Shikamaru exhaled, blowing the smoke in his lungs out and into the air. He loosened the tie around his neck and unbuttoned a few of the top buttons on his shirt. Being the CEO of a company was such a drag, he didn't know why he even said to yes to taking over for his father. Bringing his cigarette back to his mouth he took another puff of it, as his thoughts strayed to his blonde haired girlfriend. "She should be here soon." He looked over at the clock. It was 5:37 and they had dinner plans at 6:30. "That if she isn't still getting ready. Woman are such a drag."

Temari was at her apartment, looking through her closet in a towel and trying to decide what she was going to wear to meet Shikamaru. Scanning over all of her possibilities she grabbed a long black dress with slits down both sides and her black stilettos, taking in a deep breath she modeled it into the mirror, then looked up at the clock. "Oh.. He is going to kill me..." She threw the towel off and grabbed her bra with matching thong, slipping on her panty hose as she slipped on her dress, walking into the bathroom, fixing up her hair like she usually does. Leaning over the sink doing her makeup and brushing her teeth. She stretched, then headed to the edge of the bed, slipping her heels on. A smile slipped across her face as she thought about the first day she met Shikamaru. She opened the curtains and looked over the city.

Shikamaru slumped into his chair. "She's late." He murmured as he looked at the clock. It was 6:37 and no doubt their spot at the restaurant he reserved had been taken. "Man that woman is more troublesome than my mother." He ran his hand along his face and sighed.

"Oh.. Troublesome like your mother, eh..?" The door slid open as she leaned against the door hinge, smiling softly. "I mean.. I am only seven minutes late.." She popped her hip out, revealing her thigh through the dress, looking him down. "I'm just glad you love your mother.."

Shikamaru looked up at her, his eyes running over her exposed flesh. "All you woman are troublesome." He stood up and grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair. "If we hurry we might actually make our reservation before they give our table away." He took Temari's hand and led her towards the elevator. Leaning back against the wall as they descended he took the time to admire his blonde girlfriend. She sure knew how to clean up well. Once the elevator doors opened to the parking garage, Shikamaru started walking towards his car. "My lady." He said as he opened the door to his Audi, to allow Temari to get inside.

Temari kissed his cheek and sat down in the seat, as she adjusted her seat she then made sure her dress was still in place. "how did I get so lucky to have you as my own.?" She took a deep breath and leaned back enjoying the ride.

Shikamaru chuckled as he started the car. "Our families merged companies and my mother was insufferable and basically made us go out together." He said as he pulled out into the street. "After a few dates, I realized you weren't all bad and that's all she wrote."

"Hey.. I am starting to feel like this was a forced relationship by our parents. And I'm not that bad.. You know I am amazing." She gloated a bit and hit his arm, smirking. "besides.. I have killer legs, and you know it.. heh."

Shikamaru laughed. "You are amazing, and I would think after 4 years of dating you'd know by now that no where in this relationship is it forced." He said as he took her hand, bringing it up to his mouth to kiss softly.

"I do miss my brothers at times.. Moving here and leaving them. I mean.. Kankuro calls me every now and again. But Gaara.. I am so worried for him.." She looked out the window, smiling softly. "Do you ever miss your group?" She placed her palms of her hands on her dress to press out the creases and then looked up at him.

Shikamaru thought for a moment. "Seeing as how I see them damn near every week, no I don't miss them." He remarked. His company had a side contract with Uchiha Corp. and Uzimaki International. He also saw Choji all the time since the man was one of his advisers. Ino always came around as well when her and Sakura weren't to busy with their fashion line. "I'm sure Gaara is fine, isn't he running both of your companies back home anyways?"

"Yes, yes. But you know how I worry.. I worry about them all the time. I just wanna make sure things are well with them. I guess it's the big sisterly vibe.. But anyways.. What did you make reservations for? You know I hate surprises.." She teased, turning on some music in the car.

Shikamaru just smiled. He opted not tell her and continued to drive. Around five minutes later he pulled to an over exaggerating restaurant. The Valet guys opened their doors and Shikamaru gave the man his keys as he walked around to open the door for Temari. "Well I have a surprise for you." He said as he grabbed her hand and led her inside. Luckily 'his surprise' was already there so the waitress quickly led them towards the back. He smiled at the two men currently sitting at the table. "Hey guys. Sorry we're late." He said as he looked at Gaara and Kankuro.

Temari followed quickly behind him, smiling and looking around at all of the well dressed company around the restraunt. Her attention snapped back to her as she heard him talking. looking around him she seen the two figures standing to their feet. Her breath escaped her as her eyes widened, tears welping into her eyes as she ran to hug them both. "Kankuro! Gaara! Look how you two have grown into such handsome men.." She kissed their cheeks and held them both close to her as she cried. Kankuro smiled sheepishly as he held onto her and rubbed her back. "Hey Shika, about time you guys showed. I'm starved!"

Gaara gave Temari a quick hug back and shook hands with Shikamaru. "I thank you for inviting us here. We've been meaning to come visit juts haven and the time." Gaara's baritone voice spoke out as he sat back down. Shikamaru smiled and pulled Temari's seat out for her. "It was no problem at all, I know that Temari has been wanting to see." He sat down beside her and opposite of Gaara.

"So have you both been? It's been ages since I have talked to you both.. Like what? 4 or 5 years.. I mean I haven't changed. but you two. You look amazing!" Temari sat down, and smiled towards them, holding Shikamarus hand. Studying their movements as she took in a deep breath. Kankuro popped his neck as he adjusted his tie, looking over at the waitress, cat calling her over. "Well you see. We've been so busy with the business and all. And when I call you. I end up just having to say a sentence or two. We've been definitely working on ways to improve the business. but Shika here, called us and decided it was time to come see you for a little vacation." The waitress smiled brightly as she stood right next to everyone. "May I interest you all in a bottle of our best champagne..?"

"That would be wonderful actually." Shikamaru said as he nodded at the waitress. Gaara nodded along to kankuro's statement. "Business has been going well, we just closed a deal with Uchiha last week." He nodded his thanks as the waitress poured him a glass of champagne. Shikamaru laughed. "I bet that was a drag. Sasuke is so tight with his company its hard just to get him to come to a annual meeting."

"Is Ino and Sakura still drooling over him..? They were a huge pain in my ass when we were younger. Always fighting and arguing over whom actually gets to date him. But the one who was the closest was always Naruto. hahah.. When he slipped and Kissed Sasuke." Temari laughed so hard she snorted, grabbing her glass of champagne. Kankuro chuckled under his breath as he looked at Gaara. "Does anyone know when that reunion is for school anyway? We've been out for a good minute." he glanced over at the waitress' short skirt, smirking a bit. Then lifted his glass towards Shika.

"Sakura and Sasuke are married actually. Ino is dating Sai the last i heard." Shikamaru said as he leaned back in his chair, reaching up to loosen his tie. He hated the damn thing. "The reunion isn't until four more years." Gaara took a sip of his drink and looked at Kankuro as he ogled the waitress. "I hear Naruto and Hinayana got engaged?" Shikamaru nodded. "Yeah, our blonde knucklehead finally popped the question."

Temari perked up and smiled. "I am thrilled to hear this! When will the wedding be? I feel so bad for not keeping in touch with anyone these days.. Especially my own brothers. I've been so caught up on the company and making sure Shikmaru is well taken care of." She kissed his cheek and sipped her drink slowly. "Have you two found someone yet? i am sure you both have someone. If not. I have several single friends.. Or in Kankuros case. And eligible waitress.. heh." The waitress blushed deeply then walked fast past them heading to the back to grab another tables food. Kankuro watched her and laughed. "Oh, Temari.. You always know how to be so blunt.. but no. I haven't met anyone. I have met a lot. But none of them intrigue me is all.. I like to keep to myself though.."

Gaara shook his head as well. "I haven't actually been looking, being so wrapped up in the company I haven't had time." Shikamaru snorted. "Take care of me? You're a slave driver, sometimes I wonder who the boss is and who isn't."

She cut her eyes at him, hitting his arm. "You know I'm clearly the boss." She looked at her brothers smiling. "Hey Temari. You still have your big ass fan? haha. I'm surprised you don't have back problems." Kankuro laughed loudly as he hit Gaaras arm, then finished off his drink. "I actually do. It's in the closet. And Why would I have back problems if I am more man then you, puppet master..?" She winked then pinched his cheeks.

Shikamaru blinked at her. Maybe the boss in the bedroom. He looked over at the red head at the table. "Are you going to the summit conference next month?" Gaara nodded. "Unfortunately, it seems they want all of us there that are involved in the trading routes with Kumo."

"Kumo?" Temari looked at the two talking and ordered herself another glass of champagne. She scrolled through the menu looking for something that would appease her appetite. But sadly nothing was coming up. She frowned then just randomly chose something.

Shikamaru nodded. "Aye, he owns the Railroad company that goes from Kumo and spreads all around the country. Those of that are partnered with him, was called to a summit meeting or a very dreadful, boring business meeting." He said lazily, already cursing the fact that he had to go. "Did I not tell you?"

"You sure didn't. Quite honestly.. You do not tell me about business things.. You barely tell me anything. Same with my parents!" Temari stood, sighing as she walked gracefully towards the restroom. brushing her bangs out of her face, looking around the room as the full restaurant is now almost empty. Looking down watching the floor. Kankuro watched her leave and then looked at Shikamaru. "Dude, she doesn't even know, does she?"

Shikamaru sighed and shook his head. "No, I haven't yet told her." He said as the waitress came back. Already knowing what Temari would eat he ordered for the both of them. Gaara looked away from the direction his sister went and turned his teal eyes to Shikamaru. "When do you plan on asking her?" Shikamaru sighed again, he needed a cigarette. "After she calms down"

"You know what sounds good.. A Bachelor party.. With strippers!" Kankuro looked at the waitress again then finished off his drink. "But hey. It's better to be single. Cause once you're in it. You're in it for life. And I don't think I am quite ready to settle down." He wiped his eyes, picking up his cellphone. "one second I need to make a call." He stood then left the room. Temari walked out of the bathroom looking around as she straightened her dress out. biting her lip while she walked in thought. She walked back into the room, sitting once again. "So, Gaara, how long do you both plan on staying in town? We have a two spare rooms if you planned on staying."

"Well were planning on getting a hotel since we are staying a couple days, but we appreciate the offer." Gaara said as she smiled at his sister. Shikamaru studied his girlfriend closely. Something was definitely bothering her.

Temari slipped her hand into Shikamarus and smiled at him then to Gaara. "Where did Kankuro go? Off to flirt with the waitress I am guessing." She giggled, grabbing for her glass to finish it off. Her cheeks were a bit flushed as she looked out the windows. "You okay, Shika?"

Shikamaru smiled at her. "Just thinking is all." He said as the waitress brought their food. Gaara looked at Kankuro's empty seat. "I don't know why i bring him along sometimes."

Kankuro made it back and sat down. "uh.. Why does it look like a funeral just happened.." he looked around, taking a big bite of his food. Temari nodded and began eating. "Well.. I am glad you both came. I was telling him earlier how much I missed you both." She smiled, pinching both of their cheeks.

Gaara slapped Temari's hand away. "Still a mother hen i see." Shikamaru laughed and patted Temari's thigh. "You should see her at home, she cooks now and she's always fussing over me smoking."

"Oh he just gets mad cause I like to nag. And you should stop smoking. It's going to be the death of you! I do cook. I will cook dinner tomorrow for you both." Temari giggled as she kissed Shikamarus cheek, then finishing her food. "I feel as if we have been here for three years... Let's not come here again. You will lose yourself in the moment it seems.."Temari laughed softly as she pulled up her purse, digging through it, grabbing her wallet. "I'm paying!"

Shikamaru coughed as he looked at her. Her 'paying' was her way of saying that she using the credit card he gave her. He shook his head at Gaara and Kankuro seeing them about to protest. "Its no use." He simply stated shrugging his shoulders. Troublesome woman.

Temari hit him on his head, glaring. "I may not be able to read minds. but I know what you said!" She put the credit card on the bill, and handed it to the waitress, smiling softly. Kankuro looked at Temari then back to the waitress, watching her walk away. "Thanks for paying, sis.. but I could of got my own. It's okay. I'll give her the tip.. I mean a tip."He rubbed the back of his head, laughing loudly.

Shikamaru laughed and stood up. "Well then, shall we go?" He held his hand out for Temari to take. "You remember how to get to our house right?" He looked over at Gaara who nodded. "We'll meet you there."

Temari took his hand, grabbing her purse and slipping her arm into Shikas. "I will see you two at the house then.." She kissed both of their cheeks, smiling softly. Kankuro nodded and wrapped an arm around Gaaras shoulder. "I think we should go to a strip club, bub."