Prompt from spilihp17

Characters: Shikamaru x Temari / ShikaTema

Modern AU

Song: Falling for You Artist: 1975

Story Rating: T

Falling For You by the 1975

What time you coming down?
We started losing light
I'll never make it right
If you don't wonder off
I'm so excited for the night
All we needs my bike
And you're in August house
You said some very mind well
Closer to your height and
Then we'll knock around, endlessly
You're all I need

Don't you see me and
I think I'm falling
I'm falling for you
Don't you need me
I I think I'm falling
I'm falling for you
And on this night
And in this life
I think I'm falling
I'm falling for you
Maybe you change your mind
I think I'm falling
I think I'm falling

Have you caught any coke yet?
You still don't know it's right
I read between the lines
And touch your leg again, again
I'll take you one day at a time
Say you will be mine
Oh but what u know, but what u know
When the smoke is in your eyes
You look so alive
Do u fancy sitting down?
With me? maybe?
You're all I need
I call into your hands
Mile play system it never ends
The feeling of your eyes
I don't wanna be your friend
I wanna kiss your neck

Don't you see me, I
I think I'm falling
I'm falling for you
Don't you need me, I
I think I'm falling
I'm falling for you
And on this night
And in this life
I think I'm falling
I'm falling for you
Maybe you change your mind

…

Shikamaru sighs as he walks over to the new neighbor's house. His mother told him he had to go and help them with their move…and he can't really argue against his mother. His mother is quite the scary woman when she gets mad.

Shikamaru wonders if the new neighbors have any children his age. He's 12 years old, a lazy boy with high intelligence who likes to stare up at the clouds. Helping the neighbor's move is such a drag, but maybe it will be worth it if he can meet a new friend.

The first person he sees walking out of the mover's truck is a surly looking redhead, who has on a permanent scowl. Shikamaru greets him, "Hi there, I'm your new neighbor. Um, would you like some help?"

The redhead shoves his way past Shikamaru and gruffly says, "We don't need your help."

Shikamaru is about to turn and leave when someone else pops out of the truck, "Hey there, he's just a bit grumpy because he didn't want to move away. I'm Kankuro. And that's my little brother Gaara." Kankuro has on a large hoodie, despite the warm weather outside. But at least he wears a large grin, a stark contrast from Gaara's glumness.

"I'm Shikamaru, need some help with those boxes?" Kankuro nods and Shikamaru climbs into the back of the truck, picking up some heavy boxes and following Kankuro as he leads them into their new home.

"So, it's just you and Gaara then? Any other siblings?" Shikamaru tries to make some small talk as they move boxes out from the truck and into the house.

Kankuro is about to answer, but he is promptly cut off by a slightly older female, who seemingly pops out of nowhere, "Ah there you are. I was dusting out the rooms, make sure not to put any furniture down until the whole place is spotless." She notices Shikamaru's presence, "Who is this?"

"This is Shikamaru, a neighbor who offered to help us move. And this is my big sister Temari," Kankuro introduces them.

Temari has sandy blonde hair, pulled back into four ponytails that look very much like a four leaf clover. Her teal eyes zero in on Shikamaru, inspecting him from head to toe with a fierceness that Shikamaru has never encountered before. His first impression of her is that she reminds him of his mother, a scary, fierce woman.

He suddenly doesn't know what to say, or what to do in her presence.

…..

A few days later, Shikamaru finds himself playing chess with Kankuro in their new home. It's rather boring for Shikamaru, playing with an opponent who can't keep up with his level of expertise. Shikamaru is a genius for his age, and strategy comes naturally to him; he's never once lost a match of chess with anyone before. The game is almost boring for him, since he's never played against anyone who can give him a real challenge.

"Checkmate," Shikamaru mutters after about 5 minutes into the game. He notices Temari's figure approach from his peripheral vision. She is watching them closely.

"Aw man, you didn't tell me you were a genius!" Kankuro complains.

"Tch, let a real player take your place Kankuro," Temari says, shoving her little brother out of the way. Before Shikamaru can protest, she is setting up the pieces and glaring over at him like he's some kind of prey, "I've been playing this game since I was a child."

"Heh, me too," Shikamaru admits, "how troublesome."

And so the game begins. At first, Temari plays similarly to all other players Shikamaru has been up against. Her face remains calm and collected throughout the encounter, never wavering even if Shikamaru closes in on her queen or king. But then she pulls out some unexpected moves, taking her time thinking about each play. Shikamaru realizes that he's finally met a challenge, and he welcomes it.

Kankuro watches in awe, as their game exceeds an hour. "Ready to quit yet?" Temari asks.

"Troublesome. I haven't played a game of chess this long…well ever," Shikamaru says as he makes his move. He's close, very close to checkmate. He's curious to see what she'll do.

"I guess you've never played against a worthy opponent before. I'm impressed that your this good, for a young boy," she says while slyly moving her piece out of the 'danger zone.'

Shikamaru silently curses to himself, "young boy? You're not that much older than me." Temari is three years older than him, a fact that she enjoys rubbing in his face.

Shikamaru scans the board and finally spots it- a flaw in her plan. He moves his queen piece strategically, making sure she can't get it and thinking several steps ahead. He's sure to win.

Temari reacts in the way he expects her to, he's finally figured out her plan. A few plays later, Shikamaru has checkmate. Temari narrows her teal eyes at him, "You're good. But trust me, I'll find something to beat you in."

Shikamaru laughs, "You're quite competitive, how troublesome."

….

Since that day, Temari kept to her word. She challenged Shikamaru with all kinds of activities – trivia questions, card games, and even a bicycle race once. There were times when Temari won, but usually Shikamaru would come out on top. After a while though, it didn't really matter to either of them who the winner was, they simply enjoyed each other's company, not that either would ever admit it.

After one such competition, in which they raced their bikes up to the top of a hill, Shikamaru sits down on the curb, panting heavily. "You win this round," he says, "it's too hot for this." The end of summer is approaching, it's already August, but the sun is still as hot as ever, beating down upon them with unforgiving heat.

"Hm, did you let me win?" Temari asks.

Shikamaru laughs and leans back into the grass, looking up at the clouds, "No way. You're a troublesome woman, you'd be able to tell if I slacked off."

"You slack off all the time though," Temari says. She leans back in the grass with him, curious to see what he's looking at. "I see you laying around in the backyard all the time, you're so lazy."

Shikamaru shrugs his shoulder, "I like looking up at the clouds."

Temari laughs at that, "really? Why?"

"Well, they're always shifting slowly, and it's calming. If you look close, you can even make out shapes in the clouds," Shikamaru explains. He usually doesn't have a partner with him when he looks up at the sky, but he rather likes talking about it with her. It feels comfortable.

"Oh yeah, I see what you mean," Temari says, "I see a ferret, over there."

"A ferret? That's some imagination…looks like a dog to me," Shikamaru says.

They spend the next hour discussing the shapes in the clouds, chatting away with no worries. Shikamaru laughs with her, realizing that something has sparked between them. He wonders if she feels it too.

"Hey Shika?" Temari turns to look at him.

"Yeah?"

"This will be the last time I'll get to hang out with you this summer. I guess it's a good thing I won our last match," she says.

"What do you mean by that?" Shikamaru is confused. Sure, school starts soon, but he can still hang out with Temari after school, can't he?

"This is just our summer vacation home. We have to go back to our real home tomorrow, before the start of school," Temari explains.

Shikamaru feels like something deflates in his chest, "So, are you guys coming back next summer?"

"Yeah, of course. And the summer after that as well," Temari says with a smile.

That smile is like nothing Shikamaru has ever seen before. He stores it away in his memory – at least, until he can see it again next summer.

….

Sometimes, Shikamaru just doesn't understand girls. There's this girl in his class named Tayuya, whom his best friend Choji says likes him, but she acts totally the opposite around him. In fact, she tries to bully him, and is constantly teasing him about one thing or another.

So on his way home from school on the last day before summer, Shikamaru isn't happy to see Tayuya blocking his way. "What do you want?" he asks her, a little rudely.

"You think you're too smart for manners?" she snaps back. She draws closer, cornering him up against a picket fence. "I had a question for you."

"Oh yeah? Well spit it out, school's over so I'm trying to get home," Shikamaru says, trying to find an opening around her to escape. She's left none though, as her arms are splayed outwards, one leaning casually against the fence behind him.

"Well, there's this stupid start of summer school dance," Tayuya says, "I thought you might want to go with me?"

"What a drag. Why would I want to go with you?" Shikamaru asks back, not caring about her feelings. Seriously, this girl is weird.

"What kind of a response is that?" Tayuya says, raising a fist, eyes fierce. Shikamaru backs up, shutting his eyes for the inevitable blow that's about to come crashing into his face. A yelp escapes his lips, maybe he shouldn't have refused her like that…but there's no way in hell he would go to a middle school dance with her!

"Hey!" Tayuya yells in defiance, and Shikamaru opens his eyes, shocked at what he sees. Temari has her hand wrapped around Tayuya's wrist, stopping her from hitting Shikamaru.

Temari flings Tayuya aside, as though she's a rag doll, "Don't pick on him again," she warns.

Tayuya glares at Temari, "Or what?"

"Or I'll come kick your ass," Temari tells her, dead serious. Tayuya furrows her brows, clearly angry, but doesn't say another word. She walks away, leaving Shikamaru alone with Temari, stunned.

"Wow," Shikamaru says, "you're scary."

Temari smirks, "And you're a wuss. Why didn't you kick her off you?"

"I don't want to hit a girl, that would be too troublesome. I'd get in too much trouble, I thought it would be better to just take a punch so she'd leave me alone," Shikamaru admits. "Thanks though."

"Yeah, anytime crybaby," Temari says with a laugh.

"Crybaby?"

"You made this big shriek before I caught her fist. You were probably so scared you didn't even realize it," Temari says, chuckling.

Shikamaru's face turns red, and he points a finger at her, "I bet you'd scream too if someone was about to hit you."

Temari laughs again and pats him on the back, "I'm just kidding with you."

Shikamaru looks up at her, "troublesome." He can't hide the fact that he's excited to see her though, and her timing is impeccable. She was his saving grace, and he knows he'll have to repay her back somehow…

…..

This summer, Temari doesn't seem to want to spend as much time with Shikamaru as she did last summer. She's 16 now, and has her license. She often takes her dad's car out for a spin, just because she can.

Shikamaru is a little upset that her competitive spirit seems to have faded. But Kankuro assures him that Temari is just going through a phase, as all teenagers do. She's more interested in driving around and looking at cute guys than hanging around with a middle school kid.

"I am not a kid, I'm thirteen years old," Shikamaru says defiantly.

"To her, that's a big difference. Wait a few years before you date my sister alright, it's kind of weird for a 13 and 16 year old to date," Kankuro says.

"What?" Shikamaru looks at Kankuro like he's got two heads, "Who said anything about dating? There's no way I'd date her, what a drag. I just thought we would hang out like we did last summer, that's all."

Kankuro shrugs, as though he doesn't really believe Shikamaru, "Alright, whatever. Anyways, how about a game of chess? I've been practicing."

"Troublesome. Alright," Shikamaru replies, wondering what kind of 'cute guys' Temari is into.

…

The next summer after that is a blur to Shikamaru. He and Temari barely see each other, as she's preparing for her senior year of high school. He has long since forgotten about their competitive streak from that first summer, and brushed it aside. He knows that things can never be the way they were, Temari is growing up too fast, and he's slowly following in sync, growing up and out of those childish times.

He, Choji and Ino are at a local barbeque restaurant, enjoying the last few weeks of freedom before school.

"So, are you guys ready for high school?" Ino has probably asked this question about 100 times already.

"What's there to be ready about?" Choji asks before stuffing his face with more meat.

"Yeah," Shikamaru agrees, "it's just more school. It's a drag."

Ino rolls her eyes, "We get to start fresh in high school. I for one can't wait to meet all the cute guys there!" Ino says while squealing.

"Please spare us all the details," Shikamaru says, and Ino scoffs at him. "Anyways, it's getting late out, are you guys ready to go? My mom will kill me if I'm back too late."

They pay their bill and head outside. Shikamaru hears a familiar voice that quickly catches his attention, "I told you no."

He spins around to see Temari standing by a car, with a guy her age drawing closer to her. She backs away from him, and he smirks, "You really want to end the summer like this? Without doing it even once?"

"Yes," Temari replies coldly, "I have no interest in that. Please go away."

The guy steps closer, placing a hand on her waist. Shikamaru growls in his throat and his body acts instinctually. "Hey!" he yells, causing both heads to turn towards him with shock, "I believe she said she doesn't want to go with you!"

The guy sneers, "Stay out of this kid."

"Shikamaru!" Temari's eyes are pleading with him, begging him to save her.

"I'm supposed to take her home," Shikamaru lies, coming closer and grabbing her hand. "She lives next door, and her dad is pissed that she's out this late."

The guy shifts his attention to Temari, giving her an 'is he serious?' kind of look. Temari nods, "Yeah, that's right, I almost forgot! Thanks Shikamaru. My parents will be furious if I'm home late."

"Fine then," The guy pouts before promptly getting in his car and pulling away with a sour expression.

Temari sighs, "Thanks." She squeezes his hand and Shikamaru leads her over to Ino and Choji, who are staring agape at the scene.

"C'mon, let's get home," Shikamaru says to all of them.

He holds Temari's hand the whole way back, concerned that someone else might try to accost her if he doesn't hold tight. She doesn't seem to mind; in fact, she is quiet for once as they walk hand in hand. Shikamaru takes her silence as gratitude, and as he leaves her at her doorstep, there's this familiar feeling that passes between them. It's similar to the feeling that he experienced when they were lying in the grass together – something special that sparked between the two of them that only they know. It's a feeling that can't be expressed in words, but rather, with just a look. It's Temari's smile that brings that feeling on for Shikamaru, and it's his returning glance, his sigh of relief that she's alright, that stirs the same feeling in her.

…

They are losing the light of their youth, the days turning into weeks and then months faster than Shikamaru can count. Before he knows it, he's 18 years old, and in his last summer before college.

Temari hasn't been around much the past few summers, as she's had summer classes at her university. She would visit every so often, and she made it a point to see Shikamaru, some way or another. She even helped him some with his college applications – not that he really needed help. With his high IQ, he was easily accepted into plenty of ivy league schools.

But the problem was that it was too troublesome for Shikamaru. He didn't much care for going to a fancy school far away, he wanted to stay locally. So, much to everyone's surprise, he decided on a university within his state, just a few hours away.

It just so happens to be the same university that Temari is studying at. Not that it had any influence over Shikamaru…although Temari did give him plenty of brochures on the university's diverse programs and organizations. She mentioned to him that it would suit his lazy but brilliant mind, as there's lots of green grassy fields, perfect for laying around and watching the clouds. There's even a large green in front of the library, perfect for him.

So that's what he ultimately decided upon – the opportunity to lay around in the grass with a book and the clear blue sky. Besides, he got a full ride scholarship to the university, so his parents agreed it was the best choice.

But what he didn't plan on, was having to chauffer Temari around to her classes during his first year.

"Man, what a drag," he says as he takes her hand, leading her to her morning class.

She hobbles next to him, grumbling, "It's not my fault that my dad chose you to escort me around everywhere…I'm just fine on my own." Temari had taken a slip off of a ladder a few weeks before the start of school – she was attempting to pick some apples from the top of the apple tree in her backyard. Luckily for her, Shikamaru was right around the corner, ready to call the ambulance and get her and her broken leg to the hospital. Her father was so grateful, he said he would pay Shikamaru to walk her around campus and make sure she gets to all her classes safely. But Shikamaru declined the payment – he agreed to help her out for free.

"You're too stubborn to see that you even need my help," Shikamaru replies, laughing lightly, "Just like you. But I don't really mind."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah, your company isn't all that bad," Shikamaru admits. He notices a faint blush on Temari's cheeks, but she doesn't respond.

"Are you excited for your first year of college life?" she asks him.

Shikamaru shrugs, "Sure. Mostly, I'm excited to lay around in this beautiful weather."

Temari laughs, "That sounds just like you. Well, if you ever need a study buddy or anything, you know who to ask." Shikamaru blushes at that, not sure what to say. But by now, they are already at her classroom. "Anyways, thanks for walking me here," she says, lingering before going inside.

"Yeah. I have to get going now, but I'll see you around soon. I'll escort you to your afternoon class," Shikamaru reminds her.

She smiles brightly, "how troublesome." That smile makes Shikamaru's heart and head spin – it's a smile he'll treasure forever.

…..

One night a few weeks later, Shikamaru goes for a bicycle ride. It might seem strange to some, to be riding a bike aimlessly around campus on a Thursday night, but for Shikamaru, it's calming.

All he can think about lately is Temari. He's sure escorting her from one class to another probably has something to do with this…but it feels like there's something more, something deeper inside him that's causing this obsession. He's falling for her.

He can't deny it anymore. His feelings are clear as day to him now. He looks forward to picking her up and taking her to her classes, and chatting with her, and holding her hand while she wobbles along. He half hopes that her broken leg will never heal, so that he can continue to see her daily. He knows it's a bad wish, but he wonders what will happen once she's able to walk on her own again…will she leave him in the dust, like a windswept tumbleweed?

There are times, when she's laughing whole heartedly, consequently melting Shikamaru's heart, that he thinks she feels the same way too. But then her stern resolve takes over, and she goes back to being as hard to read as a blank page in a book. He admires her fierceness, her strong will and brutal determination – but he also adores the cute moments and idiosyncrasies that she only seems to show around him. The way she wrinkles her nose when she dislikes something in a conversation, or the way her eyes shine when she laughs too hard, or the laughter itself – joyful and buoyant, sifting through the air in cascading rhythms around him. All of these quirks, these special treasures, make her unique. Shikamaru has come to fall for her with each detail that he's learned of her over the years. And there's always more to take in, more to find out. That's what makes her so special.

His bicycle does loops around an abandoned parking lot, passing by dimly lit lampposts and a few passersby. The cool October breeze feels good, and provides him with the perfect mindset to think about Temari.

"Not so lazy tonight, are you?" her voice springs forth from somewhere behind him, and he almost crashes his bicycle.

He spins around and rides up to her, stopping, "What are you doing here?" he asks. He takes a look down at the cast on her leg, then notices the crutches in her arms. His heart sinks.

"I wanted to go for a little walk," she replies, "I was having a hard time with my studies, and needed some fresh air. What about you?"

"Oh," Shikamaru is glad it's dark outside, because he can feel his cheeks darken, "I just needed some fresh air too." He looks back down at her crutches again, and touches one, "When did you get these?"

"Oh," Temari blushes, "I-I had these old things in my room from the start of the semester…my roommate lent them to me. But they're not exactly right for my height, they're sort of lower to the ground…and they smell weird too."

"Troublesome," Shikamaru chuckles, "So, you still need me to escort you to your classes then?" he asks, trying not to sound too hopeful.

Temari's lips twitch upwards, "Yeah, if it isn't too much of a drag for you crybaby. I really could just use these old things though."

"No need," Shikamaru says, "I made a promise to help you, and I'm going to see that promise through."

Temari gives him one of her golden smiles. "Thanks, I really appreciate it." There's a moment of comfortable silence between them, and Shikamaru wonders if Temari sees him the way he sees her. He likes the thought of her needing his help now, but will she still want him later? He doesn't know.

"So, do you mind if I stay out here while you ride your bike?" Temari finally asks.

"It's no problem. I wish you could join, won't you be bored just watching?" Shikamaru asks.

"Well," Temari smirks impishly, as though she has a mischievous idea. Without another word, she drops her crutches to the floor, letting them rattle on the concrete. Then she hobbles over to the back of Shikamaru's bike, and her hands grab his waist on either side. She lifts herself up onto the peg on the back wheel with her good foot, then balances herself steadily to lift up her bad leg. Somehow, she pulls it off. Shikamaru's heartbeat is going a million miles a second, with her hands clasped around his waist for balance.

"You can just ride me around like this," Temari says happily once she's steady.

"You sure are a troublesome lady," Shikamaru jokes, pedaling as slowly as possible.

"Hey, go faster," Temari demands, chuckling.

"There's no way I'm going to let you fall and break another bone," Shikamaru replies back. He can practically feel Temari rolling her eyes behind him.

"Oh c'mon! I haven't been able to ride a bike for weeks now! Let's have some fun!" Temari pleads.

Shikamaru sighs but finally gives in to her wishes – he wants to ride faster too. He picks up the speed, careful with shifting any of his weight too quickly, and pulls her up a small hill. They laugh all the way up, feeling the crisp air rustle their hair and watching the moon light casting dark shadows around them. They reach the top and Shikamaru turns, asking her, "You ready?"

She squeezes his waist, "yes!" His heart stops for a moment, but then he pulls forward and lets gravity take them zooming down the hill, and adrenaline courses through his veins, causing him to shout with delight as they make their way down.

Temari is laughing behind him, and he can't stop after all that momentum. So he pedals onwards, taking them out of the parking lot and back towards his dormitory. He races faster and faster, succumbing to her hollers of "yes! Pick up the speed!" or "take a sharp turn here!" They enjoy each second of their bicycle adventure, until Shikamaru is panting with the effort.

"Hey, race over to that green over there," Temari says, "then we can lay down in the grass."

Shikamaru does as she says, parking his bicycle in the grass and helping her off the back pegs. They flop down into the grass together, both feeling déjà vu of their youth. "This reminds me of all those summers ago," Temari tells him, "remember when we used to race all the time?"

"How could I forget?" Shikamaru says. He looks over at her, noticing that they are laying very close to each other. Very close indeed.

"I don't even remember what our scores were," Temari reminisces, "but I was determined to beat you in anything. I never met anyone like you."

"What do you mean?" Shikamaru asks, inching his hand closer to hers. The gap is minimal, but it feels like miles away to Shikamaru.

"You're so intelligent, you're good at everything you do. But you had no drive back then, no motivation," Temari says candidly.

"I'm still just as lazy," Shikamaru admits.

"But not really," Temari says, "I've noticed a change in you, since then."

"How so?"

"Well, you were studying so hard last summer to get into a good school. I was surprised that you even wanted to go to college. With that brain of yours, you probably could do any job off the bat. And then…when you helped me out with that creep a few years ago, I realized that you weren't really lazy at all. You were able to stand up for others, you just needed the right motivation. I guess in that scenario, I was the motivation," Temari says, looking up at the sky.

Shikamaru doesn't know what to say – she's so perceptive, she saw right through him. She noticed facts that he himself had missed. He never stopped to think about how he's matured over the years, and how his goals have changed. When he was younger, he was perfectly content with just lazing around and looking up at the clouds – an activity he still enjoys – but things are different now. He's motivated to get a good career, to learn all he can and advance himself through his studies. He has a plan in motion, to someday settle down and get married and have children – thoughts that he used to think were meaningless in his youth.

"Yeah," Shikamaru finally says something, "You really have motivated me a lot, Temari."

Her hand finds his, and she wraps her fingers with his. Shikamaru squeezes her hand, it feels so wonderful to hold her hand in his. She is soft, but not delicate – her fingers are firm, but tender against his. Their fingers lace together like puzzle pieces, completing the picture. They stare up at the sky in comfortable silence for some time, not needing to say anything. Sometimes, words are too much, and at that moment, all they need is a silent understanding between one another.

….

"What time are you coming down?" Shikamaru asks, a little annoyed, looking up at her apartment building.

She answers frantically on the other line, "Almost ready! Just wait one more minute! You aren't late, are you?"

"No, but you'll be late!" Shikamaru says. She laughs a little and then hangs up. He drums his fingers on the pole next to him until she finally emerges from the door, looking gorgeous. He notices with a shock that the cast is no longer on her leg. "What!?"

"That's right, ta-da!" she spins around merrily, showing off her smooth-skinned legs. She places her hands on her hips, "I got it taken off yesterday!"

"So, you don't really need me to take you to class then?" Shikamaru asks, feeling downtrodden.

"Nonsense. I haven't walked on this leg in some time. Besides, I'm used to our walks," Temari says, grabbing his hand. His stomach does a back flip, and he's too flustered to even mutter 'troublesome.'

….

It's starting to get colder out now, as October comes to an end. But today is a particularly sunny day for fall, and it's simply amazing out. Shikamaru grabs his textbook and searches for a comfy spot on the grass to study. He spots a familiar head of blonde hair, and dares to go over.

He sits himself down next to Temari, waking her from her snooze. "Hey!" she cries before she realizes who just sat down on her blanket. "Oh, Shikamaru."

"I don't think I've ever seen you napping before. You can go back to resting. I just needed a good spot to study," he says.

Temari moves around groggily, "I had some free time between classes. I was up all night studying for a damn mid-term. You should start helping me study."

"Me? I'm a freshman," Shikamaru reminds her.

"But you're a genius," Temari says sleepily before closing her eyes again. Then she's drifting into the dream world, her face poised and beautiful against the dull sunlight peeking through the dense tree above them.

Shikamaru watches her for a few minutes before he opens his textbook. He gets some studying done for about an hour before she wakes up again, rubbing her eyes. "What time is it?"

"It's 2:45," Shikamaru says, closing his book. He knows he can't study when she's awake, and looking like this – eyelids half open, hair tousled from her nap. Simply adorable.

She yawns, stretching out, "Damn, I have a class at 3:15."

"I'll walk you there," Shikamaru says, "my next class is at 3:30, not far from yours."

"Thanks," She says, then adds, "did I snore?"

Shikamaru laughs, "no, you're a peaceful sleeper. It was pretty cute actually." He doesn't feel shame in admitting this – he's resolved to make some small hints towards her of his true feelings. He's trying to read between the lines, to figure out if she shares the same feelings as he does.

She blushes – that's a good sign, he thinks. Then she scowls a little and gives him a playful punch. "Hey," Shikamaru says, rubbing his arm.

"I'm not cute," Temari refutes.

"Fine then. Beautiful. Wonderful. Unique. Fierce. Pick any adjective you want – you're all of those things to me," Shikamaru admits. She turns another shade darker, and doesn't have a comeback to that. He smiles at her embarrassment and stands up, reaching a hand out to her. "C'mon, let's start walking towards your class."

"Alright," she says, getting up and folding her blanket.

They walk quietly together. He watches her closely, noticing that she opens and closes her mouth a few times, as though she's trying to say something, but then thinking better of it. By the time they reach her classroom, he asks her, "Is there something on your mind?"

"Well, uh, I just…I don't have any plans this weekend, so I wondered…" she's tripping over her words, clearly flustered. Shikamaru has never seen her like this, and he likes it.

"Let's hang out then," Shikamaru suggests, finishing her thought for her, "I mean, I know there's this art festival Saturday night if you want to go to that."

"An art festival, that sounds good," Temari agrees, "I'll see you Saturday night then."

…

Temari is wearing a flowing, short green dress. It's nothing too fancy, but it's breathtaking, and leaves Shikamaru speechless and stunned for a minute. The color brings out her teal eyes, and he almost admits right then and there that he's falling for her.

But she awakens his daze, "Let's get going Shikamaru, before it's too crowded."

"Right," he says, taking her hand. They walk together to the art festival, which is near the campus. It's an outdoors event, filled with small booths of artists selling their works. There's also drinks and candies and hot food sold at the event, and the intoxicating smells linger in the air, making both their mouths water. "If you want anything, just let me know," Shikamaru tells her, feeling his excitement bubble.

Temari pulls him towards one art booth with paintings of colorful flowers against a desert background. Shikamaru lets her lead the way as they go from booth to booth, looking at the sculptures and paintings and admiring the intricate designs of each art piece. Her eyes sparkle as she looks upon all the wonderful sights around them. Shikamaru is glad he brought her here, she's truly entranced by everything they see, happy and laughing in a carefree manner.

They are waiting in line at a food stand, she had a craving for ice cream. The smoke from the barbeque booth next to them is heavy, and brushes past her face. The smoke doesn't seem to bother Temari, it dances softly across her eyes, and he can see them light up against the haze of cloudy smoke. Her eyes twinkle, like bright stars shining through on a hazy, dark night. She looks so alive, and so mesmerizing, that Shikamaru can barely stand it anymore.

He dares to do something bold. He grabs her by her shoulders and leans in and kisses her, right there in line, in front of everyone. It's a quick kiss, but he pressed his lips hard against hers, relaying to her all his feelings in that single instant.

When they part, Temari is slightly dizzy looking. She coughs awkwardly and says, "Wow. Where did that come from?"

Shikamaru's lips are still tingling, he wants more, but knows he has to take this slow. He has to take her one day at a time – he's still trying to figure her out. "I just really wanted to kiss you," Shikamaru admits honestly.

She squeezes his hand and he buys her ice cream, neither of them saying anything. He's afraid that he was too bold, too forward with her. She's quiet as she takes a few licks of her ice cream cone, and then, out of the blue, she smashes some ice cream into his face, covering his lips. He's alarmed by this sudden act, "Hey! What the!"

She's laughing, carefree and joyous and then her tongue is on his lips, lapping up the ice cream. He opens his mouth for her, taking the hint, tasting the vanilla ice cream mixed with her own sweet flavor. They make out for a minute or two before she leans back, her tongue grazing her upper lip to clean off excess ice cream.

Shikamaru can still taste her on his lips, and he wishes he could savor more of her. That kiss took him so off guard, his body barely registered what was happening. His lips had moved, but the rest of his body stood still as she kissed the ice cream from his mouth. He stares at her with newfound awe. "Wow," is all he can say, breathlessly.

"I just really wanted to do that," she says, mirroring his response from earlier.

….

Temari and Shikamaru spend all of their time together, taking things slow, easing into one another with this new relationship. The only problem is, Shikamaru isn't quite sure what their relationship is exactly – they hold hands, cuddle, and kiss. They laugh and make fun of each other and go out all the time, they are rarely ever separated. But they haven't brought up the conversation yet about their feelings – are they just friends with benefits? Or is this something more?

Shikamaru ponders all of this as he walks up to her apartment. It's the first time he's been invited inside, and he's curious to see how she lives. He walks up the stairs to her door and wraps three times, hoping she'll be quick to answer.

She answers with a smile, beckoning him forth, "Hey there," she greets. "I have all my stuff ready." She's referring to her textbooks, as Shikamaru is there to help her study.

"Right," he says, stepping in, taking in the sweet scent of Temari all around him.

The room is a little small, but clean and well kept. There are pictures of Temari, Gaara and Kankuro on the purple colored wall. A large couch takes up most of the room, facing a flat screen TV. On the coffee table in front of the couch are her textbooks and notebooks, splayed out and ready for some studying.

"My roommate, Matsuri, is here but will be heading out soon," Temari explains, sitting down on the couch and patting the space next to her for Shikamaru.

"Oh, alright," Shikamaru says, wondering what her roommate is like.

A second later, he finds out. A girl with brown short hair bursts into the room, "Oh Temari! You have a visitor! Is this Shikamaru, your boyfriend?"

Temari looks like she might snap the pencil she's holding in two. Shikamaru senses her discomfort and gets up from the couch, "Hi, yes, I'm Shikamaru. Are you Matsuri?"

"Yes!" she replies delightedly, "Temari has told me all about you!"

"Matsuri, don't you have somewhere to be?" Temari asks, annoyed.

"Oh, yeah I have a club meeting," Matsuri says, "but I can't seem to find my wallet anywhere."

Temari points to the kitchen, "by the microwave. You were talking to Gaara on the phone when you got in and you were multi-tasking, and somehow it ended up over there."

"Oh!" Matsuri looks surprised and rushes to grab her things, "I always get a little spaced out talking to him," she admits.

Temari rolls her eyes, "can you please stop gushing over my brother around me?"

"Ha, alright. Well, the minute you stop talking about Shikamaru, I'll stop talking about Gaara," she says, causing Temari to turn beet red, "Anyways, it was nice meeting you Shikamaru! I'm off!" She rushes out the front door, waving at them before slamming the door closed.

Temari turns to Shikamaru, still furiously red, "I'm sorry about her. She's a handful sometimes."

"It's alright," Shikamaru says, "do you really talk about me a lot to her?"

Temari avoids the question, "Can we just get started on this work?"

"No," Shikamaru's hands are shaking, "I want answers Temari…I mean, what are we doing together?"

"We're friends," she says simply, causing his heart to shatter.

He tries to mend the pieces together, "Is that all?"

She looks at him, with sad eyes. There's a sliver of hope there, but it's buried beneath doubt. The feeling of her eyes on him stirs some optimism in his own heart, and he feels ready to burst. This is the time to come clean and be honest with her, "I don't wanna be your friend," he says, coming closer, running a hand through her hair.

"I want more too…but I just don't know if we can Shikamaru," she says, clinging her fingers around the hem of her skirt, "I'm graduating next semester…and then I'll be gone again."

"You've been in and out of my life for many years," Shikamaru tells her, "I don't care how far apart we are, or how long we're apart. As long as I can see you again, that's all I need. You're all I need."

Tears wet her cheeks and she looks back at him adoringly, "Oh Shikamaru." She leans forward and kisses his lips tenderly and passionately. Her kiss is different from all the other times they've kissed before – this one is more sincere, and he can feel her letting go of her fears. She doesn't hold anything back as she kisses him, wrapping her arms around him.

They part for a split second so that Shikamaru can ask her, through breathless sighs, "So…are we…?" his question lingers between them and he tries again, "will you be my girlfriend?"

She smiles, and his heart is at ease. "Yeah. I'm your girlfriend, I suppose."

"You suppose? How troublesome," Shikamaru laughs before kissing her neck, running his hand up her thigh and resting it on her waist.

She grabs his hand though and stops him, "Um, can we take things slow Shikamaru? I've never…" a dust of pink covers her cheeks, and she looks so cute that he swoops in and kisses each cheek.

"I've never done this either," Shikamaru replies, "We can wait as long as you'd like."

Temari smiles again, a little shaky, "Thank you."

Shikamaru backs up a little, giving her some space. "You can still kiss me," she says, noticing his cautious distance.

He moves back towards her and brushes his nose against hers, "Temari. My girlfriend. I like that." They lock lips again, forgetting all about trying to study.

…..

The fall semester is now behind them, and spring is in the air. Shikamaru and Temari can hear the soft melodies of the birds outside their window. It's the middle of March, and with the end of the school year approaching, Temari is pulling out her hair with stress for her upcoming graduation. She's a nervous wreck, trying to finish all her schoolwork in time, apply for jobs, and prepare for 'the real world.'

She's sitting on her bed, reading through her notes for the hundredth time, looking like she's losing her sanity. Shikamaru sighs, knowing how she gets under the pressure. Sometimes it's best to leave her be, but watching her like this – he has to do something.

He crawls up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, kissing her neck. She grunts, "Please Shika…I'm trying to concentrate. I wish I was as smart as you."

"You are," he says.

She gives a derisive snort. He kisses her ear and whispers, "Temari, you're the brightest woman I know. That's why I'm with you." He's only half-joking.

She turns to him, finally putting down her notebook. "Oh yeah?" she kisses him gently on his lips, "Is that really the only reason?" she's smiling, toying with him. But he doesn't mind being candid with her, and telling her again how wonderful she is to him.

"That and your good looks," he says, pulling her across the bed, tumbling down with her so that they're both laying on the pillows, "Definitely not for your sarcasm though. Or that competitive nature of yours," he teases.

She chuckles, "You're just afraid of losing to me."

"Losing? How troublesome. I've already lost," Shikamaru teases. She looks at him inquisitively, so he elaborates, "I've already fallen for you."

Temari looks shocked for a moment by his response. "You're so mushy sometimes," she says.

"I mean it though. I love you Temari. I'd do anything for you. You win. You have me," Shikamaru says, tightening his grip on her waist a little.

Her teal eyes soften and her lip quivers a little, "Are you being serious?"

"Yes, why would I lie about something like that?" Shikamaru asks back.

She buries her face in his chest, "Shikamaru. I love you too." Shikamaru's heart bursts, he's so overwhelmed with love for Temari. He hugs her close, and she holds him tight, together in a passionate embrace. Lying here with her is perfect – it's the most perfect moment of his life, and he hopes it will never fade away.

"Shikamaru. I'm ready," Temari says softly.

He lifts her chin up, looking straight into her eyes, "You mean…?"

"I've been wanting to for a while now. I want to make love with you," Temari tells him, desire brimming in her eyes.

He kisses her lightly, "You sure?"

"Yes," she sighs into the kiss, parting her mouth to deepen it. Shikamaru's heart is racing. They slide the textbooks and notebooks off the bed.

Then they slip into one another, slow and easy. It's a little awkward at first, being the first time for them both, but their love carries them through the motions, and they trust their instincts. Shikamaru is gentle with her, taking things one step at a time, waiting for her to give in when she's comfortable.

Afterwards, they lay naked in bed together, both breathless and flushed, their hair down and mussed up. Shikamaru traces her outline with gentle fingers, caressing her body with tender love. Goosebumps raise on her skin, and her pupils are still dilated from her orgasm. Shikamaru loves seeing her like this – bare and vulnerable and completely at ease, completely his. She is gentle and kind, but fiery and passionate all at once. It's truly the most beautiful thing he's ever seen.

"I love you," he says again, looking upon her adoringly.

She smiles, although there's a hint of something sad in her smile, "I love you too."

"What's wrong?"

"I just – I just don't want this to end," Temari says.

"It doesn't have to," Shikamaru reminds her. His mind is moving fast paced, to a distant future with Temari by his side. He can't imagine a future without her.

"Well…I wasn't sure when to tell you this…but I figure now is probably the best time…" she's looking down at his chest, afraid to look him in the eye.

"What is it?"

"I have a job interview…but it's all the way in Suna…" Temari says. Suna is where Temari is from, and where she returned to for school after summer when they were younger. It's a five hour drive from where Shikamaru lives.

"That's wonderful," Shikamaru says, "congratulations!"

"But Shika…that means we'll be seeing each other less and less. Aren't you worried?"

"No," he states simply, "are you?"

She bites her bottom lip, giving him his answer. He brushes his lip against hers, "There's no need to worry Temari. Like I said, I'm all yours."

"I know. But you're still so young…and once I'm gone…who knows? What if some new girl comes along and—"

"Shh," Shikamaru places a finger over her lips, "That isn't going to happen. You and I have known each other for way too long for that to happen. We've lived through a long distance relationship our whole lives. I'll always be yours, no matter what."

Temari laughs a little, "When we were younger, we weren't in love though."

"So that means we'll be even stronger this time. I'll call you all the time until you get tired of me probably. And we can visit each other often. Everything will be okay," Shikamaru assures her.

She looks up at him, newfound hope in her eyes, "okay then."

"Okay?" Shikamaru asks, surprised by her short response. She's normally quite loquacious.

"Yeah. Honestly, I don't know what I was worried about. We've done this before, and we can do it again. You're right," Temari says happily.

"I always am," Shikamaru jokes.

…..

It's the start of a new school year, the leaves are beginning to turn red and yellow and brown again as Fall approaches fast. Shikamaru spent a lovely last summer by Temari's side, but now she's gone off and started her career, and he's still stuck at school.

He sighs, noticing how much duller the campus looks without Temari by his side.

He spoke to her countless times about how things would be alright, and how their love would get them through these next few years of long distance. But now that he's back at school, with nothing to look forward to for the next few weeks before he can see her again…things are definitely seeming dreary.

By the end of his first week of classes, he's already feeling drained and completely exhausted. The light in his life is far away now, so he feels like he's stumbling around in the dark.

He lays in the grass, in the same area that he watched Temari take a nap on her blanket just a year ago. He's feeling blue, thinking about her, and his eyes wander up towards the clouds. As he watches them, he notices something strange.

One fluffy white cloud has a particularly weird shape. To some, it might look like a dog, a dachshund perhaps. But when Shikamaru sees it, he's automatically reminded of a ferret.

It's what Temari saw years ago in the sky with him, after their bicycle race.

And just like that, all of Shikamaru's worries fade away into the sky. He's reminded that Temari is there with him always – not physically, but emotionally, spiritually. They're love transcends distance. This time apart is just a fleeting moment in a lifetime that they will spend together. Temari is all around him, and that ferret cloud is a reminder to Shikamaru that she's there – she's laughing and teasing him and completely in love. Because just as Shikamaru has fallen for Temari, she too has fallen for him.

….

"Shikamaru," Temari's voice is slightly hoarse from all the screaming she was doing during labor, but her tone is gentle, and full of love, "Look at him. He looks like you."

Shikamaru bends down to get a closer look at his son. His face is squishy and he's whimpering quietly, ready to burst forth with a languid scream at any moment. But he's beautiful. And all Shikamaru can think about in that moment is how much he loves Temari, and how his heart is full looking at their newborn son.

"How can you tell?" Shikamaru asks. He picks the infant up, cradling him in his arm. "I suppose we should go get Gaara and Kankuro. They're waiting very impatiently out there."

"Just a minute longer," Temari says, letting the baby's tiny hand curl around her finger. "We still need to decide on a name."

"Tch. How troublesome," Shikamaru says.

…..

Author's Note: Thanks for the prompt spilihp17! So, that took me forever to write and it ended up being quite long but I really do hope you enjoy it! If it's even HALF of what you imagined then I'll be happy! I hope I did the song some justice…I figured showing flashes of their lives together as they slowly fall for each other would be good, that's what I thought of when I heard the song. Anyways, I hope to get back on track with writing more chapters every week or 2. Thanks for reading!