"I'll be here waiting. Hoping, praying that this light will guide you home. When you're feeling lost I'll leave my love, hidden in the sun for when the darkness comes." - When the darkness comes, Colbie Caillat

Shikamaru entered his apartment, the only light in the apartment was the late afternoon sunlight that rushed through the windows. Shikamaru walked towards his shower after closing his apartment door behind him. He closed the bathroom door and peeled out of his clothes. Shikamaru turned on the shower and let his hair down.

Strands of black hair fell across Shikamaru's face as he stepped in the shower. The warmth of the water seeped through his skin, quickly warming up his skin again. Shikamaru hung his head as the water rushed down his head and jet black hair.

Shikamaru's body felt numb as the warm comforting water rushed over his skin and enveloped him. It was hard thinking that Temari would stay asleep and only wake up in a long time. It was hard picturing her not roaming the streets and causing him trouble. Shooting that troublesome smirk his way each time she was being troublesome.

Shikamaru leant his forehead against the wall of his shower. It was hard thinking that he wouldn't see that beautiful teal eyes for a long time or be able to grab her by her waist and hold her close.

He couldn't take his mind of Temari. He wanted so badly for her to wake up. He wanted so badly to talk to her, even if she was going to yell at him or give him trouble, he just wanted to hear her voice.

Shikamaru rubbed his face, trying to rid his thoughts of Temari so he could stop spacing out. Shikamaru took his soap bar and rubbed it in his hands, making it soapy. He put the soap away and washed his face, trying to scrub Temari's blood from his face. The clear water slowly turned vivid red as the blood came of Shikamaru's face.

Shikamaru washed the soap off and lowered his head again. Watching the blood red water at his feet. Shikamaru's eyes went distant again as he watched the floor. However, after a few minutes, Shikamaru turned off the water and stepped outside of the shower, dripping with water.

Shikamaru took a towel and wrapped it around his waist. The coldness quickly returned to his skin, but he didn't care. Shikamaru opened the door, releasing the steam to wander his house and escape the bathroom. He stood in the doorway watching the floor. He was used to her staying at his place each time she visited from Suna.

And deep down inside he kind of expected Temari to throw an insulting comment at him any moment, but it never came. There was only silence.

It's hard going on without her.

Shikamaru lifted his head and walked down the hall towards his room. He dressed and tied his hair back up. Shikamaru stood in his room for a little while before he stuffed his hands in his pockets and left his apartment.

He locked the door behind him then walked back to the hospital. He walked in silence as his mind plundered to the thoughts and images he wishes he could dismiss. He was so in thought that he didn't realise that tenten was behind him.

"Shikamaru!" Tenten called out making Shikamaru jump slightly.

"Tenten?" Shikamaru said surprised as he turned around.

"What's up with you? I've been calling your name like five times with no respond." Tenten said catching up to him.

Tenten wore her hair in her usual two buns with black tight fitting pants and a long loose peach coloured shirt that hung over her large stomach. She had a brown coat over her shirt that tied above her stomach and peach colour gloves. It looked like her stomach would burst any second.

"Sorry, I've got a lot on my mind." Shikamaru said rubbing his neck sheepishly.

"So I've noticed. I'm heading to Icharuka for some ramen, do you want to join? You look hungry." Tenten asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

Shikamaru opened his mouth to decline until he felt his stomach rumble. He was hungrier than he thought, but to be honest he hadn't eaten anything today.

"Sure, but I'm only going to get a takeaway." Shikamaru said he was eager to get back to the hospital.

"I don't mind. So what's got you so deep in thought?" Tenten asked totally oblivious to what was going on.

"Haven't Lee told you what's happening?" Shikamaru asked with a raised eyebrow.

"About what?" She asked crossing her arms defensively.

"We found Hinata, Karui, Sakura and Temari." Shikamaru said making her gasp.

"And that son of a bitch didn't tell me anything!" Tenten exclaimed throwing her hands up in disbelief.

"No wonder he was like the only one in the village." Tenten said resting an arm on her giant belly.

"Yeah, it turned out that Hidan was behind it all." Shikamaru said shocking Tenten completely.

"I thought he was buried in your clan's forest." Tenten said.

"So did I, but he escaped." Shikamaru said with a sigh.

"Damn, I hate being left out of things..." Tenten mused.

"Everyone knows that you say it all the time. However this time you couldn't partake." Shikamaru said looking at her from the corner of his eyes.

"I know." Tenten sighed, but instead of her usual exaggerated look, she had a slight smile.

They entered the ramen shop and ordered their food. Shikamaru took a take away awhile Tenten decided to sit and eat in the shop.

"So how're the girls?" Tenten asked sitting down while Shikamaru leant against the wall.

"Karui have the least problems of them all, she only escaped with a few scrapes and bruises and probably some nightmares, but the rest weren't that lucky. Sakura became a delusional mess. Temari is in a coma and Hinata went into premature Labour." Shikamaru said.

"Are you serious?" Tenten asked shocked as she turned her eyes to Shikamaru.

"Yeah. Hinata gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Small, but healthy. His name is Baruto." Shikamaru said with a small smile.

"I definitely need to to pay Hinata a visit then." Tenten said smiling, she knew Hinata was only a week or two further than herself and the birth of their children would probably have been born a week apart if it wasn't for her going into premature labour.

"How're Sakura's delusions? Is it bad?" Tenten asked with a frown.

"She destroys everything every time she goes into her delusional state. However, Sasuke seems to be able to handle her in that state and calm her down." Shikamaru said making Tenten smirk mischievously.

"Of course he does." Tenten smirked amusedly.

"And Temari? Do you know how long she's going to be in a coma?" Tenten asked her face going serious again.

"No." Shikamaru said looking down.

"That's a shame." Tenten said sadly, but she wasn't that heartbroken.

After all, she killed the man Tenten loved and the father of her twins...

Just then their food arrived. The old man placed Tenten's bowl in front of her and gave Shikamaru a bag with his food in it.

"When's the due date?" Shikamaru asked taking the bag from the old man with a thanks.

"In two weeks." Tenten smiled.

"I have to go, I'll see you around Tenten." Shikamaru said walking away with his food.

"Bye Shikamaru." Tenten said eating her food.

Shikamaru walked towards the hospital with his food in hand. He walked through the hospital silently as people rushed passed him. The hospital was full of people running around and life. He seemed so dull next to all the people in the hospital. Sakura long since went home with Sasuke in tow, no surprise there.

She felt worried about her delusional state where she would destroy everything and Sasuke missed her more than he was willing to admit.

Shikamaru entered the open door to the empty room. All the beds in the room were empty, all except one bed. In that one bed laid Temari no Sabaku of the sand siblings. Exactly the same as when he left her this morning. Her loose blond hair was strewn across the pillow next to her face while her eyes remained closed.

Her heart beat remained constant and her body never stirred once. Sakura switched her dirty clothes to a clean white hospital gown. Sakura also placed two hospital bracelets on her right wrist that states why she was in the hospital. Her breathing stayed constant as she continued sleeping.

Shikamaru slouched in his chair as he opened the bag and took out his ramen. His eyes shifted from Temari to the window. His eyes watching the cerulean blue sky. He ate his food slowly as his eyes wandered far away.

He stayed by Temari's side until nightfall came. However, even when the darkness filled the room he didn't move. He didn't move to switch the light on and he also didn't move to go home. Shikamaru didn't smoke once when he was in the room Temari slept because he knew she hated the smoke. He only stared at Asuma's lighter.

He knew she wouldn't know he was smoking while she laid there sleeping, but it didn't matter to Shikamaru. Shikamaru sat in the dark as his eyes grew heavier. He didn't realise how tired he was up until now...

Shikamaru sighed and closed his eyes. Only for a second. However, his body had other plans. His eyes remained closed as sleep took him over. His mind slipping into darkness as it slowly drifted like a cloud to a world where everything was perfect.

A world where the sun shone and made you feel warm and safe. Where everyone was happy and alive. Where his father was still alive and lived with his mother in that empty house. Where Asuma was there to see his daughter grow up into a fine shinobi. Where Neji was alive to see his twins and nephew get born. A world where Temari was awake...

xXx

Temari scowled as her eyes saw the image of those blasted Sakura petals again. She tried running away from the tree, but no matter how fast she ran she couldn't get away and no matter how far she ran, she always ended back at the Sakura tree.

She knew she'd wake up if she just found a way to get away from that damn Sakura tree. She knew there had to be a way to get away...

A trick she didn't know about.

A cruel trick nobody cared to tell her.

However nobody was there to tell her anyway, she was all alone in this empty world. Temari scowled again as she panted. It felt like she's been running for days without stop. She sat down on the bench under the tree and tilted her head up.

Panting from exhaustion. There had to be a way to escape.

She just didn't know how to escape...

How to wake up...

xXx

"Shikamaru..." A male voice drifted through Shikamaru's dream, pulling him from his perfect lazy world.

"Shikamaru..." the voice said again making Shikamaru grunt as he slowly woke up.

"Come on Shikamaru... just wake up already..." the voice whined as he started pushing and poking him, irritating Shikamaru until he sighed exaggerated and opened an eye to see blond spiky hair.

"What do you want Naruto?" Shikamaru asked with a sigh.

"I just want to inform you that Gaara has been informed that we found Temari and about her condition." Naruto said.

"What did he say?" Shikamaru asked with crossed arms as he watched Temari.

"We haven't got a reply back yet." Naruto said while Shikamaru stayed silent.

"Come with me to get something to eat, Shikamaru." Naruto said behind Shikamaru.

Shikamaru didn't answer, he just continued sitting in his chair.

"If you don't, I'll drag you to the ramen shop kicking and screaming." Naruto said making Shikamaru snort.

"Yeah, cause you'll see me, the laziest man in Konoha, putting in enough energy to kick and scream." Shikamaru answered with a scoff.

"Okay maybe not kicking and screaming, but I will drag you there." Naruto said grinning.

"Troublesome Hokage, fine I'll go." Shikamaru said with a sigh as he stood up and shoved his hands in his pockets.

Shikamaru hesitated as he took a final look at Temari before he turned around and walked out the room with Naruto. Shikamaru took a last glance at Temari before he left. They walked through the halls in silence as thoughts floated in their minds. Shikamaru stopped outside the exit of the hospital and looked at the sky. It was getting warmer by the day. The sky was cloudless again and the town's people seemed happy.

He looked out of place beside them...

Shikamaru closed his eyes with a sigh as he tilted his head up so the sun could warm his skin. The village was moving on and leaving Temari behind again. She was gone for two years before then she disappeared for three months. How long will she be gone this time?

"You coming?" Naruto asked looking back at Shikamaru with his hands on his hips.

"Yeah, I'm coming." Shikamaru said opening his eyes and lowering his head as he followed Naruto with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"How's Hinata?" Shikamaru asked.

"She's doing great, she'll be released in two days." Naruto said with a smile.

"And Baruto?" Shikamaru asked which made Naruto grin.

"He's just as good. He's going to grow up to be just as strong as his mother." Naruto said proudly.

"Don't forget to add yourself." Shikamaru said giving him a ghost of a smile while Naruto scratched the back of his head.

"Shikamaru?" Naruto asked abruptly, getting serious.

"What is it?" Shikamaru asked.

"How are you?" Naruto asked.

"I could be better... it's just..." Shikamaru trailed off while looking at the ground.

"It's just what?" Naruto asked, encouraging Shikamaru to go on.

"She hasn't been in a coma for more than three days and I already miss her more than I can bare." Shikamaru said in barely a whisper making Naruto frown.

"Are you going to be okay?" Naruto asked stopping in front of the ramen shop.

"I will be." Shikamaru said softly.

Naruto's eyes saddened as he turned and entered his favourite ramen shop with Shikamaru following him.

"If it isn't my favourite costumer and Shikamaru!" Old man Teuchi exclaimed while Ayame smiled as they entered.

"Hey old man!" Naruto grinned as he sat down while Shikamaru sat down calmly next to him.

"What can I get you guys?" Teuchi asked while smiling widely.

"The usual." Naruto said grinning just as widely.

"How about you Shikamaru?" The old man asked looking at Shikamaru.

"Actually, I'm not really in the mood~" Shikamaru started, but got interrupted by Naruto.

"He'll have the same as me." Naruto interrupted as he ordered for Shikamaru since he knew Shikamaru wasn't going to get himself anything.

"That's what I want to hear!" The old man laughed while Shikamaru just sighed.

"Fine, whatever." Shikamaru said with half a smile.

"When will you return to the office again?" Shikamaru asked even though his mind was far away.

"It's always about work with you. Come on Shikamaru loosen up a bit." Naruto said smacking him on the back which Shikamaru did not appreciate at all.

"Look who's here! Naruto you got Shikamaru to go somewhere!" A loud female voice exclaimed behind them making Shikamaru sigh, not turning around to see who it was because he already knew who it was.

"Ino, Sakura, Tenten." Naruto smiled as he turned around to greet them.

The girls sat in the seats next to them and ordered what they wanted.

"Hey, where's Sasuke?" Naruto asked Sakura.

"I don't know, I don't keep tabs on him wherever he goes. He left the house earlier." Sakura said with a sigh.

"Sasuke's living with you!" Tenten exclaimed shocked, almost falling out of her chair.

"Oh honey, you're seriously behind on stuff..." Ino said with a chuckle.

"I'm right here, in case you're wondering Sakura..." Sasuke said grumpily as he entered the restaurant.

"Sasuke!" Naruto and Sakura exclaimed simultaneously.

"What are you doing here?" Shikamaru asked confused, he knew this wasn't Sasuke's scene so why was he here?

"Good question." Kiba laughed as he entered after Sasuke followed by Shino, Chouji, Lee and Sai.

"We all wanted to go and eat someplace, but Sasuke didn't want to come sooooooo..." Chouji started while munching his chips.

"We dragged him here..." Shino finished bluntly making Sasuke growl in annoyance which made Naruto snort from laughter.

"You're telling me the mighty Sasuke Uchiha got dragged somewhere." Naruto said laughing while Sasuke glared at him.

"Shut up, idiot!" Sasuke said annoyed.

"Make me ass hole!" Naruto exclaimed angrily as Naruto stood up, ready for a fight.

"Stop it!" Sakura exclaimed angrily turning her glare to them which made the two men stop fighting immediately.

"Kiba, what are you doing?" Teuchi asked pointing at Kiba's doppelganger.

"That's my twin." Kiba chuckled awkwardly.

"Kiba you've been coming here since you were in the academy, I know that's Akamaru..." The old man said sighing.

"Please don't kick him out, he's a well-trained dog and he'll behave." Kiba pleaded.

"Fine... The dog can stay." The old man said with another sigh.

"Yes!" Kiba exclaimed releasing Akamaru's transformation.

The old man smiled slightly.

"What are you smiling about?" Naruto asked curiously.

"It's been a while since I saw all of you together again..." The old man smiled making the rest of the group smile sadly except Shikamaru, Sasuke, Shino and tenten who didn't bother smiling.

"You're right, we're all back together." Naruto said with half a smile while Tenten simply just looked at the ground sadly.

"Neji and Hinata is missing though." Ayame added.

"Indeed. It's a shame that Neji died, he was a splendid man. But where is Hinata?" Teuchi asked.

"She's in the hospital." Naruto answered making the old man adopt a worried face.

"What happened? Is she alright?" He asked worryingly.

"She gave birth to our son and she's doing great." Naruto grinned surprising Teuchi and Ayame.

The old man nearly fell to the ground in surprise.

"Hinata was pregnant! And you're a father!" The old man exclaimed still in shock.

"When did this happen?" The old man asked baffled.

"Approximately nine months ago..." Naruto answered making the group stare at him.

"That's a big word from a moron." Sasuke said which made Naruto's eyebrow twitch.

"You want to say that again?" Naruto asked turning around to glare at Sasuke who stood behind him.

"Okay, that's enough." Sakura said with a warning in her eyes that made them stop.

They didn't want to unleash the wrath of Sakura...

"Here's an idea let's pull all the tables outside together so that we all have somewhere to sit, I'm getting tired of standing." Kiba whined.

"What a youthful idea." Lee exclaimed as everyone stood up.

"Just remember to put them back how you found them before you leave." The old man called as they headed outside.

Everyone helped pull the tables together so it formed one giant table except Tenten since she was heavily pregnant. It was colder outside than inside, but at least they'll all be sitting together...

It's been a long time since they all sat together and ate peacefully. It's just a shame Hinata wasn't here though and it saddened everyone that Neji would never sit and eat with them again. Shikamaru's mind, however, was also plagued by the fact that Temari was in a coma.

"You guys should go order some food." Ino said leaning her head on her open palm.

"Good idea." Kiba said as he jumped up and went back inside followed by the guys that arrived with him to order some food.

They waited for the rest of the group who ordered to come back so they could continue the conversation.

"Only Sasuke, sakura and Shikamaru knew about the baby already being born, so how did all you know?" Naruto asked curiously, he noticed how nobody reacted to the news except the old man and Ayame.

"I told Tenten." Shikamaru said lazily.

"And I told Ino." Tenten shrugged.

"Oh, I see now." Naruto laughed while the boys nodded, they all heard the news from Ino.

"I've got an amazing idea." Kiba suddenly said as he perked up.

"It's probably not a good idea." Shino said bluntly.

"Shut up Shino!" Kiba exclaimed angrily.

"Okay guys come get your food, I don't have enough hands to bring it to you!" The old man called from inside.

"Alright!" Naruto and Chouji exclaimed happily as they rushed to the counter while everyone walked like civil people to their food.

Everyone got their food then sat back down outside, said thanks for the food then ate.

"You haven't told us your amazing plan yet Kiba." Naruto said as he looked up at Kiba again.

"We should have a drinking game tonight!" Kiba said with a smug grin.

"I feel like that's a bad idea." Shikamaru said with crossed arms.

"What a youthful idea!" Lee exclaimed.

"You're not drinking Lee, I'm not going through that again while I'm pregnant. Besides Kiba, I can't drink." Tenten said bluntly making Lee sulk in a corner.

"You can drink water or something..." Kiba said waving her off which made Tenten roll her eyes.

"Well, I think this is a brilliant idea." Ino grinned enthusiastically.

"Thank you Ino." Kiba grinned.

"Ino, do you really think this is a good idea?" Sai asked with a sweat drop.

"Of course." Ino exclaimed with a grin.

"Let's vote on it! Who says we should have a drinking game?" Ino asked putting her hand in the air along with Kiba, Naruto, Sakura and Lee.

"You're not allowed to vote Lee, put your hand down." Tenten said with crossed arms which made lee sulk in the corner again.

Ino looked around and saw she still needed one person so she took Sai's arm and put his hand in the air.

"There, it's settled. We're having a drinking game tonight! Be there." Ino exclaimed glaring at everyone at the table at the last part.

"Ino, I didn't want to put my hand up." Sai said.

"It still counts!" Ino exclaimed making Sai sigh.

Shikamaru glared at Naruto with crossed arms, indicating that he does not approve.

"Your Hokage, Naruto." Shikamaru added to remind Naruto.

"And I'm well aware of that... A Hokage can have fun every now and then." Naruto said with a grin while Shikamaru sighed.

Sasuke stared at Sakura like he was almost disappointed in her for sticking up her hand.

"What? Why wouldn't I participate when I know I'll win all their sorry asses." Sakura smirked confidently as she looked at Ino.

"Excuse me?" Ino and Kiba said simultaneously which made the whole group sigh.

"You think you can take me on billboard brow?" Ino asked standing up.

"Anytime, Ino pig." Sakura replied standing up as well.

"Ino, please calm down and sit back down." Sai asked politely while tugging slightly on her arm which made her sit down.

"Sakura, sit down and calm down." Sasuke said making Sakura sit back down.

"I have to get back to the flower shop, I'll see you guys tonight." Ino said after everyone finished eating.

She stood up with Sai to pay for their food then left, the rest of their group following suit. However Naruto, Sakura and Shikamaru walked back to the hospital together while the others went who knew where.

xXx

Temari growled as she stared at the Sakura tree, this was beyond frustrating. She couldn't outrun the damn tree and she couldn't take it down cause she had no kunai or her fan. Why couldn't she get away? Why did she always come back to this tree? Why did this simple tree haunt her...

How could she get away?

xXx

"Let's go Shikamaru! It's time..." Naruto screamed loudly from down the hall which made Shikamaru sigh.

Shikamaru currently sat in the chair next to Temari's bed while he watched the sun go down through the window. Naruto was in the hospital to spend some time with Hinata and his new baby boy. Naruto skidded to a stop in front of the door while Shikamaru turned his head back towards Naruto.

"You're way too excited for this." Shikamaru said with a sweatdrop.

"I just like party's." Naruto shrugged as he came into the room.

"This isn't a party Naruto, this is a drinking game. Besides, it was Kiba's idea, I've realised through the years that his ideas are never good ideas..." A small female voice said as she came in the room after Naruto.

"Hinata... I thought you were only released tomorrow..." Shikamaru asked as he watched Hinata.

She wore tight fitting light brown pants with an oversized purple jacket and her knee length shinobi sandals. Shikamaru saw a few bruises on her neck that her clothes didn't cover. He assumed that there were more that her clothes covered...

"Naruto convinced Sakura to release me early so I can come with you guys." Hinata said with a smile.

"By convincing, do you mean annoy her until she agrees by any chance?" Shikamaru asked making Hinata nod.

"Hinata..." Naruto whined making Hinata giggle.

"Congratulations on the baby, Hinata. I'm glad you and Boruto are okay." Shikamaru said.

"Temari played a big part in keeping us safe, I'd probably be buried under rubble right now if it wasn't for her. I'm sorry about what happened to her, she didn't deserve it." Hinata said sadly as she looked at the ground while Naruto wrapped his arms around her to make her feel better.

"It's not your fault, let's go." Shikamaru said standing up, he might as well use that to change the subject because he knew Naruto would drag him away anyway.

Shikamaru looked at Temari for a while before he turned around and walked to Naruto and Hinata who nodded. They walked together to the exit of the hospital so they could go to the bar. The cold hit their face once they reached outside. Naruto noticed Hinata shivering as they walked outside in the cold. Naruto smiled as he took his red scarf from his neck and wrapped it around Hinata's neck to keep her warm from the nights cold.

She looked up at him and smiled as they silently walked to the bar. Once they were close to the bar Naruto jogged ahead of Hinata and Shikamaru and burst through the entrance dramatically.

"Alright! Let the games begin!" Naruto exclaimed loudly making Hinata giggle and Shikamaru to sigh.

"What about Shikamaru?" Shikamaru heard Kiba ask.

"I'm right here." Shikamaru said as he entered the bar with Hinata.

"Yeah! Now we can start!" Kiba exclaimed turning his head to look at Shikamaru, however, his eyes landed on Hinata instead.

"Hinata! You got released from the hospital." Kiba jumped up happily as he went over to give Hinata a bear hug while Shino just stood behind them.

"I'm glad Sakura released you from the hospital." Shino said monotonously.

"Why did you release her earlier, Sakura?" Tenten asked as everyone settled down and took a seat around the massive table.

Sakura sat in the middle of Sasuke and Naruto, mostly to keep them from fighting, while Hinata sat next to Naruto. Kiba sat next to Hinata while Shino sat next to him and Lee sat next to Shino while Tenten sat next to him. Ino sat next Tenten and Sai sat next to her. Chouji sat next to Sai while Shikamaru sat between Chouji and Sasuke.

"Becuase Naruto irritated me until I said yes." Sakura answered Tenten's question with a sigh.

"Sounds just about right." Tenten said chuckling.

"Hi, I'll be your waiter tonight. What can I get you bunch?" A friendly young woman smiled as she held her order book.

"Shots, lots of shots!" Naruto exclaimed as she nodded and left.

"This is a bad idea..." Sasuke said with an exaggerated sigh.

"Come on Sasuke, what's the worst that can happen?" Naruto said laughing, but Sasuke only sighed.

A/N: Omg this chapter is finally finished! I'm so sorry I took so long I really had a loooot of work I had to do. It was just assignments upon assignment and tests upon test (yet I still missed my deadline for one assignment).

Plus I really had a bad writer's block in the beginning of the chapter, but I'm chilled for now. Anyway, I put two little passages in the story of what is going on in Temari's mind :P

I hope you like the chapter and please leave a comment :) and to make up for me not updating, I'm posting another chapter in a few hours!