That last chapter was the end of the original material, which was already a lot longer than the original 4000 word/5 chapter story I had started with! But I think I may go on a little bit more. This may take a bit longer from here on out as I have to come up with material on the fly so patience, ideas and reviews will help!

A lot of long, lingering kisses later, the two ninja found themselves sitting together in each other's arms.

"So what made you finally get up the courage to tell me just how wonderful you think I am?", she said looking up at him with her big beautiful eyes.

Shikamaru cringed as he held Temari close to him, the Sand kunoichi leaning back against him. "Oh bother, now I've told you, I'm never going to hear the end of it am I?"

Temari grinned mischievously at him. "Of course not! Lazy nin thinks I'm gorgeous! Lazy nin thinks I'm great! Lazy nin thinks I'm wonderful! Lazy nin thinks I'm worth the wait!", she said in her best sing song voice. She gave him another sweet smile and snuggled close into the warmth of his embrace, resting her blonde head on his strong chest.

"Troublesome woman!"

She smiled again. "You know you've got a lot of making up to do for making me wait this long!"

"So it's all my fault now? It's not like you couldn't have said something!", he protested.

"Hey! You're the man! Or at least that's what you keep telling me. So I'm just letting you be the man! Lazybones!", she quipped back at him. "So why did you..."

Shikamaru was silent for a moment.

"Because each time I didn't say or do anything just made my heart ache more. It just made me want you more. And after all these years, I had finally grown sick of letting you continue to slip out of my grasp", he began gently. "Temari, when I say I love you, it's not the kind of love where I have to be with you all the time."

She looked up at him. "No, you just want to!"

"Well that too", he replied. "What I meant was, that I don't have to be with you all the time, because you are always with me in my heart. It's enough for me to know that you're safe and happy. I only want you to be happy, so happy."

Temari couldn't really believe she was hearing this confession after all these years of misunderstanding and lost opportunities. The floodgates had opened and she was not complaining.

"But this last week has really opened my eyes. The signs just couldn't be ignored anymore", Shikamaru added gently, nuzzling her cheek. "Everyone has made it abundantly clear to me these last few days..."

"Well, you always were a genius!", Temari teased, looking up into his dark eyes. Those eyes that were so full of love for her.

"And I finally realised that despite not having to be with you all the time, I wanted to be with you. Call me selfish but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants. Even when the object of one's desires is a brash, obnoxious...and beautiful Wind ninja!", he finished quickly as she glared up at him. "Most beautiful!", he reiterated as she sat up and poked him hard in the chest.

"That's better, you crybaby. And you better not forget it!", Temari replied, looking up at him. Then suddenly her eyes softened again, growing large as a grin formed. "Now kiss me again, Shikamaru and I may forgive you!"

Shikamaru looked at her, about to offer a retort. But then he remembered his father's words. "Your wish is my command!", he whispered as he lowered his lips to hers again. He could get used to this!