A/N: This is finally at an end. Right well… I present my final chapter! Hopefully it is a satisfactory ending to this extremely old fanfiction…
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Chapter Ten:
Mission Complete (?)
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The buildings to his left and right blended together to create two steady blurs as he ran past. He hardly noticed the masses before him; his mind was set upon reaching the train station before time ran out.
Out of breath and tormented by anxiety, Shikamaru skidded to a halt before the brick destination on the outskirts of the village. His suspicions were correct.
The thick, slow-paced traffic would affect his search considerably. Temari, where are you? His two sharp eyes never ceased their rapid movements as he entered the building and moved to the platform.
The nearest train's whistle shrieked, warning passengers to board or be left waiting for the next ride out of Konoha. Now it was Shikamaru's turn to hold up those in a rush. He compared his watch to the board of departure times. The meeting was over in ten minutes.
Shikamaru sighed with relief, glad to have made it to the station with time to spare. He chose a seat closer to the ticket booth to wait for Temari.
The hands of the metal clock hanging on the wall seemed to barely move. Each time another train left, a twinge of panic would streak across his mind. He couldn't help but expect the worst. Shikamaru slipped farther down the uncomfortable wooden seat and checked his watch more and more frequently.
A half-hour became an hour which in turn changed into two. Travelers steadily filtered in and out of the room as their transportation arrived and dispatched. His doubts convinced him Temari had left, but nevertheless he silently remained seated for an additional thirty minutes, though the reason for this escaped him.
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It was just before seven o'clock when Shikamaru finally found the strength to force himself up. He stood and let the close cry of the train strike his ears as he left the uncomfortable seat to exit the station.
The considerably calmer stone terminal had become barren during the hours Shikamaru had spent sitting around. Though he probably wouldn't have cared if they were still busy.
Why didn't she say good-bye? He returned to the darkening atmosphere and admired the deep purple sky with an unfamiliar loneliness.
The streetlights were illuminating the way home, but that was the last place he wanted to be. So instead the young man leaned on one of the building's brick columns and searched the pockets of his vest for his cigarettes.
Wait… the balcony, the tossed box, the kiss, the entire night itself flashed by.He soon regretted the outlandish act and reminisced, unconsciously playing with his lighter. He didn't intend to stay much longer; he'd head back to his apartment when it suited him.
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The sound of youthful nightlife gave flavor to the bleak evening. Shikamaru was well aware the closer he got to the center of the village the more wild it would become. If not for the circumstance he would consider getting a drink, but he was not in the mood to excuse himself from countless conversations with drunken, troublesome people.
He sighed and tucked his hands in his pockets. Suddenly a shapeless shadow emerged from the dimly lit path ahead. Shikamaru watched the character with cautious fascination. It wasn't until whomever it was arrived at the station did he verify it was a woman.
"There you are!"
Shikamaru moved away from the wall. I know that voice… The figure stepped beneath the lamppost and smiled kindly.
"Temari!" A grin broke upon the sorrowful face. "I thought you… Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?!"
"Why do you think I'm here so late?" She retorted. A whistle reminded them of their diminishing time. "It's not like I enjoy walking around streets at night with my entire wardrobe. Hmph. You really are hard to track down..."
"Heh, normally that's beneficial…" Her huffy manner didn't faze him at the moment. Temari sighed.
It was difficult to admit this was the end of whatever their relationship had become. In previous missions they had parted ways many times before but it was never this challenging. The only comfort either one had was in the faith that they'd run into each other down the road.
The corners of her mascara began to smudge noticeably and a nervous laugh escaped her lips. "Shika…" She bit back tears and stepped forward. I've never gotten this worked up over some guy before. He reached for her, allowing her to tug him into a tight embrace.
You just had to be the person I was looking for, didn't you Temari? The Chunin rested his chin on her shoulder wordlessly and clasped his arms around her waist. The wet touch of tears broke upon his skin. Temari kissed his cheek hurriedly and broke away before she could shed more tears.
"I have to go."
"Yeah." Both of them could hear the muffled intercom announce the next departure from inside. "Want me to carry anything?" Temari looked at the bags around her feet. "No. I can handle it."
That's likely. Shikamaru smirked sarcastically. It appeared her luggage had multiplied since her arrival.
The final whistle alerted all remaining passengers to board. "So this is it, eh?" "Yep." It was obvious neither one wanted to be the first to say good-bye.
"Temari, I never intended it to go so far. I..."
"Hah." Temari waved her hand absentmindedly. "It takes two. I'll probably have to endure an even worse lecture from my brother when I get back anyway."
Shikamaru groaned quietly. I forgot Gaara was Kazekage. It'd be just like Tsunade to contact him. He picked up one of the bulky bags and handed it to her. "I suppose I'll see you…"
It was difficult to finish the sentence when he didn't know the truth. "…If I'm ever in Suna."
"Count on it Nara."
She drew him to her once more before finally stepping into the entrance. "I'll be in touch." With one swift movement Temari disappeared down the hall. The fast click of her heels echoed throughout the dark station and for quite a bit longer, through his tired mind.
Shikamaru turned away with his head hung low, flicking open the lighter time and time again. He did not regret not telling her the depth of his feelings. It wasn't like him to be so sincere and he didn't want Temari to think for a second he was using 'I love you' as a way to persuade her to stay.
Already he could feel the weight of solitude push down on him. But as a shinobi he knew he had to carry every burden he brought upon himself. As a man who had just parted from the most extraordinary woman he had ever met... he knew the burden would be divided between two people tonight.
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A/N: Maybe in another story he'll admit his true feelings for her. I must say I ended up liking this pairing more than I thought. Perhaps I'll write a sequel of some sort X)
Thank you to all of those who favorited and/or reviewed this story! I always love to hear from readers and would still appreciate any last thoughts XDD A big thank you goes out to mah beta – loly101 and mah sister. Without your guys' input this would be total "thhbbtt"!! Both deserve huge-o glomps XD
luv :-) and until next story!,
Lotus.Under.Thorns