Chapter 2

As the weeks passed, the two fell into a routine, and coincidently Temari fell head over heels.

She didn't do much or make physical moves to assure her feelings, slightly because she was afraid of gossip. She also kept her distance because both were logical about her temporary stay. Temari and Shikamaru got to know each other more than their closest relative and that was enough for her…or so she thought.

The days went fast and even though there was a lot of work to do, they got it done in a timely manner and had fun with it. The summer was getting hotter and shorter as Temari learned all she could. Every Friday she would send her report to her brother and the weekend would be hers. Even though they didn't like the arrangement at first, Shikamaru and Temari found themselves spending off-time together as well.

One thing bothered Temari. Shikamaru would go missing on particular days at certain times and Temari didn't know what he was doing.

Temari wasn't sure what to ask or how he'd react even if she was to breach the subject. She had decided from the start that when he wanted to tell her, he would, and she understood men needed alone time. If that's what he needed, she was okay with that.

Okay, until one day she didn't see him for four days and the only thing she got in response was a note. The note said he was going to be indisposed until the weekend. Her confusion soon became worry, and then it turned into anger. She wasn't even sure if she was angry at him for not trusting her or not giving enough details. The thoughts and scenarios ran through her head so much she'd catch herself talking out loud about it as though he was there.

Finally, she had had enough.

"Choji," Temari hollered from the doorway of the restaurant, "over here."

The big-boned ninja ambled over to her and smiled, "Are you going to join me, Temari-san?"

Worried that she would offend him, she acquiesced, and followed him to the table. Before the drinks were set in front of them she started inquiring as to the whereabouts of Shikamaru but Choji continued to dodge the question like a pro.

"Please, Choji, I'm worried about him," Temari stated in heartfelt urgency.

Choji stopped chewing and then swallowed the large slice of meat. "Did he leave you a note?"

"Hai."

"Then you have nothing to worry about."

"Choji, I'd like to…"

Temari trailed off as she watched Shikamaru saunter in with a young child in his arms and a beautiful woman smiling behind them. The woman was carrying the baby's diaper bag from her womanly shoulders, her dark brown hair was lying softly against her shoulders and her red eyes were aglow with affection.

Choji turned toward the object of her attention and started coughing on his mouthful of rice.

Temari slowly stood up from her seat but couldn't find the strength to do much else. Her eyes didn't leave the jovial three who took the table closest to the front door. She was trying to grasp for thoughts but could barely breathe, much less think.

Shikamaru had kindness pouring out of his eyes at the small child and it giggled happily back at him as though the babe loved him without question. The woman fondly tickled the child's belly to receive a squeal of laughter and bubbles.

Temari never imagined Shikamaru looking so at ease with a baby, but he appeared to be a master at it. Her heart twisted tightly because she felt joy at his show of affection yet she was choked back by his secret.

A family. Why hadn't he told her? Did she imagine all the feelings they…they? Her nose tingled before her vision blurred. They had never uttered a word of their feelings. They had never kissed or hugged even. How could she have been so blind?

She numbly felt someone leading her toward Shikamaru but her mind wasn't processing it until she was next to his table and staring down at him.

The moment Shikamaru looked up, his face changed.

Choji cleared his throat as the woman took the baby in her arms and searched the others for some clarification.

Shikamaru slid his chair back and stood but, without notice, his face turned to the side from Temari's hand.

"Don't ever speak to me again," Temari murmured before turning and running out of the restaurant. The tears that slid off her cheeks were left unnoticed by the pain building its way into the inner depths of her heart. Never had she been treated so. The hurt was more than she gave it credit.

"It doesn't matter, I'll be over it by the time I reach home."

Her words sounded hollow and false but she was determined to be fine…as soon as she reached the Sand village.

After Choji explained what Temari was doing there, Shikamaru was sure what he had to do. He just had to find her to explain. The darn woman had disappeared. He was certain she was still in Konoha because her things were at the apartment but there was no sign of her anywhere.

By the time the sun set and the moon was mid-sky, Shikamaru had checked every inch of the village, including the Hokage's office. No one knew where she was.

"Blast," he cursed quietly into the air.

"I believe she's not here anymore," Kurenai stated from behind Shikamaru.

The little one slept soundly in her arms as Shikamaru shook his head.

"It's the only alternative…but why," he asked in thought.

"She appeared to be upset that you were with us. Did she not know you were helping me while he was sick?"

Shikamaru shook his head and sighed.

"Do you love her?"

"Does it matter?"

"Shouldn't you tell her?"

"She never wants to see me again."

"I don't recall you being the type to give up on something that means a lot to you…"

"She's choosing this."

"What about your choice?"

He was silent for a while as Kurenai put the babe to bed and then returned to the porch.

"Life goes on," she shrugged, testing his thoughts.

"Not without her."

Kurenai smiled and then said goodnight before shutting the glass porch door and going to bed.

Shikamaru stood on the veranda watching the moon descend lower until he made up his mind…and nothing was going to change it.

Gaara looked up when someone knocked and entered without waiting for his response. His brother walked in with an expression that made Gaara put the paperwork he was looking at, down.

"Temari has returned."

Gaara's eyebrow rose in question.

"She wants to see you."

"I'll be right there."

Temari wiped at her check when she heard footsteps approach her door. Sadly her heart hadn't healed like she had wished. The three day journey home only added more questions. How could she have let this happen?

"Temari-chan?"

Temari didn't look at her brothers as they came in. She stared out the window and kept her arms crossed.

"I left in a hurry. I forgot my paperwork at the apartment."

The brothers glanced at each other but didn't say anything.

"Will you send someone to get the things I left?"

"Is that an order?"

"It's a request."

"Temari," Gaara started but stopped when she turned around with a glare.

"I'm not well; please leave me alone for a while."

The guys took her clue and left with no other comment. Gaara knew she was troubled and he had a good guess as to what was bothering her.

"Only women are allowed to visit Temari for the next two weeks," Gaara ordered to the ninja about him and trusted the news would travel well without him ordering it.

Kankuro clenched his fist as the notion struck him, "Do you think that baka that was to escort her around the Leaf village tried to hurt her?"

"When Shikamaru arrives, have him come to my office immediately," Gaara said before closing the door, shutting out his confused brother.

'Tsh, how does he know he's going to come here?'