The boy got down fast not saying a word, Shika knew he must have heard everything. Although he wasn't much of a child anymore, he went on missions and even injured other ninjs , but there are things kids shouldn't hear, no matter what age. He send his father a scared look and both of the Naras left the Uzumaki apartment.
'Shika, I'm deadly sorry.. That didn't sound right.' Naruto looked at the serious brunette. He sighed, stood up and looked at his friends.
'You shouldn't have treated her this way Naruto. Family is sacred and this is my wife so you had no right to talk to her like this.'
'But she drove it to the limit...'
'You had no right.' He said louder. 'No matter what she said.'
'But she humiliated you...you're my friend.'
'Naruto-kun...you overreacted. Shika should go now.' Hinata looked sadly.
Shikamaru left the apartment without saying goodbye and headed slowly towards the Nara part of the village. The way that not so long ago seemed rather short was now endless. He didn't know if he wanted to be home, if he wanted to face her and Shikadai. On the other hand there was no way he could just run away now. Not tonight. All this fatigue pulled him down so he barley raised his legs while walking. He wished Asuma was there, or his father. They would tell him what to do. He stopped, pulled Asuma's lighter out of his pocket and lit it. 'No.' He couldn't wait for someone to take over his responsibilities. He stopped being a child long time ago. There was more than one life in his hands now. He started walking again. 'I would die for a cigarette.' He looked the last time up in the sky and speed up so he would reach his home soon.
The facilities were silent and dark so he didn't bother to look for Temari. Her shoes and cloak were there, he could definitely go to bed. About an hour into his sleepless night he heard the doors to the guest room open and a small shadow entered, walked silently to his bed and ignoring his obvious indifference climbed under the duvet putting two ice cold palms on his back.
'Nara...'
He remained silent and closed his eyes hoping she would go away thinking he was asleep.
'I'm sorry about that dinner ... Let me make it up to you. ' Her fingers slit towards his pajama pants.
'Stop.' He whispered. 'What do you think you're doing?'
'Come on. I'll be a good girl from now on. I'm just lost...'
'You really are lost Temari and until you will find yourself I'm not going to pretend I'm OK with this...with all that has happened. I've thought things thru. I don't think I've done you much wrong. I tried to be as supportive as I can and seeing you in a state like this really hurts my guts but you stopped bring rational and there is nothing I can help with until you decide what you really want. I won't be a part of your sick game so I'll take care to be away on a mission for some time. That will give you some time to gather yourself. If you decide that you want all of this and I'm not the only reason all of this has gone wrong be there to talk when I'll be back, otherwise leave. I won't even force you to say that right into my face. That will be your decision Temari and I'll accept it - whatever way you decide to go.' He said all of it in a hushed voice not turning his face to her.
'Running away was always your strong side cry-baby.' She sat down and sighed. ' But you're right. I need to find out what I really want. ' She walked as silent as she came back to the door. 'Thank you for ... For ending this.' She whispered and left. Another crack in Shikamaru's heart.
The next morning he woke up early as always and without breakfast jumped towards the hokage's office. Jumping over the silent roofs of his beloved village he spotted a black haired woman waving at him. He smiled and stopped close to her.
'Kurenai... What are you doing this early in the streets?'
'Just got back from my mission and you're on the way to work?'
'Oh yes. I need a mission for a week or so...' He scratched his back not knowing why he even told her this.
'You need a mission? That sounds odd. Sounds nothing like Shikamaru. Since when are you so adventurous ?' She put her head to the side and smiled calmly.
'Ah I just need to be gone for a while. You know how it is sometimes. '
'Actually I don't...' She kept smiling. 'Trouble in paradise?'
'Yeah... Paradise...troublesome woman.' He sighed but felt awkward knowing Kurenai might have never come to this phase with his sensei.
'This bad?'
'Worse.' He laughed but she put her hand on his shoulder and looked rather serious.
'Running away isn't the right way Shikamaru. I thought you learned that.'
'I know...I'm not running. I'm leaving her some space.'
'Space?' She rose a brow.
'Kurenai I really need to go.'
'All right. Take care.'
He jumped away fast and she stood there for a while watching him leave.
'Shikamaru if this is because of yesterday...' Naruto cried.
'It's not. Just send me on a mission lord Hokage. '
'Shika what do I do with you...?' He frowned and sighed. 'Or rather what do I do without you, but I guess I own you this one. Here...I'll send you with two Anbu people to handle this...' He put a file in front of him. Shikamaru looked it through.
'Escort of a part of the federal family ? Two anbu ? Isn't that a bit too much ?'
'He's an important person for the county. Don't be so picky.'
'Yeah. Anything, I'll take it.'
