A/N:
This chapter's for my family, whom (with the exception of Aunty H) probably won't be reading this. Every one of them is truly irreplaceable, and significant to me like this chapter is. While friends mean a great deal to me too (you know you do, precious darlings), I thought it was only fair that I dedicated something to my dear family, who've never interfered with my decision to write fanfiction, and who've been supportive in their own special ways.


Chapter 11: Irreplaceable

After some hours of experiencing the forest, their backs grew stiff and they strolled leisurely through the Nara forest.

Shikamaru led her to a rushing brook, and casually leant against a nearby boulder. She settled herself against a tree a safer distance away from the source of distraction, not at all used to seeing (or more accurately, hearing) so much water at one go.

'After I let Kumo have her apple early tomorrow morning, I'll resume my duties.' he promised.

'And since the official discussion for the Konoha-Suna Collaboration Scheme (#) doesn't start until a week from now…'

'… I'll have you to myself when you're not settling last-minute paperwork the Hokage assigns you.' she finished for him.

He nodded, before pushing himself off the boulder and crouching to dip his hands in the flowing water. His long dark hair fell into his eyes, but he didn't bother pushing it back. Curious, she walked over to peek over his shoulder. With one wet hand, he yanked her beside him, letting her rest against a sturdy rock.

From her new observation point, she watched him cup some spring water into his hands. He lifted it to her mouth, and, taking the cue, she touched her lips to the water.

The sweet, lingering taste of the spring water made her take more sips. She felt her fatigue leave her, as the coolness roused her from her lethargy. She'd no doubt that this water was used to brew the ocha she'd had earlier. What an amazing energy booster!

A smile touched his lips as he noted her fascination, and cupped more water for her until she had her fill, before repeating the action for himself.

O-O X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. X O-O

.

If Temari had been alone, she'd probably have gotten lost in the deceptive shadows that night had cast on the forest, and be forced to wait for the sun to give her hints that might help her stumble her way out. With Shikamaru leading her by the hand, however, even with the deliberate detours he'd led them through to prolong the walk, the distant lights of the Nara residence soon came into view.

They both paused.

'Nara, why'd you go to the trouble of putting the letter on my bed? Why not just leave it with Ino-san or the Hokage?'

'Tch. Need you ask? Those two can't be trusted to not pass an unofficial letter on without letting their curiosity get the better of them…' he drawled in annoyance.

'… especially since they know I don't write letters.' he muttered almost inaudibly, as his fingers subconsciously wandered to where his ponytail usually was.

'Someday, we'll have to invent a code that they won't be able to decipher for private communication.' he grudgingly noted, shifting his feet and directing his attention to them. This made his hair fall out of place again.

Remembering that she still had his hair tie, she proceeded to replicate his hairstyle by half-heartedly pulling his hair up into its usual ponytail. This resulted in a sudden urge to run her fingers through his dark hair.

'Oi, woman! Do you take so long to tie your own hair?' he teased.

She continued her hairstyling at her own pace, tugging and yanking his hair playfully. It was much less prickly than hers, and certainly much better maintained. Smooth, springy and tangle-free… More tame than her hair, at any rate. Though she appreciated its texture, she wasn't envious; she'd even told Kankurou before that her hair was an indication that she couldn't be messed with. He'd sniggered loudly, but she'd let him, because he was her little brother, and always would be.

Just like how Nara was and would always be...

Irreplaceable.

.

-End of Chapter 11-


A/N:
(#) I invented the 'Konoha-Suna Collaboration Scheme'; this concept is elaborated on in a one shot, which I'll post after Chapter 12 (the final chapter) of 'Beyond the Shadows'.

This chapter gave me an entirely different sensation during the writing process and even when reading it. I hope this had enough depth to make up for its shortness. What do you think of it?

Seems like an epilogue, doesn't it? It wasn't planned as one, so I was surprised it turned out this way, but I didn't edit it because I must admit that I rather like it as it is… The title, 'Irreplaceable', came with the flow of inspiration that resulted in the inclusion of the events occurring in this chapter.

One final chapter to the completion of 'Beyond the Shadows'; again, it'll be posted in about two weeks from now. Thanks for waiting!

Many thanks to myhiddenlove08, Sand-Jounin-Temari, .Temari. .Killer. .Kunoichi., Tsutsu-sama, Kag3nui, ShadowHeart251, Midnight Memories, PGNarutoFan, NGT-chan, hydroknight01, AngelRain61 and roxas-kh for letting me know what they thought of Chapter 10 of 'Beyond the Shadows', and to Amano for reviewing my one shot 'Shadows of the Night'.

Christmas is just round the corner, so i'd like to wish all my readers a blessed Christmas and a beautiful New Year! Enjoy yourselves!