Thanks to all the reviewers and readers. Every time I see there is more readers, or another review I feel like starting to work on the next chapter. But I have to admit, reveiws make me feel like working more so. Thanks everybody and enjoy.

Every so slowly, Shikamaru gently reached out his hand and stroked the solid oak door of his house. He checked for any alerting signs and looked down for any trip wires. Being as late as it was, it wouldn't surprise him if his mother pushed his father into setting a few traps that would catch them in the act of sneaking back in so late. Shikamaru analyzed this thought, wondering if that thought was just a simple act of paranoia. Was he feeling like everyone was out to get him? He shook his head, already knowing the answer to that was a definite no.

Impatient, but knowing her lazy ninja was just going to take his time, Temari registered in her mind that it was just Shikamaru trying to wait out the inevitable of getting into some serious and troublesome situation. She chuckled inwardly at that concept, wondering if he was rubbing off on her in some lazy way.

Sliding his hand slowing toward the door, he opened it as gently as he could before slyly slinking with Temari closely following behind. It was so terribly silent and he later wondered if that was a clue to what would happen.

Lights flickered on and there was the horror standing straight in front of him. Shikamaru didn't know how she did it, but somehow she had appeared out of nowhere without any hints or signs that she had been waiting. He figured it was just a mother thing and regarded it as thus.

"Shikamaru, where have you been? I was worried sick! What have I been teaching you all these years? Nothing?" His mother reprimanded him with a stern expression, as she crossed her arms and looked at Shikamaru for some sort of answer, "Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to give me some sort of explanation?"

She was tapping her foot impatiently and Shikamaru looked sheepish as he rubbed the back of his head. He opened his mouth for an answer but he was too late.

"You better hurry, before I decide to make you finish up those chores you completely forgot to do!" Yoshino warned, trying to see if her husband was going to back her up or not, "Shikato! Are you going to help?"

"Shikamaru, better do what she says," His father cautioned rather quickly glancing at his wife and relaxing as she looked pleased at his words. She turned toward her beloved son and arched one eyebrow.

"Well?"

"Sorry, Mom, but we were trying to think of a solution to our problem. But we forgot the time," Shikamaru enlightened her, "But as for the chores-"

"No buts! Now get ready for bed," ordered his mom in a not to be messed with way. Quickly he edged up to his room and looked back at Temari and grimaced when he caught her slightly snickering at his plight. But he started moving when his mother barked, "Hurry up!"

He raced up to his room, trying to make it in time, before she started ordering him to get those chores of his done. There wouldn't have been a problem, if his mind hadn't tried to avoid the issue of chores. He sighed and wondered what Temari was going through. Either it was torture or the exact opposite.

"I'm sorry Temari-san for my son and his actions. He's normally a bit more responsible than this," Yoshino said soothingly, shooting her husband a look when he murmured in the negative about that. She rambled on in a calm pleasing way, "Would you like me to fix you some hot herbal tea, dear? Would you believe I ordered some from the actual Land of Tea?"

"No thank you,"

"Are you sure?"

"Hmm, I'm sure," Temari reassured her, trying to cover up her sudden yawn, with her hand, " I'm just a bit sleepy, that's all."

"Well, if you change your mind," Shikamaru's mother said ending with a slight pause for confirmation.

"Good night," Temari ended the conversation, listening to their responding replies. She walked up the stairs and paused as she looked toward the door where Shikamaru stayed. Tonight was almost like the first time she stayed over. She shook her head and entered the guest room with a easy walk. But she found out quickly enough, she couldn't get to sleep.

After all the events that had taken place, she had never registered the facts that once this mission was done, she would be going home. And that made it hurt for some reason Temari was not aware of.

She would miss this place, and not just because of the greenery that her hometown didn't have. But eventually she would have to leave, for she was a Kuniochi of Suna and her brothers needed her even when they insisted there was nothing she could help with. Blue-green eyes lazing up at the ceiling she leaned back until her hair was touching the pillow.

Discovering she forgot about her hair, the blond ninja leaned back up as her four separate ponytails cried out for release. She untied them and let her hair fall around her neck and shoulders. Temari changed into the nightgown she found lying on the dresser, and placed her trusty fan across the dresser. What a day! What a night! Who knew what tomorrow would bring? Either way, it was expected to be quite exciting.