Wow, this ended up being so much longer than I intended! I had to split it into two chapters which is good news for you because I already have a good portion of the next chapter typed up!

Anyway, this one is a steamy one! Enjoy!

Breaking Habits

Blinding white lights.

Temari fought to focus her vision as she grappled with her consciousness. Every time she managed to open her eyelids, the intensity of the lights would immediately send stabbing sensations of pain that vibrated from her eyeballs to the base of her skull.

Frustrated, she allowed herself to slip back into the sweet relief of slumber to escape the mind-numbing agony.

When she woke again, she tried to force her eyes open once more.

The uncomfortable light were dimmed now but not by much. Still, the glare was reduced just enough for her to focused her eyes on the pale green ceiling above.

Her vision was blurry and it took her several minutes before she was finally able to clearly see. Although the interior of the room felt familiar, she knew the shade of pastel did not belong to the earthy brown tones of Suna. Rotating her head took more effort than she'd expected, but she managed to turn it just enough to see her reflection in the computer monitors.

A hospital... Why wasn't she in Suna's hospital?

A gentle breeze entered from the window and washed over her skin. It soothed her at first, but she immediately noticed something was off. The wind was her element and even in her weakened state, she felt a disruption in the flow.

Someone was there.

Her neck was stiff and it almost painful when she snapped her head around to face the opposite wall. There, she found Mitsunari sitting on the ledge with his back against the frame.

"What…" She wanted to ask him what he was doing here, but she could barely manage to croak out the first word before erupting in a series of small coughs. Her throat was as dry as Suna's desert.

"Wa…" Mitsunari mimicked her, his head tilting to the side in confusion as he tried to interpret what she was trying to say.

She glared at him and moved her tongue over her lips to moisten them. The entirety of her mouth was dry so that was of no help.

His eyes must have caught the motion because he suddenly snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "Water!"

He wasn't right, but given the drought in her mouth, he wasn't wrong either.

Jumping to his feet, he darted into the room and fetched her a water bottle from the table across her bed.

Temari suspiciously eyed the offering in his hands before looking up to study his face. Confused by her hesitation, Mitsunari curiously glanced at her before rolling his eyes.

"Gosh, you Suna shinobi are stiff as hell," he groaned before opening the water bottle and pouring some into his mouth without touching the opening. "There!" He exclaimed before handing it back to her.

Her eyes lingered on his hand for a moment longer before finally before accepting it from him. Even though the water was at room temperature, it provided relief as it washed down her throat. She emptied the bottle. Her breath was ragged as she wiped her mouth and looked up at Mitsunari.

"What are you doing here?" Temari demanded, her voice was still hoarse. Propping herself onto her elbows, her eyes scanned the room as she fought to catch her breath. "Where are we?"

"Konoha's hospital," he answered as he passed her a new water bottle.

Konoha? Of course, green walls. The interior made sense now.

Was her condition so critical that they had to get her to Sakura? Wait, wasn't everyone in Suna? Did something affect her memory?

Accepting the water from him, she scooted her weight up to sit against the pillow. There were so many questions running through her head. What happened? Where are her brothers?

Anxiety began to flutter from her stomach to her chest. Teal eyes stole an uncertain glance at the figure by her window before looking back at the water bottle in her hands.

And why was he here out of all people?

The look on her face must have given away her confusion because Mitsunari took a deep breath and suddenly began to speak.

"Tojuro staged an attack on Konoha in hopes of severing your alliance with the other villages. When that failed, he decided to attack you and your brothers. Everything is fine in Suna. Your brothers and friends are fine. The village is fine. You were struck with something called Hellfire that deteriorates your body like a rabid virus and I'm here because I happen to know how to cure it. Tojuro doesn't know that you guys are aware of everything and Yukimura is back in Suna with your brothers working as a double agent because he's a goody-two-shoes and disagreed with his uncle's actions," he said in almost one breath.

Temari slowly blinked as she processed his words. All the information was overwhelming to her and it didn't help that he was speaking so quickly.

She decided to start with a simple question.

"How long have I been here?"

"Twelve days," he replied.

"T-twelve days?!" Temari, in total disbelief and shock, stuttered in a way that made her voice unrecognizable to her.

Mitsunari turned and shot her an annoyed look, "That's what I said, isn't it?"

The anxiety inside her was rapidly being replaced by terror. She had been unconscious for almost two weeks. Where was everyone? Why the hell was she alone with someone who was working with the enemy. Her body grew tense as she glared at Mitsunari.

"Why are you here?"

"Technically, I'm not supposed to be here but," he peered around and lowered himself to whisper in her ear, "The pretty blonde out there isn't the best guard. I think she's currently blasting music on her headphones and reading a magazine as we speak."

Blonde girl… Konoha…

Was he talking about Ino?

"So, that begs the question," Temari pressed on, the water bottle in her hand crinkled when she tightened her grip, "Why are you here? Especially when you're not supposed to be here."

"I wanted to see how the medicine was working," Mitsunari shrugged as he sauntered back to sit on the window pane. "Pretty boy keeps you under a tight watch and won't let me anywhere near you when I'm not helping administer the cure."

"Who?" Temari raised her brow at the nickname.

"You know..." Mitsunari said as brought his hand up and pretended to measure the air. "Tall, dark, and grumpy? Beady eyes and an obnoxious ponytail?"

Shikamaru.

Temari blushed at the thought of him overseeing her recovery and policing her visitors. There were so many things racing in her mind about him but she knew she had to focus Mitsunari first. He wasn't her friend nor was he an ally, so what was he doing here?

"Why do you care?"

"Ugh," he groaned playfully, "why does everyone continue to question my intentions?"

Unamused, Temari narrowed her eyes at him, "You're kidding, right?"

The gold flecks in his eyes flickered in the sunset as he moved them to look at her. After a few moments, he held both hands up in defeat. "Fine," he sighed, giving up on his rouse, "one of our men tried to kill me in his pursuit to kill you. You saved my life."

"Is this your round-about way of thanking me?"

"Maybe," he joked and winked at her.

Temari studied him, noting the sudden change in his demeanor. He was completely different from the past few months they've spent together in Suna. He was playful, lively, and… humorous even. She wasn't sure what to make of it.

Mitsunari suddenly adverted his eyes as the smile fell from his face. "Why did you do it?" His voice was serious now.

Temari fumbled with the water bottle In her hand as she pondered about his question.

That was a good question. Why did she do it? She had been suspicious of them since the day they stepped foot into Suna. He held no value to her, that's for sure. Still, she didn't think he deserved to die either.

"I don't know," Temari replied, fidgeting with the cap. "Instinct? Intuition?" She added and shrugged.

"What did your intuition tell you?"

"That you're not… entirely bad, I guess," she answered him honestly. He might have given her reasons to be suspicious, but something told her that he wasn't evil. "The other man was."

Stealing a glance in his direction, she could see that the curiosity disappearing from his eyes. His face hardened at the mention of the man who attacked them.

"And what made you think you could trust your intuition?"

"Someone dear to me was treated as if they were a monster our entire life when, in fact, they are the most soft-hearted person I know of," she told him. Her chest clenched as she thought of her childhood with Gaara. "I guess you could say I have experience with my gut instinct."

"Hmph," Mitsunari grunted to acknowledge her answer but didn't say anything else. Instead, he simply turned his body to gaze out the window. "Pretty boy should be off work soon," Mitsunari yawned into his hand. "He stays here with you from the second he gets off work. That makes it really hard for me to see how you're recovering, you know? I have to wait until someone else comes and watches your door. It's so annoying."

Flustered, Temari awkwardly scratched her temple and blushed at the thought of Shikamaru publicly spending the past twelve nights with her. If Mitsunari knew, then was the rest of the village aware of this as well?

The sound of the doorknob turning caused both of them to look over at the door.

"Ah, right on time. That's my cue to leave," Mitsunari announced as he prepared to jump from the window. "See you soon, Princess," he winked at her before disappearing into the sunset.

Temari's eyes followed him until she could no longer see him. She wasn't used to him being this… chipper. He was truly an enigma. Should she be suspicious?

The creaking of the door brought her attention back to the entrance.

Tired, green eyes raised up to meet dark, intense ones.

"Shikamaru," she greeted him. No nicknames. No teasing. It was a little more formal than what they're used to.

He stared back at her, mouth hanging ajar. When he didn't move, she started to shift awkwardly against her pillow.

"What are you gawking at?" She demanded from him.

The stack of papers fell from underneath his arm and scattered through the room as he rushed to her bedside. Strong arms pulled her into a tight embrace before she could even hear the faint click of the self-closing door.

"Uhm, hey there…" She murmured with her cheek tightly pressed against his head.

"You're finally awake," he said and pulled back to look at her. His eyes, while usually bored and lifeless, were shining with excitement as he stared into hers. It took him a second to notice something unusual about the room.

Temari watched as he looked over at the empty water bottles on the table next to them. His eyes began to scan the room. Following his gaze, she observed the way he checked the monitors and wires attached to her bed.

"Where do you get those?" He asked her once he realized that she was still connected to the machines.

"Mitsunari brought them over to me from across the room," she replied nonchalantly.

"He was in here?!" His eyes narrowed as he frantically scanned the room.

"He was curious to see how the medicine was working," she explained as she raised her arm to check the bandages tightly wrapped around it.

Shikamaru's face soften when she began to trace her fingertips against the gauze.

"Sakura and Tsunade tried their best but they said you'll most likely end up with scars," he explained, looking away as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his head.

"It's fine, I'm very grateful for everything they did for me," she smiled at her arm. "So long as it'll work the way it used to, I don't care."

When he didn't reply, Temari looked over to see that he was staring at his feet. There an uneasiness in his dark eyes that told her he had something on his mind. She was about to ask him what was wrong when he spoke up first.

"Temari," he began. "I'm so sorry."

The memory of their fight flashed in her head. She had completely forgotten about it. Granted, after everything she'd just learned, it just seemed so insignificant to her. "You don't have to apologize for anything," she assured him.

"I do," he protested.

"Shikamaru…" she sighed deeply, "I'm tired and I'm willing to bet it's because I almost died. That fight is the last thing on my mind. To be honest with you, I just woke up and I'm just so... overwhelmed... with everything. I woke up not knowing where I was and learned about everything that happened from someone who I've been correctly suspecting as an enemy all along but is now no longer an enemy because he saved me life?" She shook her head at how complicated everything was. "The last thing I remember is that Suna being attacked. Mitsunari told me that my brothers are fine and that Suna is safe but can I even trust him? Is everyone really okay?"

"Yes," Shikamaru interjected before she could continue.

Temari frowned, "To which part?"

"Your brothers are safe. Suna is safe, and Mitsunari…." His voice began to trail off as he looked away. "I don't like the guy and his presence is absolutely grating to me but… I don't think you'd be alive without him," he reluctantly confessed. "You were on the brink of death by the time we got you to Konoha and we immediately saw results after following his instructions."

"I see," Temari responded softly. She shifted her eyes away for a moment before looking back up at him. "Well, everything is a lot to process for me right now so it would be very much appreciated if I can just sit here and get used to being alive again."

Shikamaru stared back at her. The way he pulled his lips inwards to bite down on them told her that there was something else he wanted to say, but she was too emotionally and physically strained to handle anything else.

Temari reached out to touch his arm.

"I'm really glad you're here," she admitted and smiled softly at him.

"You are?"

"I am," she replied. Finding comfort in his eyes, she requested, "Will you just stay with me?"

She already knew the answer. Mitsunari already told her that he'd been with her every night, but the way his face lit up was why she knew she had to say it out loud.

Shikamaru reached his other hand over and placed it on her hand.

"Always," he smiled and promised her.

"Lady Yoshino, please! I assure you that I am fine."

Temari resisted the urge groaned at Nara matriarch standing in the middle of her room. She'd only been at the Nara residence for a few hours but Nara Yoshino already checked in on her at least five times. Right outside her room were nearly a dozen elite ranked Suna shinobi her brothers had sent for her. It didn't do much to ease the claustrophobia she was starting to develop.

Sakura had finally signed off on releasing her from the hospital now that she'd been awake for a week. However, as she stood in the guest room at the Nara residence, she couldn't help but yearn for the uncomfortable bed and repetitive meals again. She was sick of being treated like a fragile bird.

Upon learning that she was out of her coma, Gaara and Kankuro sent their best guards to retrieve her. However, the pink-haired medic-nin argued that Temari was still too weak to travel. Shikamaru managed to make several compelling arguments as to why she should be watched over at his home. Not only was it safer than the inn she usually stayed at, but the property could easily accommodate her guards and they had immediate access to any medication if needed.

This was how she found herself between the beautifully crafted walls decorated with hand-painted deers and flowers.

"Alright then, I'll just leave these here then," Yoshino beamed at her as she set down the tray containing a teapot and some treats. "Just let me know if you need anything else," she added before sliding the shoji door closed.

Temari buried her head in her hands quietly groaned to herself. Being treated like a needy child was a pet peeve of hers. She initially wanted to go home, but judging from the personal security sent by her brothers, it was safe to assume that Suna would have been just as suffocating. She was so desperate for space that she ever considered running away. No overprotective brothers or boyfriends...

Ex-boyfriend, she corrected herself.

Or friends.

Peeking through her fingers, she glanced at the bouquets neatly arranged on the opposite wall. There were about half a dozen of them. All the girls had dropped them off when they stopped by visit her earlier in the week. All the girls... and Lee.

Was everyone in Konoha so annoyingly friendly and nice?

Temari finally relaxed her shoulders and sighed, reminding herself that she should be more grateful for the kindness of her allies.

They had slowly become the family she and her brothers never had and the idea of it sounded nice.

For the most part.

"Please stop breathing down my neck," Temari rocked her head back and pleaded to the night sky.

Begging was something Temari of the Sand Waterfall vowed to never do, but she was getting desperate.

It was already nightfall and there were no signs of Shikamaru. He was still at the office. Yoshino was already asleep and she was hoping for some peace and quiet.

Alone.

However, when she decided to wander the Nara residence, the rustling in the trees that followed alerted her that her guards were right behind her. They were scatted across the trees, some were on the rooftops, and some were just blatantly standing a few feet away.

"You guys can take a breather for a little bit," a familiar voice commanded them. "I'll watch over her for a few hours."

Temari spun around to see Shikamaru approaching them.

"The Kazekage ordered us to—" One started to protest.

"I needed to change her bandages anyway," he interrupted him, "I'll keep an eye on her."

"But—"

"Guard my room for any attacks, they would strike there first anyway. I will call for one of you when I'm ready to return," Temari commanded.

"Princess Temari," he started to protest again.

"Are you questioning my orders?"

The shinobi hesitated and nervously bit his lip before answering. "No, princess," he reluctantly bowed and disappeared into the shadows with the other shinobi.

"Thanks," she told him once they were finally out of sight.

"Sorry, I just got back," he apologized, "There's been a lot of work because of the invasion in Suna."

"Then I should be the one apologizing," she replied.

"No, we're just glad you're safe," he smiled at her.

Temari suddenly felt shy under his affectionate gaze. Although he'd given her plenty of space per her initial request, it didn't stop him from being exceedingly tender with her when they interacted.

He reached for her hand and began to lead her away from the garden.

"W-what? Where are we going?" She stammered, flustered by the way he was holding her hand. What if his mother sees them?!

"I told you, I have to change your bandages," he answered with his eyes fixed on the hallway in front of him. She was positive that he could see the red that stained her cheeks underneath the moonlight if he decided to around. The heat lingered on her skin even after he let go of her hand once they were in his room.

"Sit here," he motioned her to the table in the middle of the room. Scooting the shogi board aside, he placed a clean towel on the surface and waited for her to take the seat across from him. "Let me see your arm," he instructed.

She placed her forearm into his hand and shifted her eyes away as he unraveled the bandages. She's only been to the Nara residence once, on Valentine's Day of all days, but they never went inside his room (shockingly). She'd only seen his apartment until now so she took the opportunity to take in the details of the room he grew up in. Aside from the beautiful golden walls adorned with deers, everything was pretty much the same, simple and minimalist. There was a bed, a nightstand with a few books on them, and the table they were sitting at. They've always joked that everything else in his life had to be simple because his mind was so complex.

"It's healing quite well, the wounds are closing up."

His voice interrupted her thoughts, causing her to look down at her injury.

"That's good," she replied as he began to dab the disinfectant onto her skin. She fought the urge to hiss, but the ointment still burned her. He moved slowly, pausing every time she'd wince and allowing her to settle before continuing again. His patience was something she'd always admire.

"It only looks bad because of the scarring," he said and gently blew on her arm to cool the burning sensation.

"That's fine," Temari said as she studied damaged skin on her forearm. They were a dark pink and resemble cherry blossom petals scattered in the wind. "It looks kind of nice, like a tattoo or body paint. Kankuro might even get jealous," she joked.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he rolled the new bandages around her arm with great care. Setting it down the excess cloth, he brought his hand back to gently smooth down the edges of the bandage on her arm.

It took Temari a minute to realize that he was finished because he kept his hand on the arm as he sat across from her in silence. She looked up to see him staring blankly at their hands.

"Uhm, thanks," she mumbled quietly as she retracted her arm.

He raised his eyes to meet hers and continued to gaze into them without speaking a word.

"What is it?" She finally demanded.

"I'm just really happy you're doing well," he confessed.

Temari blushed. She pretended to study the pieces on the shogi board.

"It's been nice to have you here."

"At your house? I just got here," she replied.

"In Konoha, it's been a while since you've been here," he explained. "But yes, it's been nice having you at my house too," he added with a lazy smile.

Temari could feel herself starting to blush again.

"I have to go home soon," she mumbled. Her eyes fell onto her lap as she began to fidget with the hem of her kimono. "I was thinking of leaving tomorrow."

"You're too weak to travel."

"I'll be fine, don't estimate me."

"I'm not. Just because you can do it doesn't mean it's the best thing to do."

"I'll be fine," she assured him again.

"Why are you always rushing back to Suna?"

The sudden bitterness in his voice caught her off guard.

Temari raised her head and locked her eyes onto his. "I have to go home. My village was just attacked, they need me," she replied with conviction.

"You need rest," he told her.

"I'm fine," she protested again, her voice firmer this time. "You just want me to stay," she heard herself say. It wasn't intentional but she was reacting to being backed into a corner.

"Damn it, Temari," he groaned, "Don't be stubborn. Yes, of course, I want you to stay. I always want you to stay," Shikamaru started to say, "But, I've accepted that you'll always run back to Suna. However, these were Sakura's orders. You're not healthy enough to travel. What if something happens to you? What would we tell your brothers? Tojuro wouldn't need to stage a war if Suna's Princess died while in our care."

"I'll let send them a message to let them know I left of my own accord," she responded. "And about that... I am so thankful to have you here and I... no," she started to correct herself, "We are indebted to you for everything you've done for me. If there's anything you want or need, please tell me and I know Gaara will do anything in his power to help."

"And then what?" he asked her in a chilling voice. "Are you going to go back to avoiding Konoha again once you leave?"

"Shikamaru," she sighed, "That's not fair." She didn't want to avoid Konoha but it was clear that it was always going to be a painful experience every time they cross paths.

"Nothing about this is fair," he said. "I almost lost you."

"So did my village," Temari pointed out, "So did my family… It's clear they need me more now more than ever, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru stared past her but she could see the resentment in his eyes. He hated that her lineage was the reason they couldn't be together. His eyes were hard and cold as he spoke, "I don't want anything."

"Oh… Alright," Temari responded awkwardly and glanced around the room until her eyes landed on the door. "Well, if you think of anything, please let me know," she told him as she pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's getting late so I'll go now," she said and stood up.

Shikamaru remained silent as she started making her way towards the door.

"G'night," she called over her shoulder at him.

Temari's fingertips barely grazed the sliding door when Shikamaru appeared behind her and snatched her wrist in his hand. Her breath caught as she peered down at the grip he had on her. His presence made the hair on her neck stand up.

"What I want…" Shikamaru dropped his head so that it hovered over her shoulder, "What I want has always been you."

Temari's heart skipped a beat at his words. She tried to swallow, but it felt like there were a dozen pebbles in her throat.

"Shikamaru… You know I can't promise you that," her voice was strained as she struggled to speak. "Please, I really need to go now."

Temari pulled away from him so that she could open the door but quickly realized that she was now paralyzed. Glancing down, she noticed the way his shadows had wrapped themselves around her body.

"Then just be with me tonight," he pleaded.

"Shikamaru…"

As she whispered his name, she felt the shadow slowly receding from her body. Despite being freed, Temari stayed frozen in place.

"Temari, I just got a glimpse of what my world would be like if you ceased to exist and it was fucking awful," he told her. "What if it happens again?! I am so thankful that you are alive but I don't want my last memory of us to be of you walking away from me. Tonight might be the last night in my life where I get you entirely to myself."

Temari raised her eyes to the ceiling, helplessly fighting the tears that were pooling in the corner of her eyes. She didn't know what to say to him, not that she wanted to speak anyway. One word would risk tearing down her floodgates. All she could do was stand still and silently and wait for him to continue.

"So please," he pleaded. His other hand wrapped around her waist as he pressed himself against the entire length of her back. "Please stay with me tonight. I… I lov—"

No.

Blinking away her tears, Temari whirled around and shakily pressed her lips onto his. She couldn't allow him to finish his sentence. It would only hurt them more and make it that much harder for her when she leaves. Her heart simply couldn't handle those three words. It was too much.

Her hand slide over his chest and gripped his shirt to feel a slow and steady rhythm. It was as if his heart was taunting her, presenting itself to her knowing that she was not allowed to take it. She had to wonder, what would it be like to have his love without any constraint? Suddenly, her feelings for Shikamaru began to overwhelm her senses. It was everything she'd always wanted but also the most painful thing she'd ever experience all at once.

Shikamaru caught her by the waist and pulled her closer. His other hand dug into the flesh of her thigh as he picked her up effortlessly. She followed his lead and wrapped her legs around him as he made his way towards his bed. The room was lit by a single candle, allowing the shadows to dance on her skin as her kimono continued to slide down the curve of her shoulder.

The things he could do to her now that they were in his element.

He dropped down on his bed, pinning her to the mattress. Temari took in a sharp breath when the exposed skin on her body touched the cool sheets. Biting her lip, she tightened her hold on him, accepting everything he wanted to give her. The remainder of her kimono fell around her, inviting him to taste the flesh around her clavicle. His tongue continued to move lower and lower until he was able to taunt each peak of her bosom with his tongue.

"Ah!" She cried out quietly when the sharp sensation of his teeth suddenly cut into her skin. "Shikamaru..." She whimpered, arching into him for more.

With his lips still on her flesh, he began to caress her with his hands. Inch by inch, they claimed every expanse of bare skin, savoring the feeling.

Temari tipped her head back and bit down on her lip to suppress a moan. Somehow, he'd broken through the walls she's been desperately trying to put between them, overwhelming her with the need to be possessed by him. His smell, his taste, and his desire— she craved all of it.

Pulling him up to her eye level, she met his lips with hers. She tangled her tongue with his as she explored the depths of his mouth. She shifted her weight and rolled over until her thighs were straddling him. Her body was burning with lust.

Wasting no time, Temari fumbled with his shirt. Upon pulling it off, she leaned in to taste his throat, relishing his scent and the saltiness of his skin. Running her hands down his abdomen, she memorized every ripple as she trailed her fingers to the brand of his pants. Her fingers barely unclasped the button when he caught her wrists and pulled them back. Surprised, she leaned back and looked at him with puzzled eyes. His chest was heaving as he took long, haggard breaths.

"I want to have you my way," he hissed at her. "I need to savor everything about you."

Temari's body pulsed.

And just like that, he had her self-control hanging by a thread.

Shikamaru tore at the last bit of fabric that was still keeping what was left of her kimono tied at her waist. He stood up and placed her back on the mattress. Kneeling at the edge of the bed, he brushed his lips against her ankle and began leaving a trail of kisses as he worked his way up to the hot, wet moisture between her legs. Hooking her leg with his arm, he draped it over his shoulder to open her to him. The sensation of his hot breath against her skin almost unraveled her on the spot.

Temari turned her head and bit down on her finger after just a few strokes of his tongue. They were long and slow as he savored the way she tasted. The muscles between her legs began to clench in anticipation as he pressed his mouth into the bundle of nerves. He pushed his head further against her, keeping a constant pressure that had her entire body tensing up.

Her breaths were getting shorter and harder, making it almost impossible to fight the audible gasp that escaped from her throat when he pressed into her more. She bit down harder on her finger and stole a glance at Shikamaru. He appeared to be unfazed. Didn't he care that his mother might hear them?

Finally, he pushed his tongue against her in a way that took her breath from her. Temari shut her eyes as her body went over the edge and fell into a shuddering climax. Shikamaru kept his mouth on her until her orgasm subsided and her body collapsed against the mattress. She could feel him pulling back from her. The momentary separation from his touch left her skin aching for him to come back. The sound footsteps shifting as he stepped out of his pants caused her to look down at the edge of the bed for him. She only saw him for a split second before his entire weight was back on top of her. Desperate to feel him close to her again, she wrapped her arms around his ribcage and pulled him close.

Shikamaru tenderly ran his hands into her hair, tracing his fingertips down to her cheek to cup it in his hands. He gently brushed his lips against hers before pulling her in for a deep, passionate kiss. He roamed the curves of her body with his hands, allowing her to feel the way his muscle would flex with each motion against her skin. Although she knew she had been doing the right thing by keeping them from this place where they both desperately wanted to be, the way her skin burned under his touch made her curse herself for it at that moment.

He suddenly pressed his lips onto hers. The sudden aggression caught her off guard at first. However, she soon realized he intended to muffle her cries as he thrust into her in one hard, singular motion. Although the slick moisture between her legs made it easy for him, she was still unprepared to be overtaken by him so suddenly.

She closed her eyes for a moment to let her body acclimate to the perfect sensation of him inside of her.

"This is how I want you," he growled into her neck. The way his cold hands slid down her torso caused her to whimper underneath him. "I to feel every inch of your skin against mine. I want to be able to see you, to taste you." The low vibrations of his voice against her ear made her shiver.

Suddenly, he gripped the skin on her hips and pushed himself further inside of her.

"A-ah!" She cried into his nape. The tip of his length was pushing against her walls. Her back bowed off the bed. Though it was slightly painful, it caused a surge of endorphins to rush through her veins.

He dove into her again, keeping his head next to hers so that she could muffle her voice by biting into his neck. His thrusts were rapid, fierce, and completely unapologetic. It stroked the fire in her belly, keeping her on the edge of ecstasy, forcing her to hissed him name through gritted teeth. Her entire body started to tremble as she inched closer and closer to her climax. Throwing her head back, she clenched her legs around his torso so that he could push in deeper and deeper.

"Shikamaru… Oh! Y-yes." Temari cried out as she melted underneath him from pleasure. She was close, she could feel it. The muscles between her legs began convulsing when he suddenly came to an immediate halt.

No.

Is he fucking serious? Edging? Now?

Temari tore open her eyes to glare at him, fully expecting to see him smirking back at her.

Except he wasn't.

His eyes weren't dancing playfully as they always did when he teased her. They were hauntingly dark with desire as they looked back at her.

Then, he sat up and reach underneath her legs to grab her by the hips and pulled her onto his lap.

Temari's heart began to race out of anticipation. Elevating her hips like this allowed him to fully penetrate her. It was always uncomfortable, and a little painful, but damn did it feel good. She turned her head and buried what she could of her mouth into his pillow. She'd always scream from this and he knew it too. Her breath was hot and heavy against his hand when he leaned over and reach down to trace her lips with this thumb.

The tip of her tongue grazed against the tip, presenting him with an open invitation to her mouth. She licked the pad of his thumb and sucked on it gently until he tossed his head back.

"Temari…" He moaned. Then, he pinned her hip down with his other hand and began to thrust into her again.

Temari closed her lips around his thumb to prevent herself from crying out, but pleasurable sighs rolling off her tongue made it impossible. Her whimpers grew into yelps and then eventually cries of pleasure as he picked up his momentum. As her moans grew louder, he covered her mouth with the entire palm of his hand.

With his hand over his mouth, she moaned a bit more freely as he took her the way he wanted, the way she needed. Every now and then, his hands would slip, allowing her voice to escape from between his fingertips. Each time, he'd bite his lip and moaned quietly.

Of course, he loved it.

She knew that if he had it his way, they'd be at his apartment where he'd be going out of his way to make her scream on top of her lungs.

The fire in her abdomen started to come back again, this time stronger than the last. She threw back her head and pushed her hips into his, praying that he'd grant her release.

And he did.

Temari's breath caught in her throat as pleasure began to ripple out of her core. Her hot, moist breath washed over his fingers from her nostrils. She was wasted from her orgasm, her insides were now even more sensitive to his touch as he continued to drive into her. Each stroke caused her to curl against his body as he worked towards his own release.

"Temari, fuck." Shikamaru moved his hand from her mouth, his fingers marking her skin as he increased the tempo. A primal growl came from his throat as he rammed his hips against hers.

She laid there, quaking with the aftershock of their lovemaking, feeling the slowing of his strokes as he finished.

He was breathing raggedly as he collapsed onto her. She slid her hand into what was left of his ponytail and gently stroke his scalp as they both tried to stabilize their breaths.

As they laid there in silence, Temari stared at the ceiling, thankful that his head was buried in her hair so he couldn't see the sadness in her eyes.

They always ended up here, like this, in each other's arms. She knew he was right. Avoiding Konoha all together is going to be what's best for both of them.

It was the only way they could break this habit.

Sorry if this felt rushed! I usually read over them a few times but I've been working on this for so, so long, haha. I only have an hour or so to write each day so it's been a slow process for me. I wanted to get this chapter out to you guys!

Ironically, I already have bits and pieces of the new chapters written. Nothing completed yet, but hopefully soon!

Hope you liked it!