.

Never.

Again.

He swore off liquor for the rest of his life.

One time was enough.

He then goes back to staring at his teammates who've once again forgotten he's there too. A tug lifts up the side of his lips.

"Why are you smiling like some crazy fool, Shikamaru?" Choji asks confused.

"I know, about you two." He finally tells them. "IQ of 200 remember?"

"Uh-We. We were going to tell you. I swear." His friend stutters.

He chuckles at their startled expressions, Ino for once quiet. "It's fine. I'm happy for you two, really."

"I guess the cat's out of the bag," Ino says sheepishly then whispers." I should have listened to Temari."

"Temari?" He asks no idea what the couple had to do with that troublesome woman.

"Uh nothing." She adds quickly and smiles. "I'm glad you know now. Means no more hiding."

Abandoning the subject (Temari) he drawls, "Tch, you guys were terrible at hiding it anyways. So obvious."

"We were not!"

"Ino just let it go." Choji pats his hand on top of hers.

She puffs her cheeks in irritation, a submissive Ino, that was new.

They erupt in laughter, a weight lifted off their shoulders. Going about their night as usual. Choji eats more than he can handle than he and Ino have to half carry him home. This type of repetition he didn't mind…

* * *

><p>"I hate my job sometimes." Shikamaru groaned as he stared at the stack of papers in front of him. It was now six o'clock at night and he was nowhere near half done. So, this was what Shizune had to go through with their previous drunken Hokage. He wondered how she got through it all those years.<p>

He lets his head fall on top of the newly white, written in black ink document. He'd be dreaming of white paper walls and black squiggles that night he was sure of it…

His fingers tap on his desk, outreached arms surrounding his head. There was no going back now, he sighs.

Reaching for the scroll he moves on to the next subject on the list. Retirement plans for the elderly. That was a huge topic going around that Naruto was trying to change. There were many elderly that couldn't work anymore and their kage was seeking for a wage, to provide them with a chance to live their rest of their old lives comfortably in thanks for their service.

Naruto had some great ideas despite being a total idiot at times. Not everyone was gifted by being born into a clan, which automatically made them a property owners and it let them live off that. He was one of the lucky ones. They were lucky to have such a caring Hokage.

Shikamaru began writing again after his small break, he was sure his hand would fall off from so much writing. It was a shame that it was already dark out, he could really use some cloud watching…

The minutes seem to spill rapidly again as he engrosses himself with work. A knock on his door breaks him out of his concentration.

"Come in."

"Hey Shikamaru, I just came to drop off some papers. Although I'm sure Naruto just used this as an excuse so he could be alone with Hinata." Tenten rolls her eyes.

"Hey Tenten…" Shikamaru can only stare at the new stack placed on top of his other one. Great, more work…

Shikamaru eases his back on his brown leather chair.

"I was going to ask if you wanted to go out to dinner with us but I can see you're going to be busy all night." Tenten doesn't bother hiding the mirth his torture gives her.

"Us?" Shikamaru asks ignoring her gloating.

"Yeah. Some of us from the gang are going to meet up. Temari's here."

Of course she's in town, he'd read the report of her coming three days ago, he just forgotten about it considering he was knee deep in work, literally.

"Oh, yeah I'm going to be here for awhile…"

"Well I'll leave you to it. Laters."

"Bye."

More than anything he tries to concentrate on the work in front of him and although he manages to get in a small amount of papers done he decides to give up for the night. The clock read 9:59P.M., Fuyumi should be home by now and recently he's been coming out around the same time. He's more than sure she hasn't bothered to wait for him, and there's no way she'd step foot in his mom's front yard.

Standing up, he pops his back and neck, then begins his sluggish walk out the building. One thing that benefitted about his job was that he could come and go as he pleased. There was no one in sight as he made his way outdoors, he was sure Naruto had called it a day long before him.

His hands rest in his pockets as he steps on the dirt road of the Leaf Village. The moment he heard Temari's name he'd lost all focus. So his feet carry him to the one place that could help him gather his thoughts back, yet disorient them even more. It was a win or lose situation. But he'd risk it.

Fuyumi would think he worked late and went straight home afterwards; it was nothing out of the ordinary for the past several nights. She wouldn't make a scene. She wasn't Ino or his mother.

His shadow reaches the premises before he even sets a foot inside. He asks the receptionist the information that he needs so that he can reach his destination and continues walking up the stairs. Without hesitation he knocks on the door three times.

The door creaks slowly but once he is seen it's opened harshly with a mixture of irritation for his rudeness of disturbing at what should be sleeping hours, confusion as to why he is there and yet a small welcoming smile. According to his vision, he didn't interrupt the person's slumber or else he'd had an earful by now.

"Ready for that game?"

"Sure. I'm ready to kick your lazy ass."

Temari smirks at him.

"Tch. We'll see." Their playful banter has begun, and for now he is at peace once again…


	18. Friendly Visits

**I am sooo sorry! For the long wait and for the short chapter! I've had a crazy few months. Since the beginning of October I got myself another job! I've barely had time for myself or any beloved sleep! Not to mention school! I've had alot on my plate and then bam to make matters more difficult I'm going through a break up! After seven years we've decided to call it quits. It's been a difficult two months or so... Finally hours are slowing down so I have a day or two off out of the week, if in don't get called in as usual -_- I'm originally a temp worker and they will be cutting down ppl in two weeks time so we'll see what happens. Either way I swear I won't stop writing this story no matter how long it takes me to finish it! Anyways! Can i just say... *Spoiler to the ones who by any chance havent been caught up with the Naruto manga!* I Cant believe it finally happened! ShikaTema is official! :'D I can't wait until the movie comes out subbed here I want to see the NaruHina love story :3 I'm fine if there's no moments of our fave couple i'm just glad they've been confirmed :D Well I'll let you all to reading I promise I'll update whenever I get the chance again!**

Scratching the back of his head awkwardly Shikamaru finally speaks as he turns around to face Temari. "I guess I'll be going now…"

"Please? So I can finally get the sleep you interrupted. I better wake up on time tomorrow or you'll be the one paying the consequences."

"Tch. As if you'd ever be late. I'm sure you've had days with less sleep."

Laughing at the scowl that she makes naturally appear whenever she speaks Temari retaliates. "Yes, but there's always a first for everything. Be warned Nara I will hunt you down if I don't make it to my meeting on time tomorrow."

A pair of rolling eyes accompanies his reply. "Whatever, woman. It's barely twelve. You still have a chance of eight hours of sleep. The meeting isn't until nine besides we both know you're not like other girls. It doesn't take you hours to get ready."

She smirks, "You got that right."

The troublesome woman held her door with her arm as she leaned on it while they conversed. It was a strange feeling, watching her outside her apartment as she talked this late at night. That forbidden feeling he felt at the pit of his stomach because he knew he'd never tell Fuyumi about where he'd been. He knew there really was nothing to hide but he knew better of the intimidation his girlfriend felt for the woman standing in front of him. She'd never understand the bond that the two carried. Fuyumi, or any other person for that matter, could never level with him not only in an intellectual manner but emotionally too the way Temari could. She understood him in ways that others didn't even when words weren't spoken.

Shikamaru places his hand on the door, centimeters from Temari's staring at her intently while she does the same. Acquiring sweat on his hands because he knows it's wrong that he's there and he should leave even if only a game of shogi happened that night. Shikamaru can't seem to manage movement in his legs though; they're glued to the concrete floor of the hotel.

A slight stir caused by the uneven breathing she is causing him by a simple game of a staring contest and his fingers slide accidently brushing hers as he tries to fix his posture. Their tips touch and he feels a pulse of electricity that is all too familiar, one that only she can create. He knows too well the rush of emotions that he buries deep within as the window she has left open lets in a gust of wind that breezes past her embracing him in her sent that brings shivers down his spine.

His eyes travel down, afraid to look her in the eye at that very moment, instead they fall prey to the smooth looking lightly tanned legs that expose themselves from her fuzzy navy blue bathrobe that is split in the middle. Suddenly, the warmth of her hand leaves his side and he is brought back to reality as she speaks.

"You should go home and sleep, its late Shikamaru."

He can't help but yawn. "Yeah… I haven't had my nap today."

"That explains it. I don't know if you've seen yourself but you look like shit. From my point of view you look like those zombies they play on TV, all pale with bags under your eyes. Naruto working your ass off?" She's smiling evilly at him, that woman feels pity for no one.

"Tch, whatever." He grumbles, rolling his eyes at her which earns him a devilish cackle. "I'm going then."

He puts his hands in his pockets but still he doesn't move. Instead he turns his head around and sees a little boy across the hallway pushing a toy train. Honestly, what is that kid doing up at this time, Shikamaru thinks to himself.

He turns around right on time to see Temari frown at him, "You said you were leaving, but I don't see you moving!"

"You're so loud." He yawns and sticks his finger in his ear. That does the trick.

"Leave my sight Nara before I go get my fan so I can pound you with it!"

With a smirk and a chuckle Shikamaru jumps away from her before she can smack him and waves, bidding her goodbye. He hears her huff loudly and slams the door. Shikamaru grins and continues strolling down the hallway, whatever it was that ailed him has been forgotten; all he can think about is the look of irritation he easily causes her, surely the fact that he can influence her emotions that easily slithers through his mind, and his inner turmoil about Fuyumi is long forgotten.

At least for the night.

* * *

><p>The nights have become his secret hideaway.<p>

They usually ended after a long match with the following words slipping out of his mouth, "I should probably go."

Which was code for it's getting late and Fuyumi doesn't know he's with her.

Her usual responses were always a shrug of the shoulders with an 'I don't care' attitude.

She'd walk him out each time and hold the door until he would decide to leave. It usually took fifteen minutes of small talk and another few filled with silence. It became his favorite routine.

Tonight was no different.

"I got us some take out."

"I can see that." Temari says with a raised eye brow and a teasing smirk.

Equally matched with this woman in jabbing at each other was quite a perk and never a dull moment.

"Tch. Whatever smartass." He repeats what she had called him the night before.

The woman laughs but continues the route towards her hotel. He follows.

Facing her back as he walks behind her he carries his feet with a familiarity down the road. Technically it's earlier than usual considering they've just about finished the preparations for the Chunin Exams. So he hasn't exactly been invited over today, not that he was any other day but he follows behind incase she's not up for a game tonight but her carefree attitude suggests otherwise.

Perhaps it's the fact that since everybody knows he's her escort he doesn't care if they're seen together. He was doing his job, if anyone asked.

Shikamaru follows her up the stairs and into her hotel room. She immediately enters her room while he leaves the bag of food atop of her small kitchen table.

He follows…

His feet move on their own accord.

She left her door open so it meant she wasn't changing clothes. No, she's only taking off her beige poncho that protects her from the chilly weather that will soon turn humid. Underneath only a tank top made out of mesh.

He walks in slowly, in case she screams to get out, but it never comes.

Her room is small, and barely has any furniture. Just the bed and the two small nightstands on each side. The only other door is a closet that resides open. He does not like what he sees because it confirms all those rumors. It's filled with dresses.

Shikamaru stands opposite ends of her. He doesn't move anymore, there's a fire boiling in his blood.

"I can see you'll be kept busy next week. You came prepared and everything." Inhaling heavily he lets out the words that ache with the truth.

"Indeed." She raises her eye brow at his remark, crossing her arms in return.

"It must be nice playing dress up while I'm stuck doing all the work."

It makes her snort, his comment, because they both know that last part is a lie. "Yeah right. You? Work? Never."

It's begun; their usual banter but this time it's personal.

He clenches his jaw. Shikamaru knows he has no right but his emotions are letting lose. The numbness is out of the window. He feels, and everything. But that doesn't stop him from thinking rational; he's a genius after all.

"I'm just saying, it must be nice. You do what you want with that boyfriend of yours." He shrugs the comment off like dust but his words come out harshly that even he damns himself for not controlling his voice volume.

"Speaking of boyfriends. How's your girlfriend? Does she know you've been here the past few nights?" She asks calmly, now making herself comfortable sitting at the edge of her bed.

"We're not doing anything wrong." He makes way to sit next to her.

His leg brushes past hers, elbows bump with each other as he leaves no gap between them.

"Everything's friendly between us. We're just having a simple game of shogi. Whether she understands that or not is up to her." Except she didn't even know…

"Yeah, I'm sure Ryota wouldn't mind, he's heard so much about you from his uncle. I'm sure he'll want to meet my friends, since we're official now."

Those last words stung.

* * *

><p>It can't be avoided anymore, a night with his own girlfriend. The days had melted away just like the snow and Temari had once left again. Shikamaru solemnly walks the path that leads to Fuyumi's house, dragging his feet more than usual.<p>

He can't concentrate. Not during the movie, or dinner. Although he's really good at hiding it considering he's not much of a talkative person anyways. She hung onto his arm no matter where they went. All he wanted to do was latch away. It would upset her though, so he didn't.

The hollow part of him walking like a marionette with no strings tries to come back to his reality but it deems impossible. It's no longer working….

A breath of fresh is let out as he walks her home because she needs to help her father early in the morning.

To him it's like a slap in the face when the epiphany hits him as he walks back to an empty home.

There's no denying it now.

The feelings he's fought so hard to bury. They'll never go away, not really.

He can no longer play the ignorance card because that no longer leaves him satisfied.

The truth of HER words have stabbed him right in the heart.

And he's living this miserable life now…


End file.

Naruto, Drama, Romance