Temari returned from the hospital in a foul mood. Her mother and brothers didn't comment. The hospital trips were never an easy topic to talk about, especially when there was bad news. Her family was anxious to hear about any news Dr. Senej had for Temari.

Karura and her sons were sitting silently in the living room. The TV was on but only to have some background noise. Temari has been feeling well since the move but with her special condition that could be easily changed. As soon as they arrived into town Tsunade had arranged an appointment to check up on the youngest Subaku family member.

Temari walked through the door and shut it behind her. She hung the car keys on the hook next to the door. She looked at her family, "everything's fine. All checked out."

She wordlessly left the living and went to take refuge in Gaara's room.

Karura frowned and turned to her boys.

"Well if she's fine than that only means one thing."

All nodded as they came to the same conclusion.

Temari had met with Sakura and their meeting was another disaster. They knew better to attempt to talk to her. She would come out when she was ready.

Temari crawled into her brother's bed. She kicked off her shoes and pulled the sheets over herself. She really hated this feeling. Temari wasn't a person to feel helpless but right now she could only feel sadness and then anger for feeling sad.

Temari took out her phone and hesitated before clicking on a contact she told herself she wouldn't call again.

He was more than happy to answer the call.

"Hey! It's good to hear from you."

Temari flinched. She could practically see his giant smile, he was genuinely happy that she called.

"L-Look don't get the wrong idea about this…just need someone to talk to."

"Are you alright? What's wrong?" His voice was laced with concern.

"You know what? This is a bad idea. I'm not going to use you to make me feel better."

"Wait Temari-"

She hung up.

Her phone lit up as her ring tone began to play. She silenced the call. He continued to call but she couldn't bring herself to answer. She was the one after all to call off their long distance relationship. It wasn't fair to him that she kept giving him hope.

By the sixth time he called Temari caved in.

"Listen-"

"Hey you're not the only one who needs someone to talk too. You said I could call you about stuff like this."

Guilt racked her body. "Do you want to go first? I'm the one being the bitch here."

"Ladies first."

"Coward."

"I deny nothing."

Temari bit her lip "meeting up with that old friend blew up. It was more like an explosion."

"That bad?"

"I'm hiding under my brother's covers."

"Hm well we could just run away."

"Not a chance. Beside wouldn't that be really troublesome?" Temari cracked a smile.

"Depends on the 200 possible outcomes I have thought up."

"And here I thought you didn't like being a genius."

"I have no issues being a super genius. It's when others, like my parents, tell me what I should be doing with it that is the problem. I mean if I want to just watch clouds all day why can't I?"

"Sounds like wasted potential."

"Now you sound like my mother."

"I'm insulted."

"My mother would find it a compliment."

"You're a dork."

"I've also been told that."

A comfortable silence fell. Shikamaru hesitated but pushed back his nervousness. "Have you and your family settled in yet?"

"Pretty much. Still have some unpacking to do but no one wants to do that."

"Do you want to meet up?"

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Give me one good reason."

Temari had many reasons but each one died at the tip of her tongue.

"I'll text you the address. I'll see you there."

"Maybe."

Temari ended the call. She took a deep breath, collected her thoughts, and threw off the covers. She sat on the bed and looked at the message that popped up on her phone. It was the address to wherever she was supposed to go. Deciding she had nothing better to do Temari got off her brother's bed. She found her shoes but decided to change her outfit.

While staying at her brothers' new house Gaara gracefully offered his room to his mother and sister. So her things were in a duffle bag alongside her mothers. She rummaged through the bag until she found something clean to wear. Laundry was the last thing on her family's mind.

She took off her jeans and put on red shorts, a black V-neck, and her shoes. She walked into her brother's bathroom just to make sure she looked presentable. She was not dressing up for him. Checking herself over in the mirror she gave herself a pass.

Grabbing her phone she exited the room.

Entering the living room she just saw her mother.

Karura looked up from her phone and smiled at her daughter. "Where are you off to?"

"I'm meeting up with a friend. I might be out late. Is it cool if I take the car?"

"Just be careful mija. Text me when you arrive with your "friend" and when your leaving." Karura gave her daughter a knowing smile.

"I will. I'll see you later."

Temari had just grabbed the car keys when Sasori walked out from the kitchen.

"Where are you going?"

"Meeting with a friend and mom already let me go."

Sasori nodded and returned to the kitchen.

Temari rolled her eyes and opened the door. She had one foot out the door when her brother came hurling back to the living room.

"Wait a minute. You only know one other person here and he doesn't have a vagina!" Someone was clearly upset.

Suddenly all her brothers made their presence known in the small living room.

"Excuse me you're meeting who?!" Frantic yelling.

"I do not remember you having a meeting with a male." Honest confusion.

"Not without a dog you're not." Death glare.

"Niños!"

Temari ignored all the commotion and walked to the car leisurely. Her mother would handle her ill-tempered brothers. Now to find her way to the meeting spot without getting lost…

GPS was not to be fully trusted. More often than not she would end up on the other side of town just because the stupid maps told her to get off on at the wrong exit. It was quite infuriating being directionally challenged in a new city she hasn't been in for years.

Luck was on her side. She was able to find her destination quite easily. It appeared to be a shopping center. She found parking and exited the car. She looked around. She was surrounded by shops and people walking around.

She took out her phone and saw a message.

"Meet in front of frozen yogurt place."

Looking around Temari spotted the meeting place and walked over. When she arrived she spotted the familiar pineapple hair style and slouch waiting by the entrance.

"I didn't think you would beat me here, crybaby."

Shikamaru grinned "you came."

"It was either this or unpack. I've done enough unpacking to last me a lifetime."

"You still came," he continued to smile.

Temari fought off a blush. "Are we going to keep standing here or what?"

Shikamaru held open the door. "Ladies first."

Both teens ordered their frozen treat and found a table outside. As Temari ate her dessert she noticed that Shikamaru was happy to see her but something else was bothering him.

"Want to talk about it?"

He shook his head. "No this is better."

"I don't want to probe but you can tell me."

"Thanks but maybe next time."

"Who says there will be a next time?"

"You came today didn't you?"

"You're never going to let me live this down."

"Not for a while."

"I hate you."

"I like you too."

Temari blushed heavily. She settled for eating her treat and ignoring the younger boy in front of her. Shikamaru coughed to cover up his laugh. Temari gave him a nasty glare. He merely shrugged nonchalantly.

"This reminds me how we meet."

Temari looked at her empty cup. "Kinda does."

Spring Break Suna

Temari and her entire family were vacationing in one the many popular beaches Suna offered. It was spring break for most schools so the cities and beaches were littered with more people than normal. Temari loved her brothers dearly, not openly of course, but sometimes it was nice to get away from all the testosterone.

She and her Akita Estrella were talking a soothing stroll along the beach. The sandy beach was covered with people sun bathing or enjoying a swim in the warm waters. The shops had people walking in and out. People dressed in swim suits were roaming everywhere.

Temari was no exception. Her two piece black bikini drew attention from both genders. For one she had a nice body and second people stared at her tattoos. Estrella kept most people at bay. She was a giant fluff of muscle. This beach was a leash free zone. So Estrella trotted happily next to her owner.

The duo continued to walk until Estrella stopped. Temari looked down at her furry friend.

"What's wrong?"

Estrella looked at the distance and walked off. Temari watched curiously as her dog walked up to a completely stranger and sat next to him. The guy had his hair up in a spiky ponytail and wore green swim trunks. The guy jumped back in surprise at a giant dog sitting next to him. He looked completely confused.

Temari walked up to the guy. "You ok kid?"

The guy looked up and Temari was able to see his light brown eyes. "You're dog?"

"Meet Estrella, my Akita." Temari took a sit next to her dog.

The guy tentatively petted the dog. "I'm Shikamaru if we're doing introductions."

"Temari native of Suna."

"Konoha."

"Spring break?"

"Yea."

Temari looked at her new guest puzzled. "You don't sound very excited."

He didn't respond.

Temari gave Estrella a knowing look. She stood, "I'll be back."

"Wait you're leaving your dog here?"

"She'll keep you company."

"I don't need it."

"Don't argue. She'll stay regardless."

Temari walked off to the nearest shop that sold something cold. She bought two cones of vanilla ice cream and returned to her dog and new friend. Wordlessly she handed Shikamaru his cone as she sat back down.

Estrella lied down between the two people. Temari petted her friend as she ate her cone. Shikamaru stared at the cone. He didn't plan on eating the dessert.

Nothing was said. They just sat back and watched people running around, swimming in the ocean, and children building sand castles. After finishing her ice cream Temari stood and Estrella followed.

"Let's go."

Shikamaru looked up "what?"

"Unless you want to sit here all alone, let's go. I know a few places nearby that should keep us occupied for a few hours."

"Why should I follow a complete stranger?" Shikamaru asked curiously

"I offered. You don't have to come."

Temari whistled. She and Estrella walked off.

Shikamaru looked down at his melting cone. After thinking about all the possible ways this girl could kill him, he decided to follow her. He stood up and threw away the frozen treat. He tried to find the gorgeous girl that was with him moments ago. He squinted as he scanned the crowd. Spotting the four ponytails in the distance Shikamaru sprinted.

Once he caught up with her he was panting heavily.

Temari laughed "you're not an athlete are you?"

"Shut up."

Estrella barked.

"A bit of warning, she doesn't take too kindly to disrespect."

"I'll keep that in mind," Shikamaru wheezed.

Still laughing Temari patted his arm. "Whatever has you in a bad mood will soon be out of your mind."

Temari leaned back on her seat. "You ass. Didn't eat the ice cream I bought you."

"I wasn't in the best mood that day."

Temari remembered vividly. After showing Shikamaru around for the rest of the afternoon they finished the night watching the waves under the glistening stars. Both were sitting side by side and Estrella was keeping a watchful eye out for possible danger.

Out of nowhere Shikamaru began to sob.

Temari was completely blindsided. One minute the two were having a playful argument about their hairs and then tears. Shikamaru continued to cry and looked like he wasn't stopping any time soon. No one was near them so they didn't receive any funny looks. Temari gathered the sobbing boy into her arms and allowed him to cry his heart out.

After his meltdown Shikamaru informed Temari that his parent's marriage were on the rocks. They tried to hide it from him but he knew they were looking toward a divorce. Temari didn't say anything just let him cry and yell out his frustrations.

After that night the three spent the rest of his vacation together.

Temari looked her companion in the eye. "How have they been since then?"

Shikamaru toyed with his frozen treat. "Better I guess."

"What can I do?"

"Like I said this is enough."

"I don't like enough. I want to help you more." Temari frowned.

"You could return to being my girlfriend."

"That's a low blow."

"You still haven't told me the reason why you broke it off."

Temari didn't respond.

"I was just joking. Forget I said anything." Shikamaru sulked.

Temari sighed. She had come here hoping this would take her mind off of what had happened with Sakura. Now she was starting to regret her decision.

"Wait here."

"What?"

"I'm going to get you something." Shikamaru stood from his seat.

"And I can't go why?" Temari crossed her arms over her chest.

"I won't take long." A blush covered his face.

"Just don't leave me waiting."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Shikamaru smiled faintly and walked off towards the shops.

Temari leaned back against her chair. She looked around but saw nothing interesting. A group a young guys walked by. Temari took out her phone and began to play a game. She was getting very absorbed by the mobile app when someone tapped her shoulder.

Temari looked up and saw a handsome guy smiling at her.

"Sorry to bother you by my buddies wouldn't leave me alone until I came to talk to you."

Temari looked behind the guy and saw his friends laughing among themselves and looking at their direction.

The guy sat in the vacant chair left by Shikamaru.

Immediately Temari didn't like him.

"I also noticed your kick ass tattoo on your thigh."

"Thanks," Temari returned to playing on her phone.

"Where did you get it done?"

"A friend."

"That's cool. I have a cousin who owns a mechanic shop. I work on my bike there."

"Uh huh."

"I'm thinking of getting tatted. By the looks of your tattoo your friend looks like he does a beast job."

"You wouldn't be able to afford it."

"Look I know a good tattoo is over 100 bucks."

"Try over 5."

"F-Five hundred?"

Temari rolled her eyes and put her phone down. "If you want a tattoo like the quality I have than yes. Five hundred would be cheap and it still might not come out that great. Beside my friend is booked year round and his prices can easily get over 700 dollars."

"Are you serious? What is he famous or something?"

"He's a kick ass tattoo artist." Temari picked up her phone once more.

"You don't have to be cold about it. I was trying to be friendly."

"Just because I have a pretty face doesn't mean I have a pretty attitude."

"I can see that. But damn you are hot."

"And you're a moron."

"Come on I think I deserve points for coming up to you."

"You deserve to get your teeth knocked in."

"Come on babe, at least let me get your number."

Temari stood from her chair. "I'm with someone."

The guy stands up as well. "I don't believe you."

"Not my problem."

Temari spotted Shikamaru walking back. She shoulder bumped the idiot and met Shikamaru half way. Shikamaru noticed her sour mood.

"Are you-"

Temari grabbed his hand continued to walk.

Shikamaru gave her a confused look. Temari laced their fingers together.

"Whatever you're not that hot!"

Shikamaru turned around but Temari yanked him forward.

"Who was he?"

"The hell if I knew. He just took a seat after you left."

Shikamaru gently pulled Temari to a stop.

"Here."

Temari held a small box. She opened it and was greeted by a bracelet with three charms. She took out the bracelet and held it up. It was a simple silver bracelet with a dog, a weasel, and a deer charm.

She looked at Shikamaru, "what's this for?"

"I ordered it when I found out you were moving here."

She held out the bracelet, "need a little help."

Shikamaru smiled as he gently clasped the bracelet around her wrist. He admired the simple jewelry. "Do you like it?"

Temari remember one of their conversations during a late Skype date. It was about their "ninja" ancestors. She told him her favorite story about how her family was descendants of a royal family in the ancient past. A fierce female warrior used a giant fan and commonly summoned weasels in the heat of battle. She got a tattoo of the ninja's most common ferret, Kamatari, on her left thigh. Shikamaru told her that his family took care of deer and were one of the first people to document the medical remedies that could be used from their antlers.

"It's great thank you." Temari also admired the bracelet.

"I'm glad you like it." Shikamaru blushed.

"So tell me how much longer until your curfew?" Temari gave him a teasing smile.

"My parents know I'll be out late."

"So in about an hour?"

"You're not funny."

"I happen to be hilarious."

"I've been meaning to tell you, you have terrible jokes."

"Then I guess me and my bad jokes will just go and eat all alone."

"I was just joking. Hey wait. Troublesome woman!"

Temari laughed as she ran to her car with the lazy genius trying very hard to catch up to her. Afterwards the two young lovers went to a drive threw and got some burgers and milkshakes. They continued to chat and laugh as though they didn't spend the last few weeks not talking to each other. Well more like one was trying to talk while the other hid.

Both were sitting in Temari's car with music playing gently in the background.

Shikamaru was extremely glad that Temari agreed to meet with him. He still couldn't help but wonder why she broke off their relationship to begin with. He knew distance was a factor but when she told him that her family would be returning to Konoha he thought things would get better. Instead the relationship became complicated to say the least.

To this day Shikamaru couldn't figure out or understand Temari's motives.

To help distract his wondering thoughts, Shikamaru brought up the music that was playing.

"I looked up that band you were telling me about. I can't say I like their stuff but I do appreciate the loudness that serves for my alarms."

Temari laughed "nothing like loud drums and electric guitar to get you out of bed."

"It replaced my mother as my human alarm but she hasn't complained."

"I use them for alarms also and I'm still one of the few people who use custom ringtones. I don't stick to the default since when one phone goes off everyone has to check to see if it's theirs or not."

"Too much work to change ringtones. Besides that is very middle school."

Temari continued to laugh.

"So anything I should know about this song?"

"Just really like it, I mean listen to it!"

Temari cranked up the volume and began to sing along.

"On this bed I lay, losing everything. I can see my life passing me by!"

She was not professional singer but Temari wasn't horrible either. Beside when it came to her music she didn't care how she sounded. She just sang along and didn't care that she would be rocking out and people passing by would give her weird looks.

"I will not die, I'll wait here for you. I feel alive when you're beside me."

"It's nice to know that's how you feel about me." Shikamaru chuckled

Temari ignored his comment and continued to sing until the song finished.

"Sorry I wasn't listening. Did you say something?"

"That we can do this again?" he asked hopefully

"If I say yes you won't cry right?" Temari caved in with his constant request.

Shikamaru practically threw himself on top of her to give her a breathtaking kiss.

Well he really hoped it was a breathtaking kiss.

His skills were only ever practiced with Temari on his spring break. He more than likely got rusty since then. Not that he would practice with anyone else. His sights were set only for this troublesome woman.

That didn't stop Temari from responding. Hormones circulated throughout their bodies that the make out session became heated very quickly. Neither teen thought their night would end with tongues down throats or hands in areas that probably didn't belong.

Both had bruised lips, hair was disheveled, and Shikamaru had a mess in his pants.

"This can't happen again." Temari regained her breath.

"What why?" Shikamaru began to panic. Did he come on too strong? Was it that bad?

"Well at least not in the car! If my brothers catch a whiff of what happened in here you would be castrated and I would never be allowed to leave the house. Let's not think of what my dad would do."

Shikamaru readjusted his pants while blushing profusely. "I would like to keep all my body parts."

"Keep your hormones in check next time," Temari rolled down all the windows.

"My hands weren't down my pants."

"No but they were trying to travel upwards."

Shikamaru spluttered out random words as an intelligent response.

Temari took out her hair ties and ran her hands through her mess of a hair. Shikamaru began to shift uncomfortably but made no move to try and clean up his appearance.

"You're going to walk into your house looking like someone ran you over?"

"My parents should be asleep by the time I get back. I'll just sleep naked until I can shower in the morning."

"You have no shame."

"I have nothing to be ashamed about. If one is awake and they ask I'll just tell the truth." Shikamaru shrugged nonchalantly.

"And what's the truth?"

"I sexually assaulted a girl and she molested me in return."

Temari laughed loudly.

Her laughter was contagious and Shikamaru laughed along.

They continue to sit in the car until both stopped laughing. The cool summer breeze whirled into the car, taking the smell of sweat and hormones with it to be forgotten in the wind. Temari took out her phone to see just how many messages her brothers left her.

To her surprise she only had one message and it was from her father.

It was a picture of all her brothers and dogs relaxing in the living room. The message attached simply said "llegamos." He had sent it 20 minutes ago.

Temari broke out into a giant grin.

Shikamaru knew that smile was reserved for only special occasions. His night was over. "Did you win the lottery?"

"I mean this in the nicest way possible. Get out."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes but opened the car door.

"First of all I was joking! Second let me kick you out by driving closer to your house."

"How kind," Shikamaru shut the door.

"Hey I may be a bitch but I'm not heartless."

"That is debatable."

"I can make you walk home alone in the dark."

"Troublesome."

"That's what I thought lazy ass."

Temari drove for 2 minutes before kicking Shikamaru out of her car again.

"I hope your dad isn't too tired from the drive. Have a great rest of the night."

"I'll talk to you later crybaby." Temari winked.

Shikamaru smiled softly and got out the car. He waved goodbye as he entered his house.

Temari replayed the song from earlier and rocked out until she reached her brothers' house. Arriving to the house she spotted the family's old truck parked in the drive way. She parked the car in front of the house and ran in.

"Estrella!"

Her faithful Akita ran up to greet her. Temari kneeled so she could hug her dog and properly receive kisses.

"I apparently have no daughter."

"Hi dad," Temari laughed from the floor.

Estrella had pushed her owner to the floor and lied on top. She was separated from her best friend for too long.

"What the hell took so long!"

"You didn't call once!"

"You care not that your dear loving brothers were worrying deeply about their only sister."

"I demand answers."

"Boys stop being so dramatic. If she wants to go out with her boyfriend let her."

Hell broke loose.

"Boyfriend!?"

Temari and her brothers soon broke out into a verbal battle. Their parents watched in amusement as their children bickered like five year old babies.

"Don't you know guys have cooties!"

"Pigs the lot of them!"

"You are not allowed to date anyone with a penis."

"Penis equal very bad."

"So should I just date a chick? You guys are stupid!"

"These are our children amor."

Karura laughed and kissed her husband. "Come let's leave them to settle this. I know you're tired."

Rasa and Karura left their fighting children without a word. Their old and loyal Akita, Corona, trotted not far behind the heads of the household.

The Subaku children stayed up until the wee hours of the morning arguing until they all fell asleep in the living with their trusted Akitas by their sides.

Time of Dying by Three Days Grace

This took longer than it should have. I would very much appreciate reviews by all who read! And I know quite of a lot of you do so thanks! :3