It was stupid, he knew he couldn't take back his words, why would he? What he told her was the truth. He's in love with her. That troublesome woman.

He planned it so well but it's just really really stupid. He plans things carefully, going over and over until its perfectly choreographed, formulating alternatives and have at least 20 backups just in case.

But he's such an absolute IDIOT that he did not follow his own plan.

Since she became the Suna ambassador for the Chuunin exams, he was tasked to be her guide. Although she could have gone anywhere on her own, since she already knew the streets of Konoha, he still insisted on walking her home. It had became their routine. Sometimes, they would meet each other outside the Hokage's building and would walk toward their office together. Sometimes he would wait for her at the office, particularly if the Hokage summoned him for some errands or something. Sometimes, she would be the one waiting for him at the office, already hip deep in paperwork.

So troublesome.

Chouji knew of his feelings, he didn't have to admit it to him, he's his best friend after all. And also Ino, God help him, albeit their friends for a long time, she only knew of it because of Chouji. Both of them encouraged him to admit his feelings toward the troublesome woman. They said he should take the risk. Both of them are shinobi, and both are just, essentially, living on borrowed time. They told him that he might regret not telling her at all. Any mission shinobi undertake might be their last. He knew that too well.

He understood that of course. Not that his planning to "never" admit it to her. He was just not ready, yet. Well, not really "not" ready. He just hasn't thought of a way to properly tell her without him ending up in a concussion. Which basically means, he wasn't ready.

And so he thought. This day, 3 Chuunin exams later, he will finally tell her his true feelings. And had formulated a plan that would give him success.

They were walking towards her apartment. A few hours before she was talking with Shino, he didn't' really understand why or what could they possibly talk about, but her followed her and stuck to her side. When she finally decided to come home, he walked with her. He didn't really have to, she said, but this was a part of his plan. He knew Chouji would be on standby, waiting on the dango shop with Ino, which is actually just around the corner from her apartment.

He knew that Chouji knew that he will finally admit his feelings toward Temari, maybe his friend thought he needed their support just in case Temari rejected him. Or possibly murder him.

"Oi Temari." This is now or never.

"Huh?"

"I have something to say to you." He has this funny feeling in his stomach. His hands are clammy.

"What is it?" She stared at Shikamaru, concerned. He's been acting strange lately. Right now his fidgeting.

"I've got something to say. Don't you dare say anything okay?" He glared at her. His teeth started chattering. He didn't know if its from fear, frustration at himself, or some emotion that he couldn't name. "And don't you dare laugh or I swear to God..." he trailed off, leaving the threat hanging.

Temari was surprised, she knew that on rare occasions, Shikamaru can get riled up so high. And he seemed nervous. Curious, she said. "Okay, what is it you want to tell me?"

She stood still, staring at him, waiting for his response. Willing herself not to be impatient. She couldn't understand why but Shikamaru couldn't really look at her directly, he's pacing around her, putting his hands on his pockets, scratching his face. Dragging his hand on his hair. And as she listened closely, it suspiciously sounded like teeth chattering.

She started to get this funny feeling in her stomach. Anticipation and anxiety. She was afraid she knew what he wanted to say...

"Just don't speak!" Shikamaru growled...still pacing.

Temari remained silent. Unusually patient. Waiting for him to talk.

After a long 5 minutes... he stopped pacing suddenly. He was standing behind her.

And he said softly...

"I'm in love with you Temari..."

She froze, unable to speak.

Then Shikamaru, the moron, left abruptly, walking fast, not looking at where he was going. And crashed to an unsuspecting loud blond idiot who was rushing towards Ichiraku's.

Dumbfounded, Temari was left standing in the front of her apartment building. Staring at him as he struggled to free his limbs from the idiot shinobi. As soon as he's free he stood up, and rushed on the opposite direction. Not looking back.

"What the hell...?"

Temari blew a breath, she didn't realize she was holding it until she had to breathe.

Then a small sweet smile crept up to her face.

Later, much much later, when she finds Shikamaru, she will tell him exactly what she feels.

"The idiot!"

xOxO

The next day...

He knew he was a coward, a number one coward. But he had it all planned! As soon as he admit how he felt, he would stand with her, or invite himself inside her apartment, his favorite rooftop, or his favorite grassy hill, even at the dango shop. But what did he do?! As soon as he uttered the words he left as if his pants was on fire!

He groaned, and threw himself down on his favorite rooftop, frustrated at himself. The beautiful clouds not calming him. His face still red from embarrassment. He had planned on telling Temari how he felt, explaining himself, the circumstances. But instead he escaped!

Damn! So troublesome.

--

A/N

Thanks for R & R guys!