He was still grumbling about the stupidity of the mission that he had gone on, when his eyes fell upon the very person who haunted his dreams every night. It was a greater shock to see her in person, looking very surprised at the sight of him. He paused, unable to take another step, heart beating out of time, wondering whether he should run or stay, whether he should say something or ignore her. Before he could make up his mind, Temari ran at him full force, flinging her arms around his neck and holding on to him.

"You're back." Her voice was slightly above a whisper, and so close to his ear that it sent tingles down his spine. What exactly had happened in the month that he'd been away?

He made no move to hold on to her, or to return her gesture, just peeling her hands away from around him.

"Yes. I am." He started to walk away again, and could feel the hurt and anger radiating off her.

Temari was pissed. "Who do you think you are, Shikamaru Nara?!"

He paused only to reply. "Shikamaru Nara."

"Okay what was that?" The angry reply rang out, ruining his comfort and privacy.

It wasn't fair that she was confronting him so soon. Sure, he had a month to think, but he had no idea what he was doing. And here Temari was, right in his face, demanding... demanding...

"What exactly?" He asked. "What exactly do you want?"

"I want to know what's going on! Okay, I'm sorry for rejecting you, but if you truly love me, shouldn't you understand that?"

Shikamaru froze, as the words registered in his brain. His face froe, and he allowed no emotion to show in his voice.

"So you're doubting that I love you?"

Temari was frazzled. Wasn't it? If you really loved someone, shouldn't you want to seize the opportunity and love that person with all you want? At least, that's what she wanted.

"Yeah. I'm doubting that I love you."

Shikamaru wasn't ready for the huge wave of pain that crashed onto him. He said nothing, only turned away angrily from her.

"Shikamaru. Please explain, what is going on?"

When he spoke, his voice was constrained, as if he was forcing himself not to shout at her.

"Do you. Have any idea. How long I've been in love with you? Do you know how much hurt your rejection caused me? Can you even begin to say that you know how I feel?"

Temari tried to cut in, but he continued.

"And what if you didn't really love me, huh? What if you're only in love with me loving you? This wasn't just time for me to get my head clear, its supposed to help you clear your head as well. So don't. You dare. Ever say anything like that again."

Temari stopped, shocked. She had never seen Shikamaru like that.

"I-"

"You may leave, Temari. I'll look for you again when I'm ready." Shikamaru said hastily, cutting in. Temari felt her heart drop at his words.

"Okay. If that's what you want." She said dejectedly, walking away slowly, giving him ample time to stop her.

He didn't.