Life has been going good for Temari and Shikamaru. They had been living together for a couple weeks without killing each other, Yoshino loved Temari like a daughter which was a goal of Temari's to get his mother's approval, and Kakashi gave Shikamaru a vacation so now he could relax or that's what he thought until he gave his girlfriend the decision to choose the plans for their vacation. They were having an argument that lasted about three hours. She felt he was being inconsiderate and he felt She was being ridiculous.

"Absolutely not Tem"

"Why not"

"Because your brothers are scary"

"It's only five days"

"I wouldn't care if it was one"

"Shikamaru!"

"I'm not going to Suna, I enjoy living okay"

"NARA SHIKAMARU, WE ARE WAKING UP AT FIVE AND LEAVING AT SIX. SO PACK TONIGHT"

"But Tem-"

"What now"

Shikamaru heard the change in tone of her voice. Temari was no longer yelling, but had a bit of sadness in her voice. 'Damn It, I made her upset. Now I have to be the good guy and go to Suna. This is such a drag' He knew there was no point in arguing with her. Shikamaru knew that she missed her brothers and couldn't blame her for that and right now she looked really terrifying so he had no choice but to shut up, and hide the fear that would come with staying with her brothers.

"I was just going to say I loved to go to Suna with you, and plus I'd think it'll be fun to get away from here"

"That's not what you were going to say, but since you're fine with it, I guess we should start packing"

The next morning, they were on their way to Suna. Temari carried her fan, while Shikamaru carried the bag with their belongings. Now that there was peace, traveling from country to country was pretty safe for the most part and they arrived on time without any problems along the way. The sun had set a few hours ago, and the only thing Shikamaru could picture was a hot shower and a warm bed. That dream had been momentarily ruined when he heard someone shout Temari's name. 'Oh god, why of all people. And why is he here this late at night. I'm starting to regret this already'

"Tema, it's been a while"

"It's been three weeks"

"Which is a while"

"If you say so, but why are you here this late"

"I actually just returned from a mission, I was just sitting here to rest for a bit until I could catch my breath, then you showed up with your lazy ass 'friend boy'"

"He's not just my 'friend boy' anymore. We're dating now so you better start treating him better"

"It's fine Tem, can we go home now. I'm kinda tired"

"Home, what are you talking about Nara. You are staying at an inn"

"No he's not, he's staying at my house"

"You know, people will start talking, especially the council. Once they find out about this thing you two have going on, they'll try to marry you off right away"

"Please, compared to your track record, this will make me look like a saint"

"I know. I just want you to be happy and I know that this guy will ensure that. But once the council finds out, it could be a different story"

"Thanks for looking out for me, but I'm the older sister. If there's a problem I will handle it. Don't worry about anything"

"Fine, But I'm still not okay with Nara staying with you, a hotel is right down the street-"

"Kankuro I'm leaving, and he is coming with me. I'll see you and Gaara tomorrow for dinner"

That conversation put a lot of thoughts into his head. He had thought about the chances of an arranged marriage, but pushed the thoughts into the back of his mind. They both loved each other so he thought she would never leave him, But she loved Suna more and he knew that. And if the council asked her to marry for alliance purposes he wasn't sure if she would deny.

He continued to think to himself and Temari already knew what was on his mind. 'Does he really think that I'm that shallow. He knows I love him. Even the fate of Suna couldn't change that' The walk was quiet until they reached a building that had three stories .

"We're here"

"So this is it huh?"

"Yea, what's wrong with it"

"I just thought the Kazekage's sister would live in something bigger" The exterior mimicked the rest of Suna, a huge sand building.

"The inside is pretty nice. One of the elders had a famous architect build the building. His goal was to get his son out of his house so mostly the council members' children live here for the same reason"

"Well aren't they going to see me"

"With the crooked and corupt things that go on here, we agreed not to tell each other's business long ago"

"You trust them"

"I have so much dirt on everyone in this building, so stop worrying and get inside"

As they entered, Shikamaru noticed that each floor only held two apartments, so each one was adequately sized. When Temari told him that she stayed on the third floor, he was going to complain, but the realization of a comfortable bed that close to him kept his mouth shut.

Temari opened the door, and he realized it was built like his apartment. The kitchen was connected to the living room with a tv tucked in the corner with a wooden coffee table and a small couch.

"Shika, you can use the shower in my room, while I put everything away"

"No, I'll do it. You can go first"

"You don't know where anything is yet"

"I guess you're right"

"I know, so hurry up so you can get some rest, I know how you can be"

He took his shower which felt like heaven, he definitely needed it and the fact that his girlfriend encouraged him to sleep made it ten times better. 'Suna might not be so bad' He continued to think about the pros and cons of this vacation, which only led him into deeper thought. His thoughts must've taken over, because he hadn't noticed Temari walk in.

"Shika, is everything okay"

"Yea, why"

"You've been in there for an hour, I was able to put everything away, take a shower and cook something for us to eat."

"I didn't seem like that long"

"Well it was, so hurry up before the food gets cold"

"Alright here I come"

On the table were two bowls of simple ramen. She really didn't have anything to cook since she'd been in Konoha for a while so she added it to their list of errands for tomorrow. Shikamaru didn't care about the food choice because whatever she cooked, it always turned out delicious.

Over dinner it was quiet, which was never the case. Even when one of them would come home from a long day at work, they would still discuss their day. She knew he wasn't talking because his mind was in overdrive, thinking about the conversation that took place between her and Kankuro.

"Shikamaru"

"Huh"

"Why aren't you talking"

"I was just thinking about something"

"You're always thinking, so that can't be the problem"

"Shika-"

"Would you really break up with me just because it would benefit Suna. Something is telling me you wouldn't, but you love this place-"

"But I love you more, so stop being a crybaby and come help me with the dishes"

"Just had to make sure"

oooooooooo

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto