This is the first alternate ending.


The Result

Deidara and Temari stood at the bottom of the tree, waiting nervously, not looking at each other. Chouji climbed down.

"Shikamaru will see you now." He said. They both climbed the ladder, and went in.

"This is troublesome." Shikamaru said. "This is really, really troublesome. I mean… REALLY troublesome. I… I just…"

"It's alright, Stag." Deidara said, soothingly. "Just tell us. We'll understand, un?"

"Yes, we will." Temari added. "We're ready."

"I… I…" Shikamaru paused, and took a deep breath. "Temari, I'm sorry. Just, really sorry. Deidara wins. I'm so sorry."

Temari stared at him for a moment, paling. Then she burst into tears and ran from the treehouse as fast as she could, almost falling down the ladder. There was a small 'pop' as Deidara exploded the model of her. With his other hand, he placed a model of himself and one of Shikamaru side by side.

Shikamaru put his face in his hands, unable to stop himself from crying. He felt his head lifted up, and a tongue licking away his tears from a loving hand. Looking up at Deidara, he smiled shakily.

"You better not explode on me, now." He said.

"Never." Deidara replied. "I'm through with Akatsuki. It's just… just you and me now. Forever. I promise."

Shikamaru reached for him, and was accepted into a warm embrace.

"Thank you." Was all he could think to say.