Temari runs the hairbrush gently through his hair, smoothing away the frizz and untangling the little knots. Shikamaru finds himself soothed and rather surprised at the same time. Not less than five minutes ago he was vehemently protesting against her combing his hair for him but seeing how he had a broken right arm and fractured left wrist, and his hair was a mass of tangles and knots, he had no choice but to agree.
"Shikamaru no baka." He hears her voice break the silence between them.
"What did I do now?" He grouses and stills when he feels something wet fall on his shoulder.
He shifts around awkwardly thanks to his broken leg, and turns to see Temari crying, fist pressed against her mouth to silent her sobs, hairbrush lying forgotten on her lap.
His eyes widen in shock. Two years into their relationship and he has never ever seen her cry. Up till now. He panics internally and wonders what to do but that is solved when Temari pulls herself close to him and wraps her arms around his neck. She presses her face against his neck and quiets almost immediately.
"Ri-chan?" He voices with worry, using the nickname that was created to mock and counter her Shika-chan but now is something of affection.
"Baka!" Temari pulls away and glares hard at him. Her eyes glisten with moisture and Shikamaru grits his teeth at not being able to comfort her properly in his current condition.
"Don't you ever do that again you idiot! Do you even know how worried I was? You were three days late and when you do return you show up literally half dead! You are lucky I love you enough to not beat you up for the hell you put me through!" Temari yells and Shikamaru feels his brain stutter to a halt as he stares wide eyed at Temari and she stares back just as surprised at her random confession.
Red rises to her cheeks and she looks away quickly. She is still pissed at him after all. Excuses, part of her brain whispers traitorously.
Shikamaru stares at the woman fondly and chuckles softly to himself.
"And what, may I ask, is so funny oh almighty ―" Temari doesn't get to complete her sentence as Shikamaru gently presses a finger against her lips.
She sees the deep affection in his eyes and flushes even more, cursing herself mentally for all the vulnerability she's showing. Shinobi are not supposed to let their emotions reign much less show!
Her train of mental cursing is cut short as Shikamaru leans in close and kisses her deep and gentle.
"I love you too." He says as he pulls away and pecks her on her forehead. Temari blushes again, eyes averted out of embarrassment. She picks up the forgotten hairbrush and resumes her prior action, ignoring her fast heart beat and the pure unadulterated joy welling deep within her heart. Shikamaru merely settles comfortably against her warmth and nimble fingers, eyes falling shut, a small smile upon his lips.
He never quite understood what his father meant when he said that even the toughest woman will show her gentle side to the man he loves, all those years ago because Temari still remains fierce, hard headed, scary and sarcastic even two years into their relationship.
But now, now he thinks he understands.
So that was it! Hope you enjoyed this little piece of fluff :)