Author's note: Well I could write you a sob story about my life and why this chapter took so long but seriously, life just happened. I finally kicked some wicked writers block and hopefully can be back on track now that I might actually have a set schedule.

SERIOUS NOTE: I know I've been gone now... 6 weeks, but holy shit the feedback on this so far has been so positive and so encouraging! THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone taking time to read and/or follow and favourite and review. I honestly would be much less encouraged and determined without you all, so seriously. Thank you.

Anyways – Here's a much awaited chapter 10, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters

Their eyes remained locked for a split second before the slightest movement of her lips broke his attention. She mumbled a small sorry, which only made him want to lean in closer, but he was suddenly rocked by a slap across the face. He heard the gasp come from the table behind him but he was too stunned to react. The alcohol made his focus slow, but he still caught the look on Temari's face before she took off past him and into the bar. He walked back to his table, making sure to take slow, steady steps and sat down forcefully in his chair. He glanced between 3 pairs of eyes and made a suggestion.

"I think we've going to need another drink."

The night seemed to fast forward after that. Shikamaru's memories were a lightning fast blur of pictured moments broken up by empty spaces. A flash of another drink being set on his table, the shrill sound of Ino and Sakura laughing with their heads thrown back, and a pair of stormy blues, trying to avoid his own from across the bar. A groan brought him back to his senses as he slowly opened his eyes. It was surprisingly dark, with only speckled lights twinkling in front of him. As he let his focus adjust to the darkness, he realized he was staring out his window from the couch. A light snore started up from behind him and he pushed himself up on his elbows so he could see behind the couch. Naruto had rolled out a sleeping bag on the featherbed Shikamaru kept in his closet and was happily snoring away. The girls must have taken his bed if they were out in the living room. He sat up and steadied himself, he was still feeling very drunk. A glass of water was on the table next to his phone. Someone must have sobered up enough to take care of everyone since Shikamaru couldn't imagine functioning well enough to get water a few hours ago. He chugged back the water and then reached for his phone. The brightness made his head spin before his eyes readjusted to the new light. He had a message from Temari. His eyebrows rose in surprise, not exactly sure what had happened back at the bar, other than the fact that he had acted like an idiot. He touched his lips thinking that she had kissed him back, and she hadn't half-assed it either.

T: Judo. Sunday 9am.

Seriously?! This woman was fucked in the head if she thought he was going to go to the gym with her after she had very publicly rejected him. He set his phone face down on the table and rubbed his palms against his eyes, trying to clear his head. He stood carefully and crept through his bedroom and into the bathroom in complete darkness. As he turned on the light he jumped and suppressed a groan at the burning sensation building behind his eyeballs. He ran the water quietly and splashed it onto his face trying to settle the dizziness that was threatening to drop him to his knees. Why do I do this to myself? He stood with his eyes closed and both hands clutching the edge of the sink. He tried to clear his head but he could only see the look on Temari's face as she pulled away from his kiss. She had such a vulnerable expression before she set her walls firmly in place and slapped him in the bar. Had she apologized, or was he imagining that too. He turned the water off and hit the light, stumbling quietly through the darkness to get back to his couch.

Whispers and the sound of plastic bags rustling woke Shikamaru much later that morning. He chose to stay still in his comfortable position and let his friends make their way out.

"Don't you think we should at least tell him before we go?"

"Naruto don't worry about it. I doubt he's going to remember anything anyways"

"Aw c'mon, the guy deserves a break. That was just... rough." Naruto and Ino grew quiet while Sakura (Shikamaru suspected) was gathering the last of Naruto's groceries from the fridge.

"Ino, you know him best so, just do what you think is right." Sakura spoke quietly and Shikamaru strained to hear more but couldn't make out more than hushed tones after that. He knew it would be best to just confront them but he couldn't find the willpower to move and start a fight. Besides, he had no idea what they were talking about anyways. The door clicked shut and Ino came around to the couch and curled up at Shikamaru's feet. He moaned under his pillow and rolled over to make more room.

"I know you're awake Shika." He peeked out from the corner of his nest and gave her a dark look. She sat carefully tucked into a ball, braiding and unbraiding a strand of long golden hair. He didn't say anything but glared at her for several moments before she sighed.

"Yes. There's something we should talk about."

"Temari..?" Shikamaru posed tentatively. Ino pulled on her braid harshly and shot him an angry look.

"That bitch tried to humiliate you last night and then- and then." She trailed off and threw her braid over her shoulder. "I can't even tell you though." She sighed and her expression softened to a sad look.

"Uhm, okay?" Shikamaru wasn't sure he even wanted to know if Ino was acting this weird. He squirmed into a sitting position and faced her from his corner. He took a deep breath and counted a couple beats before speaking. "So I was pretty blackout drunk last night, and to be honest the last thing I clearly remember is Temari slapping the hell out of me and me ordering more shots. Any chance you can fill me in?" Ino gave him a dark look and redirected her glare to the window.

"No chance. It's your own fault you drank too much- not that I blame you." She added as an afterthought. "Listen Shikamaru, as much as I hate to say it, you have to see Temari tomorrow. I can't explain it but she didn't.. mean, or I guess intend to slap you like that." Shikamaru raised an eyebrow at this. He let out a huge sigh and stood up to stretch.

"Okay Ino. Let's just drop it, I'm too hungover to think about this crap." Ino rolled her eyes but stood up next to him. "Coffee? Food?"

At the diner Shikamaru sat in a shady corner of the patio, hiding behind brown ray bans and a cup of coffee. Ino ordered something plain for him and a fruit and granola plate for herself. He raised his empty mug to the server before he could disappear on him. Ino babbled on about school while Shikamaru slowly sank further and further into his chair, melting in the now midday sun. Their server returned with plates of food and a whole coffee pot, much to Shikamaru's delight. Ino continued chattering about school life while taking birdlike bites of her meal in between sentences. Shikamaru nibbled on toast when a sudden thought popped into his mind.

"Sai." Ino stopped abruptly and furrowed her brow. "Is he an okay guy? Or is he another asshole like Sasuke that'll treat you like shit." Shikamaru braved a forkful of scrambled eggs and waited for Ino's response. Ino shrugged and gulped back the last of her coffee.

"Well, he's... different."

"Different?"

"Yeah, he's kind of awkward really, but in a sexy, mysterious kind of way." Ino blushed hard and Shikamaru couldn't help but chuckle at her.

"That's not really your type."

"Well excuse me for branching out!" Ino shoved a spoonful of granola into her mouth and chewed fiercely. Shikamaru raised his hands in surrender and the two finished their meals in comfortable silence.

After their meal, Shikamaru paid the bill and Ino dragged him back to his apartment.

"Can we go to the pool?" Ino chirped as she began fishing through her purse.

"Uhm, what?"

"Of course you would forget! You have like, the nicest rooftop pool/hot tub on the roof of your apartment complex and you don't even know of its existence." Shikamaru shrugged but was quite surprised he didn't know about this. "Besides, you're starting to get pale. You could use some sun." Shikamaru gave her an 'alright, alright' and went into his room for his swim shorts. Ino darted into his bathroom and yelled at him to not come in. Obviously, he muttered under his breath. He changed and stood in his kitchen, leaning heavily against the fridge while waiting for Ino.

"Jesus woman what are you doing in there? There's probably not even anyone up there!" Ino threw open the door revealing a very tiny white gold bikini covered by a sheer t-shirt dress. There seemed to be a thin gold chain wrapped around her stomach and neck. "Are you wearing jewelry- Ah never mind lets just go." Ino twirled excitedly on the spot and linked her arm through Shikamaru's, dragging him out the door and into the elevator. As the doors closed Shikamaru hit the button for the roof, and noticing for the first time the word pool etched into the copper next to it. At the ring of the bell, the door opened to a glass dome area that showed a very scenic view of the city sprawling before them, and a clear blue pool set into the stone rooftop. As they exited the dome, Shikamaru noticed the hot tub bubbling to his left, unsurprisingly empty. Ino took off and claimed two deck chairs for them to lounge on. Shikamaru counted four occupants at the poolside, none of which he recognized. Once the chairs were set up. Ino pushed a large pair of round sunglasses up the bridge of her nose and started working on taking the perfect selfie for her Instagram. Shikamaru threw his towel down and pulled his shirt off. He laid down with his arms behind his head and watched the clouds drift by lazily, slowly lulling him to sleep along with Ino's mellow music playing softly next to him. After some time of drifting in and out of consciousness, Ino poked Shikamaru reminding him to roll over. He sleepily obeyed her order and immediately passed out again. Shikamaru awoke to cold drops of water being sprinkled on his back. He rolled over with a groan and immediately hissed in pain and jumped up. Ino giggled and covered her mouth.

"How long was I out for?" He quickly checked his surroundings and noticed they were now alone on the roof and that the sun was noticeably lower in the sky. He reached up to smooth his ponytail and noticed the bright red appendage in front oh him. "Oh my god, INO! Why didn't you wake me up sooner?!" Ino now burst into a full fit of laughter.

"Well it was too late before I noticed you were burnt on one side, so I flipped you to even you out." Shikamaru stood bewildered for a moment not sure how to even handle the betrayal he felt, when he noticed Ino was no longer connected to her phone.

"You're in deep shit Ino." She stopped mid laugh and burst into a shriek as Shikamaru grabbed her by the waist and threw her over his shoulder.

"NO! SHIKAMARU I SWEAR TO GOD!" Shikamaru gritted his teeth against the pain of her nails digging into his shoulder blade as he took the three steps to the pool and jumped into the deep end, pushing Ino away from him at the last second so she couldn't drown him. He breached the surface a moment before Ino did and watched in horror as she broke through the water and let out a terrifying scream of rage. Shikamaru scrambled to swim away from the hell monster he had awoken but could not escape a mouthful of chlorinated water as Ino sent a vicious wave towards him. He coughed up the water and rested on the edge of the pool, letting Ino swim up next to him. One look at her messed up hair and running mascara was enough to send Shikamaru into a fit of laughter, and to his surprise, Ino began to laugh hysterically with him. They floated in the pool for a bit, making bad jokes and shooting half-hearted insults at each other until Shikamaru's stomach growled loudly. They dried off, packed up their things and headed back to the apartment. Once Ino was changed she decided it was time for her to leave and let Shikamaru do whatever he does when he's not asleep.

"Shika? Promise you'll go see Temari tomorrow?" Shikamaru caught her words but didn't face her directly. "Please?" He sighed heavily and walked over to open the door for her.

"Yeah whatever, I'll go see trouble." He rolled his eyes and pulled Ino into a hug. She squeezed him tightly and then gently tapped a finger against his nose with a goodbye. She bounced down the hall and Shikamaru shut the door behind her.

Night had almost completely taken over when Shikamaru's phone lit up at the edge of the room where he had abandoned it earlier. He paused his Netflix and shoved his dish out of the way to rest his laptop on the coffee table. He dropped to the floor and reached just far enough to grab his phone without standing up. He rolled onto his back and unlocked his phone to check his messages.

T: We should talk... Shikamaru almost threw his phone in frustration but thought better of it. His heart had picked up at the sight of her name and he knew he was an idiot for being like this.

S: You could at least offer an apology

T: ... No chance Now he was actually kind of mad. He sat up and locked the phone, about to place it face down on the carpet again when it lit up with another message.

T: How about an explanation? Shikamaru let the screen get dark while deciding whether or not he wanted to deal with this tonight or tomorrow. With a sigh he punched in a two letter response.

S: Ok

T: Cool, be there in 5

Shikamaru blinked at the phone. 5 minutes?! He jumped up, slammed his laptop closed, swiped his dish from the coffee table and tossed it haphazardly into the sink. He ran into his bedroom, kicking off his boxers and jumping into the shower. He yelped as hot water hit him and reminded him of his very fresh sunburn. He ran a bar of soap over himself as quickly as he could and brushed his teeth while turning up the water as warm as he dared. Upon jumping out, he toweled himself off and pulled on track pants (or appropriate sweats as Ino called them) and a tank top. He had his towel over his head as he saw his phone light up once again on the coffee table.

T: I'm here

S: I'll buzz you in - 8th floor, last door on the right

Shikamaru paced nervously from the door to his couch and back again, fighting to get his hair into some kind of ponytail. He realized a moment too late that it was rather dark in his apartment, with only the stove light accompanying the city lights to brighten the place up. There was a tentative knock on the door which broke his focus from the lighting, making him jump despite the fact he knew she was coming. He smoothly opened the door and was greeted by curly blonde hair and sharp eyes still rimmed with lingering eyeliner from the previous night.

"Temari." He breathed, fighting to keep the pang of guilt and anger he felt in his chest from his expression.

"Woah, have you ever heard of sunscreen?" Shikamaru frowned but only responded with a shrug.

"I blame Ino for this one." Temari raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. She scanned the room quietly and stopped upon sight of his window, clearly drawn towards the beautiful city that sparkled outside.

"Wow, that's one hell of a view." She walked right up to the window and pressed her hand into the wall next to her, as if to brace herself so she wouldn't fall. Shikamaru pushed the door shut and stood still watching her, noticing the way the yellow light brought out her golden features of her skin tone and hair colour.

"Temari I..." He trailed off unsure if she had actually heard him. "I'm sorry for last night, honestly let's just pretend it never happened." He stuffed his hands into his pockets and waited awkwardly by the door for her response.

"Oh shut up lazy ass, there's no need to get all worked up and emotional over a dare." Shikamaru's eyebrows shot up and he walked over to the back of his couch.

"Wait, you knew?"

"It was kind of obvious. Also, you ruined my date." Shikamaru let out his breath and a small chuckle.

"Shit, then I'm really sorry. Did you... like the guy?" He felt so awkward asking. Temari drew her attention to Shikamaru catching him with a sarcastic look.

"I kinda had a thing for her, but she was pretty bummed out to start the date off with my lips being stolen by someone else. It kind of set the tone for the rest of the night." Shikamaru slapped a hand to his forehead and groaned loudly.

"Jesus christ Temari, you could have told me you were gay." She laughed loudly and took a seat on the couch patting the spot next to him.

"I'm not usually, just wanted to try something else." She smiled at him almost seductively, giving him several conflicting emotions.

"Oh. Well I'm sorry for the, uhm, kiss then. We can just forget about it and move on." Shikamaru stretched his legs out onto the table in front of him and watched Temari from the corner of his eye. She was aimlessly twirling a ringlet of hair around her finger, staring quietly into the night. They sat in silence for several minutes before Temari sighed and dropped her hands into her lap.

"Listen Shikamaru, there is no way in hell your first kiss with a girl like me should be drunk, sloppy and unmemorable. If you're gonna do something at least have the decency to put some damn effort into it."

"Wait, so... you want me to try again?"

"I never said that!" She smacked him half-heartedly on the arm and turned away with a sour expression.

"Yeah, but you never said you didn't." She grumbled wordlessly not denying of confirming. Shikamaru fought the urge to grin and the silence between them grew a little more comfortable. They sat for several more minutes before Temari yawned.

"So are you always this boring or do you have anything fun in your barren apartment?"

"Well it's slim pickings here. I have some cards, solo cups and ping pong balls." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh and Netflix, of course."

"Netflix it is then. I assume the lack of a tv means your laptop and phone are your only present technology." Shikamaru rolled his eyes and Temari grabbed the laptop off the coffee table, opening it up on her lap. "No password? That's brave of you." She clicked away and Shikamaru sighed and stood up.

"I don't usually have company, or if I do it's Ino and she would just hack into it if I set a password. Besides, anything important is locked or strategically hidden so I'm really not concerned."

"Huh, Ino does strike me as the overbearing, slightly inappropriate best friend." She paused and caught Shikamaru's eye as he passed. "I'm not wrong am I."

"Still, she is my best friend. Well... one of them." He paused but not quite long enough for Temari to comment back. "Have you eaten yet? Or are you thirsty or anything?" Temari continued going at the computer with one hand while tapping her finger against her chin in thought.

"Tea would be nice, and cookies if you have them!" She turned around to see what was going on when she hadn't heard movement for several seconds. Shikamaru was standing in the middle of his kitchen with the fridge and pantry door wide open, scratching his head aimlessly. "There's no cookies are there." Temari pouted. Shikamaru closed the doors and turned with a shrug.

"Seriously? I really want cookies that bad." Temari nodded and gave him her best puppy dog eyes. "There's a convenience store across the street if you can wait ten minutes, but you better not trash my apartment while I'm gone."

"There's nothing even here to trash! I'll just hang out on the couch till you get back." She returned to browsing Netflix leaving Shikamaru to grumble and collect his wallet and keys. "I want the good chocolate chip ones!" Temari called from her seat.

"Troublesome woman." He muttered pulling the door closed behind him.

Temari waited to hear the sound of the elevator doors closing before she stood up. She walked quietly around the perimeter of the open apartment, running her hand across the countertop and walls as she did. It was actually a really nice, clean place she thought to herself, not having thought Shikamaru would care enough about living somewhere like this. She got to the bedroom door and it nudged open with the slightest pressure of her wandering fingers. She peeked through the crack before slipping through the doorway. She blindly felt around for a light switch and blinked to adjust once she had found it. The bed was made and it was immaculately clean besides a collection of laundry kicked to the corner. Temari jumped at the sight of her own reflection as she passed the full-length mirror mounted on the wall. Damn I look like hell she whispered to herself. She was wearing black leggings and an oversized t-shirt with no makeup and her hair wild. She tried her best to smooth it down but knew it was beyond help until she could get to a straightener. That was when she noticed the picture of a young Ino, Shikamaru and a chubby, redheaded boy all grinning ear to ear. A small smile tugged at her lips as she could clearly see the bliss and love they all felt in that moment. With that she turned off the light and closed the door, returning to her spot on the couch.

Shikamaru returned in less than ten minutes – there had been no line at the store thankfully. As he entered his apartment he glanced around and saw that Temari was sitting in her same spot, with a movie paused on the intro. She was humming something sad and sweet while staring out the window, playing with her hair again. He took a couple minutes to make her tea, only interrupting her to ask if she needed milk or sugar. Once he made her snack he carefully brought it to her on a plate and snuggled into the opposite corner of the couch, pulling down the blanket off the back on throwing it over himself. Temari tugged the corner of it to cover her legs and started the movie.

Shikamaru was the first to wake up to the sound of soft music. He saw credits rolling on the screen and looked over at a sleeping Temari. With a yawn, he slowly sat up and closed his laptop. He knelt on the ground next to Temari and gently shook her shoulder.

"Temari, the movie's over." He whispered, trying not to startle her awake.

"No, I'msleepnow." She mumbled back at him, not moving otherwise. Shikamaru rubbed at his eyes sleepily, he wasn't going to leave her on the couch if she was staying. Besides, that was his favourite spot anyways.

"At least stay in the bed, I'll sleep here." He tried to take her hand and pull her up, but she just let it limply fall over the edge, mumbling nonsense in response. Shikamaru sighed and went to his room to turn down the bed. He returned and slid his arms under her legs and neck to pick her up. He grunted in surprise as she was heavier than Ino, who occasionally had to be carried as she often fell asleep at late night hangouts. She wasn't heavier in a bad way though, she felt strong in his arms. Temari rolled into his chest and rested her head against his neck with a sigh. He smiled and brushed his lips against the top of her head thoughtlessly. He carefully set her on the bed and tucked her in. As he turned to leave Temari reached out and grabbed his hand.

"Shikamaru." She barely breathed his name. He held his breath, standing perfectly still. "Don't go." Temari gently pulled him down to the bed and slid over so he could get in. He tugged his shirt over his head and slipped under the covers next to her. Temari shimmied next to him and tossed what looked like her pants onto the floor. They lay face to face, only inches apart, and just breathed each other in. Shikamaru slid his hand up between them tentatively. Temari responded and reached for it with her own. "Goodnight." She whispered sleepily from beneath the covers.

"Goodnight Temari."

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*The song Temari hums is Rob Viktum - 4/17/1975