After Neji's and Tenten's first dinner date as a couple, and their misunderstanding, all awkwardness was lost. Tenten went to meet with Neji for their lunch date. The boys had taken Dash with them on their last day to practice at the beach. She was going to owe them a bunch of favors after this trip was over.
Their lunch was slightly rushed in that Neji had to return to work in an hour. After eating Tenten gave Neji a giant French kiss as a good bye until the surfing contest the next day. Neji continued work in a daze and a messy tie. Everyone was wise enough not to question his lack of concentration.
Naruto's next part of the competition took place on Saturday. Everyone was pumped up and excited. The boys and Tenten drove early to the beach and claimed their spot on the warm sandy beach. Naruto took deep breaths and began to stretch out his nervous muscles.
Gaara patted his blonde knucklehead of a brother on the shoulder. "You will show them whose boss. Or else you can walk back to the hotel."
"Better yet you can sleep out in the hall!" Kankuro ruffled Naruto's hair.
"You're going to do awesome! No one has your determination." Tenten hugged her roommate/brother.
Naruto teared up and chocked up a little. "I love you guys! I'm going to show the world I'm the best there is. Believe it!"
With last minute encouraging tips and good lucks Naruto took his board and went off to wait for his turn in the competition. Neji and Hinata arrived late. They had to wrap up some family matters before they could attend. Shikamaru no matter how much he would rather be at the beach couldn't get time off of work to go. Asuma wouldn't allow him to continue to play hooky.
Once again the surf contest was on and the Sand siblings were eagerly watching the others.
Tenten and the boys were anxiously watching the competition. It was getting tougher out there with all the talent. The local new station was still covering the event but no famous Jiraiya. Naruto was both disappointed and angry that the old man didn't show up for this part of the contest. It gave him more of a reason to win.
Hinata fumbled with her fingers as she toyed with them nervously. She may not completely understand the sport but she could tell who would be moving on. She had utter faith in Naruto's ability to move forward, but the weaker competition had been weaned out. It would take a lot more effort for Naruto to make it until the end.
Neji silently watched the tiny party on the warm beach. Both Gaara and Kankuro had their arms crossed as they intensely watched the other surfers. He could see how their arm muscles tensed if someone performed a particularly good move. Hinata looked like she was ready to faint. Dash was occupying himself by trying to dig to the center of the earth.
Then there was Tenten.
Her hands were pressed firmly on her hips, biting her lips, as she too anxiously waited for Naruto's turn to swim out. Neji didn't know what to do in this situation. Should he try to ease her nervousness? Did he leave her alone? Should he go buy her ice cream?
He was a useless mess.
No! He was Neji freaking Hyuga and he did not run away from a challenge.
Unless it involved Tenten then he was a putty of goo at her fingertips. Get it together man! His inner self was trying to get him to move toward his girl. Swallowing his nerves down Neji slowly and gently touched her shoulder.
Tenten jumped surprised at the feather like touch and met Neji's gaze.
"You're going to draw blood."
Tenten chuckled nervously. "I know it's terrible. It's just that this is a really big deal for Naruto. It didn't help we're all nervous about this. The other surfers are good and I don't mean that to be nice."
"Everyone here is nervous and I'm mildly surprised that Dash hasn't picked up on it."
Tenten tilted her head to see her dog with half his body buried in sand. Dash paid no mind to anything that was going on around him. The sand provided him enough of a distraction.
"Well no wonder he hasn't made a noise."
Gaining some confidence Neji slowly dragged his hand from her shoulder down to her waist. He pulls her into his chest. "You must relax before I become nervous. You wouldn't want to see that."
Tenten tried to ignore how her body shivered at Neji's touch or how he practically whispered those words into her ear. She also ignored the chiseled chest her back was touching.
Was it just her or did the beach become 10 degrees hotter?
"I-I'll try."
Neji squeezed her waist slightly, "good."
Was everyone looking at her? It felt like the whole beach was just watching them. People needed to mind their own business!
Clearing her throat Tenten turned her attention once again to the waters. Neji didn't move his hand. Instead his thumb made random patterns on her naked skin. He was both nervous and glad that Tenten accepted his touch.
Soon Dash dug himself into a pretty nice hole and he just settled within the cool sand. He scanned the beach as he panted. The day was nice and warm with the ocean waves provided a little cool air.
Tenten was able to slowly relax under Neji's warm fingers. She rearranged her arms to be crossed as she continued to judge the surfers.
Neji quickly lost interest with the surfing and was paying attention to the spunky woman in front of him. He could smell the shampoo she used. Was that weird? Would it make him appear like a major creep if he took a deep whiff of the scent?
Neji took a deep breath threw his nose, taking in both oxygen and her smell.
"Did you just smell my hair?"
Crap caught in the act!
"Don't be ridiculous I was merely providing my lungs with precious oxygen."
"Yes and the air just so happened to be scented with peaches."
Pause.
"…..noted."
Tenten laughed and patted the hand currently gripping her waist.
After what seemed like an eternity Naruto's finally swam out for his turn. He wowed the judges and the other surfers with his confidence in the water as well as certain moves Neji wasn't sure were possible. Did Naruto do a back flip with a surf board? Neji thought that was only possible on a skate board.
He could hear others nearby chatting excitably about Naruto's technique.
"Dude did you see that 720?! That was just amazing!"
"Who is this guy? He got so much air with that jump!"
"That cutback was pretty clean."
Neji and Hinata's brains were swimming with all the terminology of surfing. They soon got lost trying to understand the names of tricks and just watched Naruto make the crowd cheer loudly.
It was clear that Naruto moved on to the final stage of the contest. When he returned from the water, wet and glistening from the sun, Tenten launched herself at the knucklehead.
"You sir are amazing!"
"I served everyone here! Don't tell me you guys were nervous?" Naruto enthusiastically returned her hug.
"What? Psh we didn't doubt you for a second. What do you take us for?" Kankuro clapped Naruto on the back.
"Only fools would underestimate your skills. Those who did are now on the asses from wiping out." Gaara smirked
Hinata flushed beat red from seeing Naruto and all his tan glory. The water and the sun really did make him shine. It took all her willpower not to faint on the spot. She and Neji shook their heads but congratulated their friend.
"N-Naruto there's a good ramen shop downtown that I think you'll like. We should go there to celebrate." Hinata shyly suggested.
Before the sand siblings could try and steer Naruto to another food group, he ran over and gave the sweet Hyuga girl a bear hug.
"Hinata you do care! Unlike these people who the nerve to call me brother." Naruto stuck out his tongue toward his native Suna people.
Hinata could feel his strong wet chest against her own. Her face felt as hot as the sun. She really hoped Naruto didn't notice.
"Excuse me! Who has to live off this stuff since that's all you buy?"
"Do not even get me started how that's all we ate for lunch in high school."
"If I could travel back in time I would strongly suggest to the first person who created ramen to not make it."
"You guys just don't understand ramen the way Hinata does!"
"No one does!" all three cried out
Neji chuckled to himself and began to steer Tenten off the beach, Dash trotting loyally beside them.
"You're taking his side? Should I take it that you're dating him now?"
Neji ignored the bait. "I'm sure there is a way for all of us to get along and share nicely."
"I don't share."
"Neither do I," Neji whisper huskily in her ear.
Tenten did the only logically thing that a normal person would do in this situation.
She smacked Neji across the chest and turned to her other companions.
"Last one to the car pays for Naruto's bill!"
Neji and Hinata never have seen four individuals run so fast in such a short time period. One minute Neji was testing his luck with Tenten and the next thing he knows she literally ran away from him.
Neji hangs his head in shame.
Hinata didn't understand what happened but she was beginning to catch her cousin sulking quite often lately. She patted his back and gave him a comforting smile. "Don't worry cousin. This is a learning experience for the both of you."
"She ran away from me Hinata. How is that a good thing in anyway?" Neji pouted.
Hinata giggled and gave her cousin a peck on the cheek. She was reminded of when both were young children and Neji would pout when he wasn't allowed to stay up late.
"I think she's just nervous. I know you're still trying to figure out boundaries. She is too, she just chooses to handle it a different way."
"I suppose she can't escape from me while we eat ramen." Neji began to cheer up.
"That's the attitude cousin."
"Alright let's go. Seems I'll be paying for Naruto's bill. There goes my check for the week."
Hinata laughed gently and both Hyuga cousins made their way to the car where the sand siblings and Dash were waiting to go and pig out at this new ramen shop.
On the other side of town Temari just landed from her flight. She made her way out the airport and to a cab. She gave the address to the hotel where her small family was staying at. Arriving at the hotel she was easily able to get a room key. The power of good acting, good looks, and persuasion.
She opened the door on the third floor and dragged her feet in. She kicked off her shoes and let her body drop onto the couch bed that was still let out. She ran a tired hand through her bangs. The time difference really does take a toll on the body.
She took out her phone and checked the time. She knew the surf contest was over for the day and they everyone was more than likely out celebrating. She also knew that Shikamaru was still at work. She blew a puff of air.
Should she go and join her family in Naruto's passing to the final round?
Or should go to Shikamaru's place and talk face to face?
Temari picked up her purse from the floor and dug around until she found her purple key. She wordlessly stared at the small object in her hand. She turned the key back and forth. Taking a deep breath she stood from the couch bed.
"Get yourself together woman. You are strong. You are fierce. You are intelligent…for the most part."
Replacing her shoes with strappy sandals Temari picked up her purse once again and left the hotel room.
Hailing another cab Temari anxious waited to arrive to her boyfriend's new place. Paying for the trip Temari stood outside the apartment complex. She took a deep breath and made her way inside to find his room.
After a short search she found his room. She took out the key from her pocket. Who knew such a small object would cause so much inner turmoil and struggle within her brain and heart? It was mocking her. Shaking away the negative thoughts she inserted the key and unlocked the door.
Walking in Temari was pleasantly surprised that the place was neat. Shutting the door she took in her surroundings. The living area was fairly large for an apartment. The couch was against the wall, it was a forest green color. There were two love seats on either side of the couch. There was a coffee table in the center with a few papers scattered. There were a few picture frames hung on the wall. The TV was also hung on the wall.
Temari walked further in so she could take a look at the photos.
One was a recent picture of his family. Shikamaru looked bored as always but his parents both had smiles on their faces. Temari smiled at her boyfriend's expression. He wasn't one for taking pictures. The picture next to it was one with his two best friends. She remembers meeting Choji on their many Skype dates. Ino she never did meet. Not that she wanted to.
She was certain the blonde would gut her alive.
The next photo was of his boss and his family. Shikamaru always spoke very highly of Asuma. By the looks of the picture he managed to score himself a hot woman. Not to mention their daughter was a perfect combination of the two.
The last photo on the wall was of the two of them.
Temari stared heavily at the innocent picture.
It was during one of their many fights. She had knocked him onto the ground and she was straddling him. Both of her wrists were caught by his strong hands. Her face reflected pure annoyance while his showed amusement. Kankuro always knew when to appear out of thin air with his phone to snap the perfect picture.
She remembered giving this photo to Shikamaru when he had left for the summer. He called her troublesome but gave her a loving smile. She brushed him off and said to behave or else she would hunt him down like a bloodhound.
Temari allowed herself to smile at the memory. What she wouldn't do to go back in time and relive those great moments.
She heard the door handle jiggle before it was pushed open.
Oops looks like she forgot to lock the door when she entered.
"T-Temari?"
Glancing at the photo for a second longer Temari gathered her courage to turn around and face her stunned boyfriend. "Uh surprise?"
"What are you doing here? I thought you had a ton of work?" Shikamaru asked with a dumbfounded expression.
"Let's just say I found a way to convince my boss this would be a business trip. Just for the week."
Shikamaru stared at his girlfriend in stunned silence.
Temari felt her heart hammer loudly in her chest. Her palms started to get a little clammy. Had she miscalculated? Maybe he wasn't ready to see her in person just yet.
"If this is weird or something I can come back another time…" Temari trailed off. She wanted to slap her face for sounding so weak.
Shikamaru tossed his messenger bag onto one of the loveseats. "Don't start acting troublesome already, you just got here."
"Look I didn't mean-"
"I want you here."
Temari shut her mouth.
Shikamaru crossed the small distance between them. He gently placed his hands on her arms. Temari felt goosebumps rise on her skin. Shikamaru slowly moved his hands down her arms until her grasped her hands.
"I'm glad you used the key."
Temari's eyes scanned his handsome face. She didn't realize how much she missed seeing his face or the feel of his touch. God she just missed him. Missed how they were before she made her stupid mistake.
"Me too."
Shikamaru did a quick scan of his living room. "Where's your suitcase?"
"Well I kinda dropped that off at the hotel. I didn't plan on coming here so soon. Much less thought you wanted to face me so soon."
Shikamaru sighed. "Goodness woman you have such little faith in me."
"Now listen here-"
"We'll get it later. It's not like you can't use something of mine until the meantime."
"You're insufferable!"
Shikamaru pulled her into his chest and held her tightly.
"Can I make you yell for a different reason?"
Temari was stunned. Only for a second. Then she took his earlobe between her teeth and tugged. Hard.
"Damn it woman! What was that for?" Shikamaru cried out in pain.
"For suggesting something like that so soon!" Temari leaned back in his embrace to glare into his brown eyes.
"I'm sorry my tiny brain is winning over my much smarter brain." He halfheartedly apologized.
Temari laughed and hugged him tighter.
"I love you."
"I hope you know you're stuck with troublesome woman. I love you too much."
"Dear god we've become one of them." Temari looked mildly horrified.
Shikamaru gave his girlfriend a confused expression.
"We've the 'I love you' couple!"
Stare.
Serious expression.
Both soon broke out into a fit of laughter.
Shikamaru kissed his woman passionately on her welcoming lips.
"Stay for dinner?"
"I'm feeling Chinese tonight."
"I'll order takeout. Then I can show you around a bit."
"Sounds like you just want to show me your bed," Temari teased.
"There will be none of that until I buy some protection."
Temari pouted slightly, "really?"
"I'm serious. We're not trying for a family yet so we don't have to be careless."
"I hope you know the pleasure will still be there just not the same going bare."
"Hasn't stopped us before. I'll be more than happy to ditch the condoms if you go on the pill."
"Ugh that requires me going to see the doctor. I'm not looking forward to that." Temari scrunched her face.
"You understand my reasoning, right?"
"I'm not upset. I don't mind."
"Good." Shikamaru gave her one more kiss before taking out his phone to order their meal.
After placing their order Shikamaru gestured lazily to their current space. "The living room."
"I can see that Einstein."
Taking her hand he led her further into his new place. "The kitchen."
"I'm guessing you have no food."
"I haven't the time since moving here and working."
"Lazy ass."
"We can go tomorrow."
More walking.
"Hallway closet."
"Where you throw stuff to tidy up before your mother visits you."
"Shut up and stop reading my mind."
The hallway went off in two directions.
"The right door is the bathroom. Pretty spacious."
Temari opened the door and was also met with a clean white bathroom.
"The first door on the left is my room. The second door just has boxes from stuff I haven't unpacked yet. I'm thinking of making it a guest room."
Temari opened the first door and was met with clothes all over the floor and a messy bed.
"Now this is what I expected."
"No one goes in here expect me. I don't see the need to clean this up."
Temari shook her head. "Well now we have something to do while the food is on its way."
"Wait your serious?"
"Completely. Now start on this side and I'll go to the other end."
"Troublesome," Shikamaru grumbled under his breath.
"I gave you brownie points for the rest of the apartment being clean. Don't make me take them away."
"I'm working."
With the two working together the room was easily made livable. Temari sat on the bed. She then spread herself out eagle formation.
"Your mattress feels so good." Her muscles relaxed.
Shikamaru chuckled "The reason why I bought it."
"I'm stealing this when I leave."
"You would leave me without a bed?"
"Of course. I need a new mattress anyway."
Shikamaru kicked off his shoes and crawled on top to rest.
Temari smiled softly. His head was resting on her chest. Half of his body was on her's while the other half was on the bed. He didn't want to suffocate her. Temari ran her fingers gently threw his hair.
He closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of holding her again.
Her heart beat gave a soothing rhythm that almost put him to sleep.
Then the doorbell rang.
Both occupants on the bed groaned.
"Terrible timing."
"Either you get the door or slide off me so that I'll get it."
Pause. Thinking.
"If we wait long enough he will go away."
"We have to pay for the food! I'm starving here."
"Alright I'll feed the beast."
"You're just upset that you won't be getting dessert tonight."
"Who says I won't?" Shikamaru smiled slyly.
Temari rolled her eyes. "I really doubt that you're going to get up again lazy."
"I guess we'll find out won't we."
"Shut up and get the food."
Shikamaru kissed her forehead. "As the queen demands."
"Now go my slave."
Shikamaru slowly tore himself away from Temari's body. He sluggishly walked out of the room to the front door.
"Sometime today would be nice!" Temari called out.
She was ignored.
She stretched out her arms above her head. She too reluctantly got off of the form hugging mattress. She walked out the room and met her boyfriend with containers of Chinese food in the kitchen.
"I love the smell of food."
"I prefer home cooked but this is a close second."
"I'll make something after we go to the store."
The couple dug in. They chatted about nothing important but the atmosphere in the room was like how it used to be. Temari seemed to finally forgive herself. Shikamaru no longer felt anxious about what Temari was doing. He started to trust her again.
The time apart did help the two see what really mattered in their relationship. It was still a long road to recovery but they had a good start. Neither one planned on messing up any time soon.
After the food was finished and thrown away the couple were relaxing on the couch.
Once again Temari was leaning against the arm rest while Shikamaru was resting on top. He was mindful to not put too much weight on her stomach. Both had a very full stomach.
"I should probably get my stuff. The others are most likely back by now."
"Just call them later." Shikamaru buried his face in her hair.
"I don't know where I threw my purse."
"We'll find it later."
"At least let me use your phone."
"It's on the other seat."
"Lazy ass."
Shikamaru didn't say anything for a while. Temari shifted slightly so she faced her lover a little better.
"I don't mind sharing. The mattress I mean."
Temari wore a puzzled expression before her mind realized what he was talking about.
"Not now but maybe soon."
Shikamaru sat up "really?"
"A person thinks a lot when they have no one other than a dog and two puppies to keep her company."
Shikamaru grinned like a crazy man and showered Temari with kisses.
"Shika-" laugh "maru-" giggle "stop it."
"Never."
It was safe to say that Shikamaru's rule would be excluded for the night. Not that either adult minded. One night wouldn't hurt.
Terrible ending but I really wanted to get this posted.
Hope you all enjoy! Some love is much appreciated! Thanks everyone and show this story and my other stories some much need attention ^_^